HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Cardinals Do Not Envision Trading DeAndre Hopkins

April 28th, 2023 at 12:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

Monti Ossenfort‘s first draft as Cardinals GM brought Thursday’s two biggest trades. The team moved down nine spots from No. 3 and then parted with some assets to come back to No. 6 for Paris Johnson. Hours before Day 2 of this draft, however, the Cardinals had not made a long-rumored trade. DeAndre Hopkins remains on their roster.

The Cardinals are believed to have shopped the former All-Pro wide receiver for weeks, but no worthwhile offer looks to have been made. While the prospect of a Hopkins trade should not be discounted, Ossenfort offered the strongest pushback yet against what would be the second trade of the accomplished wideout’s career.

[RELATED: Where Will Hopkins Play In 2023?]

“I don’t foresee that happening,” Ossenfort said of a Hopkins trade, via ESPN.com’s Josh Weinfuss. “I don’t know what is going to happen here in the next couple days. Right now, I don’t foresee that happening, no. … DeAndre’s a Cardinal, and we’re moving forward.”

This could be translated as, “Make us a better offer,” and no Hopkins trade was going to involve a first-round pick. Two of the teams connected to the 11th-year receiver, however, did make first-round augmentations to their respective pass-catching groups. The Ravens chose Zay Flowers, and the Bills took tight end Dalton Kincaid. The latter move would not necessarily take Buffalo out of the mix, and Kansas City addressed its pass rush over its wide receiver situation. The Chiefs have been connected as a Hopkins suitor throughout this process.

Beyond some teams’ first-round pass catcher investments, it is unclear what has changed about this situation. Hopkins, 31 in June, remains tied to a monster cap number ($29.88MM) and is attached to a $19.45MM base salary. Teams have wanted the Cardinals to eat some of that money, and potentially interested parties have expected Arizona to eventually cut Hopkins. Designating Hopkins as a post-June 1 release would create nearly $20MM in cap space. The Cardinals are in decent shape, cap-wise, with $20.6MM before accounting for draft pick signings.

The Cardinals improved their situation Thursday night, though their moves are geared more at 2024 and beyond compared to radically changing their 2023 outlook. Obtaining the Texans’ 2024 first-rounder (in the Will Anderson Jr. trade) could be a game-changing move for the Cards, considering Houston’s record has produced a top-three pick in each of the past three drafts. And Johnson will be expected to become a fixture on Arizona’s line. But Kyler Murray may not start the season on time. And the team still has a number of roster holes going into Day 2 of this draft. The Cards also swapped third-round picks with the Eagles, dropping from No. 66 to 94 as a result of a tempering violation.

It is interesting the Cardinals would shift from a seemingly certain separation from their top wideout to envisioning him back in the fold under a new regime. But this marks the strongest stance yet from Ossenfort regarding Hopkins’ Arizona future.

Lions RB D’Andre Swift Available In Trade?

April 28th, 2023 at 10:26am CST by Sam Robinson

The Lions made some surprising picks on Day 1 of the draft, a two-investment effort that began with running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall. As a result, D’Andre Swift‘s time in the Motor City might be coming to an end.

Detroit’s Gibbs pick has prompted teams to contact the Lions regarding a trade, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. It is unclear if the Lions are shopping the former second-round pick, but Fowler adds Swift’s camp has spoken with Detroit brass about a change of scenery.

One season remains on Swift’s rookie contract. The Georgia product arrived in Michigan before the current regime did, going off the 2020 draft board 35th overall during Bob Quinn‘s final draft running the Lions’ front office. With Gibbs set to complement free agency addition David Montgomery, Swift has run into a roadblock with the NFC North franchise.

“Yeah, I mean D’Andre is still on our roster,” GM Brad Holmes said Thursday night, via the Detroit News’ Justin Rogers. “He’s still a part of our team, he’s still under contract with us. He’s a dynamic football player. So, it hasn’t really changed the math there, yet. But it is early, so. It didn’t really change we just kind of put Jahmyr in his own separate box and just got really excited about the player, didn’t really have any bearing of D’Andre.”

While Detroit opted to swing for a big-play running back Thursday night, Swift’s tenure has not been unproductive. The Lions swung and missed on some high-value running backs during the 2010s (Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure, Ameer Abdullah, Kerryon Johnson) and the Holmes-led regime will attempt to reverse this trend, but Swift exited his third season with 25 career touchdowns. The former SEC standout has been a useful player in Detroit, though perhaps not as effective as the team would like.

Austin Ekeler‘s trade request did not produce much of consequence, but Swift would not cost as much in terms of salary or trade compensation. Then again, this year’s free agent market illustrated the tepid interest in non-star-caliber backs. Swift, 24, is attached to a $1.77MM base salary in 2023. The Lions gave Montgomery a three-year, $18MM deal to replace Jamaal Williams, who received a Lions offer but signed with the Saints. Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season; the ex-Packer’s surprising production diminished Swift’s standing in Detroit.

The Lions made Swift the second running back drafted in 2020, behind only Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Detroit has received better production from its choice compared to Kansas City, but injuries have slowed Swift. He battled ankle trouble last season, a shoulder problem in 2021 and missed two games because of a concussion in 2020. Overall, Swift has missed 10 games as a pro.

The dual-threat option has still averaged 959 scrimmage yards per season. In 2021, he broke through for back-to-back 130-plus-yard rushing efforts. Though, the shoulder injury slowed him shortly after that stretch. Last season, the Lions gave Williams 262 carries. The vocal veteran thrived, but Swift (99 totes) expressed frustration about his role midway through the year. With Montgomery and Gibbs looking set to split time next season, Swift may soon see a chance at a fresh start.

Chiefs Select DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah With No. 31 Pick

April 27th, 2023 at 10:55pm CST by Ben Levine

The defending Super Bowl champs are adding some talent on the defensive side of the ball. With the final pick of the first round, the Chiefs have selected Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

Anudike-Uzomah was not one of the most popular edge prospects, but he was certainly one of the most productive pass rushers in college football. Over his final two seasons at Kansas State, the defensive end compiled 19.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss, leading to Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in both seasons. These performances also put up firmly on the NFL map.

The D-lineman has been lauded for his strength and size, although there were questions if he’d be a first-round pick due to his lack of fundamentals. The Chiefs are hoping they’ll be able to get the most out of their first-round investment, and the defending champs are fortunate that they won’t need to rush Anudike-Uzomah into a significant defensive role.

This will also mark a homecoming for Anudike-Uzomah. Prior to playing his college ball in Manhattan, Kansas, he suited up at Kansas City, Missouri-area high school Lee’s Summit. The Chiefs will add the local product to their Chris Jones-fronted pass rush. Jones’ status as an elite D-lineman notwithstanding, the team entered the draft with an edge need after shedding Frank Clark‘s contract this offseason.

The Chiefs also addressed the defensive end spot in the 2022 first round, taking George Karlaftis, and they’re also rostering the likes of Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, and Malik Herring. With Karlaftis and Omenihu as the team’s top options, Anudike-Uzomah could be ticketed for a regular off-the-bench role as a rookie.

Eagles Select LB Nolan Smith With Pick No. 30

April 27th, 2023 at 10:45pm CST by Ben Levine

The defending NFC champions improved their defense earlier tonight when they selected Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the No. 9 pick. Philly is adding another Georgia defensive player with their second first-round selection, taking linebacker Nolan Smith at No. 30.

Smith contributed during each of his four seasons with the Bulldogs, collecting 110 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss in 38 games. Smith’s 2022 campaign ended early thanks to a torn pectoral muscle, but he still managed to finish the season with three sacks and seven tackles for loss. Despite the injury, Smith was still generally viewed as a first-round pick, although he may have been selected a bit later than expected at No. 30.

The player’s smaller stature would seem to make him a candidate to be a pass rusher in the NFL, but he was an effective traditional LB during his time in college. Temporarily, the rookie may serve as Philly’s WILL LB while playing opposite Haason Reddick. While the Eagles have the luxury of taking it slow with their second first-round pick, Smith’s outspoken nature should make him a defensive leader for years to come.

The historic 2021 Georgia defense is doing wonders for the Eagles’ defense. Besides Carter and Smith, the Eagles are also rostering Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. Georgia has now seen seven members of its 2021 defense become first-round picks.

Saints Select DT Bryan Bresee At No. 29

April 27th, 2023 at 10:36pm CST by Ben Levine

The Saints are adding a three-time All-ACC defensive lineman. With the No. 29 pick, New Orleans selected Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee.

Bresee joined defensive end Myles Murphy as Clemson D-linemen taken near the end of Round 1 tonight. The Saints will bet on the upside of a former No. 1 overall national recruit. A 2021 ACL tear sidetracked Bresee’s college career, but he returned to action last year and did not see his draft stock fall too far.

After a four-game 2021, Bresee made it back to play in 10 Tigers contests as a junior last season. The former 35-sack high school phenom tallied nine in what ultimately proved to be a somewhat underwhelming — based on expectations — college career. The five-star player still started 10 games as a true freshman and rallied back to earn second-team All-ACC acclaim as a junior. He closed his Clemson run with nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

The 298-pound defender offers some untapped potential, seeing as he will be nearly two years removed from the knee injury when he debuts for the Saints. New Orleans lost longtime defensive tackle starter David Onyemata early in free agency; he followed co-DC Ryan Nielsen to Atlanta, where he is now the Falcons’ defensive play-caller. The Saints made some midlevel investments in the wake of Onyemata’s divisional defection, signing ex-Chief Khalen Saunders and ex-Jet Nathan Shepherd. But Bresee suddenly becomes the team’s highest-profile interior D-lineman.

Bengals Take DE Myles Murphy At No. 28

April 27th, 2023 at 10:29pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bengals have spent a high number of recent draft picks on the offensive side of the ball, but they invested their 2023 first-round pick on defense. Cincinnati has selected Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy with the No. 28 pick.

Murphy is the first Bengals first-round defensive lineman since Justin Smith back in 2001. While he is thus a rarity in that regard, he should be counted on as a productive contributor for the AFC North champions in both the short- and long-term future.

The Tigers experienced a general regression across their defensive front in 2022, and Murphy took a step back in terms of production. After an impressive 2021 campaign in which he posted eight sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, the 6-4, 268-pounder saw those respective figures fall to 6.5 and 11 last year. He was still able to show flashes of his ability to effect both the run and pass game, though, keeping him in the first-round conversation leading up to the draft.

Murphy coupled his size and frame with a combination of speed and power to make him one of the more balanced edge players in this year’s impressive class, and give himself a wide range of potential NFL landing spots. In Cincinnati, he should be able to find a role for himself early on.

The Bengals have Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard in place atop their edge rushing depth chart. They ranked 29th in the league with only 30 sacks last year, however, illustrating a lack of established backup options at the position. Cincinnati added Joseph Ossai in the third round of the 2021 draft, and Murphy will join him as a young, developmental option. If he can regain his form from 2021, the latter could prove to be a very worthwhile addition.

Jaguars Select OT Anton Harrison At No. 27

April 27th, 2023 at 10:25pm CST by Ben Levine

After moving back twice, the Jaguars have finally made their first selection of the draft. With the No. 27 pick, Jacksonville has selected Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison.

The rookie started at left tackle for Oklahoma for each of the past two seasons. After earning a second-team All-Big Ten nod in 2021, he was first-team All-Big Ten in 2022. He was also a consensus All-American pick this past year.

Harrison’s pedigree helped make him a projected first- or second-round pick in the draft. While Harrison endured knocks for his lack of athleticism, he has elite size (6-foot-4, 315 pounds) and length. His ability to play to his owns strengths made him one of the safer offensive line prospects in the draft, although his ceiling might be somewhat limited.

Harrison was ultimately the fifth offensive lineman to hear his name called during the first round, with the Jaguars trading back a handful of times before landing on their preferred prospect. It comes after a rocky offseason for the Jags at tackle.

Starting left tackle Cam Robinson is facing a PED suspension, perhaps forcing the front office’s hand at the position. The team let four-year right tackle starter Jawaan Taylor walk in free agency; Taylor signed a whopping four-year, $80MM deal with the Chiefs. The organization used a 2021 second-round pick on tackle Walker Little, but the Jaguars will surely find a way to get their 2023 first-round selection in the lineup.

Cowboys Select DT Mazi Smith At No. 26

April 27th, 2023 at 10:18pm CST by Ben Levine

The Cowboys are using their first-round pick to shore up their defensive line. With the No. 26 pick, Dallas has selected Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

With the way the draft board was shaking out, many assumed the Cowboys may use their first-round selection on a tight end to replace Dalton Schultz. However, the Bills traded up ahead of Dallas to select Dalton Kincaid, and while Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer was still on the board, the Cowboys opted to take a defender instead.

They ultimately landed on Smith, who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors following a 2022 campaign that saw him compile 48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a half-sack. Thanks to his performance, the prospect was certain to hear his name called during one of the first two rounds, with scouts loving his size and quickness but raising an eyebrow at his consistency.

Ultimately, this will be an upside pick for Dallas, and the team has plenty of defensive line depth to bring Smith along slowly. It’ll be interesting to see whether the rookie settles in as a defensive tackle or nose tackle, but for the time being, he’ll find himself in the mix with the recently re-signed Johnathan Hankins and rookie-contract presence Osa Odighizuwa on the Dallas D-tackle depth chart.

Bills Trade Up For Utah TE Dalton Kincaid

April 27th, 2023 at 10:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

After moving from No. 24 to No. 25, the Jaguars are sliding back once again. This time, they’re trading with the Bills, sending No. 25 to Buffalo for picks No. 27 and No. 130, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). Buffalo made the trade to select the draft’s first tight end in Utah’s Dalton Kincaid.

With the Cowboys — a team frequently linked to drafting a seam-stretcher on Thursday — set to pick at No. 26, this slot represents a logical trade-up spot for the Bills. Buffalo was named as a team to watch with respect to a receiver addition, but the recent run at that position left Kincaid available. That development could pay significant dividends for Buffalo.

Kincaid emerged as a red zone threat in 2021 by scoring eight touchdowns. He matched that figure last year, while taking on a larger role in the team’s offense. The 6-3, 246-pounder recorded 890 yards on 70 receptions in 2022, making a strong case as the top pass-catching tight end in the 2023 class, one which has been the source of considerable praise during the pre-draft process.

Michael Mayer has often been listed as the most well-rounded TE available, but the Notre Dame product remains on the board. Kincaid thus has the distinction of the top player at the position but also finds himself entering an enviable situation with respect to the offense he will now be joining.

The Bills boast one of the league’s most productive passing attacks, but much of their success comes from the receiver position. Kincaid will provide the team with a complimentary option to veteran Dawson Knox in the middle of the field, and should be able to form a formidable tandem with him for many years to come. With the Bills still searching for a consistent No. 2 option on the perimeter, they have at least exited Day 1 with a noteworthy addition to their offense.

Giants Trade Up For CB Deonte Banks

April 27th, 2023 at 10:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Giants are moving up one spot. New York has acquired pick No. 24 from the Jaguars for pick No. 25, No. 160 and No. 240, per ESPN’s Field Yates (on Twitter). The Giants will use their selection on Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks.

Although the Giants were perhaps the team most closely tied to the top wide receivers in this draft, cornerback has been a need in New York for a bit. The team whiffed on 2019 first-rounder Deandre Baker and released James Bradberry last year. The Giants did not make much of an effort to replace Bradberry and entered the draft with a hole opposite Adoree’ Jackson, who is going into a contract year.

Banks drew extensive attention during the pre-draft process, charting a busy course across the country. Nearly half the NFL’s 32 teams met with Banks; the Giants were among that contingent. Our Ely Allen covered Banks’ pre-draft profile, and despite Joey Porter Jr. receiving a bit more acclaim during the leadup to the draft, the Giants went with another Big Ten cover man. In a major surprise, Porter remains on the board heading into Round 2.

Banks bounced back from a shoulder injury that cut his 2021 season off after two games. Excelling in press coverage and running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, Banks brings a 6-foot, 197-pound frame to the Giants. New York selected slot hopeful Cor’Dale Flott in the third round last year, but it should be expected Banks has a quicker avenue to regular duty as a rookie.

Don Martindale received praise for his work in New York last season, and while the team ranked 25th defensively, it fared better against the pass (14th). The Giants accomplished that upper-half pass defense ranking despite Jackson missing a chunk of the season with an MCL sprain and would-be No. 2 corner Aaron Robinson missing almost all of it because of a worse knee injury earlier in the season. The Giants signed Amani Oruwariye from the Lions, but he took a big step back in his contract year. As such, Banks should be expected to join Jackson as the Giants’ top corners during his rookie year.

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