All Access: TE Big Board, AFC West Bust Outs, 1-on-1 With Roquan Smith
As NFL training camps get underway, we go 1-on-1 with Baltimore Ravens All-Pro LB Roquan Smith, examine AFC West bust out candidates, plus a look at the 2024 NFL Draft Preseason TE Big Board.
Welcome to the All Access Football International Report for Sunday, July 22nd. We are now 10 days away from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. In this edition, we travel out west, where the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs reside and take a deep dive into some of the bust out candidates. Plus, NFL Draft Bible unveils their FB & TE Big Board and Roquan Smith dishes on an array of topics, including his recent NFL-USO tour, the trade that sent him from Chicago to Baltimore, why 2023 will be his best season yet and a college football prediction sure to make Georgia Bulldogs fans joyous! Before we get started, please be advised that any street free agent player in search of a pro football opportunity can apply for the first-ever GRID Camps showcase on Sunday, August 13th in Philadelphia.
AFC WEST BUST OUT PLAYERS
Here are some players on each AFC West team that could be depended upon to have an increased role for the upcoming 2023 season, along with a projected look at the depth chart for each team’s skill position players.
DENVER BRONCOS
Last 5 Years
2022: 5-12 (4th)Â | 2021: 7-10 (4th)Â | 2020: 5-11 (4th) | 2019: 7-9 (2nd)Â | 2018: 6-10 (3rd)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Russell Wilson | RB Javonte Williams | WR Jerry Juedy | WR Courtland Sutton | WR Tim Patrick | TE Greg Dulcich
The core cast of characters will look familiar in Denver but expectations have entirely changed under new head coach Sean Payton. If anyone can cure Russell Wilson of his Mile High woes, the Broncos pegged the best candidate available for the task. At wideout, the starting duo of WR Jerry Jeudy and WR Cortland Sutton remain intact for Wilson but the corps could have an ebb and flow to it throughout the season, depending on availability. With WR KJ Hamler rehabbing from offseason surgery on a pectoral injury, the team added veteran WR Marquez Calloway. However, keep an eye on WR Kendall Hinton. The former Wake Forest quarterback enters his third season playing his new position and came up with clutch performances last year. He could be in line for an expanded role. At TE Greg Dulcich will look to build off an impressive rookie campaign which saw him nab 33 balls for 411 yards in 10 games. He is expected to blossom under Payton and become a full-time starter.Â
Meanwhile, OLB Baron Browning oozes potential. There is no doubt he can apply pressure on the quarterback. Once he masters how to finish, Browning is capable of finding himself among the league leaders in sacks.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Last 5 Years
2022: 14-3 (1st)Â | 2021: 12-5 (1st)Â | 2020: 14-2 (1st) | 2019: 12-4 (1st)Â | 2018: 12-4 (1st)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Patrick Mahomes | RB Isaiah Pacheco | WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling | WR Skyy Moore | WR Kadarius Toney | TE Travis KelceÂ
Will ‘Big Red’ unleash the beast in RB Isiah Pacheco? Through the first eight games of his rookie season, Pacheco averaged just six touches per game. During the final nine regular season games and three playoff games, he averaged 15 touches per game--finishing up strong with 830 rushing yards, not to mention a Super Bowl ring. An even better sophomore campaign could be in store for an encore. A bust in New York, former first round pick WR Kadarius Toney had his share of highlights after being dealt in-season to Kansas City. With an entire offseason and training camp to get acclimated with Patrick Mahomes, he possesses the talent to become one of the most improved players in the NFL this season.Â
The Chiefs first round pick from a year ago, DE George Karlaftis has also demonstrated signs of living up to the hype. Arrowhead Kingdom should be excited by the fact legend Tamba Hali took Karlaftis under his wing during the offseason, which included rigorous, early morning jui jitsu workouts. With improved hand combat and technique to pair with his brute strength, Karlaftis is primed to reach new heights. Despite picking late in the draft on a yearly basis, Kansas City GM Brett Veach continues to stockpile excellent young talent in the pipeline.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Last 5 Years
2022: 6-11 (3rd) | 2021: 10-7 (2nd) | 2020: 8-8 (2nd) | 2019: 7-9 (3rd) | 2018: 4-12 (4th)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Jimmy Garoppolo | RB Josh Jacobs | WR Davante Adams | WR Jakobi Meyers | WR Hunter Renfrow | TE Austin Hooper
The previous front office regime left the cupboard bare, so Las Vegas will look towards some of the prospects selected a year ago to help them regain winning form. In an interesting chain of events, the Raiders declined to pick up the fifth-year option on RB Josh Jacobs and then proceeded by taking RB Zamir White in the draft. Jacobs responded with a career-year, essentially making White a redshirt rookie as he watched from the sidelines. Regardless of how the Jacobs saga unfolds, the team will be dependent upon White becoming more involved on offense as part of a one-two punch. It could be an audition for the starting job in 2024.Â
A shoulder injury seemed to have derailed the season for DE Neil Farrell before it could ever begin. He wasn’t able to make his debut until week five and was inactive for another four games. When inserted into the lineup, he was in on nearly one third of the defensive snaps. There is still high hope for Farrell in Silver and Black. Can LB Divine Deablo finally become the cornerstone piece he projects to be? He was amongst the league leaders in tackles before an injury ended his season prematurely in week nine.Â
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Last 5 Years
2022: 10-7 (2nd) | 2021: 9-8 (3rd) | 2020: 7-9 (3rd) | 2019: 5-11 (4th) | 2018: 12-4 (2nd)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Justin Herbert | RB Austin Ekeler | WR Mike Williams | WR Keenan Allen | WR Quentin Johnston | TE Gerald EverettÂ
Many opportunities can arise from injuries. Look no further than WR Josh Palmer. The lengthy target stepped in admirably when the injury bug bit WR Keenan Allen and WR Mike Williams last season, posting 72 receptions for 769 yards and three touchdowns. Look for the Canadien sensation to improve his totals once again, as he enters year three playing behind a pair of aging veterans. A surprise undrafted rookie out of Stanford OT Foster Sarell was activated off the practice squad in-season and even got the starting nod in three contests. He would appear ready to fill-in at the valuable swingman tackle spot.Â
Los Angeles received great returns on 2022 sixth round pick CB Ja’Sir Taylor, who is ready to assume the nickelback role on defense and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the dirt against the run. The sudden retirement of FS Nasir Adderley at age 25 left a huge void in the secondary. It’s not too late for the light bulb to turn on for FS JT Woods who flashed big-time playmaking ability coming out of Baylor. In fact he is capable of playing either safety spot, or even spelling Taylor in the slot if needed. His on the job training should bode well for his maturation this season.
This article originally appeared in Lindy’s 2023 Pro Football Magazine, now available here.
ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL NETWORK
ROQUAN SMITH ON NFL-USO TOUR, RAVENS ‘SPECIAL’ FEELING
Join us for an exclusive sit-down interview, as we go one-on-one with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, who recently joined the NFL-USO Tour in Japan. The All-Pro dishes on numerous topics such as the AFC North quarterback gauntlet, why he believes this will be his best season yet and insight as to why there was a special feeling brewing during OTA's in Baltimore this summer. Plus, the lowdown on new offensive coordinator Todd Monken who comes over via his alma mater Georgia, what it's like practicing against Odell Beckham Jr and Zay Flowers, in addition to a scouting report on rookie Trenton Simpson. Lastly, find out why he continues to hook up with Ravens legend Ray Lewis and his prediction on whether the Bulldogs will three-peat during his in-depth conversation with Ric Serritella. WATCH IT HERE
For over 50 years, the NFL and USO have worked together to support the military by connecting them to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation. Salute to Service is the NFL's year-long commitment to Honor, Empower and Connect our nation's service members, veterans and their families. Since 2011, this effort has raised more than $65 million for military and veteran support organizations. To join us in this important mission and learn more about the USO, please visit USO.org or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NEW: NFL Draft Watch Series: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame | OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State | CB Max Melton, Rutgers | Subscribe to YouTube for new video alerts!
NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON FB BIG BOARD
Some of the fullbacks and H-backs in the Class of 2024 could find their way onto NFL rosters. Florida State H-back Jaheim Bell was solid for South Carolina last season but he has transferred to the ACC and looks to do damage as a Swiss army knife in the Seminole offense. Utah TE/FB Brant Kuithe is a bit of a tweener; he has the pass-catching ability to play tight end but he is somewhat undersized. He is one of several redshirt seniors in this group. Another one of those redshirt seniors—Kansas State FB Jax Dineen—cuts the classic profile of a blocking fullback who can clear a path for a between-the-tackles runner. Army FB Jakobi Buchanan, who has some potential as a goal-line rusher, will attempt to become the first Army football player drafted in over 15 years. In addition, West Virginia FB Luke Hamilton, who has just transferred from Towson, could be an impact player in a solid Mountaineers offense.  Â
1.    Masen Wake, BYU, rSr, 6002, 260, 4.82
2.    Cam Large, Wisconsin, rJr, 6032, 235, 4.80
3.    Owen Glascoe, LIU, rSr, 6025, 258, 4.80
4.    Jakobi Buchanan, Army, rSr, 5112, 260, 4.85
5.    Johnny Langan, Rutgers, rSr, 6030, 240, 4.75
6.    Dominic Roberto, Furman, rSr, 5110, 235, 4.70
7.    Jax Dineen, Kansas State, rSr, 5110, 244, 4.80
8.    Marshel Martin, Sacramento State, rSr, 6020, 210, 4.55
9.    Noah Bean, Grambling State, rSr, 6013, 225, 4.84
10. Luke Hamilton, West Virginia, rSr, 5111, 245, 4.83
NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON TE BIG BOARD
One of the best tight ends to come out of school in a few seasons, Georgia TE Brock Bowers is a true weapon. A tough player who will make an immediate impact in the passing game, Bowers has a high ceiling as a pro and may warrant serious consideration as high as the top five. Another potential first-rounder is standout Texas TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, who boasts impressive athleticism for his size and should post big stats this year in the high-powered Longhorn offense. It remains to be seen whether Iowa TE Erick All—a Michigan transfer—will bounce back from life-changing spine surgery and become the next great Hawkeye tight end to land in the NFL. At one point, analysts projected that Nebraska TE Arik Gilbert would be a first-round pick in 2023, but he underwhelmed last season at Georgia and looks for a fresh start with the Cornhuskers. The class features a few more-experienced tight ends, like Stanford TE Benjamin Yurosek, Ohio State TE Cade Stoverand Oklahoma TE Tyler Stogner, any of who could explode this season and put themselves in the mid-round conversation. Finally, don’t sleep on Tennessee TE McCallan Castles, who just transferred in from UC Davis; he possesses all the tools to be a pro tight end.  Â
1.    Brock Bowers, Georgia, Jr, 6035, 230, 4.48
2.    Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, Jr, 6036, 242, 4.67
3.    Michael Trigg, Mississippi, Jr, 6031, 240, 4.70
4.    Erick All, Iowa, rSr, 6041, 255, 4.73
5.    Ben Sinnott, Kansas State, Jr, 6035, 247, 4.64
6.    Luke Lachey, Iowa, rJr, 6051, 252, 4.76
7.    Caden Prieskorn, Mississippi, rSr, 6045, 255, 4.74
8.    Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota, rSr, 6065, 270, 4.76
9.    Arik Gilbert, Nebraska, rJr, 6046, 255, 4.64
10. Theo Johnson, Penn State, rJr, 6045, 260, 4.70
11. Jaheim Bell, Florida State, rJr, 6030, 233, 4.54
12. Cade Stover, Ohio State, rSr, 6041, 255, 4.76
13. Jake Briningstool, Clemson, Jr, 6052, 230, 4.72
14. Benjamin Yurosek, Stanford, Sr, 6041, 242, 4.67
15. Joshua Simon, South Carolina, rSr, 6041, 235, 4.58
16. Trey Knox, South Carolina, 6035, 245, 4.54Â
17. Devin Culp, Washington, rSr, 6035, 239, 4.68
18. Austin Stogner, South Carolina, rSr, 6052, 250, 4.75
19. Jalin Conyers, Arizona State, rJr, 6032, 265, 4.74
20. Isaac Rex, BYU, rSr, 6052, 250, 4.76
21. Tyler Warren, Penn State, rJr, 6051, 256, 4.64
22. Zach Heins, South Dakota State, Sr, 6064, 257, 4.77
23. Thomas Yassmin, Utah, rSr, 6046, 251, 4.64
24. CJ Dippre, Alabama, Jr, 6042, 257, 4.78
25. Jared Wiley, TCU, rSr, 6062, 255, 4.78
26. Garrett Miller, Purdue, rSr, 6046, 245, 4.85
27. Alex Larson, Saint Johns, rSr, 6055, 225, 4.77
28. Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh, Jr, 6040, 255, 4.84
29. Cole Grossman, Montana, rSr, 6036, 230, 4.69
30. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina, Jr, 6051, 230, 4.64
31. McCallan Castles, Tennessee, rSr, 6045, 238, 4.72
32. Brant Kuithe, Utah, rSr, 6010, 219, 4.82Â
33. Elijah Arroyo, Miami, rSo, 6034, 235, 4.68
34. Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn, rJr, 6046, 245, 4.72
35. Dallin Holker, Colorado State, rSr, 6042, 240, 4.64
36. Tip Reiman, Illinois, Jr, 6051, 260, 4.80
37. Baylor Cupp, Texas Tech, rSr, 6052, 250, 4.67
38. Maliq Carr, Michigan State, rJr, 6050, 255, 4.74
39. George Takacs, Boston College, rSr, 6055, 245, 4.74
40. Lincoln Sefcik, South Alabama, Sr, 6026, 245, 4.72
41. Trent Pennix, North Carolina State, rSr, 6015, 230, 4.66
42. Max Wright, Texas A&M, rSr, 6040, 260, 4.75
43. Mark Redman, San Diego State, Sr, 6056, 255, 4.68
44. Oscar Cardenas, UTSA, rSr, 6036, 285, 4.91
45. Keatonn Upshaw, Georgia Southern, rSr, 6055, 252, 4.73
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