| Some NFL draft picks will not be wearing the numbers of their dreams. @MikeLucasTVAbdul Carter asked Lawrence Taylor if he could wear #56. Taylor said no, make your own legacy.According to @joethomas73 on @ultCLEsports Jed Wills asked him about wearing #73 but Kevin Stefanski shut that down real quick #Browns– – -Boomer Esiason claims that for some teams the decision not to draft QB SHEDEUR SANDERS came from the top. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: Now that the dust is settling on the stunning Shedeur Sanders draft-weekend rollercoaster, more specific details are emerging about the attitude more than a few teams had about him.Via Jaclyn Hendricks of the New York Post, former NFL quarterback and long-time NFL analyst Boomer Esiason addressed the issue during his morning show on WFAN.“When you listen to this kid talk, right prior or at the Combine, about how if you want a new culture in your locker room, I’m the guy to do that, I can turn it around, he’s very high on himself, and I think he’s very off-putting to many, many coaches and general managers in the league,” Esiason said.“I’m telling you right now, and I know this after talking to three different personnel people in the NFL this weekend, they didn’t even have him on their board. They took him off, and they took him off because the owner said, ‘Take him off, I don’t want that guy. I don’t want this . . . entitled person on our team,’ and I don’t blame them.”And there’s the difference between granting anonymity to sources for opinions and granting anonymity for facts. Giving an unnamed source the ability to say whatever they want to say, however generally and negatively they want to say it, is no different than the venom spewed by Johnny5464369839 on Twitter. And media outlets that amplify those opinions are no different from the social-media sites that revel in allowing people to say whatever they want to say without anyone knowing who they are.Here, Esiason was specific. Multiple owners didn’t want Sanders on the board.Of course, it’s impossible to prove that it’s accurate, unless and until multiple owners will come out and say, on the record, that they didn’t want Sanders. But something caused him to free fall to a spot that lands well below his objective talent.The core problem seems to be that Shedeur didn’t take the pre-draft process seriously. His dad, Deion, may have done the same thing, as evidenced by his refusal to take the Giants’ lengthy test. He told them he won’t be on the board when they draft — and he was right.But Deion’s talent was objectively off the charts. Shedeur didn’t have that same level of skill. For those who aren’t no-brainer, top-of-the-class prospects, failing to play the pre-draft game can have consequences. For Shedeur, it did.He was asked over the weekend by reporters if he regrets anything from the pre-draft process.“Do I have any regrets?” Shedeur said. “I feel like in life it’s always a way I can improve. So it’s always in different areas I’m able to improve. And some things that I could have done at the time that seemed right at the time I could have went about in a different way and that was like more during the season and stuff like that.”Moving forward, the question is whether he takes what happened to heart and adjusts accordingly, or whether he becomes resentful, with his anger hardening into a belief that he was disrespected repeatedly by everyone — including the team that passed on him over and over before eventually throwing him a lifeline.It’s up to him. He’ll be more likely to prove those who skipped over him wrong if he realizes his own responsibility for the outcome and resolves to address those issues. |
| NFC EAST |
| PHILADELPHIAA large contingent of Eagles visited the White House on Monday, although their quarterback was not among them as the media duly noted. Here’s John Breech ofCBSSports.com: The Philadelphia Eagles visited the White House Monday, but several key players didn’t make the trip — the main one being Jalen Hurts.The Eagles quarterback wasn’t present at the team’s Super Bowl celebration because he had a “scheduling conflict,” according to a NBC News White House correspondent. Several other players also missed the event, including wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Eagles have known since mid-March that the White House celebration would be on April 28.These were the notable Eagles players who didn’t attend the ceremony: Hurts, Brown, Smith, Jalen Carter, Brandon Graham, Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith. Among the notable players who were present were Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean, and James Bradberry. CBS Sports counted between 20 to 25 Eagles at the event.Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, general manager Howie Roseman, head coach Nick Sirianni, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead and senior advisor to the general manager Dom DiSandro were also present.The fact that Hurts did not attend wasn’t a huge surprise. He had hinted last week that he probably wouldn’t be making the trip.Hurts was in New York recently for the 2025 TIME100 gala, and while he was walking the red carpet, a reporter asked him if he was “planning on visiting the White House.” Hurts gave about as noncommittal of an answer that you can give to a question like that.The Super Bowl-winning quarterback offered a simple “um,” before walking away from the reporter after about eight seconds of awkward silence. Although Hurts didn’t say anything during those eight seconds, he did make a few facial expressions that seemed to hint that he would NOT be making the trip to Washington D.C.Despite not being present, President Donald Trump mentioned the Eagles quarterback when honoring the team for their Super Bowl win.“Complementing Saquon’s historic season was an incredible year from star quarterback Jalen Hurts,” Trump said. “A terrific guy and a terrific player.”At the NFL’s annual league meeting earlier this month, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said the White House trip was “optional” for every player on the team, so no one will be punished for missing the event.“Our culture is that these are optional things,” Lurie said. “If you want to enjoy this, come along and we’ll have a great time. And if you don’t, it is totally an optional thing.” This from RB SAQUON BARKLEY: @saquonlol some people are really upset cause I played golf and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump ! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day 😂 |
| NFC WEST |
| SAN FRANCISCOThe 49ers get one of their big deals done as TE GEORGE KITTLE comes to term on a four-year extension. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: Tight end George Kittle joined the 49ers for their offseason conditioning last Friday, which was a sign that his effort to land a new contract were moving in a positive direction.They have now reached the finish line. Kittle announced on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast that he and the 49ers have agreed to a four-year contract extension.Kittle stands to make $76.4 million under the terms of the deal and there is $40 million in guaranteed money. The total value and average per year are the most of any tight end.A report at the start of last week indicated Kittle and the team were far apart in their negotiations and Kittle did not report for the first days of voluntary work with the team. His appearance on Friday may have helped push talks to completion and it sets him up to push his run with the team to 13 years if he reaches the end of this pact.With Kittle locked up, the 49ers will now likely move on to finishing a new deal with quarterback Brock Purdy. |
| SEATTLESeahawks Coach Mike Mcdonald clarifies that the team drafted QB JALEN MILROE to be a quarterback, not a Swiss Army Knife. Kevin Patra of NFL.com: he Seattle Seahawks drafted dynamic dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to develop him for the future. But one of the best running quarterbacks to enter the draft could see a packet of plays right out of the gate.The Seahawks could get Milroe in the game as a change-up to Sam Darnold, who operates out of the pocket, but head coach Mike Macdonald wanted to make it clear last week that the rookie quarterback is not the NFL’s new Taysom Hill.“The way (the Saints) used (Hill) was more in a tight end-fullback hybrid role, sometimes taking snaps; Jalen is a quarterback through and through,” Macdonald said last week, via Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. “He’s going to be trained to play quarterback for us. When he’s in there, he’s going to be playing quarterback. But the athleticism is going to come to life when he’s on the field.”Hill has played everything from quarterback to tight end to fullback to personal punt protector on special teams. The 34-year-old is currently listed as a tight end on the Saints roster and hasn’t started a game at quarterback since the 2021 season.Early under Sean Payton, the Saints moved Hill around to get him on the field. That plan was cemented after it became evident being a full-time quarterback wasn’t in Hill’s future. Macdonald’s response suggests the Seahawks don’t see that move as necessary for Milroe. The Alabama product will remain in the QB room.With Darnold and Drew Lock in Seattle, the question is what sort of role Milroe will play in Year 1. If the Seahawks are to get him into a package of plays, he’d have to be active each week. That would mean activating three QBs or Milroe leapfrogs Lock for the backup role.Macdonald was asked whether the Seahawks need patience with Milroe, a dynamic athlete who must grow as a passer.“We don’t use patience a lot around here,” he said. “There’s always going to be an urgency in how we’re developing our players, how we’re training them. Jalen is going to be right there with everybody else.”The Seahawks imported new coordinator Klink Kubiak and their top three QBs this offseason. While Darnold has some experience with Kubiak from their year together in San Francisco, it’s a new offense for all the signal-callers. How the quarterbacks split reps will be interesting this offseason and into training camp, with the starter getting most of the snaps. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYThe Chiefs thinks they struck gold with the last pick of the first round. Kevin Patra ofNFL.com: The Kansas City Chiefs might have plucked Patrick Mahomes’ future blindside protector with the final pick of the first round last week, grabbing Ohio State product Josh Simmons.On Monday, Chiefs director of player personnel and college scouting Ryne Nutt compared Simmons to a couple of veteran offensive tackles.“In terms of years past, I would say, Josh, when he was healthy at this year, this tape, would be one of the better ones in the last few years,” Nutt said, via the team’s official transcript. “He kind of reminds me of (Vikings left tackle) Christian Darrisaw, who’s done really well for the Vikings. He’s got a little bit of (LT Rashawn) Slater in him who plays for the Chargers. The kid’s arms are longer than I think people think, the (NFL Scouting) Combine measured him at 33 (inches) but his Pro Day — or 34 and an eighth, and I think that’s closer to what we kind of had, I think we had around 34 when we brought him in. The kid is super talented and super willing to work, and we’re excited to have him where we got him.”The Chiefs swapped spots with the Philadelphia Eagles, moving back to the No. 32 pick to grab Simmons. The Buckeye might have been OT1 in 2025 if not for a season-ending non-contact knee injury in mid-October. The issue could affect his rookie season, but the Chiefs were comfortable with the medicals late in the first round.“You could make your case for the best, but he’s definitely in the top three in this draft class in terms of what he provides,” Nutt said. “The only difference maybe between him and some other guys is he started two years and some of these other guys, like the LSU kid (Patriots LT Will Campbell) I think started more and you could say experience and stuff like that, but Josh is physically — he is elite. I mean, he is big, he’s strong, his feet jump off the tape. When you put this tape on, his set is as pretty as it looks now in terms of offensive line pass setting.” |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLEAn interesting point from Ari Meirov: Ari Meirov@MySportsUpdateThe #Jaguars are still projected to have 10+ picks in 2026, even without a first-rounder — and all that tells me is they’re not done making bold, aggressive trades if they want to add a player in August or during the regular season.This is a new era in Jacksonville where #bold is the word. The Jaguars have their second round pick and three in the third round. They can get to the first if they want to. |
| THIS AND THAT |
DRAFT GRADES –Just when we were contemplating a long research project comparing all the draft grades, Rene Brugler, whose first language appears to be German, did it for us. He compared 24 sets of draft grades – and then averaged them from New England (1) to Cincinnati (32). If you don’t want to squint (or can’t see his lovely chart on your browser) – here are the average grades and number of A’s each team received 1 – New England 3.67 18 As 2 – New York Giants 3.65 16 3 – Seattle 3.63 15 4 – Kansas City 3.49 13 5 – Philadelphia 3.46 11 6 – Las Vegas 3.44 11 7 – Dallas 3.40 8 8 – Baltimore 3.39 10 9 – Cleveland 3.33 810 – Jacksonville 3.28 811 – Carolina 3.24 10 – Tampa Bay 3.24 613 – New York Jets 3.18 514 – Arizona 3.17 515 – Tennessee 3.12 516 – Pittsburgh 3.10 617 – Buffalo 3.05 4 – LA Rams 3.05 519 – Chicago 3.04 5 – Washington 3.04 321 – Houston 2.93 222 – Indianapolis 2.92 323 – LA Chargers 2.82 424 – Denver 2.80 125 – Green Bay 2.65 126 – Atlanta 2.60 327 – San Francisco 2.48 128 – New Orleans 2.44 129 – Minnesota 2.35 130 – Detroit 2.33 0 – Miami 2.33 032 – Cincinnati 2.06 0 Average grade 3.02  |
| THE NEW BILL BELICHICKSteve Buckley of The Athletic: The first three-quarters of Bill Belichick’s “CBS Mornings” interview hums along nicely. The first-year head coach of the University of North Carolina football team comes across as chatty and relaxed, just as any first-year college football coach would be if invited to sit down for some pleasant offseason national television exposure.It’s the last couple of minutes of that interview that make even loyal “In Bill We Trust” fans wonder what’s going on with Belichick.This is no ordinary first-year college football head coach, even if Belichick’s new gig at North Carolina makes him just that. This is the Bill Belichick whose eight Super Bowl rings — two as an assistant with the New York Giants, six as head coach of the Tom Brady-quarterbacked New England Patriots — establish him as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Belichick also has carved out quite a reputation for being a tough interview, often using icy stares and such oratorical off-ramps as “We’re on to Cincinnati” to avoid providing any real information.During the CBS interview, then, it was only a matter of time before interviewer Tony Dokoupil would ask a question that Belichick didn’t want to answer — or, in this case, never got a chance to answer. Nearly six minutes into a roughly eight-minute segment, a voiceover from Dokoupil brings up Jordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of the 73-year-old coach. Says Dokoupil: “Jordon was a constant presence during our interview.”A still photo is shown of Hudson standing on the set next to a seated Belichick, and then we’re back to the interview.“You have Jordon right over there, everybody in the world seems to be following this relationship …” Dokoupil says, with a cutaway shot showing Hudson off-set, seated at a desk and huddled over a monitor. It’s as though her job here is to be Belichick’s personal defensive coordinator.“How did you guys meet?” Dokoupil asks. The shot is set up in such a way that Belichick’s back is to the camera, facing Dokoupil. The shot is pulled far enough back to reveal Hudson seated at the off-set desk.“We’re not talking about this,” Hudson says. CBS added captioning in case any viewers were unable to hear what she said.Now, if you’re here for piety and pearl-clutching over the age difference between Belichick and Hudson, you’ve come to the wrong place. He’s an adult. She’s an adult. But why is it that Belichick now finds it necessary to have somebody, anybody, sitting in the wings, poised to fend off unwanted questions? Bill Belichick needs that?In the past, Belichick had no problem delivering non-answers to questions that didn’t interest him or serve his purposes. Heck, he was on his game of stony avoidance earlier in this very interview, as when Dokoupil asks Belichick why he makes no mention of Patriots owner Robert Kraft in his recently-released book, “The Art of Winning.”Dokoupil: “I have to ask about Robert Kraft … 24 years together, six Super Bowls. Unless I’m wrong, he’s not in this book. How come?”Belichick: “He’s not. Well, again, it’s about my life lessons in football, and it’s really more about the ones I experienced directly.”Dokoupil: “He’s not even in the acknowledgment section.”(Three-second pause.)Belichick: “Correct.”Dokoupil: “Do you feel like you were treated with dignity and respect when you were let go by Robert Kraft?”Belichick: “Yeah, well, it was a mutual decision for us to part ways.”Dokoupil: “He said ‘fired.’”Belichick: “It was a mutual decision.”Like it or not, that’s vintage Belichick right there. That’s also when the topic turned to Hudson. It’s at this point that viewers can easily throw the coach a lifeline, say to themselves that, hey, Hudson is part of Belichick’s private life, that this should not have been part of the discussion, that he was there to talk UNC football and the good old days with the Patriots.But the Belichick-Hudson relationship has become quite public — and by design, what with Hudson’s active social media presence. There’s also the issue of Belichick reportedly asking that Hudson be cc’d on the coach’s work emails. Maybe she’s Belichick’s for-real defensive coordinator, not just the off-camera question deflector.Belichick has earned a reputation over the years as a storied micromanager, known for attending to every last detail of every last situation. As for media appearances, Belichick has been known to be historically, unapologetically elusive — but also occasionally funny.In January 2015, when the Tom Brady “Deflategate” saga was in its early stages and Belichick was grilled with questions during a Gillette Stadium news conference, he pulled the film “My Cousin Vinny” out of thin air when he said, “I would not say that I’m the Mona Lisa Vito of the football world as she was in the car expertise area.”Belichick also would occasionally wander into what I’ve called “Storytime with Bill.” This would usually happen on the Friday before a game, by which time the media throng was generally limited to beat writers who know their X’s and O’s. That’s when Belichick, if he was in the mood, would deliver a compelling lecture on some obscure facet of football history, of which he knows plenty.We’ll never know what direction Belichick might have taken the interview when asked about Hudson. Might he have been elusive? Funny? Perhaps a story about his father, the late Steve Belichick, and his brief NFL playing career with the 1941 Detroit Lions? We’ll never know because Jordon Hudson stepped in and threw a challenge flag.It’s not “wrong.” But it sure is puzzling. If the plan here was to portray Belichick as cool, what with his social media-savvy girlfriend fending off the old-school, on-set question asker, then the plan failed. Belichick instead came across as somebody who needed saving. And it’s hard watching this interview while defending Belichick as the ever-vigilant micromanager who misses nothing.Will this interview inspire the biggest and best recruits to take their talents to Chapel Hill? Doubt it. Will it help get Belichick back on the radar for a head coaching job in the NFL? That’s looking less likely.There used to be a Bill Belichick “brand.” Grumpy. Rumpled. Genius. Now there’s a Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson brand. We’re on to “awkward.” |
| 2026 DRAFTAnother QB from a famous football family will be the focus of the 2026 draft – or so says Dane Brugler of The Athletic. He has Texas QB ARCH MANNING at #1 despite his inability to play ahead of QB QUINN EWERS, a 7th rounder, this year. Thirteen of the prospects in my way-too-early 2025 mock draft a year ago ultimately were drafted in the first round last weekend (eight more were selected on Day 2; six returned to school).Before anyone gets upset about the projected order, I set it by flipping the current Super Bowl odds. Blame the betting books.1. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, TexasThe Saints haven’t drafted a quarterback in the first round since Archie Manning in 1971, so it would certainly be poetic if his grandson breaks that streak. At this point, scouts believe there is a good chance Manning returns to school for his fourth year in 2026. But first, he needs to turn the hype into on-field production as a first-year starter in 2025.2. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South CarolinaWith his dual-threat skills, Sellers was one of the most entertaining college quarterbacks to watch last season. It is probably too early to be talking about him this early in the draft, but that will change if he takes another step in his development as a passer.3. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, UtahThe Evan Neal experiment was a failure in New York, which is why the Giants might be looking at offensive tackle early in next year’s draft. Fano has first-round feet and was equally effective in pass protection and as a run blocker last season.4. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, Edge, ClemsonParker is one of those players you can’t help but notice when you are studying other players. His quickness off the ball and ability to affect the quarterback are frequent themes on his tape.5. Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn StateHad Allar declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he might have been the No. 2 pick (to his hometown Cleveland Browns). But he returned to school to further his development. If he continues to improve, he will be in the top-five conversation next April.6. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, DT, AuburnIt was impossible to ignore Faulk — and his ability to disrupt the quarterback and stuff the run — when studying the Auburn-Cal tape from last season. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, with long arms, Faulk, according to scouts, will be in the conversation to be the first defensive lineman drafted next year.7. Las Vegas Raiders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateIt has been almost a decade since the last top-10 safety selection (Jamal Adams in 2017). Can Downs break that streak? He played like the best safety in the country during his freshman and sophomore seasons, and there is no reason to think he won’t continue as a junior.8. Indianapolis Colts: Kadyn Proctor, OT, AlabamaA mammoth offensive lineman, Proctor appeared dominant early last season before his play diminished late, especially in the bowl game against Michigan. Nonetheless, the talent is there for him to become a top-10 pick, if he continues to improve as a junior.9. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Austin Barber, OT, FloridaA good-looking athlete at 6-6, 315, Barber shows off his range on pulls and climbs, and he is able to torque defenders off balance once he latches. He could interest a team such as the Browns, who have long-term question marks at left and right tackle.10. New England Patriots: Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, OregonThe Oregon defensive line was a joy to watch this past season — 75 percent of its starters were drafted this past weekend (Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell). Uiagalelei is the lone returning starter, but he might have the highest ceiling of the group.11. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeAfter playing his freshman season at Oregon State, McCoy enjoyed a breakout sophomore season after transferring to the Volunteers (13 passes defended and four interceptions). His ball instincts consistently stood out when I studied Tennessee’s defense last season.12. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, TexasThe Mike linebacker in Austin, Hill has a well-rounded skill set to make an impact as a blitzer, run stopper and cover man. The Longhorns had five defensive players drafted in the 2025 class, but their defense will be in good shape with Hill, true sophomore Colin Simmons and others.13. Miami Dolphins: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe 2027 draft class should include an epic group of wide receivers, but the 2026 class of pass catchers is a tad underwhelming at this point in the process. Of course, the Buckeyes have another first-round receiver in the pipeline, though — Tate could be Ohio State’s sixth first-round receiver in the last five years.14. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameLove is the only running back in this way-too-early mock, but he might be the class’ most exciting skill player. If he stays healthy in 2025, he will be in the Heisman discussion and cement his status as a first-round player.15. Arizona Cardinals: CJ Allen, LB, GeorgiaIt wouldn’t be a proper first-round mock without at least one Georgia defender. Allen was one of the best run defenders in the SEC last season and put several impressive coverage reps on tape.16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSUThe Steelers might still be looking for a long-term option at quarterback a year from now. Had Nussmeier bypassed his senior year at LSU, teams believe he could have been the second quarterback drafted in this past class.17. Chicago Bears: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, MiamiBain burst onto the scene as a true freshman two years ago for the Hurricanes and should again be among the ACC’s top defensive players in 2025, if he stays healthy.18. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonDespite totaling just 332 receiving yards over his first two seasons in Eugene, Sadiq is poised for a breakout season in 2025 with Terrance Ferguson now in the NFL. The 6-3, 245-pound Idaho native is an athletic pass catcher for his size.19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LT Overton, DT, AlabamaAlthough his impact appeared to tail off last season, Overton put dominant stretches together on his 2024 tape (see South Carolina). He has impressive movement skills for 285 pounds and should lead the Tide in pressures this season.20. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, ClemsonThe Clemson defensive coaches would line up the 315-pound Woods at defensive end last season to get the best four linemen on the field — and Woods didn’t look out of place. He will move inside to defensive tackle in 2025 and is on a first-round trajectory.21. Minnesota Vikings: Jalon Kilgore, CB, South CarolinaAfter earning Freshman All-SEC honors in 2023, Kilgore tied for the SEC lead in interceptions (five) with Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba in 2024. Another productive season will punch his ticket for next April’s early rounds.22. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyreak Sapp, Edge, FloridaWhile studying the Florida defense late last season, I routinely came across Sapp standing out on the Ole Miss and Florida State tapes. At 6-2, 275, he should be the leader of the Gators’ defense in 2025.23. San Francisco 49ers: Kage Casey, OT, Boise StateBoise State has consistently produced NFL talent, but it’s never had first-round picks in back-to-back years. There is a chance that Casey, who helped open run lanes for 2025 top-six pick Ashton Jeanty, could change that.24. Green Bay Packers: Avieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonJaire Alexander might not be in Green Bay much longer, but Terrell — the younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, reminds me a lot of Alexander. He’s undersized but an easy mover with natural cover instincts.25. Washington Commanders: Whit Weeks, LB, LSUWeeks was a tackling machine for the Tigers last season and looked like a future early-round pick. He suffered a dislocated ankle in LSU’s bowl game, but he’ll hopefully return to his 2024 form early this upcoming season.26. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiThe younger brother of Francisco Mauigoa, who was drafted this past weekend by the Jets, Francis Mauigoa was a big-time recruit for the Hurricanes and has started all 26 games at right tackle over the last two years. With improved consistency in 2025, he will put himself in the conversation to be a potential first-rounder.27. Los Angeles Rams: Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaThe fifth quarterback drafted in this mock, Mendoza was a pleasant surprise when watching the Cal offense this past season. He transferred to Indiana in the offseason, and it will be interesting to track his progress under Curt Cignetti.28. Detroit Lions: Anto Saka, Edge, NorthwesternSaka has yet to start a game in college, so this might seem a tad early for him. But he consistently flashed on tape as a subpackage rusher (see the Maryland game), and his traits haven’t gone unnoticed by NFL scouts.29. Kansas City Chiefs: Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYUA transfer from Utah, Tanuvasa missed a good chunk of last season. His strength and physicality was evident when he was on the field, though. He should be one of the Big 12’s best defensive prospects this season.30. Buffalo Bills: Kamari Ramsey, S, USCA potential top-50 pick had he declared for the 2025 draft, Ramsey is a rangy athlete with a good feel for coverage. He gives scouts a reason to focus on the Trojans’ defense in 2025.31. Baltimore Ravens: Evan Stewart, WR, OregonA former five-star recruit, Stewart teases high-level receiving talent (see the Boise State and Ohio State tapes from last season) but needs to string together better consistency to be taken this early. Will 2025 finally be his breakout year?32. Philadelphia Eagles: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston CollegeOzzy Trapilo, who was drafted in the second round over the weekend, locked down right tackle for Boston College while Bowry handled left tackle duties. Bowry’s run blocking needs to improve, but his efficiency patterns in pass pro drew scouts’ eyes. |
| RANKING THE OFFSEASONFrank Schwab ranks the NFL offseasons – 32 (San Francisco) to 1 (New England): 32 San Francisco 49ersGrade: D-The 49ers aren’t better. There were no key free-agent additions. Some extremely productive veterans like Deebo Samuel are gone. The first-round pick of Mykel Williams was very good at No. 11, and George Kittle is back in the fold at record money. That kept the grade from being an F.31 New Orleans SaintsGrade: DWhat’s the plan here? Overpaying Chase Young and drafting soon-to-be 26-year-old QB Tyler Shough in the second round shows the Saints aren’t ready to face reality. The Derek Carr situation isn’t great either. Not all their moves were terrible, but the Saints aren’t moving forward.30 New York JetsGrade: DAn offseason like this was coming after going all in on Aaron Rodgers and losing. Many good players left and not many were added. Justin Fields isn’t saving this. The draft was fine but not enough to turn everything around.29 Miami DolphinsGrade: D+The Dolphins’ swift fall has been hard to watch. They lost another high-priced free agent (S Jevón Holland), had veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill express their displeasure, had a so-so draft … it hasn’t been pretty.28 Indianapolis ColtsGrade: CThe Colts spending big on Daniel Jones because Anthony Richardson is stuck, instead of using that money to re-sign someone like guard Will Fries or pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, is hard to view as a positive. Tyler Warren was a good pick in the first round though.27 Houston TexansGrade: CThis ranking reflects skepticism that the Texans’ offensive line will be good enough to protect C.J. Stroud. If it’s not, the Texans ruining Stroud will become a narrative this season. The Texans need rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to pay off.26 Green Bay PackersGrade: CThere wasn’t anything wrong with the Packers’ offseason. But they didn’t add anyone that will move the needle, unless first-round receiver Matthew Golden becomes a No. 1. And he has plenty of risk.25 Detroit LionsGrade: CThe Lions did fine this offseason. They used the draft to help the lines. In free agency, swapping cornerback Carlton Davis for D.J. Reed was good. They were 15-2 last season and didn’t need many big moves.24 Philadelphia EaglesGrade: CHowie Roseman’s moves will always get overpraised. The Eagles’ consensus draft grade was fifth-best in the NFL. Was that really the fifth-best draft class this year? Philadelphia lost a lot of talent in free agency. They’re set up well to absorb it. That doesn’t mean they had a great offseason.23 Cincinnati BengalsGrade: CGetting Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase signed was huge. Now, about that defense. Is the Bengals’ roster better than last season? First-rounder Shemar Stewart is a boom-or-bust pick, which is fine, but the Bengals can’t afford to waste any more time.22 Atlanta FalconsGrade: CThe Falcons got a lot of grief for their trade up to draft James Pearce Jr., but between Pearce and Jalon Walker at least Atlanta finally made moves to fix the pass rush. Not much else was exciting, and they’ll miss center Drew Dalman, who signed with the Bears.21 Pittsburgh SteelersGrade: C+Maybe they should be higher. Trading for DK Metcalf was needed. They made other solid moves, especially on defense. But who’s the quarterback? Even if it’s Aaron Rodgers, that’s no guarantee to work out.20 Tennessee TitansGrade: B-Cam Ward was the right pick for the Titans. He should be a good fit. The rest of the offseason was a little disjointed, though at least some moves were made to help a woeful offensive line.19 Buffalo BillsGrade: B-The Bills made plenty of solid moves to help the defense, including signing Joey Bosa and making their first five draft picks on that side. A receiver better than free-agent addition Joshua Palmer would have been nice though.18 Los Angeles RamsGrade: B-The Rams did well to upgrade from Cooper Kupp to Davante Adams. Re-signing left tackle Alaric Jackson was big. But many of their draft picks seemed odd, and they did practically nothing to help a secondary that needed some work.17 Seattle SeahawksGrade: B-Swapping Geno Smith for Sam Darnold is probably a lateral move, but Seattle obviously was out on Smith. The draft brought in a lot of athletes and help for the offensive line, and also Jalen Milroe as a fun quarterback project. But trading DK Metcalf hurts the offense.16 Baltimore RavensGrade: B-Baltimore didn’t add a ton of help in free agency but had an intriguing draft with safety Malaki Starks as a perfect fit and Mike Green a potential home run in the second round. Re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley was huge.15 Los Angeles ChargersGrade: BThe Chargers are building something good. First-round running back Omarion Hampton will make an impact right away, and second-round receiver Tre Harris will help too. Slowly, the Chargers are putting together a strong roster.14 Dallas CowboysGrade: BDallas’ draft, which was strong with value picks, saved its offseason. Free agency, which was highlighted by multiple players who failed as first-round picks elsewhere, wasn’t promising. The draft class needs to hit.13 Las Vegas RaidersGrade: BGeno Smith brings a level of competence to quarterback, though he’s just a short-term starter. Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech were two strong picks to start the draft. But don’t forget, the Raiders lost a lot of defensive talent in free agency.12 Washington CommandersGrade: BThe Commanders helped the offensive line by trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. Trading for Deebo Samuel and seeing what he has left was a fine gamble. Washington continues to upgrade its roster.11 Tampa Bay BuccaneersGrade: BThe Buccaneers might be very good this season. They retained core veterans Chris Godwin and Lavonte David. The draft brought another good receiver in Emeka Egbuka and needed cornerback help. Tampa Bay got better.10 Cleveland BrownsGrade: BIt’s hard to get too excited about a team with the Browns’ quarterback room. But the rest was good. The draft brought a lot of talent. The Myles Garrett situation got settled. Multiple veteran free agents will contribute right away. They just need to figure out QB. Good luck.9 Denver BroncosGrade: BThe Broncos’ free-agent class was lauded, but that ignores some serious injury risk with their biggest additions. Still, they added talent and continued to do so in the draft with cornerback Jahdae Barron and running back RJ Harvey, who should start.8 Arizona CardinalsGrade: BThe defense needed help and got it in free agency with Josh Sweat and others, and with four straight defensive picks to start the draft, led by first-round tackle Walter Nolen. The defense will look a lot different.7 New York GiantsGrade: B+If you love first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, the grade will be even higher. We’ll see how he works out. Adding players like CB Paulson Adebo and S Jevón Holland in free agency and edge rusher Abdul Carter in the draft upgrades the roster.6 Carolina PanthersGrade: B+The Panthers spent in free agency to upgrade the defense, which allowed them to take a No. 1 receiver in Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth pick. The Panthers needed a lot of work and keep adding important pieces.5 Jacksonville JaguarsGrade: B+It’s reasonable to downgrade the Jaguars for overpaying for the second pick, but it’s hard to fault them for landing one-of-one prospect Travis Hunter. The Jaguars also attacked weaknesses like their secondary and offensive line in the draft and free agency.4 Kansas City ChiefsGrade: B+The Chiefs get a good grade for keeping some key players. Retaining guard Trey Smith, linebacker Nick Bolton, receiver Hollywood Brown and edge Charles Omenihu was a win. And adding to the offensive line with first-rounder Josh Simmons and signee Jaylon Moore was huge too.3 Minnesota VikingsGrade: A-The Vikings had a plan. They let Sam Darnold go but used that money to help J.J. McCarthy. Done and done. Minnesota did great work on both lines and still brought back CB Byron Murphy Jr. and RB Aaron Jones Sr.. This was a smart offseason.2 Chicago BearsGrade: ACaleb Williams should be happy. The offensive line was overhauled in free agency and trades, allowing the Bears to use their first two draft picks on TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III. The defense got some help too. Winning offseasons will eventually pay off for Chicago.1 New England PatriotsGrade: AThe Patriots had a bunch of holes and went to work. The defense got a handful of new high-priced starters in free agency. The offense got juice with OT Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson and WR Kyle Williams in the draft. Stefon Diggs was added in free agency. New England remade its roster. |
