After making it all the way back from his horrific injury, QB ALEX SMITH says he is now retired.  Nick Shook of NFL.com:

Alex Smith’s improbable comeback ended up being his final act in football.

The 36-year-old quarterback announced his retirement Monday via Instagram.

Smith said earlier this offseason he was interested in pursuing a new opportunity under center once the inevitable — his release from Washington — became a reality, and he could have continued his career if he’d wanted to. Multiple teams wanted to sign Smith, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, but Smith instead decided a couple of weeks ago to walk away from the sport on his terms.

Essentially, there was no better way for Smith to go out than on his own terms, having made it back in nearly unthinkable fashion and leading his team to a playoff berth. Smith acknowledged as much in his retirement video, saying “even though I’ve got plenty of snaps left in me,” he’s ready to discover what awaits him in his next step in life, and first beyond football.

Football, though, is what drove Smith to battle through his arduous recovery, to be able to go on long walks with his wife, Elizabeth, and to run around with his kids in the backyard. It powered him back to the field in 2020, where he stepped in as Washington’s last resort under center following a benching ofDwayne Haskins and injury to Kyle Allen to post a 5-1 record as Washington’s starter and help solidify the position, even if only temporary. With Smith around to do enough to keep Washington competitive, the Football Team went on a run to finish 7-9 and win the league’s worst division, while Smith won the 2020 AP Comeback Player of the Year award.

Though he’d be unable to participate in Washington’s postseason loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he’d already accomplished more than enough to earn the universal respect of the football world. It would be a fitting final act to a career that had seen about as many high and low points as possible.

Smith entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick of the rebuilding San Francisco 49ers, who were desperate to find an answer under center for years after Steve Young’s retirement. They landed on the Utah playmaker who had shined in Urban Meyer’s spread attack, leading the Utes to a perfect 12-0 record and a victory in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

Smith had the weight of the world on his shoulders and struggled to live up to the hype, but not before Jim Harbaugh arrived and turned things around, helping Smith prove his worthiness at the professional level, helping the 49ers to a 13-3 mark and a division title in 2011. In that postseason, Smith authored a signature moment, leading an 85-yard touchdown drive in 1:28 capped by a bullet fired into the chest of Vernon Davis for the game-winning touchdown vs. the Saints.

Two years later, he’d been replaced by electrifying dual-threat star Colin Kaepernick and shipped to Kansas City for a fresh start under Andy Reid. Smith reached his peak with the Chiefs, earning three Pro Bowl trips and posting a 50-26 mark as a starter and helping Kansas City make the playoffs in four of five seasons. He also set the table for the Chiefs’ own new heights, helping mentor first-round pick and future NFL and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes in his final season in Kansas City before heading off to Washington.

Sadly, Smith’s career in Washington never got off the ground due to his leg injury. But in all, Smith showed he had the fortitude and perseverance to prove the doubters wrong and carve out a 16-year career that is undoubtedly worth remembering.

He finishes with a career record of 99-67-1, a passer rating of 86.9 and a TD-INT ratio of 199-109. His 99 wins are the fifth-most of any quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the common draft era, trailing only Peyton Manning, John Elway, Eli Manning and Terry Bradshaw. Smith also joined Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks since 1950 to start on three or more teams and have a winning record with each one, proving that while he was never quite a superstar at the position, he was a winner.

He can now smile and reflect on the good times while enjoying a long walk with his wife and kids.

– – –

After making their big trade last month, the Dolphins are six spots north of the Eagles.  The two teams could end up closer if these rumors prove true.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

@RapSheet

The #Dolphins have already made two moves in the NFL Draft and they may not be done yet: Sources say they’ve received calls from teams looking to trade up to No. 6 and it is something they’re considering. Lot of things in play, but Miami could be at it again.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Eagles could join the Dolphins in continuing to hopscotch in and around the top 10 of the draft.

With news that the Dolphins, who have moved from No. 3 to No. 12 and then back to No. 6, could be potentially trading down again, the Eagles, who started at No. 6 then went to No. 12, could be looking to move up.

Albert Breer of SI.com, via NBC Sports Philadelphia, recently explained that the Eagles could make a “short move” into the top 10 after picking up a 2021 first-round pick for falling six spots as the second half of last month’s bang-bang trades that started with San Francisco’s stunning move from No. 12 to No. 3.

A move to No. 9 would allow the Eagles to leapfrog a pair of division rivals, the Giants (No. 11) and the Cowboys (No. 10).

Breer notes that the Eagles also could trade down from No. 12.

While that could be applied to most picks in round one — the team could trade up, trade down, or stay put — the fact that the Eagles already have worked the board suggests they could work it some more. Much of it depends on how the board falls, along with the potential cost of moving up and/or return of moving down.

NFC NORTH

DETROIT

Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut.com hears that the Lions are willing to move down from #7 and thinks the Patriots make sense at #15.

The Detroit Lions kicked off the offseason with the blockbuster Matthew Stafford trade. As the 2021 NFL Draft draws closer, new general manager Brad Holmes could be looking for another move to improve the club’s future.

Detroit signaled the start of its rebuild this offseason by cleaning house in the organization and parting ways with Stafford. While Jared Goff will be the starter in 2021, this is still projected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL. With an emphasis on building a strong foundation for the future, Holmes could use the upcoming NFL Draft as a launching point for this franchise.

Sitting at No. 7 overall this team is in a particularly interesting spot. Four quarterbacks will likely be off the board at that point, leaving Detroit’s front office with a decision to make. It could stay put, with elite left tackle prospect Penei Sewell or playmaking receiver Jaylen Waddle on the board. Either player would be a fantastic addition for the future of this offense. But Holmes might have another idea in mind.

According to The Athletic’s Ben Standig, the Lions are looking for another deal and are particularly interested in moving down from No.7 on draft night.

It could be a gamble for Detroit, given an elite talent might only be available at that spot. But it’s undeniable that teams are desperate for a long-term quarterback, with the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots the most obvious trade-up candidates.

Evaluating Lions trade-down options

If Detroit’s preferred option is trading down, their decision will then be tied to how far they are willing to fall. Staying within the top-15 picks would be ideal, but Detroit also would receive a stronger return the further it is willing to move down the board.

The Patriots have been connected to two quarterback prospects and at least one should make it past the sixth pick. Bill Belichick likely wouldn’t be willing to package three first-round picks to land his guy, the price the San Francisco 49ers paid, but he can still be aggressive.

Detroit Lions trade: 7th overall pick

New England Patriots trade: 15th overall pick, 96th overall pick and 2022 first- and third-round selections

In the above scenario, the Lions would be very happy. They would have a trio of first-round selections next year and a pair of second-round picks. At No. 15, the Lions could draft linebacker Micah Parsons, cornerback Jaycee Horn or offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.

NFC EAST

DALLAS

The Cowboys have gone to work while other teams stay home.  Michael Gehlken in the Dallas Morning News:

A number of Cowboys players reported to The Star on Monday for the start of Phase One in the team’s voluntary workout program, sources told The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken.

While the NFLPA is trying to unite the entire population of NFL players by asking for a boycott of the voluntary offseason programs, the Cowboys have apparently decided to not join them.

The latest count has players from 18 NFL teams saying they will not participate in the on-field voluntary sessions.

Apparently Cowboys players previously met on this issue, according to a recent Pro Football Talk report, and it appears several Cowboys players and front office personnel are keeping quiet about the issue because of the sensitivity of it.

The union wants the players to miss the work because of continued concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, when the virus was at its peak, offseason on-field work was moved to the virtual space.

With the virus receding in different parts of the country, the NFL is trying to get back to business as usual. They expect fans to attend the NFL draft party in Cleveland, and the Cowboys are asking fans to show up for an NFL draft party in Frisco.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

Jason Fowler of ESPN.com has sources that say the 49ers are still confused.

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly still undecided as to which quarterback they will select with the No.3-overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

It was not that long ago that Alabama’s Mac Jones was locked in as the 49ers’ choice. That may well be the case in San Francisco but the news hasn’t reached the NFL media yet. Fowler added that many teams in the top-10 have been pleased with the virtual interviews given by Ohio State QB Justin Fields. Fields was hit with some spurious “work ethic” rumors recently but teams appear to be seeing past those claims. Fowler even added that North Dakota State QB Trey Lance will have a chance to become the No. 3 pick with a strong performance at his second Pro Day. The 49ers likely traded up to the third overall pick with a player in mind but are doing their due diligence on all possible options. Fields has moved ahead of Jones as the favorite in most betting markets.

SEATTLE

Newly-signed EDGE ALDON SMITH will be arrested if he ever sets foot in Chalmette, Louisiana again:

Aldon Smith signed with the Seahawks last week, but his availability for the coming season could be impacted by a criminal case in Louisiana.

Travers Mackel of WDSU shares a bulletin from St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann stating that Smith is wanted for second degree battery. Smith allegedly committed that battery during an incident at the French Press Coffee House in Chalmette.

Mackel adds that law enforcement leaders say there is video evidence of the incident.

The bulletin adds that Smith was last seen in a white Nissan sedan and asks that anyone with knowledge of Smith’s whereabouts contact the Sheriff’s office.

Smith spent last season with the Cowboys and saw his first NFL action since legal troubles and a suspension derailed his career in 2015.

Chalmette is down river on the Mississippi from New Orleans, just a few miles.

Smith went to high school in the Kansas City area.

AFC WEST

DENVER

Veteran scribe Woody Paige encourages and is encouraged about rumors of a Denver move up:

George Paton can guarantee that the Broncos get Trey Lance or Justin Fields.

He’ll ultimately make the final call, but already has made the first call to the Falcons. Paton could do the deal if he’s willing to pay the price.

The decision will be Paton’s most critical in his quarter-century NFL career and eventually could determine if he reaches year 30 in the league as the Broncos’ general manager.

G-Man’s 100th day in Denver is Friday. So far, so exceptionally good.

But the Quarterback Question-Quandary lingers.

Paton has Mile High regard for both Fields and Lance. He and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula attended their first Pro Days, which, presumably, would be their only workouts for NFL witnesses. However, each opted for a repeat passing performance — Fields last Wednesday and Lance this Monday.

5 players Denver Broncos should consider in second round of NFL draft

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and director of pro personnel A.J. Durso were dispatched for the follow-ups.

Intriguingly, neither coach Vic Fangio nor president of football operations John Elway has seen either quarterback in person at the Pro Days or in their college football careers. And George hasn’t named an assistant GM, the role he held with the Vikings before coming to the Broncos.

Thus, this is the Paton’s Pick.

An NFL source beyond the Broncos says that George and his offensive advisers continue to debate and dissect the two quarterbacks, but are open to drafting whichever is available.

I prefer Lance, but I believe George gives the slight advantage to Fields. Both perhaps become dynamic, long-term, franchise-type quarterbacks, but the risk-reward results for first-round quarterbacks is problematic.

The Broncos’ GM, coaches and scouts have spent hundreds of hours on a thorough quarterback investigation and researching what eight teams ahead of them in the draft probably will be doing.

Paton promised that the Broncos would be involved in every major deal, “quarterback is on the table’’ for the draft and the franchise definitely will have “competition’’ at its most vital position.

The Broncos have started 53 different quarterbacks in franchise history.

Drew Lock is not a cinch lock to be the starting quarterback.

But my opinion is the same as months ago: Lock will open the season as starter with a drafted, developing quarterback (Lance or Fields) or a veteran pick-up as the backup, although Brett Rypien will be in play because coaches and players like him as a Gary Kubiak-type reserve-sideline assistant.

A Broncos-Falcons trade is quite realistic. Paton and Atlanta’s Terry Fontenot are first-time general managers who served in similar capacities as personnel people and scouting specialists in Minnesota and New Orleans. They know each other well, and the two were the finalists to replace Elway in Denver. If Paton had turned down the job, Fontenot would have been hired. He took the Falcons’ offer six days after Paton was appointed.

Fontenot and Paton are trying to accomplish rapid turnarounds with franchises that have been on hard times after Super Bowls. The Broncos won Super Bowl 50; the Falcons should have won Super Bowl 51 before choking late against the Patriots. The Broncos haven’t been to the playoffs since their championship; the Falcons, in the past three years, have finished out of the postseason at 7-9, 7-9, 4-12.

What and who stands between the Falcons and the Broncos are old associates — the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, offensive coordinator on the Falcons’ Super Bowl team and rejected Broncos’ coach applicant — and John Lynch, who played for the Broncos and later was mentored for an executive’s position under Elway.

The 49ers own pick No 3. After the Jaguars select Trevor Lawrence and the Jets Zach Wilson, San Francisco will choose from among Fields, Lance and Mac Jones.

Then, the Falcons. They can pick one, but Matt Ryan is still QB one and will be for a while, especially with a massive salary cap number. Atlanta, in desperate need of defense, has been clear that No. 4 is available.

The Broncos probably will compete for the draft choice exchange with the Patriots, the Eagles, the Bears and the Washington Football Team. However, the Broncos possess the best number – 9.

Paton would be able to draft Fields or Lance (but not Jones) if they surrendered 2021’s No. 1, a third-round pick and ‘22’s No. 1, while receiving ‘21’s No. 4 and a fifth-round pick (Atlanta has three) in return.

Go, George. Guaranteed Giddyup.

AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI

The Bengals have new uniforms for 2021 – and the good thing may be that they aren’t very exciting.  Thoughts from Nick Shook of NFL.com:

Cincinnati is turning over a new leaf, and from the cover of the jungle emerges a new Bengal.

The Bengals released their new uniforms on Monday morning, completing a process the team has teased for months after wearing the same set since 2004.

“Our fans have wanted new uniforms for many years, and today represents the start of an exciting new era in Bengals history,” Bengals director of strategy and engagement Elizabeth Blackburn said in a statement. “Our new uniforms are bold, sleek and iconic. We designed them to be recognizable and timeless, like the Bengals helmet.”

The new uniforms follow a recent trend in design across the NFL, with many franchises forgoing busier looks for cleaner, simpler sets. The Bengals have done away with features that were prominent in the first decade of the new century, ditching colored shoulder yokes, side panels and outlined nameplates for a toned-down appearance that leaves the team’s trademark stripes as its most prominent feature.

The home black jersey features three orange Bengal stripes on each shoulder, with white, rounded numbers outlined in orange featuring sharp edges intended to mimic the architecture of the team’s home, Paul Brown Stadium. The orange jersey, presumably to be used as the alternate top as the Bengals have done since their 2004 redesign, follows the same pattern, using black stripes on the shoulders and white numbers with black outline. These jerseys can be worn with either white or black pants, giving Cincinnati options for when it wants to wear its alternate jersey. Each jersey displays the team’s Bengals nickname on the chest below the collar and above the numbers, replacing its striped B logo that had been worn in the same place since 2004.

The road uniform is the most significant change, and demonstrates the team’s open ear to its fans’ desires. After rolling out an all-white Color Rush alternate set in 2016, Cincinnati’s supporters quickly scooped up the alternate white top, which featured black shoulder stripes similar to the new look and black, block-font numerals. The pared-down approach resonated with fans, and Cincinnati has made the updated version of it a key part of its new look, which also displays the team’s Bengals nickname on the chest in orange and will be paired with their pair of white pants with matching black stripes down the side of the pants.

In an interesting approach, Cincinnati has chosen three sets of pants, but two with the same base color of white. While the white pants with black stripes can be paired with the white top to make a clean, sleek set that stands as an evolution of the popular Color Rush uniform, the team also introduced a pair of white pants with orange stripes that can be used with the home black jersey and the alternate orange top.

Another combination follows Cincinnati’s occasional decision to go with a monochrome look and could emerge as a new favorite of fans. Modeled by edge rusher Sam Hubbard, the Bengals released an all-black uniform that includes the black top with orange stripes and black pants with matching orange stripes. The white jersey can also be worn with the black-orange pants, creating a stark contrast that popped when modeled by running back Joe Mixon for the team’s promotional photo shoot.

While seemingly creating a uniform pairing that can only stand alone in the white top and white pants with black stripes, Cincinnati also released photos of players wearing the black tops with the white-black pants, creating a black-dominant look that is unquestionably sharp. Likewise, the white-orange pants work seamlessly with the orange top, giving the Bengals a potential of seven uniform combinations, all to be worn with the team’s unique striped helmet.

That is the only part of the uniform that remains unchanged. The rest is a simplified, cleaner look that relies on the team’s stripes as its most dominant feature.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

In court filings, Rusty Hardin, the attorney for embattled QB DESHAUN WATSON, proclaims all 22 women accusing the QB to be liars.  Although he might still settle.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

If there was any doubt (and there shouldn’t have been) regarding Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson‘s first substantive response to the civil charges against him, there should be none now. His lawyer, Rusty Hardin, admits that Watson and his lawyers believe that the women suing Watson are lying.

“Today we answered the lawsuits filed against our client Deshaun Watson,” Hardin said in a statement. “Mr. Watson has been adamant that he did not engage in any improper conduct and we strongly believe him. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether we are saying that all 22 plaintiffs are lying about the allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Watson is a resounding yes.

“We and Mr. Watson take allegations of sexual misconduct against women very seriously, as we all should. We have waited to respond to the numerous allegations made by Mr. Buzbee and his clients until we could responsibly investigate. In the few days since his accusers’ names have been revealed, as was required by Texas law, we are discovering an avalanche of false accusations.

“Only two of these 22 lawsuits allege forced sexual activity, which Mr. Watson vehemently denies. In the case of Sheneé Lawson, her business manager acknowledged to Mr. Watson’s marketing manager that the contact was consensual, but she still wanted money. And in the case of Marchelle Davis, witnesses state that Ms. Davis was happy and excited after she massaged Mr. Watson. She lied about being alone at the spa with him. She knew there was a security guard present at all times when Mr. Watson was there. In addition, she told witnesses that if Mr. Watson had paid her off, she would have supported him instead of suing him.

“I hope everyone will take a fair and measured look at these accusations as we go forward in these cases. We certainly welcome anyone with relevant information to contact us. We do not expect to make any other comment today. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.”

At some point, a scheduling order will be entered in these cases, setting forth various dates and deadlines regarding the pre-trial activities during which the parties will search for evidence to support and/or refute the various claims.

A settlement is possible at any time. Today’s activities on Watson’s behalf quite possibly are intended to pressure the plaintiffs to come to the table.

Apparently some of the accusers may not be properly “licensed” in the arts of massage.

The Houston Chronicle’s Alex Stuckey has been working hard behind the scenes and found out that several witnesses of Deshaun Watson provided him massages without a license, and that is a crime in a lot of states around the country.

“Names were spelled incorrectly. Licenses couldn’t be found for some. At least one woman’s massage therapy license has been expired since before Watson graduated from college. Giving a massage without a license is a misdemeanor in Georgia, where this woman works.”

Houston Chronicle released the details:

“Two others, Sara Fetherolf, who is listed as a licensed physical therapist working with Watson in Los Angeles, and Ashley Thomas, who said she gave Watson multiple massages between 2019 and 2020, could not be found in state licensing records.

Hardin told the Chronicle that Fetherolf is licensed in California, but the Chronicle could find no record of it.

The only Ashley Thomas that could be found in the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation database became a licensed massage therapist in 2004, but her license later expired. Hardin’s press release said Thomas became a licensed massage therapist in Oklahoma in 2007 and now owns a spa in Grand Prairie.

Hardin said another woman in Georgia, Luretia Dany Craig, received her therapy license from the Atlanta School of Massage in 2008 and that she primarily works with athletes, active adults and entertainers. No current license could be found for Craig, although her statement does not specify when she worked with Watson.

In both Texas and Georgia, massaging someone without a license is a misdemeanor offense.

Hardin said his team knew that both Thomas and Craig were not licensed when they gave Watson a massage.

“They made that fact known to us,” Hardin said in a statement. “They were not afraid of the consequences of sharing their story because it was the truth.”

On top of that, there are a number of women suing the Texans QB who were found to be giving those massages without the proper license.

“Many of the women who are suing Watson and said they provided him massages were not licensed. They admitted as much in their lawsuits.

Some were working toward their massage therapy requirements to obtain licenses, lawsuits state, while others admitted to providing the service despite their focus in other areas such as bodywork and stretch therapy, as well as makeup artistry.

After releasing in court documents the names of all 22 women filing suit this week, the Chronicle found that Buzbee misspelled the name of an esthetician who worked with Watson in November 2020.

The Chronicle also could not find evidence of a Texas massage therapy license under the name of one woman who claimed to be licensed.

A Texas-issued license is required to practice massage therapy in the state. Licenses from other states do not transfer, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.”

THIS AND THAT

QB SNAPSHOTS

MAC JONES

We will look at the First Round Five QBs this week.  First up is MAC JONES

He was born Michael McCorkle Jones, so we presume the “Mac” comes from the middle name and not the athletic conference.

His dad, Gordon, was a tennis player at Florida State and Flagler College, not the wide receiver from Pitt drafted by the Buccaneers in 1979.  Gordon played some professionally (once defeating Yannick Noah).

Gordon is now a lawyer, as is his wife, the former Holly McCorkle (hence Mac’s middle name).  They are the named partners in a Jacksonville law firm.  Other NFL QBs whose parents were lawyers include Drew Brees (both) and Andy Dalton (father).

Mac went to The Bolles School, the most elite school in Jacksonville that has also given us Chipper Jones, Falcons TE Hayden Hurst and a pile of top swimmers.

His older sister, Sarah (tennis, College of Charleston) and Will (soccer, Mercer) were college athletes.

Mac has been a top student with a hidden academic talent of knowing Chinese.  He has an interest in going into sports broadcasting and was a model as a child.

Mac is known as The Joker because at teammate felt he laughed loudly and with his mouth open like the Batman villain.

Mac originally committed to Kentucky, then flipped to Alabama – even with the knowledge that the heralded TUA TAGOVAILOA would be in the same class.

TREY LANCE

Trey Lance (if he is Carlton Lance III, we can’t find it, everything says “Trey”) grew up in Marshall, Minnesota, a town of under 15,000 not far from the South Dakota border and about 150 miles from the now-troubled Twin Cities. MLB pitcher Bill Gullickson and actor Steve Zahn are arguably the most famous people to come from Marshall prior to Lance.

His father, Carlton, came to Marshall to play defensive back at Southwest Minnesota State located there.  He played some in the CFL, then settled in Marshall with wife, Angie, a local girl.  Trey has a younger brother, Bryce, who is headed to North Dakota State as a receiver.

This on Carlton, a member of the SMSU Hall of Fame.

Lance is co-owner of Hampton Ridge Financial, an equipment finance company he started with Nate Bourne. “We both worked at U.S. Bank together and we started the business 12 years ago. We have eight employees,” he said.

Lance has a business degree (marketing minor) from SMSU. He played four years of football for the Mustangs. His wife Angie (Irsfeld) is a 1993 alumna who works at Schwan’s.

So Trey is a mixed race QB who looks something like Chiefs QB PATRICK MAHOMES.

Lance was considered the top QB prospect in Minnesota, and wanted to be a Gopher in the Twin Cities.  However, the U of Minnesota, and all other Power 5 schools, only saw him as an “athlete” to be moved to another position.

This from an NFL.com story from Chase Goodbread:

It wasn’t the first time Lance felt snubbed (after not being selected at a QB camp).

A couple months earlier, Lance visited the University of Minnesota for a recruiting event and was all in to be a Golden Gopher. However, Lance said coach P.J. Fleck, then in his first year with the team, saw him as a safety at the college level. Almost immediately, recruiting services changed his position from QB to ATH. Lance can’t be sure the change happened as a result of Fleck not offering him as a quarterback, but when his designation changed to “athlete” so fast — he noticed it on his ride home from the Twin Cities — how could he not suspect it?

Keeping his QB dreams alive, Lance went to FCS power North Dakota State where he red-shirted in 2018 (behind Easton Stick, now with the Chargers), had a glorious 2019 when he led the Bison to the national championship and then saw COVID limit his 2020 campaign to a one-game season where he didn’t play particularly well in a showcase event against Central Arkansas.

So Lance is big at 6-4, 230 pounds and young (he turns 21 in May).  An FCA leader in high school, this small town kid has no character concerns.  This from the Goodbread story:

Among the deeper digs for NFL scouting departments in the character evaluation of draft prospects is to learn what kind of teammate a player is. It’s especially important at the quarterback position, where a winning presence can permeate a locker room. Or, alternatively, sour one.

When it comes to Lance, (former Iowa State QB Zeb) Noland might be the only NDSU player NFL clubs need to speak with on the teammate topic.

Near the end of his redshirt season in 2018, Lance perked up in a quarterbacks meeting when he noticed a stranger sitting quietly in the back row. He’d heard a locker-room rumor that NDSU might be looking to add a transfer quarterback but had little reason to believe it. The Bison coaching staff had given him every indication he was the program’s next QB, from repping him with the first unit in practice to alerting him that if Stick went down, his redshirt would be lifted.

So naturally, when Noland appeared in a team meeting without an introduction, Lance sized him up as potential competition.

“I thought I was the guy (for the future), so of course you wonder what’s going on,” Lance said.

College quarterbacks transfer for mainly one reason — playing time — and they go where jobs are open. The Bison had an opening, as Stick was exiting and Lance was redshirting. Noland, who had been a reserve quarterback at Iowa State, was 22 and had won his only start in the Big 12. Lance was 19 and hadn’t thrown an FCS pass yet.

But with the table set for an unfriendly competition, a funny thing happened.

The two became so close, Noland has come to value his time with Lance as much or more than his time on the field. Noland recalls the meeting with Entz in which he was told Lance had beaten out the veteran transfer for the starting job: “I just looked [Trey] dead in the eye and said, ‘I’ve got your back.’ In that moment, the relationship we’d built meant more than who would start. We love each other.”

Noland describes a charismatic presence in Lance that exudes a quiet confidence and rallies teammates. At the quarterback position, intangible traits like that, paired with the top-shelf physical skills, can have a galvanizing effect on an NFL team.

“He’s so impressive to talk to, you think, I’m not betting against that guy,” said Jeremiah. “With some players, you just know they’re not going to fail. I had the same feeling about Josh Jacobs; you realize this guy has all the skills you need, plus he’s wired the right way. I feel the same way about Trey Lance.”

Had Noland transferred to any other school, to compete with anyone not named Trey Lance, he says he would have likely been bitter about a bench role. But even though playing time was the reason he left Iowa State for NDSU in the first place, Noland says that he Lance had stayed in college for 2021, he would’ve returned to be his backup once again.

“If I was anywhere else, I’d probably transfer again and try to go play somewhere for one last season,” Noland said. “But whatever he decides, I’m staying here, because I would never leave him. It’s hard to explain, but I wouldn’t give up another year of just being around him, even as a backup again.”

Here is what Daniel Jeremiah saw on tape:

When it comes to developing NFL quarterbacks, a few schools jump to the front of my mind: USC, Oklahoma and North Dakota State. Wait, what? Yes, North Dakota State! The Bison have dominated the FCS for the last decade, and their two previous starting quarterbacks emerged as NFL draft picks. After being selected No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, Carson Wentz has emerged as a top-tier NFL starter. His successor at NDSU, Easton Stick, was picked by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. I believe their current starter, Trey Lance, has the potential to be the best of the bunch. Here’s my scouting report on the redshirt sophomore.

Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 224 pounds (school measurements).

2019 statistics: 192 of 287 (66.9 percent) for 2,786 yards, 28 TDs and 0 INTs; 169 carries for 1,100 yards (6.5 average), 14 TDs.

Game tape watched: Delaware (Sept. 14, 2019), UC Davis (Sept. 21, 2019), Nicholls (Dec. 7, 2019).

What I liked: When I evaluate quarterbacks, I try to narrow my focus to these five key areas: poise, accuracy, decision-making, play-making ability and toughness. After studying the aforementioned three games, I can confidently state that Lance is off the charts in all five areas. Let’s look at each of them individually:

Poise: This is the most important trait for a quarterback, in my opinion. How do you perform when under pressure or in critical moments? When everything around you speeds up, do you have the ability to slow down and remain calm? Lance never looks rattled. He calmly and smoothly sidesteps pocket pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. He excels on third downs and in the red zone, always making the proper decision.

Accuracy: I say this all the time: Do not get caught up in completion percentage when evaluating accuracy. Lance completed nearly 67 percent of his passes, which is impressive, but the tape showed he was even more accurate than that number indicates. His ball placement is excellent. He really trusts his eyes and throws with anticipation, which allows his receivers better opportunities to run after the catch. He can layer the ball in the middle of the field (over linebackers and under safeties) and he excels on bucket throws (deep balls over the top).

Decision-making: I’ve never evaluated a draft prospect with this stat line: 28 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. You read that correctly. He had zero interceptions. When I saw that number, I expected to find an overly cautious player on tape. That wasn’t the case, though. He is selectively aggressive. When there are big-play opportunities, he lets it rip and will fit the ball in tight quarters. However, he’s very content to take his checkdown options if nothing emerges down the field. He makes full-field reads, and he’s very quick to get to his third option before delivering the ball to the proper location.

Play-making ability: Here are the two questions I ask myself when evaluating this skill/trait: 1) Can you make something happen when the play breaks down? 2) Can you use your legs to pick up yards when the defense provides you with those opportunities? Lance can do both, and he does it effortlessly. He has outstanding instincts to avoid and create from the pocket and excels on designed quarterback options/runs. He’s very athletic and generates big plays because of it.

Toughness: I noticed Lance’s toughness mostly when he was used as a runner. He ran over a safety on the way to the end zone in the UC Davis game. He’s very strong/sturdy, and he doesn’t shy away from contact. I saw the same things from Wentz during his time in Fargo.

Where he needs to improve: More than anything else, Lance just needs to play more snaps. He has started for only one season. I was really looking forward to watching him play against a very talented Oregon defense this fall, but that game has been canceled. The lack of big-time competition might bother some evaluators, but I’m comfortable with what I’ve seen thus far. Aside from that, there is one mechanical thing he can adjust and improve on. Occasionally, he will fall off the mound on throws to his left. His front side opens up too early and his placement can be affected. That is very easily correctable.

Biggest takeaway: I was shocked at the maturity in Lance’s game. It’s uncommon to see a redshirt senior demonstrate this type of control and mastery of a system. Lance was a redshirt freshman! He does a wonderful job staying in the moment and executing. I didn’t expect to see such a polished player at this stage of his development.

He reminds me of: Andrew Luck. I know Luck is a little bit bigger, but they are similar athletes and they both played with a maturity beyond their age at the collegiate level. I remember watching Luck run over defenders. I also remember being so impressed with his ability to execute on key plays in every game. I see the same things when I study Lance. More than anything else, these are two guys who exude confidence on the field. They are fearless, but they avoid being reckless. That’s a very delicate balance. Luck was on his way to a Hall of Fame career before shocking the football world and retiring a year ago. I don’t have quite the same grade on Lance, but he could get there with continued growth and development.

Another comparison from Walter Football:

Player Comparison: Josh Allen. Lance has a unique style of play and is a tough player to compare. He reminds evaluators of Josh Allen at times, but Lance doesn’t have Allen’s size. Lance is like a shorter version of Allen in that they have similar styles of play and are coming to the NFL from a lower level of collegiate competition. If Lance pans out in the NFL, I could see him being a quarterback similar to Allen.

2021 NFL DRAFT

CHARLIE CASSERLY’S MOCK DRAFT

Former Washington GM Charlie Casserly thinks his old team has its eye on QB TREY LANCE in his latest Mock Draft.  He also, with no explanation, has QB JUSTIN FIELDS lasting into the 20s:

Almost two months after revealing my first mock of draft season, quarterbacks are still all the rage. I have five franchises taking signal-callers in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft, including one team that trades up to nab its desired QB of the future.

1 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence

Clemson · QB

Urban Meyer selects his franchise quarterback to build around for years to come.

2 – New York Jets

Zach Wilson

BYU · QB

A new era began with the hiring of Robert Saleh. Snagging Wilson — a quarterback who rates higher than what I had for Sam Darnold before the 2018 draft — adds plenty of promise.

3 – San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones

Alabama · QB

Kyle Shanahan has enjoyed success with Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo. I rated Jones higher than both those guys back when they were coming out of college.

4- Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts

Florida · TE

The trade offers aren’t good enough for Atlanta to pass on arguably the best player in this draft class.

5 – Cincinnati Bengals

Penei Sewell

Oregon · OT

This pick is all about protecting Joe Burrow.

6 – Miami Dolphins

Ja’Marr Chase

LSU · WR

Discussions have circled all offseason around Tua Tagovailoa needing more playmakers. The Dolphins get a big one here.

7 – Detroit Lions

DeVonta Smith

Alabama · WR

The Lions need to upgrade the skill positions after losing their top two wideouts in free agency.

8 – Carolina Panthers

Rashawn Slater

Northwestern · OT

Sam Darnold gets a left tackle. Frankly, though, I can’t help but think Carolina could trade back and still nab Slater.

9 – Denver Broncos

Micah Parsons

Penn State · LB

The Broncos’ cornerback need was filled in free agency, so they add the best defensive player on my draft board to Vic Fangio’s unit.

10 – Dallas Cowboys

Patrick Surtain II

Alabama · CB

Surtain will team with Trevon Diggs to give Dallas two good, young cornerbacks.

11 – New York Giants

Kwity Paye

Michigan · Edge

The Giants, who desperately need an outside pass rusher, take advantage of Paye being available here.

12 – Philadelphia Eagles

Jaylen Waddle

Alabama · WR

With a skill set that compares to Tyreek Hill’s, Waddle may be the major receiving weapon the Eagles have been searching for. Jalen Hurts is the big winner with this pick.

13 – Los Angeles Chargers

Alijah Vera-Tucker

USC · OL

Vera-Tucker — whose pro comparison is Isaiah Wynn, as an offensive tackle — has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowl guard with the Chargers.

14 – Washington Football Team (Mock Trade with Minnesota)

Trey Lance

North Dakota State · QB

Washington trades up to get its quarterback of the future. With Ryan Fitzpatrick already in place, Lance could be used in Year 1 in packages that take advantage of his running ability.

15 – New England Patriots

Jaycee Horn

South Carolina · CB

With starting cornerbacks J.C. Jackson and Stephon Gilmore set to hit free agency next offseason, Bill Belichick begins planning for the future with a young player possessing plenty of upside, especially in New England’s scheme.

16 – Arizona Cardinals

Caleb Farley

Virginia Tech · CB

The Cardinals nab perhaps the most complete cornerback in the draft — health concerns aside — to boost the back end of Vance Joseph’s defense.

17 – Las Vegas Raiders

Teven Jenkins

Oklahoma State · OT

Jenkins can step in immediately and start at right tackle or guard.

18 – Miami Dolphins

Jaelan Phillips

Miami · Edge

After landing one of the top offensive talents, Miami gets another gem, but on the defensive side of the ball. Phillips will do well on Brian Flores’ unit.

19 – Minnesota Vikings (Mock Trade with Washington)

Christian Darrisaw

Virginia Tech · OT

Minnesota fills a big need by solidifying the left tackle position after Riley Reiff’s exit.

20 – Chicago Bears

Greg Newsome II

Northwestern · CB

The departure of Kyle Fuller created a void in the defense. Newsome is a versatile corner with good size and speed who can fill in on the back end.

21 – Indianapolis Colts

Kadarius Toney

Florida · WR

With T.Y. Hilton heading into his potential Indy swan song, the Colts need to find his replacement. Toney gives them a speed receiver. Indianapolis could also choose to trade up or back in Round 1 and target a left tackle.

22 – Tennessee Titans

Jalen Mayfield

Michigan · OT

In the wake of last year’s disastrous Isaiah Wilson pick, Mayfield fills an immediate need at right tackle and further boosts Tennessee’s dominant ground attack as a solid run blocker.

23 – New York Jets

Gregory Rousseau

Miami · Edge

The Jets address another need by taking a talented pass rusher who’ll wreak havoc alongside Sheldon Rankins, Carl Lawson and Quinnen Williams.

24 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Fields

Ohio State · QB

Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for Fields to develop behind a Hall of Fame quarterback for a year before taking over the offense.

25 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Pat Freiermuth

Penn State · TE

Now that the Jaguars have their franchise QB, they address the other offensive need not filled in free agency.

26 – Cleveland Browns

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Notre Dame · LB

Even after signing Jadeveon Clowney, the Browns add another talented defender who will have an immediate impact in pass coverage. 

27 – Baltimore Ravens

Joe Tryon

Washington · Edge

Tryon has a high motor with a lot of quickness, and I expect he would’ve gone higher had he not opted out last season.

28 – New Orleans Saints

Asante Samuel Jr.

Florida State · CB

Janoris Jenkins is gone, and Marshon Lattimore is due to hit free agency next year. Samuel has the ability to step right in and contribute.

29 – Green Bay Packers

Zaven Collins

Tulsa · LB

Collins fills a big hole in the middle of Green Bay’s defense. The Packers have always had success finding receivers on Days 2 and 3, and this year should be no different.

30 – Buffalo Bills

Tyson Campbell

Georgia · CB

The Chiefs exploited Bills cornerbacks in the AFC title game. Buffalo wastes zero time addressing this issue in the draft.

31 – Kansas City Chiefs

Liam Eichenberg

Notre Dame · OT

Eichenberg may need to start immediately at left tackle after all the turnover along the O-line. It’s a big ask to protect the blind side of one of the league’s top QBs.

32 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Najee Harris

Alabama · RB

The Bucs have the luxury of looking ahead a year after Jason Licht figured out a way to bring back all 22 starters from his Super Bowl-winning team. Harris is the future at the running back position, with Giovani Bernard, Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones set to hit the open market in 2022.