2018 NFL Draft Preview

It's that time of year again. As the weather starts to get warmer and the days start to get longer, 32 NFL team front offices prepare for the weekend that could determine who keeps their jobs within those front offices. Meanwhile, draftniks all over the Internet try to gather any parcel of information they can get from the front offices (and those close to the front offices) regarding each team's plan on draft night. It's the time for anonymous sources, smokescreens, and mock drafts. It all culminates tonight at 8:00 PM, when the Cleveland Browns are officially on the clock with the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

As I do every year (or at least the last couple of years), I will go over some of the biggest storylines surrounding the NFL Draft, provide some of my opinions and analysis, and give my best crack at predicting the first round (that's right, I'm doing a FULL FIRST ROUND mock draft this year). As always, I would just like to point out that I am by no means a scout, and I do not watch film of any of the prospects. All of my thoughts and feelings on prospects are derived from what actual scouts are saying, how they performed at the combine (and pro days), how they stack up physically, the little I may have seen of them in college, and just what my gut may be telling me (which is nothing, since guts cannot talk). Let us begin.

Top 2018 NFL Draft Storylines

Year of the Quarterback

Signal-callers have been the talk of this year's draft. It's a strong crop of quarterbacks, and as many as six could go in the first round (with as many as four potentially going in the top 10). There seems to be a consensus on who the five best quarterbacks in the class are. The problem is, nobody is completely sure what order those five quarterbacks will go in, and opinions on the passers vary. Let's take a brief look at each:

• Sam Darnold, USC

Photo via Cleveland.com

Summary: Darnold has been tabbed the "safest" quarterback in this class, and many draft "experts" have him as the top quarterback on their boards. The 6'3", 220-pound Californian seems to possess all the traits that make up a franchise quarterback. He has good size, he has good arm strength, he reads the field well, he's athletic (he ran a 4.85 40-yard-dash at the Combine, and had five rushing touchdowns at USC last season), he's accurate (63.1 completion percentage in 2017), he's a leader (as he showed following a visit to the team that owns the first pick), and he had success at a big-time college football program (in two seasons at USC, he went 21-6, won two Pac-12 Championships, and won a Rose Bowl). On the other hand, turnovers were a big problem last season for Darnold (13 interceptions and 11 fumbles). Most scouts and analysts aren't extremely worried about the ball security, as that can be improved, but Darnold did take a step back in 2017 after a stellar 2016, finishing with a lower completion percentage, less touchdown passes, and a lot more turnovers.

My Take: I like Darnold, and I think he has the tools to succeed in the NFL. He reminds me a bit of Andrew Luck, another much-heralded quarterback from California. I don't love Darnold, however. While I think the ball security issues can be fixed, I am a bit concerned that he regressed last season. He also doesn't have the prettiest throwing motion (I like pretty throwing motions, because I like pretty things), and I saw him struggle first-hand against Ohio State's elite defense in the Cotton Bowl. Overall, I don't think Darnold has the highest upside of the quarterback prospects in this draft class, but I do think he has a pretty high floor, and I think he will be a solid starting quarterback in the NFL.

• Josh Allen, Wyoming

Photo via NewYorkUpstate.com

Summary: Josh Allen is a pure boom-or-bust prospect. There is a lot to like about him, but there are also some major red flags. He could be the next Ben Roethlisberger, or he could be the next Jake Locker. What are the red flags surrounding Allen? His accuracy is a major concern (56.3 completion percentage last season), and he didn't exactly dominate the weaker competition at Wyoming (in the Cowboys' two games against Power 5 schools last year, he threw three interceptions and no touchdowns). But Allen's physical traits are tantalizing. At 6'5", 230 pounds, he has ideal size for a quarterback. His hands are ideal size as well, measuring 10 1/8", giving him the largest hands of this year's top quarterbacks. He's also very athletic for his size (at the Combine, he ran a 4.75 40-yard-dash and registered a vertical jump of 33.5"), and has a cannon for an arm (he can throw the ball 80 yards). For the reasons some people are enthralled with Josh Allen, just go to DraftJoshAllen.com. 

My Take: My thoughts regarding Josh Allen are kind of similar to my thoughts regarding candy. There are major red flags, and studies have been done that suggest, "stay away", but I don't care. I am still a big fan. On the NFL comparison scale, I lean more toward Ben Roethlisberger than Jake Locker. Allen has all the tools. He just needs some time to polish those skills. Although he might have a very low floor, I think Josh Allen has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this class, and I think, despite the legitimate concerns, he can reach (or at least come somewhat close to) that ceiling.

• Josh Rosen, UCLA

Photo via NJ.com

Summary: Rosen is a Southern Californian kid from a wealthy family. He might be the most intelligent quarterback in the draft, and that has somehow been used against him. Some people in the league question whether he loves football enough, and the phrase "too smart" has even been tossed around. Another (more legitimate) concern with Rosen is his durability. The 6'4", 220-pound pocket passer has a slight frame, and he got hurt multiple times in college, having shoulder surgery before last season and suffering two concussions during the season. But those are the only major concerns for Rosen, who is widely considered the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft. He showed accuracy and poise in college (in 2017, he completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 3,756 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions), and he has good footwork and mechanics.

My Take: From a personality standpoint, Rosen reminds me a little of Aaron Rodgers, another highly-intelligent and cerebral quarterback from Southern California. Rodgers slid in the draft, and there have been rumblings that Rosen could also slide. I don't think he'll slide that far, because I believe he is pro ready. His durability and small frame concern me, and I don't like his lack of mobility, but I believe he might have the best intangibles of any of the top quarterbacks. Forget "too smart". I think his intelligence, along with his accuracy and pocket poise, will help him become a good NFL quarterback (as long as he can stay on the field).

• Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Photo via SportingNews.com

Summary: From a production standpoint, Mayfield is the most impressive quarterback prospect in the draft. The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner completed 70.5 percent of his passes last year, throwing for 4,340 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just five interceptions (he also ran for five touchdowns, showing his athleticism). However, there are character concerns. Baker is a brash guy, and some of his actions on the field last season did not sit well with some people. He was also arrested last February on charges of public intoxication and fleeing police, and he rubbed some people the wrong way once again when he admitted that he didn't study Chargers playbook very well prior to a pre-draft visit. Another concern is that Mayfield does not have prototypical size (he's "only" 6'1"). Despite the size and immaturity concerns, some scouts and analysts love him. He shredded defenses laden with NFL prospects (Ohio State and Georgia), and analytical sites, like Pro Football Focus, rank him above everyone else.

My Take: You can't dispute the fact that Baker Mayfield is a talented quarterback. But I kind of get Johnny Manziel vibes with him (whether that's fair or not). I've been hurt before, so I'm weary of anyone who's similar to the person who hurt me. I do believe Baker is a much better prospect than Johnny was. His size isn't as much of an issue for me, because guys like Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have succeeded despite not having prototypical size. Baker has the talent to have a successful NFL career, but the character concerns do worry me. He's slowly winning me over, however.

• Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Photo via DemocratandChronicle.com

Summary: Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly the most electrifying quarterback in this draft class. In fact, he might be the most electrifying quarterback prospect since Michael Vick. The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner put up insane numbers at Louisville (albeit against weaker competition). His stats last season? A 59.1 completion percentage, 3,660 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 1,601 rushing yards, and 18 rushing touchdowns. The concern with Jackson, as with any dual-threat, is durability. He's not the biggest guy, and we saw what happened with Robert Griffin III. Another concern is his accuracy, but he is capable of making NFL throws. After some chatter about teams wanting him to move to receiver (which was ridiculous), it sounds like some teams love Jackson as a quarterback.

My Take: I love dual-threat quarterbacks, and I believe Lamar Jackson has the speed and athleticism to be a game-changer. He needs to work on his accuracy and mechanics, but he can sling the ball, and he's very dangerous with his legs. My biggest concern, of course, is whether he can stay healthy. If he can, I think he can be a dangerous dual-threat quarterback.

I could honestly see any one of these quarterbacks finding success in the National Football League, but they also all have weaknesses that could prevent them from becoming good starting quarterbacks in the NFL. It will be interesting to see where they all go and how they all do. If I had to personally rank them, I don't know how it would look. There are things I like (and dislike) about all five of these quarterbacks. But I'll try to personally rank them anyway:

1. Josh Allen - I'm infatuated with his physical traits and the flashes of potential he has shown
2. Lamar Jackson - If he can improve his passing and stay healthy, he can be the next Mike Vick
3. Josh Rosen - When the biggest concern about you is that you're "too smart", that's a good thing
4. Sam Darnold - When I think about him, I think, "Good, not great"
5. Baker Mayfield - He has the best stats, but I've been burned by a brash college star before

I honestly could see these quarterbacks being ranked in any order,and I could see any of them being a star (or being a bust).

Trades, Trades, Trades

Photo via The Cheat Sheet

Trades are always a major part of the NFL Draft. There were five trades in the first round of last year's draft, and there are sure to be at least a couple in the first round this year. Cleveland GM John Dorsey has said he is open to trading the number one pick, but it's unlikely that happens. There was talk a few weeks ago that the Giants might trade the number two pick to a QB-needy team, but that talk has quieted substantially. The Jets already traded up to number three, and the Colts (now at number six after the trade with New York) are reportedly open to trading down again. The Browns have had conversations about the number four pick, and it wouldn't surprise me if they traded down with a team desperate for a quarterback. The Broncos (at number five) and Titans (at number 25) are also said to be willing to trade down. As for teams looking to trade up, there has been plenty of buzz surrounding the Bills (who own the 12th pick and the 22nd pick) and Cardinals (who own the 15th pick), two teams in need of a quarterback. The Patriots, who traded Brandin Cooks for a 1st round pick earlier this offseason, are another team rumored to be interested in trading up for a quarterback (to be the heir to Tom Brady). New England owns the 23rd pick and the 31st pick. I believe the team most likely to trade up is the Bills (they want a quarterback, and they have the assets to move up) and the team most likely to trade down is the Broncos (a quarterback such as Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, or Baker Mayfield could be available at five, and if the Broncos don't take one, another team will probably pay a lot to move up and take one).

Uncertainty at the Top

Photo via Akron-Beacon Journal

Oftentimes, the number one overall pick in the draft is clear. Last year, most people knew the Browns were going to take Myles Garrett first, despite late Mitch(ell) Trubisky rumors. In 2016, just about everyone expected the Rams to go with Jared Goff over Carson Wentz. Same goes for Jameis Winston and Jadeveon Clowney the two years prior. This year, the only thing people seem to be sure of is that the Browns will take a quarterback with the first overall pick (and even that isn't universally agreed upon). Which quarterback they pick is anyone's guess. Names I've heard that Cleveland is reportedly considering include Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield. GM John Dorsey and company have played it extremely close to the vest, making it difficult to determine what reports are true and what reports are just smokescreens. Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller summarized it well when he tweeted, "As a draft analyst I hate not knowing who will be picked 1st...but as a draft fan this is pretty awesome." I agree.

GTingles' 2018 NFL Mock Draft

Mock drafts are a futile exercise. I can't tell the future. I can't even do a good job of pretending too, like Shawn Spencer. But I do like a challenge. There will be more than two trades tonight, but I've limited myself to two trades (that's the trade limit of the mock draft contest I'm doing with a couple other guys). Here goes nothing. I will probably be very wrong.

1. Cleveland Browns: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

I have no flippin' clue who the Browns will select with the number one overall pick, which is exciting, but also frustrating for someone trying to predict the draft. A lot has happened. Just within the last 48 hours, reports have come out about Cleveland having cooled on Sam Darnold, Josh Allen has had to apologize for offensive tweets from when he was younger, and a report has come out saying that most coaches and GMs expect Baker Mayfield to go first overall. And we still have a few hours left before the draft. I'm going to stick with Allen, because John Dorsey likes mobile quarterbacks with big arms, and the rocket-armed Allen has plenty of upside.

2. New York Giants: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

The popular pick here has been Saquon Barkley, as the Giants have a need at running back, and Barkley has been labeled a generational talent. Bradley Chubb has also been projected here after they traded away Jason Pierre-Paul. If the Browns take Darnold, I think this pick will be Barkley (or Chubb). But I don't think GM Dave Gettleman would pass on Darnold to be his quarterback of the future once Eli Manning (who's 37 years old) is done.

3. New York Jets: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

The Jets traded up for one position: quarterback. Reports suggest they'll either pick Baker Mayfield or Josh Rosen (or Sam Darnold, if he's still available). Although the Mayfield rumors have gotten louder, I think Rosen would be a good fit in New York, and I think that's who the Jets will pick here.

4. Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

I could see the Browns trade this pick to a QB-needy team like the Bills, with Denzel Ward and Mike McGlinchey being possible targets following a trade down. But if they stay here, it'll either be Saquon Barkley or Bradley Chubb, who are widely considered two of the three best prospects in the draft (along with Quenton Nelson). Barkley would be another strong addition to Cleveland's revamped offense.

5. Buffalo Bills (via Denver Broncos): Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

The Bills want a quarterback, and they've been calling teams in the top five about trading up. I could see John Elway and the Broncos staying put and taking Baker themselves (I think Elway likes Baker), and I could also see them staying put and taking someone like Bradley Chubb. But I think Buffalo will offer them enough to trade down.

6. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

If Chubb lasts this long, this is an easy choice. I could also see Chris Ballard and the Colts trading down (again) or taking Quenton Nelson to help protect Andrew Luck. Ballard is in a good position to either accumulate more picks (especially if one of the top four quarterbacks falls to number seven) or grab an elite prospect (there is a high probability that at least one of Chubb, Saquon Barkley, and Quenton Nelson will be available here).

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derwin James, S, Florida State

The Bucs need a defensive back, and they'll have plenty to choose from. They could got with someone such as Minkah Fitzpatrick or Denzel Ward, but I've heard Derwin James connected to Tampa Bay more than anyone else.

8. Chicago Bears: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

There isn't a consensus on much in this draft, but if Nelson is still available at eight, everyone expects the Bears to take the top offensive lineman. If not Nelson, I could see a linebacker, such as Roquan Smith, in this spot.

9. San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

The Niners are in the market for a defensive back, and I think that defensive back will either be Minkah Fitzpatrick or Ward, the talented corner out of Ohio State (which is #DBU). If not a corner

10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Oakland will probably go defense, and it could be a defensive back (such as Ward or Fitzpatrick), a linebacker (such as Smith or Tremaine Edmunds), or a lineman (such as Marcus Davenport). If Smith is still available, I think he is the pick.

11. Miami Dolphins: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

12. Denver Broncos (via Buffalo Bills): Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

13. Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

14. Green Bay Packers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

15. Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

16. Baltimore Ravens: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike McGlinchey, T, Notre Dame

18. Seattle Seahawks: Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio

19. Dallas Cowboys: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

20. Detroit Lions: Harold Landry, DE, Boston College

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

22. Buffalo Bills: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

23. New England Patriots: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

24. Carolina Panthers: Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas

25. Tennessee Titans: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

26. Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

27. New Orleans Saints: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Reid, S, Stanford

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

30. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida

31. New England Patriots: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

32. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles): Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville


Stats via NFL.com and ESPN.com

Follow Head in the Game on Twitter @headingameblog. Also follow me on Twitter @G_Tingley.

NBA Season Awards 2018

With the NBA playoffs underway, it seems an appropriate time to take a look back at the regular season and a look ahead to the playoffs. We here at Head In The Game will be giving you our picks for a variety of awards, most of which are based on the actual NBA awards, with a few of our own categories thrown in. To kick things off, we will be giving you what we each believe was the biggest storyline for the year.

Biggest Storyline

Grant - It's a storyline every year in the ever-changing NBA, but there were a lot of new faces in new places this season, and the star quality of those faces was high. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joined Russell Westbrook in OKC, Jimmy Butler was traded to Minnesota to team up with KAT and Andrew Wiggins, Kyrie Irving left LeBron for Boston (to join Gordon Hayward, who left Utah), and the Cleveland Cavaliers decided to simulate to the trade deadline, then completely change their team in one day, which is also my strategy in NBA 2K. For all the big stars we saw on new teams this season, we may see even more next season (Kawhi Leonard? Boogie Cousins? Paul George again? LeBron?). I love the NBA.

Langston - Personally, I am a 76ers fan, so my biggest storyline was Markelle Fultz's strange injury. Watching him during the summer league was so promising. He looked really good during that stretch, and next thing you know, he was broken. It made zero sense. The first clip I saw of him shooting threw me for a loop because he could not even get the ball to the rim from the three point line. Some people said his shoulder messed up his shot, and some people said he tried to change his jump shot and it messed up his shoulder. Fast forward a couple months of him not playing, and he suddenly comes back at the end of the season and is the youngest player to ever record a triple double. It was so strange and definitely the biggest storyline of the season. 

Troy - For me, the biggest storyline of this season might just be the large number of injuries suffered by high profile players. This was especially notable since the league has tried to get players more rest - they started a few weeks earlier to decrease the number of back-to-backs and eliminate three games in three days. Kawhi Leonard, Kristaps Porzingis and DeMarcus Cousins all had season-ending injuries. The Celtics lost Gordon Hayward in the first five minutes of the season and Kyrie Irving for the entire playoffs. The entirety of the Warriors' core has missed significant time this year. Steph and Joel Embiid will both miss the first round of the playoffs. It's interesting to think about what the season could've been like if all these players stayed healthy. 

R.I.P. (Ridiculously Impressive Poster) Award

Grant - It is written in the Head in the Game bylaws (section 6, subsection 9, sub-subsection 4, paragraph 20) that every time we do an NBA awards article, we must give an award to Giannis. Nobody else (whom I am aware of) literally jumped over a whole human this season, so he has to get this award. But, since Troy also picked this dunk, I'll show a highlight of 6'7" Jaylen Brown posterizing 7'3" Kristaps Porzingis (because I am a man of the people).

Langston - As much as I wanted to go with Giannas' dunk, I felt like I had to choose another, and after further review, you simply cannot go wrong with a Russ poster. I mean come on. This is just nasty. Thon Maker, meet your new Daddy Russell Westbrook.

Troy - Come on, the time Giannis literally jumped over Tim Hardaway Jr. has to take this award. There's no coming back from having someone complete an alley-oop by jumping over you. If you're Hardaway, I'm pretty sure the only thing you can do is send the league your retirement papers. 

Unexpectedly Good Team

Grant - The New Orleans Pelicans were expected to contend for a playoff spot in the competitive West this season after acquiring Boogie Cousins at the 2017 trade deadline. But after Cousins tore his Achilles in late January, things looked grim. Little did people know, the Pellies, behind Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, were just fine. They went 21-11 from the start of February to the end of the season, nabbing the six seed in the West.

Langston - The Indiana Pacers are my unexpected team for the year. After Paul George was traded, it seemed like they dealt him for next to nothing, and it looked like this year would be a tanking and a start to a rebuild. They have done the exact opposite. Victor Oladipo has shined in Indiana and led this Pacers team to the fifth seed in the East. 

Troy - The Pacers were my most unexpected team for this season. After the Victor Oladipo trade, (yes, I no longer refer to it as the Paul George trade) it didn't seem like the Pacers could put together a team that would finish fifth in the East, beat the Cavs three out of four times, and sweep the Warriors in the season series. The team clearly believes in themselves and have found a bonafide star in this year's Most Improved Player (ope, spoiler alert) Oladipo.  

6th Man of the Year

Grant - Lou Williams wasn't happy about not making the All-Star team, but he should be happy about the results of the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Lou Will was by far the most productive bench player in the NBA this season, averaging 22.6 points per game to go along with 5.3 assists per game. He also ranked 17th among all NBA players in made three-pointers (186), despite coming off the bench for the Clippers.

Langston - Lou Williams is my vote for 6th man of the year. Lou's 22.6 points a game, 5.3 assists per game, and 32.8 minutes per game are all career highs for him in his 13th NBA Season. While the year for the Clippers was not ideal after trading Blake Griffin, Williams production off the bench was a bright spot for this Clippers organization. 

Troy -  For this award, I will be giving it to Lou Williams of the Clippers. There could be a strong case for Eric Gordon to win the award for a second straight year, but I'm disqualifying him since he started 30 games this year. Williams came off the bench for LA, and was averaging 22 points and 32 minutes per contest. It's hard to argue with stats such as that. 

Defensive Player of the Year

Grant - NBA Defensive Player of the Year can be a hard award to judge, but I think it's obvious who should win it this year: Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. The "Stifle Tower" (he's French) was the fulcrum of one of the best defenses in the NBA for most of the season, helping the Jazz to a fifth-place finish in the West.

Langston - I am with Grant on this one, Rudy Gobert is the Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert averaged 10.7 rebounds per game, which I think goes into the award slightly, and also added 2.2 blocks per game. He is the leader of this Utah Jazz team that has one of the top defenses in the league. 

Troy - This year's Kawhi Leonard Award, sorry, Defensive Player of the Year Award, goes to Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz. As Leonard has missed most of the year, he can't win his own award this year, which makes the category more competitive. Gobert won it simply because once he was back and healthy, the Jazz had one of the best defenses in the league. Utah led the Association in defensive rebounding, second points allowed, and fast-break points allowed. 

Most Improved Player

Grant - Victor Oladipo. Next question... Ok, I'll provide some analysis. Coming over to Indy in the much-maligned Paul George trade, Oladipo blossomed into a superstar as the number one option for the Pacers, propelling them to a fifth-place finish in the East, and making it look like the Pacers *might have* come off on the better end of the Paul George trade (we musn't forget about Domantas Sabonis, who has also played well after coming over in the PG-13 trade).

Langston - This one is not close. There is zero question that Victor Oladipo is the Most Improved Player. He went from averaging 15 points and 4 assists behind Russell Westbrook last year to 23 points and 5 assists while also averaging 2.4 steals a game, which definitely has him in consideration for DPOY. Like I talked about earlier, he led the Pacers to the fifth seed in the East while also becoming an All-Star for the first time in his career. 

Troy - Like I had mentioned earlier, the clear pick is Victor Oladipo. In the past season, Oladipo raised his scoring 7 points per game, and also added another 2 assists and a steal per game over last year's averages. In his time in Indianapolis, the guard has gone from the fourth or fifth option on the Thunder to being the go-to star for the Pacers, an All-Star, and potentially on the second or third team All-NBA. 

Coach of the Year

Grant - Dwane Casey has done a fantastic job up North, and Brad Stevens is Brad Stevens, but I'm going to give this one to Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder. Despite losing star Gordon Hayward in free agency, Snyder's upstart Jazz, led by rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell and defensive-minded center Rudy Gobert, didn't lose a step, finishing fifth in the tough Western Conference.

Langston - I had to choose between Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillan and Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder because both have over achieved this year, but I need to go with Quin Snyder. After Gordon Hayward decided to sign with Boston for this season, the Jazz have not skipped a beat. Donovan Mitchell has come in and played phenomenal all season, and Snyder has helped him tremendously. 

Troy - Dwane Casey is my pick for Coach of the Year. The Raptors have been a good team in the past few years, but this year they took it to another level and are legitimate title contenders. 

Rookie of the Year

Grant - I love Donovan Mitchell, but I'm not sure he understands that, by definition, Ben Simmons is, in fact, a rookie. Mitchell has Simmons (and all other rookies) beat in the points per game category (20.5 to 15.8), but Simmons has the better all-around body of work, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game and 8.2 assists per game (Mitchell averages 3.7 in each category). Donovan Mitchell is the better scorer. Ben Simmons is the better all-around player.

Langston - Come on. Ben Simmons. That is all I need to say. Ben Simmons is a rookie. Donovan Mitchell would be the rookie of the year if Simmons was not playing out of his mind, but he is. With 10 triple doubles, Simmons helped lead the Sixers to the third seed in the East, and they finished the year winning 16 games in a row.

Troy - It's Ben Simmons or bust. Donovan Mitchell has had a great rookie year, but he hasn't been playing at the same level of Simmons. Simmons is a dominant force for the Sixers and a threat to have a triple-double every night. 

Most Valuable Player

Grant - As with Mike Trout in baseball, LeBron should probably win this award every year, but that would be boring. So I'm going to go with James Harden. The Beard continued to amaze this season, averaging 30.4 points per game, 8.8 assists per game, and 5.4 rebounds per game, and constantly taking poor defenders' souls.

Langston - In all honesty, LeBron James is probably the MVP every single year, BUT since I know that is not how the league gives out this award every year, James Harden is this year's MVP. He has led this Rockets team to the first seed in the West, which is quite the accomplishment considering the Warriors have run the West the last couple years. He is due for the MVP and his performance this year has been incredible. Also, Grant's clip of him breaking ankles is the most disrespectful ankle breaker I have ever seen.

Troy - MVP is always a tough category because no matter who you pick someone is going to tell you you're wrong. That is why I am taking the safe pick of James Harden. Harden has been the bridesmaid the past few seasons, and now is the time for him to get his due. He's the best player on the best team and also the best player in the league. 

Finals Prediction

Grant - I don't know who's going to win the NBA Finals this year. I'm going to stick with my preseason prediction - Warriors vs Cavs, Part 4 - and, begrudgingly, I'll take the Warriors to win it (in six). But I could see the Rockets winning it, especially if Golden State isn't fully healthy, and I could see Cleveland falling in Round 1. It's a lot more wide open this year.

Langston - If Steph Curry is healthy, I envision Warriors vs Cavs for the last time, and I am going with the Warriors in six. Now, I can very easily see the Rockets coming out of the West, and in the East, I really think it is wide open, and I could see the Raptors or maybe even the Sixers coming out. 

Troy - My finals matchup is Rockets vs Raptors with the Rockets taking the 'ship in Game 6. I believe if the Warriors are entirely healthy and decide to be much better than they were at the end of the season, they might take the Rockets out, but I believe Houston is the best team this year. 

To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) @G_Tingley (Grant), and @LangLang_3 (Langston).