QB Zach Wilson waits for trade, not at Jets' workouts
There has been no traction gained in trade talks with teams interested in Wilson, Douglas said Friday at his pre-draft news conference. But Wilson is still hoping to play elsewhere next season and didn't report to the start of the Jets' offseason program.
"I think it's each player's choice whether they're going to be here for phase one," Douglas said. "These are all voluntary. There are quite a few players that haven't come for the first week so, look, that's a decision that Zach has to make."
Douglas granted Wilson's request for permission to seek a trade in February before New York added former Giants backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor to back up Aaron Rodgers.
New York took Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, and he has a record of 12-21 as an on-again, off-again starter for three seasons.
Rodgers is coming back from a torn Achilles to be the starter in 2024.
Douglas signaled during the NFL Scouting Combine in February that Wilson's time with the franchise likely was over.
"I've had good conversations with his agent, Brian Ayrault," Douglas said. "Where we are exactly, we've given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade. ... Other than that, there's nothing else to report."
Wilson, 24, was 4-7 in 2023 and passed for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Through 34 games (33 starts), he has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 TDs and 25 picks.
Of the five first-round quarterbacks from the 2021 draft, only No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars will be his original team's starter in 2024.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance third overall and traded him to the Dallas Cowboys last August. Justin Fields was the No. 11 pick by the Chicago Bears and Mac Jones went 15th to the New England Patriots. The Steelers acquired Fields last month and Jones was traded to be Lawrence's backup with the Jaguars.
Former Bears, Colts GM Bill Tobin dies at 83
He later worked as a scout from 2003-22 for the Cincinnati Bengals, who announced Tobin's passing on Friday.
"He was a true NFL success story," Bengals president Mike Brown said. "He was a good person and I considered him a good friend. With Bill, I respected everything he said. I just took it as a given. He had an eye for players and what they would develop into. If he said the guy was a good player, then he was a good player; that's all I would need to know. We will miss him."
Tobin served as GM of the Bears from 1987-92 and held the same role with the Colts from 1994-96. He was the Detroit Lions' director of player personnel from 2001-02.
"Rest in peace, Bill Tobin, our GM from '94-96," Colts owner Jim Irsay wrote on Twitter. "Bill was a tough, old-time football man, starting as a player in the old AFL. He lived a magical life associated with the game he loved, and our league will miss him. My love and prayers for Bill's family."
During his 27 years in NFL front offices with Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit, Tobin's teams drafted eight future Hall of Famers, according to the Bengals' news release. That includes two Colts' first-rounders, running back Marshall Faulk in 1994 and receiver Marvin Harrison in 1996.
Tobin's son, Duke, has been the Bengals' director of player personnel since 1999.
Tobin's brother, Vince, was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 1996-2000.
Bill Tobin was a running back at Missouri and was drafted in the 14th round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1963. He played in 10 games (eight starts) with the Houston Oilers in 1963, rushing for 271 yards and four touchdowns and catching 13 passes for 173 yards and one score.
2024 NFL Draft: 10 sleepers to know
A late-round pick or a highly coveted undrafted free agent can slip through the cracks, and history shows draft position isn't the only factor in a prospect becoming a reliable pro.
Sometimes it's a receiver who tested poorly but had all the intangibles, like recent rookie receiving yardage record-setter Puka Nacua (Rams).
Sometimes it's a quarterback without a strong arm or standout athleticism, but great decision-making and a feel for running the offense, like Brock Purdy (49ers).
Among our favorite sleepers we project as late-round picks or undrafted free agents are these 10 names to know:
Jaden Crumedy, DT/DE, Mississippi State
Injuries limited Crumedy over the past couple years, but when healthy he was one of the more dynamic big men among college defensive lines. Despite being 300 pounds he regularly lined up over tackles early in his career. Clearly, the tools are present as the foundation for a great find.
Sataoa Laumea, OG, Utah
A college tackle who figures to kick inside as a pro, Laumea's length, strength and tenacity fit lead to a projection of long-time starter at guard. There will be some projection involved for teams, but he could easily outplay a fourth- or fifth-round draft slot.
Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois
Reiman's modest production won't stand out amongst tight end prospects, but a blazing 4.64 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds set him apart from his peers at the position. In a tight end class lacking depth, he figures to be one of the more interesting mid rounders at the position.
Travis Clayton, OT, Basingstoke RFC
A former rugby player and boxer, Clayton's special pro day gives him a legitimate chance to get picked. He ran a 4.82 40-yard dash at 6-7, 301 and has 35-inch arm length. Jake Witt was drafted in the seventh round last year with size and speed, but less length.
Eric Watts, DE, Connecticut
One of the freakiest height-weight-speed athletes in the draft, Watts has near 36-inch arms at 6-6, 274 and ran in the 4.6s at the NFL Scouting Combine. He's a bit stiff with his rush and will need seasoning with his hands, but he is extremely undervalued right now given his upside.
Bayron Matos, OT, South Florida
A walk-on at USF who played college basketball, Matos has almost no experience and would need a long runway. His traits are drawing scouts to take a look because of a frame -- 6-7, 313, 35-inch arms -- and light feet indicating he'll grow into football. Matos ran a 4.92 at his pro day.
McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
Testing bumped Jackson down from a likely Day Two pick into the sixth-round range. His length and strength in the run game are readymade for the next level.
Craig Young, LB, Kansas
Primarily a nickel defender for the Jayhawks, Young went from 215 to 225 pounds during the pre-draft process to show he could hold the weight of a true linebacker and testing indicates he maintained his athleticism. Fits for teams emphasizing hybrid versatility in the back seven such as Seattle and Baltimore.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
At a shade under 5-10 and only 184 pounds, Smith-Wade's draft stock tanked with his 4.5 40 time as a likely nickel-only corner. His smooth movements in transition and sticky man coverage should translate.
Jaylon Carlies, LB/S, Missouri
Carlies should be getting more attention. He's the ideal modern-day linebacker with height, weight, length and speed teams covet. His instincts are still in the works, but ceilings don't get much higher for late-rounders.
Report: Free agent WR DJ Chark visits Chargers
Veteran receivers Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and Mike Williams (New York Jets) departed this offseason, leaving the Chargers with holes to fill in the passing game for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Chark, 27, caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) last season with the Carolina Panthers.
He has 212 receptions for 3,069 yards and 23 scores in 69 games (51 starts) with the Panthers, Detroit Lions (2022) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-21), who drafted the 2019 Pro Bowler in the second round in 2018.
New head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers also have the No. 5 overall pick next week. Several mock drafts have them selecting a wide receiver, either Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. or LSU's Malik Nabers.
The receivers currently on the L.A. roster include 2023 draft picks Quentin Johnston (first round) and Derius Davis (fourth) and three-year veteran Joshua Palmer.
Broncos don't feel obligated to take QB with 12th overall pick
The Broncos moved on from Russell Wilson earlier in the offseason and have a big need at the position with Jarrett Stidham listed atop the depth chart.
"You would say, ‘Man, it sure looks like we have to draft a quarterback,'" Broncos coach Sean Payton said Thursday during a press conference. "And yet, it has to be the right fit and the right one.
"If we had the tip sheets as to who everyone else was taking, it would be easier to answer that question. That's the puzzle here."
Caleb Williams from Southern California is expected to be selected first overall by the Chicago Bears.
North Carolina's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy also are forecasted to go high in the draft.
Washington's Michael Penix Jr. could be available when the Broncos select.
Regardless of the quarterback order, Denver general manager George Paton said getting the pick right is the most important thing. He also said the 12th overall pick doesn't necessarily have to be a quarterback.
"What you don't want to do here is force it," Paton said. "Otherwise, we will be in this position next year and the years after. You want to get the right player at No. 12. Our first pick we have to hit on, whether it's a quarterback, whether it's a tackle, a receiver or you name it. We need to get an impact player."
Paton likes the group of quarterbacks but didn't want to talk specifics.
"I'm not going to talk about our board right now," Paton said. "I do think that it's a good quarterback class. (There are) seven, eight quarterbacks that we like and that we think can play in the league one day.
"I'm not going to get into how we have them rated or the Top 10. I'm not going to go there, but it is a good quarterback class. It's been fun getting to know them, seven or eight of them. We think that we can take a quarterback early; we think (we can get one in) the mid-rounds.
"We think that there are going to be quarterbacks throughout the draft that are interesting to us."
The outside pressure is heating up on the Broncos since they have missed the playoffs eight straight seasons. That just makes hitting on a quarterback more vital.
"Certainly, there are certain positions within the framework of our team right now where the vision could be clearer than maybe other positions," Payton said.
Packers sign former Eagles, Titans OT Andre Dillard
Dillard had been released by the Tennessee Titans as a salary cap casualty on March 15 after career highs of 10 starts and 562 offensive snaps in 16 appearances last season.
He had signed with the Titans as a free agent after four years with the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him No. 22 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Dillard, who spent the 2020 season on injured reserve, played in 43 games (nine starts) for the Eagles, mostly at left tackle.
Reports: NFL reinstates 5 players suspended for gambling
Current Washington Commanders edge rusher Shaka Toney, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Rashod Berry and three former Detroit Lions -- wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore and defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor -- were reinstated.
Toney and four Lions players, including Moore and Cephus, were suspended last April. Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were suspended for six games.
The Lions released Cephus and Moore when they were suspended.
The league suspended indefinitely Berry and Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers as well as free agent Taylor, who had been waived by the Lions about a month earlier. They were penalized for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season.
Rodgers, who remains suspended, later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have his rights.
Ravens WR Zay Flowers cleared by NFL after investigation
The alleged incident occurred in January, and police in Baltimore County, Md., suspended the investigation the following month.
No charges were filed against the 23-year-old Flowers, whom the Ravens selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Boston College.
"Following a review, the NFL concluded there was insufficient evidence to support a finding that Zay Flowers engaged in an activity that violated the NFL's personal conduct policy," the league said in a statement. "There will be no action taken by the league and Flowers remains eligible to participate in all team activities."
As a rookie, Flowers appeared in 16 regular-season games -- all starts -- and caught 77 passes for 858 yards and five touchdowns. He added one TD as he ran the ball eight times for 56 yards.
Commanders GM 'close' to making call on No. 2 pick
Washington will follow the Chicago Bears on the clock next Thursday with a first-time general manager in Peters making the call in a room that includes Quinn and consistent involvement from owner Josh Harris.
"We feel great about staying at No. 2," Peters said of the Commanders' willingness to make a draft-day trade. "I don't see a lot of scenarios where we trade down."
When Ron Rivera was fired at the end of a 4-13 season in 2023, the decision was made for another reset at quarterback. Last year's starter, Sam Howell, was 5-13 in two seasons. The new regime shipped Howell to the Seattle Seahawks in a trade that all but guaranteed Peters would be drafting a quarterback with the second overall pick.
"We have a few more things," Peters said Thursday. "DQ and I will huddle up and probably have an answer sometime next week. I will say this also, you don't need to make a decision until you need to make a decision. So there's no rush with that, but I think we'll have a pretty good idea what we're doing early next week."
A streak of seven consecutive seasons with a different starting quarterback to begin the season will hit eight in September. The run began in 2017, Kirk Cousins' final year with the team.
It's part of the reason Peters admitted he feels pressure to get the pick right for the fanbase, region and Harris, who purchased the team from Daniel Snyder before the 2023 season opened.
"Do we look stressed?" Peters joked Thursday. "There's a lot of pressure. It's a great responsibility. We take this very seriously, that's we've been working tirelessly. There's pressure. That's what we signed up for."
It's a position the Commanders have been in before, a reminder of the long stretch of failures under Synder's control. Washington picked No. 2 overall in 2020 (Chase Young, who was traded last October) and 2012 (Robert Griffin III led Washington to the playoffs as a rookie) and 2000 (LaVar Arrington was a three-time Pro Bowl selection).
The last playoff win for Washington was Jan. 7, 2006. Their active streak of 32 seasons without playing for the conference championship is the longest in the NFL, thanks to the Detroit Lions breaking through earlier this year.
The Commanders are in agreement with the majority of the football world anticipating local product and Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams will be off the board -- to the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick -- when Peters and Washington make their pick next week.
Peters and Quinn received sharp criticism for hosting the remaining top-ranked quarterbacks in the draft on a group visit to Top Golf. LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye (North Carolina), J.J. McCarthy (Michigan), and Michael Penix (Washington) were on hand to tee it up with Washington's new brass.
Peters clarified the group gathering was a tradition during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, and he learned the benefits of talking to the players in a relaxed environment among their immediate peers. Each quarterback, Peters reiterated Thursday, received individual time with the front office and coaching staff during the visit.
"Very beneficial," he summarized.
Bills, QB Josh Allen search for answers without WR Stefon Diggs
But as the Bills transform the roster, Allen said he's accepting the unspoken challenge of becoming a better leader.
"It's definitely hard to part ways with a guy that's been very instrumental in our success the last four years," Allen said Thursday of reporting to work without wide receiver Stefon Diggs in tow.
"We made a lot of changes this offseason. We lost a lot of veteran leadership -- Stef being one of them. Going into Year 7 now, it just kind of is what it is. I don't get paid to make changes on the team. I get paid to be the best quarterback I can be and try to lead the guys on this team."
Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans and exchanged text messages with Allen, who said he'll "always love him like a brother." Buffalo also moved on from No. 2 wide receiver Gabe Davis, who landed in Jacksonville as a free agent.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane is tasked with making roster changes. He said there's no truth to the idea Buffalo needs a No. 1 wide receiver on the roster or has to zero in on that position in the draft.
"We'd love to have two guys out there who are No. 1s," Beane said. "What you need are guys that are smart, versatile, selfless and can make the plays that their skill set allows them to make. If it's a tall guy that Josh is going to throw him a 50-50 ball he's got to come down with it. If it's a guy that we're going to get the ball in his hands and we need some (yards after the catch) he's going to do that. ... If there's a (No.) 1 (receiver) that pops up in free agency or draft that makes sense for us, we'll do it.
"I don't think not having a 1 means we cannot have success either as an offense or as a team."
Buffalo's current depth chart at the position features 2023 fifth-round pick Justin Shorter, 2022 fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir and free agent signee Curtis Samuel.
The Bills feature tight ends Dawson Knox and 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid but no outside receiver with Diggs' resume.
"We'll miss him. You never replace a player like Stef Diggs," head coach Sean McDermott said Thursday. "... Hard to move on from a player like that."
McDermott called the trade an "opportunity to step up" for returning receivers.
He said he discussed the trade of Diggs with Allen and they communicated "multiple times" because of the gravity of the decision. In exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Bills are forced to swallow $31 million in dead money on the current payroll and take a $4 million cap hit.
"Just trying to do what's best for the team, both in the near-term and the long-term," McDermott said.
Giants GM: TE Darren Waller still undecided; draft trade talk 'surprising'
Schoen said Thursday at a pre-draft press conference the Giants are giving Waller the time and space he requested to deliberate whether to re-invest in the physical and emotional toll required to continue his NFL career.
The Giants could consider a tight end in the draft with Georgia's Brock Bowers standing out as the top talent at the position.
But Schoen sounded more inclined to weigh trade options because of the number of holes the Giants have on the roster.
With Waller's future up in the air, wide receiver Darius Slayton also is avoiding voluntary workouts and reportedly seeking a new contract. Schoen said Thursday the Giants understand the business side and said the situation serves as a reminder the team work in April is "voluntary."
"I understand where he's coming from. That's his prerogative," Schoen said.
The Giants hosted multiple wide receivers on "top 30" visits including likely top-10 picks Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, Malik Nabers of LSU and Rome Odunze of Washington. All three visited New Jersey on the same day in March.
Recent additions at wide receiver have produced underwhelming results. The Giants traded 2021 first-round receiver Kadarius Toney -- a selection made by the front office preceding Schoen's arrival -- and parted with big-ticket free agent Kenny Golladay in 2022.
Roster needs are plentiful entering 2024. They could include quarterback and running back. Daniel Jones is coming off of neck surgery and Saquon Barkley bolted for the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent.
If it comes down to trading out of the No. 6 spot to stockpile picks, Schoen said the number of calls from teams inquiring about that pick has been a surprise.
New York also is making calls of its own.
Schoen said the Giants' "expectation" is for Jones to return as the team's starter, even as reports of the team's interest in prospects at the position gain steam.
"I've still got a lot of confidence in Daniel," Schoen said. "He's here all the time. We've got a good relationship."
Reports indicate the Giants also are looking into moving up. Schoen didn't confirm on Thursday but did admit he's aware the teams with the top three picks -- Chicago, Washington and New England -- aren't "inclined to move right now."
"I don't think anybody's ready to move right now, I know people are listening," Schoen said.
Waller, who will turn 32 in September, caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (11 starts) last season with New York.
The Giants signed tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz in free agency.
Waller is due a base salary of $10.5 million in 2024. He signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2022. New York acquired him from Las Vegas in March 2023 for a third-round pick in the 2023 draft.
Patriots' front office 'open to anything' with No. 3 pick options
Wolf sprayed to all fields as he chatted with reporters Thursday. He's embracing his first draft at the top of the Patriots' personnel department, a role he was handed when New England fired Bill Belichick and hired Jerod Mayo as head coach.
The son of Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf admitted he's always eager for more picks -- New England has eight overall selections starting with the third pick, No. 34 overall and No. 68 at the top of the third round.
Wolf has a massive hole at quarterback to fill, but it's one of many for a team plotting to rebound from a 4-13 season.
"We're a draft-and-develop team," Wolf said. "The more picks we have, the better."
Failing to develop the last quarterback New England selected in the first round -- Mac Jones, the 15th pick in 2021 out of Alabama -- was a factor that pushed the Patriots into the draft's top 10 for the first time since they drafted Mayo 10th in 2008. Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason after 42 career starts
"We're open to anything -- moving up, moving down," Wolf said. "We're open for business in the first round and in every round. ... If there's an opportunity to move up and strike if the board, kind of, recommends it, we're open to anything."
New England signed journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett while not masking their interest in the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft. Some combination of Wolf, Mayo and top assistant coaches attended Pro Day workouts for Southern California's Caleb Williams, LSU's Jayden Daniels, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy and North Carolina's Drake Maye. Washington quarterback Michael Penix was one of the "top 30" prospect visits at team headquarters in Foxborough, Mass.
Wolf revealed the top six quarterbacks on the Patriots' board all received glowing marks from teammates and coaches during New England's scouting staff research the past three-plus months.
"Hearing how impressive they are as teammates, as people, as leaders ... I think it's a unique year. I'd say that's been impressive with all six of these quarterbacks that are kind of the top guys," Wolf said.
The Patriots traded Jones after benching him late in the 2023 season. Bailey Zappe, drafted 137th overall in 2022, went 2-4 as New England's starter down the stretch. Wolf was part of the front office that selected Jones and Zappe, but New England held onto Zappe in the offseason with a new system introduced following Bill O'Brien's departure for the college ranks.
Zappe turns 25 on the second night of the draft -- by comparison, Penix turns 24 in May and Daniels' 24th birthday is Dec. 20 -- and is expected to stick around at least into training camp unless the Patriots draft two quarterbacks or acquire one via trade.
2024 NFL Draft: Top 50 Big Board
But the 2024 NFL Draft is rich at multiple positions with depth for days at wide receiver and offensive tackle.
Teams that covet a lockdown cornerback or stud safety might be out of luck, and the popular discussion around value at the interior offensive line and running back spots will play out in a big way starting in the second round.
If it's Michigan men you want, this is your year. Starting with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, 10 former Wolverines graded out as top-125 prospects.
1. QB Caleb Williams, Southern California
Talent is enough to roll the dice that Williams consistently delivers the goods in the NFL if a franchise leaves space for him to be an individual without dropping traditional expectations for a QB1 and No. 1 pick.
2. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Daniels played like a much different man last season, entering the year with a fourth-round grade and ending it with a Heisman Trophy and squarely in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. He has elite speed, an elusive running style and exhibited incredible growth as a passer. No QB in the class performed better against pressure looks and blitzes. He has high-end accuracy and decision-making to overcome growing pains if he lands with a team with modest talent.
3. QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Maye checks all necessary boxes to be a long-term starter. He has impressive touch and control as a passer regardless of the situation and enough quickness and presence to handle pressure and create throwing lanes under duress. His ceiling isn't as high as some of the other quarterbacks on this list but has better mobility than expected and enough arm talent.
4. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
5. WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Such a smooth athlete he will be knocked for looking like he's rolling on cruise control, the truth is Nabers is a graceful open-field mover with instant change-of-direction agility and the build-up speed to pull away from defenders. He may need time to adjust to the physicality of NFL press coverage, but his traits suggest he gets there.
6. WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze slots closely to Nabers and Harrison depending on what you're looking for at the position. He's incredibly strong playing through contact along his routes, tracks the ball naturally and doesn't lose when fighting for the ball in a crowd. He's not the craftsman or overall athlete Nabers and Harrison are at this stage, but some evaluators wrote the same knocks on Larry Fitzgerald's Pitt scouting report.
7. OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Big, long and steady in pass protection, Alt is an adequate athlete but his game really shines when shutting down power rushers or using his length to seal off pressure off the corner. He's not a nasty blocker who will push people around and elite athletes will test his game, but he has the skill set to lock up almost anyone in the league.
8. TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
A unique height-weight-speed matchup who has the ball skills and speed to threaten any linebacker or safety, Bowers is more of a supersized receiver than a tight end. He won't be a factor in the run game early in his career, but his ability to make plays after the catch and create separation against man coverage imply he can be a Pro Bowl impact player very soon.
9. EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Teammate Will Anderson Jr. (No. 3 pick in 2023 to the Houston Texans) was more refined, but Turner was just as productive in his final year with the Crimson Tide, relying on his ability to consistently attack the corner and get around it. He'll be a work in progress for his first season and perhaps more, but there's an All-Pro ceiling to unveil should he maximize his full potential.
10. OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Fashanu presents an overall body of work that separates him from a pack of offensive tackles in the first round. He's not an elite athlete. But he plays with discipline and accurate hands, refined footwork and his well-rounded style of play blocks all paths to success for defensive linemen.
11. CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
As one scout put it, no player in this class has a bigger appetite to be great. The self-titled "best player to come out of the MAC," we need to see a bit more before taking his measurements against Randy Moss and Ben Roethlisberger. But Mitchell is the best Group of 5 player in this class by a considerable margin. He aced every pre-draft test to back up insane production on the ball and proved elite speed at the Scouting Combine. He's a long, fluid corner with great speed and gets an A+ for competitive endurance.
12. OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
A two-year starter at right tackle, Fuaga is a near carbon copy of Bears 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright. He has adequate length and a steady approach to his pass sets that will allow him to stay outside as a pro. What teams covet in his game: beastly power in the run game and a reputation as a no-mercy finisher.
13. EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Verse looked spindly in 2022 while playing at 248 pounds, then added good weight in 2023 while maintaining his patented first step and subtle speed to power transition. His ability to set up blockers with his quickness and hand usage is hard to handle even for the most technical and athletic tackles. The extra year of development has paid off and should allow him to start as a rookie.
14. CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
An easy moving corner with the size, speed and agility to match up against receivers with varied traits, Arnold deals with some lapses in judgment when playing the ball in the air or working from zone. His tools are there, and it might not be long before he is one of the best corners in the league by ironing out those flaws. He's the top athlete - and one of the youngest -- at the position in 2024, which will boost his final draft grade for most teams.
15. OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
Superb athlete with defensive line and offensive line chops, he could play any position on the line and moves like a tight end.
16. OT J.C. Latham, Alabama
Latham went from 325 pounds to 360 for his final season. The results were mixed on the field and he checked in at 343 at his March Pro Day. He is extraordinarily athletic for a man of his size. He wasn't quite as fluid or nimble in pass protection or space in 2023, so he may need to drop weight as a pro to get back to looking like a future high-end starter.
17. DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
Overshadowed when the 2023 season began by high-profile teammates Alfred Collins and T'Vondre Sweat, Murphy's incredible first step and lightning fast hands turn him into the best pro of the group. The boxy-framed defender lacks the length desired for the position but has great feel for attacking and creating ways to get off blocks.
18. WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
A height-weight-speed prospect whose emergence coincides with the rise of Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Not as developed as the receivers higher on this list, Thomas has immense potential while his game evolves. He has solid ball skills, can win reliably down the field when targeted against man coverage and could be in the unguardable category with route refinement.
19. EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Latu is a crisp athlete with the hands to always have the answers to the blocking test. He can rush the passer just easily standing up or with his hand down, and his feel for finding angles and capitalizing on the mistakes of blockers. His medical will be a major question mark for teams, but a clean bill of health should land him in the top 20.
20. QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
All-in character helped lift McCarthy into the early first-round conversation but he's a clear No. 4 on the QB board as the least rehearsed in terms of direct NFL skillsets. But the tools clearly are all here, including the arm talent not flexed as frequently in Michigan's pro-style, power-based, run-first offense.
21. OL Graham Barton, Duke
Draft him and plug him in at any of the three interior OL spots or trial Barton at left tackle in a quick-set passing attack and he's ready to anchor the line for a decade.
22. CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Size (6-foot-2), speed (4.28 40 time) and traits for days. Wiggins would be one of the first players picked in a best-athlete-available draft. NFL teams aren't all convinced he'll bite if he can get the job done by showing his teeth, especially supporting against the run.
23. CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
There are more sudden cover cornerbacks in the class but playmaking is DeJean's game, and his straight-line speed should equate to top-level range if he's moved to safety.
24. OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Sample size is the only time "tiny" could be applied to the 6-8, 345-pound Mims. Raw with only eight career starts, Mims is a mountainous right tackle with the upside to make it at left tackle. But he'll require patience and technique work to cover still-developing football instincts to maximize his natural ability and reach his significant ceiling.
25. EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
Much like recent late first-round pick Nolan Smith (Eagles), Robinson's size isn't ideal for setting the edge or holding up in the run game. There's no dismissing his burst and bend to threaten almost any offensive tackle around the corner. He's unseasoned but the bet from NFL teams will be he can be a 10-sack contributor during his first contract.
26. DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
A maxed-out frame and limited length worries some teams with Newton when it comes to defending the run. On the flip side, he's a pro-ready pass rusher with great agility, hand speed and a knack for creating with counter moves.
27. DT/DE Darius Robinson, Missouri
Experience and winning tape across the defensive line, Robinson sheds blockers without a fight. Because of his measurables and raw tools, teams are enticed by his ceiling and versatility to fit virtually any defense.
28. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The preliminary favorite to be the top cornerback in this class, McKinstry was overshadowed at times by teammate Terrion Arnold this year but still figures to be a longtime starter with return game skills to boot. While he is better in man than zone he has ball skills and athleticism that transfer easily to the NFL.
29. C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Brick wall of a center at 328 pounds, Powers-Johnson could find his way to guard and wins on brute strength to hold off even the biggest nose tackles in the NFL.
30. OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Tools galore, Guyton needs polish but brings ideal size, length and quickness to be a franchise left tackle. His hand usage and footwork are essential pieces to develop, making him a long-term project. With the right coaching he could end up being one of the best linemen in the class.
31. WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Buzz continues to grow around Mitchell on a boost from his elite athleticism and testing at 6-2, 205. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash and showed off his 39.5-inch vertical in Indianapolis, sending teams back to study his 18 touchdowns in three seasons split between Georgia (2021, 2022) and Texas.
32. WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Speaking of scorers, McConkey had 19 career touchdowns with the Bulldogs and his skill set and body type bear some resemblance to Cooper Kupp, the kind of relative comparisons pushing his draft stock into the first round since an injury-plagued junior season ended.
Best of the rest:
33. WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
34. OG Jordan Morgan, Arizona
35. QB Bo Nix, Oregon
36. OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
37. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
38. WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
39. DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
40. WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
41. C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
42. LB Junior Colson, Michigan
43. CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
44. EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
45. WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
46. WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
47. CB Max Melton, Rutgers
48. DT Maason Smith, LSU
49. S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
50. EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama
Browns sign veteran OL Germain Ifedi
Terms were not disclosed.
Ifedi, 29, was a first-round pick in 2016 and has started 83 of 102 career games with three NFL teams.
He spent most of last season on the Buffalo Bills' active roster but did not appear in a game.
Ifedi has started 59 games at right tackle and 24 at right guard with the Seattle Seahawks (2016-19), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and Atlanta Falcons (2022).
The Browns also placed tackle Justin Murray on the reserve/retired list.
Murray, who turns 31 on Friday, spent time on Cleveland's practice squad last season.
Murray appeared in 41 games (20 starts) with the then-Oakland Raiders (2018), Arizona Cardinals (2019-21), Bills (2022) and Tennessee Titans (2023).
RB J.K. Dobbins agrees to one-year deal with Chargers
Dobbins, 25, spent the previous four years in Baltimore. With the Chargers, he will play under former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who now holds the same position in Los Angeles.
In 2023, Dobbins sustained a season-ending Achilles tear in the season opener against the Houston Texans. He had eight carries for 22 yards in his abbreviated campaign.
Injuries affected his previous NFL seasons, too. After producing 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, he tore an anterior cruciate ligament in a 2021 exhibition game and missed the entire season.
Dobbins returned to action in 2022 but was slowed by another knee injury that limited him to eight games. He wound up with 520 yards and two touchdowns that year.
The Ravens selected Dobbins in the second round of the 2020 draft (55th overall) out of Ohio State.
Trevor Lawrence not distracted by looming deal with Jaguars
Speaking to the media on Tuesday at the beginning of the 2024 offseason program, the former No. 1 overall pick said his representatives have discussed a new contract with the Jaguars.
"We love it here and I love where we're headed as an organization and feel like I'm just getting better every year and my best ball's definitely ahead of me," said Lawrence, who has started 50 games over his first three seasons. "So, from that standpoint, obviously that would be great."
Since the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, NFL draft picks sign four-year deals, with teams holding fifth-year options for first-round selections. After a player's third season, teams must choose whether to exercise that option during the offseason.
May 2 is the deadline for the Jaguars to decide whether to pick up the option on Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. (No. 25 overall pick in 2021).
"It's not like this is necessarily going to be my last season (on the rookie contract)," Lawrence said. "There's a lot that could happen. It's not really my focus right now. At the end of the day, my job isn't going to change whether I get extended or not before this season.
"My job is to go win games and to be the best I can be for this team so we can have a chance to win a Super Bowl."
Coming off a strong 2022 campaign (25 touchdowns, eight interceptions), the 24-year-old Lawrence played through injuries down the stretch last season and finished with 21 TDs and 14 picks. He also missed a start for the first time in his NFL career, sitting out a Week 17 home win against the Carolina Panthers.
Gearing up for the 2024 season, Lawrence said he won't let any contract talk get in the way of his preparation.
"I can't lie: Obviously it would be nice to have that done and feel good about it," Lawrence said. "But no, it's not really the focus right now. Even if I get the contract extension, that's still my job even more so."
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts yearns for offensive continuity
"I find myself in a situation very similar to college in terms of having a constantly revolving door in terms of coordinators and coaches," Hurts told reporters Wednesday. "But I've always managed to have success in it, so that's always been a good thing, because you've been able to learn from people and apply it."
Kellen Moore is the Eagles' new offensive coordinator this season, replacing Brian Johnson, who was fired after the offense struggled down the stretch. Following a 10-1 start, Philadelphia dropped six of its last seven before losing in an NFC wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his four college seasons (three at Alabama, one at Oklahoma), Hurts had a different playcaller every year. It wasn't until 2021-22 that Hurts had the same coordinator for consecutive seasons, when now-Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen held the role.
"I think as a player, I definitely yearn for the sustainability and the consistency there," Hurts said. "As a quarterback, I yearn for those things in a playcaller and a quarterback coach because you kind of see how consistency in those areas can breed excellence,"
Under Steichen's tutelage, Hurts led the Eagles to an appearance in Super Bowl LVII and finished second in MVP voting in 2022.
When Steichen left for Indianapolis, Johnson was promoted from QB coach to offensive coordinator, but he, Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni reportedly didn't see eye to eye.
"I think the best of him. He's been a huge part of my development in my time here as an Eagle," Hurts said of Johnson, a longtime family friend who is now the Washington Commanders' assistant head coach/offensive pass game coordinator.
As for working with Moore, Hurts said he'll soak it all in and be ready to adjust when it comes to the new coordinator's game plan.
"I'm just all ears. I'm a sponge. I think there's some beauty in that," Hurts said. "I'm just in sponge mode. I'm letting them do what it is they're going to do, and then we kind of adjust from there. I think the thing that we all have to understand is the importance of a foundation in something.
"So I want the coaches to declare their foundation in terms of what they want something to be, how they want it to look, and then obviously you're going to adjust from there."
Bill Belichick joining Pat McAfee for NFL draft-day coverage
Belichick will be part of the team on "The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular," to air the opening night of the draft on ESPN+, the host announced Wednesday.
The draft will be held April 25-27 in Detroit.
"I'm looking forward to it," a relaxed-looking Belichick told McAfee. "Draft weekend's always an exciting time for everybody -- for the teams that are building their teams and for the fans and for everybody involved in it, so you know it's a great event and, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing it, you know, from the other side. It will be fun to be in Detroit."
Belichick, known for his frequent trades during the draft, said he expects to chip in what he knows about draft-day dealing.
"I think I can, you know, give a little insight into maybe what the conversations will be in those rounds," he said. "I've made a few trades."
Belichick and the Patriots agreed to part ways in January, and he was not hired to fill a vacancy during the 2024 coaching cycle. It is widely anticipated that Belichick, who turned 72 on Tuesday, will wind up working in TV in some capacity this fall.
The architect of six Super Bowl-winning teams in New England, Belichick built a 302-165 career record with the Patriots (2000-23) and Cleveland Browns (1991-95).
2024 NFL Draft: Top needs for all 32 teams
The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off April 25 and there are schools of thought in every front office as to whether the best player available -- generally defended as the primary default setting for the draft -- or best fit for a specific, existing need makes more sense.
In reality, a confluence of the two is the sweet spot every franchise targets.
Take the Chicago Bears.
Unless you are driving the Tyson Bagent bandwagon, quarterback stands as the No. 1 need for general manager Ryan Poles. He essentially made the same admission with the delayed consummation of a trade of 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chicago has the No. 9 pick to invest on another need -- or BPA -- or Poles could opt to trade down and gather more draft capital. The Bears have only four total draft picks thanks to trades for defensive end Montez Sweat and wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Here are the top needs for all 32 teams listed in the current 2024 draft order.
Chicago Bears
QB, Edge, OT, WR, DT
Set to select the first overall pick for the third time in franchise history, the Bears are still looking for stability at quarterback in what will be their 30th starter since 2000.
Washington Commanders
QB, OT, Edge
Another reset in Washington this offseason brings the search for a new QB to help the franchise reach its first Super Bowl in 32 years.
New England Patriots
QB, WR, CB, OT, DT
Owner Robert Kraft remains blunt about big changes to the offense - starting with a clean slate at quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals
WR, OL, CB, DL, RB
One pick away from the No. 3 slot where they selected Larry Fitzgerald in 2004.
Los Angeles Chargers
CB, RB, OT, WR, DT
Shoring up the defense and pass protection are peak priorities under new coach Jim Harbaugh.
New York Giants
CB, RB, WR, QB, S
With or without Daniel Jones, the Giants have work to do at a number of positions.
Tennessee Titans
Edge, OT, DT, WR, TE
Likely in position to select the best defensive player in the draft or a top-ranked playmaker, but need is great on offensive line, too.
Atlanta Falcons
CB, Edge, DT, OL, S
New coach Raheem Morris covets pass rush and takeaways.
New York Jets
OL, TE, WR, S, CB, QB
Aaron Rodgers returns from Achilles surgery as a pocket passer only preserved by pristine protection from the offensive line.
Minnesota Vikings
QB, OL, Edge, DT-NT, WR
Kirk Cousins hit the exit for Atlanta in free agency and Minnesota armed up with a second first-round pick to help fill the void.
Denver Broncos
QB, WR, CB, DT, Edge
No longer tethered to Russell Wilson -- only by his record dead cap hit -- it's likely a transition season for the Broncos.
Las Vegas Raiders
QB, CB, WR, OT, OL
Head coach Antonio Pierce plans to construct a winner in the trenches.
New Orleans Saints
OT, WR, QB, CB, DT
Multiple offensive linemen could be added by the Saints due to injuries and ineffective play last season.
Indianapolis Colts
WR, CB, S, RB, TE
Michael Pittman stayed but offensive firepower must improve for second-year QB Anthony Richardson to reach his potential.
Seattle Seahawks
OL, TE, LB, Edge, DL
No longer Pete Carroll's operation, the Seahawks still have vacancies at key front seven positions and the interior offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Edge, DT, CB, OT, WR
Josh Allen cashed in after his 17.5-sack season and would thrive with a better supporting cast.
Cincinnati Bengals
DT, OT, TE, WR, CB
An active interior pass rusher might lift the Bengals to the top tier of contenders.
Los Angeles Rams
DT, CB, OT, CB, QB
Aaron Donald's retirement is cause for concern as the Rams make a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 (Jared Goff).
Pittsburgh Steelers
OT, WR, CB, DT, S
Pittsburgh invested its top pick on offense in every draft since 2019.
Miami Dolphins
OL, DT, TE, Edge, LB
Sneaky solid free agency haul left a few remaining voids, including right guard, and left tackle Terron Armstead's durability is a lingering worry.
Philadelphia Eagles
S, CB, TE, OT, Edge
Welcomed back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency but free safety and pass rushers are key concerns.
Dallas Cowboys
OT, LB, WR, RB, DT
No longer is Tyron Smith old reliable at left tackle. Even if Tyler Smith slides outside, offensive line additions are priority.
Green Bay Packers
OT, DT, CB, S, LB
With the future in Jordan Love's hands, the Packers address front five.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Edge, CB, S, LB, OL
GM Jason Licht back to the well: Bucs drafted defensive linemen in first round in 2018, 2021, 2023.
Buffalo Bills
WR, DT, Edge, RB, CB
Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are gone, leaving Buffalo with a largely new cast outside.
Detroit Lions
CB, S, Edge, OL, WR
Free agent addition Carlton Davis proclaimed himself the No. 1 corner in Detroit. Still, Lions GM admits team covets cornerbacks.
Baltimore Ravens
OL, WR, Edge, S, DL
Figuring out the left side of the line and a long-term plan at tackle would be wise given investment in Lamar Jackson.
San Francisco 49ers
OL, WR, LB, CB, TE
Defensive line remains a default play for GM John Lynch but the O-line is overdue some attention.
Kansas City Chiefs
OT, CB, RB, WR, TE
More playmakers won't hurt Patrick Mahomes, as long as the Chiefs stabilize blocking, too. Leading receiver Rashee Rice's arrest adds uncertainty despite KC signing WR Hollywood Brown.
Carolina Panthers
WR, CB, Edge, DT, TE
Heavily invested in improving offensive line. Time to find a big-play receiver for Bryce Young.
Houston Texans
CB, LB, OL, DL, TE
Pair of 2023 first-rounders worked out quite nicely (CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr.). Shopping to fill niche roles shows just how far the roster has come since 2022.
Cleveland Browns
QB, RB, LB, DT, WR
Deshaun Watson played 12 games in two seasons and is coming off of shoulder surgery, while RB Nick Chubb's status will be up in the air until he proves recovered from knee reconstruction.
Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman
Terms were not disclosed but multiple media outlets reported it was a one-year contract for Freeman, 28.
Dallas needed help at the position after seeing last season's leading rusher Tony Pollard depart in free agency.
Freeman, a six-year veteran, becomes the most experienced running back on the roster for the Cowboys, who also have Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and Hunter Luepke.
Freeman ran for 319 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games off the bench last season with the Los Angeles Rams. The 2018 third-round pick has rushed for 1,792 yards with 10 TDs in 79 career games (nine starts) with the Denver Broncos (2018-20), Carolina Panthers (2021), Houston Texans (2021-22) and Rams (2023).
