The shutdowns due to Covid 19 cost the NFL $4 billion.  Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com:

Even though the NFL managed to play all 256 regular-season games and all 13 postseason games, the league lost a large chunk of money due to the pandemic.

According to Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, the league saw its revenue fall from $16 billion in 2019 to $12 billion in 2020. The league had expected to generate $16.5 billion last year, before the pandemic changed everything.

The NFL wiped out its entire preseason due to the pandemic. Also, attendance fell from more than 17 million to little more than one million.

The league undoubtedly will earn significantly more this year and beyond, given the expectation that many (if not most) stadiums will be full this year. Regardless, the $4 billion that was lost in 2020 isn’t coming back.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

PK CAIRO SANTOS solved, at least temporarily, the Bears kicking woes – so he gets a nice extension.  ESPN.com:

The Chicago Bears have agreed to contract extension with place-kicker Cairo Santos, the team announced Thursday.

Sources told ESPN that it’s a five-year, $16 million deal. The final two years of it are voidable, which would bring it to a three-year deal at $11 million maximum.

Santos took advantage of his opportunity after Eddy Pineiro injured his groin in August, making 30 of 32 field goals and 36 of 37 extra points last season.

He set a franchise record for consecutive field goals made and gave the Bears the stability they’d been seeking since they cut Robbie Gould before the 2016 season.

Santos made his final 27 attempts in the regular season plus a 36-yarder on his lone try in a wild-card playoff loss at New Orleans. Gould had held the Bears’ records for consecutive field goals in a season (24 in 2006) and overall (26, 2005-06).

Santos has made 138 of 166 field goals and 197 of 204 extra points over seven seasons with Kansas City, the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay, Tennessee and Chicago.

For those of you who can’t do the math in their head, 138 of 166 equals a solid, but not elite, 83.1% career field goal accuracy.

NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS

It seems that every year, the Saints face salary cap jail but escape through contract maneuvers.  But there is something different about 2021.  Mike Triplett of ESPN.com on the release of CB JANORIS JENKINS:

The New Orleans Saints released starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Thursday as they continue to chip away at their salary cap.

Jenkins was due to make $11.2 million in salary and bonuses this year — $1.2 million of which was guaranteed. New Orleans will save at least $7 million against the salary cap and could save another $3 million if the move is designated as a post-June 1 release.

Jenkins, 32, went to the Pro Bowl with the New York Giants in 2016 and has 26 interceptions in his nine-year career with the Rams, Giants and Saints. He started 15 games in New Orleans last season, including the playoffs, after the Saints claimed him off waivers from the Giants late in the 2019 season.

The Saints began the offseason nearly $100 million over the cap, which was reduced by 8% to $182.5 million for 2021 because of coronavirus-related lost revenues in 2020.

New Orleans has now released Jenkins, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, punter Thomas Morstead, tight end Josh Hill and offensive lineman Nick Easton. The Saints also are expected to release linebacker Kwon Alexander.

Jenkins was likely one of the tougher decisions on that list, as he had proved to be a good fit for the defense, which ranked as the NFL’s fourth-best in yards allowed and fifth in points allowed in 2020.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder had three interceptions last season, one of which he returned for a touchdown in a Week 1 victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 12 pass defenses last season and a total of 118 in his career.

The Saints don’t have an obvious replacement waiting in-house, so the position could be a priority to address in free agency or the draft.

A second-round draft pick with the Rams in 2012, Jenkins has started a total of 125 games in the regular season and four more in the playoffs.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

The Chiefs lost Super Bowl 55 with two injured starting tackles.  And now they have cut them both.  One of them was once the first overall pick in a draft.  Adam Teicher ofESPN.com:

The Kansas City Chiefs released both of their starting offensive tackles — former No. 1 overall draft pick Eric Fisher and veteran Mitchell Schwartz — in a pair of moves that will save more than $18 million against the salary cap but leaves the reigning AFC champions looking to rebuild at key spots on the offensive line.

The Chiefs needed to clear about $20 million from their salary cap before these moves. Fisher and Schwartz have been fixtures along Kansas City’s offensive line, but neither of them played in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month because of injuries.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for both Eric and Mitchell,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “With Eric, obviously he was the very first player that we drafted when we got to Kansas City, and we were able to watch him grow into a solid tackle for us for many years. With Mitchell, his durability and toughness is remarkable and he certainly left his mark on our team. These decisions are never easy, especially with guys like these, but both of these players will forever be a part of our history.”

Fisher, 30, missed the Super Bowl after tearing an Achilles tendon in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game victory against the Buffalo Bills. Schwartz, 31, missed the last three months of the season with an ailing back and recently had surgery.

Fisher posted a farewell message on Instagram shortly after the Chiefs announced the moves Thursday, thanking Kansas City and writing: “All good things must come to an end.”

The Chiefs’ most obvious candidate to start at tackle next season is Lucas Niang, a third-round pick in the 2020 draft who opted out of playing last season.

Mike Remmers, who started at left tackle in the Super Bowl, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Right tackle Andrew Wiley, who played most of the season at guard, is scheduled to be a restricted free agent.

“I’d like to thank Eric and Mitch for all of their contributions over the years,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Every day both of these men came to work with the right attitude, ready to grind, both on the field and in the classroom. These guys are both dirty tough, but beyond that, they’re good people and I enjoyed coaching them. I wish them the best as they continue their careers.”

Fisher was selected by the Chiefs with the first overall pick of the 2013 draft. The two-time Pro Bowler struggled early in his career, but in recent years began to live up to at least some of the potential the Chiefs saw in him.

Schwartz joined the Chiefs in 2016 as a free agent after four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He was an All-Pro each season from 2017 through 2019 and had been durable until this past season, starting 70 consecutive games for Kansas City.

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

The Ravens have kept veteran LB PERNELL McPHEE per Michael David Smith ofProFootballTalk.com:

Pernell McPhee said he wanted to stay with the Ravens. The Ravens agreed.

McPhee, a linebacker who was set to become a free agent next week, has instead agreed to terms with the Ravens on a new deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 32-year-old McPhee originally arrived in Baltimore as a fifth-round draft pick in 2011. He played four seasons for the Ravens, then three in Chicago and one in Washington before returning to Baltimore in 2019.

Last year McPhee played 43 percent of the Ravens’ defensive snaps and had three sacks and one forced fumble.

PITTSBURGH

WR JuJu SCHUSTER-SMITH acknowledges he will be playing somewhere other than Pittsburgh in 2021.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has said he’d like to spend his career in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have made it fairly clear that the relationship won’t be continuing. Smith-Schuster apparently has gotten the message.

The team’s 2018 MVP responded to a social-media poll from SI.com regarding Smith-Schuster’s future by picking the non-Pittsburgh option.

The question was simple: Will JuJu stay in Pittsburgh? The options were “I hope so” and “that’s a negative.” Smith-Schuster voted “that’s a negative.”

His candor surely will affect the odds regarding his next destination. PointsBet previously had the Steelers at a +300 proposition to keep Smith-Schuster, even with the Jets and trailing the Raiders at +130. Pittsburgh should now be a much longer shot.

Actually, Pittsburgh should have been a longer shot in the first place. With a strong group of young, cheap receivers, a serious cap situation, and a proven ability to draft great receivers, it’s been clear for a while that the Steelers are moving on.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

RB MARK INGRAM is a Texan on a one-year deal.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Running back Mark Ingram‘s set to continue his NFL career in Houston.

According to multiple reports, Ingram has agreed to a contract with the Texans. It is a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.

Ingram was released by the Ravens after their playoff loss to the Bills in January. He fell out of the team’s lineup over the back end of the 2020 season with just 22 carries in the final eight weeks and he did not play at all in the postseason.

Ingram had 72 carries for 299 yards and two touchdowns over the entire year.

David Johnson recently took a pay cut to remain on the roster in Houston, so Ingram will be looking at a complementary role in their backfield. Buddy Howell, Scottie Phillips, and Dontrell Hilliard are also on the roster.

– – –

Coach David Culley claims that QB DESHAUN WATSON remains the Texans quarterback for 2021 and beyond.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

The drama in Houston continues to unfold slowly between Deshaun Watson and the Texans.

The star quarterback wants out. Thus far, the club has been adamant it won’t trade a top-three signal-caller in his prime.

Watson’s resolve that he wants to be traded hasn’t wavered, which has led to speculation that he could sit out until he gets his wish. Fines and loss of income be damned.

While the Texans have insisted they wouldn’t trade the QB, might cracks in that stance start to form?

New Houston head coach David Culley joined NFL Network’s Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche on the Huddle & Flow podcast and was asked if Watson would be the team’s starting QB in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

“He is our starting quarterback as of right now,” Culley responded. “He is our starting quarterback. Things happen between now and then. We’ll see what happens.”

It’s difficult to read that quote and not hear shades of how the Los Angeles Rams talked about Jared Goff before inevitably trading the franchise QB. Obviously, the Goff and Watson situations are apples and oranges, but Culley’s language is identical.

Pointed out by Trotter and Wyche that the 65-year-old coach has been around the league long enough to know that saying Watson is the QB “right now” opened the door to the interpretation that the Texans indeed might trade him, Culley responded:

“That’s right. Right now. And hopefully in the future,” he said.

During his media availability Thursday following the podcast interview, Culley added that the Texans are “very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback. He’s our quarterback.”

The first-time head coach might have cut out the “right now” upon reconsidering, but his interview on the Huddle & Flow podcast at least sparks the notion that Houston could start to bend on its previous stance.

It’s an interpretation Culley later detracted.

“There is no contingency plan,” Culley told reporters. “[Deshaun Watson] is a Houston Texan, and that’s how we’re moving forward with it. We’re committed to him, as I said before.”

Cully told Wyche that he’s not privy to the issues that led to the quarterback’s desire to leave.

“This is how I answer that: Is that basically with us, everything that’s concerned with us inside this building with the way we are going about our business right now is, is that it is positive,” he said. “I am excited to be here. One of the reasons I’m excited to be here is because of Deshaun Watson. And regardless of what’s happening outside of this building, which quite frankly, I don’t hear or read or listen to what happens outside of this building. I don’t. I have people come up to me all the time and ask me about this situation. But the point is, inside this building, inside this organization, we feel positive about moving forward with this football with Deshaun Watson.”

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

LB MARK MILANO will not make it to free agency.  Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com:

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a four-year contract extension with linebacker Matt Milano, the team announced on Thursday.

The deal is worth $44 million with $24 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

In the days leading up to free agency, Buffalo made several moves to clear cap space to sign Milano, including restructuring the contracts of center Mitch Morse and defensive tackle Vernon Butler, and releasing wide receiver John Brown and defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson. The quartet of roster moves cleared roughly $14 million in cap space, paving the way for Milano’s return.

Milano, 26, missed six games in 2020 — and his absence was obvious whenever he was not on the field. In fact, the only regular-season games the Bills lost came when Milano was injured.

His injuries last season are not an indication of his durability, however, as he had played in 44 of 48 possible games entering the 2020 season.

Milano has been Buffalo’s best cover linebacker over the past three seasons, possessing the ability to not only shadow tight ends and running backs in the passing game but also rush the passer and provide run support when necessary.

A fifth-round pick out of Boston College in 2017, Milano has 273 tackles, including a career-best 101 in 2019, 6 sacks and 5 interceptions in 54 career games.

NEW ENGLAND

More of QB CAM NEWTON in New England.  Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com:

Cam Newton and the Patriots are running it back.

The quarterback is re-signing with New England on a one-year deal, according to a report from Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.

Newton signed with the Patriots in July of last year to a one-year, $1.75 million contract. He started 15 games for the club in 2020, throwing for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Newton’s 82.9 passer rating was 28th among 35 qualified passers.

But Newton was one of the league’s most effective runners at quarterback, account for 592 yards on the ground and 12 rushing touchdowns. He also caught a pair of passes for 35 yards with a TD.

Newton joins Jarrett Stidham and Jake Dolegala as New England quarterbacks under contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, signing Newton will not stop the Patriots from making another move at QB this offseason.

THIS AND THAT

CAP CRUNCH REPORT

From the 32 correspondents of ESPN.com, for all 32 teams, ranging from most money to spend to the cash-strapped Saints.  We note that there should be a flow of talent from the NFC to the AFC.  Seven of the first eight teams for most money (including the top five) are in the AFC. Nine of the 10 teams in the worst shape (including the bottom seven) are in the NFC.

NFL free agency kicks off next week and teams will be working with a salary cap of $182.5 million for the 2021 season, an 8% decrease from the $198.2 million cap in 2020. The cap has risen every year since 2011, but the reduced revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic forced a drop for next season.

That drop should make for a pretty entertaining few weeks as teams try to get below the cap before the start of the new league year on Wednesday. Teams are permitted to start contract negotiations Monday with agents of players who will be free agents and teams can sign players beginning at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts look to make the biggest splash, while several clubs are still trying to dig out of a negative cap hole.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Overall cap space: $74,403,593

Analysis: The Jaguars have the most salary cap space available, so expect them to be big spenders in free agency. That may not mean they’re only going after the big names at positions of need (tight end, receiver, interior defensive line, safety, corner). GM Trent Baalke: “We’re looking for value. That isn’t always the most expensive player.” The good thing is that if the Jaguars do want to spend big they don’t have to worry about big-time extensions for homegrown players for at least a couple of years (maybe receiver DJ Chark?). — Michael DiRocco

New York Jets

Overall cap space: $70,302,286

Analysis: While many teams are struggling in a reduced-cap year, the Jets are sitting pretty. They have the ability to acquire any player that becomes available, either in free agency or via trade. It’s nice to have that kind of flexibility, but GM Joe Douglas says he doesn’t want to build through free agency. That said, look for the Jets to be cautiously aggressive. They hope to address the offensive line and linebacker, and they will look at wide receivers and edge rushers if the prices don’t get crazy. They can create another $4.8 million if they trade QB Sam Darnold, which looms as a possibility. — Rich Cimini

Indianapolis Colts

Overall cap space: $63,660,607

Analysis: The Colts, as has been the case throughout most of Chris Ballard’s time as general manager of the team, have some of the highest cap space available. The pressing needs are left tackle, receiver and pass-rusher. The first two are even more important with the addition of quarterback Carson Wentz, who was acquired from Philadelphia. Ballard prefers to sit back and let the market be set on players first before racing out to try to sign free agents. So don’t be surprised if the Colts aren’t in the mix for some of the headline-grabbing players who quickly agree to deals. — Mike Wells

New England Patriots

Projected overall cap space: $56,316,719

Analysis: After a 2020 offseason in which they were tight to the salary cap, the Patriots endured that pain for this year’s big gain — they are in the envious position of having significant salary cap space at a time when most don’t. The expectation is that they will be aggressive to fill a significant number of needs, especially at receiver and tight end. Of course, no spot is more important than quarterback and they have a big question there as well. — Mike Reiss

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected overall cap space: $43,913,987

Analysis: The Bengals wanted to be as flexible as possible with the reduced salary cap for 2021 because of limited league revenue during COVID-19. Cincinnati will have plenty of space to contend for high-end players during free agency and fill key needs such as offensive guard, wide receiver and edge rusher. The current cap space also doesn’t account for any potential cuts for players such as defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who represents $9.5 million in cap savings. — Ben Baby

Washington Football Team

Overall cap space: $38,833,822

Analysis: Washington enters free agency with plenty of cap space but that doesn’t mean it will spend wildly. They will be aggressive for some expensive players, but, as in 2020, they’ll be equally content to sign bargains. That’s how they signed productive players such as running back J.D. McKissic and tight end Logan Thomas last season. Washington will be mindful of the future. Coach Ron Rivera wants to build a sustainable winning roster and knowing they’ll have to sign young players to extensions, whether now or in coming years, will factor into their spending. — John Keim

Denver Broncos

Overall cap space: $31,763,935

Analysis: The Broncos still have decisions to make on option years for safety Kareem Jackson and linebacker Von Miller and possible pay cuts or other adjustments in the contracts. If one or neither player is retained, the Broncos could clear more than $20 million in additional salary cap space but would also be without two defensive starters. The Broncos have the room to sign safety Justin Simmons to a long-term deal, sign their draft class and be aggressive in free agency. General manager George Paton has floated the idea about sitting out the initial free-agency frenzy to make some targeted signings a bit later. But they have the flexibility to play it both ways. — Jeff Legwold

Miami Dolphins

Projected overall cap space: $30,423,032

Analysis: The Dolphins don’t have back up the Brinks truck money to spend like last offseason, but their cap situation is still in pretty good shape due to many of their young core players being on rookie contracts, so expect them to be active on the free-agent market. This offseason, the priority upgrades between free agency and the draft should center on playmakers, with receiver and running back of particular interest. — Cameron Wolfe

Carolina Panthers

Overall cap space: $29,816,792

Analysis: Carolina has gone from middle-of-the-road to plenty of cap space and can be aggressive in free agency. They are in position to make a deal should a quarterback like Deshaun Watson become available in a trade. A long-term deal with right tackle Taylor Moton is on the priority list. After that, rebuilding the offensive line, adding a top-flight tight end through free agency (see Hunter Henry) or the draft and upgrading at middle linebacker is critical to taking a step forward. — David Newton

Los Angeles Chargers

Overall cap space: $25,677,147

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Analysis: Unlike a lot of teams in the league, the Chargers find themselves in decent cap shape. And with their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert in the second year of his rookie deal, they don’t anticipate a huge jump there. The only questions remain with tight end Hunter Henry, who the Chargers retained with the franchise tag in 2020 before declining to offer it again in 2021, and defensive end Melvin Ingram. The Chargers find themselves in an enviable situation with a strong roster and nine draft picks. — Shelley Smith

Cleveland Browns

Overall cap space: $25,472,349

Analysis: After investing heavily in its offense last offseason, Cleveland will shift to the defensive side, where several holes need to be addressed. Despite committing more than $60 million in guaranteed money to the offense last year — a franchise record — the Browns still have the space to add an impact player or two to their defense in free agency. Finding a pass-rusher to complement Myles Garrett is the priority, but Cleveland has needs at linebacker and in the secondary, as well. The Browns, however, will have to be judicious with their spending, with several possible internal extensions looming, including, potentially, QB Baker Mayfield. — Jake Trotter

San Francisco 49ers

Projected overall cap space: $24,658,006

Analysis: The 49ers aren’t exactly flush with space, particularly given how many key free agents they have set to hit the market, but things also aren’t so dire that they’re going to have to lose all of those players either. A big chunk of this space will be dedicated to trying to keep left tackle Trent Williams and if he stays, the Niners are unlikely to make any splashy outside signings. If he leaves, however, the 49ers could be a bit more active than expected with some of the bigger names on the market, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. — Nick Wagoner

Houston Texans

Overall cap space: $20,772,667

Analysis: New general manager Nick Caserio has made several cash-saving moves since he took the job — releasing J.J. Watt, Nick Martin and Duke Johnson and restructuring David Johnson’s contract — and has created nearly $18 million of cap space for 2021. But while the Texans have several big holes on the roster, don’t expect the team to make splashy moves in free agency. — Sarah Barshop

Seattle Seahawks

Projected overall cap space: $20,654,125

Analysis: Releasing Carlos Dunlap freed up $14.1 million but also created another hole on the Seahawks’ roster. In addition to pass-rushers, they have needs at cornerback, running back and offensive line, where Russell Wilson wants upgrades. But only having around $20 million in cap space and four draft picks — with no first- or third-rounder — means the Seahawks will likely stick to their MO of bargain additions instead of high-priced signings. General manager John Schneider always likes to set money aside for in-season pickups, and he’ll also want to save some of his spending for June with the expectation that more good players than usual will become available then due to the NFL’s lowered salary cap. — Brady Henderson

Tennessee Titans

Projected overall cap space: $20,503,114

Analysis: After averaging 30.7 points per game (4th-most in the NFL), the Titans are among the NFL leaders in most cap money invested in their offense. That number will increase if they re-sign free agents Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith. Building up a defense that had trouble getting to the quarterback (19 sacks) and keeping teams out of the end zone (69.2% opponent red zone scoring) will be the top priority for Tennessee. The Titans won’t have much room to make a plethora of free-agent moves, which makes it critical to find less expensive impact players in the draft. — Turron Davenport

Dallas Cowboys

Overall cap space: $18,540,136

Analysis: Even with the addition of Dak Prescott’s megacontract, the Cowboys moved under the cap with ease. Prescott will count $22.2 million against the cap, but the team restructured the contracts of offensive linemen Zack Martin, Tyron Smith and La’el Collins to create roughly $17 million in room. While the Cowboys will have the chance to sign top-end free agents, they are more likely to look to keep some of their own and make strategic moves to help the defense unless they see a deal that is too good to pass up. And if they have to they can always look at reworking the contracts of receiver Amari Cooper, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and running back Ezekiel Elliott to add even more room. But remember, every dollar they add to this year’s cap takes away from future caps. — Todd Archer

Las Vegas Raiders

Overall cap space: $17,762,270

Analysis: The Raiders will be able to add another $14 million in cap space once the Trent Brown-to-the-Patriots trade becomes official on March 17, getting them up to $33.7 million-plus. Throw in backup QB Marcus Mariota, who has a cap number of $11.35 million, and the Raiders have room to make moves. But where to start? Of course the defense in general, the secondary in particular, needs an overhaul and cornerback Richard Sherman should be a prime second-wave target in free agency to teach youngsters Trayvon Mullen, Damon Arnette and Johnathan Abram not only new DC Gus Bradley’s scheme, but how to be pros. Offensively, the Raiders need a vet receiver (re-signing Nelson Agholor without breaking the bank would be nice) as well as a durable and dependable offensive lineman after last week’s purge (ditto Denzelle Good). — Paul Gutierrez

Baltimore Ravens

Overall cap space: $17,601,896

Analysis: The Ravens’ cap space will allow Baltimore to address wide receiver, offensive line, outside linebacker and the defensive line in free agency. Baltimore ranks in the bottom five in the NFL in terms of cap allocated to the offense, but that will change when the Ravens sign quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews to big-money extensions. It’ll be interesting to see how much the Ravens invest in targets for Jackson in free agency. Right now, Baltimore has allocated $7 million of cap space to its wide receivers, which ranks as the seventh smallest in the NFL. — Jamison Hensley

Arizona Cardinals

Overall cap space: $15,184,209

Analysis: The Cardinals are in an good place thanks to J.J. Watt not breaking their salary-cap bank and the release of cornerback Robert Alford and his $7.5 million in cap space. They have enough to sign one or two bigger-name players on deals similar to Watt’s as well as to stock up on role players they need. They have needs at cornerback, wide receiver and running back and will rely on the draft to get some of that work done. — Josh Weinfuss

Minnesota Vikings

Overall cap space: $9,123,620

Analysis: Minnesota got under the cap by releasing tight end Kyle Rudolph, kicker Dan Bailey and left tackle Riley Reiff and restructuring the contract of punter Britton Colquitt all in a matter of a week. The Vikings don’t have a ton to spend in free agency but could make an important move on the offensive line with an abundant group of UFA guards, many of whom were released as cap casualties. The team is going to need to be “creative,” according to general manager Rick Spielman, as it negotiates extensions and restructures contracts by pushing money into future years, or determines it has to release players outright to free up money to improve other areas of the roster. — Courtney Cronin

Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected overall cap space: $5,552,089

Analysis: Once well over the salary cap because of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s league-high $41.2 million hit, the Steelers did what they do best and used accounting wizardry to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year. The team and Roethlisberger agreed to a new one-year deal that voids after the 2021 season and lowered the cap hit by $15 million. Retirements of Maurkice Pouncey and Vance McDonald, along with restructuring the contracts of a few high-priced veterans, helped bring the Steelers under the cap, but they don’t have much wiggle room to sign a significant free-agent class — at least not without cutting a few veterans. — Brooke Pryor

Buffalo Bills

Overall cap space: $5,295,320

Analysis: The Bills spent big on their roster last year, but the drastic drop in the salary cap impacts what they’re able to do this offseason. They’ve already begun the process of clearing cap space by restructuring Mitch Morse’s contract, but GM Brandon Beane will have to continue to move money around in order for the Bills to make the moves necessary to keep them in the AFC title hunt. Offensive linemen Jon Feliciano and Daryl Williams are realistic re-signings. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Detroit Lions

Projected overall cap space: $4,411,782

Analysis: Detroit is full-bore in rebuilding mode and with a tighter cap, the Lions aren’t going to have much room to maneuver for free agents. Lions coach Dan Campbell said they could end up going with midlevel free agents early on as they construct the roster and general manager Brad Holmes wants to build through the draft. If the Lions want to restructure Jared Goff’s contract when he officially joins the roster at the start of the league year cap space could change. That cap space does not include Tyrell Williams’ one-year contract agreed to earlier this week or the release of Justin Coleman on Thursday. — Michael Rothstein

New York Giants

Overall cap space: $4,368,370

Analysis: The Giants, like most everybody else, are tight on cap space this year. They will need to sign defensive lineman Leonard Williams to a long-term deal in order to create any type of real flexibility this offseason. Offensive lineman Nate Solder ($16.5 million vs. cap) also still needs to be addressed. Then they will be in position to make some moves. Still, they’re not going to spend recklessly in free agency. They’re likely to make only one major move. Coach Joe Judge said recently you have success “building your team through the draft,” a philosophy with which general manager Dave Gettleman agrees. — Jordan Raanan

Kansas City Chiefs

Overall cap space: minus-$2,001,679

Analysis: The Chiefs sliced more than $18 million off their salary cap by releasing tackles Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher. They still have a little more work to do to comply with the salary cap. It’s difficult to believe they can be strong bidders for free agents once they are in compliance. Then again, last season they overcame a challenging salary-cap situation that at one point left them with $177 in cap room and re-signed quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce. — Adam Teicher

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected overall cap space: minus-$7,756,263

Analysis: It’s all about keeping as much of their Super Bowl roster intact as they can, but it’s going to take work. Tagging Chris Godwin cost the Bucs $15.8 million, while signing Lavonte David to a two-year extension (two years, $25 million, $20 million guaranteed), will count $3.5 million against the cap in 2021 (the contract includes three voidable years, which allowed the Bucs to spread his cap number across five years). That’s what put the Bucs $7.756 million over the cap. But they’ve been working to extend quarterback Tom Brady by another year, which would lower his cap number from the $28.375 million he’s due in 2021. They could follow that model and tack on years to the contracts of left tackle Donovan Smith ($14.25 million), center Ryan Jensen ($10 million) and outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul ($12.8 million), since all have one year remaining, which would allow them to present a competitive offer to outside linebacker Shaq Barrett. But they’ve still got tight end Rob Gronkowski, kicker Ryan Succop, defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, wide receiver Antonio Brown and Leonard Fournette to think about. — Jenna Laine

Green Bay Packers

Overall cap space: minus-$9,214,429

Analysis: The Packers have until Wednesday to create the more-than-$9 million in cap space they’ll need just to comply, but in reality they need even more room if they’re going to do anything in free agency, whether it’s re-signing one of their own free agents (see Jones, Aaron) or making a play for someone on the open market. They have a couple of easy cuts (with Preston Smith being the most obvious) and contract restructures or extensions (Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Za’Darius Smith among them) that should put them in good position for this season, but they also need to be mindful of getting themselves into further cap problems in future years. — Rob Demovsky

Chicago Bears

Overall cap space: minus-$17,453,918

Analysis: Look for the Bears to restructure contracts as the club inches closer to the $182.5 million projected salary cap. The club already opened space by deciding not to bring back veteran cornerback Buster Skrine and right tackle Bobby Massie. Chicago needs financial flexibility at quarterback, wide receiver and on special teams. The Bears just signed place-kicker Cairo Santos but need to do more. — Jeff Dickerson

Atlanta Falcons

Projected overall cap space: minus-$22,055,452

Analysis: The Falcons are one of four teams that are more than $20 million over the salary cap and they have to get under the cap by March 17. They’ve already cut several players (notably Ricardo Allen and Allen Bailey) but expect more cuts and restructures. Quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones have the two highest cap numbers in 2021 and are candidates for restructured deals, especially if new GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith are going to try to maximize the team’s chances to win in the next several years as those players reach the end of their careers. Other players to watch as potential cuts and restructures include defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and offensive tackle Jake Matthews. — Michael DiRocco

Philadelphia Eagles

Overall cap space: minus-$28,381,902

Analysis: The work continues for the Eagles to get cap compliant. They’ve already released receiver DeSean Jackson and restructured several veteran contracts, including cornerback Darius Slay’s and center Jason Kelce’s. More moves are expected, including trading tight end Zach Ertz and moving on from wideout Alshon Jeffery. There is less concern internally about the cap situation than on the outside; with so many ways to move money around, they can find a way to add some players this offseason if they fit the bill. But they took a $30 million-plus dead cap hit by trading Carson Wentz and things are tight right now, limiting how aggressive they can be in free agency. — Tim McManus

Los Angeles Rams

Overall cap space: minus-$31,260,736

Analysis: The pending trade of quarterback Jared Goff will amount to a $22.2 million dead-money charge, leaving the Rams with $34,078,757 in dead money in 2021. General manager Les Snead said he’s comfortable with the Rams’ salary-cap situation, citing the unprecedented year. However, the Rams are significantly over the cap and could be forced into difficult personnel decisions to get under it. “We’ve had to knock on the door of a lot of our key figures, key pillars and ask them to, in some cases, make sacrifices and in some cases, adjust their contract to help us get under the cap,” Snead said. The Rams’ goal is to get under the cap via restructuring contracts, but they could end up releasing veteran players. — Lindsey Thiry

New Orleans Saints

Overall cap space: minus-$38,321,856

Analysis: The NFL’s reduced salary cap hit the Saints harder than maybe any other team in the league since they have been pushing cap costs into future years for the past decade. They started this offseason nearly $100 million over the cap before releasing veterans like receiver Emmanuel Sanders, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, punter Thomas Morstead and tight end Josh Hill. Linebacker Kwon Alexander is expected to be next. However, the Saints are not going into rebuilding mode, even with Drew Brees expected to retire and the team carrying more than $22 million in dead money. They used the franchise tag on safety Marcus Williams even though it wasn’t a cap-friendly move. And they appear likely to try to extend elite talents like CB Marshon Lattimore and OT Ryan Ramczyk, even though they could cost nearly $20 million per year. — Mike Triplett

2021 DRAFT

A mock from Bruce Feldman on the digital pages of The Athletic:

This is my first mock draft for The Athletic. I’ve spent the past few weeks talking to many folks inside the college football world as well as some NFL people I’ve gotten to know. The insights and scouting reports from coaches, scouts and analysts informed how I approached Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s my take on how I think the first round will play out and what each team will be getting with these players.

I released this on Monday, but I’ve gotten so much feedback I wanted to just update it with a few added nuggets.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

I don’t see Urban Meyer or the Jags overthinking this one. The former Ohio State coach wasn’t shy about telling folks how the star QB wowed him in 2019 when Lawrence, then a sophomore, ran by the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. There are no sure things as QB prospects enter the NFL, but Lawrence checks off as many boxes as any quarterback has in years. He’s essentially right up there with Andrew Luck in 2012 as far as no-brainer selections go.

The Coaching Intel

“The surprise with him is his running ability and his toughness. I just don’t think people realize just how athletic he is. He is very good as a thrower. I don’t think his arm is out of this world. It’s not a Josh Allen or (Patrick) Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers, but it’s very, very good.”

2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Wilson was the breakout star of the season, connecting on 74 percent of his passes with 33 touchdowns and three interceptions. Those numbers were a dramatic improvement from his 2018 season (62 percent, 11 touchdowns, nine interceptions). The Cougars’ level of competition wasn’t nearly as tough in 2020 — the pandemic limited their scheduling options — and Wilson, sources close to the BYU program say, was never really healthy for very long in 2019.

Wilson’s eye-popping arm talent, the way the ball jumps out of his hand and his ability to make all sorts of off-platform throws are probably going to be too tempting for the Jets, with all new leadership, to pass up ushering in a new era. The hunch here is that just three years after using the No. 3 overall pick on Sam Darnold, the Jets go for another QB.

The Coaching Intel

“I think he has great arm strength, and he’s accurate, and he definitely keeps plays alive. He can buy about two more seconds and can really throw on the run from different angles. He is really impressive. I do think it’ll be interesting when people look at his junior tape when they faced better teams. He had good games and some bad games.

3. Miami Dolphins: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The 6-foot, 210-pound wideout had a massive 2019 season, catching 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. Clemson tried to man up Chase with (future first-rounder) A.J. Terrell, and the LSU star caught nine passes for 221 yards, pulling LSU from a 17-7 deficit to a blowout win for the national championship. That would be the last collegiate game he’d play because he opted out of the 2020 season. Inside the LSU program, staffers rave about Chase, especially his competitiveness. Every day at practice, Chase went one-on-one with Derek Stingley Jr., the most talented corner in college, and the receiver usually won more than his share of those battles. Chase has tremendous strength in his lower body and in his hands. He whipped press coverage consistently.

The Coaching Intel

“No doubt in my mind: He’s the best receiver in this draft. He’s the whole package. He’s got the size, the strength, the hands; I think he’s a 4.4 (40) guy; he has the versatility to play inside and outside; has the football IQ — you see how savvy he is within his route. He understands leverage and working guys off the line of scrimmage; he’s very physical, and he is as competitive as it gets. He’s great at shielding off defenders and making competitive catches.”

4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

It’s time for the Falcons to look for their quarterback of the future, and the hunch here is they’ll opt for the local guy who has faced a lot better competition and has a bigger body of work than Trey Lance. There were a few games where Fields, who started his career at Georgia, didn’t throw the ball with confidence and struggled working the ball downfield — he threw three picks against Indiana and was just 12-of-27 with two interceptions in the Big Ten title game against Northwestern. His bounce-back after that against Clemson, though, was magnificent. He went through his progressions, throwing strikes to his receivers to pick apart the Tigers defense. He completed almost 80 percent of his passes in that game and threw six touchdowns while also giving the Tigers problems with his wheels. Learning behind Matt Ryan could be a perfect situation for him.

The Coaching Intel

“His consistency is a concern for me, because there are times he looks like he should be the first pick of the draft and other times where he looks like he should stay in school another year. I think he’s really, really talented. I don’t know what his 40 time is, but I’ve seen him run away from some pretty good athletes. I think people may not realize just what a special athlete he is — or how big this kid is.”

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Burrow, Cincy’s No. 1 overall pick last year, desperately needs help up front. Sewell was the best offensive lineman in college football as a 19-year-old sophomore in 2019, helping the Ducks win the Rose Bowl. He opted out for 2020. Oregon coach Mario Cristobal, a former O-lineman himself, credited Sewell for changing his program.

The Coaching Intel

“He’s massive and he moves well. It’s scary how well he can move at that size and how young he was. The stuff he is able to do in space is the stuff that makes you say wow. He’s excellent getting out and getting on smaller guys on screens. He’s a great finisher and has a lot of nastiness to him. I think he will be an elite NFL player for a long time.”

6. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

The Eagles need a lot of help at receiver, and even though Pitts isn’t technically a wide receiver, he will help address those issues. Pitts was as dominant as any player in college football in 2020 with 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. New Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson was the offensive coordinator at Florida. He knows better than anyone in the NFL just what a weapon Pitts can be.

The Coaching Intel

“For a tight end, he is as dynamic as it gets. He has the size, the length and terrific hands. I was really impressed with his route-running. He is such a polished receiver. He’s everything you want in a receiving tight end. I do question his blocking, so maybe you’re not going to do much in-line stuff with him.”

7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Detroit really needs help on defense. It was dead last in the NFL statistically and sorely needs some playmakers. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season and was really missed by his team. The former five-star lived up to his massive recruiting hype. In 2019, he made 109 tackles, 14 tackles for losses and had four forced fumbles, becoming the first sophomore in Big Ten history to win the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award.

Parsons was at his best in big games. He had 14 tackles against Michigan; eight of those tackles held the Wolverines to 1 yard or less. At Minnesota, he had 11 tackles and two TFLs, and at Ohio State, he had 10 tackles, two TFLs and forced and recovered a fumble. In Penn State’s Cotton Bowl win against Memphis, he had 14 tackles, three TFLs and two sacks. As a true freshman in 2018, Parsons also had 14 tackles and forced a fumble against Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl.

The Coaching Intel

“He is no doubt NFL-ready today, and he has only played linebacker for two years. He hasn’t even scratched the surface yet of what he will be. A future Hall of Famer in my opinion. He’s one of the most competitive people that I’ve ever been around. He always shines in the biggest moments.”

8. Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

If the Falcons take Lance instead of Fields, I think the Buckeyes quarterback would end up here, but I don’t think Atlanta passes on Fields. Lance’s rise was one of the more fascinating stories in college football the past year — of a Minnesota native who Big Ten schools barely looked at and was viewed as a safety or linebacker prospect. Lance ended up at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State and put together a remarkable first season, with a staggering 28-to-0 TD-to-INT margin while helping the Bison achieve the first 16-0 finish in college football since 1894. Lance only got to play one game in 2020 and threw his first pick in a win over Central Arkansas.

The Coaching Intel

“On film, you don’t realize how big he is because he is so athletic. He was much bigger than we thought he was. That size, athleticism and arm are so rare at this level. He broke some runs on us where he’d break tackles, push the pile. One play, we had one of the best athletes we had come free on a blitz, and he makes him miss and throws a perfect ball on a dig to pick up the first down.

“This kid is whole other-level special. He has all the physical tools. Nothing phases him, and I think he’s a fierce competitor. He finds ways to make plays. He’s a big, strong kid who is hard to tackle and can make you miss in space. He’s extremely well-coached. You never saw just bad throws; most of them were where his guys are getting it right in stride.

9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Denver needs cornerback help, and there are three good ones waiting. Farley, the freakiest athlete of that trio, once clocked 24.16 mph on the GPS in a game against Notre Dame. He opted out of 2020 and also had back surgery last offseason. In 2019, he led the ACC in passes defended with 16, was tied for second in the league with four INTs and earned first-team All-ACC honors.

10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Dallas also needs help in the secondary and might not re-sign Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie, a pair of former high picks. Physically, Surtain would be an upgrade from both. His dad was a terrific NFL defensive back, and Surtain, the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year, has been well-coached and played a lot of meaningful football. There is a little debate among coaches we spoke to about whether he would be better at safety than corner in the NFL, as there is some concern about some stiffness.

11. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR-PR, Alabama

Daniel Jones needs more playmakers, and this guy will help the Giants’ offense and special teams in a big way. Waddle isn’t very big at about 5 feet 10 and 185 pounds, but he has dazzling quickness and was having a fantastic 2020 season before breaking his ankle in the Tide’s fifth game. His worst game of the four he played was a six-catch, 120-yard performance against Ole Miss.

The Coaching Intel

“I thought he was the most dangerous of those four receivers they had (in 2019). You just can’t tackle him. His ability to separate from guys is just different. His change of direction is ree-diculous. He’s not quite as fast as (Henry) Ruggs, but he’s quicker. He’s lethal in the return game. And you like how he responds in tough games. He ate up Georgia and Texas A&M before getting hurt and made a bunch of big plays at Auburn last year and made a great punt return against LSU.”

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a guy who gets open so much like he does.”

12. San Francisco 49ers: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern

Slater also opted out of the 2020 season but left behind some very impressive film. Folks gush about how well he performed when matched up against Ohio State’s great Chase Young in 2019, a rare case when the Buckeyes star didn’t dominate his man that season. The son of former NBA player Reggie Slater, he might be better inside at center or guard because he doesn’t have great length for tackle, but his athleticism might enable him to become a good player there, too.

The Coaching Intel

“He handled himself really well against Chase Young. I didn’t think anyone held up as well against Young as Slater. He has really strong hands, is technically sound and has excellent feet. He’s also very stout and can get to the second level. I really was impressed.”

13. Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

They have a franchise QB in Justin Herbert and this pick will help protect him. Vera-Tucker played guard in 2019 for USC, then moved to tackle and had another excellent season even though he had no spring football reps to ease that transition. People inside the Trojans program are very high on Vera-Tucker’s character, describing him as an “alpha” and praising his “selflessness.”

The Coaching Intel

“Austin Jackson was a top-20 pick (No. 18 to the Dolphins in 2020), and this guy is better.”

14. Minnesota Vikings: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami

Minnesota needs a bunch of help on the D-line, and Phillips, once the nation’s top-ranked recruit, could be a very good fit here. Phillips’ rise is interesting. He fizzled out at UCLA after some injuries and really got into focusing on a fledgling music career. He transferred to Miami and rejuvenated his football career, buying into the program and reshaping his body. At UCLA, he played at around 240-250 pounds, but at Miami he got up to 270 pounds and was in the best shape of his life. At one point, he registered 22 mph on the GPS, a remarkable number for an athlete that size, and he proved to be a terrific fit in UM’s 4-3 system. He had 11 TFLs, 6.5 sacks and 26 tackles in his final four games for the Canes in 2020.

The Coaching Intel

“He’s got a chance to be really special. He’s explosive and really smooth. He’s athletic enough to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. He can bend. He’s versatile. He’s strong. I think he should run in the 4.6s or maybe in the 4.5s. The one thing is, he has to do a better job of controlling his emotions.”

15. New England Patriots: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

For as great as Bill Belichick is as a coach, he and New England have been dreadful drafting receivers, and this is a huge area of need. Fortunately for him — we think — an excellent one is going to fall into his lap, and it’s a guy Belichick’s old pal Saban knows better than anyone.

Smith, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, capped a fantastic college career that included a lot of clutch moments for the Tide dating back to his winning touchdown catch in the national title win over Georgia. Smith’s numbers for 2020: 117 catches, 1,856 yards and 23 TDs. He had 17 catches of 30 yards or longer, almost double what the next-best WR had in the SEC. Smith might look really, really skinny at about 180 pounds on his wiry frame, but he is a willing blocker, can break tackles and is very good in traffic.

The Coaching Intel

“He doesn’t drop a ball ever. The most impressive thing, though, is after each series, he’d come off to the sideline and tell their coaches, ‘They did this and this and this.’ He really knows coverages and what defenses are trying to do. Our guys came back to the sideline and said he’s calling out what we’re playing and telling their sideline what our coverages are and how we’re playing our man coverage. God almighty, that’s different.”

“I told people last year that (Smith) is better than both those cats (Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs) that got drafted (in the) first round last year. How in the world didn’t he have more recognition a year ago? He might not be, physically, looking at him, but playing-wise, it’s not even close.”

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Arizona needs to replace Patrick Peterson, and the Cardinals can go back to the SEC to find that guy. The son of former NFL WR Joe Horn is 6 feet 1, 200 pounds and is a really physical, aggressive cover man. Some might say a bit too aggressive, as he could draw a lot of attention from the refs for being handsy. He opted out of the 2020 season not long after South Carolina fired Will Muschamp.

The Coaching Intel

“He’s got it all. He’s the total package. Has the speed; tough; good on the ball; good off the ball; very competitive. He was the best DB we faced. Nobody had a good day on that guy. He’s there all day. You had to be creative to get your guys away from him.”

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

The 20-year-old really blossomed into a force in 2019 after putting on about 35 pounds since his arrival at Miami. The 6-foot-6 edge rusher, a one-time high school wide receiver, had a huge debut season for the Canes as a redshirt freshman, notching 19.5 TFLs and 15.5 sacks. He opted out of the 2020 season.

The Coaching Intel

“There’s still so much untapped upside with him. He’s still learning how to rush the passer. He’s even longer than Phillips, and he has so much leverage. It’s hard for guys to get their hands on him. He wins the reach battle, and he plays very hard. He’s always chasing guys down. He’s also a great kid.”

“He was very raw, but he plays really hard and he’s just so long; it’s really difficult for people to block him. Even at about 265 (in 2019) he plays strong and is able to generate so much natural power.”

18. Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Miami needs a go-to running back, and the 230-pound Harris is a complete one. Harris was always improving in Tuscaloosa, going from 20 touchdowns in 2019 to 30 in 2020. The big question here is whether the Dolphins go for Harris or Clemson’s Travis Etienne, but my guess here is that Miami goes with the bigger back.

The Coaching Intel

“I think he is the best back they’ve had there under Saban, either him or Derrick Henry. He’s quick enough to beat DBs, but he’s also very physical. He’s got a good trunk with really good balance, so he can bounce off guys.”

19. Washington Football Team: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Va. Tech

WFT could really use a quarterback, but we’re not sold that it goes all-in on Mac Jones after whiffing on Dwayne Haskins just two years ago. WFT needs help up front too, and the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Darrisaw was a very solid, frequent starter for the Hokies.

20. Chicago Bears: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

A former high school quarterback, Toney was a versatile weapon for the Gators and should give Chicago a spark offensively as an X-factor guy. He had a strong season in 2020 with 70 receptions, 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. His last two games for UF were huge ones, going for nine catches for 182 yards against LSU and then eight for 153 against Bama. He’s also a dangerous return man.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern

It’ll be tempting to not grab an O-lineman, but I think they take the 6-foot-1, 190 pounder. Newsome had an excellent 2020 on a very good Wildcats defense. The long corner, who had nine PBUs in six games, was a big reason why Northwestern led the nation in pass efficiency defense in 2020.

22. Tennessee Titans: Ronnie Perkins, DE-OLB, Oklahoma

Tennessee managed just 19 sacks last season, third-worst in the NFL. It needs edge-rushing help ASAP. Perkins doesn’t have anywhere near the length or athleticism of Phillips or Rousseau, but the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder is a really productive player. Perkins also doesn’t have the length or explosiveness of Kwity Paye or Joe Tryon, but I could see the Titans going for him here. Last season he had 10.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks and nine QB hurries in six games after he served a six-game, NCAA-imposed suspension for a failed drug test the previous season. OU allowed 17.5 PPG with him and 33.5 PPG in its four FBS games without him.

23. New York Jets: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

Robert Saleh still has some good options available for much-needed edge-rushing help. Paye is the freakiest D-lineman in this draft. The 6-foot-3, 272-pounder put up amazing numbers in the team’s workout program, showing off jaw-dropping athleticism and clocking the second-best 3-cone time on the team at a blistering 6.37 seconds, which would have topped anyone at the 2020 combine. The former high school running back who reported to Ann Arbor at 228 pounds was a member of a state championship 4×100 meter relay team in high school.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

The Steelers need a lot of help on the O-line, and I think they’ll go and get the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Mayfield, who is strong and physical in the run game. He’s much further along as a run blocker than a pass protector but is seen as a promising right tackle who is only 20 years old.

He only really played in two games in 2020 after he injured his ankle in the Wolverines’ second game. Michigan coaches really liked his attitude; the son of a high school O-line coach, he impressed them with his commitment and his love for the game.

The Coaching Intel

“He is a first-round talent. He plays fast; has good change of direction; is very physical and plays with tenacity; He dominated Minnesota’s guys (in the Wolverines’ opener) like they were kids. He should be able to play four positions in the NFL, but probably will not be seen as a long-term solution at left tackle because his arm length isn’t what most NFL teams want.”

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Moehrig, safety, TCU

Gary Patterson has produced a lot of standout DBs, and the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder — who power cleans 420 pounds and has a vertical jump of 38 inches — is the latest in the line. In 2019, Moehrig was the highest-graded safety in FBS by Pro Football Focus. He had four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Some Big 12 coaches we spoke to felt he was better in 2020.

26. Cleveland Browns: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound former high school QB was Mr. Everything for Tulsa and took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Lombardi Award after a season where he had 11.5 TFLs, four sacks, four INTs and two pick-sixes.

The Coaching Intel

“He’s a freak! He has elite cover skills, elite start-stop. Elite closing speed. Uses hands extremely well. Good ball skills. Can see things fast. Not a great blitzer or pass rusher, though.”

27. Baltimore Ravens: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Baltimore has a penchant for having outstanding value guys falling to them, and I think will have that happen again this year. Owusu-Koramoah, who came to Notre Dame as a 198-pound three-star recruit, played last season at about 218 pounds, but he could probably get up to 225, we’re told. His explosiveness is impressive. Last offseason he had a vertical jump of 39 inches.

28. New Orleans Saints: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Jones might be gone before Sean Payton gets his shot to grab his QB of the future, but my guess is the Bama star will still be available. Jones threw for 4,500 yards in 2020 and had a 41-to-4 TD-to-INT margin. He had a 20-to-0 margin in the red zone last year. He operated at an extremely high level and showed a lot of resolve and confidence in sticking around at Bama behind Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa — and with five-star freshman Bryce Young coming in. Coaches love him. After watching him perform at a consistently high level, we wouldn’t bet against him having a good NFL career.

The Coaching Intel

“He’s very accurate and smart and poised, but he doesn’t have any physical tools in terms of his arm talent or his athleticism being better than average. I question how high his upside is, but he’s the kind of guy I wouldn’t bet against becoming a solid NFL starter.”

“I really like the player and the fact that he bided his time to become The Guy. He had a legitimate command of a pro-style offense. Very good feel for timing and coverages, pre- and post-snap. He knew exactly what his progression was and he moved on quickly. He can really see the field. Has great command, great presence. The NFL could potentially come easy to him because he’s already been a pro-style-ish offense; he will understand the pass game stuff. He knows how to anticipate timing of routes and coverages. I think he could be sneaky better than what people think. He has enough arm. It’s not elite, but I’ve seen Drew Brees throw in person, and I think Jones has enough. He doesn’t have the athleticism when a play breaks down. In five years, man, this guy is everything we thought and more. If I had to put money on it, I think he’s gonna be a 10-year NFL starter.”

29. Green Bay Packers: Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa

He will give Green Bay an added jolt to the interior of its defense. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Nixon burst onto the scene last year and emerged as one of three Outland Trophy finalists after settling in from the junior college ranks a year earlier. Nixon caused all sorts of havoc, making 13 TFLs and 5.5 sacks, leading what was the Big Ten’s No. 1 defense in fewest yards per play allowed. He also had a 71-yard pick-six against Penn State.

The Coaching Intel

“He is a powerhouse. Really explosive. Great with his hands. Good first step. Is very disruptive. This guy jumps off the film. Think his best football is ahead of him.”

30. Buffalo Bills: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

The Bills could seek some help in the ground game to take some pressure off Josh Allen, and the former Clemson star is too good to pass up. Etienne had a dazzling career for the Tigers as an all-around weapon, totaling almost 4,600 rushing yards and 70 rushing touchdowns to go with 102 career receptions for 1,115 yards.

The Coaching Intel

“That dude made us look silly. It’s his burst. Whenever you think you’ve got the angle, he’s taking it away.”

“He reminds me a lot of Dalvin Cook, and I think he’s the best back the ACC has had since (the former FSU star).”

“He’s the best back in the ACC since Dalvin Cook. Dalvin was never trying to run over you; Etienne is gonna try and run you over. I thought he was more physical than Cook, and I liked how Etienne developed into such a good receiver. He couldn’t catch the ball as a freshman.”

“He really has great burst and just explodes through the hole. He runs bigger than you think and he’s very comfortable as a receiver.”

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Landon Dickerson, C-G, Alabama

The Chiefs’ O-line issues came back to bite them last season after injuries and attrition caught up to them. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound former FSU player, who came to Bama as a grad transfer, hurt his knee in the SEC title game but had played a vital role in leading what was the best O-line college football had seen in years.

The Coaching Intel

“He’s a mauler. He’s very strong and tough. I think his feet are more than decent. There’s definitely some stiffness with him, but he’s gonna be a starter in the NFL and a good player for a long time if his injuries don’t become an issue.”

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest

The Bucs could use some help on the D-line, and “Boogie” Basham’s athleticism and versatility will be too much for them to pass up to add to their collection of freaks on defense led by Devin White. The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder had 23.5 TFLs and 16 sacks combined the past two seasons. Basham is a special athlete, having vertically jumped more than 36 inches and clocked a 4.21 in the short shuttle, which would eclipse any time by a guy his size at the 2020 NFL combine. He runs so well that Wake had him on its kickoff team.