CHICAGO

What will the Bears get for QB JUSTIN FIELDS from the Falcons or someone else?  Jeff Howe of The Athletic:

It certainly seems Justin Fields’ days in Chicago are waning, with the Bears set to draft a quarterback and move on from their three-year starter.

And when they do part ways, Fields will help the Bears one last time on his way out. The Athletic polled eight team executives and coaches this week to gauge Fields’ trade value, and they all believed the Bears would net a quality asset before ultimately selecting USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in April.

The majority opinion is the Bears would corral a second- or third-round pick, but there was some variation in those responses. One executive said he’d be worth a second-rounder or its equivalent value in a package of a third- and fifth-round pick.

Two other executives thought the return would be a second- or third-rounder, depending where the selection is in the round. Another believed it could be a 2025 third-round pick that could become a second-rounder based on certain statistical benchmarks.

The lowest value came from a coach who would only give up a third-round pick. There was also an executive who predicted he’d net a second-rounder but admitted that would be too much for his own team to surrender.

“There’s a reason they’re moving on,” an executive pointed out.

Fields’ critics in this exercise said he still needs to improve his field vision to anticipate his throws, and the 2021 first-rounder’s inconsistent accuracy remains a concern. Fields finished with a career-high 61.4 completion percentage last season, and he’s got 6,674 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in his career.

There was one outlier from a coach who thought the Bears could get a first-round pick.

“Supply and demand,” the coach said.

Fields, who turns 25 next week, still has plenty of talent, including his high-level abilities as a runner (2,220 career yards and 14 touchdowns) and scrambler. It’s also necessary to point out that Fields has had two head coaches and two offensive coordinators in three seasons, as the Bears have been mired in an extensive rebuild with limited help around their quarterback. It’s tough to envision many QBs sustaining success in those circumstances.

For a team to acquire Fields, one executive said, they’d need to commit to a plan to maximize his strengths. His next team can’t force him to adjust to its offensive system, which is a common way to stunt a young quarterback’s development.

“They’ll have to run the ball, let him run and make sure he’s got more help around him,” the executive said. “Then they can let him develop over time.”

Fields’ contract is also a factor. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and his new team will have to decide whether to exercise his fifth-year option for the 2025 season, which is projected to be about $25.7 million, according to Over The Cap.

If Fields shows promise next season, that figure in 2025 will be a bargain. If he fizzles, the cap figure will clog up the books.

And assuming a team is willing to trade a second-round pick for Fields, it’s fair to believe it will be confident in his ability to be more than a one-year starter, which means the option should be exercised.

There’s also that supply-and-demand factor. The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are expected to be in play for quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels early in the draft. The Minnesota Vikings (Kirk Cousins) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield) have starters who are scheduled to hit free agency, though it makes more sense for those pairings to remain together. The Denver Broncos are likely on the verge of splitting with Russell Wilson.

That could leave the Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons as Fields’ suitors. Then again, it’s also plausible those teams prefer a former starter in free agency such as Jimmy Garoppolo (not the Raiders, of course), Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, Jacoby Brissett or even Wilson. Or they could defer to the draft and attempt to target J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. One executive even thought Commanders quarterback Sam Howell could be a desirable trade option.

There are pros and cons with each option, and quarterback-needy teams will undoubtedly have varying opinions on which player’s style is best suited for their system. But as that’s all sorted out, it’s becoming clear Fields has real trade value for the Bears.

MINNESOTA

The Vikings are moving on from RB ALEXANDER MATTISON:

Last year, the Vikings chose running back Alexander Mattison over Dalvin Cook. This year, they’re moving on from Mattison.

Via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Vikings informed Mattison on Thursday that he’ll be released.

In 2023, Mattison signed a two-year, $7 million deal. His $3.3 million base salary in 2024 includes $2.75 million in fully-guaranteed money. They’ll be on the hook for that amount, less whatever he earns elsewhere.

The Vikings are surely hoping Mattison will earn that much somewhere else, or close to it. That’s why they’re doing it now. They want him to be on the market early in the process.

The contract includes no trigger that would have forced them to move now in order to avoid cash obligations or to minimize cap consequences. They’re banking on an offset by giving someone else a chance to sign him.

In 2023, he had 700 rushing yards on 180 carries, good for an average of 3.9 yards per attempt. He added 192 yards on 30 receptions.

The move makes Ty Chandler the best option on the roster. It also puts the Vikings in play to add one or more running backs in free agency or the draft.

DALLAS

At the two-year mark of Alexandra Davis’ lawsuit against the man she says is her father, Jerry Jones appears to finally be forced to take a paternity test.  The AP:

A judge has upheld a decision requiring Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to take a paternity test as part of a legal dispute with a 27-year-old woman who says the billionaire is her biological father.

A Texas judge on Wednesday rejected an appeal from Jones of a 2022 ruling in a paternity case brought by Alexandra Davis, who previously alleged in a separate lawsuit that she was conceived from a relationship Jones had with her mother in the mid-1990s.

Attorneys for Jones are challenging the constitutionality of the Texas law that would compel genetic testing of Jones.

In March 2022, Davis sued Jones in Dallas County, asking a judge to void a legal agreement she said her mother, Cynthia Davis, reached with Jones two years after she was born. The 1998 settlement allegedly said Jones would support them financially as long as they didn’t publicly say he was Alexandra’s father — something the married owner of the Cowboys has denied.

Davis dropped that case a month later, saying she would instead seek to prove that Jones is her father. She soon filed the paternity case.

Jones and his wife, Gene, were married in 1963. They have three children and all have front office roles with the Cowboys. Jerry Jones, 81, is the team president and general manager.

Davis’ original lawsuit claimed that Jones “pursued” Cynthia Davis, who was also married at the time, after they met while she was working for American Airlines out of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Their settlement allegedly called for Jones to pay Cynthia Davis $375,000 and for Alexandra Davis to receive a “certain monthly, annual and special funding” from a trust until she was 21, as well as lump sum payments when she turned 24, 26 and 28.

Attorneys for Jones said Alexandra Davis has received “millions of dollars” from Jones in her lifetime, according to court documents.

PHILADELPHIA

The NFL will not punish the Eagles for their signature play – as dangerous as it might be, as hard as it is to officiate and as unsavory as all that humanity pushing against each other might look.  Sean Leahy of YahooSports.com:

The Philadelphia Eagles have perfected the “tush push” in short-yardage situations and the rest of the NFL will have to continue to try and figure out how to stop them.

Appearing on Pro Football Talk Live on Thursday, NFL Executive V.P. of Football Operations Troy Vincent pushed back against any outcry to ban the play.

“Don’t punish a team that strategically does it well,” Vincent said.

Vincent added that the “tush push” — or “The Brotherly Shove” if you’re from Philadelphia — was not on the agenda for the NFL Competition Committee this week as he felt there was not an appetite for discussion. The topic will come up, however, during the NFL league meetings on March 24-27 if any team would like to express an opinion.

There was a discussion when the Competition Committee met during the regular season, Vincent said, but more teams besides the Eagles had begun attempting the “tush push” and the number of injuries was low enough to not require extensive deliberation on the play’s future.

It’s a play that, as Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said in October, is beneficial to an offense that can execute it successfully, like they have been able to do.

“Every first down, it’s first-and-9,” Sirianni said. “Knowing that if you get to fourth-and-1, shoot, a lot of faith in that play. You’ve seen it across the league that people can’t do it like we can do it. They can’t do it like we can do it.”

“I’m making my plug right there. Like don’t ban this play. Like if everyone could do it, everybody would. If everybody could do it, everybody would do it.”

According to the Sporting News’ Jacob Camenker, the Eagles had a 92.5% success rate when calling the “tush push,” converting 37 of 40 opportunities during the 2023 regular season.

WASHINGTON

So, is it a good idea that new owner Josh Harris is sitting in on all of the Commanders’ quarterback interviews in Indianapolis?  A qualified endorsement from Frank Schwab of YahooSports.com:

Josh Harris spent more than $6 billion to buy the Washington Commanders. Arguably the most important decision the Commanders will make in his first few years as team owner is which quarterback will be selected with the second pick of the upcoming NFL Draft. That player will become the face of the franchise.

When you put it like that, it makes complete sense why Harris is sitting in on quarterback interviews at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Whichever 21- or 22-year-old man the Commanders select will be the most visible employee in Harris’ multi-billion-dollar business. Of course he wants to talk to the candidates first.

But in NFL circles, it is unusual. And it probably gives unwanted flashbacks for Commanders fans to the Dan Snyder era.

Harris has sat in on all six interviews the team has had with top quarterback prospects at the combine this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s unusual to see any NFL team owners, other than Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, in Indianapolis during the combine. To some it’s a red flag that Harris would be so hands-on, or at least hovering around, in the process of picking a quarterback. Being known as a “hands-on” owner is often seen as a bad thing.

But Harris sitting in on interviews would not seem that strange if not for the enduring legacy of Snyder, who had a ruinous tenure as the team’s owner. Former Commanders head coach Jay Gruden once complained about the draft that Snyder “would come in off his yacht and make the pick,” which fit with Snyder’s reputation as a meddlesome team owner whose misguided personnel moves helped run the franchise into the ground.

It’s a tough spot for Harris to be in. In some ways he’s taking over a situation that’s even worse than an expansion team. The NFLPA report cards on each team had the Commanders ranked as the worst franchise in the NFL, a remnant from the Snyder era. The team needs a new stadium. It hasn’t won on the field in many years. They have to figure out a way to win the fan base back. There’s an incredible amount of work to be done to fix the Commanders. Harris has to be as involved as possible, without getting the reputation of being meddlesome.

And the next biggest step is which quarterback to draft at second overall. Whether it’s Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or someone else, turning the Commanders around begins with getting the quarterback decision right. Harris is unlikely asking the quarterbacks how they’d handle a Cover 3 defense but making sure the person fits what he wants represented in his massively expensive business.

All of it makes sense, even if it’s unusual and will make Commanders fans cringe having to think about Snyder again.

In addition to Snyder, David Tepper of the Panthers has given an owner being in the process a bad reputation.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Given the importance of the quarterback position and the kind of investment a team would make in the right one, it’s not surprising that Harris would be involved in the process of finding out about all of the options that are available this year. Given the way things played out for the Panthers last year, it will be interesting to see how the evaluation of those prospects plays out.

After Frank Reich was fired as Carolina’s head coach 11 games into the 2023 season, Panthers owner David Tepper called the choice of Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud a “unanimous” one among the team’s scouts and coaches. That was in response to reports that Young was Tepper’s preferred choice and that others fell in line with what their boss wanted as they moved toward the draft.

NEW ORLEANS

The Saints kick more compensation for DE CAMERON JORDAN down the road.  Mike Triplett:

@MikeTriplett

The Saints moved even more than $1.5 million of Cam Jordan’s salary-cap costs into future years with their latest restructure.

Waiting to see exact figures, but they had room to move up to $9.4M in cap costs with Jordan’s deal, which owes him a fully guaranteed $13M this year.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jordan signed a deal that freed up $1.5 million in cap space for the Saints. Jordan is just the latest Saint to re-work his deal as the team once again looks to get below the cap before the start of the new league year.

A 13-year vet, Jordan has 117.5 career sacks to his name but managed just two sacks in 17 games last year. Jordan will be 35 at the start of next season and is clearly on the back nine of his career.

S MARCUS MAYE is just kicked to the curb.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Saints have informed veteran safety Marcus Maye they will release him at the start of the league year, Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report reports.

Maye signed a three year, $22.5 million contract with the Saints as a free agent in 2022, but he missed as many games (17) as he played (17) in two seasons. That includes a three-game suspension.

If Maye is designated a post-June 1 cut, he will count $2.414 million in dead money and open $7.235 million in cap space.

Maye, who turns 31 next week, spent his first five seasons with the Jets after they made him a second-round pick in 2017.

TAMPA BAY

No surprise here.  Adam LaRose of ProFootballRumors.com:

With free agency approaching, the Buccaneers have key decisions to make with several pending free agents. Linebacker Devin White is set to see his contract expire, but a new Tampa Bay agreement should not be expected.

The former fifth overall pick sought out a massive extension last offseason, and he requested a trade when talks on that front did not yield an agreement. Little interest was shown around the league, and White ultimately played out the 2023 campaign. He found himself splitting time with K.J. Britt down the stretch, however, and he did not start either of the Bucs’ postseason contests. A departure in free agency would come as no surprise at this point.

“No, we’re still trying to make some decisions on some of those other players,” general manager Jason Licht said at the Combine. “But, you know, Devin did some really good things for us throughout his career, but we’re still sorting out some things” (h/t Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times).

Indeed, the cases of quarterback Baker Mayfield, receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. are more pressing for Licht and Co. at the moment. The latter is likely to receive the franchise tag, while talks with Mayfield are underway. Evans is the likeliest member of the trio to reach the open market, but a new Tampa deal is still very much on the team’s radar. The same is also true of linebacker Lavonte David, who plans to either continue his storied Tampa Bay career or hang up his cleats.

Especially if David were to agree to another one-year deal, the Bucs could move forward with he, Britt and 2023 fifth-rounder SirVocea Dennis at the linebacker spot. Britt racked up 15 tackles in the playoffs while holding a first-team role, something which initially took place after White was cleared to return to the lineup in December but did not immediately suit up. A lingering foot injury was at the heart of the issue, but reports indicated the former Pro Bowler declined to play upon learning he would be relegated to backup duties. Head coach Todd Bowles pushed back on that notion, and a rotation ensued the rest of the way.

White, 26, would still be one of the more intriguing linebackers on the market given his age and production. He has totaled 566 tackles, 23 sacks and six forced fumbles in five years with Tampa Bay, although his play has not reflected well with respect to PFF grades. Looking to earn back a full-time starting gig, White is on track to find himself with a new team in 2024, and the interest he commands as a free agent will be worth monitoring.

KANSAS CITY

The DB remains struck by the dichotomy of the Chiefs players believing they have an “A+” coach and an “F-” owner.  Because you would think an “A+” coach with multiple Super Bowls would have enough empathy with his players and juice with his owner to get some of the things done that might pull the owner up a few grades from an “F-.”

The Chiefs are making $800 million worth of improvements at Arrowhead Stadium, while thinking about some of the things the players are concerned with.  The AP:

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt admitted Wednesday the Super Bowl champions are overdue for renovations to their practice facilities after the NFL Players Association’s annual report card graded Kansas City the second-worst team in the league overall.

Hunt had just unveiled plans for an $800 million renovation to Arrowhead Stadium that would include plenty of amenities for fans — but little for players — when he was asked about the report card. The NFLPA has produced it the past two years based on surveys of players in an attempt to improve overall working conditions around the league.

The report card gave the Chiefs, who will go for a third straight Super Bowl title and fourth in six years next season, failing grades for their nutritionist/dietician, locker room and training staff. Hunt was given an F-minus as the owner of the franchise, and “a rating of 4.9/10 from Chiefs players when considering his willingness to invest in the facilities.”

“I have not had a chance to see the report,” Hunt told a small group of reporters after the stadium presentation in Kansas City. “I mentioned the practice facility is something we’re going to continue to think about. It’s coming up on 20 years. We’ve certainly in a lot of ways outgrown it and we recognize we need to expand it and modernize it.”

Hunt pointed out that the Chiefs recently renovated the locker rooms at Arrowhead Stadium, but those in the nearby training complex remain untouched. Most of the rest of the facility likewise has gone unchanged over the years.

Kansas City also received a D for its training room and team travel, a D-plus for treatment of families and C-minus for food and cafeteria. Its weighted score put it 31st ahead of only the Commanders, who received failing grades for team travel and training staff and an F-minus grade for its locker room and training room..

“The one bright spot for the team is head coach Andy Reid, who was the highest-rated head coach in the NFL,” the survey said of the Chiefs. “Other than that, the players are frustrated by their workplace offerings, especially after the team’s sustained success in recent years. The responses identify major issues in two areas: quality of care and out-of-date facilities.”

PITTSBURGH

It looks like the best deal that QB MASON RUDOLPH will find is back with the Steelers, who will welcome his return.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Steelers have only one quarterback under contract for 2024. Kenny Pickett may or may not be the starter, but either way, the team has work to do to fill out the depth chart at the position.

“We’re looking at everything,” Khan said Thursday, via Dale Lolley of the team website. “I have an obligation to this organization, to the players, to the front office, to every member of the Steeler nation, to look at every option and every way of trying to improve this team, and we’re going to do so.”

One of the spots likely is filled by Mason Rudolph, who started three games last season.

Rudolph is a free agent, who Khan said he believes wants to return after testing free agency.

“We have been in communication with his representative, and he knows we want him back,” Khan said. “It’s just the process, and I understand it, but we you know, we’d like to have him back, and they indicated a desire to see what’s out there beyond. I think every player kind of owes it to himself. At the end of the day, it’s a few weeks until the start of the league year. But I know we’d like to have him back, and I believe he wants to come back and compete. He likes it here, and we’ve had a good experience with Mason

BUFFALO

Brandon Beane, the Bills GM, is pleased with how getting rid of Ken Dorsey worked out.  Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com:

After falling to the Broncos on Monday night in Week 10, the Bills elected to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and promote Joe Brady to the role on an interim basis.

Brady’s tenure over the rest of the season went well enough that he earned the role full-time, making Brady the second consecutive Bills quarterbacks coach to ascend to OC.

Brady had been Buffalo’s QBs coach since 2022, so he already had a solid relationship with quarterback Josh Allen. Speaking to media at this week’s scouting combine, Bills General Manager Brandon Beane said he noticed that the bond between Brady and Allen carried on once Brady became the play-caller.

“It wasn’t like they had to get to know each other and it’s so important for that play-caller to have the feel of what fits this quarterback, what fits this offense,” Beane said. “So it didn’t take them long to get on the same page and I thought they really did a nice job and it’ll be fun to watch.

“I know Josh and Joe had conversations after the season about where we want to take the offense, things that we want to keep and things that we want to tweak. And so those are being worked on now. I know Joe will check in with Josh here and there, but always looking forward to seeing how our offense will evolve and I know Joe’s excited about it as well.”

Once Brady took over, the Bills won six of their last seven regular-season games to win the AFC East and claim the conference’s No. 2 seed. But after defeating the Steelers at home in the wild card round, Buffalo couldn’t get past eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City in the divisional round.

Still, if Brady and Allen can continue to improve their chemistry between coach and quarterback, the Bills should be in a position to maintain a strong offensive attack in 2024.

MIAMI

The Dolphins are the only team with a perfect season (counting the postseason) and now they are perfect in the eyes of their players.  Greg Auman of FOX Sports:

The Miami Dolphins were the big winners this year, with the highest aggregate grading of any NFL team, getting no worse than an A-minus in all 11 categories. They had the league’s highest grades in six categories, including A-plus grades for ownership and their weight room.

THIS AND THAT

2024 DRAFT – ANOTHER MOCK

A Mock Draft from Josh Edwards of CBSSports.com:

1 – CHICAGO (from Carolina)

Caleb Williams QB

USC • JR • 6’1″ / 215 LBS

General manager Ryan Poles made a comment this week about wanting to do right by Justin Fields if they decide to draft a rookie quarterback at No. 1 overall. The fact that he is even thinking about that could be an indication that the team has made its decision.

2 – WASHINGTON

Jayden Daniels QB

LSU • SR • 6’4″ / 210 LBS

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has most recently worked with Caleb Williams and Kyler Murray. If Williams is off the board, then the choice comes down to Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. Could Daniels’ capabilities as a runner give him the advantage in that discussion?

3 – NEW ENGLAND

Drake Maye QB

NORTH CAROLINA • SOPH • 6’4″ / 230 LBS

New England has a decision to make. They can supplement the roster now so an eventual quarterback has a better chance of having success or they can take the quarterback now. The Patriots have not been in a position to pick this early for quite some time so who knows how long it may before they have the chance again. Drake Maye is a prototypical pocket passer with the ability to roll the pocket and make tight window throws.

4 – ARIZONA

Marvin Harrison Jr. WR

OHIO STATE • JR • 6’4″ / 205 LBS

Arizona is likely to punt on the idea of taking a quarterback this year so that allows them to focus on other positions of need. Marvin Harrison Jr. is still my top prospect overall so taking him at No. 4 overall gives the Cardinals much-needed size in the receiver room.

5 – LA CHARGERS

Malik Nabers WR

LSU • JR • 6’0″ / 200 LBS

The situations with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are still very much in the air. It is unlikely that both are back next season and Quentin Johnston did not show enough during his rookie season for Los Angeles not to consider a possible replacement for Allen and/or Williams in the first round.

6 – NY GIANTS

Rome Odunze WR

WASHINGTON • JR • 6’3″ / 215 LBS

Rome Odunze gives the Giants a player capable of working underneath and stretching the field vertically. The tandem of Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson is a bit more one-dimensional in that regard. New York is hoping that Odunze can offer the stability the team has been lacking at the position since Odell Beckham Jr. departed.

7 – TENNESSEE

Joe Alt OT

NOTRE DAME • JR • 6’7″ / 322 LBS

Tennessee has made it known it intends to build around Will Levis. It may or may not work, but it will not be a lack of effort. They invest in that plan at No. 7 overall with the selection of Joe Alt.

8 – ATLANTA

Dallas Turner EDGE

ALABAMA • JR • 6’4″ / 252 LBS

Atlanta will probably look for a quarterback this offseason but it is unlikely the Falcons want to go down the rookie path again so soon. It could be a spot for Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, but they probably prefer a veteran, such as Justin Fields or Kirk Cousins.

9 – CHICAGO

Jared Verse EDGE

FLORIDA STATE • JR • 6’4″ / 260 LBS

Chicago’s pass rush has improved more than any other team in the league over a six-month period. Opposite Montez Sweat, the Bears add Jared Verse. It would have been ideal to add a wide receiver for the newly acquired Caleb Williams but the organization finds itself in a bit of no man’s land at the position in the first round with three off the board.

10 –  NY JETS

Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT

The Jets should be desperate for offensive tackle help and, fortunately for them, it is a rich year for prospective talent. The buzz is that the team was enamored with Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga at the Senior Bowl, but that could be because they did not anticipate Olu Fashanu being available.

11 – MINNESOTA

J.J. McCarthy QB

MICHIGAN • JR • 6’3″ / 202 LBS

Coaches out of the Sean McVay coaching tree have always valued accurate, tough passers and that is J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota has made it known that they want to bring Kirk Cousins back, but could that be a smokescreen as they gauge the market for McCarthy?

12 – DENVER

Terrion Arnold CB

ALABAMA • SOPH • 6’0″ / 196 LBS

Denver will be in the market for a quarterback in some capacity. The situation with Russell Wilson sounds irreparable based on his comments on Brandon Marshall’s podcast. If they stand pat at No. 12 overall, then they risk losing out on one of the top quarterback options as they do in this scenario. Instead, they take Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and pair him with former Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

13 – LAS VEGAS

Byron Murphy II DL

TEXAS • JR • 6’1″ / 308 LBS

Las Vegas has a variety of needs but it would not hurt first-year head coach Antonio Pierce’s feelings if the organization’s first-round pick is used on a defender. The Raiders need offensive linemen, cornerback and a variety of other positions, but use this opportunity to address their defensive interior

.

14 –  NEW ORLEANS

Brock Bowers TE

GEORGIA • JR • 6’4″ / 240 LBS

Tight end is not the biggest need for New Orleans but Brock Bowers is a blue-chip talent available later than his talent suggests he should be. Juwan Johnson has 79 receptions over the past two seasons, but Bowers offers a more dynamic element.

15 – INDIANAPOLIS

Quinyon Mitchell CB

TOLEDO • JR • 6’0″ / 196 LBS

Indianapolis has some free agents to address on the defensive line but makes an addition to a secondary that was able to identify some quality depth pieces a year ago. Quinyon Mitchell is a smart, physical cornerback who also plays downhill in run support.

16 – SEATTLE

Troy Fautanu IOL

Offensive guard was already a need for Seattle but Damien Lewis also happens to be a free agent. Troy Fautanu played left tackle for the Huskies but is projected inside for some teams.

17 – JACKSONVILLE

Brian Thomas Jr. WR

LSU • JR • 6’4″ / 205 LBS

Calvin Ridley is currently slated to become a free agent. The team may need to plan for the future at the position regardless of whether or not he is back. Brian Thomas Jr. has one of the most unique athletic profiles in this draft class. He has the potential to emerge as one of the best receivers in this draft class.

18 –  CINCINNATI

JC Latham OT

ALABAMA • JR • 6’6″ / 360 LBS

After moving to the right side, former first-round selection Jonah Williams is in a position to hit free agency in a few weeks. Cincinnati has a tight budget and other needs. Waiting to find his replacement in a talent rich draft may be a smart, cost-effective move to address a position of need.

19 – LA RAMS

Taliese Fuaga OT

OREGON STATE • JR • 6’6″ / 334 LBS

Los Angeles needs to upgrade protection in front of Matthew Stafford. Most successful offensive lines have two to three former first-round picks on the offensive line but the Rams have zero.

20 – PITTSBURGH

Amarius Mims OT

GEORGIA • JR • 6’7″ / 340 LBS

By selecting Amarius Mims, Pittsburgh now has the luxury of starting two former Georgia Bulldogs at offensive tackle. Broderick Jones played on the right side this year but can flip back to the left side.

21 – MIAMI

Jackson Powers-Johnson IOL

OREGON • JR • 6’3″ / 320 LBS

Miami has a few interior offensive linemen scheduled to hit free agency next month, including starting center Connor Williams. Jackson Powers-Johnson will be able to start from Day 1.

22 – PHILADELPHIA

Laiatu Latu EDGE

UCLA • SR • 6’5″ / 265 LBS

Philadelphia continues its historical trend of taking offensive or defensive linemen in the first round. The medical check will be important for Laiatu Latu but that also allows the Eagles to get great value later in the round.

23 – HOUSTON (from Cleveland)

Chop Robinson EDGE

PENN STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 254 LBS

Houston continues to invest in its pass rush with the selection of Chop Robinson. The Texans have a capable trio to get after the opposing quarterback in waves.

24 – DALLAS

Nate Wiggins CB

CLEMSON • JR • 6’2″ / 185 LBS

Stephon Gilmore is a free agent this offseason. DaRon Bland played really well when called into action but the selection of Nate Wiggins allows them to maintain the depth that allowed them to absorb the loss of Trevon Diggs last season.

25 – GREEN BAY

Kool-Aid McKinstry CB

ALABAMA • JR • 6’1″ / 195 LBS

There could be a run on the cornerback position in the latter half of Round 1. Kool-Aid McKinstry joins a secondary that features former first-round selection Jaire Alexander.

26 – TAMPA BAY

Jordan Morgan OT

ARIZONA • SR • 6’5″ / 325 LBS

Tampa Bay’s interior offensive line has been depleted over the past few years losing Alex Cappa, Ryan Jensen and Shaq Mason. Jordan Morgan has played left tackle but has the flexibility to move over at the next level.

27 – ARIZONA (from Houston)

Jer’Zhan Newton DL

ILLINOIS • JR • 6’2″ / 295 LBS

Arizona does not need to concern itself with filling needs but rather taking best player available. Jer’Zhan Newton is a cultural fit, as well as a good player and a solution to a position of need.

28 – BUFFALO

Tyler Guyton OT

OKLAHOMA • JR • 6’7″ / 328 LBS

Tyler Guyton is an unfinished product but he’s similar to Anton Harrison in that he has first-round traits that make him a worthwhile project. Guyton’s ceiling is much higher than Spencer Brown and his selection is a way to indirectly invest in Josh Allen.

29 – DETROIT

Cooper DeJean CB

IOWA • JR • 6’1″ / 207 LBS

Cooper DeJean is a smart football player who is also multi-talented. He can start at cornerback but also make invaluable contributions on special teams. Detroit signed a few short-term options at the position last offseason but now have a potential tentpole in the secondary.

30 – BALTIMORE

Darius Robinson EDGE

MISSOURI • SR • 6’5″ / 296 LBS

Jadeveon Clowney is a free agent. The powerful rusher was integral in the team’s run defense efforts. Darius Robinson’s frame allows him to play on the edge but also slide inside dependent upon the situation.

31 – SAN FRANCISCO

Kingsley Suamataia OT

BYU • SOPH • 6’6″ / 325 LBS

San Francisco has not made the offensive line a priority since acquiring Trent Williams. San Francisco has been able to reach the game’s highest competitive level without that investment, but it is not necessarily a strategy conducive to winning long-term. Kingsley Suamataia is a massive human being who played both tackle spots at BYU.

32 – KANSAS CITY

Keon Coleman WR

FLORIDA STATE • JR • 6’4″ / 215 LBS

Kansas City has now officially moved on from Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Rashee Rice and Mecole Hartman made big plays for that organization in the playoffs but having a fourth pass-catcher who raises the ceiling of the pass attack gives them insurance.

Round 2

33. Panthers: OG/C Graham Barton, Duke

34. Patriots: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

35. Cardinals: CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

36. Commanders: EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington

37. Chargers: DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan

38. Titans: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia

39. Giants: QB Bo Nix, Oregon

40. Commanders (via CHI): CB Ennis Rakestraw, Missouri

41. Packers (via NYJ): OT Patrick Paul, Houston

42. Vikings: EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama

43. Falcons: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

44. Raiders: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

45. Saints (via DEN): EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

46. Colts: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington

47. Giants (via SEA): OG Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

48. Jaguars: DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

49. Bengals: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

50. Eagles (via NO): LB Junior Colton, Michigan

51. Steelers: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia

52. Rams: CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri

53. Eagles: OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame”

54. Browns: WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

55. Dolphins: EDGE Adisa Isaac, Penn State

56. Cowboys: S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

57. Buccaneers: LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

58. Packers: S Javon Bullard, Georgia

59. Texans: DT Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

60. Bills: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

61. Lions: DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

62. Ravens: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

63. 49ers: EDGE Austin Booker, Kansas

64. Chiefs: S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

2024 DRAFT – THE COMBINE

Jordan Reid and Matt Miller of ESPN.com provide an update on who did what in Day One of the Combine:

DAY 1: DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, LINEBACKERS

Notables who did not work out: Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois), Junior Colson (Michigan)

What’s your biggest takeaway from Thursday’s workouts?

Miller: The 2024 draft class’ defensive talent has been billed as weak, but the defenders who are graded as first-round prospects backed up their standing during on-field workouts. Edge rushers Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu and Chop Robinson all solidified Round 1 status with excellent all-around testing in speed, agility and position-specific drills. The same goes for the lone defensive tackle prospect with a first-round grade, Byron Murphy II. The times and jumps posted were exactly what we expect for Round 1 prospects.

In a class without a Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa-level prospect, there was room for disappointment, but the five front-seven guys in my top 32 prospects all backed up their rankings. There were no letdowns Thursday night.

Who are the biggest risers from Day 1?

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: It was widely expected that Robinson would be a standout here, and he did not disappoint. Weighing in at 254 pounds — an early win for a player many scouts believed was sub-250 — Robinson turned in explosive postings in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. He started the afternoon with jumps of 34.5 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-8 in the broad, and then he posted a 4.48-second time on his first attempt at the 40-yard dash (he opted to not run a second time). His 10-yard split time of 1.54 is also an elite timing; per ESPN Stats & Information, it tied for the fourth fastest among 250-plus pound defenders since 2003. Robinson has clearly pushed himself into the first round thanks to his tape as a pass-rush specialist and his rare speed off the edge. — Miller

Maason Smith, DT, LSU: Smith only played one game in 2022 after tearing the ACL in his left knee, and while he still entered the 2023 season as a highly touted draft prospect, he didn’t really live up to the hype (2.5 sacks in 12 games). That meant the combine would be key for his stock. At 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds, he has great size for the position, and he showcased his high-end traits during position drills. Smith also ran a solid 5.01 in the 40-yard dash. But his best moment came during the four-bag agility drill, where his upfield suddenness and mobility stood out. Smith was viewed as a fourth- or fifth-round prospect coming in, but the third round isn’t out of the possibility after an impressive evening. — Reid

Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State: Fiske entered the combine just outside my top 50 players, and it’s already time for an update. In every opportunity to impress Thursday, Fiske put on a show. His 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-9 broad jump were both No. 1 among defensive tackles. Fiske also turned in a position-best 4.78-second run in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 292 pounds before a “wow” performance in agility drills — including a really good 4.37-second time in the short shuttle — that showed off his burst and body control. He has the look of a Round 2 lock as a 3-technique pass-rushing defensive tackle ideal for a 4-3 scheme like those in Baltimore or Seattle. — Miller

Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson: Orhorhoro made a statement Thursday in an interior defensive line class that has a lot of question marks in the second and third tiers. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, he ran a 4.90 in the 40 and jumped 9-foot-8 in the broad jump — both standout numbers for him. He was an early Day 3 prospect, but I could see him going inside the top 100 after that workout. And for NFL teams that play a multiple defensive front, Orhorhoro (five sacks in 2023) is a logical fit since he can play all over the line. — Reid

Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State: As a follow-up to his breakout performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl and 13 sacks this past season, Kamara continued his climb up draft boards with great on-field display at the combine. Measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds, Kamara posted the third best 40-yard dash (4.57 seconds) and 10-yard split time (1.58 seconds) of the edge rushers. Kamara might lack length with 32⅜-inch arms, but his burst and pop as a pass-rusher are notable. His position work — going through bag drills and working in pass drops — was a treat for evaluators watching in the stands. Currently just outside my top 100 prospects, Kamara could slide into a comfortable third-round range following his workout. — Miller

Payton Wilson, LB, NC State: My LB3 — ranked just outside of my top 50 players — helped himself by running a 4.44 in the 40. Wilson’s speed shows up frequently on tape, and now we saw it with timed speed. The biggest question won’t be what he is on the field, though. After suffering multiple season-ending injuries during his college career, Wilson likely won’t be on every team’s draft board, and his medicals coming out of this week will be key. But he has the potential to be a starter very early in his career, with solid instincts, range and finishing ability as a tackler. He had 130 tackles (18.5 for loss) in 2023. — Reid

How did other top prospects look on Day 1?

Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama: Turner got his workouts started with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-7 broad jump that had fellow linebackers clapping and cheering for his efforts. He is a lean pass-rusher at 247 pounds, but his 83-inch wingspan is an elite measurable that shows up on tape as he bends the edge and keeps offensive tackles off his frame. It helped him notch 22.5 sacks in his three seasons at Alabama. Turner’s burst and upfield speed are obvious when scouting him, but the combine allowed him to put a number next to that speed: 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash. That alone should cement Turner as one of the first two defensive players off the board in the first round. — Miller

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State: Finishing with a 35-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-7 broad jump and 4.59 40 time, Verse displayed the explosiveness that we have already seen on tape. After a slow start to the 2023 season, he finished with 6.5 sacks over the Seminoles’ final five games, entering the pre-draft process with momentum. The most versatile edge rusher in this class, Verse (6-foot-4, 254 pounds) has powerful hands, and we saw it in the pass-rush drills. My No. 13 overall player and No. 2 edge rusher was as advertised Thursday. — Reid

Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA: Coming off two highly productive seasons at UCLA — 23.5 sacks during that time — Latu was expected to have a solid week but not necessarily be a standout performer in drills. But he quieted the critics who thought he lacked burst or bend coming off the edge with a 4.64-second time in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 261 pounds. His 1.62-second 10-yard split start to that 40-time is equally important and impressive. The medical portion of the combine is still key after he medically retired at Washington in 2020 before transferring to UCLA in 2022, but from a workout standpoint, this was a win for the pro-ready Latu. He is my No. 19 overall player right now. — Miller

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas: Murphy had a tremendous amount of hype coming into combine week, and he certainly lived up to expectations. His game revolves around explosiveness, and his burst and change-of-direction skills simply looked different from his counterparts. With Jer’Zhan Newton not participating, Murphy had a prime opportunity to prove he was the top interior defender in the draft — and that’s what he did in my eyes. His 4.87 time in the 40-yard dash and 33-inch vertical jump both ranked in the top three at the position Thursday. It’s unlikely Murphy — who measured at 297 pounds and just under 6-foot-1 — gets outside the top 20, and he could go as high as No. 13 to the Raiders. — Reid

T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas: Sweat weighed in at 366 pounds, which is the second heaviest defensive player measurement at the combine since 2003. Even at that size, he posted a 5.27-second run in the 40-yard dash. That’s good for the second-fastest time by a defensive player at 350-plus pounds since 2003, according to ESPN Stats & Information. This event isn’t catered to a traditional nose tackle like Sweat, but his movement ability, power and burst at a near-record size were impressive. He’s not for every NFL team or scheme, but those that value a two-down run-stuffer with occasional bursts of pass-rush ability will likely find him available in early Round 2. — Miller

Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M: The top-ranked linebacker on my board, Cooper had a workout that can best be described as “solid.” With eye-popping play speed, he has multiple plays on film that make you sit up on your chair. And at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he has played multiple spots and even has experience rushing off the edge (eight sacks in 2023 to go with 80 tackles). And now Cooper went and posted a 4.52 40 time, which is an excellent number for him. He’s likely a second-round pick — it’s a down year at linebacker — but I could certainly see him getting drafted higher than expected after a good night in Indy. — Reid

More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 1 of workouts

Reid:

Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice had a rough night. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, he ran a 4.72 and then exited the workout early. Trice also struggled going through drills correctly and had to repeat multiple reps. He is a potential top-50 prospect, but scouts will have some questions about his quickness and projection to the next level.

Houston Christian’s Jalyx Hunt caught my eye. A former safety at Cornell, he made a unique transition to edge rusher. He has the size at 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds, but he’s still raw in many aspects. Even so, he recorded a 37.5-inch vertical jump and leapt 10-foot-8 in the broad jump. Those are great numbers. He’s a developmental guy and likely a mid-Day 3 selection, but every year, we see teams overdraft edge rushers with high-end physical traits.

A noteworthy omission from linebacker testing was Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who did positional drills but opted to wait until Clemson’s pro day April 1 for the rest. He has the eyes, instincts and pursuit speed that NFL teams covet, but his ability in space has been a constant question. A lot will now be weighing on his pro day; I currently have a fourth-round grade on Trotter, but scouts want to see his testing numbers.

Miller:

Kansas pass-rusher Austin Booker, my No. 73 overall prospect entering the combine, had a head-scratching performance this week that doesn’t match the ability shown on tape. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he was expected to make up for his lack of size with excellent burst and speed. But a disappointing 4.79-second time in the 40-yard dash doesn’t at all match what we saw during games against Texas, BYU and Illinois this season. Booker did jump well with a 10-foot broad, but even his 32.5-inch vertical was subpar for his size. This is a classic case of the tape not mirroring the numbers, which is why the combine is so important. He’ll have a chance to rebound his 40-times at his pro day.

An important part of the combine is finding players who you want to evaluate more after they have standout workouts. Add Washington linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio to my list of homework. The 6-foot, 236-pounder posted jump numbers that will turn your head: a 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad jump. Both were best among linebackers and put him in rare air. Combine that with a solid 4.56-second time in the 40-yard dash, and Ulofoshio is at the top of my “watch again” list.