HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Panthers GM: At Least 5 Teams Have Inquired About No. 8 Pick

April 24th, 2021 at 4:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

Several teams in the top 10 are believed to be open to moving down. The Panthers may be preparing to do so. After acquiring Sam Darnold from the Jets, the Panthers have engaged in frequent talks about trading their No. 8 overall pick.

New GM Scott Fitterer said he has spoken with at least five teams about trading back. Carolina’s draft slot falls at a position when only one of the top five quarterback prospects could be available. And teams may be keen on moving on front of the Broncos, who have a QB need and hold the No. 9 pick.

“We’re very open to moving back,” Fitterer said, via ESPN.com’s David Newton. “It just depends on how the first seven picks go. … We’ll see what the options are. We’re more than willing to listen to other teams, and if they want to offer picks and we can go back and get one of the players we want and get multiple picks to help build this team, that’s what we’ll do.”

[RELATED: Panthers Discussing Moving No. 8 Pick]

Fitterer spent 20 years with the Seahawks, who have frequently used the trade-down option to accumulate draft capital. The first-year Carolina GM said the team has first-round grades on 16 players, which could affect how it proceeds regarding trade offers. Of the teams who loom as possible QB-seeking trade partners, two — Washington (No. 19) and Chicago (No. 20) — reside in the bottom half of the first round.

“We’ll have to take a look at the players that are available when we pick and how many of those players can help us that we’ve identified, how far we can trade back and still get one of those players without trading out of the [top] level,” Fitterer said. “We don’t want to trade out of a certain level where the talent dips. We know exactly where that is in this draft.”

Between picks 4 and 8, everyone but the Bengals (No. 5) has popped up as a trade-down candidate. The Falcons (No. 4), Dolphins (No. 6), Lions (No. 7) and Panthers figure to keep holding talks with teams wanting to land one of the final two coveted quarterback prospects. This potential seller frenzy — with some teams potentially wanting to move up for a non-QB as well — has created an interesting backdrop to this year’s draft. In 2020, no trades occurred until the 49ers gave the Buccaneers pick No. 13. This draft figures to feature a higher-profile trade.

Fitterer previously did not rule out taking a quarterback in the first round, and while that would be unexpected — after the Panthers’ Darnold trade — this talk could be a matter of driving up the market for the No. 8 pick. It could also increase the value of the picks in front of the Panthers’. Carolina is expected to pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option, which would suggest the team is not in the market for a passer in Round 1. The Panthers appear willing to help a team that is, however.

Poll: How Will Broncos Address QB Need?

April 24th, 2021 at 4:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

The only two starting quarterbacks to retire after winning Super Bowls played for the same franchise. While the Broncos made the playoffs multiple times in the five years following John Elway‘s retirement — with the likes of Brian Griese and Jake Plummer operating as the team’s primary starters — they have hovered off the contention radar for most of their post-Peyton Manning stretch. No team has started more quarterbacks than Denver’s 10 (counting the Kendall Hinton game) since 2016.

This stretch has placed the Broncos back on the quarterback radar. Although their last foray into the first-round market careened off course quickly (Paxton Lynch in 2016), the Broncos’ three subsequent QB investments — Case Keenum, Joe Flacco and Drew Lock — largely struggled. Will this run of futility at the NFL’s premier position force the Broncos to acquire one of this year’s top QB prospects?

New GM George Paton has said multiple times this offseason the Broncos will acquire a quarterback to push Lock, but it is not certain that will be a rookie. Denver brass, however, did extensive work on this year’s top passer crop. Paton was at Justin Fields and Trey Lance‘s initial pro days, while offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur trekked to the second workouts held by the Ohio State and North Dakota State QBs. Other teams have viewed Denver as a stealth quarterback seeker as well.

Only two of the draft’s top five passing prospects will be available to teams picking after No. 3, with the 49ers moving up for a quarterback. Considering the needs of some teams picking outside the top 10 — the Patriots, Washington and Bears have been linked to trade-up maneuvers — and the not-impossible prospect of the Lions (No. 7) or Panthers (No. 8) jumping into the fray, it is possible the Broncos will be left out if they stand pat at No. 9. They are believed to have inquired about trading up, though Paton denied this. The Falcons (No. 4), Dolphins (No. 6), Lions and Panthers are all open to trades, creating opportunities for the Broncos and teams eager to trade in front of them.

Given the Broncos’ above-average defense and bevy of skill-position weapons, going into another season with Lock (29th in 2020 QBR) could lower the team’s ceiling — in a hot-seat year for Vic Fangio. But Fangio’s status could also push the team to trade for a veteran instead of hoping this year’s fourth- or fifth-best QB prospect can make an impact right away. Although the Broncos sat out the free agent market and passed on trades for Carson Wentz and Sam Darnold — after falling short for Matthew Stafford — veteran arms remain available.

Paton was with the Vikings when they drafted Teddy Bridgewater in the 2014 first round; Carolina has since given Bridgewater permission to seek a trade. Given Paton’s history with the 28-year-old QB, it would make sense if the Broncos were one of the teams interested. Gardner Minshew figures to be available — even though Urban Meyer denied it. The 49ers are holding out for a big offer to part with now-lame-duck starter Jimmy Garoppolo.

Lock has not been blessed with great circumstances, despite Denver drafting Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler in the first and second rounds last year. The pandemic nixed the young passer’s first offseason with Shurmur, and No. 1 receiver Courtland Sutton went down in Week 2 last year. But the 2022 quarterback class, as of now, has received far less hype than the past two drafts’ QB crops generated. The Broncos not making a move for Fields, Lance or Mac Jones next week could limit their options going forward.

How do you think the Broncos will play this? Will they prioritize acquiring another quarterback by trading up or hope one falls to No. 9? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts on this situation in the comments section.

Dolphins Doing Extensive Work On Draft’s Top RBs

April 24th, 2021 at 2:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Dolphins’ running back depth chart may look different after the draft’s early rounds. They are doing considerable homework on this year’s top prospects.

Armed with the No. 18 overall pick and two second-round selections, the Dolphins have spent “significant” time talking to Najee Harris (Alabama), Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes. Members of Miami’s coaching staff and front office have also held multiple Zoom meetings with Travis Etienne (Clemson) and Javonte Williams (North Carolina).

In addition to virtual meetings with Harris, Jackson adds the Dolphins spent extensive time with the former Crimson Tide starter at the Senior Bowl. The prep the Dolphins are doing at this position has reached the point where it would surprise if they do not exit the second round with a starter-caliber back, Jackson adds.

The Dolphins hold the Nos. 36 and 50 picks in Round 2. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah does not expect a running back to go in the first round this year, but it would certainly be possible all three are gone by No. 50. Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay’s latest ESPN mock draft has all three gone by No. 36, potentially putting the Dolphins on the trade-up radar.

Miami was connected to running backs last year but elected to fill the position with veterans. Neither the Jordan Howard nor Matt Breida additions moved the needle much, with former seventh-round pick Myles Gaskin operating as the Fins’ top back for most of 2020. Gaskin and longtime Rams backup Malcolm Brown are now Miami’s top two backs. They figure to be joined by a rookie, perhaps a high-end talent, after the draft.

Etienne was considered perhaps last year’s top prospect, but the Clemson back made the rare (for running backs) decision to return for his senior season. His yards-per-carry figure dropped from 7.8 to 5.4 last year. Etienne, however, has two 1,600-yard seasons and 70 career rushing TDs on his resume. Harris dominated in the COVID-19-altered 2020 season, totaling 1,891 scrimmage yards and 30 TDs last season to help the Crimson Tide win another national title. One of two Tar Heels backs who will be drafted, Williams forced 76 missed tackles on just 127 carries. Dolphins backs’ 19 broken tackles ranked 30th in the NFL last season, per Pro Football Focus.

The Dolphins have not used a first- or second-round pick on a running back in 10 years (Daniel Thomas, Round 2), and teams like the Steelers and Bills are on the radar to draft a top back in the first round. GM Chris Grier has not been shy about trading or acquiring picks, so it will be interesting to see if the Dolphins move into better position to acquire one of the top backs next week.

Several Teams Monitoring Eric Fisher

April 24th, 2021 at 1:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Chiefs’ Orlando Brown trade appears to have closed the book on an Eric Fisher return, ending that era at eight years. Although Fisher has experience at right tackle, having played there as a rookie, the former No. 1 overall pick figures to head elsewhere.

Given Fisher’s resume and experience level, he profiles as an interesting option for a team in need at left tackle. Teams are monitoring the free agent blocker, with Ian Rapoport of NFL.com indicating the 30-year-old lineman has spoken to “numerous teams” this offseason (Twitter link).

Fisher will be an after-the-draft option for teams, per RapSheet. A torn Achilles led the two-time Pro Bowler to free agency; the Chiefs also cut All-Pro Mitchell Schwartz. Andy Reid said earlier this week the team could circle back to both, but Kansas City’s deal for Brown stands to cut off Fisher’s path back to western Missouri.

While scrutinized for years due to his draft slot, the former mid-major standout has proven reliable for a while. From 2014-18, Fisher did not miss a game due to injury. A core muscle issue limited him to eight regular-season games in 2019, but the Chiefs’ Super Bowl push — a nine-game win streak — began when Fisher returned to the lineup that November. Counting the playoffs, Fisher started 17 games last season. He graded as a top-20 tackle, per Pro Football Focus, in 2020.

Most teams have addressed this high-value position, but a few should be in the market for help. However, this draft features some first- and second-round options that will help some of the teams with deficiencies here fill the spots. The Colts have signed Sam Tevi and Julie’n Davenport this offseason but are still looking for a left tackle. The Steelers have not re-signed Alejandro Villanueva, who is entering his age-35 season. Washington is also searching for a left tackle.

Chargers GM Tom Telesco indicated he is bullish on Trey Pipkins, the Bolts have been busy restocking their O-line this year and appear in need here as well. Pipkins, who has started eight games over his first two seasons, graded outside PFF’s top 70 tackles last season. The 2019 third-round pick will likely have competition, at best, or a surefire replacement, at worst, going into the ’21 slate.

Fisher’s Achilles injury certainly sidetracked his career (and the Chiefs’ repeat championship aspirations), but the veteran should have a path to a starting job come training camp — so long as his recovery proceeds on track.

OL Dennis Kelly To Meet With Ravens

April 24th, 2021 at 12:50pm CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens aren’t wasting time finding a replacement for Orlando Brown. Offensive tackle Dennis Kelly is set to visit with Baltimore this weekend, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).

[RELATED: Ravens Trade Orlando Brown To Chiefs]

The Titans released Kelly last month after he had spent five years with the organization. After serving in mostly a swing role through his first four seasons in Tennessee, the 31-year-old had an opportunity to start in 2020. He ultimately started all 16 games, committing only three penalties while appearing in 98-percent of his team’s offensive snaps.

Kelly isn’t the first veteran offensive lineman that the Ravens have gotten a look at, as the Ravens met with with Alejandro Villanueva recently. Later reports indicated that the team wouldn’t be adding any veteran until after the draft, as they’ll have a better understanding of their status at each position. The team could also avoid the compensatory pick formula by waiting until early May.

The Ravens need an offensive tackle after moving Brown to the Chiefs this week. Even if the team addresses the position in the draft, it’d make sense for them to add a veteran; Ronnie Stanley.will return to left tackle after missing most of the 2020 season, and the five-year veteran has yet to appear in all 16 games in a single season.

OL Demar Dotson Has Received Multiple Offers

April 24th, 2021 at 9:38am CST by Ben Levine

Demar Dotson may be getting up there in age, but it doesn’t sound like he’s looking to hang up his cleats just yet. Speaking to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, the veteran offensive lineman revealed that he has received a handful of league-minimum offers but is remaining patient in pursuit of the ideal opportunity (Twitter link).

It’s not a surprise that there’s a market for the lineman. There’s always a demand for experience, versatile offensive linemen, especially one with Dotson’s resume. The lineman has put together a 12-year career despite going undrafted out of Southern Mississippi in 2009. He spent more than a decade with the Buccaneers organization, starting 106 of his 130 appearances.

Dotson joined the Broncos last offseason on a one-year pact, and he didn’t allow a single sack in any of his eight games. The veteran also only had one false start penalty and zero holding penalties, making it one of the more disciplined campaigns of his career.

As Dotson told Klis, his family recently welcomed their fifth child, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Dotson, who turns 36 midway through the 2021 campaign, decides to retire. However, it also sounds like the right situation (whether it be based on financials, winning, or playing time) would keep him around the league.

Browns Would Consider Bringing Back Sheldon Richardson

April 24th, 2021 at 8:55am CST by Ben Levine

Sheldon Richardson was released by the Browns last week, but there’s a chance he lands back in Cleveland. During a conference call on Friday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that the team would welcome back Richardson.

[RELATED: Browns Release DT Sheldon Richardson]

“I think it is certainly possible,” Berry said (via Andrew Gribble of the team’s website). “Obviously, it is something that has to work for all parties involved, but we like Sheldon. He was a productive member of our team, a big part of our success last year. If that ends up being the right fit, that alignment is certainly something we would welcome.”

Cleveland’s logic for releasing Richardson in the first place were purely financial, as the team saved $11MM by making the move. Especially after losing Larry Ogunjobi to the Bengals, the Browns could still use a player of Richardon’s caliber. The former first-round defensive lineman started for Cleveland over the past two seasons, collecting 7.5 sacks and 16 QB hits. Pro Football Focus graded the Mizzou product as a top-30 interior defensive lineman in 2019 and slotted him just inside the top 50 at the position last season.

Berry seemed to appreciate Richardson’s stint with the team, although he noted that the team could look to the draft to fill a hole in the middle of their defense.

“Like all positions across the draft, there are a number of good, young prospects who are going to come into the league,” Berry said. “All of that being said, Sheldon is a big loss. He was a big part of what we did last year. He had a really strong presence in our locker room, and we are very thankful for all of the contributions he had. Those are big shoes to fill for sure.”

Cleveland’s current depth chart at defensive tackle includes Andrew Billings, Malik Jackson, Sheldon Day and Jordan Elliott.

Teams Inquiring On Lions’ No. 7 Pick

April 23rd, 2021 at 8:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have discussed trades involving the No. 7 overall pick in next week’s draft, GM Brad Holmes says (via Kyle Meinke of MLive.com). Holmes, naturally, isn’t tipping his hand, but he’s not ruling out a move down the board if the right package comes along.

“Yes, there have been [trade] discussions with other teams,” Holmes said. “I will keep those in house, but yeah, there have been discussions.”

The Rams were active in the draft during Holmes’ tenure as the Rams’ college scouting director. That includes 2016, when the Rams went from No. 15 to No. 1 to select quarterback Jared Goff. Of course, Goff’s second contract didn’t necessarily work out for the Rams, but Holmes is hopeful that Goff can turn things around in Detroit. Meanwhile, he has an opportunity to either select Goff’s eventual successor at No. 7, move up to guarantee the availability of a preferred quarterback, or deal down to fortify other needs on the roster.

At least three of this year’s top quarterbacks will be gone by the time the Lions draft at No. 7, but Justin Fields and/or Trey Lance could be there for the taking. For his part, Holmes says he’s prepared for any scenario.

“Whenever you’re picking in the top 10, obviously it’s an extremely valuable pick, but it’s very exciting to be looking at this crop of players that would be worthy of selecting [there],” Holmes said. “Where I just came from, we weren’t really used to picking in the first round that much. So being up in the top 10 [is cool]. But at seven, we do have a cluster of players that we’re comfortable with picking. But at the same time, we would be very prepared and also willing to move in either direction. So we’re still open in those regards, but there is a cluster of players that we would be comfortable with.”

Holmes is playing it cool, but some execs sense that the Lions are eager to move down.

No Talks Yet For Browns, Baker Mayfield

April 23rd, 2021 at 5:15pm CST by Zachary Links

In a relatively easy decision, the Browns chose to pick up Baker Mayfield‘s fifth-year option on Friday. However, the Browns have not rushed to kick off extension talks with the quarterback, Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer hears.

[RELATED: Browns Pick Up Baker Mayfield’s Option]

“I think you know me well enough that I’m not going to talk on that in this setting. I just don’t think it’s appropriate,’’ Browns GM Andrew Berry said earlier today. “But obviously you know both of those players [Mayfield and Denzel Ward] are extension-eligible.”

It’s not necessarily a bad situation for Mayfield, who may prefer to wait for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, who is representing himself, recently started chatting with Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta about his next deal. Jackson could easily land a five-year deal in excess of $210MM, putting him just behind Patrick Mahomes‘ league-leading average annual value. Mayfield would command less than the Ravens QB, but Jackson’s deal could push his ask above $35MM/year.

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