The NFL with a birthday present for the DB.  Nick Shook of NFL.com:

The excitement of the offseason doesn’t end with the final day of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Eleven days later, the league will release its full regular-season schedule for all 32 teams. The 2021 schedule (powered by AWS) will be released on NFL Network, NFL.com and the NFL app on Wednesday, May 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

NFL Network will feature a special Schedule Release ’21 show packed with fresh schedules and division-by-division analysis, breaking down the top matchups and prime-time games. This year’s schedule release will also be a bit different because of a new element: the 17th regular-season game.

We already know who will meet in the additional game, which follows a simple pairing methodology of matching up division standings in opposing interconference divisions (i.e., the first-place Chiefs will face the first-place Packers, with the rest of the AFC West and NFC North following suit), and where they’ll face off. What we don’t know is when those games will take place, making for an intriguing wrinkle in a release that is already highly anticipated.

NFL Kickoff Weekend will begin Thursday night, Sept. 9, and the last regular-season games will be played on Sunday, Jan. 9. Block out your free (football) time now, and make sure you find yourself in front of a television screen or mobile device on May 12. This promises to be an NFL season unlike any other.

– – –

A week before the draft, word leaks publicly that Ohio State QB JUSTIN FIELDS has a history of epilepsy.  Tom Pelissaro and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com present the story positively:

Epilepsy didn’t slow down former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields during his college career, and he has no intention of letting it do so in the NFL.

Sources say teams became aware during the pre-draft process that Fields manages epilepsy — a neurological disorder that can cause seizures, but hasn’t affected Fields’ football career and doctors are confident he’ll grow out of, as his other family members have.

Diagnosed as a youth, Fields has seen his symptoms get shorter and less frequent over time, and he doesn’t have seizures as long as he takes his medicine, a source said. He’s projected as a first-round pick in next week’s NFL Draft, which begins with the first round on April 29.

Sources say team medical staffs have discussed Fields’ treatment plan and whether any events during his NFL career, such as a concussion, could put him at greater risk. But Fields has no documented absences from games during a college career in which he was a Heisman Trophy finalist and two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship game appearance this past January.

“Justin’s health, toughness and work ethic have never been an issue and I am incredibly proud of his professionalism and the character he displays on and off the field,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day stated in a tweet on Wednesday. “The fact that he never missed a game at Ohio State speaks volumes about how he takes care of himself.”

Fields wouldn’t be the first NFL player to excel with epilepsy. Pro Football Hall of Fame guard Alan Faneca took medication to control seizures throughout his career. In 2007, Baltimore Ravens standout safety Samari Rolle had three major seizures, keeping him out of six games before doctors corrected his medication and he returned to the team.

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com isn’t as excited as you think he would be about the idea of the Packers drafting a wide receiver with their first pick:

The longer the Green Bay Packers go without drafting a receiver in the first round, the harder it will be on the one they finally take in that position — whether it’s next week, next year or next decade.

It’s too late for it to be any other way.

Most of the receivers worthy of consideration at the top of the NFL draft were still in diapers the last time the Packers picked one in the first round (Javon Walker, 2002). The University of Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman was 2 1/2 years old. Mississippi’s Elijah Moore was just shy of his second birthday. Chances are they’ve never heard of Walker, the Florida State receiver the Packers took at No. 20 overall in 2002.

Former general manager Ted Thompson went his entire 13-year tenure without taking a wide receiver in the first round. Current GM Brian Gutekunst is three drafts in and hasn’t picked one.

There’s not a position that Packers fans — and perhaps the Packers’ past two quarterbacks — have clamored for more in the first round than receiver.

Imagine the pressure on the one who finally becomes the Packers’ next first-round receiver. It could be so intense that it’s a setup to fail.

It’s more than just the first round, however. Gutekunst hasn’t taken a receiver higher than Round 4, and the Packers are one of only three teams not to take a receiver in either of the past two drafts (joining the Dolphins and Saints). According to Bill Huber of SI’s Packer Central, the Packers are the only team that hasn’t selected a receiver in the first three rounds over the past five drafts.

So what is Gutekunst to do come the night of April 29 with the 29th overall pick?

For the second straight year, the draft class at receiver is considered strong. Last year, a record 13 receivers went in the first two rounds and 37 were selected in all. Six receivers went off the board before Gutekunst traded up from 30 to 26 to take quarterback Jordan Love. Gutekunst said afterward that he liked the receivers at the top of the class but didn’t think it was as deep as some believed.

Some believe Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wanted LSU’s Justin Jefferson, who went No. 22 to the Minnesota Vikings. He was the fifth receiver taken behind Henry Ruggs (12), Jerry Jeudy (15), CeeDee Lamb (17) and Jalen Reagor (21). Brandon Aiyuk went 25th right before the Packers traded up to take Love.

“Just didn’t work out that we weren’t able to select some of the guys that we had rated really highly,” Gutekunst said of the receivers after last year’s draft. “And once we got to the middle and towards the end of the draft, I just didn’t think there was great opportunity to add a player that was going to make an impact on our roster this year.

“You guys know how hard it is for young players at that position to make impacts early on, certainly with some of the guys that we’ve had in the past — that became really good players but it took them two or three years to get there.”

.

A similar — if not stronger — run on first-round receivers could be in the works this year. In their alternating picks mock draft released Tuesday, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay picked seven receivers in the first 28 picks. It’s a lock that LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase plus the Alabama duo of Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith will go well before the Packers pick. The rest of the potential first- and second-round receivers could be available to Gutekunst at 29. The list includes Moore, Bateman, Florida’s Kadarius Toney, LSU’s Terrace Marshall Jr., Louisville’s Tutu Atwell, Purdue’s Rondale Moore and North Carolina’s Dyami Brown.

Neither Thompson nor Gutekunst has ever said why they’ve shied away from first-round receivers. But Rodgers is notoriously demanding of receivers so perhaps there’s the feeling that using a first-round pick on one the quarterback might not mesh with is too risky.

However, Thompson was more than willing to use second- and third-round picks on receivers and found success with the likes of Greg Jennings (second round, 2006), James Jones (third round, 2007), Jordy Nelson (second round, 2008), Randall Cobb (second round, 2011) and Davante Adams (second round, 2014). Nelson wasn’t a first-rounder but was the Packers’ first pick in 2008 after Thompson traded back from No. 30 to 36.

Gutekunst hasn’t drafted a receiver higher than the fourth round (J’Mon Moore in 2018). He certainly has other needs. The Packers didn’t lose the NFC Championship Game because of a lack of weapons; they lost because of shortcomings at cornerback (see Kevin King), tackle (David Bakhtiari’s injury) and some questionable coaching decisions (the botched defensive call at the end of the first half, going for 2 in the third quarter and the field goal decision late in the fourth among them).

The Packers re-signed running back Aaron Jones and tight end Marcedes Lewis, ensuring that most of their skill position players will return. The only major loss was running back Jamaal Williams, who signed with the Detroit Lions, but last year’s second-round pick AJ Dillon should step right into Williams’ role.

So perhaps it will be another year without a first-round receiver. But if this is finally the time, that receiver should be ready for nearly 20 years’ worth of expectations on his shoulders.

That nice guy who guest-hosted “Jeopardy!” is “too demanding?”  Pshaw.

NFC SOUTH

TAMPA BAY

The Glazer Family may be basking in the glow of their second Lombardi Trophy, but across the pond they, along with Rams owner Stan Kroenke, face a torrent of criticism. 

The Glazers have never been popular in Manchester in their tenure as Man U owners.  Now, they are reviled for their perceived role as ringleaders of the disastrous Super League effort.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

A pair of NFL owners are facing pressure to sell their soccer teams in the English Premier League, in the aftermath of the failed effort to start a soccer Super League.

Via Sports Business Daily, fans in the UK want the Glazers (who own the Buccaneers) and Stan Kroenke (who owns the Rams) to sell Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.

Manchester United co-chair Joel Glazer apologized for “the club’s involvement in the breakaway European Super League project,” and he admitted that the effort disrespected the “deep-rooted traditions” of the English version of the game.

“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction,” Glazer said.

The Glazers always have been controversial owners of the Manchester United club, and it seems like no fans of any teams owned by Stan Kroenke ever want him to be the owner. The effort to form a new Super League for their soccer teams has failed miserably and spectacularly. More time will be needed to determine whether those involved in instigating it will be able to thrive with their current teams in their current leagues. It’s possible that, eventually, the only practical solution will be to divest.

– – –

WR ANTONIO BROWN is unsigned, but he has settled a suit that accused him of sexual assault. ESPN.com:

Antonio Brown has resolved a civil dispute with former trainer Britney Taylor, who in a 2019 lawsuit had accused the wide receiver of sexually assaulting her.

A settlement was reached, but per the agreement, no terms can be disclosed, a source told ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

“Antonio and Britney have been friends for over a decade. Several years ago they almost became business partners. Recently, they were involved in aggressive litigation. Having reflected on their relationship, both feel that the time has come to move on. Antonio is grateful for Britney’s excellent training assistance. They are pleased that Antonio is doing so well with the Bucs and has a ring. Their dispute is resolved and they wish each other great continued success,” Taylor’s attorney, David Haas, said in a statement.

Brown is currently a free agent after playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. General manager Jason Licht said Wednesday that the Buccaneers will continue to discuss a possible return for Brown.

“We’ve had discussions throughout the offseason and you can tell we’ve put an emphasis on bringing back our players from last year that contributed to our success, and he’d be no different, so we’ll continue to have talks and see where it goes,” Licht said.

AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE

The Jaguars are having a big meeting on Thursday about the draft, and they may firmly, finally and decisively settle on QB TREVOR LAWRENCE as the number one pick.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Jaguars continue to close in on making quarterback Trevor Lawrence the first overall pick in the 2021 draft.

At a pre-draft press conference on Wednesday, coach Urban Meyer was asked whether they’ll be announcing the pick before the draft, and whether it will be Lawrence. (A positive answer to the second question makes the first one moot.) In response, Meyer said that, ultimately, owner Shad Khan will be making the decisions.

“Ultimately the owner is going to pull the ticket on that one,” Meyer said, via James Palmer of NFL Media. “We’re going to have a great meeting tomorrow and I imagine we’ll get closer to a decision.”

It’s a refreshing dose of candor from Meyer. Although most owners are obsessed with avoiding the impression that they meddle, how can any owner not meddle with a decision this impactful to the organization? It’s Khan’s team; it should be his pick.

That doesn’t simply apply at the top of the first round. Throughout the round, coaches and General Managers need to be ready to listen to what the owner wants. And they need to be smart enough to pick up on the cues, which will allow an owner to give input while at all times truthfully saying, “I didn’t tell anyone who to pick.”

A decision of the Jaguars to take any player other than Lawrence would instantly become one of the biggest draft surprises of all time, since the Jaguars have done nothing to private or publicly push back on the perception that it’s Lawrence. If it ultimately isn’t, there would be plenty of Jaguars fans unhappy with the curve ball.

We would assume that Meyer is referring to two decisions here.  One, to take Lawrence (which is actually probably already made) and two, do the Jaguars formally announce it in advance or preserve a figment of suspense for next Thursday?

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

Time flies, as it is almost time to give QB JOSH ALLEN a second contract.  Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com:

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane isn’t rushing to get a deal done with quarterback Josh Allen — although he said he’s confident a deal will eventually get done.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Beane said he had spoken with the NFL’s MVP runner-up from a season ago about extending his contract, which is entering the fourth year of Allen’s rookie deal. However, Beane said he doesn’t expect a deal to get done until at least after next week’s NFL draft, and perhaps well into the spring or summer.

“There’s no rush, we’ll have some kind of conversation,” Beane said. “Listen, we would love to get Josh extended. No doubt. It has to be a number that works for him and works for us. That’s been my conversation with them and they know the same. We’re all on the same page. Josh wants to be here.”

Allen emerged as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks last season, passing for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2020, adding eight rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown while leading the Bills to an AFC Championship Game appearance.

The Wyoming product has made it clear that he wants to play out his career in Buffalo and didn’t seem deterred by the possibility of contract negotiations extending into next year.

“When it happens, it happens,” Allen told NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt earlier this month. “They will iron out the details, and if we can get to something soon, I’d obviously love to be locked down in Buffalo for a very long time. It’s a place that I call home. I love being there.”

Allen would represent Beane’s largest extension of his tenure with the Bills, after Beane successfully extended left tackle Dion Dawkins and cornerback Tre’Davious White last offseason. The former Carolina Panthers assistant GM likened his current situation to the one he faced in Carolina with then-quarterback Cam Newton.

“We tried in Carolina to get Cam Newton done at this time and it didn’t work,” Beane said. “We just weren’t on the same page with his agent on where the value is to where we saw it. So we said, ‘Hey, no hard feelings, we’re all on the same page here.’ We pushed pause. He played that season and then after that season we got it done pretty quick that next offseason.

“We were all on the same page. I guess what I’m saying is you can’t force it. It happens when it happens.”

Spotrac lists Allen’s market value at $168,634,492 over four years — an average annual value of $42.1 million, which would place him behind only Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Beane previously said Allen’s extension will likely follow the same timeline as White’s — he was extended in early September 2020. Either way, it appears Allen’s next contract is not a matter of if but when.

“If it happens this year, great,” Beane said. “If it doesn’t, I’ll be very positive that we’ll get it done next year.”

THIS AND THAT

KIPER-McSHAY ALTERNATING MOCK DRAFT

This at ESPN.com:

With Round 1 of the 2021 NFL draft only nine days away, let’s look ahead with a new three-round mock draft … with a twist. This time, ESPN NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay made their predictions based on what they would do with each pick, not what they think each team will do. They’re playing general manager for all 32 teams and using their personal rankings to guide them. The rules for the draft:

Kiper and McShay alternated each pick, with Kiper starting at No. 1 and taking the odd numbers and McShay taking the evens.

No deals that even hint at “I won’t take Player X if you don’t take Player Y.” No cheating.

We also included our ESPN NFL Draft Day Predictor’s chances for each first-round pick to be available in that slot. It is a model that forecasts the range of draft outcomes for NFL prospects based on mock drafts, team needs and Scouts Inc. grades to give us availability and selection likelihood.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper’s pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

No surprises here. Lawrence is one of my highest-graded quarterbacks ever, and he’ll immediately become the face of the Jaguars franchise.

Lawrence’s chances of being available here, according to the ESPN NFL Draft Day Predictor: 100%(duh!)

2. New York Jets

McShay’s pick: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

If there was any doubt that the Jets were going with a QB at No. 2 overall, it vanished when they dealt Sam Darnold earlier this month. Wilson has a ton of upside as a guy New York can build around.  (Wilson’s chances of being available here: 98.5%)

3. San Francisco 49ers (via MIA through HOU)

Kiper’s pick: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

You should know by now how much I like Fields. He has all the tools to be a superstar, and he’d thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. (Fields’ chances of being available here: 100%)

4. Atlanta Falcons

McShay’s pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

There’s of course a decent chance new coach Arthur Smith gets his QB of the future with this pick, but I’m not passing on a multidimensional offensive nightmare like Pitts. He can be used all over the formation and is nearly impossible to cover. (Pitts’ chances of being available here: 96.4%)

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Kiper’s pick: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

I just don’t think the Bengals can pass up a franchise left tackle like Sewell, even with Joe Burrow’s buddy Ja’Marr Chase still on the board. Burrow can’t throw the ball if he’s on his back. (Sewell’s chances of being available here: 98.0%)

6. Miami Dolphins (via PHI)

McShay’s pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Chase is my No. 1 wide receiver, and Miami absolutely has to get another weapon for Tua Tagovailoa. Suddenly he’d have Chase, Will Fuller V and DeVante Parker. You can win with that trio. (Chase’s chances of being available here: 45.0%)

Projected trade: New England moves up for a QB

Kiper: We needed a trade for a quarterback — they happen every year — so I’m going to make one with myself since I’m the general manager of the odd-numbered teams. This deal sees the Patriots jump eight spots to get their guy, while the Lions add the Patriots’ second-round pick (No. 46), plus future selections, maybe even their first-rounder in next year’s draft. It’s a lot to give up, but Bill Belichick & Co. need a long-term solution at the game’s most important position.

7. New England Patriots (via mock trade with DET)

Kiper’s pick: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

I have Jones slightly ahead of Trey Lance, and I think he’s more ready to play as a rookie, particularly for a team that made several win-now moves this offseason. Plus, Josh McDaniels has already proved that he can game-plan for a pocket passer with tremendous accuracy. (Jones’ chances of being available here: 6.8%)

8. Carolina Panthers

McShay’s pick: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Panthers have to protect Sam Darnold for their trade for him to work out. They franchise-tagged Taylor Moton, but Slater can start opposite him at left tackle or slide inside to guard for a year. (Slater’s chances of being available here: 99.0%)

9. Denver Broncos

Kiper’s pick: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Remember: This mock draft is what I would do, and I don’t think Drew Lock is the long-term answer in Denver. Lance is only 20, and he’ll need some time, but he has a high ceiling. (Lance’s chances of being available here: 5.1%)

10. Dallas Cowboys

McShay’s pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Dallas gets first pick of the defensive pool, and I’m reuniting Surtain with his former Alabama teammate Trevon Diggs in this CB room. Surtain is a true shutdown corner. (Surtain’s chances of being available here: 84.7%)

11. New York Giants

Kiper’s pick: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Daniel Jones needs more weapons, and now he’ll have the Heisman Trophy winner next to free-agent signing Kenny Golladay. This Giants offense could be dangerous in the NFC East. (Smith’s chances of being available here: 47.6%)

12. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA through SF)

McShay’s pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Philly can exhale: The Eagles moved back to No. 12 and still got one of the top four pass-catchers. Waddle is the most dangerous player in the class with the ball in his hands. (Waddle’s chances of being available here: 49.9%)

13. Los Angeles Chargers

Kiper’s pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

McShay surprised me by taking Rashawn Slater at No. 8, but I don’t think it’s out of the question that Darrisaw goes this high. He could be L.A.’s starter at left tackle as a rookie. (Darrisaw’s chances of being available here: 93.2%)

14. Minnesota Vikings

McShay’s pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC

There are holes all over the Vikings’ line, and Vera-Tucker has versatility — though his best fit is at guard. He’s a strong blocker at the second level, which will help open lanes for Dalvin Cook in the running game. (Vera-Tucker’s chances of being available here: 87.4%)

15. Detroit Lions (via mock trade with NE)

Kiper’s pick: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Detroit trades down to pick up extra assets and still gets an impact defensive player. Parsons is a playmaker who will run down tailbacks and pitch in as a pass-rusher. (Parsons’ chances of being available here: 21.2%)

16. Arizona Cardinals

McShay’s pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Both outside CBs are on one-year deals, and Horn is a tough press corner with wheels. Arizona needs someone who can square up with the elite NFC West receivers now that Patrick Peterson is elsewhere. (Horn’s chances of being available here: 28.8%)

17. Las Vegas Raiders

Kiper’s pick: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

This might be a little high for my top-ranked safety, but the Raiders have been tough to predict with Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock in charge. Moehrig can be the deep safety next to Johnathan Abrams. (Moehrig’s chances of being available here: 88.7%)

18. Miami Dolphins

McShay’s pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

We got the Dolphins a receiver in the top 10, so I’m turning to the defense here and getting them something they haven’t had in a while: a versatile linebacker who can cover and fill multiple roles. (Owusu-Koramoah’s chances of being available here: 59.8%)

19. Washington Football Team

Kiper’s pick: Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

Washington has a great front four, but it could upgrade at middle linebacker. Davis has elite tape from the 2020 season, and he has some coverage ability, too. (Davis’ chances of being available here: 96.6%)

20. Chicago Bears

McShay’s pick: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

I’m not seeing any offensive tackles here for Chicago, even if I were to reach a little bit, and the Day 1 quarterbacks are off the board. So with Desmond Trufant on a one-year deal, I like Farley — probably the top cover corner in the class — as a running mate to Jaylon Johnson for years to come. (Farley’s chances of being available here: 37.6%)

21. Indianapolis Colts

Kiper’s pick: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami

I can’t believe this is the first edge rusher off the board. Phillips has a history of injuries — he medically retired from football when he was at UCLA — but there’s no denying his pass-rush traits. And that’s the Colts’ biggest need. (Phillips’ chances of being available here: 74.0%)

22. Tennessee Titans

McShay’s pick: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

I keep going back and forth on Moore and Florida’s Kadarius Toney, but I like Moore’s explosiveness as a replacement for the Titans’ free-agency losses in the receiving game (Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith and Adam Humphries). (Moore’s chances of being available here: 95.6%)

23. New York Jets (via SEA)

Kiper’s pick: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

I thought about defensive end Kwity Paye here, but Newsome could be the Jets’ top corner on Day 1. New coach Robert Saleh will love Newsome’s ability to turn and run against even the fastest wideouts. (Newsome’s chances of being available here: 53.8%)

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

McShay’s pick: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Pittsburgh’s 3.6 yards per carry ranked last in the NFL in 2020, and it just lost its most productive rusher in James Conner. Mel might not like first-round running backs, but this makes too much sense. (Harris’ chances of being available here: 77.3%)

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)

Kiper’s pick: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

I love the fit for Toney in Jacksonville, where new coach Urban Meyer can come up with creative ways to get the ball in his hands. He’ll be Trevor Lawrence’s best friend. (Toney’s chances of being available here: 49.5%)

26. Cleveland Browns

McShay’s pick: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

It’s a mini slide for Paye, my top-ranked edge rusher, but Cleveland isn’t complaining. The Browns still need a high-end pass-rusher opposite Myles Garrett, even after the Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley signings. (Paye’s chances of being available here: 5.7%)

27. Baltimore Ravens

Kiper’s pick: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

I’m staying consistent here — I’ve had Marshall to the Ravens in each of my four mock drafts — because Lamar Jackson needs an outside threat. Marshall was overshadowed a bit at LSU, but he can run every route. (Marshall’s chances of being available here: 84.4%)

28. New Orleans Saints

McShay’s pick: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

If Jameis Winston and/or Taysom Hill are going to have any sort of success, they need receiver reinforcements. Bateman makes tough catches in the middle of the field and is versatile. (Bateman’s chances of being available here: 68.9%)

29. Green Bay Packers

Kiper’s pick: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

Since McShay took Bateman, I’ll settle for a starting tackle for Green Bay. Jenkins, who played right tackle in college, is extremely physical in the running game. (Jenkins’ chances of being available here: 34.1%)

30. Buffalo Bills

McShay’s pick: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Collins can cover, shoot gaps in run defense and rush the passer. He’d fit nicely next to Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano at the second level and help shore up Buffalo’s middle-of-the-pack pass rush. (Collins’ chances of being available here: 44.6%)

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Kiper’s pick: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

I’m a big fan of Dickerson, who might go in Round 2 because he tore his ACL in December. If he’s healthy, though, he could step in and start at center for the Chiefs, who need more quality linemen. (Dickerson’s chances of being available here: 91.6%)

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

McShay’s pick: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

Mayfield is a drive blocker who can help open lanes for the Bucs’ running game. I think he’d serve as a swing tackle early on before eventually earning a starting gig opposite 2020 first-rounder Tristan Wirfs. (Mayfield’s chances of being available here: 89.7%)

The Kiper-McShay Draft goes on for three rounds (without Texas A&M QB KELLEN MOND).  We are only going to list some of the more noteworthy picks here.

ROUND 2

33. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper’s pick: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Yes, that’s the first three picks on offense for the Jaguars. They were not good on either side of the ball — there’s a reason they had the No. 1 pick. Etienne joins his Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and he’ll be a menace in the passing game.

40. Denver Broncos

McShay’s pick: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

Linebacker was the first thing I looked for on my “best available” sheet, but there’s just no value there. While Denver brought in Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller (who is on a one-year deal), I still think this cornerback unit needs depth. Samuel can also play the nickel role in the short term.

44. Dallas Cowboys

McShay’s pick: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

Only three teams allowed five-plus yards per carry last year, and Dallas was among them. Barmore would help stop the bleeding in the middle of the defense.

51. Washington Football Team

Kiper’s pick: Davis Mills, QB, Stanford

Here’s the sixth quarterback in the class. Mills is all over the place on teams’ boards, but he makes sense in Washington, which isn’t picking high enough to take one of the top five signal-callers. Mills played in only 14 games at Stanford, so there is some risk taking him any higher.

56. Seattle Seahawks

McShay’s pick: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

We got one pick for Seattle in the first three rounds. Rousseau’s pro day left a little to be desired, but he had 15.5 sacks in 2019 before opting out in 2020. He just needs some refining.

ROUND 3

83. Chicago Bears

Kiper’s pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC

I know that McShay gave the Bears Rondale Moore in Round 2, but they need to get Andy Dalton all the help they can. St. Brown had 178 catches over the past three seasons, and he knows how to get open.

PETER SCHRAGER’S MOCK DRAFT

The NFL Network host drops this at NFL.com:

With the 2021 NFL Draft just around the corner, and rumors swirling around the league, here’s my second crack at how Round 1 could play out on Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland.

1 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence

Clemson · QB

I know a few teams who actually really liked what Lawrence told Michael Rosenberg in Sports Illustrated last week. It only adds to what we’ve been hearing about the quarterback for the past three years: He’s confident, self-assure and comfortable in his own skin. That’s just off the field. He also happens to be unbelievably gifted on it.

2 – New York Jets

Zach Wilson

BYU · QB

The intrigue in this one has lost much of its luster, as just about everyone in my phone agrees it’s been Wilson for quite some time — and that was only further cemented when the Jets traded Sam Darnold earlier this month. Wilson could become a huge star in New York City. We’ve heard it before, of course.

3 – San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones

Alabama · QB

We’re less than two weeks away and I’m still feeling Mac Jones is the guy. I’m told the 49ers still have not made a decision and continue to do their work on all three quarterback prospects who would be available: Jones, Justin Fields and Trey Lance. Jones had one of the greatest college football seasons we’ve seen in recent years, and pro scouts like him a lot — even if the pundits do not.

4 – Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts

Florida · TE

Pitts would sure make sense, given what Atlanta’s done this offseason. Matt Ryan can still sling it, and is accounting for plenty of cap space to do so. Remember, Arthur Smith’s offense in Tennessee excelled with tight ends Anthony Firkser and Jonnu Smith, and neither has the otherworldly talent that Pitts possesses.

5 – Cincinnati Bengals

Penei Sewell

Oregon · OT

There’s a chance Joe Burrow pounds the table to get his top receiver from LSU, Ja’Marr Chase, but since I put out my last mock draft, I keep hearing the same line from those in the know: Protecting Burrow in the trenches is the priority. Insert Sewell. 

6 – Miami Dolphins

Ja’Marr Chase

LSU · WR

The Dolphins, knowing they don’t need a QB, traded back from No. 3 to No. 12, before moving back up the board to No. 6. With QBs going 1-2-3, I’d have to think there are at least three players they’re comfortable with taking with the sixth overall pick. If Kyle Pitts and Penei Sewell are both off the board, and Miami opts to stay put, Chase will be the choice here.

7 – Arizona Cardinals (MOCK TRADE with Detroit)

Jaylen Waddle

Alabama · WR

The Cardinals continue their uber-aggressive offseason by acquiring yet another weapon for Kyler Murray to help the franchise emerge from the gauntlet that’s the NFC West. Waddle, whose ankle has fully healed, is seen as tough as nails and an instant-impact player at both WR and on special teams. In the swap, the Lions pick up No. 16 overall this year, as well as the Cardinals’ 2022 first- and third-rounder.

8 – Carolina Panthers

Justin Fields

Ohio State · QB

The word linked to Carolina’s pick at No. 8 is “optionality,” which is what the Sam Darnold trade provided the Panthers at the quarterback position. I’m not convinced the team is settled at the QB spot just yet. Remember, Darnold’s fifth-year option still hasn’t officially been picked up, and there’s been no long-term extension inked yet. Until those things happen, quarterback is still very possible here.

9 – Denver Broncos

Trey Lance

North Dakota State · QB

Five quarterbacks go in the top 10 after all. I think the Broncos could look long and hard at Rashawn Slater, but if they’re willing to be patient with Lance, the rewards could be far greater. No team wants to take the fifth quarterback in a draft. But not all teams have these QBs ordered alike.

10 – Dallas Cowboys

Patrick Surtain II

Alabama · CB

If both Surtain and Rashawn Slater are still on the board at No. 10, this could end up being a really tough decision for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. But after watching Dallas’ defense be historically bad in 2020, I could see a Post-it note in the Cowboys’ war room that reads, “Defense No Matter What.” Surtain’s the top defender on my board, and it sure seems like he and Jaycee Horn are valued in a different league than the pass rushers are.

11 – New York Giants

Jaycee Horn

South Carolina · CB

Don’t be shocked if the Giants go cornerback here. Yes, they have Adoree’ Jackson and James Bradberry on the roster, but you can never have enough top-level CBs. Horn is viewed as just that. Giants fans may bristle at the team taking a corner over a WR, OT or pass rusher — but I would not be surprised at all if it’s Patrick Surtain or Horn.

12 – New England Patriots (Mock Trade with Philadelphia)

DeVonta Smith

Alabama · WR

Everyone seems to think Philadelphia is looking to trade up into the top 10, but I believe the Eagles are a prime team to trade down, looking to squeeze out another first-round pick for next year — giving them potentially four in 2022 — or an additional second-rounder in 2021. New England gives up its second-round pick (No. 46) to move up three spots for the Heisman-winning, Nick Saban-endorsed star WR1.

13 – Los Angeles Chargers

Rashawn Slater

Northwestern · OT

The Chargers have already made two big additions to their offensive line this offseason — C Corey Linsley and OG Matt Feiler — but I don’t think they’re necessarily done. The goal is to protect Justin Herbert at all costs. Slater could go in the top seven. But if he slips this low, and learns from Linsley and Bryan Bulaga, this pick should be a home run.

14 – Minnesota Vikings

Jaelan Phillips

Miami · Edge

The Vikings have a bunch of their best pass rushers returning from injury, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t take another in the top 15. I think Phillips could be the guy, and the first pass rusher off the board when it’s all said and done.

15 – Philadelphia Eagles (Mock Trade with New England)

Alijah Vera-Tucker

USC · OL

Philadelphia trades back three spots, picks up another Day 2 pick (No. 46 from the Patriots) and still gets one of the top offensive linemen in the draft. The Eagles have so many picks in the next two drafts that they could be in Best Player Available mode, even if they end up staying at No. 12.

16 – Detroit Lions (Mock Trade with Arizona)

Christian Darrisaw

Virginia Tech · OT

The Lions could be a team that trades back not once but multiple times in this draft. With Detroit in re-build mode and with just six draft picks this year, look for GM Brad Holmes to be wheelin’ and dealin’ during the entire three-day exercise. Darrisaw is a former lightly recruited prospect out of prep school who has been magnificent the past few years with the Hokies.

17 – Las Vegas Raiders

Micah Parsons

Penn State · LB

From what I’m told, the feeling around the league is the Raiders will focus on pass rush or offensive tackle with their first-round pick. Parsons would be a perfect fit for a team that already added Yannick Ngakoue this offseason.

18 – Miami Dolphins

Teven Jenkins

Oklahoma State · OT

The Dolphins are going to do everything they can to help their second-year QB succeed. Jenkins projects as a big, talented right tackle who could watch Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side. Miami spent a first- and a second-round pick on offensive linemen last year. I don’t think they’re done.

19 – Washington

Travis Etienne

Clemson · RB

First-round running backs might be a dying breed, but I love this addition to Scott Turner’s offense. Etienne is electric between the tackles and in the open field as a ball carrier, but also adds value in the passing game. Washington still needs another playmaker or two on offense to be a threat in the NFC.

Chicago Bears

Rashod Bateman

Minnesota · WR

I think the Bears are prime candidates to move out of the No. 20 spot to collect some additional picks in the later rounds. They love their young WR, Darnell Mooney, but with Allen Robinson on the franchise tag and Anthony Miller’s future unknown, I could see Bateman being the guy if Chicago stays put.

21 – Indianapolis Colts

Azeez Ojulari

Georgia · Edge

Chris Ballard has hit home runs in every draft since he took the GM gig in Indy. Here, the Colts add a pass rusher in Ojulari who improved every season at Georgia and is sounding like a bona fide first-round prospect as the draft approaches. The loss of Denico Autry could be offset if Ojulari is there at No. 21.

22 – Tennessee Titans

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Notre Dame · LB

After the disastrous selection of Isaiah Wilson a year ago (currently out of the league due to off-the-field issues), I’d envision the Titans valuing character with this year’s first-round pick. Owusu-Koramoah is just 220 pounds, but he flies all over the field. He’s also one of the best special teams players in this entire draft and could immediately play that role in the NFL.

23 – New York Jets

Caleb Farley

Virginia Tech · CB

The only thing holding Farley back from being a top-15 pick is concern about his back. The early word from the medical staffs around the league with whom I’ve spoken is that there’s an assumption it’ll be OK. Other than the back, there are few holes in Farley’s draft profile. Great person, perhaps an even better player.

24 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Eric Stokes

Georgia · CB

There hasn’t been as much press for Stokes as we’ve seen for some of the other top corners in this draft, but he can definitely play. Perhaps the fastest CB in this class, he can cover a ton of ground. Pittsburgh could address its run game woes in Rounds 2-4.

25 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Kwity Paye

Michigan · Edge

Urban Meyer knows that building a champion starts from the inside out. Paye could be the first pass rusher off the board; I could also see him being around in the 20s. Solid value, if he is.

26 – Cleveland Browns

Gregory Rousseau

Miami · Edge

Only one year of major college football experience won’t cost Rousseau because he has such upside. I think his teammate, Jaelan Phillips, goes before him, but Rousseau will hear his name called on Day 1, as well.

27 – Baltimore Ravens

Jayson Oweh

Penn State · Edge

In his only year as a starter, Oweh stood out for the Nittany Lions. The Ravens lost two top pass rushers in free agency, so look for them to add at least one back in the first few rounds of the draft. Oweh is a fit in Wink Martindale’s system.

28 – New Orleans Saints

Kadarius Toney

Florida · WR

Toney has all the skills and game highlights in the world. He was one of the most charismatic players at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, too. He’s likely going to need a coach willing to roll the dice a bit on him in the first round. Sean Payton’s that guy.

29 – Green Bay Packers

Elijah Moore

Mississippi · WR

Moore’s incredible three-game finish to his college career opened a lot of eyes (39 catches, 602 yards, 5 TDs). He’s a late-first-, early-second-round prospect who could find himself making big plays for a Super Bowl competitor as early as next season.

30 – Buffalo Bills

Asante Samuel Jr.

Florida State · CB

Buffalo has one of the best defensive backfields in the entire league, so this certainly isn’t a position of need. But GM Brandon Beane is not one beholden to drafting for need. Samuel can play multiple positions — corner, safety or nickel — and is as fiery a competitor as you’ll find.

31 – Kansas City Chiefs

Greg Newsome II

Northwestern · CB

The Chiefs are loaded, and GM Brett Veach has addressed most key spots this offseason. Look for a Best Player Available situation here. Newsome is a smart defender who excelled against top receivers and had an electric pro day.

32 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Trevon Moehrig

TCU · S

This is a throw-a-dart-at-the-wall pick. The Buccaneers can do anything here. I’ve had QB, WR and RB penciled in at this spot in working drafts. Moehrig’s my top player on the board who hasn’t been selected. You can never have enough good DBs in today’s pass-happy league.

NEW RULES

Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com details Wednesday’s passage of the Class of 2021 rules changes:

NFL owners approved a series of new rules Wednesday for the 2021 season, including one that will expand the influence of replay officials amid ongoing demands from coaches for more oversight of game-day officials.

Owners rejected more robust proposals for a full-time sky judge, including one from the Baltimore Ravens that would have created a booth umpire. Instead, owners took the more modest step of giving the existing replay officials — who sit in the press box of each stadium — the authority to consult with referees on certain “specific, objective aspects of a play when clear and obvious video evidence is present,” according to the language of the rule.

Replay officials will not be able to throw flags or reverse calls on their own. But they can now offer referees advice based on what they’ve seen on broadcast replays in the areas of possession, completed or intercepted passes, the location of the ball relative to the boundary or end line, and whether a player is down by contact. Previously, replay officials had been limited to participating in plays that were under review. Coaches will not have to throw challenge flags to prompt that advice, which some replay officials have been giving referees informally for years.

Rich McKay, chairman of the NFL competition committee, said neither the committee nor owners felt comfortable with adding an additional official with full authority.

“I think we should try this,” McKay said. “We have the technology. We have really good technology. It sits in the booth with the replay official, and it sits in New York. I think what we thought, and what the coaches’ subcommittee thought, was let’s use that technology and let’s try to improve the crew. I do get nervous when it goes beyond that.”

In other news regarding Wednesday’s votes, NFL owners:

Approved a relaxation of rules for the numbers that players of certain positions can wear because of expanded practice squads. Running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, defensive backs and linebackers can all wear numbers in the single digits now if they choose. Based on preexisting NFL rules, players who want to change their numbers this season will have to buy out the inventory of the NFL’s manufacturing partners. This wouldn’t apply to players who give notice in 2021 that they want to change numbers in 2022.

Approved a one-year experiment in an attempt to make it easier to recover onside kicks. In 2021, the receiving team on kickoffs will be limited to nine players within 25 yards of the ball. Last season, NFL teams recovered only three of 67 onside kicks, the lowest total and recovery rate since at least 2001. As a result, the Philadelphia Eagles proposed that teams be given an option to gain 15 yards on one offensive play from their own 25-yard line to retain possession after a score.

Tabled a rule that would have expanded the area where players are prohibited from blocking below the waist. McKay said that there is enough support to pass the rule now but that several teams had questions that will take some time to address. It could be revisited next month.

Eliminated overtime in preseason games.

Changed a rule that will now force a loss of down if two passes are completed behind the line of scrimmage.

Approved a rule change that ensures the enforcement of all accepted penalties during successive try attempts, defined as an opportunity for a team to score one or two additional points during one scrimmage down.

Did not act on a “spot or choose” proposal from the Ravens for the winner of the overtime coin toss. In that scenario, the team would have the option to choose either which team will have the first possession of overtime or where the ball would be spotted.

Decided to include taunting among its points of emphasis for 2021. McKay clarified that the emphasis would be directed not at celebrations but toward acrimonious interaction among players.

Tabled a proposal from the Buffalo Bills that would have pushed back interviews for general manager and head-coaching positions until after the championship round of the playoffs and would have prevented hires until after the Super Bowl. It will be further studied.

Completed a study of the sharp drop in offensive holding during the 2020 season. McKay said that Walt Anderson, the NFL’s senior vice president of training and development, would clarify the standard and put together a video for teams to consume before the 2021 season.

QB SNAPSHOTS

ZACH WILSON

The other four members of the Class of 2021’s QB Big Five were somewhat known quantities when things went dark last spring due to Covid, even North Dakota State’s TREY LANCE.

But ZACH WILSON was far off the radar. He had started most of two seasons at Brigham Young, but the national attention meter was inactive.

Zachary Kapono Wilson was born and raised in Draper, Utah.  His father, Mike, played linebacker at Utah, his mother and others in his family also have ties to the Utes, heck, the family has 50-yard line tickets to Utah games – but he ended up at rival BYU as a late recruit.  And he moved right into the starting lineup as a freshman.

The Salt Lake Tribune detailed his late recruitment:

Lisa Wilson, a die-hard University of Utah football fan her entire life, was annoyed, then angry, then a little bit terrified.

The mother of six walked into her Draper home last December and learned that her husband Mike, a defensive tackle on Utah’s football teams from 1992-95 under head coach Ron McBride, had just talked to BYU head coach Kalani Sitake.

Mike told Lisa the Cougars were wondering if their son, standout Corner Canyon senior quarterback Zach Wilson, was interested in making a recruiting visit to BYU. The school had just hired offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, and he was intrigued by Zach’s film, although Zach had committed to Boise State in June and had stuck with the Broncos despite getting nearly 20 other offers from around the country.

“I said ’no way, no way. Nope, not a chance. We are not going down there. That’s not an option,’” Lisa said. “We had written them off because they hadn’t recruited Zach at all. They hadn’t even sent him a form letter.”

She had a change of heart, however, and reluctantly agreed to take a visit after Sitake explained that previous BYU offensive coordinator Ty Detmer, who had been released in November, didn’t bother contacting the Wilsons because he had a commitment from his nephew, Zadock Dinkelmann, and most programs sign only one quarterback a year.

So the Wilsons made the 40-minute drive to Provo “and were treated like kings,” Lisa said. They stayed for nearly five hours, met with several coaches, players, professors and school administrators and learned that “these people aren’t anything like we’ve been led to believe. They’re great people.”

Sitake apologized for not recruiting Zach earlier, and said the 5A MVP in 2017 should have been given more respect.

“We were pleasantly surprised by all of it,” she said.

– – –

Of course, none of the above would have happened if Utah had offered Zach a scholarship. He had dreamed of playing for the Utes since he began attending coach Kyle Whittingham’s summer football camps in the second grade.

But the Utes got an early commitment from Jack Tuttle, the highly recruited quarterback from San Marcos, Calif., who has since left the program.

“They just said, look, we have this Tuttle guy, and he doesn’t want us to even talk to another quarterback, or else he is going to back out,” Lisa said.

Without naming Tuttle, Whittingham confirmed in his press briefing Monday as the Utes prepared to host BYU — which will start Zach Wilson at quarterback on Saturday — that he never offered Zach a scholarship.

“We had all our eggs in the basket of the quarterback who we signed. Typically, you only sign one a year. … We had an early commitment from our guy, so that really was a dead issue from that point on,” Whittingham said.

Shortly after the Wilsons visited the campus in Provo, they went to a Christmas party that included 60 or so die-hard Utah fans from Lisa’s side of the family. Her brother, JetBlue Airways founder David Neeleman, recently funded and set up the new lacrosse program at Utah.

“They are as hardcore Utah fans as you can get,” she said. “I have seven siblings, and they all bleed red.”

One brother in particular begged Zach to sign with the Cal Bears, who had left their offer on the table to the last minute, along with Iowa and Hawaii.

“David and Steve [another brother] both have kids that go to BYU,” Mike Wilson said. “So they aren’t BYU haters. But they were a little horrified, like, ‘Are you kidding? You are not sending him to BYU.’”

However, after the family completed its traditional Christmas nativity ceremony and was singing “Jingle Bells,” they surprised the Wilsons by passing around words to the BYU fight song and sang it.

“That was them saying, ‘we are good with it. We are OK with Zach going to BYU. We have your back,’” Lisa said. “That was very reassuring.”

David Neeleman said it was disappointing that his alma mater and benefactor “dropped the ball” and didn’t recruit his nephew, didn’t even make the short drive to Draper to watch him throw. He would rather Zach play for BYU than Boise State, however, because he’s closer to home.

This has a little more info on the Wilson-Neeleman alliance:

Father played football at Utah (had seven knee surgeries) and is involved in many business ventures started by his wife’s family. Three brothers and two sisters. Uncle on his mother’s side is David Neeleman, who started multiple airlines and is a big contributor to the Utah football program (with a net worth of over $400 million). Family on his mother’s side is extremely influential and successful

We don’t know how much to bore you with, but Zach is part Hawaiian on his father’s side and qualified as co-recipient of the 2020 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.

His mother’s side of things is old line Church of the Latter Day Saints.  Lisa was born in Brazil while her father, who would go on to be a prominent Utah journalist, served a seven-year church mission.

Fabwags.com has this on Mike:

Michael Lee Kalani Wilson on August 7, 1974, could describe himself as a Utah Utes fan, but he is first and foremost a caring husband and devoted father.

Mike had a difficult childhood, so when his first child was born he promised his children will have the childhood. he never had.

I always said that I’m going to be a big part of my kids’ lives when I’m a parent,” he says. “I would spend a lot of time with them.”

His dad, who died at the age of 49, was an alcoholic; Mike moved to Hawaii when he was an infant, his momma had to work several jobs to provide for Mike and his two sisters; one of them died of a brain tumor when she was 9.

He excelled in football, and that got the attention of several college recruiters; Mike Wilson went on playing defensive tackle at the University of Utah where he graduated with a degree in sociology.

He planned to return to Hawaii but then Lisa appeared in his life and the rest is history; according to Deseret, Mike who had the opportunity to work in the fire department, chose to work on his own business, it was a challenge alright, but he could spend more time with his family and you can’t put a price on that!

Mike’s first job as a college student was at a mini-mart owned by Lisa’s family; he later bought the mini-mart. Eventually, he had the income to purchase a laundromat and some gas station/convenience stores.

In addition to that, Mike found the time to coach Zach’s little league basketball and football teams, he also became his son’s quarterback coach.

“I learned everything from him,” says Zach. “It was a me-and-my-dad kind of thing. If he didn’t know something, he’d research it. We figured it out together rather than hire (a quarterback coach). It was a learning experience for both of us.”

Dad pushed me to work hard. If I didn’t want to, he made me. That work ethic just wasn’t there yet. Now I’m grateful. (But) when I was younger (junior high age) I couldn’t play until I went to the gym or lifted weights. I started football at 7. Even then he pushed me. But not in a bad way.”

Anyway, back to Zach.  After two seasons as the BYU starter, with some injury issues, the Cougars coaches said there would be an open battle for the QB position before the 2020 season.

He fell under the tutilege of John Beck, a second round pick of the Dolphins in 2007 out of BYU and the difference was striking.

Wearing a royal blue mask, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson showed up for voluntary workouts at the school’s football practice facility earlier this month as BYU began welcoming back athletes in selected sports.

Forgive his teammates for not recognizing him, masked or otherwise.

Wilson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds on BYU’s spring camp roster, is heavier, stronger and more chiseled than ever before. He said he spent a lot of time during the coronavirus pandemic working on his strength, athleticism and conditioning.

The new-look Wilson can now easily dunk a basketball with two hands, a video that surfaced May 11 showed.

“Yeah, my athleticism has definitely improved,” Wilson told the Deseret News last week. “In high school, I could barely dunk — just a little bit. I am now to the point where I can windmill dunk and dunk without even taking a step, just standing under the hoop.”

Suffice it to say, the rising junior hasn’t wasted the last few months lounging around and doing the bare minimums to satisfy his coaches in Zoom meetings. He’s completely healthy for the first offseason since arriving at BYU in 2018, and he’s determined to win back the starting quarterback job that coaches have said is wide open after backups Jaren Hall and Baylor Romney played well when they got the chance last fall.

“My vertical (jumping ability) and my speed have improved,” he said. “I think it is just that maturity and aging process and development that has enabled me to get bigger, faster and stronger.”

In April and early May, Wilson spent three weeks getting tutored by former BYU quarterback John Beck and others at the 3DQB training camp for quarterbacks in Huntington Beach, California. Since then, he returns almost every weekend for more instruction, often making the 650-mile drive down on Friday and returning on Sunday to save money.

– – –

At 3DQB, he’s been able to rub shoulders with and learn from NFL QBs such as the 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo, the Bears’ Mitch Trubisky, the Raiders’ Marcus Mariota and the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott. The facility has also worked with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Jared Goff, Matt Ryan, Matt Stafford and others.

 “It is fun to go out there and see them all,” Beck said. “I threw with Drew Brees a couple months last year. They do a lot of pro day guys in college as well. Justin Herbert (Oregon), Jordan Love (Utah State) and Jacob Eason (Washington) were out there training for this year’s draft.”

Wilson was a revelation when BYU returned to action, passing for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for 255 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games. With 73.5%, he broke Steve Young’s school completion percentage in a season at 73.5 percent.

His play was incredible, although some tried to sabotage his rise up the draft board.  This from Walter Football started it:

In speaking to a director of college scouting from a NFC team that is in the market for a new quarterback, he outlined the makeup concerns with Wilson:

“Johnny Manziel comp without the [drugs]. [Wilson] is fun to watch, but is he a 1-year flash in the pan? He’s a backyard baller who is fun to watch.”

“Someone will grab him in the first [round]. I doubt he gets to the second [round] because once the third quarterback goes, after Lawrence and Fields, there will be a run on them. [Wilson] has character concerns, rich kid who is an entitled brat – uncle owns Jet Blue -, parents are a pain, not a leader, selfish, and he’s a know-it-all.

“His positives are that he’s super competitive, not to get scared and won’t back down, extremely confident, very smart with keen recall and teammates will play for him.”

That college director outlined the makeup of Wilson well, but his team is strict on character, so perhaps that plays into them having Wilson as the fourth quarterback.

In speaking to a director of college scouting from another team, they said this regarding Wilson in the first round:

“[Wilson]’s going to go high. He may rise to the second quarterback in the draft. I think he’s a second-rounder, but I just feel the quarterback spot is different than others and the round is just a starting point. The postseason process changes a lot. He is as talented as the rest, minus Lawrence.”

Jacob Hutchinson of KNBR.com in December.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was stunned by this. He joined the Murph and Mac Show on Thursday with Adam Copeland and Marcus Thompson, and was taken aback by Copeland telling him about the report.

Schefter said he had gotten off the phone with a source telling him about Wilson moments before joining the show, and said he’s only heard rave reviews. His belief? Wilson, not Justin Fields, is the second quarterback picked in the NFL Draft, meaning he may well be outside of the 49ers’ range, and likely to the New York Jets, at No. 2.

“Wow. I mean, first of all, everything you said there just floored me and it floored me because number one, I think he’s gonna be the second quarterback picked, not the third,” Schefter said. “I think he’ll go second. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the guy, and that he got quote unquote “special intangibles.” I hung up the phone, literally before I came on the show, with somebody who was telling me all about him, and it couldn’t have been any further from what you said. I can’t even believe we’re talking about the same guy.”

He said he would have to continue calling around the league because the “portrait” that was painted for him was nothing like the one from the Walter Football report.

“I’ve heard Zach Wilson is an incredible kid, but again, a little bit new on the scene,” Schefter said. “Have to vet it out, check him out, make more calls, but I know people that know him pretty well, and they speak pretty highly about him.”

And this from Deseret.com:

To his teammates and coaches, this was the biggest stretch of pasture biscuits they’d ever heard.

That, more than anything else in this story, was the most impressive aspect of the attack.

His mates had his back.

The motivations behind the attack are unclear. Maybe someone wanted to knock him down a bit so he’d be available for them to draft him. Some analysts put Wilson as the No. 2 or 3 quarterback in the draft, a first-round pick.

The reaction to the anonymous quote in the Walter Football article was quick and hot.

My compadre Jay Drew worked on a story this past week interviewing more than a dozen people who worked with Wilson. Not one mentioned anything close to the allegations.

One of Wilson’s offensive linemen, Chandon Herring, tweeted: “I played with Zach for several years & have nothing but respect for the dude. He is entitled to nothing and works longer and harder than most to reach his goals. Don’t listen to people who haven’t trained, worked, or played with him to tell you about his character.”

Teammate Kyle Griffitts called it “Click bait, not worth it.”

Wide receiver coach Fesi Sitake added the tweet: “Someone clearly had a plan to damage Zach’s reputation. But as you look around, everyone & their dog is coming to his defense, which only increases his stock & displays his true character. So whoever that random troll is that started this, your plan has backfired. Good job.”

Weber State-bound Corner Canyon receiver Noah Kjar also came to Wilson’s defense, tweeting, “@zachkapono was my QB my freshman year, and he was the biggest example to me. He led our team all the way to the semis with a team that wasn’t nearly as good around him. He made all of us play better. He’s a great leader. These guys don’t know what they’re talking about.”

It sounds like the Jets are satisfied, and he appears to be heading for the second spot in the Draft.  Chris Simms actually is among those who like him better than TREVOR LAWRENCE.

“I like Trevor Lawrence,” Simms said. “But the thing that jumped out to me more, there was more missed throws and inaccurate throws on the film than I thought I was going to see. Not to say that there are still not a lot of damn good ones, but I think that to me was the difference.”

So, who would Simms draft if he was the Jaguars’ GM?

“My big thing is, go with Zach Wilson. If you really want me to go make that sell or pitch, I would go, ‘Zach Wilson can run any offense. He is ready right now and I think he has less questions about his game than a Trevor Lawrence.’ That is where I would really sell you.

“I think his high-end talent is greater than Trevor Lawrence.”