{"id":6772,"date":"2025-05-18T02:59:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-18T02:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/?p=6772"},"modified":"2025-05-18T02:59:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T02:59:08","slug":"the-daily-briefing-friday-may-2-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/the-daily-briefing-friday-may-2-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"The Daily Briefing Friday, May 2, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AROUND THE NFL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Mike Sando of The Athletic<\/em> has NFL scouts that give him unfiltered thoughts anonymously and their opinions on the draft of the various NFC teams are scattered below under Sando. <\/td><\/tr>
NFC NORTH<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 CHICAGO<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: Drafting a tight end at No. 10 is not for everyone, but the Bears still drew high marks for this draft and their overall offseason.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI like what they have done, and I\u2019ve been skeptical of the Bears in the past,\u201d an exec said. \u201cThe tight end (Colston Loveland) is a really good player. The sleeper in the bunch is that (Ozzy) Trapilo kid in the second round. Eventually, I think he will be their right tackle.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI have to hand it to (GM Ryan) Poles. They have upgraded in a lot of ways this offseason.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>New coach Ben Johnson\u2019s fingerprints were all over Poles\u2019 fourth draft with Chicago.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cYour first pick is in some way a statement about what this team needs and how they are going to play and how they are going to win,\u201d another exec said. \u201c(Loveland) is an interesting choice, and I think you can tell it was coach-driven.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Chicago\u2019s first draft with Johnson delivered four players among the draft\u2019s first 62 picks, three of them on offense, with two of those being pass catchers: Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cChicago was interesting,\u201d another exec said. \u201cThey got a lot of love for the Colston Loveland pick, but they just extended Cole Kmet. That\u2019s a lot of resources at the tight end position.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>And a lot of flexibility.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cLoveland is going to catch a million balls,\u201d an exec said. \u201cHe will be better than (Sam) LaPorta. He is such a good receiver, and he\u2019s bigger \u2014 two inches taller and another 10 pounds. They will have an 11 personnel package with Burden in the slot and the 12 package when Burden is off the field with Loveland and Kmet on the field. They are set up pretty well.\u201d<\/em><\/em>  <\/td><\/tr>
 DETROIT<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: The Lions\u2019 first two picks, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and guard Tate Ratledge, weigh a combined 626 pounds. Any questions?<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cKeep building on the lines, which is what they do there,\u201d an exec said. \u201cThey play to their strengths, and let\u2019s call it what it is: the Philly mindset. Not a bad strategy. And then they got three players from Georgia, one from Ohio State, one from LSU \u2014 big schools.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Lions, over the past three drafts, have used first-round picks for a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs), an off-ball linebacker (Jack Campbell) and a run-stuffing defensive tackle (Williams), plus one at a premium position (cornerback Terrion Arnold).<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cThey pretty much took a run-defending nose tackle in the first round, but they are very firm on their style of ball, and it has paid off, so they get the benefit of the doubt,\u201d another exec said.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>GREEN<\/strong> BAY<\/strong><\/strong>Fifth-year option decisions from the Packers. Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com<\/a>: The Packers picked up the fifth-year option on one of their 2022 first-round picks and declined the other, but they would like for both players to be around beyond this season.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Packers ensured they will have defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, the 28th pick, through the 2026 season by exercising his option. While they declined the fifth-year option on linebacker Quay Walker, the 22nd pick, they would like to work out a contract extension before he would become a free agent next offseason.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The deadline to exercise fifth-year options for 2022 first-round picks is Thursday. Wyatt’s salary for 2026 will be $12.938 million, according to NFL Players Association salary data. It became fully guaranteed once it was exercised. The fifth-year option on Walker would have been $14.751 million. Instead, the Packers hope to sign him to an extension perhaps even before the start of this coming season.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Earlier this offseason, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst indicated that both players would be in the team’s plans beyond this season.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“For both those guys, whatever mechanism we use, we’d like to keep those guys around for ’26 and beyond,” Gutekunst said late last month. “So whether that’s through doing the fifth-year option on these guys or extending them one way or the other, we’re planning to do that, we’d like to do that.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Walker became an immediate starter as a rookie and has led the Packers in tackles in each of his first three seasons, recording more than 100 in each year. However, he missed four games last season (one because of a concussion and three with an ankle injury). In 2023, he missed three games due to injury.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“Quay continued to make a leap, and another guy who had struggled through injuries at the end of the year, but he was really impactful for us this year,” Gutekunst said. “Continues to be a great leader for us. Certainly think we would love to have him around here for longer than just a couple years. He’s that kind of guy.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Wyatt has not been a regular starter but likely will see an increased role this season after the departure of defensive tackle T.J. Slaton in free agency. Even in a part-time role, Wyatt ranked second on the team in sacks last season with five and posted a career-high nine tackles for loss. He has 12 total sacks in his first three seasons.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“[Wyatt] was probably our most consistent pass rusher from the inside this year,” Gutekunst said. “Both [Walker and Wyatt] dealt with some injuries and was really proud of how they attacked those and played through some things this year. But I think both those guys had their best years as pros so far.”<\/em><\/em>– – -Sando: The two receivers Green Bay drafted in the first three rounds \u2014 Matthew Golden at No. 23 and especially Savion Williams at No. 87 \u2014 were conversation starters among execs.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cGolden was the top receiver in the draft for me over (McMillan),\u201d one said.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Execs valuing speed tended to view it that way.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cGolden is awesome,\u201d another said. \u201cHe is their best receiver right now. I think he is really good, and he was the best receiver in the draft.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Williams was interesting for other reasons.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cHe struggles to catch the ball, and so does (2022 second-round pick) Christian Watson, so it seems like Green Bay has devalued hands from the days when Ted (Thompson) was GM,\u201d one exec observed. \u201cCoaches sometimes are more, \u2018Just get him open, and he will be fine.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Getting Williams the ball could be the fun part, especially for the newer wave of coaches focused more on calling plays than implementing rigid systems.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI love the kid,\u201d another exec said of Williams. \u201cHe can do everything. He is tough, he can play running back, tight end, receiver. He is a joker, a great tool for somebody. You have to scheme him, but that is a big man who can run.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>MINNESOTA<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: The Vikings\u2019 quarterback situation has dominated this offseason, complete with some Aaron Rodgers intrigue, but after Minnesota acquired Sam Howell from Seattle to back up 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, all is finally settled, right?<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cYou know what is going to happen?\u201d an exec who wasn\u2019t high on McCarthy asked. \u201cJ.J. is going to get banged up, and Howell is going to walk in there and become the next Sam Darnold.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Really?<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cStop,\u201d another exec said. \u201cThere\u2019s no comparison. J.J. will be really good, and the coach (Kevin O\u2019Connell) will make sure he is good.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
NFC EAST<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>NEW YORK<\/strong> GIANTS<\/strong>Sando: This was a coherent draft for the Giants, one in which they correctly determined they did not need to address their quarterback future at No. 3.<\/em> <\/em>Getting an elite talent (Abdul Carter) in that slot and still getting the draft\u2019s next quarterback later (Jaxson Dart at No. 25, after trading up) was seen as a victory for the process.<\/em> <\/em>\u201cThey had conviction and confidence, and then they had the execution as well,\u201d an exec said, \u201cso you have to give them credit. They had a good draft. Whether it all comes together, who knows?\u201d<\/em> <\/em>Execs were split on whether the runway for the team\u2019s current leadership is any longer with Dart on board as a long-term prospect. In the short term, some wondered how the Giants would manage a position featuring Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, two veterans without ties to the current staff. Wilson, who has cast himself as \u201csomeone to lead them at every stage of the process, from the preseason to the key moments of the campaign,\u201d is the starter for now.<\/em> <\/em>\u201cSome people think Dart is a year away, more of a project,\u201d another exec said. \u201cThey probably shouldn\u2019t play him at all this year, or not until very late.\u201d<\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>WASHINGTON<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: Execs did not see any surefire top left tackles in the draft, which is one reason the Commanders acquired Laremy Tunsil from Houston. Doubling up with another tackle in the first round \u2014 Josh Conerly Jr. of Oregon at No. 29 \u2014 sought to solidify the line.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cThis is following the blueprint of how to fix an offensive line,\u201d an exec said. \u201cThrow all of your resources at the problem. I\u2019m shocked they didn\u2019t take another one, frankly.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>GM Adam Peters was with San Francisco when the 49ers acquired left tackle Trent Williams.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cThere is no development when you do that,\u201d another exec said. \u201c\u2018We have the young quarterback (Jayden Daniels). Let\u2019s solidify the left side. Then they draft a guy in Conerly who has a ton of upside, can play guard if need be, can slide into that battle at right tackle. He is a high-end athlete, he is young in this class. All that stuff is really, really positive for them.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
NFC SOUTH<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 ATLANTA<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: Drafting edge rusher Jalon Walker at No. 15 seemed routine. Trading a 2026 first-round pick to the Rams for the right to jump 20 spots and select a second edge rusher, James Pearce, at No. 26 was anything but \u2014 and a move most execs around the league questioned.<\/em> <\/em>\u201cI don\u2019t know how many boards James Pearce was on,\u201d one exec said.<\/em> <\/em>The \u201ccharacter concerns\u201d raised regarding Pearce seemed to have more to do with on-field drive and attitude than a 2023 arrest for disobeying police.<\/em> <\/em>\u201cMaybe they had to get ahead of Kansas City or Philadelphia or another team that might take fliers on character risks,\u201d the exec added. \u201cIt just felt like a very steep price to pay for somebody who likely would have been there in Round 2.\u201d<\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>CAROLINA<\/strong><\/strong>WR HUNTER RENFROW explains the medical reason that led to him sitting out the 2024 season.  David Newton of ESPN.com<\/a>: Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow dropped from 185 pounds to 150 pounds last year while being treated for ulcerative colitis, which played a big role in his decision to step away from the NFL after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>There was a stretch where the newest member of the Carolina Panthers suffered through seven straight days of 103-degree fevers.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Renfrow, 29, wondered if he would play football again after disappointing 2022 and 2023 seasons.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“I felt so bad those two years, and I felt like I let my teammates down so much,” Renfrow said Thursday. “Because I had expectations. I just signed a new contract [in 2022]. I had a new coaching staff that I was going to be perfect for. And I was just a dud.<\/em><\/em>“I was like, ‘Man, I know I don’t feel well, but I do not want to play football again. Like, I do not want to let people down. I just want to go over here in my corner, do what I do, get into business.'”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Renfrow first began feeling “weird” at the end of the 2021 season when he made the Pro Bowl with a career-high 103 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. He took a month off after the annual all-star game because he felt “kind of tired,” but didn’t think much of it.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>He signed a two-year, $32 million deal with the Raiders during the 2022 offseason, but by training camp said, “I just felt as bad as I could.” It was during the struggles that the former star from nearby Clemson University was diagnosed with the chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. He didn’t know much about ulcerative colitis at the time and tried to push through it.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“Trying my best even though my best wasn’t good enough at the time,” said Renfrow, who is now back to 185 pounds.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Renfrow caught only 36 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2022, then dropped to 25 catches, 255 yards and no touchdowns in 2023 and was released in March of 2024.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>He was down to 150 pounds in March and April last year and had to make multiple trips to the emergency room because there was so much inflammation in his body. He began feeling better by July after tibial infusions and by September his weight shot up to 200 pounds.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“I hadn’t been able to eat for three years, and now I was eating everything under the sun,” Renfrow said.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>He added that he thought about trying to join a team late last season but instead decided to wait until this year where he could “start fresh with a team starting with OTAs.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Renfrow began feeling good enough in January to push his workouts to the level that made him comfortable he could compete again. He went to Clemson — where he is best known for catching the game-winning touchdown with 1 second left in the 2016 national championship game against Alabama — twice a week to work with the staff to get in shape.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“Now I’m here,” said Renfrow, who on Sunday signed a one-year deal with the Panthers, his favorite team growing up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “And I’m excited about playing football again.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Before that, Renfrow went to a few high school football games that also inspired his return.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“I was like, ‘Man, they’re having fun. That’s what I want to do,'” Renfrow said. “That’s what I used to do. I used to have fun playing this game.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>So, he signed with the Panthers, hoping to add depth around 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan (No. 8 overall), 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette (No. 32), veteran Adam Thielen, Jalen Coker and 2025 sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>He’s also excited to work with quarterback Bryce Young, the top pick of the 2023 draft.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>But mostly he’s just excited to be playing football again.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“You have a lot of occurrences like that build up over time,” Renfrow said. “You’re like, ‘Man, I kind of want to go out a different way if I’m going to go out.'”<\/em><\/em>– – -Sando: (Jalon) Walker, the player Atlanta drafted at No. 15, was a popular choice for the Panthers at No. 8 in mock drafts. But general manager Dan Morgan said receiver Tetairoa McMillan was the Panthers\u2019 guy for a long time.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The risk: using a top-10 pick for a wide receiver without great speed.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cI think he is like Tee Higgins,\u201d an exec said of McMillan. \u201cThat is higher than Tee went, but you would still be getting a top-15 receiver in the league. I do not think Carolina will look back on this draft class, with these players, and regret it. There were not a lot of blue-chip players.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>NEW ORLEANS<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: The Saints chose six players among the top 131 picks, by far their most that early since they took six in the top 103 in their famed 2017 draft. They also did not trade up for the first time in 13 years. These were seen as good things from a process standpoint.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cTheir first two picks, they showed real discipline,\u201d an exec said. \u201cYou thought they could have taken a quarterback at nine because of all the talk, and they were patient. They took a tackle, which they needed to take, and got one of the cleaner players in the draft (Kelvin Banks Jr.). They came back and took (quarterback Tyler) Shough, who was great from an interview standpoint.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>All signs point to Shough having a strong shot at starting as a rookie while incumbent Derek Carr deals with a shoulder injury.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Has tools to work his way up a depth chart and make plays once on the field<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Read the full profile on<\/em><\/em>\u201cI\u2019d be surprised if the quarterback is not starting for them,\u201d another exec said. \u201cHe has the arm talent. He is really smart. He comes across as a veteran already. With him, it\u2019s about staying healthy.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>TAMPA<\/strong> BAY<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: Stability in the Buccaneers\u2019 front office could be one reason Tampa Bay seems to operate methodically in the draft most years.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cThey replace (productive) guys as well as anybody,\u201d an exec said. \u201cChris Godwin is getting near the end. (First-round pick Emeka) Egbuka could replace him in a year. They always have selectively done a good job of looking down the road.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Egbuka was not the biggest or fastest receiver in this draft. He might not carry the most upside. One exec questioned the selection because of those things. Most saw Egbuka as the safest receiver in the draft.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cIf the decision maker did a lot of work on him, you will fall in love with the guy,\u201d one said.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cYou know what you are getting: instincts, great hands, good production, loves ball, from a school that has churned out wide receivers recently,\u201d another said.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cEgbuka is probably the most ready-to-play receiver in the class,\u201d a third exec said. \u201cOne of the smartest receivers we have interviewed in terms of knowing scheme. Good route runner, good feel, has a chance to be an exceptional slot. Should have a very smooth transition.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Bucs loaded up on defense after the first round.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cWe really liked (Benjamin) Morrison as a corner,\u201d another exec said. \u201cHe and Egbuka can be plug-and-play for them.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/td><\/tr>
NFC WEST<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 ARIZONA<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: \u201cThey are trying to create an identity in how they are going to win, and putting less pressure on their small quarterback (Kyler Murray) is part of it,\u201d an exec said. \u201cI have no issues in how they are trying to build it. To me, you shot all your bullets on defense this year, and those guys have to hit because they are not doing this again next year.\u201d<\/em> <\/em>First-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen and third-round edge Jordan Burch join a defensive front featuring veteran newcomers Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell.<\/em> <\/em>\u201cThey did not have any guys with juice on the interior last year,\u201d another exec said. \u201cNow, they can attack on defense instead of always catching.\u201d<\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>LOS ANGELES RAMS<\/strong>Sando: The Rams were among the envies of this draft for securing the Falcons\u2019 2026 first-round pick when trading back from No. 26 to 46. The move gave Los Angeles potential ammunition for a quarterback next year, depending on where things stand with Matthew Stafford. It also gave the team capital in a draft that executives think will be stronger from a talent standpoint.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cThat was brilliant by them \u2014 good stuff,\u201d one exec said.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The move showed what is possible when teams are operating from different positions. The Falcons were acting with the short term in mind at a time when their GM, Terry Fontenot, could be under pressure to win right away. The Rams, with a highly secure leadership team that has been in place for nearly a decade, could afford to think longer term.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/em><\/strong>SAN FRANCISCO<\/strong>Before he signed his extension, the 49ers were offered a second round pick for TE GEORGE KITTLE.  Dianna Russini of The Athletic<\/em>: @DMRussini<\/em><\/em>Before the 49ers and George Kittle agreed to a lucrative extension, I’m told a team offered a second-round pick for the six-time Pro Bowler.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>San Francisco turned it down.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>SEATTLE<\/strong><\/strong>Sando: Using a league-high nine picks on offense after hiring a new offensive coordinator (Klint Kubiak) and trading quarterback Geno Smith and receiver DK Metcalf cemented this Seattle offseason as all about overhauling the offense.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cThe top of the draft was really good for them,\u201d an exec said. \u201cThey got three of the better players in the whole draft. (Elijah) Arroyo was the fifth tight end taken? He is a really good player. That is shocking. And I love (Nick) Emmanwori. He is going to be their Kam Chancellor in terms of physicality and demeanor.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The catch: Seattle targeted non-premium positions with its first three picks, getting the second guard (Grey Zabel at No. 18) and second safety (Emmanwori, in a trade-up to No. 35) before taking Arroyo (No. 50), who was consistently one of the most praised players from the Seahawks\u2019 class.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>\u201cAfter Michigan (Colston Loveland), he is the best pass threat in the tight end group,\u201d one exec said of Arroyo. \u201cHe is so fast \u2014 so fast.\u201d<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
AFC WEST<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 LAS VEGAS<\/strong>RB ASHTON JEANTY will keep number 2.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com<\/a>: Running back Ashton Jeanty wore No. 2 while putting up huge numbers at Boise State and he\u2019ll be wearing the same number while trying to do the same thing for the Raiders.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Raiders announced the jersey numbers for all of this year\u2019s draft picks on Friday and Jeanty will remain in No. 2 for his rookie season in Las Vegas.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Kicker Daniel Carlson was No. 2 for the last five seasons, but will switch back to the No. 8 he wore for his first two seasons with the Raiders.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
AFC NORTH<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>CLEVELAND<\/strong><\/strong>RB JEROME FORD takes a pay cut to stay in Cleveland.  Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com<\/a>: The Browns are keeping one of their veteran running backs around with a pay cut, which could decrease the likelihood of re-signing another at the position.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com<\/a>, Jerome Ford has accepted a salary reduction from $3.486 million to a guaranteed $1.75 million in 2025 on Friday.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>With Ford returning and the Browns drafting a pair of running backs last weekend, Nick Chubb is now more likely to be playing elsewhere in the coming season.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Ford, 25, was a Browns fifth-round pick in 2022. He started for most of 2023 when Chubb was sidelined by a season-ending knee injury. In 2024, Ford rushed for 565 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught 37 passes for 225 yards.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Chubb, 29, was able to return from his devastating knee injury to start eight games in 2024 for Cleveland. But he averaged just 3.3 yards per carry \u2014 well off his career average of 5.3 entering the year. Chubb ended 2024 with 332 yards and three rushing touchdowns plus five catches for 31 yards with a TD.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Chubb had rushed for over 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons before his 2023 knee injury.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
AFC EAST<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>BUFFALO<\/strong><\/strong>An addition to the Bills WR room per ESPN.com<\/a>: The Buffalo Bills are signing veteran wide receiver Elijah Moore to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Moore, 25, caught a career-high 61 passes for 538 yards and one touchdown last season for the Cleveland Browns.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Moore can play multiple receiver spots and joins a group in Buffalo that includes Joshua Palmer and Laviska Shenault Jr., who were added in free agency; 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman; Khalil Shakir, who was signed to a four-year contract extension this offseason; and last year’s free agent addition, Curtis Samuel.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Bills also picked Kaden Prather out of Maryland in the seventh round Saturday, their only selection at wide receiver in the draft.<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>NEW YORK<\/strong> JETS<\/strong><\/strong>The injury that cost undefeated Florida State a spot in the final four-team CFP and led to the downward spiral of the Seminoles football program has also cast QB JORDAN TRAVIS any hope of a further playing career.  Rich Cimini of ESPN.com<\/a>: New York Jets backup quarterback Jordan Travis is retiring from football having never played a down in the NFL.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Travis, who suffered a gruesome leg injury while playing in 2023 for then-undefeated Florida State, announced Wednesday that his surgically repaired left leg hasn’t fully recovered and that he has decided to walk away based on advice from doctors.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“On November 18th, 2023, my life and career took an unexpected turn,” Travis said in a statement. “I gave everything I had to the rehab process, but despite my efforts, my leg never responded the way we hoped. After much prayer and consultation with my doctors and medical team, I have been medically advised to retire from the game I love so deeply.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>The Jets selected Travis, who turns 25 on Friday, in the fifth round (No. 171) of the 2024 draft. They knew he faced continued rehab, but they felt it was worth the risk because of his upside. Initially, there was hope that he would be cleared to practice at some point, but that never happened. He spent the entire season on the non-football injury list.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>General manager Darren Mougey, who wasn’t with the organization when Travis was drafted, declined to comment at the conclusion of last weekend’s draft when asked about the quarterback’s health status.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>“Jordan has informed us of his intent to retire due to the injury he sustained while at Florida State,” Mougey said in a statement Wednesday. “It is unfortunate that he was unable to get back on the field after working so hard. We support his decision and wish him only the best.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>It’s unclear whether the Jets knew about Travis’ retirement plans during the draft. They opted not to draft a quarterback. Their current depth chart is led by Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. After those two, they have Adrian Martinez, a practice squad player in 2024. Former Missouri quarterback Brady Cook has agreed to a contract as an undrafted free agent.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>In early March, Travis’ agent, Deiric Jackson, was critical of the Jets, telling ESPN, “His rehab with the Jets was not the best. They tried to rush him. It was too fast. There was pressure on the coaching staff, and they tried to get him going sooner than the timeline really was. That caused the setback, and we had to shut him down completely.”<\/em><\/em> <\/em>Jackson declined to specify the nature of the setback. The Jets said they followed the rehab protocol prescribed by Travis’ surgeon, orthopedist Robert Anderson. At the time of the interview with ESPN, Jackson said he was “optimistic” that Travis would be ready for the 2025 season.<\/em><\/em> <\/em>In a handwritten statement posted to social media, Travis thanked the Jets “for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to live out the ultimate dream.”<\/em><\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>THIS AND THAT<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>THE FALL OF SHEDEUR SANDERS<\/strong>And the rise of QB JAXSON DART.  A nice look at what happened from Henry McKenna of FoxSports.com<\/a>: There was once an unwritten rule in the corporate hierarchy that an employee should not wear a watch that\u2019s nicer than a superior’s. <\/em> <\/em>Did Shedeur Sanders consider that on his first day at work Tuesday?<\/em> <\/em>It\u2019s not his first job. Once the quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders now has a new employer: the Cleveland Browns. And watches are a huge part of his unapologetic persona. It\u2019s not just that he has worn flashy watches on game day, including one that appeared to be worth $350,000. It\u2019s that he flaunts it. When Sanders and a Nebraska player were talking trash before a game, the former Colorado QB put the watch in his opponent\u2019s face. That “watch flex” was also a touchdown celebration, which people copied in just about every league, including the NFL. It became iconic.<\/em> <\/em>But that was in college, where Sanders was one of the best players. He was the superior \u2014 the QB1 and a boss. He was also the boss\u2019 son. He could wear whatever watch he wanted without upsetting the corporate hierarchy. <\/em> <\/em>But now? He was QB6 in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the second Sanders off the board after T.J. Sanders (no relation). He\u2019s QB5 for the Browns, and he\u2019s the second rookie QB the team drafted. If Dillon Gabriel wanted to “watch flex” on Shedeur, he could. But that\u2019s not really Gabriel\u2019s style, which is part of the reason the Browns took the Oregon QB in Round 3. <\/em> <\/em>Ahead of Sanders.<\/em> <\/em>“He\u2019s a good person, but people didn\u2019t like the personality,” a league source told FOX Sports regarding Sanders and his draft process. “He\u2019s the biggest celebrity since Johnny Manziel to enter the draft.”<\/em> <\/em>The massive difference between Manziel and Sanders, however, is that Sanders has no character issues. He\u2019s not a drinker, not a partier, not a drug user. In some ways, Sanders is like former college phenom Tim Tebow. Sanders has the kind of energy and personality that fills up a room. But that big personality didn\u2019t always mesh with NFL executives. And like Manziel, Sanders didn\u2019t come out of his pre-draft interviews with impressive results, multiple sources confirmed to FOX Sports.<\/em> <\/em>And so his watch is more than just a watch. It\u2019s a whole persona. And it\u2019s one that NFL leaders didn\u2019t rush to put in their quarterback room. <\/em> <\/em>“I think it\u2019s the biggest slide in NFL history,” a league source said.<\/em> <\/em>***<\/em> <\/em>Sanders must have told interviewers 10 times during the pre-draft process that he doesn’t “have a trust fund.” He said it while speaking to the media. He said it while speaking to teams. And that was likely supposed to telegraph that he didn\u2019t come from privilege, that he was still hungry to prove himself. Now, let\u2019s put aside that Sanders showed up to his draft party with Louis Vuitton bags full of cash \u2014 and that his father, Deion, just signed a $54 million extension with the Buffs. Let\u2019s instead dissect the idea that Shedeur \u2014 despite his obvious financial security \u2014 might be ready to stay humble, take coaching and put his head down to grind.<\/em> <\/em>That wasn\u2019t exactly what teams saw in the draft process.<\/em> <\/em>At first, it seemed unfair that anonymous scouts ripped Sanders\u2019 attitude. Was this the typical pre-draft smokescreen, when scouts downplay a prospect they hope to select? That wasn\u2019t the case here. Those anonymous reports were honest \u2014 maybe brutally so. Not only wasn’t Sanders considered a Day 1 pick by league executives, teams were taking him off their board entirely. <\/em> <\/em>How did that happen to a prospect considered a third-round talent, at worst?<\/em> <\/em>At the NFL Combine, Sanders set the tone when he only took interviews with the top seven teams. Now, that\u2019s common for high picks, which \u2014 at the time \u2014 Sanders (and basically every media member) thought he would be. Quarterback Cam Ward met with only three teams. Receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter met with nine. But those two read the room correctly. They landed in the top two picks. Sanders didn\u2019t. That\u2019s because he didn\u2019t maximize his time in his interviews.<\/em> <\/em>A league source told FOX Sports that a top-seven team asked Sanders to study its playbook for an install at their interview, but he showed up unprepared and instead used the time to interview the team\u2019s leadership. He asked what the plan was to support him. That question might have been OK \u2014 after he scored an A+ on the install. But because Sanders didn\u2019t do the work the team requested, the questions came off as presumptuous.<\/em> <\/em>These installs are one of the most crucial parts of the pre-draft process for quarterbacks. We saw on “Hard Knocks” when the Giants, for example, fell in love with Drake Maye at the NFL Combine last year. An install is a key test of a quarterback’s memory, football acumen and study habits, among other things.<\/em> <\/em>Ultimately, Sanders’ lack of professionalism, preparation and self-awareness killed his chances with at least one team. Was that his intention \u2014 to bomb an interview on purpose?<\/em> <\/em>“At some of those [combine] meetings with certain teams that maybe Shedeur Sanders didn\u2019t really want to go to \u2026 I was told that he more or less sandbagged in those interviews,” CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones said.<\/em> <\/em>One thing was 100 percent clear: Sanders was choosy. He was deliberate. That had been the family\u2019s pre-draft game plan all along.<\/em> <\/em>“There\u2019s certain cities that ain\u2019t gonna happen,” Deion Sanders said during a podcast appearance on “Million$ Worth of Game” in 2024. “It\u2019s gonna be an Eli [Manning].”<\/em> <\/em>Manning famously forced the San Diego Chargers to trade him to the New York Giants on draft day \u2014 in part because his father, Archie Manning, was a former NFL quarterback and an influential figure in the league.<\/em> <\/em>Deion Sanders clearly misjudged his power and Sanders’ talent. Repeatedly.<\/em> <\/em>When an NFL QBs coach said anonymously in March that Sanders came off as “arrogant” at the combine, Deion Sanders threatened to expose that person. That began to close the feedback loop between teams and NFL insiders trying to get a realistic sense of where Shedeur Sanders might land. <\/em> <\/em>Deion had long contended that his son would be the No. 1 overall pick \u2014 or at least a top-four pick. Even when it became clear that wasn\u2019t in play, Deion didn\u2019t seem interested in adjusting the family plan for the draft. And maybe this is where hiring an agent might have come in handy \u2014 to assess the unstable ground for Sanders and change the tactic. <\/em> <\/em>But it appears there wasn\u2019t anyone who stopped and said: Hey, maybe this isn\u2019t working. Let\u2019s rethink what we\u2019re doing.<\/em> <\/em>Why Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide is no ‘blessing in disguise’<\/em>If you want evidence that maybe Sanders and his dad didn\u2019t take the hint, Shedeur went to the East-West Shrine Game, which is a credit to him \u2014 attending a pre-draft all-star game when Ward didn\u2019t. And again, to his credit, Sanders played in Colorado’s Bowl Game while Ward left Miami’s at halftime and watched while his team lost, 42-41. For the Shrine Game, Sanders originally planned to practice but ultimately decided not to \u2014 instead attending only to meet with teams off the field. <\/em> <\/em>Layers were forming over the Sanders family. They distanced themselves at a time when they should have reengaged in the process to save Shedeur\u2019s draft stock.<\/em> <\/em>There\u2019s tangible proof from draft day that Deion Sanders remained entrenched in doing the process his and Shedeur\u2019s way. When Shedeur finally went to the Browns in the fifth round, Deion told USA Today he felt like the draft coverage of his son had been “venomous.” As shown on broadcasts, Deion watched expectantly when the Saints were on the clock at ninth overall, though multiple reports indicated that New Orleans wouldn\u2019t take a QB there. <\/em> <\/em>The Sanders family was out of touch \u2014 literally \u2014 with the NFL.<\/em> <\/em>This isn\u2019t to say every draft prospect goes through the process without missteps.<\/em> <\/em>But take a look at the draft\u2019s QB2, Jaxson Dart, who interviewed with just about every team. The same was true of QB4 Jalen Milroe. During Dart\u2019s meeting with the media, he was asked about the assumption that there were two quarterbacks at the top of the draft \u2014 Ward and Sanders \u2014 and then a second wave. Did he agree and could he close the gap?<\/em> <\/em>“There’s a lot of people who say a lot of different things, so I’m not trying to tie my head into anything like that,” Dart said. “I’m somebody that’s process-driven. I just want to take it one day at a time. This has been a dream for me since I was a little kid to be in this position that I’m in today. I’m really just trying to improve.”<\/em> <\/em>It\u2019s a fairly boring answer to a question that \u2014 with hindsight \u2014 was loaded with incorrect assumptions. Dart didn\u2019t flinch. He did what an organization would want a star quarterback to do: avoid attention and controversy. It was one example of his embracing the process.<\/em> <\/em>He did it again at the Senior Bowl. Both Dart and Milroe worked hard to sell themselves on and off the field. They weren\u2019t great, but they were out there, practicing and then playing in the game. So maybe it\u2019s not a coincidence that Giants GM Joe Schoen spoke to that competitive spirit when talking to Dart after drafting him.<\/em> <\/em>“You dominated the entire process with us, man,” Schoen said.<\/em> <\/em>We always think about quarterback competitions taking place in training camp. But some take place in the pre-draft process. One took place between Ward and Sanders for the Titans\u2019 job. Then one took place between Dart and Sanders for the Giants\u2019 job. And so on. Ultimately, it\u2019s about making one team say yes.<\/em> <\/em>It’s also worth noting that this was a draft in which no QB \u2014 not even Ward \u2014 could compare to the previous year\u2019s top prospects. And so perhaps it was likely important that the quarterbacks in this class showed how hard they were willing to work to improve. <\/em> <\/em>Sanders struggled to demonstrate that humility to teams \u2014 so much so that teams felt like he was deliberately trying to push them away.<\/em> <\/em>When Sanders\u2019 pro day rolled around, there was plenty of mystery about where he\u2019d land. Mock drafts often pegged him as a Pittsburgh Steeler at 21st overall. But some NFL insiders began to suggest that Sanders might land outside the first round.<\/em> <\/em>“I feel like I\u2019m the No. 1 quarterback because that\u2019s what I know,” Sanders said after that pro day. “But at the end of the day, I\u2019m not stuck on that because it\u2019s about situation,” he added. “Whatever situation and franchise believes in me and gives me that opportunity, I\u2019m excited to go. Wherever that falls, it don\u2019t really matter to me.”<\/em> <\/em>Of course, he fell a lot further than he thought.<\/em> <\/em>An NFL scout told FOX Sports that his team didn\u2019t really talk to Sanders. The team thought he\u2019d be gone on Day 2. And they targeted their needs in the middle rounds rather than stopping Sanders\u2019 fall.<\/em> <\/em>“He probably misplayed his hand during the process,” the scout said. “But he is better than where he got drafted.”<\/em> <\/em>Perhaps because this quarterback draft class wasn\u2019t highly touted, many teams put veteran QBs in place at the top of their depth charts. There were really only two teams where a rookie QB1 was even in play: the Browns and the Titans. The Steelers seem to know something everyone else doesn\u2019t \u2014 which is that Aaron Rodgers is going to join them. The Saints and Giants have a veteran in place but would clearly benefit from a rookie QB \u2014 but perhaps one willing to start as a backup.<\/em> <\/em>Once Sanders lost his opportunities to step in as a starter through Round 1, there was a new problem: It was hard to know what he might look like as a backup. Not only does Sanders bring a Manziel\/Tebow-sized presence, but he has his own social media team to amplify that presence and fame. <\/em> <\/em>The thing that comes next is the hard work. <\/em> <\/em>There will be plenty to post on his Instagram about the clipboard-holding QB who must fight to make the roster before even thinking about winning the starting job. This could be one heck of a story. But it\u2019s not going to start off as glamorous as his last job. Sanders’ success is now in his own hands. And he’ll have to fight for QB1 in many of the ways he avoided during the pre-draft process.<\/em> <\/em>The good news for Sanders is that the Browns\u2019 starting job is genuinely wide open. <\/em> <\/em>The bad news? Everyone in the group is hungry. If Deshaun Watson returns from injury, he\u2019ll be motivated to reassert himself as the QB1 in what will likely be his last shot in Cleveland and maybe the NFL. Joe Flacco, at age 40, doesn\u2019t want his career to end either. Kenny Pickett must see that this is his last shot to prove he can be a QB1. Gabriel might have the most job security as a third-round rookie. <\/em> <\/em>So where will Sanders fit? Maybe as QB1. Maybe as a September cut.<\/em> <\/em>For the guy with the $350,000 watch, the time is already ticking on his NFL chances<\/em>. <\/td><\/tr>
 <\/strong>POWER RANKINGS<\/strong>David Helman of FoxSports.com<\/a> updates his NFL Power Rankings after the draft: 32. New Orleans Saints (-8)<\/em><\/strong>I really liked the safe, smart pick of Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9 overall. Everything else in New Orleans feels like a mess. We have no clue what\u2019s going on with Derek Carr and his shoulder injury. The Saints might be starting Spencer Rattler or newly-drafted Tyler Shough at quarterback. The defense is aging, and some key players are coming off major injuries. If we\u2019re trying to guess who might be picking at the top of next year\u2019s draft, the Saints feel like as good a guess as any.<\/em> <\/em>31. Cleveland Browns (+1)<\/em><\/strong>I\u2019m mainly just fascinated to see how the Browns manage this quarterback competition. It\u2019s tough enough to find practice reps for two or three quarterbacks, let alone four. Myles Garrett and the defense should give the Browns a chance, but I need to know a lot more about the QB situation before I feel optimistic.<\/em> <\/em>30. Pittsburgh Steelers (-4)<\/em><\/strong>If Aaron Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, we can adjust this ranking accordingly. All we know right now is that the Steelers have the worst quarterback room in the league. There\u2019s talent all over the roster, and that could keep this team competitive. But it’s hard to take them seriously without an upgrade under center.<\/em> <\/em>29. New York Jets (+1)<\/em><\/strong>I\u2019m just happy the Jets are going about this reboot the right way. They aren\u2019t moving like a team that thinks it needs to win big in 2025, and that\u2019s important. Drafting Armand Membou gives them the chance to develop into a really strong offensive line, and Mason Taylor looks like he could be a 10-year pro. I like this as a sensible jumping off point for the Aaron Glenn era.<\/em> <\/em>28. New York Giants (+3)<\/em><\/strong>Common sense won out for the Giants. Drafting one of this year\u2019s few elite prospects in Abdul Carter was a no-brainer, and it\u2019s a relief that quarterback desperation didn\u2019t stop them from doing something silly. New York\u2019s defense looks sneaky good on paper, and I honestly think Russell Wilson can give this team a fighting chance. There\u2019s still a lot of work to do, but I think the Giants can be far improved from last year\u2019s disaster. <\/em> <\/em>27. Indianapolis Colts (+1)<\/em><\/strong>The Colts clearly trust that their in-house options can fill the holes on the offensive line, and I trust them. That explains why they\u2019d continue to add resources to the skill positions, which look strong at this point. There\u2019s more than enough for Anthony Richardson to work with. It\u2019s time to see if he can do the job \u2014 or if Daniel Jones winds up starting instead. <\/em> <\/em><\/strong>26. Tennessee Titans (+3)<\/em><\/strong>I don\u2019t know for sure that the Titans are better than the Colts today, but I know I\u2019d rather be in Tennessee\u2019s situation. Cam Ward brings franchise-changing potential with him, and the Titans have done an admirable job of putting solid talent around him. If \u2014 big if, I know \u2014 Ward hits, Tennessee could be relevant instantly.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>25. Carolina Panthers (+2)<\/em><\/strong>All eyes will be on Bryce Young and his new weapon, Tetairoa McMillan. That is fun, but clearly Carolina\u2019s priority in the draft was beefing up a defense that had embarrassingly little talent last year. A draft like this can raise a team\u2019s floor if the picks pan out.<\/em> <\/em>24. Miami Dolphins (-3)<\/em><\/strong>The Dolphins added to their lines in the draft, but is it enough? Terron Armstead has retired since we last did this exercise, and both Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey might still be traded this offseason. I can\u2019t shake the feeling that Miami is stuck in neutral for the time being.<\/em> <\/em>23. New England Patriots (+2)<\/em><\/strong>The potential is intoxicating. Drake Maye had a solid rookie season, and now the Pats have surrounded him with exciting young blockers, an explosive running back and a new cast of pass-catchers. It\u2019s possible the Patriots just laid the foundation for a return to glory \u2014 but first, we have to see if all these gifted young prospects can deliver on that potential.<\/em> <\/em>22. Atlanta Falcons (-4)<\/em><\/strong>If they win the division for the first time in nine years, maybe it\u2019ll all be worth it. But trading away a future first-round pick for a non-quarterback just doesn\u2019t sit right with me. Ultimately, Atlanta\u2019s future will be decided by how Michael Penix Jr. develops, but they need Jalon Walker and James Pierce Jr. to both hit, as well. There\u2019s very little margin for error if they don\u2019t.<\/em> <\/em>21. Jacksonville Jaguars (-1)<\/em><\/strong>It’s hard to even guess how much Travis Hunter is going to impact the Jags. Do you plug him into the receiving corps, or the cornerback room, or both? If he plays both sides of the ball, which side will feel the bigger impact? One way or another, he should make Jacksonville a better team.<\/em> <\/em>20. Las Vegas Raiders (+3)<\/em><\/strong>Geno Smith is good enough to raise the Raiders\u2019 floor all on his own. Give him Ashton Jeanty and a couple new receiver options, and we could really have some fun. I am still concerned about the overall strength of Vegas’ defense, but at least this team looks like it\u2019ll be entertaining. Baby steps.<\/em> <\/em>19. Dallas Cowboys (+3)<\/em><\/strong>I thought the Cowboys had a fantastic overall draft for the long-term health of their roster. The problem is, it didn\u2019t fix their problem spots for 2025. Dallas still needs another receiver in the worst way, and adding a veteran cornerback wouldn\u2019t be a bad idea, either.<\/em> <\/em>18. Houston Texans (-1)<\/em><\/strong>It all looks good in the aftermath of the draft. Houston managed to restock the receiver room and add a new offensive tackle in one weekend. After the initial excitement, though, is it enough? What are the odds all these rookies hit their stride quickly enough to make the Texans a better team than they were in 2024? It\u2019s possible, but I have my doubts.<\/em> <\/em>17. Seattle Seahawks (+1)<\/em><\/strong>The Seahawks did what most of us expected and invested in the offensive line. Maybe Grey Zabel can\u2019t stabilize things all by himself, but it gives me more optimism about what\u2019s in front of Sam Darnold. I love what this Seattle defense could look like in Mike MacDonald\u2019s second year, though I wish the Seahawks had done a bit more to upgrade the receiver room.<\/em> <\/em>16. Minnesota Vikings (-1)<\/em><\/strong>I want to put the Vikings so much higher than this. The roster is loaded, as we know from last year\u2019s 14-3 record. They\u2019re plugging a first-round pick into the offensive line. They even traded for a 4,000-yard passer in Sam Howell as insurance for J.J. McCarthy. There\u2019s so much potential here, but I just can\u2019t move them any higher until I\u2019ve seen more of McCarthy. <\/em> <\/em><\/strong>15. Arizona Cardinals (-1)<\/em><\/strong><\/em>With six of seven draft picks spent on the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals\u2019 mission felt obvious. We don\u2019t know if they\u2019ll be any good yet, but you can\u2019t say they haven\u2019t spent resources on their defensive front. All of a sudden, this looks like a well-rounded roster. Though, if I\u2019m being honest, I\u2019d love to see Arizona add one more quality pass-catcher to the mix.<\/em> <\/em>14. Chicago Bears (+2)<\/em><\/strong>Getting excited about a Bears offseason is a sucker\u2019s move, and I\u2019m starting to feel like a bit of a sucker. What\u2019s not to like? The offensive line has been retooled, the skill players are exciting, the defense has more than enough talent. Ben Johnson was hired to get the most out of Caleb Williams. If he can do it, the sky is the limit. <\/em> <\/em><\/strong>13. Denver Broncos (-1)<\/em><\/strong>I was somewhat surprised the Broncos didn\u2019t make a bigger splash on offense during the draft, but I think it\u2019s offset by what they\u2019ve done with their defense. Adding Jahdae Barron, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga to a unit that was already good is an exciting thought. Maybe Bo Nix would appreciate an elite defense even more than another weapon.<\/em> <\/em>12. Cincinnati Bengals (+1)<\/em><\/strong>I didn\u2019t love the Bengals\u2019 draft, but the good news is they have the least amount of work to do among any of the non-playoff teams. The offense is going to average 28 points per game. New defensive coordinator Al Golden just has to have his unit be decent for this to be a playoff team. <\/em> <\/em><\/strong>11. San Francisco 49ers (no change)<\/em><\/strong>The 49ers were so happy to have Robert Saleh back, they made their first five picks on the defensive side of the ball. That feels like the right way to play it. San Francisco\u2019s issues on offense are mainly health-related. It\u2019s the defense that needed an infusion of young talent if the Niners are going to get back to contending.<\/em> <\/em>10. Green Bay Packers (-2)<\/em><\/strong>Matthew Golden is a fun first-round pick, but I\u2019m not convinced the Packers improved any of their other problem spots over the weekend. The pass rush still seems like it needs some juice, and the cornerback depth chart looks perilously thin.<\/em> <\/em>9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (no change)<\/em><\/strong>Emeka Egbuka landing in Tampa is one of the most fun fits of the first round. He should make the Buccaneers\u2019 offense better right away, while also being a long-term successor to Chris Godwin. The Bucs also threw resources at corner and pass rusher, which is never a bad idea.<\/em> <\/em>8. Los Angeles Chargers (+2)<\/em><\/strong>No more complaining about Justin Herbert\u2019s supporting cast. This might not be the best skill group in the league, but adding Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris to go with Ladd McConkey, Mike Williams and Najee Harris is plenty good enough. Combined with a strong offensive line, the Chargers are well-positioned to get even more out of their star quarterback.<\/em> <\/em>7. Los Angeles Rams (+1)<\/em><\/strong>Tough to make a big impact in the draft when you trade out of the first round, but I\u2019m not sure the Rams needed to. If Matthew Stafford\u2019s healthy, we already know this roster can go toe-to-toe with the best in the league. And that\u2019s before factoring in Davante Adams is in the mix, too. Adding another pass-catcher in the second round (TE Terrance Ferguson) will hopefully give Stafford a deeper group of weapons to work with.<\/em> <\/em>6. Washington Commanders (no change)<\/em><\/strong>I was so impressed by the value the Commanders found despite picking at the back of each round of the draft. I could be wrong, but I expect Josh Conerly Jr. and Trey Amos both to push for starting jobs. I know they could use some pass rush help, but I think this team is in good shape to take a step forward.<\/em> <\/em>5. Kansas City Chiefs (-1)<\/em><\/strong>It feels almost sacrilegious to have the Chiefs ranked this low, but I\u2019m curious to see how they handle this transition in the team-building process. I think Josh Simmons is a phenomenal pick. But after his knee injury in college, how quickly can he be expected to work his way into the starting lineup? And while I love Day 3 picks Jalen Royals and Brashard Smith, how big of an impact are they going to make as rookies?<\/em> <\/em>4. Baltimore Ravens (+1)<\/em><\/strong>The Ravens were already contenders, and then they added a draft class that might have the biggest potential for an immediate impact in the league. Malaki Starks is a particularly exciting pick, given the number of other stars in the Ravens secondary that can help him shine. <\/em> <\/em>3. Buffalo Bills (no change)<\/em><\/strong>Bills general manager Brandon Beane spent his weekend throwing draft picks at a defense that has been plagued by injury over the years, and I totally get it. As fun as it would be to draft a young receiver for Josh Allen, Buffalo has plenty of options on offense. A healthier, more talented defense could go a long way toward getting over the hump.<\/em> <\/em>2. Detroit Lions (no change)<\/em><\/strong>If you had any doubts about how the Lions got to this point, look at their top priority in this draft: the line of scrimmage. Attrition up front is inevitable in this game, so it made perfect sense to see Detroit improve the talent level on its defensive line, while also creating competition for the vacant guard job. The Lions will remain in contention as long as they\u2019re dominant up front, and I\u2019m glad they recognize that fact.<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>1. Philadelphia Eagles (no change)<\/em><\/strong>I\u2019m not sure this Eagles draft class will be as impactful as last year\u2019s, but it doesn\u2019t need to be. When you\u2019re the world champs and you retain several key players in free agency, the draft can be about maintaining your depth. That appears to be what Philly has done, while adding a possible star in linebacker Jihaad Campbell. The rich got richer.<\/em> Helman is bold to have the Steelers at #30, but maybe this is the year the wheels fall off the cart. We don\u2019t understand, if these are power rankings for 2025 on-field performance, how the Jaguars could go south with the addition of generational talent ATH TRAVIS HUNTER?  They may have mortgaged some of 2026 and beyond, but isn\u2019t the current value of the team higher?  On the other hand, he already had the Jaguars at #20 which seemed high to start with.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AROUND THE NFL Mike Sando of The Athletic has NFL scouts that give him unfiltered thoughts anonymously and their opinions on the draft of the various NFC teams are scattered below under Sando.  NFC NORTH  CHICAGOSando: Drafting a tight end at No. 10 is not for everyone, but the Bears still drew high marks for this draft and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[6,7,11,8,13],"class_list":["post-6772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-daily-briefing","tag-chris-myers","tag-chris-myers-sports","tag-daily-briefing","tag-fox-sports","tag-nfl"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6772","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6772"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6772\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6772"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chrismyerssports.com\/cmi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}