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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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    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
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    • The Commodification of NFL Players
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    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
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    • 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
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2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt Harmon

High-end starters

1)    Jason Hatcher, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 32 *signed with Redskins*
  • Jason Hatcher rose from relative obscurity to the national stage this season. There were plenty of games early on where Hatcher was flat-out dominant, sometimes on a J.J. Watt level. He wore down as the season progressed, but came back to end the season on a high note. He excelled when the Cowboys switched to the 4-3, but has experience in a 3-4 as well. Teams should ignore Hatchers age and bring him in at once, as they would be getting a very good player. Dallas salary cap issues should see that he plays elsewhere come 2014. 

2)    Randy Starks, Miami Dolphins. Age: 30 *re-signed with Dolphins*
  • The Dolphins tried and failed to faze Randy Starks out of the picture this season. A curious decision, because Starks flashes anytime you put on Dolphins’ game tape. His ability to push the pocket in any scheme is invaluable. Another aging player, Starks can still give a team a few very good years. After apparently giving the sideline the middle finger in 2013, that team probably is not going to be the Dolphins. 

Good starters

1)    Antonio Smith, Houston Texans. Age: 32 *signed with Raiders*
  • He gets overlooked because he plays alongside a non-human force named J.J. Watt, but Antonio Smith is a good player in his own right. He began to decline this season, especially against the run. However, Smith can still put some heat on opposing quarterbacks. If you keep him on a pitch count, Smith will drastically improve any team’s 3-4 defensive line. 

2)    Linval Joseph, New York Giants. Age: 25 *signed with Vikings*
  • Linval Joseph has long gone unnoticed among the Giants defensive lineman over the years. Yet, he is just a solid overall player. He does not really excel in any one area, but won’t get embarrassed in any way either. At just 25 years old, and not set to break the bank, he is the perfect free agent target.

3)    Paul Soliai, Miami Dolphins. Age: 30 *signed with Falcons*
  • The Dolphins know Paul Soliai’s role, and he fills it well. He is a big run stuffing defensive tackle. His true home is probably as a 3-4 nose tackle, but he has been competent in a 4-3 as well. If a team is switching schemes this offseason, bringing in Soliai to be the pivot man is a wise first move. 

4)    Red Bryant, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 29 *signed with Jaguars*
  • One of the more uniquely deployed players in the NFL. At over 320 pounds, Red Bryant was often used at defensive end by Pete Carroll and company in Seattle. Bryant's speciality is obviously stuffing the run, and he could help any team in that regard. It'll be interesting to see how he fares in a more traditional defensive tackle role, if his new team signs him to play as such. Hopefully, Bryant ends up with another creative defensive coach. 

Solid Contributors

1)    Jonathan Babineaux. Atlanta Falcons. Age: 32 *re-signed with Falcons*
  • A once great and underrated player, Babs has begun to decline. He can still provide a little interior push, but gets washed away against the run. Babineaux probably logged a bit too many snaps for the Falcons in 2013. He could make a much bigger impact on another team where he would not be forced into action so often. 

2)    Pat Sims, Oakland Raiders. Age: 28 *re-signed with Raiders*
  •  Pat Sims is a bit of a one-dimensional player, but is pretty darn good in that dimension. He clogged up running lanes with authority for the Raiders this season. Sims has always had the talent, but just needed to play with more consistency. He did so in 2013, but can he carry that over into multiple seasons? That is the question for teams interested in signing him. 

3)    Arthur Jones, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 28 *signed with Colts*
  • One of the lesser-known players on the Ravens defense, Arthur Jones quietly enjoyed a very good season. He is a versatile and well-rounded player who is solid in all regards. He is the type of free agent you sign, and plug into your system for three or four years, without hesitation or much flash. 

4)    Corey Peters, Atlanta Falcons. Age: 26 *re-signed with Falcons*
  • Corey Peters has always been a really nice player for the Falcons. He was probably their best defensive lineman this season. Peters is another example of a player you can plug right in and not worry about for several seasons to come. He won’t bring the headlines, but he will be a good get for some team. He's lower than he should be after some nasty injury issues.

5)    B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers. Age: 28 *re-signed with Packers*
  • What to do with B.J. Raji? Based on his talent level, and some past play, he should be in a much higher tier. However, his rough display in 2013 should see him pushed into a lower tier, or off the list completely. For a man with his size, getting pushed around the way he does is simply inexcusable. Signing him to a short, prove it type deal would be a prudent move. Still, will that be enough? Raji obviously was not very motivated by being in his contract year. It might also help him to go to a team running a 4-3 scheme. He has never looked comfortable rotating between five-technique and nose tackle in Green Bay. 

Role players

1)    Tony McDaniel, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 29 *re-signed with Seahawks*
  • He did not get the headlines like some other Seattle defensive lineman, but Tony McDaniel was a quality addition. He excels while playing multiple roles on the unique Seahawks defensive front. McDaniel has some great tape, but it would be a mistake to try and expand his role too much. 

2)    Tyson Jackson, Kansas City Chiefs. Age: 28 *signed with Falcons*
  • Having just turned in his best season to date, Tyson Jackson has come a long way as an NFL player. He is incredibly one-dimensional, however. He is great at clogging running lanes, but does little good as a pass rusher. As long as you don’t try to force him out of his comfort zone, this former top three draft pick can be of service. 

3)    Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings. Age: 34
  • Kevin Williams used to be at the very top of his position, but age has caught up to him. No longer a dominant player, Williams is merely adequate in the run and pass game now. Ideally, he goes to a deep contending roster. That way he can be put on a pitch count, and utilize the remaining pass rushing skills he has. 

4)    Clinton McDonald, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 27 *signed with Buccaneers*
  • Another guy who came out of nowhere to have an impact with the Seahawks. Clinton McDonald was an unknown, but had some very bright moments in Seattle this season. He would be wise to remain there, and stay in their deep tackle rotation. 

5)    Vance Walker, Oakland Raiders. Age: 27 *signed with Chiefs*
  • Vance Walker was just another veteran cast off who contributed with the Raiders in 2013. He logged a good amount of snaps and gave the Raiders more than they could have hoped for. Walker can be an asset on a defensive line, but is by no means a star. 

6)   Earl Mitchell, Houston Texans. Age: 26 *signed with Dolphins*
  • The former third round pick is an interesting free agent. Earl Mitchell has never been a great player, but also is a bit miscast in his current role. He plays the more penetrating, Jay Ratliff style of nose tackle in Houston's 3-4 defense. With a coaching change taking place, the Texans may opt to look for a more traditional gap-plugger at nose tackle. Mitchell could a be a better player in a 4-3 type of scheme, or he might always just be a decent early down role player. 

7)    Johnny Jolly, Green Bay Packers. Age: 31
  • In a reclamation year, Johnny Jolly put a number of personal and legal issues behind him. He was not a dominant player, but he gave the Packers some solid play at times this year. For a guy whose career looked all but over, that was a really nice step. Jolly might even be better with another year back in an NFL program. 

8)   Adam Carriker, Washington Redskins. Age: 29
  • The former first-round pick of the Rams really seemed to be turning his career around early on during his time in Washington. He had moved from a 4-3 three-technique to a 3-4 base defensive end, and really took to that role. Carriker is a really good run defender who can occasionally push the pocket. His issue has been staying healthy, as he hasn't seen much action since 2011. He is a late free agent signing, who could pay off if he stays healthy.

9)    Cam Thomas, San Diego Chargers. Age: 27 *signed with Steelers*
  • Nothing particularly special, Cam Thomas is an adequate rotational nose tackle. He does have enough innate talent to make a big play now and again. However, his inconsistency makes him a hard player to build around. 

10)    Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers. Age: 34
  • Ryan Pickett looks near the end of a very good career. He was a part of too many defensive breakdowns in Green Bay this season. Pickett might have something left to give, but you will have to squeeze it out of him. 

Diamond in the Rough

1)    Henry Melton, Chicago Bears. Age: 27 *signed with Cowboys*
  • You have to feel terrible for Henry Melton. A dynamite interior pass rusher, he was set to break the bank this offseason after being franchised by the Bears. However, he tore his ACL early on in 2013, and never returned. If he can rehab back close to his old form, he could be a steal for a team running a one gap 4-3 front. Melton might come much cheaper than he should with his injury status. It’s scary to think he was still learning the position during his exceptional 2012 campaign. 

2)    Al Woods, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 27 *signed with Titans*
  • He only saw a handful of snaps this season with the Steelers, but Al Woods put up some nice tape. His play during the Steelers win over the Bengals was a big reason they won that game. He has been slow to develop, but it might be Wood’s time. A team with a need at nose tackle should take a look.

3)    Nate Collins, Chicago Bears. Age: 26 *re-signed with Bears*
  • Nate Collins was set to fill the massive void left by Henry Melton, but also fell victim to injury. The tape is limited, but Collins has had his share of bright moments. If he can return to full health, there might be a place for Collins in a defensive line rotation. 

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

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