The Daily Briefing Wednesday, February 23, 2022

GREEN BAY

QB AARON RODGERS goes on Pat McAfee’s show and says a lot of nice things about Packers management, but he doesn’t say, yet, that he is back for 2022.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t saying what his future in football is, but he is saying his relationship with the Packers has improved.

Rodgers said today on the Pat McAfee Show that he isn’t going to break any news about his playing career, but that he does feel good about his relationships with coach Matt LaFleur, General Manager Brian Gutekunst and Executive V.P. Russ Ball after meetings with them following the Packers’ playoff loss to the 49ers.

 “The meetings were much different than they’ve been in the past, in a positive way,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said he appreciated the honesty he got from the Packers’ brass. Last offseason, Rodgers indicated that he had a fractured relationship with the Packers’ decision makers.

And Rodgers also said the Packers made a great move by hiring Tom Clements as quarterbacks coach, suggesting that if he does stay in Green Bay, he’d be pleased with the guy running the quarterback meetings.

Still, until Rodgers says he’s returning to Green Bay, no one knows if he’s returning to Green Bay. And Rodgers hasn’t said that yet.

– – –

The Packers have shuffled some cash for cap room.  NFL.com:

The Green Bay Packers began chiseling away this week at their salary cap mountain.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday the Packers restructured the contract of nose tackle Kenny Clark, per a source informed of the move.

The simple restructure converted $7.2 million of salary and $6.4 million of a roster bonus into a $13.6 million signing bonus. Green Bay also added two voidable years to the current deal, per Pelissero, spreading out his cap hit.

The restructure clears $10.8 million of cap space for 2022.

Normally, simple restructures are barely notable. Most teams use them to push cap charges into future seasons and free up space in the coming season. But with Green Bay sitting $42.7 million above the projected salary cap in 2022, per Over The Cap, before the move with Clark, it’s a notable first step.

It’s likely not the final restructure we see from general manager Brian Gutekunst in the coming weeks, as Green Bay works to get under the salary cap before the new league year. With questions about the futures of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams looming, the Packers need as much wiggle room this season as possible.

WASHINGTON

Coach Ron Rivera makes the case that the newly-christened Commanders would be a good destination for an experienced field general. Ben Standig of The Athletic:

The past two Super Bowl champions went from boldly acquiring a difference-making quarterback to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy that season. Ron Rivera makes no promises about the Washington Commanders following the paths forged by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams.

He’s just not ruling out the possibility.

“We’d like to believe we would be a viable option for a lot of (quarterbacks),” Rivera told The Athletic on Tuesday. “We understand what the capital will take to bring a type (of) player like that here. We believe we have a lot to offer.”

Fans by now have heard some version of the sales pitch uttered by Washington’s top football voice. Two 1,000-yard offensive weapons. A highly-rated offensive line. Significant defensive potential. The geographic appeal of living in the D.C. area. We’ll see if any game-changing veterans quarterbacks concur.

That is if those coveted types like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are even available, in what projects as a competitive seller’s market this offseason. If yes, that’s where the mention of trade “capital” matters. Washington tried but failed to acquire Matthew Stafford last offseason. The Rams succeeded, one year after the Buccaneers signed Tom Brady.

Rivera, Washington’s lead voice on the football side of the organization, spoke with The Athletic on Tuesday via video conference from his office in Ashburn. Topics included contract negotiations for three key players — wide receiver Terry McLaurin, defensive tackle Daron Payne and guard Brandon Scherff — as well as the Commanders’ QB hopes.

Some question if adding a premium quarterback to Washington’s roster would be enough for a super leap. Rivera’s view is, not surprisingly, optimistic.

“For the most part, (the Bucs and Rams) were in place and went and got their quarterback,” Rivera said. “I believe we have the makings of a good football team. We have to be able to have the pieces in place to say that, and I believe we do.”

Trades can occur at any time. The window for free-agency negotiations opens on March 14, two days before the official start of the new business year. The Commanders, holders of the 11th pick in next month’s NFL Draft, could default into selecting a needed passer.

Whatever the direction, Washington cannot simply hope for change. Homework and contemplation began months ago. The time for action nears.

Rivera spoke like a decision-maker ready for action but not rushed to strike. He declined to say whether the team would consider trading core players in pursuit of a quarterback. There’s also an understanding that the price tag might require dealing away in-house talent.

“If you feel like you need to get those pieces, and you can get those pieces using draft capital or whatever capital you have in terms of player trades and all that good stuff, why not do it?” Rivera said.

One reason for quick resolution would be to solidify the team’s entire spending plan. Washington has roughly $30.4 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. That’s room to sign free agents and rookies — the Commanders have six draft selections — and possibly new deals for two extension-eligible players.

Rivera said the team hopes to work on extensions with Terry McLaurin (pictured) and Daron Payne as they enter contract years in 2022. (Brad Mills / USA Today)

Rivera said no deals for McLaurin, Washington’s top wide receiver, and Payne, the team’s 2018 first-round selection, were imminent. But he expects conversations with representatives for both players at next week’s combine in Indianapolis.

“We have a tremendous amount of interest in making sure these guys are with us going forward,” Rivera said.

Creative accounting can shift heavier cap hits to future years. But adding a pricey quarterback would shrink their financial flexibility. That’s not enough for Rivera to call for a hurry-up approach, despite the positional significance.

“I think the biggest thing more than anything else is that the process is not near close to being completed,” Rivera said. “You’d love to have is clarity as soon as possible, but you just won’t because of the nature of the game. This could drag on right up into the draft, or it could happen before the draft.”

TAMPA BAY

Bruce Arians is talking up QB BLAINE GABBERT. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times:

Less than two weeks before the start of free agency, here’s where the Bucs’ quarterback search stands:

Russell Wilson is still and maybe forever a Seahawk. Aaron Rodgers’ only breakup so far has been with Shailene Woodley, not the Packers. Deshaun Watson has a mountain of legal trouble and Bucs’ owners likely won’t sign off on the 26-year-old Texans quarterback. And, finally, Jimmy Garoppolo can’t throw the deep ball so cross the 49ers quarterback off the list.

The Bucs could sign Teddy Bridgewater, which was the plan if they didn’t lure Tom Brady from New England in 2020. This time, however, Bridgewater would have to compete for the starting job.

In other words, it’s time for a trip back to that imaginary place Brady calls Never Say Never Land.

If Brady doesn’t suddenly change his mind about retirement and appear behind Door No. 2 again for Bruce Arians, say hello to starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Kid you not.

Kyle Trask would have to come very far, very fast to be the Bucs’ starter in Week 1.

Before you pooh-pooh the idea of the 32-year-old Gabbert, perhaps competing with Bridgewater, consider the alternatives.

In alphabetical order, let’s call the roll for the other free-agent quarterbacks: Jacoby Brissett, Andy Dalton, Mike Glennon, Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Mitchell Trubisky and Jameis Winston.

No, no, heck no, nope, nah, hard pass and been there, done that.

Arians is high on Gabbert

Gabbert went 2-3 as an emergency starter for Arians in Arizona during his last extended playing time in 2017, beating the Jaguars (who finished 10-6 that season) and Titans (9-7). That year he completed 55.6 percent of his passes for 1,086 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions. The 10th overall pick of the Jaguars in 2011 has a career record of 13-35 as a starter with 50 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.

“People may not like the overall record, but Blaine had eight head coaches and eight coordinators his first eight years,” Arians said. “He beat Jacksonville their best year and beat Tennessee their big year for us in Arizona. And he’s been in the system now. I don’t have a problem there and let Kyle continue to grow. Either one. (Gabbert) has never played with a team this good. He’s got all the respect in the locker room that he can have.”

Since joining Tampa Bay, Gabbert has been limited to mop-up duty behind Brady. The most he played was in a 47-7 win at Detroit in 2020 when he went 9 of 15 passing for 142 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Physically, Gabbert is elite. He is 6-5, 235 pounds with a cannon for an arm and terrific mobility. But his last start was in the 2018 season finale against the Colts while playing for the Titans.

Like any quarterback, Gabbert benefitted from being Brady’s wingman the past two seasons. He learned a lot about preparation, managing a game and winning.

In fact, Brady relied heavily on Gabbert to teach him the nuances of Arians’ offense.

The Bucs like Trask better than any quarterback in this year’s draft, which would include Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, Liberty’s Malik Willis, Mississippi’s Matt Corral, North Carolina’s Sam Howell and Nevada’s Carson Strong.

Trask was inactive for all 17 regular-season and both postseason games. It was an NFL redshirt season, but he made good use of it. He lost some weight and improved his mobility in the pocket. Although he rarely got any reps during practice (and when he did it was as a scout squad quarterback running the opposing offense), Trask was the first player on the practice field every day and did drills with quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen to work on his mechanics and accuracy.

It’s the same path Trask took in high school behind D’Eriq King and at Florida behind Feleipe Franks. When he got his chance, he was prepared and excelled.

Is there any reason to think Trask couldn’t replicate the success of Mac Jones in New England, a player he matched pass for pass during the Gators’ games against Alabama?

QBs at a premium

Gabbert is a free agent, so the first thing the Bucs have to do is re-sign him. He played for $2 million last season as a backup, so even with incentives for starting, this would not be a hard deal to do and would allow the Bucs to re-sign some of their other free agents.

Adding another veteran to compete would be smart. You generally take four quarterbacks to training camp.

When Arians considered Bridgewater to replace Winston two years ago, he was coming off a 5-0 record with the Saints as the fill-in starter for Drew Brees. That included a 314-yard, four-touchdown performance in a 31-24 win over the Bucs in 2019.

But a lot has changed since then. Bridgewater went 4-11 as a starter for Carolina in the first season under Matt Rhule in 2020. Last season, he went 7-7 as the Broncos starter. He doesn’t have a big arm like Gabbert, but he is efficient. Even so, any veteran not named Wilson, Rodgers or Watson would have to compete with Gabbert for the starting job.

A lot can happen between now and the start of free agency or the draft. But the Bucs are in the middle of a very busy quarterback market. The Panthers, Saints, Steelers, Commanders and Broncos all are looking for quarterbacks and more teams could join them. A few teams are hanging onto their quarterbacks now — like Kirk Cousins in Minnesota — but could move on from them sooner rather than later. Teams that use a high draft pick on a quarterback may shake loose a veteran or two after the draft.

Gabbert isn’t the quarterback Bucs fans will want. He may, however, be the best man for the job and a bridge to Trask in the future.

KANSAS CITY

A cap cut in KC.  NFL.com:

The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens after four seasons with the team on Tuesday in a salary-cap cutting move.

Hitchens signed with the Chiefs prior to the 2018 season and started all 59 games he appeared in for Kansas City, totaling 381 tackles, two sacks and one interception.

Hitchens was due to make $7.8 million in the final year of his five-year contract with the Chiefs.

Around the NFL will have more on this news soon.

HOUSTON

John Barr of ESPN.com with an update on QB DESHAUN WATSON’s legal maneuvering:

A judge in Houston ruled Monday that Deshaun Watson can face questions under oath in at least some of the 22 civil cases filed against him by women who have accused the Houston Texans quarterback of actions ranging from harassment to sexual assault during massage sessions.

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, filed a motion last week to delay Watson’s deposition until after April 1 and argued Monday that such a delay would enable Watson’s legal team to secure depositions with all 22 of the women who are suing Watson and also allow Watson the protection of knowing whether he will also face criminal charges. Watson’s deposition was originally scheduled to begin as early as this week.

Hardin said in court on Monday that the Harris County District Attorney will likely decide by April 1 whether Watson will be criminally charged. The district attorney’s office and Houston Police have declined to comment on the status of the criminal case against Watson.

Hardin’s motion to delay Watson’s deposition was denied on Monday, at least in part.

“Deshaun Watson’s team loudly and publicly claims he is innocent and wants nothing more than to clear his name, yet he refuses to sit in a room and face his accusers and answer questions under oath,” Tony Buzbee, the Houston attorney for the 22 women suing Watson, said in a prepared statement Monday.

“Today [Watson] sought more delay; however, despite his efforts, the Court ruled that, at least with regard to the first nine plaintiffs, there will be no more delay,” Buzbee added.

The court ruled Monday that Watson can be questioned under oath on allegations relating to nine of the pending civil cases. None of the women involved in those nine cases has filed a criminal complaint against Watson, and all of them have already provided depositions of their own in their ongoing civil cases.

Hardin argued in court on Monday that no attorney would allow a client to provide sworn testimony in a civil case when a potential criminal case is looming, raising the prospect that when Watson does provide testimony in the nine cases identified by the court on Monday, he will likely exercise his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.

“The obligation of the lawyer is to protect the client, and while there is a criminal investigation going on, it is only fair to wait to see whether it results in charges or it doesn’t before deciding whether you’re going to submit somebody for depositions,” Hardin told reporters after Monday’s hearing.

The 22 civil cases filed against Watson accuse him of a range of actions during massage appointments, from refusing to cover his genitals to forced oral sex. Hardin said Monday that Watson “didn’t do what he is accused of doing,” and added, “I’m hopeful and I trust that will be a conclusion of a grand jury.”

Buzbee shed at least some light on the recent deposition of Watson’s marketing manager, Brian Burney, saying it was Burney who testified that the Texans organization “provided Watson the nondisclosure agreement that he insisted that many women sign after a massage session.”

The NFL is also investigating Watson’s case.

Watson, who has been the subject of NFL trade rumors for months, did not play all season for the Texans despite remaining on the active roster.

The DB just doesn’t see how this is going to wrap up anytime soon unless Watson rolls out suitcases of settlement cash – and maybe not even then with the criminal investigation ongoing.  And we don’t see how any team could prudently take him off the hands of the Texans in the meantime.

BUFFALO

An extension for CB SIRAN NEAL.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Cornerback Siran Neal has become a core member of the Bills special teams since joining the team as a 2018 fifth-round pick and he’s set to stay in Buffalo for years to come.

NFL Media reports that Neal has agreed to a new three-year deal with the team. Neal was set to become an unrestricted free agent in March and his new pact has a maximum value of $10.9 million.

Neal has missed one game during his four seasons in the NFL and he’s played 1,056 special teams snaps while also serving as a reserve on defense for the AFC East champs.

Neal has 83 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in his 64 regular season appearances. He also caught one pass for 13 yards during the 2020 season and has seven tackles and a sack in six postseason appearances.

– – –

After laundering his reputation for a year in Buffalo, could QB MITCHELL TRUBISKY be a viable free agent prospect?  Some of his Bills teammates say yes.  Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com:

Mitchell Trubisky’s reset

Trubisky toiled in the shadows for months in Buffalo, juggling all the tasks that make backups valuable: emulating Patrick Mahomes on scout team, dissecting defenses on a tablet with coaches and challenging Josh Allen to heated games of Catan between film sessions.

The way safety Jordan Poyer saw it, Trubisky was too good to be a scout-team quarterback. And after watching Trubisky layer over-route passes out of a defensive backs’ range in practice, he reached a conclusion: The Bills’ backup QB should still start in the league.

“One thousand percent,” Poyer said.

The Bills believe he’ll get that chance, and Trubisky believes he improved greatly during his one-year stint in the AFC, which deepens the intrigue for a free agent whose resolve was tested in Chicago. Trubisky’s arc with the Bears is well-documented. The team’s highest draft selection of the modern NFL era (No. 2 overall) made a Pro Bowl in Year 2 and was benched in Year 4. Trubisky and then-coach Matt Nagy never seemed to find synergy. Trubisky admitted to playing “robotic” at times in Chicago’s offense, undermining his mobility and arm strength.

Comparing Trubisky to draftmates Deshaun Watson and Mahomes is well-worn terrain. But teams are open to the notion that Trubisky’s story as a productive NFL quarterback — he is 29-21 as a starter — is not complete. A few NFL execs told me his traits and pedigree should result in a real opportunity. The Commanders, Panthers and Giants (reuniting him with former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll as competition for Daniel Jones) are among spots that could work.

“I could see him going to a situation where he can be a starting option and the team drafts a quarterback,” an AFC exec said. “He’ll have to go out there and earn it, but there’s certainly enough there where the right offense can accommodate him. The offense in Chicago was pretty rigid and on-script, and I’m not sure it suited him.”

The Chicago experience left Trubisky hardened.

“I’m in a confident space right now,” Trubisky said from South Florida, where he’s training and expecting the birth of his first child with his wife, Hillary.

Trubisky entered 2021 free agency wanting to play in the short term but taking the long view. The two options were signing with a team that might offer a chance to play, or going somewhere to learn for a year, refine his game and enter 2022 free agency a better quarterback. A phone conversation with Daboll convinced him to pursue the latter path, and that a step back can lead to two steps forward. Daboll relayed that he experienced that in his own coaching career by not always jumping at the first chance to call plays. Daboll spent two different four-year stints with Bill Belichick in New England before becoming the Bills’ offensive coordinator — and now the Giants’ head coach.

“Going to Buffalo really opened my eyes,” said Trubisky, who completed 20 of 28 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown against the Bears in the preseason before playing sparingly in the regular season. “After being in Chicago for four years, there was only one way I knew how to do things. [Being] in Buffalo and [having] a different way of doing things, you learn what’s possible. It helped me get back to instinctual football and using my talents rather than overthinking.”

Allen was the ideal quarterback to emulate, too. In Buffalo, Allen was emboldened from Day 1. He struggled at times during his first two seasons, but the Bills recognized the ceiling. They knew Allen would take chances on big plays but believed he could strike a balance between making the right play and letting his ability take over.

Trubisky saw Allen, Daboll and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey — now Buffalo’s offensive coordinator — in lockstep throughout the week, from scripting plays to making gameday adjustments.

“One thing Josh showed [Trubisky] is it’s OK to freelance a little bit, use your athleticism and instincts,” said Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane, who agrees Trubisky is poised for another chance. “I think he will take that with him.”

As Trubisky describes it, going through progressions is necessary for any quarterback, but it’s also not always as simple as “1-2-3 and make the throw.” Escaping the pocket and playing smart — but not conservative — can be just as crucial.

“You can’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Trubisky said. “When guys are playing free, you can be at your best. I wanted to learn how [the Bills] helped Josh, and I saw that firsthand.”

Poyer and Allen were eager to talk about Trubisky, with Allen saying he “absolutely fell in love with the dude” on a personal level. Poyer calls him “one of the best teammates I’ve ever had.”

“Mitch has been through the ringer,” Allen said. “No. 2 pick, how he handled being a professional, coming into a situation where you never thought you’ll be in that situation, that’s not easy. But he handled it with such class.”

Allen added, “The dude is an athlete. I don’t think people really understand that. You give him leeway in an offense to have that mindset of, ‘See it, do it, we trust you.’ He’s going to kill it.”

MIAMI

Brian Flores claims that the Dolphins offered him hush money.  Brooke Pryor of NFL.com:

In his dismissal by the Miami Dolphins last month, coach Brian Flores declined to sign a separation agreement presented by team owner Stephen Ross, Flores told Bryant Gumbel of HBO’s “Real Sports.”

“Just signing that separation agreement would have really silenced me,” Flores said in an episode that aired Tuesday night.

By not signing the separation agreement, Flores left millions of dollars on the table, said John Elefterakis, one of Flores’ attorneys. But not signing also granted him the freedom to talk about his treatment in Miami.

“To Coach Flores’ credit, he wasn’t gonna sign that, because he wanted — it wasn’t about the money,” attorney Doug Wigdor told Gumbel, adding it was a two-year non-disparagement agreement contract. “If it was about the money, he would have signed it. What he did instead was he filed this lawsuit so that he could help other coaches, now … and in the future.”

Wigdor added: “If a coach is terminated with a couple years or a year left on their contract, they don’t get paid unless they sign a waiver, an NDA, confidentiality and non-disparagement. So they buy their silence.”

The Dolphins responded to Flores’ comments Tuesday evening, calling them “categorically false.”

“This latest assertion by Brian Flores that Steve Ross mentioned an NDA to him is categorically false. This just did not happen and we simply cannot understand why Brian continues this pattern of making unfounded statements that he knows are untrue,” the team said. “We are fully cooperating with the NFL investigation and look forward to all of the facts coming out which we are confident will prove that his claims are false and defamatory.”

Flores’ attorneys disputed the Dolphins’ claim and provided screenshots of what they said were the draft agreement and the payment termination notice. One of the provisions specifically detailed a non-disparagement clause.

Because Flores didn’t sign the team’s separation and release agreement, he was sent a payment termination notice by Brandon Shore, senior vice president of football and business administration. The memo stated that Flores would not be entitled to receive continuing payments of all non-accrued benefits and compensation because he didn’t sign the agreement.

With the ability to speak freely about his time with the Dolphins, Flores, who was recently hired as a defensive assistant by the Pittsburgh Steelers, filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams (the Dolphins, Giants and Broncos), alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices and his dismissal by Miami.

Among other allegations, Flores said he was offered $100,000 per loss by Ross in 2019, something he and his attorneys told Gumbel they have evidence of and would be willing to share with the NFL in its investigation of the Dolphins owner.

NEW ENGLAND

CB J.C. JACKSON isn’t feeling Pro Bowl love from the Patriots.  Adam Maya of NFL.com:

No NFL player has ever recorded more interceptions in their first four seasons than J.C. Jackson. Mr. INT’s next takeaway might not come as easy.

As the franchise-tag window opened Tuesday, the Pro Bowl cornerback said the Patriots have not discussed a new contract with him, per Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston.

“I guess they feel like they don’t need me,” Jackson said. “I guess I can’t be that important to them. I know I am, but they’re not showing me.”

Jackson has shown New England nothing but production since he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018, growing into one of the best corners in football. His 25 interceptions over the past four years tops the league. In 2021, his first season as a full-time starter, Jackson recorded an NFL-high 23 passes defensed and eight interceptions. That netted him a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.

It remains to be seen what type of contract he’ll garner. Jackson said the team approached him about an extension this past year, discussions he described as positive but ones he chose to put off until after the season.

“I wanted to focus on ball at the time,” Jackson said. “I wanted to finish the season the right way. I didn’t really come back to them on it.”

The Pats have yet to resume negotiations with the impending free agent. They have until March 8 to designate Jackson with a franchise or transition tag. They could also elect to let him walk in free agency or tag him while lining up a trade partner that would agree to a multiyear pact. Jackson said he’s open to playing on the tag, estimated at $17.295 million, but his goal this offseason is to ink a long-term deal — in New England or elsewhere.

“I love the game,” he said. “If they tag me, I’m gonna go out there and play. … Whatever happens happens. I’m taking it day by day. But it’s time for me to get paid. It’s time to get Mr. INT paid.”

THIS AND THAT

2022 DRAFT

Today’s Mock Draft is from Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic:

Team prep for the 2022 NFL Draft began a long time ago. But with the Senior Bowl now in the rearview mirror and the combine one week away, draft crunch time is upon us.

Every team needs something. Some need more than others. But who needs what, and how badly? As we prepare for next week’s combine in Indianapolis, here’s a run through the first 32 picks and a look at one offensive player and one defensive player worth monitoring for each team.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Prospect to watch: Offense — Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

The Jaguars could go tackle or edge at No. 1. Alabama’s Evan Neal is more of a prototypical left tackle. But Ekwonu, once everything polishes for him, could be a pillar in front of Trevor Lawrence inside as a guard or outside as a tackle.

Athletically, Neal is no slouch. Ekwonu’s lateral agility looks outstanding on tape. He could be a star. The combine is an opportunity for Jacksonville to dig deep and decide whether Ekwonu should be in the conversation at No. 1.

Defense — Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan: If Hutchinson is your safety net in this draft, you’re doing just fine.

2. Detroit Lions

Prospect to watch: Defense — Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan

If Hutchinson is on the board for Detroit at No. 2, Lions coach Dan Campbell might ask the former Michigan star to move into a spare room atop his garage. There is no better personality fit for Campbell and the Lions than Hutchinson.

Hutchinson’s film is terrific; we’ll see what the week in Indy holds for him. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Kyle Hamilton should also be in the mix here.

Offense — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State: If the Lions stick at No. 2, look for them to go defense. If Detroit trades back? Wilson could leave Indy as a WR1.

3. Houston Texans

Prospect to watch: Defense — Kyle Hamilton, DS, Notre Dame

The Texans are overhauling just about everything possible. And if you’re trying to restart something from the ground up, you might not find a better player in this draft for that process than Hamilton.

Offensive line could be the Texans’ bigger immediate need. But Hamilton could become a franchise pillar in all the best ways. He’s a do-everything, back-end weapon who hasn’t scratched the surface. Maybe the best individual talent in the draft.

Offense — Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State; Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: The combine gives Houston a chance to compare the two, along with Mississippi State’s Charles Cross.

4. New York Jets

Prospect to watch: Defense — Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon

The Jets could be focused on a few names here, perhaps including Garrett Wilson, who could give Zach Wilson a dynamic weapon. But Thibodeaux is the type of player who can kick-start an otherwise dormant pass rush for Robert Saleh and the Jets.

It’s that time of year when people start to nitpick. Thibodeaux could put on a show in Indianapolis and remind everyone why he’s so highly regarded. The combine also gives the Jets a chance to get face-to-face with a possible future centerpiece.

Offense — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: The safest pick for the Jets is the best remaining tackle. Time to do some combine research.

5. New York Giants

Prospect to watch: Offense — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

If the Giants are trying to give it a go with Daniel Jones, finding ways to keep him upright is important. Andrew Thomas is good, but he’s nowhere near good enough. Matt Peart is hardly a lockdown, long-term answer. Neal is perhaps the safest pick at left tackle, pre-combine. Can the Giants see Neal and Thomas as bookends for the next 10 to 15 years?

Defense — Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU: If Thibodeaux falls, that’s another conversation. Minus that, though, selecting Stingley might be the quickest way for the Giants to upgrade their defense.

6. Carolina Panthers

Prospect to watch: Offense — Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The Panthers couldn’t block anybody last season. A general upgrade along the offensive line has to rank ahead of drafting a quarterback. If the Panthers focus on Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis but give him nothing up front, things will be a mess.

Carolina should focus on the top of the O-line class, including Cross, and see who stacks up where.

Defense — Travon Walker, DL, Georgia: A fast riser on The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s Top 100 and a beast of a player at Georgia. Is he top-10 worthy?

7. New York Giants (from Chicago)

Prospect to watch: Defense — David Ojabo, edge, Michigan

The other elite Michigan edge defender. Like Hutchinson, Ojabo is freaky, but he comes with more questions. Ojabo’s general football experience is also more limited. He didn’t start playing until 2017, moving from Nigeria to Scotland and eventually to Blair Academy in New Jersey before landing at Michigan.

The Giants, Jets and Panthers have a great opportunity to examine a fascinating player.

Offense — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State: Someone will get a really good receiver in this draft — likely early.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Prospect to watch: Defense — Jermaine Johnson, edge, Florida State

Johnson was downright awesome at the Senior Bowl and will carry an awful lot of buzz into the combine. The entire edge conversation after Hutchinson and Ojabo gets interesting. Johnson can make it more interesting with a big week.

Offense — Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State: It’s not out of the realm of possibility for the Falcons to find a terrific tackle at No. 8.

9. Denver Broncos

Prospect to watch: Offense — Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt

Denver doesn’t have to draft Pickett (or Malik Willis or someone else), but finding a long-term quarterback is the No. 1 priority for the Broncos, whether in the draft, free agency or via trade.

Pickett has played a ton of football, doesn’t make mistakes and has a legit arm. Does he look like he was built in a lab? No. Is he a very good football player? The Broncos (and other quarterback-needy teams) can pick that apart in Indy.

Defense — Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah: Lloyd does so many things well as a mid-level defender; it’d be hard not to consider him here.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle)

Prospect to watch: Defense — Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Taking a corner at No. 4 might be a bigger priority for the Jets if the edge talent weren’t so strong at the top of the board. Stingley looks like a CB1 in this draft and possibly a shutdown-level player.

There are questions, though. His freshman year at LSU was outstanding. And then, like many things in Baton Rouge, stuff changed. The Jets, and other teams, need to take a deep look at Stingley.

Offense — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas: Or, the Jets could focus on giving the offense a freaky 6-foot-3, 222-pound outside target.

11. Washington Commanders

Prospect to watch: Offense — Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

We’ll see who’s considered a QB1 after the combine and whether any candidate is first-round worthy. Washington, like Denver, needs a quarterback to begin to change its trajectory. Willis’ performance at the Senior Bowl was encouraging.

The combine is a chance for Washington to see a lot more.

Defense — Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson: An aggressive corner who can play in man coverage. Is he as strong in zone?

12. Minnesota Vikings

Prospect to watch: Defense — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Nobody threw at Gardner in 2021 for a reason. He ran with Jameson Williams during the Bearcats’ College Football Playoff game against Alabama, and he never allowed a touchdown as a Bearcats corner. “Sauce” can get handsy at times, but he also might be savvy enough to turn those moments into helpful tricks in time. He’s fearless in a good way.

Gardner is an intriguing prospect who seems to only rise on boards the more people get to know him and become familiar with his tape. Is he good enough to go at No. 12?

Offense — Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa: The Vikings badly need interior offensive line help. Linderbaum is a true center, and he’d help make Mason Cole (who can play guard) better immediately.

13. Cleveland Browns

Prospect to watch: Defense — Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

Walker looks like someone who can wear many hats. How many? He’s 6-5, 275 pounds with super-long arms and terrific burst off the ball. He dropped in coverage at times for Georgia last year and was at his best against Alabama in the national title game (seven pressures). Walker has a lot of work to do, but he could be a serious find.

Is he polished enough to take at No. 13? Walker could be a prospect on the rise after Indy.

Offense — Drake London, WR, USC: A beastly X receiver who could fit perfectly with the downhill show in Cleveland.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Prospect to watch: Defense — Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Everything about Lloyd’s tape screams Baltimore Ravens linebacker. He knows what he’s doing, at all times. He can create havoc in the backfield, he can shift and bother backs and tight ends in the middle of the field in coverage, and he is just an all-around damn good player. His testing scores might not be overwhelming, but his film is tough to ignore.

Feels like a Raven. The Ravens will get a chance to see for themselves.

Offense — Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa: Penning would check a bigger-need box for Baltimore. He’s as big as a house at 6-7, 321 pounds, and he has a legit mean streak.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami)

Prospect to watch: Defense — Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson, CB

Booth hasn’t played all that much, but his first full season as a starter a year ago was impressive. A powerful player with a good frame, long arms and great feet, Booth was hard to throw against in man coverage.

Parts of his game can get wobbly. He can get lost in space, and his tackling needs work. But his talent is impossible to question. Where does he fit in the first round? Hard to say. But it’s somewhere.

Offense — Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama: If Williams’ medicals check out, he’s a no-doubt big play waiting to happen.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis)

Prospect to watch: Offense — Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Linderbaum might be one of the 10 best players in the draft, regardless of position. His athleticism, at 6-3, 290 pounds, and the space he can cover were unmatched in college football. He’s all power and burst and brains, an absolutely terrific middle-of-the-line prospect.

The Eagles will have to move on from the legend that is Jason Kelce at some point. Can these two play together while they figure it out? That’s a question, as Linderbaum looks like a center only. I’m interested.

Defense — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington: Super-quick corner who doesn’t get beat deep and knows how to tackle.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Prospect to watch: Defense — George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue

If Karlaftis gets dinged because he has short arms (and he might), he could wind up being a steal for someone in terms of overall talent. The Chargers will also be looking at corner here.

It’s hard to say where a player like Karlaftis will land, but he was a beast up front for Purdue from the day he arrived as a freshman in 2019. He’s a powerhouse of an edge defender who can check a lot of boxes.

Offense — Best wide receiver left: Explore them all, just in case. Justin Herbert will make it work.

18. New Orleans Saints

Prospect to watch: Offense — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

The Saints need a quarterback. So, as is the case with Pickett and Willis, it’s time to get down to business and see where someone like Howell falls on the draft board. If he’s first-round material (and his Senior Bowl was encouraging), this looks better and better.

Defense — Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia: Another Georgia wrecking ball. He’ll only get better.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Prospect to watch: Offense — Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

There might not be a more versatile, dependable interior prospect in the draft. During one three-game stretch in 2021, Green started at right guard, left guard and left tackle. There have been technique questions and he had some penalty problems, but once he gets his feet under him, Green could be a versatile interior starter for a long time.

How close is he to being ready? How is his strength? Two questions to ask at the combine.

Defense — George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue: He might be off the board by No. 19. The Eagles should study him anyway.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Prospect to watch: Offense — Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

There might not be a run on quarterbacks in the draft. None might be worthy first-rounders. But as we’ve seen in this exercise, it’s certainly possible a few teams will roll the dice anyway.

The Steelers need a quarterback. Ridder isn’t ready for glory tomorrow, but he might be down the road for a forward-thinking franchise.

Defense — Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia: If nothing else, Davis looks like a Pittsburgh Steelers player. Impossible to argue.

21. New England Patriots

Prospect to watch: Defense — Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

All gas, no brakes. Don’t care what he tests; his tape is his tape. Dean played the game faster than any linebacker in college football last season, and that should translate just fine to the next level so long as there is a capable defensive front. He also needs to play in a scheme that takes advantage of his skill set.

Nobody tinkers with elite traits better than Bill Belichick.

Offense — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: He’s ready to play right now. Not the freakiest Ohio State player, but the savviest.

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Prospect to watch: Offense — Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Penning is gargantuan (6-7, 321 pounds), and he plays with a ferocity that seemed to hold up just fine at the Senior Bowl. The mean streak and willingness to finish blocks on the edge seem to excite Penning, who was a near-perfect run blocker at the FCS level.

The Raiders need someone opposite Kolton Miller. Alex Leatherwood can play inside. Is Penning (or an interior lineman) worth building on here?

Defense — Arnold Ebiketie, edge, Penn State: Showed some serious burst at the Senior Bowl. Could be on the rise.

23. Arizona Cardinals

Prospect to watch: Offense — Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College

The Cardinals had problems down the stretch, and toughness at the line of scrimmage was chief among them. Johnson is a squat, bendy, road-clearing guard/center prospect who seems to be getting better with age. He had a productive Senior Bowl.

Johnson is ready to deliver some of the help up front the Cardinals need right now.

Defense — Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia: Rinse, repeat on the other side of the ball. Wyatt would make the Cardinals tougher.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Prospect to watch: Defense — Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The big man in Big D? The Cowboys might be more interested in a second-level defender at this draft spot, but they also need defensive line help. It’s hard to say where Davis will land. We’ll see how he tests. Obviously, all of these Georgia linemen played together and found ways to help one another. But who stands out when everyone is stacked side by side? If Davis slips, Dallas needs to be ready.

Offense — Zion Nelson, IOL, Boston College: The third thing on Dallas’ checklist would be offensive line.

25. Buffalo Bills

Prospect to watch: Defense — Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

The Bills are a good football team without many glaring weaknesses. That said, Buffalo has an opportunity at No. 25 to consider a few players who might have the goods to walk into a great situation and still add value.

McCreary doesn’t necessarily represent an immediate need for Buffalo, but he’s an experienced player who held up well in the SEC. He’s another player who had a nice Senior Bowl and could be on the rise.

Offense — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: Same applies on the offensive side — Olave’s already a pro. He’d fit right in.

26. Tennessee Titans

Prospect to watch: Offense — Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

This might be a stretch for the first round, but it’s worth exploring. The Titans need help at tight end for a slew of reasons — including the fact their scheme is dependent on the position remaining strong. Tight ends Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt and Geoff Swaim are all set to hit free agency.

McBride’s Senior Bowl was up and down, but that’s fine. His college production was insane, he caught everything (91 catches, 1,125 yards) and he was able to run away from opponents. How does he test? He looks like a TE1, but is that worth a first-round pick?

Defense — Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia: When in doubt, take a longer look at a guy who wrecks stuff.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Prospect to watch: Offense — Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

We made this same point with Ridder and the Steelers: If you’re going into the draft with an immediate need at quarterback, be knowledgeable about every prospect at the position.

Defense — Kingsley Enagbare, edge, South Carolina: Enagbare was outstanding at the Senior Bowl, and the Bucs need defensive line help. He’s one to watch.

28. Green Bay Packers

Prospect to watch: Offense — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Olave might be the most ready-to-go offensive player in the draft. He’ll enter training camp looking like he’s been there for years. He was compared so much last year to fellow Ohio State receivers Garrett Wilson and young phenom Jaxon Smith-Njigba. People have undervalued how good he has been.

Let’s see how he looks in Indy.

Defense — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida: A big SEC corner who hung in there with some of the country’s best.

29. Miami Dolphins (from San Francisco)

Prospect to watch: Offense — Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

Walker had a dynamic season at Michigan State, with Pro Football Focus charting him with more missed tackles forced (89) than any back in America. He showed all the ways he can win without terrific blocking up front; now put him in a scheme that’s dedicated to the run game and see what happens. New Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is from the Kyle Shanahan tree.

Defense — Logan Hall, DL, Houston: A super-long (6-6, 260) interior prospect who could eventually check a lot of boxes.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Prospect to watch: Defense — Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan

Positional versatility is the name of the game here. Hill has the speed required to be a long-term corner in the NFL, though he wore a few hats as a safety/nickel inside two very different defenses in three years at Michigan. He wasn’t always perfect, but Hill’s natural ability usually found a way.

Where is his home on the field, and how ready is he to contribute at one spot?

Offense — Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan: A late bloomer with room to grow, but Raimann could be outstanding by the time his NFL career is over.

31. Cincinnati Bengals

Prospect to watch: Offense — Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

Cincinnati’s draft strategy should be to evaluate every prospect who could leave Indianapolis with a first-round grade.

Raimann is an Austrian-born, former tight end who still moves like a guy who catches passes. He’s still learning his new position, but that’s OK. After what we saw in the Super Bowl, Cincinnati must invest in the offensive line.

Defense — Forget it. Draft an offensive lineman.

32. Detroit Lions (from Rams)

Prospect to watch: Offense — Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

The Lions are likely praying Chris Olave falls to here. If he doesn’t, they’ll look at Dotson, the incredibly steady Penn State pass catcher. Or perhaps even Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore or South Alabama’s Jalen Tolbert.

Dotson always seemed to be at his best when Penn State needed him to be. If that sounds like someone else on the Lions, it should. (Hi, Amon-Ra St. Brown.)

Defense — Jaquan Brisker, DS, Penn State: Detroit has to find safety help early. Brisker (6-1, 200) is one to watch.