NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com says a buyer’s market has developed on QB CARSON WENTZ to the disgruntlement of the Eagles.

When trying to trade a player, the leverage for maximizing the return comes from one of two places: Having multiple teams pursuing the trade or persuading one or more teams that the current team will keep the player.

The Eagles seem to be quickly losing both types of leverage, if they ever had either.

The notion that the Bears and Colts are competing for Wentz hasn’t taken root. The rumor of Wentz and a draft pick to the Bears for quarterback Nick Foles, running back Tarik Cohen, and a first-round pick, which came from the Eagles’ sideline reporter for radio broadcasts, feels like an effort to get the Colts to offer more.

Really, why would the Bears want Wentz? More importantly, why would Wentz want the Bears? If Wentz fails in Chicago, he’ll hear it just as quickly and just as loudly as he’s heard it in Philly. And if Wentz fails in Chicago, everyone is getting fired. Wentz shouldn’t want to step into that kind of situation.

The Eagles, who reportedly are grousing that they haven’t gotten a fair offer for Wentz, will have a hard time making the Colts think that the Eagles will keep him. Wentz, by all appearances, wants out. The Eagles, by all appearances, realize that it’s time to move on.

And on the scale of Matthew Stafford to Jared Goff, Wentz lands far closer to Goff when it comes to the value of jettisoning his contract. The Eagles avoid the vesting of more than $40 million in fully-guaranteed pay by trading him in the middle of March. If they were determined to keep him, they would have said so long before momentum built toward a trade.

Reports emanating from the Wentz camp have contributed to that momentum. That keeps the Eagles from getting the most that they can for Wentz.

Two years ago, the Eagles floated the notion that they would tag and trade Nick Foles. When they realized that no one would trade for a franchise-tagged Nick Foles. The Eagles didn’t tag him. In this case, common sense suggests that the Eagles eventually will take what they can get for Wentz.

For now, the Eagles have one obvious suitor. Unless someone joins the Colts at the table, the Eagles will trade Wentz pursuant only to the terms that the Colts will offer.

Or the Eagles will keep him. And they’ll live with the consequences of committing that kind of money to a guy who doesn’t want to be there.

As to Foles, he could still end up back in Philly. Even if the Bears don’t trade for Wentz, they’ll likely try to move on from Foles. In the end, don’t be shocked if the Eagles ship Wentz to Indy, and bring Foles back to Philadelphia for the third time.

This from Andrew Brandt:

@AndrewBrandt

Eagles using whatever angles they can to drum up leverage for Carson Wentz.  To take on an historic Cap dead money charge of $34 million, they better get something decent.

The Wentz trade scenario with the Eagles is no longer about “how good” the player is.  It is a negotiation; no more and no less.  Eagles seem to have modest options that they’d like to improve; we’ll see which side blinks first.

NFC WEST

SEATTLE

Ken Belson of the New York Times celebrates how the Seahawks won the COVID battle of 2020.

On the N.F.L.’s march to complete a 269-game schedule amid a pandemic, more than 700 players, coaches and other team personnel tested positive for the coronavirus. It upended rosters, with the Denver Broncos starting a game without any of their three quarterbacks and the Cleveland Browns once fielding a team with nearly all of their receivers out, and it postponed games, with some outbreaks pushing them into midweek or to a bye week.

Through it all, only one of the league’s 32 teams remained untouched by the virus: the Seattle Seahawks. And how they made it through the long season virus-free, in Washington State, where the United States’ first positive case was reported, is a testament to innovative thinking and procedures. The team’s devotion to following health guidelines became a guidepost for the N.F.L. and other leagues grappling with how to proceed as the deadly virus continued to grip the country.

“They invented a playbook for a safe practice environment at a time when the future was deeply uncertain and people were questioning the wisdom of pro sports starting up,” said Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist who has helped organizations respond to the coronavirus and informally advised the Seahawks. “You have to be willing to absorb some costs, and you need leaders who can communicate in a crisis.”

In late July, the league and its players’ union rolled the dice by deciding to play a full season without creating a closed community, or a bubble, which the N.B.A., the W.N.B.A. and the N.H.L. used in 2020. That meant thousands of team and staff members would go their separate ways each night, vastly increasing their potential exposure to the virus.

The Seahawks faced perhaps the most arduous circumstances in the N.F.L. Their 2020 schedule included five cross-country flights, which meant they would log more miles than any other N.F.L. team. And when they were home, the Seahawks trained not far from Kirkland, Wash., the nation’s first coronavirus “hot spot.”

This made the Seahawks witnesses to the pandemic well before the season kicked off, and its grim toll made them question whether football could be played safely. Sam Ramsden, the team’s director of player health and performance, cared for his wife, Lisa, in March, when, doctors believe, she had Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.

 “I didn’t really imagine the N.F.L. being able to have a full season,” Ramsden said. “I wasn’t a Debbie Downer about it, I was just trying to be realistic.”

Starting in late spring, after the N.F.L. began plowing ahead with plans for the 2020 season, Ramsden, Coach Pete Carroll and other team leaders used a combination of pragmatism, flexibility and gamesmanship to duck, bob and weave through the pandemic.

With training camps, the first in-person football activities of the season, set to open in late July, each team appointed an infection control officer to coordinate efforts to reopen its facilities. Ramsden, who has worked for the Seahawks for 22 years, took on the role rather than giving it to the head athletic trainer, who he felt would be too busy handling injuries.

Ramsden has an easygoing patter that belies his attention to detail, and his quiet intensity is a counterpoint to that of Carroll, a hands-on coach known for out-of-the-box ideas. Throughout the pandemic, Carroll pushed Ramsden for answers to problems. At other times, he deferred to his expertise. Carroll also did his own research, and floated ideas to Ramsden and others about minimizing exposure.

Like other teams, the Seahawks installed dividers in the showers and between lockers. To avoid crowding, two auxiliary locker rooms were added, and large rooms and practice fields were turned into meeting spaces. Ventilation systems were upgraded. Tents were set up outside for safer dining. Carroll had windows that could open installed in his office to increase air flow.

People in the organization took on extra tasks. The team’s football operations department created a schedule for who would be tested and when. (Almost 36,000 tests were ultimately given.) Each morning, trainers and others handed out sensors made by a German company, Kinexon, that tracked how close players, coaches and staff members were to one another and for how long. The hospitality staff members who usually managed corporate and internal events collected health questionnaires from people arriving at the facility. The travel coordinator made sure the team’s drivers were tested and buses were disinfected. On the road, a total of 139 players, coaches and staff rode to and from games and airports in seven buses instead of the usual four.

“It was like a band of brothers,” said Ramsden, who wore a T-shirt a few days each week that read, “Stay Negative or Stay Home.”

To keep people moving when they were inside the team facility, Ramsden had the intercom chime every 12 minutes as a reminder.

When they were at their team facility, the Seahawks ordered food with the Notemeal app on their phones, rather than stand in line in the cafeteria (where congregating unmasked led to transmissions on other teams). On road trips, the team asked hotel kitchens to use the app as well, something other teams adopted.

Ramsden expected to be replaced in his new role by a medical professional. Instead, his bosses asked him to remain in charge because of his ability to genially cajole players, who needed to be prodded to consistently wear their masks and tracking devices. The players were accustomed to spending hours together in weight rooms and hot tubs, but Ramsden reminded them to keep it moving.

Beyond common sense initiatives, Ramsden and Carroll pieced together uniquely Seahawkian ways to keep coronavirus safety a priority. Carroll is known for his mantra messaging — his favorite is “Everything is a competition” — so he told players that each position group would contend for the title of fewest close contacts, hammering home a message that the team was only as secure as its weakest link. (The wide receivers won.)

“I realized that we were going to have to create our own bubble,” Carroll said. “Everything that one person did, everybody did, if we were together and connected.”

Before the season started, wide receiver Tyler Lockett considered opting out before the season because of a heart condition. He was born with the aorta on the right side of his heart, instead of the left, and had needed medical clearance to play before he was drafted in 2015. Ultimately, he chose to play this season because the N.F.L. was testing players every day, a protocol that Carroll pushed the league on early and loudly when executives did not initially embrace the idea.

The Kinexon devices told Ramsden when players and staff members were within six feet of one another for more than five, 10 and 15 minutes. They even recorded interactions between people separated by walls. To keep people moving, Ramsden had the facility’s intercom chime every 12 minutes.

Still, remaining vigilant inside the facility and outside it by not eating out or shopping wore on Lockett and others. “For me, and for a lot of guys, it felt like we actually played two seasons,” he said. “That’s how stressful it is just to make sure that you have to live up to these protocols that we have just to make sure we’re safe.”

Even Carroll had trouble sustaining that vigilance. He was fined $100,000, and the Seahawks $250,000, because his face mask was often below his chin during the team’s Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots. Carroll said he regretted setting a poor example.

“I was so pissed at myself that, you know, my discipline was not better because I know this happened,” Carroll said. “But the fact that it did, OK, it allowed me to say you can screw it up even when you care so much.”

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

Outside linebackers coach Britt Reid goes into limbo with the Chiefs while the justice system works on his case.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed outside linebackers coach Britt Reid on administrative leave.

Reid, the 35-year-old son of head coach Andy Reid, was involved in a Thursday night vehicular crash that injured Reid and two children, one seriously.

“We remain in the process of gathering information on the incident, and we will continue to assist local authorities as requested,” the Chiefs said in a statement, via Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. “Our focus remains on [five-year-old] Ariel Young and her family. We have reached out to the family to offer our support and resources to them during this difficult time, and we will continue to pray for her recovery.”

Britt Reid told police that he had consumed two to three drinks, and that he had taken prescription Adderall. Police noticed a “moderate odor of alcoholic beverages” on Britt Reid, who has been hospitalized and who had surgery.

Because coaches are not protected by a union, both the team and the league can take action against Reid. Coaches have extremely limited rights in response to discipline imposed by the NFL or by their direct employer.

Earlier on Tuesday, police said that a report on the crash will be issued within the next 30 to 60 days. Other questions linger, including whether Britt Reid was drinking alcohol at the team facility, and whether the team knew or should have known about it.

LAS VEGAS

The Raiders have more than $10 million reasons to trade QB MARCUS MARIOTA – and there may be interest.  This in The Athletic:

• Multiple sources, including one GM, told The Athletic the Raiders’ preference is to move Marcus Mariota and keep (Derek) Carr, unless someone makes them a ridiculous offer for Carr. Mariota has been mentioned as a possibility in New England, with the hope he could become for the Patriots what Ryan Tannehill has been for Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. Mariota has a $10.7 million cap hit, which is how much the Raiders can save — with no dead money — if they can deal him.

• As for the trade cost should Carr be made available — that would mean a comparable or better QB heading to Las Vegas — league sources don’t see Las Vegas receiving multiple first-round selections for Carr. But in comparison to Wentz, one GM sees Carr bringing back a greater trade haul because he is the safer bet of the two. Wentz offers higher upside but needs a revival after a dismal 2020.

• Jay Gruden, former Washington head coach and Jon’s brother, to The Athletic on the Raiders possibly trading Carr: “I never know what Jon’s gonna do. But I’d be shocked, really. The way that Derek played this year, I don’t know why he’d want to get rid of him. But who knows, if there’s another guy out there that they really, really like, it is a business at the end of the day. You got to think about not only the year coming up but the future five, six, seven years. Jon’s going to be there for the next six, seven years so he’s got to think about that as well.”

THIS AND THAT

TEREZ PAYLOR

Another loss in the sports media community as Terez Paylor, a writer forYahooSports.com, passed away on Tuesday at age 37.  Sam Mellinger, who worked with Paylor at the Kansas City Star, is among those writing in his memory.

The moment that sticks with one of the best people I’ve ever known is just before we start recording a podcast together. Terez would walk in, and there were times that if you didn’t know him you’d think he was having the worst day.

Not much conversation, yes or no answers at best, and then he’d look around at us and tell us we needed to carry him that day.

“I’m sorry fellas,” he’d say. “I’ve got no juice.”

Then he’d hit “record.”

Ha-HAH! Yes-SIR! Welcome to the Kansas City Star’s Chiefs podcast everybody, I’m here with the A-Team, pumped for the show…

Terez always had the juice, even when he said he didn’t. He called us the A-Team. He was B.A. Baracus, of course, and he labeled us all with other characters from the show but we all knew it was more like he was Gladys Knight and we were the Pips.

– – –

Terez died Tuesday at the too-young age of 37. He came to the Star out of college, and the truth is he wasn’t a very good writer at first. His copy was raw, and choppy, but in a way that you knew he had the story. He wanted to be great. He was honest about what that would require. He attacked it with uncommon energy and focus.

Terez was so damn smart, both intellectually and with people. He knew his writing was raw when he started here. We talked about that. He asked a million questions to a hundred writers. He studied. He worked. Before you knew it, he was excellent, pridefully planning and producing long features. He did that, with sweat.

Terez’s genius had nothing to do with turning a phrase, though. He knew football and the people who loved it. He built and executed a plan that quickly made him one of America’s best football beat writers — an enormously competitive field.

I don’t know how many people are so good at what they do, yet remain so eager to get better. I don’t know how many people can carry a confidence that could border on arrogance, and be the first to make fun of themselves. He had a confidence you could feel the first time you talked to him, and a gift to transfer that confidence to you.

Another Terez story: This must have been around 2014 or 2015. We’re in a press box somewhere together. San Diego, I think.

“Hey, does Andy not like me or something?” he asked.

He was talking about Andy McCullough, who was then our Royals beat writer.

“What are you talking about?” I said.

“He doesn’t follow me on Twitter,” Terez said. “He used to, but then he stopped. What the hell, man?”

Terez was hurt. Probably at least a little pissed. He didn’t show this side often, but it was genuine. A few weeks later, I told Terez I talked to Andy about Twitter. I had the answer.

“Andy said you just like football too much for him,” I said.

Terez nodded his head a few times, slowly but certainly. Andy might as well have said Terez was too handsome.

“I’ll take that,” Terez said. “I can live with that.”

Terez is one of my favorite people in the world. I told him that many times, which now I’m so grateful for, but I never told him why.

It’s because Terez found something he loved — football — and made it his professional goal to pursue it with everything he had. He did a lot of stuff he had no real interest in, but did it anyway and did it terrifically, because he had personal pride and a long-term vision.

It’s because when Terez — like all of us lucky enough to achieve a dream — found out the goal he’d been working toward came with headaches and pains he hadn’t considered he worked through them without complaint.

It’s because he was one of the best journalists I’ve known, but constantly and without making a big deal of it wanted to see where he could help the person next to him.

Watching a football game with Terez was a joy. You’d be watching the quarterback, or maybe the receivers downfield, and then you’d hear it — this deep-toned laughter that would begin in his gut, shake his torso, and then finish with him putting his head on his hand and pointing to the TV.

“Watch 73 on this inside zone,” he’d say, and then you’d watch 73 pancake a man.

As I type these words I’m on a layover back from the Super Bowl. Terez didn’t come. Said he wanted to stay safe. The night after the game a few of us had dinner, and I can’t remember how but the conversation turned to Terez. We told old stories, laughing and marveling at the career of one of the sports world’s best journalists. We had no way of knowing Terez would not wake up the next day, not even 40 years old.

I spent the flight crying and laughing and staring at the seat in front of me. It makes no sense. The world is a bit dimmer.

I’m grateful for having known Terez, for all the times he taught me something or made me laugh. He made me smarter, made me better. He challenged me. There are a lot of us who will spend the rest of our lives cherishing that friendship. I’m so glad I told him what he meant to me.

My heart breaks that I can’t tell him once more.

FREE AGENTS OF 2021

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tells us where the top 50 free agents will end up:

It’s never too early to examine NFL free agency, which will be running the 40-yard dash on one bad wheel this offseason. Lost revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NFL and NFLPA to negotiate a $175 million salary cap floor for 2021, a sizable dip for projections of well above $200 million.

The final cap number could end up higher than $180 million, but teams are preparing for the worst. This is bad news for the NFL’s middle class. This is not so bad news for top-of-the-market players such as Dak Prescott, Trent Williams, Brandon Scherff and Justin Simmons. They’ll get paid regardless.

Once colleague Kevin Seifert’s top-50 free agent rankings hit the streets a few weeks back, we analyzed rosters, made calls to league personnel and mapped out the best fits for the best players available, led by a massive surprise that Dallas can stop with the use of the franchise tag. Here are my thoughts on each player’s ideal landing spot come March:

1. Dak Prescott, QB

Best fit: Carolina Panthers

OK, so we’re having a little fun. Dallas keeps saying it will extend Prescott, but a deal isn’t close. Many people around the league still expect that to happen. But the Cowboys have said that for two years. At what point do we stop believing them?

Franchise tagging Prescott a second time will lock the quarterback into a $37 million salary, which instantly becomes a benchmark for per-year value on a long-term deal. With Dallas picking 10th overall in a strong draft for quarterbacks, selecting a passer for one-eighth the annual price isn’t a terrible strategy if you’re still unwilling to meet Prescott’s demands. Dallas isn’t in terrible cap trouble with $14.2 million in space, but that’s with Prescott off the books. They have work to do.

In Carolina, Teddy Bridgewater’s future is murky after his late-season struggles, and the Panthers have shown they are all-in on the quarterback carousel. They got involved in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. If Deshaun Watson becomes available, they will probably do the same. They have $10.9 million in cap space and could create more with cuts and restructures. Moving on from Bridgewater’s contract would hit Carolina with $20 million in dead money, but they would also have $22.9 million in salary cap off the books. The tricky part of Bridgewater’s deal is the $10 million of base salary guaranteed for 2021, so trading him would be the cleanest option if they do move on.

Let Prescott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady get weird with a schemed-up mix of spread and NFL offensive concepts.

2. Trent Williams, OT

Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

San Francisco tried to re-sign Williams before the regular season but might have missed the window. After a stellar year in the Bay, Williams is eyeing top-shelf tackle money. If he goes to the highest bidder, Jacksonville needs just about everything and has $74 million in cap space. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is a start, though Williams might want to sign with a contender.

3. Leonard Williams, DL

Best fit: New York Giants

I continue to hear the Giants will put forth a strong effort to keep Williams, who broke out with 11.5 sacks and 30 quarterback hits. Williams likes the way DC Patrick Graham got him loose with stunts and tilted fronts. Keep the party rolling with a big payday before the new league year. If that doesn’t happen, Williams will have plenty of suitors after realizing his enormous potential in 2020.

4. Brandon Scherff, G

Best fit: Washington Football Team

This offense isn’t dynaic enough to lose an anchor on the interior line — especially a top-three guard. And coming off Scherff’s $15 million franchise tag, Washington can structure a long-term deal that takes up less cap space than that in Year 1.

5. Hunter Henry, TE

Best fit: Indianapolis Colts

This offense is ready to take off … once it figures out the quarterback spot. Adding a new dimension at tight end to complement young pieces Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. will set up the new quarterback nicely. Let Jack Doyle handle the dirty work and Henry will get open. Don’t sleep on the Chargers keeping him, too. Losing him would be big for Justin Herbert.

6. Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE

Best fit: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens traded for Ngakoue with a long-term plan in mind. They will have trouble re-signing both Ngakoue and Matthew Judon, and Ngakoue’s unique pass-rush skill set makes him more than a rental. Baltimore, with $14.9 million in cap space, could franchise tag Ngakoue if it doesn’t come to a new deal by March.

7. Bud Dupree, EDGE

Best fit: Tennessee Titans

The Titans are desperate for pass-rush help, and Dupree won’t fall flat like Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley did there. Plus, Tennessee might get a slight discount (key word: slight) with Dupree recovering from a torn ACL that could hamper his early-season production. Dupree proved to be a beast the past two years. The Steelers want to keep him but are $33 million over the cap.

8. Kenny Golladay, WR

Best fit: New York Giants

Golden Tate could be done in New York, Sterling Shepard never emerged as a true No. 1 and Darius Slayton is a fifth-round pick. Time to invest in a top-of-market guy for Daniel Jones. Detroit can franchise tag Golladay, but that’s hardly a slam dunk after he played five games for the Lions last season. The Giants signed high-priced corner James Bradberry last offseason, and he played well for them. Might duplicate that strategy at receiver.

9. Justin Simmons, S

Best fit: Denver Broncos

Denver should and will do everything possible to keep Simmons, who is perfect for Vic Fangio’s defense. If Denver is in on Fangio for another year, they must be the same for Simmons, one of the game’s most complete safeties who will have a massive market if Denver doesn’t stop him.

10. Allen Robinson II, WR

Best fit: Washington Football Team

It feels like he’s done in Chicago, and Washington needs a top guy to elevate the offense. Terry McLaurin is terrific, and though some around the league want to see more before placing him in the top tier, he’s on his way there entering Year 3 and would pair seamlessly with another high-level receiver. And Washington almost landed Amari Cooper last free agency. They won’t miss this time. Washington is exhausting all options at the quarterback position and wants to surround the position with weaponry.

11. Jonnu Smith, TE

Best fit: Buffalo Bills

What better way to take this offense over the top than with a tight end who can catch up the seam or take a fly sweep 20 yards? Dawson Knox is a solid option but could use a complementary piece next to him. Buffalo is $1.6 million under the cap but has several veterans it can release or whose contracts could be restructured. After 15 wins and an AFC title game appearance, the Bills can think along these terms: What moves will put us past the Chiefs in the AFC?

12. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE

Best fit: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons need help at several spots on defense after Dante Fowler Jr. produced an underwhelming three sacks last year. New Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot helped draft and develop Hendrickson in New Orleans. He’s very familiar with his skill set. Some teams will have concerns about Hendrickson as a one-hit wonder who benefited from playing opposite Cameron Jordan (6.5 sacks in his first three seasons before a 13.5-sack breakout last year), but the Saints might be more comfortable giving him that money because of the large file they have on him.

The Falcons have serious work to do before free agency while sitting $41.7 million over the cap.

13. Chris Godwin, WR

Best fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Godwin is prepared for the franchise tag this year. It’s the cleanest way for Tampa to try to keep its Super Bowl core intact. He’s too good to let leave the building. The Buccaneers have at least five key free agents and want to keep as many as possible. That process starts with Godwin.

14. Aaron Jones, RB

Best fit: Green Bay Packers

This seems clear-cut: Let Jamaal Williams walk, franchise or transition tag Jones at what should be a very reasonable number (somewhere between $8 million and $11 million), then drop the hammer on defenses with a Jones-AJ Dillon combo. Dillon is the power back while Jones can do it all. This will make Aaron Rodgers happy. And isn’t that important, given his postseason comments about an uncertain future?

15. Shaquil Barrett, EDGE

Best fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Barrett has shown Tampa enough over two seasons to become a mainstay. He was never going to duplicate his 19.5-sack performance in 2019, but he was solid this year with eight sacks and spectacular in the NFC title game with three more. The Bucs are riding the Tom Brady window, and the best way to do that is by retaining one of the game’s best pass-rushers.

16. Taylor Moton, OT

Best fit: Carolina Panthers

Carolina plans to keep Moton via a long-term deal or a franchise tag. One of the game’s emerging young tackles would have a robust free-agency market, but the Panthers likely won’t let him get there. Whoever the quarterback is in Carolina will like this news: Moton posted an impressive 81.2 Pro Football Focus grade.

17. Corey Linsley, C

Best fit: New York Jets

Connor McGovern wasn’t great at center last season, and since his $8 million salary is guaranteed for 2021, the Jets can kick him to guard. Linsley, one of the league’s most consistent centers, gives New York a leader up front to help a young quarterback, whether Sam Darnold, a draft pick or a new option via trade.

18. Corey Davis, WR

Best fit: Chicago Bears

With Robinson on the way out, the Bears will have one of the thinnest receiver corps in the league. Davis is a solid — if less spectacular — reinforcement. Watch for New England or Baltimore here, too.

19. Lavonte David, LB

Best fit: Miami Dolphins

Miami’s defensive picture is nearly complete, and the image of David flying around with Jerome Baker at inside linebacker should excite coach Brian Flores. David comes from a 4-3 but has the flexibility and athleticism to play in Miami’s 3-4 base. David is a Miami Northwestern High legend, too. And Miami has $21.7 million in cap space.

Dallas makes sense here, too, but the Cowboys have money tied to Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Many teams with a 4-3 are either saddled with bloated contracts at the position or have an emerging young player who needs to be paid. Watch for Tennessee, which could have a need if Jayon Brown walks and knows what David can do.

20. Joe Thuney, G

Best fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati needs help across the offensive line. Snagging a premier free-agent guard is a good start. The Bengals could then double down in the second-tier tackle market and draft Oregon’s Penei Sewell with the No. 5 pick. Lots of options for a team that must keep Joe Burrow protected. The Bengals have $32.7 million in cap space to make it happen.

21. Alejandro Villanueva, OT

Best fit: Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles has a major need at left tackle with Sam Tevi hitting free agency. Villanueva would be an upgrade, and though his best fit might be Pittsburgh, the Steelers probably won’t be aggressive spenders. Villanueva is 32 but has only six seasons of tread as a starter, so he’s still fresh, and his 74.6 Pro Football Focus grade is solid. Villanueva’s offensive line coach in Pittsburgh, Shaun Sarrett, landed an assistant O-line job with Los Angeles this offseason.

22. A.J. Green, WR

2021 NFL draft coverage

Best fit: Baltimore Ravens

The truth is that Baltimore’s offense is a tough sell for receivers who want the ball often. With a multitiered rushing offense lacking extensive passing concepts, Baltimore might be best off drafting receivers it can tailor to the system. But Green could fit because he’s going on Year 11 and is a bargain if his low 2020 production (47 receptions, 523 yards, two touchdowns) was due to hesitancy returning from a foot injury.

If he’s healthy and confident, he can provide experience and nuanced route running to a team that needs it — without requiring high volume in an offense that can’t provide it.

23. Matt Milano, LB

Best fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati needs to get more explosive on defense, and Milano can anchor a linebacker corps lacking high-level talent. The Bengals could lose several players to free agency and must replenish. Milano created a strong market as a weakside 4-3 linebacker who can effectively blitz (3.5 sacks in 10 games last season). He might still be most valuable to Buffalo, which will attempt to re-sign him.

24. Haason Reddick, EDGE

Best fit: Denver Broncos

Though Matt Rhule loves his Temple guys, Carolina’s 4-3 defense might not fit Reddick, who finally found a home as a 3-4 pass-rusher. Denver has a big decision to make on Von Miller’s $17.5 million option. Miller turns 32 in March, and even if Denver brings him back, it needs to plan for the future at pass-rusher opposite Bradley Chubb (though Malik Reed is a good in-house option).

25. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

Best fit: New York Jets

Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur will be looking for a yards-after-catch demon with toughness, explosion and blocking for his 49ers-based system (think: Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk). Smith-Schuster would fit as a do-it-all option opposite Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder. He’s not as fast as Samuel or Aiyuk but posted 409 yards after the catch last season, tops among free-agent receivers.

The Jets are taking a look at Smith-Schuster and Will Fuller V at the top of the market, as well as second-tier options such as restricted free agent Zach Pascal.

26. Desmond King II, CB

Best fit: Green Bay Packers

The Bucs targeted Packers slot corner Chandon Sullivan in the NFC title game, and Green Bay’s struggles on the back end have forced elite cover man Jaire Alexander into zone coverage too often. King is one of the game’s best slots and would instantly improve this unit, though Green Bay’s pesky $28.1 million cap deficit is a hurdle. Wouldn’t surprise to see Tennessee, which traded for King midseason, attempt to lock King up before free agency.

27. Curtis Samuel, WR

Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Urban Meyer recruited Samuel to Ohio State and once considered him his best playmaker since Percy Harvin. A reunion seems natural, as Meyer could use Samuel — more playmaker than elite route runner — all over the field. Samuel will be coveted as a slightly cheaper alternative to the top of the market. Also watch for the 49ers here. They love this style of player.

28. Shaquill Griffin, CB

Best fit: Dallas Cowboys

Defensive back should be a top priority for Dallas, and Griffin is considered the top outside corner on the market. He can cover and is a willing tackler. Seattle will try to keep him. The Cowboys have to throw some money at the secondary, even with $14.1 million in space and the Dak Prescott deal staring them down.

29. Marcus Williams, S

Best fit: Detroit Lions

New Lions coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn come from New Orleans, where they watched Williams intercept 13 passes and break up 30 more over four seasons. A defense in need of playmaking on the back end will explore signing the instinctual post safety. So will New Orleans. Players with his ball skills get paid.

30. Will Fuller V, WR

Best fit: New England Patriots

No team needs a playmaking upgrade more, and Fuller has some New England traits — fast but isn’t limited to deep balls, has run-after-catch ability, will have a robust but not outrageous market. The Dolphins also need a true vertical threat who can get it done at all levels of the field. Maybe he simply follows Deshaun Watson wherever he goes. Fuller is oft-injured but showed No. 1 qualities last season.

31. Patrick Peterson, CB

Best fit: Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders need leadership in the secondary in the worst way. Peterson turns 31 in July and has made $94 million, so maybe team fit and contention will be most important to him. Also watch for Tampa, where Peterson’s former coaches Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles are coming off a Super Bowl appearance.

32. John Johnson III, S

Best fit: Atlanta Falcons

The Rams will likely attempt to keep Johnson, whose football savvy will get him paid, but Atlanta’s safety position is a major need, with Ricardo Allen the only veteran under contract with legitimate starter’s experience. Cutting Allen would save $6.25 million on the cap. The Falcons could use that money to secure Johnson, a building block for Arthur Smith’s first season. Watch for the Raiders, too, as Jon Gruden attempts to solidify his secondary.

33. Marcus Maye, S

Best fit: Philadelphia Eagles

Maye reunites with his position coach in New York, Dennard Wilson, who was hired by the Eagles this offseason. Also watch out for Dallas, which also needs safety help and made Dan Quinn, Maye’s college coordinator at Florida, its defensive coordinator. At least six teams will be in the safety market.

34. Matthew Judon, EDGE

Best fit: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle somehow managed 46 sacks without dominant pass-rushers up front. The Seahawks aren’t big free-agent spenders, but expect them to comb the market here. It’s time to get recently acquired Carlos Dunlap a counterpart. Baltimore probably won’t place a second franchise tag on the two-time Pro Bowler. Watch out for Jacksonville, where Urban Meyer just hired Ravens defensive line coach Joe Cullen as his defensive coordinator.

35. Leonard Floyd, EDGE

Best fit: Los Angeles Chargers

New coach Brandon Staley worked with Floyd in Chicago and Los Angeles, where Floyd revived his career with 10.5 sacks as a Ram. The Rams are strapped for cash after the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff swap and could have trouble keeping in-house free agents. The Rams’ $28.4 million deficit is the fifth largest in the NFL — and that’s before the QB trade hits the books, adding about $10 million.

36. Anthony Harris, S

Best fit: Cleveland Browns

Kevin Stefanski knows Harris’ game well from his Minnesota days, and Harris has played strong or free safety in his career, providing Cleveland with much-needed flexibility as Grant Delpit works his way back from a torn Achilles. Cleveland can run it back with Karl Joseph, who played on a one-year deal, but needs reinforcements regardless. A few more pieces and the Browns are firmly contending in the AFC.

37. Larry Ogunjobi, DT

Best fit: Philadelphia Eagles

Philly loves interior defensive linemen who can get upfield and disrupt passing lanes. And with Fletcher Cox turning 30, it’s time for more youth up front to pair with Javon Hargrave inside. Philly is already hard at work on the cap, reworking the contracts of Alshon Jeffery and Malik Jackson to ease the $53 million deficit. Cleveland wants to keep him but has to pay several ascending players, and Ogunjobi might be the odd man out there.

38. Romeo Okwara, EDGE

Best fit: Detroit Lions

A team with a minimal pass rush should work hard to retain the one player on the roster who gets consistent pressure on the quarterback. Trey Flowers will be back with guaranteed money on his 2021 deal, and a healthy campaign from him coupled with Okwara is a good start for Detroit’s new defense. Also watch for New England, where Matt Patricia, who helped develop Okwara for three seasons in Detroit, is an assistant.

39. Chidobe Awuzie, CB

Best fit: Houston Texans

Houston needs help all over the depth chart — and a viable corner opposite Bradley Roby. Awuzie missed half the season due to injury but will have a market due to his speed, size and coverage skills. Also watch out for New Orleans, where Kris Richard, Awuzie’s coordinator in Dallas for two seasons, is joining the staff.

40. William Jackson III, CB

Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers wanted to draft Jackson 25th overall in 2017. He went 24th to Cincinnati, and the team chose Artie Burns, who fell out of favor and is now in Chicago. Corner doesn’t seem like a major need, but starters Joe Haden and Steven Nelson are 2022 free agents, and Mike Hilton and Cameron Sutton are free agents this March. Haden turns 32 in April. Getting Jackson covers Pittsburgh for any scenario. The Steelers face tough decisions at almost every position.

41. Marvin Jones Jr., WR

Best fit: Miami Dolphins

The Rams need more of a vertical burner, so not sure it makes sense to pair Jones with old pal Matthew Stafford in L.A. In Miami, Jones’ veteran presence and savvy to get open would help Tua Tagovailoa — or another big-named quarterback possibly available via trade. Jones and other veterans will be intrigued by Miami, which finally has an exciting team to match the South Beach sizzle.

42. Nelson Agholor, WR

Best fit: Las Vegas Raiders

Agholor turned a minimum one-year deal into an explosive 2020 campaign with 48 catches, 896 yards and eight touchdowns with the Raiders. Las Vegas should keep its own and reward a resurgent player. The Raiders had a top-10 offense with Darren Waller and Agholor as top options, and keeping Agholor helps Henry Ruggs III develop into a focal point without the pressure of having to carry the passing game. Agholor would fit the Jets’ new attack, as well. They will evaluate him.

43. Richard Sherman, CB

Best fit: New York Jets

Sherman raves about Robert Saleh, who was with him in Seattle and San Francisco. Why not make it three pairings? Sherman will have a market for his services but turns 33 in March and missed 11 games in 2020, so he should be reasonably attained. If Saleh wants a star veteran to set the tone for his younger players, this is the guy.

44. Melvin Ingram III, EDGE

Best fit: Las Vegas Raiders

Ingram played four seasons for new Raiders coordinator Gus Bradley, racking up 24.5 sacks from 2017 to 2019 before injuries and a mini-holdout derailed his 2020 season. Clelin Ferrell hasn’t proved a consistent pass-rusher yet, so while he works that out in Year 3, give Ingram a big one-year payout to win on third downs.

45. Gerald Everett, TE

Best fit: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle has seen Everett’s skill set twice a season and respects his ability. New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was the Rams’ passing game coordinator and will be implementing the system Everett knows well. Market is key for Everett, who never played more than 40% of the snaps until this season (57%). Can he handle being a No. 1? He’s immensely talented.

46. Carl Lawson, EDGE

Best fit: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings must address a pass rush that struggled as Danielle Hunter missed all of last season. It’s uncharacteristic to see Minnesota rank 28th in team sacks. Lawson fits Mike Zimmer’s style as a heavy-handed 263-pounder who can win with physicality and power. Plus he’s from the Bengals defensive tree Zimmer knows well.

47. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE

Best fit: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland tried to sign him last offseason, and now the Browns get him — at a steep discount. The Browns need a pass-rusher opposite Myles Garrett now that Olivier Vernon is hitting free agency. Clowney’s days as a high earner might be over. But he can still stop the run and apply pressure on the quarterback.

48. Andy Dalton, QB

Best fit: Denver Broncos

The Broncos are combing the available QBs in the carousel, and if they strike out on the big names, the next-best option is signing a veteran to push Drew Lock. Dalton provides flexibility in Denver, which can enter the year with Lock as the starter and have a capable player ready to play if Lock doesn’t curb his turnover issues.

49. Cam Newton, QB

Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Look, Newton’s cold market last year clearly outlined where the NFL stood with him. He then threw eight touchdowns in 15 games and ranked 30th in ESPN QBR (47.0) while playing on a one-year, $1.75 million contract. Expecting a robust starter’s market for Newton at this stage, after all the injuries, isn’t realistic, and there’s not a clear-cut home if New England doesn’t bring him back. Maybe Washington or someone with familiarity will take a chance.

Otherwise, reuniting with Urban Meyer, his Florida coach, for a season as Trevor Lawrence’s backup isn’t the worst thing.

50. Eric Wilson, LB

Best fit: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota generally likes to re-sign players it developed, and Wilson went from undrafted free agent to splash playmaker with 118 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions in 2020. The Vikings would be smart to make this work, especially with several key defensive players either coming off injury or aging. Minnesota has a $12.1 million cap deficit to assuage first.

2021 DRAFT

Todd McShay of ESPN.com drops a new Mock Draft:

The Buccaneers’ dominant Super Bowl win on Sunday closed the 2020 NFL season and swung open the door on what promises to be an eventful and unusual offseason — which of course includes the 2021 NFL draft. The Tampa Bay defense showcased what smart drafting can do for a team, with recent early-round picks Devin White and Antoine Winfield Jr. each hauling in an interception. Which team will make savvy moves in this year’s draft to take the next step? Let’s predict how all 32 selections of the first round will play out on April 29.

Despite the lack of a traditional combine this year, there is still plenty of time for movement on draft boards. Interviews, medicals, pro day workouts and more digging into the game tape lie ahead. Likewise, much has changed in just one month since my last mock after an exciting College Football Playoff national title game and the annual Senior Bowl week. We are still more than two months out and have much to learn about this talented class — including how the quarterbacks and playmakers stack up.

But with the draft order locked in after Game No. 269 on the season and plenty of talent in this year’s class to be excited about, here is my post-Super Bowl projection of the opening 32 picks of the 2021 NFL draft, starting with a no-brainer at No. 1. And surprise — we have two mock trades in this edition.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Another mock draft, another Lawrence-to-Jacksonville projection. You won’t be seeing much of anything else, and for good reason.

2. New York Jets

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

What the Jets do here will alter how the draft plays out — but this projection is more about the spot than the team because, frankly, the Jets still have some evaluating and decision-making ahead. We know they are listening to offers for QB Sam Darnold, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are aggressively pursuing a trade. Regardless, this much is pretty clear to me: If Darnold is traded, Wilson should be the pick. And if New York keeps Darnold, I think a team — perhaps Carolina — will jump on the chance to move up to take Wilson here.

The BYU signal-caller is tough in the pocket but can also create when it all breaks down, and he excelled on the deep ball this season, hitting 20 of 27 passes thrown at least 30 yards downfield.

Trade: Carolina moves up the board

OK, my guy Mel Kiper Jr. waived the no-trade clause on our mocks, so let’s have at it. The Panthers give the Dolphins a call in this scenario, seeing a chance to jump the line to get a quarterback at No. 3. Miami originally acquired this pick via an August 2019 trade with the Texans, but now hand over the selection to Carolina in exchange for the No. 8 pick, the Panthers’ second-rounder (No. 39) and a 2022 first-rounder. It’d be a great haul for the Dolphins, who just barely missed the playoffs this season and can now build even further around QB Tua Tagovailoa. But it’s also a good price for the Panthers, who need their QB of the future.

3. Carolina Panthers (via mock trade with MIA through HOU)

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Eight of the Panthers’ 11 losses were one-score games, running back Christian McCaffrey missed most of the season and the defense was an improved unit this year. But Carolina needs a QB it can build around. Teddy Bridgewater is under contract for two more years — with a potential out after the 2021 campaign — and can serve as a bridge, but his 15-to-11 TD-INT ratio in 2020 left a lot to be desired.

The quarterback-to-Carolina rhetoric isn’t new, but some might be surprised to see Lance as the pick, rather than Ohio State’s Justin Fields. They both possess strong arms, they both are highly competitive, they both are sturdy in the pocket and can pick up chunks when they decide to tuck it and run and they both can hit the deep ball. But in going back to the tape, I think Lance goes through his progressions a little quicker than Fields, who gets stuck on his primary read too often. It’s tight, but I think Lance has an edge right now.

4. Atlanta Falcons

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Atlanta is going to want to move out of this spot and pick up some extra draft capital, and there will likely be plenty of interest from other teams. It needs reinforcements at edge, offensive line, running back, tight end and linebacker. Quarterback, however, is not a dire situation, as Matt Ryan is still highly productive and under contract through 2023. But if the Falcons can’t trade out, will they really pass on the opportunity to draft their QB of the future? It’s no given that they will be drafting this high again any time soon, and Ryan is turning 36.

There are some consistency concerns, but Fields will be a talented NFL starter with an ability to drive the ball and make plays off-schedule outside of the pocket. In two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starter, he has 63 touchdown passes and just nine interceptions. If it plays out like this, it would be the first time that quarterbacks have gone 1-2-3-4 to begin Round 1.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Cincinnati fans watched No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow take 32 sacks in 10 games, so no one will need any convincing here. Sewell — who opted out of the 2020 season — is a game-changing tackle. Opposite Jonah Williams, he’d help keep Burrow upright when the Bengals’ franchise quarterback returns from a knee injury suffered on (yup, you guessed it) a hit this season. Whereas Sewell allowed just one combined sack during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Bengals closed 2020 with the fifth-most sacks allowed (48) and tied for the third-worst pass block win rate (50.0%), an ESPN metric powered by NFL Next Gen Stats.

6. Philadelphia Eagles

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The Eagles’ wide receivers room ranked No. 30 in yards this season (2,082), and they were one of three teams to catch fewer than 60% of their WR targets (56.3%). Those numbers came even after drafting Jalen Reagor in the first round last April. The Eagles need to give quarterback Jalen Hurts — who is taking the reins as the team moves on from Carson Wentz — tools to succeed, and that of course starts with a game-breaker on the outside.

Chase vs. Alabama’s DeVonta Smith is a tough call, but I think Chase might have slightly better traits and certainly more size at 6-0 and 200-plus pounds. You might have forgotten because he opted out in 2020, but Chase had 20 touchdowns and nearly 1,800 yards in 2019. It’s win-win for Philadelphia if both receivers are still on the board, but the LSU product gets the call here.

7. Detroit Lions

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

If Philly is on the clock and both Chase and Smith are still available, you’ll see some smiles from new coach Dan Campbell and new QB Jared Goff. It would mean one of the talented pass-catchers would be there for them. Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola are all pending free agents, meaning the most productive wide receiver on the roster returning right now is Quintez Cephus, a fifth-round rookie who had 349 yards in 2020. It’s a problem, but not one that the Heisman winner can’t help solve. Smith is explosive, piling on 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior year.

8. Miami Dolphins (via mock trade with CAR)

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

So in our mock trade scenario, Miami picks up an extra first-rounder and a second-rounder and it still gets an elusive playmaker on offense. Tagovailoa was ranked 35th out of 35 qualified quarterbacks this season in yards per attempt when targeting wide receivers (6.2), and the WR group was No. 30 in the NFL in yards after the catch per reception (3.18). Waddle caught 48 passes from Tagovailoa during their Bama days together, and he’d be a dangerous option opposite DeVante Parker.

This would not only be the first time a school has sent multiple wide receivers to the first round in back-to-back years, it would also be the first time two from the same school have been off the board this quickly. (The previous high was last year, when Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy were off the board by No. 15.)

9. Denver Broncos

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

We will have to see if new GM George Paton decides to run it back with Drew Lock as the team’s clear starting QB, but with four signal-callers off the board and their pick of any defender in the class, the Broncos would likely address another need at No. 9 regardless. Cornerback happens to be one of those needs. Bryce Callahan and A.J. Bouye are both primed to hit the open market, and Denver hauled in only 10 interceptions this season. Surtain didn’t have his best season, but he’s a true shutdown corner with the instincts to read and re-route receivers.

10. Dallas Cowboys

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Big D needs help on D. Last year’s second-rounder, Trevon Diggs, looks like a solid find for the Cowboys, but that secondary is still problematic — especially now that Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis could be headed elsewhere in free agency. The Cowboys allowed 34 passing touchdowns this season, tied for the third-most in the NFL. Farley (another opt-out) is a ball hawk who could turn some of those TD passes into interceptions.

11. New York Giants

Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

With the top three wide receivers and top two cornerbacks off the board, filling those needs would mean significant reaches for the Giants here. Offensive line could be in play, as could the edge rush. But if Pitts is still there at No. 11, it’d be really hard for New York to do anything but add the 6-6 speedy and versatile matchup nightmare.

Trade: Chicago makes a play for a QB

Another trade! Four quarterbacks went in the first four picks, and in this scenario, the Bears didn’t fully address quarterback via free agency or trade. That means it’s now or never for Chicago and it pulls the trigger on a move up the board in the middle of the first round. So what gets it done? To land the No. 12 pick from San Francisco, the Bears would have to send their own first-rounder (No. 20) and a second-rounder (No. 52), probably along with a 2022 first- or second-rounder.

This is more than the traditional trade-value chart expects, and whether that ’22 pick is of the Day 1 or Day 2 variety would depend on how desperate Chicago is for the last true Round 1 QB still out there. Niners GM John Lynch could maybe throw a midrounder back to the Bears to sweeten the deal and get it done.

12. Chicago Bears (via mock trade with SF)

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

This would tie the earliest that five quarterbacks have been drafted in the common draft era (1999), but the Bears didn’t want to risk missing out on the player I consider the final Round 1-worthy QB. If there is a run on quarterbacks, and Wentz goes to Indianapolis or elsewhere, then the Bears have to do what they have to do here. Mitchell Trubisky played pretty well down the stretch, but after declining his fifth-year option, Chicago is likely looking at other options. This season, the Bears were 25th in Total QBR and 28th in yards per attempt, and they tied for the fourth-most interceptions thrown.

Jones had a fantastic 41-to-4 TD-INT ratio and led the nation in Total QBR at 96.1. He anticipates well and has a nice touch on his deep throws, and Chicago would hope he can spark one of the NFL’s least efficient offenses.

13. Los Angeles Chargers

Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Chargers were middle of the pack with 34 sacks allowed in 2020, but they saw QB pressure on 33.5% of their dropbacks (eighth in the NFL). Not what you want when you have a rookie quarterback whom you are trying to build around. Los Angeles will have free-agency concerns all over that offensive line in the near future, too. So how about drafting a talented and versatile tackle who can pop inside to play guard or center? Slater opted out in 2020, but he would help give quarterback Justin Herbert time in the passing game.

It’s worth pointing out, though, that the Chargers could go in a lot of directions. They are facing quite a few free-agency questions this March, and how that plays out will directly impact the focus of this pick.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC

Minnesota will take a long look at the pass-rushers on the board and it might decide someone like TCU safety Trevon Moehrig is worth the grab here. But the Vikings’ offense starts with a good zone-blocking scheme and Vera-Tucker excels there, with a feel for angles and blocking at the second level. I like how Ezra Cleveland, last year’s second-rounder, has fit into the Minnesota offensive line puzzle, but more help is needed in protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins and springing running back Dalvin Cook on big runs. Plus, Vera-Tucker can play tackle or guard.

15. New England Patriots

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

No, one of the top five quarterbacks isn’t available, but this isn’t a bad consolation prize for coach Bill Belichick. Parsons — my No. 4 prospect overall — slides to the No. 15 pick here because of unique circumstances following a rush on QBs and wide receivers.

As for QB of the offense, it doesn’t seem to be in New England’s nature to trade up for one. Watch the free-agent market closely and keep an eye on what happens with former Patriot Jimmy Garoppolo, but if it comes down to the draft, the Patriots might have to look to Day 2 if all five QBs are indeed off the board.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Gregory Rousseau, DE/OLB, Miami (FL)

Finally, an edge rusher. The last time it took this long to see one drafted was 2004, when Will Smith went to the Saints at No. 18. But you won’t hear any complaints from the Cardinals, who can jump on an opportunity to slide in a difference-maker opposite Chandler Jones (who is a free agent after next season).

17. Las Vegas Raiders

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

The Raiders spent last spring bringing in Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski at linebacker, but the unit didn’t help a defense that surrendered the eighth-most yards per game in 2020, and Raekwon McMillan is now a free agent. Owusu-Koramoah gives the Raiders a little bit of everything and something they don’t already have in that LB corps. He can play off the ball in overhang, he can cover and he can rush the QB. This is a true value pick in the middle of the first round and the Notre Dame game-breaker provides real versatility to a defense that is begging for help.

18. Miami Dolphins

Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (FL)

After getting Tagovailoa a receiver at No. 8, let’s turn our attention to the defense and keep a strength exactly that. Miami had 41 sacks in 2020, tied for 10th in the NFL, but the rich get richer with Phillips, who racked up eight of his own this season. The Dolphins will love his suddenness and length coming around the corner. And looking ahead to 2022, he’d ease a potential loss of Emmanuel Ogbah or Jerome Baker in free agency.

19. Washington Football Team

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Toney isn’t the most polished receiver in the class, but he is ultraversatile and offensive coordinator Scott Turner could get very creative with the way the team uses him. After Terry McLaurin (1,118 yards), you have to look all the way down to Cam Sims (477) for the second-most productive WR on Washington this season. Toney caught 10 touchdowns with the Gators in 2020.

And of course, Washington is another QB-needy franchise. But Alex Smith is still under contract and the team can afford to wait it out if no one falls to them in this spot. Washington could handle this in free agency or via a trade, too.

20. San Francisco 49ers (via mock trade with CHI)

Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

Remember that we had the Niners trade back to this spot. The Garoppolo decision looms large for the Niners’ draft plan and what happens there might not only keep San Francisco from trading down, but might even influence a trade up into the top 10. For now, though, let’s fixate on a secondary losing many pieces. Safety Jimmie Ward is currently the only defensive back on the entire roster under contract beyond next season. Perhaps the 49ers look to cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (South Carolina) or Aaron Robinson (UCF), but the value and need of Moehrig is just too great to miss. He’s my No. 13 prospect and picked off six passes over the past two seasons.

21. Indianapolis Colts

Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

The Colts are playoff contenders right now, so I’d expect them to look for a more veteran option at QB — Wentz or Darnold jump to mind. Maybe Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is the play, replacing Anthony Castonzo. Perhaps cornerback is a focus. But with three of the team’s top defensive ends out of contract — Justin Houston, Denico Autry and Al-Quadin Muhammad — I think replenishing the edge is going to be critical. Drafting Paye gives the Colts a playmaker (he had 8.5 sacks over his last 16 college games) and simultaneously blocks a division-rival with a big need in that place set to pick next.

22. Tennessee Titans

Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia

Tennessee had 13 sacks through 15 games before getting four in a Week 17 matchup with a dreadful Texans line. Don’t let the five sacks in the AFC wild-card playoffs fool you, either. Edge rushing is by far the biggest problem for the Titans, especially after the one-year deals for Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley didn’t work out. Ojulari is certainly a start after the Titans suffered a net decline of 24 sacks from 2019 to 2020. I love his first-step quickness and “dip-and-rip” move coming around the corner.

23. New York Jets (via SEA)

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

We got them a quarterback. Now let’s get them a running back. The Jets were one of two teams with single-digit rushing touchdowns this season and their 4.1 yards per carry tied for the sixth-worst in the NFL. Scoring won’t be a problem for Etienne; he had 78 touchdowns over his four-year career at Clemson. And while this could be Alabama running back Najee Harris, Etienne gives the Jets a little more explosiveness to La’Mical Perine’s power.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

What becomes of Bud Dupree’s role if he leaves, and would someone like Tulsa outside linebacker Zaven Collins be the savvy pick? What is the future plan at quarterback? Who starts at running back next season? And would the Steelers look to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster with a similar type of receiver in Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman? Those are all important questions, but to me, the need along the offensive line and the value of Darrisaw still being available makes this a worthy move.

The Steelers could lose all of their currently rostered tackles either this March or next, and whomever is under center has to have the kind of protection Ben Roethlisberger saw this season (league-low 14 sacks allowed). Darrisaw shows power in pass pro and smoothness in working to the second level as a run blocker.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)

Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington

In theory, the Jags could immediately give Lawrence either an offensive lineman or a receiver outside, but my guess is they split their two first-rounders on offense and defense. The secondary has to be sorted and the run defense needs shoring up. We’ll look to the latter after Jacksonville was gashed for 153.3 rushing yards per game in 2020, the third-most in the NFL. And if your argument is that much of that came in garbage time with opponents holding big leads, look no further than the 4.7 yards per carry allowed, a bottom-five number. Onwuzurike, an opt-out who impressed at the Senior Bowl, is a disruptive 3-technique with lots of quickness up the middle.

26. Cleveland Browns

Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa

I mocked Collins to the Browns a month ago as well and nothing has changed for a team certainly ready to contend for a Super Bowl. Myles Garrett can’t be the only effective pass-rusher on this roster, and after hovering in the middle of the league in sacks for the past few years (34, 37, 38 and 39 sacks in the past four seasons), Cleveland needs to make the jump with its edge rush to truly challenge in the AFC. Collins — who would be Tulsa’s second first-rounder in the common draft era — has versatility and burst.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

There are definitely wide receiver options for a team that got very little out of the position this season, including Minnesota’s Bateman and Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore. An edge rusher could also be in the mix. But weighing need against value, Horn — a midseason opt-out — pops as the most logical pick here. He’s long and instinctive and he tends to play his best in big games. The son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn, he would fit in nicely with a secondary that could use depth behind Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey and Jimmy Smith.

But again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Baltimore go the pass-catcher route in the first round for the fourth time in the past seven drafts (Marquise Brown, Hayden Hurst and Breshad Perriman).

28. New Orleans Saints

Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

This one is a tougher read because the Saints have some questions that will be answered in free agency. The secondary is littered with holes at the moment and inside linebacker requires some attention (Missouri’s Nick Bolton could be someone to watch). And who will be under center?

All that aside, Mayfield makes sense. New Orleans has found success in taking linemen early, as it did with Cesar Ruiz last April, Erik McCoy in the second round in 2019 and Ryan Ramczyk at the tail end of Round 1 in 2017. I like Mayfield in rotation inside as a rookie and then sliding back to his natural position outside at tackle in 2022 if the Saints aren’t able to return both Ramczyk and Terron Armstead after next season. His power would help open lanes for running back Alvin Kamara.

29. Green Bay Packers

Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF

I’m relenting my crusade to get quarterback Aaron Rodgers first-round help. If the board falls this way, Bateman (Minnesota), Moore (Ole Miss), Terrace Marshall Jr. (LSU) and Tutu Atwell (Louisville) would all be available here, and the Packers could even add Harris at running back to alleviate a potential loss of free agent Aaron Jones. But frankly, it’s clear at this point that the Packers are more likely to add a receiver or running back on Day 2, perhaps even one of those five names. Why project something if history tells us it won’t happen?

Plus, it wasn’t the Green Bay offense that raised an eyebrow in the NFC Championship Game. Outside of Jaire Alexander, the secondary got torched by Tom Brady all day long. Robinson is a playmaker with 16 passes broken up and three interceptions over the past two seasons, and he comes with size and versatility in coverage.

30. Buffalo Bills

Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

It has been three years since we had multiple running backs in Round 1, and Kiper will shake his head at this pick, but the Bills’ run offense was a visible issue during their playoff run. Quarterback Josh Allen led the team in rushing over three games with 145 yards and no running back broke 65 in total. During the regular season, the Bills averaged 4.2 yards per carry, but no player broke 700 yards on the ground.

Devin Singletary looks more effective as a third-down back and Zack Moss struggled to stay healthy this season. After spending third-rounders on each of them over the past two drafts, it’s time for Buffalo to get a true difference-maker in the run game to balance the Allen-Stefon Diggs connection in the pass game. Harris showcased his strength, size and speed en route to 1,466 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns this season.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Tryon, DE, Washington

The snap reaction here will be to throw picks at the offensive line after that unit was bullied on Sunday by the Bucs. It’s not a bad call, with some pieces headed to free agency this year (Austin Reiter, Daniel Kilgore, Mike Remmers and Kelechi Osemele). And while Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz were out of the Super Bowl with injuries, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff of course opted out, all three will be on their final contract years in 2021 as well. Does GM Brett Veach go get a tackle like Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State) or James Hudson (Cincinnati)? It’s very possible.

I’m looking to the edge on defense, though. Another opt-out, Tryon is scheme-versatile and effective in getting to the QB with both his swim move and a quick spin move. The Chiefs were 19th in the NFL with 32 sacks this year and Alex Okafor — who was second on the team among edge rushers with three sacks — is a free agent.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

Super Bowl champions don’t typically come with flaws and this Bucs team is indeed a complete roster. Or at least it was. Free agency concerns loom for most of the dominant defensive front seven that kept the Chiefs’ high-octane offense scoreless on Sunday. Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, Ndamukong Suh, Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Steve McLendon headline the guys without a deal at the moment, and Tampa Bay won’t be able to bring them all back.

But luckily Barmore is still on the board as Day 1 gets ready to close down shop, and he provides the Buccaneers with versatility along the line, a developing pass-rush skill set and power run-stopping. The champs could also seek a wide receiver to fill the void left by Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown if either or both leave this offseason.