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2020 NFL Draft News & Rumors

NFL Draft Rumors: Thomas, Henderson, Tua

April 18th, 2020 at 7:43pm CST by Zachary Links

With the NFL Draft just around the corner, here’s a look at the latest rumblings from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller:

  • There’s increasing chatter about Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson landing in the top 10, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report hears. Henderson hasn’t garnered the same level of hype as Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah over the last few months, but it’s starting to sound like he has closed the gap. Earlier this week, an anonymous GM told Peter King of NBC Sports that 40% of NFL teams likely have Henderson ranked as the draft’s best CB, ahead of Okudah. Miller isn’t convinced that Henderson will go top 10, but the Panthers (No. 7) and Jaguars (No. 9) could give him consideration.
  • Throughout the evaluation process, offensive linemen Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama) and Mekhi Becton (Louisville) have been highly touted, and Tristan Wirfs has been connected to the Giants at No. 4. Still, there’s buzz that Georgia’s Andrew Thomas could wind up as the first offensive tackle selected, Miller hears. Some may prefer the upside of Wills and Becton or the four-position potential of Wirfs, but Thomas may be the most NFL-ready of the bunch. Of course, with limited OTAs on the horizon, teams have even less time to teach rookies.
  • If the Dolphins are truly targeting Justin Herbert over Tua Tagovailoa, league officials believe that the Alabama star could drop out of the top 10. Things seemed to be trending up for Tagovailoa after the latest check on his surgically-repaired hip, but it’s possible that teams are skittish without getting their own up-close inspection. Personally, we like Tagovailoa’s chances of going in the top 10 – perhaps from a team leaping up the board – even if Miami passes on him.
  • Earlier today, we profiled Georgia star and potential first-round pick D’Andre Swift.

NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Georgia RB D’Andre Swift

April 18th, 2020 at 7:14pm CST by Zachary Links

You’ve heard the draft gurus gush over this year’s lethal class of wide receivers. You’ve also heard the usual refrain about the top quarterbacks, even though some appear to be greener than the grass they play on. Meanwhile, there’s a lot less chatter about running backs in the early going.  

[NFL Draft Profile: Oregon QB Justin Herbert]

Most mock drafts don’t have a running back going in the first round, but Vegas oddsmakers seem to disagree. And, with a surname to fit his skillset, Georgia’s D’Andre Swift could be the running back to break through.

Swift’s agility was on full display last year as he dodged and juked defenders with ease. He finished out 2019 with more than 1,200 yards on the ground and seven rushing touchdowns. Long before the season wrapped, everyone sensed that Swift was ready to move on to the pros.

“Give [Georgia] credit— D’Andre Swift is an impressive player. I just gave him a ‘congratulations’ after the game and wished him ‘goodbye,’ because he needs to go to the NFL,” said Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops in October, after Swift torched the Wildcats for 179 yards. “He’s an elite player.”

As a freshman at UGA, Swift shared the load with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who both opted to play out their senior seasons. Swift didn’t see much reason to wait – he’s averaged 6.6 yards per carry over the last two years, showing that he’s ready for an even bigger challenge.

Swift’s pass-catching totals weren’t as gaudy, but the highlight reel shows that he’s an extremely capable pass-catcher. And, even though his 72-inch wingspan ranked near the bottom of the RB group at the combine, he’s got a surprisingly strong catch radius. Even when the ball doesn’t hit him in the chest, and even when he has a defender bearing down on him, Swift can still find a way to come away with the rock.

He’ll have to hold the ball tighter and run with more authority at the next level, but the general consensus is that Swift is the most NFL-ready of this year’s top RBs. There’s also a belief that his blocking ability will allow him to thrive as an every-down back.

The No. 14 pick might be too early for the Buccaneers to take Swift – especially since they need to beef up the line in front of Tom Brady – but their chances of Swift falling all the way to their next pick at No. 45 aren’t great either. The Dolphins, with RB somewhere on their to-do list and three first-round picks, could also have Swift on their radar. If Miami can come out of Day 1 with their QB of the future, a strong left tackle to protect said QB, and Swift, the future will look a whole lot brighter in South Beach.

Eagles Interested In Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Reagor?

April 18th, 2020 at 6:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

It’s no secret that the Eagles could use some help at wide receiver. But, with expensive WRs already under contract, they had to stay out of the fray in free agency. Now that the draft is less than a week away, they’re expected to make at least one significant investment at the position. 

[RELATED: Eagles’ Jason Kelce To Return In 2020]

In addition to being in the mix for LSU playmaker Justin Jefferson, the Eagles are interested in Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk, Adam Caplan of InsidetheBirds.com notes. They join a list of teams who are not concerned about the core muscle surgery Aiyuk underwent earlier this month. Aiyuk is expected to be ready to go by June, per Caplan.

Philly has also done “a lot of work” on TCU’s Jalen Reagor, Caplan adds. Despite recently posting multiple sub-4.3-second 40-yard dash clockings, Reagor figures to be available by the time the Eagles’ No. 21 pick arrives. Jefferson, however, may not be.

Scouts Inc. rates Aiyuk 20th and Reagor 45th overall. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Aiyuk going off the board 20th and Reagor 55th. Following their 21st overall pick, the Eagles’ next draft window opens at No. 55. They used the No. 57 overall pick last year on JJ Arcega-Whiteside, who underwhelmed as a rookie. Though unlikely, the Eagles going wideout in both the first and second rounds should not be dismissed, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.

If the Eagles want to aim for Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb, they would almost certainly have to trade up. That would probably need to happen to acquire Alabama speedster Henry Ruggs as well.

The Eagles have Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson under contract beyond 2021, but each 30-something’s salary becomes much easier to shed next year. Whoever the Eagles draft next week figures to be a key component in their post-Jeffery/Jackson future.

Louisville OL Mekhi Becton Had “Flagged” Drug Test

April 18th, 2020 at 11:11am CST by Ben Levine

Louisville offensive tackle and projected first-round pick Mekhi Becton had his drug test flagged at the NFL Combine, reports NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). Becton was one of “multiple players” to get flagged, and teams had previously been made aware of this infraction.

As Rapoport notes, the lineman will now enter Stage 1 of the new CBA’s Intervention Program for no more than 60 days. If Becton isn’t flagged again, “he will thereafter assume the same status as Players who have never been referred to the Intervention Program.” As Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller observes on Twitter, “failed drug tests” clearly don’t matter as much under the new CBA.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com also observes how the NFL “continues to periodically violate” their own confidentiality provision. The league’s substance abuse policy has a “clear” confidentiality provision, but NFL.com, an entity owned by the league, has reported on Becton’s flagged drug test. As the writer notes, “no one should know about any failed or flagged drug tests until a player is suspended.” Following the changes to the drug policy in the new CBA, it wouldn’t be shocking if the players push back at the NFL’s “nonchalance.”

Becton, a 6-7, 369-pound lineman, had a breakout season in 2019. While Rotoworld.com previously described him as an incomplete technician, it lauded his measurables, strength, and toughness. Plus, as Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk observed, advanced metrics were high on Becton’s work, as he made over 60 knockdown blocks this past year. It’s worth noting that Becton didn’t fail a drug test during his time at Louisville.

The Giants and Jets are among the teams that have been connected to Becton.

NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Justin Herbert

April 17th, 2020 at 7:42pm CST by Zachary Links

Even without the benefit of traditional workouts and pro days, this year’s NFL Draft prospects have watched their stocks rise and fall with time. Or, at least, that’s the impression anonymous coaches and executives have leaked to the public, per the usual. Sure, the rumor mill is dizzying, but it’s good know that some things never change, even in the midst of global chaos. 

[RELATED: Dolphins Doing Lots Of Homework On Herbert] 

One player who has seen his stock go up in recent weeks is Oregon’s Justin Herbert. In January, the top of the quarterback pecking order seemed pretty set – LSU touchdown machine Joe Burrow in the driver’s seat, then Alabama star Tua Tagovailoa, followed by Herbert and the rest. But, over the last couple of months, there’s been more and more noise about Herbert. And, with the draft just around the corner, it seems pretty likely that Herbert will hear his name called before the likes of Jordan Love (Utah State), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Jacob Eason (Washington).

In fact, he could even leapfrog Tagovailoa. The Dolphins seemed zeroed in on the 2018 Heisman runner-up – and they still could be – but many insiders are hearing that Herbert is the real target in South Beach. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, for example, estimates that 90% of his pre-draft intel points to Herbert being listed above Tagovailoa on Miami’s board. It’s easy to argue that Tagovailoa has more upside that Herbert, but Tagovailoa’s recent hip surgery can’t be ignored.

Other top teams have also done their homework on Herbert. The Lions, who own the No. 3 pick as of this writing, have Zoom-chatted with him (that either makes Herbert a potential replacement for Matthew Stafford or a useful bluff). The Chargers (No. 6) may also be a team to watch, since no one knows whether they’re truly committed to Tyrod Taylor under center.

Are the Dolphins really leaning towards Herbert over Tagovailoa? We won’t know for sure until Thursday. What we can say for sure – Herbert’s cannon and 6’6″ stature are both drool-worthy for NFL evaluators. He’s also drawn praise for his work ethic and there’s nothing scouts love more than a film junkie. On the flipside, Herbert has been knocked for holding on to the ball too long and missing out on open receivers. Even with his frame and arm strength, Herbert will have to straighten out his timing in order to succeed as a pro.

Latest On Utah CB Jaylon Johnson

April 17th, 2020 at 6:58pm CST by Zachary Links

After examining Jaylon Johnson‘s shoulder, Dr. Peter Millett wrote a letter to NFL teams to let them know the Utah cornerback is ahead of schedule on his shoulder recovery (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). That piece of good news should keep Johnson squarely in the first- conversation in next week’s draft.

The expectation is that Johnson will make a full recovery “without any restrictions or limitations” and be ready for full participation in early August. That injury, more or less, is the only thing that could keep Johnson out of the top 32. The Utah product has been on the national radar since his sophomore season, when he notched four interceptions – including a pick-six. Last year, he added two more picks to his stockpile as quarterbacks avoided him whenever possible.

At the pro level, Johnson projects as a solid outside corner with the ability to also play in the slot. Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah figures to be the first corner off the board on Thursday, but Johnson won’t be left waiting for long. The Niners could entertain Johnson at No. 13; ditto for the Falcons (No. 16), Cowboys (No. 17) and Raiders (No. 19). NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah pegged the Vikings to take Johnson at No. 22 overall – if that’s not Johnson’s floor, it’s probably close to it. Still, like every other prospect, Johnson will be watching anxiously as the picks come in.

On his latest big board, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller slotted Johnson as his No. 4 corner in the draft, behind Okudah, Florida’s C.J. Henderson, and TCU’s Jeff Gladney.

Giants Will “Seriously Entertain” Trading No. 4 Pick

April 17th, 2020 at 6:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Giants own the No. 4 overall pick, but it’s not a given that they’ll stay there. In a virtual presser with reporters on Friday, GM Dave Gettleman said that a trade is a real possibility. 

[RELATED: Giants Reportedly “Love” Wirfs]

“It’s something I would very seriously entertain,” said Gettleman (via the team website).

Gettleman’s track record shows that he’s not one to trade back from top picks. But, this year, his stockpile is looking pretty thin. After the No. 4 and No. 36 picks, the Giants next choice doesn’t come until No. 99, a compensatory pick near the back of the third round.

There’s also a pretty compelling case for staying put. The Giants have taken an active interest in this year’s top offensive linemen and they might be in position to take any one they want. If the draft starts with the Bengals taking Joe Burrow at No. 1, the Redskins grabbing Chase Young at No. 2, and the Lions (or perhaps another team) taking a non-OL at No. 3, the Giants would have Jedrick Wills Jr., Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, and Andrew Thomas in front of them. Other teams – like the Jets – would love to be in that position.

“Versatility certainly doesn’t hurt,” said the GM when asked about what he’s looking for in a tackle. “But, it’s a thick group. There are tackles throughout the draft…we call it our vertical. There’s a lot of talent there. Is it helpful if a guy played both [left and right tackle]? Absolutely. Is it fatal if he’s only played one? Certainly not.”

If it’s versatility he’s after, Gettleman might be drawn to Wirfs, a promising talent out of Iowa with the potential to feature at four different spots. Then again, he could be tempted to trade down from No. 4, giving him an opportunity to fill needs including linebacker, defensive end, and safety.

2020 NFL Draft Picks By Team

April 17th, 2020 at 4:59pm CST by Zachary Links

The 2020 NFL Draft is just days away and it’s just a matter of time before picks are swapped and shuffled at lightning speed. Before the trading frenzy starts, let’s take a look at the draft picks owned by each team.

[RELATED: 2020 NFL Draft Order By Round]

Updated: 4-17-20 (5:00pm CT)

Arizona Cardinals

1-8:
3-72:
4-114:
4-131: (from Houston)
6-202: (from New England)
7-222:

Atlanta Falcons

1-16:
2-47:
3-78:
4-119:
4-143: (from Baltimore*)
7-228: (from Tampa Bay, via Philadelphia)

Baltimore Ravens

1-28:
2-55: (from Atlanta, via New England)
2-60:
3-92:
3-106*:
4-129: (from New England)
4-134:
5-170: (from Minnesota)
7-225: (from Jets)

Buffalo Bills

2-54:
3-86:
4-128:
5-167:
6-188: (from Cleveland)
6-207: (from Baltimore via New England)
7-239: (from Minnesota)

Read more

Jets Eyeing OL At No. 11?

April 17th, 2020 at 1:09pm CST by Zachary Links

It’s no secret that the Jets could use some help at wide receiver. And, with the No. 11 pick, they could have the opportunity to take CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, who stand as the cream of a rich WR crop. Meanwhile, they also need to protect quarterback Sam Darnold (and his spleen), so they could opt for offensive line help in the first round. As Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets, the Jets have done their homework on this year’s top big men. 

[RELATED: Jets Could Also Start The WR Run At No. 11]

Before the travel restrictions, the Jets had dinner and a private workout with Georgia’s Andrew Thomas and Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, per Pelissero. He also hears that they’ve hosted Louisville’s Mekhi Becton on a top 30 visit and Zoom-chatted with Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs. They’re the four best offensive lineman in this year’s class, so there’s no guarantee that any of them will slip to Gang Green. Thomas has also garnered interest from the Dolphins (No. 5), Pelissero hears.

Of that quintet, Wirfs is widely viewed as the most NFL-ready. He also offers serious athleticism for his size (6’5″, 320 pounds), plus versatility. At Iowa, he played primarily at left and right tackle. Pro scouts also believe that he has the ability to move inside and play guard.

The top 10 already has teams in need of line help and other teams are contemplating trades to land one of this year’s best OLs. The Bucs and Broncos have serious interest in moving up the board and they could leapfrog the Jets on Thursday.

Latest On NFL’s Trial Run Draft

April 17th, 2020 at 10:10am CST by Dallas Robinson

With the 2020 NFL draft going fully remote due to COVID-19, the league wants to ensure that its technology platforms will work when the event gets underway next Thursday. To that end, the NFL will conduct a mock draft trial run on Monday, as Lions general manager Bob Quinn told reporters today.

But how exactly will such a dry run work? As Dan Graziano of ESPN.com tweets, no club wants to “tip its hand” during the trial run by naming actual prospects from this year’s draft. NFL front offices, of course, are known for their secrecy, but this level of safeguarding makes sense.

Instead, teams will likely select placeholders instead of actual 2020 prospects. One example Graziano was given could involve the Bengals drafting Boomer Esiason at No. 1, followed by the Redskins taking Joe Theismann at No. 2, etc.

Using such a system would allow the NFL to determine that its system is working and ensure that every club is capable of making its picks known. And teams could rest easy knowing that they won’t be forced to give anything away in advance of the actual draft.

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