2020 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

Doctor Says Tua Tagovailoa’s X-Rays Are “Pristine”

April 23rd, 2020 at 4:45pm CST by Zachary Links

The doctor who oversaw Tua Tagovailoa‘s medical recheck earlier this month says his X-rays looked “pristine” (Twitter link via Stefania Bell of ESPN.com). It’s not uncommon to hear glowing recommendations from doctors and surgeons around this time of year, but Dr. Byrd served as an independent evaluator and the recheck was facilitated by the league office.

Byrd also told Bell that the Alabama star “looks as good as” anyone he’s ever seen five months removed from a major injury. The Titans doc has seen his fair share of injuries over the years, so that’s a strong statement.

This all jibes with what we’ve heard over the past few weeks, thanks in part to some amplification from the QB’s camp. On the whole, teams seem to be pretty comfortable with Tagovailoa’s current medical situation, despite the history with his hip, wrist, and ankle sprains. In the long run, questions still persist about his ability to withstand the rigors of the NFL and the big hits that come along with the pro game.

If not for the injuries, it’s possible that Tagovailoa would be in the running for tonight’s No. 1 overall pick. Instead, Joe Burrow appears locked in as the first name to be called.

Latest On Dolphins’ QB Plans

April 23rd, 2020 at 4:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

No team has been linked to more draft routes than the Dolphins, who hold three first-round picks and have been eyeing the 2020 draft’s quarterbacks for over a year. They have been busy on draft day thus far, being connected to the No. 3 and No. 1 picks.

Rumored to be negotiating a deal with the Lions to move up from No. 5 to No. 3, the Dolphins would take a tackle if they can complete that deal. However, part 2 of that swap may include a quarterback. The Dolphins have discussed the merits of taking a tackle with the first of their three first-round picks and then Jordan Love later in Round 1, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

While Thursday started with an increased chance the Dolphins and Lions would swap picks, Jaguars interest in the No. 3 selection emerged this afternoon. Of course, the Lions could also be hoping this entices the Dolphins to increase their offer for the pick.

Love has garnered internal support inside Dolphins headquarters (and in various Miami staffers’ in-home war rooms) for months. Before the NFL nixed pre-draft visits, the Dolphins brought the Utah State prospect in for one.

Viewed as closer to a boom-or-bust prospect, Love landed on draft radars with a dominant 2018 season but led Division I-FBS with 17 interceptions last season. Eschewing a possible Tua Tagovailoa pick at No. 3 in hopes of either drafting Love at No. 18 or moving up from 18 to draft him would be a risk. But the Dolphins have been scouting quarterbacks for many months.

Tagovailoa remains the quarterback they’ve been most connected to, with the Justin Herbert buzz having died down. We’ll find out soon enough if the Dolphins plan to execute this daring strategy.

Titans Looking To Trade Out Of No. 29

April 23rd, 2020 at 4:13pm CST by Zachary Links

The Titans are making calls to trade out – and down from – the No. 29 pick, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com tweets. The Titans are looking for offensive line help, but they might be getting the feeling that their preferred targets won’t be there at the back end of the first round.

The top four tackles in this year’s class will almost certainly be off the board by the Titans’ turn. The next tier, according to most insiders, starts with Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland. He, too, could be off the board, with interest from the Vikings, Jaguars, and Browns. The Titans reportedly like Louisiana’s Robert Hunt as well, but they might prefer to pad their picks instead of waiting to find out.

The front office has reportedly been doing their homework on offensive lineman throughout the offseason. Their need for extra depth was accentuated when they lost Jack Conklin hours into free agency.

It makes sense for the Titans to move back and pick up some extra assets, as the organization is sitting with seven draft picks. However, three of those picks are in the seventh round.

Jets, Saints, Packers Looking To Move Up

April 23rd, 2020 at 3:16pm CST by Ben Levine

There are a number of teams pushing to move up in the first round. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Falcons, Jets, Saints, and Packers are among the teams “who have made some noise about potentially moving up.” We previously heard that Atlanta was looking to make a deal.

Rapoport notes that the Jets are “presumably” looking to move up to take an offensive tackle. Gang Green currently has the 11th-overall pick, meaning they should get their hands on one of Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills Jr., Andrew Thomas, and Mekhi Becton. However, if there is a sudden run of lineman, the Jets may be required to make a move.

It might be tough for the Saints to make a trade considering their limited draft capital. New Orleans is currently in possession of only five picks, and the only have a pair of selections in the first three rounds (No. 24 and No. 88).

On the flip side, the Packers are loaded with draft picks, as they’re currently armed with 10 selections. Of course, it’s worth noting that six of those selections are in the fifth round or later. The Packers have the No. 30 pick in the first round. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst discussed the team’s trade prospects earlier this week.

Draft Rumors: Chaisson, Titans, Raiders

April 23rd, 2020 at 2:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

While they have been rumored to be deciding on a left tackle or Isaiah Simmons, the Giants are now being connected to another name at No. 4. Strong buzz has emerged on the Giants liking LSU edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes. Chaisson has not been mentioned as a top-five candidate previously, and La Canfora still mocks Tristan Wirfs to New York. But with Dave Gettleman shocking most by drafting Daniel Jones at No. 6 last year, an off-the-board pick should not be ruled out. The Giants are fairly desperate for edge rushers, having traded away Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon in consecutive offseasons and having not re-signed 2019 sack leader Markus Golden.

Here is the latest from the draft world, with less than five hours remaining until showtime:

Simmons’ versatility may be working against him in some circles. The do-it-all Clemson linebacker may be dropping, with Albert Breer of SI.com writing that teams’ issues with Simmons’ potential fit could well result in him tumbling Thursday night. Noting that a team needs a detailed plan to get the most out of Simmons, Breer does not expect him to go in the top seven.
Having lost Jack Conklin hours into free agency, the Titans have done a lot of work on offensive linemen in this year’s class, La Canfora adds. Ezra Cleveland‘s rise may play him out of Tennessee’s range (No. 29) at this point, but La Canfora points out the Titans are high on Louisiana tackle Robert Hunt as well.
Despite their 14-2 season, the Ravens did not fully replace C.J. Mosley. They have since lost inside linebacker Patrick Onwuasor. They may be in the hunt to fortify that spot tonight. The Ravens have been calling around on linebackers, Breer adds, potentially for a trade-up to land one of this draft’s best. Mel Kiper’s most recent mock draft has Baltimore taking LSU’s Patrick Queen at No. 28, with Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray going ahead of him. But the Ravens may want to make sure they are in position to land one of these two players by moving up.
A footnote in the Raiders‘ blockbuster Khalil Mack trade: they lost their 2020 second-round pick. The team holds two first-round picks but “would love” to drop into Round 2 and stockpile draft capital in doing so, Breer notes.
The 49ers have engaged in conversations regarding potential trades of both their first-rounders — Nos. 13 and 31 — but Breer hears San Francisco would prefer to move down from 31 instead of 13. With the higher pick, the 49ers have been linked to top wide receivers. They have visited with CeeDee Lamb and are believed to be interested in Henry Ruggs.

Vikings, Jaguars Interested In Ezra Cleveland

April 23rd, 2020 at 1:58pm CST by Zachary Links

A few weeks ago, Boise State tackle Ezra Cleveland seemed ticketed for the second or third round. Now, it’s sounding more and more like he’ll hear his name called tonight. The Jaguars and Vikings are both showing serious interest in Cleveland, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network hears.

The Browns have reportedly been enthralled with Cleveland, too, and not just because of his name. He has the potential to feature at four different offensive line spots (every one but center), plus enough bulk at 300+ pounds to hold his ground. Recently, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo adds that the Boise State tackle is a “mortal lock” to be chosen in Round 1.

The Vikings have been exploring tackle options lately, even though Riley Reiff remains an option. If they drafted Cleveland, they slot the youngster at right tackle and kick Reiff inside. The Jaguars, meanwhile, will return every featured OL from last year, except for Cedric Ogbuehi, but they’re looking to bulk up the unit further.

The No. 10 pick would be too early for the Browns to take Cleveland, but they could trade down for him or fill a different need there and trade back into the first round later.

NFL Draft Rumors: Lions, 49ers, Giants

April 23rd, 2020 at 12:02pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions (No. 3) and 49ers (Nos. 13 and 31) appear to be the most aggressive teams when it comes to trading down, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports hears (via Twitter). He also hears that the Lions aren’t getting much in the way of enticing offers, whereas the Niners could have possibilities for both picks.

We know that the Dolphins want Detroit’s No. 3, but they’re trying to pry it loose without sacrificing their No. 5 pick. That could mean a package including their two other first-round picks, plus more from their significant stockpile. The Lions, understandably, are not jumping at any offers that take them out of the Top 5.

Meanwhile, the 49ers’ pick at No. 13 could fetch a big haul, especially if they hold until this evening and wait for one of this year’s stud wide receivers to fall.

Here’s more from Robinson, with all links going to Twitter:

There’s talk of the Dolphins eyeing an offensive tackle with their No. 5 pick, but the teams surrounding them in the draft order don’t believe that’s the case (link). Most of Robinson’s sources seem to think that pick is destined for Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa. No matter what happens at #5, you can expect Miami to target tackles early on, especially since free agent pickup Ereck Flowers has been slotted for the interior.
Robinson isn’t sure what the Dolphins are going to do (same goes for everyone outside of their front office), but he senses that the Chargers are higher on Herbert than Tagovailoa (link). Robinson hears they like his makeup – Herbert has a cannon for an arm – and they’re skittish about Tagovailoa’s surgically-repaired hip. For what it’s worth, the Dolphins passed the Alabama star on his physical at the combine in February.
Assuming the Giants stay at No. 4, Robinson believes the conversation is down to Jedrick Wills Jr. and Tristan Wirfs (link). Some evaluators think Wirfs is better suited for guard, but the Giants believe that can be a strong tackle at the pro level.
With the draft drawing near, the Jaguars still aren’t getting any good bites on running back Leonard Fournette or defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (link). The Jags have been shopping Fournette for more than a month now; they might have scale back their asking price if they want to get a deal done. The Ngakoue market also seems pretty weak, though that has more to do with his contract demands. The Raiders touched base with the Jags on the franchise-tagged defensive end this week, but nothing’s brewing at the moment.

Dolphins Still Pushing For Bengals’ No. 1 Pick

April 23rd, 2020 at 11:19am CST by Zachary Links

The Dolphins are hoping to acquire the Lions’ No. 3 choice and package it with their own No. 5 for the Bengals’ first overall pick, Mike Florio of PFT hears. The Lions have told the Dolphins that they won’t give up the No. 3 pick without the No. 5 pick in the package, but Miami GM Chris Grier seems to think they can be swayed.

Of course, even if Grier can swing that deal with Detroit, he still has to convince the Bengals to part with the No. 1 pick and pass on Joe Burrow. The Bengals say that’s not happening. So far, the Bengals have laughed off every offer, but it’s hard to imagine them hanging up on a team offering two Top-5 picks. At minimum, it’s something that they’d have to consider.

Burrow, by all accounts, is the Bengals’ favorite QB by a mile. But, with Nos. 3 and 5, they could tap their second-favorite passer and one of this year’s elite tackles. Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert would likely be available for them with the third pick. Then, they’d probably have at least three of this year’s top four tackles, if not the whole bunch, available to them. Tua/Herbert + Jedrick Wills/Tristan Wirfs/Andrew Thomas/Mekhi Becton would be a pretty excellent haul by any measure.

It remains to be seen what else Miami would have to give up in order to convince Cincinnati to forego the right to draft Burrow, and one wonders if the team’s No. 18 or No. 26 selections — at least one of which would presumably have to go to Detroit in this scenario — would also be in play. For a rebuilding outfit that has a lot of needs to fill and that has spent a long time stockpiling premium draft capital, that would be an exceedingly steep price to pay.

On the other hand, franchise QBs don’t grow on trees, and not only does Burrow have limitless potential, he has fewer red flags than Tua and Herbert. Though he may have benefited from LSU’s stacked roster in 2019, his otherworldly Heisman-winning campaign, which featured a 76.3% completion rate, 5,671 passing yards, and 60 passing TDs, make Burrow a tantalizing prospect.

If a team knew that a player would turn out to be Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, etc., that team would have no issues trading away its entire draft haul in a given year to draft such a player, regardless of how rich that haul might be. And while no prospect is really a sure thing, if the Dolphins are convinced that Burrow is a future Hall-of-Famer — and they seem pretty sure — then it would be hard to fault them for swinging this kind of deal (at least not until a couple years have passed).

Miami hasn’t been able to make any progress on talks yet, but deadlines spur action, and the NFL Draft is just hours away.

Rory Parks contributed to this post.

Saints Won’t Rule Out Drafting QB

April 23rd, 2020 at 9:54am CST by Rory Parks

Although the Saints have long been said to be planning for Taysom Hill to succeed Drew Brees when Brees retires — which could be as soon as the end of the 2020 season — the team will not rule out selecting a signal-caller in this year’s draft, as GM Mickey Loomis noted (via John DeShazler of the team’s official website).

New Orleans’ very public confidence in Hill, as shown by the team’s tendering the RFA passer at the first-round level this offseason, has raised plenty of eyebrows. After all, Hill will turn 30 in August and has thrown a mere 13 passes in his professional career. Although he has excelled as a gadget player and is expected to see more action as a pocket QB in 2020, a little youthful competition couldn’t hurt.

If the Saints do select a collegiate QB, it would almost certainly not be with their No. 24 overall pick. Barring a trade of some kind, New Orleans would not be on the clock again until the No. 88 selection, and the team also has picks in the fourth through sixth rounds. Players like FIU’s James Morgan, Georgia’s Jake Fromm, and Washington’s Jacob Eason could all be Saints targets if the board falls in a certain way.

“I think that any time you have a chance to get a quality quarterback prospect, regardless of your quarterback situation, you’d like to take advantage of that,” Loomis said. “For us, it hasn’t come. There hasn’t been the match where we’re picking with a prospect that we really like. Our approach is exactly the same this year: If there’s someone there that we really like and have a vision for at the time we’re picking, then we’re not afraid to pull that trigger.”

Hill is not expected to sign his RFA tender anytime soon, though he has until June 15 to put pen to paper.

Latest On Dolphins’ Draft Plans

April 23rd, 2020 at 8:52am CST by Rory Parks

We heard earlier this morning that the Dolphins and Lions are expecting to execute a trade that will allow Miami to jump up to the No. 3 overall selection while shipping the No. 5 pick to Detroit. The ‘Fins had hoped to keep their No. 5 pick and trade from their other draft assets, but Lions GM Bob Quinn isn’t biting on that.

So if the trade is consummated, it’s unclear what other draft picks will be heading to Motown. Though recent buzz has suggested that the Dolphins will take Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa with their No.5 selection if they don’t engineer a trade-up, the team will likely grab a left tackle if it lands the No. 3 pick. After all, the Giants, who hold the No. 4 overall selection, are also in the LT market, and a move to No. 3 would allow the Dolphins to select the player of their choice at that position.

But that would leave the club with a notable vacancy at QB. Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, there are still execs and scouts within the Dolphins’ front office that like Oregon passer Justin Herbert, so if Miami stays put at No. 5, Herbert can’t be ruled out. And if he is still on the board when the Dolphins are on the clock with the No. 18 overall pick — and if they haven’t picked a different QB by then — Herbert obviously becomes even more of a possibility.

In addition to QB and LT, the Dolphins have plenty of other needs to fill. And while WR is not necessarily the most pressing of those needs, a young receiving talent can’t be ruled out in the bottom of the first round. Baylor wideout Denzel Mims could still be available when the team makes its No. 26 overall selection — assuming, of course, it hasn’t been traded — and a Baylor football official tells Jackson that the Dolphins “really like” the raw but talented prospect.

Per Jackson, Miami has also shown interest in UVA wide receiver Hasise Dubois, Auburn safety Daniel Thomas, and Florida edge defender Jonathan Greenard.

2020 NFL Draft News & Rumors