Replacing the Drafted Seminoles

This past April, the Florida State Seminoles had 11 players drafted into the NFL. Another (Lonnie Pryor) is looking to make the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. That makes 12 key Seminoles that have to be replaced. Is it possible that FSU could actually be a better team with all that talent leaving? Let's take a look position by position.

Quaterback
Outgoing: EJ Manuel
Incoming: Jameis Winston

How do the Noles replace a 4 time bowl winner? How about with a former #1 overall QB prospect. You would expect a huge dropoff here, but after the spring game I don't really buy it. Winston beat out the son of one of the coaches to claim this job. A guy that looked very composed in gametime against Clemson and Oklahoma. I think Winston will be fine. If Fisher opens up the playbook and doesn't run such a vanilla offense Winston could actually outperform Manuel. A lot of it depends on the playcalling. All of the wide receivers are coming back, four of five lineman, and two very productive backs. The talent is there from Winston and everyone else.

Runningback
Outgoing: Chris Thompson
Incoming: James Wilder Jr.
Chris Thompson while lightning fast and incredibly explosive was hurt the majority of the last two years. Wilder and Freeman showed flashes of brilliance last year and should take the next step as juniors this year. This could be a very good backfield duo. Wilder looks to be an absolute beast and many are predicting first team All-ACC for the back. If Wilder can play every game like that Clemson game last year, teams better watch out.


Fullback
Outgoing: Lonnie Pryor
Incoming: Chad Abram
Lonnie Pryor is a huge loss for the Seminoles. Pryor was a leader, a playmaker, and an unsung hero. He did all of the little things and was my favorite Seminole the past few years. I am very concerned with how he can be replaced. As worried as I am though, I trust that the talent is there. Wilder could play in a lot of sets the same time as Freeman. Chad Abram could be a very good blocking fullback as well.

Offensive Tackle
Outgoing: Manelik Watson
Incoming: Bobby Hart
Manelik Watson was an incredible talent and an interesting prospect with a lot of upside. Most considered him a project and thought he needed a little more seasoning in college. So of course the Oakland Raiders drafted him because most consider him not ready for the pros. Watson's talent will be missed, but he certainly is a replaceable piece. Bobby Hart has started several games for the Noles in the past and gives the Noles what could be considered a fully returning offensive line. That should give some comfort to the young signal caller for the Noles. The offensive line should be a strength for Florida State and that hasn't been a common theme lately.

Defensive Tackle
Outgoing: Everett Dawkins
Incoming: Eddie Goldman
Dawkins was in a three man rotation at tackle with McAlister and Jernigan. Most people considered Dawkins the worst talent of the group, but he got plenty of time because he was a senior. Now that he's gone, the other two will get even more time and Eddie Goldman will look to be the #3 guy. Goldman is a former 5 star recruit that Warchant considers the #5 most likely Nole to breakout this season. Goldman could likely breakout with increased time and all that talent. The future NFL player looks to make an impact for FSU in 2013.

Defensive End
Outgoing: Bjoern Werner, Brandon Jenkins, and Tank Carradine
Incoming: Mario Edwards, Dan Hicks, and Chris Casher
Brandon Jenkins was considered the best of the group and was even my #1 Seminole heading into 2012 and then he got hurt in game 1. That crushed most Seminole fans including me. However, Tank Carradine filled in and did a great job. Finally, Bjoern Werner proved he clearly deserved to be a 1st round pick. What an amazing group. How can the Seminoles possibly replace that?
They replace it by being loaded at defensive end. FSU is officially becoming DE U. Mario Edwards is a former #1 player in the nation who filled in during the bowl game while Carradine was hurt. Edwards is a monster and no Seminole fan doubts he will be successful, but some are concerned about the other two spots. They shouldn't be though. Dan Hicks is a senior leader and super athletic. Chris Casher is a former All-American and four star recruit. Casher was the #36 player overall in his class.

Linebacker
Outgoing: Nick Woody and Vince Williams
Incoming: Terrance Smith and Telvin Smith
Vince Williams was considered by some the best player in his unit, but Chrisitan Jones was the superior football player and he is coming back for his senior season. Telvin Smith actually started quite a few times last year and got at least even playing time with Nick Moody. With Smith and Jones back this should be a great group. Terrance Smith is a workhorse sophomore that looks to impress. If there is a question in the linebacking corps it is with the younger Smith as he is a bit more unknown.

Defensive Back
Outgoing: Xavier Rhodes
Incoming: Nick Waisome
Xavier Rhodes was one of the best corners in the country. However, it occasionally looked like he took some plays off. I do not foresee that problem with Waisome as I have talked about him in the past. Rhodes is a better player and was the best prospect on FSU's roster last year, but Waisome could have a big year. The Seminoles need Waisome to fill the void left by Rhodes. This is the most key starter on defense for the Noles. If Waisome plays a great corner, FSU likely will have the best defensive backfield in the ACC and one of the best in the country. If he isn't it could be a disappointing season defensively. The rest of the defensive backfield looks great.

Kicker
Outgoing: Dustin Hopkins
Incoming: Roberto Aguayo
Dustin Hopkins was one of the best kickers in the history of college football. Replacing him is a tough task. However, it is possible. FSU replaced the amazing Graham Gano with an even better kicker in Dustin Hopkins. Don't expect that here. Hopkins is so good it would be unfair to expect someone better. Hopkins is an amazing kicker, but his great job replacing Gano gives Noles fans hope. There is hope that Roberto Aguayo can follow in the footsteps of awesome recent FSU kickers.

Overall, I think the Noles can replace all of these great athletes. It is one of the many reasons that I expect FSU to have a big year and possibly be a contender.

-Noland

Getting Ready For Each NFL Training Camp (NFC Edition)

So it has been a while since I have posted on here and so much has happened. The MLB season is halfway done, the Spurs lost a thrilling 7 game series to the Heat, a record number of Seminoles were picked in the NFL and so much more. No story is more interesting than the fact that football once again is around the corner. With NFL training camp starting this week, I get you ready with my most relevant question (for this blog) for each NFL training camp.

Today I look at the NFC Teams. Tomorrow, will be our AFC Edition.


NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Is Tony Romo worth all that money?
Short answer is no. Romo is not worth that money, but it will be the story all training camp long and into the season.

New York Giants
Honestly this is the camp that probably means the least to us here at RAN (not a good or bad thing), but there still are some interesting things happening at Giants camp.
Will the Giants secondary look improved?
If not, it could be a long season for big blue.

Philadelphia Eagles
Will Ed Wang make the Eagles?
Friend of the blog, Ed Wang, signed with the Eagles in the offseason. We obviously are rooting for him and think he will make it and will be closely monitoring the story.

Washington Redskins
Will Brandon Jenkins end up looking like the steal of the draft?
I know what you are thinking; everyone else is talking about RG3 so why aren't you Noland?
1) I want you to get something different out of this blog
2) Brandon Jenkins is a blog favorite
3) With a heavy FSU following, the people want Brandon Jenkins
4) RG3 will be RG3 and there is nothing more to it
5) Brandon Jenkins is a 1st round talent that fell due to injury
Lots of intrigue here. Should be fun to see what Jenkins can do for the Skins.

NFC North
Chicago Bears
Can the Bears replace Urlacher?
Brian Urlacher was another favorite of this blog. He was an impact player and a leader. While I thought he was a bit overrated, I understood the value he brought especially to that team. Eventhough he was old, he will not be that easy to replace. If they can replace Urlacher effectively it will be a huge benefit to the Bears because of how injury prone the middle linebacker was.

Detroit Lions
Does Chris Hope have anything left?
Hope hasn't started a full schedule in two years, but he is a former Super Bowl Champ. He is coming into his 12th NFL season and could be a great addition to a terrible defense. If Hope can replicate his 2010 production Detroit will have a vastly improved secondary.

Green Bay Packers
Will Andrew Datko see the field?
The former 4 yr starter at FSU could help upgrade that line, but how many chances will he get to do so?

Minnesota Vikings
What can we expect from Christian Ponder?
Ponder was hurt for the playoffs last year, but had a great finish to the season other than that. If Ponder can duplicate that success across the whole season, it will quiet the doubters. The former FSU QB can and will have a productive season in my opinion. With the additions of Greg Jennings and Patterson, Ponder has much better weapons this season.

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
If Jackson goes down who is the running back?
With Steven Jackson's injury history, it will be very interesting to see who the #2 back is for the Falcons. Maybe it is former FSU RB Antone Smith. If Smith gets the opportunity this could be his breakout year.

Carolina Panthers
Will Graham Gano transition to elite kicker?
Gano was the best kicker in the country at Florida State, but hasn't had the most success in the pros. He could take that next step this season.

New Orleans Saints
Will Broderick Bunkley finally break out?
Bunkley has been one of the most disappointing FSU draft picks in recent memory. He was once considered on par with Haloti Ngata and has yet to make a serious impact. Could this finally be his year? If not he may not be in the league much longer.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Can Josh Freeman hold off Mike Glennon?
It seems like Josh Freeman will get this year to prove himself, but what if he struggles heading into his final year? Could the coaches go with Glennon and try to work toward the future if they realize Freeman isn't their guy? I think this is a lot more of a QB battle than most people think.

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Can Arians work his magic in a tough division?
We all saw the amazing coaching job that Bruce Arians did with the Colts last year. Can he replicate that magic with the Cardinals in the best division in football. If he does it will make for some disappointed NFC West fans. We may not find out during training camp, but we could find out.

St. Louis Rams
Can Bradford lead the Rams to the playoffs?
I am high on Sam Bradford and always have been. He is a good Christian man and an effective leader. He lead the Rams to the best record against NFC West opponents. Look for him to build on last year's success and lead the Rams to the playoffs.

San Francisco 49ers
Where does Anquan Boldin fit?
Anquan Boldin is one of my favorite football player and he got traded to one of my least favorite teams. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers use him with Crabtree and Davis in the fold. He makes the 49ers offense a joy to watch, that is for sure.

Seattle Seahawks
How disappointed will the Seahawks be with Percy Harvin?
Percy Harvin is being treated like football's greatest weapon heading to Seattle. Let's not forget that this guy has yet to get through a full NFL season. I do not see that changing anytime soon. I hope I am wrong, but don't be surprised if he is out by the end of training camp.

-Noland

FSU Seminoles 2012 Team Predictions

Before I get into the 2012 Seminole Team Predictions from Athlon, I wanted to say that on Monday, I will be posting a few stories about sports heroes that were also American heroes. As someone that has a great appreciation for what the military does and for everything they sacrifice I think it is important to do that. Look for those stories on Monday.

Now, getting back to the Seminole stories from Athlon, we look at their predictions for players at FSU. We already know that Athlon has FSU at #9 and thinks they will win the ACC, but what else do they have predicted for the Noles this year. Here is the full story.

Athlon has put us on upset alert in our trip to Raleigh, NC. The October 6th date with the Wolfpack is not a game the Noles should take lightly. The last time our team traveled to Carter-Finley stadium we lost. Although we beat the Wolfpack 34-0 last year, we can't expect that to happen again.

They picked our offensive MVP to be EJ Manuel. No surprise there. EJ needs to be the offensive MVP and needs to have improved play this season if we are to get back into the BCS.

Our biggest game according to Athlon is against the Clemson Tigers on September 22. I could not agree more. There is a strong chance that the winner of this game will represent the ACC Atlantic in the title game. If FSU wants to win the ACC, this very well could be a must win game. Luckily the game will be at Doak Campbell Stadium. This one should be an easy sellout.

We all know the Seminoles have an amazing defense. Everyone also knows that Brandon Jenkins is the leader of that defense and the team. This guy is a 1st round pick. The stud pass rusher will lead the Seminole defense back to the BCS.

They picked USF as a trap game. I don't know about that one. This could be a trap technically, but in state opponents aren't usually taken lightly. Ya, it will be the week after the Clemson game, but these Seminoles should be hyped for it. It will be in Tampa which is awesome because that is my new city. However, I don't think I'll be going to this game. It is on September 29th which is my baby boy's due date. Well actually the date was moved up to September 25th, but even a diehard Nole like me wouldn't miss the birth of his son for anything.

Their breakout candidate is Rashad Greene. I say that Rashad Greene has already broke out. He was the leader in receiving last season. My choice is Christian Jones. I believe Jones will be 1st team All ACC.

Athlon's bounce back candidate was Xavier Rhodes. I agree 100%. Rhodes has amazing talent and if he really wants to be that top 10 pick will have to bounce back. I see it happening.

The national championship defining moment game should be an ACC Championship preview. If the Seminoles are undefeated heading into their November 8th showdown at VT, they have a great chance at the National Title. This is the biggest obstacle to that. Lane Stadium is a very tough place to play though and I am not sure they will get their unscathed. It is a real possibility though that they can do it.

There is more covered on predictions over at Athlon, so be sure to check the article out. I feel a big year for the Seminoles. However, I will admit to being a big time homer. This year there is plenty of reason to be excited though with nearly everyone coming back. Including our best defensive line since the 90s.

-Noland

FSU's Top 10 Returning Players

During Athlon Sports coverage of FSU yesterday, they ranked FSU's best returning players. I will post their list here along with my list and why I picked who I picked.

Athlon's Picks
10. Christian Jones LB
9. Dustin Hopkins K
8. Timmy Jernigan DT
7. Rashad Greene WR
6. LaMarcus Joyner S
5. Greg Reid CB
4. Bjoern Werner DE
3. EJ Manuel QB
2. Xavier Rhodes CB
1. Brandon Jenkins DE

My Picks
10. Devonta Freeman
9. Nick Moody
8. Christian Jones
7. Rashad Greene
6. EJ Manuel
5. Timmy Jernigan
4. LaMarcus Joyner
3. Bjoern Werner
2. Xavier Rhodes
1. Brandon Jenkins

I took Greg Reid out of my rankings because I think he is too much of an all or nothing player. Reid does not play assignment football and struggles in pass coverage 1 on 1. He has a lot of big play capability, but he gets beat in coverage far too often. Without Bradham though we can afford a player like Reid on defense. I also took Dustin Hopkins off my list because as good as he is, he is a kicker and kickers don't belong in the top 10. Other than maybe Sebastian Janikowski.

The #1 and #2 spot on each list is identical. Brandon Jenkins is clearly the best Seminole football player and was MVP of spring practice. Jenkins has a chance to be a top 10 pick in April and is an All-American candidate. The guy is poised for a monster year. Xavier Rhodes has the same potential and is expected to be one of the top DBs in the country. It is easy for those two.

EJ Manuel is lower on my list because I didn't put him high just because he is a QB. Based on his performance so far I can't put him higher than our defensive standouts. An argument can be made that Rashad Greene can be ahead of him as well due to his awesome freshman season. It is more like T-6 for me there instead of 6 and 7.

Bjoern Werner was an absolute animal last year and was an easy choice for me at #3. With him and Jenkins I legitimately believe we have the best DE duo in the country. Name one better. Go ahead. Timmy Jernigan was a stud last year as a freshman and is my pick to have a breakout season. With those two studs at defensive end, who is going to block this defensive line? Good luck.

Lamarcus Joyner is one of the most underrated players in the country. He had a great year last year in his first season at safety and it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect him to do even better. This is another legit NFL guy.

Christian Jones had a great year last year and is now the leader of the linebacker corps. As Athlon said, Jones is poised for a breakout season and will likely be a key figure on their defense. Also, Jones wears #7. You remember the other Christian who was #7? CJ7 anyone?

Nick Moody hits harder than anyone on the team. He seems to fire everyone up. I think this guy will make it happen this year.

I posted about the 5'8 runningback earlier today, but I am a fan of Devonta Freeman. He will likely lead the Noles in rushing again this season.

-Noland

Athlon Sports Ranks FSU #9

Athlon Sports is doing a daily countdown of their football rankings leading up to the release of their magazine and yesterday unveiled that FSU is # 9 on their list. They devoted an entire day to the Seminoles and their football history in honor of this occasion. Several of these topics I will cover during the next few days, but I decided to focus on the team preview for 2012 today. However, also included yesterday were the greatest Seminoles since 1967, the top ten Seminoles this year, is FSU back?, team predictions as far as awards, and greatest Seminole moments. Those great articles will be shared over the next couple of days again. Here is the team preview.

FSU is predicted to be #9 in the ACC and #1 in the ACC Atlantic. They have very similar predictions to last year, but it is because they have most starters and backups coming back. The preview starts talking about EJ Manuel and how fans expectations aren't as high of him after last season. Many of us do believe that he has what it takes to lead us to an undefeated season though. Big positive factors for the FSU passing game include Willie Haulstead returning from a concussion after missing 2011. Rashard Greene returning after being the leading receiver and big play threat Rodney Smith also returning.

Chris Thompson returns at runningback after missing most of last season with a back injury. His presence should help the Seminoles. The return of freshman phenom Devonta Freeman will also help the Seminole backfield. This duo should give the Noles a great 1-2 punch. Freeman is 5'8, can you think of another 5'8 Seminole who became a legend at runningback?

As Athlon points out, the biggest question surrounds the offensive line. The Noles lose Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders and must replace them. Datko missed most of last year already so that one isn't as big of a loss, but what about Sanders. Zebrie broke an ACC record for most starts so that will be difficult to overcome. The Noles look prepared to replace them, but you can never be too sure. This is the key to the season in my opinion. How the offense line plays will be crucial in the Noles success.


The FSU defensive line is as good as anybody. Led by senior Brandon Jenkins, who dominated spring practice, this unit is as good as any in the country. Jenkins decided to return for his senior year and the Noles will benefit from it. The Noles also return Bjoern Werner who was an animal last season. It will be incredibly difficult for opposing teams to block Jenkins and Werner. Not only that, but the Seminoles had the top defensive line recruiting class. These guys are loaded up front. They pulled the #1 recruit in the nation off and he will likely play tackle for the Noles. Sophomore Tim Jernigan was named pre-season All-ACC along with the two ends and will likely lead the Noles on the inside. Absolutely loaded at defensive line.

The Seminole secondary also looks very strong with the returns of Xavier Rhodes and LaMarcus Joyner. Although I am not as big of a Greg Reid fan as most Seminoles, his return is also huge. The secondary looks good and so do the linebackers. Nigel Bradham is gone at linebacker, but that could be a good thing for the Noles. Christian Jones slides over to Bradham's spot and Athlon says that he appears to be more of a playmaker. This could be great news for the Noles.

Shawn Powell is gone to the Buffalo Bills as a punter and the Noles will have to replace him. You may not think much of a punter, but Seminole fans have seen how much the team has benefited from Powell and Gano in recent years. Who will take over for Powell? Luckily, we don't have the same problem at kicker, as Dustin Hopkins returns. Hopkins may be the best in the nation at his spot. I actually feel somewhat comfortable when Hopkins comes out to kick, which as we all know is rare for FSU kickers.



After all the injuries and devastation of 2011, the Noles should be able to win the ACC Title in 2012 with everyone back. We will see shortly. Football season is 120 days away.

-Noland