The Daily Briefing Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Colin Kaepernick is serious about wanting to return to the NFL, and he’s willing to be a backup quarterback if that’s what it takes to get back into the league.

“I know I have to find my way back in,” Kaepernick told Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson and Adam “Pacman” Jones in an interview with the “I Am Athlete” podcast. “So, yeah, if I have to come in as a backup, that fine. But that’s not where I’m staying. And when I prove that I’m a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such. I just need that opportunity to walk through the door.”

Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, the same season he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. He said in the interview that if there was an aversion to signing him because of his protest, today’s NFL should be more aligned with his views.

“You have ‘End Racism’ in the back of your end zone. You have ‘Black Lives Matter’ on your helmet. Everything I’ve said should be in alignment with what you’re saying publicly,” he said. “It’s a $16 billion business. When I first took a knee, my jersey went to No. 1. When I did the deal with Nike, their value increased by six billion dollars. Six billion. With a B.

“… So if you’re talking about the business side, it shows [it’s] beneficial. If you’re talking about the playing side, come in, let me compete. You can evaluate me from there. The NFL’s supposed to be a meritocracy. Come in, let me compete. If I’m not good enough, get rid of me. But let me come in and show you.”

Kaepernick recently threw to undrafted receivers for NFL scouts at halftime of Michigan’s spring game, at the invitation of Jim Harbaugh, his former San Francisco 49ers coach. In the interview with “I Am Athlete,” Kaepernick noted that both of his 49ers coaches, Harbaugh and Chip Kelly, said he “made the locker room better,” contrasting a narrative that he would be a distraction for any team that signs him.

“That 2016 season, my last year, my teammates voted me most courageous and inspirational player. So, when you’re talking about the people that are in the building, that has never come out that I’ve been a distraction. That’s never come out that I’ve been an issue for the people I’ve played with,” he said.

Kaepernick noted that he hasn’t done interviews about his desire to play in the NFL again, and that’s because he didn’t want to feed the narrative that there would be a “media circus” if a team signed him. Privately, however, Kaepernick has reached out to teams for a workout. The only one he has received was from the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.

CHICAGO

A draft question about wide receivers for ESPN correspondent Courtney Cronin:

Could the Bears double-dip at wideout in the second round to give Justin Fields more options?

The Bears have picks at Nos. 39 and 48 and could be in play for receivers Skyy Moore, George Pickens or John Metchie III at either of those spots. General manager Ryan Poles likes how deep the middle rounds of the draft appear to be, so it’s possible Chicago ends up walking away from Day 2 with two receivers by selecting one in the second round and another in the third. Because the Bears have only six picks, the team could look to create more if the opportunity presents itself. Therefore, it’s possible Chicago takes a receiver in the second and trades back with its additional second-round pick to create more draft capital to use in later rounds.

DETROIT

Eric Woodyard is on the scene for ESPN.com, and he doesn’t think the Lions are looking to take a QB with pick #32 as some draft wizards have forecast:

Jared Goff is under contract for two more years, but will Brad Holmes entertain the idea of selecting a QB with either the No. 2 or No. 32 overall picks?

I’m sure the Lions will likely entertain the possibility of picking a quarterback, just like with any other positions. But I seriously don’t think they’ll take that risk — at least not right now. Detroit sees Goff as their guy, but that could change next year depending on how this season goes. The Lions need their first-round picks to come in and contribute immediately and won’t have the time to develop a young quarterback — particularly in a class that isn’t considered to be great by draft experts. — Eric Woodyard

PHILADELPHIA

A draft question for ESPN correspondent Adam Teicher:

With two first-round picks, will the Eagles entertain the idea of selecting a receiver for the third consecutive year?

They tried to trade for Calvin Ridley before his suspension and went after free-agent receivers, signaling their desire to upgrade the position. The big-money contracts handed out to veteran receivers of late should further incentivize teams to look for lower-cost options in the draft. So sure, I think the Eagles will entertain drafting a receiver in the first round if the stars align, but I’d put defensive line and defensive back as the more likely positions they’ll address early, with receiver in play on Day 2. — Tim McManus

ATLANTA

A draft question for ESPN.com correspondent Michael Rothstein:

If the Falcons don’t draft a quarterback in Round 1, where will they go?

The Falcons can really go anywhere — and I wouldn’t necessarily lock them into a quarterback at the moment. They are in a rebuild in which the franchise needs help at literally every position. So if they believe a quarterback is the best value at No. 8, they would go that direction. But wide receiver, edge rusher, interior defensive line and offensive line are possibilities, without question. The only way Atlanta goes quarterback is if management is completely convinced the player could be the Falcons’ guy for the next decade. Otherwise they need too much help elsewhere. — Michael Rothstein

CAROLINA

A draft question for ESPN.com correspondent David Newton:

Are the Panthers desperate enough at quarterback to draft one at No. 6 overall?

Desperate might be a little strong, but yes. They made it obvious that Sam Darnold isn’t the answer by their pursuit of Deshaun Watson and interest in other quarterbacks. General manager Scott Fitterer has said there are a couple of quarterbacks in this year’s class worthy of a top-10 pick. The Panthers were at the pro days of Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh), Malik Willis (Liberty) and Matt Corral (Mississippi), and are having each in for official visits. Carolina hasn’t used a first-round pick on a quarterback since Cam Newton in 2011 — and since then the Panthers have used only one draft pick total on a quarterback. — David Newton

TAMPA BAY

Some have said that QB TOM BRADY’s scheme to join the Dolphins was only delayed, not ended, by events such as the Brian Flores lawsuit.  But Josh Alper ofProFootballTalk.com has quotes that make it sound like 2022 is the last roundup:

Tom Brady‘s decision to reverse course on retirement and return to the Buccaneers was one of several quarterback big developments around the league in March.

Brady had announced his retirement in early February, but it didn’t take long for him to start having second thoughts about the call. Brady told Tom VanHaaren of ESPN.com that “at the end of the day, I just love the competition on the field” and that he didn’t have any doubts about his ability to handle the physical aspects of the job.

Brady didn’t discuss reports that he was looking to move to the Dolphins or that his relationship with former Bucs coach Bruce Arians was strained, but said he found there was “still a place for me” in the Bucs lineup this year. Anything beyond that remains very much up in the air.

“I know I don’t have a lot left, I really do. I know I’m at the end of my career,” Brady said. “I wish you could go forever, but it’s just not and football comes at too high of a cost now. My kids are getting older and it’s just getting harder and harder to miss these things. But, I wanted to give myself and my teammates and our organization another incredible opportunity to accomplish something that we’d all be very proud of.”

Brady has said in the past that he wants to avoid a farewell tour before retiring for good. No doors on 2023 and beyond are being closed, but his comments and flirtation with life after football will lead many to assume that the 2022 season will wind up being his final act.

ARIZONA

A draft question for ESPN correspondent Josh Weinfuss:

Miller: It seems like offensive line is a guaranteed first-round pick, but is there another direction the Cardinals could go?

Picking an offensive lineman is far from guaranteed for the Cardinals considering how many offensive options they lost in free agency. If the lineman is the best option by far there, then it could be a good choice. But Arizona needs playmakers, so a wide receiver would be the other move at No. 23. The Cardinals need to give quarterback Kyler Murray all of the targets if they want to get back to the playoffs and beat the Rams. Chase Edmonds and Christian Kirk have moved on, and A.J. Green is still a free agent. Those three account for a significant chunk of the Cardinals’ offensive production last year. They will be getting DeAndre Hopkins back this season, but he needs others to complement him. — Josh Weinfuss

KANSAS CITY

A draft question for ESPN correspondent Adam Teicher:

Will general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid use picks Nos. 29 and 30 or is a trade possible?

A trade does seem more likely than not. The Chiefs also have two picks in each of the second, third and fourth rounds. They can easily move for a player or players they like and Veach likes to deal. He traded the Chiefs’ first-round pick in two of the past three years and has traded up in the second round a couple of times since his first draft as GM in 2018. — Adam Teicher

BALTIMORE

The experts say the fourth round is loaded this year.  The Ravens say bring it on.  Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com:

The Baltimore Ravens are set to boldly go where no NFL team has gone before. Well, no team other than the Ravens.

If the Ravens use all five selections in the fourth round of this year’s draft (Round 1 is April 28), Baltimore will match its NFL record from six years ago with the most picks in the first five rounds in draft history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

When the Ravens had five picks in the fourth round in 2016, coach John Harbaugh compared the experience to “Star Trek,” saying then-general manager Ozzie Newsome was Picard and then-assistant GM Eric DeCosta was Spock.

“To me, we were in battle with the Klingons!” Harbaugh said with a smile.

The Ravens’ fourth-round picks that year were far from historic. Baltimore’s five selections — cornerback Tavon Young, wide receiver Chris Moore, guard Alex Lewis, defensive tackle Willie Henry and running back Kenneth Dixon — combined for 50 starts for the Ravens and no trips to the Pro Bowl. Only Young and Moore remain in the NFL, and neither is currently with the Ravens.

Baltimore now finds itself in the rare situation again. In the common draft era (since 1967), the only time a team had more than five picks in the same round was 1968, when the Cincinnati Bengals had nine selections in the sixth round.

Coming off last year’s last-place finish, the Ravens are looking for immediate dividends from a very busy fourth round.

“My mindset is every guy that we take in the fourth round this year better be playing for us — that’s why we’re taking him,” said DeCosta, who is in his fourth season as the Ravens GM. “That’s our expectation from day one; they go out here, they hit the ground running, and they play. So, that’s just the way that we look at it. Now, does the data back that up? Probably not, but that’s what we think.”

Of the 369 players drafted in the fourth round over the last decade, there have been almost as many players who didn’t play a game as a rookie (37) as those who started over half their games in their first seasons (43). Last year, 19 of the 39 players taken in the fourth round were on the field for less than 200 snaps.

Baltimore believes the fourth round will be more loaded than usual. Before last year’s draft, Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz told owner Steve Bisciotti that the 2022 one was going to be “pretty fat” because of the players coming back from COVID-19 after gaining an extra year of eligibility.

“I’m really excited about it because I think we have third-round value in those fourth-rounders,” Bisciotti said. “That, to me, is the way I’m looking at it and I think the grades are reflecting that on the draft charts that Eric has given me so far. You start looking at guys with certain grades and there’s just too many of them for some of them not to be there in the fourth round.”

The Ravens’ fourth round begins with the fifth selection of Day 3 (the 110th overall pick), which came as a result of Baltimore sending its 2022 fifth-round pick, 2023 seventh-round pick and offensive lineman Ben Bredeson to the New York Giants.

The Ravens then have picks Nos. 119 (their own fourth-rounder), 128 (acquired from the Arizona Cardinals), 139 (compensatory pick for losing Matthew Judon) and 141 (comp pick for losing Yannick Ngakoue).

In total, Baltimore is scheduled to pick five times in a span of 31 selections.

CINCINNATI

A draft question for ESPN correspondent Ben Baby:

Since the Bengals upgraded their offensive line in free agency, what other position could they target at No. 31 overall?

It makes sense for the Bengals to look at cornerbacks in the first round. Cincinnati has two veterans in Eli Apple and Chidobe Awuzie, but could use a young player who can be a long-term starter in 2022 and beyond. Cincinnati has never been shy about taking corners toward the end of the first round. — Ben Baby

CLEVELAND

The Browns with a big extension for CB DENZEL WARD.  Myles Simmons ofProFootballTalk.com:

At least one of the Browns’ first-round picks from 2018 will be with the team in 2022 and beyond.

Cornerback Denzel Ward has agreed to a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension with $71.25 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

With the new deal, Ward now becomes the highest-paid cornerback in league history.

Ward was the No. 4 overall pick for the Browns in 2018, selected just three spots after quarterback Baker Mayfield. Ward has been an integral part of Cleveland’s defense ever since, though he has missed games each season due to injury.

He was a Pro Bowler for the second time in 2021, recording three interceptions, 10 passes defensed, a tackle for loss, and a half-sack.

In all, Ward has appeared in 52 games with 51 starts. He’s caught 10 interceptions, recorded 50 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

Ward is now under contract through the 2027 season.

HOUSTON

A draft question for ESPN correspondent Sarah Barshop:

With the No. 3 overall pick, are the Texans in “best player available” mode or will it be a pick to fill a need?

The answer has to be best player available. The Texans have so many holes in their roster that general manager Nick Caserio shouldn’t be picky about which positions of need he is filling. After trading Watson, Caserio said he didn’t want to eliminate any position in the draft, including quarterback. While it seems unlikely the general manager would use one of Houston’s top picks on a quarterback, just about every other position is fair game. — Sarah Barshop

The DB has seen QB DAVIS MILLS play, so we understand it, he looks pretty good.  But it still seems funny that with DESHAUN WATSON gone, everyone accepts the fact that Houston is not in the market for an early quarterback with only last year’s third round pick of substance on the roster.

NEW YORK JETS

A question for Rich Cimini of ESPN.com:

After an aggressive attempt to trade for Tyreek Hill, do you foresee a wide receiver being selected at No. 10 overall?

Assuming the Jets don’t trade for a veteran by the draft, yes, it is a possibility. The top candidates are Drake London, Garrett Wilson and perhaps even Jameson Williams. But it is not a sure thing, especially not with two picks near the top of Round 2. With a deep receiver class, they could find a comparable talent in the second round. General manager Joe Douglas won’t reach for a need at No. 10 if better players are available. — Rich Cimini

THIS AND THAT

BROADCAST NEWS

Amazon will be the conduit for NFL Sunday Ticket per reports.  This is Nick Selbe of SI.com:

The popular football package NFL Sunday Ticket debuted on DirecTV nearly 30 years ago. Now, it appears to be heading for a new home—and leaving the cable world altogether.

Apple is reportedly the likely new home for the out-of-market football package at the conclusion of the 2022 season, according to Matthew Belloni of PUCK.news. The tech streaming giant has already reached a deal for Sunday Ticket, per Belloni, though an official announcement is “being kept quiet” at Apple’s request.

DirecTV holds the rights to Sunday Ticket through the end of 2022. The price for the package could be as high as $2.5 billion per year.

The move would be the latest in Apple’s live sports programming acquisition push. The streamer launched a Friday Night Baseball package for the 2022 MLB season, which premiered on April 8. Streaming rival Amazon Prime has already landed Thursday Night Football rights, with Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit serving as lead broadcasters.

– – –

Four of the top quarterbacks – and no professional golfers – will participate in the next The Match.  Kyle Porter of CBSSports.com:

With Phil Mickelson serving as the common denominator for the first several versions of The Match franchise but seemingly in golf exile over comments regarding the Saudi Arabia-backed Super League a few months ago, the quarterbacks are taking over the franchise. It will be old guard vs. new guard on June 1 at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas as Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers pair up against Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.

Brady and Rodgers are not new to The Match. Brady teamed with Mickelson in the second edition of the event back in 2020 against Peyton Manning and Tiger Woods. They teamed up again last year against Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers in Montana. Brady’s team lost both events.

Rodgers, who is probably the best pure golfer out of this group, has appeared at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am in the past. Mahomes and Allen are relatively new to the televised golf circuit, though Mahomes has been a fixture at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe, and Allen teamed up with Keith Mitchell this year at Pebble Beach.

When The Match was first held on Thanksgiving in 2019, it seemed as if it would be an event centered around Woods vs. Mickelson. Even when other celebrity athletes like Stephen Curry, Charles Barkley and a variety of QBs were added to the mix, the allure of 21 major championships from Woods and Mickelson carried the day.

However, last Thanksgiving, the first iteration without Woods or Mickelson took place when DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka squared off. Mickelson was on the broadcast for that one, though, and it still felt like the day was about him given his commentary throughout the event.

So, it will be interesting to see how this one goes.

The Match has been both an entertainment and seemingly an economic success. According to Golf Digest, the event has raised over $33 million for charity, but again, this will be the first one without a multi-time major champion. That could actually be a benefit the competition aspect as these four quarterbacks are similarly talented. They are also extraordinarily popular and will certainly draw a massive audience.

I’m excited for the festivities and hopeful the razzing extends beyond golf and gets more personal with Mahomes taking shots at Brady for unretiring or Brady asking Rodgers and Allen if they remember when the Super Bowl takes place. Even without Mickelson or Woods, the Match should and probably will thrive into the future.

This version will be a nice test case to see if it can carry its weight without a professional golfer in the mix. If so, the possibilities for the future are endless.

2022 DRAFT

What does Charles Davis of NFL.com have in his latest Mock Draft?

With the 2022 NFL Draft just around the corner, here’s my second crack at how Round 1 will unfold. The draft always delivers surprises, but this year feels even more unpredictable than usual, and I’ve tried to reflect that in this mock, with my final first-round projection coming out next week.

1  Jacksonville Jaguars

Travon Walker     Georgia · DL · Junior

The debate in Duval continues: Which pass rusher to select with the No. 1 overall pick? In this mock, the expectation that this Georgia Bulldog will continue to ascend keeps him in the pole position.

2  Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson     Michigan · Edge · Senior

Hutchinson is the top-rated player in the draft on many prognosticators’ boards. The Lions and their fans will be more than happy to welcome him to the Motor City with their signature greeting of “What up, doe?!”

3  Houston Texans

Evan Neal     Alabama · OT · Junior

The Texans opt to give their second-year QB Davis Mills some additional protection by picking this extremely athletic — and still growing — Crimson Tide star, who’s also the most versatile OT in the draft. Keep in mind that Texans GM Nick Caserio previously worked under the Patriots’ Bill Belichick, and the New England-Alabama connection is a strong one.

4  New York Jets

Sauce Gardner     Cincinnati · CB · Junior

It’s a good time to be the guy they call “Sauce!” He had a terrific college career, approached the draft process like a true professional and has aced every test along the way. The Jets have their next lockdown CB1.

5  New York Giants

Ickey Ekwonu     N.C. State · OT · Junior

Powerful, plays with excellent leverage (wrestling background paying off) and extremely competitive. He’s a starter as soon as the Giants turn in the card bearing his name. Daniel Jones approves this message.

6  Carolina Panthers

Malik Willis     Liberty · QB · Senior (RS)

I continue to agonize over what Carolina will do here. A more than strong case can be made to select OT Charles Cross from Mississippi State, but it still feels like a QB will be the Panthers’ pick at No. 6 … and it could easily be Pitt QB Kenny Pickett who gets welcomed to Charlotte.

7  New York Giants (from Chicago)

Kayvon Thibodeaux     Oregon · Edge · Junior

He’s exactly what the Giants need on defense, another edge rusher to aid Azeez Ojulari. Plus, this young man LOVES the bright lights, and none shine brighter than the ones on Broadway.

8  Atlanta Falcons

Jermaine Johnson II      Florida State · Edge · Senior (RS)

I’ve been convinced that WR is the right call here. Then I remembered that the Falcons have struggled — and then some — to accumulate sacks in a division that has Tom Brady and the Bucs’ passing game setting the pace.

9  Seattle Seahawks  (from Denver)

Derek Stingley Jr.     LSU · CB · Junior

The Seahawks have not been shy about declaring their intention to make their defense more intricate, and the most talented CB in the draft would certainly help with that goal. We all know that coach Pete Carroll will not lack for confidence in his ability to get this young man back to his 2019 CB1 form.

10  New York Jets (from Seattle)

Jameson Williams     Alabama · WR · Junior

The momentum continues to build that Williams will be back to full speed sooner than projected from the injury he suffered in the College Football Playoff National Championship, and that means he’s back in the competition to be the first WR off the board.

11  Washington Commanders

Garrett Wilson      Ohio State · WR · Junior

When you have one Buckeye WR already producing at a Pro Bowl level, why not add another who has the same potential? After trading for QB Carson Wentz, the Commanders seek to give him every chance for success. Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton is a popular name to also consider in this spot.

12  Minnesota Vikings

Trent McDuffie      Washington · CB · Junior

With Patrick Peterson re-signing, this is a great opportunity to bring in a talented youngster who will benefit from being around a future Hall of Famer.

13  Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

Kyle Hamilton      Notre Dame · S · Junior

My favorite player in the draft will be a tad disappointed that he did not get his name called in the top 10, but he lands in a good spot. Lovie Smith is a defensive whiz. He will utilize Hamilton’s talents at each level of his scheme.

14  Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Linderbaum     Iowa · C · Junior (RS)

The Ravens need stability at the pivot on offense, and this latest Hawkeye OL prodigy is the 2022 version of Creed Humphrey (who was fantastic for K.C. in 2021). I know, I know — DT is also in heavy consideration here.

15  Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami)

Jordan Davis     Georgia · DT · Senior

Wait, what? The Ravens didn’t take a DT?! Well, the Eagles do, helping to fortify their front after bringing back six-time Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox.

16  New Orleans Saints (from IND thru PHI)

Chris Olave        Ohio State · WR · Senior

The Saints are excited to get their two-time All-Pro WR Michael Thomas back at full speed. Add this flyer from Columbus to the mix, and their joy is full.

17  Los Angeles Chargers

Charles Cross      Mississippi State · OT · Sophomore (RS)

The Chargers can’t believe their luck when the best pass-protecting OT in the draft is still available at No. 17 overall. Cross will help keep prized QB Justin Herbert upright and slingin’ it.

18 Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)

Drake London      USC · WR · Junior

Big frame, big catch radius, breaks tackles and tacks on additional yardage after the catch. QB Jalen Hurts gets another versatile wideout who will help him continue to expand his game. I thought hard about LB here, but past precedent suggests that’s not a position the Eagles will target in Round 1.

19  New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia)

Devonte Wyatt     Georgia · DT · Senior

I love this guy’s competitiveness, strength, speed and bounce. He will provide consistent inside pass pressure for New Orleans.

20  Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder       Cincinnati · QB · Senior (RS)

Surprise! The Steelers have done their homework on this year’s class, and opt for the high ceiling on this rising signal-caller. Yes, Kenny Pickett makes a ton of sense, but Ridder’s overall athleticism really meshes with what OC Matt Canada wants to do on offense.

21  New England Patriots

Andrew Booth       Clemson · CB · Junior

The more you watch him on tape, the more you like what you see. The Pats have lost Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson over the last two years, so this Clemson Tiger will be drafted to play right now.

22  Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas)

Jahan Dotson     Penn State · WR · Senior

Fast, fast, fast. Dotson improved his play each year at State College, capping his collegiate career with 91 catches last season. A huge added bonus is Dotson’s beyond-his-years maturity, which will help him acclimate quicker with the Packers and all-world QB Aaron Rodgers.

23  Arizona Cardinals

Treylon Burks     Arkansas · WR · Junior

STRONG! Plays the game with force and can move around within any offensive scheme, creating splashy plays as a receiver and as a runner. Coach Kliff Kingsbury will start drawing up a package for him on draft night.

24  Dallas Cowboys

Kenyon Green      Texas A&M · IOL · Junior

The Cowboys’ offensive identity has been dependent on their offensive line, and it’s time for some reinforcements. Is Green the best pure guard prospect in this year’s class? A case can definitely be made.

25  Buffalo Bills

Kyler Gordon       Washington · CB · Junior (RS)

I’ve been a proponent of adding a WR here, but the secondary could use some assistance, too. Tre’Davious White is returning from a knee injury, and their is no clear-cut starter opposite him. Gordon’s ability to make plays on the ball catches your eye on tape.

26  Tennessee Titans

George Karlaftis      Purdue · Edge · Junior

The Titans really rebounded on defense in 2021 by getting their pass rush, led by Harold Landry, pumped up. They keep it going with Karlaftis, whose edge-pressure numbers in college were tremendous. I project him to improve his sack numbers along the way, similar to the way Landry has progressed.

27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Zion Johnson     Boston College · IOL · Senior

Tom Brady did not return to the Bucs to spend his time being harassed by inside pass rushers. Tampa lost two quality guards this offseason in Alex Cappa (free agency) and Pro Bowler Ali Marpet (retirement), so this BC Eagle (via Davidson) steps right in to protect TB12.

28  Green Bay Packers

Trevor Penning        Northern Iowa · OT · Senior (RS)

The Packers, eager to improve their offensive line, are beyond fortunate this aggressive lineman is still available. In my estimation, Penning competes right away to start at right tackle, allowing Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins to slide back inside to guard and contend for All-Pro honors.

29  Kansas City Chiefs  (from SF thru MIA)

Christian Watson       North Dakota State · WR · Senior (RS)

A willowy receiver with sub-4.4 speed, Watson helps replenish “Track Club KC” with WR Tyreek Hill now in Miami.

30  Kansas City Chiefs

Boye Mafe      Minnesota · Edge · Senior (RS)

I am struck by his speed and athleticism. He reminds me a lot of Frank Clark. Mafe has untapped potential as an inside rusher in sub or nickel packages. I have to believe Kansas City is considering Penn State edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie here, too.

31  Cincinnati Bengals

Kaiir Elam      Florida · CB · Junior

The Bengals rolled up their sleeves and went to work on improving their offensive line in the offseason. Their CBs played above expectations in 2021, so it’s a good idea to add in a fast, physical CB with really good NFL bloodlines (both his father and uncle played in the league).

32  Detroit Lions (from LA Rams)

Kenny Pickett        Pittsburgh · QB · Senior (RS)

I just returned from a quick trip to Motown, and the vibe of the city was broken into two areas for me: Media types advocating for a QB, even at No. 2 overall; and the voice of the fans, who want a defender. I was lobbied hard to prepare a Post-it with the words “Malik Willis … no matter what,” but how about taking this record-breaking ACC champion? Pickett is the top-rated quarterback for many evaluators, and the Lions select him at No. 32, which has been a landing spot for QBs in recent years thanks to the fifth-year option.