NFC EAST

DALLAS

The Falcons have indicated they are willing to trade down from #4.  There is a team that may be interested in moving up, and not for a QB.  Jeremy Layton in the New York Post:

According to ESPN insider Chris Mortensen, a surprise team has an eye on Kyle Pitts, the consensus top tight end prospect and arguably the top pass-catcher in the draft. And it may take some maneuvering for them to have a chance at him.

“We’re hearing this thing about Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, and the GM, being infatuated with Kyle Pitts,” Mortensen said on “Get Up!” this week.

“I have figured out that he’s going to have to trade up to get Kyle Pitts. He spent $40 million a year on Dak Prescott, so why not go get Kyle Pitts?”

The Cowboys currently hold the No. 10 pick in the draft, which begins on April 29. It’s wildly unlikely that Pitts falls to that pick. Therefore, they might need to sacrifice future draft capital if they want to move up and get him – perhaps all the way to pick No. 4.

It’d be a fun thought for Cowboys fans, throwing the ultra-talented Pitts into an offense with QB Prescott, wide receivers Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and running back Ezekiel Elliott. But they drafted Lamb in 2020, which was a luxury pick for the team even then. Now, selecting another offensive weapon would be flat-out wasteful.

NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA

Dan Lyon of The Spun hears there is interest in QB TEDDY BRIDGEWATER:

The trade for Sam Darnold clearly signals that the Carolina Panthers don’t see Teddy Bridgewater as their long term answer at quarterback. They might be able to get something for Teddy Two Gloves, who a number of teams could see as a cheap starter or a high-quality backup.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Panthers gave Bridgewater permission to seek a trade. The team is also open to him returning, but this would probably be the second time that he’s lost a quarterback battle to Sam Darnold, after briefly spending time with the New York Jets before his tenure with the New Orleans Saints.

Bridgewater has been floated in trade talks throughout the offseason. Before their trade up to No. 3 in the 2021 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers kicked the tires on acquiring him. The Denver Broncos, who could be taking a quarterback in the top 10 this year, are also rumored to have interest, after an underwhelming year by Drew Lock.

“Teddy Bridgewater likely lands somewhere else… Before the Sam Darnold trade, he was given permission to seek a trade elsewhere,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday. “Expect Teddy Bridgewater to land on another team as a really, really good backup to help tutor whoever their quarterback is, and be there as a perfect backstop.”

For a trade to get done, Bridgewater may need to sacrifice something financially. He is owed $17 million with a $10 million guarantee this year. Per Rapoport, he’ll probably have to reduce that total deal to $10 million for 2021 to get a deal done.

“It would take some work, but I know that multiple teams are interested in talking to the Panthers now about potentially trading for Bridgewater.”

Teddy Bridgewater is not an elite passer, but he may be the best potential backup a team can have, as he showed in New Orleans, and he’s an extremely popular player around the league. It is no surprise that there’s pretty significant interest for the Carolina Panthers QB, if he’s willing to come down on his current deal.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

Alabama QB MAC JONES could go at #3 to the 49ers.  Eric Edholm ofYahooSports.com likes him, but only as the current draft’s #29 prospect.  And his player comparison is to a guy who went undrafted.

29. Alabama QB Mac Jones

6-foot-3, 217 pounds

Yahoo Sports draft grade: 6.00 — possible immediate starter

TL;DR scouting report: Elite processor with passing touch who oozes self-confidence, even if he possesses merely average physical traits

The skinny: A 4-star Rivals recruit (No. 162 nationally), Jones received 24 scholarship offers and initially committed to Kentucky before flipping once Bama offered him. He redshirted during the Crimson Tide’s championship season of 2017, operating as scout-team QB. Jones saw limited action in 2018, completing 5 of 13 passes for 123 yards and a TD in 14 games. In 2019, Jones earned the backup role and replaced an injured Tua Tagovailoa, starting four times (12 games total), completing 97 of 141 passes for 1,503 yards with 14 TDs and three interceptions and running 16 times for 36 yards and one TD.

In 2020, Jones set school and national records as a Heisman Trophy finalist (losing to teammate DeVonte Smith), leading Alabama to a 13-0 season and a national title. Jones completed 311 of 402 passes for 4,500 yards with 41 TDs and four INTs, also rushing 35 times for 14 yards and one TD. After earning his undergraduate degree in 2.5 years with a 4.0 gpa, plus finishing his Master’s Degree, Jones declared for the draft and attended the 2021 Senior Bowl, where he was named the top QB on the American team but did not play in the game after tweaking an ankle injury.

Upside: Extraordinary efficiency as the trigger man for one of the best offenses in college football history. Turned in the highest single-season completion percentage in NCAA history in 2020 with a passer efficiency rating higher than LSU’s Joe Burrow in his brilliant 2019 campaign. Completed 61.8 percent of his throws 15-plus yards downfield (with 72.4 percent being on target).

Showed up in big games — stepped up in bowl win over Michigan in 2019, led shootout wins in 2020 (including SEC title thriller vs. Florida) and was a monster in the college football playoffs, earning Offensive MVP of the national title game (36 of 45 passing, 464 yards, five TDs) vs. Ohio State. Filled huge shoes following Tagovailoa and exceeded all external expectations.

Advanced understanding of fronts, coverages and progressions — fast, natural processor. Facilitator who operates the offense as it’s designed. Manipulates safeties and linebackers with his eyes and play-action fakes.

Great touch — throws a very catchable ball. Very accurate when going vertical — puts ideal loft and timing on his passes. Great decision making. Doesn’t wilt under pressure. Career 56-7 TD-INT ratio. Only five career fumbles — three in 2020. Decent feel for when to throw the ball away and fight for another day.

Underrated feet in the pocket — ex-tennis player who reacts to pressure, maneuvers the pocket well and keeps his options open while scanning the field. Undercut some talk of his athletic traits by turning in good pro-day workouts — 4.82-second 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical jump, 116-inch broad jump, 7.04-second 3-cone drill. Smart scrambler who picks good spots to take free yards. Good QB sneaker when you need 1 yard.

Great red-zone efficiency — doesn’t take unnecessary risks. Puts the ball in spots where only his receiver typically has a shot at the ball, such as this beauty against Georgia — the final dagger in a big win:

Highly competitive. Confident and self-assured — has the “it” factor. Used to trash talk to Nick Saban (!) while running Bama’s scout team in practice as a third-string freshman. Unafraid of competition — picked Alabama with Jalen Hurts entrenched as a freshman starter and Tua Tagovailoa signed in the same recruiting class, and held off competition from heralded recruit Bryce Young prior to the 2020 season.

High-floor prospect with few major concerns. Answered questions about supporting cast by standing out at the Senior Bowl in unfamiliar surroundings. Disciplined worker who bided his time and grew behind the scenes before taking over. Career 16-1 mark as a starter.

Team captain and natural leader to whom teammates gravitated. Asked which Bama QB they’d pick if they could, both Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith reportedly said they preferred Jones over Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Smith reportedly told one team this, according to an SI report. Waddle said it on NFL Network.

Downside: Average size and physical tools. Arm talent is merely average — underthrows some deep balls and can’t always drill the deeper sideline balls. (Also had some shaky overthrows at his pro day vs. no defense.) Can’t truly rip the ball — reliant on touch, timing and good protection up front to make that work.

Athletic ability doesn’t compare to several other quarterbacks in this class — can’t ask him to be an extension of the run game. Sub-par short shuttle time (4.39 seconds) more indicative of his athletic profile.

Played in a nearly pristine scenario. Operated in QB-friendly offense — wasn’t asked to make a ton of truly difficult throws. Surrounded by a rare supporting cast, including Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, a banner offensive line, robust run game and other notable weapons. Faced low pressure rate. Could require similar surrounding cast in NFL to reach his peak.

Not as effective when he has to go beyond his first read. Not a jazz player — reads the notes as they’re written. More of a system quarterback who is still learning how to create when things break down — requires structure to thrive. Won’t take big risks with tighter-window throws — happy to take shorter, safer options. Didn’t do much outside the pocket. Scrambling ability limited to short pickups as last-ditch option.

Average play strength — can’t wrestle or wiggle his way out of sacks once defenders’ hands get on him. Needs to learn how to slide — fast. Poor technique could lead to a leg injury (more than one shaky-form slide in the Notre Dame game).

Battled immaturity and confidence issues early in college career. Arrested and charged with DUI and possession of a fake ID in November 2017 following a car accident, leading to a one-game suspension (LSU). Hot-tempered early on — tennis-player competitiveness that rides the razor’s edge at times.

Relative lack of game experience — only 17 career starts. Turns 23 years old the week prior to the 2021 NFL season.

Best-suited destination: While it seems Jones appears locked in as the No. 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers, we could envision him fitting in as a high-floor, middling-ceiling starter for a number of teams that run a timing/rhythm offense that features good yards-after-the-catch options and a strong offensive line and run game.

Did you know: Jones’ father, Gordon, is a former touring tennis pro in the late 1970s and early 80s who once beat Hall of Famer Yannick Noah in a singles match. His mother, Holly, played college tennis at Mercer. Mac’s oldest brother, Will, played soccer at Mercer and his older sister, Sarah, played tennis at College of Charleston.

Player comp: Style-wise, there’s some strong Kurt Warner vibes in Jones’ play. Whether he ever reaches the plateau that Warner did during a Hall of Fame career remains to be seen.

Expected draft range: Top-10 pick, as high as No. 3 overall.

AFC WEST

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

The Chargers have signaled that their first round pick will be an offensive tackle. Tyler Sullivan of CBSSports.com:

The Los Angeles Chargers came up aces at the 2020 NFL Draft when they brought in quarterback Justin Herbert at No. 5 overall. After that selection, the Oregon product rewarded the franchise by putting together a Rookie of the Year season and, more importantly, solidifying the position for the foreseeable future. Once they found their QB of the future, the 2021 offseason mission became clear: protect him. The club made strong strides in doing just that by signing former Packers All-Pro center Corey Linsley and ex-Steelers guard Matt Feiler in free agency, but there is still work to be done along that O-line, specifically at left tackle.

“Yeah, there certainly [is] a hole there right now,” coach Brandon Staley said of the left tackle position on Thursday, via NFL.com. “We feel like we have some tackle prospects on the roster that can certainly play there. But it’s gonna be certainly a position that we need to address you know, before July. As you know, there’s a lot different ways to address it within the draft, free agency, trade. So there’s a lot of different ways that you can do that. Definitely that’s gonna be a piece that we need to fill before July and we’re excited to do it. But we really like the way we’ve started in free agency with the interior of our line.”

This need in left tackles comes thanks to the departure of 2020 starter Sam Tevi, who has since signed with the Indianapolis Colts. As Staley noted, the club can go in a number of different avenues at filling that rather important need along the offensive line. One way could be through the NFL Draft, which is just a few weeks away. The tackle class seems to be particularly deep this year and there’s one prospect with who Herbert is quite familiar. Oregon’s Penei Sewell is looked at as the top tackle in this class and protected Herbert during his time with the Ducks. The tackle even noted recently that it “would be a dream come true” if they were able to reunite at the next level. However, because Sewell is so highly touted, he’s pegged to come off the board well before Los Angeles is on the clock at No. 13 overall. With that in mind, the Chargers would have to make a significant leap up the draft board If they want to make that reunion happen.

If they stand pat, CBS Sports NFL Draft expert Ryan Wilson has L.A. picking up USC tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker at No. 13. Vera-Tucker was able to work on the blindside during his final season with the Trojans, but, as Wilson notes in his latest mock, could be an even better guard, which does bring some versatility to the unit if the Chargers bring him aboard. Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater is another tackle prospect to monitor for Los Angeles in the opening round.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

A judge quickly rules that criminal complaints cannot be filed anonymously – a win for QB DESHAUN WATSON who could use one.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Deshaun Watson litigation has landed in court, and Watson has won the first battle.

Per multiple reports, a Texas judge has ruled that one of the 20 plaintiffs proceeding under a pseudonym must re-file the case with her name attached to it.

The speed with which the ruling was issued suggests that Hardin’s simple, straightforward argument under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure reflects an accurate interpretation of the notion that, for adults who file lawsuits, they must use their names so that the defendant has fair notice of the claims being made and the person who is making them.

Via Mike Meltser, attorney Tony Buzbee opposed the motion to require the use of the plaintiff’s name by arguing that Ashley Solis has received at least 10 death threats since going public on Tuesday. That argument did not prevail, and frankly it could make the 20 unnamed plaintiffs more likely to accept a reasonable settlement in lieu of attaching their names to their claims against Watson.

Ultimately, that was Hardin’s goal, in our view. By forcing the unnamed plaintiffs to reveal their identities, some if not most if not all of them will accept a settlement proposal instead.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND

WR JULIAN EDELMAN has injury issues.  Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald:

Julian Edelman is going to try and gut out another season with a chronically troubled knee.

As a competitor, and one of the toughest players you’ll ever find, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Edelman doesn’t want to retire without a fight, and another run at a championship.

The question in the coming months is what the Patriots will ultimately choose to do with him, after adding two potential starters in free agency and perhaps another soon via the draft.

According to a source familiar with Edelman’s situation, it’s doubtful he will be able to play the entire 2021 season. The knee has already hampered him for the better part of two years.

While surgery can provide temporary relief, nothing can solve the underlying problem, the source said. That doesn’t mean Edelman won’t try to suit up, but if you’re the Patriots, how do you keep a soon to be 35-year-old receiver with a bad knee that will eventually sideline him again?

Do they gamble on the gutsy Edelman defying odds, and being able to make a valuable contribution the whole year?

Last season, Edelman was shelved on injured reserve after playing just six games. He underwent a surgical procedure in October to alleviate knee pain and swelling. But the 34-year-old never returned to action, despite practicing briefly in December before being shut down for good.

He could play a few games in 2021, but given the nature of the problem, be gone the next.

Given Edelman’s desire to continue playing, it’s possible the Pats could try to trade him, but it’s hard imagining many teams wanting damaged goods.

As for Edelman working his way into a reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay —  the wideout pranked that possibility on April Fool’s day — chances of that are pretty slim, too.

Who would Edelman displace on the Bucs’ stacked receiving corps? Does Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles sit a younger, healthier Scotty Miller in the slot, for Edelman? Or 2020 rookie Tyler Johnson, whom Brady found for a critical catch in the playoffs? Not to mention stalwart starters Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

On the flip side, while the Patriots aren’t as loaded as the Bucs at wideout, they would need to think long and hard about handing a roster spot to a player who can’t be counted on to be available.

Of course, Edelman has already overcome and achieved so much for the Patriots over his dozen years in New England. He’s been a warrior throughout. Sentiment, however, won’t likely factor into the front office’s decision.

Both Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, signed as free agents, are locks to be in the lineup. Add in Jakobi Meyers, and there’s three spots already taken up on the roster.

N’Keal Harry may, or may not be traded. Then there’s also Gunner Olszewski, who is the team’s top punt returner and could be an ascending slot option.

In a well-stocked receiver class, the Patriots would be well-served to add more, especially in the slot given Edelman’s age and injury woes.

So do the Patriots keep the former Super Bowl MVP one more season, sacrificing a roster spot so he can mentor younger players and play until the knee gives out? That might have some appeal to Josh McDaniels.

With an improved cast around him, it certainly would make Edelman’s life a little easier not having to see double teams at every turn. In that scenario, he might contribute and be somewhat effective on a gimpy knee. He did just that at the tail end of 2019, gutting out several games that year, and having one of his best seasons. He caught 100 passes for 1,117 yards. He also caught six touchdowns.

But the knee problem persisted, rendering him a shell of himself in late December and January. And that’s once again the likelihood in 2021.

So should the Patriots simply let him go, and move on without their tone-setter at receiver? It’s not an easy call.

Edelman still has one year left on a deal that would pay him a base salary of $2.8 million, along with a cap hit of $6.1 million, according to Over The Cap. If Edelman is traded or released, the Patriots would be on the hook for roughly $2.6 million of that, freeing up about $3.5 million in cap space.

That will also weigh into the team’s decision going forward, as Edelman tries to once again navigate through the injury.

THIS AND THAT

WEALTH

Forbes has a list of the wealthiest owners of a sports team in the world.  We have boldfaced the NFL owners who make the list:

#1 | Mukesh Ambani

MUMBAI INDIANS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: DIVERSIFIED

NET WORTH: $84.5 BILLION (1-YEAR CHANGE: +130%)

#2 | Steve Ballmer

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: MICROSOFT

NET WORTH: $68.7 BILLION (+30%)

#3 | Daniel Gilbert

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: QUICKEN LOANS

NET WORTH: $51.9 BILLION (+699%)

#4 | François Pinault & family

STADE RENNAIS FC

SOURCE OF WEALTH: LUXURY GOODS

NET WORTH: $42.3 BILLION (+57%)

#5 | Dietrich Mateschitz

NEW YORK RED BULLS, RED BULL RACING

SOURCE OF WEALTH: RED BULL

NET WORTH: $26.9 BILLION (+63%)

F1 Winter Testing In Barcelona – Day Three

Dietrich Mateschitz. JOAN CROS GARCIA/CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES

#6 | Robert Pera

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

SOURCE OF WEALTH: WIRELESS NETWORKING GEAR

NET WORTH: $18.3 BILLION (+161%)

#7 | Steve Cohen

NEW YORK METS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: HEDGE FUNDS

NET WORTH: $16 BILLION (+15%)

NY: Mets Owner Steve Cohen Attends Opening Of Citi Field As COVID-19 Vaccine Hub

Steve Cohen. ANTHONY BEHAR/SIPA USA/NEWSCOM

#8 (tie)| Roman Abramovich

CHELSEA FC

SOURCE OF WEALTH: STEEL, INVESTMENTS

NET WORTH: $14.5 BILLION (+28%)

#8 (tie) | David Tepper

CAROLINA PANTHERS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: HEDGE FUNDS

NET WORTH: $14.5 BILLION (+21%)

#10 | Joseph Tsai

BROOKLYN NETS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: E-COMMERCE

NET WORTH: $11.6 BILLION (+16%)

#11 | Philip Anschutz

LOS ANGELES KINGS, LA GALAXY

SOURCE OF WEALTH: INVESTMENTS

NET WORTH: $10.1 BILLION (-8%)

#12 | Jerry Jones

DALLAS COWBOYS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: COWBOYS

NET WORTH: $8.9 BILLION (+11%)

#13 | Hasso Plattner & family

SAN JOSE SHARKS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: SOFTWARE

NET WORTH: $8.3 BILLION (-33%)

#14 | Stanley Kroenke

ARSENAL, LOS ANGELES RAMS, DENVER NUGGETS, COLORADO AVALANCHE, COLORADO RAPIDS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: SPORTS, REAL ESTATE

NET WORTH: $8.2 BILLION (-18%)

#15 | Shahid Khan

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: AUTO PARTS

NET WORTH: $8 BILLION (+3%)

#16 | Stephen Ross

MIAMI DOLPHINS

SOURCE OF WEALTH: REAL ESTATE

NET WORTH: $7 BILLION (-8%)

#17 | Robert Kraft

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

SOURCE OF WEALTH: PATRIOTS

NET WORTH: $6.9 BILLION (+0%)

#18 (tie) | Dmitry Rybolovlev

FC MONACO

SOURCE OF WEALTH: FERTILIZER

NET WORTH: $6.7 BILLION (+2%)

#18 (tie) | Micky Arison

MIAMI HEAT

SOURCE OF WEALTH: CARNIVAL CRUISES

NET WORTH: $6.7 BILLION (+31%)

#20 | Arthur Blank

ATLANTA FALCONS, ATLANTA UNITED FC

SOURCE OF WEALTH: HOME DEPOT

NET WORTH: $6.2 BILLION (+35%)

There was a time that the late Paul Allen of the Seahawks was head and shoulders above any other NFL owner in wealth.  With his passing, his sister Jody, who we thought received most of his estate has vanished from a list like this.

Allen was reported to be worth $20.3 billion at the time of his passing in 2019.

ARIZONA UNDER ASSAULT

To tighten up voting rules, the governor of Arizona signals he would sacrifice a Super Bowl to a woke assault such as we saw being promoted yesterday by Shalise Manza Young of YahooSports.com.  This from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

In Arizona, multiple proposals aimed at reforming the voting procedures are working their way through the legislative process. Via Tuscon.com, Arizona governor Doug Ducey said that his ultimate decision on whether to sign any such measures into law won’t be influenced by the possibility that the NFL may yank Super Bowl LVII from State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

“I’m going to sign good policy,” Ducey said Thursday.

Thirty years ago, the NFL moved a Super Bowl from Phoenix after Arizona refused to adopt Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a state holiday.

This time, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill is among those who signed a letter on behalf of the Greater Phoenix Leadership group regarding the ongoing efforts to reform the voting laws in Arizona.

“They are ‘solutions’ in search of a problem,” the letter explained regarding the bills being discussed in the Arizona legislature. “They are attempts at voter suppression cloaked as reform — plain and simple. . . . Arizonans already have confidence in the integrity of our elections and, by and large, find it easy to vote.”

Ducey disagrees with the recent decision to remove the All-State Game from Georgia.

“I think Major League Baseball made a big mistake,” Ducey. “I’d like to keep politics out of baseball. . . . I report to the people of Arizona and not a major sports league. And I’m going to make decisions on the policies that are put in front of me.”

Baseball’s decision has reignited the question of whether politics and sports mix. Many would say that it’s a problem only when specific political views conflict with the views held by those complaining about sports and politics mixing. For example, the playing of the national anthem before sporting events is an inherently political act, aimed at compelling all attendees to engage in a public display of allegiance and loyalty to the nation. Few if any ever complain about this inherently political display from occurring before baseball, football, basketball, or hockey games.

The NFL has given no indication that voting reforms in Arizona will jeopardize Super Bowl LVII. After dealing with strong criticism that arose from the national anthem controversy in 2016 and that has flashed from time to time since then, the league would surely prefer to keep its head low on matters of this nature.

Bidwill’s signature on the letter sent to Ducey shows that, on voting rights, the owner of Arizona’s professional football team is willing to take a position. Whether the NFL would do the same by repositioning the Super Bowl to be played in early 2023 remains to be seen.

NFL DRAFT 2021

Alabama RB NAJEE HARRIS wants Todd McShay to know that he always has been a good pass catcher.  Jeremy Layton in the New York Post:

We like to think that athletes don’t get caught up in what media members say about them. But it’s important to remember that they’re people too – and Najee Harris reminded us of that.

The star Alabama running back went on Adam Schefter’s podcast this week, where the ESPN insider read him draft expert Todd McShay’s player profile. At one point, he mentioned that Harris showed “improvement” as a pass-catcher, which he took offense to – quite bluntly.

“I think Todd McShay can kiss my a–,” Harris said.

“How is he gonna say ‘He showed better production?’ I did not play my freshman or sophomore seasons, rarely, ever. I didn’t have an opportunity to show I could catch. It’s not ’cause I can’t, it’s ’cause I wasn’t in the game to show people I could catch. So let’s just stop looking at the stat sheet and watch the game.”

Harris is widely expected to be either the first or second running back off the board when the draft comes along at the end of the month. He is considered more of a classic, between-the-tackles running back, however, while Clemson product Travis Etienne is more of a dual-threat pass catcher.

Harris, to his credit, doubled his career receiving output in his final season, logging 43 catches and 425 yards through the air. Both numbers were more than half of his totals at Alabama – he had 37 catches and 356 yards in his three previous seasons.

– – –

Today’s Mock Draft comes from Peter Schrager at NFL.com who puts QB DAVIS MILLS of Stanford into his first round:

Just a few weeks away from the 2021 NFL Draft, it’s time to roll out my first mock of the year. Trades have already significantly impacted Round 1 … and I’m supplying two more juicy swaps below. Plus, a sixth quarterback sneaks into the first 32 selections.

1 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence

Clemson · QB

This one has been the books since the Jets beat the Rams in Los Angeles last December. I don’t think Urban Meyer leaves the FOX Sports studios if Trevor Lawrence isn’t available for Jacksonville at No. 1.

2 – New York Jets

Zach Wilson

BYU · QB

In the end, I think Wilson will be the guy. His 2020 campaign numbers were eye-popping, but it’s his toughness and fearlessness over the course of his entire college career that really impresses folks around the league.

3 – San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones

Alabama · QB

The 49ers made a decisive trade to get to No. 3 overall. I honestly do not think they’ve made a decision on who the QB will be yet, but they wanted the flexibility to make that choice over the next few weeks. I will tell you this: Mac Jones’ name didn’t pop up out of nowhere. And I don’t think it’s a smoke screen. He has all of the traits Kyle Shanahan is looking for.

4 – New England Patriots (Mock Trade with Atlanta)

Justin Fields

Ohio State · QB

This would be a trade that rocks the NFL, but I don’t think it’s too crazy. The Patriots don’t envision having a pick as high as they currently do (15th) anytime soon, and this is their year to make a big move if they’re ever going to get their blue-chip QB to develop. Fields was a highly recruited player who performed on the biggest of stages. This year’s first- and second-rounder (No. 46) plus next year’s first and third could be enough for New England to get Atlanta to move back 11 spots.

5 – Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase

LSU · WR

The Bengals can’t go wrong if things play out this way. Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater and Kyle Pitts all would be excellent selections for Cincinnati. But Chase racked up 84 catches, 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in a season with Joe Burrow at LSU. Let them thrive together for years to come in Cincy.

6 – Miami Dolphins

Rashawn Slater

Northwestern · OT

Most mock drafts have Penei Sewell coming off the board before Slater, but a few teams have told me it’ll be the other way around. Miami took offensive linemen with early picks last year, but I think they’ll continue to build there and protect the QB.

7 – Arizona Cardinals (Mock Trade with Detroit)

Kyle Pitts

Florida · TE

Pitts isn’t falling out of the top eight. Too many teams are intoxicated by him. I’ve got the Cardinals as aggressors — as they’ve been all offseason — with Steve Keim bringing in yet another weapon for Kyler Murray. Arizona gives up this year’s first-rounder, next year’s first and next year’s third to move up from No. 16.

8 – Carolina Panthers

Penei Sewell

Oregon · OT

Now that the QB position has been addressed — for the time being — the Panthers can look to add the best player on their board. Sewell is a prime talent and would be a tremendous value at eighth overall.

9 – Denver Broncos

Trey Lance

North Dakota State · QB

The QB carousel goes round and round, and it appears Denver still doesn’t have a new one. Lance could go as high as No. 3 or remain available until the middle of Round 1. I think Denver makes a whole lot of sense if he’s available here.

10 – Dallas Cowboys

Patrick Surtain II

Alabama · CB

The first defensive player off the board, and it’s a cornerback to a team in desperate need of help there. Surtain would join his former Crimson Tide teammate, Trevon Diggs, in Dan Quinn’s defensive backfield.

11 – New York Giants

Micah Parsons

Penn State · LB

The Giants have been aggressive and proactive in free agency, but they still have holes to fill. As much as giving Daniel Jones another weapon is a priority, Parsons fits what they need on defense and could be an immediate standout in both pass and run defense.

12 – Philadelphia Eagles

Jaylen Waddle

Alabama · WR

Could the Eagles really go with a WR in the first round a year after taking a WR in the first round? Yes. Waddle’s medicals will come in and we’ll see where he’s at health-wise, but I won’t be surprised if Howie Roseman and Co. go ahead and grab the talented wideout (and former Jalen Hurts teammate) to pair with Jalen Reagor.

13 – Los Angeles Chargers

Christian Darrisaw

Virginia Tech · OT

The Chargers made two big O-line signings in free agency — C Corey Linsley and OG Matt Feiler — but I don’t think they’re necessarily done there. The goal is to protect Justin Herbert at all costs. Darrisaw is a fast-rising prospect who can play across the offensive front.

14 – Minnesota Vikings

Kwity Paye

Michigan · Edge

Paye improved every year at the college level and can play all three downs. He’s as polished as any of the QB hunters in this class. Minnesota needs pass-rush help ASAP.

15 – Atlanta Falcons (Mock Trade with New England)

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Notre Dame · LB

Yes, they have Deion Jones. But the division rival Bucs have Devin White and Lavonte David, and how’s that working out? Owusu-Koramoah is a wild-card prospect — he’s going to be playing at 220-230 pounds — but he fits the bill for the 2021 LB prototype. Atlanta needs a lot of defensive help.

16 – Detroit Lions (Mock Trade with Arizona)

DeVonta Smith

Alabama · WR

If Detroit trades out of No. 7, scoops up some additional picks and still gets Smith, I’d see that as a Day 1 home run. The Alabama product has elite ball skills, won in big spots and is a gamer in every sense of the word. The Lions bid farewell to their top two wideouts in free agency, and Golden Tate a year before that. Insert the Heisman winner.

17 – Las Vegas Raiders

Greg Newsome II

Northwestern · CB

This could be higher than other mock drafts have Newsome going, but I think teams are higher on the Northwestern CB than the rest of our “draft media” world. He is smart, tough and brings a professionalism to the field. The Raiders will be looking to continue their offseason trend: beefing up the defense.

18 – Miami Dolphins

Najee Harris

Alabama · RB

The Dolphins had some success with a running back by committee last season, but Harris is a cut above. He’d be joining his college teammate, Tua Tagovailoa, in Miami’s quest to win its first AFC East crown since 2008.

19 – Washington Football Team

Trevon Moehrig

TCU · S

I had Moehrig as a top-10 prospect in the draft before the end of the NFL season. That doesn’t mean he’ll go in the top 10, but I think he’s that talented. A do-it-all safety who can play some CB if you need — he’s smart, talented and would be a fantastic addition to the back end of Ron Rivera’s D.

20 – Chicago Bears

Kadarius Toney

Florida · WR

I think the Bears are going to do everything they can to get more offensive firepower in this draft. Toney is as hard a player to tackle as there is in this draft class. He’s tough, he’s competitive and he’s a perfect complement to (or eventual replacement for) WR1 Allen Robinson.

21 – Indianapolis Colts

Jaycee Horn

South Carolina · CB

Horn gave up just eight catches on passes thrown in his direction last year, per Pro Football Focus. He has a professional build and competitive spirit. This defense’s tone is set by Darius Leonard. Horn would match that fire on the back end.

22 – Tennessee Titans

Jaelan Phillips

Miami · Edge

Phillips was the standout defensive player at Miami’s pro day, but he’s really all about upside and potential. He offers burning speed and a desire for excellence — he wants to be coached. I don’t think the Bud Dupree and Denico Autry signings mean the Titans are done upgrading their awful pass rush from a season ago.

23 – New York Jets

Rondale Moore

Purdue · WR

Moore is a beast and a nightmare to tackle after the catch. He’s neither a burner nor a huge physical specimen, but he fits everything the Jets are looking to be. Think Deebo Samuel, with his ability to carry the ball, catch the ball and generally be a DC’s headache week in and week out.

24 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Landon Dickerson

Alabama · C

The ACL tear in the SEC Championship Game will scare off a lot of teams, but if Pittsburgh needs anything, it’s a way to immediately address an ailing run game. Dickerson is supposed to be healthy by the start of the season. Will he be anything close to Maurkice Pouncey? Of course not … yet.

25 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Jayson Oweh

Penn State · Edge

Urban Meyer knows how critical the pass rush is to building a champion. The Jags finished last season with the second-fewest sacks (18) in the NFL. Oweh is a one-year starter, but ran an absurd 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, can pressure the QB and can be an immediate contributor to a defense that can use one.

26 – Cleveland Browns

Gregory Rousseau

Miami · Edge

Rousseau didn’t have the lights-out pro day everyone wanted to see, but he still has the lights-out potential. He’s put on a ton of weight since he got to Miami and is just scratching the surface. A 2020 opt-out who is a hard evaluation with just one full year of college football, Rousseau’s upside remains enticing, especially in the back end of Round 1.

27 – Baltimore Ravens

Caleb Farley

Virginia Tech · CB

The Ravens have a great, young defensive backfield. They’re not done adding to it. Farley, who is only available at this point because of health concerns, combines 4.4 speed with good NFL size. Wink Martindale and the Ravens’ D will find a way to make him shine even brighter than he did in college.

28 – New Orleans Saints

Zaven Collins

Tulsa · LB

Collins is a 6-foot-5 gazelle at LB, able to cover in space and also get to the QB. The Saints are in a fork-in-the-road period as a franchise, with questions at several areas. Collins is the type of impact player who can help in Year 1.

29 – Green Bay Packers

Nick Bolton

Missouri · LB

Joe Barry is the new DC and his specialty is LB play. I’m not sure GB’s defense didn’t miss Blake Martinez roaming the middle in big games last year. Bolton isn’t going to jump off the page with eye-popping athleticism, but everyone says he’ll be the QB of whichever defense he joins.

30 – Buffalo Bills

Asante Samuel Jr.

Florida State · CB

Samuel can play multiple positions in the defensive backfield and had an outstanding season in 2020, giving up just 179 yards in eight games, per PFF. He also had an impressive pro day to back up the solid career in Tallahassee.

31 – Kansas City Chiefs

Terrace Marshall Jr.

LSU · WR

LSU has been so loaded with talent the past few years that Marshall’s name has almost gone under the radar in NFL draft circles. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder scored 23 touchdowns in 19 games over the past two seasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Davis Mills

Stanford · QB

I don’t know where Mills goes exactly, but the buzz around the league is that he could be a first-round pick and will most likely be the sixth quarterback selected. I’ll throw him to Tampa Bay, where he can learn from a pretty good QB1.