The Daily Briefing Wednesday, January 4, 2023

S DAMAR HAMLIN of the Bills is still unconscious at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, but his breathing has improved.  Mike Florio posted this late Wednesday morning:

The information regarding the status of Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to be limited. But the limited information from this morning is encouraging.

Via Coley Harvey of ESPN.com, Hamlin family friend and spokesman Jordon Rooney said that doctors got “promising readings” overnight regarding Damar, and that “progress appears to be made.”

This from CNN:

After suffering a cardiac arrest mid-game on Monday, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains sedated on a ventilator as doctors work toward getting him to breathe on his own, according to an update from the player’s uncle.

The 24-year-old player was still in critical condition as of Tuesday night, his uncle Dorrian Glenn told CNN, after his collapse on the field the night before halted the Bills game against the Cincinnati Bengals and stunned a packed stadium that had just moments before been rippling with the excitement of Hamlin’s tackle of a Bengals wide receiver.

– – –

Hamlin would be resuscitated twice that night – once on the field and again when he was hurried into the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was still being treated Tuesday night, his uncle said.

“I’m not a crier, but I’ve never cried so hard in my life. Just to know, like, my nephew basically died on the field and they brought him back to life,” Glenn said.

Hamlin is on a ventilator to relieve some of the strain on his lungs, which have been damaged, according to Glenn. The doctors told Glenn his nephew has also been “flipped over on his stomach” in the hospital to help with the blood on his lungs, he said, adding, “It seems like he’s trending upwards in a positive way.”

The game was suspended with nearly six minutes left in the first quarter and was later officially postponed. The NFL said Tuesday that the game will not be resumed this week and no decision has been made on whether to continue it at a later date.

On-field injuries are not uncommon in the league, which often resumes play even after severe cases, but several current and former players have said Hamlin’s cardiac arrest felt especially disturbing as medical personnel fought to save his life while fans and players looked on.

Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins said he realized the gravity of his teammate’s condition when Hamlin continued to stay on the ground as more and more medical staff were called over.

“In that moment, you’re just thinking like, ‘What can I do? What can we do?’ And it just immediately breaks you down into prayer,” Dawkins told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “Whether you’re a believer or not, only a higher power can really take control of what is next. And our people that help also assisted that higher power.”

What doctors may be thinking

It is still unclear what led to Hamlin’s cardiac arrest – a condition that results from electrical disturbances that cause the heart to suddenly stop beating properly. Death can occur quickly if help isn’t rendered immediately. It is not the same as a heart attack or heart failure.

CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained that when the heart is not beating well, fluid can sometimes back up into the lungs and make it hard for medical staff to oxygenate the patient. So, they will flip the person on their stomach into a prone position to make breathing easier.

What are cardiac arrest, heart attack and heart failure?

Gupta also said it sounds like Hamlin is still having a significant amount of cardiac dysfunction and his heart cannot pump enough blood.

One of the treatment options is to decrease the body’s demand for oxygenated blood, he told CNN’s Anderson Cooper.

“So you want to improve the amount of circulation, but in the interim, you can also decrease the demand by sedating somebody, by keeping them on a breathing machine,” he said. “Sometimes they’ll even use cooling agents, hypothermia it’s called, to basically almost put the body in more of a hibernation-like state so it’s not demanding as much oxygenated blood. That’s part of the reason he would be on a breathing machine as well.”

In a statement Tuesday, Hamlin family thanked the UC Medical Center staff “who have provided exceptional care to Damar.”

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country,” the statement said.

– – –

It sounds like Mike Florio has been coached on what the NFL is thinking about the suspended Bills-Patriots game – and he floats one idea that actually is kind of brilliant.  As he says, #4 “could be getting some traction.”

Although the primary concern for everyone who cares about the NFL and the men who play the game continues to be the health of Bills safety Damar Hamlin, the 2022 regular season eventually will continue. It’s unclear how and when that will happen.

We’ve been thinking about and discussing potential options. There is no perfect solution. The NFL eventually will have to select the option that it believes is the best from a collection of imperfect outcomes.

A list of possible approaches follows. There may be other options. There may be better options. These are the ones that currently come to mind.

1. Cancel the Bills-Bengals game and proceed with Week 18.

This would avoid any adjustment to the remaining schedule. The Bills-Bengals game would be declared a no contest. The practical impact would be that the Bills and Bengals would have one fewer game. Seeding for the postseason would be determined based on winning percentage.

Under the scenario, the Chiefs would capture the No. 1 seed by beating the Raiders. The Bengals would win the AFC North, regardless of the outcome of Cincinnati’s Week 18 game against the Ravens.

2. Play Bills-Bengals this weekend, and delay Week 18 by a week.

This would ensure that every team plays 17 games. But it would compel the Bills and Bengals to play fairly soon, at a time when no one else is playing. It also would eliminate the bye week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.

Yes, the NFL did that when rearranging the schedule in 2001 following 9/11. In those days, the Pro Bowl happened after the Super Bowl. This approach would necessitate cancellation of the reimagined approach to Pro Bowl weekend. (That definitely shouldn’t be viewed as an impediment.)

This approach also would delay by a week the conclusion of the season for teams that have no chance to make the playoffs. The teams that are already eliminated surely don’t want their seasons to linger by another week.

To remedy that approach, Week 18 could be played this weekend, with only Bills-Bengals played the following weekend and the playoffs starting the week after that.

3. Cancel Bills-Bengals and delay Week 18.

This becomes a potentially attractive option, if players throughout the league are struggling to get themselves in the proper frame of mind to play this weekend.

It would require AFC playoff seeding to be determined by winning percentages, and it would eliminate the bye week between the conference championship and the Super Bowl. But it would give all players extra time before being expected to suit up again and play.

Again, it also would delay by a week the commencement of the offseason for the 18 teams that miss the playoffs.

4. Play Bills-Bengals during a reconfigured postseason.

This is an idea that could be getting some traction, as the league tries to come up with the best bad option.

Under this approach, Week 18 would proceed as scheduled. The following weekend, the NFC wild-card games would be played, along with Bills-Bengals. The next weekend, the AFC wild-card games would be played.

Then, the rest of the playoffs would unfold, but without the bye week between conference championships and the Super Bowl.

This would ensure that all teams play 17 games. It would give all AFC playoff teams (except the Bills and Bengals) a week off. It would give the NFC wild-card winners a week off. And the NFC No. 1 seed would go three weeks between games.

Again, there’s no perfect solution. The simplest would be to not play Bills-Bengals at all and proceed with Week 18. Whether the NFL deems that one to be the best remains to be seen.

So four games total in Week 19/WC 1.  Three games in Week 20/WC2.

– – –

An update on Hamlin’s toy drive from ESPN.com:

Damar Hamlin’s goal was simple: He wanted to raise $2,500 online to buy toys for needy kids.

It took about two years.

Then came Monday, when the Buffalo Bills safety was critically injured and needed his heart restarted on the field in a chilling scene that unfolded during a nationally televised game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He instantly became one of the biggest stories in sports, and thousands of people found his GoFundMe page.

The result: close to $5.5 million donated in the first 24 hours after his injury. And the number is climbing.

A fundraiser that as of last month had raised $2,921 was close to $6 million at midnight ET on Tuesday — with about 198,400 people going online in that span to donate, on average, about $30. Some of the donations were smaller. Some were more than $10,000. Some were even from New England Patriots players, who are scheduled to play at Buffalo on Sunday for the regular-season finale.

On average, about 2.5 donations were being made every second in that initial 17-hour span. Many came with messages of hope for a 24-year-old player in his second season, sedated in a Cincinnati hospital, listed in critical condition.

“There are moments in life that stop the world,” wrote Michael Lynch, who donated. “We all pray for two things. Your speedy recovery and that your impact to the world is enhanced by your go fund me.”

The messages poured in from different fan bases, many of the donors letting the world know that they support other teams. One came with a hashtag that read, “we are all Bills fans.”

In a statement Tuesday, Hamlin’s family expressed its “sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.”

Hamlin started the GoFundMe in December 2020. He was just wrapping up his college career and getting ready for the NFL draft process. And he wanted to have a toy drive at Kelly and Nina’s Daycare Center — a facility co-owned by his mother — in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, a place with about 6,000 residents along the south bank of the Ohio River.

“As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me,” Hamlin wrote when setting up the drive. “I created The Chasing M’s Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive. This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.”

He pulled the first event off with about 10 days of planning. Gifts poured in, some of it clothing donated by Pitt, where he had just finished playing. Hamlin’s upbringing was far from easy: He lost three friends to gun violence while growing up and saw his father incarcerated for about 3½ years for selling drugs. But as soon as he was able, Hamlin wanted to help others.

So, he started the toy drive. And on Monday, the world finally noticed.

“Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community,” his foundation wrote in a message posted to the donation page Tuesday. “The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more.”

Many of the donations came from Bills fans, affectionately known as Bills Mafia, and this is far from the first time they’ve gone online to show support. In recent years, Bills fans have shown support for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s foundation after he left a game — also in Cincinnati — with a concussion; for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s charity after the Ravens lost a playoff game to Buffalo; and many made donations of $16.88 to the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative in western New York following the death this summer of FIU player Luke Knox.

Luke Knox’s brother, Dawson Knox, is a tight end for the Bills. The $16.88 was a nod to their jersey number

Mike Florio with some big donations:

Significant donations have been made by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford ($12,000), Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara ($10,000), and Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady ($10,000).

The Commanders have given $5,000, and Raiders coach Josh McDaniels has donated $2,500. Jason and Devin McCourty have given $2,000 each.

Also, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin announced on Tuesday that all proceeds from the sale of Damar Hamlin jerseys will be donated to Damar’s Chasing M’s Foundation. Via Sports Business Journal, Hamlin’s Bills No. 3 was the highest selling jersey on the Fanatics platform since last night, in any sport.

It really does feel like the NFL’s version of the final scene of It’s A Wonderful Life. Beyond the support that this money will provide to children who need it, it shows Damar Hamlin and his family that people care deeply about them.

So keep it going, NFL community — players, coaches, teams, owners, media, fans. Anyone. Everyone.

Saints QB ANDY DALTON gave $3,000.  His charities benefited from Bills Mafia love a few years ago when he beat Baltimore in the final week to put Buffalo in the playoffs.

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

When the cold wind blows:

@ToddFuhrman

·

15h

Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers are 18-1 (.947) in December/January regular-season games

That’s the the best record by a head coach/QB duo since 1950 (min. 15 games)

Vince Lombardi/Bart Starr are 2nd-best (18-3-1, .857)

Stats via

@NFLResearch

MINNESOTA

The 28^th-best team in the NFL by one indicator is 12-4.  From Aaron Schatz, the father of DVOA:

@FO_ASchatz

The Minnesota Vikings dropped this week to… I’m serious here… 28th in DVOA at 12-4.

What a weird, weird season.

NFC EAST

WASHINGTON

Back to QB TYLER HEINICKE, with QB SAM HOWELL waiting in the wings, as the Commanders take on the Cowboys in Week 18.  John Keim of ESPN.com:

The Washington Commanders will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback in Sunday’s regular-season finale vs. the Dallas Cowboys, a move that all but signals the end of Carson Wentz’s tenure in Washington, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Rookie quarterback Sam Howell will finish the game, per sources.

The moves come one week after the Commanders gambled that Wentz’s return as the starter could spark an offense that had struggled to score. But that failed as Cleveland beat Washington 24-10, and the Commanders managed only 260 yards — their third-lowest total of the season. Wentz threw for just 124 yards and was intercepted three times, and the Commanders (7-8-1) were eliminated from playoff contention. Dallas (12-4) can still clinch the NFC East with a win and a loss by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wentz will be inactive in what almost assuredly will be his last game with Washington. He has two years left on his contract, but with no guaranteed money. The Commanders could cut him without any money counting toward their salary cap.

Washington traded two third-round picks to Indianapolis, and swapped second-round picks last spring, to acquire Wentz. The Commanders also absorbed a $28 million cap hit.

Wentz threw a combined seven touchdown passes in Washington’s first two games but struggled thereafter, with only four TD passes in his next five starts. The Commanders scored a combined 55 points in those first two games, but only 57 in the ensuing five.

Heinicke started nine games after Wentz broke his right ring finger on Oct. 13. Washington went 5-3-1 in those games. In the past two seasons, Washington has gone 12-11-1 when Heinicke starts and 2-7 under anyone else.

But Washington turned to Wentz last week because the offense had not scored more than 20 points in seven of the previous eight games. Most of that was due to red zone struggles; the Commanders ranked 13th in total yards during this stretch.

Washington also wants to see Howell, a fifth-round pick last spring who has yet to play. He was Heinicke’s backup for seven games before Wentz returned from his injury. Howell threw for 10,283 yards, 92 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in three seasons as a starter at North Carolina.

Howell is the only Washington quarterback on the active roster under contract for 2023.

NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA

The Panthers are among the teams interested in Jim Harbaugh who may want out of Michigan.  Joe Person of The Athletic:

@josephperson

Panthers owner David Tepper has talked with Michigan coach, Jim Harbaugh about the Panthers head coaching vacancy, a league source confirmed.

@WillKunkelFOX  was first.

Person and Jeff Howe study the coaching field alongside readers of The Athletic:

The Athletic asked readers whom they’d like to see succeed Matt Rhule, a prompt that generated more than 150 responses. Fans overwhelmingly backed Wilks, the Charlotte native and former Carolina defensive coordinator who’s gone 5-6 since replacing Rhule in October.

Many of the respondents posted before the Panthers’ 30-24 loss to Tampa Bay, which eliminated them from playoff contention and extended their postseason drought to five years. Still, the Wilks support is tough to ignore.

But readers also suggested several other candidates, including some big names who’ve coached in Super Bowls and others who fall into the up-and-coming category.

Jeff Howe, The Athletic’s NFL national insider, and Panthers beat writer Joe Person analyzed the eight coaches who showed up the most in the readers’ suggestion box.

The in-house candidate

Steve Wilks

Person: It took newly acquired Josh Norman less than a week to see the impact Wilks has made on Panthers players. “Guys want to play for him,” Norman said. The 53-year-old Wilks kept the Panthers competitive even after the trades of Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson and the release of Baker Mayfield, the Week 1 starting quarterback. Wilks will get an interview with David Tepper, who said Wilks would be considered if he did “an incredible job.”

Howe: The Panthers interim coach made a strong first impression last winter upon his arrival in Carolina, so it’s hardly surprising to see the way he has captivated the locker room after Rhule’s firing. Wilks, a Charlotte native, is a tremendous leader, relates well with his players and coaches, and he can get the best out of his team. This would be a popular hire.

Former or current head coaches

Jim Harbaugh

Howe: The 59-year-old knows how to win. He led the 49ers to a 49-22-1 record, including the playoffs, in four seasons with the 49ers, and he’s won 71.7 percent of his games at the college level between stints with San Diego, Stanford and Michigan. Harbaugh interviewed last year with the Vikings, and he’ll likely be a coveted candidate in the upcoming hiring cycle. Tepper has deep pockets, and he would need to be willing to shell out in the Harbaugh sweepstakes.

Person: After missing badly on the Rhule hire, the idea that Tepper would seek an established coach with a strong track record makes a lot of sense. Tepper has already spoken with Harbaugh, who is expected to jump from his Michigan alma mater if he receives an NFL offer. Denver reportedly has reached out to Harbaugh, who could also draw interest from Indianapolis, where he was known as “Captain Comeback” as the Colts’ quarterback. Harbaugh likely would want personnel control, which could put Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer’s status in question.

Sean Payton

Howe: The former Saints coach has said he’ll likely return to the sidelines in the right situation, but it’s really hard to imagine it happening in the NFC South. He is under contract with the Saints through 2024, so the Panthers would need to trade for Payton. The Saints, in theory, would require a division opponent to pay a much steeper price. Perhaps more importantly, would this even be the situation that entices Payton to leave his Fox gig? The Panthers don’t have a franchise quarterback, and a steep trade demand — likely the Panthers’ first-round pick, at minimum — would eradicate one solution there. Payton feels like the longest of long shots.

Person: The Panthers have missed the playoffs five consecutive years since Tepper bought the team, and he knows he needs a franchise quarterback. The hedge fund manager worth $18.5 billion isn’t afraid to take big swings (see the Panthers’ unsuccessful pursuits of Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson), and Payton is the biggest fish in this coaching cycle. The Panthers reportedly reached out to Fox’s Jay Glazer to gauge Payton’s interest, and Glazer said unequivocally that Payton wouldn’t come to Charlotte. But don’t be surprised if Tepper asks again.

Frank Reich

Howe: Reich was fired by the Colts in November midway through his fifth season. There’s a lot of blame to go around for the team’s collective face-plant, but how much of the share does Reich deserve? That’s up for debate. He was a coveted coaching candidate after the Eagles won the Super Bowl in his second season as their offensive coordinator under Doug Pederson, and Reich will probably draw interest again, perhaps as soon as this cycle.

Person: Reich was not the Eagles’ play caller during the Eagles’ Super Bowl season but directed some productive offenses in Indy. The Colts ranked in the top seven in scoring and total offense with Andrew Luck at quarterback in Reich’s first season. Even after Luck’s abrupt retirement, the Colts finished in the top 10 in scoring in two of the next three seasons when Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz were behind center. Like Wilks, Reich has ties to the organization and the Charlotte area. He started three games for the Panthers during their inaugural 1995 season, and his brother is the longtime coach at nearby Wingate University.

Dan Quinn

Howe: The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator was one of the hottest head coaching candidates in last year’s cycle, and he is expected to get another strong look this month. Quinn commands a locker room and knows how to command on a macro level. He’s got a strong reputation around the league, and it feels inevitable he’ll get another shot. Quinn would be a solid hire for the Panthers.

Person: Quinn has familiarity with the NFC South given his five-plus seasons as the Falcons’ head coach. Quinn had a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI before the Falcons melted down amid an epic Tom Brady comeback (something the Panthers got a taste of last weekend). Quinn’s defensive background might not be Tepper’s first preference, so his vision for the offense and choice for offensive coordinator would be a big part of his interview process. Potentially working in Quinn’s favor: his ties to Fitterer from their time together in Seattle.

Current coordinators

DeMeco Ryans

Howe: It would be an absolute stunner if the 49ers’ defensive coordinator doesn’t get hired this cycle. Frankly, it was surprising he didn’t get one of the 10 open jobs last year. Ryans, a former linebacker, is an outstanding leader, coach and football mind. Of course, this is an era when offense rules, so Ryans would need a strong plan at coordinator, but do you want to be the team that lets Ryans out the door? Plus, the Panthers have some defensive talent, so Ryans could make that work while they figure out the offensive solutions in the coming years.

Person: With the 49ers looking ready for a deep playoff run, the Panthers — and any other team that pursues Ryans — might have to be patient. San Francisco has the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense and the second-ranked total defense under the 38-year-old Ryans, whom 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa called the best defensive coordinator he’s played for. Tepper watched Ryans’ defense hold the Panthers to 64 rushing yards and collect six sacks on Carolina quarterbacks in the 49ers’ 37-15 win in Charlotte in Rhule’s final game.

Shane Steichen

Howe: The 37-year-old is shaping up to be the top offensive coaching candidate in this cycle. Steichen, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, has coached quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts over the past three seasons, so his credentials are strong. If the Panthers take a quarterback in the top 10 — something they’d love to do, but the competition will be fierce — Steichen has proved his value in developing young stars at the position.

Person: Steichen’s strong background with quarterbacks predates his work with Herbert and Hurts. During his first three years as the Chargers’ quarterbacks coach beginning in 2016, Philip Rivers — who is three years older than Steichen — went to three consecutive Pro Bowls. The former UNLV quarterback likely wouldn’t be inheriting a veteran passer in Carolina but could have the opportunity to mold a highly drafted rookie like Will Levis, C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson.

Ben Johnson

Howe: The rapid-rising offensive coordinator has led the Lions to the fifth-most points in the league this season and resurrected quarterback Jared Goff’s career. If you want to know how valued Johnson has become, just look at the way Lions fans respond on Twitter anytime he’s mentioned as a head coaching candidate. The 36-year-old hasn’t previously interviewed for top jobs, so he’s a little green. If the Panthers want an experienced candidate, Johnson probably won’t get a long look. But they should talk to Johnson and figure out for themselves if they believe he’s ready.

Person: Johnson’s offense faced some tough sledding in a Week 16 loss at Carolina, almost literally. Goff and other Detroit players complained about the hard playing surface after the Panthers’ 37-23 win in the coldest home game (20 degrees) in Carolina history. Johnson is a sharp guy: He didn’t win the starting quarterback job after walking on at North Carolina but did earn math and computer science degrees. Though Johnson hasn’t been a coordinator long, he’s coached quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends, and Lions coach Dan Campbell considers him a “rock star.”

AFC WEST

DENVER

Interim OC Jerry Rosberg made a play-calling change on Sunday.  Jon Heath of USA TODAY:

When the Denver Broncos’ offense was struggling mid-season, then-head coach Nathaniel Hackett handed over offensive play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak.

Hackett chose Kubiak over offensive coordinator Justin Outten. The results were not immediately apparent after Hackett gave up the role, but the offense did seem to improve a bit a few weeks later.

After Hackett was fired last week, interim coach Jerry Rosburg made another change at play caller, handing the job over to Outten.

After a 27-24 loss to the Chiefs, Rosburg explained his decision.

“I made the decision to move Justin in the box because I wanted Klint on the sideline with Russell Wilson,” Rosburg said. “That is a relationship, a quarterback coach and a quarterback. It is different. It is not that anything else is bad, but it is different. They see the game differently. I wanted Klint with Russell. I don’t want the plays called from the sideline.

“That is why I had so much confidence in Justin to put him up in the box and call the plays. I said this earlier, this is an example of what a team looks like where two men Justin and Klint, can sit in a room with me and everyone can put their egos aside. They are not worried about their resumes or how it looks on the outside and the social media world. Nobody is trying to enhance their resumes. They are just trying to win a football game and that is what those two men did. I have the utmost respect for how they handled it this week, and I would say the players they coach.”

Denver scoring 24 points against Kansas City marked just the third time the Broncos have scored that many points in a single game this season, so the switch was seemingly backed up with a positive result.

Rosburg has one more week in charge as the interim head coach, but if he continues to make smart decisions, he might just make himself a candidate for the full-time job.

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has a special bond with Bills S DAMAR HAMLIN.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Like everyone in the NFL, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is concerned first and foremost today with the health of Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who remains hospitalized in critical condition after collapsing on the field Monday night. But Tomlin revealed that he has a personal connection with Hamlin that began long before Hamlin’s NFL career.

Tomlin has known Hamlin since he was a youth football player in the Pittsburgh area, and he said the two of them have spent time reflecting on how far Hamlin has come.

“I’ll say this about Damar Hamlin: It’s a really personal thing to me, being a Pittsburgher and that young man being a Pittsburgher, I’ve known that guy probably since he was about 12,” Tomlin said. “I’ve just got a lot of respect and love for him as a human being, his commitment to the pursuit of his goals and dreams of doing what he is right now, which is playing in the NFL. To watch him make personal decisions, and make that a realization, it’s just an honor to get to know young people like that.

“I’ve had an opportunity to express that to him whenever I see him. We’ve played Buffalo each of the last two seasons and he and I had a moment because it’s just cool to not only appreciate these guys in terms of where they are now but to know them since they were younger people and to watch their maturation, their development, to watch them earn what they’ve been chasing, it’s really a cool thing, and he’s an example of that. I’ve got a lot of love for that young man. I’ve lifted him and that organization up in prayer. I’ve reached out to Sean McDermott to lend whatever assistance I could. But I don’t have a lot to add other than that. I just respect the fact that you guys appreciate how personal it is for me, not only for me, but for all of us.”

The 24-year-old Hamlin was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and played his college football at Pitt before he was drafted by the Bills in 2021.

AFC EAST

MIAMI

This:

@NFLonCBS

Dolphins this season

3 straight wins

3 straight losses

5 straight wins

5 straight losses

NEW ENGLAND

Like most Patriots fans, owner Robert Kraft is unhappy with the team’s offensive coaching staff.  Darren Hartwell of NBCSports.com:

The New England Patriots’ offense has been a disaster this season, and the top boss has taken notice.

According to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, Patriots owner Robert Kraft has made it known in Foxboro that he’s not pleased with the team’s offensive coaching setup, which features senior football advisor/offensive line coach Matt Patricia calling plays with quarterbacks coach Joe Judge and head coach Bill Belichick playing prominent roles.

“My understanding is he’s made comments around the building that basically indicate he’s not happy with where the offensive coaching staff is right now,” Breer said Sunday on NBC Sports Boston’s “Patriots Pregame Live.”

Kraft’s opinion of the offensive coaching staff could lead to significant changes this offseason, per Breer.

“I think that could lead to shuffling at more than just the play-caller spot,” Breer added. “We could be talking about a new coordinator coming in with multiple new position coaches. I think there are several guys on the staff who are going to be reviewed after the year.”

Belichick’s decision to replace offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels with Patricia — who had never called offensive plays prior to this season — has backfired tremendously. New England entered Week 17 ranked 24th in the NFL in yards per game and dead last in red zone touchdown percentage. Quarterback Mac Jones has regressed significantly under Patricia in Year 2, with nine touchdown passes to eight interceptions after making the Pro Bowl as a rookie last season.

We can’t help but wonder if Kraft meddles in the coaching staff whether or not it could lead to a change at the top.

THIS AND THAT

BROADCAST NEWS

ESPN says that Joe Buck had good reason to speak about a “five-minute warmup period”.  Jeff Howe and Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic:

ESPN on Tuesday stood by Joe Buck’s reporting that the NFL told the Bills and Bengals they had five minutes to warm up before resuming play after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during Monday night’s game in Cincinnati. During a call with media on Monday night, the NFL denied that it considered restarting the game.

Hamlin is in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest on the field with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter.

ESPN’s Joe Buck on the broadcast: “They’ve been given five minutes to quote-unquote get ready to go back to playing. That’s the word we get from the league and the word we get from down on the field, but nobody is moving.”

Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, said the league never considered resuming play.

ESPN, in a statement, said Buck “reported what we were told in the moment.”

Backstory

Hamlin, 24, went down after making a tackle on Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins. Hamlin got up and took a few steps after making the hit before collapsing.

As Hamlin collapsed at 8:55 p.m. ET, the response on the field was immediate and hurried. Bills medical personnel rushed onto the field, stabilizing his head and neck. Doctors instantly called for a stretcher from the Bengals’ sideline and rushed it onto the field. Response from Hamlin’s Bills teammates was also immediate.

Some had tears in their eyes, and some had to be consoled by teammates and coaching staff, while others dropped to a knee to hope that Hamlin would be OK. Star cornerback Tre’Davious White was immediately moved to tears as another teammate comforted him.

Medical personnel removed Hamlin’s face mask and appeared to administer CPR to the second-year safety. They backed an ambulance out of the Bills’ tunnel shortly after.

The safety was lifted off the ground in a stretcher after being worked on for 15 minutes, leaving the field at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET. As he was loaded into the ambulance, all his teammates had a mile-long stare, trying to process what had happened to Hamlin. He was taken from Paycor Stadium to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center around 9:25 p.m. ET.

The game was temporarily suspended for more than 30 minutes before the decision was made to postpone.

Players and coaches from each team uniformly determined they wouldn’t finish the game Monday night, league sources told The Athletic. They were emotional, somber and shocked by Hamlin’s collapse and weren’t ready to continue playing. The decision to suspend the game was ultimately finalized later when Sean McDermott and Zac Taylor met with NFL chief administrator of football operations Dawn Aponte in the hallway outside the locker rooms and spoke to a league official over the phone.

What they are saying

Vincent said on a conference call with reporters on Monday night that he was “not sure where that (report) came from.”

 “Frankly, there was no time period for the players to get warmed up,” he said. “Frankly, the only thing that we asked was that (referee) Shawn (Smith) communicate with both head coaches to make sure they had the proper time inside the locker room to discuss what they felt was best. So I’m not sure where that came from.

“Five-minute warmup never crossed my mind, personally. And I was the one . . . that was communicating with the commissioner … it never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play. That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive. And that’s not a place that we should ever be in.”

Buck told the New York Post that the information about the five-minute warmup period came directly from ESPN’s rules expert John Parry, who was in direct communication with the league.

“There was constant communication in real time between ESPN and league and game officials,” the network said in a statement. “As a result of that, we reported what we were told in the moment and immediately updated fans as new information was learned. This was an unprecedented, rapidly evolving circumstance. All night long, we refrained from speculation.”

When reached by The Athletic on Tuesday and asked about his communication with the league office after Hamlin went down on the field, Parry did not want to comment.

“Today is about the player, Damar Hamlin,” he said.

2023 DRAFT

Jordan Reid of ESPN.com drops a Mock Draft to start the year:

For the following mock draft of the first round, I used our Football Power Index’s projected draft order though Sunday’s Week 17 games. Remember, there are only 31 picks since the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their selection after tampering violations. Without further ado, here’s my first mock draft of the year, predicting the first round of April’s draft.

1. Houston Texans (2-13-1)

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Davis Mills experiment has run its course, and it’s time for general manager Nick Caserio to find the face of this franchise. Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, has outstanding poise and accuracy and would give the Texans an immediate-impact quarterback with the potential to change the trajectory of the team. He was excellent against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl, throwing five touchdown passes and completing 71.4% of his throws.

Caserio is still trying to collect talent following last offseason’s trade of Deshaun Watson, and Houston does have another first-round pick. It’d be smart to immediately get Young some help on offense.

Biggest needs: QB, WR, EDGE, OL

2. Chicago Bears (3-13)

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

The Bears are still in the early stages of their roster reconstruction and lack marquee talent on both sides of the ball. General manager Ryan Poles should take the best prospect available. And since Chicago ranks last in the league in sacks (20) — and their leader in sacks is safety Jaquan Brisker (four) — improving along the defensive front should be at the top of this team’s priorities list this offseason.

Carter would give the Bears a rock solid 3-technique tackle up the middle. Remember that last offseason, Poles’ first big signing was adding tackle Larry Ogunjobi, whose deal was rescinded because of a failed physical. There’s still a large hole in the middle of the defense.

Biggest needs: DL, OL, WR

3. Seattle Seahawks (via 4-12 DEN)

Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama

Seattle is in need of massive improvements up front, and Anderson would help shore up a weakness. His ability to wreak havoc and force offenses off-schedule is an element the Seahawks don’t have on their roster, and defensive tackle Poona Ford is a pending free agent. Anderson’s versatility and pass-rushing ability would give the Seahawks an immediate starter off the edge who can rack up double-digit sacks each season. He has averaged roughly two tackles for loss and a sack per game over the past two years.

Biggest needs: DT, EDGE, C

4. Arizona Cardinals (4-12)

Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

Arizona has several important offseason decisions ahead, particularly with general manager Steve Keim not around the team while on a health-related leave of absence. One thing is clear about this roster, though: It lacks young talent on both the offensive (43 sacks allowed, 23rd) and defensive (32 sacks, 27th) lines. With J.J. Watt retiring and Zach Allen set to become a free agent, the Cardinals have to find edge rushers who can start immediately.

After cruising to back-to-back seasons with 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks, Wilson would be an ideal fit in the Cards’ three-man front, filling the void at end or outside linebacker. A towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Wilson fits the physical profile the team has drafted early in previous years.

Biggest needs: OL, DL, CB

5. Indianapolis Colts (4-11-1)

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Colts have played musical chairs at quarterback since the abrupt retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019, which means they could be aggressive in this draft to trade up for the guy they want. In this scenario, the music officially stops, and the team secures its QB of the future in Stroud, a traditional pocket passer who has clean footwork and solid body mechanics. In an offense that already has building-block players like Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and Quenton Nelson, Stroud would have early help as Indianapolis builds around his skill set.

He finished 2022 second in the FBS in Total QBR (88.8) and TD passes (41), whereas Indianapolis’ 37.8 QBR and 15 TD throws are both bottom-six numbers.

Biggest needs: QB, OL, CB

6. Detroit Lions (via 5-11 LAR)

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

The Lions have quickly turned into one of the most exciting teams in the league, but their defense still requires a lot of work. Detroit allows 6.3 yards per play and 398.7 yards per game, both last in the NFL. The defensive front has promising young playmakers in Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and James Houston, but adding Bresee would give the Lions a stout run defender up the middle. He would fit into Detroit’s scheme right away as a 1- or 3-technique, and I already see a pro-ready arsenal of pass-rush moves to complement his heavy hands against the run.

Biggest needs: DL, CB, LB

7. Las Vegas Raiders (6-10)

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

It seems the Derek Carr era is over in Las Vegas, so coach Josh McDaniels will be searching for a new signal-caller. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders look toward the veteran market for their solution, considering there will be a good deal of pressure in the building to win in 2023, but Levis’ excellent physical traits could prove too intriguing to pass up. At 6-3 and 232 pounds, he has a huge arm and some power-rushing ability on QB keepers, but his turnover woes and poor decision making have been constant issues (23 interceptions over the past two seasons).

Biggest needs: QB, OL, DL

8. Atlanta Falcons (6-10)

Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Atlanta will look to shore up both the offensive and defensive lines this spring, and Murphy would be a big part of that. He could play multiple spots in defensive coordinator Dean Pees’ 3-4 scheme. At 6-5 and 275 pounds, Murphy is a pressure generator with a full arsenal of pass-rush moves. The Falcons have only gotten pressure on 20.6% of opponent dropbacks this season (last in the NFL), so I really like Murphy’s fit alongside Grady Jarrett. Atlanta hasn’t seen a player reach double-digit sacks in a season since Vic Beasley had 15.5 in 2016.

Biggest needs: DL, CB, OL

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10)

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Most scouts around the league agree that Richardson will be one of the toughest evaluations in this cycle. I could see him going in this range as the third or fourth quarterback off the board, but it also wouldn’t be surprising to see him fall to Day 2. He only has 13 starts with middling production (24-15 TD-to-INT ratio) on his résumé, but the physical traits are eye-popping. His ceiling is really, really high.

A lot of questions loom in Carolina this offseason, and one of the biggest is the future outlook under center. Richardson will need patience, proper development and a franchise that avoids constant staff turnover. If the Panthers can maximize him, they can stabilize their QB position. Only Houston has a worse QBR over the past three years than Carolina (32.9).

Biggest needs: QB, CB, LB

10. Tennessee Titans (7-9)

Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Tennessee has needs at multiple spots along the offensive line, and Skoronski can play all five positions. Despite more than 2,200 snaps at left tackle over his career, there will be some debate about whether he projects better inside or outside. But regardless of where he ends up — I think he’s a tackle — Skoronski’s balance, toughness and physicality as a blocker fit well with the Titans’ downhill scheme. Tennessee has allowed 45 sacks this season (tied for seventh-most) and can always use top-tier run-blockers to open things up for Derrick Henry.

Biggest needs: WR, OL, TE

11. Philadelphia Eagles (via 7-9 NO)

Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

The Eagles rely on strength in the trenches, and with Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents, they will need help on defense. Verse is primarily a 5-technique, so he wouldn’t be a true fix for the team’s biggest need of a defensive tackle alongside Jordan Davis, but his combination of powerful hands, first-step explosion and finishing ability would help keep the NFL’s best pass-rush unit strong amid the potential losses. Verse picked up nine sacks and 30 pressures this season for the Seminoles.

Biggest needs: DT, CB, S

12. Houston Texans (via 7-9 CLE)

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Houston has to continue to collect talent at key positions, but it has the flexibility to take a true best-player-available approach with its second first-round selection after landing quarterback Bryce Young atop the board. And I see the Texans adding a big pass-catcher for him before Day 1 is over. Pairing the 6-4 Johnston with Brandin Cooks, John Metchie III and Nico Collins would give them a much-improved receiver room, and Johnston’s catch radius and big-play ability provides Houston with something that isn’t currently on the roster. He has gone over 1,000 yards this season, while the Texans are still looking for someone to crack 600.

Biggest needs: QB, WR, EDGE, OL

13. New York Jets (7-9)

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

General manager Joe Douglas has shown an emphasis on drafting premium positions in Round 1, and we’ve already seen a lot of promise from the Jets’ 2022 class. New York could now look to the offensive line, with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker returning from injury and George Fant set to hit free agency. Johnson is a potential early starter with experience at guard and tackle, and like Skoronski, he’s a fit on the outside in the NFL — which is where the Jets need an infusion of young talent. He has quick feet and strong hands both as a pass protector and run blocker.

Biggest needs: QB, OL, LB

14. Washington Commanders (7-8-1)

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Offensive line could be the way to go here, but with the top cornerback still available, it’s an easy choice for Washington. Porter has the potential to be an early high-end starter, and at 6-2 and 200 pounds, he’s a long and rangy player who isn’t afraid to get physical. His aggressiveness can be a gift and curse — he can get caught out of position and grabby at times — but his ball skills and savviness in getting hands in throwing windows (11 pass breakups) are standout traits. Pairing him with Benjamin St-Juste would give the Commanders a promising young duo on the perimeter.

Biggest needs: OL, CB, QB

15. New England Patriots (8-8)

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Pats’ offensive tackle situation has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, and Isaiah Wynn is scheduled to become a free agent in the offseason. After only starting four games before this season, Jones has solidified himself as one of the best offensive lineman prospects in this class, allowing zero sacks so far. He’s only a redshirt sophomore, but I see Jones as the most mobile of the linemen available. His combination of foot quickness as a pass protector and strength as a run blocker have helped him unlock the next stage of his development, and he’d provide Bill Belichick with a young option to build around at left tackle.

Biggest needs: OT, WR, LB

16. Seattle Seahawks (8-8)

Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson

We already got the Seahawks arguably the best prospect in the class in Anderson, and now they land a versatile linebacker who thrives in numerous alignments and can get after the quarterback. Simpson can make an impact as a stack linebacker or bring pressure off the edge, and he’s an ideal fit for Seattle’s scheme. The Seahawks might still be in the playoff hunt, but this defense has allowed 5.6 yards per play and only gotten pressure 27.9% of the time (both rank 23rd). So doubling up on the front seven makes sense here, especially since Simpson can help as a pass-rusher (12.5 career sacks).

Biggest needs: DT, EDGE, C

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)

O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

Pittsburgh just invested a first-round pick in quarterback Kenny Pickett, so improving the protection around him is important. The Steelers have historically gravitated toward wide-bodied interior blockers, and Torrence fits the mold at 6-foot-5, 347 pounds. And he uses that frame extraordinarily well in multiple areas, displaying a skill set that translates well to the Steelers’ power-running scheme. And he has enough short-area quickness to be dependable in pass protection, evidenced by just two sacks allowed over nearly 3,000 career snaps.

Biggest needs: OL, CB, DT

18. Detroit Lions (8-8)

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The improved play of Jared Goff has quieted the need to draft a quarterback of the future, but the key to sustained success from Goff will be keeping top-tier firepower around him. The D’Andre Swift-Jamaal Williams duo has been exciting this season, but it’s possible neither running back is in the team’s long-term plans. Swift has battled durability issues and enters the final year of his deal in 2023, while Williams is set to become a free agent this offseason. Robinson would be a significant upgrade after rushing for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022. His contact balance and short-area quickness are superb, but he also has dependable hands and can be deployed as a receiver from many alignments.

Biggest needs: DL, CB, LB

19. Green Bay Packers (8-8)

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Mayer fits exactly what the Packers ask of their tight ends as an outstanding pass-catcher and serviceable blocker. He could join receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to form a solid trio of targets for Aaron Rodgers. Mayer’s ability to win against contested man coverage and find the holes against zone defenses makes him an intriguing prospect, and he now has back-to-back seasons with at least 800 receiving yards and seven trips to the end zone.

Biggest needs: S, TE, OL

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

After a national title-clinching pick-six last January, all eyes were on Ringo entering this season, but he had an up-and-down campaign. Landing in a scheme that plays a heavy amount of zone coverage will be key to his success at the next level, and the Bucs use zone 64.3% of the time (sixth-most). Plus, cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean are both free agents after this season. Ringo is speedy and physical, and he has great 6-2, 210-pound size. He picked off two passes and broke up 10 more this season.

Biggest needs: CB, OL, DT

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Tyson Campbell is a budding star at cornerback, but the Jaguars have struggled to find consistency on the other side. Gonzalez is a smooth mover who can mirror and match receivers in man-to-man coverage but also turn his back to the sideline and be reliable in zone looks. He has high-level instincts and trusts his eyes when reading passing concepts. Gonzalez recorded a career-high four interceptions this season, too.

Biggest needs: CB, WR, DL

22. New York Giants (9-6-1)

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

A big decision looms for New York with quarterback Daniel Jones, but if he returns next season, the Giants have to give him better targets on the perimeter. The wide receiver room combined for 11.5 yards per catch (26th), and Isaiah Hodgins is the leading pass-catcher still under contract next season (351 yards). Addison is a smooth and nuanced route runner, and his ability to play both outside and in the slot helps a team clearly lacking talent at the position. He caught 59 passes for 875 yards and eight TDs this season, and the Giants would get a potential WR1 before a mini run on receivers here.

Biggest needs: WR, LB, CB

23. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Ravens haven’t been shy about drafting receivers (eight over the past five drafts, including two first-rounders), but they really need one to work out long-term. Over the past three seasons, Baltimore is last in the NFL in WR receiving yards by a good margin (5,551, more than 800 yards shy of the next-worst team). After playing mostly in the slot during his career with the Buckeyes, Smith-Njigba is an ideal fit here in a pass offense centered around concepts built off the run game. Smith-Njigba only appeared in three games this season after battling a hamstring injury, but he went for more than 1,600 yards in 2021.

Biggest needs: WR, CB, DL

24. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

I see Hyatt as the missing element in this offense. The Chargers need a vertical threat who can stretch the third level of the defense, and the Biletnikoff Award winner averaged 18.9 yards per catch in 2022. Hyatt is a player who can break open a game in an instant, and teaming him up with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams provides Justin Herbert with a high-caliber supporting cast. Herbert’s 6.8 yards per attempt ranked 26th in the NFL this season, down from 7.5 (11th) in 2021. But Hyatt’s downfield ability can help turn that back toward the top of the league.

Biggest needs: WR, DT, TE

25. Minnesota Vikings (12-4)

Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah showed in his first draft in Minnesota that he values initial quickness, and after the Vikings struggled mightily in pass defense this season (7.8 yards allowed per attempt, 31st in the NFL), they will be seeking defensive backs who show good burst and can make plays on the ball. Smith checks those boxes and has experience in the slot and on the outside. He has four picks and 17 pass breakups over the past two seasons, too. Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan are on expiring deals, and Cameron Dantzler Sr. will be entering the final year of his contract in 2023, so cornerback depth will be a spot to watch.

Biggest needs: CB, WR, DL

26. Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)

Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

Four corners and three offensive tackles are already off the board, so I’m looking at the edge rush, where more value lies. Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are both under contract through at least 2024, but having waves of pass-rushers is never a bad thing. Van Ness has yet to register a college start — he’s only a redshirt sophomore — but has still totaled 13 sacks in a heavy rotation over two seasons. He’s a heavy-handed run defender and powerful pass-rusher, which aligns with what Cincinnati covets off the edge.

Biggest needs: CB, OL, EDGE

27. Denver Broncos (via MIA/12-4 SF)

Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

The main focus of the offseason should be centered around Russell Wilson and correcting what went wrong during his first season in Denver. That starts with better protection after the Broncos allowed 61 sacks through 16 games (most in the NFL). Wright has continued to improve every time he has stepped on the field, and I think he will be a big riser as we get closer to April. There are some scouts who feel he is the best right tackle in this year’s crop, and he’d be a Day 1 starter for Denver. His core strength and power allow him to easily generate movement at the point of attack and halt pass-rushers at the peak of his pass sets.

Biggest needs: OT, EDGE, CB

28. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Rookie DaRon Bland broke out this season with five interceptions, but the Cowboys could still use CB2 depth opposite Trevon Diggs, especially with Anthony Brown set to hit free agency. Witherspoon checks every box on the Dan Quinn cornerback checklist; he’s 6-foot, is scheme-versatile and steps up as a run defender. Witherspoon has continued to climb up draft boards, and I think he can rise even more over the next few months. He kept opponents to a 29.8% completion percentage and 3.2 yards per attempt this year as the nearest defender.

Biggest needs: DT, WR, CB

29. Buffalo Bills (12-3)

Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama

The Bills don’t have many glaring holes, but Jordan Poyer will be a free agent, and Micah Hyde will be entering the final year of his deal in 2023. Branch fits as a 6-foot interchangeable defensive back who can play in the slot or a traditional strong safety role. And with Taron Johnson occupying slot duties, Branch could be deployed as a movable playmaker in this defense. He had 90 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two interceptions, three sacks and nine run stops in 2022.

Biggest needs: G, C, WR, S

30. Kansas City Chiefs (13-3)

BJ Ojulari, OLB, LSU

The Chiefs could enter the offseason with question marks at both tackle spots, but the value is better here for a defensive end. Frank Clark might be headed out of town, and Carlos Dunlap was only on a one-year deal. Even after drafting George Karlaftis in 2022, the Chiefs still need players in the front seven who can generate consistent pressure. Ojulari’s specialty is getting to the quarterback, thanks to great flexibility, bend and burst to corner. He’d be best used as a standup outside linebacker, though he could slot in right away opposite of Karlaftis as Kansas City’s weakside end.

Biggest needs: OT, DL, S

31. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

The James Bradberry signing has been huge for the Eagles, but he’s only on a one-year deal. And with the Eagles having multiple key players with expiring contracts, Bradberry could price himself out of Philadelphia. The Eagles haven’t selected a cornerback in Round 1 since 2002 (Lito Sheppard), but with limited cap flexibility, general manager Howie Roseman will have to find key starters at premium positions through the draft. Phillips is a savvy corner who would slot in immediately opposite Darius Slay. He had six interceptions for the Utes this season.

Biggest needs: DT, CB, S