Jaguars Rumors

Jaguars To Exercise Fifth-Year Options On Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne

April 27th, 2024 at 11:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

Much of the attention around the football world has been focused on the draft in recent days, but the deadline on fifth-year option decisions is approaching. The Jaguars had a pair of calls to make regarding quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne.

In both cases, the options will be picked up, general manager Trent Baalke said during his post-draft press conference. Lawrence will therefore collect $22.66MM in 2025, while Etienne will receive $6.14MM. With respect to the former in particular, though, this decision could easily serve as a placeholder for a long-term extension.

Talks on a new deal with Lawrence are ongoing, and the monster extension recently worked out with edge rusher Josh Allen has cleared a major item of the Jags’ offseason to-do list. Next up will likely be a second pact with Lawrence, as ascending passers have increasingly been extended within their first offseason of eligibility. Baalke is optimistic something can worked out, though he has preached patience with respect to terms being finalized.

Like the rest of the team, Lawrence struggled as a rookie under head coach Urban Meyer. The arrival of Doug Pederson as a replacement sparked a major uptick in production and a run to the divisional round of the playoffs. Injuries throughout the 2023 campaign limited the 24-year-old’s success and led to missed action for the first time in his NFL tenure. Even when at full strength, though, Jacksonville’s offense struggled and the team wound up outside the postseason picture.

Last offseason saw four young QBs – Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts – surpass $50MM in terms of the annual average value of their extensions. Many have pointed to Lawrence as the next in line to approach the top of the market, although the generally underwhelming nature of his time in Duval County to date could hurt his value. In any case, Lawrence will lock in an AAV much higher than the value of his option if a Jags extension can be agreed to in the near future.

Etienne was selected late in the 2021 first round to continue his time alongside Lawrence. The pair formed a dynamic duo at Clemson, and expectations were high for Etienne once he was able to take the field at the NFL level. After missing his rookie season due to injury, the 25-year-old had a strong showing in 2022 (1,125 yards, five touchdowns on the ground; 316 receiving yards). This past campaign saw a notable drop in efficiency, though – Etienne averaged 3.8 yards per carry, down from 5.1.

Jacksonville is aiming to share the load more in the backfield this season, with Etienne having logged 580 touches to date. The team’s draft efforts in that regard consisted of adding Keilan Robinson in the fifth round. Regardless of how the workload is divvied up, Etienne will no doubt be counted on as a key figure in the Jags’ offense for the foreseeable future knowing he will be in place over at least the next two years.

2024 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 27th, 2024 at 10:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is every team’s haul from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
Round 1, No. 27 (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
Round 2, No. 43 (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
Round 3, No. 66: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
Round 3, No. 71 (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 82 (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 90 (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
Round 4, No. 104: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
Round 5, No. 138: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 162 (from Texans): Christian Jones (OT, Texas)
Round 6, No. 191 (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
Round 7, No. 226 (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 8: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
Round 2, No. 35 (from Cardinals): DT Ruke Orhorhoro
Round 3, No. 74: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
Round 4, No. 109: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 143: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 186 (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 187: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
Round 6, 197 (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 30: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
Round 2, No. 62: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
Round 3, No. 93: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 113 (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
Round 4, No. 130: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
Round 5, No. 165: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
Round 6, No. 218 (from Jets): Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
Round 7, No. 228 (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
Round 7, No. 250: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)

Buffalo Bills

Round 2, No. 33 (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 60: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter, DT (Duke)
Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
Round 5, No. 141 (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
Round 5, No. 160 (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
Round 5, No. 168 (from Saints): Javon Simpson (EDGE, Troy)
Round 6, No. 204: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 219 (from Packers): Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
Round 7, No. 221 (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 32 (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)
Round 2, No. 46 (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 101: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
Round 5, No. 157 (from Browns through Vikings): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
Round 6: No. 200 (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 240 (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)

Chicago Bears

Round 1: No. 1 (from Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
Round 1, No. 9: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 75: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
Round 5: No. 144 (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 18: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 49: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 80: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
Round 3, No. 97: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
Round 4, No. 115: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
Round 5, No. 149: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
Round 6, No. 194: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 214: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 237: Matt Lee (C, Miami)

Cleveland Browns

Round 2, No. 54: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 85: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 156 (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 206 (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 227 (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
Round 7, No. 243: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1, No. 29 (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
Round 3, No. 73 (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 87: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 5, No. 174: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
Round 6, No. 216: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
Round 7, No. 233 (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
Round 7, No. 244: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)

Denver Broncos

Round 1, No. 12: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 76: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
Round 4, No. 102 (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 145 (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 147: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
Round 7, No. 235 (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
Round 7, No. 256 (from Jets): Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)

Round 1, No. 24 (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 126 (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
Round 6, No. 189 (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
Round 6, No. 201 (from Buccaneers): Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, No. 25: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
Round 2, No. 45 (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M)
Round 2, No. 58: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 88: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
Round 3, No. 91 (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 111 (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 163 (from Bills): Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
Round 5, No. 169: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
Round 6, No. 202: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
Round 7, No. 245: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 255: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)

Houston Texans

Round 2, No. 42 (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 59: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
Round 3, No. 78 (from Seahawks through Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
Round 4, No. 123 (from Browns through Texans): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 188 (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 205: Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
Round 7, No. 238 (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
Round 7, No. 247: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
Round 7, No. 249: LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, No. 15: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
Round 2, No. 52 (from Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
Round 3, No. 79 (from Jaguars through Falcons): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
Round 4, No. 117: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 142 (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
Round 5, No. 151: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 164 (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 210: Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
Round 7, No. 234: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1, No. 23 (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 48: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
Round 3, No. 96: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
Round 4, No. 114: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 116 (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
Round 5, No. 153: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
Round 5, No. 167 (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 212: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 236: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1, No. 28 (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
Round 2, No. 63 (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
Round 4, No. 131: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
Round 4, No. 133 (from Bills): Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
Round 5, No. 159 (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
Round 6, No. 211 (from 49ers): Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 248 (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)

Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1, No. 13: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 77: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
Round 4, No. 112: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
Round 5, No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 208 (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
Round 7, No. 223 (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)

Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1, No. 5: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
Round 2, No. 34 (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 69: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
Round 4, No. 105: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 137 (from Chargers): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
Round 5, No. 140: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 181: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
Round 7, No. 225: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
Round 7, No. 253: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)

Los Angeles Rams

Round 1, No. 19: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 83: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 99: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
Round 5, No. 154: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
Round 6, No. 196: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
Round 6, No. 209: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
Round 6, No. 213: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
Round 6, No. 217: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 254: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)

Miami Dolphins

Round 1, No. 21: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 2, No. 55: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
Round 4, No. 120 (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
Round 5, No. 158: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
Round 6, No. 184 (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
Round 6, No. 198: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
Round 7, No. 241: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, No 10 (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
Round 1, No. 17 (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 108: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 177 (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
Round 6: No. 203 (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
Round 7, No. 232 (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)

New England Patriots

Round 1, No. 3: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
Round 2, No. 37 (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 68: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 103: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 110 (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 180: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
Round 6, No. 193 (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 231 (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)

New Orleans Saints

Round 1, No. 14: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
Round 5, No. 150: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
Round 5, No. 170: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
Round 5, No. 175: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 199 (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
Round 7, No. 239 (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)

New York Giants

Round 1, No. 6: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 47 (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
Round 3, No. 70: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 107: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
Round 6, No. 183: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)

New York Jets

Round 1, No. 11 (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
Round 3, No. 65 (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 134 (from Ravens): Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 171: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
Round 5, No. 173 (from Chiefs): Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
Round 5, No. 176 (from 49ers): Quan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)
Round 7, No. 257: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, No. 22: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
Round 2, No. 40 (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
Round 3, No. 94 (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
Round 4, No. 127 (from Eagles): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 155 (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 172: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
Round 6, No. 185: Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
Round 6, No. 190 (from Saints through Packers): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1, No. 20: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
Round 2, No. 51: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
Round 3, No. 84: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 98 (from Eagles): Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
Round 4, No. 119: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
Round 6, No. 178 (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
Round 6, No. 195: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1, No. 31: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
Round 2, No. 64 (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 86 (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
Round 4, No. 124 (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
Round 4, No. 129 (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
Round 4, No. 135: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 215: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
Round 7, No. 251: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1, No. 16: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
Round 3, No. 81 (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
Round 4, No. 118: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
Round 4, No. 121 (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 136 (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 179 (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
Round 6, No. 192: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 207 (from 49ers through Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, No. 26: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
Round 2, No. 57: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 3, No. 89: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
Round 4, No. 125: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 220: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)
Round 7, No. 246: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)

Tennessee Titans

Round 1, No. 7: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 38: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
Round 4, No. 106: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
Round 5, No. 146 (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 182 (reacquired through Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 242 (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
Round 7, No. 252 (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)

Washington Commanders

Round 1, No. 2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
Round 2, No. 36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
Round 2, No. 50 (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 53 (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 67: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
Round 3, No. 100 (from 49ers): Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)
Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
Round 5, No. 152 (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 161 (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)

2024 NFL Draft Results: Round By Round

April 27th, 2024 at 10:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (T, Oregon State)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
23 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
24. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
32. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)

Round 2

33. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
34. Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Cardinals): Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
36. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
37. New England Patriots (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
38. Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
39. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants through Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
41. New Orleans Saints (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
42. Houston Texans (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
43. Arizona Cardinals (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
45. Green Bay Packers (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
46. Carolina Panthers (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
47. New York Giants (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
50. Washington Commanders (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
52. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams through Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
53. Washington Commanders (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
55. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
56. Dallas Cowboys: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
58. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
59. Houston Texans: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
60. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
61. Detroit Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
64. San Francisco 49ers (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)

Round 3

65. New York Jets (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
66. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
67. Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
70. New York Giants: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
72. Carolina Panthers (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
74. Atlanta Falcons: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
75. Chicago Bears: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
78. Houston Texans (from Seahawks though Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Falcons and Cardinals): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
81. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
82. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
83. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
86. San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
87. Dallas Cowboys: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
88. Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
93. Baltimore Ravens: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
94. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
95. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
97. Cincinnati Bengals*: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Eagles)*: Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
99. Los Angeles Rams*: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
100. Washington Commanders*: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

Round 4

101. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
102. Denver Broncos (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
103. New England Patriots: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
104. Arizona Cardinals: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
106. Tennessee Titans: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
107. New York Giants: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
108. Minnesota Vikings: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
109. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
110. New England Patriots (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
111. Green Bay Packers (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
113. Baltimore Ravens (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
115. Cincinnati Bengals: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
117. Indianapolis Colts: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
118. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
120. Miami Dolphins (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
121. Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
122. Chicago Bears (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
123. Houston Texans (from Browns through Texans and Eagles): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
124. San Francisco 49ers (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
126. Detroit Lions (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
128. Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
129. San Francisco 49ers (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
130. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
132. Detroit Lions (from 49ers through Eagles)*: Sione Vaki RB/S, Utah)
133. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills)*: Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
134. New York Jets*: Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
135. San Francisco 49ers*: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)

Round 5

136. Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
137. Los Angeles Chargers (through Patriots): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
138. Arizona Cardinals: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
139. Washington Commanders: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
141. Buffalo Bills (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
142. Indianapolis Colts (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
143. Atlanta Falcons: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
144. Chicago Bears (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)
145. Denver Broncos (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
146. Tennessee Titans (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
147. Denver Broncos: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
150. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
151. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
152. Washington Commanders (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
154. Los Angeles Rams: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
155. Philadelphia Eagles (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
156. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
157. Carolina Panthers (from Browns through Vikings and Jets): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
158. Miami Dolphins: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
160. Buffalo Bills (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
161. Washington Commanders (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Christian Jones (T, Texas)
163. Green Bay Packers (from Bills) Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
164. Indianapolis Colts (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
165. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
166. New York Giants (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
167. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
168. Buffalo Bills (from Saints through Packers)*: Javon Simpson (EDGE, Troy)
169. Green Bay Packers*: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
170. New Orleans Saints*: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
171. New York Jets (from Eagles)*: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
172. Philadelphia Eagles*: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
173. New York Jets (from Chiefs through 49ers)*: Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
174. Dallas Cowboys*: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
175. New Orleans Saints*: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
176. New York Jets (from 49ers)*: Quan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)

Round 6

177. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
178. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
179. Seattle Seahawks (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
180. New England Patriots: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
181. Los Angeles Chargers: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
182. Tennessee Titans (reacquired from Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
183. New York Giants: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)
184. Miami Dolphins (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
185. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
186. Atlanta Falcons (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
187. Atlanta Falcons: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
188. Houston Texans (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
189. Detroit Lions (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
190. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints through Packers and Jets): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)
191. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
192. Seattle Seahawks: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
193. New England Patriots (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
194. Cincinnati Bengals: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
195. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)
196. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
197. Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)
198. Miami Dolphins: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
199. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
200. Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
201. Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers through Lions and Eagles): Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
202. Green Bay Packers: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
203. Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
204. Buffalo Bills: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
205. Houston Texans (from Lions): Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
206. Cleveland Browns (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
207. Seattle Seahawks (from 49ers and Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
209. Los Angeles Rams*: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
210. Detroit Lions (from Eagles)*: Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)
211. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers)*: Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
212. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
213. Los Angeles Rams*: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
214. Cincinnati Bengals*: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
215. San Francisco 49ers*: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
216. Dallas Cowboys*: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
217. Los Angeles Rams*: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
218. Baltimore Ravens* Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
219. Buffalo Bills (from Packers)*: Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
220. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)

Round 7

221. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)
222. Washington Commanders: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)
223. Las Vegas Raiders (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
224. Cincinnati Bengals (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
225. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
226. Arizona Cardinals (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)
227. Cleveland Browns (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
228. Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
229. Las Vegas Raiders (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)
230. Minnesota Vikings (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
231. New England Patriots (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)
232. Minnesota Vikings (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)
233. Dallas Cowboys (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
234. Indianapolis Colts: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)
235. Denver Broncos (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
236. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)
237. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Lee (C, Miami)
238. Houston Texans (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
239. New Orleans Saints (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)
240. Carolina Panthers (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)
241. Miami Dolphins: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)
242. Tennessee Titans (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
243. Cleveland Browns: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)
244. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)
245. Green Bay Packers: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
246. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)
247. Houston Texans: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
248. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)
249. Houston Texans (from Lions): LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)
250. Baltimore Ravens: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)
251. San Francisco 49ers: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)
252. Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)
253. Los Angeles Chargers*: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)
254. Los Angeles Rams*: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)
255. Green Bay Packers*: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)
256. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets*: Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)
257. New York Jets*: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

* = compensatory selection

49ers Sought Mid-First-Round Pick For WR Brandon Aiyuk

April 26th, 2024 at 9:27am CST by Sam Robinson

The first round’s penultimate pick added more intrigue to the trade drama between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk. The defending NFC champions selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 31, bringing in a rookie-contract receiver — albeit one that did not receive much buzz as a Round 1 option — hours after a report surfaced indicating the team held talks involving Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

No trade materialized, and the 49ers’ ask calls into question how viable a move will be after Round 1’s conclusion. The 49ers targeted a mid-first-round pick for Aiyuk, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows tweets. Aiyuk has not requested a trade, but extension talks between he and the 49ers have not progressed, which remind of the team’s drama with Samuel two years ago.

Aiyuk is seeking a deal worth at least $25MM per year, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch; following the $30MM-plus agreements for A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown, it would not surprise if his price has climbed this week.

The best tradeoffer to emerge included a second-round pick, Barrows adds. A 2022 Jets offer for Samuel included the No. 10 overall pick, though that was not a straight-up offer — as it included pick swaps — but Aiyuk remains a 49er after Thursday night brought another chapter to this saga. Aiyuk even congratulated GM John Lynch (via text) on choosing Pearsall, whom he played with at Arizona State back in 2019.

“You never close the door on a trade,” Lynch said, via Branch. “You always listen. And we have. But we like our group as it stands.”

The Jaguars were among the teams to inquire about Aiyuk, Barrows adds. Jacksonville ended up with LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. after trading down (via Minnesota), taking one suitor off the board. The Steelers, who chose an O-lineman in Round 1, also inquired about Aiyuk before the draft. Another team that held a mid-first-round pick discussed swapping choices in an Aiyuk deal, per Barrows, but no offer emerged. It should be difficult for the 49ers to pull off a deal involving Day 2 picks, ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner offers, though it perhaps should not be deemed impossible.

It is possible Pearsall profiles as a player who will eventually — perhaps as soon as 2025 — replace either Aiyuk or Samuel. The 49ers have Aiyuk tied to a fifth-year option worth $14.12MM. Lynch said before the draft he would not anticipate an Aiyuk trade, and while the eighth-year GM has spoken of the financial difficulties in play here, the team could opt to keep Aiyuk on the option and reassess this situation in 2025 — perhaps via a tag-and-trade scenario.

Pearsall joins Aiyuk, Samuel and Jauan Jennings as San Francisco’s top WR. The Arizona State and Florida product’s rookie deal will run through 2028, via the fifth-year option. With Brock Purdy extension-eligible in 2025, the 49ers may need to make an Aiyuk-or-Samuel choice, as the contracts of George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey expire in 2026.

Aiyuk, 26, still profiles as a player the 49ers will need if they want to navigate that elusive Super Bowl hurdle; it will be interesting to see if more trade talks emerge on Day 2 or following the draft, as a post-draft extension — along the lines of how the Samuel saga ended in 2022 — may not be in the cards based on the Pearsall pick.

Jags Select WR Brian Thomas Jr. At No. 23

April 25th, 2024 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jaguars were recently connected to a move up the board aimed to acquiring a receiver. Despite moving in the opposite direction, the team has still managed to land a high-profile prospect at the position. Jacksonville has selected LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr. 23rd overall.

This draft featured three top-tier wide receiver prospects; all were off the board by No. 9 overall. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze are respectively bound for Arizona, New York and Chicago. The Jags could not move into that territory, but they will still nab this class’ fourth wideout.

Thomas joins a Jaguars team that has already used plenty of resources to staff its pass-catching posts. The team has Christian Kirk on an $18MM-per-year deal, Gabe Davis at $13MM AAV and Zay Jones in the final year of an $8MM-per-year pact. Evan Engram is also signed to a top-10 tight end contract. The Jags also made a strong run at retaining Calvin Ridley, but the 1,000-yard wideout joined the Titans on a monster accord minutes after the 2024 league year began.

It is certainly arguable the Jags did not need to use such a high draft choice on another receiver, but the team is in negotiations with Trevor Lawrence on what will surely be a $50MM-plus-AAV contract. With Lawrence and Josh Allen soaring into new NFL tax brackets, the Jags will need to begin a new roster phase. Thomas is on track to step into a starting role — in place of one of the veterans — by 2025 (at the latest), and his rookie contract will be valuable for the team.

Working as Nabers’ wingman at LSU last season, Thomas still led Division I-FBS with 17 touchdown receptions. After two sub-400-yard years in Baton Rouge, the 6-foot-3 pass catcher erupted for 1,177 yards to help Jayden Daniels win the Heisman last season. Thomas will have a chance to continue as a complementary option, at least early in his career, alongside a deep WR corps in Jacksonville. The Jags will likely need to throw heavy resources into defense soon, given the unit’s struggles to close out last season.

The Jags did well to land a first-round-level receiver where they did, as they picked up a nice haul from the Vikings t0 move down from No. 17. The Jags acquired No. 167 this and 2025 third- and fourth-round selections from Minnesota. Those will certainly help as Trent Baalke and Co. prepare to retool the roster around a Lawrence extension, which could be finalized before Week 1.

Vikings Acquire No. 17 Pick From Jaguars, Select OLB Dallas Turner

April 25th, 2024 at 9:08pm CST by Ben Levine

Once again, the Vikings have moved up the board. Minnesota has traded the 23rd pick to the Jaguars for No. 17, also sending No. 167 this and 2025 third- and fourth-round selections to Jacksonville.

With the pick, Minnesota has drafted Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. The prospect was considered one of the top edge rushers in this year’s draft, leading to some speculation that he could be the first defensive player off the board. In a normal year, that’d warrant a top-10 pick, but considering this year’s unprecedented run on offensive players, Turner was the 17th player off the board tonight.

The 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Turner posted a career-high 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season. Those figures helped earn him All-American acclaim as he took over from Will Anderson as the Crimson Tide’s lead edge rusher.

The Vikings will be eyeing a bit of a transitional season in 2024. After landing their Kirk Cousins replacement in QB J.J. McCarthy earlier tonight, the team has now added a potential defensive stalwart in Turner.

The edge rusher will likely profile as more of a linebacker in Brian Flores‘ 3-4 defense. The organization has brought in a number of players at the position this offseason, including Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Blake Cashman, so the rookie might not immediately slide atop the depth chart. Turner’s versatility could also lead to some snaps on the defensive line, where he’d be competing with the likes of Jonathan Bullard and offseason addition Jonah Williams.

Jaguars Exploring WRs In Draft, Attempting To Move Up

April 25th, 2024 at 4:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

APRIL 25: Jacksonville is indeed looking to move up the Day 1 order, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. She adds teams view the Jaguars as being interested in “a specific pass-catcher.” The No. 17 spot is far beyond the range of the top three receivers available, but an aggressive push could change that with the right trade partner in place.

APRIL 23: The Jaguars were ready to make a substantial commitment at wide receiver this offseason. Following their agreement with Gabe Davis, the Jags made an aggressive effort to re-sign Calvin Ridley. A monster Titans offer intervened, but Ridley’s defection still leaves the Jags with three veteran receiver contracts on their payroll.

In addition to the Jaguars’ contracts allocated to Davis, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, the team has Evan Engram going into the second season of a three-year, $41.25MM deal. Despite a heavy commitment to staffing Trevor Lawrence‘s aerial corps, the Jaguars are still looking at receivers in this draft.

Jacksonville has done “a lot of homework” on this draft class’ top wide receivers, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. The team has also explored moving up the board. The Jags hold the No. 17 overall selection this year. It would take a substantial trade package to move into range for one of this draft’s top three wideouts. That Marvin Harrison Jr.–Malik Nabers–Rome Odunze trio could well be off the board in the top 10. The Bears and Jets have been linked to pass-catching additions at Nos. 9 and 10, though Brock Bowers going to one of those teams could potentially help Nabers or Odunze fall out of the top 10.

With most of the trade-up talk involving quarterbacks, the Jags’ interest in adding yet another receiver is interesting. The team has not drafted a wideout in Round 1 since the Justin Blackmon miss in 2012. While the Jags have an expensive receiving corps, the $18MM-AAV Kirk contract has turned into a pay-as-you-go deal. Ditto the Jones accord, which has one season remaining. Kirk’s contract calls for a $14.5MM base salary this year; his $15.5MM 2025 number is nonguaranteed.

The Jags eyeing an early-round rookie receiver also adds up due to the team’s Lawrence situation. The fourth-year QB is on track to earn a contract in the $50MM-per-year range, and both team and player have acknowledged negotiations are ongoing. Lawrence at that rate will make veteran receiving help more difficult to afford, likely meaning changes to the former No. 1 overall pick’s weaponry contingent are coming in 2025.

Beyond the draft’s top three at receiver, this crop brings another deep group. Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com big board lists LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. and Texas’ Xavier Worthy at Nos. 16 and 17, with South Carolina’s Xavier Legette at No. 25. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah also listed Texas’ Adonai Mitchell as a first-round-caliber WR prospect. Our Ely Allen profiled the two ex-Longhorns weapons recently. Barring a trade-up, the Jags look to be a team to watch as the second wave of receiver picks starts.

Jacksonville is coming off a woeful defensive finish, and reporting has tied the AFC South club to an early-round investment — perhaps at cornerback — on that side of the ball. But the team does appear prepared to add a receiver to its stable. Due to the terms of the 2022 Ridley trade with the Falcons, the Jags do not have their own third-round pick. But they hold a compensatory third-rounder. The team also possesses its first- and second-rounders, opening the door to a wideout investment to potentially align with Lawrence’s high-priced second contract.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM): To be exercised
QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM)
QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM)
TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM)
WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): To be exercised
T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): To be declined
DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM): Exercised
OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM): Exercised
QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM)
LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM)
T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): To be exercised
LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM)
DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM)
CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM)
T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM)
RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Expected to be exercised
RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM): To be exercised
CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): Extended through 2026
DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM)
CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM)
DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM)
LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM)
LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM)

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

NFL Draft Rumors: Falcons, Jaguars, Browns

April 21st, 2024 at 6:30pm CST by Ely Allen

The Falcons top two sack-getters last year (Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree) are currently free agents. And while free safety Jessie Bates‘ first season in Atlanta went swimmingly with career highs in tackles (132), forced fumbles (3), and interceptions (6), as well as Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, he seemed to be the only player showing up each Sunday for the Falcons.

With all this in mind, it’s no surprise to hear that adding draft prospects on the defensive side of the ball is expected to be a major focus for Atlanta come this week’s draft, according to Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network. In Caplan’s most recent mock draft, he slotted Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner as the team’s first-round pick. Previous iterations of his mock draft saw Atlanta taking Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse.

Going pass rusher seems to make more sense after losing Campbell and Dupree to free agency, but expect multiple picks throughout the three-day event to address both positions. Turner is likely the preferred option as most see him as the top pass rusher on the board, but Verse or even UCLA’s Laiatu Latu could be the selection if Turner is drafted before they have the chance to claim him.

Here are a few other draft rumors from around the NFL:

The Jaguars are another team who are expected to favor defensive prospects later this week, per Caplan. Their situation isn’t nearly as dire after bringing in Arik Armstead, Darnell Savage, and Ronald Darby, but they still lost Darious Williams, Rayshawn Jenkins, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Dawuane Smoot in free agency. Caplan has Jacksonville selecting Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry as the fourth cornerback off the board. The Jaguars definitely are going to want to add to their cornerbacks group, but unless they decide to trade up, they’ll have to see what’s left of McKinstry, Wiggins, Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, and Alabama’s Terrion Arnold.
The Browns expect to have Nick Chubb back at some point in the coming season and will rely on Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong, and D’Onta Foreman in the meantime. Seeing how fragile the room is without Chubb, though, Cleveland has done plenty of homework on the 2024 NFL Draft’s running backs class. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the team has hosted Florida State’s Trey Benson, TCU’s Emani Bailey, and BYU’s Aidan Robbins for “top 30” visits. They may be looking to add some quality depth to the position later this week.

Jaguars GM Trent Baalke Addresses Trevor Lawrence Extension Talks

April 20th, 2024 at 9:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

Earlier this week, it was learned extension talks are ongoing between the Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The parties have plenty of time to work out a deal with the fifth-year option in place a means to keep Lawrence in place through 2025.

That option will check in at a price of $25.66MM, a figure far below the going rate for franchise quarterbacks. The former first overall pick has not lived up to expectations to date, but he is squarely in Jacksonville’s long-term plans. Young passers are often extended after three years in the league – the first point of eligibility for a second contract – and it would come as no surprise if a Lawrence deal were to be worked out in 2024.

Talks on that front will be lengthy, however, something general manager Trent Baalke confirmed when speaking on the subject. A monster deal was recently hammered out with Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Allen, removing one major task from the Jaguars’ to-do list. A Lawrence agreement will be much more expensive, though, and Baalke acknowledged patience will be required while adding he aims to find a resolution relatively soon.

“We’ve had some great talks and great conversations,” Baalke said (via NFL.com). “We’re working, but you can’t force this stuff. I said the same thing with Josh’s situation, I said it would take some time and it did. But we’re glad it got completed when it did so we could go into this offseason program knowing that’s behind us and we can move forward. We’re working at it, we’ll continue to work at it. Ownership is involved, obviously. Coach [Doug Pederson] is involved; we’re going to put our best foot forward and hope to get something accomplished here.”

Pederson’s arrival in 2022 led to expectations Lawrence would be able to rebound from a forgettable rookie campaign under Urban Meyer. That season, Jacksonville managed to reach the divisional round of the postseason amidst a strong showing on offense. A regression this past campaign – one in which Lawrence battle multiple injuries – left the team out of the postseason, however. The 24-year-old could thus be hard-pressed to command a deal similar in value to those signed by the likes of Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts last offseason.

Those four pacts brought the top of the QB market past $50MM per year, and healthy salary cap increases will no doubt keep moving the position’s financial landscape further. Lawrence is among the signal-callers set to benefit from that trend as early as this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how much traction is gained on contract talks over the coming weeks.

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