The Daily Briefing Friday, August 26, 2022

The president of the NFL Players Association is a player no more.  The Athletic:

J.C. Tretter, a former center with the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, he announced Thursday. Tretter has also served as president of the NFL Players Association since early 2020.

“I have decided … to stop playing when I wanted to — on my own terms,” Tretter said on social media. “I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and how far I’ve come. … I feel like if my 31-year-old self could talk to my 20-year-old self, I could earnestly tell him that we did it. We did everything we said we’d do and more.”

Tretter started his NFL career with the Packers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. He played in 31 games with Green Bay before hitting free agency, where he signed a three-year deal with the Browns.

Tretter became a key contributor to Cleveland’s offensive line and was a part of the franchise’s transformation from being the NFL’s worst team in 2017 to reaching the playoffs in 2020. The Browns’ wild-card game win over the Pittsburgh Steelers that year marked the team’s first postseason victory since 1994.

That same season, Tretter was elected president of the NFLPA and helped navigate the players association through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was elected to a second term earlier this year.

In March, the Browns released Tretter, who was entering the final year of a three-year extension signed in 2019. His release saved the team more than $8 million in cap space. However, Tretter did not sign with a new team following his release. He will continue to serve his term as NFLPA president in retirement.

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

QB JORDAN LOVE’s preaseason is over.  Coach Matt LaFleur expresses content despite some mediocre numbers in the preseason finale at Kansas City.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Packers quarterback Jordan Love continued to put up mediocre numbers in the third and final preseason game on Thursday night, but Packers coach Matt LaFleur continued to talk up Love’s progress.

Love completed 16 of 26 passes for 148 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, but LaFleur said after the game that he thinks Love played better than the stats would suggest, and that after a rough start Love did a good job of marching the Packers down the field for a touchdown on one drive and a field goal on another.

“There wasn’t a lot open for him, and he was under a lot of duress, and the one thing I loved is, when the game doesn’t start the way you want it to, how do you respond? I think that just shows the maturation process that he’s done over the last couple years. I thought there was a lot of good things out there,” LaFleur said.

Love threw an interception at the end of the first half, but LaFleur said he thinks Love read the defense correctly and Chiefs second-round draft pick Bryan Cook just made a good play on the ball.

“I was not unhappy with the decision at all,” LaFleur said.

NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS

QB JAMEIS WINSTON’s foot injury is coming along.  Coral Smith of NFL.com:

Jameis Winston has not played yet this preseason after suffering a right foot sprain in training camp, but the quarterback said the injury is “getting better every day,” and he was able to fully participate in practice this week for the first time this preseason.

Winston told reporters that he’s been able to incorporate more movement into his plays in this week’s practices, and he even risked a slide at the end of a play on Wednesday, something that he acknowledged might have made his teammates nervous, but is part of the necessary steps to see if he’s ready to play.

“I gotta be able to do that. So it was like, man, what better time to do it than now. I had to practice it,” Winston said. “It felt good yesterday, like I could really run a little bit more, and move around a little bit more, because that’s a part of my game, so I’m getting better every day.”

The sprain was considered a minor injury and Winston said he expects to be ready for Week 1 no matter what, but he also explained that the Saints were limiting his reps mostly out of an abundance of caution, as they wouldn’t want to cause additional problems because he was trying to play through the pain.

TAMPA BAY

It looks like QB TOM BRADY will start Saturday night in Indianapolis.  Jenna Laine ofESPN.com:

Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is expected to play in Saturday’s third and final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Coach Todd Bowles did not say it outright, but when asked Thursday if Brady will play, he responded, “Everyone who is healthy will play.”

Brady, who returned this week from an 11-day absence to tend to “personal issues,” is healthy and practiced in full Thursday, as well as Monday and Tuesday, with a veteran day on Wednesday. He took his usual number of reps and looked strong and focused.

It will mark the first time Brady has played this preseason, the first time he’s lined up with wide receiver Julio Jones in a game and the first time he’ll stand behind a remade interior offensive line featuring second-year center Robert Hainsey and rookie left guard Luke Goedeke in live action.

“It’s important for game continuity,” Bowles said of seeing Brady with the starters. “We have some new guys on the O-line. We have some new guys at receiver. So other than having practiced together, we need to see ’em in a game with certain situations and just the flow of it. No matter how long it is, we just need to see it.”

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

The 49ers will start the year without S JIMMIE WARD.  Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com:

The San Francisco 49ers expect to be without free safety Jimmie Ward longer than they initially hoped.

Ward suffered what coach Kyle Shanahan called a “pretty bad” hamstring injury on Aug. 14, and though the Niners acknowledged he would miss some time, it could cost Ward the first month of the season.

Niners general manager John Lynch said on the pregame show for Thursday’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans that Ward is likely to land on injured reserve to start the season, which would cost him the first four games.

“He allows us to do what we do,” Lynch said on Amazon’s broadcast. “He’s a safety who plays like a safety but also covers like a corner. He’s often times our best cover man, so it’s a big loss. But we got to find a way to step up.”

LOS ANGELES RAMS

DT AARON DONALD did something that would result in a large fine and/or suspension if he did it in a game.  But it was in a joint practice, so the onus for punishment falls on the Rams.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

The NFL has never gotten involved in legislating joint practice fights, instead deferring to the clubs to punish players. Maybe it’s time.

The Bengals and Rams engaged in an all-out brawl Thursday afternoon to end their work.

A photo posted by Sam Greene, a photojournalist with The Cincinnati Enquirer, shows Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald holding two Bengals’ helmets, one in each hand. And a video from CincyHub shows Donald viciously swinging one helmet before getting knocked to the ground and then being held back. Multiple punches were thrown between the two teams.

Jay Morrison of TheAthletic.com wrote on social media that there were “full on roundhouse punches being swung, helmets being slammed on other peoples heads, multiple players joining in. Full on melee.”

“I don’t know exactly what instigated it,” Rams coach Sean McVay said, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “I think in some instances it’s teams defending each other. Fortunately, my understanding is nobody got hurt, and we’ll move on from it. Not going to make a bigger deal than what it is. Not going to look at pointing fingers.”

But swinging a helmet or helmets at opposing players should be a big deal. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was suspended indefinitely for swinging Mason Rudolph‘s helmet at the quarterback’s head during a 2019 nationally televised game, and Garrett ended up serving six games. Based on the NFL’s history of ignoring joint practice fights, Donald presumably faces no discipline for a similar (or worse) transgression.

Donald was scheduled for a news conference after the session, which ended three reps early, but he did not talk Thursday, according to Klein.

“I just see guys swinging and some guys have helmets on; some don’t,” McVay said. “There’s a scrum. You just never know what can occur. And my biggest concern in just unnecessary injuries for people that we’re counting on.”

Some minor scuffles took place before the brawl that ended practice, with Bengals right tackle La’el Collins throwing a Rams’ helmet.

The Rams and Bengals seem to be fortunate someone wasn’t seriously injured, and the NFL needs to ensure that it doesn’t ever happen by punishing players under the Personal Conduct Policy.

Football Zebras weighs in:

@footballzebras

The punishment needs to be unmitigatingly harsh and swift without regard that it’s a scrimmage nor the stature of the player. The precedent for a player using the helmet as a weapon without other previous suspendable conduct is 6 games

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

This:

@RickGosselin9

In a gesture of respect for KC HOF QB Len Dawson, who passed away this week, the Chiefs opened Thursday’s preseason game against Green Bay with the “choir” huddle of the Dawson era. Patrick Mahomes was not scheduled to play but took the field for the first play to call the huddle

– – –

Adam Teicher of ESPN.com with some thoughts on the Chiefs final roster:

This promises to be a different type of roster this season for the Chiefs, who made 10 draft picks this year. They probably won’t keep of them all, but rookies will still claim a larger chunk of the roster spots than they have in recent years.

Two veterans who may not make the roster are running back Ronald Jones and wide receiver Josh Gordon. Otherwise, the most difficult roster decisions appear to be on defense, where the Chiefs may go heavy on the line after adding veterans Carlos Dunlap and Danny Shelton during training camp.

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

P MATT ARAIZA was the nation’s best punter last year and primed to punt for the Bills in 2022.  But, he now stands accused of participating in a gang rape while at San Diego State.  So far, it is a civil suit, but a criminal charge could be coming.

Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza has been accused of having partaken in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in October 2021 while he was a student at San Diego State the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday.

“We were recently made aware of a civil complaint involving Matt from October 2021,” the Bills said in a statement released Thursday night. “Due to the serious nature of the complaint, we conducted a thorough examination of this matter. As this is an ongoing civil case legal, we will have no other comment at this point.”

Araiza, who was picked in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and was just given the Bills’ punting job earlier in the week after he won a competition with Matt Haack, was named in a civil lawsuit filed in San Diego County Superior Court along with former teammates Zavier Leonard and Nowlin “Pa’a” Ewaliko.

Araiza’s lawyer, Kerry Armstrong, was contacted by the Times and he said he hadn’t reviewed the complaint but called the rape accusation false. He said his investigator spoke to witnesses from the party where the alleged incident occurred who contradict the allegations against Araiza.

“It’s a shakedown because he’s now with the Buffalo Bills,” Armstrong said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Matt Araiza ever raped that girl.”

The Bills left Buffalo Thursday bound for Charlotte where they will play their final preseason game Friday night against the Panthers.

It is not known whether Araiza made the trip with the team. If he did, it is also unknown whether the Bills would dress him for the game, pending investigation of the matter.

The team cut Haack last week, and he just signed with the Indianapolis Colts. No other punters were in Buffalo’s training camp.

The Times reported that San Diego State knew of the situation and it decided not to alert the campus community and did not launch its own investigation until May 2022.

None of the three football players have been arrested or charged and San Diego police have not publicly identified any suspects before the lawsuit was filed. The Times reported that detectives only recently submitted their investigation to the San Diego County district attorney’s office to determine whether charges should be filed.

The Times reported that the alleged victim, who is now 18, spoke out publicly for the first time last month. She said she was traumatized and had to finish up her senior year of high school online. In the lawsuit, she said she had sex with Arazia outside the home where the party was being held, and then was brought inside where she was repeatedly raped. She said she went in and out of consciousness but remembers moments as the men took turns assaulting her.

As Mike Florio explains, NFL Justice has no jurisdiction to suspend or fine Arazia should the plaintiff prevail or charges be filed.

The allegations (and at this point they are only allegations) against Bills punter Matt Araiza are horrifying. But the NFL can do nothing about it, because the alleged incident happened before Araiza was drafted by the Bills.

“We are aware of the matter but will decline further comment at this time,” the league said in an email to PFT.

The Personal Conduct Policy does not encompass alleged misconduct occurring before a player is drafted. At most, the incident would be used against him for enhanced or expired discipline, if he violates the policy once he’s in the NFL.

That doesn’t stop the Bill from cutting him, if they choose to do it. Although Araiza and/or the NFL Player Association could make a stink about a decision to dump Araiza for reasons that would obviously be unrelated to skill, the Bills ultimately can do whatever they want to do — and they may decide that it’s better to find another punter.

Especially since the Bills open the 2022 NFL season two weeks from tonight against the Rams in L.A. And since punter likely won’t be a heavily utilized chore for the Bills this year.

– – –

TE O.J. HOWARD, the former Buccaneers first round pick, is floundering with the Bills.  Joe Busciglia of The Athletic:

General manager Brandon Beane mentioned Tuesday that this week’s practices and Friday’s game would be critical to the final determination of who makes the team. Beane also mentioned that the number of players team decision-makers are looking at for final roster consideration is in the 50s, meaning fans can narrow their focus for Friday.

Which players have the most to gain or lose against the Panthers? Here are 13 to keep an eye on throughout the contest:

Tight ends O.J. Howard, Tommy Sweeney and Quintin Morris

The backup tight end options behind Dawson Knox are all clumped together because the battle for roster spots seems more open than you would have thought before training camp. It would be a great sign for O.J. Howard’s chances of making the team if he did not play Friday night. The Bills will likely go only two players deep at a lot of positions, but if he plays, it opens up the discussion even more.

Howard, whom the Bills signed as Knox’s backup in March, has allowed the competition to catch up to him with a disappointing camp. To Howard’s credit, he converted on a red-zone opportunity late against the Broncos, but playing as late as he did in both preseason games so far is a red flag. So was the Bills’ choice not to play Howard with quarterback Josh Allen on six snaps, instead working in Quintin Morris (five snaps) and Tommy Sweeney (one snap). But it’s not as simple to release Howard as it is with other players on the roster.

The team guaranteed Howard’s entire $1.945 million base salary. To cut him, they would lose out on $2 million they could use elsewhere. If the Bills could find a trade partner, it would absolve them of the base salary hit. If the Bills intend to move on from Howard, a trade is the best possible outcome. They would still owe $625,000 this year and next year to the cap, but it would save them a lot of space they could otherwise use elsewhere or roll over to 2023.

How well Sweeney and Morris have played is equally critical to the consideration. Sweeney has yet to prove himself in the regular season, but the Bills are genuinely excited about how he developed in his fourth camp. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey glowed about Sweeney on Tuesday, and Allen said this is the best camp he’s seen from Sweeney. The fourth-year tight end is one of the most beloved players in the locker room, and that means a great deal to Beane and coach Sean McDermott in how they build the roster. Sweeney is also a favorite of Allen’s, and the Bills make it a point to factor in their franchise quarterback’s opinion.

Morris has improved the most this summer. He gives the Bills a little bit of everything. He’s a good blocker, which is Howard’s most significant selling point. Morris has been a better receiver and route runner in camp than Howard has been. Morris also gives the Bills a potential four-phase special teams player, as evidenced by his usage against the Broncos. Of course, Howard does not play any special teams. Should anything happen to fullback Reggie Gilliam during the season, Morris gives the Bills a comparable skill set so they wouldn’t have to lose that piece of their offense. These are all contributing factors to the final roster decision.

When the contract piece is factored in, it should make the Bills even more hesitant to subject Morris to waivers if they feel strongly about him. They have him signed through the next two seasons, after which he will then become an exclusive-rights free agent (ERFA) for 2024. That distinction means Morris would either have to sign that tender or not play in the NFL that season. And the year after, Morris would be a restricted free agent, with the Bills maintaining roster control. Essentially, the Bills have Morris — a player they are excited about — locked into a low-cost contract through the 2025 season if they want.

For some, the almost $2 million in guaranteed cap space is a sticking point in cutting Howard. However, the win-now Bills and Beane will not remain beholden to only $2 million in cap space for a player who doesn’t make them better than the other options on the roster. Is that $2 million worth losing a player like Morris, whom they are excited about and have under roster control for four seasons, or someone who helps the chemistry of the locker room as much as Sweeney does? If Sweeney or Morris goes to waivers, Giants general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll would likely be quick to strike. The Giants’ tight end depth chart is abysmal, and their top two backups to rookie Daniel Bellinger just went on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. The Giants element puts more of a strain on the decision this season than any other year because of how well Schoen and Daboll know the Bills depth chart and how weak the Giants roster is.

If the Bills did move on from Howard, it wouldn’t be the first surprise Beane has made at tight end during his tenure. He kept Khari Lee after a strong camp in 2018 when many believed he’d be on the cut line. Just last year, the Bills surprisingly cut veteran Jacob Hollister in favor of just a two-player group with Knox and Sweeney. Howard can absolutely stick in 2022 with a strong game. Keeping all four tight ends remains a legitimate possibility as well. The optimal scenario would be to keep three, but it seems like anything is on the table with this group. Friday’s performances against the Panthers will be critical to all three players.

NEW YORK JETS

Coach Robert Saleh will not publicly rule out QB ZACH WILSON from the regular season opener.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Jets head coach Robert Saleh has said that quarterback Zach Wilson will be back in the starting lineup once he shows the team he’s recovered from this month’s knee surgery and he’s not in any hurry to formalize plans for Joe Flacco to take his place in Week 1.

Saleh said on Thursday that he thinks the team can wait until the week of the opening game against the Ravens before making a decision about which quarterback will start the game. For now, though, the signs point to Flacco getting the nod.

Saleh said that Wilson looks good and that he’s been spending extra time with coaches in order to stay engaged, but there’s still some steps to take before he’s ready to think about playing again.

“Once he’s able to get on his feet and stand for hours at a time he’ll be closer to us,” Saleh said, via Zack Rosenblatt of TheAthletic.com.

Flacco will get his first playing time of the preseason against the Giants on Saturday. The Jets host the Ravens on September 11.

Meanwhile, the agent for WR DENZEL MIMS wants the Jets to place his client in the transfer portal, er, trade him.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Jets used a second-round choice on receiver Denzel Mims in 2020. Heading into his third season, Mims has not broken into the starting lineup.

He is listed as the backup to Corey Davis.

That prompted his agent, Ron Slavin, to put out a statement Thursday, requesting the Jets trade Mims.

“It’s just time,” Slavin wrote. “Denzel tired in good faith, but it’s clear he does not have a future with the Jets. Denzel vowed to come back better than ever this season and worked extremely hard in the offseason to make that happen. Still, he has been given no opportunities with the starting offense to get in a groove with them. We feel at this point, a trade is our only option since the Jets have told us repeatedly they will not release him. Joe Douglas has always done right by Denzel, and we trust he will do everything in his power to find another team where Denzel can be a contributor.”

Mims received 15 snaps in the first preseason game, sixth among the team’s receivers, and caught two of five targets for 25 yards. He saw 27 snaps, which was second among the team’s wideouts, in the second preseason game and caught three of four targets for 43 yards. Mims did not start either game.

He has played 20 games with 11 starts since the Jets drafted him 59th overall and has caught 31 passes on 67 targets for 490 yards with no touchdowns.

The Jets have drafted receivers in the first two rounds each of the past two years, and Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson are listed as starters along with Davis.

THIS AND THAT

FANTASY DRAFT TARGETS

From Matt Bowen of ESPN.com:

This summer, I’ve taken part in a bunch of fantasy football mock drafts at ESPN: PPR leagues, non-PPR and superflex, 10- and 12-team formats. In doing so, I’ve developed a group of core players — in multiple tiers — I’m targeting on my draft board.

I’ve got three quarterbacks in here, along with pass-catching backs and downhill, power runners. Plus, there are volume targets at wide receiver and tight ends with red zone upside. Below are 18 total players, a mix of vets and rookies, who make up my favorite targets in 2022 drafts.

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (current ADP: QB4)

I’ve been targeting Jackson much earlier due to the rushing totals and the opportunities for explosive-play passes. In his three seasons as the primary starter, Jackson has averaged 70.9 rushing yards per game. He’s the league’s most electric player with the ball in his hands. Now, add in the play-action concepts out of multiple-tight end sets — with Mark Andrews — plus the anticipated second-year jump from receiver Rashod Bateman. Remember, the percentage of Jackson’s attempts traveling 20-plus air yards has increased each season of his career. And this Ravens offense is set up to create open coverage voids on seams or deep overs.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (current ADP: QB10)

Burrow is a timing-and-rhythm thrower with high-end pocket movement. I can get him late in 10- or 12-team leagues and still feel strongly about the quarterback position in my lineup. Last season, in 16 games played, Burrow logged 4,611 yards passing with 34 touchdowns. And he was dialed in on intermediate/deep-ball throws, posting a league-best on-target rate of 78.9% last season (15-plus air yards). With an upgraded offensive front, plus the league’s best wide receiver unit of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, I believe Burrow can post midtier QB1 numbers this season.

Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers (current ADP: QB13)

There’s some risk in taking Lance, given his lack of starting experience. We know that. But I’m going to bet on his dual-threat skills and the ability of Kyle Shanahan to scheme for the quarterback. In the three games last season in which Lance saw extended playing time, he posted at least 14.6 fantasy points in each game, rushed for 131 total yards and posted multiple touchdown throws twice. Take the upside of Lance in an offense that will feature designed rush schemes, defined play-action throws and the scripted deep balls. I think Lance can help you win your league, at a great ADP value.

Running backs

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (current ADP: RB3)

I hold the No. 2 overall pick in my big, PPR home league, and I’m leaning toward taking Ekeler there. We know he has the dynamic pass-catching traits (216 receptions over his past three seasons), and he’s coming off a career-high 206 carries in 2021, which included 46 red zone attempts. Even if Ekeler sees a slight reduction in total volume this season, I am encouraged by the receiving talent/deployment and the low-red zone opportunities for a back with three-down ability — in a potent offensive system led by quarterback Justin Herbert.

Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (current ADP: RB12)

We know that Melvin Gordon III is still in the mix for the Broncos. However, Williams is slated to see an increase in touches, and with quarterback Russell Wilson upgrading this entire Denver offense, I’m targeting the second-year pro as a mid-to-low-tier RB1. I love the running style here. Williams averaged 2.57 yards after first contact last season. Plus, let’s not sleep on Williams’ receiving numbers. He caught 43 passes as a rookie, and that total should rise this season in an improved offense with proven quarterback play.

Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (current ADP: RB23)

Etienne has been one of my top RB2 targets this summer (after missing the 2021 season), given his anticipated utilization as a receiving back with zone running skills in Doug Pederson’s offense. Yes, Etienne will see his workload reduced some when James Robinson is cleared to play for the Jags. However, Etienne caught 85 passes in his final two seasons at Clemson, and we know he has explosive traits as a runner. He’s a back with real PPR upside for a Jags team that should be more efficient on offense with second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers (current ADP: RB32)

I like Dillon as a potential flex in my lineup for a Green Bay offense for which the run game will be a foundational piece this season. In ’21, Dillon saw 174 carries, with all five of his rushing scores coming on red zone attempts. Expect an increase in total touches here, which includes Dillon as a screen/swing target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the pass game. And, if starter Aaron Jones were to spend some time on the shelf this season, the 6-foot, 247-pound Dillon would vault into the midtier RB2 range.

James Cook, Buffalo Bills (current ADP: RB38)

Cook is a later-round target for me due to the pass-catching upside he brings to the Bills’ high-scoring offense. He can flex to the slot, or shake linebackers in coverage on backfield releases. Plus, Cook can press the ball to the edge on perimeter-run schemes. He has the speed to get loose there. While Cook will most likely play a rotational role with Devin Singletary and Zack Moss in Buffalo, I want the Georgia product on my roster. Cook accounted for more 1,000 yards of total offense on a national championship team last season, and he has the traits of a third-down, change-of-pace back with some PPR juice.

Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans (current ADP: RB42)

There’s a real opportunity here for Pierce to win the No. 1 job in Houston, given his impressive training camp and recent preseason tape. While Pierce wasn’t utilized as the primary back in college at Florida last season, he broke 20 tackles and rushed for 13 scores on just 100 carries. That’s his physical profile at 5-foot-10, 218 pounds, plus the combination of light feet and short-area burst. He has a pro running style. Pierce should be a target in all scoring formats, with more upside as a volume runner in non-PPR leagues.

Wide receivers

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (current ADP: WR9)

A consistent and proven chain-mover with elite route-running ability, Allen is always one of my top PPR targets as the No. 1 receiver for Justin Herbert. The veteran saw 157 targets last season and has logged 100 or more receptions in four of his past five seasons. The scheme in L.A. will create open voids for Allen versus zone coverage, and he’s still one of the best in the league at uncovering on third downs. While Allen isn’t going to post high-end touchdown numbers, the total target volume here — with five to six scores on the season — puts him in the WR1 mix.

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (current ADP: WR18)

I wrote about Metcalf earlier this summer because the fantasy outlook is cloudy without Russell Wilson under center for the Seahawks. Given his current ADP, however, I’m more than willing to bet on Metcalf’s rare physical tools at the position, as I did in our most recent mock draft. Metcalf has finished as a top-15 wide receiver in two straight seasons, and his size/speed combo shows up in the Seattle route structure as a vertical/end zone target. Will there be some down weeks for Metcalf this season with Geno Smith or Drew Lock at QB? Probably. But I can roll with those knowing that Metcalf has breakout-game potential as a WR2 in all scoring formats.

Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills (current ADP: WR29)

We’ve all seen and read the offseason hype with Davis. And I think it’s legit. Davis enters the 2022 season as a breakout candidate, and he’ll be the No. 2 target for Josh Allen opposite of Stefon Diggs. We can point to the tape from the AFC divisional playoff game versus Kansas City, where Davis caught 8 of 10 targets for 201 yards and four touchdowns. Or look at his red zone usage last season, as Davis saw 16 targets inside the 20-yard line, catching five touchdown passes. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he’s a big-framed option for Allen, who will also make second-reaction throws to the third level to create vertical opportunities for Davis.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs (current ADP: WR32)

Smith-Schuster gives the Chiefs an added element to the offense: He’s a physical slot target who will work the dirty areas of the field. And I think he’s more dynamic after the catch than he’s given credit for. With a 111-catch season already on his career résumé, Smith-Schuster now pairs up with Patrick Mahomes in Andy Reid’s West Coast/spread system. And it was Mahomes who posted an 86.1% on-target rate to the slot last season. Smith-Schuster is a prime target in my PPR leagues, as I think he can produce as a high-ceiling flex/WR3 this season.

Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (current ADP: WR37)

Looking at the rookie out of USC, I’m anticipating consistent volume in an offense in which London will pair with tight end Kyle Pitts as one of the top targets in the Falcons’ pass game. Even with an underwhelming quarterback situation, we have to focus on how London will be utilized in Arthur Smith’s offense. He’ll play as a big slot, boundary X or run the deep in-breakers on play-action throws. In his final college season, London hauled in 88 passes and topped 1,000 yards receiving — in just eight games. So, bet on the 6-foot-4 pass-catcher here as a seam-stretcher/red zone option who could see more than 100 targets this season.

George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (current ADP: WR56)

With the prototypical size and skills of a No. 1 wide receiver, Pickens is a player I’m looking to grab in the later rounds. On his 90 career receptions at Georgia, Pickens averaged 15 yards per catch. And he has the long frame and body control at 6-foot-3 to win matchups. While I’ll have to monitor the developmental track of Pickens at the start of the season, there’s value here to add him to the roster. If he can carve out a regular role in the Steelers’ offense, I believe he can produce WR3 numbers as an isolation target with vertical stretch ability.

Tight ends

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (current ADP: TE8)

Staying with my strategy of drafting tight ends late, Goedert has been one of my most consistent targets this summer in 10- and 12-team leagues, given his current ADP and the route-running ability he brings to the Philly offense. Last season, Goedert was targeted on 24.1% of routes run, which was higher than the rate of Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts (22.7%). And that target rate jumped to 37.5% on play-action throws. Now the unquestioned No. 1 tight end in Philly, Goedert joins A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in an upgraded Eagles pass game. And if Goedert sees an uptick in red zone opportunities, he can produce top-five tight end numbers this season.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (current ADP: TE11)

As a rookie in 2021, Freiermuth caught all seven of his touchdowns on red zone throws — and he logged seven games with multiple red zone targets, which led all NFL tight ends. Expect to see the big-framed Freiermuth (6-foot-5, 258 pounds) used on seams, flexed alignments or quicks, where he can simply box out defenders in the end zone. While a scoring regression is possible for Freiermuth this season, expect the Steelers to be much more multiple on offense with quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Play-action, movement and boot. Higher-percentage throws to the tight end and opportunities to get Freiermuth loose on inside verticals.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (current ADP: TE15)

Kmet has been my offseason sleeper at the position due to an anticipated increase in red zone volume. Last season, Kmet saw a total of just six end zone targets and didn’t record a single touchdown reception. Look for those numbers to climb this year with the departure of veteran tight end Jimmy Graham and the Bears’ lack of a true post-up target in scoring position. Remember, Kmet caught 60 of 93 targets last season, mostly on schemed play-action, inside seams and unders. We will see more of that this year, especially when quarterback Justin Fields gets to the edge. And if the scoring production jumps, Kmet has a shot to post TE1 numbers.

2023 DRAFT

Jordan Reid of ESPN.com offers a Mock Draft for next spring.  He only needed to come up with 31 players with the Dolphins having forfeited their first rounder.  Player bios are ruthlessly edited for space.

All is right again, as the 2022 college football season is finally here. Week 0 marks the start of a new journey for the NFL scouting community, as well as for many prospects vying to help their draft stock over the next eight months. I’m excited to get back on the scouting trail and see more live games this year as we get set for the 2023 NFL draft.

How did I get my draft order, though? The first-round order is based on ESPN’s Football Power Index, though the projections do not yet account for post-June 1 moves or the Deshaun Watson suspension. Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk, and I also included early positional needs for each team. Who is projected as an early pick next year?

1. New York Jets

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama*

General manager Joe Douglas has set the franchise up nicely for the future, and the Jets are hoping to take another step forward this season — but they land the No. 1 pick in ESPN’s FPI projections. Will there be turnover at key positions — including perhaps quarterback — if this is the scenario? Either way, I think New York would simply take the best player in the draft, and that’s Anderson.

Biggest needs: OT, LB, DL

2. Chicago Bears

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia*

There are some scouts around the league who believe Carter has the most upside in this draft class, and he’s the type of player around whom new GM Ryan Poles could build an entire defensive unit. A true penetrator as a 3-technique, he’s a wrecking ball with high-level explosiveness, hand power and finishing ability,

Biggest needs: OL, WR, DL

3. Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State*

Yes, Davis Mills could continue to play well and hang on to the starting QB gig, but if the Texans are picking this early, it’s likely he didn’t show enough to keep the front office from considering a quarterback in the draft. Stroud is a technically sound signal-caller who seems to get better in every game he plays. In 2021, Stroud completed 71.9% of his passes for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Biggest needs: WR, EDGE, DT

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU*

The Jaguars have young talent in key spots after back-to-back years with the No. 1 overall pick, and Trevor Lawrence’s continued progress is the team’s most important goal. Jacksonville spent record-setting money in free agency, including signing Brandon Scherff and Christian Kirk, but it still lacks a bona fide go-to target on the perimeter. Boutte is an explosive play waiting to happen and brings a playmaking element that the current receiver room lacks. He missed a lot of last season with a leg injury but still found the end zone nine times.

Biggest needs: WR, TE, OT

5. Atlanta Falcons

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama*

Rookie Desmond Ridder has been a bright spot this Young enters the season as my QB1 after throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns in 2021. The moment is never too big for him, and he plays the game with the same heartbeat, no matter the magnitude of the game.

Biggest needs: OL, DL, QB

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern*

Drafting this early would be uncharacteristic for the Steelers, so how do they take advantage? Skoronski has a well-rounded skill set and shows consistency as both a run-blocker and pass-protector.

Biggest needs: OL, CB

7. Carolina Panthers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State*

Baker Mayfield will get a trial year as the starter under center, and maybe he can keep the team out of the QB market next April. Kentucky’s Will Levis could be the long-term answer in this spot, especially since Matt Corral is the only passer under contract beyond 2022 at the moment. But for now, I’m looking elsewhere: Smith-Njigba is a true WR1 candidate and is as efficient as they come out of the slot, posting more than 1,600 receiving yards last season.

Biggest needs: QB, LB, DL

8. Detroit Lions

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Levis is instinctive, tough and still ascending. He fits the mold of what the Lions have moved toward during the Dan Campbell/Brad Holmes regime. Jared Goff is a serviceable placeholder, but Levis could be someone Detroit could build around.

Biggest needs: QB, LB, RB

9. Seattle Seahawks

Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

With Stroud, Young and Levis off the board, Seattle might wait a on a quarterback. The Seahawks also have the Broncos’ first-rounder, and they don’t seem to be in a rush with the rebuild. Besides, the Seahawks need help in a lot of places. Smith is a powerful edge rusher with good burst and is aggressive against the run.

Biggest needs: QB, LB, WR

10. New York Giants

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida*

GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll helped develop Josh Allen in Buffalo, and they could do the same with Richardson, a toolsy yet inexperienced passer. Evaluators will be watching Richardson closer than any other player this year, now that he is Florida’s unquestioned QB1 after rotating series in multiple games last season. With a 6-foot-4, 232-pound frame and strong arm, he has the traits to be a very high draft pick, but the sample size is just too small (66 passes and 58 rushing attempts) and the consistency isn’t quite there yet. The Giants did not pick up Daniel Jones’ fifth-year option, so they will likely be in the QB market next offseason.

Biggest needs: QB, C, WR

The Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round draft pick for 2023 (projected by ESPN’s FPI to be No. 11 overall) after violating league anti-tampering policies.

11. Washington Commanders

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia*

Cornerback sits atop the Commanders’ positional needs, and Ringo is big, physical and speedy. As a 19-year-old redshirt freshman in 2021, his ability to make splash plays stood out, including a game-sealing pick-six in the national title game against Alabama. He is still developing and has to play faster this season, but Ringo has a chance to be the first cornerback off the board. Washington allowed 7.6 yards per pass attempt last season, sixth worst in the NFL.

Biggest needs: CB, LB, OT

12. Miami Dolphins (via SF)

Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson*

Simpson, one of my favorite prospects to study this summer, is as versatile as they come, and there isn’t much he hasn’t already shown on the tape. He makes impact plays as a blitzer. He flips his hips and runs in coverage. And he sets the edge as the end man on the line of scrimmage. The Dolphins need a defensive playmaker at the second level, and Simpson racked up 64 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks last season.

Biggest needs: LB, RB, C

13. Tennessee Titans

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame*

The success of the Austin Hooper signing (one-year deal) and the development of rookie fourth-round pick Chigoziem Okonkwo could completely change the Titans’ tight end outlook, but for now, Mayer would add another dimension to an offense that relies on the position.

Biggest needs: WR, TE, OT

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina*

The Bengals are searching for more depth and young talent at cornerback, and Smith has length, aggressiveness and a great demeanor.

Biggest needs: TE, CB, DT

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson*

The Eagles’ draft outlook rests on the shoulders of quarterback Jalen Hurts. GM Howie Roseman gave the team a lot of flexibility by picking up an additional first-rounder, and if Hurts doesn’t take the next step, Philadelphia might use one of the picks on a QB — or package them to move up for one. But with Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox both potentially nearing free agency, the Eagles might also opt to address the interior of the defensive line for a second consecutive year.

Biggest needs: CB, S, RB

16. Las Vegas Raiders

Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

Early indications are it might be a down year at offensive tackle, but one who could rise quickly is Duncan. He showed a lot of promise last season, but his tape is littered with inconsistent moments.

Biggest needs: S, OT, CB

17. New England Patriots

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State*

After playing out of position at guard last season, Johnson returns to his natural left tackle spot. At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, the junior blocker displays plenty of body control and the physicality necessary in spurts.

Biggest needs: OT, WR, LB

18. Philadelphia Eagles

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson*

More help in the trenches? Roseman understands what has made him successful during his time as Philadelphia’s GM: having depth along the defensive front. Murphy is an intriguing edge rusher who is still piecing together his overall game.

Biggest needs: CB, S, RB

19. Baltimore Ravens

Jordan Addison, WR, USC*

Addison would be an obvious target for the Ravens, who have unproven options that lack high-end upside on the perimeter. He is great at gaining separation and is a true route technician, able to create throwing lanes for quarterbacks. Now in a Lincoln Riley-led offense that has produced first-round receivers like Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb, Addison could be in store for an even bigger season. And that’s saying something since he had 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pitt in 2021.

Biggest needs: WR, EDGE, CB

20. Minnesota Vikings

Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame*

Minnesota’s roster is a bit top-heavy in multiple spots, and that includes edge rusher. Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith are the clear starters, but after that, the depth is scarce.

21. Arizona Cardinals

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon*

Gonzalez was a huge addition for the Ducks after playing the previous two seasons at Colorado, and he’s now generating early draft buzz. And Arizona’s depth chart at corner lacks depth beyond 2022.

Biggest needs: CB, EDGE, OT

22. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Texans are still in the “stacking talent” phase of their rebuild, and Wilson has a chance to skyrocket up boards this fall.

Biggest needs: WR, EDGE, DT

23. Kansas City Chiefs

Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army*

Even after using a first-round selection on an edge rusher this past April (George Karlaftis), the Chiefs could look that way again. Carter is loose and springy off the edge and places a tremendous amount of stress on pass-protectors.

Biggest needs: EDGE, OT, WR

24. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (Fla.)*

With Geno Smith and Drew Lock expected to seesaw atop the depth chart this season, the Seahawks need to find a long-term answer at QB, and after going a different direction with their first Day 1 pick, Van Dyke is still here at No. 24. Despite an extremely small sample size (10 games, nine starts), he showed potential in those matchups and has excellent arm strength. Biggest needs: QB, LB, WR

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama*

It certainly has been an interesting offseason for Ricks. First, he made the surprise move from LSU to Alabama, then he was arrested on charges of speeding, driving without insurance and possession of marijuana. But on the field, Ricks is a turnover-creating machine.

Biggest needs: CB, EDGE, QB

26. Indianapolis Colts

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU*

Colts GM Chris Ballard clearly values big-body playmakers who can win at the catch point but are also technical route runners. Just look at recent draft picks Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. And at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Johnston is cut from a similar cloth.

Biggest needs: WR, CB, G

27. Detroit Lions (via LAR)

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas*

Landing spots for running backs in the first round are always tough to predict, but Robinson is a special talent at the position — and he could be picked a lot higher than this. With an outstanding blend of speed, power and tackle-breaking ability, he has the potential to be an immediate game-changer at the next level.

Biggest needs: QB, LB, RB

28. Los Angeles Chargers

Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor*

At 6-foot-4 and 358 pounds, Ika is a key cog in the middle of the Bears’ defense and frees up other players on all three levels. He’s nimble for his size, a consistent pressure generator as a pass-rusher on all three downs and a force as a run-defender.

Biggest needs: OT, DT, WR

29. Dallas Cowboys

Noah Sewell, ILB, Oregon*

Dallas could use another wide receiver after trading Amari Cooper, but considering the franchise hasn’t been shy about drafting linebackers in the first round in recent years, Sewell makes sense here. Adding the instinctive and physical hitter would free up Micah Parsons to work more off the edge

Biggest needs: LB, WR, CB

30. Green Bay Packers

Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina*

Bell is a bit of a wild card, and he would have to put it all together this season to sneak into Round 1. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers targets his tight ends often, and Bell could be a playmaker for him.

Biggest needs: EDGE, S, TE

31. Buffalo Bills

Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M*

Johnson is a do-it-all safety who can play at multiple spots, including nickel cornerback. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are stars, but both will need new contracts within the next two years, so the Bills could look to find an heir apparent for one of them. This roster is already loaded, and Johnson would give Buffalo another versatile playmaker in the secondary.

Biggest needs: S, G, LB