10 Most Effective Pro Seminoles in 2018

Now that the Super Bowl has is over, we can officially put the 2018 season behind us. So with that said, it begs the question of which Seminoles were most effective during the calendar year. This post looks at the 10 Most Effective Noles in the Pros for the year 2019. The list is below and is not limited to football. These players have all earned some recognition.

10. Xavier Rhodes
Rhodes only had 1 interception, but he has done a great job. Teams simply don't test him anymore, but Rhodes is still as good as it gets.

9 . Telvin Smith

Lets take a few looks about Telvin and his case.
134 tackles
2 INT
1 defensive touchdown.
This guy is an absolute stud of a linebacker and he should be recognized for how outstanding he has been for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

8. Buster Posey
Buster Posey usually is higher on this list. The only reason Posey isnt higher this year is that he only played in 105 games. He was having another terrific year and made yet another all-star game. When healthy, Posey is still the best catcher in baseball. The last time Posey hit .284 in an injury shortened season, he won MVP the following season. Baseball, you have been placed on notice.

7. Jessica Warren
Jessie only hit .262 for the 2018 summer season for the USSSA Pride, but that doesn't tell the whole season. Warren won FSU a national title in 2018 and then had a successful season in her 1st year of pro ball. Be very proud of Ms. Warren for a fantastic 2018.

6. Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is having a fantastic year for Denver. He is a vital part of a strong rotation in the Rockies. Beasley has just 12 starts on the year, but is averaging 11.6 points per game. This guy is a very big part of the Nuggets success as a team this year. Denver is 2nd in the West and was ahead of them until the current losing streak (streak counts as 2019.

5. Natasha Howard
Natasha Howard won her 2nd WNBA Championship in 2018. She was also named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team last year. Howard averaged 13.2 points per game and started 33/34 games for the WNBA champion Seattle Storm.

4. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey wasn't quite as dominant in 2018 and he was in 2017, but many still consider him the best cover corner in the NFL (including me). He also had 3 picks this season. Ramsey made the pro bowl again in 2018.

3. Derwin James
Derwin James was clearly the best player in the draft last year and the Bucs will be kicking themselves for decades for passing on James. He had more than 100 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 INTs. The guy is a swiss army knife that can do everything. James was an all-pro and was the defensive rookie of the year.

2. Rodney Hudson
This might seem odd to have Rodney Hudson this high, but the man is amazing. He is the best center in football. In fact, since 2017 Hudson leads all centers in pass blocking snaps per pressure allowed. He allows just one QB pressure per every 151 snaps. To give you some perspective #2 on the list has 60 snaps per QB pressure.

And the number 1 Seminole for 2018 was.....

1. Brooks Koepka
This one is pretty obvious right. Koepka is the #1 golfer in the world and won 2 majors in 2018. There was not a person in all of sports that had a much better year than Koepka

Let's see what the Noles in the Pros have in store for 2019.

Until then have a great week

- Noland

Noles in NFL Training Camps

Florida State has quite the list of NFL players on current rosters. The list is about as impressive a list as humanly possible from one school. It of course was bolstered by a NFL record number of draftees over the past few drafts. Jimbo Fisher has done outstanding with player development and getting guys ready for the NFL. This list will help prove that. It is also a way to see which Noles will be doing what in the recently started training camps.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

We start with the team that has become a pipeline for FSU. The Buffalo Bills have drafted several FSU players in the past including multiple draft selections in 2015 from Florida State. I will take a look at the list alphabetically and describe what each player will be competing for in training camp. The Bills have 9 Seminoles on their training camp roster which is more than any other team.

Nigel Bradham

The fourth year pro out of Crawfordville, FL is one of Bobby Bowden's most memorable final recruits. He was a hard-hitting linebacker in college and that has not changed in the pros. The only thing that has changed with Bradham is that he has become an even more disciplined players. One of the leaders and best players on Buffalo's defense, Bradham will be starting again in 2015. He will look to build off of last season where he had 104 tackles before his season was cut short due to injury.

Ronald Darby

The 50th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft has made an early impression at camp. All signs seem to be pointed towards Darby earning a starting job for his efforts in camp. He is competing for a starting cornerback spot and has been said to be the best cover corner that Buffalo has got so far. Should Leodis McKelvin's ankle injury linger, it makes it more likely that Darby will be a starting corner for Buffalo. The Bills best option though is for Darby snd McKelvin to be starting next to each other. 

Andre Fluellen

Fluellen is a 7 year journeyman that is looking to make the 53 man roster. There is no chance of him starting barring an injury as Buffalo has one of the most dominant defensive lines in football. There is a somewhat decent chance of him making the 53 man though.

EJ Manuel

The most interesting battle in this camp and perhaps in any camp is the QB battle here in Buffalo. This battle will be between Matt Cassell, Tyrod Taylor and former Seminole EJ Manuel. You saw in my post last week who I think will win the job. I still say Manuel wins the job and has an outstanding season, but there is a possibility that is not the case. The other two quarterbacks were not brought in to just back him up. They were brought in to compete for the starting quarterback job with Manuel. It is put up or shut up time for EJ and hopefully he seizes the opportunity.

Nick O'Leary

Nick O'Leary was my favorite Seminole this past season besides the QB. I really enjoyed him over his career as a Nole. He is competing for a spot as the #2 TE with 4 other guys. One or two of the group will be cut with the others getting some serious playing time most likely. O'Leary is coming off the devastating torn hamstring suffered in the Rose Bowl warmups. That injury seriously impacted his performance in that game, but he showed a great deal of toughness in powering through. Now that he is healed, he will need that toughness and then some to win some PT in the league.

Garrison Sanborn

Sanborn has done a fantastic job as the Bills long snapper and will be their distance snapper again in 2015.

Karlos Williams

Karlos Williams is competing for carries as the number 3 RB behind LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson. He is also competing to take a few goal line carries. It is all but assured that he will be that 3rd back for the Bills. With Jackson currently injured though, there is a chance that Williams can move as high as the #2 RB.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins surprisingly have no Florida State Seminoles on their Training Camp roster.

New England Patriots

The Patriots won the Super Bowl last year with FSU rookie Bryan Stork as the starting center, Stork is joined on the offensive line currently by a former FSU teammate. This makes 2 Seminoles on the Patriot training camp roster.

Tre Jackson

Rookie Tre Jackson reunites with Stork and is competing to win a starting job. Jackson looks to not only start, but have the same impact that Stork had in 2014. The two make a powerful duo and Jackson is glad to reunite with Stork in New England. FSU's most consistent offensive lineman last season looks to start in New England.

Bryan Stork

Started last year and won a Super Bowl ring. After winning a national championship and a Super Bowl ring in a little over a year, nothing should change in the playing time department for Stork.

New York Jets

After a poor season saw their coach receive a pink slip, the Jets upgraded and added a Seminole to the team. They have just that one Seminole in camp.

Antonio Cromartie

Bad at keeping track of his kids, but good at keeping track of receivers. I enjoy Cromartie and his play on the field, but I am embarassed by his lack of parenting off of it. As one of the better corners in the league though, there is no doubt that Cromartie will start.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Some Ravens rookies played huge roles for the Ravens in 2014 and those roles look to expand in the coming season. Those two Seminoles will look to get the Ravens another Super Bowl ring.

Terrance Brooks

Following an injury, Terrance Brooks is buried on the depth chart. He faces the possibility of being a roster casualty although I don't expect that to happen. There is still a chance that Brooks can compete for a starting job too, but that seems unlikely given his current position on the depth chart. Unfortunately for him, his NFL career may need to take flight somewhere else.

Timmy Jernigan

Timmy Jernigan seemed to have a very solid rookie season and really emerged in the playoffs. Now, with Haloti Ngata gone, he will really take center stage. Jernigan is going to start for the Ravens this season and they need him to play well. The team is really going to rely on a big season from the big man. Let's be honest too, there a few better to take that spotlight.

                                                                Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals only have 1 Seminole on their training camp roster and its a guy that had no impact in 2014.

James Wilder Jr.

Wilder is a guy that is loaded with talent and potential. If there was a recruit Jimbo had that was expected to do more, but didn't quite pan out, it is Wilder. However, Wilder has still been successful and had a decent career at FSU. While he did disappoint slightly at FSU everyone associated with the Noles would not be surprised of a breakout from Wilder. We are all rooting for it. Wilder is fighting for a spot on the 53 and a chance to make an impact.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have one of the worst offensive rosters in football. One thing that Browns do have working for them though is that they have four Seminoles on their training camp roster.

Cameron Erving

Erving is competing for and will likely win an offensive line starting spot. He is likely to be the starting center for Cleveland. His versatility sure helps him and the Browns.

Kevin Haplea

Haplea is an unknown because he got such little playing time at Florida State behind Nick O'Leary. He was a transfer from Penn State (after the scandal) that played in mostly blocking situations. He is competing for a similar role with the Browns.

Jacobi McDaniel

Jacobi McDaniel was a victim of the move to FSU's new defense under Jeremy Pruitt and the emergence of Timmy Jernigan while at FSU. He didn't get the reps he likely would have got in the previous defense that senior year. Because of that he has become a bit of an unknown. That being said, much like last year, he is fighting for a roster spot.

Rodney Smith

Rodney Smith has outstanding size and decent speed, but has yet to make an NFL reception in a game. That needs to change this year for the Browns to have success. This receiving core is pathetic. Out of that comes opportunity to Smith. I don't believe he is a candidate to start, but he is a candidate to make the roster and get playing time because the Browns other options are that bad.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers in many ways have been the model NFL Franchise. Behind their recent success and their Super Bowl runs, they have had Seminoles starting for the team. That will be no different in 2015. The Steelers have 2 Seminoles on their training camp roster and both will likely start.

Lawrence Timmons

Timmons showed incredible play making ability last year in recording 134 tackles for Pittsburgh. Following the retirements of Troy Polomalu and Ike Taylor, he is likely now the leader of the defense as well. There is no doubt that Timmons will start in 2015 and that he will make an impact.

Vince Williams

Williams has been a starter in parts of each of his first two seasons. This season, Williams looks to be a full time starter for the first time in his NFL career. He is hoping to equal or better his 96 career tackles in just this one season. Two Seminoles starting on the same unit in the pros for a contending team is an incredible accomplishment.

AFC South

Houston Texans

The Texans only have 1 Seminole in training camp and he might be a longshot to make the roster.

Terrance Parks

Terrance Parks played in just one game for Seattle last season and made no impact. Getting a fresh start in Houston is nice, but he will have to put in a lot of work to make the 53 man roster.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are a trendy Super Bowl pick for a lot of media outlets this season. They employ one starter from Florida State and he is the only player in camp from the Noles.

Bjoern Werner

The legend of Bjoern Werner is a fine one at Florida State and you could argue that he is still learning the game. You can still count on your hands the amount of years that Werner has played football. That means that he has a lot left in the tank and should continue to become a better player. Werner looks to improve on his solid 2014 and hit 10 NFL sacks for the 1st time in 2015.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have been awful for a while now, but seem to be headed in the right direction. This upbeat attitude about the future of the Jaguars is centered on an oustanding rookie class in 2014. That rookie class contained a Seminole. He is joined by one other Seminole in camp this year. 

Rashad Greene

Greene was arguably the most productive receiver in FSU history and part of one of the greatest receiving cores in history. That 2013 National Championship receiving core also included Kelvin Benjamin and Kenny Shaw. Greene's production likely won't be quite the same in Jacksonville, but he is a weapon. He is currently projected as Jacksonville's number 4 receiver and has an outside shot to be their number 3 guy. It could take some time for him to work into a starting role, but don't write it off from happening. Greene runs fantastic routes and has very reliable hands. That being said he is also incredibly undersized.

Telvin Smith

Telvin Smith played at a Pro Bowl level in 2014 as a rookie. Smith had 104 tackles, 2 sacks, an INT, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. He did all this despite only starting the last 9 games of the season. Smith will start and in my opinion is the best player on the Jaguars defense.

Tennessee Titans

Remember that the Tennessee Titans are my pick to finish with the worst record this season. I see it as inevitable. They should have made the trade with the Eagles. They lack impact players from any school and that includes Florida State. They do have one Seminole, but it is the most frustrating player on the Seminoles roster.

Josue Matias

Matias was the weak link of the offensive line once Roderick Johnson stepped in last season. He got abused in the National Championship game by Oregon's scheme. It will be a surprise if he makes the 53 man roster let alone get any substantial time.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are once again most people's favorites to win the AFC. That projection has absolutely nothing to do with Florida State. A Seminole could help land the team in the playoffs though.

Tony Carter

Carter has 3 career starts in 6 seasons with the Broncos and has spent most time as a nickel corner for the team. He likely holds that role again in 2015, although he could be the #4 corner depending on what happens in camp. Though he is unlikely to star, corner depth is critical as we saw in the Super Bowl last season.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs no longer have Rodney Hudson and thus have no Seminoles remaining on the roster.

Oakland Raiders

If there is one other team besides the Bills that can be considered to have FSU as a pipeline team it is the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders, who also seem to be headed in the right direction, have 5 Seminoles in training camp currently.

Mario Edwards Jr.

Edwards is the former #1 player in America and was a 2nd round draft pick of the Raiders after a disappointing final season. Edwards was mentally checked out for the Seminoles with an eye on the pros already. While it was disappointing, he did play a large portion of the season injured and he was still quite effective. There is no doubting the amount of talent and potential that Edwards has. He will likely compete for a starting spot with the Raiders.

Rodney Hudson

Hudson was the most consistent player at the end of the Bowden era. He has also been a solid player for years in the NFL and was instrumental in the Chiefs turnaround. The center got a big paycheck this offseason and was tapped into because Oakland wants to upgrade their offensive line. Hudson will be starting for the Silver and Black.

Sebastian Janikowski

Janikowski was the 1st in a now long line of FSU kickers in the NFL. He is joined by Graham Gano and Dustin Hopkins. Soon Roberto Aguayo will be added to the list. Janikowski is perhaps the highest profile of the list as he was selected in the 1st round for his big leg. He will once again be kicking for the Silver and Black.

Christian Ponder

Ponder gets a fresh start in Oakland after a rough finish in Minnesota. He will be looking to resurrect his career out West and is battling for the #2 QB job.

Menelik Watson

Watson came to FSU as a very talented, but very raw offensive lineman. The Raiders still selected him early despite him still being raw when he entered the NFL draft. Watson looks to start a full season for the Raiders now after starting in 12 games across his first two seasons.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers look to once again battle for a playoff spot and will at least partially be relying on a Seminole to help get there.

Patrick Robinson

After 5 seasons in New Orleans, Robinson left the Saints to come to sunny San Diego and play with the Chargers. He has 33 starts in those 5 seasons and will try to compete for a starting job here as well. As of right now, he is projected to be the starter opposite Brandon Flowers. However, there is some stiff competition for that #2 corner spot.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are the reigning NFC East Champions, but it has nothing to do with any Seminoles on the roster. There are 0 Seminoles on the Cowboys training camp roster.

New York Giants
The Giants are always some level of threat to win the Super Bowl. They have won 2 of them since 2008. In fact, they have won the Super Bowl on a consistent pattern that would mean this year will be a Super Bowl win. This year is year 4 which would follow the pattern. To go with those 2 recent Super Bowls, the Giants have two Seminoles in camp.

Mike Harris

Harris was a consistent performer as a corner for FSU. Since joining the NFL, he has been a solid, but unspectacular player at the position. Harris has played in 36 games with 8 starts in his 3 NFL seasons. While there is an outside shot that Harris could start for the Giants, he is competing for a 2nd string spot and an assurance that he will make the roster. Harris could very well be playing for another team or on a practice squad again.

Bobby Hart

Hart had 37 career starts at FSU and had moments of brilliance as the right tackle. He is young and still has tremendous upside. All of that being said, he was disappointing at times and many were surprised to see him get drafted. I am happy he was drafted because it allowed FSU to break the record, but not sure he deserved it based on inconsistent play. The Giants are surely going off of Hart's tremendous upside and potential. Hart seems to have moved inside with the Giants which should allow him to be more effective. He is listed as the number 3 left guard though currently and is a longshot to make the roster.

Philadelphia Eagles
With all the crazy offseason player movement by the Eagles, it is insane to think that not one of their moves involved a Seminole. That being said, that is exactly the case. There are no Seminoles in Eagles camp. They will have to search for their 1st Super Bowl Ring Seminole free.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins have been struggling for years now and they haven't had an impact player from the Seminoles in years either. This year they have one in camp and it will be interesting to see what he does for the Redskins.

Chris Thompson

Thompson is the off-injured back from FSU that spent most of his college career sidelined by injuries. He has incredible talent and vision, but really struggles at staying healthy. On a personal level, I am really hoping that Thompson succeeds because he is one of the nicest football players that I have met. The guy is just a class act that everyone who knows him wants to succeed. You don't win football games and get playing time for being nice though. Thompson will have to really work to get playing time with the Skins. According to this report though, Thompson is emerging as the 3rd down back in Washington. The runningback looks to finally be catching on and getting playing time with the Skins after being mistakenly used as a kick returner.

NFC North

Chicago Bears
The Bears are a trendy pick to surprise people across the league this year. I don't see it, but then again I didn't see Christian Jones making a major impact with the Bears as an undrafted rookie FA. He did so well that the Bears picked up another Seminole early in the draft. These transactions gave the Bears two Seminoles in camp.

Eddie Goldman

Goldman was an early draft pick by the Bears after he had a very impressive final season despite being plagued by injuries. The Seminoles had few players as consistent as Goldman and he dominated the Clemson game. His late forced fumble helped the Seminoles pull off the massive victory. He joins a Bears defense that under-performed last season and looks to get back to a normal dominating Bears defense. Goldman is expected to start and should win a starting spot in camp.

Christian Jones

An undrafted free agent rookie last season, Jones was supposed to be one of the few players that didn't make a major impact off of FSU's championship roster. He was outstanding though and made a tremendous impact. The linebacker was able to crack Chicago's starting lineup and start 5 games for the Bears. There is no reason to believe that he won't compete for another starting spot this season.

Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have no Florida State Seminoles in camp.

Green Bay Packers
The Packers had a Seminole that made an impact on their near Super Bowl run. That Seminole is the only one in camp.

Letroy Guion

Guion had a breakthrough season in 2014 and started all 16 games for the Packers. He also made some outstanding plays for the Packers as a starter in the playoffs. Because of the stellar season, it is expected that Guion will once again be a starter for the Pack in 2015. 

Minnesota Vikings

One high profile Seminole in Christian Ponder has left the Vikings for a job in Oakland. It was best for both parties to move on that one. However, the Vikings still have one Seminole and its a guy that happens to be one of the best in the league at his position.

Xavier Rhodes

While Rhodes was at Florida State, he had NFL superstar written over him. The opposing team completely avoided Rhodes then because he was such a stud corner. It didn't happen the same way for Rhodes in the pros right away. That being said, it has happened. Xavier Rhodes is officially one of the best cornerbacks in the league and a guaranteed starter. Rhodes is a true shutdown corner and gives the Vikings a legitimate weapon on defense. He is the top guy on a now stellar CB unit after Terrance Newman and Trae Waynes have been added to the fold. At that position at least the vikings are set. The Rhodes are truly closed for opposing passing games.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are lacking Seminoles on their training camp roster. They are also lacking crowd noise and wins. That being said, they do have 2 Seminoles at the same position.

Devonta Freeman

Freeman was the starting RB during FSU's 2013 season and looked to be in line for some major carries for the Falcons before a small injury in the preseason. The same thing has happened this season, but should Freeman be able to recover, he could win the starting job. Freeman showed a lot of versatility and promise in his rookie season. He had a touchdown receiving and one rushing while playing in all 16 games. While he was not starting any of them, he got a lot of exposure as a rookie. The question for him at this point is injuries. He will need to avoid another injury to stay in the mix. Unfortunately, he already sustained a injury in camp and will likely miss another week due to it.

Antone Smith

I like Antone Smith, but he's hanging on by a thread on this roster. He is at best the 3rd RB and will really have to fight to stay on this roster, let alone get carries. In 5 NFL seasons, Smith has just 29 carries in the regular season. He needs to prove himself.

Carolina Panthers
The Panthers advanced to and won a playoff game in large part due to their Seminole contribution. This team still has the same two Seminoles in camp.

Kelvin Benjamin

Benjamin will always be an icon for Florida State fans for his national championship clinching catch. His performance against Florida that season likewise will always be remembered. He was Jameis Winston's big target and big play threat with the Seminoles. Last season, after being selected in the 1st round, he was the same for Cam Newton. Benjamin was a serious rookie of the year contender all year long. He finished the season with 1,000+ yards and 9 touchdowns. There is no doubt that he will be starting and contending for a pro bowl spot.

Graham Gano

Gano is a part of the now long list of outstanding kickers from Florida State University. This guy was loved for his incredible and unprecedented athleticism as a kicker. Back then, he handled punting and kicking, but now is only a kicker in the NFL. He will return as the Panthers placekicker for the 2015 season.

New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints added two Florida State Seminoles to their roster in 2015 that were not with the team last season.

Dustin Hopkins

Hopkins was the kicker after Gano at Florida State that broke several scoring records. The kicker is best known for the gold shoes he wore while at FSU.  He is now in New Orleans and will take over placekicking duties for the Saints.

PJ Williams

Williams had a frustrating and injury plagued final season at Florida State. However, despite that, he will always be loved by Seminole faithful for how he played in the National Championship win. This guy was unbelievable that game and has a lot of talent. The question after last season has to be whether his heart will always be in the game. He is competing for a starting cornerback job.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa only has one Seminole in camp.

Jameis Winston

Tampa only has one Seminole, but it is also the guy that was selected #1 overall. This Seminole is one of the true legends of college football. The former Heisman winner and National Champion has only lost one game as a starter in college. A total record of 26-1 as a major college quarterback is quite the impressive resume. It gets more impressive when you consider that he helped set a team scoring record during that 2013 National Championship season. The team was simply incredible both years he played. That lead to him being selected #1 overall because of his incredible football IQ and ability to handle the QB position right away. He has handled it brilliantly in Tampa and has already been named the starter for the season. Tampa is in a much better spot this year than last and it is because of Winston. His incredible moxie and potential has even led to some very high praise from his teammates.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have had a steady Seminole presence for years in Darnell Dockett, but Dockett has left this season for a division rival. That leaves the Cardinals with no Seminoles in camp.

San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers had a lot of player loss/movement this offseason with some unexpected player retirements. Those unexpected retiring players opened up some opportunities for others. Including in that other group are several former Seminoles.Now, there are 4 former Florida State Football players lining up in Cardinals training camp.

Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin is probably the best known Seminole from the pre-Jimbo Fisher era that is still currently in the pros. He was a spectacular wideout that was a team leader for the Seminoles. Boldin also played QB during a BCS Bowl game while with that talent. That exposure at FSU led him to be selected in the 2nd round despite concerns about his speed. Those concerns were greatly exaggerated. Boldin now has 940 receptions for 12,406 career yards and is a borderline Hall of Fame candidate. This past season was another 1,000 yard campaign for Boldin despite everything in San Francisco falling apart. Boldin was that one rock. He doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon either.

Tank Carradine
Carradine really emerged as a senior for the Noles and not until then. He made a major impact as a senior though until devastated by a late injury. The injury dropped him from the 1st round to the 2nd where the 49ers snatched him  up. He has been a valuable backup since then but stuck behind some very talented people on the depth chart. Carradine will work to crack that starting lineup in 2015 but it will be difficult.

Darnell Dockett
Dockett is perhaps the most outspoken former Seminole. This guy seems to chime in on anything and everything in the world of sports and beyond. He is one of the most talented to every lace up the garnet and gold, but also one of the most controversial. Dockett is famous for a Dillard's incident very similar to that of Peter Warrick. He received a very similar suspension from Bobby Bowden. Once he left FSU, he has stayed out of trouble and made a major impact on the field. He now has 40.5 sacks in 12 seasons and is anxious to get back on the field after an injury filled 2014. Dockett spent his entire career in Arizona, but just left to join the division rival and make his former team pay.

Nick Moody
Nick Moody was not as exposed as some other Seminoles in college, but gained a reputation as FSU's hardest hitter. I and many other Noles loved Moody and the way he played in garnet and gold. It was no surprise that Moody caught on and made an early impact with his NFL team eventually becoming a starter. With the retired linebackers that the 49ers lost this offseason, there is little doubt that Moody will be starting again in 2015. 

Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have had two incredible seasons with no Seminoles on their roster, and nothing changed in that department this offseason.

St. Louis Rams
The Rams have a lot of new faces for the 2015 season, but the studs they had on defense remain. One of those studs is a promising defensive back from Florida State University.

Lamarcus Joyner

Joyner was the emotional defensive leader on a dominating 2013 National Championship defense for Florida State. Scouts were able to see that and its ability to transfer to the pros despite Joyner's small stature. He had a decent rookie campaign, but can get better and is said to be making progress, Joyner is currently listed as the #2 Free Safety for the Rams, but was drafted as a nickel corner. I believe that he projects better as a free safety and will eventually be the start there. It will be difficult for that to happen this season though.

-Noland

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

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