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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
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    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
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    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
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    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
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    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
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  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
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  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
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2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt Harmon

High-end starters

1)    Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers. Age: 26 *franchised by Panthers*
  • The man who calls himself “The Kraken” might just be the prize of this year’s free agent class. Greg Hardy has become one of the very best defensive ends in the league. Hardy has no weaknesses in his game, and can flat out take over on Sundays. It is very unlikely he leaves Carolina, and is probably destined for the franchise tag. He has earned every penny he is set to make. 

2)    Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins. Age: 28 *franchised by Redskins*
  • Brian Orakpo returned from injury to have an outstanding 2013 season. Orakpo is crazy talented, and finally looks to have become a complete player. He can win with both speed and power. If the Redskins somehow let Orakpo slip away, teams will be knocking down his door to bring him aboard. He does have his flaws however--injuries and some past inconsistencies--so there is some "buyer beware".

3)    Lamarr Houston, Oakland Raiders. Age: 27 *signed with Bears*
  • Another guy who is unlikely to leave his current team, Lamarr Houston has immense value to the Raiders. He is a rock against the run, and can provide plenty of pass rush on the edge. It is scary to think what the Raiders, or another team, could do with Houston if better players surrounded him. He is too often left at the right end position, but he is capable of winning consistently as an inside rusher. If it cannot be the Raiders, please let someone free Lamarr Houston in 2014. 

4)    DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 32 *signed with Broncos*
  • Jerry Jones, this is what happens when your stupidly mismanage your salary cap. The Cowboys were forced to let go of one of their best home grown talents, and iconic players in DeMarcus Ware. Last season, despite playing in an unfamiliar defensive position, Ware still showed he has a ton left in the tank. He was dominant for stretches, though he did deal with several nagging injuries. Ware can play in any defense, and should be highly sought after.

5)    Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 28 *re-signed with Seahawks*
  • Let’s just say, Michael Bennett will not be had for another cheap, one-year contract this offseason. The Seahawks stole him in free agency last year, and he greatly rewarded them. He saw the field the least out of these high-end starters, but that is more due to a deep front line in Seattle than Bennett’s abilities. A versatile rusher, Bennett can be a true building block for any NFL team. With Seattle likely to allocate resources to other areas, Michael Bennett might see the market for the second year in a row. 

Good starters


1)    Michael Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 27 *signed with the Buccaneers*
  • Michael Johnson’s sack numbers fell off a bit this season, but do not let that soil his image. Johnson grew into a more complete player in 2013. He still logged plenty of quarterback hurries, and set the edge with proficiency. The Bengals have locked up other members of the defensive line, so Johnson will likely get to test free agency. If the lack of sacks pushes his price down in, some team is going to get very lucky. 

Solid Contributors

1)    Everson Griffen, Minnesota Vikings. Age: 26 *re-signed with Vikings*
  • The former third round pick has been a rotational player only during his Vikings tenure. Given how well he has performed in that role, Everson Griffen might be ready for more. He is still very young, and can certainly rush the passer. Those types of players tend to do very well on the open market. 

2)    Lamarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 29 *signed with Raiders*
  • His release was deemed necessary when Jason Worilds rushed to sign his transition tag, but Lamarr Woodley's play also forced the Steelers' hand. Woodley hasn't rushed the passer well the past few years, and there have been plenty of questions about his conditioning. Perhaps getting released will kickstart his career. Then again, he might just not be the player we once thought he was.

2)    Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 26 
*transition tagged by Steelers*
  • Jason Worilds was very quiet prior to this year, but has finally netted a starting job in Pittsburgh. He managed to keep first rounder, Jarvis Jones on the bench for most of the season. Worilds had himself a fine year, but its fair to wonder if he will sustain that going forward. His youth and physical upside will probably cause teams to give the benefit of the doubt. It is hard to blame them. 

3)    Justin Tuck, New York Giants. Age: 31 *signed with Raiders*
  • A guy who should be a two time Super Bowl MVP, Justin Tuck has had an impressive NFL career. However, there have been more down moments the past two years. To his credit, Tuck did have some very good games in 2013. He looked more like his old self than the 2012 version. Tuck would be wise to accept a lesser role, where he can be better deployed. The Giants have not had the depth lately to exploit his incredible versatility they way they once did. 

4)    Corey Wooton, Chicago Bears. Age: 27 *signed with Vikings*
  • Call this ranking a hunch. Corey Wooton had a nice 2012 season. Like many Bears defenders, he fell off the map in 2013. He might have a very good excuse, however. In order to compensate for an inordinate amount of injuries, Wooton was asked to play a lot of defensive tackle this season. That is not really his game. If he returns to the role of an oversized defensive end, he will certainly improve. It would be nice to see Wooton go to a team with a creative defensive mind. 

Role players

1)    James Harrison, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 35

  • The former Steelers star was pretty good in a limited role for the Bengals. James Harrison played strong side linebacker in a 4-3, and showed he can still come downhill against the run. It's possible a moving back to a 3-4, as a limited role player, would be beneficial for him.

2)   Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears. Age: 34 *signed with Packers*
  • His contract was too much to handle, and a down year saw Julius Peppers get released. He might still be able to rush the passer in a reserve limited snap role. Peppers isn't much of a threat against the run anymore, and he is certainly on the decline. 

3)    Chris Clemons, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 32 *signed with Jaguars*
  • The aging pass rusher had his share of struggles, as he tried to return from a late season torn ACL he suffered in 2012. It remains to be seen whether he can rebound as he becomes further removed from his injury. Either way, he is a designated pass rusher at this point in his career, and if Clemons can't do that effectively anymore, he might already be at the end. 

4)    Robert Ayers, Denver Broncos. Age: 28 *signed with Giants*
  • Take away the prejudice that follows a failed first round pick. Robert Ayers has carved out a really nice role in the NFL. He can rush the passer from the outside, and interior of the defensive line. As long as you do not want him to be your starter, you will not be disappointed with what Ayers brings.

5)    Willie Young, Detroit Lions. Age: 28 *signed with Bears*
  • His 2013 season says he should be higher, but Willie Young is probably best suited for a certain role. He can crash the pocket at times, but is still a bit streaky. He might get more than he is worth on the open market. 

6)    Shaun Phillips, Denver Broncos. Age: 33 *signed with Titans*
  • Shaun Phillips was another Broncos defender who excelled in his role. He actually ended up contributing more than what they probably expected. Going forward, Phillips would be most effective if asked to play limited snaps. He can still win with savvy and power. 

7)    Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings. Age: 32 *signed with Bears*
  • He was bandied about around the trade deadline, but no team bit on Jared Allen. Wise move. His play really fell off this season, and he looks to be near the end of the road. Allen did log over 1,000 snaps for the Vikings (per Pro Football Focus) and that was a big problem. He could look much better next season if he came in and out of games with more frequency. 

8)    Ropati Pitoitua, Tennessee Titans. Age: 29 *re-signed with Titans*
  • A quiet and steady contributor, Ropati Pitoitua was a versatile piece for the Titans. His immense size indicates he should be used as an interior player, but his tape shows he can do more. Pitoitua will be a good, but unheralded addition for someone. 

9)    Parys Haralson, New Orleans Saints. Age: 30 *re-signed with Saints*
  • Parys Haralson is no longer an every down player, but he still has a place in the NFL. He can provide a veteran presence, and a bit of a pass rush. Teams looking for a stopgap rush linebacker should consider this veteran.

10)    Jeremy Mincey, Denver Broncos. Age: 30 *signed with Cowboys*
  • Jeremy Mincey managed to slink his way out of Jacksonville and actually flashed a bit with Denver. He can still play the run well, and will occasionally put heat on the quarterback. A role player only going forward. 

11)    O’Brien Schofield, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 27 *signed with Giants*
  • In very limited looks, O’Brien Schofield always manages to flash some nice ability. He was probably the third or fourth option at the Leo position in Seattle this year. Schofield is strictly a role player, but there might be a lot to offer here.

12)   Will Smith, New Orleans Saints. Age: 32
  • A classic case of a team not knowing when to let go. An iconic player from their Super Bowl run, Will Smith ran out of gas awhile ago, but the Saints never showed him the door. They even tried to miscast him into 3-4 linebacker role, but Smith was injured early on in the process. Smith might very well be done, but you might see a team bring him on in a very small role next season. 

Diamond in the Rough

1)    Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 30
  • What will become of Anthony Spencer? He was franchised twice in a row, but suffered a major injury early this season. Even if he is healthy, he probably comes very cheap this offseason. Spencer was at his best as a standup rush linebacker. He played the run well and was adequate in coverage. Teams should not forget that when considering him this offseason. 

2)    Rob Jackson, Washington Redskins. Age: 28
  • Rob Jackson filled in nicely for Brian Orakpo a season ago, but fell victim to his own injury in 2013. He is still relatively green and might be able to bring some pass rush to a rotation. At the very least, he is worth a look. Jackson might be more than a flash in the pan. 

3)    Marcus Bernard, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 29 *re-signed with Cardinals*
  • He looked ready to take off years ago in Cleveland, but Marcus Bernard has not been able to stick since. He has been plagued by injuries, and an uncertain role. Perhaps a creative mine can find a nice use for him. Bernard can rush the passer, and will come dirt-cheap. 

QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P

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