SNL Season 43: Tina Fey

SNL finished off its season this week with Tina Fey. Onto the review

Donald Trump Robert Mueller Cold Open: Lets hope this is the last of Alec Baldwin as Trump. Its time to move on. His trump impersonation has just gotten tired as it goes on. This particular cold open was quite interesting though, in that it paints the situation we're in. We get Kate as Rudy and Ben Stiller as Cohen....with De Niro's Mueller looming in the background in a NJ diner. This cold open was a take off the Sorpanos season finale, with the cut to black and all; and that's what I meant by getting this situation down. As we head into the summer and year 2 of the Mueller lead investigation, we just don't know where it will go or what else will come out. (7.4)

Monologue: SNL has gotten some flack in the past couple of years of relying on celebrity cameos over the actual cast...and they played around with that with Tina's monologue, taking questions from various celebs in the audience. (7.5)

Royal Wedding: (6.4)

Morning Joe: I was expecting a little more from this, but Kate and Alex have got Mika and Joe's characters down. (7.4)

Mean Girls(short): (7.6)

(Nicki Minaj): (7.5)

Weekend Update: One of the best new Update characters, Alex and Mikey's Eric and Donald Trump Jr returned to update. Every time, all eyes are on Alex and his physical movements, trying to mirror Mikey. Just a terrific work of comedy.

In a quick turnaround, Kenan showed up as Bishop Curry from the royal wedding. Given that he literally only had hours for this character, he did a really good job.

Update closed off with some "un-aired" jokes throughout the season which were pretty fantastic. (8.5)

Pervert Hunters: (6.7)

Sarah Palin Advice: We were bound for a Palin appearance, and I thought this was a good use of it. A variety of current and former trump admin officials perform a take off of "The Chorus Line" on their commitment to Trump. (8.3)

(Nicki Minaj): (6.5)

Talent Show: (7.0)

Chicago Improv (short): (7.4)

All in all, it was a somewhat lackluster season finale, with nothing really super memorable. It sort of felt all season long that SNL ran into some trouble trying to parody Trump. It worked out best when Trump wasn't present in character, and hopefully they'll move on from Alec Baldwin for season 44. (7.35)

Donald Glover: 8.05

Will Ferrell: 8.02
Chance The Rapper: 7.83
Ryan Gosling: 7.63

John Mulaney: 7.58
Sam Rockwell: 7.55
Kumali Nanjiani: 7.48 

Amy Schumer: 7.43

Bill Hader: 7.42 
Charles Barkley: 7.41

Tina Fey: 7.35
Chadwick Boseman: 7.34 
Sterling K. Brown: 7.30
James Franco: 7.28
Kevin Hart: 7.20
Saoirse Ronan: 7.16
Tiffany Haddish: 7.15
Larry David: 7.14
Jessica Chastain: 7.11
Gal Gadot: 7.08 
Natalie Portman: 7.03     

SNL Season 43: Amy Schumer

Mother's Day Cold Open: While showing off the mothers of the cast, SNL took a bit of a look at the opposite side, politics wise, with some lines from the mothers on how they're tired of political sketches. They may have a point (when it comes to Alec Baldwin), but I found it interesting how they mixed these ideas in. (7.5)


Monologue: (7.9)


Mother Knows Best: This sketch wouldn't have been noteworthy without Kate McKinnon's "Bates Motel-like" character here with Mikey Day. She just went all out on this one. (7.1)


New Hulu Show: (6.5)


The Day You Were Born: This was a creative non-political short. On one hand, you have Amy getting breakfast in bed as a mother, telling her son all the wonders of his birth....and then you get the dark-lighted reality so to speak on what actually went down during. It showed pretty well that its not all rainbows and perfection, but tough work. (8.5)


Gospel Brunch: (4.0)


(Kacey Musgraves): (7.6)


Weekend Update: Heidi Gardner returned as youtube reviewer Bailey. Unlike her "boxer's girlfriend" character, this was just as good the 2nd time around. Just the way she draws every line out, she really gets into this character.

We got a surprise cameo from Melissa McCarthy playing Michael Che's stepmom. They both played this up really well, they really had a surprising amount of chemistry together. (8.9)


Lil' Rent: (6.8)

(Kacey Musgraves): (8.5)


Last Call: These sketches improbably always hit the mark, despite the setup being the same. It takes the right host to pull these off, and Amy and Kate really played it up. (8.4)


Graduation Commercial: A lot like the Christmas short a few seasons back, this Beck talkover video took on all the aspects of graduation. (7.5)


It would be impossible for this show to reach the heights of last week and Donald Glover, but it still was enjoyable. It was surprisingly non-political...but it wasn't really noticeable, if that makes sense. (7.43)

Donald Glover: 8.05

Will Ferrell: 8.02
Chance The Rapper: 7.83
Ryan Gosling: 7.63

John Mulaney: 7.58
Sam Rockwell: 7.55
Kumali Nanjiani: 7.48 

Amy Schumer: 7.43

Bill Hader: 7.42 
Charles Barkley: 7.41
Chadwick Boseman: 7.34 
Sterling K. Brown: 7.30
James Franco: 7.28
Kevin Hart: 7.20
Saoirse Ronan: 7.16
Tiffany Haddish: 7.15
Larry David: 7.14
Jessica Chastain: 7.11
Gal Gadot: 7.08 
Natalie Portman: 7.03     

SNL Season 43: Donald Glover

Donald Glover brought his talents to SNL. Onto the review

Michael Cohen Wiretap Cold Open: What a star-studded cold open. Ben Stiller as Cohen, Martin Short as Trump's doctor, Scarlett Johansson and Jimmy Fallon as Ivanka and Kushner....and Stormy Daniels herself. Usually cold opens that jam pack week/s worth of news into one don't work out, but in this instance it actually did. Even Alec Baldwin's Trump worked out here, as he was merely part of this grand ensemble. And is there someone Kate McKinnon couldn't play, as she took on Rudy. (8.9)

Monologue: (7.0)

Courtroom: (7.4)

Friendos (short): This was a very well made short, much like the Chance The Rapper music video short from when he hosted earlier this season. (8.5)

80's Music Video: Coming straight out of left-field, an Oran "Juice" Jones 'The Rain' parody. I'd be curious on how this came to be. I watched the original, and its a well done parody. That original music video is so ridiculous you'd think it'd be hard to mock, but Donald Glover did a good job here. (8.4)

A Kanye Place (short): I was wondering how SNL would take on the past couple weeks of Kanye news, and this was a unique concept. Based off of "The Quiet Place", the group freaks out with each successive Kanye tweet and picture, showing how we get distracted by trivial things given the current chaotic climate. (9.0)

Dirty Talk: (7.5)

(Childish Gambino): (8.5)

Weekend Update: Pete Davidson showed up to semi-roast Jost & Che, as they were recently announced as Emmy's Hosts. 

Leslie Jones discussed facebook's new dating features. (8.3)

Lando's Summit: (7.5)

Barbie Instagram: This felt like more of a 10 to 1 sketch, as Pete, Donald and Heidi try to come up with instagram captions for a Barbie account. Glover really makes this work, with his incredibly dark and profound ideas. (8.4)

(Childish Gambino): (9.0)

FYI: You should definitely check out the "This Is America" music video

Prison Job: (6.2)

Donald Glover brought a tremendous amount of energy to SNL this week. Nearly everything clicked. It was a perfect storm of a week.....and no, that pun wasn't intended. (8.05)

Donald Glover: 8.05

Will Ferrell: 8.02
Chance The Rapper: 7.83
Ryan Gosling: 7.63

John Mulaney: 7.58
Sam Rockwell: 7.55
Kumali Nanjiani: 7.48 

Bill Hader: 7.42 
Charles Barkley: 7.41
Chadwick Boseman: 7.34 
Sterling K. Brown: 7.30
James Franco: 7.28
Kevin Hart: 7.20
Saoirse Ronan: 7.16
Tiffany Haddish: 7.15
Larry David: 7.14
Jessica Chastain: 7.11
Gal Gadot: 7.08 
Natalie Portman: 7.03     

2018 Steelers Draft Review

1st Rd (28)

Terrell Edmunds  S-Va. Tech (6'1", 217lbs)

combine: 4.47s 40, 41.5in vert jump

2017: 3rd All-ACC, 59tckls, 2INTs

strengths: A team leader. Has quick change of direction. Has sudden burst from lateral transitions. Reliable hands. Has desired pursuit speed as a chase defender. Size & speed to offer immediate help on return coverage.

weaknesses: Will take the worst of a collision. Inconsistent angles to the ball. Too aggressive to route fakes. Lacks desired instincts & feel for deep coverage. Slow to read QB. Fails to find the football when his back is to the ball.

comp: DeShawn Shead

grade: 5.59 (Chance to become a starter)



2nd (60)

James Washington  WR-Oklahoma St (5'11", 213lbs)

combine: 4.54s 40, 14reps, 34.5in vert jump

2017: Bilentikoff Finalist, 1st All-B12, 74rec/1,549yds/13TDs

strengths: Escapes press with good initial quickness. Surprises CB's with build-up speed & consistently gets by them. Accelerates from stem on post routes. Tracks the ball like a center-fielder. Adjusts speed to match the ball flight. Comes down with the deep ball with the best of receivers. Flashes runaway speed after the catch.

weaknesses: Exposure to the route tree is limited. Gives away comeback route with more deliberate vertical push in his route. Footwork inside routes feels clunky with a lack of timing. Lacks short area footwork & suddenness to win underneath against tight man coverage. Not a smooth, easy pass catcher. Has issues contesting catches on the 1st and 2nd levels.

comp: Corey Coleman

grade: 5.76 (Chance to become a starter)


3rd (76)

Mason Rudolph  QB-Oklahoma St (6'5", 235lbs)

combine: 4.9s 40, 26in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-B12, 4,904yds 65% compl, 37TDs/9INTs

strengths: Stands tall in the pocket. Lets routes develop. Slides in the pocket for clean launch points.  Keeps eyes trained downfield. Puts air under deep throws. Reads safeties & moves to his progressions accordingly. Ran zone reads around the endzone.

weaknesses: Over-strides. Rarely drives his lower body through the throw. Needs to throw with better timing & placement on comebacks & outs. Ball placement & decision making can run askew when he scrambles. Inexperienced as a rollout passer. Has ball security issues.

comp: Christian Ponder

grade: 5.66 (Chance to become a starter)




3rd (92)

Chuks Okorafor  OT-Western Michigan (6'6", 320lbs)

combine: 5.31s 40, 19reps, 23.5in vert jump

2017: 1st All-MAC

strengths: Uses mass to clog lanes against stunts. Lands hands where he aims them in the run game. Shows ability to snatch & torque defender out of gap. Good 2-step quickness out of his stance. Patient when shooting his hands. Natural power sit & anchor against a bull rush. Power for proper redirects in pass protection or in the run game.

weaknesses: Awkward out of stance as a zone blocker. Limited lower body bend. Poor leverage makes him inconsistent as a drive blocker. Struggles to change direction. Topples off-balance in the run game. Instincts are below average. Doesn't have the feel for what opponents are going to do.

comp: Donovan Smith

grade: 5.60 (Chance to become a starter)




5th (148)

Marcus Allen  S-Penn St (6'2", 202lbs)

combine: 15reps, 37in vert jump

2017: 71tckls/1INT

strengths: Meets blockers with jarring hands. A forceful striker. Flashes into backside lanes. Good mirror when working as a downhill tackler against inside runs. Can match-up with TE's in space.

weaknesses: Lacks instincts & anticipation. Missing footwork & burst. Tight-hipped finisher. Too many false steps in coverage. Lacks fluidity in space.

comp: Clayton Geathers

grade: 5.60 (Chance to become a starter)




5th (165)

Jaylen Samuels  TE/RB-NC State (6'0", 225lbs)

combine: 4.54s 40, 18reps, 34.5in vert jump

2017: 1st All-ACC, 69rec/551yds/4TDs, 71car/383yds/11TDs

strengths: Roster flexibility thanks to unique versatility. An "all purpose" player. Used as a zone-scheme runner, on jet-sweeps, bubble screens, slot, outside receiver, and "wildcat". Can make the 1st tackler miss in space. Active with off-hand to swipe away arm tackles. Separates from LB's. Able to drop low & snare low throws. Has kick cover talent & return experience.

weaknesses: Doesn't show tenacity to help running game as a H-back. Average play speed & short area quickness. Needs more vertical push into routes. Has tight hips. Route-running is raw. Struggles to pull in throws outside his frame. Too many drops, and focus issues.

grade: 5.49 (Backup/Special teams potential)



7th (246)

Joshua Frazier  DT-Alabama (6'3", 321lbs)

combine: 21reps

2017: 15tckls, 1FF

strengths: Aggressive upfield push. Desired power in lower half. Able to eat blocks or play through blocker's edge. Able to stack & shed as a 2-gapper.

weaknesses: Never broke into the regular rotation. Minimal production. Space takes over play-maker. Plays at a lethargic pace. Rarely gains quick advantages. Offer no pass-rush potential.

grade: 4.95 (Should be in a training camp)

2018 Steelers Draft Prospects Preview - Pt. 4

These prospects were compiled from a select number of mock drafts and official team visits. The summaries are from NFL.com



M.J. Stewart   CB-UNC (5'11", 200lbs)

combine: 4.54s 40, 18reps, 35in vert jump

2017: Honorable All-ACC, 45tckls/2scks

strengths: Success in off-man & press-man. He sinks into the chests of boundary targets. Instinctive & cautious not to bite on double moves. Can counter move TE's with physicality. Maintains contain responsibilities against the run. A strike & wrap tackler.

weaknesses: Caught flat-footed sitting on routes. Hips are average when flipping to run. Lacks long speed. Waits for the throw rather than shade from the zone. Slow to transition from hand-usage to footwork.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Micah Hyde

grade: 5.70 (Chance to become a starter)





Mason Rudolph  QB-Oklahoma St (6'5", 235lbs)

combine: 4.9s 40, 26in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-B12, 4,904yds 65% compl, 37TDs/9INTs

strengths: Stands tall in the pocket. Lets routes develop. Slides in the pocket for clean launch points.  Keeps eyes trained downfield. Puts air under deep throws. Reads safeties & moves to his progressions accordingly. Ran zone reads around the endzone.

weaknesses: Over-strides. Rarely drives his lower body through the throw. Needs to throw with better timing & placement on comebacks & outs. Ball placement & decision making can run askew when he scrambles. Inexperienced as a rollout passer. Has ball security issues.

projection: Rd. 2

comp: Christian Ponder

grade: 5.66 (Chance to become a starter)




Richie James  WR-MTSU (5'9", 178lbs)

   












combine: 4.48s 40, 6reps, 35.5in vert jump

2017: 31rec/290yds 3TDs, 10car/57yds

strengths: Gets out of blocks in a flash off snaps. Rapid-fire foot-quickness. Able to uncover on 1st & 2nd levels. Very shifty at route stem. Talented runner with the ball. Willing to lock up & engage CB's & safeties as a run blocker.

weaknesses: Play strength is below average. Routes lack polish. Lacks focus & consistent catch radius. Durability concerns.

projection: Rds. 5-6

comp: De'Anthony Thomas

grade: 5.38 (Backup/special teams potential)




Dorian O'daniel   OLB-Clemson (6'1", 215lbs)

combine: 4.61s 40, 21reps, 32in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-ACC, 103tckls/5scks

strengths: A madman on special teams. Technically sound as a tackler. Drives upper-body into target. Agility for lateral tackles against cutback runs. Offers versatility. Redirects routes with force. Reads & squeezes from zone.

weaknesses: Average athlete in space. Pursuit speed below par. Gives up separation when matched in man coverage. Plays upright & needs to do better job anticipating routes.

projection: Rds. 5-6

comp: Julian Stanford

grade: 5.50 (Chance to become a starter)




Christian Kirk  WR-Texas A&M (5'10", 200lbs)

combine: 4.47s 40, 20reps, 33.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 71rec/919yds/10TDs, 1st All-American, 1punt/1kick TD

strengths: Optimal release angles against press. Avoids redirects & contact. Quick in and out of breaks. Able to dip & scoop low throws. Has strong, natural hands as a pass-catcher. Decisive & competitive once he has the ball. Possesses return value.

weaknesses: Doesn't show desired burst into routes. Below average catch radius. Allows defenders to crowd him. Needs to play with better knee bend.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Sterling Shepard

grade: 5.83 (Chance to become a starter)




Justin Reid  S-Stanford (6'1", 204lbs)

combine: 4.40s 40, 16reps, 36.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-American, 1st All-P12, 99tckls, 5INTs

strengths: Excellent versatility. Plays with rapid response to motion & formation. Shows ability to excel up top or near the box. Speed & anticipation to challenge the catch over the top. Impressive ball skills. Sink & scoops low throws. Physical challenges to the catch point. Eludes blockers in space. A reliable wrap & drag tackler.

weaknesses: Backpedal is rigid & slow to gain ground. Beat by quicker slot WR's. Grabby at the top of the routes. Gambles with eyes. Play-fakes can bait him early in play.

projection: Rds. 1-2

comp: Michael Griffin

grade: 6.12 (Should become an instant starter)




Marcus Allen  S-PSU (6'2", 202lbs)

combine: 15reps, 37in vert jump

2017: 71tckls/1INT

strengths: Meets blockers with jarring hands. A forceful striker. Flashes into backside lanes. Good mirror when working as a downhill tackler against inside runs. Can match-up with TE's in space.

weaknesses: Lacks instincts & anticipation. Missing footwork & burst. Tight-hipped finisher. Too many false steps in coverage. Lacks fluidity in space.

projection: Rds. 3-4

comp: Clayton Geathers

grade: 5.60 (Chance to become a starter)



Tarvarius Moore  FS-Southern Miss (6'2", 190lbs)

2017: 87tckls, 3INTs

strengths: Asked to line-up over the slot & handle man-cover duties. Operates with smooth backpedal. Closes on targets quickly. Impressive ball production. Catches RB's before they turn the corner. A willing hitter.

weaknesses: Hands appear just average. Allows deep throws near frame. Has tendency to sit & wait. Too much head ducking as a tackler.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Michael Huff

grade: 5.83 (Chance to become a starter)



Derrius Guice  RB-LSU (5'10", 224lbs)

combine: 4.49s 40, 15reps, 21.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 237car/1,251yds/11TDs, 18rec/124yds/2TDs

strengths: Winning combination of speed, power & balance. Good recognition of early trouble from penetration. Quality vision. Sets up blocks. Exceptional contact balance  carrying power to punish 2nd-level tacklers. Able to push the pile. Possess homerun capabilities in the open field.

weaknesses: Needs to be more decisive through the line of scrimmage. Average burst. Will opt to finish rather than spying additional opportunities. Some hip tightness. Took his fair share of heavy hits. Slow out of his breaks as a receiver.

projection: Rds. 1-2

comp: Marshawn Lynch

grade: 6.14 (Should become an instant starter) 

2018 Steelers Draft Prospects Preview: Pt. 3

These prospects were compiled from a select number of mock drafts and official team visits. The summaries are from NFL.com






Allen Lazard   WR-Iowa St (6'5", 227lbs)

combine: 4.55s 40, 17reps, 38in vert jump


2017: 71rec/941yds/10TDs


strengths: Smart and extremely physical. A hands catcher who can pluck & turn quickly in traffic. Able to dig out low throws. Gets his eyes on the flight of the ball early. Shields defenders from the catch point. Has experience inside & outside.


weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness. Doesn't have the speed to force CB's into early retreat. Has tight hips. Change of direction is labored. A very little threat with the  ball in his hands.


projection: Rds. 4-5


grade: 5.39 (backup/special teams potential)







Taron Johnson  CB-Weber St (5'11", 192lbs)

combine: 4.50s 40, 17reps, 33in vert jump


2017: 1st All-American, 1st All-Big Sky, 49tckls/2scks, 3INTs


strengths: Plays with a good bend in space. Burst to the ball is quick. Natural coverage skills. Quality plant & drive talent from backpedal. Crowds WR's catch space. Looks to squeeze windows. Plays with good physicality.


weaknesses: Gets grabby in coverage. Needs to be careful not to lose downfield positioning. Has long speed concerns. Late getting off perimeter blocks.


projection: Rd. 4


comp: Bryce Callahan


grade: 5.44 (Backup/special teams potential)







Chase Litton  QB-Marshall (6'5", 230lbs)

combine: 4.90s 40, 29.5in vert jump


2017: 60% compl, 3,115yds 25TDs/14INTs


strengths: He doesn't scare easily. Stands tall in the pocket. Has a good release time. Ball comes out smoothly. Feathers ball over the top of trail defenders.


weaknesses: Lacks functional mobility. Labored rollouts. Below average deep ball placements. Problematic decision making. Misses what defenses give him. Air mails drive throws. Eyes lock onto targets.


projection: Rd. 7/PFA


grade: 4.98 (Should be in a training camp)







Martez Carter  RB-Grambling St (5'7", 193lbs)

strengths: Extremely sudden in movements. Explosive lateral jump cut. Has an effective spin. Instant acceleration out of cuts. Dangerous in space. Background as a return man.


weaknesses: Nonchalant on some downhill runs. Too much stutter-stepping. Unable to break tackles. Contact balance below average.

projection: Rd.7/PFA

grade: 4.94 (Should be in a training camp)


Duke Dawson  CB-Florida (5'11", 197lbs)

 










combine: 4.46s 40, 15reps


2017: 1st All-SEC, 34tckls, 4INTs


strengths: Impedes receiver's release. Plays with choppy, fast feet & good acceleration. Digests route combinations. Attacks the high side or trail side to ruin the catch point. Head swivels & eyes dart to search for route traffic from the zone. Gritty & competitive in run support.


weaknesses: A short strider. Issues opening smoothly. Can get grabby. Average long speed. Gives up some separation to burners. Tries to hit rather than wrap up as a tackler.


projection: Rds. 3-4


comp: Brian Poole


grade: 5.75 (Chance to become a starter)





B.J. Hill  DT-NC State (6'4", 315lbs)

combine: 4.99s 40, 35reps, 26.5in vert jump


2017: Honorable All-ACC, 57tckls/3scks


strengths: Has natural movement. Good jump on play direction. Plays with desired anticipation. Above average instincts. Good recognition of pre-snap movement. Good upper body turn. Good tackle production.


weaknesses: Gives ground against initial contact. Rolled out of gap by double teams. Gets bumped out of his track by blocks from the edge. Body control, contact balance are below average. Bull rush isn't there.


projection: Rds. 4-5


comp: Marvin Austin


grade: 5.62 (Chance to become a starter)





Dante Pettis  WR-Washington (6'0", 186lbs)

2017: 63rec/761yds/7TDs


strengths: A fine-tuned route runner. Accelerates off the line. Moves CB's with route savvy & effective fakes. Works back to throws. Stick and steady hands. Plus concentration in traffic. makes necessary deep ball & in-air body adjustments to the catch. An elusive punt return specialist. Eludes the first tackler.

weaknesses: Tends to hint about underneath routes with a lack of vertical push. Physical CB's throw him off his game. He can do better job of stacking CB's once he has them beat.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: T.J. Houshmandzadeh

grade: 5.85 (Chance to become a starter)


Fred Warner  OLB-BYU (6'3", 236lbs)

 











combine: 4.64s 40, 21reps, 38.5in vert jump


2017: 87tckls, 1INT


strengths: Fluid hips. Moves like a safety. Change of direction comes fairly easily in space. An active tackler. Plus instincts. Quick to diagnose & trigger downhill. Extremely responsive to QB's eyes in space.

weaknesses: Takes inconsistent angles to the ball. Picks & chooses when to thump. Clicks motor off & coasts at times when on the back side of the play.

projection: Rds. 4-5

comp: Alani Fua

grade: 5.58 (Chance to become a starter)


Jaire Alexander  CB-Louisville (5'11", 192lbs)

 











combine: 4.38s 40, 14reps, 35in vert jump


2017: Honorable All-ACC, 19tckls, 1INT


strengths: Eyes stay on the QB. Aware & instinctive. Spots traffic from the zone & squeezes passing lanes. Quick response time when the QB begins release. A smooth mover, plus acceleration. Crowds & mirrors WR release. Stays connected to routes. Aggressive attacking catch point. Rips arms through potential catches.


weaknesses: Avoided excess contact with blockers. Needs to play with better knee bend. Can get grabby in man coverage. Loses balance during transitions. Inconsistent getting his head around. An inconsistent finisher as a tackler.


projection: Rds. 1-2


comp: Teez Tabor


grade: 5.99 (Chance to become a starter)



Joel Iyiegbuniwe  ILB-Western Kentucky (6'1", 230lbs)

 












combine: 4.60s 40, 19reps, 35in vert jump


2017: 1st All-CUSA, 116tckls, 3FFs


strengths: Has a rangy, athletic frame. Good speed in pursuit. Actively searches to strip the ball. Very smooth in backpedal.


weaknesses: Coasts too much. Slow to balance eyes between blockers & ball-carriers. Gets stuck on blocks when squared up.


projection: Rds. 6-7


grade: 5.19 (Better than average chance to make roster)

SNL Season 43: John Mulaney

Former SNL writer and stand up comedian John Mulaney made his hosting debut. Onto the review

Meet The Parents Cold Open: Once again, SNL does its political coverage best when Trump isn't actually portrayed. We got a couple of guest cameos, Ben Stiller as Michael Cohen and Robert De Niro as Robert Mueller. It went on from there, recreating the lie detector scene in Meet The Parents. I also noticed an interesting dynamic here with Sessions and Pence. We'll see if that continues. (7.6)

Monologue: Time and time again, stand-up monologues always win out, as this week's did. (8.7)

Drag Brunch: (6.9)

National School Walkout: (7.2)

Wild Wild Country (short): Even without seeing wild wild country on netflix, this still was a well done looking parody. We even got snl alumni Nasim Pedrad, but Kenan was the star. (8.0)

Diner Lobster: This was definitely a thing. I'm not sure there are enough words to describe this masterpiece....except Lobster Les Miserables. Seriously, from the set designs, to the choreography and the singing, this was so well done. This sketch had no business working as well as it did. (9.5)

(Jack White): (8.0)

Weekend Update: The first guest saw Kate McKinnon as Laura Ingraham. She did that David Ortiz of made-up sponsors for her show...but the premise still worked.

Then Kenan showed up as Lavar Ball, which is quikcly becoming one of my favorite characters of his. (8.1)

Sitcom Reboot: (6.5)

Horns: (6.9)

(Jack White): (7.5)

The Real Intros Of Reality Hills: (6.0)

And while it was cut (score not included), there was a terrific cut for time sketch. Luke Null really shined in this. The trio of Luke, Cecily and John made it shine.

The material wasn't quite there post-update, but the material that worked really, really worked. I'm sure we'll get John Mulaney hosting again (who has quickly become one of my favorite stand-up comics). (7.58)

Will Ferrell: 8.02
Chance The Rapper: 7.83
Ryan Gosling: 7.63

John Mulaney: 7.58
Sam Rockwell: 7.55
Kumali Nanjiani: 7.48 

Bill Hader: 7.42 
Charles Barkley: 7.41
Chadwick Boseman: 7.34 
Sterling K. Brown: 7.30
James Franco: 7.28
Kevin Hart: 7.20
Saoirse Ronan: 7.16
Tiffany Haddish: 7.15
Larry David: 7.14
Jessica Chastain: 7.11
Gal Gadot: 7.08 
Natalie Portman: 7.03