Latest On WR Jerry Jeudy
Teams are well aware of Jerry Jeudy‘s past knee troubles, but they aren’t worried about it, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic (on Twitter). As Brugler notes, the wide receiver is two seasons removed from his scope in April of 2018 and they’ve done ample homework on his lateral meniscus. With that in mind, Brugler hears that the Alabama star is still expected to land somewhere in the Top 20. 
Two teams at the scouting combine expressed concern over Jeudy’s left knee, but his doctor has issued a letter to all 32 clubs to quell such talk. “Jeudy has not required any treatment” on the knee since his surgery, says the doctor, who expects him to progress “without limitations” from here on out. Some teams may still have Jeudy’s knee flagged to a degree, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) has yet to speak with a club that believes it will seriously impact his career.
Jeudy is right up there with CeeDee Lamb in a draft that is positively loaded with exceptional WR talent. Both players are mortal locks to come off the board early – it’s just a matter of when the run will start. Some say the WRs will start flying at No. 11, when the Jets have their turn at the virtual podium. Or, the run could start earlier if teams like the Jets, Raiders, or Broncos move up to get their man.
Tua Tagovailoa Passed Dolphins’ Physical In February
The Dolphins might not be overly concerned with Tua Tagovailoa‘s medical situation. Team doctors gave him a passing grade on his physical at the scouting combine, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. 
[RELATED: Dolphins Considering Non-QBs At No. 5?]
Presumably, Tagovailoa is even closer to 100% health today than he was in late February. In addition to his major hip injury, the southpaw suffered multiple high ankle sprains, a knee sprain and a broken wrist during his collegiate career. Predictably, Tagovailoa’s camp claims the medical concerns are overblown, though at least one team failed Tagovailoa on a physical earlier this year.
Over the last week, there’s been more and more talk of the Dolphins preferring Oregon’s Justin Herbert to Tagovailoa, but that could very well be a smokescreen. For months, Tagovailoa has been connected to the Dolphins, at the No. 5 spot or perhaps with a move up the board. Some evaluators are troubled by Tagovailoa’s issues, but the QB says he’s ready to rock.
“I feel 100 percent,” the Alabama quarterback said earlier this month. “I feel like if there was a game today, I’d be able to go out and perform the same way I was able to perform in previous years. I feel as mobile as possible. I feel 100 percent.”
As a sophomore, Tagovailoa threw for almost 4,000 yards and 43 touchdowns while lobbing just six interceptions. He finished that 2018 season as the runner-up for the Heisman trophy, just behind eventual No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray.
Bucs, Titans Talk With QB James Morgan
Add the Buccaneers and Titans to the list of teams with Florida International quarterback James Morgan on the radar (Twitter link via Mike Wells of ESPN.com). His market could be heating up as a whole host of teams have chatted with him in recent days. 
As previously reported, the Jets, Patriots, Packers, Bears, Raiders, Giants, Bills, and Dolphins have also checked in with the young passer. The Colts, per Wells, have had multiple video meetings with him.
Morgan hasn’t gotten the same kind of hype as other QBs in this class. In all likelihood, he’ll be available well after Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Jake Fromm, and other big names have been spoken for. Still, Morgan’s stock has been steadily rising, thanks in part to strong showings at the combine and the East-West Shrine Game. He might not be the complete package, but he offers one of the strongest arms in the draft, plus football IQ and leadership qualities.
After an up and down run at Bowling Green, Morgan transferred to FIU in 2018. In his first season in the state of Florida, he earned Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors by completing over 65% of his passes for 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Last year wasn’t quite as strong, but he’s still well liked by evaluators.
Bengals Still Won’t Consider Trading No. 1 Pick
The Bengals got a few calls from teams looking to move up, but they’re not even going through the motions. One Bengals source told Dianna Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that they “could just turn our ringers off on our phones” when it comes to trades for the No. 1 pick. 
It’s no surprise. The Bengals are locked in on LSU star Joe Burrow as their quarterback of the future. They’ve been burning up bandwidth and using as much of their allotted time as possible to get familiar with him, go over the playbook, and strategize for their future together.
Other teams near the top of the order are at least giving thought to trading down. Giants GM Dave Gettleman could very well move the No. 4 pick, even though it’s not in his nature. The Lions are also willing to listen on offers for the No. 3 pick, though they’re high on cornerback Jeff Okudah, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, and Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons. Okudah is very unlikely to be available past No. 10 and there’s no telling where Brown or Simmons could land. The Redskins, supposedly, are willing to listen on offers for the No. 2 pick, but they’re probably still keyed in on Ohio State pass rusher Chase Young.
Nothing is certain in this year’s NFL Draft, but Burrow-to-the-Bengals seems like a done deal.
Redskins Receive “Complete” Offer For No. 2 Pick
The Redskins are still fielding calls on the No. 2 pick and one team has laid out a “complete deal” for Ron Rivera & Co., Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. 
Meanwhile, one GM in the Top 7 has tried multiple times to get Chase Young on the phone for a 1-on-1, Anderson hears (Twitter link). It’s not clear whether that meeting actually took place, but it’s an indication that at least one club thinks they’ll have a chance to pry the pick away from Washington.
Young is widely viewed as the top talent in this year’s class, but most teams haven’t bothered to reach out to team. He’s an elite edge rusher, a potential generational talent, and he’s been thought to be a mortal lock for the Redskins at No. 2. Still, the Redskins are willing to hear other teams out.
According to the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus, Young’s performance has been positively off the charts. His 2019 score slotted him ahead of Josh Allen (Kentucky, 2018), Nick Bosa (Ohio State, 2017), Myles Garrett (Texas A&M, 2015), and every other collegiate edge rusher dating back to 2014. Last year, Young notched 17 sacks in 2019, the most of any player in the FBS – and that was with two missed games.
Redskins Discussing Trent Williams Trade With Multiple Teams
The Redskins are talking with multiple teams about a potential Trent Williams trade, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. If a deal is going to happen, they’d like to get it done ASAP in order to recoup draft picks for this weekend. Of course, any Williams deal would require a thorough physical, and that’s trickier than usual. 
[RELATED: Browns Interested In Trent Williams]
The Browns have been keeping a watchful eye on the situation and they’re not the only team that would be interested in picking up the multiple time Pro Bowler. The Jets, in theory, would love to add the veteran left tackle, though they’ve been unwilling to cough up a second-round pick thus far. Even if they changed their minds, a second-round pick might not be enough.
As it stands, Williams is set to earn $12.5MM in base salary under his current contract, which expires after the 2020 season. Any team that acquires him will have to negotiate a new long-term pact with the standout offensive lineman and that deal would probably be a market shifter. In addition to his medical history, there’s also his age to consider. Williams will turn 32 in July.
The Vikings have also been connected to Williams as they look to better protect Kirk Cousins. It’d be a logical fit, especially given their history together. For now, the Vikes have Riley Reiff penciled in at left tackle, though they’re still exploring their options.
Anthony Harris In “No Rush” To Sign Vikings Tag
Anthony Harris is in “no rush” to sign franchise tag, according to a source who spoke with Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). The Vikings and the safety have until July 15th to hammer out an extension, and Harris is gunning for long-term security. Tomasson hears that some talks could take place before the draft gets underway on Thursday night, but it’s unlikely that anything will be hashed out soon. 
[RELATED: Percy Harvin Eyes NFL Return]
Harris, 28, was tagged back in March, but many figured that he would be a tag-and-trade candidate. That still remains a possibility, but GM Rick Spielman claims Harris is very much in their plans for 2020.
“I know we have some big changes in the secondary,” Spielman said this week, referencing the departures of Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander. “One of the things — not only is Anthony Harris a great football player for us, and great in the community — but by us being able to franchise Anthony, we do have the safeties pretty well set, knowing that we’re going to have a lot of young corners we’re going to have to line up and play with.”
Either way, safety is on the Vikings’ to-do list this weekend, because they need to find support for Harris and Harrison Smith.
According to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, Harris has been a top-five safety in each of the last two seasons, including exceptional coverage grades last year. Between 2018 and 2019, he’s totaled nine interceptions, 17 passes defended, and 106 tackles.
Panthers Willing To Trade Back From No. 7
The Panthers are “open to sliding back a few spots” in the NFL Draft, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (Twitter link). They currently sit at No. 7, a prime opportunity to strengthen their stockpile if another team looks to move up for a quarterback, cornerback, or tackle. 
[RELATED: Cardinals Looking To Trade Back From No. 8]
The Panthers are looking to fill a number of holes on defense – cornerback, linebacker, interior defensive line, and safety are all on the to-do list, though not necessarily in that order. At No. 7, they should be in range for Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown and they could have the chance to take Clemson linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons. Then, with their next seven choices (two picks in Round 5), they could fill out the rest.
Or, they can charge a king’s ransom to a team desperate for big-time help. Thanks to the Teddy Bridgewater signing, they don’t have to dedicate their top pick to a quarterback.
The Panthers aren’t the only Top 10 team willing to make a move. The Cardinals – who sit one spot below Carolina at No. 8 – could be swayed.
Percy Harvin Eyes NFL Return
Percy Harvin‘s second retirement might not stick. The longtime NFL wide receiver wants to return to the field in 2020, as Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. 
“I’m ready to return to the NFL,” Harvin said. “I thought I was done, but that itch came back. I’ve been training with a former Olympian. My body is feeling good. Mentally I’m better. My family is good. The timing is right.”
We haven’t seen Harvin on the field since 2016, when he played in a pair of games for the Bills. Throughout his career, he was held back by hip injuries, knee issues, and chronic migraines. But, when he was healthy, he was special.
Harvin, a former first-round pick, enjoyed his best season in 2011, when he posted 87 receptions for 967 yards and six touchdowns, while adding another 345 yards and two scores on the ground. Prior to the 2013 season, he was traded to the Seahawks, but he ultimately played in just six games before being dealt once again, this time to the Jets. Harvin struggled through a half-season with Gang Green before finishing his career in Buffalo, where he never truly got off the ground.
Harvin probably won’t fetch much in the way of guaranteed money, but he profiles as an intriguing low-risk pickup for teams in need of WR help.
Cardinals Looking To Trade Down From No. 8?
The Cardinals have expressed interest in trading down from the No. 8 overall pick, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. This jibes with the speculation we’ve heard in recent weeks and it would make lots of sense for a team without a second-round pick. 
[RELATED: Hopkins Isn’t “Demanding” New Contract From Cardinals]
The Cardinals sent their second-rounder to the Texans in the DeAndre Hopkins trade – a mere bucket of shells for one of the game’s most talented wide receivers. Meanwhile, they’re looking to address needs including offensive tackle, linebacker, and edge between now and the start of the season.
The No. 8 pick could be perfect for the Falcons, who are working feverishly to move up the board for a prime defender. There, GM Thomas Dimitroff might be able to land Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah or Florida’s C.J. Henderson, this year’s top cornerbacks. Or, if Clemson’s Isaiah Henderson slips, the Falcons could tap him to bolster their edge rush and safety depth all in one shot. That choice could also be prime territory for a QB-needy team.