NFC NORTH

DETROIT

Despite an attempt to culturally shame him, Dan Campbell will soon be the coach of the Lions.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Lions reportedly settled on Dan Campbell as their new head coach late last week and things are moving closer to becoming official in Detroit.

According to multiple reports, Campbell has agreed to terms with the Lions. He is set to sign a six-year deal with the organization.

Campbell spent the last five seasons as the assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the Saints. He has head coaching experience in the NFL after serving as the interim head coach for the Dolphins after they fired Joe Philbin during the 2015 season. The Dolphins went 5-7 with Campbell at the helm.

Reports indicate that Aaron Glenn will follow Campbell from New Orleans to be the defensive coordinator in Detroit. Campbell will now start filling out the rest of his staff and begin work with new General Manager Brad Holmes on reshaping the roster after three straight losing seasons.

Here is what we mentioned in the first sentence from Joe Kinsey of Outkick.com:

Detroit Free Press reporter Marlowe Alter, who wrote a piece Friday on Lions coaching candidate Dan Campbell’s comments during a 1998 Texas A&M pep rally where the then senior reportedly said he was proud to attend a school where “men like women and women like men,” ended up on the defensive after a slew of his offensive tweets were unearthed.

“I love walking all the way to Ping to be turned away cause I’m not taking fag summer classes,” Alter tweeted way back in 2012.

“What the f–k is a Michigan man brah? Oh a hugggggge fag :),” Marlowe wrote on another of his vintage tweets. ”

Alter, who painted Campbell a homophobe over his 1998 comments, failed to mention his truly homophobic tweets. It’s quite a shame when such a Twitter trail is left behind. Just kidding, it’s great because it exposes the frauds.

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA

The Eagles seem to be working off a different list from most of the other teams in their search for a head coach.  EJ Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the list:

The Eagles’ gantlet of interviews for their head-coaching vacancy endures.

The organization is closing in on double-digit interviews. Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni and Dallas Cowboys OC Kellen Moore each interviewed Tuesday and New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is scheduled for Wednesday. Allen would be the Eagles’ 10th interview in nine days. For reference, the team interviewed just five candidates over a 17-day span before hiring Doug Pederson in 2016. At least this time, the Eagles’ brass is being efficient.

Sirianni, 39, could be described as a dark-horse candidate, but under-the-radar coaches might be the Eagles’ best option at this point. Colts head coach Frank Reich, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator from 2016-17, handles the brunt of the Colts’ play-calling, so Sirianni doesn’t have much experience calling plays. Neither did Pederson when he was hired, though.

Sirianni started his career in 2004 as a defensive backs coach at Mount Union, a Division III powerhouse in Ohio. His first NFL experience came five seasons later as an offensive quality control coach with the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent five seasons with the San Diego Chargers, starting as a quality control coach in 2013 before replacing Reich as the team’s quarterbacks coach once Reich was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2014. After Reich left for the Eagles’ job in 2016, Sirianni eventually moved over to wide receivers.

In his last three seasons as the Colts’ offensive coordinator, Indy’s offense twice has ranked in the NFL’s top 10 for points scored and stayed relatively productive even when Andrew Luck abruptly retired before the 2019 season. The Colts were 11-5 in 2020 before losing to Buffalo in the wild card round of the playoffs. Their offense ranked 12th in defense-adjusted value over average, Football Outsider’s efficiency stat, after quarterback Philip Rivers signed with the team in the offseason.

Moore fits the former-quarterback mold the Eagles were fond of when they hired Pederson. The 31-year-old has spent the last two seasons as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, retaining his position even when the team changed head coaches last offseason.

Dallas’ offense was one of the worst in the league in 2020, but Dak Prescott’s season-ending ankle injury coupled with backup quarterback Andy Dalton’s head injury was largely to blame. Still, Dallas ranked 24th in offensive DVOA and 17th in points scored. In 2019, the Cowboys had the second-best offense according to Football Outsiders and ranked first in yards gained and sixth in points scored.

Moore spent three seasons in the league after going undrafted in 2012. He was primarily a backup but played three games for the Cowboys in 2015 after Tony Romo was hurt. He got into coaching in 2018 as the Dallas quarterbacks coach before being promoted to his current position.

Allen, 48, would be the latest defensive coach to get a shot at the Eagles’ head-coaching vacancy. He’s coming off a year in which the New Orleans defense ranked fourth in yards allowed, fifth in points allowed, and second in defensive DVOA this season.

Allen is the only one of the three latest candidates with experience as a head coach. He spent two-plus seasons leading the Raiders from 2012-14, when he went 8-28 and was fired four games into the 2014 season. In Allen’s six years as the Saints’ DC, the team has finished eighth or better in defensive DVOA four times.

There’s a chance one of these three candidates wows the Eagles and secures the job, but it appears Josh McDaniels is still the front-runner for the opening going into Wednesday. The Patriots offensive coordinator took his turn visiting Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie’s South Florida estate on Sunday. Now, the organization is doing its due diligence on the 44-year-old, making calls around the league.

It’s still possible someone in the interview process outdoes McDaniels, though. The team is also intrigued by Cowboys special-teams coordinator John Fassel, whose father Jim was the New York Giants’ head coach from 1997 to 2003. The team has also reportedly expressed interest in Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, although he hasn’t been interviewed yet.

NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS

Surgeries and rehabs are in the future for WR MICHAEL THOMAS:

New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas is likely to have surgeries on the torn deltoid and other injured ligaments in his ankle that plagued him all season, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

The expectation is that Thomas would be recovered in time for summer OTAs under a normal offseason calendar, the source said.

Thomas first suffered the high ankle injury in the final minutes of Week 1 and missed a total of nine games in the regular season. But the source said he knew it was likely Drew Brees’ last season and didn’t want to miss out on trying to win a Super Bowl with him.

Thomas often wouldn’t practice all week, yet would still play in games, at much less than 100% and with pain medication, the source said. The coaches told him that, even as injured as he was, they were much better off with him than without him.

Thomas went on injured reserve from Weeks 15-17 to try to get as healthy as he could for the playoffs. He returned with five catches for 73 yards and his first touchdown of the season in the wild-card playoff win over the Chicago Bears. However, he had zero catches on four targets in the divisional round playoff loss to Tampa Bay — including a near-touchdown in which his knee was ruled out of bounds.

Thomas also missed Weeks 2-8 after first suffering the injury, then being disciplined for one game for a practice altercation that included him punching teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and then suffering a hamstring injury during his recovery.

AFC WEST

DENVER

The Broncos find themselves in one of the worst places possible – they have a young QB who might be good enough and he might not.  Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com on the task facing new GM George Paton with QB DREW LOCK:

When it comes to the immediate future of Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock, newly hired general manager George Paton will be both judge and jury.

Paton, who was formally introduced Tuesday in his new job, faces some big-ticket items on his immediate to-do list, with a decision on whether Lock is, or isn’t, the starter in 2021 and beyond right at the top. And it’s a decision Paton has to, initially at least, dig into on his own.

“The best way is for George to go and evaluate [Lock] himself and not have myself, [offensive coordinator] Pat [Shurmur] or [quarterbacks coach] Mike [Shula] influence his thinking,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. “Let him take a sterile and unbiased look at it. We can come back together, and he can express his views based on what he’s seen. We can answer some questions for him. … [But] it’s best for him to form his own opinion without the influence of me or the other coaches.”

Lock, in his first full season as the starter, flashed his potential at times, especially down the stretch, including his four-touchdown day Dec. 13 against the Carolina Panthers and his 339-yard, two-touchdown day in the season finale. But he also finished the year last among the league’s starting quarterbacks in completion percentage (57.3) and tied for the most interceptions (15) as the Broncos had the worst turnover margin in the league (minus-16).

The Broncos, who have started nine different quarterbacks since halfway through the 2017 season and also started running back Phillip Lindsay behind center against New Orleans this season because of COVID-19 issues, have missed the playoffs in each of the past five seasons. They haven’t finished above 19th in scoring since 2014 and were 28th in each of the past two years.

“I liked Drew coming out of the draft — big arm, athletic, playmaker,” Paton said. “I haven’t studied him. I haven’t gotten into a lot of tape. I’ve only been here four days. I’ve watched enough tape to know he’s talented and he can develop.”

Paton, who came to the Broncos after 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, the last nine as the team’s assistant general manager, has the final decision on the Broncos’ roster makeup, the draft and free agency. He noted Tuesday the importance of “stability” at quarterback for a team that has had little of that behind center since Peyton Manning retired.

The best scenario is to be like the Chargers with JUSTIN HERBERT or the Chiefs with PATRICK MAHOMES – you got it right.

Then, if you are the Washington Football Team, you know DWAYNE HASKINS doesn’t have what it takes and you move on.

But if you are the Broncos with Lock, you are somewhere in between.  He might never make it like MITCHELL TRUBISKY seems to be on a path to do (think also JAMEIS WINSTON) or he could catch on after a mixed start like JOSH ALLEN of the Bills.  What to do?

KANSAS CITY

QB PATRICK MAHOMES has made progress within the confines of the NFL’s concussion protocol.  ESPN.com:

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and it’s too early to say that he definitely will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Mahomes cleared certain steps Monday, “some big steps,” sources told Schefter, but the reigning Super Bowl MVP still must go through other steps to clear the concussion protocol in the coming days. There is hope and optimism, considering he is expected to practice Wednesday, a source told Schefter.

Players are allowed to practice in a limited fashion while still in the protocol, which includes five steps players need to clear before being removed.

Additionally, Mahomes is dealing with a toe issue. However, coach Andy Reid said Monday that he doesn’t think that injury will be a problem.

“Yeah, I think he’ll be OK there for right now with the toe part,” Reid told reporters Monday. “I think we’ll be all right there.”

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

The Ravens will be signing QB LAMAR JACKSON to an extension.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has completed his third NFL season, which makes him eligible to sign a new contract with the team. Coach John Harbaugh has no doubt that will happen.

But Harbaugh isn’t sure when it will happen. He said today that he and General Manager Eric DeCosta have discussed Jackson’s long-term future in Baltimore and they’re on the same page about it, but there’s still work to do to get it done.

“Eric and I have talked about that and other contracts, so I’m very confident that Eric and those guys will do a great job,” Harbaugh said. “Absolutely, we want Lamar to sign a long-term deal and be with us. I’m totally certain that’s going to happen. When it happens, that’s the details. That’s what we’ve got to figure out.”

Last year two quarterbacks heading into their fourth seasons, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, signed long-term deals. Mahomes’ deal, despite its eye-popping half-billion-dollar price tag, was a great one for the Chiefs, as it locked in a generational talent for the rest of his prime. Watson’s deal is one that he may already regret signing, as he and the team are decidedly not on the same page about the direction of the franchise.

The Ravens are optimistic they can get a deal done with Jackson that will make everyone happy, although nothing is certain until the contract is signed.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

You can get some action on QB DESHAUN WATSON’s next team at BetOnline.com:

As rumors continue to circulate that disgruntled Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson has played his final game as a member of the organization, BetOnline.ag has updated odds for where the 25-year-old may find himself playing home games next September.

After NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport linked Watson with the Carolina Panthers, BetOnline.ag now lists the Panthers as the favorites to acquire the three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller at +600. According to Spotrac, the Panthers could easily afford to move on from Teddy Bridgewater to acquire Watson, an upgrade at the position and the man who, per ESPN stats, led the NFL in passing yards (4,823) and yards per pass attempt (8.9) in 2020. Watson finished the regular season second behind only Green Bay Packers starter and uncrowned MVP Aaron Rodgers with a 112.4 passer rating.

Even though Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores have repeatedly backed Tua Tagovailoa this month, BetOnline.ag nevertheless put Miami below only Carolina at +650.

Weeks ago, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank suggested that the team could move on from both veteran quarterback Matt Ryan and popular wide receiver Julio Jones during the latest roster rebuild. That could be one reason why the Falcons are third and at +700.

BetOnline.ag seems unconvinced the New York Jets, +750, will either go all-in on Watson or be able or willing to better an offer made by a different club. Chris Trapasso and Josh Edwards of CBS Sports both project the Jets will select Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields with the second pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints all check-in at +800, with the Saints being the most interesting of the three. It’s widely assumed future Hall of Famer Drew Brees will announce his retirement shortly after the Super Bowl, but it’s worth noting the 42-year-old is signed through the 2021 campaign.

The Chicago Bears (+900) are finished with the Mitchell Trubisky experiment, and the New England Patriots (+900) won’t be giving one-time MVP Cam Newton the keys to their offense for the second consecutive year. Would Bill Belichick mortgage the future of the Patriots to pursue one more title with Watson as his first-choice quarterback?

And what of the San Francisco 49ers (+1000)? Jimmy Garoppolo has a worrisome injury history on his resume along with a lone Super Bowl start, and the 49ers can save over $24 million against the salary cap by releasing or trading Garoppolo this offseason.

Thoughts along the same lines from David Carr at NFL.com:

It’s been a rocky couple of weeks for the Houston Texans and their evolving situation with quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Coming off a career season that was waylaid by Houston’s 4-12 record, Watson was “extremely unhappy” (per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport) that the organization failed to involve him in the process that led to the hiring of general manager Nick Caserio, after owner Cal McNair promising Watson would play a role in the decision. While McNair has since said he wants Watson to participate in the search for a new head coach, speculation about Watson’s potential exit from Houston has arisen, with other teams calling the Texans to gauge Watson’s availability.

It takes a long time to earn someone’s trust and half a second to lose it. The fact that the fourth-year pro has been indicating his potential dissatisfaction on Twitter (including via a since-deleted post saying “some things never change” after Caserio was hired) suggests to me that Watson has been frustrated before; it’s not likely he’d take to social media after one incident.

Houston might be attempting to heal this rift by interviewing Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, whom Watson has reportedly vouched for and expressed interest in, for the head-coach position. Aside from my personal opinion that Bieniemy would be a great hire for Houston, this might be the only move that would get Watson back on good terms. Well, that and re-signing wide receiver Will Fuller. I don’t think Watson wants a lot — he probably just wants the organization to follow through on what it has told him: that his opinion matters, and that he’ll be part of the process.

Is it too late to mend this relationship? Maybe. I say this because I am one of the few people who knows what it’s like to be in Watson’s shoes. Really — I’ve been in his exact situation as the former franchise quarterback of the Texans.

I was with the team for five seasons after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Given that the Texans were a new expansion team at the time, I knew there would be a learning curve for everyone, myself included. And there was. There were definitely some great moments during those five seasons, but we never even reached .500 in any of those years. Houston’s late owner, Bob McNair, wanted nothing more than to bring a championship to Houston, and I believe his son Cal feels the same. One afternoon after my rookie season, Bob McNair asked me what he could do to make things better. One of the things I mentioned in that meeting was to have a place where guys could hang out and spend some time together. The next thing I knew, a huge facility where we could hang out, build chemistry, play games and study was being built.

During the recent Bill O’Brien era, decisions were made that often gave me and many others pause, including the trade that shipped tackle Duane Brown to Seattle back in 2017 and the trade last offseason that sent DeAndre Hopkins, one of the best wide receivers in franchise history, to Arizona — a trade Watson learned about on Twitter, just like Caserio’s hiring. I believe every move was made in the best interest of the football team, but it doesn’t feel that way coming off a four-win season. Just listen to J.J. Watt, the franchise’s widely respected leader for the better part of the last decade. The comments he made to Watson after the team’s final regular-season game were so telling — maybe the most telling comment he’s made during his career.

“I’m sorry,” Watt said. “We wasted one of your years.”

He’s right. As I wrote above, Watson had his best campaign to date, with career highs in touchdowns (33) and completion percentage (70.2), and he led the league with 4,823 passing yards and 8.9 yards per attempt.

Andre Johnson also recently went to bat for Watson, and I can respect Johnson’s opinion, because I know how rarely the former receiver — who is the only member in the team’s Ring of Honor aside from Bob McNair — vocalized his thoughts when we played together. He wasn’t even someone who would say something during a game — instead, I would learn about whatever he wanted to point out while watching film the next day. So I feel like there is something drastically wrong if the former wide receiver is publicly making his feelings known.

So what will happen with Watson next? It’s worth noting that no one in Houston, including Cal McNair, has said the team would trade Watson, and the quarterback has yet to officially request a trade. And while there are plenty of suitors who would go to the ends of the Earth for Watson, we also must note that the quarterback must want to play for the potential trading partner, due to the no-trade clause in his contract.

So several things must fall into place before Watson dons another team’s colors. But let’s set reality aside for now and go through some juicy — and purely speculative — potential trade options, should Watson and the team end up parting ways.

Here are my top four fits and landing spots for the quarterback:

1 – San Francisco 49ers

Watson in the Bay Area would be a home run. Kyle Shanahan has developed his scheme since going to San Francisco with more bootlegs, zone runs, QB-designed runs and RPOs, and knowing this, I can’t think of a better fit. A dual-threat signal-caller with Watson’s ability is what this improved offense has been missing. They have a group of good, young receivers (Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne), a premier tight end (George Kittle) and an unbelievable run game that would be that much better with Watson. What makes this pairing feasible is the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo’s contract is easy to move on from, as the 49ers would only take a $2.8 million dead-money hit if they released him, saving $24 million against the cap. I would pencil Watson’s 49ers into the NFC Championship Game every year.

2 – New England Patriots

This feels like a clear landing spot for Watson, considering the Patriots’ cap space ($57.3 million, per Over the Cap) and an opening at the quarterback position. They shouldn’t want to be in the same situation they were in last year when they signed their eventual starting quarterback in late June. With Cam Newton, whose playing style is nearly opposite of Tom Brady’s, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was forced to dip his toes into life with a mobile quarterback, and though I don’t think the offense was nearly as efficient as he’d hoped, I do think McDaniels liked the challenge and options that opened up with Newton on the field. The Patriots know what Watson is capable of; in fact, he’s given Bill Belichick plenty of reasons for never wanting to play against him in the AFC again. Since 2019, Watson has sliced and diced Belichick’s defense for six total touchdowns, zero giveaways, a 74.2 completion percentage and 129.6 passer rating.

The Patriots should do everything in their power to get Watson if he becomes available. I’d send their 15th overall pick with another player — and honestly, whatever else it’ll take — to acquire him. Even that feels like it’d be a steal. The last time the Patriots had an elite quarterback, they dominated the division, conference and entire league. This would re-start the Patriots’ engine and allow them to once again compete every year — at least, until Belichick decides to walk away.

3 – Chicago Bears

It certainly feels like the Bears’ chances of retaining Allen Robinson, who’s set to become a free agent, grow slimmer by the day. And while Robinson may want a fresh start, the Bears need to do everything in their power to keep the stud receiver in Chicago. Trading for a player like Watson could be the answer. The Bears made the playoffs this season with an uninspiring offense (ranked 26th overall) that was also without a viable quarterback. Plug Watson into this team, and it immediately gets a whole lot better. The Bears would likely get maximum production from Robinson, presuming he resigned to play with Watson, and the rest of their receiving corps; he’d also make the rushing attack a bigger threat, which would provide the defense a break. The Bears wouldn’t be quite as dynamic or intricate as Kansas City, but Matt Nagy’s system and his ability as a play-caller (though his performance on that front was a bit iffy in 2020) makes this a great scheme fit for the quarterback.

4 – New York Jets

If I like Watson in San Francisco, then the Jets also make sense as a landing spot, with new head coach Robert Saleh bringing Mike LaFleur with him as New York’s new offensive coordinator. From the Mike Shanahan coaching tree, LaFleur’s system would highlight Watson’s strengths as a dual-threat quarterback. The Jets are in rebuild mode, and hiring Saleh was a great first step. Saleh and I spent two seasons (2005-06) together in Houston, and his passion and energy was contagious. At the time he was a defensive intern and quality control coach, so naturally, he wasn’t often around the quarterbacks room. But he was a guy who motivated me to stay longer and work harder because he demanded the best, even in the early stages of his career. He’ll have the Jets turned around in no time. Bringing in Watson would certainly provide a boost — no disrespect to Sam Darnold, who would benefit from a fresh start elsewhere — and the Jets also boast plenty of cap room to add more talent around him.

INDIANAPOLIS

QB PHILIP RIVERS has played his last.  Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union:

The time has come, dadgummit.

The man whose good-natured hollering was as renowned as his highly unorthodox and highly effective throws is hanging up his helmet to put on a different hat.

Philip Rivers, who came to San Diego in a draft-day trade in 2004 and played quarterback for the Chargers all but his final season in the NFL, will announce his retirement today.

“It’s just time,” Rivers told the Union-Tribune late Tuesday night from his home in Indianapolis, where earlier this month he completed his only season with the Colts. “It’s just right.”

Rivers, who wore No. 17 throughout his 17 seasons, played in 244 games, starting the final 240 of those without interruption. That streak is the second longest ever by an NFL quarterback behind Brett Favre’s 297.

His retirement comes 13 years to the day since Rivers played in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots just six days after undergoing surgery to remove the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

It is a day that has long been dear to the devout Catholic, as Jan. 20 is the Roman Catholic Church’s St. Sebastian feast day. Sebastian is often referred to as the patron saint of athletes.

Rivers, 39, finishes his career ranked fifth all-time with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes.

“I can sit here and say, ‘I can still throw it. I love to play,’ ” Rivers said. “But that’s always going to be there. I’m excited to go coach high school football.”

Rivers’ hiring as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., effective when he retired, was announced last May. He spoke Tuesday night of being on campus in time to get to know his players before spring football.

“What has helped me come to this (decision) is the growing desire to coach high school football,” he said. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been growing. I can’t wait.”

Rivers’ father, Steve, coached him in high school. Rivers’ eldest son, Gunner, is in seventh grade.

Rivers helped lead the Colts to an 11-5 record and playoff berth this season, topping 4,000 passing yards for the eighth straight season and 12th time in his career. His final pass was a Hail Mary in Buffalo that fell short of the end zone in the Colts’ 27-24 loss to the Bills in an AFC Wild Card game.

It was the seventh playoff trip as a starting quarterback for Rivers, who never made it to a Super Bowl. He assumed the starting job in 2006 and went to the playoffs with the Chargers six times, including every year from ’06-09 and again in ’13 while the team was in San Diego.

“It was awesome,” Rivers said of his career. “A young kid from Northern Alabama who grew up wanting to play pro ball. I got to do it.”

While he said he is “100 percent at peace” with his decision, Rivers knows he will miss the camaraderie of a locker room and the huddle, matching wits and exchanging words (always G-rated on his end) with defenses and little things like banging helmets with his offensive linemen before the first series of a game.

He spoke fondly of San Diego, where the family lived when eight of his nine children were born. Even after the Chargers moved to Los Angeles in 2017, Rivers commuted to practice and home games from his home in North County.

“I would have never picked San Diego,” he said. “Not because I didn’t like it. I didn’t know it. I’m thankful. God put us there.”

What Rivers sees as divine direction came in the form of a trade that sent Eli Manning to the New York Giants after the Chargers had selected him first overall.

It was prayer, contemplation and conversation since the end of the season that convinced Rivers the time had come.

“This is the first year I felt like the ending was real,” he said. “We talked about it other years, but we knew we weren’t doing it. This year felt different. … It just seemed right.”

Rivers has been mentioned as a television commentator as well.  Can he do both?

Meanwhile, Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com has five candidates to replace him.

For the second offseason in a row, the Indianapolis Colts are in the quarterback market. Two years after Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement and one year after taking a flyer on longtime Chargers signal-caller Philip Rivers, the team confirmed Wednesday that Rivers, 39, has called it a career. Fresh off an 11-5 finish and playoff appearance, the Colts have neither short- or long-term certainties in-house, with Jacoby Brissett set to hit free agency and rookie Jacob Eason has yet to take a single NFL snap.

So where will the Colts turn? Where can they turn? Here are five of the most logical candidates to take over under center in 2021

5. Trey Lance

The NDSU product is widely considered a top-four QB prospect in this year’s draft, which means he’s bound to go far earlier than the Colts’ No. 21 pick in the first round. If, however, general manager Chris Ballard is serious about exploring a first-round QB (and he should be), and both he and coach Frank Reich fall in love with Lance, who hails from the same school as ex-Reich pupil Carson Wentz and apparently flashes some traits reminiscent of Luck, there’s reason to believe the Colts would go big to move up. Reich, after all, hasn’t been afforded a true long-term QB option in two years, and he’s now entering his fourth season with the team. It would likely take a big haul to jump closer to or even into the top 10, but if it gets them Lance’s enticing size and athleticism, so be it. Pair him with a veteran like Ryan Fitzpatrick, and you’ve rejuvenated the Colts fan base.

4. Mac Jones

The opinions on Jones differ a bit more, with some projecting the Alabama product to go as early as the top four, and others considering him more of a mid- to late-first-rounder. In the event draft day actually brings about a slide, pushing the two-time national champion into or beyond the teens, the Colts will almost certainly be a player. The knock on Mac is that he’s a true pocket passer — a “subpar” athlete who must win with his smarts more than raw talent. But just look at the QBs the Colts have targeted lately. In 2020, before landing on a 38-year-old Rivers, one of the league’s true statues in the pocket, they reportedly considered Tom Brady, whose immobility is topped by few. That’s not to say Reich prefers “un-athletic” QBs, but he certainly isn’t opposed to more traditional passers. And, more importantly, Jones may not cost as much if he falls into their lap.

3. Carson Wentz

This one’s been speculated so much that it almost feels too logical to be true, at this point. There’s no denying the connections: Reich was Wentz’s offensive coordinator during the most promising stretch of his career (2016-2017), the Colts are built to contend now, they aren’t necessarily primed to land one of the top rookie QBs, and they’ve got more than enough cap space to absorb Wentz’s big deal. From Wentz’s perspective, the embattled Eagles QB has reportedly already circled the Colts as a preferred destination in the event of a trade. Here’s the holdup: While Reich and Ballard may be intrigued by the long-term upside here, it feels unlikely they’ll want to surrender a ton of draft capital to take on Wentz’s price tag, and if the Eagles are actually leaning toward trying to restore their franchise QB, there’s little reason to think they’ll race to accept a bargain offer.

2. Matthew Stafford

If the Colts are looking to stay in the mix in 2021 without taking a big gamble on an unofficial project in Wentz, then there’s no better option than Stafford. The price tag would still be steep ($33 million in 2021, $26 million in 2022), and the Lions wouldn’t sell him for nothing, but in Stafford’s case, there’s a much sturdier resume to justify the cost. The former No. 1 pick wasn’t great in 2020, but he feels overdue for a change of scenery and would be primed for something like 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns behind Indy’s O-line. At 32, he’s also young enough to warrant more than a one-year rental, though his contract allows for a quick exit in 2022, if the Colts were ready to move on. The only real issue here is compensation: What is Ballard willing to surrender? Everything else fits, and as an added bonus, the Lions would get to ship their longtime QB out of the NFC.

1. Sam Darnold

Wentz has gotten all the buzz as a potential Reich restoration project, but we’re not talking enough about the more cost-effective alternative. Darnold, who, as fate would have it, ended up with the Jets after New York’s pre-draft trade with Indy, is still just 23. He’s under contract for just $9.8M in 2021 and could be retained on a fifth-year option in 2022. And while the Jets may talk about salvaging their former first-rounder under a new staff, all signs point to them drafting a new franchise QB in April. He’s far less proven than both Wentz and Stafford, but the skill set is there. Imagine how different his numbers may have looked in Indy’s system. Reich, meanwhile, has a relationship with Jets GM Joe Douglas, who’ll try to milk Darnold’s trade value. Would it be risky? Sure. But if the Colts can’t strike for a top rookie, what better alternative than “re-drafting” Darnold as a long-term development?

JACKSONVILLE

Trent Baalke has clawed his way back to a GM job.  Charean Williams ofProFootballTalk.com:

The Jaguars did their General Manager hiring a little differently than other teams. The team hired is head coach first, before the G.M.

The Jaguars announced Urban Meyer as their head coach Thursday. They are nearing an announcement on their G.M.

NFL Media reports that Jacksonville has settled on Trent Baalke, giving him a promotion from director of player personnel.

Baalke joined the Jaguars in that role last February. He became interim G.M. when the team fired Dave Caldwell in November.

Baalke is a veteran of 20-plus years in the NFL. He spent 12 seasons with the 49ers, including six as the team’s General Manager.

The 49ers fired Baalke after the 2016 season.

San Francisco went 51-44-1 during Baalke’s time as G.M., with three consecutive NFC title game appearances and a Super Bowl appearance.

In 2011, Baalke earned NFL executive of the year, as selected by Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America, after helping transform a 6-10 team into a 13-3 team in his first season as G.M.

The 49ers produced 24 All-Pro selections and 35 Pro Bowl nods during Baalke’s time.

The Jaguars also interviewed former Browns General Manager Ray Farmer, former Giants General Manager Jerry Reese, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick and former Texans G.M. Rick Smith.

Five interviews, four to Black candidates.

TENNESSEE

In Week 2, WR A.J. BROWN was told his season was over.  Turron Davenport ofESPN.com:

Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown had surgery on both of his knees on Tuesday, a league source confirmed to ESPN. Brown posted a video on social media after the procedure was finished.

Brown tweaked his left knee during training camp, which led to him missing some time on the field, but he was ready for the start of the season. The primary injury, to his right knee, occurred in the Titans’ season-opening 16-14 win at the Denver Broncos.

That injury caused him to be ruled out for Tennessee’s Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it lingered throughout the season, causing him to be stuck on a stationary bike instead of on the field for practice. Brown pushed through an ankle injury over the final weeks of the season, as well.

Despite dealing with the injuries, Brown was on the field for 70.9% of the Titans’ offensive plays, the most by any Tennessee wideout. The second-year pass-catcher was one of two Titans players to be named to the Pro Bowl.

Brown led the team in receptions (70), yards (1,075) and receiving touchdowns (11). He is the first Titans wideout to finish with back-to-back campaigns of 1,000 or more receiving yards since Derrick Mason did so in 2003 and 2004.

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com remembers that the Chiefs drafted QB PATRICK MAHOMES with Buffalo’s first round pick.

How many times does a team trade away the player who is the face of its league and get away with it? Or at least, the draft pick that became the face of its league?

In the Buffalo Bills’ case, they might have pulled off the unthinkable; they will get a chance to prove it this weekend.

In Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, the Bills will face the Kansas City Chiefs (6:40 p.m. ET, CBS) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (assuming he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol) — the player the Chiefs drafted in 2017 with the No. 10 pick they received from the Bills.

It’s a trade Buffalo fans have heard about ad nauseam. In coach Sean McDermott’s first draft as coach, the Bills traded down with the Chiefs for the No. 27 pick, a third-round pick (No. 91) in 2017 and the Chiefs’ first-round pick in 2018 (No. 22). After some maneuvering, Buffalo emerged from the deal with three franchise cornerstones — cornerback Tre’Davious White, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and left tackle Dion Dawkins — and special-teams ace Siran Neal.

Is that enough of a return for Mahomes, 25, who in three seasons as a starter has a Super Bowl ring, a league MVP award and a chance to add to his trophy case this postseason? Sunday’s game result will help frame that discussion moving forward.

“They got a good player in Patrick, and I think we made out as well with Josh [Allen], Tremaine and Tre’Davious — however you kind of shape that, in terms of picks that became picks,” McDermott said Monday. “I think both teams fared awfully well.”

For a time, particularly during Mahomes’ MVP season in 2018 when Buffalo went 6-10, it seemed the Bills were destined for a decadelong reminder of the player they allowed another AFC team to pounce on.

But even in the wake of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory, it became clear during the 2020 season the Bills had built a sustainable future around their haul from that 2017 trade and the selection of their own franchise quarterback in Allen in the 2018 draft. Not only did Allen turn in the greatest statistical season of any quarterback in Bills history, setting single-season franchise records for passing yards (4,544), passing touchdowns (37) and completion percentage (69.2), he also is in the conversation for MVP this season — right alongside Mahomes.

“He’s special; this is a special group,” Dawkins said after Buffalo’s first-round playoff win against the Indianapolis Colts, when Allen passed for 324 yards. “Josh is almost like a character on Madden — a 99 overall. He just keeps doing it week in and week out. I’m happy to call him my quarterback and I’m happy to block for him.”

Impressive haul

White has been the prize of the Bills’ return from the Mahomes trade, having been named first-team All-Pro in 2019 and a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons. Bills general manager Brandon Beane has insisted his plan is to draft, develop and re-sign the team’s cornerstone players, and the Bills rewarded White this past offseason with a then-record four-year, $70 million extension that made him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history until Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey surpassed him four days later.

“I was their first pick, so they just wanted me to come in and help build the culture here,” White said. “From the day I got drafted to when I got here and met everybody, they just told me I’m the first pick to changing this organization. I didn’t take that lightly.”

And White isn’t the only pick from that 2017 class to receive a second contract, as Dawkins signed a four-year, $60 million extension in August. Unlike White, who starred in each of his first two seasons, Dawkins struggled in his second NFL season. However, he bounced back and was named a team captain in 2019, elevating his play to a point where Buffalo locked him in to an extension before he could play out the final year of his rookie contract.

Dawkins is as much of a linchpin as any other player on the Bills’ roster.

“He’s improved every year since he’s been here, his intangibles, his confidence, his ability in his craft,” Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said. “It’s a testament … to Dion for putting in all the work. I’m glad we have him.”

It’s also impossible to ignore Edmunds’ contributions as one of the NFL’s most productive linebackers over the past three seasons. Since his rookie season in 2018, only 11 NFL players have more tackles than Edmunds’ 355. The two-time Pro Bowler is also younger than all but three Bills players; just 22, the Bills’ starting middle linebacker could quarterback their defense for the next decade.

THIS AND THAT

SUPER BOWL OFFICIALS

Carl Cheffers gets his 2^nd Super Bowl next week in Tampa – and Sarah Thomas will be his down judge.  Cameron Felipe of ProFootballZebras.com:

Cheffers, 60, is in his 21st season and 13th as referee. This is Cheffers’ 15th postseason assignment, including 5 Wild Card Playoffs, 6 Divisional Playoffs, 2 Conference Championships. He previously officiated Super Bowl LI in the 2016 season. Cheffers was the referee for the Ravens-Bills Divisional Playoff last Saturday.

Cheffers is a sales manager from Whittier, Calif., who joined the NFL in 2000 after working five years in the Pac-10 Conference, now the Pac-12.

Also of note, down judge Sarah Thomas, hired in 2015 as the first woman official on the NFL’s full-time roster, will now make history again as the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl.

A referee must have at least 5 years of seniority, worked 3 years at the referee position, and worked a playoff game as a referee in a previous postseason. The other members of the Super Bowl crew have traditionally had a Conference Championship game on their résumé (or received on-field assignments in 3 of the last 5 postseasons) in addition to being at least a 5-year veteran. This year, that criteria appears to have been relaxed.

Entering this postseason, Thomas has worked two other postseason games; she earned the third this year, but that ordinarily means her Super Bowl eligibility would begin next year. Sources told Football Zebras in 2016 that she was slated to get a wild card assignment that year, but was sidelined with a broken wrist at the end of the regular season. Field judge James Coleman also has not had the requisite recent experience for a Super Bowl assignment, having a divisional assignment in 2018 and 2014, although he was injured in the 2015 season. He has picked up at least an alternate assignment and a Pro Bowl in those seasons he has not worked on the field, but that has not been a consideration previously. All other members of the crew have met the postseason requirement by working a Conference Championship game.

As such, Thomas and Coleman are the two officials on the Super Bowl crew that will be working the Super Bowl for the first time in their careers. The remaining members of the crew will be working their second Super Bowl: Cheffers, umpire Fred Bryan, line judge Rusty Baynes, side judge Eugene Hall, and back judge Dino Paganelli.

Owing to the pandemic, this will be the first Super Bowl since the first one to have a full crew of alternate officials. Additionally, there is an alternate replay official to be safe. This was also done for this year’s Conference Championship games.

Scheduled assignments are subject to change due to the pandemic.

                        Yrs       2020 crew         College             Prev. Playoff     Prev. SB

R          Carl Cheffers                              Cal-Irvine         5 WC, 6 DIV, 2 CC        51

U          Fred Bryan          Blakeman        Northern Iowa    3 WC, 3 DIV, 1 CC        53

DJ        Sarah Thomas     Hochuli           Mobile               3 DIV                            

LJ         Rusty Baynes      Boger              Auburn-Mont      4 WC, 4 DIV, 3 CC        50

FJ        James Coleman  Torbert Arkansas          2 WC, 5 DIV     

SJ        Eugene Hall         Rogers            North Texas      3 WC, 3 DIV, 2 CC        53

BJ        Dino Paganelli   Smith                Aquinas           2 WC, 8 DIV, 2 CC        47

Replay official: Mike Wimmer

Replay assistant: Sean McKee

Alternates:

Referee: Shawn Smith (#14)

Umpire: Ramon George (#128)

Down judge: Jerod Phillips (#6)

Line judge: Mark Steinkerchner (#84)

Field judge: Tom Hill (#97)

Side judge: Jabir Walker (#26)

Back judge: Brad Freeman (#88)

Replay official: Mark Butterworth

.

As we might have guessed, Clete Blakeman (NFC) and Bill Vinovich (AFC) are the Championship Game referees.

We note as interesting that Shawn Smith, in only his 3^rd season as a referee, is the alternate referee for the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl crew had three Black officials in U Bryan, FJ Colemen and SJ Hall.

2021 DRAFT

Ryan Wilson of CBSSports.com offers a Mock Draft, which is already his 20^th of this season:

It’s the first one to include trades. So let’s get crazy. The first four picks are all quarterbacks, the Panthers trade up from No. 8 to No. 3 to grab Justin Fields, and the Falcons land Mac Jones a selection later.

Meanwhile, the Steelers, who traded up to the 10th spot in 2019 for linebacker Devin Bush, trade up to No. 10 again, this time for quarterback Trey Lance, who can sit for a year behind Ben Roethlisberger before taking over the job in 2022.

In case you’re wondering — and we’re guessing you are — here are the mock draft trades for the teams involved:

– Panthers get No. 3 pick, Dolphins get picks 8, 39, 104.

– Steelers get No. 10 pick, Cowboys get picks 24, 55, and 2022 first rounder.

Keep reading to see how the rest of the first round unfolds.

1 – JACKSONVILLE

Trevor Lawrence QB

CLEMSON • JR • 6’6″ / 220 LBS

Urban Meyer is now the Jags’ new head coach and it’s only a matter of time before Trevor Lawrence joins him in Jacksonville. And before you ask, no, there’s no way — none — that Meyer thinks about Ohio State QB Justin Fields here.

2 – NY JETS

Zach Wilson QB

BYU • JR • 6’3″ / 210 LBS

This could just be a placeholder until the Jets send the pick to Houston in a deal for Deshaun Watson, but for now, New York targets Zach Wilson as its next franchise quarterback. Ideally (again, assuming Watson isn’t in the plans), the Jets’ best option would be to a) trade down or b) target an offensive lineman like Penei Sewell. But QB-needy teams fall in love all the time and it’s a stretch to think that Sam Darnold will magically elevate every aspect of his game in 2021.

3 – CAROLINA (Mock Trade from Miami)

Justin Fields QB

OHIO STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 228 LBS

The Panthers can lean on Teddy Bridgewater for one more season, which is best-case scenario for Fields, who has a chance to be special but isn’t yet ready to be an NFL starter.

4 – ATLANTA

Mac Jones QB

ALABAMA • JR • 6’3″ / 214 LBS

NFL teams seem to like Jones more than media folks so this may seem way too high for the Alabama QB. While he’s no real threat to run, he does everything else at a high level. Matt Ryan will be back for the ’21 season for the Falcons and Jones can take over in Year 2.

5 – CINCINNATI

Penei Sewell OL

OREGON • JR • 6’6″ / 330 LBS

This would make the Bengals — and Joe Burrow — incredibly happy; the offensive line was a weekly issue for Cincy and protecting Burrow is at the top of the to-do list. Sewell is the second-best player in this class and has a chance to be a starter for the next decade.

6 – PHILADELPHIA

Devonta Smith WR

ALABAMA • JR • 6’1″ / 175 LBS

The Eagles need a new head coach but it appears Carson Wentz’s job is safe (for now, anyway). Assuming the quarterback for next season is currently on the roster, finding a downfield playmaker is a priority. And no one was more explosive during the 2020 college season than Smith.

7 – DETROIT

Ja’Marr Chase WR

LSU • JR • 6’0″ / 208 LBS

Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola are all headed for free agency in a few months. And while the Lions will almost certainly keep Golladay, who has been injured for much of this season, adding Chase makes too much sense not to happen.

8 – MIAMI (Mock Trade from Carolina)

Jaylen Waddle WR

ALABAMA • JR • 5’10” / 182 LBS

The Dolphins trade down, accumulate picks, and still get one of the most dynamic players in the class. Waddle’s 2020 campaign was interrupted by an ankle injury, but he’s one of the fastest people on the planet who is already a more polished route runner than Henry Ruggs, a former teammate who was the first wideout drafted a year ago.

9 – DENVER

Caleb Farley CB

VIRGINIA TECH • JR • 6’2″ / 207 LBS

Bryce Callahan was a bright spot in the secondary in 2020, but he, along with four other CBs, will have his contract expire next spring. Farley, who opted out for 2020, is our CB1.

10 – PITTSBURGH (Mock Trade from Dallas)

Trey Lance QB

Two years ago, the Steelers traded up to No. 10 for Devin Bush. This time they’re looking a franchise QB to replace Big Ben, who appears likely to return for ’21. Lance is short on experience, but long on everything else NFL QBs are evolving into.

11 – NY GIANTS

Micah Parsons LB

PENN STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 244 LBS

The Giants have needs along the offensive line, but the defense could use some upgrades too. Micah Parsons has opted out of the 2020 season, but he’s the No. 1 LB in this class.

12 – SAN FRANCISCO

Patrick Surtain II CB

ALABAMA • JR • 6’2″ / 203 LBS

San Francisco has five cornerbacks headed for unrestricted free agency (including Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett) and two more as exclusive rights free agents. Surtain was Alabama’s best CB the last two seasons and and is coming off a strong junior campaign.

13 – LA CHARGERS

Kyle Pitts TE

FLORIDA • JR • 6’6″ / 240 LBS

Pitts could end up being the best pass catcher in this draft. And if so, why not give Justin Herbert another weapon, especially since Hunter Henry is currently playing on the franchise tag?

14 – MINNESOTA

Alijah Vera-Tucker OL

USC • JR • 6’4″ / 315 LBS

The Vikings have needs at edge rusher but also along the interior offensive line and Vera-Tucker, who is a stud on the interior but starred at tackle this season for USC, has the versatility to line up anywhere.

15 – NEW ENGLAND

Zaven Collins LB

TULSA • JR • 6’4″ / 260 LBS

The Patriots drafted Kyle Dugger last year in Round 2 and Collins, who plays linebacker, possesses that type of freakish athleticism.

16 – ARIZONA

Gregory Rousseau EDGE

MIAMI (FL) • SOPH • 6’7″ / 265 LBS

Chandler Jones will be a free agent after the 2021 season and the Cardinals could use an explosive young pass rusher. Rousseau had 15.5 sacks last season, but few of them came off the edge. The good news is that as a converted WR he’s still new to the position and he’s only going to get better.

17 – LAS VEGAS

Kwity Paye DL

MICHIGAN • SR • 6’4″ / 272 LBS

The Raiders’ defense is a mess and they have to get better at getting after the QB. Paye, meanwhile, is an athletic marvel who showed vast improvement from the ’19 to ’20 seasons.

18 – MIAMI

Rashawn Slater OL

NORTHWESTERN • JR • 6’3″ / 305 LBS

Slater is one of our favorite players in this class; he was dominant at times for Northwestern in 2019 (he opted out in 2020) and he can also play guard and even center.

19 – WASHINGTON

Christian Darrisaw OL

VIRGINIA TECH • JR • 6’5″ / 314 LBS

The Football Team obviously needs a long-term answer at QB after dumping Dwayne Haskins, but after winning the division and making the playoffs, they’ll likely have to trade up to get one. For now they’re staying put and upgrading the O-line with one one the most athletic lineman in this class.

20 – CHICAGO

Kadarius Toney WR

FLORIDA • SR • 6’0″ / 193 LBS

The Bears made the playoffs, effectively putting themselves out of the running for one of the top QBs in this class. And GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy are returning for ’21, though Mitchell Trubisky’s future remains up in the air. Whomever ends up under center needs weapons and Toney is coming off an explosive campaign for the Gators.

21 – INDIANAPOLIS

Teven Jenkins OL

OKLAHOMA STATE • SR • 6’6″ / 320 LBS

Anthony Castonzo announced his retirement last week and Jenkins, who plays with an edge, is athletic, has great feet and moves well in space. He can play either tackle position.

22 – TENNESSEE

Jayson Oweh EDGE

PENN STATE • SOPH • 6’5″ / 253 LBS

Oweh is a freakish athlete just scratching the surface on his potential, which fits exactly what the Titans need after managing just 19 sacks during the regular season.

23 – NY JETS (from Seattle)

Najee Harris RB

ALABAMA • SR • 6’2″ / 230 LBS

Najee Harris went from likely Day 3 pick to RB1 by returning to Alabama in 2020 and for the Jets he adds much-needed depth to a backfield that now includes rookie QB Zach Wilson

24 – DALLAS (Mock Trade from Pittsburgh)

Jaycee Horn CB

SOUTH CAROLINA • JR • 6’1″ / 205 LBS

The Cowboys trade down, stockpile picks and still get one of the most physical cornerbacks in the class, filling a huge need in the process.

25 – JACKSONVILLE (from LA Rams)

Christian Barmore DL

ALABAMA • SOPH • 6’5″ / 310 LBS

Barmore was our DT1 coming into the season, took a while to get going, and then saved his best football for the final month of the season. He was absolutely dominant in ‘Bama’s run to the championship.

26 – CLEVELAND

Azeez Ojulari LB

GEORGIA • FR • 6’3″ / 240 LBS

The Browns were middle of the road in getting after the quarterback and there is little depth behind Myles Garrett. Ojulari had a standout season for the Bulldogs and while he hasn’t drawn the national attention of Kwity Paye or Jaelan Phillips, he’s a legit terror off the edge.

27 – BALTIMORE

Joseph Ossai LB

TEXAS • JR • 6’4″ / 253 LBS

Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon will be free agents in a few weeks and even if one (or both) returns, the Ravens need to get better off the edge. Ossai is coming off an impressive 2020 season.

28 – NEW ORLEANS

Tyson Campbell CB

GEORGIA • SOPH • 6’2″ / 185 LBS

The Saints have four CBs on the roster headed for free agency and even though Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins and Patrick Robinson are still on multi-year deals, you can never have enough big-play corners. Campbell is long, physical and is only going to get better with experience.

29 – TAMPA BAY

Travis Etienne RB

CLEMSON • SR • 5’10” / 205 LBS

A defensive tackle or an edge rusher makes sense here, but Travis Etienne is coming off back-to-back strong seasons, has elite contact balance and is a pass-catching threat coming out of the backfield.

30 – BUFFALO

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB

NOTRE DAME • JR • 6’1″ / 215 LBS

Owusu-Koramoah is a tweener, which is why some NFL teams view him as a safety and not a linebacker. Above all else he’s an athlete, and Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier will find ways to get him on the field.

31 – GREEN BAY

Nick Bolton LB

MISSOURI • JR • 6’0″ / 232 LBS

The Packers need help in the middle of their defense and Bolton is a sideline-to-sideline spark plug.

32 – KANSAS CITY

Carlos Basham Jr. EDGE

WAKE FOREST • SR • 6’5″ / 285 LBS

Basham is a physical specimen who will be dominant once he puts it all together. In K.C. he’ll give the Chiefs’ defense a much-needed boost off the edge.