Keelon Russell, SMU, Bi'Jan, Jonathan, Caleb ... and 6 Other Things.

Those Jonathan Taylor and Bi'Jan Robinson contracts are well-deserved ... they're difference makers and the investment their teams are making in them speaks to the renewed emphasis being placed on running backs.

Stefon Diggs to Washington is an underrated, but incredible move for the Washington franchise. His veteran presence will be invaluable as the season progresses and gives Daniels a veteran receiving presence in the huddle.

That Alabama quarterback competition is one to keep your eyes on and I'd love to see the young man from Duncanville, Texas, Keelon Russell come out on top. I think he has the goods. Whoever wins have the demanding eyes of the Alabama fans all over them.

I can't take my eyes off of SMU and I really think this year's team and the program in general are primed to do big things. With NIL money now an option, a huge endowment, a hungry fan base, all positioned in a world-class city, yes, big things indeed in Dallas.

Caleb Downs is the most Ed Reed thing the NFL has seen since seeing Ed Reed ... he's that good and versatile which is what the Cowboys have lacked in a secondary presence since the days of Darren Woodson.

Cooper Rush will get the most snaps at quarterback for the Falcons this year and that's not a good thing for ATL. Tua and Penix are on the roster, but both are injury prone which is why I'm going with Rush to be the de facto Falcons starter.

That USC schedule starts easy with Fresno, Louisiana, and Rutgers, but my Lord it really picks up steam from there with Oregon, Washington, Penn State, and Wisconsin the following four weeks.

Texas and Texas A&M hold the key to the SEC remaining a dominant conference and it all comes down to one thing ... money. No one has more money than the great state.

Sauce Gardner is going to have a bounce back season. He was once viewed as the leader of the new breed of cornerbacks before injuries derailed his ascent. After an offseason of rehab, I think he regains the form that made him one of the league's premier young talents.

If the Bengals offensive line can protect Burrow ... with those weapons ... and the addition of Dexter Lawrence II ... just saying ... it could be a special year in the jungle.

Speaking of healthy, wondering what a healthy John Mateer can do at OU, backed by a solid running game. If he's allowed to play quarterback, not quarterback, running back, and fullback, the Sooners will be in the SEC and national mix.