All Access: LB Big Board, NFC South Bust Outs, 1-on-1 With Derrick Dockery

The NFL bloodlines continue to show up in our NFL Draft Preseason Big Board with a look at LBs. Plus, NFC Bust Outs and Derrick Dockery on an array of topics, including the new WFT ownership group.

Welcome to the All Access Football Report for Monday, July, 31st, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide. You can now earn college credits towards your degree through SMWW. For more information, visit: www.SMWW.com.

NFC SOUTH BUST OUT PLAYERS

Here are some players on each NFC South team that could be depended upon to have an increased role for the upcoming 2023 season, along with a projected look at the depth for the skill positions.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Last 5 Years

2022: 7-10 (4th) | 2021: 7-10 (3rd) | 2020: 4-12 (4th) | 2019: 7-9 (2nd) | 2018: 7-9 (2nd) 

Projected Skill-Position Starters

QB Desmond Ridder | RB Bijan Robinson | WR Drake London | WR Mack Hollins | WR Scott Miller | TE Kyle Pitts

Entering 2023, there are many unknowns surrounding the Falcons. Stability at quarterback is the most glaring question mark. However, the offense possesses several big-play weapons just waiting to burst! It was a remarkable rookie wide receiver class thanks to contributions such as WR Drake London. The tall, athletic target hauled in 72 catches for 866 yards, while dealing with an ankle injury during the latter part of the year. He looks ready to take the next step. We know how much TE Kyle Pitts is capable of producing but he needs to show he can stay healthy. After a fantastic first-year campaign that saw him exceed the 1,000-yard barrier, Pitts missed seven games last season, while gaining just 356 yards in the 10 games he did play in. The Falcons anticipate a bounce back year and Pitts has All Pro level talent. 

It was an adjustment season for ILB Troy Anderson who made the jump from Montana State to the NFL. Plus, he moved to middle linebacker after being utilized in a pass-rush capacity in college. By season's end, you could see Anderson start to put it all together. He needs to improve his open-field tackling and take advantage of another year in a pro strength and conditioning program, which will do him well. Don’t be surprised to see Anderson trotting onto the field with the starting unit come opening week.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Last 5 Years

2022: 7-10 (2nd) | 2021: 5-12 (4th) | 2020: 4-12 (4th) | 2019: 5-11 (3rd) | 2018: 7-9 (3rd)

Projected Skill- Position Starters

Bryce Young | Miles Sanders | DJ Chark Jr. | Terrace Marshall Jr.| Adam Thielen | Hayden Hurst

The youth movement is in full effect in Carolina. As an organization, they have put themselves in a situation where they have no choice but to rely on young players. It has yet to click for WR Terrace Marshall Jr. who has impressed in spurts while succumbing to porous quarterback play. Suddenly, he finds himself as the de facto WR1 after the team dealt off DJ Moore (Bears). Veterans WR Adam Thielen and WR DJ Chark were signed in the offseason but Marshall is the one who can be a real difference-maker.

The Panthers will be transitioning to a new 3-4 scheme under DC Ejiro Evero. This bodes well for LB Amare Barno who will look to take advantage of his size and speed on the edge. He is expected to compete for one of the starting outside linebacker roles. Another player who stands to benefit is LB Brady Christensen who had some sparks as a rookie and could be looming to take over at one of the inside spots. With so many moving parts and players transitioning to new positions, expect the Carolina defense to look entirely different. Be forewarned: there will be growing pains.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Last 5 Years

2022: 7-10 (3rd) | 2021: 9-8 (2nd) | 2020: 12-4 (1st) | 2019: 13-3 (1st) | 2018: 13-3 (1st)

Projected Skill- Position Starters

Derek Carr | Alvin Kamara | Michael Thomas | Chris Olave | Rashid Shaheed | Juwan Johnson

With a division that is wide open for grabs, the Saints are one franchise who can’t seem to figure out whether they are rebuilding or reloading. The team does have some exciting developmental players on offense including WR Rashid Shaheed and TE Juwan Johnson, each of whom had around 500 receiving yards each. An undrafted rookie out of Weber State, Shaheed displayed deep ball prowess, averaging over 17 yards per catch—opponents must respect his long speed. Meanwhile, Johnson has emerged as an underneath security blanket and red zone mismatch. The lengthy converted wideout led the team with seven touchdowns a year ago and is showing signs of comfort at his new position. 

On the opposite side of the ball, CB Paulson Adebo and CB Alontae Taylor bring just as much enthusiasm. Adebo got out of the gates slowly due to injury in what was supposed to be his bust out year. To his credit, he did bounce back nicely. As a rookie, the tenacious Taylor showed flashes but suffered a knee injury late in the season. With Marshon Lattimore and Bradley Roby in the fold, Adebo and Taylor, when healthy, could be competing against each other for a starting role, or playing alongside each other in nickel packages. 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Last 5 Years

2022: 8-9 (1st) | 2021: 13-4 (1st) | 2020: 11-5 (2nd) | 2019: 7-9 (3rd) | 2018: 5-11 (4th)

Projected Skill- Position Starters

Baker Mayfield | Rachaad White | Mike Evans | Chris Godwin | Russel Gage | Cade Otton

A team in search of a new identity, the 2023 Tampa Bay season could feel like an experiment, as they figure out which players factor into the long-term plans. One rising prospect would appear to be RB Rachaad White who demonstrated the ability to gain the tough, hard-nosed yards, in addition to being a smooth pass-catcher, while holding up well in pass protection. There is really no cap to what his usage might be. The Buccaneers were ecstatic with the dividends from sixth round pick TE Ko Kieft. The Minnesota product brought a blue-collar mentality that rubbed off in the locker room. His performance didn’t always show up in the stat box but Kieft was responsible for some big plays due to his menacing blocks while lining up inline and in the backfield at fullback. This is a player that the organization should never let walk out the door! 

A first round pick in 2021, DE Joe Tryon Shoyinka showed signs of improvement in year two but HC Todd Bowles has stated that there is huge room for improvement in his overall game. If Tryon-Shoyinka can learn to convert his speed to power, he could finally be primed for a breakout campaign.

This article originally appeared in Lindy’s 2023 Pro Football Magazine, now available here.

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL NETWORK

Longhorns Legend & NFL-er Derrick Dockery On The Civil Action Scene

A third round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2003, Derrick Dockery played a decade in the NFL and would later be inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor. Following his playing career, along with his wife Emma, the two founded Yellow Ribbons United. Focused on bridging the gap between military service and civilian life, Yellow Ribbons United encourages Americans to express their appreciation for military families through civic and social action.

Tune-in for a special edition of ‘All Access,’ as Derrick goes one-on-one with Ric Serritella to cover a wide variety of topics such as DC, politics, the new Washington Football ownership group, playing for Mack Brown and most importantly, his latest all-student lead military support initiative: Mission To Unite. To date, Mission to Unite has served over 700 military children that reside in the military district of Washington.

If you would like to share in Derrick and Emma’s steadfast commitment to assist America’s heroes and their families, who make profound sacrifices to preserve America’s values and ensure our freedom and liberty at home and across the globe, consider donating at: www.YellowRibbonsUnited.org

The All Access Football Podcast, hosted by Hype is coming in August—Featuring everything football! Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube.

NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON LB BIG BOARD

With Clemson losing some of its best defenders to the 2023 NFL Draft, the biggest question mark is the extent to which Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. can establish himself as capable of leading a defense. Trotter is a sideline-to-sideline backer who has stellar tackling technique but he is a bit undersized. He will have help from Clemson LB Barrett Carter—a complete player who is also somewhat smaller than the average linebacker. The best linebacker in the class might actually end up being Ohio State LB Tommy Eichenberg, a prototypical inside backer who has a rare, instinctive feel for the position. California LB Jackson Sirmon—a tackling machine—decided to return to school for one more year, and he will look to rack up another 100 tackles for an underrated Cal defense. Georgia LB Smael Mondon Jr. may need to add some weight, but he is a remarkable athlete whose inclusion in the top group of prospects demonstrates just how well Georgia is reloading its talent at this point. Finally, Old Dominion LB Jason Henderson will hope to be the highest draft pick out of his school since the New York Giants took Oshane Ximines in the third round in 2019. A menace in the run game, Henderson accumulated an insane 186 tackles in ‘22.

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY 

1. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State, rSr, 6020, 239, 4.73

2. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson, Jr, 6000, 230, 4.64

3. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia, Jr, 6010, 245, 4.65

4. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, Jr, 6030, 220, 4.50

5. Cedric Gray, North Carolina, Sr, 6021, 235, 4.52

6. Curtis Jacobs, Penn State, rJr, 6010, 235, 4.54

7. Barrett Carter, Clemson, Jr, 6010, 225, 4.60

8. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, Jr, 6030, 240, 4.73

9. Ty’ron Hopper, Missouri, rSr, 6021, 221, 4.55

10. Jackson Mitchell, UConn, Sr, 6020, 227, 4.67

11. Junior Colson, Michigan, Jr, 6020, 235, 4.58

12. Karene Reid, Utah, Jr, 5116, 227, 4.65

13. Jordan Magee, Temple, rSr, 6025, 225, 4.58

14. Shane Lee, USC, Sr, 6000, 245, 4.68

15. Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State, rSr, 6016, 240, 4.60

16. Jackson Sirmon, California, rSr, 6020, 240, 4.78

17. Darius Muasau, UCLA, rSr, 6010, 230, 4.72

18. Steele Chambers, Ohio State, rSr, 6002, 232, 4.56

19. Chris Braswell, Alabama, Sr, 6022, 240, 4.50

20. Jaylon Ford, Texas, Sr, 6022, 236, 4.63

21. Jason Henderson, Old Dominion, Jr, 6010, 225, 4.73

22. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State, rSr, 6042, 242, 4.58

23. Jacoby Windmon, Michigan State, rSr, 6015, 250, 4.72

24. Ben Bywater, BYU, rJr, 6020, 230, 4.68

25. Easton Gibbs, Wyoming, rSr, 6004, 232, 4.67

26. Justin Flowe, Arizona, rSo, 6016, 225, 4.49

27. Nick Jackson, Iowa, rSr, 6010, 234, 4.72

28. Marist Liufau, Notre Dame, rSr, 6021, 235, 4.67

29. Roman Harrison, Tennessee, rSr, 6010, 235, 4.67

30. Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin, rSr, 5112, 240, 4.59

31. David Ugwoegbu, Houston, rSr, 6025, 250, 4.67

32. Khari Coleman, Mississippi, Jr, 6020, 220, 4.65

33. Jestin Jacobs, Oregon, rSr, 6030, 238, 4.73

34. Richard Jibunor, Troy, Sr, 6030, 230, 4.75

35. Ron Stone, Washington State, rSr, 6026, 250, 4.80

36. Jack Kiser, Notre Dame, rSr, 6020, 223, 4.70

37. Omar Speights, LSU, rSr, 6010, 233, 4.76

38. John Pius, William & Mary, Jr, 6015, 230, 4.56

39. Eyabi Okie, Charlotte, rSr, 6041, 244, 4.62

40. Xavian Sorey, Georgia, rSo, 6030, 214, 4.50

41. TD Roof, Oklahoma, rSr, 5106, 216, 4.67

42. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan, Jr, 6006, 237, 4.74

43. Andrew White, Georgia Tech, rSr, 6031, 235, 4.72

44. DeShawn Pace, Cincinnati, Sr, 6011, 210, 4.59

45. Jett Johnson, Mississippi State, rSr, 6016, 235, 4.78

46. Tyreem Powell, Rutgers, rJr, 6042, 240, 4.76

47. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington, rSr, 6005, 235, 4.67

48. Mason Cobb, USC, Sr, 6002, 230, 4.73

49. Eric Gentry, USC, Jr, 6051, 205, 4.59

50. Cal Haladay, Michigan State, rJr, 6002, 230, 4.70

51. Power Echols, North Carolina, Jr, 5115, 225, 4.64

52. Ovie Oghoufo, Texas, rSr, 6030, 245, 4.75

53. Steve Linton, Texas Tech, rSr, 6035, 235, 4.67

54. Michael Barrett, Michigan, rSr, 5115, 233, 4.53

55. Cody Simon, Ohio State, Sr, 6006, 240, 4.72

56. Jacob Hobbs, Holy Cross, rSr, 5112, 235, 4.60

57. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M, rJr, 6015, 230, 4.54

58. Chase Jones, Wake Forest, rSr, 6010, 231, 4.67

59. Kalen Deloach, Florida State, rSr, 5115, 211, 4.74

60. Greg Penn III, LSU, Jr, 6010, 235, 4.65

61. Grayson Murphy, UCLA, rSr, 6025, 262, 4.76

62. Gabriel Murphy, UCLA, rSr, 6026, 262, 4.76

63. Jacob Mangum-Farrar, Indiana, rSr, 6025, 241, 4.65

64. Ty French, Gardner-Webb, Sr, 6020-, 230, 4.75

65. Stefon Thompson, Syracuse, rJr, 5116, 250, 4.76

66. Tarique Barnes, Illinois, rSr, 6005, 230, 4.72

67. Luke Reimer, Nebraska, rSr, 6005, 225, 4.74

68. Dan Green, Kansas State, rSr, 6022, 245, 4.82

69. Trevin Wallace, Kentucky, Jr, 6015, 241, 4.58

70. Austin Moore, Kansas State, Sr, 6005, 219, 4.77

71. JD Bertrand, Notre Dame, rSr, 6005, 230, 4.66

72. Chase Kline, Eastern Michigan, 6026, 233, 4.82 

73. Jason Johnson, UCF, rSr, 6010, 224, 4.67

74. AJ Vongphachanh, BYU, rSr, 6016, 230, 4.70

75. Lee Kpogba, West Virginia, Sr, 6003, 231, 4.79

76. Branson Combs, Southern Illinois, Jr, 6025, 225, 4.70

77. Levani Damuni, Utah, rSr, 6021, 242, 4.70

78. Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, Sr, 6005, 225, 4.70

79. Levelle Bailey, Fresno State, rSr, 6015, 218, 4.68

80. Kam Arnold, Boston College, Sr, 6002, 230, 4.65

81. Matt Salopek, Miami-Ohio, rJr, 6005, 220, 4.72

82. Cole Pearce, Ball State, rSr, 6010, 222, 4.78

83. Tyrice Knight, UTEP, rSr, 6010, 234, 4.82

84. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, rJr, 5115, 193, 4.55

85. Darius Hodges, Tulane, rJr, 6005, 280, 4.89

ARCHIVES

07.28.23 | All Access: DT & EDGE Big Board, NFC South Bust Outs, OSU States Case As ‘WR-U’

07.26.23 | All Access: OL Big Board, NFC East Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with John Peterson

07.24.23 | All Access: TE Big Board, AFC West Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with Roquan Smith

07.20.23 | All Access: WR Big Board, AFC South Bust Outs, On Location NEC Media Day

07.17.23 | All Access: RB Big Board, AFC North Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with Tom Coughlin

07.13.23 | All Access: QB Big Board, AFC East Bust Outs, 1-on-1 with Johnathan Abram

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