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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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  • Ramblings
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    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
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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
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
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    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
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    • 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
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  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
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  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
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  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
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2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt Harmon

High-end starters

1)    T.J. Ward, Cleveland Browns. Age: 27 *signed with Broncos*
  • Ward has always been a solid player for the Browns, but he took his game to another level this season. Ward was one of the best safeties in the NFL in 2013. His best work comes when he is able to act as an extra linebacker and come down hill against the run. Though Ward is no slouch in coverage, or as an extra blitzer. Right in the prime of his career, T.J. Ward will command top dollar this offseason. Either from Cleveland or someone else. 

2)    Jarius Byrd, Buffalo Bills. Age: 27 *signed with Saints*
  • After begrudgingly playing out this season on the franchise tag, Byrd seems likely to move on from the Bills. One of the true center field safeties in the NFL, Byrd would be a welcome addition anywhere. There is a chance his price tag will become outrageous, so that is a concern. Nevertheless, Byrd is a big difference maker and is one of the best at a weak position in the league right now. 

3)    Donte Whitner, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 29 *signed with Browns*
  • It sure seems like Dashon Goldson was the main culprit behind the 49ers trouble with the deep ball in 2012. Donte Whitner had an excellent 2013 season with Goldson out of the picture. Whitner was much better in coverage, and we all know about his love for the big hit. At this point, he is equal parts deep defender and enforcer. He needs to cool down with the “Hitner” business, but he is a very good player. If a team misses out on Byrd or Ward, Whitner represents a solid contingency plan. 

Good starters

1)    Louis Delmas, Detroit Lions. Age: 26 *signed with Dolphins*

  • When a new coaching staff comes in, sometimes they end up dumping players just like Delmas. A talented player, Delmas still comes with plenty of warts. He has had injury issues, and sometimes plays without great discipline on the field. Delmas likely represented the "old Lions" a bit too much for the new staff's tastes, so he was handed his walking papers. He can still start for another team, if they are willing to accept less than sixteen games from him

2)   James Ihedigbo, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 30 *signed with Lions*
  • Ihedigbo has bounced around a bit, but was very good for the Ravens this season. He is a limited player; more of a strong safety type than anything. Ihedigbo doesn’t have the best instincts or awareness in coverage, and it’s not a strength of his game. He is very good at coming downhill and attacking what is in front of him. The veteran really took over the role of “tone-setter” from Bernard Pollard in the Ravens secondary. A team can field Ihedigbo as a starter, as long as they feel comfortable with his role. 

3)    Chris Clemons, Miami Dolphins. Age: 28 *signed with Texans*
  • Clemons has generally been a pretty solid starting safety during his years in the NFL. He isn’t overly physical, or a big factor against the run, but he can cover the deep middle. With such a dearth of high-end safety talent in the league right now, Clemons will likely fetch a nice deal. 

Solid Contributors

1)    Mike Mitchell, Carolina Panthers. Age: 27 *signed with Steelers*
  • You probably remember Mitchell because you laughed when the Raiders took the unknown Ohio University product in the second round. However, Mitchell turned in a really nice season for the Carolina Panthers this season. He was solid in coverage, and turned in a number of big plays, particularly on blitzes. Mitchell’s over-aggressive tendencies can get the better of him and its not uncommon to see him over pursue plays. Still, Mitchell has proved himself as a starting caliber safety who can excel in the right situation. 

2)    Bernard Pollard, Tennessee Titans. Age: 29 *re-signed with Titans*
  • Pollard has had issues sticking with a team in his career. His flaws are pretty well known at this point. He struggles in coverage, and his mouth sometimes gets him in trouble. All that being said, there is a place for Pollard in the NFL. You just cannot stretch him too far out of his comfortable role. 

3)    Usama Young, Oakland Raiders. Age: 29 *re-signed with Raiders*
  • After he failed to develop into a starter with the Saints, Young has carved out a solid NFL career. He is a poor man’s version of a centerfielder. Young can be a play a part in someone’s secondary next season. If he had to start, well, you could do much worse. 

4)    Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans Saints. Age: 26 *signed with the Eagles*
  • Jenkins is an odd player. He has flashed Pro Bowl potential at times, but still looks lost too often. He is still pretty young, and relatively new to the safety position. Perhaps a change of scenery would do this former cornerback some good. With most teams in desire for a corner/safety hybrid to play in their nickel, Jenkins could be coveted. 

5)    Antoine Bethea, Indianapolis Colts. Age: 30 *signed with 49ers*
  • This former stud safety really fell of the map in 2013. Bethea looked downright bad far too often for someone with his impressive resume. At 30 years old, he isn’t exactly over the hill just yet. Perhaps this season was just a down year. It’s worth finding out on a relatively cheap short-term deal. 

Role Players

1)    Thomas DeCoud, Atlanta Falcons. Age: 28

  • The Falcons overpaid for Thomas DeCoud coming off his six interception campaign in 2012, and were forced to release him. He is one of the few true free safeties on the market, so he will get some attention. He's not the Pro Bowl player he was in 2012, or the total liability he was in 2013. The answer is somewhere in the middle.

2)    Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders. Age: 37 *re-signed with Raiders*
  • Woodson was a question mark when he was a late addition to the Raiders roster, but he made a big impact. The veteran played a ton of snaps for Oakland at safety, and was mostly effective. If he has another year left in him, he can help a contender. 

3)   Roman Harper, New Orleans Saints. Age: 31*signed with Panthers*
  • The former Pro Bowler is an extremely limited player. Roman Harper cannot cover well, and his aggressive style of play causes him to blow an assignment now and again. He can still see limited snaps as a box safety. He defends the run alright, and is a very good blitzing safety.  

4)    Quintin Mikell, Carolina Panthers. Age: 33
  • Another late addition that filled in nicely. Mikell signed with the Panthers after the preseason concluded, and ended up playing a big role. He was a positive presence near the line of scrimmage. The Panthers would probably like him back on another cheap one-year deal. 

5)    Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 34 *signed with Redskins*
  • The Steelers saw their veteran safety’s play nosedive this season. Clark is very likely at the end of the road, but maybe he has one last year of limited snaps in him. He should no longer be considered a starter.

6)    Taylor Mays, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 26 *re-signed with Bengals*
  • Mays was lost for the season early on. It’s unfortunate because he was reportedly having a decent training camp for the Bengals. Mays can play a hybrid safety/linebacker role. 

7)    Steve Gregory, New England Patriots. Age: 31

  • The Patriots released the Steve Gregory, because he salary was quite bloated for his role. He can be a solid contributor on special teams, and can give a few decent snaps on defense. The fact that a player like this sees significant snaps is a statement on the current state of safety play in the NFL. 

8)   Darian Stewart, St. Louis Rams. Age: 26 *signed with Ravens*
  • Darian Stewart is a fine safety who won’t get you killed if he has to see the field. He is ideally a backup, third option type, but given the lack of great safety play, he might end up starting. 

9)    Yeremiah Bell, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 36
  • Bell is probably at the end of his long career. He can play a few snaps as an in-the-box safety, but that is about it. He became saw the field too much the past two seasons. 

Diamond in the Rough

1)    Stevie Brown, New York Giants. Age: 26 *re-signed with Giants*
  • The young safety is busy rehabbing from a torn ACL. Last time Brown was on the field, he was in the midst of an eight interception season. That number fools people into believing he is a Pro Bowler, but he is a fine player in his own right. He can start, or excel as a rotational third safety. Either way, Brown is likely going to come very cheap in the wake of his injury, and at only 26, adding him is well worth the risk to see what he has to contribute. 

2)    Rafael Bush, New Orleans Saints. Age: 27 (RFA) 
*tendered by Saints (UDFA)*
  • Bush was a part time player in Rob Ryan’s defense, but flashed when he was on the field. He profiles as a big, physical safety presence. He is a restricted free agent, so that complicates things. If the Saints tag him with anything less than a third-round tender, other teams should definitely be interested. Bush might have a bright future. 

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

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