Tag Archives: New York Jets

NFL

Pryor III, Calvin

Card: Leaf 2014
Acquired: 2018, Walmart Autographed Memorabilia

Calvin Pryor III played college ball at Louisville. A starter as a true Freshman, Pryor started laying down the wood for the Cardinals in 2011 with 43 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 5 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles playing the majority of his snaps at free safety. He continued his wrecking ways in 2012, posting a solid 100 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and 2 interceptions. In his final year at Louisville (2013), Calvin finished with 72 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 4 passes defended. A physical player, Pryor amazingly knocked a player out in 3 consecutive games. There was a lot of buzz surrounding Calvin entering the 2014 NFL Draft, and scouts loved his set skills, instincts, and physicality- all things you’d ask for in a free safety roaming the line of scrimmage. He ended up going #18 overall to the New York Jets.

Well Pryor had a rough rookie season to say the least. He hd some bright spots, but he missed 15 total tackles on the year.  In 11 starts Calvin clocked 60 combined tackles, 2 pass defended, and .5 sacks. It was a rough trial by fire to say the least.  2015 proved to be his best season on record. Moved around the field and playing both safety positions, Pryor finished with 69 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, and a forced fumble.  He’d be moved out to strong safety for the 2016 season, and regressed. Considered a liability in coverage, Calvin had 6 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and 60 total tackles.  After a tumultuous offseason, Calvin was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2017, but soon thereafter be released by the franchise for fighting with a teammate. He was subsequently picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but released before the end of the season, suiting up for just 2 games. The Texans kicked the tires on Calvin at the end of 2017 but opted not to sign him.

Currently Calvin is a free agent. I think he’s still got the skills to ball. A lot of good in the box safeties seem to go through this pariah stage of their career, but at some point find a home that really suits their unique skillset. Case in point Bonecrusher Bernard Pollard or DJ Swearinger.  Both of these guys were great playmakers, who just needed to be put in systems that really showcased their abilities at or close to the line of scrimmage. As Calvin is still young, there’s still hope for him left, and if the NFL isn’t where it is at, I think he’d make a fine addition to the Alliance of American Football.

NFL

Hansen, Chad

Card: Panini Contenders 2017
Acquired: 2017, Box Breaker

Chad Hansen was a late bloomer and a very surprising prospect from the 2017 NFL Draft. He played for Idaho St for one year before joining Cal. With the Golden Bears his numbers increased every season culminating in his Senior year, when he posted 92 receptions for 1,249 and 11 scores. Scouts loved Hansen and felt that he was going to sneak up draft boards. Chad managed to climb into the 4th round where he was selected by the New York Jets. He worked his way onto the field during the final few games of 2017, recording his first 3 receptions against the Bucs. Chad finished 2017 with 9 receptions for 94 yards and a 24 yard long.

He’d be claimed off of waivers by the Patriots, and then later spend time on the practice squad of the Titans. Currently he’s on the practice squad of the Denver Broncos.

NFL

Murphy, Marcus

sage15 mmurphyCard: Sage 2015
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

Marcus Murphy played collegially at Missou. A dangerous and versatile player, Marcus scored TDs receiving, rushing, and returning punts and kicks throughout his career. He finished his college career with 357 carries for 1957 yards and 16 TDs, to go along with 50 receptions for 318 yards and 2 TDs in just 2 years. A 7th round pick of the New Orleans Saints, Murphy drafted to fill the role that Darren Sproles and Reggie Bush had before him. He spent the next two years as a return man on both kicks and punts, but couldn’t crack the runningback lineup.  He’d finish with 34 kick returns for 318 yards and a 74 yard TD, and 19 punt returns for 405 yards. He’d be waived in 2017, and found his way onto the practice squads of the Jets, Colts, and Bills. Eventually the Bills decided to take a closer look at Marcus as a strictly a running back. He carried the ball 7 times for 41 yards and caught 2 passes for 7 yards in his Bills debut. Marcus made the roster of the Bills in 2018 and has seen a lot more playing time touching the ball 19 times in 3 games.

Great looking card here of Marcus. I just wish the rest of the Sage 2015 set was this consistent. The striking clouds and heroic pose by Murphy look like a pretty solid throwback to the old public relations photos.