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Draft QB Rumors: Bolts, Raiders, Pats

April 19th, 2020 at 10:52am CST by Rory Parks

Let’s round up some of the recent QB-related rumors that are swirling in advance of Thursday’s draft:

  • The Chargers hold the No. 6 overall pick and are not inclined to trade up from that spot, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. The Bolts are fans of both Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa, and it seems almost certain that at least one of those passers will be available when Los Angeles is on the clock. The team could still go in a non-QB direction with the No. 6 pick, but it would be difficult to pass up a franchise-altering talent at the most important position in sports, especially since the Chargers will probably not be picking nearly as high in 2021.
  • Although the Raiders have Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota on the roster, La Canfora hears that the club could make a play for a QB with one of their two first-round picks. Las Vegas holds the No. 12 and No. 19 overall selections, and JLC believes the team could target a CB with the No. 12 pick and go after a QB like Tagovailoa — if he falls that far — or Jordan Love with the No. 19 pick. While the Raiders need a receiver and don’t have a second-round selection, this year’s draft is deep enough at WR that Las Vegas could still find an impact player with one of its three third-round choices.
  • The Patriots are in the market for a collegiate signal-caller, and Mike Reiss of ESPN.com says it’s a question of “when,” not “if”, New England drafts a QB this week. We recently heard that the Pats would find a passer in either the first round or middle rounds, and if a player like Herbert or Tagovailoa should start to slide, it would not be surprising to see them pull the trigger. Coincidentally, new personnel consultant Eliot Wolf was a Packers staffer in 2005, when Green Bay was the beneficiary of Aaron Rodgers‘ famous draft-day slide.
  • ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote before last year’s draft that Jarrett Stidham was the QB that represented the best fit for the Patriots, and the Pats ultimately selected Stidham with a fourth-round pick. Bowen believes the rookie signal-caller that makes the most sense for New England this year is Washington’s Jacob Eason (subscription required). Eason profiles as a Day 2 pick, so he would not be the Pats’ target with their No. 23 overall choice, but he may be off the board by the time New England is on the clock again at No. 87.
  • Colts GM Chris Ballard will not force a QB pick in this year’s draft, though Indy has been linked to rookie passers. The team could select a signal-caller like Eason with one of its second-round choices, though the Colts remain high on Jacoby Brissett. It may seem unlikely, but Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star says the team continues to insist that it could forgo a quarterback in the 2020 draft and look to bring Brissett back in 2021.

Broncos Eyeing Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy?

April 19th, 2020 at 9:57am CST by Rory Parks

We heard last week that the Broncos may be trying to trade up from their No. 15 overall pick in Thursday’s draft, and those reports suggested that Denver would be targeting an offensive tackle with such a move. Although LT Garett Bolles actually performed surprisingly well in 2019 according to advanced metrics, he has not come close to living up to his status as a former first-round pick, and RT Ja’Wuan James saw his first season with the Broncos almost entirely wiped out due to injury.

So a tackle would make plenty of sense for Denver, but if the team does engineer a trade-up, it would be for a wide receiver, not a lineman, per Woody Paige of The Gazette (Twitter link). Specifically, the longtime Denver-based reporter says the club is targeting Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy.

Jeudy is seen as one of the top receivers in a draft that is historically deep at the position, and the run on wideouts is expected to start no later than the No. 11 overall selection, when the Jets are on the clock. As such, if the Broncos want Jeudy, they may need to get up to No. 8 (Cardinals) or No. 10 (Browns). Both Arizona and Cleveland profile as trade-down candidates, so Denver could have a trade partner should they choose to be aggressive.

Denver’s current WR depth chart looks pretty thin beyond budding star Courtland Sutton, and while it may make more sense to wait until the second or third round to nab another pass catcher — after all, a second-rounder in this year’s draft may be a first-rounder in any other year — there’s no denying that a Sutton-Jeudy combo is sorely tempting.

Jeudy is lauded for his route-running, and he averaged for 1,239 yards and 12 TDs over his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide. With him, Sutton, and second-year TE Noah Fant, QB Drew Lock would have a young and talented arsenal at his disposal.

One way or another, Paige does not expect the Broncos to stay put at No. 15. If they cannot trade up, or if they decide the price to do so is too high, Paige expects them to explore trade-down scenarios to further bolster their draft capital. As of this writing, they have 10 picks in the draft.

Poll: Will The Lions Draft Jeff Okudah At No. 3?

April 18th, 2020 at 8:30pm CST by Zachary Links

We could ask you whether the Bengals will take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick. We could also ask you whether the Redskins will select Ohio State sack machine Chase Young, who profiles as the best overall talent in the entire 2020 NFL Draft class. We could also ask you whether you think pancakes are delicious. Or whether your front lawn is green. 

[RELATED: Jeff Okudah’s NFL Draft Profile]

That doesn’t mean for sure that Burrow and Young will be the first players off the board on Thursday, but that’s the general sense in the NFL world. The real question marks start at No. 3, where the Lions may be split between their favorite draft crushes. Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown could provide them with the run-stopping solution they hoped to have in Damon Harrison. Clemson standout Isaiah Simmons could bolster them at both edge and safety, all in one shot. Still, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah is very much in the mix, and the Lions have reportedly been zeroing in on him for weeks.

There’s a convincing case to be made for each, but the Lions have a massive hole to fill at cornerback after trading Darius Slay to the Eagles. Simmons and Brown may have attributes that they want, they don’t address the team’s biggest need. Okudah, with cheetah-like speed and the smarts to stay on the good side of zebras, seems like a sensible pick.

“I would put Okudah down as the safest [defensive player in this draft],” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said recently. “I know exactly what position he plays, I’ve seen him play that position against elite competition and I’ve seen him play at a very high, consistent level. To me, Okudah is the safest.”

Now, it’s time for your take. Will the Lions take Okudah with the No. 3 pick? Or, will they go in a different direction (perhaps by trading from No. 3)?

Cast your vote below (link for app users) and break it all down in the comments.

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.

Jaguars Discussing Leonard Fournette Trade

April 18th, 2020 at 5:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jaguars have engaged in trade discussions involving Leonard Fournette, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.Fournette has one season remaining on his rookie contract, though that deal can run through 2021 via the fifth-year option. 

The Jaguars have already traded corners Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye over the last year, but they might not be done with their overhaul. Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has also requested a trade, so the Jaguars’ roster to open the 2020 campaign could be drastically different from their ’19 version.

Fournette is coming off of his best season to date. The former No. 4 overall pick set new career highs with 1,152 rushing yards and an average of 4.3 yards per tote. It was a solid answer to critics who wondered if he’d ever realize his potential. In the previous year, Fournette limped his way a 3.3 yards per carry average in eight games.

The 25-year-old could fetch some nice draft capital in return, though the Jaguars already have an impressive stockpile. With 12 selections as of this writing, the Jaguars are tied with the Patriots and Vikings for the second-highest total of picks in the league. Only the Dolphins, with 14 picks, have more.

There’s talent in this year’s running back class – headlined Georgia product D’Andre Swift – but none of this year’s incoming RBs are slam dunks for the first round. Teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, and Bills could theoretically consider Fournette, allowing them to focus on other areas of need in the early stages. The Chiefs are another team with RBs on the radar, but they’re already pressed for cap room and Fournette’s $4.17MM deal wouldn’t fit.

East Notes: Giants, Love, Cowboys

April 18th, 2020 at 4:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

Holding a top-six pick for the third straight year, the Giants have been linked to either Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons or a tackle. The Giants are immersed in thorough examination of Simmons, with Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports noting the team is determining how he would fit in its scheme. Simmons saw action all over the formation for the Tigers but is viewed as either a linebacker or safety in the NFL. Some teams view Simmons as a safety. It is unclear where the Giants place him, though Joe Judge comes from a Patriots organization that valued versatility among defenders.

Regardless, rival GMs expect Dave Gettleman to select a tackle at No. 4 overall. Gettleman’s offensive line overhaul has not accomplished what he’d hoped, and a first-round pick could be slotted at right tackle before taking over for 2021 cap-casualty candidate Nate Solder on the left side. The Giants have been connected to Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs at multiple junctures this offseason.

Here is the latest from the East divisions:

  • Gettleman has taken his share of heat since becoming Giants GM in December 2017. He has, however, made some philosophical changes since taking over. He admitted to have miscalculated the Giants’ ability to be competitive in his first season as GM, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. From October 2018 to March 2019, Gettleman traded big-ticket free agent additions Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon while also dealing Odell Beckham Jr. and Eli Apple. In addition to accepting this is a rebuild, Gettleman is now OK with negotiating contracts in-season, Schwartz adds.
  • Were the Lions to trade out of the No. 3 slot or pass on Jeffrey Okudah, the Giants may still pass on the Ohio State cornerback. Given the Giants’ 2019 first-round selection of Deandre Baker and their recent James Bradberry deal, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY would expect them to avoid picking a corner fourth overall.
  • A bold Dolphins strategy would be passing on a quarterback at No. 5 and preparing a Jordan Love move later in the first round. Other teams are convinced the Dolphins are intrigued by the Utah State prospect — whom Miami secured a visit with before the NFL shut down that process — but doubt they will gamble to that degree, La Canfora notes. The Dolphins’ actions over the past year and change have been centered around landing their franchise quarterback in this draft. Although they hold the Nos. 18 and 26 picks, it would be a risk to let Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert go in hopes of landing Love later.
  • The NFL’s decisions on Randy Gregory and Aldon Smith are not expected to come until after the draft, but the Cowboys may have some different plans for them under DC Mike Nolan than they would have under Rod Marinelli. Instead of using their edge defenders as pure 4-3 defensive ends, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said (via USA Today’s Jori Epstein) he could envision Smith and Gregory as hybrid-type players who rush from linebacker positions as well as defensive end slots. Gregory has only played defensive end as a pro, while Smith has mostly worked as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Dolphins Waive DT Gerald Willis, Five Others

April 18th, 2020 at 3:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Once a player thought to be a borderline Day 2 pick, Gerald Willis will again be in search of a new team. The Dolphins made the Miami native defensive tackle one of six players they waived Saturday.

The Dolphins also cut linebacker Jake Carlock, linebacker Jamal Davis, wide receiver Andy Jones, cornerback Linden Stephens and wide receiver Terry Wright. None of the players have seen much NFL action, but the Dolphins had signed Carlock, Jones and Wright to futures deals just after last season.

Jones caught 11 passes with the 2018 Lions but has not played since. Davis and Stephens played in three games for the Dolphins last season. Carlock and Wright did not suit up for a game as Dolphins. Originally a Ravens UDFA after seeing his value drop extensively during the 2019 draft, Willis saw action in two games with his hometown team.

Miami holds a league-high 14 picks in next week’s draft. No other team possesses more than 12 selections. Teams also will be signing their next round of UDFA classes, though this unusual offseason may make that a fluid process.

Lions Split On Decision At No. 3 Overall?

April 18th, 2020 at 2:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

A few options will be in play for the Lions at No. 3 overall. Despite their video chats with Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, one of them does not appear to include using their top pick on a quarterback. But a few other avenues are open.

The Lions are torn between a possible best-player-available pick with Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah and bolstering their front seven by taking Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown or Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes.

Earlier this month, Okudah appeared to be Detroit’s preference in the expected event that Washington drafts Chase Young at No. 2. The Lions traded Darius Slay and added Desmond Trufant at corner. However, Detroit ranked 29th in DVOA pass defense with Slay in the fold. Okudah would make sense here — if the Lions do not trade down. That course of action looks to be the way the Lions hope to go, La Canfora adds.

Detroit has engaged in trade-down discussions, and those conversations produced some interest. The Lions, though, are not interested in moving down too far. They would like to add draft capital but still come away with a blue-chip defensive talent, JLC adds. The Lions already have nine picks in this draft, however. Only seven teams possess more.

If the Lions do trade down, they would like to have a deal in place by Thursday afternoon, Bob Quinn said (via the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett, on Twitter). They do not want to make the decision to move down while on the clock in this virtual draft. Quinn confirmed he’s discussed trading down and noted the talks will pick up next week.

The Lions recently added ex-Patriots Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton at the respective positions Simmons and Brown play. The franchise has chosen an offensive player with five of its past six first-round picks, with linebacker Jarrad Davis (2017) being the only break in that trend. They have not taken a defensive tackle in Round 1 since selecting Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in 2010 and ’11, respectively.

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