The Daily Briefing Wednesday, March 29, 2023

While NFL owners opted not to vote on a rule that would allow games to be flexed into a Thursday night kickoff, they agreed Tuesday to modify the existing rule and allow teams to play a maximum of two short-week games.

That means that while some teams could play two Thursday night games, others would not have any. Back-to-back Thursday night games, such as a Thanksgiving game followed by a Thursday night game the next week, would only count as one short-week game, so some teams could wind up playing three Thursday games.

“We’re interested in making sure that we get exposure for all of our clubs,” said Brian Rolapp, NFL executive vice president and chief media and business officer.

“We also believe that these national windows are for clubs that are playing well. We want to put the best teams in the best windows.”

While the tabled proposal and subsequent modification on the final day of the league’s annual meetings in Phoenix had support from a sizable number of clubs, others met it with tepid reactions, and some were adamantly opposed, including New York Giants owner John Mara, who called the idea “abusive.”

Mara said owner support for the proposal was close and said he’s concerned a vote will come up again at the spring league meetings in May and will pass. A flexed game would be announced 15 days before the scheduled Thursday kickoff.

“At some point, can we please give some consideration to the people who are coming to our games?” Mara said. “People make plans to go to these games weeks and months in advance. And 15 days ahead of time to say, ‘Sorry, folks, that game you were planning on taking your kids to Sunday at 1, now it’s on Thursday night?’ What are we thinking about?”

Mara also said he’s frustrated that the idea was presented to the owners at the league meetings this week with no advance warning.

“This should have been vetted with the health and safety committee, it should have been vetted with the competition committee, and it was not,” Mara said. “They just tried to push it through.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pushed back against Mara’s assertion that the practice would be “abusive” to fans, saying the league is trying to balance the best interests of in-stadium fans with those watching on television from home.

“There isn’t anybody in any of our organization that doesn’t put our fans first,” Goodell said. “Providing the best matchups for our fans is what we do. That’s part of what our schedule has always focused on. Flex has been part of that. We are very judicious with it and careful with it. We look at all the impacts of that before a decision is made.”

Players also appeared to be critical of the decision to increase the number of Thursday night games a team can play. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the league’s reigning MVP, tweeted the news with a facepalm emoji.

Asked about Mahomes’ reaction, Goodell stressed that the league isn’t prioritizing a broadcast partner over the health and safety of players.

“I don’t think we are putting Amazon (which has Thursday night rights) over players’ interest,” Goodell said. “We look at data with respect to injuries and impact on players. … I think we have data that’s very clear, it doesn’t show higher injury rate.”

“I hear from a lot of players directly. too. They have 10 days (off) afterwards. So there’s some benefits on that side.”

Pittsburgh Steelers president and CEO Art Rooney II said he was in favor of two Thursday night games, but he also opposed the Thursday flex.

“I didn’t support the flex part,” Rooney said. “I think that if we are smart about how we schedule the teams … if they’re playing two Thursday nights, I mean, for instance, you can give them back-to-back Thursdays, things like that, and have a bye on one end or things like that. I think it can be done in a way that teams will be able to live with it. It provides more inventory to schedule on Thursday night, so it can be a good thing.

“The biggest problem I had with the flex was that the proposal was that you only had 15 days’ notice. That’s just too short of a turnaround time for a flex from a Sunday to Thursday, as far as I’m concerned.”

WASHINGTON

Ron Rivera seems pretty clear that the Commanders are not in play for QB LAMAR JACKSON.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera continues to dismiss questions about any potential pursuit of franchise-tagged Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Speaking Tuesday from the Annual League Meeting, Rivera again cited the promise of second-year signal-caller Sam Howell as the motivation for eschewing more expansive options.

“The main reason we’re going with Sam is we think Sam’s going to be a good football player. We really do,” Rivera said. “If the guy had come out (in 2021), he’d have been a first- or second-round pick. We were fortunate. He fell to the fifth round because people didn’t think it was a strong class. Remember, he was the frontrunner for the Heisman that year, coming out of a season where he lost three offensive linemen to the draft, a tight end to the draft, a wide receiver, Dyami (Brown), to the draft, and two running backs. That’s seven primary players off of an offense that was very dynamic and explosive. Go back and research that and see those things, and you’ll see what we’ve seen. I really do believe that.”

Rivera cited Howell’s progress late in the 2022 season when he began getting more practice reps as the No. 2 behind Taylor Heinicke, noting that the then-rookie picked up things quicker and began correcting mistakes.

Howell started the season-finale blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys, completing 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and a red zone interception. It was a solid performance that convinced the Commanders to give the fifth-round pick a shot to win the starting job this offseason.

Rivera mentioned the play of San Francisco 49ers seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy as a reason the club believes Howell can succeed.

“I don’t think this is as much a wild shot as people think it is,” he said. “Part of it is ’cause you watch a young man like Brock Purdy have the season like he had last year, and you’d like to think, ‘Wow, we have a guy that’s got the same type of ability and skill set.'”

Purdy was playing in a QB-friendly Kyle Shanahan offense. Howell will be learning a new scheme under Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Washington inked veteran Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million contract this offseason as a backstop to the Howell experiment. It’s a heady signing, with Brissett showing he can conduct an offense and is a willing teammate.

Rivera reiterated that the Commanders never considered chasing Jackson, given the cost — financially and draft assets — it would take to pry the former MVP out of Baltimore. Instead, Washington is attempting to be frugal at the position at this stage and build the club around a cheap option in Howell.

“We never did. Honestly, we never did,” Rivera said of pursuing Jackson. “It was just something that we just didn’t feel suited what we wanted to do. I know he’s a tremendous talent. I know he’s a player that can impact a team. I just didn’t think — and we sat down and talked about it — that was the direction for us as a football team.”

– – –

Is $6 billion enough for Daniel Snyder?  ESPN.com:

The Josh Harris/Mitchell Rales group, which now includes Magic Johnson, officially submitted a fully financed bid for the Washington Commanders that meets Dan Snyder’s $6 billion asking price, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos also has submitted a fully funded $6 billion offer for the Commanders, sources told Schefter and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Tuesday.

If either bid is accepted, the deal would break the previous record sale for a franchise, set in August, when a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton bought the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion.

Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, also is interested in purchasing the Commanders. There is another anonymous group that has toured the facilities, as well, multiple sources involved in the process have told ESPN.

Once Snyder accepts an offer, he must submit the bidder’s name to the NFL for approval. Three-quarters of the owners would need to approve any sale.

The Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. Harris and David Blitzer also own part of Crystal Palace Football Club of the English Premier League.

Harris, who grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, co-founded Apollo Management in 1990, an asset management firm. He has a net worth of $5.8 billion, according to Forbes.

Rales, a D.C. billionaire, is also part of Harris’ group. Rales has a net worth of $5.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Apostolopoulos is the managing partner of Triple Group of Companies, a Toronto-based property management firm. He also founded Six Ventures Inc., a private equity venture fund. Apostolopoulos co-founded Caary Capital with business partner Jason Sawyer.

A Toronto native who attended Harvard, Apostolopoulos also had looked into buying the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, before focusing solely on the Commanders, sources told ESPN.

His father, Andreas, died two years ago at age 69 with the family having a net worth of $3.9 billion, according to The Globe and Mail. He immigrated to Canada from Greece in 1969. He later started his own companies — one that cleaned offices and later a plastic bag manufacturing firm. Eventually, he became involved in real estate, starting Triple Group and building the family’s wealth.

Snyder led a group that purchased the Washington NFL franchise in 1999 for $800 million.

Last fall, with multiple investigations ongoing into the team’s workplace culture and finances, Snyder and his wife, Tanya, hired a firm to explore selling part or all of the team. That came two weeks after Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said there was “merit to remove” Snyder, which would take an unprecedented vote of 24 of the other 31 owners.

Also on Tuesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated that the league will release the findings of the Mary Jo White investigation into Snyder, regardless of when the team is sold. Goodell has maintained this stance since White began her investigation in February 2022. She began by looking into an accusation made that month of sexual misconduct by Snyder, but now she is investigating financial issues, as well.

“We made a commitment publicly, we made it in front of Congress, we made it to our clubs, so we’ll continue with that,” Goodell said at the league’s annual meeting. He also said the league’s owners were told that White was “in the middle of her process.”

Shortly before Goodell addressed the media to conclude the annual meeting, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he was fine with the report being released because, he said, “I know everything in the report.”

Goodell said, “That would be impossible, because the only person I know that knows anything about the investigation is Mary Jo White and her counterparts. Mary Jo White is incredibly thorough. She’s not giving access to anybody. I’m comfortable with that point.”

ATLANTA

The Falcons are banking on DE CALAIS CAMPBELL still having some gas left in his tank.  If he does, it is a quality signing.  Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com:

The Atlanta Falcons will sign defensive end Calais Campbell to a one-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday, the latest move by the franchise to upgrade its defense.

After Atlanta’s season ended, Falcons coach Arthur Smith said the team needed to make additions to its defensive front. It already made a change in coordinator this offseason, replacing Dean Pees, who retired, with Ryan Nielsen. It also added safety Jessie Bates III, defensive tackle David Onyemata and linebacker Kaden Elliss in the first days of free agency.

In Campbell, though, the Falcons add a veteran presence in the defensive line room and another player with pass-rushing experience next to defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Campbell’s 5.5 sacks last season would have ranked second on the Falcons in 2022 and would have led the team in 2021.

In addition to Campbell, Jarrett, Onyemata and Elliss, defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham, veteran linebacker Lorenzo Carter and outside linebackers Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone (drafted in the top three rounds last season), round out the Falcons’ pass-rushing group.

The Ravens had hopes of re-signing Campbell at a reduced salary later this offseason after cutting him on March 13 to get quarterback Lamar Jackson’s $32.416 million nonexclusive franchise tag under the salary cap. Baltimore created $7 million in much-needed cap space by cutting Campbell, who had the fifth-highest cap figure ($9.44 million) on the team.

Campbell announced at the Super Bowl in February that he planned to return for his 16th season. At 36, he is the NFL’s oldest active defensive lineman.

Campbell is coming off a resurgent season but has had some durability issues recently, missing a total of nine games over the past three years. The Ravens could move Broderick Washington into Campbell’s starting spot if they don’t address the void in free agency or the draft.

One of the reasons for Campbell to return is reaching 100 career sacks. He currently has 99 sacks and acknowledged at the end of the season that the milestone is “not at the top of the list, but it’s something I really want.”

A second-round pick in 2008, Campbell has recorded 809 tackles and 237 quarterback hits while playing with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Ravens. He was selected first-team All-Pro after the 2017 season, when he registered a career-best 14.5 sacks for the Jaguars and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Campbell has also been recognized as one of the classiest players in the league. After this season, Campbell received the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award, which recognizes those who demonstrate integrity and honor on the field. In 2019, he was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

NFL Network first reported Campbell would be signing with the Falcons.

His QB will be second-year man DESMOND RIDDER.  The Falcons confirmed that they are all in with Ridder, at least to start 2023.  More Rothstein:

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Tuesday that second-year pro Desmond Ridder will begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback.

Smith, speaking with reporters at the league meetings in Arizona, committed publicly to Ridder for the first time since the end of the season, after Ridder went 2-2 over the final four games of Atlanta’s season.

“The plan is to start Desmond,” Smith told reporters in Arizona. “That’s our plan going forward right now.”

Atlanta drafted Ridder in the third round out of Cincinnati last year. He spent the first 13 games of the season backing up Marcus Mariota before being named the starter after the team’s bye week in December. In those four games, Ridder completed 73 of 115 passes for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

After the season, both Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot said they were encouraged by Ridder’s progress, but they stopped short of naming him the starter until Monday.

Atlanta signed Taylor Heinicke earlier this month in free agency, but Heinicke said in his introductory news conference he was coming to Atlanta to be the backup quarterback, essentially clearing the path for Ridder to start.

“As a young guy coming into this league, there’s a lot thrown at you from every direction and it’s hard to kind of balance whatever is going on,” Heinicke said. “Shaun [Hill] was a great mentor for me, helped me through that process and I hope to be the same to Desmond.

“If he needs anything from me or anything I can help him with, excited to work with him.”

BALTIMORE

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on the lack of a market for QB LAMAR JACKSON:

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens remain at contractual impasse. The door has been wide open for another team to make a move to try to acquire him from the Ravens.

No one seems to be interested in doing it.

What was apparent before the annual league meetings has become more and more clear. Team after team has made it clear, publicly or privately, that there’s no interest in trying to sign or trade for the 2019 league MVP.

Before Monday, the process was complicated, and risky. The process under the non-exclusive franchise tag starts with signing Jackson to an offer sheet, and then waiting to see whether the Ravens match. If they do, good luck un-ringing that bell.

For teams like the Vikings (who inexplicably continue to appear on the short list of betting favorites to land Jackson), the offer-sheet route would as a practical matter require the Vikings to trade Kirk Cousins, sign Jackson to an offer sheet, and wait to see whether the Ravens match it. If the Ravens match, Nick Mullens would become QB1 for the Vikings.

If the Ravens are willing to trade Jackson, it makes more sense for the Vikings to ponder the possibility. Still, the Vikings would have to trade Cousins (to the Ravens or someone else), absorb a $38 million dead-cap charge, and then give up whatever is required to acquire Jackson, both as to trade compensation and Jackson’s contract.

There’s still no reason to think the Vikings are interested in trying to pull off a Cousins-Jackson presto-chango. The only team that seems to be credibly linked to Jackson is the Colts, but they’re clearly not willing to give him the kind of contract he wants, and also to sacrifice the draft capital necessary to get the Ravens to give him up.

It’s not known what the Ravens would even want. The Browns, in addition to giving Deshaun Watson a fully-guaranteed, $230 million, five-year deal, coughed up three first-round picks and more to get him. With the Ravens having the ability to match an offer sheet that would produce, if not matched, a pair of first-round picks, they possibly would want more than two ones to get it done.

For now, it seems as if it will all come back to whether Jackson and the Ravens can work out a long-term deal and, if not, whether the Ravens will sufficiently sweeten the $32.4 million franchise tender to get him to be willing to play.

If they can’t or won’t, it’s entirely possible Jackson won’t play in 2023.

But – he was once a unanimous MVP say members of the media.

However –

* A trade or signing would require the trading of a significant to massive amount of draft capital.

* Jackson demands a huge top-of-the-market contract that is fully guaranteed.  Cap stress sooner or later is inevitable.

* His acquisition requires for most teams a significant re-tooling of their offense that places a premium on the offensive line and devalues the wide receivers he can’t pass to consistently.

* Jackson’s health the last two years is in question.

* And then there is the guy himself – with quirky self-representation – who has not been able to get along with a Ravens team that usually does not have significant problems with players and their contracts.  For a variety of reasons, there could be concerns about making him the face of a franchise.

* The Browns have already done a similar deal with QB DESHAUN WATSON – and the other 30 clubs have taken a look at where Cleveland is (or Denver or the Rams for that matter) and thought maybe we don’t want to go there.

HOUSTON

Obligatory praise or a strong hint as to Houston’s intentions with the second overall pick?  John Crumpler of USA TODAY:

DeMeco Ryans took to the podium Monday at the Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. To no one’s surprise, the rookie coach fielded questions about the Texans’ options with the No. 2 overall pick.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has been associated with the Texans and the No. 2 overall pick, and the reigning NFL assistant coach of the year didn’t seem phased at all by potentially employing a smaller quarterback.

“For Bryce, I know it’s a lot, going on to talk about his size,” Ryans said. “The guy has done it at the highest level in college football and size hasn’t seemed to be a problem. I don’t see it as an issue because you watch the tape, and you put on the tape, and you see the kid play, and you see how smart he is. You see the anticipation. You see the accuracy. You see how this guy is calm in critical moments. When you see those things, size isn’t one of the factors that pop up on tape that’s like, oh, man, it’s a problem.”

Young is by far and away the most popular mock selection to Houston by draft analysts and an overwhelming fan favorite to become the next franchise quarterback. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and followed it up with an excellent 2022 campaign despite the losses of wide receivers John Metchie and Jameson Williams.

His height at 5’10” 1/8 and 204-pound weigh in have caused concern amongst NFL evaluators. There are questions as to how that frame might hold up in a faster, more violent league and if he has the strength for NFL ball velocity.

However, there’s no denying the immense talent and pocket presence that Young brings. His inclusion on the team would solidify an immediate young, talented foundation at both head coach and quarterback for Houston’s rebuild. Young would have the opportunity to work behind a re-vamped offensive line and weapons such as Dameon Pierce and Dalton Schultz.

Former franchise legend J.J. Watt has already endorsed the potential selection.

“If you’re the Texans or a team that might be trading up, does that 5’10” size immediately count out Bryce Young?”

“I guess Georgia’s defense is tiny… if you believe he is the best guy on your board don’t be scared.”

Ryans indicated that the success Young had in the Southeastern Conference would merit consideration at the next level.

Said Ryans: “Again, you just look at the track record, see what he’s done in the SEC, highest level of college football he’s been successful, and I think he’ll be successful in the NFL, as well.”

It’s possible that the Carolina Panthers’ ultimately opt to take Young over Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, if the Crimson Tide product is available, it doesn’t seem likely Houston will shy away.

JACKSONVILLE

WR CALVIN RIDLEY is a zero.  Ryan Morak of FoxNews.com:

NFL owners have approved a proposal that will allow certain players to wear No. 0.

Shortly after the announcement, Calvin Ridley couldn’t contain his excitement.

The Jacksonville Jaguars receiver tweeted that he will don the number in his debut season in Florida.

“Excited to be the first Jaguars player to wear zero,” he tweeted.

Ridley previously wore No. 18 while with the Atlanta Falcons.

The NCAA allowed college football players to wear the number beginning in 2020.

THIS AND THAT

2023 DRAFT

A Mock Draft from ESPN’s Michael Tannebaum – although this one is who he personally likes better – starting at the top with QB BRYCE YOUNG over QB C.J. STROUD, the presumed choice of the Panthers:

Draft analysts’ mocks are true projections of what they believe will happen based on what they’re hearing — my colleague Mel Kiper Jr. just unveiled his newest last week — but I’m going a different route with my third annual GM mock. I’m sliding into the general manager chair for each team with a first-rounder and making my own picks. This isn’t what I’m expecting but rather how I’d personally approach each Day 1 selection. And what follows is based off my own evaluations, preferences and philosophies.

So here are my GM selections for the first 31 picks — Miami was stripped of its first-round selection this year — starting with a tough call for Panthers GM Scott Fitterer at No. 1. And be sure to check out my “SportsCenter” special.

1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI)

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

After several years of uncertainty and stop-gap options at the quarterback position, the Panthers have to find a long-term answer. And after trading up to No. 1, I’d be going all-in on Young. It was a tough call for me, and I just narrowly picked him over Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. But while Young’s 5-foot-10, 204-pound size is a concern, his talent is unquestionable. He’s the guy I’d lean on to turn the passing game around in Carolina. Since 2019, no Panthers QB has thrown more than 17 touchdown passes in a season. That would change in 2023 with Young, who had 79 TD passes over the past two seasons, tossing precision passes.

2. Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

No sweat for Houston after Young came off the board. I have Young a sliver ahead of Stroud, but when you consider Stroud’s outstanding performance against Georgia in the Peach Bowl, his tremendous throwing performance at the combine and his overall college tape, it wouldn’t shock me if the Texans wind up with the best quarterback in this draft.

Davis Mills has had a chance to take the reins under center, but in two seasons, he has thrown 33 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions while failing to produce more than 3,200 yards in either campaign. Stroud, meanwhile, threw 75 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions and had more than 7,200 yards across two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starter.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama

The Cardinals ranked 19th in pressure rate (29%) and 23rd in sacks (36) last season. After they lost Zach Allen to free agency and J.J. Watt to retirement, this is an easy decision for me. Anderson is a long, quick pass-rusher who shows shades of Von Miller in his game. No player has had more sacks (34.5) or pressures (134) in the FBS over the past three years.

Alternatively, I could see Arizona moving back a spot in a trade with the Colts. And if I’m GM Monti Ossenfort, I’m taking phone calls right up until I have to turn the pick in, seeking the best possible deal.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

The Colts are starved for stability at quarterback. Since losing Andrew Luck to an unexpected early retirement, they have failed to find a long-term option, trying Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan over four seasons. They will be looking to the draft for their next signal-caller, though, and I’m giving them Levis.

Although we saw inconsistency last season at Kentucky, Levis’ physical traits and upside remind me of Ben Roethlisberger when he came out of Miami (Ohio) in 2004. He threw 19 touchdown passes last season playing in a pro-ready scheme.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN)

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

OK, this one might raise some eyebrows, but hear me out. I think Hooker is really under-scouted right now, largely because he’s coming off the torn ACL in his left knee. But I love his strong arm and 6-3 frame. Before the injury, Hooker looked great for the Vols. He led the nation in yards per attempt (9.5), threw two interceptions over 11 starts and was a top-10 passer in terms of completion percentage (69.6%). I see a potential franchise quarterback and someone who can lead an offense. Go watch his performance against Alabama if you disagree.

The Seahawks recently re-signed Geno Smith, but this is an excellent opportunity to draft and develop Hooker while also letting him rehab the knee. Smith turns 33 this season, and his new contract offers Seattle various outs over the next three seasons.

6. Detroit Lions (from LAR)

Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

The Lions allowed the second-most yards per pass (7.9) last season and ranked 20th in sacks per dropback (6.1%). They added Cam Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley through free agency, and I thought about another defensive back here. But Wilson had an outstanding career at Texas Tech after transferring from Texas A&M and logged 14 sacks over the past two seasons. He’s long and plays with heavy hands. Wilson paired with Aidan Hutchinson provides Detroit an outstanding duo of pass-rushers for the next decade.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

With the top four quarterbacks off the draft board and Jimmy Garoppolo now their starter, the Raiders can attack another weakness. Last season, the Raiders ranked 30th in defensive efficiency and 25th in yards allowed per pass (7.3). Gonzalez, a transfer from Colorado, is long and can play in man and zone coverages. He intercepted four passes last season. I love his length and quickness, and I think he has all the makings of a star CB1.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Atlanta needs help up front after fielding a moribund pass rush last year. In 2022, the Falcons ranked last in sacks per dropback (3.5%) and pressure rate (20.2%). They signed defensive tackle David Onyemata and returned edge rusher Lorenzo Carter, but they need someone like Murphy off the edge. Murphy had 18 sacks and 31 tackles for loss over three seasons at Clemson.

9. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern

I loved what Bears GM Ryan Poles did in maximizing the value of the first overall pick with his trade with Carolina, and he has spent well in free agency. But the Bears still have a ton of holes on their roster. Rebuilding always starts up front for me when developing a young quarterback, so I am going with a tough, dependable and local offensive lineman in Skoronski, widely considered the most refined pass-protector in this class. After all, the Bears allowed the fourth-most sacks last season with 58. I’d start him at guard and then slide him to tackle down the road, similar to what we did with Laremy Tunsil after drafting him in Miami.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Philadelphia remarkably held on to both starting cornerbacks and already has replacements for linebacker T.J. Edwards (Nakobe Dean) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (Jordan Davis). But the Eagles lost two offensive linemen in Andre Dillard and Isaac Seumalo. Jones was nearly flawless last year at Georgia, and he is a plug-and-play guy at guard in Year 1 who could slide out to his natural tackle position when Lane Johnson moves on.

11. Tennessee Titans

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Ryan Tannehill turns 35 years old in July, and the early returns on 2022 third-rounder Malik Willis haven’t been encouraging. The Titans make a lot of sense for Richardson. He has compelling upside but needs more time to develop, and Tennessee wouldn’t have to rush him with Tannehill under contract for another year.

Richardson started one full season in college, and his 53.8% completion percentage ranked 116th in the country last season. That must greatly improve for him to be an effective NFL quarterback. No college quarterback, however, broke more tackles as a runner in 2022 than Richardson (22), and he showed off 4.43-second speed in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Plus, he has a huge arm. Richardson’s ceiling is as high as that of any prospect in this class.

12. Houston Texans (from CLE)

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

I got the Texans their quarterback of the future at No. 2, but who would be catching Stroud’s passes next season? Although they should get John Metchie III back after he missed last season while undergoing treatment for leukemia and they signed Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods and Noah Brown, the Texans still need receivers. That’s especially true after they traded Brandin Cooks to Dallas. Johnston reminds me of Mike Evans because of his 6-3 size and solid speed. He was eighth in the country in 2022 in yards per route run (3.0) and went over 1,000 yards. Johnston could become Stroud’s go-to pass-catcher right out of the gate.

13. New York Jets

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Jets allowed a sack on 7.1% of their dropbacks last season, which was the 10th most in the league. Assuming Aaron Rodgers becomes a Jet at some point, selecting an offensive lineman in Round 1 is a no-brainer. Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker have dealt with various injuries, so the Jets have to bolster their offensive line, and Johnson — who has 26 career starts — allowed pressure on 2.4% of his snaps last season with Ohio State.

14. New England Patriots

Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

I was impressed with Wright’s tape, especially when the 6-5, 333-pounder faced Will Anderson Jr. and neutralized him in Tennessee’s huge win over Alabama. Wright allowed just one sack all season and also excelled during Senior Bowl week. The Patriots allowed a sack on 8.0% of their pass snaps, which was the third-highest mark in the NFL last season.

New England has not been the same on the offensive front, and although it has signed Riley Reiff, he is not a long-term answer. The Pats have to do a better job of protecting Mac Jones, and Wright would help.

15. Green Bay Packers

Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

A 25-game starter, Jones measured in at 6-8 and 374 pounds with an 87⅞-inch wingspan. He allowed pressure on 1.2% of his snaps during his college career and gave up zero sacks over 12 games in 2022. The Packers’ current left tackle, David Bakhtiari, turns 32 in September and has missed 26 games since 2020.

There is no better way for the Packers to build around a young quarterback in Jordan Love (assuming Rodgers does end up in New York) than with a young, powerful offensive tackle. I see some Jones comparisons to Orlando Brown Jr. because of their similar size and versatility.

16. Washington Commanders

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

The Commanders are loaded at every offensive skill position besides tight end, although Logan Thomas has flashed. Kincaid has yet to work out for teams but proved incredibly productive last season, catching 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. Look no further than his 16 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown against USC to see how effective he can be as a receiver. I think Kincaid would immediately impact the Commanders’ offense and provide Sam Howell and/or Jacoby Brissett with a reliable target.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Steelers allowed the fourth-highest yards per pass attempt (7.5) and tied for the second-most touchdowns passes against (29) in 2022. Cam Sutton has been replaced with Patrick Peterson, but Pittsburgh still needs a young cornerback. I love Witherspoon’s fit in the Steelers’ scheme; he is tough, competitive and an effective tackler. And among FBS qualified defenders, Witherspoon allowed the second-fewest yards per pass attempt (3.3). I consider him the most physical cornerback in this year’s draft, too.

18. Detroit Lions

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Detroit performed poorly in a number of defensive categories last year, including bottom-three figures in passing yards against per attempt, rushing yards against per attempt and opponent third-down conversion rate. I got the Lions an edge rusher earlier, but I’m not done building up this defensive line. A team with multiple first-round picks can take a calculated risk. Carter is just that. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing after an arrest during combine week, and he appeared out of shape at his pro day in mid-March. But despite just six sacks over the past two seasons, his talent is on another level, and this could end up a great pick at No. 18.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Tampa Bay has moved on from Leonard Fournette and could land the best running back in the draft with its first-rounder. Robinson is a top-five talent who can score any time he touches the ball. He averaged 6.3 yards per rush as a Longhorn and tallied 33 career rushing touchdowns. Having a dominant running back is a fantastic way to alleviate pressure on the team’s uncertain quarterback position, which is currently occupied by Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

I went with a quarterback at No. 5, but Seattle ranked 27th in third-down defense (42.3%) last season, so there’s also work to be done on the other side of the ball. Van Ness played 899 snaps and logged 14 sacks across two years at Iowa despite his role as a rotational player. With outstanding physical traits at 6-5 and 272 pounds, he is a perfect defensive playmaker for coach Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt. I could see Van Ness lining up all over the place in Seattle’s defense.

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both have injury histories, and Allen is turning 31. Plus, Smith-Njigba is an ideal fit for a Justin Herbert-led offense. Smith-Njigba played in three games (five receptions) last season, but when healthy, JSN is a tremendous route runner and has exceptional hands. His record-breaking 15-reception, 347-yard, three-touchdown performance in the 2021 season’s Rose Bowl is difficult to forget.

22. Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Mark Andrews led the Ravens in receiving last season with 848 yards. The next-closest player? Demarcus Robinson at 458 yards. No Ravens wide receiver scored more than three times, and the only addition this offseason has been Nelson Agholor. Rashod Bateman, a 2021 first-rounder, has missed 16 games over the past two seasons, too. Long story short, the Ravens desperately need a difference-making wideout. Flowers has game-breaking speed and quickness, and he posted tremendous numbers last season with 78 catches for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Vikings could not stop opposing quarterbacks last season, allowing the third-most passing yards per attempt in the NFL (7.7). Now they’ve lost their best cornerback in Patrick Peterson. They did sign Byron Murphy Jr., who can play inside and out, but the Vikings could use another corner in Brian Flores’ man-to-man scheme. Porter is tough and physical, and he has rare 34-inch length for the position at 6-3 and 193 pounds. And despite zero interceptions, Porter did break up 11 passes last season for the Nittany Lions.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Jaguars allowed 28 sacks last season, fifth fewest in the NFL. Their underlying blocking numbers were below-average, however, and they lost starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor to the Chiefs in free agency. Harrison has ideal size at 6-4 and 315 pounds, and he started 24 games in his collegiate career. After allowing zero sacks last season and just two over a three-year career at Oklahoma, Harrison could be an immediate starter for Jacksonville.

25. New York Giants

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Darius Slayton led Giants receivers with just 724 yards last season. Despite re-signing Slayton and Sterling Shepard and adding a few pass-catchers in free agency, it’s safe to say the Giants need a standout wide receiver. I love how Hyatt flourished in Tennessee’s offense when Josh Heupel stepped in. He is slightly undersized at 6 feet and 176 pounds, but he has a lot of speed and posted 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Hyatt could be the Giants’ WR1 as soon as the draft card is turned in.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

I love this fit to replace Dalton Schultz. Mayer is 6-5, blocks well and provides high-end receiving talent. He was very efficient last year with 67 catches, 809 yards and 9 touchdowns — each of which ranked top three among FBS tight ends. Schultz accounted for 14.8% of the Cowboys’ receiving yards and scored five of their 28 passing touchdowns, but I think Mayer can immediately fill that void at a high level.

27. Buffalo Bills

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

If you take away quarterback contributions, the Bills ranked 27th in rushing yards (1,470) and tied for 26th in rushing touchdowns (eight). Yes, Buffalo drafted James Cook in last year’s second round, signed Damien Harris and traded for Nyheim Hines, but Gibbs’ explosive play is too good to pass up here. He is a dynamic runner, and he averaged more than 6 yards per rush attempt and recorded a remarkable 44 catches last season. Gibbs is a perfect fit for this offense.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

The Bengals had a solid pass defense last season — they were second in opponent QBR at 46.8 — but safety Jessie Bates III signed in Atlanta and cornerback Eli Apple is a free agent. Depth at corner could help keep the Cincinnati pass defense a strength, and Forbes is a great value pick. He is slender at 6-1 and 166 pounds, but check out his on-the-ball production. Forbes had 14 career interceptions, including six that were returned for a touchdown. He can be a Day 1 starter for the Bengals.

29. New Orleans Saints (from SF/MIA/DEN)

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

With Derek Carr joining this offense, I’d want to add octane to the receiver room. The Saints re-signed Michael Thomas, but it is a one-year deal, and Thomas has missed 40 games since his record-breaking season in 2019.

Addison produced at an All-American level in two places during his college career, with 219 catches and 3,134 yards over three years at Pitt and USC combined. He is an elite route runner who could emerge as a fantastic option opposite Chris Olave.

30. Philadelphia Eagles

Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

The Eagles retained edge rusher Brandon Graham, but their long-term outlook on the defensive line is murky. Outside of Graham, Josh Sweat and Derek Barnett, the depth has taken a hit. Smith had an injury-shortened 2022 season (torn right pectoral muscle) and is undersized at 238 pounds, but he had an incredible workout at the combine. He ran a 4.39 in the 40 and posted jumps of 41.5 inches (vertical) and 10-foot-8 (broad). Smith would not be asked to start in Philadelphia in 2023, which would give the team a year to add much-needed bulk to Smith’s frame.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Chiefs performed well against the pass last year, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt at 6.7. And they loaded up at cornerback in the 2022 draft, selecting Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson. But I don’t think Kansas City could pass on the value of Banks, especially with L’Jarius Sneed in the last year of his deal. Banks performed well at the combine and allowed 20 completions last year. He has all the makings of a future starting corner. And you can never have enough of those, especially in the AFC West.

Just missed: Will McDonald IV (Iowa State), Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern)

Meanwhile, Steve Muench of ESPN.com looks at who the teams without first round picks might be targeting:

Los Angeles Rams

Where’s their first-round pick? The Rams traded their first-rounder to the Lions in 2021 as part of the package to land quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Top picks: Nos. 36, 69, 77

Biggest needs: Edge rusher, cornerback and safety. The Rams have lost starters at all three levels of the defense this offseason, including linebacker Bobby Wagner, pass-rusher Leonard Floyd, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, safety Nick Scott and defensive tackle Greg Gaines. They haven’t made any additions on the defensive side of the ball — although there is still time in the later stages of free agency — and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a focus there during the draft.

The Rams’ defense ranked 24th in Football Outsiders’ pass DVOA, 12th in rush DVOA and 31st in ESPN’s Football Power Index defensive efficiency metric last season. With the release of Floyd, Los Angeles doesn’t really have much help rushing the passer on this roster outside of defensive tackle Aaron Donald. — Sarah Barshop

Best prospect fit at No. 36: Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa. He would be a great replacement for Floyd at outside linebacker and give the Rams’ pass rush that much-needed boost. McDonald has the length, initial quickness, footspeed and closing burst to get after the quarterback, recording 34 sacks over his five-year career at Iowa State. Plus, he has experience lining up in a two-point stance, and he’s strong enough to set the edge even though he’s on the leaner side (6-foot-4, 239 pounds). McDonald has a late-Round 1 grade, but he could easily be there at pick No. 36 for the Rams. — Muench

Miami Dolphins

Where’s their first-round pick? The Dolphins forfeited their first-round pick for tampering violations.

Top picks: Nos. 51, 84, 197

Biggest needs: Guard, tight end and running back. Miami traded for defensive back Jalen Ramsey and signed linebacker David Long Jr. to boost the defense, but there are still holes on offense. The Dolphins brought in offensive lineman Dan Feeney, but he isn’t a long-term option. They still believe Liam Eichenberg will blossom into their left guard of the future, but he spent most of last season injured. And tight end Eric Saubert joins a tight ends room with Durham Smythe and Tanner Conner, after the team traded Hunter Long and allowed Mike Gesicki to leave in free agency. None of those players have produced much, meaning Miami could look to find a pass-game threat at the position.

Finally, the Dolphins re-signed last season’s running back room, spearheaded by Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., but that offseason activity should not deter them from drafting a running back. Both Mostert and Wilson have injury histories, so it would be smart to have another back capable of slotting in when needed. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Best prospect fit at No. 51: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State. Taking Musgrave this early is a bit of a risk considering he sustained a season-ending knee injury in the second game of the 2022 season and his pedestrian production at Oregon State, but it’s a risk that could pay off in a big way. He has the speed to stretch the field and the burst to make plays after the catch, and his route running stood out during Senior Bowl week. Musgrave tested OK at the combine and represents an upgrade over Gesicki as a blocker. At 6-foot-6 and 253 pounds, Musgrave has impressive physical traits. — Muench

Denver Broncos

Where’s their first-round pick? The Broncos traded their first-rounder to the Seahawks last March as part of the package to land quarterback Russell Wilson.

Top picks: Nos. 67, 68, 108

Biggest needs: Offensive tackle, cornerback and running back. Despite swinging a big checkbook around in free agency to acquire offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers, the Broncos still need additional depth on the offensive line. That’s especially true at tackle, where Calvin Anderson, Cameron Fleming and Billy Turner were not retained. The Broncos allowed a league-high 63 sacks in 2022, too. They could also use some help at cornerback and running back, as well as depth off the edge.

Denver has missed the playoffs for seven consecutive years and made four coaching changes since January 2017, so it’s not a huge surprise that its depth chart is patchy. — Jeff Legwold

Best prospect fit at No. 67: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse. He started 31 games at left tackle and eight games at right tackle at Syracuse, and he would give the Broncos a No. 3 swing tackle to bolster depth on both sides. At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, with 33¾-inch arms, Bergeron might even be a better fit at guard. He lined up there at times during Senior Bowl week, and he has the potential to develop into a starter at that position — and maybe replace Dalton Risner — before turning into a starting tackle down the road. And Bergeron — who is quick off the ball in pass pro and takes good angles in the run game — comes at solid value at this point in the draft. — Muench

Cleveland Browns

Where’s their first-round pick? The Browns traded their first-rounder to the Texans last March as part of the package to land quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Top picks: Nos. 74, 98, 111

Biggest needs: Linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle. Cleveland signed a trio of likely starters in defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and safety Juan Thornhill, but it could still use a couple more defensive linemen and perhaps another veteran at linebacker. Cleveland was 25th in run defense (4.7 yards allowed per carry) and 23rd in defensive expected points added (minus-34.6) last season.

Wide receiver would have made this list, but the Browns made some upgrades in their speed at the position in trading for Elijah Moore and signing Marquise Goodwin. Those two will join Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones to build out the unit. — Jake Trotter

Best prospect fit at No. 74: YaYa Diaby, DE, Louisville. You can’t have enough pass-rushers. Diaby is coming off a breakout season and tested well at the combine, running a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash and leaping 10 feet in the broad jump at 6-foot-3 and 263 pounds. He’s at his best pass-rushing between the tackles, as his first-step quickness and good length give interior offensive linemen problems. But he’s just scratching the surface in terms of his ability to get after the quarterback, and I think Diaby has the potential to develop into a starter on the outside. — Muench

San Francisco 49ers

Where’s their first-round pick? The 49ers traded their first-round to the Dolphins in 2021 as part of the package to move up in the 2021 draft and select quarterback Trey Lance. The pick has since been traded to the Broncos and Saints.

Top picks: Nos. 99, 101, 102

Biggest needs: Offensive tackle, edge rusher and kicker. The 49ers said goodbye to Mike McGlinchey, who signed a massive contract with the Broncos, and though Colton McKivitz is the top in-house option to replace him at offensive tackle, the Niners could use depth there. They could bring in at least one more contributor at tackle. And the Niners should always be considered a candidate to invest heavily on the defensive line, especially off the edge. Though they have high hopes for Drake Jackson — last year’s second-round pick — they could use more depth and competition at a position they greatly value.

At kicker, the Niners traded for veteran Zane Gonzalez, but that doesn’t mean they won’t look for competition. Gonzalez is coming off a significant groin injury that kept him out the entire 2022 season and is entering the final year of his contract. — Nick Wagoner

Best prospect fit at No. 99: Andre Carter II, OLB, Army. Finding a tackle the 49ers can confidently expect to compete for the spot vacated by McGlinchey this late in the draft isn’t in the cards. But while they recently bolstered their depth at edge by signing Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell, they shouldn’t be done there. Carter is coming off a disappointing 2022 season (3.5 sacks) and didn’t stand out much in pre-draft events, but only Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. had more sacks in 2021 than his 15.5. He doesn’t have elite get-off speed, but he’s quick and bends well enough to win with speed. At 6-foot-7 and 256 pounds, Carter had early first-round projections based off the 2021 tape, and if he’s able to regain his form, he’d be a steal at this point in the draft. — Muench