NFL Stars Skipping OTAs. Big Deal?

“NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers-OTA,” published by Mike Davis under a (CC BY-SA 2.0)

NFL stars are absent from the Start of OTAs, but the question is; is this a big deal? There are some big named players missing the start of OTAs. Here are some of the names, Tom Brady, Aaron Donald, and Darren Sproles. OTAs are organized team activities which are voluntary. OTAs are often skipped by the big stars of the NFL for many reasons. Some want a contract extension, others just don’t want to come. Stuff like this happens every year. I don’t think it is a big deal, however, if I was the president of a multi-million NFL team I would want my players at my OTAs. I would hate if a guy I’m paying millions to skipped practices.

Saints Release Coby Fleener With 3 Years Left on Contract.

“Coby Fleener,” Micheal Li under a CC BY-NC 2.0 license. 

The Saints have released TE Coby Fleener just 2 years into his 5-Year $36 million contract. The Saints Gave Fleener a big contract in the hopes that he would be Jimmy Graham’s replacement. He didn’t live up to his expectations. Last year, Fleener only caught 22 passes for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns in 11 games. He spent the last part of the season on injured reserve with a concussion.

Saints Draft Day!

“NFL Draft 2010 ESPN Set,” published by Marianne O’Leary under an Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) license.  

The New Orleans Saints had an interesting 2018 Draft. They traded the Number 27 pick, Number 147 pick, and a 2019 First-Round pick to the Packers, and they got the Number 14 pick. The Saints selected Marcus Davenport, a Defensive End from UTSA. That was an eye-opening move. Many critics said it was too much for a developing player from a small school. Head Coach Sean Payton had this to say in response, “We are working in the area of processing to help us as we try to become better in this area of identifying… You are testing focus, retention, re-focusing. You are testing attention.” So the Saints are looking for people who will buy into their schemes. Only time will tell if this was a good choice.

NFL DRAFT

 

“Draftphoto” by thoreauthroughandthrough published under Public domain.

With the NFL Draft coming up in a few days, many people are excited about who their team is going to select. Many people are wondering, who will be the first QB taken this year? Who will draft Baker Mayfield? Where will Lamar Jackson land? I think there will be major surprises this year. Barkley could go 2nd to the Giants, or the Giants could take a QB. Who knows? There could be a few teams who trade up to get a future franchise QB or a solid RB. We will have to wait and see.