Raiders Sign Rookie DT Eddie Vanderdoes
The Raiders have signed third-round defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, the club announced today.
Vanderdoes, the 88th overall selection, spent four seasons with UCLA but only saw action in three of those campaigns, as he tore his ACL in the 2015 season opener and was granted a medical redshirt. In 2016, the 6’3″, 305-pound Vanderdoes appeared in 11 games, managing 27 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Prior to the draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Vanderdoes to current Seahawks interior defender Ahtyba Rubin, while Pro Football Focus lauded Vanderdoes’ quick hands and low pad level.
The Raiders released veteran defensive tackle Dan Williams this offseason, so Vanderdoes will certainly have an opportunity to pick up some of Williams’ 366 defensive snaps. At present, Oakland is projected to start Jihad Ward and Justin Ellis at defensive tackle, with Darius Latham, Vanderdoes, and fellow rookie Treyvon Hester in reserve.
With Vanderdoes, only eight 2017 draft picks remain unsigned, and that list that includes two other Raiders: first-round cornerback Gareon Conley and second-round safety Obi Melifonwu.
Finding A Fit For RB DeAngelo Williams
Two years ago, at the age of 32, DeAngelo Williams started 10 games for the Steelers and produced 11 rushing touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry, and 40 receptions through the air while filling in for Le’Veon Bell, who had been suspended and subsequently injured. In 2016, sidelined for seven games by his own health questions, Williams managed only 3.5 yards per touch on 98 attempts.
Thus far, Williams hasn’t been linked directly linked to any clubs, but he made clear earlier today that he intends to play during the 2017 campaign. It’s possible that he’ll have to wait for an injury to occur before receiving a call, something to which Williams alluded to today. I recently ranked Williams as the third-best free agent back available, behind fellow veterans Chris Johnson and Rashad Jennings.
Williams said today there are four teams he won’t play for, but wouldn’t identify those clubs, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. With the hope that we’re not listing one of those squads, let’s take a look at six teams that could use Williams immediately:
Detroit Lions
Detroit’s 2016 rushing offense was, by almost any measure, putrid. On an NFL-low 350 rushing attempts, the Lions finished 27th in yards per carry, 25th in DVOA, and 31st in adjusted line yards, the latter a measure of a club’s offensive line strength. Detroit attempted to rectify its front five this offseason, swapping out Larry Warford and Riley Reiff for T.J. Lang and Ricky Wagner, but the team’s crop of backs has essentially remained stagnant. Getting former second-round pick Ameer Abdullah back from a Lisfranc injury should help matters, and the Lions have praised reserve Dwayne Washington, but the club’s only free agent addition or draft choice in the backfield was former Viking Matt Asiata, who plodded to a 3.3 yards per carry average a season ago. Williams, then, could offer Detroit a bit more dynamic safety net behind its younger runners.
Los Angeles Chargers
Among the 19 running backs that managed at least 200 carries in 2016, Melvin Gordon finished 13th with only 3.93 yards per rush. So although he scored 10 touchdowns on the ground, it stands to reason the former first-round pick could use a breather from time to time. Kenneth Farrow, who served as Gordon’s primary backup last season, posted only 3.2 yards per carry on 60 attempts, while Branden Oliver (who hasn’t seen the field since October 2015), Andre Williams, and Kenjon Barner aren’t exactly an inspiring crop. With Danny Woodhead having left via free agency, the Chargers have a need for a back like Williams, who can succeed in the passing game.
Los Angeles Rams
Like Gordon, Todd Gurley struggled from a lack of team running back depth, as he finished 19th out of 19 on the list linked above with just 3.18 yards per attempt. The Rams offense was a disaster as a whole, ranking 32nd in both pass and rushing DVOA. Los Angeles has seemingly found a fix at left tackle, upgrading from Greg Robinson to Andrew Whitworth, and are now 18th in Pro Football Focus‘ offseason offensive line rankings. Still, when the “running back” with the most carries behind Gurley is Tavon Austin with 28, backups are an issue. The Rams already signed former Cowboy Lance Dunbar to handle third-down work, but Williams would offer a more prototypical skill-set as a reserve.
Miami Dolphins
Jay Ajayi was excellent during his second NFL season, rushing for more than 1,200 yards while ranking seventh in DYAR and finishing third in PFF’s running back grades. But there are certainly reasons to be concerned about Ajayi, and chief among them is the knee issues that led to his draft slide in 2015. Severe knee injuries scared off teams that year, and Ajayi has put a lot of work in during the past four seasons. Between Boise State and Miami, Ajayi has managed 249 carries in three of the past four seasons (including a whopping 347 attempts during his final collegiate campaign). Personally, I’m a fan of backup of Damien Williams, but his lack of production during his three-year NFL tenure may leave the Dolphins looking for an experienced reserve such as DeAngelo Williams.
New York Giants
The Giants regard second-year runner Paul Perkins as a three-down back, but they haven’t added much insurance in the event Perkins doesn’t perform (or gets injured) in 2016. Shaun Draughn and Orleans Darkwa haven’t done much in their limited NFL action, Shane Vereen has proven himself to be a passing game specialist, while fourth-round rookie Wayne Gallman was labeled an impatient runner and compared to journeyman Khiry Robinson in Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com predraft profile. Big Blue’s rushing attack ranked 26th in DVOA a season ago, and doesn’t figure to improve if Perkins doesn’t grow into a No. 1 role. Still, the Giants are the least likely club on this list to bring in Williams or any other veteran.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Williams was an excellent investment for the Steelers, as he provided stability in the club’s backfield (especially in 2015) while earning only $4MM over the life of a two-year contract. He could conceivably play a similar role for Pittsburgh in 2017, but the Steelers have added other factors behind Le’Veon Bell. In addition to signing free agent Knile Davis, Pittsburgh also spent a third-round choice on local product James Conner. Fitzgerald Toussaint is also in the discussion for backup carries after posting 4.1 yards per attempt in 58 touches last year. General manager Kevin Colbert said in March the Steelers weren’t yet closing the door on Williams, but that statement was made before Pittsburgh draft Conner. Williams himself said today he wasn’t ruling out a return to the Steelers.
Chiefs Could Promote Brett Veach To GM By Training Camp
The Chiefs could potentially promote co-director of player personnel Brett Veach to general manager before the beginning of training camp, sources tell Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).
After firing John Dorsey last month, Kansas City reportedly set a “loose goal” of finding a new GM prior to the start of training camp, so promoting Veach in the coming weeks would accomplish that goal. Veach, along with ESPN commentator Louis Riddick, have been considered the favorites for the Chiefs vacancy, as both offer familiarity with head coach Andy Reid. In addition to serving alongside Reid in Kansas City, Veach spent several seasons working with him in Philadelphia.
As our Chiefs GM Search Tracker indicates, six candidates have been linked to the Kansas City position. Veach and fellow co-director of player personnel Mike Borgonzi, Riddick, Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer, Titans director of player personnel Ryan Cowden, and Vikings assistant general manager George Paton have all been mentioned in connection with the Chiefs job, although Paton declined to interview.
Packers Sign Rookie Montravious Adams
The Packers have signed third-round pick Montravius Adams. With the defensive tackle under contract, Green Bay has now signed its entire 2017 draft class.
Adams was highly recruited coming out of high school but it took him a little while to really get started at Auburn. In 2016, he seemed to put it all together has he totaled 8.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. The 6’4, 304 pound athlete may wind up starting at nose tackle for the Packers in the early going as Letroy Guion serves a four-game suspension.
Adams was one of ten unsigned rookies heading into Wednesday. With Raiders sign third-round pick Eddie Vanderdoes also under contract, we’re now down to just eight unsigned draft picks league-wide. Interestingly, seven of those eight players are first-round selections.
Here’s the complete rundown of the Packers’ draft class:
- 2-33: Kevin King, CB (Washington)
- 2-61: Josh Jones, S (North Carolina State)
- 3-93: Montravius Adams, DT (Auburn)
- 4-108: Vince Biegel, LB (Wisconsin)
- 4-134: Jamaal Williams, RB (BYU)
- 5-175: DeAngelo Yancey, WR (Purdue)
- 5-182: Aaron Jones, RB (UTEP)
- 6-212: Kofi Amichia, T (USF)
- 7-238: Devante Mays, RB (Utah State)
- 7-247: Malachi Dupre, WR (LSU)
Dorial Green-Beckham Clears Waivers
Before the holiday, the Eagles put wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham on the waiver wire. Today, we’ve learned that the league’s 31 other teams declined to take on his contract. Green-Beckham cleared waivers, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 
In high school, DGB was one of the country’s most sought after recruits. However, after two disappointing seasons in the NFL, his stock is at an all-time low. Green-Beckham’s lack of work ethic led the Titans to ship him out just one year after the organization used a second round pick on him. Now, his stint with the Eagles is over after less than one calendar year. During his lone season in Philly, the 24-year-old hauled in 36 receptions for 392 yards and two touchdowns.
Green-Beckham could still find a new NFL home, but it will have to be at a salary cheaper than what he was making as a 2015 second-round pick. You can expect the 24-year-old to get calls this summer, but he’s likely to only get offered one-year deals with low base pay.
NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Wilson, Eagles
We now have some details on the arrest of Cowboys linebacker Damien Wilson, via Amanda Guerra of KRLD (Twitter links). Wilson was looking for place to park for Fourth of July festivities while a group of tailgaters were taking up several spaces. After he asked to park, an argument broke out between him and the group. He then backed his truck into the parking space and intentionally hit a person in the process, police say. At some point during the kerfuffle, Wilson produced a gun. The 24-year-old is facing two counts of aggravated assault with deadly weapon.
Here’s more from the NFC East:
- The Eagles need linebacker Nigel Bradham on the field in order for things to run properly on defense, Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Unfortunately, his availability is in question thanks to the brawl he got into last summer. Bradham will likely avoid jail time thanks to a deferred prosecution agreement struck before the holiday, but the NFL has been known to come down on players with suspensions even when the situations are largely cleared by the courts. Bradham, who will turn 28 in September, is on the backend of a two-year, $7MM deal he signed with Philly last year. If he can’t keep his off-the-field affairs in check, Brookover fears he might not be long for the Eagles.
- The addition of Brandon Marshall gives the Giants the best overall group of wide receivers in the NFC East, Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News writes. The Giants’ big three youngsters Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Marshall, he argues, gives them a leg up over the Cowboys with Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley. The Eagles, with the free agent addition of Alshon Jeffery, finished third on Machota’s list. The Redskins, who replaced Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson with Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick, came in last.
- Earlier today, we rounded up the latest on the Redskins.
Redskins Notes: Jackson, Garcon, Cousins
The Redskins are down two big-name receivers in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, but they might actually be better off in the red zone, according to some numbers crunching by Raymond Summerlin of Rotoworld. Jackson and Garcon combined to catch just two touchdowns on 24 red zone targets in 2016 and that helps to explain why the Redskins had one of the worst TD rates in the red zone as a team. Meanwhile, newcomer Terrelle Pryor converted on 30.8% of his red zone looks last year, including 3-of-4 inside the 10-yard line. Josh Doctson is something of an unknown after injuries stripped away his rookie season, but he was drafted in part because of his ability to catch the football through traffic. The Redskins may have lost some star power at wide receiver, but they could have more chances to find paydirt with the revamped group.
Here’s more from D.C.:
- Does Kirk Cousins deserve to be the highest paid quarterback in the NFC East? While he doesn’t have the resume of Eli Manning or perhaps the same kind of upside as Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz, he has proven himself over the last two years and is right in his quarterback prime, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com argues. Opinions on Cousins may vary, but I personally don’t think a $24MM salary is out of line for Cousins. The fact of the matter is that he would have garnered a monster multi-year deal with an even higher average annual salary this offseason if he were allowed to explore free agency unencumbered.
- With Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine, and Chris Thompson as locks to make the Redskins’ roster, running backs Mack Brown and Keith Marshall find themslves on the bubble, CSNMidAtlantic.com’s Rich Tandler writes. Brown has shown coaches that he has ability, but if the Redskins carry four tight ends, they could wind up keeping only three RBs. Meanwhile, Marshall is something of a longshot to make the 53-man roster if the other four stay healthy, but could wind up back on the practice squad. While Brown and Marshall fight for a spot, Matt Jones continues to sit in limbo.
Sam Darnold May Wait Until 2019 Draft
USC quarterback Sam Darnold has long been pegged as the top prospect in the 2018 draft. Now, there’s word that he could instead wait until the 2019 draft. Several sources close to Darnold tell Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com they wouldn’t be surprised if the QB played two more seasons at USC. 
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Of course, Darnold has tons of time to make his decision, so it’s too early for this year’s rebuilding teams (like the Jets) to panic about what Darnold will or won’t do. Naturally, his performance in 2017 will be a factor in whether he jumps after his redshirt sophomore season or spends another season with the Trojans.
If Darnold performs at the level that he’s expected to, then he’ll solidify himself as the No. 1 pick in the 2018 class. If that’s the case, then frankly it would be hard to see him gambling with his future by spending another year in school.
Darnold impressed scouts last season as he threw for 3,086 yards and 31 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Darnold also completed 67.2% of his throws.
Ravens Notes: Weddle, Jefferson, Harbaugh
Eric Weddle helped convince the Ravens to go hard after safety Tony Jefferson in free agency, Childs Walker of The Baltimore Sun writes. Now that Jefferson has landed in Baltimore on a four-year, $34MM deal, Weddle is delighted to partner with him in the secondary.
“He’s physical, explosive and he’s only going to get better,” Weddle said. “I not only look at this season but for the future as far as building this team. He can be that guy to lead this defense. From the outside looking in, when I move on, the Ravens D is still going to be good.”
Weddle also believes that the arrival of Jefferson will take a lot of work off of his plate.
“No disrespect to any of the guys I’ve played with, but it’s nice not to have to explain why I do certain things or why I’m doing this in this coverage,” Weddle said. “From day one, he already had a feel for how I play and how to work off me. … It frees me up a lot more mentally. I don’t have to tell him after each play why I did this or, before the snap, let’s do this. He already knows. That is just light years ahead of most guys I’ve played with. I’ve loved every guy I’ve played with, but he’s just on another level.”
Here’s more from Baltimore:
- The pressure could be building in Baltimore for coach John Harbaugh, Jim Owczarski of USA Today writes. Harbaugh might not be on the hot seat at this moment, but his team has compiled a 31-33 record since winning the Super Bowl after the 2012 season, missing the playoffs in three of the last four years. It’s possible that Harbaugh could be a victim of the high expectations he set for his teams in Baltimore. Before winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens made the postseason in each of his first five seasons and reached two AFC Championship Games. Even if things go terribly wrong in Baltimore this year, I have a hard time seeing any scenario in which Harbaugh does not get the chance to turn it around in 2018.
- The Ravens are using 10% of the salary cap on players who are no longer with the team, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes. That helps to explain why the Ravens are near the bottom of the league in available cap room. Offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, who has not played for the team since November 2015, accounts for the biggest dead money hit with a $4.4MM cap charge for 2017, giving him the tenth-highest hit on the team. After Monroe, there are four more players with $2MM+ dead money cap hits: tight end Dennis Pitta ($2.7MM), cornerback Shareece Wright ($2.66MM), linebacker Elvis Dumervil ($2.37MM), and center Jeremy Zuttah ($2.2MM). Hensley notes that the Ravens are usually in the middle of the league when it comes to dead money – they landed in the top 10 only twice in the last five years and placed No. 14 last year.
- This week, PFR’s Dallas Robinson made the case for why the Ravens should sign tight end Gary Barnidge.
Darrelle Revis Wants To Play 2017
Former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is working out in Florida with the hope of getting on the field this season, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets. Of course, the offset language tied to the $6MM he is owed from the Jets complicates matters. 
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At this stage of his career, no team would dream of paying Revis upwards of $6MM, but that’s what the veteran was said to be pushing for back in May. Playing for anything less $6MM would mean that Revis is effectively playing for free, but that’s exactly what he’ll have to do if he wants to get on the field this fall.
“His tape is so bad that it’s probably scaring a lot of teams away,” one scout said in the spring. “If he still thinks he’s a starter — and wants to be paid like a starter — that will be an issue.”
Revis is no longer an elite cornerback, but he could still be a viable starting option for a team out there. Last year, he graded out as the league’s No. 64 corner, according to the advanced stats at Pro Football Focus.
Revis’ market could also be impacted by his perceived lack of effort in 2016. Many who watched the tape on Revis have said that the cornerback seemed to be giving up on plays and his body language indicated that he had given up on his Jets team as well. To some degree, Revis’ frustrations with the lowly Jets of 2016 are understandable. But teams will be wary about bringing in a veteran who might be a bad influence on younger players.