Oct. 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) is injured in the first half of the game agains the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Rich McKay, Ray Anderson, and Jeff Fisher all answered various questions asked by myself and other credential worthy journalists in an informative conference call. The NFL Competition Committee will be holding its annual league meeting next week in Arizona and many different subjects will come under review. Much of the discussions that will be taking place will consider the health and safety of the players. Issues regarding peel back blocks, leading with the crown of the helmet, and field maintenance will all be voted on in order to try and make the game safer. Along with safety, rules concerning things such as instant replay and the infamous tuck rule will be addressed.

Safety is always a big time issue with the NFL Competition Committee and this year is no different. The league is looking to address a few issues of safety.

The first is the peel back block, which is a play similar to what the Texan’s Brian Cushing was injured on this past year which ended up ending his year early. Players will no longer be able to block low in or outside of the tackle box.

The next rule change affects both the offensive and defensive players. Starting in 2013, any defender or offensive player running with the ball who initiates contact with the crown of their helmet will be penalized 15 yards for doing so. This could be big as now offensive players could be penalized for leading with their heads.

Also concerning safety, the issue that came up in Washington during the playoffs of field maintenance will be addressed this coming season. Organizations will now be held responsible by the NFL for upholding NFL worthy field conditions. This issue may have been what injured both RG3 and Chris Clemons in the playoffs last year. When asked if there were any proposals to change the type of turf in Washington, Rich McKay said “No, there hasn’t been any specific proposals and clubs really are given the option and prerogative to pick their surfaces, so there is no proposal that would require them to change surfaces, this proposal is geared toward making sure everyone understands going forward that the league will take a more active role in making sure that whatever surface is chosen that the standards are vigorously upheld.”

A few different rules will be proposed to try and keep the game as fair as possible. The infamous tuck rule will be eliminated from the rulebooks. If a quarterback is trying to secure the ball and it comes out, it will now be ruled a fumble, as it should have been all along.

The next proposal will be about instant replay. If a coach challenges a play, a timeout will be charged, if the challenge is won, the timeout will be given back. If a timeout is not available, a 15 yard penalty will be assessed and the play is still reviewable. If a challenge is not allowed but a challenge flag is thrown, the timeout will not be given back. Another rule being proposed is a requirement that all players wear thigh and knee pads in an attempt to improve safety.

The NFL Competition Committee is poised to make the game safer and better played this year as many issues will be resolved next week in their annual league meeting.

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

Manti Te’o has had a rough couple of months and it seems to be affecting him in all the wrong places.

First it was the awards ceremony when he received a phone call claiming his fake girlfriend was still alive… allegedly. Then, it showed during the BCS National Championship Game when he played awful against the stout Alabama running game.

The latest place that it seems to be affecting him is in the NFL combine. Manti has had a rough day thus far in Indianapolis and it doesn’t seem like it will let up.

He had a bad forty yard dash time in which he clocked in at 4.82 seconds which is just not good at all. He looks stiff and has looked like all the negative attention has affected him in the worst way possible. But, the undeniable facts are that Manti Te’o was a Heisman finalist and an All-American who led his team to the BCS National Championship game.

Say all the drama that surrounds Te’o makes teams shy away in the first round of the draft; Manti Te’o could prove to be a major steal or value pick if he does end up slipping into the 2nd round of the draft. Manti Te’o has a ton of strange and weird baggage that comes with him, but he could also prove to be a great NFL linebacker. All he has to do is avoid being cat-fished by a fake dead girlfriend, who was really a guy the whole time, or avoid lying again. Which ever story you prefer to believe.

Oct 20, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is chased by Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) during a kick return at Neyland Stadium. Alabama won by a score of 44 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL draft is fast approaching and while it may not be very top heavy, it has some good depth. The wide receiver position has some very good talent and the top talent at the position is wide receiver Cordarelle Patterson out of the University of Tennessee. Patterson could be the next big time talent at the wide receiver position in the NFL.

Cordarrelle Patterson is a 6’3, 205 pound junior that was the primary playmaker for the Volunteers this past season. His start at the junior college level proves that he has the will and the determination to be great. He was often times the fastest player on the field, being able to run a 4.48 forty yard dash. He has all the tools to become great wide receiver, the size, speed, and the elusiveness necessary to be a big time playmaker in the NFL.

Patterson has a very athletic build and has the fluidity along with the hands that are required to be a productive NFL wide receiver. Patterson has the strength necessary to be able to box out and go up and grab the contested catch in traffic. His route running needs improvement but that can be an easy fix with the right type of coaching.

Cordarrelle Patterson has the athleticism to be an extremely dangerous return man either on punts or on kickoffs. During his time with the Tennessee Volunteers, he was one of the most dangerous return men in all college football.

Cordarrelle set over a dozen records while at Hutchinson Community College. He then went on and set the all-purpose yardage record at the University of Tennessee during the 2012 college football season. Cordarrelle Patterson has all of the tools necessary to be a big time talent in the NFL. He should be a first round draft pick, maybe going very early around picks 13-18.

Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Running backs have long been deemed the work horses for NFL teams. Doing the dirty work, running backs are needed to get that few inches in the trenches when it really matters. The 2012 NFL season offered a wide variety of performances at the running back position. Highlighted by an MVP year by Adrian Peterson, running backs are staking their claim that football still relys heavily on the rushing game.

1) Adrian Peterson -

The obvious number one choice for the 2013 NFL season, Adrian Peterson had an absolute incredible year on the ground in 2012. Peterson will be poised to actually break Eric Dickerson’s long standing rushing record in 2013. Coming off an ACL and MCL knee reconstruction, Adrian seemed better post injury than he was before the injury. 2013 should be no different for Peterson who in 2012 led the Vikings to the playoffs with 2,097 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns, and an insane 6.0 yards per carry average. Oh, and he was the MVP of the NFL in 2012, out dualing Bronco’s quarterback Peyton Manning for the coveted award.

2) Arian Foster -

Arian Foster will be expected to sustain his rushing success of the past 3 years. Coming on the scene for the Houston Texans in 2010, Foster has shown the type of consistency necessary to be an All Pro year in and year out. His efforts in 2012 helped the Texans make a playoff run which ended in a loss to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. Arian posted an impressive 1,424 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns, and a per carry average of 4.1 yards. Arian Foster will be in the hunt for the rushing title in 2013.

3) LeSean McCoy -

LeSean McCoy did a bit of a disappearing act in 2012. He was coming off of two straight 1,000 yard seasons and was expected to repeat or to even better those numbers in 2012. Well, that didn’t happen as he was only able to put up 840 yards rushing, score only 2 touchdowns, and net a 4.2 yards per carry average. LeSean was able to make this list because of one man, Chip Kelly. LeSean McCoy possesses the skill set that a running back needs to shine in a Chip Kelly offense. This could prove to be very good for LeSean McCoy’s stats. During his tenure at Oregon, Chip Kelly’s offense was very good to the running back position, as LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner were able to have outstanding statistics. LeSean McCoy will have a comeback year for the record books.

4) Marshawn Lynch –

Coming off his best year during his time in the NFL, Marshawn Lynch launched himself into the company of elite NFL running backs. Making the Pro Bowl in 2012, Lynch had 1,590 yards rushing, scored 11 touchdowns, and had a 5.0 yards per carry average. It should come as no surprise that the Seattle Seahawks had a very successful year behind both rookie sensation Russell Wilson and the always entertaining Marshawn Lynch. The Seattle Seahawks should fully expect a repeat performance from Lynch in 2013, as they will be trying to make another run at the Super Bowl. Beastmode is here to stay.

5) Alfred Morris –

Alfred Morris came into the year as an unknown rookie running back who was picked in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL draft at pick number 173. Out of Florida Atlantic, Morris proved to be one of the top RBs in the NFL this past year with 1,613 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns, and a 4.8 yards per carry average. With the injury to RG3, Morris should expect a higher work load on the ground, which could benefit Alfred as he will try and improve on the numbers he put up in 2012. Don’t be surprised if Alfred Morris is competing for the rushing title in 2013.

Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Safeties have the opportunity to make a game changing play or to send a message to the other team with a hit stick tackle. This year’s draft offers a few players who are known for these types of plays. With the stellar play of the safeties this past year, many NFL teams are looking to add a game changing ”outfielder” to their roster.

1) Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas (6-1, 218) - Kenny has the size and speed of a prototypical NFL safety. Vaccaro has everything an NFL safety needs. Good speed, good size, great ball skills, and can tackle well.  He considered leaving school for last year’s NFL draft, but decided to stay. That decision will pay off for Kenny as he is projected to be a top 10 pick this year.

2) Eric Reid, FS, LSU (6-2, 212) - Like Kenny Vaccaro, Eric Reid is exactly what an NFL safety looks and plays like. He is scrappy and willing to lay the wood when necessary. Reid possesses great ball skills and impressive athletic ability. He was the best safety in the SEC this past year, which is saying a lot. Eric Reid is a first round NFL draft prospect.

3) Matt Elam, SS, Florida (5-10, 202) - A Heisman runner-up; He recorded 113 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four passes broken up and 7 interceptions. Matt is the brother of current NFL player Abe Elam. Matt is a physical safety who does a good but not great job in coverage. He has a knack of getting the football in his hands which is a very good thing. He has good speed and ball skills. He lacks the height that some other safeties have in this draft. His playmaking ability can’t be ignored though. Matt Elam is a solid second round draft prospect as of right now.

4) Baccari Rambo, FS, Georgia (6-1, 215) - Baccari Rambo definetly has the name of an elite NFL safety. He also looks the part as well. He has great size and can run well. His balls skills are where they need to be and he is a very good tackler. Rambo looks for opportunities to land that big hit that everybody talks about the next day. The only problem Baccari has is missed tackles due to his very aggresive style of play. Overall, Baccari Rambo is a late second, early third round draft prospect.

5) Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State (6-1, 210) - Phillip is a well built athlete. He has good quickness and can cover man to man well. He has great recovery or closing speed and can tackle well. Thomas has what it takes to be an NFL safety. As of right now he is a third round draft prospect.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (10) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. The pass was intercepted by Alabama defensive back Ha

Having a shutdown corner on a defense can dramatically help the defense’s overall performance. Cornerback play has been at possibly the highest level it has ever been at in the NFL. With stars like Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis setting the standard, teams are looking for that big time shutdown corner in this year’s draft. This year has a few cornerbacks worth taking a serious look at.

1) Dee Milliner, Alabama, (6-1, 198 lbs) - Dee has it all. Great size, good speed, and can play the ball very well. He can change direction with ease and has great hips, which is one of the most important things a cornerback can have. He played against the best of the best his whole career at Alabama. He is the most NFL ready cornerback in this April’s draft. Sure fire first round draft pick.

2) Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State, (6-1, 185) - Banks has the build of an NFL cornerback. His awareness is impressive. He can play the ball very well while its in the air. His speed is kind of questionable, but he makes up for it a lot of times with his recovery speed. Johnthan should be a first round draft prospect.

3) Desmond Trufant, Washington, (5-11, 190) - Desmond is the brother of NFL player Marcus Trufant. He is a very athletic player who possesses great hips and speed. He has the build of an NFL cornerback. He needs to improve on his tackling skills, but still could be drafted in the first round. I expect him off the board by at least pick 40.

4) Xavier Rhodes, Florida State, (6-1, 217) - Xavier is the ultimate physical cornerback. He played a ton of press coverage during his time at Florida State. He has good hips and gets out of his breaks very quickly. He can play the ball well and is a solid tackler. Rhodes has the size you want a cornerback to have. Xavier is a second round draft prospect.

5) Jordan Poyer, Oregon State, (6-0, 182) - Poyer is a relatively unknown for most regualer fans. He has what it takes to succeed in the NFL though. He is a physical cornerback who has good ball skills and has the athleticism necessary for the position. He looked good during Senior Bowl week. Jordan should be viewed as a second to third round draft pick.

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett (90) looks on during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals’ Darnell Dockett has started a war of words with the Alabama Crimson Tide’s star quarterback AJ McCarron on twitter. The subject of all the hostility? AJ McCarron’s smoking hot girlfriend, Katherine Webb.

Dockett has made numerous attempts to land a date with Ms. Webb via twitter since her rise to stardom during the BCS National Championship game in which Brent Musberger went all creep status and stated his thoughts about the Miss Alabama model. Dockett initially tweeted Katherine his phone number on twitter during the game, then proceeded to keep tweeting about her. That was just the beginning to a long back and forth conversation between Dockett and the star quarterback. McCarron, as any boyfriend with a girl that hot would, tweeted Dockett back telling him to essentially step off. The initial response from McCarron went something like this, “u better woory ab being in them playoffs, then going to king of diamonds homie… #betterkeepdreaming like the rest of these dudes.” Dockett then went on and continued taking jabs at McCarron on twitter, claiming Katherine Webb was “OUR” girl and that the three of them “all could go to wingstop!”

Apparently Darnell has not had enough of the beef, calling McCarron out on twitter yesterday, offering to fight McCarron in a boxing match and going as far to call AJ a “sissy boy.” McCarron responded by telling Dockett to get a few more rings and to work on his game, claiming his stats were down this past year. And, well, AJ has a point, maybe Darnell should spend more time trying to get better rather than picking fights on twitter with college kids. Matter of fact, he should invite some fellow Cardinals teammates to come work out with him. It certaintly wouldn’t hurt the Cardinals to get to work after the disappointing season they just had.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) reacts after returning a kick for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

On a Super Bowl winning team loaded with superstars, a shifty third string wide receiver who was acquired from the Houston Texans this year was the big time player that made the big time plays. All season long Jacoby Jones was a deep ball threat who seemed to make a big play every few games. Mostly returning kicks, Jones took two kickoffs and a punt back to the house along with one touchdown reception during the 2012 regular season, via ESPN.com.

Then the playoffs came and Jacoby Jones became the go to guy in big situations. Jones’ speed caused mismatches against every team in the playoffs. He arguably was the reason for the Ravens magical run in the playoffs this year, pulling in the miracle 70 yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in Denver. Jacoby then went on and was as electrifying as any player has ever been in Super Bowl history, hauling in a 56 yard touchdown pass and taking the second half opening kickoff to the paint from 108 yards out. Both plays were spectacular, the catch resulted in Jones falling down then getting back up, breaking a tackle, and shaking 49ers’ cornerback Chris Culliver before eventually making his way into the endzone.

Then the dancing began. Jacoby Jones might legitimately be the best dancer in the NFL today. After both touchdowns, Jones went into beastmode and started showing off the moves for the millions of people watching. After the epic kickoff return TD, Jones imitated  Ray Lewis’ infamous pregame dance, ultimately solidifying his spot in Super Bowl history, as the return was the longest play in the game’s storied history. In the words of the great Randy Moss, Jacoby’s dance moves are “straight cash homie.” All of this crazy, unreal, and at times amusing play making was from a wide receiver who was relatively silent during the regular season. Jacoby Jones is a stud who is here to stay.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles following the game against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Peterson deserves to be the MVP of the NFL this year. Not only should he be MVP, but he also deserves the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Adrian Peterson changed the game with the type of stats he put up this past year with the Minnesota Vikings. Coming off a torn ACL and MCL, Peterson was able to lead the Vikings to the playoffs, one year after a lowly 3-13 season. Leading his team to the playoffs isn’t even the most impressive thing about the year, Peterson’s pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s rushing yards record was an MVP effort all in itself.

A pursuit that he fell just 8 yards short of, gaining 2,097 yards on 348 attempts along with an impressive 12 touchdowns via ESPN.com. To put the year that AD had in perpective, he alone gained more rushing yards in 5 games this year than the Vikings’ quarterback Christian Ponder had in passing yards. Peterson took a team that went 3-13 to the playoffs coming off a devastating injury that sometimes sidelines players for over a year. Adrian Peterson is the MVP of the NFL.

AD has set the bar when it comes to recovering from the gruesome injury that is a torn anterior cruciate ligament or ACL for short. Every athlete that has suffered the injury since Adrian’s remarkable comeback has visions and expectations of coming back and being better than before.

The amount of time it took Peterson to come back from the rehabilitation is absolutely freakish. He was running sprints up a hill with teammate and wide receiver Percy Harvin and beating him after just 4 months of rehab. Adrian Peterson deserves the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award simply because of the expectation and hope that he has given thousands of athletes around the world who suffer torn ACLs every year.

Peyton Manning took an entire year off to recover from his injuries. Adrian Peterson took half that amount of time and had a near record breaking year. Adrian Peterson had a freak year that deserves both the MVP and NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The following is a guest post submitted by Aaron Stafford, a future writer for NFL Spin Zone. The Kansas City Chiefs have the first pick and are on the clock, we’ve made our projections in our first pre-Super Bowl mock draft, but Aaron disagrees and makes a case for West Virginia Quarterback Geno Smith.

While there may be a huge football game being played this Sunday between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, there are 30 other teams in the NFL who are preparing to revamp their rosters in hopes of making it to next year’s Super Sunday.

Arguably the worst team in the NFL this past year, the Kansas City Chiefs currently own the #1 overall pick in this year’s draft. I am proposing they spend that #1 pick on quarterback Geno Smith from West Virginia for a few reasons.

The Chiefs’ new head coach, Andy Reid, has quite the resume when it comes to developing QBs in the NFL. He also runs an offense that would fit Geno Smith’s abilities as a QB. Andy Reid was able to win with multiple quarterbacks while he was in Philadelphia. Most notably in my opinion is Jeff Garcia. Geno Smith fits the mold of the type of QB Andy Reid wants. Geno’s accuracy and his ability to move around in the pocket fits perfect in Reid’s offense. Add a receiver of Dwayne Bowe’s stature with a running back like Jamaal Charles and suddenly a pitiful Chiefs offense looks elite.

Rather than paying a stopgap quarterback like Alex Smith $30 million for a few years of game manager type of play, the Chiefs need to invest in the long term with Geno Smith. The risk/reward weighs too much in the favor of reward with Geno Smith. If Geno comes in and isn’t any better than Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn, (which would be hard), the Chiefs wouldn’t have to waste $50 million in guaranteed money due to the new CBA agreement. But if and when Geno comes into Kansas City and shows his elite potential, Chiefs fans might finally have something to cheer about.

All I’m saying is that not much can go wrong with taking a chance on the future for the Kansas City Chiefs. The rewards of drafting and developing Geno Smith in Andy Reid’s offensive system could result in finally bringing a winning team to Kansas City.