Dallas Robinson | Pro Football Rumors

Draft Rumors: Henderson, Dobbins, Davis

April 17th, 2020 at 10:43am CST by Dallas Robinson

Are you ready for surprises on draft day? It sounds like you should be. “The media is wronger about mock drafts this year than you guys have ever been,” one NFL general manager told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). That’s undoubtedly because of the ongoing certainly involving COVID-19, which has caused the league to upend its predraft process. As Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com tweets, “group think” is less likely to occur in 2019 because scouts and executives were unable to congregate at pro days, events where evaluators typically will — intentionally or not — develop something of a consensus on prospects.

After deciding whether “wronger” is actually a word, let’s take a look at more on the upcoming draft:

The Falcons held a predraft video meeting with Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson last week, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Atlanta currently holds the 16th overall pick, but recent reports have indicated general manager Thomas Dimitroff & Co. could be interested in moving up the board. Henderson is considered the draft’s second-best cornerback behind Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah, although some decision-makers may rate Henderson No. 1.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins has held video meetings with several NFL teams, including the Chiefs, Packers, Bills, Lions, Saints, Dolphins, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. This isn’t the first time Dobbins has been linked to Miami, as he took a predraft visit with the Dolphins before such meetings were shut down due to COVID-19. Indeed, Dobbins left that visit feeling Miami was “infatuated” with him.
Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis says the 49ers, Packers, Dolphins, Ravens, and Eagles are the teams that have contacted him most, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. A massive presence at 6’6″, 310 pounds, Davis a first-round projection and comparisons to DeForest Buckner from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus, however, ranks Davis just 10th among interior defender prospects, noting his lack of development as a pass-rusher.
The Ravens, 49ers, Panthers, Titans, and Seahawks have all held video sessions with TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, per Wilson. Blacklock, who stock has risen during the predraft process, missed the 2018 campaign with an Achilles injury but was productive during both his freshman and junior seasons. Last year, he posted 40 tackles (nine for loss) and 3.5 sacks.

Latest On NFL’s Trial Run Draft

April 17th, 2020 at 10:10am CST by Dallas Robinson

With the 2020 NFL draft going fully remote due to COVID-19, the league wants to ensure that its technology platforms will work when the event gets underway next Thursday. To that end, the NFL will conduct a mock draft trial run on Monday, as Lions general manager Bob Quinn told reporters today.

But how exactly will such a dry run work? As Dan Graziano of ESPN.com tweets, no club wants to “tip its hand” during the trial run by naming actual prospects from this year’s draft. NFL front offices, of course, are known for their secrecy, but this level of safeguarding makes sense.

Instead, teams will likely select placeholders instead of actual 2020 prospects. One example Graziano was given could involve the Bengals drafting Boomer Esiason at No. 1, followed by the Redskins taking Joe Theismann at No. 2, etc.

Using such a system would allow the NFL to determine that its system is working and ensure that every club is capable of making its picks known. And teams could rest easy knowing that they won’t be forced to give anything away in advance of the actual draft.

Jamal Adams To Skip Virtual Offseason Program

April 17th, 2020 at 8:50am CST by Dallas Robinson

Jamal Adams is not expected to participate in the Jets’ voluntary virtual offseason program when it begins later this month, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

Adams, 24, became eligible for an extension at the end of the 2019 regular season, but New York hasn’t shown any interest in giving him a new deal just yet, per Schefter. He’s under contract through 2020, and the Jets also hold a fifth-year option in 2021.

Of course, Adams’ recent tenure with the Jets has been anything but smooth. He was publicly dangled at the 2019 trading deadline, with Gang Green reportedly posting an extraordinary asking price of a first- and two second-round picks.

As Schefter notes, if Adams and the Jets don’t get any closer on a contract agreement, it’s possible he could be on the trade block again. However, Adams is skipping voluntary sessions, so we’re probably not at that point yet.

One of the best safeties in the NFL, Adams has been excellent since entering the league as the sixth overall pick in 2017. He earned a first-team All Pro nod in 2019, and made the Pro Bowl in both 2018 and 2019.

Draft Rumors: Dolphins, Herbert, Edwards-Helaire, Aiyuk, Shenault

April 16th, 2020 at 11:18am CST by Dallas Robinson

The Dolphins held a predraft video meeting with Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, who reports no NFL team has done as much work on Herbert as the Dolphins. Herbert is fully expected to come off the board in Round 1 of next week’s draft, but it’s unclear if Miami will be comfortable taking him with the fifth overall selection. Per Jackson, the Dolphins’ questions about Herbert are twofold: he’s more of an introvert than an extrovert, and he is occasionally inaccurate.

Miami also conducted a video conference with LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, per Jackson, who indicates the Dolphins could consider Edwards-Helaire with pick Nos. 39 or 56 in the second round. While the Dolphins already signed veteran Jordan Howard this offseaon, Edwards-Helaire, who caught 55 passes in 2019, would add another dimension to Miami’s backfield.

Here’s more on the upcoming draft, which is now only one week away:

Speaking of the Dolphins, former NFL executive Gil Brandt says it would not not be a surprise for Miami to take a non-quarterback with the fifth overall pick (Twitter link via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY). While the Dolphins have seemingly spent the past year-plus acquiring draft capital in order to land a quarterback, it’s possible that they could go in a different direction. If Miami opts for another position at No. 5, offensive tackle could speculatively be a target area.
A number of prospects– including Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault, and Cal safety Ashtyn Davis — recently underwent core muscle surgery but have medically cleared, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). All three should be ready for the start of the 2020 regular season. Meanwhile, Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall (ankle) has also been medically cleared, while South Carolina receiver Bryan Edwards (fifth metatarsal) and Utah safety Julian Blackmon (ACL) should be cleared by May and July, respectively.
While NFL teams aren’t all that concerned about the upcoming remote draft format, they are potentially worried about the undrafted free agent process, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (video link). The UDFA signing period is often a frenzy as is, and clubs think the virtual nature of the process could make it even more difficult.

Broncos’ Mike Purcell, Elijah Wilkinson Sign RFA Tenders

April 16th, 2020 at 10:52am CST by Dallas Robinson

Broncos defensive tackle Mike Purcell and guard Elijah Wilkinson have both signed their second-round restricted free agent tenders, according to Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link). They’ll each earn $3.259MM for the 2020 campaign.

While Purcell isn’t much of a pass-rusher, he’s excellent as stopping the run. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked 6’3″, 330-pounder as the league’s best run-defending interior player in 2019. Purcell, who turns 29 years old later this week, played in 13 games (seven starts) for the Broncos last season while posting 48 tackles (eight for loss).

Purcell, an undrafted free agent in 2013, bounced around the league before finding a landing spot in Denver. The Wyoming product spent time with six other NFL teams and the Salt Lake Stallions of the AAF before signing with the Broncos last April.

An undrafted free agent like Purcell, Wilkinson joined the Broncos out of UMass in 2017. Promoted to the starting lineup last season, the 25-year-old played on nearly 90% of Denver’s offensive snaps.

The Broncos have since added free agent Graham Glasgow on a multi-year deal, so it’s unclear if Wilkinson will still have a starting job in 2019. Glasgow can play center as well as guard, leaving Denver with multiple possible combinations up front.

Bucs TE O.J. Howard On Trade Block?

April 16th, 2020 at 9:23am CST by Dallas Robinson

Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard was reportedly available prior to the 2019 trade deadline, and he could be shopped again. As former NFL executive Michael Lombardi indicated on a recent episode of his GM Shuffle podcast, Tampa Bay could trade Howard either before or during next week’s draft.

Although Bucs head coach Bruce Arians has never heavily featured a tight end in his offense, Howard’s 2019 reception and yardage totals were largely in line with his career norms, but he scored only a single touchdown. Arians spoke repeatedly about getting Howard more involved in Tampa Bay’s offense, but the former first-round pick still has yet to truly break out.

Last year, the Buccaneers were reportedly only willing to deal Howard for a “substantial return.” Per Lombardi, the club was looking for a second-round pick. The Patriots, for one, inquired on Howard at the 2019 trade deadline, and although talks didn’t go anywhere, it’s possible New England could reach out again.

Howard, 25, has one year remaining on his rookie contract, although the Bucs (or any team that acquires Howard) can exercise a fifth-year option for the 2021 campaign. Under the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement, that fifth-year option would be fully guaranteed.

Rams C Brian Allen Tests Positive For COVID-19

April 16th, 2020 at 8:14am CST by Dallas Robinson

Rams center Brian Allen is the first active NFL player to test positive for COVID-19, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (Twitter link).

Allen first tested positive three weeks ago before testing positive again earlier this week. Fortunately, Allen now says he’s symptom-free and expects to receive the “all clear” this week.

The Rams, whose facilities had only been open to injured players, were forced to close down their building due to Allen’s positive test. Now that Allen is recovering, Los Angeles will be able to re-open next week, per Glazer.

It seemed inevitable that COVID-19 would eventually work its way into the NFL, and it’s entirely possible Allen won’t be the only NFL player diagnosed. It’s unclear if this news will force the league’s hand in terms of schedule; while events like free agency, the draft, and offseason workout programs have been moved to remote settings, no part of the NFL’s has been canceled as of yet.

Allen, 24, entered the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft. He became the Rams’ starting center in 2019 and appeared in nine games before suffering an MCL injury.

Peter King’s Latest On 2020 NFL Draft

April 13th, 2020 at 1:52pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah is widely viewed as the top defensive back in the 2020 draft class, at least one general manager thinks a portion of NFL decision-makers may have a different view. “I bet 40% of the teams in the league have C.J. Henderson higher on their boards than Okudah,” the anonymous GM told Peter King of NBC Sports. “Better cover guy.” Henderson, a Florida product with 30 total games and a 2019 All-SEC nod under his belt, is pegged as a first-round pick, but it would certainly be a surprise if he came off the board before Okudah, who is thought to be a potential top-five selection.

Let’s take a look at a few more draft tidbits from King’s latest column:

The Chargers‘ quarterback situation continues to a conundrum. While a source close to Los Angeles GM Tom Telesco tells King Telesco is high on Oregon signal-caller Justin Herbert, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has faith in incumbent Tyrod Taylor. In fact, Lynn might be comfortable starting Taylor even beyond the 2020 season.
While the Chargers may target a quarterback in the first round, don’t expect the Jaguars to go after a passer with the ninth overall pick, per King. Jacksonville intends to give 2019 sixth-rounder Gardner Minshew a legitimate shot at becoming a full-time NFL starter after trading veteran Nick Foles to the Bears earlier this month.
Although the 49ers are already loaded along their defensive line (even after trading DeForest Buckner to the Colts), they could still target even more front four help in the first round. Specifically, San Francisco could be eyeing a defensive tackle such as South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. The 49ers own both the 13th and 31st picks on Day 1 of the draft, leaving them ample opportunities to address nee areas.
The Cowboys may look to find a replacement for All-Pro center Travis Frederick after he announced his retirement earlier this year, but at least one rival executive tells King that Dallas won’t spend the 17th pick on a pivot. However, that same executive believes the Cowboys are fans of Michigan interior lineman Cesar Ruiz, and could trade down before selecting the ex-Wolverine.
One NFL GM tells King the Patriots “love” Herbert, but may not be infatuated enough to trade up from pick No. 23. Indeed, New England would likely need to sacrifice a 2021 first-round pick in order to move into Herbert range.

49ers Re-Sign Jason Verrett, Dontae Johnson

April 13th, 2020 at 1:02pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The 49ers have re-signed cornerbacks Jason Verrett and Dontae Johnson to one-year deals, the club announced today.

Verrett, 28, has dealt with myriad injury issues throughout his career, and those health questions popped up again in 2019. Signed to a one-year, $1.5MM pact with San Francisco, Verrett appeared in just one game before being placed on injured reserve with an ankle ailment. Although there was some thought that he’d be able to return later in the season, Verrett remained on IR through the 49ers’ postseason run.

A first-round pick by the Chargers in the 2014 draft, Verrett has been outstanding when healthy. In 2015, for example, Verrett made 14 starts for San Diego and earned a Pro Bowl nod. However, that 2015 campaign represents the only season in which the TCU product has appeared in more six games. He’s only played in six total games since the start of the 2016 season.

Johnson, meanwhile, was Verrett’s direct replacement when the latter went on IR in 2019. San Francisco’s relationship with Johnson goes back far further than last season, however — Johnson was a fourth-round pick of the 49ers in 2014 and will now start his fourth stint with the club. He’s also spent time with the Seahawks, Bills, Cardinals, Chiefs, and Chargers. Johnson, 28, started all 16 games for San Francisco in 2017, but has largely been a special-teamer.

Bucs, Broncos, Falcons Aiming To Trade Up In Draft?

April 13th, 2020 at 12:14pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Buccaneers, Broncos, and Falcons are among the NFL clubs with the most serious interest in trading up in the draft, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Both Tampa Bay and Denver would move up with the intention of selecting an offensive tackle, per Breer. The clubs currently sit back-to-back at picks Nos. 14 and 15, and both could certainly use help along their respective offensive lines. The 2020 draft features a strong class of offensive tackles, with options including Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Jedrick Wills (Alabama), Tristan Wirfs (Iowa), and Andrew Thomas (Georgia).

Having added Tom Brady, the Buccaneers will need to keep the veteran quarterback upright — in 2019, Tampa Bay ranked just 22nd in Football Outsiders‘ pass-protection metric. Donovan Smith will line up at left tackle, but the Bucs could add another lineman to compete with free agent signing Joe Haeg on the right side.

The Broncos, meanwhile, would appear to be set at left tackle with Garett Bolles, whom Pro Football Focus grade as the NFL’s No. 18 tackle, and at right tackle with Ja’Wuan James. Bolles, however, has only one year left on his rookie contract (plus a potential fifth-year option in 2021), while injuries limited James to only three games in his first season as a Bronco.

It’s unclear what position the Falcons would target where they able to engineer a trade up from pick No. 16, per Breer. Speculatively, Atlanta’s offense appears mostly set, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if general manager Thomas Dimitroff attempts to target edge or cornerback help in the first round.