Editor's Note: Flashback to 2020, and our interview with Kevin Hardy, the #2 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft. NFL Draft Day is here, and with it, we conversed with a man who knows it well- Kevin Hardy. The man who was rated the #15 best Jacksonville Jaguars player of all time by the club website, discussed the NFL Draft- how it's grown, what his experience was like, and … [Read more...] about Jaguars, Illini Legend Kevin Hardy on NFL Draft Past and Present
NFL
Why Some NFL Draft Picks Fail and Others Succeed
The NFL Draft is a moment of hope for teams looking to improve their rosters and young athletes poised to make their professional dreams a reality. Franchises devote enormous amounts of time and money yearly to scouting and drafting players. … [Read more...] about Why Some NFL Draft Picks Fail and Others Succeed
50 of the Worst NFL Draft Cliches, Buzzwords, and Word Salad
It is NFL Draft talking season! Which means we have enough soundbites for every NFL draft prospect to make some word salad. Actually, the gobbeldy-gook started flowing well before this week, due to the over-usage of NFL Draft cliches. All Draftniks do it, not just Mel Kiper or Daniel Jeremiah. Yes, I'm aware that many of these are just scouting terms that have made their way … [Read more...] about 50 of the Worst NFL Draft Cliches, Buzzwords, and Word Salad
Will Michigan State Football Get Shut Out of the NFL Draft?
Under Mark Dantonio in the 2010s, Michigan State football returned to national prominence. In 2013, MSU went 13-1, 8-0 in conference, and won both the Big Ten title and the Rose Bowl. The Spartans went to the College Football Playoff in 2015, becoming the first Big Ten team not named Ohio State to do so. In the mid 2010s, it was looking like State was getting back to what they … [Read more...] about Will Michigan State Football Get Shut Out of the NFL Draft?
Final 2025 NFL Mock Draft Update 4-24-25
It's time for the final version of our 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and we added some player descriptions this time! Yes, In addition to running and producing The Sports Bank, I also free-lance for two websites on USA Today Sports Media Group's NFL Wires. As a writer for both Draft Wire and Ravens Wire, I have excerpted and linked where relevant for the players that I have written … [Read more...] about Final 2025 NFL Mock Draft Update 4-24-25
Who’s the Favorite? A Bettor’s Guide to the First Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft never unfolds without drama. Every spring, rumors swirl, boards shift, and teams weigh the future of their franchises against the ticking clock. For sports bettors, this annual event isn’t just about speculation—it’s about strategy. The 2025 NFL Draft promises intrigue, especially around the coveted first overall selection. Let’s dig into the favorites, dissect … [Read more...] about Who’s the Favorite? A Bettor’s Guide to the First Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
Taylor Elgersma: the best QB Prospect Not at the Scouting Combine
For the past 100-125 years or so, Canada and the United States have been the best of friends. That's why it's so strange to see political tensions rising between us and our neighbors to the north, and it's spilled over into sports. Just another complication for Laurier University product and Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma, as he goes through the NFL Draft … [Read more...] about Taylor Elgersma: the best QB Prospect Not at the Scouting Combine
The Real Story Behind Matt Patricia’s Iconic Beard: A Tribute to Service
When NFL fans think of Matt Patricia, the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator and Detroit Lions head coach, his distinctive beard often comes to mind. During a powerful Veterans Day episode of COACH, Patricia finally revealed the touching origin of his signature look – a story that connects football, friendship, and military service in an unexpected way. The … [Read more...] about The Real Story Behind Matt Patricia’s Iconic Beard: A Tribute to Service
Super Bowl XXV, in 1991, Remains the G.O.A.T.
We're exactly one week away from the 32nd anniversary of the best of all the big games every played. In the early 1990s, the Buffalo Bills went to four straight Super Bowls and lost all four, but man did they help to provide one of the best Super Bowls of all time. Like Tom Petty said, "even the losers- get lucky sometimes." … [Read more...] about Super Bowl XXV, in 1991, Remains the G.O.A.T.
NFL Makes Slight Improvement in Super Bowl Logo Trend
When looking at the Super Bowl logo, one can't help but think of the phrase "Corporate culture," which is one of the worst business buzzwords you'll ever hear. It's right up there with "paradigm shift," "synergy," "core competencies" and "best practices" in the corporatespeak pantheon of meaningless gobbledy gook. … [Read more...] about NFL Makes Slight Improvement in Super Bowl Logo Trend
