NFL in London

National Football League in London

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Top 10 NFL Drafts of the Past 30 Years

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With the NFL draft looming on the horizon, it’s time to look at some of the best NFL Drafts from the past thirty years.
The Draft is an exciting time for football fans as they eagerly await to see which players their favourite teams will select. Over the past 3 decades, there have been some remarkable drafts that have produced many stars and legends of the game.
Here we will take a look at the top 10 NFL drafts of the past 30 years, as this one isn’t going to crack any ‘top lists.’

  1. 1996 NFL Draft

    This draft produced some of the greatest players in NFL history. The top three picks in this draft were all future Hall of Famers: Keyshawn Johnson, Kevin Hardy, and Jonathan Ogden. Other notable players in this draft include Ray Lewis, Eddie George, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, and Zach Thomas. The 1996 Draft had some of the top players across every position. Those were the days.

  2. 2011 NFL Draft

    The 2011 draft was one of the deepest in NFL history, producing many future stars who are still playing today. Cam Newton was the first overall pick, and he went on to win the NFL MVP award in 2015. Other notable players in this draft include Von Miller, A.J. Green, Julio Jones, J.J. Watt, Richard Sherman, and Colin Kaepernick.

  3. 1989 NFL Draft

    The 1989 draft produced three players who would go on to win the NFL MVP award: Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, and Deion Sanders. Other notable players in this draft include Derrick Thomas, Steve Atwater, and Mark Carrier. Check out some of the pictures of the 1989 Draft, and the fashion choices alone should let you know that it was totally different era.

  4. 1991 NFL Draft

    The 1991 draft produced many future Hall of Famers, including Brett Favre, Aeneas Williams, and Herman Moore. Other notable players in this draft include Ricky Watters, Ted Washington, and Mike Croel. Hard to believe that this draft was over 32 years ago.

  5. 2012 NFL Draft

    The 2012 draft produced many top QB stars of the future, including Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Russell Wilson. Other notable players in this draft include Luke Kuechly, Fletcher Cox, and Bobby Wagner. Despite being 10 years ago, there are still a few players from this draft playing in the league.

  6. 1998 NFL Draft

    The 1998 draft produced two future Hall of Famers in Peyton Manning and Randy Moss. Other notable players in this draft include Charles Woodson, Fred Taylor, and Hines Ward. This was more of the ‘grit-iron’ generation of tough as nails players.

  7. 2017 NFL Draft

    The 2017 draft produced many impact players, including the first overall pick, Myles Garrett. Other notable players in this draft include Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara. This Draft is also known as the ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda,’, as many pundits and fans lament of what could have been had players signed elsewhere.

  8. 2001 NFL Draft

    The 2001 draft produced many Pro Bowl players, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Steve Hutchinson, and Richard Seymour. Other notable players in this draft include Michael Vick, Drew Brees, and Reggie Wayne. This could have been known as the HOF class, as many of the players in this group were record-setters.

  9. 2004 NFL Draft

    The 2004 draft produced three future Hall of Famers in Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. Other notable players in this draft include Larry Fitzgerald, Vince Wilfork, and Jared Allen. 2004 brought us a whack load of great QBs, which beckons when another draft like this could happen?

  10. 1999 NFL Draft

    The 1999 draft produced five future Hall of Famers, including Edgerrin James, Champ Bailey, and Torry Holt. Other notable players in this draft include Ricky Williams, Donovan McNabb, and Jevon Kearse.

The NFL draft is a significant event in the April calendar of football, and it has produced many great players over the years. The drafts listed above were some of the best of the past 30 years, producing numerous stars and legends of the game. As football fans, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the NFL draft and the next generation of players who will make their mark on the league.

Who will be the star of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft?

 

London Top 10 Spring

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Spring is one of the most wonderful seasons in London. The temperature is perfect, the flowers are blooming, and the city is buzzing with events and activities. If you’re planning a trip to London this spring, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing the top 10 things to do in London this spring.

  1. Visit the Chelsea Flower Show

    One of the most popular events in London during spring is the Chelsea Flower Show. This is a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers, gardening, or just wants to experience the beauty of nature. The show takes place in late May and is a feast for the eyes. You’ll see all sorts of amazing floral displays, including exotic plants and rare flowers.

  2. Take a stroll in Hyde Park

    Hyde Park is a vast green space in central London that’s perfect for a springtime stroll. It’s one of the city’s most iconic parks, and it’s easy to see why. You can take a leisurely walk around the Serpentine lake, have a picnic on the grass, or explore the many walking paths and gardens.

  3. Enjoy a boat ride on the Thames

    A boat ride on the Thames is a great way to see London from a different perspective. There are many options to choose from, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and even kayaking. You’ll get to see some of London’s most famous landmarks from the water, including the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.

  4. Visit Kew Gardens

    Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It’s home to over 50,000 plants, including rare and exotic species. In springtime, the gardens come to life with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. You can spend hours exploring the different gardens and greenhouses, including the Palm House and the Waterlily House.

  5. Take a bike tour of the city

    Spring is the perfect time to explore the city on two wheels. There are many bike tours available in London, which will take you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. You’ll get to see the city in a different way and cover more ground than you would on foot.

  6. Explore the South Bank

    The South Bank is a vibrant area of London that’s always buzzing with activity. You can take a walk along the river, browse the street performers and artists, or visit the many cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to the famous London Eye, which offers stunning views of the city.

  7. Visit the Tate Modern

    The Tate Modern is one of London’s most famous art museums. It’s located in a converted power station and is home to some of the world’s most famous contemporary art pieces. In springtime, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, so be sure to check their website before you go.

  8. See a show in the West End

    London’s West End is famous for its world-class theater productions. From classic musicals to cutting-edge dramas, there’s always something new to see. In springtime, you can often find discounted tickets and special offers, so be sure to check online before you go.

  9. Go shopping in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular shopping destinations. It’s home to many high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and street performers. You can spend hours browsing the shops and stalls, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat.

10. Take a day trip to the countryside

If you want to escape the city for a day, there are many beautiful countryside destinations within easy reach of London. You can take a train or bus to the Cotswolds and see where the posh half live. 

There are loads of fun things to do in London this spring, as we all wait for the NFL to start. 

London Franchise

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Will the NFL be looking to add a London franchise? What’s involved in making a team work over here?

The National Football League (NFL) is a massive American sports league with a global reach, and there has been much speculation about the possibility of a franchise in London. While this idea may sound exciting, there are several reasons why it would be difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in London.

NFL Europe

One of the primary reasons is the failure of NFL Europe, a developmental league that operated from 1991 to 2007. Despite the NFL’s efforts to promote American football in Europe, the league was never able to gain the same level of popularity as it did in the United States. The lack of success of NFL Europe suggests that there may not be enough interest in American football in London to support a full-fledged franchise.

Playoffs

Another reason why a London-based NFL franchise may not work is the unpredictability of wild card game hosting. The NFL currently holds a series of wild card games at various locations throughout the United States. While these games are hugely popular and attract large crowds, it is uncertain whether London would be a suitable location for such events. The logistical challenges of transporting players, equipment, and staff across the Atlantic would be significant, and there is no guarantee that London would be able to provide a suitable venue for these games.

Differences

Another obstacle that the NFL would face in London is the UK tax laws. The NFL would have to pay taxes on all of its earnings in the UK, which could significantly reduce the profitability of a London-based franchise. The NFL would also have to navigate the complexities of UK tax law, which can be challenging for businesses not familiar with the system.

There are also several cultural differences between the US and the UK that could make it difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in London. American football is a relatively niche sport in the UK, and there is already a well-established football (soccer) culture in the country. The NFL would have to compete with this established culture to attract fans and sponsors.

Time Zones

Furthermore, the differences in time zones between the US and the UK could also pose a problem. Many NFL games are played on Sundays, which would mean that games in London would be taking place in the early afternoon in the US. This could be problematic for American fans who are used to watching games in the evening.

Costs

In addition to these challenges, the NFL would also have to contend with the cost of operating a franchise in London. The cost of living in London is much higher than in many US cities, and the cost of renting or buying a stadium in the city could be prohibitively expensive. The NFL would also have to cover the cost of transporting players and staff to and from London for games and other events.

Recruitment

Finally, there is the issue of player recruitment. American football is a sport that is primarily played in the United States, and the vast majority of NFL players are American. If the NFL were to establish a franchise in London, it would need to recruit players from the UK and Europe. While there are talented players in these regions, the level of competition is not as high as it is in the US. This could make it difficult for a London-based franchise to compete with established NFL teams.

In conclusion, while the idea of a London-based NFL franchise may sound exciting, there are several reasons why it would be difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in the city. The failure of NFL Europe, the unpredictability of wild card game hosting, UK tax laws, cultural differences, time zone differences, operating costs, and player recruitment are all significant obstacles that the NFL would have to overcome. While it is not impossible for the NFL to establish a franchise in London, it would require a significant investment of time, money, and effort, and there is no guarantee of success. Ultimately, the NFL will need to carefully consider these challenges before making a decision about whether to pursue a team in the United Kingdom as it looks to expand its foothold on the game worldwide. 

This was a guest article from one of our partners

Spring Steps

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Well it certainly feels like the NFL is going to be very interesting with the amount of action we have seen the past few weeks in the league, as we take a look at some of the Spring Steps.

Some of the biggest names are on the move, while some even top tier names still have nothing going on with them. What’s the deal with that?

We’ll take a look at some of the moving and shaking going on in the league thus far, as we check in on some of the teams and see what the heck they are doing?

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons NEED a QB for 2023, it all depends where they are going to get him from.

With most of the major talent gone, it seems that the best hope for a new passer this season is in the Draft. C’mon, can you really build a squad around Desmon Ridder after the Mariota season last year?

Who and how they end up with should have big impact on some of the players that they have already started to build around.

ATL traded for TE Jonnu Smith from the Patriots, as well as snagging Taylor Heinicke from the Commanders, but it was their splash for cash on former Bengals safety Jessie Bates III that brought the most head scratches.
Sure, the Falcons D sucks, but do you really need to make Bates the 4th highest paid safety in the league?

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have made no secret that this is going to be a ‘rebuilding year’ after having liquidated their assets over the past few seasons.

Trading off McCaffery last year, then the trade up with the Bears shows that Carolina is looking for a fresh restart to build the team around a new, young stud.

Carolina has made some pretty major acquisitions in this offseason, taking Miles Sanders from the Eagles, picking up Adam Thielen from the Vikings, Hayden Hurst and the solid ginger-ninja in Andy Dalton to back up whatever pretty boy they bring in.

The Panthers defence wasn’t horrible last year, so the additions of players like DeShawn Williams, Shy Tuttle, Justin McCray and Vonn Bell should help them from leaking points in 2023.

Chicago Bears

The Bears shuffled off their number one pick to the Panthers, allowing them to put the focus mainly on giving Justin Fields the tools that he needs to develop into a fully grown Bear.

Chicago blew some of its wad on former Bill Tremaine Edmunds, which is quite odd considering they could have just tossed that cash at All Pro Roquan Smith.

They did make a great move to snag the handsy DJ Moore from the Panthers, RB Travis Homer from the Seahawks, former Packer Robert Tonyan, RB D’onta Foreman and back up QB PJ Walker.
It’s like the Bears kind of cleaned out the closets of Carolina to find the simple things that ‘bring them joy.’

With the NFC North in flux, it could be more than a rebuild year for the Bears.

Denver Broncos

Splashing cash to protect the ass of Russell Wilson has been the driving force for the Broncos, who bolstered their D this week with some pretty key additions.

Former 49er Mike McGlinchey helps Denver out at tackle, although at a hefty 5 years for $87.5 million.
Adding to him is guard Ben Powers ($52 million), as well as another $45.8m for former Cardinal DE Zach Allen.

Offensively the Broncos also grabbed former Bengal Samaje Perine to help their running game, as well as slinger Jason Stidham to help in the back up role when Wilson inevitably ends up injured midseason.

It’s high hopes for the Broncos in 2023, in a division that will offer very little hope.

Lamar

How ya feeling Lamar? Feeling the love yet? Didn’t think so.

This drama is going to go down to the wire, and will probably end up with Jackson signing with the Patriots anyhow, just to make the AFC East a cluster-bang of teams for 2023.

Aaron

Can we just buy the guy a groundhog? Then it can tell us what it’s thinking, and whether or not we need to bother listening to it, or we can just go back to bed?

 

 

 

March Breaking

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Things are heating up in the NFL as free agents begin to trickle down, trades are made, and deals are done as we take a look at it all in March Breaking.

It feels like it’s all about to kick off, as teams start to make the moves that will determine their 2023 fate, and the seismic shifts in who ends up where start to become transparent.

Let’s take a look at some of the big news that has been happening.

Bear Down

It didn’t take long for the Bears to goose away their golden pick this year, as the QB hungry Panthers traded up with Chicago to secure the first round pick.
Spoiler alert-it won’t be a kicker that they choose.

Rumour had it that the Bears were looking for a butt-load in return for their pick, and boy did they get it.

The Bears will receive the numbers 9 and 61 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, a first round pick in 2024, and a second round pick in 2025.
Not only that, the Panthers tossed in stellar wide receiver DJ Moore, further liquidating Carolina’s potential to do anything offensive next year.

It’s a great deal for Chicago, who not only have a stud receiver for Fields to toss to, they also have the most cap space to be able to build around him.

Carr Saints

Derek Carr is off to New Orleans, when the Saints made an offer that he couldn’t refuse.

Carr joins a division that is suckity-suck at best, and has the potential to take the raw and rough Saints and dirty them up a bit.

On paper Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara and Olave sound like perfect targets for Carr, but of course it’s all going to come down to coaching.

Rodgers That

This could be the week folks, that we learn what Aaron Rodgers is going to do with his life.

Of course Rodgers would save his drama for Oscars week, as he tries to get his name in the press ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once.’

The biggest unkept secret is that Aaron Rodgers will be moving on to the New York Jets, to make one of the toughest divisions in football even trippier.

With the Packers seemingly saying ‘bye-bye’ to Rodgers, his only other option would be retirement, and that seems like a harsh buzz at this point in his career.

Worst Game of Tag

It’s tag time, as team’s start to throw down franchise tags on sulky players who might want to leave.

Lamar got tagged again for a third time, bulking up a bunch of cash the Ravens will have to pay one day.
How long can they continue to drag the man along before you’re willing to commit?

Saquon signed back again with the Giants, but one would hope that they would try to fins a long term deal rather than the tag game.

Pollard and Josh Jacobs were wise tags from teams that will need to rely on their running games for the year ahead, given the gaps at QB.

The best tag of all was the Jaguars taking Evan Engram, who was a force of light and yardage last year, given Trevor Lawrence plenty of options and hope for the year ahead.

Jalen Gone

The Dolphins made another big offseason move, signing Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey for a 3rd round pick and TE Hunter Long.
The Rams are pretty much just dumping his salary as they skulk back into the shadows of ‘non-contenders’.

It’s a great opportunity for Ramsey, who will join a Dolphins squad that is only really missing a healthy quarterback.

Speaking of which…Tom Brady lives in Florida.

Make sure you check out our feeds this week as we look at all of the crazy free agent moves happening in the league.