NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

Are the Bears thinking of moving from the spaceship that landed in the Colisseum?  John Breech of CBSSports.com:

The Chicago Bears have been playing at Soldier Field since 1971, but that’s something that could be changing in the near future. The Bears are apparently thinking about relocating to Arlington Heights, which is a suburb that sits roughly 30 miles outside of Chicago.

For the Bears, the allure of Arlington Heights comes from the fact that the city is about to have 326 acres available where a new stadium could be built. The land is currently occupied by the Arlington Park race track, but that building is likely going to be sold in the coming months with the expectation that the new buyer is going to tear it down and re-develop the site.

During an interview last week, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes revealed the the Bears were “seriously considering” a move to the site.

“Certainly, the Arlington Park site is available and we would consider the Chicago Bears a great fit for that particular site,” Hayes said, via Fox 32 in Chicago. “I think the Bears are seriously considering it because it’s such a unique piece of property. It has so much going for it in terms of its location in the northwest suburbs where a lot of their audience is.”

A Bears executive didn’t deny that the team was mulling a possible move when asked about it by Crain’s Chicago Business last week. The race track in Arlington Heights is about 30 miles away from Soldier Field, so Bears fans in Chicago would still be within easy traveling distance of a potential new stadium.

Even if the Bears want to move though, it’s not going to be so easy. As Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently pointed out, the team has a lease at Solider Field for at least the next 13 seasons. 

“I’ve seen a couple of reports [of a possible move] but a couple of data points that I think you should be aware of are the Bears have a lease with Soldier Field until 2033 and the NFL doesn’t let any teams break their leases,” Lightfoot said.

Despite the fact that there’s a lease in place, Hayes isn’t discounting a possible move before 2033.

“I know there’s contracts involved and lease agreements,” Hayes said. “But a good attorney will tell you, you can always get out of those. There might be a significant price involved, but I would think if they wanted to make it happen, they could make it happen.”

It seems the Bears are hoping to get some renovations done at Solider Field and it’s possible they want the city to help pay for the project. Lightfoot admitted to talking to the Bears in recent weeks, but didn’t specify whether the team asked the city to help with anything.

“It’s a great, iconic site,” Lightfoot said of Soldier Field. “But it’s a challenging site, and I think it’s incumbent on us as a city to step up and look at ways in which we can make sure that the Bears fans, but also the Bears as an organization, have the best opportunities to maximize the fan experience and, of course, maximize revenues.”

Soldier Field opened in 1924 and hasn’t undergone any sort of major renovation since 2003. The stadium only seats 61,500 and due to spacial constraints, it’s unlikely that number will ever be expanded by much, which might be one reason why the Bears eventually make the move to Arlington Heights.

So it’s already been 18 years since the renovations.

The site is 16 miles west-north-west of O’Hare Airport – further out I-90.

AFC WEST

DENVER

The NFLPA hints that it will go to war over the pay of Ja’WUAN JAMES just as the NFL hinted the Broncos could stiff him after he tore his Achilles elsewhere.  Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com:

The NFL seized on the injury suffered by Broncos tackle Ja’Wuan James to explain to players (via a memo to all teams, telling the teams something they’ve known for decades) that injuries suffered away from the facility, even while working out for football reasons, can jeopardize a player’s salary, along with other benefits. On Thursday, the NFL Players Association fired back.

PFT has confirmed that the NFLPA sent an email to all players regarding the James injury, and the NFL memo regarding it. The memo was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.

In the email, the NFLPA calls the NFL “gutless” for using a player’s serious injury as a “scare tactic to get you to come running back to these workouts.”

“This memo is yet another sign of what they think of you and also affirms that they simply want to control you year-round in any and every way that they can,” the NFLPA tells its members.

Then comes the most important portion of the email, even though it’s buried deep in the message. “Despite the open threat of an ‘NFI’ designation, Ja’Wuan was working out to stay in shape under a program recommended to him by his coach,” the email contends.

This implies that the union may plan to challenge any non-football injury designation, based on the argument that, even though James was away from the facility, his injury was covered because he was following a workout regimen recommended by his coach (presumably, his strength and conditioning coach). A union source, when asked by PFT whether this argument will be made, pointed out that the Broncos haven’t placed James on the NFI list yet, and that the “reality is most of these types of injuries get resolved.”

While that may be accurate, James wouldn’t be forced to fight for his $10 million (and potentially more) if he’d suffered the injury at the facility. There would be no argument to be made that the injury wasn’t covered.

Here, the Broncos have the right to force the issue. James will have the right to file a grievance under the labor deal. Multiple sources have predicted that the argument will fail, that there’s no off-site protection against injury, despite the reason or type of workout.

Again, there would be no fight whatsoever if James had simply worked out at the team facility — especially if he was going to be conducting a training regimen recommended by the team.

What if the Achilles had popped while he was walking down the street or dancing at a wedding (illegal in some jurisdictions) or bending over to pick up a child?  Not a risky activity like mountain climbing or water skiing, but an everyday normal action?

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH

Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, himself a first round pick back in the day, endorses the selection of RB NAJEE HARRIS.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

The Pittsburgh Steelers spent a first-round draft pick on a running back last week for the first time since 2008 when the club made Rashard Mendenhall the No. 23 overall pick.

The Steelers’ selection of Najee Harris at No. 24 overall was met with part expectation, part cynicism and part ambivalence. Pittsburgh had telegraphed in the lead-up to the draft that it wanted to upgrade the RB position and targeted Harris as the top running back.

Many believe selecting a running back in the first round is a foolish waste of capital relative to other positions. Others viewed the offensive line as a more significant concern in Pittsburgh.

Former Steelers Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis thought snagging Harris was a stroke of genius.

“I thought it was a great pick. I thought it showed their commitment to getting back to running the football,” Bettis told Ed Bouchette of The Athletic. “In order to definitively run the football, you have to have a hammer and they went out and got a hammer, and now they’re able to philosophically do some of the things they weren’t able to do.”

Harris is a modern-day power back who can run between tackles and is also a threat in the passing game. He should never have to come off the field in Pittsburgh.

The tackle-breaking back forced 93 missed tackles on touches in 2020, most in FBS, per Pro Football Focus. Of those missed tackles forced, 71 came on rushes (2nd most in FBS), and 22 came on receptions, which led running backs by nine. Harris generated 821 rushing yards after contact last season, second-most in college football.

Plowing through tackles is a translatable skill, even as the competition ramps up with Harris joining the rugged AFC North.

The argument against drafting running backs early is usually buffered by the belief that clubs can unearth productive backs in later rounds. Bettis finds that mode of thinking reckless.

“These running backs are not a dime a dozen,” Bettis said. “People are inclined to think ‘Ahh, you can find one in the later rounds.’ You can’t find a good one. What you find in the later rounds are all small running backs. The big backs weren’t there late. You know why? Because there aren’t any. When you find one, you got to get him, quick.”

Of the running backs to finish in the Top 10 in rushing yards in 2020, three were taken in Round 1: Josh Jacobs (8th in rushing yards in 2020), Melvin Gordon (9th), Ezekiel Elliott (10th); four went in Round 2: Derrick Henry (1), Dalvin Cook (2), Jonathan Taylor (3), Nick Chubb (7); one was a third-rounder: David Montgomery (5); one went in the fifth round: Aaron Jones (4); and one was an undrafted free agent: James Robinson (6).

If yards per attempt is a preferable differentiator: Seven were Round 2 picks: J.K. Dobbins (1), Chubb (2), Henry (4), Miles Sanders (5), Ronald Jones (6), Cook (7), Taylor (8); one was a third: Alvin Kamara (9); one a fifth: Jones (3); and UDFA Gus Edwards came in 10th (third-rounder Damien Harris and UDFA Raheem Mostert also earned 5.0 YPC but on fewer attempts).

Of PFF’s top-10 graded running backs in 2020, with a minimum of 150 attempts, only Jones was taken outside the top three rounds.

The question is not whether anyone believes Harris will be a good player. The argument is, would the Steelers have been better off selecting an offensive lineman early to support a severely diminished blocking group? Had they passed on RB, it’s likely the top three (Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams) would have all been gone by the time the Steelers picked again at No. 55 overall. All three of the backs came off the board by pick No. 35, and another RB wasn’t taken until No. 88 (Trey Sermon, 49ers).

Bettis believes that the Steelers leaning on Harris and the ground game will help that young Steelers offensive line, which could be among the worst groups on paper in the NFL entering the summer months.

“Now that you have to develop,” Bettis noted of the O-line. “Here’s what you always have to know about the offensive line: It’s much easier as a young or inexperienced offensive line to run block. It’s a lot harder to pass block. So if you’re developing an offensive line, you want to get them running the ball first, get them comfortable and then you’re working with them and teaching them pass protection and how to be more efficient and effective in pass blocking. With any offensive line, you want to start running the football with them.”

After going pass-heavy with an aging quarterback, who turned 39 in March, the Steelers have talked extensively about upgrading the running game to bolster Ben Roethlisberger in what could possibly be his final season. The biggest piece of that plan was using a first-round pick on Harris.

The DB is also inclined to think that this Harris, like Franco, will be a team leader who will up the entire team’s vim and vigor with his class and personality.

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS

QB CARSON WENTZ has made himself at home in Indianapolis according to GM Chris Ballard.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

With a playoff-ready roster, the Indianapolis Colts are banking heavily on Carson Wentz returning to form after a disastrous 2020 season in Philadelphia.

Not only did the Colts ship a potential first-round pick for the embattled QB, but without a veteran presence on the roster, it’s ride-or-die for Indy and Wentz.

General manager Chris Ballard told Colin Cowherd that the reason for the team’s confidence that Wentz can quickly turn it around is the relationship between the QB and coach Frank Reich. According to the GM, that connection is already paying off.

“When it came to Carson, it was a little like Philip (Rivers) last year. Frank and Nick Sirianni had a really good relationship with Philip. He knew the offense, and it was almost a seamless transition when we brought him in,” Ballard said, via Colts Wire. “I almost see the same thing with Carson here over the first month and a half where it’s a pretty seamless transition for Carson just because of his relationship with Frank, who also happens to be the play-caller.”

This is well-worn ground since the Colts swung a trade for Wentz earlier this offseason. The QB enjoyed an MVP-type season the last year Reich was in Philly in 2017. Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster ride.

In life, there are safe gambles, and there are risky gambles. While watching Wentz’s 2020 tape would make most believe the QB is a dangerous gamble, Ballard doesn’t see it that way. He views getting Wentz’s career back on track as less precarious because he has a play-caller the QB is comfortable with.

“I don’t think you can ever minimize how important that is,” Ballard said. “The quarterback has to feel comfortable with who’s pulling the strings and who’s pulling the trigger. And that made the trade for Carson a lot easier because I knew there was a trust level between the two of them, and trust is everything in this league and trust between the quarterback and the play-caller is everything.”

Ballard added Sam Ehlinger to the QB room in the sixth round of the draft over the weekend. The Texas product and Jacob Eason are likely to duel over the backup role. At this point, neither is a threat to Wentz.

The Colts exited the draft with a hole at left tackle. Given his history, Ballard likely has a plan to fill that gap before the season. Assuming he does, the biggest question mark on the roster sits at QB, where the Colts are rolling the dice that Reich’s magic can bring Wentz back from the abyss.

– – –

Meanwhile, the Colts have moved quickly to sign their draft class, including first round pick EDGE KWITY PAYE. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Colts defensive end Kwity Paye is the first 2021 first-round pick to sign his rookie deal.

The Colts announced the news on Thursday afternoon. Paye has a four-year deal worth over $13.6 million with a team option for a fifth season. The price tag of that option will be affected by Paye’s playing time and any Pro Bowl selections during his first three seasons.

Paye was the 21st overall pick a week ago after recording 97 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks during his time at the University of Michigan.

The Colts were busy signing picks on Thursday. They also announced the signing of four other picks. Second-round defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, fifth-round safety Shawn Davis, seventh-round wideout Mike Strachan, and seventh-round offensive lineman Will Fries. Word of the two seventh-rounders got out before the team’s announcement and the Colts have two more picks to sign to get the entire class under contract.

We had wondered if Paye was the first product of a Rhode Island high school to go in the first round of an NFL draft.  The Providence Journal has done the research, and while he’s not the first, you have to go back a long, long way to find another:

Kwity Paye — who was born in a refugee camp after his family fled war-torn Liberia — became the first Rhode Islander in 82 years taken in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night when he was selected at No. 21 by the Indianapolis Colts.

Paye, 22, was a star at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick before committing to play college football at Michigan, where the edge rusher had 97 tackles, 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble over his four years. At Michigan, the 6-foot-2-inch, 261-pound Paye twice earned all-Big Ten honors.

In speaking with ABC moments after being selected, Paye — standing with arm around his mother, Agnes — said he wanted to give a “huge thank you for all the sacrifices she’s made for me for all those years.”

– – –

Agnes Paye worked hard to help pay Kwity’s way through Hendricken and he promised her that he would get a scholarship to college and she wouldn’t have to work again.

– – –

The last Rhode Islander selected in the first round of the NFL Draft was Providence’s Bill Osmanski, the former Central High School and College of the Holy Cross player who was taken No. 6 overall in 1939 by the Chicago Bears. The fullback went on to play seven seasons in the NFL and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.

AFC EAST

MIAMI

A McCourty is signing with Miami.  Mike Garafolo of NFL.com:

Jason McCourty is reuniting with a familiar face in a new place.

The veteran defensive back is signing with the Miami Dolphins, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported it’s a one-year deal.

McCourty played for Brian Flores in his first season (and Flores’ last) in New England in 2018, joining a defense directed by Flores one year before he’d leave to take the head coaching job in Miami.

After playing three seasons alongside his brother, Devin, Jason McCourty follows Flores to Miami, staying in the AFC East and joining a team that could use a veteran voice as it learns how to finish a playoff push.

Miami informed safety Bobby McCain he’d be released earlier Thursday, shedding salary cap in the process while also saying goodbye to a team captain. McCourty has a history of success and brings instant credibility with him to Miami, but it will be interesting to see where he lines up in Miami’s defense.

Multiple teams in McCourty’s past have at least considered moving McCourty to safety in the last four years, beginning with his time in Cleveland and continuing in New England, where he was viewed as a potential emergency replacement at the position despite spending his entire career as a corner. Signing McCourty on the same day the Dolphins determined they were moving on from McCain leads one to believe McCourty might at least be considered at the position.

Miami is strong at corner, starting the NFL’s leader in interceptions in 2020, Xavien Howard, on one side and Byron Jones on the other. The Dolphins also have Noah Igbinoghene at the position, as well as Justin Coleman to play nickelback. With all of this considered, we’ll have to wait to see how Flores sees McCourty fitting into his scrappy defense.

Miami hosted free-agent safety Malik Hooker for a visit earlier in the week, and after releasing McCain and signing McCourty, it’s clear they’re exploring all options at safety and in the defensive secondary. This might not end up being the last move the Dolphins make on the back end.

– – –

Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com looks at the Dolphins and the weapons they have provided for Tua:

Tua Tagovailoa unleashed a toothy smile of enthusiasm and a yell of “let’s go” Thursday night as he watched the Miami Dolphins select the draft’s fastest wide receiver at No. 6, Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle.

It was a glimpse into Tagovailoa’s excitement for a reunion with his former teammate, but he also was picturing what Waddle will do for the Dolphins’ offense and his own game.

There is debate over whether the Dolphins should have picked Waddle or Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith at No. 6 as well as the team’s failure to draft a top-tier running back again, but the Dolphins still had a strong draft weekend. If you take any stock in post-draft grades, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. was among many analysts who listed Miami as having the NFL’s best draft.

The Dolphins landed four potential Day 1 starters with their first four picks (Waddle, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, safety Jevon Holland and offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg).

But the draft’s biggest beneficiary for Miami? That’s easy — Tagovailoa.

“We watched a lot of Tua last year. In doing that, we saw really all the players at Alabama, and Waddle was somebody who definitely stood out,” Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. “We think he’ll fit inside or outside. He’ll add a speed element. Obviously he has some value in the return game. His versatility is a big part of this.”

The 2020 Dolphins lacked explosive playmakers and reliable offensive line protection, and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and Flores hammered those needs with a fury this offseason. The addition of Waddle and William Fuller V is the roster’s biggest upgrade.

Tagovailoa’s Year 2 improvement is the most important factor in completing the Dolphins’ transition from rebuilding team to contender. They’re not in the Super Bowl conversation right now (let’s see them make the playoffs first), but they are getting the talent to put them on the brink of contention.

Many of the elements hampering Tagovailoa as a rookie — a lack of wide receiver separation, little offseason preparation coming off a career-threatening hip injury, offensive line struggles, lack of chemistry with the offensive playcaller, hesitancy to throw deep, tight-window passes to possession receivers — have been removed by Miami’s offseason moves.

It’s not a perfect roster, but Tagovailoa has enough around him to flourish in 2021. Now it’s up to him.

Picture a Dolphins offense with returning lead target DeVante Parker at X receiver, speedy deep threat Fuller at Z receiver, explosive Waddle in the slot and jump-ball specialist Mike Gesicki playing tight end or an extra slot receiver. The duo of Parker and Fuller outside combined with Waddle and Gesicki inside provides difficult, varied skill sets for defenses to combat every week.

If healthy and at their best, this group could challenge the Buffalo Bills for the best set of offensive playmakers in the AFC East.

Also, don’t forget Miami has a pair of 6-foot-5 targets in wide receiver Preston Williams and rookie tight end Hunter Long, each likely headed for situational roles providing valuable depth for a group of starters with an extensive injury history. Shifty second-year player Lynn Bowden Jr. and yards-after-catch specialist Albert Wilson (returning after opting out of the 2020 season) also provide exciting receiving options. It’s a better group at the top and the bottom.

The new additions should help Tagovailoa open up the passing attack just as he did at Alabama by throwing it deep. The biggest problem Tagovailoa might have is figuring out how to spread the touches around. This Dolphins offense shouldn’t be slow or sluggish like last season; the speed cavalry has arrived.

On the Dolphins’ offensive line, a starting lineup could feature left tackle Austin Jackson, left guard Solomon Kindley, center Matt Skura, right guard Robert Hunt and Eichenberg at right tackle, with veterans D.J. Fluker and Jesse Davis pushing the young, developing players for starting spots. This unit is still somewhat unproven, but it’s in better shape already compared to last season.

Miami’s biggest remaining question is at running back, where it could certainly use an upgrade. The Dolphins seem set to have Myles Gaskin continue as the lead back with power back Malcolm Brown and speedy Salvon Ahmed completing the trio. It’s worth watching to see whether Miami looks to the trade or free-agency market to do so. Flores noted added speed at wide receiver should take defenders out of the box and continued offensive line development should open up more running lanes, even if it’s a Gaskin-led backfield again.

THIS AND THAT

QB CAROUSEL

With the QB Carousel having come to a stop with AARON RODGERS still to spin, let’s see in one place where it landed (QBs in red are new to that team, QBs in maroon are where the rookies landed):

NFC

East

Dallas                Dak Prescott

NY Giants          Daniel Jones

Philadelphia       Jalen Hurts

Washington        Ryan Fitzpatrick

* Advantage Dallas, although Fitzpatrick could be sneaky good with Washington

North

Chicago               Andy Dalton or Justin Fields

Detroit                 Jared Goff

Green Bay           Aaron Rodgers (?) or Jordan Love

Minnesota           Kirk Cousins (Kellen Mond)

* Would Green Bay get a QB back in a Rodgers trade, like Teddy Bridgewater?

South

Atlanta                 Matt Ryan

Carolina               Sam Darnold

New Orleans        Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill

Tampa Bay          Tom Brady (Kyle Trask)

* Can Sean Payton work magic when promoting from within?

West

Arizona                Kyler Murray

LA Rams             Matthew Stafford

San Francisco     Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance

Seattle                 Russell Winston

* It looks like Russell Wilson’s rift with the Seahawks has calmed down.  Will Matthew Stafford really be that much better than Jared Goff?

AFC

East

Buffalo                  Josh Allen

Miami                    Tua Tagovailoa

New England        Cam Newton or Mac Jones

NY Jets                 Zach Wilson

* So the Jets have cleared the decks for Zach Wilson and the Dolphins are all in with Tua.  Buffalo would seem to have a big advantage, for now, at the position.

North

Baltimore               Lamar Jackson

Cincinnati              Joe Burrow

Cleveland              Baker Mayfield

Pittsburgh              Ben Roethlisberger (Dwayne Haskins)

* The only division so far with status quo.  And, taking into account age, you could rank them in just about any order depending on your preference.

South

Houston                  DeShaun Watson (?), Tyrod Taylor or Davis Mills

Indianapolis            Carson Wentz

Jacksonville            Trevor Lawrence

Tennessee              Ryan Tannehill

West

Denver                    Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock

Kansas City             Patrick Mahomes

Las Vegas               Derek Carr

LA Chargers            Justin Herbert

* Denver really would get an upgrade with Aaron Rodgers and Bridgewater going to Green Bay in the deal makes sense.

So we count nine new starters (including New Orleans from within, not counting Denver yet).  Plus circumstances could lead to a change in Houston.

DAY 3 IMPACT PICKS

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com finds some players chosen last week in the 4^th round or later who he thinks will be important to their teams right now:

While all the 2021 Day 3 selections listed below aren’t guaranteed to thrive as rookies, they have the best chance to make an instant impact due to their talent and opportunity on their new teams. 

Michael Carter, RB, Jets

Round 4, No. 107 overall

The vast majority of running backs picked in the fourth round are clearly selected to be backups for the prime of their NFL careers which, of course, coincides with the beginning of their time as professionals.

Not Carter. Of course there are veterans in front of him — Ty Johnson, La’Mical Perine, and Tevin Coleman — but Carter is in line to see the football much more frequently than 99% of fourth-round backs.

On film, I got Gio Bernard/James White vibes with Carter. He’s short, at under 5-foot-8, but boasts a filled-out frame at 201 pounds. And Carter’s game is predicated on first-step suddenness and receiving ability. He was one of the few prospects in this draft class to go under 7.00 seconds in the three-cone drill and 4.00 seconds in the short shuttle.

At North Carolina, Carter caught at least 20 passes in three-straight years and averaged 8.0 yards per rush in 2020. He’s a nightmare to corral. He’ll add a springy dynamic to New York’s backfield but will make his mark as a screen/checkdown target for Zach Wilson.

Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Titans

Round 4, No. 109 overall

Fitzpatrick was a late watch for me during the pre-draft process, and let me tell you, his film made my day. As the draft approached, most of the later prospects I watched barely looked draftable. But for some reason I’d missed Fitzpatrick on my first pass through the receiver class.

And he was an easy midround talent on film. At 6-2 and 208 pounds, the crispness in his routes was immediately noticeable, then I saw him take run-of-the-mill, chain-moving routes and morph them into big gains because of serious acceleration and speed down the field. He ran 4.49 at the Louisville pro day, and I think he’s every bit that fast, if not faster.

In Tennessee, gone are Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, and Jonnu Smith. The Titans desperately needed a jolt of receiver talent, and absolutely got that with Fitzpatrick. He actually set a career high in touchdowns as a freshman at Louisville (nine) and ultimately caught 154 passes at nearly 16 yards per grab across four seasons with the Cardinals. He’s decently big, with the route-running nuance, and explosion to step in as the No. 2 to A.J. Brown right away.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions

Round 4, No. 112 overall

Another fourth-round selection with ample job opportunity in a new-look offense. Suddenness and athletic prowess aren’t the USC star’s strong suits — route-running intricacy is. And he’s fascinating when it comes to catching the football. Because for every amazing, arms-extended grab St. Brown put on film, there was an easy drop or too.

He’s one of the more polished route runners to enter the league — particularly as a Day 3 selection — and the Lions are at the ground floor of rebuilding their entire roster and receiver room.

There are a lot of similarities between St. Brown’s strengths and weaknesses and those of Rams star Robert Woods, whom new Lions GM Brad Holmes knows very well from his long tenure in Los Angeles with the Rams.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers

Round 4, No. 126 overall

Hubbard has a nice track to becoming the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey in Carolina. And fortunately for both of those ball-carriers, the Panthers made a concerted effort to upgrade the sturdiness of their offensive line this offseason.

Technically in front of Hubbard on the depth chart are Trenton Cannon and Reggie Bonnafon. The latter has flashed at times, but clearly Matt Rhule and Co. were interested in adding another weapon to their running back room. And when the blocking is good, Hubbard can be a power hitter — in 2019, he had five contests in which he averaged at least 8.0 yards per carry, and Hubbard scored 36 rushing touchdowns in three seasons at Oklahoma State.

Quincy Roche, EDGE, Steelers

Round 6, No. 216 overall

The Steelers got quality contributions from first-year edge rusher Alex Highsmith in 2020, but gone is Bud Dupree, and every club needs a steady No. 3 rusher in today’s pass-obsessed NFL. Despite only playing in 11 games last year — shortened due to injury — Dupree was on the field for 59% of Pittsburgh’s snaps in the regular season.

There’s an opportunity for Roche to make a name for himself early in the NFL. And he has the game to do it. Pittsburgh got him on the bargain rack in the sixth round. He likely fell because of his smaller stature on a subpar workout at the Miami pro day, but the former Temple and Miami star has a developed arsenal of pass-rushing moves and plays much bendier around the corner than his measured athleticism would indicate.

In Pittsburgh, Roche can be a classic, stand-up rush linebacker, and his refined game bodes well for his ability to make an instant impact.

Thomas Graham Jr., CB, Bears

Round 6, No. 228 overall

Graham intercepted eight passes and had 32 pass breakups across three years at Oregon. That, in and of itself, should tell you something. Dude can ball.

More specifically, because I’m sure you came to this article for more than “dude can ball” analysis — while Graham is smaller, he’s not exceptionally fast or athletic — he’s phenomenally instinctive and plays bigger than his size because of his feisty attitude in man coverage.

The Bears aren’t exactly set at their nickel cornerback spot. Graham mostly played on the perimeter with the Ducks but is likely a slot corner in the NFL. With Jaylon Johnson, Desmond Trufant, and Artie Burns, the outside cornerback position isn’t rife with superstars in Chicago, either. Just like he did at Oregon, Graham is going to overachieve and find the football with the Bears. Often.

2022 DRAFT

Todd McShay of ESPN.com provides us our 3^rd early Mock Draft for 2022, following on the heels of Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Ryan Wilson of CBSSports.com.  Players included in all three Mocks are in red (of which there are 16 of the 32).

I’ve barely even unpacked after a fun few days in Cleveland at the 2021 NFL draft, but yes, it’s already time for the first look at the potential prospects and first-round picks of the 2022 NFL draft. But to be clear, this is an extremely early prediction. I haven’t even spent much time with the tape for next year’s class yet — I’ll get into that later this month — and much of the following is based on what I’ve seen while watching prospects in person over the past two seasons and what I’m hearing already around the league. So much will change between now and when all 32 teams descend on Las Vegas next April.

Still, this is a useful exercise, and it gives us a good look at some of the names to watch and where they could land. My 2021 way-too-early mock last summer featured 14 prospects who ultimately were first-rounders and predicted five top-10 picks. But there is still a college season to be played and a long pre-draft process ahead. From last year’s way-too-early, two players returned to school, and both Wake Forest receiver Sage Surratt and Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses went undrafted. Expect plenty of change, risers and fallers over the next 12 months.

There’s also the matter of the draft order, which I did not decide here. We predicted the following 1-32 order by combining early 2022 power rankings from NFL analysts Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Mina Kimes, Seth Walder and Field Yates. And it was projected as the rosters are now; obviously, there’d be a shake-up if Aaron Rodgers were no longer in Green Bay, but we approached this as though he were staying put.

OK, let’s take a spin through Round 1, which includes five more quarterbacks, another receiver from Alabama and a bunch of playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Note: Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk. Trades are shown below as well, including one projected conditional pick that could become a first-rounder.

1. Houston Texans

Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon*

At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Thibodeaux is an extraordinary pass-rusher off the edge. Over 21 career games, he has 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, and the 2019 No. 1 recruit generated pressure on 13.5% of his pass-rush snaps over the past two seasons, the 18th-best rate in the country. Following J.J. Watt’s exit, the Texans could use a player with Thibodeaux’s high-end traits to jump-start their defense in their rebuild.

2. Detroit Lions

Kedon Slovis, QB, USC*

(DB note, Brugler does not have Slovis in Round 1, but Trapasso has him at #9)

Current Lions QB Jared Goff was part of the return in the Matthew Stafford trade in January, and a lot of what the Lions do with their two first-rounders in 2022 will depend on how he performs in his sixth NFL season. Detroit does have a potential out on Goff’s contract after the 2022 season with a $10 million dead cap hit, so it could certainly be in the quarterback market next April. Slovis is 6-foot-3 with a strong arm, and his 70% completion percentage over 2019-20 ranks seventh among FBS signal-callers.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU*

The Jaguars took Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell in the second round this year, and they used the No. 9 overall pick on CJ Henderson in 2020. But Stingley is special and would be an immediate starter for the Jacksonville defense. He has great size at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds and produces in every area of the game. His six interceptions as a freshman in 2019 tied for the fifth most in the nation, and he was one of LSU’s best defenders in its national championship win that season.

4. New York Jets

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State*

Let’s keep building this Jets offensive line around new quarterback Zach Wilson. Cross, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound redshirt sophomore, started 10 games for the Bulldogs in 2020. With Cross and Mekhi Becton bookending the line — which now also includes Alijah Vera-Tucker on the inside — Wilson could have time to create on throws downfield.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Zion Nelson, OT, Miami*

Nelson has started 20 games at left tackle for Miami and greatly improved over the past season. In 2020, the 6-foot-5, 316-pounder was attributed zero sacks against and allowed only three pressures on 336 pass-block snaps. After the Bengals drafted a dominant wide receiver in Ja’Marr Chase in the first round this year, I think they look to Joe Burrow’s protection on Day 1 in 2022.

6. Carolina Panthers

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame*

Imagine Hamilton — a 6-foot-4 safety with good ball skills and tackling ability — lined up next to Jeremy Chinn at safety for the Panthers? Carolina just added an impact starter at corner in Jaycee Horn, and now it can continue building up the secondary. Hamilton has five interceptions, 12 pass breakups and 104 tackles over two seasons.

One other thing to watch: If Sam Darnold doesn’t impress this season, Carolina could select UNC quarterback Sam Howell. He grew up in North Carolina and plays college ball there, so he’d be an immediate fan favorite.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina*

This is another spot where the pick could go a lot of different directions based on this season. If Jalen Hurts proves he’s the guy, then don’t expect the Eagles to look QB. If he provides doubt, then Howell would be an excellent pick. Howell followed up his 38-TD 2019 season — an FBS record for true freshmen — with 30 more in 2020, and he improved his completion percentage and yards per attempt along the way.

8. New York Giants

Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

The Giants get back-to-back picks here, and we’ll start them off with a pass-rusher. I loved the value of getting edge rusher Azeez Ojulari in the second round last week, but I’d like to see more on that defensive front. Enter Hutchinson, who was creeping up my 2021 board before suffering a fractured leg in November and returning to school for another season. He’s 6-foot-6 and 269 pounds, and he had 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2019.

9. New York Giants (via CHI)

Evan Neal, OT/G, Alabama*

In order to move up to draft Justin Fields in Round 1 last week, the Bears sent New York their first-rounder — and it could end up being a good one. After going defense at No. 8, the Giants can look to the offensive line at No. 9. Neal is versatile, with 13 starts at right tackle and 13 at left guard, and he’s 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds. There are plenty of spots up for grabs along that line, which should be the next area of focus on offense for the Giants.

10. Las Vegas Raiders

Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida*

Elam is a 6-foot-2 speedy ball hawk — he played wide receiver and ran track in high school — who has picked off five passes over two seasons with the Gators. His 13 passes defended in 2020 tied for the fourth most in the country. The Raiders took corners inside the first three rounds in 2019 (Trayvon Mullen, Round 2) and 2020 (Damon Arnette, Round 1), but Elam would help shore up a unit that has struggled. Las Vegas tied for the fifth-fewest interceptions in 2020 with just 10.

Elam’s uncle, Matt Elam, played safety at Florida and was a first-round pick of the Ravens in 2013.

11. Denver Broncos

Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma*

The Broncos didn’t take a quarterback at No. 9 this year, despite Justin Fields and Mac Jones still being on the board. I was really surprised by that. Trading for Teddy Bridgewater just tells me Denver isn’t confident in Drew Lock, who has two more seasons under contract at a soft cap number, as its starter. But at the same time, Bridgewater isn’t the answer either, and he’s only under contract one more season. You need an elite QB in the passer-happy AFC West, and I think the Broncos could be looking for one next April. Rattler gives them a potential franchise guy at the position.

The redshirt sophomore starred last season with a 67.5% completion percentage, 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added another six TDs on the ground. Rattler excels when throwing downfield and outside the pocket.

12. Atlanta Falcons

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Olave explodes off the line and shows soft hands. And he is incredible at creating separation vertically, thanks to solid speed and always having a plan as a route runner. I had him among the top receivers in the 2021 class before he decided to go back to Ohio State for another season. If the Falcons are indeed considering moving Julio Jones to save cap space, Olave could step into a starting role to keep the passing game strong alongside Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts.

13. Minnesota Vikings

George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue*

Karlaftis dominated in 2019 with 17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 54 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. But the 6-foot-4, 275-pound edge rusher was limited to three games in 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19. Patrick Jones II, the Vikings’ fourth third-round choice on Friday night, provides depth on the edge but isn’t likely to be a high-impact starter opposite Danielle Hunter. Karlaftis can be that. After being among the top five teams in sacks in 2018 and 2019, Minnesota ranked in the bottom five in 2020, with 23.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Sevyn Banks, CB, Ohio State

The Cardinals lost Patrick Peterson to free agency, and both of their starters outside — Robert Alford and Malcolm Butler — are on one-year deals. I did like the Day 3 selections of Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan, but I think Arizona could look at the cornerback pool next April. Banks has good size, length and speed.

15. Washington Football Team

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty*

Willis transferred to Liberty from Auburn and threw 20 touchdowns to six interceptions in 2020 after sitting out the 2019 season. He adds a dual-threat factor, too, considering he rushed for 944 yards and 14 more scores on the ground last season. Washington opted not to draft a quarterback, but current starter Ryan Fitzpatrick is turning 39 during this coming season. If the team wants to continue to be a playoff contender out of the NFC East, it needs a franchise starter.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Another QB! We just watched five go in the first 15 picks last week, and now we could see as many go in the first half of Day 1 again. Pittsburgh has Ben Roethlisberger back for one more season (2022 is a void year on his contract), so it should absolutely be in the QB market at the draft. Ridder has done a little bit of everything at Cincinnati, throwing for at least 2,100 yards and 18 TDs in three straight seasons. And the 6-foot-4 redshirt senior averaged 6 yards per carry and scored 12 times on the ground in 2020.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA)

Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC*

Cornerback continues to be an issue for the Eagles, as they lack depth behind Darius Slay, especially with Avonte Maddox on an expiring contract this season. Philadelphia used a Day 3 pick on Zech McPhearson but has not invested a first-round pick in the position since drafting Lito Sheppard in 2002. Taylor-Stuart has 6-foot-2 size and speed, and I think he will have a big year in 2021. He has a lot of talent.

18. Los Angeles Chargers

DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M*

The Chargers don’t have a ton of depth on their defensive line, and DT Linval Joseph turns 33 during this coming season. Leal is very versatile, playing both defensive tackle and defensive end. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, he had eight QB hurries, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes broken up, an interception and a forced fumble in 2020.

19. New Orleans Saints

George Pickens, WR, Georgia*

Despite it being a big need, the Saints waited until Round 7 to draft a receiver last week (Kawaan Baker). Their current WR depth chart beyond Michael Thomas has Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway in starting roles, and regardless of who the quarterback is, the Saints need receiving help. Pickens is a 6-foot-3 receiver with 14 TDs over the past two seasons. He tore his ACL in March, but he is still a top receiver in the class and could return late in the season for a final draft push.

20. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND*)

Bubba Bolden, S, Miami

This pick isn’t Philadelphia’s just yet, but since we are projecting the Colts to make the playoffs, we’ll say Carson Wentz plays 70% of the snaps this season and the Colts’ second-rounder involved in the offseason trade becomes this first-round pick. After getting a cornerback a few spots earlier, the Eagles can add a big, experienced safety here. Both starters — Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod — could come off the books next spring. Bolden transferred to Miami from USC two years ago, and he had a big 2020 season, making 74 tackles and tying for second in the nation with four forced fumbles.

*This conditional second-round pick — part of the Wentz trade — becomes a first-rounder for 2022 for the Eagles if Wentz plays 75% of the Colts’ offensive snaps in 2021 or if Wentz plays 70% of the offensive snaps and the Colts make the playoffs.

21. Dallas Cowboys

Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M*

There was some talk of the Cowboys wanting to move up the board for Kyle Pitts heading into this year’s draft, but it would have taken a massive trade package to get it done. Tight end remains the missing piece on offense for Dallas, and after it dedicated its first six picks to defense last week, it will now be able to look back to offense next year. Wydermyer has a great 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame and is productive. The Texas native has six TDs in each of his two seasons with the Aggies and has averaged 12.2 yards per catch over his career.

22. Tennessee Titans

John Metchie III, WR, Alabama*

Wait, another Alabama receiver? Metchie would be the fifth to go in the first round over three years. He had a great year with the Crimson Tide, catching 55 passes for 916 yards and six touchdowns, and he played a big role in the national title game with eight catches for 81 yards. Metchie was born in Taiwan before moving to Ghana, Canada, Maryland and New Jersey. After one more season in Tuscaloosa, let’s send him to Tennessee to help repair a decimated receiving corps and give Ryan Tannehill a dynamic target.

23. New England Patriots

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State*

The Patriots got their franchise QB in Mac Jones, but they curiously did not pick a wide receiver until pick No. 242 (Tre Nixon). With Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne occupying the top spots on the depth chart at the moment, receiver will likely be on the team’s 2022 offseason wish list. Wilson finished second on the Buckeyes in receiving yards by 6 yards (723) and in touchdowns by one (six), both to Chris Olave. With both Wilson and Olave projected here, this would mark the third straight year that there has been a school with two Day 1 receivers (Alabama in 2020 and 2021).

24. Miami Dolphins (via SF)

Nick Broeker, OT, Ole Miss*

Broeker was a starter at left tackle this past season for the Rebels, and his 6-foot-4, 305-pound size would be welcome on the outside in Miami to help protect Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins drafted Liam Eichenberg in Round 2, but he is versatile. With a high-end defense and finally some playmakers on offense, this is a good spot to continue building the offensive line.

25. New York Jets (via SEA)

Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State*

We got the Jets a lineman earlier in Round 1, so let’s now add a big 6-foot-6, 268-pound defensive end with a lot of speed to come off the edge. Only Quinnen Williams — an interior lineman — had more than 3.5 sacks for the Jets last season. Harrison had only two in seven games last season, but look for him to get more production in 2021.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State*

Despite losing Orlando Brown Jr., the Ravens’ only offensive line addition in the draft was a guard in the third round (Ben Cleveland). They signed Alejandro Villanueva, but he isn’t a long-term solution. The 6-foot-6, 312-pound Walker has 22 starts at left tackle in college, and the Maryland native could step into a starting role on the right side opposite Ronnie Stanley.

27. Cleveland Browns

Drake Jackson, DE/OLB, USC*

The Browns still need a pass-rushing boost opposite Myles Garrett, especially since Jadeveon Clowney is on a one-year deal. Jackson already has eight career sacks and 17 tackles for loss, and he is versatile off the edge.

28. Detroit Lions (via LAR)

Mike Jones Jr., LB, LSU*

Detroit is back on the board after taking a quarterback earlier, and it gets a versatile high-impact linebacker. Before transferring to LSU, Jones played the nickel/Sam position at Clemson after Isaiah Simmons left for the NFL. He is 6-foot and 220 pounds, so his role in the NFL is still to be determined, but wherever he is, he will produce. In 10 games last season, Jones had 26 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, two passes broken up, half a sack and a forced fumble.

29. Green Bay Packers

Christian Harris, LB, Alabama*

The Packers again did not draft an offensive playmaker in Round 1, this time amid reports that QB Aaron Rodgers does not want to return. If they weren’t going to target a receiver at that point, I don’t know that it will ever be a priority, so I won’t force it in my projections. But Green Bay still lands an impact player here, albeit on the other side of the ball. Harris started at Will linebacker last season and is a former high school wide receiver and safety. Over two seasons, he has 142 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.

30. Buffalo Bills

Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama

Jobe started opposite Pat Surtain II last season and was an effective press-man corner with the ability to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage. He attacks the ball in the air and broke up 11 passes last season, but he has just one interception over three seasons. After Buffalo took care of the edge rushing group at the draft, it will be able to focus on adding to the secondary next offseason.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M*

With no massive holes in the roster, Tampa Bay can look at the top running back on the board at the moment, the Aggies’ Spiller. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound back had 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and he has averaged 5.5 yards per tote over his career. Plus, he is a capable receiver, catching at least 20 passes in each of his two seasons. The Bucs have a handful of running backs on their roster, but it’s noteworthy that only Ke’Shawn Vaughn is under contract past 2021.

The Buccaneers have a year to evaluate Kyle Trask after using the final pick of the second round on him at the draft, but quarterback could obviously also be in play for them as they start to plan for the future.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson

Another edge rusher would take this defense to another level, taking some pressure off Frank Clark and Chris Jones and creating problems for offensive coordinators up front. Thomas missed the first part of the 2020 season with persisting COVID-19 symptoms, but he returned to play seven games and record 3.5 sacks. Over his career, he has nine sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in three seasons.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Mina Kimes, Seth Walder and Field Yates power-ranked all 32 teams’ current rosters and outlook for the upcoming season to help create the order for this mock draft.