The solution being offered by the NFL is a consistent, steady drone of crowd noise no matter how exciting the action on the field might be. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

ans may not be present for games in most NFL stadiums, but it will sound like they are.

Per a league source, the NFL currently is considering the use of artificial crowd noise in the range of 70 to 85 decibels for games without fans present. As the source explained it, the sound level likely would be constant throughout the game, regardless of whether the home team or the visiting team has the ball.

In response to a request for comment, a league spokesman said, “We are finalizing plans.”

If the final plan entails the same sound level throughout the game, that creates a different competitive balance question than the league’s decision to let some teams host fans while others can’t. For a team like the Vikings, who have a significant home-field advantage coming from the noise generated by the fans who pack their stadium, the sound under normal circumstances will be lower when the Vikings have the ball and higher (significantly) when the Vikings are playing defense. Replacing that with artificial noise that remains at the same level for both teams at all times would not simulate normal crowd noise in that venue, largely wiping out Minnesota’s home-field advantage.

This approach will hurt both that have raucous home stadiums primarily consisting of their own fans, along with teams that have a nationwide footprint that results in plenty of their fans attending road games. (Some teams fall into both categories.) In contrast, this approach will help teams that are required to play on the road in loud venues, like in Minnesota, Seattle, or Kansas City, along with teams that either play in partially or largely empty stadiums and/or stadiums overrun by fans of the visiting team.

The Chargers, for example, will benefit from this approach. They typically have a home-field disadvantage because their fans are outnumbered by fans of the opposing team. Artificial noise that remains constant throughout the game will make things a lot more hospitable in their home stadium. Also, they won’t have to worry about venturing into opposing stadiums where the sound will be deafening as they try to run their offense.

It’s unknown whether artificial noise will be used to enhance the sound naturally created in places where partial crowds will be present. Again, nothing has been finalized. Here’s hoping that, if the league decides to use artificial noise, it’s done in a way that much better simulates how things would have sounded at a normal game in each specific venue.

Or, to avoid any and all issues or concerns regarding potential competitive imbalance or the failure to simulate actual crowd noise, maybe the league should use no noise at all.

85 decibels is fairly loud per this scale:

Office noise, inside car at 60 mph                                                                 70

Vacuum cleaner, average radio                                                                    75

Heavy traffic, window air conditioner, noisy restaurant, lawn mower           80–89

VINCE CASEY, RIP

Sad to report on the passing of Vince Casey, for many years the Director of Information of the NFL, at age 78.  Vince was a great guy and our condolences go out to his friends and family.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

Are we surprised that QB NICK FOLES may be moving ahead of a guy who was once the 2^nd overall pick of the draft?  Frank Schwab of YahooSports.com:

One edge the Chicago Bears have in 2020 is their starting quarterback could remain a mystery until kickoff of Week 1.

There is no preseason for the Nick Foles-Mitchell Trubisky battle to play out. It will happen in practice, and it will be up to Matt Nagy if he wants to announce a starter for the opener against the Detroit Lions. It would also require everyone keeping a secret.

The NFL’s only true quarterback battle this month is a big deal in Chicago but mostly happening out of the spotlight. The only clues we could get are from beat writers watching practice.

Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago believes that after Tuesday’s practice, Foles might have a small lead.

Mitchell Trubisky has inaccurate day

Hoge said Tuesday was a significant day for the competition, and that Trubisky “truly struggled with his accuracy.” The Chicago Tribune’s Dan Wiederer said Trubisky had “a number of wild throws.”

Given that Trubisky’s accuracy was his biggest problem last season, that’s a bad sign.

“There’s a couple balls I think he would want back, a few here or there just with the accuracy might not be exactly what he wanted,” Nagy said, according to NBC Sports Chicago.

Foles and Trubisky split the snaps with the first team, Hoge wrote. Nagy was frustrated that neither quarterback was aggressive enough in 7-on-7 drills, often settling for checkdowns.

While Hoge wrote that there was “no question Foles was the better quarterback” in Tuesday’s practice and has inched ahead in the competition, there is a regular theme from all the Bears beat writers: Neither quarterback is dazzling in practice and the competition is still too close to call.

The Bears have more invested in Trubisky. He was the second overall pick of the draft, a Pro Bowler in 2018 and is still young enough to theoretically develop into a viable starter for Chicago. But his play took a big step back in 2019, causing the Bears to make a panic trade for Foles. They owe him $21 million guaranteed.

In a perfect world Trubisky would light it up in camp, and the Bears would have an expensive backup in Foles. It doesn’t seem like that’s happening, though it doesn’t seem like Foles is doing much to beat him out. That puts the Bears in a tough spot.

Nagy said he’s in no rush to pick a starter, and he’s certainly not going to be in a rush to name one. There isn’t much time before the season opener, and the Bears can only hope they get a definitive answer soon.

NFC EAST

NEW YORK GIANTS

New coach Joe Judge seems to be leading the league in preseason contact.  He may even take the red jersey of QB DAVID JONES.  Patrik Walker of CBSSports.com:

It’s a time honored tradition and well-known fact in the sport of football that, when it comes to practice, you do not touch the guy in the red jersey. Quarterbacks are the most important players on the field for an NFL club, positionally-speaking, and knocking them around in training camp is usually the best way to ensure your release from a team. This might change a bit for the New York Giants in 2020, however, as Joe Judge installs a new culture in his first year as head coach for Big Blue. Judge is thinking outside the box ahead of the season opener on Sept. 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Daniel Jones better be ready.

Why? Because Judge might remove the red jersey protection from Jones, and allow some contact to get him ready for Week 1 — within reason.

“I don’t think we’re going to throw him in any Royal Rumbles, or anything like that,” Judge said on Tuesday, via NJ.com. “We’ve talked about it. With quarterbacks, you want to be calculated with how you bang them around.

In other words, Judge won’t exactly allow someone to fly off the edge and plant Jones like a tent spike in practice. If he does go through with his idea, it’ll be carefully done.

“At some point, we’ll pop his pads a little bit in a controlled environment,” said Judge.

With the team’s intrasquad scrimmage coming up, it’s possible the Giants wait until after that bout is in the rearview before sliding the Teflon off of Jones. Emotions can usually soar in scrimmages, and Judge doesn’t want a situation similar to what happened with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — head coach Bruce Arians furious after a practice tackle on running back T.J. Logan ended his season by way of a torn patellar tendon. Arians attributed the error to youth in a non-tackling session, but if that can occur when players are not supposed to tackle, well, you get the picture.

Judge will map it out carefully, and while it won’t be no holds barred on the team’s franchise QB, Jones is expected to get bumped around in practice before the opener — even if it’s only by coaches with pads giving him a few shoves.

“I’m not in a hurry to just beat the hell out of him,” said Judge. “But at some point, we want to prepare his body for what it’ll take in the first game.”

WASHINGTON

Washington’s prized first round draft pick EDGE CHASE YOUNG is slowed and frustrated.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Washington pass rusher Chase Young hasn’t done much in training camp, as a hip injury has limited him. He acknowledged that’s bugging him.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Young said, via the Washington Post. “But I got to roll with the punches. Right now, my biggest focus is just doing everything in my power to get my hip back right. That’s what I’m doing every day, and I’m doing my best on the field to get mental reps.”

Washington head coach Ron Rivera doesn’t sound frustrated, saying Young is doing well with what he can do.

“He’s done a great job showing us he’s capable of that,” Rivera said. “It’s unfortunate he missed a couple of days with his [hip flexor], but he’s had a good couple of days.”

NFC SOUTH

TAMPA BAY

Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com wonders what is up with WR CHRIS GODWIN:

The Buccaneers have gotten used to practicing without wide receiver Chris Godwin recently.

Godwin did not practice on Wednesday and he was also out of practice on Tuesday. That adds up to three missed practices in six games for Godwin.

Head coach Bruce Arians said on Tuesday that players who were out of practice were getting a maintenance day, but said on Wednesday that the reason why he’s sitting out again is not for public consumption.

“That’s for me to know and nobody else to find out,” Arians said, via multiple reporters.

There’s been no word of an injury for Godwin, who is heading into his fourth season after posting 86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2019 season. That production made a contract extension for the 2017 third-rounder a topic of conversation this offseason, but nothing got done.

Godwin’s rookie deal calls for him to make $2.133 million this season and continued absences without word of a medical issue could lead to questions about whether contract matters are part of the puzzle in Tampa.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

Two injuries of significance for the 49ers.  Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com:

The San Francisco 49ers were without defensive end Nick Bosa and rookie receiver Brandon Aiyuk for Tuesday’s practice, something that is expected to be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday afternoon that Bosa and Aiyuk will be “week-to-week” as Bosa deals with a muscle strain in his leg and Aiyuk recovers from what Shanahan called a “mild” strain of his left hamstring.

According to Shanahan, Bosa complained of soreness in his legs on Friday. The team gave him Saturday off, calling it a maintenance day. But when Bosa said the issue got worse even with the day off, the team sent him for an MRI, where the strain was discovered.

“He’ll end up being week-to-week now,” Shanahan said. “[I’m] glad we ended up getting the MRI because there was more to it. He was about to go out and practice through it because he didn’t think it was much and fortunately we got that and we were able to prevent him from hurting it worse.”

Aiyuk’s injury was a bit more obvious as he suffered the hamstring strain while tracking a deep pass from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo late in Sunday’s practice. Aiyuk pulled up before getting to the ball and immediately grabbed for the back of his left leg. He watched the rest of practice from the sideline with his helmet off and then watched all of Tuesday’s practice from the sideline as well.

Shanahan said the fact that Aiyuk’s hamstring strain is considered mild was positive because the team initially feared it might be worse.

“Aiyuk has been in great shape, he’s working his tail off out there and sometimes that stuff just happens while going through a training camp,” Shanahan said.

– – –

Has being a knucklehead put S EARL THOMAS in Kaepernick land as unsignable?  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

Cross another team off the list of potential landing spots for veteran safety Earl Thomas.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday his team isn’t interested in adding the seven-time Pro Bowler.

“I’m real happy with our safeties and I mean nothing against Earl, but there wasn’t interest because we have our team,” Shanahan said, via KNBR. “We have the guys that we want in our spot and this is how we planned it. We’ve got some good competition there too with the guys that have been behind them. I’m real excited about our group.”

The Niners have a starting tandem in Jimmy Ward (who signed a three-year, $28.5 million contract this spring) and Jaquiski Tartt.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport mentioned the Niners as a possible landing spot for Thomas. With Richard Sherman already on the squad, the link makes some sense, but safety isn’t a major need for a team dealing with injuries at other positions.

With the Dallas Cowboys not expected to actively pursue Thomas and the Niners insisting they’re not in the running, the landing spots are quickly drying up after the veteran was cut by Baltimore for detrimental conduct.

AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI

A mystery in Florida caused CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER to leave the team.  And when he got there, he put a beating on the man who may have murdered his father.  Ben Baby of ESPN.com:

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who left the team Tuesday after his father was reported missing, has been arrested in Florida on one count of battery.

Alexander was arrested Tuesday by the Collier County Sherriff’s Office, according to jail records. Alexander, 26, was in custody as of Wednesday morning.

An arrest report has not yet been released, but NFL Network reported Wednesday that Alexander was arrested after allegedly confronting the man who left his father behind while on a berry-picking trip.

Alexander’s father, Jean Odney Alexandre (different spellings for their last names), was reported missing after he and another man traveled to Okeechobee County on Monday to pick berries in a prairie, according to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office. Alexandre, 65, was left behind by the other man and was reported missing late Monday night.

Authorities in Florida are still searching for Alexandre.

Alexander, who signed a one-year deal with the Bengals this offseason, was at the team’s practice on Monday. Players had Tuesday off and will resume practice Wednesday afternoon.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

You’ve probably heard the joke by now that a Corona and 2 Hurricanes costs $20.20 today on the Gulf Coast.  Here’s what is up with the Texans per Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

Hurricane Laura is expected to barrel into Eastern Texas and Louisiana.

In response, the Houston Texans will leave early Wednesday to ensure everyone gets home safely, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The team will meet virtually on Thursday and reassess the report time and planned scrimmage after making sure it’s safe to return to the stadium.

Laura is intensifying into a Category 3 hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center, it is strengthening into a Category 4 as it prepares to make landfall beginning early Thursday morning.

Along with life-threatening storm surge throughout the Gulf region, Laura is expected to bring devastating winds that could include widespread power outages and tree damage along its path.

Houston, which was devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, could avoid some of the worst parts of Laura, according to Weather.com; however, extreme winds and rain are still expected to batter the area and cause major damage.

THIS AND THAT

COPING WITH CORONA

We haven’t had any Big Ten news all week, but we did want to note that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (a Sparty born and raised in Lansing) pretty much confirms the rumors that she put the clamps on Michigan going rogue.  Dustin Schutte of SaturdayDownSouth:

The B1G has caught plenty of heat for prematurely pulling the plug on the 2020 fall football schedule, but the conference is getting plenty of support from a governor in the Midwest.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she commends the B1G for taking on a “leadership role” in college athletics, calling off the college football and fall sports season. The decision was made earlier this month, as the conference became the first at the Power 5 level to opt out.

“I was glad that the B1G took the leadership role that they did,” Whitmer said, according to Ryan Zuke of MLive.com. “Obviously they’ve got huge universities and they’ve got people who are on all of these campuses that are working to try to address the COVID pandemic that we’re all struggling with.”

So far, the B1G is one of four conferences to call off the fall football season — along with the MAC, Mountain West and Pac-12. Six leagues are still moving forward towards a fall season. Because of the lack of clarity the B1G provided in making the decision, the conference and commissioner Kevin Warren have come under harsh scrutiny from players and parents.

Still, Whitmer says it was the right call to make.

Along with applauding the B1G, Whitmer was also pleased to see the Michigan High School Sports Association (MHSSA) punt on a fall football season.

Whitmer claims she “loves” football and grew up wanting to be a sports broadcaster.

ANTHEM ANGST

Jerry Jones is trying to forge a compromise that allows for kneeling, just not during the National Anthem.  Shalise Manza Young of YahooSports.com is having none of it.

In the end, it probably shouldn’t have been a surprise.

In late May and early June, as NFL teams and franchise owners released statements condemning the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and some even took action, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was silent.

Dallas released a video on social media on June 4 that featured some players and community leaders with the line, “Difficult dialogue moves protest toward progress.”

Jones wasn’t part of the video.

After his comments on Tuesday, it’s hard to believe he has been part of any “difficult dialogue” either.

Jones told 105.3 The Fan, the Cowboys’ flagship radio station, that he wants players to compromise and not kneel during the anthem, but before.

Compromise.

Black Americans are always being compromised. The three-fifths compromise. Plessy vs. Ferguson. Jim Crow. Redlining. Mass incarceration. Voter suppression.

Or we’re asked to compromise. Compromise our humanity. Compromise our Constitutional rights. Compromise our voices.

Compromise is just another way of telling us to shut up and wait, or shut up and take what we deign to give you, or just … shut up.

Jones seems to forget: Kneeling was a compromise. When Colin Kaepernick began his protest against systemic injustice and police brutality four years ago this month, he originally sat on the San Francisco 49ers’ bench during the anthem. It was after meeting with former Army Green Beret Nate Boyer that he began kneeling, with Boyer telling him that taking a knee was more respectful.

Kaepernick compromised.

Even though his righteous fury over Black citizens being killed in the streets by the very people sworn to supposedly protect and serve them led him to protest and bring attention to the issue, he acquiesced to Boyer’s idea.

There is no compromising justice and civil rights and equality, to expect, as the founding document of this country declares, that all lives are created equal. That includes Black lives.

Since Kaepernick began protesting, a wave of NFL players followed suit. Dozens have been using their platforms to try to bring about any measure of racial justice. Ahmaud Arbery suffered a modern-day lynching in broad daylight. Breonna Taylor was killed as she slept. Floyd was killed under Derek Chauvin’s knee, Chauvin staying on his neck until after Floyd had taken his last breath. In the three months since Floyd’s death, there have been sustained protests that have led to some changes and a hope that this time, things will be different.

And still Jones wants compromise.

He either hasn’t been paying attention, or he has and is unmoved.

By saying he wants to recognize fans who would be bothered by players protesting, it seems that the latter is true and Jones values their money over the well-being of players.

If fans are uncomfortable with Black men silently kneeling during a song that — by the way — was written by a slaveholder, imagine how uncomfortable it is waking up nearly every day and seeing another video of a man or woman who looks like you — or your spouse or your sibling or your child — harassed, beaten or worse for little more than the “crime” of being born Black.

That’s reality for the majority of Cowboys players, many of whom have spoken out via social media, expressing their frustration and anguish. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was one of the star players featured in the June video asking, “What if I was George Floyd?”

At least one Dallas player, defensive lineman Dontari Poe, has affirmed that he intends to kneel for at least the season-opening game. Jones said on Tuesday that he intends to speak with Poe, and was quick to say “everyone is going to be sensitive to what it is we’re about. We’re out there to ask the fans to follow [the team], to be attentive to us, and we’re well aware of the issue and well aware of where Dallas Cowboys fans are on it.”

Even Mr. Magoo can read between those lines.

As Drew Brees did earlier this summer, when he ignored the fact that there were Black soldiers who fought alongside his grandfathers in World War II (and didn’t get the benefits of the GI Bill when they returned), Jones seems to conveniently forget that there are Black Cowboys fans, and they likely have no problem with player protests and are happy to see those men doing what they can to help those who don’t have the same fame or resources.

On Tuesday, with discussion dominated by yet another police shooting of a Black man, this time Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia turned things over to players for an hours-long conversation and then canceled practice to allow players to demonstrate and address media in front of the team facility.

And Jones wants to talk about compromise?

What he wants isn’t a compromise at all. It’s his way. And that way is complicity with the status quo.

2021 DRAFT

With many college teams idled this fall, it will be a draft like no other.  Ben Pickman of ESPN.com:

North Dakota State, in a state almost untouched by the plague, has made an unusual move to showcase its first round QB prospect.

Despite the Missouri Valley Conference postponing its fall season, North Dakota State has scheduled a one-off game against Central Arkansas on Oct. 3, the school announced Monday.

“Due to the challenge of completing a full non-conference schedule, we took a pause to consider all our options for this fall, knowing full well it could mean not having the opportunity to play,” North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen said in a prepared statement. “Upon further consideration, coupled with recent information provided by the NCAA, we felt it was in the best interest of our football program to practice and play one game this fall.”

The game appears to provide Bison quarterback Trey Lance, a potential top-5 NFL draft pick, an opportunity to showcase his ability for the pros. North Dakota State is the three-time defending FCS national champion, having won 37 straight games and eight of the past nine FCS national titles.

While Lance has played only one full college season in 2019, he went 16-0, dominating FCS by posting a 28:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while also rushing for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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“We’re Back,” Lance tweeted upon the school publishing news of the announcement.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel, who first reported news of the game, it is unclear if NFL scouts will be allowed to attend the game.

Fan attendance at the game will be limited, the school announced.

Central Arkansas is in the Southland Conference which is persevering in the face of those who wish to see college football shut down across the board.

How about games between ND State and Nebraska and Iowa, also in a part of the country without Covid?

– – –

Todd McShay of ESPN.com has a list of his top 50 prospects for the draft (North Dakota State’s Lance is #9).  We put prospects in red who have been denied the opportunity to play this fall by uber-cautious conferences (30 playing, 19 cancelled or postponed, Lance in orange for his one game):

The 2020 college football season will look very different. That much we know. With multiple conferences already postponing their seasons amid the coronavirus pandemic, and numerous draft prospects deciding to opt out of the season altogether, several names on this list might not play a down of football before the 2021 NFL draft next spring.

But that’s not to take away from the high-end talent in this class. Three quarterbacks are in my top 10, and 10 receivers and seven cornerbacks are scattered throughout my top 50. I have 17 players with a 90-plus grade at the moment, and the top name — Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence — promises to be a truly special NFL prospect. But keep in mind, there is still plenty of work to do on this class, with or without a college season.

Here is my evaluation of the top 50 players right now, updated from my super early May 27 edition, along with the top names at every position. Rankings will continue to be updated right through draft time.

Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson*

HT: 6-6 | WT: 220 | Grade: 97

Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I’ve seen come out of college since Andrew Luck was drafted by the Colts in 2012. His intangibles are high-end, and I love his huge arm and the mobility he brings at his size. He’ll need a little refining with his pocket presence, and his footwork is still progressing, but this kid is the real deal. Over two seasons, Lawrence has 58 touchdown passes and only 12 interceptions while leading the Tigers to back-to-back national title game appearances (and one championship).

2. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon*

HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Grade: 93

Sewell has given up only one sack over the past two seasons, starting 20 games along the way. The only sophomore offensive lineman ever to win the Outland Trophy, Sewell is massive in pass protection and plays a disciplined game. He has the feet to excel as a zone blocker and the power to move defenders in the run game.

3. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 206 | Grade: 93

Surtain, a true shutdown cover corner, has a chance to be the best defensive player available next April. I love his instincts and the way he quickly diagnoses wide receivers’ routes and funnels them where he wants them to go. He is also a natural playmaker, hauling in two interceptions and breaking up eight passes for the Crimson Tide last season. His father, Patrick Surtain Sr., was a Pro Bowl corner in the NFL and a second-round pick in 1998.

4. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU*

HT: 6-0 | WT: 208 | Grade: 93

The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner set SEC records in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, tallying 1,780 yards and 20 scores through the air for LSU. He is explosive off the line, a smooth route runner and tough in the open field. His body control stands out, and his speed is solid. Chase’s ability was on full display during a nine-catch, 221-yard, two-touchdown performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. He headlines yet another talented wide receiver class.

5. Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 244 | Grade: 92

Parsons had 109 tackles in 2019, including 14 for loss, and forced four fumbles. He’s long and is pretty good in coverage, with plenty of range. He is an above-average tackler and shows the burst to shoot gaps and be disruptive in run defense. And Parsons has the instincts and speed to blitz, tallying five sacks last season. He will need work in getting off blocks, but consider him a day one starter in the NFL.

6. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 228 | Grade: 92

Fields starred in 2019 with a 41-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and he has really progressed under Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. He is very accurate throwing downfield and throws effectively off-schedule and off-platform. There is some zip on his ball, and he displays a quick release. Fields can make things happen with his legs too — he is mobile in the pocket and rushed for 484 yards and 10 scores last season. Playing experience might be a concern, as he has only one full season as the Buckeyes’ starter, but he is dynamic and grades out as a good NFL starting QB.

7. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 213 | Grade: 92

With 60 catches, 1,219 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019, Bateman produces. And if you want an example of what he can do on the big stage, look no further than a ridiculous 203-yard performance in the midseason upset of No. 4 Penn State. Bateman will work the middle of the field, uncovers quickly and then has the soft hands to haul in the pass. He is a crafty route runner, and while his speed isn’t game-breaking, he will make an impact thanks to his versatility, ability to gain separation and terrific ball skills.

8. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

HT: 6-0 | WT: 170 | Grade: 92

It was difficult to stand out among Alabama wide receivers during the 2019 season. Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy were both top-15 picks last April, and Jaylen Waddle probably will join Smith as a high pick in 2021. But Smith found a way to pop throughout the season, never more than during a 274-yard, five-TD outing against Ole Miss. He rarely drops anything in his vicinity and displays some jump after the catch, compiling 1,256 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He explodes off the line, is crisp in his route running and tracks the ball well vertically.

9. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 224 | Grade: 91

Don’t sleep on this FCS signal-caller. Lance has size and toughness at the quarterback position. Last season, he didn’t throw a single interception, picked up 1,100 rushing yards and combined for 42 scores in all. He has only one career 300-plus-passing-yard game, and we haven’t seen him in action against an FBS foe. But he is effective dropping from under center and selling play-action, and his downfield touch is strong, despite some inconsistent placement on shorter throws. Lance will get a showcase of sorts when NDSU faces Central Arkansas in early October.

10. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas*

HT: 6-7 | WT: 313 | Grade: 91

Cosmi shows some quick feet for a 6-foot-7 lineman and can redirect really well in pass protection. He isn’t overpowering, but his hand placement is very good and he doesn’t fall off many blocks. As a run-blocker, his angles are strong, and he frequently walks defensive linemen off the line. Cosmi has 26 career starts, playing both sides of the line.

11. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama*

HT: 5-10 | WT: 177 | Grade: 91

Waddle’s game is all about elusiveness. He has 13 career receiving touchdowns in a crowded Alabama receiver room, and he really popped in the return game. In 2019, Waddle averaged 17.0 yards per catch on 33 receptions, 24.4 per punt return on 20 tries, and 35.0 per kickoff return on five tries. Put the ball in his hands and let things happen. He tracks the deep ball well, isn’t afraid to work the middle of the field and shows excellent lateral agility and field vision.

12. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami*

HT: 6-7 | WT: 253 | Grade: 91

Rousseau is tall, long and quick off the edge. He has power to overwhelm blockers and works back inside once he is even with the quarterback. He had 15.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes, which ranked No. 2 in the country behind Chase Young, and he totaled 19.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh). As a run defender, Rousseau can set the edge and make plays. He has future Pro Bowl talent.

13. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State*

HT: 6-1 | WT: 191 | Grade: 91

Wade picked off two passes and broke up eight last season. He played primarily inside for the Buckeyes in 2019, with Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette on the roster, but can slide outside, too. He shows quick feet, fluid hips and good closing burst. His recognition skills are stronger in zone than man coverage, and he is still improving his finishing ability when playing the ball. But he is an strong open-field tackler and brings versatility to the table.

14. Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest

HT: 6-4 | WT: 274 | Grade: 91

Quickness, power, active hands and length is what you get with Basham off the edge. He recorded 11.0 sacks last season, along with 18.0 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. I’ve seen him still be disruptive against double-teams, too. He can set the edge against the run, but his gap discipline is inconsistent.

15. Trey Smith, G, Tennessee

HT: 6-5 | WT: 333 | Grade: 91

After two seasons at left tackle, Smith kicked inside for 12 starts at left guard, which is where he projects long term. He has some injury history but is explosive on the inside, flashing the ability to push defenders right off the ball and overwhelm at the second level. Smith is a mauler, but he tends to fall off blocks too frequently.

16. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Grade: 90

With 80 tackles — including 13.5 for loss — Owusu-Koramoah was an impact player for the Fighting Irish last season. I love his tape. He is fast, he is instinctive and he is only getting stronger as he develops. His recognition skills are very good, too, as he always seems to be around the ball. Owusu-Koramoah is fluid in coverage and even flashes the ability to get home on the quarterback, thanks to his suddenness.

17. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State*

HT: 6-1 | WT: 185 | Grade: 90

Olave had 12 touchdowns last season and was the team’s leading receiver. And he is explosive and fast — in high school, Olave ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash and posted a 23-foot-6-inch long jump. It helps him generate vertical separation, something he does better than any other receiver I’ve watched on tape for this class. Olave also has soft hands and transitions upfield well after the catch.

18. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 207 | Grade: 88

The first high-end draft prospect to opt out of the 2020 college season, Farley broke up 12 passes and intercepted four in 2019. His blend of size, length and speed is rare, and he has burst to his game. A former wide receiver, he has strong ball skills and flashes the ability to recognize route combinations. Farley is still developing, but the toolbox is there.

19. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson*

HT: 5-10 | WT: 212 | Grade: 88

Etienne has above-average speed with an explosive second gear when he hits daylight. A real home-run hitter in space. I like his contact balance, too. But he is inconsistent in the pass game, protecting the football and breaking tackles. Etienne has 56 career rushing touchdowns, and he bested 1,600 rushing yards for the second straight season in 2019.

20. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon*

HT: 6-1 | WT: 208 | Grade: 88

A talented open-field tackler with the ball skills to make plays, Holland is the top safety in the class at this point. He is one of three returning FBS players with four or more interceptions in each of the past two seasons (nine total), and he was productive as a punt returner, too. Holland reads routes and closes well, helping him reduce yards after the catch from opponents.

21. Jabril Cox, ILB, LSU

HT: 6-3 | WT: 229 | Grade: 88

A rangy run defender with decent closing speed, Cox is smooth in coverage and reads the QB well in underneath zone defense. He flashes stopping power as a run defender, but he needs improvement in getting off blocks. He transferred in from North Dakota State this season and has high-end upside at the next level.

22. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 208 | Grade: 87

Moehrig is a playmaker. He breaks quickly on the ball, times his jump and has the ball skills to haul in interceptions — he had four of them in 2019 and broke up 11 additional passes. Moehrig is above average as a tackler and even has some return game experience.

23. Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 346 | Grade: 87

Shelvin is a nightmare for opponents in the middle of LSU’s front. He consistently anchors versus double-teams — or splits them — and he can control blockers. Shelvin also does a good job of pushing quarterbacks off the spot with his bull rush and is a talented tackler for the defensive tackle position. The counting stats aren’t there yet (zero sacks in 2019), but you can see the talent on tape.

24. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State*

HT: 6-5 | WT: 259 | Grade: 87

The top tight end prospect for 2021, Freiermuth caught 43 balls for 507 yards last season. And with seven touchdowns in 2019, he now has 15 over two seasons. He can make plays over the middle or box out defenders when lining up outside. The speed is there to produce down the seam, and he has the toughness to make contested grabs. Don’t expect Freiermuth to make many defenders miss, but his frame and speed make him a problem for opponents. He is an adequate blocker, too.

25. Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina*

HT: 6-4 | WT: 205 | Grade: 87

Mukuamu has unique length and enough speed to trail most receivers. But he gets handsy when receivers get to the top of their stems and lacks short-area twitchiness. I think he fits best in a three-deep-heavy scheme with a press-man focus. He had four interceptions and 59 tackles in 2019.

26. Nico Collins, WR, Michigan

HT: 6-4 | WT: 220 | Grade: 87

The production — 37 catches for 729 yards — wasn’t eye-popping in 2019, but you have to acknowledge the poor quarterback play. Collins has good size and top-end speed to challenge vertically, and he will make contested grabs. But he is not yet a complete route runner.

27. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida*

HT: 6-6 | WT: 239 | Grade: 86

Pitts sets up as a versatile matchup piece in the NFL, with great size, a big catch radius and the hands to produce. He led the Gators with 54 catches last season, and his 649 receiving yards trailed only Van Jefferson. He flashes as a route runner and possesses above-average separation skills for a tight end.

28. Rashawn Slater, C, Northwestern

HT: 6-4 | WT: 308 | Grade: 86

Slater has seen significant starting time both at right and left tackle, but his frame and athletic ability lend themselves to a better trajectory inside, probably at center. He gives up ground too much and speed rushers cause him problems at tackle. But I really like his feel for angles, and he is smooth getting set. Power is there in the run game, and his body control in pass protection is strong.

29. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford*

HT: 6-1 | WT: 190 | Grade: 86

His four interceptions in 2019 matched his 2018 total, and Adebo has length and speed to go along with those elite ball skills. He is at his best in press-zone coverage, but the tool set is there to improve in press-man. His instincts are borderline excellent, though he will occasionally find himself out of position.

30. Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State*

HT: 6-4 | WT: 315 | Grade: 85

Davis’ size and mobility are pretty ideal for a guard prospect. His foot quickness is above-average, and his awareness is very good. In 2019, he did not give up a single sack or hit on the quarterback in 400-plus pass pro reps. And he takes good angles and has the strength to consistently get movement in the run game.

31. Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 215 | Grade: 85

Surratt went over 1,000 yards receiving in 2019 and scored 11 times despite being limited to nine games. He has tremendous size, the speed to threaten over the top and smooth transitioning ability when turning upfield. He excels in locating pockets in zone looks when working out of the slot, and he can separate underneath with his physicality.

32. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State

HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Grade: 85

After 2,094 yards and 21 scores on the ground in 2019, Hubbard has shown he can make an immediate impact in the NFL. His top-end speed is excellent, his patience between the tackles is very good and his receiving upside is intriguing. Hubbard has good forward lean, but he’s not a power back — he is a home run hitter with the burst to take it to the house any time he touches the football.

33. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 232 | Grade: 84

Harris has great size and speed, and he has shown good ball security. He is strong on contact, but he does run a little high and dances a bit, looking for the home run. Alabama has had quite a few productive runners enter the NFL draft over the past 10 years, and Harris is the next in line. He averaged 5.9 yards per tote last season for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. And his receiving ability popped too — he caught 27 passes for another 304 yards and seven scores.

34. Chris Rumph II, OLB, Duke*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 225 | Grade: 84

A lean edge rusher, Rumph has good closing speed and bend. He flashes an explosive inside move, but there is room to improve in countering. As a run defender, he is disruptive and chases well from the backside. I see him as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL, though he still needs to fill out his frame. He had 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and 11 QB hurries last season.

35. Jay Tufele, DT, USC*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 305 | Grade: 84

Tufele has good size in the middle of the line and flashes the ability to get home to the QB as an interior pass-rusher. He will fight through double-teams and can slip blocks. He needs to grow as a hand fighter in the trenches, though. He had 4.5 sacks and 42 tackles in 2019.

36. Pete Werner, ILB, Ohio State

HT: 6-2 | WT: 240 | Grade: 83

In coverage, Werner has the length and athletic traits to hold up against most tight ends and running backs, and his recognition skills stand out. As a run defender, he diagnoses quickly, doesn’t take many false steps, closes well and is a tough tackler. Last season, he had 64 tackles and broke up three passes.

37. Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh

HT: 6-5 | WT: 264 | Grade: 83

Jones had 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles in 2019. He can win with his speed or hands, and he displays an effective inside move. In run defense, Jones stacks blockers and can shoot gaps.

38. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC*

HT: 6-4 | WT: 315 | Grade: 83

A 13-game starter at left guard in 2019, Vera-Tucker gets into sound initial position and has the strength to drive defenders off the ball. He has a good feel for angles in zone blocking, but he gets a little top-heavy and falls off blocks late. In pass protection, he gets his hands inside and anchors well.

39. Marco Wilson, CB, Florida

HT: 6-0 | WT: 187 | Grade: 83

The young brother of current New York Jets cornerback Quincy Wilson, Marco has good height and above-average speed, though a somewhat lean frame. He is smooth in his back pedal and opening up to run, and he doesn’t give up ground to receivers when the ball is in the air. Despite not possessing natural ball skills, Wilson hauled in three picks last season.

40. Joe Tryon, DE, Washington*

HT: 6-5 | WT: 252 | Grade: 82

Tryon has experience as a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker. Wherever he lines up, he has a quick first step and a fluid swim move. He will also contribute in coverage, dropping into underneath zone, and in run defense, fighting through double-teams. He recorded 8.0 sacks last season, along with 12.5 tackles for loss.

41. Dylan Moses, ILB, Alabama*

HT: 6-3 | WT: 235 | Grade: 82

When Moses is healthy, he has it all. A really complete player with athleticism, physicality and leadership qualities. He flies all over the field in coverage, and as a run defender, he closes in a flash. But that 2019 preseason knee injury raises some questions, and his instincts need work. He had 86 tackles (10 for loss) in 2018 before missing the entire 2019 season.

42. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

HT: 6-7 | WT: 320 | Grade: 82

Jenkins has experience at both tackle spots, along with two starts at right guard. His wide frame covers defenders in the run game, and he has pretty good range in space. In pass pro, he gets set quickly, but his hand placement is inconsistent. Shorter arms might project him more as a guard at the next level.

43. Charleston Rambo, WR, Oklahoma*

HT: 6-2 | WT: 178 | Grade: 81

Rambo runs sharp routes and has no fear coming across the middle. He will track and run down vertical throws, thanks to good location skills and solid top-end speed. He does need developing, though. He posted 43 catches for 743 yards and five touchdowns in 2019.

44. Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa

HT: 6-8 | WT: 319 | Grade: 81

A three-year right-tackle starter, Brown has good lateral quickness and engulfs second-level defenders. In pass pro, he bends well for his size, but he has a habit of yanking rushers to the ground, opening the door for penalty calls.

45. Monty Rice, ILB, Georgia

HT: 6-1 | WT: 239 | Grade: 81

Range and speed are the highlights of Rice’s game, but his diagnose and recognition skills are a big area of weakness. He has yet to haul in an interception over three seasons, but he did have 89 tackles in 2019.

46. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue*

HT: 5-9 | WT: 180 | Grade: 80

Despite being undersized, Moore has tons of speed and versatility. He had 29 catches across four games before a hamstring injury ended his 2019 season, but he made a massive impact in 2018 as a pass-catcher, ball carrier and kick returner. He can make defenders miss working primarily out of the slot, and he tracks the ball well vertically.

47. Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

HT: 6-3 | WT: 270 | Grade: 80

Paye can slip blocks and make plays in the backfield. He is still developing as a pass-rusher — though he had 6.5 sacks last year — but the ceiling is high. Paye is probably a 3-4 OLB candidate in the NFL.

48. Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State*

HT: 5-11 | WT: 187 | Grade: 80

A season-ending ACL injury cut his 2019 campaign short, but Wallace still managed 53 catches for 903 yards and eight scores. He is a tough open-field runner with good burst and good hands, despite a smaller catch radius.

49. DJ Daniel, CB, Georgia

HT: 6-1 | WT: 189 | Grade: 80

Daniel is primarily an outside press-man coverage guy, as he struggles in zone, but his length and speed provide him with potential. He might just need the right system fit in the NFL. Daniel didn’t have an interception last season, but he did break up eight passes.

50. Chris Evans, RB, Michigan

HT: 5-10 | WT: 215 | Grade: 80

Evans didn’t play in 2019 because of an academic issue, so it’s a long time since he last played a snap. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2018, and he has shown consistent production in the pass game (15-plus catches in 2017 and 2018) — he has experience flexing outside and lining up in the slot. Evans is instinctive between the tackles and shifty in the open field.