The role of the replay assistant just became immense.  Michael David Smith ofProFootballTalk.com:

The NFL is expanding the role of replay assistants in communicating with referees to fix missed calls.

NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that the replay assistant will now be permitted to correct certain types of incorrect calls for roughing the passer and intentional grounding.

The NFL has largely shied away from using replay on those kinds of calls, which are more subjective in nature, but McKay claims the league can use replay assistants for purely objective questions such as whether or not a defender made contact with a quarterback’s helmet, or whether or not a quarterback was outside the pocket.

Still, if mistakes like that can be fixed by the replay assistant, it raises the question of why other mistakes can’t be fixed by the replay assistant. As long as the NFL has a replay assistant in the booth, watching the game on screens and communicating with the referee, there are going to be questions about why that replay assistant isn’t chiming in and letting the ref know about any missed call.

So this appears to be a small step toward what could be a much bigger change, which is making the replay assistant a full-on official with all the same authority to make calls as the on-field officials.

But we are still stuck with the old-fashioned onside kick:

NFL teams have once again voted down an alternative to the onside kick.

The Eagles’ proposal to allow teams to line up their offense on the field on fourth-and-20, instead of kicking off, was rejected today in a vote at the league meeting.

Under the Eagles’ proposal, teams that scored a touchdown or field goal could have followed it by taking the ball at their own 20-yard line, facing a fourth-and-20. If the scoring team converted the fourth-and-20, it would keep the ball and go from there.

NFL rules have made onside kicks almost impossible to recover, and the kickoff itself has undergone major changes, and so an onside kick alternative has become a common topic for rule proposals every offseason. But every time this particular proposal for an onside kick alternative comes up, it goes nowhere.

Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay said more onside kick alternatives will be discussed in the future.

“There will be another date and time for that discussion. There’s no question the traditionalists don’t like that discussion,” McKay said.

The bigger issue facing the NFL is what to do with the kickoff itself, as the league is considering a radical change toward the low-impact kickoff rule previously seen in the XFL. Once the league decides what the kickoff rules will be for the 2024 season, it may look again at onside kick rules. But for now, no alternatives to the onside kick are being adopted.

And another obstacle for defenders/officials is raised as the “hip drop” tackle is banned, more precisely, the “hip drop tackle with a swivel”.  ESPN.com:

NFL owners have approved a rule proposal to ban the swivel hip-drop tackle, the league announced Monday.

The violation will result in a 15-yard penalty if flagged in games, but Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, strongly implied last week that it is likely to be enforced similarly to the “use of helmet” rule, which typically leads to warning letters and fines in the week after a game rather than flags during play.

In addition, two other proposals were approved:

Teams will receive a third challenge after one successful challenge. Previously, teams had to be successful on two challenges to receive a third. The proposal was submitted by the Lions.

A major foul by the offense will be enforced before a change of possession in situations where there are fouls by both teams.

The hip-drop tackling ban proposal was written to address only a subset of the rugby tackling style that has spread around the NFL in recent years, competition committee chairman Rich McKay said last week.

The tackling technique often results in lower-body injuries. The rule requires officials to note two actions: If a defender “grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms” and also “unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”

On Monday, McKay clarified that Monday’s rule change doesn’t eliminate the hip-drop tackle — only the “swivel technique that doesn’t get used very often.”

“When it is used, it is incredibly injurious to the runner — the runner is purely defenseless. I’ve heard defenders say before and I hear them — ‘Hey, you’re putting me in a really tough spot, you’re saying I can’t hit here and what do I do?’ My response has as always been, ‘Well, you can’t do that.’ That’s just because the guy you’re hitting is defenseless, has no way to protect himself,” McKay said, according to NFL.com.

“So, we’ve got to protect him. You’ve got to come up with other ways and you know what, they do. Yes, we outlawed the hip-drop, but what you may think are the drag-from-behind where he falls on the — that’s still a tackle. This is only that tackle where the player is lifting themselves in the air and then falling on the legs.”

NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said there were 230 instances of the tackling technique occurring during a game last season with 15 players missing time as a result.

The NFL Players Association joined many current and former players in objecting to the proposal last week. In a statement posted to social media, the NFLPA said the rule would cause confusion among players, coaches, officials and fans.

On Monday, former player J.J. Watt was among those expressing displeasure with the owners’ vote on the tackling technique, posting to X, “Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them…”

Current players also weighed in on X, including the Detroit Lions’ DJ Reader, Philadelphia Eagles’ Darius Slay and the Miami Dolphins’ Jevon Holland:

McKay said Monday that owners did not vote on the proposal to modify the kickoff; a vote could still take place Tuesday, however.

The competition committee’s proposal would move the majority of the kicking and return teams downfield to minimize high-speed collisions.

The kicker would continue to kick from the 35-yard line, but the other 10 players would line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line. At least nine members of the return team would line up in a “setup zone” between the 35- and 30-yard lines. Up to two returners can line up in a “landing zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard line. No one other than the kicker and returner(s) can move until the ball hits the ground or hits a player inside the landing zone. Touchbacks would be marked at the 30-yard line, and no fair catches would be allowed.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

The Bears are quick to say that their due diligence on the person of QB CALEB WILLIAMS is all positive.  Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic:

The Chicago Bears are doing their due diligence on USC quarterback Caleb Williams ahead of the NFL Draft, and general manager Ryan Poles said Monday morning at the owners’ meetings that “the feedback’s been good.”

That may be an understatement.

“When you talk to his teammates, they don’t like him, they love him,” Poles said. “His leadership, how he brings people together. He’s intentional with his leadership. Same goes with the staff.

“I’m having a hard time finding a person that doesn’t like him or even love him.”

Poles said those same people believe Williams “can reach the highest limits.”

The Bears will host Williams for a visit at Halas Hall in the first week of April. That’s when their first round of visits with draft prospects will be held. The Bears will get a medical exam of Williams during that visit after Williams passed on the exams at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Bears’ work on the quarterback class will continue this week. Poles will head to LSU’s pro day immediately after the owners’ meetings. Poles won’t attend North Carolina’s pro day for quarterback Drake Maye, but the Bears will have a contingent present.

At LSU, Poles and company will get to see quarterback Jayden Daniels work out and a close look at receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.

Poles also discussed the Bears’ trade of quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The GM said he and coach Matt Eberflus got together at Eberflus’ house and called Fields. It was “one of the harder things we had to do, but I thought it was necessary for us to head in the right direction,” he said.

Poles said Fields’ jersey hangs in his son’s room, and puts “into perspective of how difficult those moves are.” Still, he felt it was the “best” move for the organization.

Poles mentioned the “choppy” start Fields got in Chicago with what he had to deal with as a rookie, and then the GM acknowledged, “we had some cleaning up to do, which then delayed another year of adding talent and supporting.”

While Poles doesn’t want to make it about Fields vs. Williams, or any rookie, it was telling the way he described what went into the decision.

“It’s really the timeline and how much runway you have,” he said. “To get a guy up off the ground, you need to support them with as much talent as possible. Then that fits. It takes so much cap space, which is a good thing if you get to that point. But they have to be the reason you start winning. Then it’s harder to add the talent around them. You can look around the league, and it happens a lot. The teams that can sustain success through that period I think do a really special job.”

That’s the ultimate goal at quarterback, and the Bears feel they have a better chance of achieving it with a rookie than Fields, who was going to be up for a new contract quicker, and hadn’t won enough.

Trading for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen was part of that process, Poles said.

“I don’t think there’s a better receiver in the league that can be better for a young quarterback in terms of understanding the NFL, timing, space, reading defenses,” Poles said.

MINNESOTA

The Vikings trade for a second first round pick was all about QB J.J. McCARTHY.  All  three NFL contributors here at ESPN.com agree, especially Matt Miller:

What’s the latest on the Vikings and a potential trade up in Round 1?

Yates: The Vikings’ trade with the Texans for pick No. 23 last week after losing Kirk Cousins in free agency certainly raised some eyebrows, giving them a second Day 1 selection (No. 11 being the other). People around the league with whom I’ve spoken believe Minnesota basically sent up a flare to any team at the top of the order considering a trade down that it is interested in talking. Whether that manifests a deal is to be determined, but a team willing to move back has not only a possible partner but also the certainty of where two first-round picks (the starting point in any negotiation) are in the order. The Cardinals (No. 4) and Chargers (No. 5) are the two often-linked targets right now.

Reid: Sending an offer to the Patriots for the No. 3 pick should certainly be the first plan of attack for Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, which would allow the Vikings to have a chance at LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. If the team can’t pull that off, then the Chargers’ pick at No. 5 feels like an obvious fit to make a swap. But the real beauty of that deal the Vikings made for No. 23 is that they now have options. Even if they can’t secure a trade up the board, they suddenly have two first-rounders, bettering their chance to get a QB outside of the top options. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon’s Bo Nix could be an answer at No. 23 — and potentially later if Minnesota wants to trade back from that spot.

Miller: The Vikings sent neither Adofo-Mensah nor coach Kevin O’Connell to the Michigan pro day Friday, but quarterbacks coach Josh McCown was firmly planted right behind McCarthy during his 25-minute throwing session. In talking to NFL personnel while on the road at pro days this week, the feeling is still that the Vikings will be aggressive in trading up to the No. 4 or No. 5 spot to land the Michigan quarterback. One general manager I talked to this week said McCarthy is a top-six pick right now. The question is who will trade up to get him.

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA

In the eyes of the Eagles, RB SAQUON BARKLEY has something that RB D’ANDRE SWIFT does not. Christian Gonzales of NFL.com:

The Eagles’ backfield is set to welcome a former NFC East rival in 2024.

Philadelphia added former Giants running back Saquon Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowler, in one of the biggest free-agent signings this offseason. Speaking with NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero at the Annual League Meeting on Sunday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni noted how excited he is about the addition.

“I’m really excited about Saquon and the things that he can do,” Sirianni said. “You know he’s such a dynamic football player. Both as a running back and also the things he can do as a pass catcher. He’s going to bring an element to our offense and to our team. As much as we see him, all the highlights that we see on the tape — from my understanding and all of our homework he’s a good leader and teammate, as well. To be able to add that into our locker room, and not only the playmaking ability, but the person, is really important.

“How many times have I watched him on the opposite sideline and playing him two times this last year, three times the year before and two times the year before? It’s like, ‘Man, we don’t have to play against that guy anymore, great.’ And he’s on our team, even more perfect. That’s exciting because we have seen him up close and personal, we just know how good of a football player he is.”

Is the implication that Swift was not a good leader and teammate?

– – –

EDGE HAASON REDDICK may be on the block – and Cody Benjamin ofCBSSports.com talks about who might be interested:

Haason Reddick was integral to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2022. One season later, the star pass rusher could be on his way out. The two-time Pro Bowler has received permission to seek a trade, per NFL Media, while pursuing a new contract. Meanwhile, several teams have expressed interest in trading for Reddick, according to CBS Sports HQ senior NFL insider Josina Anderson.

Reddick is from the Philly area and has spoken highly of the opportunity to play for the Eagles, telling CBS Sports prior to the 2023 season he was “hopeful” to land a new deal with the team and “represent my city for the rest of my career.” But with just one season left on the three-year contract he signed in 2022, fresh off a second straight double-digit sack season for the Birds, the Temple product could be seeking a major pay raise; his $15 million-per-year average currently ranks 14th among edge rushers.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are not interested in simply offloading Reddick’s current deal, per PHLY, but are open to moving the former first-round pick if the compensation and salary cap relief are beneficial. It’s still possible the two sides could renegotiate Reddick’s contract to secure him long-term, but in the event a trade materializes, here are some potential suitors:

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals appear to be a top suitor for Reddick’s services, per ESPN. Reddick had a huge first season with the Eagles when Jonathan Gannon was his defensive coordinator, finishing tied for second in the NFL with 16.5 sacks (with Myles Garrett). His 26 quarterback hits were eighth in the NFL, and he finished tied for 10th in pressures with 68, while also having a career-high 15.9% pressure rate.

A second-team All-Pro in 2022 with Gannon, Reddick was the best pass rusher on an Eagles defense that finished with 70 sacks on the year — the first team in NFL history to have four players record double digit sacks in a season. Certainly Gannon would like to get him back on his defense.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons would be another suitor interested in Reddick’s services, per ESPN. Atlanta is looking to add a proven pass rusher for Jimmy Lake’s defense, as Lake is the franchise’s third defensive coordinator in three years. The Falcons were 25th in the NFL in pressure rate last season (32.7%) and 19th in sack rate (7.1%), as their 42 sacks were 21st in the NFL.

Having a pass rusher with double-digit sacks in each of the last four years in Reddick may be exactly what the Falcons need.

Detroit Lions

The Lions should be in win-now mode after flirting with a Super Bowl trip this year. Imagine pairing Reddick with existing starter Aidan Hutchinson off the edge. While there are arguably more pressing needs in Motown, including on the back end of the defense, with more than $45M in projected cap space at their disposal, a splash for a proven winner like Reddick might be worthwhile.

Houston Texans

They already have Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. off the edge, but they could use a real counterpart at the position, and coach DeMeco Ryans knows the value of a deep defensive line stable, coming from the San Francisco 49ers.

Indianapolis Colts

They play more of a traditional 4-3 base defense, but Reddick has worked as a stand-up rusher in that scheme in Philly, and he’s also got a built-in connection with ex-Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, now Indy’s head coach.

Los Angeles Rams

They pivoted into more of a rebuilding mode last offseason, but then Matthew Stafford came back to life and they made a surprise playoff run, suggesting Les Snead and Co. could look to restock the lineup in 2024. Pass rush was one of the biggest weaknesses down the stretch, and Reddick could fit right in as a stand-up rusher in their system.

WASHINGTON

Coach Dan Quinn understands why you think the Commanders are going to draft a QB at #2.  Christian Gonzales of NFL.com:

Speaking with NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero at the Annual League Meeting on Saturday, Quinn discussed the possibility of Washington selecting a QB with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft or later in April’s event.

“I would say it’d be fair to envision we’d be taking a quarterback,” Quinn said. “To say where it’ll be happening, I think that’s a better question for (general manager) Adam (Peters). As the next weeks unfold there’ll be a lot of discussion, and that’s why we’ve had a great trip out seeing some guys, we’ll do that some more in the weeks ahead, but I’ve enjoyed that process with Adam, and going through it. He’s somebody that is an absolute expert at this position, what it looks like, where to go, and so going through that process has been really cool.”

As Quinn collaborates with Peters for April’s draft, they’ll first have to wait and see what the Bears decide to do with the No. 1 overall pick. After the Bears traded Justin Fields to the Steelers, the way seems clear for USC prospect Caleb Williams to go to Chicago. What happens after that pick remains murkier.

Will it be LSU QB Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye or someone else?

As they continue to evaluate, Quinn says there’s still work to do on who the Commanders will select if they decide to stick at No. 2 overall.

“I still have a lot of work to do into that space,” he said. “Adam’s way further ahead from going through it, but we really dug in hard on our own team, and then the free agent process. And now as we’re getting finalized and on the draft side of things, we still have more visits, people to come in, it’s been more time. So, I’d say we’re getting closer, but to say we’re there yet, not yet.”

Peters, a first-year general manager, heads into his first NFL draft after a busy month in March. Peters added QB Marcus Mariota, running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Bobby Wagner and safety Jeremy Chinn in free agency.

With 2023 starter Sam Howell traded to Seattle, Mariota and Jake Fromm currently fill the QB room in Washington. Thanks to the Commanders holding a premium pick at No. 2, Quinn says the phone is ringing, and Peters is answering all the calls if a team wants to talk about trading up in the draft — although it’d take a lot.

“Yes, I would say it’s ringing, and because, like you said, of the talent of the group this year,” Quinn said. “And so I would anticipate him fielding these calls as it goes through, and usually it’s not necessarily later than No. 6 or 7, but those people who are usually in the top four or five, there’s somebody that somebody has targeted, and I think it’s mostly like ‘Well, I’ve got to take a shot!’ A lot of times it’s no, like ‘Thanks for calling’ but it is part of the process, and you have to do your due diligence to listen and to find out just to make sure, like is there something that you just couldn’t refuse.

“I certainly walked past it in the hallway when I was with the Cowboys, years ago for a trade that involved Herschel Walker and many draft picks and changed a lot of their organization. So, I think anybody in personnel with the skills of Adam, they’re going to listen, but there’s only so many things that you’d consider, and it’d better be really good.”

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

CEO Jed York is buying his mother out and becoming owner Jed York.  Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com:

Jed York once said, “You don’t dismiss owners.” He’s about to acquire the ultimate insurance against involuntary termination of his employment.

Via Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, 49ers CEO Jed York will become the principal owner of the team. He’s buying sufficient equity from his mother, Denise DeBartolo York, to put him in charge of the team.

League approval is expected to happen this week.

York, 43, has served as CEO of the team since 2010. He’ll now continue to run the team indefinitely, until he sells or steps down or advances to the great luxury suite in the sky.

Under his uncle’s stewardship, the 49ers went 5-0 in the Super Bowl, with championships in 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994. York has led the team to three Super Bowls, all losses.

York has helped the team emerge from a couple of periods of dysfunction, both before and after the hiring of Jim Harbaugh. Kyle Shanahan has coached the team since 2017, leading the 49ers to a pair of Super Bowls and four total postseason appearances.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

The mysterious absence of QB STETSON BENNETT is over.  Myles Simmons ofProFootballTalk.com:

Quarterback Stetson Bennett is on track to return to the Rams.

Via multiple reporters, Los Angeles General Manager Les Snead said on Monday that the plan is to “onboard” Bennett for the team’s offseason program next month. Bennett has been working out in Dallas with a private instructor.

Bennett, 26, was placed on the non-football injury/illness list just after the start of the 2023 regular season. The reason for his absence has not been disclosed. The quarterback did not appear in a regular-season game as a rookie, but completed 36-of-62 passes for 347 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions during the 2023 preseason.

While Los Angeles signed Jimmy Garoppolo to be Matthew Stafford’s backup, Garoppolo will serve a two-game suspension to begin the 2024 season. So the Rams do still have a need for another quarterback who can run the offense behind Stafford in an emergency situation early in the season.

Bennett was the No. 128 overall pick in the fourth round during last year’s draft.

Here’s why Garoppolo is suspended.  Anthony Licciardi of SI.com:

Garoppolo was suspended for two games after violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The news came alongside his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, where he spent the 2023 season.

In his introductory press conference, Garoppolo explained why he was suspended.

“Just messed up the TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption), really,” Garoppolo said. “Just messed up the TUE when I first got to Las Vegas. Just bad timing, I guess.”

His explanation likely means that he was receiving treatment for the pedal foot fracture that forced him to miss the end of the 2022 regular season, relinquishing his spot to the underdog story that is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

The TUE is a waiver players can receive that allows them access to treatment that otherwise falls under the league’s PED policy. They can compete while using said medication without being flagged for a suspension.

For whatever reason, Garoppolo’s usage seemed to fall outside of the window given to him, hence the violation and subsequent suspension.

This is notable because his timeline means it wasn’t related to treatment for the lower lumbar strain he suffered in Week 6. Garoppolo was ultimately benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell.

AFC WEST

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Jim Harbaugh isn’t crying for WR KEENAN ALLEN not finishing his career with the Chargers.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers decided at the start of the league year that it was time to move on from wide receiver Keenan Allen and his expensive contract, and Harbaugh says everything worked out for the best.

Harbaugh said at today’s league meeting that Allen will be happy with his new team and the big salary he has on the final year of his contract.

“It’s the business part of it,” Harbaugh said, via Kris Rhim of ESPN. “And everybody does what’s in their best interest. And Keenan, I mean, make $23 million a year and play in Chicago, you know, who’s got it better?”

The Chargers picked up a fourth-round draft pick in the deal, not a bad return for a player they realistically were never keeping given their salary cap situation. It may prove to be a trade that works out for Allen, for the Bears and for the Chargers.

Is Jim Harbaugh vocally supporting a former player – or subliminily trying to entice teams to come up after his #5 overall pick with a big offer?  Jeff Kerr of CBSSports.com:

A swarm of reporters were gathered around Jim Harbaugh, back in the NFL after a decade away from his last coaching stint in which he won everything expect the Super Bowl. Harbaugh was able to accomplish winning the national championship at Michigan before returning to the NFL, with future first-round pick J.J. McCarthy leading the Wolverines to a perfect season.

Harbaugh isn’t in line to draft a quarterback with Justin Herbert around, yet the national champion head coach wouldn’t stop raving about his former quarterback. Calling it a ringing endorsement would be an understatement.

“He’s the best quarterback in this draft,” Harbaugh said at the NFL Annual Meeting on Monday. “He plays quarterback the best of all the quarterbacks. He’s a winner.”

The endorsement of McCarthy didn’t stop there either. Harbaugh started discussing McCarthy’s pro day at the University of Michigan last week. McCarthy’s stock has been rising throughout the draft process, and Harbaugh is trying to make it soar even higher.

“That was the best workout I’ve ever seen a quarterback during a pro day,” Harbaugh said. “The best throwing day I’ve ever seen. To hear coaches and GM’s come to me, ‘Great job with JJ.’ Like I predicted. It was absolutely no surprise whatsoever.”

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH

Coach Mike Tomlin on the current status of his new QB room.  Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Mike Tomlin did not want to discuss what led to the surprising trade of quarterback Kenny Pickett, but he said the Steelers zeroed in on acquiring either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in free agency and the “dominoes started falling” when they ended up with both of them.

Tomlin, though, said the Steelers have designated Wilson as the starter because they want to be transparent about the pecking order of their newly acquired quarterbacks.

But that arrangement would not have been in place with Pickett had he not been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to sources. Nonetheless, Wilson’s arrival angered Pickett to the point the Steelers traded their former No. 1 choice and traded for Fields shortly thereafter.

“Russell’s in the pole position,” Tomlin said Sunday at the NFL owners meetings at the Grande Lakes Orlando Resort. “I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in the league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops.”

Speaking for the first time since his season-ending news conference in January, Tomlin indicated that Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft, would be given a chance to compete for the starting position.

But in three years with the Chicago Bears, Fields was 10-28 as a starter and could benefit from working alongside Wilson, who will be 36 in November.

“Rest assured, when it comes time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete,” Tomlin said, sitting outside at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and looking relaxed wearing aviator sunglasses and a black T-shirt. “It will allow those guys to sort themselves out. Russell’s in the pole position. I think his body of work justifies that.

“He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar. And I just think that’s something that a younger guy like Justin can learn from.”

The Steelers acquired Fields just hours after they traded Pickett to the Eagles, a move that stunned the city. According to multiple sources, Pickett was unhappy when the Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million contract and didn’t want to battle him for the position.

Asked if he were disappointed with Pickett’s behavior, Tomlin said, “I’m not getting into the specifics of what transpired — who said what, who did what, really is water under the bridge at this point. I’m excited about the guys that we have in the room.”

Added Tomlin: “He felt like a change of scenery would be a good thing. I won’t get into the specifics of our conversations, but I am appreciative of his efforts during his time in Pittsburgh and I wish him nothing but the absolute best in Philadelphia.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin still buzzing about nabbing Patrick Queen from division rival

Wilson is coming off a season in which he threw 26 touchdowns — twice as many as Pickett had in two seasons — but the Denver Broncos were 11-19 and didn’t make the playoffs in his two seasons as the starter.

Tomlin said he thinks Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, can still play at a high level as he enters his 13th season in the league.

“I think probably the most attractive component of his profile, to me, is his quest for greatness,” Tomlin said. “This is not a guy who was hungry — that can be satisfied. This is a guy that’s driven, and you want to work with people of that mindset.

“This guy’s got a vision of what he wants his career to look like and he’s got a lot of work to do. He’s had some professional challenges, particularly in recent years, and he appears to be a guy that wants to meet those challenges head on and continue to move forward with his career. That was attractive.”

The moves to acquire Wilson and Fields overshadowed the Steelers’ other major move since the end of the season — trading leading receiver Diontae Johnson, who had 391 catches and 4,363 yards since being a third-round choice in 2019.

Tomlin said the Steelers traded their recalcitrant receiver to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson because they needed a cornerback. Jackson started 76 of 80 games and had 14 interceptions with the Panthers.

“Really simple, man,” Tomlin said. “We needed some assistance and depth and quality players at that position. And so we made the move. They needed Diontae and we need D-Jack. It was a good exchange.”

THIS AND THAT

2024 DRAFT

A Mock Draft (posted March 19) from Mel Kiper, Jr. of ESPN.com:

Time for my third mock draft for the 2024 NFL draft cycle, plugging roster holes and filling needs with all 32 first-round picks after the first wave of free agency. Sure, there are still several free agents available, but the big-money signings have passed for the most part. We’re about to see more one-year deals for the next couple of weeks. We also have a much better idea of which positions teams could target in Round 1 next month.

My last mock was before the NFL combine, which feels like months ago. We have several “yes” answers to questions we were asking at that time: Will the Bears trade Justin Fields? Will Kirk Cousins sign with a team other than the Vikings? Will the Commanders be all-in on a quarterback at No. 2 overall? We also got a fascinating trade between the Vikings and Texans which that saw Minnesota acquire a second first-round pick.

I’m not projecting any trades in this new set of predictions, but I have plenty to say about the scenarios for pick No. 1 through 32. I also updated my Big Board — my overall rankings and the top 10 prospects at every position. The combine helped set those rankings based on accurate measurements and testing numbers. We’re only five weeks away from the real thing, the start of Round 1 on April 25.

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR)

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

The mystery is gone now, right? Justin Fields was sent to the Steelers over the weekend for a conditional Day 3 pick in 2025, which means Chicago’s quarterback depth chart looks like this: Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien. The franchise stayed out of the veteran market in free agency. The Bears are going to take a passer with this pick, and all signs point to it being Williams, my top-ranked prospect.

The good thing for the rookie who takes over? He will have solid playmakers around him on offense. The trade for wideout Keenan Allen was a savvy move by general manager Ryan Poles, and running back signing D’Andre Swift will alleviate pressure on the new signal-caller. Allen and DJ Moore are a really good and versatile receiver duo. Poles & Co. also have some flexibility with the No. 9 overall pick: Will they try to help their defense now?

2. Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Here’s where the intrigue begins. Daniels or Drake Maye … or is it possible J.J. McCarthy is in play? I don’t think anyone has a great handle on which quarterback the Commanders prefer. I have Daniels over Maye in my position rankings — both are in my top six overall — and McCarthy is a distant fourth. There’s no consensus around the league, though, which makes this pick the pivot point in the draft.

One quarterback we know who won’t be involved in Washington is 2023 starter Sam Howell, who was dealt to the Seahawks last week. The Commanders brought in Marcus Mariota to serve as the backup to whichever rookie they select. And like the Bears, they have good wideouts in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, though there are questions along the offensive line.

3. New England Patriots

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Just like the two teams picking before them, the Patriots traded away their top quarterback from last season, as Mac Jones was sent to Jacksonville last week. New England wouldn’t pass up a quarterback here, right? I’m not as confident as I was before free agency began. The Patriots signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal, and he could be the bridge option to a rookie. But then when you look at their other signings, are we sure they’re not thinking beyond 2024 already?

What I’m saying is: If a team that fell in love with the third quarterback in this class offered a bevy of draft capital, wouldn’t New England have to consider moving down? That would give the organization multiple first-round picks to improve the entire roster, both this year and in 2025. This is not a team likely to compete this season. Las Vegas, Denver, Minnesota could be options. Sliding down a few spots would still allow the Patriots to add a rookie starter at receiver or offensive tackle, both positions which are deep in Round 1.

Right now, I’m sticking with my gut and Maye, who has a really high ceiling if he can clean up a couple of small issues with his mechanics.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

No team needs a wide receiver as much as the Cardinals. Marquise Brown just signed a one-year deal with the Super Bowl champs, making second-year receiver Michael Wilson nominally the No. 1 guy for quarterback Kyler Murray. Luckily, Arizona is in a great spot to add one of my highest-graded wideout prospects of the past decade. The 6-foot-3 Harrison, my No. 2 overall prospect, has elite size, speed, hands and route-running ability — he has the tools to be a star. This fit makes perfect sense.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Chargers’ salary cap crunch led to the release of Mike Williams and trade of Keenan Allen, leaving the wide receiver corps depleted. They can’t go into the season with Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston, who disappointed as a rookie last season, as their top two wideouts. So as much as right tackle could still be in play, this is the spot to nab a receiver to be Justin Herbert’s No. 1 target.

In any other draft class, Nabers and Rome Odunze would be the far-and-away top-ranked wideouts — but this isn’t any other draft class. There likely will be three taken in the top 10 and a handful of others throughout Round 1. This is an extremely talented group. What I like about Nabers is his ability to create separation and then break tackles after the catch. He’s a fantastic player.

6. New York Giants

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

This would make back-to-back-to-back quarterbacks at the top of the board and then back-to-back-to-back wideouts right after that. That’s how loaded these groups are. The Giants have improved their receiving corps over the past two years — Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson are their top three guys right now — but they don’t have a true No. 1 guy who can dominate on the outside. They could add that in Odunze, a touchdown machine in a 6-foot-3 frame.

There have been rumblings about New York being a team to watch for the quarterbacks, but I just don’t see it. The team is committed to Daniel Jones for at least one more season because of the extension he signed last year, and I think this is too high to take J.J. McCarthy. Are the Giants willing to mortgage their future to try to move into the Patriots’ spot at No. 3? The most likely option might be adding a playmaker for Jones and seeing if he can return to his 2022 form. Then again, if Jones struggles, coach Brian Daboll & Co. might again be drafting around this spot in 2025.

7. Tennessee Titans

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Nothing over the past month has changed my mind about the Titans taking the draft’s top offensive tackle and starting him on the left side as a rookie. In fact, after they released Andre Dillard last week, the need is even more severe. Alt started 33 games at left tackle in college and surrendered just six sacks, four of which came when he was a true freshman in 2021. He would upgrade an O-line that ranked 31st in sack rate per dropback (11.1%) last season.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama

This is another pairing that makes too much sense. It’s a combo of biggest positional need and best available prospect, as Turner is No. 9 on my Big Board. The Falcons, of course, made the biggest splash in free agency by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, but their defense is mostly the same. They have to get better along the defensive line; as I mentioned in my Mock Draft 2.0, they ranked last in the league in pass rush win rate (30.9%) last season.

Turner had 22.5 sacks over three college seasons and he improved his pressure rates every season. He’s the clear No. 1 edge rusher in this class. New coach Raheem Morris would get the best out of him.

9. Chicago Bears

Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Before the trade for Keenan Allen, I would have said the Bears should do everything they could to try to get one of the top three wideouts in this class. That’s no longer necessary, though Allen will be a free agent in 2025 unless the team gives him an extension. Instead, Chicago has options with its second first-round pick. I’m not totally sold on Braxton Jones being the long-term answer at left tackle, which means offensive line could be in play. And a defense that had just 30 sacks last season (31st in the league) could use help too. So let’s add an edge rusher on the other side of Montez Sweat.

Verse’s testing numbers at the combine were impressive, even if I didn’t love his 2023 tape. He was too inconsistent at times. But at 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, he has a complete set of tools to be a devastating pass-rusher at the next level, if he can put everything together. The Bears have made a few shrewd moves this offseason, and if their rookie quarterback comes in and plays well, they could be challengers in the NFC North.

10. New York Jets

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The Jets have to maximize their window with 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That’s what I keep coming back to. So after they were able to sign left tackle Tyron Smith to a one-year deal, who’s the player they could take here to make the most immediate impact? For me, it’s Bowers, a tremendous pass-catching tight end who could elevate the offense and provide a safety blanket for Rodgers.

Either way, this draft will be a delicate balance for general manager Joe Douglas, who has to think about the future while also trying to win now with Rodgers. That’s also why I wouldn’t rule out a tackle here; Smith and right tackle Morgan Moses, who the Jets acquired in a trade last week, will be free agents in 2025. It’s a tough challenge for Douglas.

Update: By the way, this shouldn’t change after the Jets signed wideout Mike Williams on Tuesday afternoon. Tight end is still a void.

11. Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Vikings are now the most interesting team in this draft. They just acquired another first-round pick in a deal with the Texans (No. 23), giving them the capital to move up and take a quarterback if they got the opportunity. But how far could they move up? Remember, it takes two sides to make a trade. Would the Giants want to risk missing out on one of the top receivers? Would the Titans want to risk missing out on their preferred tackle? Would the Falcons or Bears want to risk not getting the edge rusher they like? There’s not an easy match, unless Minnesota is willing to give up a lot of future picks, which is certainly possible.

In this scenario, the Vikings could land their quarterback of the future anyway. With Kirk Cousins gone and Sam Darnold added on a one-year deal, it’s clear they have to add competition. All sides point to that competition coming from a rookie. McCarthy is the No. 21 prospect on my Big Board, but I can see why some teams would covet him much higher. He has intriguing physical traits and can make every throw. Either way, if Minnesota really wants to try to move up in Round 1 for a quarterback, I could see it waiting until draft day to see how the board shakes out.

12. Denver Broncos

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

The Broncos have been quiet in free agency. Are they really comfortable going into the season with Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback? They’re running out of options, unless they can find a way to move up in the draft … or if they liked someone from the second tier of passers. Nix, Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) are likely to be off the board by the time Denver picks again, which is No. 76 overall, as it doesn’t own a second-round pick. So could Sean Payton & Co. instead take one here or trade down a few picks in Round 1?

That’s the way I’m leaning right now. Nix isn’t going to be for every team, but Payton might see a little Drew Brees in him. He’s a super-fast processor who can make every throw and was one of the most productive passers in college football the past two seasons. He had 74 touchdown passes and just 10 interceptions after transferring from Oregon. The Ducks’ offense relied on quick strikes, though, and he wasn’t often asked to push the ball downfield. He averaged just 6.3 air yards per attempt last season, which ranked 120th out of 125 FBS qualifiers. Taking Nix in Round 1 would be a way for the Broncos to try to snag a franchise quarterback, and if they moved down a few spots, they could regain valuable capital. But again, they have to really believe in his potential to do it.

13. Las Vegas Raiders

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

In my last mock draft, I had the Raiders taking the best interior penetrator in the class in Byron Murphy II (Texas). Well, that no longer makes sense after they gave free agent Christian Wilkins a massive deal, plugging a hole in the middle of their defense. I’m not ruling out edge rusher or quarterback as a possibility with this pick — they did add Gardner Minshew in free agency to at the very least be a bridge passer — but I keep staring at their depth chart and wondering who’s going to play right tackle. Let’s fill that void with Latham, the best right tackle in this class.

Latham started 27 games at the position in college, surrendering just two sacks and 16 total pressures. He can also dominate in the run game with his 6-foot-6, 342-pound body. Las Vegas is remaking its run game without back Josh Jacobs, who signed with Green Bay, and Latham could be an integral part of its rebuild. The Raiders ranked 28th in yards per rush attempt (3.7) last season.

14. New Orleans Saints

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

As I mentioned last month, the Saints have seen 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning struggle for two seasons; how much longer will they trot him out there at left tackle? In a deep and talented tackle class, they could upgrade in Round 1. Fashanu, who turned only 21 in December, has fantastic movement traits as both a pass- and run-blocker. At 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, he looks like he could play tight end. He started 21 games on the left side in college.

New Orleans might also be in the market for a wideout to pair with Chris Olave, who has put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU) and Xavier Worthy (Texas) are the next receivers up in my rankings.

15. Indianapolis Colts

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Finally, the first cornerback off the board. It’s not because this isn’t a good group of corners — it’s more about the elite prospects at other positions. I have four CBs in my top 25 overall but don’t have top-10 grades on any of them. The best of the bunch is Mitchell, who has been moving up since a spectacular performance in Mobile, Alabama, in early February at Senior Bowl practices. Then he ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, making my list of risers. He had six interceptions over his final two college seasons.

As for the pairing in Indianapolis, the Colts don’t have a No. 1 corner and desperately have to add talent at the position. Luckily they’re in a good spot to do that in this draft.

16. Seattle Seahawks

Troy Fautanu, G, Washington

This is another team whose free agent moves haven’t filled the need I identified in my previous mock draft. Former starting guard Damien Lewis got a big deal from Carolina, while the other guard spot is going to be an open competition. Seattle has to add O-line reinforcements with this pick.

Fautanu, my top-ranked guard, played mostly as the left tackle in college, starting 28 games. But he played 114 snaps at guard too. And while he has the size to be a tackle in the NFL (6-foot-4, 317 pounds), I see the potential for him to be an All-Pro guard. He is hard-nosed and nasty when he latches on to defenders. The Seahawks offense will look a lot different with new coordinator Ryan Grubb, but they would do well to add Fautanu to build up the interior of their line.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Jaguars have been busy in free agency, adding defensive tackle Arik Armstead, center Mitch Morse, safety Darnell Savage and wideout Gabe Davis, among others. The position they haven’t addressed enough? Cornerback, where they added veteran Ronald Darby but could still require reinforcements to play on the other side of Tyson Campbell. I like the fit of Arnold in Jacksonville, as he took a major step forward in 2023, developing into a shutdown corner. He picked off five passes and allowed only four receptions of 20-plus yards as the nearest defender in coverage.

Wide receiver is another position the Jags could consider. I’m not sold on Davis as a replacement for Calvin Ridley, who signed a big deal with the Titans in free agency. Davis might be better as a No. 3 wideout with a rookie sharing snaps alongside Christian Kirk.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Bengals let right tackle Jonah Williams leave in free agency, opening a void at the position. I don’t see a replacement on the roster. They could fill it with Fuaga, one of my favorite prospects in this class. He is phenomenal in both the run and pass game, and he started 25 games at RT for the Beavers.

Cincinnati likely will also have its eyes on the second group of receivers, as it brought back Tee Higgins on the franchise tag but No. 3 wideout Tyler Boyd is still a free agent. Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU) is a potential fit. I also thought about defensive tackle with Byron Murphy II (Texas) still available in this scenario.

19. Los Angeles Rams

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

I didn’t have defensive tackle on my list of needs for the Rams ahead of free agency, but that all changed Friday. Aaron Donald announced his retirement, and the future Hall of Famer leaves a giant hole to fill. L.A. got great play from rookie front-seven defenders Byron Young and Kobie Turner last season, but it has to upgrade its talent level on that side of the ball. I see this pick as either a defensive lineman or a cornerback.

Murphy is the best interior pass-rusher in this class, and at 6-foot-1, 297 pounds, he has a similar build to Donald. I’m not saying he will became a perennially All-Pro, but he has intriguing tools at the position. He had five sacks and created 33 pressures last season. This match makes a lot of sense. The Rams haven’t picked in Round 1 since 2016, so we can never rule out a trade down, either.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Just a few weeks ago, at the NFL combine, here’s what Steelers general manager Omar Khan said to reporters about quarterback Kenny Pickett: “I have full faith in Kenny.” A lot has changed since then, huh? Pickett was traded to the Eagles after Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson, and then the team traded a conditional Day 3 pick in 2025 for Justin Fields, completing a total overhaul of the QB depth chart. For new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to really thrive, though, the Steelers should add a replacement for wideout Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina.

Thomas, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, has a tremendous blend of speed and size (6-foot-3). He caught 17 touchdown passes last season, leading the FBS. Pittsburgh had just 13 total touchdown passes in 2023. Thomas and George Pickens could form an exciting pass-catching duo.

21. Miami Dolphins

Graham Barton, C/G, Duke

Miami has lost a few starters over the past few weeks as a result of its salary cap situation, including guard Robert Hunt, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jerome Baker and cornerback Xavien Howard. The organization could go a few different directions with this pick. I still like the pairing of Barton and the Dolphins, though, because of the way he could improve the middle of this O-line. Barton played mostly left tackle in college, but he has the traits to move inside and command the game. Miami ranked 31st in pass block win rate (49.2%) last season, so it has to improve.

22. Philadelphia Eagles

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

This has been an offseason of change for the Eagles, who have new coordinators on both sides of the ball and have seen two stalwarts retire in center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. And after a rough end to their season, coach Nick Sirianni finds himself with a few holes on his roster. I almost slotted in a receiver to add to Jalen Hurts’ fantastic set of skill-position talent — how about Xavier Worthy (Texas)? — but I see defense as the bigger problem.

Philadelphia ranked 30th in both points allowed per game (25.2) and QBR allowed (55.7), and it was 31st in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,125). Veteran starting corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry are each on the wrong side of 30. Wiggins could step in and play a huge role for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. At 6-foot-1, 173 pounds, he’s slender, but he has elite speed. He ran a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine.

23. Minnesota Vikings (via HOU through CLE)

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

We’re back around to the Vikings, who acquired this pick in a deal with the Texans last week. I gave them a Kirk Cousins replacement at No. 11, and if they’re keeping this selection, they have to address a secondary that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,019) last season. I like the front-seven additions of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, but Minnesota hasn’t made moves at cornerback.

I’m a huge fan of DeJean, who’s still recovering from a broken leg suffered in November. He’s a ball hawk — he had seven interceptions over his final 23 college games — with excellent technique. He also isn’t afraid of sticking his head in and making a tackle.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

How will the Cowboys replace long-time left tackle Tyron Smith, who just signed with the Jets? Based on their lack of moves over the past 10 days, they might be thinking this pick is their best bet. And looking at my rankings, they’re probably right. Guyton, Amarius Mims (Georgia), Jordan Morgan (Arizona) and Roger Rosengarten (Washington) could all be in play in the final 10 picks of Round 1. Of those four, only Morgan played the majority of his snaps at left tackle, but I think Guyton has the highest ceiling. He started just 14 games in college; he has outstanding physical tools to mold.

Dallas also has a hole to fill at center, as Tyler Biadasz left in free agency. Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon) could be in play.

25. Green Bay Packers

Laiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA

Green Bay is another team that might seek one of these offensive tackles — David Bakhtiari was released last week — but I wonder if this is a landing spot for the best pure edge rusher in this class. Sure, it drafted Lukas Van Ness a year ago in Round 1, but he’s more of a power rusher and run-stopper than a true double-digit sack machine.

Latu put up 111 quarterback pressures over the past two seasons, racking up 23.5 sacks. He has elite pass-rushing skills and is already advanced in his technique. The reason he’s not a surefire top-15 pick is because he has some medical questions; he medically retired from football because of a neck injury when he was at Washington in 2021. I love his fit with the Packers, though.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

The Bucs are running it back from 2023, with quarterback Baker Mayfield, wideout Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David among the players re-signing. General manager Jason Licht has done well with a tough salary cap situation — Tampa Bay held a $35.1 million dead-cap charge for Tom Brady last year — and his team should challenge again to win the NFC South (though Atlanta has improved too).

So how can the Bucs improve with this pick? I see room for a third wideout to take the top off the defense. And what better way to do that than with the fastest prospect in NFL combine history? At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Worthy is small, but he is electric with the ball in his hands. He’ll help Mayfield’s yards-per-attempt average just by running past corners on crossers. He had 26 touchdowns over three college seasons.

27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)

Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn State

I thought hard about interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon), who could be a plug-and-play guard starter in Arizona. But this Cardinals defense needs addressing. They had just 33 sacks last season, which ranked 30th in the league, and they ranked 32nd in both QBR allowed (57.3) and rushing yards allowed (143.2).

The 6-foot-3, 254-pound Robinson had an inconsistent 2023 season — four sacks, down from 5.5 in 2022 — but I love his explosion off the ball and his closing speed after he makes a move. He pops on tape every time I watch Penn State from the past two seasons. He also ran an eye-popping 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the combine, an elite number for his size. This is right around the range in which teams will take a chance on high-upside prospects, and that’s Robinson.

28. Buffalo Bills

T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

Buffalo has turned over its safety position, with Jordan Poyer signing in Miami and Micah Hyde still unsigned, but it also must find a way to add talent at cornerback. The organization is up against the salary cap, so the draft likely will be the best way to do that. Kaiir Elam, a first-round pick in 2022, was a healthy scratch at times last season, and he ended up playing in just three games. Could they find a starter this late in Round 1? I think so.

Tampa leveled up in 2023, allowing only one touchdown as the nearest defender in coverage. Recovery from a hamstring injury prevented him from working out at the combine, but I see really solid speed and traits on tape. If the Bills decide to go offense with this selection, a wide receiver to replace Gabe Davis could be the play.

29. Detroit Lions

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

How good is this Detroit roster? General manager Brad Holmes has done a stellar job since he was hired in 2021. He filled the Lions’ biggest offseason hole with the trade for underrated cornerback Carlton Davis, which gives him some flexibility here. I’d like to see the Lions add another playmaker for quarterback Jared Goff.

Legette is rising in my rankings after he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and tested well in the other drills at the combine. While I will quibble with South Carolina for listing him at 6-foot-3 when he’s actually 6-foot-1, I won’t hold that against him. He had a fantastic 2023 season, with 1,255 receiving yards while averaging 17.7 yards per catch. He dominated cornerbacks on crossing routes, lining up in the slot and outside. This is a way to keep improving the Detroit offense.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Ravens’ trade of Morgan Moses piqued my interest. Do they believe 2022 fourth-rounder Daniel Faalele is ready to step into the starting job at right tackle, or are they planning to draft a tackle? And could the answer be yes to both? I’m leaning toward the latter outcome. Faalele hasn’t shown enough to be the entrenched starter, and maybe general manager Eric DeCosta is thinking about the future along the offensive line. This is the draft to do that.

Mims is the perfect case of a high-ceiling, high-risk prospect. The risk comes in that he has started only eight college games because of injuries and draft picks in front of him. The ceiling comes in when you watch him beat up on defenders, and the way he can move his feet at 340 pounds. He didn’t allow a single sack at Georgia. Offensive line coaches will want to try to mold him because of his elite tools.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington

The 49ers have been able to make several moves in free agency to make tweaks to their roster, acquiring veterans on short-term deals to build out their depth. One position they haven’t added? Offensive tackle, where soon-to-be-36-year-old Trent Williams is holding down the blindside and 2020 fifth-rounder Colton McKivitz just started every game on the right side. Williams ranked first in the league in pass block win rate among tackles (95.8%). McKivitz? He was 50th out of the 69 who played in at least 10 games. That’s not good enough. I’d like to see San Francisco bring in some competition.

I thought Rosengarten might return to college for another year; he could have been a top-10 pick with more seasoning. He might be a steal here, though, as the right tackle is aggressive as a run-blocker and solid in pass protection (though he had his worst game of the season in the national championship loss). I really liked his tape when I went back through after the season ended.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Kansas City signed speedster Marquise Brown to a one-year deal in free agency, but that shouldn’t prevent the franchise from adding another receiver early. Mitchell is a rising prospect who could complement Brown and Rashee Rice. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the combine and had an 11-foot-4 broad jump, which tied for second among all prospects. He has excellent hands, catching 11 touchdown passes last season. He can make defenders miss after the catch, too.

I also thought about offensive tackle for the Chiefs, but I just slotted in seven above this pick. The last time there were eight OTs taken in Round 1? The 2008 draft. Kansas City has a hole at left tackle if it doesn’t bring back free agent Donovan Smith.