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Coaches often tell their players to "dig deep" when they need that extra effort at the end of the game. I decided to do just that in finishing my list of 200-plus senior prospects with the potential to be selected in the 2016 .The list of prospects in the "Late rounds" category might not include many big names in the college football world right now, but they could surprise this fall -- and maybe next summer in training camp -- as teams look for rookies to fill roster spots or stash on the practice squad as a "redshirt."Vernon Adams, QB, OregonAdams will be yet another weapon in the Ducks' wide-open attack. Though small for the position (listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds), Adams won numerous FCS honors in three years at EWU, completing 65 percent of his pa ses for more than 10,000 yards and a whopping 110 touchdowns. He makes throws at every level, keeps his eyes downfield when pre sured and eats up yards with his feet -- but only when nece sary. Seneca Wallace was of similar stature coming out of college and he enjoyed a long NFL career. Someone could give Adams that same shot.Davonte Allen, WR, MarshallOne of the best big-play receivers to suit up for Marshall since Randy Mo s, Allen (6-2, 200) averaged 24.7 yards per catch in 2014. He mi sed four games with a collarbone injury, so he managed just 22 catches on the year (for 544 yards!) with four scores. But his ability to track the ball and win 50/50 situations with strong hands makes him an intriguing prospect.Alex Balducci, DT, OregonBalducci's statistics won't put him on any All-American (or maybe even all-conference) teams; he started 15 games for the Ducks last season and managed just 18 tackles (three for lo s). But NFL teams will see him as a late-round value, playing the role of space-eater (6-4, 321) with decent enough feet to keep gaps plugged and squeeze the pocket.Robert Booker, G/C, Mi souri StateThis two-time All-Mi souri Valley Conference pick and FCS All-American has played center and guard for the Bearcats. Booker (6-3, 312) has the strength to earn playing time in either spot at the next level, though he will project best in the pivot unle s he blows teams away with athleticism in postseason work.Travis Britz, DT, Kansas StateA two-time honorable mention All-Big 12 pick by league coaches, Britz (6-4, 293) is tough against the run and is willing to hustle his way into the backfield when the opportunity presents itself (11.5 tackles for lo s, six sacks the past two seasons). Scouts for 3-4 teams will look at him as a potential defensive end, especially if he's healthy enough (he mi sed the end of 2014 with an ankle injury) to display the nece sary athleticism in postseason workouts.De'Vondre Campbell, DE/OLB, MinnesotaWiry and strong at 6-5 and 241 pounds, Campbell is just scratching the surface of his potential. Though you'd expect a linebacker of that size to be purely a pa s rusher, the Hutchinson Community College transfer moves better than expected in the open field. He should be drafted, given the combination of his agility in tracking down ball carriers in the second level (75 tackles in 2014) and ability to make plays in the backfield (6.5 tackles for lo s, 2.5 sacks).Rashon Ceaser, WR, Louisiana-MonroeIt's probable that you've never heard of Ceaser, even though he was a first-team All-Sun Belt pick last season (77 catches, 872 yards, three touchdowns). But if I were to say that he could be a late-round version of in the NFL, you'd be interested, right? Ceaser needs to show he has consistent hands, as he already has the physicality and quickne s to own the middle of the field.Ben Curtis, OT, DelawareAt 6-5 and 290 pounds, it's clear that Curtis must get stronger to compete in the NFL on an every-down basis -- even though he regularly uses his length and agility to hold off defenders at the FCS level. If he adds weight after his third season as a starter (two seasons as a starting left tackle and one season, plus a few games as a freshman, as a starting right tackle) and shows teams at the NFL that he can hold 300-plus pounds, they will see his potential as an athletic left tackle.Braxton Deaver, TE, DukeWhen healthy, Deaver is one of the better receiving tight ends in the country. The problem is that he hasn't been healthy often enough, mi sing the 2012 (torn ACL in winter and broken thumb/fractured patella in summer) and 2014 (torn ACL) seasons due to injury. Deaver (6-5, 240) had a third-team All-ACC season in 2013, using his strong hands and speed to catch 46 pa ses for 600 yards and four scores.Donte Deayon, CB, Boise StateYes, he's listed at 5-9 and 150 pounds. But anyone who has seen Deayon play knows he would take on any receiver at any time, tackling them in the open field or out-leaping them for jump balls downfield. The two-time second-team All-Mountain West pick has intercepted six pa ses and broken up nine others in each of the last two seasons. Deayon returned a punt for a touchdown in 2014, as well; special teams will be his ticket to an NFL playing field until his coaches trust him against pro receivers on an every-down basis.Reggie Diggs, WR, RichmondAlthough Diggs (6-4, 200) contributed during his first two years on campus, he exploded onto the scene in his first year as a full-time starter in 2014, garnering second-team All-Colonial Athletic A sociation honors with 85 catches for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns. Even if he doesn't get much separation from his man downfield, his height and jumping ability allow him to go up top to snag the pa s. If he uses his frame to beat corners down the sideline again this season and performs well during an all-star game in January, he should earn the respect of coaches and scouts alike.Brandon Doughty, QB, Western KentuckyDoughty, the 2014 Conference USA MVP and Sammy Baugh Award winner as the nation's top quarterback, has an innate ability to find places to throw the ball. He pa sed for 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns last season, while only throwing 10 picks in 552 attempts. Doughty (6-3, 220) doesn't po se s a rocket arm, but has the quick feet, fast delivery, and no-fear mentality that a succe sful NFL quarterback needs. If he can digest an NFL playbook, Doughty should at least be a long-time backup, and maybe more.Ejiro Ederaine, OLB, Fresno StateInjuries to both shoulders limited Ederaine in 2014, yet he still managed to start all 14 games, making 64 tackles (12.5 for lo s). An excellent athlete with NFL size (6-3, 234), Ederaine moves well in coverage, stands strong against the run and also attacks the quarterback when healthy (10 sacks in a second-team All-Mountain West 2013 season). However, if teams aren't comfortable with his medical situation, he might be relegated to a later pick than his talent indicates. Check out the top 10 players from Louisville to play in the NFL. Aaron Epps, OT, LouisvilleEpps, a former high school basketball player, has the look of a hoops star, and he had a limited role with the due to injury and depth on the line in his first three seasons. His 6-7, 288-pound frame has room to fill out, however, and his play after taking over the starting right tackle job halfway through last season caught the eyes of scouts. Epps must add weight to Buster Posey Jersey his length and keep his foot quickne s to fulfill his potential; if he bulks up after the season to show teams he can carry 300 pounds, they'll consider him worthy of a late-round pick.Blake Frohnapfel, QB, UMa sWith Rakeem Cato eating up playing time at Marshall, Frohnapfel (pronounced FROH-nap-ul) decided to head to Ma sachusetts for his final two seasons. He excelled in his first year as a starter, throwing for 3,345 yards and 23 touchdowns despite mi sing the final two games of the year with an ankle injury. Frohnapfel has pro size (6-6, 229), a strong arm and good touch over the top; he's also more mobile than you'd expect. Another solid season, maybe with improved accuracy (55.1 completion percentage in 2014), should land him a draft slot.Reggie Gilbert, DE, ArizonaAfter starting 21 games as an undersized defensive tackle for the Wildcats, Gilbert moved outside last season. His statistics weren't mind-boggling (49 tackles, 5.5 for lo s, three sacks), but he sets the edge with strength and uses his strength and natural bend to turn the corner as a pa s rusher. He should be a solid late-round strong-side end prospect for 4-3 teams.Dillon Gordon, TE/OL, LSUGordon weighs nearly as much as an interior lineman (6-4, 295) but is really better suited at tight end. He has managed to catch just six pa ses (none in 2014) in his career -- but the low catch total doesn't mean he's rarely open. Gordon puts up enough fight as a blocker to be a help in the running game and a potential threat in play-action situations; he'll definitely have a role to play if he lands on an NFL team with a power-run scheme.Johnathan Gray, RB, TexasGray's career has not been as prolific as was expected of the top high school recruit in the country. Nonethele s, this year he should get the majority of carries for the Longhorns for the first time since his freshman season, when he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors (710 rush yards, three touchdowns). Gray (5-11, 215) tore his right Achilles tendon halfway through his sophomore season, and just began to show glimpses of his explosive running style near the end of 2014. Watch for a big year if he's fully confident in his ability to cut and burst once past the line of scrimmage.Ike Harris, OT, East CarolinaIsaac "Ike" Harris III is the son of a former draft pick (12th round, 1991), but has made his own name by earning second team All-AAC honors in his second year as a starter at left tackle for the Pirates. Harris is a fair athlete who is difficult to beat in pa s pro on the first move, and he'll get after his man (and others in his way) in the run game. Recovery speed has been an i sue, however; moving his feet throughout plays consistently to adjust on the fly during his senior year will give scouts a reason to believe he can be an NFL contributor.Joel Heath, DT, Michigan StateAn impre sive physical specimen, Heath stands at 6-6, 293 pounds and has solid straight-line speed for his size. He grew into this build over his first three years on campus, and then earned a starting nod inside in 2014 (29 tackles, five for lo s, 2.5 sacks). Continued growth and improved strength holding his ground and shedding blocks against pro-caliber Big Ten guards this season should convince scouts he can earn playing time as a three- or five-technique at the next level.Tyler Higbee, TE, Western KentuckyWestern Kentucky has had a bit of a run at the tight end position the past few years, with drafted by the in 2013 and getting his shot with the this summer. Higbee could be as good as either of them, as the converted receiver continues to add weight to his frame (6-5, 250). Given the chance to show his stuff against Marshall last season, Higbee made six catches for 99 yards and three scores. With quarterback Brandon Doughty back for his senior year, Higbee looks to use his height, agility, and route-running skills to put up big numbers.Alex Huettel, G/C, Bowling GreenHuettel's physique (6-4, 309) isn't among the best in this cla s, and he likely won't test well at the NFL . But as an intelligent player and flat-out mauler, he'll be a favorite of NFL offensive line coaches. MAC coaches voted him second-team all-conference the past two seasons, his second and third as a starter at guard. He has potential at center, as well, which gives him the versatility to stick as a reserve lineman as an NFL rookie despite likely being a late-round selection.Randall Jette, CB, UMa sJette (5-11, 180) has already defended 36 pa ses (seven interceptions, 29 breakups) in this first three years with the Minutemen, and looks to reach the 50 mark this season. Jette (prounounced JET), a 2014 second-team All-MAC selection, will receive more recognition for his persistence in coverage as UMa s charges toward a conference title this season under former NFL and college coordinator Mark Whipple (who coached UMa s to a Division I-AA title in his first stint with the team).Michael Jordan, CB, Mi souri WesternAs if people didn't already take a second glance at Jordan with his well-known name, he's earned additional looks with his play the past three seasons for the Griffons. The two-time first-team All-MIAA pick has 138 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 25 pa s breakups in just three years, utilizing his size (6-0, 200) and physicality to own his man on the outside. Scouts are familiar with the Jordan family already, as his older brothe, Reggie, attended the combine as a tight end out of MWU; now it's time for Michael to step into the spotlight. Ryan Kelly, C, AlabamaKelly had big shoes to fill when he took over for Rimington Trophy winner in 2013, but he's handled the pre sure quite well. A taller, athletic pivot (6-5, 297), Kelly was voted honorable mention All-SEC by league media last season, and even won the team's Offensive Player of the Week award twice during the year. He can anchor against strong tackles on the line but also reach second-level defenders to neutralize them. Kelly's really impre sive when getting his body around to seal an inside lane. That sort of versatility will win over NFL scouts over the course of the year. Take a look at the top 10 players from West Virginia to play in the NFL. Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West VirginiaThe heart and soul of the Mountaineers' defense (and not to mention the leading tackler), Kwiatkoski brings toughne s to the field and is an explosive tackler when attacking gaps inside (11.5 tackles for lo s among his 103 stops in 2014). He can play inside or outside at the next level, and should be a special-teams demon, which is what NFL teams look for when evaluating late-round linebacker prospects.Richard Leonard, CB, Florida InternationalA Miami product, Leonard has had an impact at FIU as a returner and cornerback since the start of his career (although he mi sed 2013 due to academic ineligibility), especially in his first-team All-Conference USA junior campaign (five interceptions, seven pa s breakups, four fumble recoveries, 25.7-yard kick-return average, 23.8-yard punt-return average with one touchdown). Though shorter than most NFL teams prefer at the position (5-9, 189), there's no doubting his foot quickne s, closing ability and competitive fire. His elusivene s as a returner should earn him extra looks.Jordan Lomax, FS, IowaAfter three years of waiting his turn to get on the field, including a lost 2012 season due to a spring shoulder injury, Lomax finally earned the starting nod in 2014. He put forth an honorable mention All-Big Ten effort, making 92 tackles, intercepting a pa s and breaking up six others. Lomax uses his compact build (5-10, 205) and tenacious attitude to punish defenders coming into his space, but the former cornerback has the footwork to be effective in coverage as well.Max McCaffrey, WR, DukeYes, Max is the son of longtime receiver Ed McCaffrey. It doesn't take long to see the resemblance on the field, either. At 6-2, 200 pounds, Max is effective working the middle of the field and makes it difficult for defensive backs to bring him down by running behind his pads. He hasn't put up huge numbers for the Blue Devils (65 career catches for 698 yards and seven scores), but with his pedigree and intelligence, he should get a shot -- especially if he tests well athletically after the season.James McFarland, DE/OLB, TCUOnly a part-time starter in 2014, McFarland still led the team with seven sacks to go along with 12 tackles for lo s. Like most TCU ends, he plays standing up and with his hand on the ground, but his NFL future is as a 3-4 strong-side linebacker. McFarland has some quickne s to get around blockers, as well as the punch and long arms to get leverage against run plays. Sometimes he uses that leverage to drive his man straight into the quarterback. With another productive season of using that strength to his full advantage, scouts will believe he can play right away. Take a look at the best photos from the 2015 college football fall camps. LaDarrell McNeil, FS/SS, Tenne seeThe Volunteers have relied on McNeil (6-1, 206) since his freshman year to hold down a starting spot in the secondary. Having worked at free and strong safety during his career, McNeil shows the toughne s and athleticism to fill in wherever needed (76 tackles, two interceptions in 2014). He'll likely contribute on special teams early in his NFL career, but should push for playing time before too long.Paul McRoberts, WR, Southeast Mi souri StateMcRoberts earns respect from his team and league coaches as a captain and first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference pick in 2014. Scouts are impre sed with his mental and physical toughne s, as he has suffered great lo s, losing his father to a sudden heart attack at age nine and his brother more recently. He returned from a Lisfranc injury last year to put up two 100-yard performances in three weeks after being out for five weeks. McRoberts' long strides (6-3, 197) make it difficult for defensive backs to stay with him downfield and his proficiency as a basketball player (he played one year for SEMO after a stellar high school career) shows he has the short-area quickne s to excel against man coverage. Marshall Morgan, K, GeorgiaMorgan (6-3, 194) set the SEC record for most consecutive field goals made with 20, a streak that started in 2013 and ended in the second week of last season. Though his field goal percentage dropped in 2014, from 91.7 percent (19-of-22) to 76.2 (16-of-21), scouts should not forget the le son learned from the last Georgia kicker drafted, . Despite a lackluster senior year (21 of 35 on field goals), Walsh has become one of the league's best kickers. If Morgan can connect regularly in 2015 from long distance (he has made 55- and 56-yard kicks in his career) as well as prove he can be a weapon on kickoffs (31 touchbacks in 2014) and in clutch situations (like the game-winner against Tenne see in 2013), he'll get his shot to follow in Walsh's footsteps.Aaron Morris, G, Ole Mi sThe Rebels hope that Morris stays out of the training room through his entire senior season so they can compete in the SEC. A bullish blocker from the left guard spot, Morris (6-5, 315) is a solid pa s protector and a load in the run game who linebackers are not happy to see when he hits the second level. But he's torn his left ACL in each of the past two seasons, mi sing all but the opener in 2013 and failing to suit up for the team's bowl game last year. Power-running scheme teams in the NFL will have interest in Morris, especially if he can dre s for all of Ole Mi s' contests this year.Jordan Payton, WR, UCLAPayton is the Bruins' most dependable receiver, leading the team with 67 catches for 957 yards and seven touchdowns in his second year as a starter in 2014. The honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection can work inside, using his thicker build (6-1, 213) to break through contact at the line and downfield, while also po se sing the footwork to execute crisp routes. If he shows better speed than anticipated this season and in workouts, Payton could rise up boards.Aaron Peck, WR, Fresno StatePeck has grown as a receiver, physically and mentally, each year with the Bulldogs. He grabbed 32 catches for 419 yards and three scores in 2014, and could take a primary role now that has moved on to the NFL. Peck's frame 6-3, 217 is NFL-worthy, and a strong senior season displaying the speed and agility to be a factor after the catch will help him rise up draft boards.Kevin Pierre-Louis, SS, Colorado StateIt's quite simple: This guy likes to hit people. Often lined up in a two-deep formation (thus only 4.5 career tackles for lo s), he takes correct angles and brings all of his force downhill to stop ball carriers in their tracks. He actually looks (6-1, 215) and plays like a linebacker, making 162 stops over the past two seasons. Another productive season and good postseason workouts should land him a fifth- or sixth-round slot as a reserve defensive back and special teamer. Take a look at the top 10 players from Mi si sippi State to play in the NFL. Dak Prescott, QB, Mi si sippi StateRayne Dakota "Dak" Prescott (6-2, 230) proved himself to be an excellent college quarterback in 2014, breaking all sorts of statistical records (4,435 yards of total offense, 27 touchdown pa ses, 61.6 completion percentage) and helping his team to a 10-3 record. There's little question about his leadership abilities or his toughne s as a runner, but scouts will want to better awarene s in the pocket and more accuracy in tight windows in his senior year if he is to be a middle-round pick.Luke Rhodes, ILB, William & MaryRhodes (6-2, 242) is the only player in the FCS to be selected to the Butkus Award watch list. He's a two-time first-team All-Colonial Athletic A sociation pick and team captain, not only racking up nearly 100 tackles in 2013 and 2014 but also flying into lead blockers to allow his teammates to make plays. While not an explosive athlete, Rhodes has enough speed to fill a gap, is agile enough to slip second-level blocks, and hustles to the sideline. As a special-teams ace and steady presence on defense, he'll be a tough cut in training camp.Brandon Ro s, RB, MarylandRo s is an underutilized a set for the Terrapins who rushed for just 419 yards last season because he had just two games with 10 or more rushes (85 total for the year). He has an ideal compact build (5-10, 205), shifty feet in the hole and the ability to set up and blow by tacklers in the open field as both a runner and receiver (14 catches, 212 yards, one score in 2014). He did manage 776 yards and four touchdowns in a greater role in 2013, however; more opportunities this season will put him on scouts' radars.Brandon Sheperd, WR, Oklahoma StateSheperd (6-1, 195) staked his claim as one of the best receivers in the Big 12 with his seven-catch, 156-yard, two-touchdown effort in OSU's win over Oklahoma last fall. Though he didn't earn postseason accolades after averaging 18.9 yards per catch as a junior (39 catches, 737 yards, five scores), that won't happen again; scouts will also take note of his toughne s on the outside and playmaking ability after the catch.Jordan Simone, SS, Arizona StateSimone (6-0, 193) decided to walk on at ASU after taking a year off from football once his head coach at Washington State (Paul Wulff) was let go. He became such a problem for the offense while on the scout team that coaches gave him a shot to earn playing time last year -- and he did. League coaches recognized his play last year, as he made 100 tackles, 4.5 for lo s. NFL scouts will want to see if he has the athleticism to play on Sundays, but coaches will push for him late in the draft based on his intelligent play and toughne s. Take a look at the top 10 players from Indiana to play in the NFL. Nate Sudfeld, QB, IndianaEven though Sudfeld (6-6, 240) mi sed about half of his junior year with an injured left (non-throwing) shoulder, there's a bit of buzz about his pro prospects. The brother of tight end po se ses NFL size, a solid arm, and some mobility within the pocket. Scouts would like to see Sudfield improve his completion percentage (60.3 percent in 2013-2014) as well as his touchdown-to-interception ratio (27-12) before considering him a long-time contributor at the next level, but coaches will want to work with his physical tools.Cole Toner, OT, HarvardToner had to deal with current Indianapolis Colt defender during every practice the past couple of seasons, so most opponents on the Ivy League schedule were a piece of cake in comparison. The first-team all-conference selection in 2014 looks like an NFL prospect at 6-7 and 300 pounds, and he shows the toughne s and footwork to win as a run blocker and pa s protector. If he continues to fill out his frame after this season and early in his NFL career, it will help him contribute down the road.Soma Vainuku, FB, USCThe cousin of former USC star and linebacker brings his full effort on every play. He'll emulate a six-foot, 255-pound battering ram while leading the tailback into the hole, gain tough yardage as a runner, catch the ball out of the backfield and then pummel a returner on kick-coverage units. Versatility is a big key for fullbacks trying to make it in the NFL nowadays, so Vainuku should be valued for his multiple contributions to the team.Michael Wakefield, DE/OLB, Florida InternationalA second-team All-Conference USA pick in 2014, Wakefield shows a knack for quickly and smoothly getting off the snap. He had eight sacks and 14.5 tackles for lo s last year using not only his get-off, but also good length and an ability to leverage a blocker and disengage to make the play. Wakefield can play either side of the line despite his average size (6-3, 254), which is a big plus. Coaches will put him through linebacker drills after the season to see how well he moves in space, and that will help determine how high he gets drafted.Derek Watt, FB, WisconsinWatt isn't an athletic freak like his older brother and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, , but he'll be a tough cut from an NFL roster. While not a thumping fullback/H-back, he has the athleticism to find targets and create creases for excellent backs such as 2015 first-round pick . Watt is a solid receiver (15 career catches yards for 170 yards in a run-oriented offense) and can contribute on special teams, as well, showing off the tackling skills he po se sed as a second-team USA Today All-American high school linebacker. He played the second half of the 2014 season while recovering from a broken foot in the opener; a healthy senior campaign should help him secure a late-round draft spot.Bryce Williams, TE, East CarolinaWilliams actually walked on for two programs in his career, first for a redshirt season at Marshall in 2011 and then in the fall of 2012 at ECU. In the past two years, he hasn't looked like a walk-on at all, earning all-conference accolades in 2013 (honorable mention) and 2014 (second team). As a fullback in the Pirates' offense the past two years, Williams used his 6-6, 250-pound frame to its fullest in the red zone (four touchdowns), out-leaping smaller defensive backs to attack the ball in the air. Given the chance to show off his hands more regularly as a senior, Williams should be a nice project player worth a look late in the draft.RJ Williamson, SS, Michigan StateAlthough the Spartans' depth at safety kept Williamson out of the starting lineup early in his career, he still stepped in when nece sary to accumulate 70 tackles, three interceptions, and six pa s breakups. When given the chance to start at strong safety last season, Williamson (6-0, 214) stepped up again to make 59 tackles and intercept three pa ses -- two of which he returned for scores. He'll start in 2015 at free safety, where he'll again show his strong tackling ability as well as his ball skills.Jonathan Woodard, DE, Central ArkansasWoodard has terrorized quarterbacks since arriving at UCA, accumulating 25 sacks (among 40 tackles for lo s) in three years. He is a three-time All-Southland Conference pick, its Freshman of the Year in 2012, and its Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. Scouts will be waiting until postseason all-star games, though, to see if he can beat NFL-quality tackles off the snap or disengage on the edge as a strong-side end on a four-man front. Woodard could also add weight to his frame (6-6, 271) in order to shift to a five-technique spot at the next level, as he already shifts inside regularly for the .*Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter *. Gerardo Parra Jersey

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) If Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce , he might have to search for a defensive coordinator.The AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers have requested to interview Las Vegas coordinator Patrick Graham for their vacant head coaching job, according to NFL Network.Graham oversaw a Raiders defense that went from 26th in points allowed in 2022 to ninth this season.He did an outstanding job this year, Pierce said. "Nobody talks enough about what weve done defensively and the buy-in. This was probably a group last year that we didnt buy into. Youve seen the development of a lot of young players on our defensive side of the ball play really well second-year players, rookies, undrafted guys, next-man-up mentality. ADVERTISEMENT If Graham returns as coordinator or someone else gets the job, that person will have a defensive structure in place designed for continued succe s. Most key defensive players are under contract for next season, with tackle Adam Butler and cornerback Amik Robertson two of the notable exceptions.Ive got to give a ton of credit to Pat Graham," defensive end Maxx Crosby said. "Pat's done an incredible job. He's grown as a leader and as a coach as well. It's a testament to all the coaches. Everybody's bought in on improving. We put the work in every single day and you see it. We've become a top-10 defense like that (snapped his fingers) Addison Russell Jersey . We've built a great foundation. We've just got to keep it going in the right direction.Crosby is the centerpiece of that foundation. He put himself in the conversation for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year after getting a career-high 14 1/2 sacks, becoming the fifth defensive lineman since 2000 with at least 90 tackles and making a league-leading 23 tackles for lo s.Those are similar to last season's numbers when Crosby finished with 12 1/2 sacks, 89 tackles and a league-leading 22 tackles for lo s.Even with that production, the Raiders again are sitting home for the playoffs.I've been here five years, Crosby said. I've made the playoffs one time. I want to be in the playoffs consistently. I want to be in the biggest games. I'm going to keep doing what I do. I'm going to keep finding ways to improve every single day. I'm going to be better next year.Crosby was nearly a one-man gang in past seasons, but had a lot more help this time, which was underscored in Sunday's . The Raiders had five sacks by five players.Malcolm Koonce had eight sacks for the season and Butler had five. Robert Spillane and Tre'von Moehrig each intercepted three pa ses, and late-season pickup Jack Jones had two pick-6s.That kind of play helped the Raiders allow just 19.5 points per game, their lowest since allowing a 19.0 average in 2002 in their most recent Super Bowl appearance. The average this season since Pierce took over on Oct. 31 is 16.0, best in the league.Ive had the most fun this year coaching this group of players that I had my whole career, plain and simple, Graham said last week. Not taking anything away from the guys Ive coached before, but their growth, how theyve improved, how they embraced myself and the coaches, the turmoil that we faced, and how they laid out there on the line for us. Starting with our leader, Maxx, from him to the rookie that has the least amount of playing time.GM SEARCH UPDATEThe Raiders are planning to interview former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco for the GM position.Los Angeles went 84-92 under Telesco, who was the GM since 2013. He was fired along with coach Brandon Staley a day after the to Las Vegas on Dec. 14.Telesco is one of five external candidates expected to interview with the Raiders. The club also is considering elevating interim general manager Champ Kelly, who also could interview with the Carolina Panthers.___AP NFL: Albert Almora Jr Jersey

Normally, fans don't pay too much attention to commercials during a sporting event. But, the one time of year that viewers actually want to see commercials is during the Super Bowl. is no different. The Bengals will face the Rams for the game, and a rap performance featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will take place during the halftime show. But, in between all of the action, there will be a long list of new, and po sibly iconic, Super Bowl Adam Wainwright Jersey commercials.In order to get your company a spot during the Super Bowl commercials, you must pay a pretty penny. Here's what you need to know about how much Super Bowl commercials cost.MORE:NBC, the home for Super Bowl 56, has not reported the official prices for each Super Bowl ad spot, but it was reported back in September by that the spots were selling quickly and for an upwards of $6.5 million for a 30-second ad.This year's price is the most expensive Super Bowl ad price in NFL history.This price is about a 20 percent increase from the last time NBC hosted the Super Bowl in 2018. The last two Super Bowls, hosted by Fox (2020) and CBS (2021) only saw bids as high as $5.6 million.CBS hosted Super Bowl 55, and the highest recorded price for a Super Bowl commercial was $5.6 million. This was around the same average for the 2020 Super Bowl, too.On top of paying for a cable television ad spot, CBS required companies to pay an additional $300,000 if they wanted their ad to be included on CBS' live stream.Super Bowl commercials typically last 30 seconds, just like regular commercials. Some companies push the time down to 15 seconds, or even pay extra money to run a 45- or 60-second ad.Each year, there are around 80 to 90 Super Bowl commercials ran during the broadcast. Lovinger from NBC said that this year would be around the same.The cost of a commercial at the first Super Bowl was $37,500,.YearPrice of 30-second commercial1967$37,500/$42,500 (Multiple networks)1968$54,5001969$55,0001970$78,2001971$72,5001972$86,1001973$88,1001974$103,5001975$107,0001976$110,0001977$125,0001978$162,3001979$185,0001980$222,0001981$275,0001982$324,3001983$400,0001984$368,2001985$525,0001986$550,0001987$600,0001988$645,5001989$675,5001990$700,4001991$800,0001992$850,0001993$850,0001994$900,0001995$1,150,0001996$1,085,0001997$1,200,0001998$1,291,1001999$1,600,0002000$2,100,0002001$2,200,0002002$2,200,0002003$2,200,0002004$2,302,2002005$2,400,0002006$2,500,0002007$2,385,3652008$2,699,9632009$2,999,9602010$2,954,0102011$3,100,0002012$3,500,0002013$3,800,0002014$4,000,0002015$4,250,0002016$4,500,0002017$5,000,0002018$5,200,0002019$5,300,0002020$5,600,0002021$5,500,0002022$6,500,000 Related Articles Miles Mikolas Jersey

With the end of one of the most climactic transfer deadline days ever, the footballing world now sits back and a se ses the damage. And what a world of damage it is. Without a doubt, the upheaval of fortunes at Manchester City which saw them trump Chelsea and sign Robinho, has to be the most amazing story of them all. Could any right minded person have predicted that the next Pele would be plying his trade with the blue half of Manchester? He may not be that good, but, make no mistake, Robinho is one of the worlds best or, at least, most promising. Will he fit in the Premier League? Maybe not. But big name signings make headline and City have stolen all of them this morning.Yet, who else Steven Souza Jersey came out of yesterdays soap opera better or worse off? A more interesting story was the painfully, protracted transfer of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United from Spurs. This story had been running all summer, like a an endle s courtship, and finally reached a head at the very last minute last night. But the ramifications are still high profile. Firstly, lets look at Man Utd and, in particular, their manager.Sir Alex had been pursuing Berbatov all summer, relentle sly hara sing Spurs and barking at reporters when asked about his progre s. Tottenham, in no position to sell, rightly said no every time, claiming that Utd werent offering the right money. When Man City made their audacious bid yesterday, Tottenham accepted it, as it was the correct valuation and the player wanted to leave maybe not to City but that was beside the point. Sir Alex must have been fuming. You could imagine the contortions on his face when being informed that Spurs had said yes to City.So, in typical, disgraceful fashion, Sir Alex brought Berbatov to Old Trafford and began sorting out a deal, without the permi sion of Spurs. The way he saw it, the player wanted to be at Utd so hed get him there and then sort out his current club after. Ferguson has divine right, you see. If he wants a player, he should get the player, regardle s of who he plays for and what that team wants. Should Berbatov go, Spurs would be short of a striker so Ferguson threw in Frazier Campbell to the equation to sweeten the deal. Spurs got their 30 million pounds but they didnt get it in time to get a good enough replacement. This may have been their fault, yes, but it is in the interests of Man Utd haters to blame them.Sir Alex also ensured that Tottenham agreed to drop their charges against Man Utd for their pursuit of Berbatov. He really did get his own way, 100%. Like he always does, Ferguson proverbially bullied enough people to get the right result for him. One can only hope that the FA has the balls to investigate Utds approach of Berbatov further. Nothing was said in public but you can bet Ferguson and other Man Utd personnel were calling, texting, e-mailing and convincing Berbatov all summer long. All the time without the permi sion of Tottenham. It is sad to say but Spurs have been forced and bullied into selling Berbatov to Utd and theres nothing to stop it happening again in the future.The bare facts of the saga are as follows: Spurs will get 31 million for Berbatov plus Frazier Campbell on a season long loan deal. Berbatov has a four year contract at Man Utd. Spurs didnt have enough time to sign the replacements talked about so have a slightly weakened strike force of Darren Bent, Fraizer Campbell and Roman Pavlyuchenko. Utd sealed the deal with ten minutes to go before the deadline. Ten minutes between Sir Alex getting what he wanted and not.One can only hope Man Utd lose out this season now, purely from a vengeful point of view. It is nothing against Berbatov. Yes he was a bit moody but most Spurs fans understood his need to play for a better team and to win trophies. The desire for Utd to fail is aimed wholeheartedly at their manager. Their manager, who illegally and immorally, pursued another teams player and signed him against all interests of fair play and decency. Andrew Chafin Jersey

WinnersManchester City Winning away to Hull may perhaps not sound like a ma sive achievement considering they have little to play for this season after all-but securing their Premier League status, but to do so with your talismanic captain (and only decent excuse for a centre-back) sent off suddenly makes this a big win. Couple that with Chelseas implosion at Villa Park and this could well prove a big result for City as they attempt to bounce back from Champions League and FA Cup elimination over the last couple of weeks.Referees integrity You wont find much complaining about referees on this blog as I am a qualified one myself and can testify to how demanding the role is. I am also extremely concerned at the rate at which referees are losing the respect of fans, players and managers. From Manuel Pellegrinis not impartial comments made after the first Barcelona game to Jose Mourinhos request on Monday that Chris Foy shouldnt be allowed to referee Chelsea matches anymore, I think referees are only likely to suffer more as youngsters look at how they are treated in the mainstream pre s. However, to see three penalties awarded at Old Trafford (the last one albeit mi sed by Gerrard in a sporting gesture as Sturridge clearly dived) was refreshing and whats more, it was the first time in Premier League history more than one penalty has been awarded to an opposition team at Old Trafford. The cynical could suggest that this says more about the fearle s demeanour referees have now Sir Alex Ferguson isnt in the home dugout, but I think it is about referees feeling like enough is enough. Diving, violent touchline clashes and habitual abuse have all crept into the game and I for one am glad to see any hints that referees are a serting their authority.West Brom and Pepe Mel Boy, did West Brom need a win. I for one did not see it coming at the Liberty Stadium but I think this shows the danger of having little to play for come the busine s end of the season. The bottom line is that Swansea are out of every cup they entered and are safely in nestled in mid-table. West Brom, on the other hand, are out of every cup they entered but are staring down the very real barrel of the relegation gun. However, away Yordan Alvarez Jersey wins are the making of a succe sful escape from the aby s. I was extremely doubtful when Pepe Mel came in, not just because of his CBBC-style comedy name, but because West Brom werent actually doing badly. Admittedly, the Nicolas Anelka affair cant be blamed on the Spaniard but the lack of wins could be. But now, he has his first win in England and Anelka has waved bonjour, potentially for the last time, to the Premier League. What a difference a week makes.LosersArsenal On Sky Sports after the Tottenham match, Paul Merson suggested that Arsenal have no chance of the title playing the way they did in the north London derby. Arsenal has an image of a squeaky-clean club that does everything with cla s and style. So, for them to win ugly is considered by the pre s to be a chink in their Emirates-sponsored armour. Over the years, the same pundits have lauded the Chelseas and Manchester Uniteds of the league for winning in exactly the same conditions (Tottenham managed a whopping 59% po se sion against their closest rivals) but for Arsenal it is apparently the sign of weakne s. I believe fairne s is important here because the poor Gunners won a big game on Sunday and, for no reason that I can see, are getting precious little credit for it.Tim Sherwood Anyone who fancies their chances as the next Spurs manager will have been writing their letters of application in earnest on Sunday evening. Despite having a decent record since taking over Tottenham Hotspur, pundits and bookies alike are suggesting Tim Sherwoods reign will come to an end in the summer when Spurs look for a bigger name to take them forward. The 1-0 defeat to north London rivals Arsenal will have stung and, although the actual performance was creditable, it surely puts if the not the final, then certainly one of the last few, nails in the Top Four coffin. With Champions League football looking a long shot, Sherwoods time looks up in the summer when chairman Daniel Levy attempts to find a buyer (or a pretty display cabinet) for the 100m of underperforming playing staff he splashed out on last summer.Juan Mata If you are worth 37.5m, you would expect to have a team built around you. What Juan Mata has walked into, during a World Cup year remember, is a team that is falling apart around him. Wheeled in as the Spanish saviour in January, Manchester Uniteds record signing is struggling to make an impact. With his favourite number 10 position taken by a very rich and popular Scouser, he is finding it difficult to influences games to justify his hefty price tag. A humbling defeat to the old enemy will have hurt everyone in and around the club, but there will surely be a few voices of doubt creeping into the diminutive Spaniards head after his decision to jump from Chelseas bench to Old Trafford. All of this and he is forced to watch the Chelsea pantomime from outside which I bet is only half as fun. Ken Giles Jersey

Since 2001 no English Premier League team has won the Uefa Cup, or i should say, the rebranded,Euro-friendly, slightly laughable, Europa League. In 2005/6, Middlesbrough went to the final of the competition, but suffered a faltering season in the Premiership. Since then, teams in the Uefa Cup have consistently failed to compete bothdomestically and abroad, the question is: why?In 2005, Liverpool won the Champions League, but controversy ensued as they finished Andrelton Simmons Jersey 5th in the Premier League, thereby failing to achieve a spot in Europes Elite competition for the following season.Throughout the 2005 season, Liverpool time and again suffered ill League form after midweek games in Europe. This lack of consistency was blamed primarily on a limited pool of backup talent on the Liverpool bench, meaning that key players were over stretched. This e sentially meant that one trophy had to be sacrificed for another.The demands placed on teams in the Uefa Cup are very similar to those placed on teams in the Champions League, with midweek games acro s the far flung corners of the continent, scattered between demandingEPL fixturesIf Liverpool were considered to have a team that was incapable of fighting on two fronts, putting aside further demands from the FA and Carling Cups, what chance do teams like Everton, Blackburn, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Villa have of succeeding in both at home and abroad?Last season both Tottenham and Villa were criticised for poor Uefa Cup performances, whilst fielding what were considered under-strength teams and reserving key players for crucial league games.They can hardly be blamed for such caution as Tottenham in particular took off with aplomb in the Premiership, finishing 8th after spending the first half of the season scrapping at the bottom of the table. Villa of course finished 5th, with a slow burnout, which had they not began their season at the end of July could have been avoided and po sibly seen them finish 4th qualifying them for the Champions League instead of Arsenal.Portsmouth, gaining entry to European football for the first time, suffered horrendously in the 08/09 season, although a lot of that can be blamed on what went on off of the pitch, a demanding European schedule can only have made matters worse as they failed spectacularly in the Premier League.Without the ma sive financial incentives offered by the Champions League, the Europa League seems more of a burden to the teams which qualify for it, dragging squads, with limited resources to the edges of domestic oblivion, whilst offering little financialcompensation which lets face it, is at the heart of any succe sful football team. Villa and Spurs were both correct to shun the UefaCup for Premier League succe s and indeed survival, after all, it is domestic results which allow you to qualify for Europe, not the other way round. Justin Upton Jersey

The hits just keep on coming for the .Offensive tackle was the latest offensive starter to leave a game early. The starter was carted off in the first quarter of the ' to the and was almost immediately ruled out for the rest of the game.It's never a good sign when a player is ruled out so quickly after suffering an injury, and and Co. would certainly mi s their starting tackle's services should he mi s significant time.Here's the rest of the Week 16 injury news we are tracking on Sunday:Quarterback left the Zack Wheeler Jersey game and did not return with a during the second quarter of an over the . replaced Ha selbeck and managed to finish the game despite suffering an undisclosed lower-body injury in the fourth quarter. Ha selbeck told reporters after the game he wasn't "super optimistic" about playing Week 17. tight end (concu sion) did not return to the to the . defensive tackle (calf) and wideout (concu sion) did not return in the over the . The gave the their first lo s of the season. left tackle (concu sion) and wide receiver (knee) both did not return in the to the . wideout was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury during the first half of their over the . Easley was hurt during a punt return.Defensive tackle (shoulder) and guard (ankle) both did not return. defensive end (knee) did not return in the to the . cornerback (back) and fullback (foot) both did not return in the to the . running back (ankle) and wideout (concu sion) did not return in the to the . tackle suffered an ankle injury and did not return in the over the . running back was carted to the locker room with a right ankle injury. He did not return in the 20-13 lo s to the . NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports Whittake suffered a mild high ankle sprain and could be back for the playoffs. linebacker suffered a foot injury in the 34-6 win against the . wideout was carted off the field with a leg injury and briefly returned in the against the . safety , tackle and tackle all were evaluated for concu sions and did not return to the 23-17 win over the . tackle (concu sion) and tackle (ankle) did not return to the 38-8 lo s to the . offensive lineman suffered a lower leg injury in Sunday's win over the . Star defensive lineman hurt his toe and did not return. Mookie Wilson Jersey

DENVER -- is still searching for answers and the end zone.Counting the preseason, the NFL's career touchdown champion has yet to find the goal line in 21 drives.Thanks to Denver's dazzling defense, he's also celebrating a record 13th season-opening win, 19-13 over the on Sunday in a slugfest Gary Kubiak said "might be the greatest defensive football game I've ever been a part of as a coach."Manning was 24 of 40 for 175 yards and his four sacks were his most since his emotional homecoming at Indy in 2013. Asked to grade his performance, he said, "I'm going with fair," an a se sment that the fans at Sports Authority Field might consider generous judging by their own harsh reactions.Offenses, though, don't always have to do the heavy lifting, said safety , who scored Denver's only touchdown."I think John Elway had like 115 yards and won the one time, so it's definitely po sible," Talib said.Manning managed just 150 net yards, but that was 50 more than in a game in which neither team ran a play inside their opponents' 20 until 3:50 remained."Well, we did have two touchdown pa ses to the other team," Flacco said. "But other than that, yeah, it was Greg Maddux Jersey an ugly one. And it wasn't too fun to be a part of."The ground games weren't much better: Baltimore gained 73 yards, Denver 69, in a grind-it-out game that sent many players limping to the sideline or off on carts. The casualty list included (torn Achilles) and line judge Gary Arthur broke a collarbone.The unveiling of Denver's new mashup offense merging Manning's defensive deciphering skills with Kubiak's run-oriented philosophies was largely a dud - bounced pa ses, overthrows, four sacks, a false start on No. 18 himself - until, that is, he directed a 17-play drive that ate up 81 yards and almost 11 minutes in the fourth quarter. It ended with ' fourth field goal."To me that resembled more of the Kubiak offense, chipping away, wearing guys down," said former tight end . "Good to do that against a team that prides itself on being physical and being bullies."Safety , who also followed Kubiak to Denver, snatched the ball from tight end in the end zone with 28 seconds left to seal the win for the four-time defending AFC West champs."That's my old team and it was just good to go out there and finally get to hit them," Stewart said.Cornerback 's 24-yard pick-6 was Baltimore's only touchdown and Talib responded with a 51-yard interception return for a TD that put Denver ahead for good, 16-13.Manning was playing behind an O-line with four new players, two of whom made their NFL debut. But he wasn't about to di sect the offense's performance, testily insisting, "no matter how many times you ask it, this is not three different teams we have here. We don't have a offensive team, a defensive team and a special teams."The beat the today. There's your summary right there."The only points in the first half came through the uprights with McManus kicking three field goals and joining as the only kickers in NFL history with multiple field goals of 56 yards or more in the same game. McManus was good from 57, 56 and 43 yards, and er kicked a 52-yarder for Baltimore.The won for just the second time in 23 years when not scoring a touchdown. The last time they managed to do it was Sept. 17, 2006, when they beat the . 9-6."You better be able to win this way in this league," Kubiak said. "It's just too tough a league."The have a short turnaround with a game at Kansas City on Thursday night. The , who travel to Oakland, will have to handle the lo s of Suggs, their emotional leader."It's huge," said. "It's hard to replace 55. He's like the heart and soul of this defense and almost this football team."Copyright 2015 by The A sociated Pre s Nick Markakis Jersey