NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

The incisive mind of QB AARON RODGERS turns to the ins and outs of the NFL’s Covid Protocols.  The AP:

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he sees double standards in the safety protocols the NFL has instituted as it tries to complete a season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“You can dap up a guy after a game, but you can’t eat at the same lunch table as a teammate,” Rodgers said Tuesday on SiriusXM’s “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“You can go down to practice and hit each other and be in close contact, but you have to have Plexiglass between you and the guy next to you in the locker room. I just think some of those things, to me, really don’t add up.”

Rodgers added, “some of it is definitely for the optics of it, some of it probably based on science, but it’s definitely changed the season, for sure.”

The two-time MVP also noted that the protocols in place might have impacted team unity because they have prevented get-togethers such as weekly dinners or Halloween parties.

“I know a lot of people don’t give any credence or don’t [care] about chemistry, but I think it’s really important,” Rodgers said.

Packers wide receiver Davante Adams agreed Wednesday that the protocols limiting team get-togethers have been a hindrance.

“Obviously, in the past, we’ve been able to have a lot of gatherings — Halloween stuff, Christmas stuff, going bowling, doing different events some of the players put on — so it’s gotten in the way a little bit,” Adams said. “But we just try to strengthen our connection in the building and at practice through football as much as possible.”

During his Zoom session with Green Bay reporters on Wednesday, Rodgers was asked what has stood out the most about dealing with COVID-19 protocols now that the season has reached its midway point. Rodgers noted that the Packers have played all of their home games without fans thus far and then noted other moves the league has made to help the season continue.

“There obviously was talk about the protocols and the amount of testing we were going to do,” Rodgers said. “I think the [players’ association] and the owners agreed that keeping it every single day was important to making sure we had the right updates on the health of our players. I think that’s been good. I think it’s been a change, but I think we’ve done as well as we can in Green Bay. We’ve had a couple guys test positive, haven’t had the widespread stuff that so many people prognosticated about, that we weren’t going to get to this point. I think maybe some people even were hoping we wouldn’t get to this point.

“But I think the NFL and PA, talking about the protocols, I think have done a nice job of setting good guidelines on how we can try to get to the end of the season. Obviously, we had some games moved and canceled, but that we got eight games in, I think, is a win. Now we’ve got to get to the end of the season.”

NFC EAST

WASHINGTON

John Keim on QB ALEX SMITH’s path to this point as he takes over the WFT in the midst of a divisional dogfight.

During a videoconference with military veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center on Tuesday, Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith revealed the mindset during his recovery that also has shaped his pro career.

“Try to be as positive as possible,” he told the assembled viewers. “We all have our dark days. … It’s tough. Everybody knows some days are great and some days are really, really tough and frustrating.”

That also describes his career in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2005 as the No. 1 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, Smith has been cast aside, counted out and survived. He has been labeled a bust, made the Pro Bowl, been traded twice, injured several times and viewed as an inspiration.

Comeback continues: Smith on 53-man roster

Now he’ll make his first start Sunday at the Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, Fox) since the worst day of his career: Nov. 18, 2018, when he broke the fibula and tibia in his right leg.

It’s the toughest thing he has had to overcome — by far — but not the only obstacle.

While some players have a linear path to success, Smith’s has looked more like a river on a road map — meandering here and there but always flowing forward.

Here’s how all of that has unfolded in his career:

The early years

Smith struggled for most of his first three seasons with the 49ers, with flashes of promise his second year — his one season under offensive coordinator Norv Turner. As a rookie, Smith did not win the starting job out of training camp but took over in Week 5. A week later he suffered a knee injury against Washington. By the season’s end, he played in nine games but threw one touchdown to 11 interceptions.

After a better sophomore season — 16 touchdowns, 16 interceptions — injuries and poor play were again the story. His first three seasons looked like this statistically: 30 starts, 19 touchdowns, 31 interceptions. His total QBR of 35.4 was the worst among quarterbacks with at least 30 games played between 2005 and 2007.

It was not a good start. Smith was on his way toward wearing the bust label.

Shoulder injury

Smith’s fortunes did not improve in 2008, when he injured his surgically repaired shoulder and missed the season. Then, in 2009, journeyman Shaun Hill beat him for the starting job. But Smith reemerged and started the final 10 games, playing the best ball of his young career — 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions. Once again, he became the quarterback of the 49ers’ future — and he was only 25 years old.

The benching

In 2012, following the best 25-game stretch of his career — 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions — Smith suffered a concussion. And that all but ended his days as a starter in San Francisco. Colin Kaepernick, a second-round pick in 2011, emerged in Smith’s absence, and coach Jim Harbaugh stuck with Kaepernick after Smith had recovered.

As Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII — a loss against Baltimore — Smith could only wonder what would have happened had he continued starting. He helped Kaepernick behind the scenes, but the end was coming for Smith in San Francisco.

Trade No. 1

San Francisco traded Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2013 offseason, receiving two second-round picks. The move certainly paid off for Smith and the Chiefs. He was the NFL’s 13th-rated quarterback in Total QBR during this stretch (among quarterbacks with 50 or more starts), and he threw a combined 103 touchdowns to 33 interceptions.

But the Chiefs traded up to select Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft. Behind the scenes Smith tutored Mahomes, and Smith was in the MVP discussion in 2017 when he had career highs in passing yards (4,042) and TDs (26) with five interceptions. There was all sorts of talent on that offense, and Smith had elevated his game under coach Andy Reid. However, it was clear to all that Smith’s days were numbered in Kansas City.

Trade No. 2

With Washington wanting to move on from pending free agent Kirk Cousins, the franchise traded a third-round pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller to the Chiefs for Smith in 2018. It wasn’t a smooth transition for Smith; there was frustration on his end, along with the coaches, because of the pace of progress in this offense and what he was being asked to do.

But he excelled at taking care of the ball, and that, in part, helped Washington to a 6-3 record entering a Week 11 game against the Houston Texans. Washington was not a powerhouse, but it was playing better and leading the NFC East by two games.

Leg injury

For all the ups and downs of Smith’s career, nothing came close to what happened on Nov. 18, 2018.

On a sack by Houston’s J.J. Watt, Smith suffered the devastating injury. This is what followed: 17 surgeries to remove an infection, near amputation and a two-year battle to return to the starting lineup. At times he could barely walk; he needed an external fixator on his injured leg for eight months. Playing again did not seem like a realistic option for most of his recovery — until he started to make bigger strides in the spring.

Even this summer, members of the organization, while cheering him on, did not factor him into the team’s plans. But he was cleared to return before training camp began. Then Smith convinced the team to not put him on injured reserve before the final cuts and keep him on the roster.

His recovery was met with admiration and doubt every step of the way. It led to an inspirational story. And after opening the season as the No. 3 quarterback, he tasted his first game action since his injury in a Week 5 loss against the Los Angeles Rams.

“It’s about embracing what life brings at you,” Smith told the veterans Tuesday. “The good, the bad and the in-between.”

Now, at age 36, he’s back in the starting lineup.

NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA

RB CHRISTIAN McCAFFERY’s injury should not be long term.  Michael David Smith ofProFootballTalk.com:

The Panthers are preparing to play without running back Christian McCaffrey this week, but he may be good to go next week.

That’s the word from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network who reports that a second opinion on McCaffrey’s injured shoulder revealed that he’s got a good chance of playing next week.

That would mean McCaffrey would miss this Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers but would return the following Sunday against the Lions.

It’s been an injury-plagued season for McCaffrey, who has already missed six games. The good news is that backup running back Mike Davis has filled in more than capably for McCaffrey, carrying 85 times for 353 yards and catching 43 passes for 278 yards.

TAMPA BAY

The Buccaneers, hear in the person of receivers coach Kevin Garver, say WR ANTONIO BROWN has been a prince.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Antonio Brown doesn’t have the best reputation around the NFL, but in his first few weeks as a Buccaneer, his position coach says he’s been a model citizen.

Buccaneers receivers coach Kevin Garver said Brown has been excellent in practices and meetings so far.

“He’s done everything that I’ve asked him to do,” Garver said, via the Tampa Bay Times. “We’re in communication every day. We talk every morning, we talk all throughout the day. We have extra meetings that we do, and he’s done everything that I’ve asked him to do up to this point.”

Garver acknowledged that Brown did make one mistake on Sunday, cutting his route short on what turned into a Tom Brady interception. But Garver said that was the only time Brown didn’t know his assignment on a play.

“He really came out of the game with one mental error which, one week of preparation, I’d say that’s pretty solid,” Garver said. “I think that he really did a great job coming in, putting the time in. Really a lot of extra meetings, extra walk-throughs, really handled himself extremely well from a mental standpoint.”

The Buccaneers were terrible in Brown’s first game, but they still believe he’s going to be a big part of making them Super Bowl contenders down the stretch.

NFC WEST

ARIZONA

QB KYLER MURRAY is halfway to history.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is putting up numbers like no one before him in NFL history.

Halfway through the 2020 season, Murray has 2,130 passing yards and 543 rushing yards. That puts him on pace to pass for 4,260 yards and run for 1,086 yards this season. That would be the first 4,000-yard passing, 1,000-yard rushing season in NFL history.

No other quarterback has come particularly close to 4,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. The most passing yards ever gained by a 1,000-yard rusher was 3,127 yards by Lamar Jackson last year. The most rushing yards ever gained by a 4,000-yard passer was 706 yards by Cam Newton in 2011.

In Kliff Kingbsbury’s offense, Murray is playing in a system perfect for his skills. And it’s allowing him to do things that no quarterback has done before.

– – –

RB KENYAN DRAKE is closing in on a return after missing last week against the Dolphins.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Cardinals played without running back Kenyan Drake in their 34-31 loss to the Dolphins last weekend, but they may not have to go without him against the Bills this week.

Multiple reporters at the open portion of Cardinals practice have shared that Drake is on the field and working with the rest of the team. Drake hurt his ankle in Week 7 and didn’t practice at all before being ruled out of last weekend’s game.

Chase Edmonds ran 20 times for 75 yards and caught three passes for 18 yards in Drake’s place.

Those reporters also noted that cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is on the field. Kirkpatrick missed last Sunday with a thigh injury.

Safety Budda Baker and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips were not spotted on the field. The Cardinals will release their injury report with practice participation levels later on Wednesday.

SAN FRANCISCO

The NFL’s Bourne Investigation yields no indictments.  Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com:

A week after the NFL and players’ union opened an investigation into the San Francisco 49ers’ compliance with the league’s COVID-19 protocols, the team has been cleared of any potential violations.

A league source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that after a review of the team’s adherence to the NFL guidelines, the Niners were found to have met the necessary requirements and that no further action would be taken against them.

The Associated Press first reported the news about the 49ers being cleared of any potential violations.

The investigation into the Niners began last week after receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive and the team had to shut down its facilities before Thursday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. The league examined whether Bourne had been wearing his protective face covering properly and frequently enough.

Bourne, fellow receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and left tackle Trent Williams, landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as the latter three were deemed high-risk close contacts of Bourne. All four players did not play against the Packers.

On Friday, the Niners activated that quartet after Bourne returned consecutive negative results on his COVID-19 tests. But Bourne went back on the list Monday after another positive test, culminating a series of confusing events that coach Kyle Shanahan attempted to explain Wednesday.

“I mean, positive, negative, negative, positive, negative,” Shanahan said. “Those things happen, I guess, and we’re all just dealing with it. I know it’s a weird situation with him. It kind of is weird though, with everybody in the world, not just our football players. So, we’re just trying to do the best with the protocols and hope that he gets cleared up to where it’s always negative and hopefully we can get him out of here later in the week.”

Had Bourne been found to have violated the protocols, the Niners would have been subject to league discipline, including a possible fine. Earlier this season, the league fined Shanahan $100,000 and the Niners $250,000 after Shanahan didn’t wear his face covering properly during a Sept. 20 win against the New York Jets.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

The Chiefs are irate that the NFLPA sent an un-protocoled employee to breath on their players. ESPN.com:

The Kansas City Chiefs asked the NFL to begin an inquiry with the players’ association after a union representative held a meeting with the full team late in October without wearing a mask, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

The National Football League Players Association representative was in proximity while meeting with the players, a source told Schefter. The union representative is not subject to the same COVID-19 testing as players and regularly travels among the teams, the source said.

NFL playoff picture: Can the Steelers hold off the Chiefs, Ravens and Bills in the second half?

The Chiefs have had a handful of players on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list this season, including wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who was placed on the list on Wednesday. Hardman is fourth on the Chiefs in receptions, with 25, and third in receiving yards (395) and touchdowns (three). The Chiefs have their bye this week and next play against the Raiders in Las Vegas in Week 11.

Last week, the Chiefs put defensive lineman Chris Jones on the list, though he was activated the next day and played in Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Fullback Anthony Sherman missed three games while on the COVID list but returned to play against Carolina.

The Chiefs placed a pair of practice squad players on the COVID list at different times, including defensive lineman Braxton Hoyett this week.

It’s bad enough that the rep may or may not have been tested – but he or she couldn’t even wear a mask?

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

Covid Alert!

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com:

A Baltimore Ravens player tested positive for the coronavirus, putting the team back in the NFL’s intensive protocol.

The infected player is self-quarantining, and there were no other high-risk contacts, according to the team.

The Ravens announced they were informed of the positive test Thursday morning. Baltimore had just come off the intensive protocol on Wednesday, when All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list after 10 days of quarantining.

During Sunday’s 24-10 win in Indianapolis, the Ravens increased their precautionary measures. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said players wore masks on the sideline, in the locker room after the game and on the flight back to Baltimore.

“It’s something that we take very seriously and we’re working hard at,” Harbaugh said Wednesday.

CINCINNATI

The Bengals have claimed EDGE TAKK McKINLEY.  The AP:

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed defensive end Takk McKinley off waivers Wednesday.

McKinley was waived by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday after he called out the team for failing to trade him at the deadline.

The Bengals suddenly found themselves with a void at defensive end when the situation between the coaching staff and veteran Carlos Dunlap became untenable. Cincinnati opted to trade Dunlap to the Seattle Seahawks for offensive lineman B.J. Finney and a 2021 seventh-round pick. McKinley was in a nearly identical situation with the Falcons before they ultimately cut him.

McKinley had expressed his desire to be traded before the deadline, and he took to Twitter last week to say the Falcons turned down fifth- and sixth-round draft-pick offers from multiple teams despite his request.

The four-year veteran also said he requested a trade last year but Atlanta turned down a second-round pick offer for him. For extra measure, he included clown emojis in his tweet.

Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris then said McKinley would be held accountable for criticizing the team on social media.

2020 NFL midseason report: Biggest questions, record projections for all 32 teams

McKinley could bolster a defensive line that has struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Bengals are ranked 29th in the NFL in pass rush win rate, an ESPN metric powered by Next Gen Stats, and 25th in the league in total sacks (11).

Cincinnati traditionally relied on Dunlap and defensive tackle Geno Atkins to be its primary pass-rushers. But with Dunlap’s rift and injuries to Atkins and defensive end Sam Hubbard, Cincinnati has relied on Carl Lawson, who has been the team’s most disruptive pass-rusher. Lawson is the only Bengals player ranked in the top 70 in individual pass rush win rate, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

McKinley, a 2017 first-round pick, has been disappointing, totaling only 17.5 sacks in 49 career games.

McKinley, 25, was sidelined the past two games because of a groin injury and illness. He has played just 81 snaps and has only one sack in four games this season.

The Falcons had earlier declined to pick up McKinley’s fifth-year option, worth $10.3 million.

CLEVELAND

RB NICK CHUBB is back at practice.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

Nick Chubb felt great getting back on the Cleveland Browns practice field this week.

Whether he’ll realize a similar feeling returning to action Sunday against the Houston Texans remains a developing situation.

“I am not sure,” Chubb answered Wednesday when he was asked if he was confident he could play Sunday, via team transcript. “There is still a lot more to it than me just feeling good. I have to go through doctors, team athletic trainers and coaches. It is more than just me saying I feel great.”

Having missed the last four games with an MCL sprain sustained in a Week 4 victory against the Cowboys, Chubb was designated to return from IR on Monday. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported then that the Browns were “very hopeful” of Chubb playing Sunday.

Though there are four days for that hope to remain, it’s clear that uncertainty is still prevalent.

Whenever Chubb returns, it will be a boon for the Browns (5-3). Chubb’s six rushes of 20-plus yards are still tops in the NFL despite having missed the last four games. So far this season, Chubb has 335 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

“It feels great being back out there with the team,” Chubb said of his return to practice. “It has been about five weeks, and I been bored of sitting here and rehabbing every day so I was excited to get out there and actually get to run and hang out with the boys on the field.”

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

QB JOSH ALLEN feels like a Made Man in the Bills Mafia.  Marcel Louis-Jacques ofESPN.com:

Following the outpouring of support after the death of his grandmother, Bills quarterback Josh Allen professed his love for the city of Buffalo and the people in it.

He isn’t ready to leave that love behind.

Allen said Wednesday that he would like to play out his career with the Bills, his declaration coming two years after they made him the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history.

In honor of Allen’s grandmother, Bills fans donated money to Oishei Children’s Hospital, mostly in increments of $17, representing Allen’s jersey number. The donations began Sunday night; as of Wednesday afternoon, the hospital had received more than $300,000.

“My family is forever engraved here, myself included. I don’t ever want to leave,” Allen said. “I want to play for as long as I can and give back to this community and Bills Mafia.”

THIS AND THAT

2020 DRAFT

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com has QB ZACH WILSON rising like a rocket in the draft and projects him going from BYU to WFT.

NFL MOCK DRAFT

1 – NY JETS

Trevor Lawrence QB   CLEMSON • JR • 6’6″ / 220 LBS

Whew. That was a close one. The Jets nearly gave the Jaguars a big boost in the Lawrence futility sweepstakes with a win on Monday Night Football. But New York remains in the drivers’ seat to pick the Clemson quarterback.

2 – JACKSONVILLE

Justin Fields QB    OHIO STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 228 LBS

Jake Luton was actually pretty darn good in Week 9. But this still needs to be Jacksonville’s selection if the club picks No. 2 overall.

3 – CINCINNATI

Penei Sewell OL     OREGON • JR • 6’6″ / 330 LBS

The Bengals have actually been pretty competitive this season, and Joe Burrow has been outstanding given the circumstances. While I don’t expect this club to ultimately finish with the third overall pick, if it does, Sewell has to be the selection. No questions asked.

4 – NY GIANTS

Ja’Marr Chase WR            LSU • JR • 6’1″ / 200 LBS

Since inserting right tackle Matt Peart into the lineup, the Giants have gotten sturdier up front. The real need is at receiver. Chase should still be the first receiver off the board in April.

5 – WASHINGTON

Zach Wilson QB                  BYU • SOPH • 6’3″ / 203 LBS

This probably represents Wilson’s absolute ceiling, but the long-term stability of the quarterback spot is such a question mark right now for Washington that this would make sense. Alex Smith has fared remarkably well in his appearances this season but will be 37 next year.

6 – LA CHARGERS

Kwity Paye DL                        MICHIGAN • SR • 6’4″ / 272 LBS

The Chargers have one of the most efficient, big-play offenses in football and protecting Justin Herbert is a huge priority. But with Melvin Ingram set for free agency, the ‘Bolts revamp the outside pass rush with Paye, a freaky, ascending defender who’ll awesomely complement Joey Bosa.

7 – MIAMI (from Houston)

Wyatt Davis OL                       OHIO STATE • SOPH • 6’4″ / 313 LBS

This is the pick I keep going back to. It’s perfect. Sure, Miami defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau would be considered, but Davis directly helps Tua Tagovailoa.

8 – DENVER

Micah Parsons LB                      PENN STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 244 LBS

The Broncos could go in a lot of directions here. In this mock, they land Parsons to pair with Josey Jewell in the middle of their defense.

9 – DALLAS

Patrick Surtain II CB                      ALABAMA • JR • 6’2″ / 203 LBS

The Cowboys need basically everything on defense and select another big Alabama cornerback to pair with Trevon Diggs for 2021 and beyond.

10 – CAROLINA

Trey Lance QB                           NORTH DAKOTA STATE * SOPH • 6’4″ / 226 LBS

The Panthers are ready to take off. And while Teddy Bridgewater has performed admirably this season, Lance has a much higher ceiling in the NFL.

11 – DETROIT

Gregory Rousseau EDGE                MIAMI (FL) • SOPH • 6’7″ / 265 LBS

Probably not the greatest need for Detroit. This is strictly a value selection, as Rousseau has All-Pro upside given his length, athleticism, and production we saw as a redshirt freshman in 2019.

12 – ATLANTA

Caleb Farley CB                                VIRGINIA TECH • JR • 6’2″ / 207 LBS

Farley is a tall, athletic, and instinctive cornerback who’d give the Falcons a much-needed boost in the secondary.

13 – NEW ENGLAND

Jaylen Waddle WR                         ALABAMA • JR • 5’10” / 182 LBS

Hard to move off this pick, because Cam Newton has been throwing to a trio of undrafted free agents at receiver over the past few weeks. Waddle is as sudden as they come and wins at all levels of the field.

14 – MINNESOTA

Kyle Pitts TE                                     FLORIDA • JR • 6’6″ / 240 LBS

With Kyle Rudolph unlikely to return to Minnesota in 2021, the Vikings get Kirk Cousins a new, athletic, big-bodied tight end in Pitts.

15 – SAN FRANCISCO

Kellen Mond QB                                TEXAS A&M • SR • 6’3″ / 217 LBS

I have a hunch that Kyle Shanahan will adore the experience, pocket precision and throw-on-the-run ability from Mond come draft season.

16 – MIAMI

Devonta Smith WR                            ALABAMA • JR • 6’1″ / 175 LBS

The Dolphins receiver group is good. Is it great? Not right now. Give Tua a familiar face at receiver who will be able to get open immediately in the NFL.

17 – CLEVELAND

Levi Onwuzurike DL                           WASHINGTON • JR • 6’3″ / 293 LBS

Onwuzurike would be a perfect complementary piece to Larry Ogunjobi because the Washington star really gets after it as a pass rusher.

18 – CHICAGO

Rashod Bateman WR                         MINNESOTA • SOPH • 6’2″ / 210 LBS

Let’s go in a different direction than quarterback for the Bears for a change. Bateman would be the perfect Allen Robinson replacement, and Chicago will try to land a passer in the second round.

19 – LAS VEGAS

 Trey Smith OL                                     TENNESSEE • SR • 6’6″ / 330 LBS

With Smith the Raiders maintain their nastiness up front but get younger at the guard position.

20 – PHILADELPHIA

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB               NOTRE DAME • JR • 6’1″ / 215 LBS

The Eagles need to get more athletic at linebaker and Owusu-Koramoah is probably the most athletically gifted second-level defender in college football.

21 – INDIANAPOLIS

Rondale Moore WR                                PURDUE • SOPH • 5’9″ / 180 LBS

The Colts have one of the finest defenses in football. Their skill positions are lacking. Moore would work wonders in Frank Reich’s West Coast offense.

22 – ARIZONA

Brenton Cox Jr. LB                                   FLORIDA • SOPH • 6’3″ / 250 LBS

Cox has erupted as a productive, high-motor edge rusher this season for the Gators. He’d be the perfect complement to Chandler Jones as a stand-up rusher.

23 – TENNESSEE

Rashad Weaver DL                                   PITTSBURGH • SR • 6’5″ / 270 LBS

With Jadeveon Clowney set to hit the open market, and his play not exactly living up to his contract this season, the Titans are going to have a glaring need at the edge-rusher spot in 2021.

24 – JACKSONVILLE (from LA Rams)

Rashawn Slater OL                                    NORTHWESTERN • JR • 6’3″ / 305 LBS

Slater has some guard flexibility but don’t assume he needs to play there just because she’s a smaller tackle. He deals with quick speed rushers outstandingly because of his balance and low center of gravity.

25 – BUFFALO

Jayson Oweh EDGE                                     PENN STATE • SOPH • 6’5″ / 253 LBS

Buffalo needs to inject more youth at the outside-rusher position and Oweh has a freaky combination of get off and bend around the corner.

26 – NY JETS (from Seattle)

Alex Leatherwood OL                                    ALABAMA • SR • 6’6″ / 312 LBS

Even after taking Mekhi Becton in the top 10 in 2020, the Jets offensive line is in need of more work. Leatherwood has guard-tackle flexibility which boosts his value.

27 – GREEN BAY

Nick Bolton LB                                             MISSOURI • JR • 6’0″ / 232 LBS

Bolton is the type of rangy linebacker who’d thrive in Green Bay’s system that asks its defensive line to two-gap to eat blockers more than most.

28 – TAMPA BAY

Christian Barmore DL                                     ALABAMA • SOPH • 6’5″ / 310 LBS

The Buccaneers have to get more juice on the inside of their defensive line, even knowing Vita Vea is set to return in 2021. Barmore is the latest in a long line of disruptive defensive tackles from Alabama.

29 – BALTIMORE

Brevin Jordan TE                                       MIAMI (FL) • JR • 6’3″ / 245 LBS

Forget wide receivers. Get Lamar Jackson more tight ends. Jordan is dynamic after the catch.

30 – PITTSBURGH

Asante Samuel Jr. CB                                FLORIDA STATE • JR • 5’10” / 184 LBS

Samuel is a dangerous slot corner because of his twitch and instincts in zone. He’d be a welcomed addition to Pittsburgh’s secondary.

31 – NEW ORLEANS

Mac Jones QB                                               ALABAMA • JR • 6’3″ / 214 LBS

It’s time for the Saints to plan for the future at quarterback. Jones has been uncanny dissecting coverages this season and has displayed keen accuracy.

32 – KANSAS CITY

Alijah Vera-Tucker OL                                USC • JR • 6’4″ / 315 LBS

Vera-Tucker was a big recruit and glides in pass protection. Ideal fit in Kansas City.