Peter King on how the 2021 draft is all about the quarterbacks:

There has never been an offseason like this one, which sets up a draft the likes of which we’ve never seen. Never has there been such a league-wide gold rush for quarterbacks. Never has the draft gone 1-2-3-4 with quarterbacks at the top. But with the assurance now that the top three picks will be, and the real chance that Atlanta at four could pick a quarterback, we might be witnessing draft history. And I doubt this will be the last time that so many quarterbacks go so high in a draft.

“I have never seen quarterbacks get pushed up in the draft the way they’re getting pushed up this year,” said one middle-aged coach whose team is in the market to draft a quarterback this year. “Trevor Lawrence deserves to be the number one pick, but after that, in my book, there’s three receivers, a tight end and two offensive tackles ahead of the next quarterback. But this desperation for quarterbacks . . .”

Say no more. A few reasons. “In a league that has veered dramatically toward the passing game and toward three and four-receiver sets, it makes sense the quarterback becomes more in demand,” said Greg Cosell, a maestro at tape study. “You need a really good quarterback to play the game that exists now. It leads to the need, and sometimes the desperation, of trying to find ‘that guy.’ “

First quarterback picked in 1984: Boomer Esiason, 38th overall. First QB in 1985: Randall Cunningham, 37th overall. First QB in 1988: Tom Tupa, 68th overall. In the last six drafts, 15 quarterbacks have gone in the top 10. And this year that number could increase to 20 in the last seven drafts.

Plus, there’s little patience anymore, for coaches and quarterbacks and GMs. Of the 15 quarterbacks picked in the top 10 from 2009 to 2016, zero remain on the team that drafted them.

Finally, general managers are not risk-averse in this generation. They used to be, back in the eighties and nineties. I think Jimmy Johnson began to change that; he never met a trade he didn’t like. Now, look at the GMs making the big deals: Miami’s Chris Grier, Seattle’s John Schneider, L.A.’s Les Snead, Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman, Joe Douglas of the Jets, Brad Holmes of the Lions, John Lynch of the Niners, Baltimore’s Eric DeCosta. In general, they have no fear about shaking up their roster, and quickly.

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

Peter King with some stuff on QB ALEX RODGERS and his very real chances of being the host of “Jeopardy!”

1. AARON (TREBEK) RODGERS. In the first of 10 “Jeopardy!” episodes guest-hosted by Aaron Rodgers—who had prepared for this opportunity with the intensity he’d use to prep for a playoff game—there was a commercial break, as always, halfway through “single” Jeopardy. Rodgers had studied old show episodes for weeks, and spent all of the previous day in practice rounds, simulating exactly what he’d do in these 10 games, over and over. But he found game one to be . . . intense. The moment this commercial break started, Rodgers said to longtime executive producer Mike Richards, “Whoa! You were right. The real game is totally different.”

“The intensity goes up in the real game, which Aaron found out,” Richards told me from California on Friday night. “You can see, even with the second show, his voice got better, his command got better, he started to enjoy it and have fun. But the truth is, you never truly relax. You’ve got the open, introducing the categories, 15 questions, the short interviews with the players, 15 more questions, 30 questions in Double Jeopardy, sum up, introduce Final Jeopardy, then do that, and through it all, you’re the arbiter of every question.

“And,” said Richards, “there’s no huddle.”

Richards is right—Rodgers did get better as the week progressed. In the interviews during show three, a contestant said she’d once been on Willie Nelson’s tour bus. “Lotta smoke?” Rodgers shot back. I don’t think he mispronounced one proper or place name all week, and handled clues like this, from a category called “Mythological Trios,” adroitly:

“Fenrir, Hel and Jormungand were the 3 children of this trickster and the lovely Angrboda.”

Not exactly like pronouncing “Ndamukong Suh.”

Also notable: Two weeks of shows are done in three days. The first day—Feb. 16, in this case—was the all-day rehearsal and meeting with the crew at the Sony Studios in Culver City, Calif. Day two (Feb. 17): Two shows in the morning, lunch, three shows in the afternoon. Day three (Feb. 18): Repeat day two. “At the end of the three days,” Richards said, “Aaron was exhausted. But he was so complimentary to everyone in the studio and on the team. We were his offensive linemen for those three days. He treated us all so well. He hated to go, and we hated to see him go.”

Richards saw that Rodgers, in the wake of doing the show, says he’d love to be the permanent host, and Rodgers told The Ringer he didn’t think he’d have to give up football to do it, seeing that a year’s worth of shows are taped in 46 days. “It’s the ultimate compliment to Alex and to the franchise that Aaron is that forward with his thoughts, and so complimentary of the show,” Richards said. With guest hosts working through the summer, it’s likely that Sony will look at the performances, ratings and TV-comfort of all the guest hosts before making a call on the successor to Trebek. Former champ Ken Jennings is likely the sentimental favorite, but who knows? It’s hard for me to think Jennings would drive more traffic to the show than Rodgers. My feeling is the biggest hurdle for Rodgers is the show being on hiatus from July 20 to the end of January, give or take a couple of weeks, every year he continues playing football. Six-plus months, dark, is a potential issue, I would think. But if Sony loves Rodgers, anything’s possible.

“What I find fascinating about Aaron,” said Richards, “is his second career could be better than his first.”

Last thing from Richards: “Fun moment in the second week. I can’t give it away, but it’s Packer-related. And Aaron’s exasperated.”

Ratings gold in Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, Rodgers is holding up Green Bay by not moving around his gold.  Zachary Links at ProFootballRumors.com:

Aaron Rodgers is content to go year-to-year with the Packers, but that’s not necessarily ideal for their 2021 cap situation. This week, one agent told Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com that the uncertainty surrounding his contract has prevented the team from making moves in free agency.

“It’s screwing the Packers in a lot of ways right now because there’s just no cap space,” the agent said. “They’ve called me about one of my players and said ‘Hey, this is where we are now, and until we get something big done — hint, hint — we don’t have any space.’ It’s kind of like a lose-lose situation right now. That’s what [is] surprising to me is, you’d think there would be a middle-ground situation to get something done.”

The Packers could do a simple conversion, turning a piece of Rodgers’ $14.7MM base salary into a signing bonus. However, that would only kick the can down the road, leaving them in a worse spot next year. A restructured deal could make sense for both sides, but it’s not a given that Rodgers is in a cooperative mood right now.

Meanwhile, Rodgers is still not over the team’s first-round selection of Jordan Love last year.

“All I can do is play my best and I feel like last year I did do that,” the reigning NFL MVP said recently. “[I] may have thrown a wrench into some timelines that may have been thought about or desired.”

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA

Peter King on what they are thinking in Atlanta:

The top of the draft, one through three, goes QB, QB, QB. Now Atlanta. I don’t know what the Falcons will do. But I do feel strongly about three things:

• They will not force a quarterback. Lots of people around the league feel they’ll just sit and take Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. That could be pre-draft logical thinking without any real knowledge. The Falcons know they have a perfectly fine quarterback in Matt Ryan (at $23 million, $23.75 million and $28 million owed in cash over the next three years), entering his age-36 year, figuring he’s got several seasons of above-average play left. When I say they won’t force a quarterback, I mean that GM Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith share this view: They’re not going to enter this draft thinking, “This might be the last year for a while that we’ll be in position to take a good quarterback prospect, so let’s grab one now.” No. They’ll take a quarterback if they love one. Like, really love one. They understand that forcing a quarterback could lead to misery.

• They would love a trade that enriches them. I doubt they’ll find one. But for two future first-round picks, they’d be compelled to take the long view. I don’t see that happening. I love Peter Schrager, and he had the Patriots trading up from 15 to four to take a quarterback in his Friday mock; I can see the Patriots trading up to pick a passer, but I can’t see them denuding two drafts to do so. But that’s what makes this fun. Schrager will be Nostradraftus if it happens. Also don’t see the Bears, in desperationville, doing it.

• If there’s a transcendent player they love, like Florida TE Kyle Pitts, they’ll take him. Do the Falcons truly NEED a quarterback? No. They’ve got a good one for, say, the next four years. It will take a new contract to keep him for that long, and that’s slightly problematic. But they must be thinking right now: Other than Tampa Bay, there’s a void atop this division right now, and we can be a playoff team in 2021 with Julio Jones (32), Calvin Ridley (26), Russell Gage (25) and Hayden Hurst (27) at key targets by simply adding the best tight end prospect in years (decades?) in Pitts. Best tight end in the 43-year history of Mel Kiper grading drafts. Tough to turn that down, even if the Falcons have many other needs.

This from Mike Florio on a difference of opinion between the new coach and new GM:

Falcons G.M. Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith are divided on what to do with the fourth overall pick. Unless they aren’t.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Fontenot and Smith are now “aligned” on the franchise’s plan for the selection. Fontenot previously was reportedly hoping to take a quarterback, and Smith reportedly wanted to stick with Matt Ryan for at least two more years.

It’s unclear what the Falcons ultimately will do. They could take a quarterback (Trey Lance has been linked to the Falcons), they could take a non-quarterback (tight end Kyle Pitts could be the choice), or they could trade down.

So how did the two men end up on the same page? It’s safe to assume that owner Arthur Blank has a preference, and that he made it known. For a pick of this magnitude, every owner will have a voice in the process of making it. Once that voice is exercised, employees who wish to remain gainfully employed by the owner would be wise to heed what the owner wants.

CAROLINA

Peter King with what is perhaps informed speculation on the thinking in Carolina with QB SAM DARNOLD in the fold:

I think it’s possible that the Panthers could still be in the Deshaun Watson derby, when/if his legal troubles go away. But I don’t think the Panthers are willing to do what Houston would want, and that is to find a partner to make a Herschel Walker trade. (In 1989, the Cowboys traded Walker, the star running back, to Minnesota in a complex trade for three first-round picks, three second-round picks and some middling players. There were other, lesser picks plus a later trade between the teams, but Dallas got picks to be able to draft Super Bowl keystones Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson, among others.) It’s more likely that Carolina sticks with Darnold for the next two years to see if he can become the quarterback the Jets drafted him to be in 2018—a good downfield thrower to match with Robbie Anderson and D.J. Moore. At USC, Darnold did show a good deep arm (8.5 yards per attempt), but the combination of a terrible offensive line, lousy receivers and his own poor decision-making led to a disastrous three-year run. A trade was best for all parties.

I also think it will be good for offensive coordinator Joe Brady—a wunderkind a year ago, the pilot of the league’s 24th-best scoring offense in his first year as an NFL coordinator—to step out of his comfort zone and shake up the offense. Brady knew Bridgewater well from their New Orleans days, but Bridgewater didn’t generate the amount of explosive downfield plays the Panthers had hoped. Certainly he was hurt by the 2020 loss of Christian McCaffrey, whose return should give Darnold the offensive diversity he never had in New Jersey.

Darnold still has a chance to be good. He’ll play this year at 24—he’s six months younger than Joe Burrow—and with the Panthers set to exercise his fifth-year option, he’s a QB bargain at a total of $23.6-million over the next two seasons. But he’ll have to play well in 2021 for the Panthers to avoid looking for an upgrade next offseason.

NEW ORLEANS

They are making a movie about a portion of Sean Payton’s life with Kevin James as the Saints coach.  Peter King:

James is going to play Sean Payton in a Netflix movie called “Home Team,” produced by Happy Madison Productions. (Sound familiar? It’s the Adam Sandler company.) Imagine this: The plotline begins in 2012, when Payton is suspended for the season by commissioner Roger Goodell for the Saints’ bounty scandal, which gives Payton the chance to re-assess his life and put it in some perspective. As part of his new life, Payton becomes the offensive coach for his son Connor’s sixth-grade football team, the Warriors, in the Dallas area. (Thus, the “Home Team” title of the flick.) Filming of the movie begins this year. Payton read the script recently, made some corrections, and here it comes. My one thought about casting: James is going to need to lose a few pounds to play Payton.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

Peter King on the Niners and QB MAC JONES:

Much was made of the Niners trading up to number three in the draft, and favoring Alabama’s Mac Jones with that third overall pick. I’ve been told the team has not made a decision who to take—I’m still guessing Jones—and the next eight days will be crucial in fact-finding. Coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch will be at second Pro Days for both Justin Fields in Columbus (Wednesday) and Trey Lance in North Dakota (next Monday).

Every year, there’s a wide variety of opinions on QB prospects. But the Mac Jones analysis is particularly wide-ranging. He’s not big for the position, at 6-2 ½ and 217 pounds, and he has neither a power arm nor great mobility. But those who love him really love him. He’s exceptionally smart and accurate (77.4 percent at Alabama in 2020), and, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic, accurate downfield too—58 percent on throws traveling 20 yards or more downfield, with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions. Jones waited his turn after Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, then might have outplayed both of them in leading the NCAA in accuracy and passing yards (4,500) last year. As one coach who is studying quarterbacks this postseason told me: “His footwork is perfect, his decision-making is excellent, and even though he doesn’t have the strongest arm, it’s crazy how many deep balls he threw at Alabama that were right on the money.”

So we’ll see. Jones isn’t the athlete of the others in the class, but he does have traits any coach would like.

AFC WEST

DENVER

Peter King on the choice confronting Denver:

Denver, with the ninth pick in the draft, has had a presence at every pre-draft quarterback workout, new GM George Paton’s staff has been fact-finding up a storm with the top passers, and could be in play to pick a passer in the top 10. Could be in play, too, to trade the pick, with Paton schooled in the Vikings’ never-met-a-draft-trade-they-didn’t-like ethos. Whatever the Broncos do, Drew Lock’s hold on the starting job is tenuous.

Decision 18: Broncos. Denver needs a QB of the future, but the Broncos might be able to trade back for draft capital they can’t refuse.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

QB DESHAUN WATSON, through his attorney, is claiming that among the 22 accusers there could be some sexual activities – but Watson firmly believes they were consensual.  Plaintiffs attorney Tony Buzbee sees that as an admission that Watson did behave in a sexually aggressive way – and insists that all 22 of his clients wanted nothing to do with the star quarterback of the Texans.  Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com:

During his first press conference on behalf of Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, attorney Rusty Hardin made a significant admission. Hardin acknowledged that some of the massages Watson arranged eventually became consensual sexual encounters.

On Friday night, attorney Tony Buzbee, representative of the 22 women suing Watson in civil court, responded on social media.

“I respect attorney Rusty Hardin,” Buzbee said. “He’s one of the best lawyers our great state has to offer. He’s a true legend. He is a colleague, and I consider him a friend. I hope he agrees. But today he conceded that his client gets two to three massages a week — that equates to more than a 150 massages yearly — outside the vast Texans organization that has trainers and massage therapists, etc. Watson sought these women out, according to the admissions of Mr. Hardin, via social media, particularly Instagram. Most if not all of the different women Watson reached out to by direct message. I think we can all agree that is a bit strange.

“But here is my problem: Mr. Hardin, in his press conference, also stated that, from his client’s perspective, some or more of these massage interactions with my clients, both licensed and unlicensed therapists, became sexual because they were ‘consensual.’ NO.

“I can tell you from my clients’ perspectives THESE INTERACTIONS WERE NOT CONSENSUAL. ‘No’ means no. That’s all.”

The public back and forth between Buzbee and Hardin undoubtedly will continue. Despite some missteps of his own, Buzbee for the most part has been winning the battle in the court of public opinion.

The Watson Affair has claimed one victim.  Longtime NFL scribe Aaron Wilson went on a radio show, somewhat defended Watson with comments that were deemed disrespectful of women in general and Buzbee’s women in particular.  He now no longer scribes at the Houston Chronicle.  Diana Moskovitz and Kayln Kayler of Defector.com:

Football writer Aaron Wilson is no longer with the Houston Chronicle after he went on a Boston sports radio show and compared the women suing Deshaun Watson to terrorists, multiple sources told Defector on Friday.

The radio appearance was on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI on March 19. During the appearance, Wilson called the lawsuits “a money grab” and “ambulance chasing.” At one point during the conversation, when talking about the Watson case, he said, “In his case, you know, it’s kind of you don’t negotiate with terrorists. People are demanding money, they’re asking for money. It kept escalating, it kept going up and up and up. You’re talking about more and more funds, I’m not going to say how much it got to, but my understanding is, you know, that there was an admission that, it was, you know, something, you know just that this was, you know, just a money grab.”

Last month, Wilson published a lengthy feature about Watson in which friends and associates of the Texans quarterback—currently being sued by 22 women in civil court who all say he hired them for massage therapy, then sexually assaulted them during the visit—said they couldn’t believe the allegations in the lawsuits.

A source told Defector that at 5:30 p.m. on Friday members of the sports department received a Zoom invite email titled, “Sports staff meeting.” During the meeting, which lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, the source says that Chronicle sports editor Reid Laymance told staffers that Wilson was no longer employed by the Chronicle. Laymance didn’t discuss any specifics regarding why Wilson was no longer employed, and he did not mention Wilson’s coverage of the lawsuits. He did tell reporters that they needed to be mindful of what they say on other platforms. 

Laymance was reiterating a message that had been delivered to the staff two hours earlier by the Chronicle’s executive editor, Steve Riley. An email from Riley was sent to the entire newsroom with the subject “Editor’s Note.” In the email, Riley wrote about newsroom ethics and proper behavior how they should be exercised with regards to the Watson case. “The sexual assault allegations against Deshaun Watson bring those standards front and center,” Riley wrote. “This note serves as a reminder that as we report, analyze and describe those allegations, those who bring them and the person they are brought against, we must approach the story with fairness and care toward all involved. Given the frequency of content we are creating, on a growing number of print and digital channels, our editors must also be more vigilant with our oversight of coverage on all platforms.”

The email went on to remind staffers that they always represent the Chronicle during any media appearances, and must do so with the permission of a supervisor.

A critique from Mike Florio:

Wilson seemed to be passing along the mindset of Watson’s camp. Wilson should have been far more clear in doing so; his choice of words made it seem like he believed what they believed.

Wilson also vouched for Watson’s character and said that attorney Tony Buzbee’s behavior in rounding up more accusers is “looked down upon.” Wilson added that he’s skeptical about the claims.

The interview happened very early in the process, before Buzbee even had his first press conference. At the time, there weren’t many accusers and there were legitimate questions about Buzbee’s tactics and the evidence he had offered up publicly. For example, the night before Wilson’s appearance, Buzbee had posted some social-media messages from Watson that hardly amounted to smoking guns of guilt.

“I don’t know them, I know him,” Wilson said after being accused by host Greg Hill of being pro-Watson. “I’m not gonna throw the guy under the bus before I have some proof. I don’t feel like I have the proof, just it’s allegations.”

Wilson also wrote last month a lengthy feature in which friends and associates said that they couldn’t believe the allegations in the lawsuits. On WEEI, Wilson said that the Texans didn’t believe the allegations and that, as to players and teammates, “No one wants to think this of him, and they’re all saying privately to me, ‘Aaron, we’d be shocked if this was true.’”

– —

It’s likely that Wilson’s “you don’t negotiate with terrorists” line tipped the scales against him. It also would have been prudent for Wilson to clearly separate his beliefs (or to refrain from even having beliefs) from the strong, and frankly predictable, opinions held by those close to Watson. Wilson would have had no basis whatsoever to come to any such conclusions on his own so early in the process; even now, there’s insufficient evidence to make firm decisions one way or the other as to whether Watson did what he’s accused of doing.

Wilson’s role as a reporter and not a print/web/radio/TV opinion-generator also contributed to the situation. Given the obvious conflicts that arise when it comes to Wilson’s reporter function of maintaining access to Watson and his representatives, associates, friends, etc., Wilson’s broader business interests would not have been served by expressing skepticism of Watson based on the first few claims that had been made as of the morning of March 19. Unfortunately for Wilson, he went way too far in expressing skepticism of the claims being made against Watson.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND

Mike Florio on whether or not the end is near for Coach Bill Belichick:

At one point, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said that, unlike Hall of Famer Marv Levy, Belichick won’t be coaching into his 70s. As Belichick inches closer and closer to 70, his stance may have changed.

To start the week that will see Belichick turn 69, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com published recent quotes from Levy regarding the notion of coaching well beyond what once was the retirement age of 65.

“Age is only an approximate thing,” Levy told Reiss. “You’re involved and you’re going at it hard, and you love it, that’s it. You just coach as long as you love it. I finally retired [after the 1997 season] because the great core of our team had gotten old, and they were all retiring. And I had it finally. I felt I needed some time away.”

Levy said that, a year or two later, he wondered whether he may have left too early. He later returned to the team, in his 80s, to serve as General Manager in 2006 and 2007.

As noted by Reiss, Belichick has 311 career victories, 13 behind George Halas and 36 behind Don Shula.

In March 2017, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that he hopes Belichick stays into his 80s, citing men like Warren Buffett and Rupert Murdoch, who continue to thrive well into their ninth decades

THIS AND THAT

TEAM DRAFT

Not quite a traditional Mock, but Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN.com drafted competing full teams from the Class of 2021.

Two NFL draft analysts, 22 rounds, 44 total picks: Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay went head-to-head to draft their own superteams of the best 2021 prospects.

The rules? Kiper and McShay alternated picks to fill out starting lineups, with each roster having 11 starters on both offense and defense. (Sorry, fans of special teams.) They were allowed to draft positions in any order, and they designed their units around whatever scheme they wanted to run on each side of the ball. Versatility was a must for both teams. They drafted all 44 picks live on the First Draft podcast Tuesday and debated their choices along the way.

Which team has the edge at quarterback, wide receiver, pass-rusher and cornerback? Let’s start at the top and go pick by pick, ending with what Kiper and McShay think of their teams. Field Yates, who hosts the podcast, was the neutral observer, and he picked his favorite team, as well. Jump to the end to see the complete rosters.

Mel Kiper: I was looking at my team from last year, Todd, and I have to say that I crushed you. Justin Jefferson and Tee Higgins catching passes from Joe Burrow, who was protected at tackle by Mekhi Becton and Jedrick Wills Jr.

Todd McShay: Crushed me? Mel, Chase Young — the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year — would have been all over Burrow in the pocket. And the press coverage from my guys Trevon Diggs and Jaylon Johnson would have been a problem for you.

Kiper: My tackles wouldn’t have let Young touch Burrow, and he’d get the ball out quickly anyway. Jefferson would have 14 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns against your defense.

McShay: Either way, I’m not sure you had the defense to slow down CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy and D’Andre Swift in space. But I admit, I’m still mad you stole Antoine Winfield Jr. from me in the middle picks.

Kiper: OK, losing team picks first. You’re up.

McShay: You might regret that; this isn’t the year to give up the top pick.

No. 1 pick, McShay: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

McShay: I win, right? Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I’ve seen in a decade. How are you going to stop him, Mel? What’s your plan here?

No. 2 pick, Kiper: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Kiper: You know, I’m going to follow some advice from a draft consultant here. There’s no reason I need to take my quarterback now. I’ll get him at the end. We don’t build one-man teams.

Pitts is the best available prospect on my board. I’ve never given a tight end as high a grade as I have for Pitts, and I’ve been doing this for more than 40 years. He is a special talent.

No. 3 pick, McShay: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

McShay: I love Pitts too, but I’m happy getting my No. 1-ranked wide receiver in Chase. He is physical, he has speed, and his body control is outstanding.

No. 4 pick, Kiper: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Kiper: That’s OK, because I have Smith slightly ahead of Chase anyway, so I’m getting my top-ranked wideout.

McShay: Why do you like Smith over Chase, Mel?

Kiper: It’s extremely close, and they both have superstar potential, but Smith is a better route runner — he is so smooth — and knows how to get open, whereas Chase still has a ways to go as a consistent route runner. Chase caught a lot of deep balls in 2019, but he also had a pinpoint passer throwing to him in Burrow. Chase might not have that right away in the NFL. Smith’s game translates extremely well.

No. 5 pick, McShay: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

McShay: You were doing a lot of talking earlier about your Burrow-Jefferson connection behind your great offensive line, but now you’re letting me have Lawrence throw to Chase behind Sewell? Sewell has great length, power and quickness, especially for a 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle.

No. 6 pick, Kiper: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Kiper: So that’s Pitts, Smith and Waddle as my top weapons so far, and three of my top five prospects overall. Waddle is my deep threat. He can play with his Crimson Tide teammate in Smith. Do I even need a quarterback with the offense I’m building? You can be my quarterback, Todd.

No. 7 pick, McShay: Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State

McShay: With the top four pass-catchers gone, and with my roster set at quarterback and left tackle, I think it’s finally time to get the first defender off the board.

Kiper: This draft is shaping up like how I expect it to on April 29. It should be all offense at the top. Teams will be able to get good defenders — not great ones — late in Round 1 and on Day 2. There just isn’t much elite defensive talent in this class.

McShay: Agree — but Parsons is one of those elites. He does it all, dropping into coverage, disrupting as a run defender and even showing burst as a pass-rusher.

No. 8 pick, Kiper: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Kiper: I’ll keep waiting on defense. Slater is my left tackle. He is a complete player. You think he also could start at guard or center, right, Todd?

McShay: He doesn’t have prototypical tackle length, and he could kick inside because of it. But with his balance and foot speed, he is a tackle in the NFL. That’s a good pick.

Kiper: Glad you finally like one of my picks.

No. 9 pick, McShay: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

McShay: I’ll just keep taking the top-ranked players at key positions. I already have that box checked for quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle and linebacker. And Surtain is the best corner. I love his instincts, and he is the kind of shutdown CB you can rely on. Plus, he had plenty of practice reps in Tuscaloosa facing your guys Smith and Waddle.

No. 10 pick, Kiper: Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC

Kiper: I’ll put Vera-Tucker at either guard or right tackle, depending on how the rest of this draft shakes out. He is a mauler in the run game. I love my offense so far.

No. 11 pick, McShay: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

McShay: Toney is dangerous in space, and I’ll get him going with plenty of screens, sweeps and quick-game throws early, before unleashing some vertical shots to him.

Kiper: Nice pick, Todd. Toney is a great fit with Chase and Lawrence.

McShay: If I can’t have Waddle, I have to have Toney. I can lean on him in the return game, too. He is a versatile weapon.

No. 12 pick, Kiper: Jamin Davis, ILB, Kentucky

Kiper: OK, here we go with a defender. Davis is the leader and signal-caller of my D. He is a playmaker who flies to the football.

McShay: Really, Mel? Davis is my guy. You’re welcome for the heads-up on him.

Kiper: Hey, you had your chance, and you took Parsons. I can’t wait to watch Davis fill run fits and get tackles for loss at the next level.

No. 13 pick, McShay: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, OLB, Notre Dame

McShay: More versatility. Owusu-Koramoah is smooth, instinctive and fast, and I can use him as a weakside linebacker and in the overhang role. Having a guy like him on my team is going to allow me to play different styles on defense.

No. 14 pick, Kiper: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

Kiper: Time to address the pass rush. Paye is my top-ranked defensive end. He has big-time upside, even if he didn’t have the production in college. If he lands in the right spot at the next level, he’ll get 10 sacks a year.

No. 15 pick, McShay: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

McShay: Horn is an excellent press corner who tracks the ball well. The ball production isn’t there yet (two interceptions in 30 games), but it will come. I saw you load up on pass-catchers and knew I had to go get the top two corners.

Kiper: So you’re prioritizing cornerback over edge rusher? Interesting strategy.

McShay: I can get pass-rushers later. I have three corners ranked before my first edge rusher. Simply put, the top of the corner class is stronger than the top of the pass-rush class, and I wanted to capitalize.

No. 16 pick, Kiper: Jaelan Phillips, OLB, Miami (Fla.)

Kiper: So let me snag my other top-ranked defensive end. Phillips is the best pure pass-rusher in this class, an absolute menace off the line of scrimmage. If his medical reports check out — Phillips had multiple concussions at UCLA before he transferred to Miami — he could be a steal in the 18 to 25 range in the real draft.

No. 17 pick, McShay: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (Fla.)

McShay: I’ll take another Miami pass-rusher — though Rousseau was never on the field at the same time as Phillips because Rousseau opted out in 2020. But Rousseau had 15.5 sacks in 2019, and though he needs a little refining, he has good bend and physical traits. And he has the ability to kick inside depending on how the rest of my team shapes up.

No. 18 pick, Kiper: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Kiper: I was surprised you went with Surtain and Horn over Farley, who is my top-ranked corner. Why is that, Todd?

McShay: Farley has had some issues with his back, including a surgery for a herniated disk last month. And because he opted out of the 2020 season, we haven’t seen him do much — even work out — in a long time. The cover skills are legit, but there’s just a little too much risk there when Surtain and Horn are also in the class.

Kiper: That’s fair. I’m taking the long-range view, though, because when Farley is healthy, he is the best true cover corner in this draft. He sticks to receivers.

No. 19 pick, McShay: Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia

McShay: OK, we’re going with a hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense, and I’ve got Ojulari dipping and ripping off the edge. Good luck with that, Mel.

No. 20 pick, Kiper: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Kiper: Darrisaw will play right tackle for my team, and he’ll join his former Virginia Tech teammate Farley. I now have three of my top four offensive linemen, with Darrisaw and Slater at tackle and Vera-Tucker at guard.

No. 21 pick, McShay: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

McShay: Harris is fantastic between the tackles, and I think he was much more decisive as a runner this past season. Man, this offense is going to be fun.

Kiper: So you agree with me that Harris has the edge over Clemson’s Travis Etienne? I’ll wait a little bit to take my running back.

McShay: Wait as long as you want. It’s close between the two, but if I’m drafting just one RB, I want the one who can rush, catch passes and pass protect as an every-down back. Etienne has an explosive second gear when he hits daylight, but I’m taking into consideration his heavy college workload and issues in pass pro.

No. 22 pick, Kiper: Trevon Moehrig, S. TCU

Kiper: Once again, this is a player who ranks No. 1 at his position on my board. He’ll be my center fielder, and he’ll keep a close eye on those deep throws from Lawrence.

McShay: We’re halfway done, Mel. I love what I got, but I’ll need to start building up that offensive line alongside Sewell. How are you feeling about your roster?

Kiper: My offense is loaded. We also have the advantage at head coach and general manager.

No. 23 pick, McShay: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

McShay: I need a big, physical tackle on the right side. Jenkins is going to be my mauler and help drive back defenders for Harris.

No. 24 pick, Kiper: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

Kiper: I’m a huge fan of Dickerson, who will be one of the leaders of my squad. That’s four of my five linemen set, and I’ll save my right guard spot for later.

No. 25 pick, McShay: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

McShay: Well, it’s pick No. 25, and this makes six Alabama players off the board. What a class for the Crimson Tide, yet again. And Barmore will help stop your run game up the middle.

No. 26 pick, Kiper: Zaven Collins, ILB, Tulsa

Kiper: My front seven is going to be about versatility, and Collins could play with his hand in the dirt at defensive end or at stand-up linebacker. He does it all. We’ll be fluid between a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense. We’ll keep Lawrence guessing.

No. 27 pick, McShay: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

McShay: I got my WR1 in Chase outside. I got my versatile, elusive slot receiver in Toney. Now I’m getting a big target for Lawrence to find in the end zone. Marshall has 23 TDs over the past two seasons, and he has unique speed for his 6-foot-3 frame.

No. 28 pick, Kiper: Richie Grant, S, UCF

Kiper: You still haven’t taken a safety? I now have the top two in my rankings. And Moehrig and Grant fit well playing beside each other.

McShay: I admit that I wanted Moehrig, but I have a few guys ranked higher than Grant. I’m not worried.

Kiper: Grant is really good. He had 10 picks and six forced fumbles in his career. He could be a Round 2 steal later this month.

No. 29 pick, McShay: Liam Eichenberg, G, Notre Dame

McShay: I’d have to reach a bit for a true center or guard, so I’m taking Eichenberg and sliding him inside to left guard. He is an excellent pass-protector, and he has the versatility to play on the interior for me.

No. 30 pick, Kiper: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Kiper: I was looking for a big wideout to play with Smith and Waddle, and Bateman fits the bill. He is physical and will pick up first downs. He’ll break tackles after the catch.

No. 31 pick, McShay: Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest

McShay: I’m going with power for my ends, pairing Basham with Rousseau. They’ll overwhelm your tackles. And don’t forget, I’ll have Ojulari crashing down on your QB too.

Kiper: I do like this pick, though “Boogie” Basham was better as a junior in 2019 than he was last season. He had 11 sacks and 18 total tackles for loss that year. I put him at No. 11 overall on my preseason Big Board. He has some potential.

McShay: Basham is probably second-rounder. I had him going to the New York Giants at No. 42 in my recent two-round mock draft. But he is an effective pass-rusher and also can bump inside if I need him to in my scheme.

No. 32 pick, Kiper: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

Kiper: Newsome is rising after a terrific 2020 season. I put him at No. 29 to the Green Bay Packers in my Mock Draft 3.0. He could play in any system.

No. 33 pick, McShay: Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington

McShay: This completes my front seven, and I really like that stout run defense. With Barmore and Onwuzurike down the middle — along with Parsons and Owusu-Koramoah at the second level — I hope you aren’t trying to go north-south with the run game, Mel. Speaking of which, who’s your tailback?

No. 34 pick, Kiper: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Kiper: OK, I need to start filling out the rest of my roster. I need a running back, an offensive lineman, three front-seven pieces and, of course, my quarterback. We’ll start with Etienne, who could sneak into Round 1 later this month. He is a home run hitter. I have Harris ranked higher, but Etienne is a great player too.

No. 35 pick, McShay: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

McShay: Humphrey is a former high school wrestler, and the 6-foot-4, 302-pounder wins with his hand fighting. But don’t discount his speed and explosiveness, which were on display at his pro day.

No. 36 pick, Kiper: Samuel Cosmi, G, Texas

Kiper: How about Red River rivals back to back here? I’ll put Cosmi at right guard. He played left tackle in college, but I think he could move inside in the NFL. He has some power to his game.

No. 37 pick, McShay: Quinn Meinerz, RG, Wisconsin-Whitewater

McShay: Sticking to the board here, Meinerz is my best available interior player. That finishes up the line. Just safety and tight end left to worry about, and with you set at both positions, I’m already eyeing my guys.

No. 38 pick, Kiper: Ronnie Perkins, OLB, Oklahoma

Kiper: Perkins is another versatile edge defender. He weighed 253 pounds at his pro day, but he could slim down a little bit and play outside linebacker for my squad. Just using my rankings as a guide, though, I have three of my top four defensive ends. We’re going to beat up the quarterback.

No. 39 pick, McShay: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

McShay: Cisco is a rangy ball hawk who will generate turnovers for my team. He had 13 interceptions over his three-year career at Syracuse. And turnovers mean more offensive possessions for Lawrence & Co.

No. 40 pick, Kiper: Milton Williams, DE, Louisiana Tech

Kiper: I’m reaching a little bit here, but I need a big end if I’m going to run a 3-4, and Williams weighed 284 pounds at his pro day last month. He could play 5-technique in a 3-4 or as a 3-technique in a 4-3. Where is he in your rankings, Todd?

McShay: Outside my top 100, at the moment. I know you want that big end, but Washington’s Joe Tryon, Penn State’s Jayson Oweh and Pittsburgh’s Patrick Jones II are still out there. And if you want size, what about Houston’s Payton Turner? I’m not sure I get this pick; it seems like a massive reach.

Kiper: This late in the draft, I broke my own rule and went for a fit over value. But you’re underrating Williams. He could go in the second round.

No. 41 pick, McShay: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

McShay: Well, I see you’re waiting until the end to take a QB after I took Lawrence first overall, so I did the same with tight end after you went with Pitts at No. 2. There’s obviously a dip here — I had Freiermuth at No. 45 to Jacksonville in my mock — but he is tough over the middle and is an effective blocker.

No. 42 pick, Kiper: Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa

Kiper: Nixon will be my nose tackle. He had an awesome 2020 season, with 5.5 sacks and a 71-yard pick-six. He moves really well for his size.

No. 43 pick, McShay: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

McShay: One spot left, and I landed my second-ranked safety. He is physical and yet another ball hawk on the back end. Plus, he can drop in to line up over the slot. Which reminds me: Where are our nickel cornerbacks? We need to add that spot, because I really wanted to find a way to get Florida State’s Asante Samuel Jr. on my team.

No. 44 pick, Kiper: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Kiper: Surprised that I picked Fields over Zach Wilson? You shouldn’t be. I’ve had Fields as my No. 2 quarterback all along, and I’m not changing now.

McShay: Wow. Still? There’s no way I’d go Fields over Wilson. I guess Fields beat Lawrence head-to-head in the College Football Playoff, but it isn’t happening again here. You’re getting the fourth- or fifth-best quarterback in the class to run your squad. I’ll give you a mulligan if you want, Mel.

Kiper: I feel really good about my team. I have an elite offensive line and four spectacular pass-catchers. My defense is physical and versatile, and I have both of my top-ranked corners. I think Las Vegas would make me at least a seven-point favorite on a neutral field. Let’s line up these teams across from each other.

McShay: Are you kidding? The starting point is about -3 for me with Lawrence at QB, and then it only continues to grow in my favor. I have my No. 1-ranked QB, RB, WR, OT, C, ILB, DT and CB. Lawrence and Chase are going to tear up your secondary, and Harris is going to run all over your front seven. Who is playing defensive tackle for you, Mel?

Kiper: There’s no Aaron Donald in this class. Why are we worrying about defensive tackle? I trust my rankings.

McShay: All I know is if Surtain and Horn will play press on your receivers all day and take away Fields’ first reads. When do I get my championship trophy?

Kiper: No way. Field, you’re with me on this, right?

Field Yates: Ultimately, the NFL is, and largely always has been, a quarterback-driven league. And while I am as strong of a Fields backer as there is, Lawrence profiles as the most can’t-miss prospect at the position since Andrew Luck back in 2012. Couple Lawrence under center with the multiplicity that GM McShay has created on defense — with the likes of Parsons, Owusu-Koramoah and Ojulari among his ‘backers — and this team gains the narrowest of edges. Mel, I promise it’s not personal!

The All-Draft Prospect Teams

POSITION         TODD MCSHAY                         MEL KIPER

QB                    Trevor Lawrence (1)                  Justin Fields (44)

RB                     Najee Harris (21)                        Travis Etienne (34)

WR                    Ja’Marr Chase (3)                      DeVonta Smith (4)

WR                    Kadarius Toney (11)                   Jaylen Waddle (6)

WR                    Terrace Marshall Jr. (27)            Rashod Bateman (30)

TE                      Pat Freiermuth (41)                   Kyle Pitts (2)

LT                       Penei Sewell (5)                      Rashawn Slater (8)

LG                      Liam Eichenberg (29)                Alijah Vera-Tucker (10)

C                       Creed Humphrey (35)                Landon Dickerson (24)

RG                     Quinn Meinerz (37)                    Samuel Cosmi (36)

RT                      Teven Jenkins (23)                    Christian Darrisaw (20)

DE/OLB            Gregory Rousseau (17)              Kwity Paye (14)

DT                      Levi Onwuzurike (33)                 Daviyon Nixon (42)

DT/DE                Christian Barmore (25)              Milton Williams (40)

DE/OLB            Carlos Basham Jr. (31)              Jaelan Phillips (16)

LB                      Azeez Ojulari (19)                      Jamin Davis (12)

LB                      Micah Parsons (7)                   Zaven Collins (26)

LB                      J. Owusu-Koramoah (13)          Ronnie Perkins (38)

CB                      Patrick Surtain II (9)                Caleb Farley (18)

CB                      Jaycee Horn (15)                      Greg Newsome II (32)

S                        Andre Cisco (39)                      Trevon Moehrig (22)

S                        Jevon Holland (43)                   Richie Grant (28)

QUARTERBACK HEIGHT

This edited thread between Kurt Warner and his followers on the topic of height in a quarterback:

Kurt Warner

@kurt13warner

Didn’t sleep well, so up watching some tape to prepare for upcoming draft… while doing so I began wondering WHY people continue to scrutinize height so much w/ QBs?? Someone fill me in on the argument?

@NanduriNFL

Replying to @kurt13warner

Shorter QBs are more likely to want to be further back in the pocket (ie Baker Mayfield) so they can see better. This allows edge rushers easier angles to the QB and makes tackles’ jobs more difficult. I think the height thing is overrated but important to know and adjust to.

@kurt13warner

And you base this off what? It’s just a thing shorter guys are more likely to do, even if taught the same way as other guys?

@kurt13warner

I’m not sure… I only know my experience as a 6’1-1/2 QB… & I was able to do it fairly well? Drew did it well… so what did we do differently at our height?

@Superbad7676

Can I ask you a question Kurt? At what ends of the spectrum do you think height does become an advantage and disadvantage? For example, if someone was 6’8” would that be a point where it actually would be beneficial? And at 5’6” would you say that guy is probably too short?

@kurt13warner

That’s part of my point – is how do we know unless we played at that height – whichever it is? And most haven’t that is why it amazes me so much… but we can all come up with theories, ? Is do they actually hold up?

@coach_rigdon

People are in love with the eye ball test. This goes all the way down the HS level. Kid is 6’1″ dont get recruited. Guy is 6’3″ gets recruited. They go 1v1 and the 6’1″ guy wins, but he’s not tall enough. You are either a player or your not on any level!

2021 DRAFT

Five quarterbacks are slated to go in the top 10 or so of this draft.  Is there another QB or two out there who should be evaluated at that level?  We are keeping an eye on Senior Bowl MVP KELLEN MOND, and here’s what his college coach Jimbo Fisher says about him.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

When discussions about this year’s draft turns to quarterbacks, most of the attention is paid to the five players that are generally expected to come off the board early in the first round.

Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance make up that group. Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond is ranked somewhere behind that quintet, but his college coach thinks that Mond belongs at the top of the draft as well.

Jimbo Fisher saw Mond play 36 games and throw for 8,286 yards for the Aggies over the last three years. He said Mond, who also played 10 games before Fisher came to College Station, has steadily improved and thinks “the body of work, the competition he’s played against” merits a high draft choice.

“He does all of the things you need to judge a first-round player,” Fisher said, via Jeremy Fowler ofESPN.com. “He helped change the culture — winning more games, taking a stand, showing he’s a guy who can fight through adversity, took criticism, eliminated any distractions and continued to get better.”

Fisher said he’s spoken to 10-15 teams about Mond and that they like his experience, but we’ll have to wait a couple of weeks to see where that puts him on the draft board.

Are the Patriots sniffing around Mond?  Isaiah Houde of PatriotsWire.com:

Contrary to popular opinion, there’s some real talent outside of that group and Kellen Mond happens to be one of the guys who could change a franchise. The former Texas A&M signal-caller started four seasons with the Aggies and progressively improved in the college football’s toughest conference.

According to Mond’s recent interview with The Boston Globe’s Jim McBride, he’s exchanged occasional texts with Josh McDaniels.

“We’ve got to set up some type of meeting,” Mond said. “They’re starting to do formal meetings, like interview-style. Senior Bowl, it was more very formal, like, ‘Hello Kellen Mond, tell me about you.’ And then now it’s gotten more deeper into football. So that should be good.”

Mond has been viewed as a player to get drafted in Day 2 or Day 3 with less upside due to his streaky decision making at times in college. His arm strength is top-tier and his durability isn’t to be questioned after staying on the field for four tough years against college football’s best players.

To my previous point, the Patriots likely wouldn’t have to draft him with the No. 15 pick. Cam Newton is already rostered and could take the starting role with no issue if the Patriots don’t find their guy in the draft. This gives Bill Belichick the leeway to wait for Mond to fall to the second round and draft a player like Micah Parsons in the first.

Here’s a breakdown of Mond’s potential from Pro Football Network.

Athletic quarterback with a next-level arm who flashes brilliance. Patient in the pocket and buys as much time as necessary. Senses the rush and steps up to avoid defenders. Athletic, easily eludes defenders, and picks up yardage with his legs when necessary. Possesses a quick release and a live arm, gets speed on throws, and easily drives downfield passes. Fires the ball through tight windows, leads receivers with passes, and throws targets open. Loses no ball speed throwing on the move.

While joining The Zach Gelb Show on Wednesday, he displayed his confidence and argued why he’s a first-rounder.

“I one hundred percent think [I should be in the first-round conversation],” Mond said. “I think my resume speaks for itself. One, having 40-plus [career] starts in the SEC conference — the closest thing to the NFL — and really just showing my growth this past year. A 9-1 record [this season], breaking many records at Texas A&M. Then after the season, after an Orange Bowl win, going and winning the Most Valuable Player at the Senior Bowl, and then having a phenomenal pro day.

“From the feedback and the reviews that I’ve got since the season has been over, I think a lot of people have been really shocked by what they’ve seen me do in person, but also going back and watching the film. So, I tell a lot of people I wouldn’t be surprised [if I’m selected in the first round]. But I’m definitely excited for the opportunity…”

The Patriots would get an extremely confident player who’s upside is worth the downside. He’s not a Day 1 starter and that works for an organization that has a former NFL MVP to nurture him.

The Patriots are unlikely to trade up for a one of the top quarterback prospects, so Mond would be the perfect solution if one of those players doesn’t fall to No. 15.

More Mond buzz from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com:

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond is considered an intriguing Day 2 option for teams out of reach of the top quarterbacks in April’s draft.

“There’s upside there,” said one longtime NFC scout. “If anything I would have liked to see him let loose a little more.”

Teams are doing their research on the four-year starter. Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher tells ESPN that he’s had extensive talks with about 10-to-15 teams about Mond. Those teams value his experience and ability to lead and win games, Fisher said. Mond helped A&M win 32 games on his way to a school-record 9,661 passing yards with 71 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.

Experience could be especially important to teams who saw Mitch Trubisky and Dwayne Haskins struggle after starting one season in college.

Scouts say Mond has plenty of arm and athleticism but probably looked for the check down too often. They believe he can go vertical and play less conservative. Fisher said Mond’s biggest area for improvement is timing on intermediate throws, but he’s come a long way there. Fisher adds he gave Mond all the responsibility a quarterback could handle, from setting protections to audibles to deciphering third and fourth reads post-snap.

– – –

Hot off the presses is this Mock from Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com who thinks that QB MAC JONES is indeed the object of 49er affections:

Quick reminder: This mock is a projection of where I believe players will go, not necessarily a reflection of my opinion as to where the players should go.

1 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence

Clemson · QB

Nothing changes at the top. The Jaguars have done their homework on all of the top quarterback prospects, but all signs point to Lawrence going to Jacksonville.

2 – New York Jets

Zach Wilson

BYU · QB

Unless something unexpected pops up during Wilson’s NFL Scouting Combine physical, I’ll be shocked if he isn’t the No. 2 overall pick.

3 – San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones

Alabama · QB

I’m not surprised San Francisco traded up to No. 3. I am surprised that everything you hear points toward Jones being the Niners’ pick at No. 3.

4 – Atlanta Falcons

Trey Lance

North Dakota State · QB

If Atlanta stays at No. 4, I can’t see the franchise passing on soon-to-be 36-year-old Matt Ryan’s eventual successor.

5 – Cincinnati Bengals

Kyle Pitts

Florida · TE

The Bengals still have holes on the offensive line, but this is a deep draft in the trenches, which allows them to take the best player available with the fifth pick before adding O-line help in Round 2.

6 – Miami Dolphins

Ja’Marr Chase

LSU · WR

Miami moved back up after trading down to No. 12, wisely figuring they would be able to land either Pitts or Chase with the sixth pick.

7 – Detroit Lions

Justin Fields

Ohio State · QB

This could be a trade spot, with some teams picking after Detroit potentially in the market for a quarterback, but I wouldn’t rule out the Lions staying put and taking a signal-caller themselves. Fields has more upside than Jared Goff.

8 – Carolina Panthers

Rashawn Slater

Northwestern · OT

I could see this coming down to a decision between drafting a cornerback or offensive lineman. The Panthers go with the latter in this scenario.

9 – Denver Broncos

Penei Sewell

Oregon · OT

LT Garett Bolles played really well last season, and now you add a bookend on the right side in Sewell.

10 – Dallas Cowboys

Kwity Paye

Michigan · Edge

Paye is the most explosive pass rusher in the draft. He would team up with DeMarcus Lawrence to give the Cowboys a big-time duo off the edges.

11 – New York Giants

DeVonta Smith

Alabama · WR

Even after the Giants’ signing of Kenny Golladay, I still get the sense Big Blue wants more weapons. Smith is the best route runner in the draft.

12 – Philadelphia Eagles

Patrick Surtain II

Alabama · CB

This would be a dream scenario for the Eagles. After trading down to No. 12, they still land the top cornerback in the draft.

13 – Los Angeles Chargers

Jaycee Horn

South Carolina · CB

The Chargers have a hole at left tackle, but similar to the Bengals’ approach in this mock, they could fill their cornerback need here and pick a tackle in the second round.

14 – Minnesota Vikings

Jaelan Phillips

Miami · Edge

Phillips is the most talented edge rusher in the draft. If not for some durability concerns, he would go higher than this pick.

15 – New England Patriots

Micah Parsons

Penn State · LB

The Patriots have been bold this offseason, so I won’t be shocked if they decide to trade up for a quarterback. If they stay put, Parsons has the versatility to fit in New England.

16 – Arizona Cardinals

Jaylen Waddle

Alabama · WR

This is a big-time steal if Waddle falls this far down the board, but we’ve seen some talented receivers slip a bit in recent drafts. He would be electric in Arizona’s offense.

17 – Las Vegas Raiders

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Notre Dame · LB

New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley requires a lot of speed, athleticism and coverability from his linebackers. Owusu-Koramoah gives you plenty of each. With Las Vegas signing Yannick Ngakoue to pair up with Maxx Crosby, I’m not as concerned about the Raiders’ edge-rush woes as I was before free agency.

18 – Miami Dolphins

Gregory Rousseau

Miami · Edge

Rousseau had some stiffness in his pro day workout, which concerned some teams. That said, look at his combination of size, length and production. Plus, his impressive 10-yard split time (1.57 seconds) will carry a lot of weight in evaluations.

19 – Washington Football Team

Alijah Vera-Tucker

USC · OL

I liked that Washington kept guard Brandon Scherff (franchise tag), but the Football Team still needs to upgrade the offensive line. Vera-Tucker has the versatility to play tackle or guard.

20 – Chicago Bears

Greg Newsome II

Northwestern · CB

Newsome is a plug-and-play guy who can replace Kyle Fuller. The Bears could also go with an offensive tackle here.

21 – Indianapolis Colts

Christian Darrisaw

Virginia Tech · OT

Indianapolis has a hole at left tackle in the wake of Anthony Castonzo’s retirement. Darrisaw can slide right in and be a starter at the position.

22 – Tennessee Titans

Caleb Farley

Virginia Tech · CB

I view Farley as one of the top five players in the draft, but he’s likely to slide a bit after undergoing a back procedure that kept him from working out at Virginia Tech’s pro day. The Titans were rewarded for stopping Jeffery Simmons’ slide a couple years ago, and things could play out similarly in this scenario.

23- New York Jets

Azeez Ojulari

Georgia · Edge

Ojulari would be a good fit opposite Carl Lawson off the edge in Robert Saleh’s defense.

24 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Teven Jenkins

Oklahoma State · OT

The Steelers would have their choice of the top running backs here, but I think upgrading the offensive line will be the first order of business.

25 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevon Moehrig

TCU · S

There are some intriguing options for the Jaguars with this pick, but Moehrig is just too clean a player to pass up.

26 – Cleveland Browns

Jamin Davis

Kentucky · LB

I’ve been president of the Davis fan club for a while now, but to say he destroyed at his pro day would be an understatement. It matches what I saw on tape, and he fills a need for Cleveland.

27 – Baltimore Ravens

Jayson Oweh

Penn State · Edge

Oweh has lacked production but has not lacked disruption for the Nittany Lions. He showed his freakish athleticism at Penn State’s pro day.

28 – New Orleans Saints

Asante Samuel Jr.

Florida State · CB

If the Saints don’t make an ultra-aggressive move up the board to grab a sliding quarterback, finding a cornerback who can make plays on the ball would be a priority. Samuel answered any lingering questions about his speed at FSU’s pro day.

29 – Green Bay Packers

Landon Dickerson

Alabama · C

Dickerson is the best pure interior offensive lineman available. I thought he might fall out of the first round after his ACL injury, but it appears his recovery is going smoothly. He can step in following the departure of Corey Linsley.

30 – Buffalo Bills

Joe Tryon

Washington · Edge

I could see Buffalo addressing the linebacker position, but finding another edge rusher to complement Jerry Hughes is a bigger priority.

31 – Kansas City Chiefs

Kelvin Joseph

Kentucky · CB

Kansas City has always valued elite traits. Joseph is big, fast and explosive. He’s a little bit raw, but he could team up with L’Jarius Sneed to give the Chiefs two young, athletic cornerbacks.

32 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Elijah Moore

Mississippi · WR

This is a luxury pick for the Bucs as they try to run it back with some insurance in case they do not re-sign Antonio Brown. Moore is a dynamic playmaker with a different skill set than Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.