Giants Agree To Terms With First-Round DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, OT Evan Neal
The Giants have agreed to terms with their two first-round picks. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (on Twitter), that the Giants will sign defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive tackle Evan Neal to their rookie pacts following practice today.
Thibodeaux’s four-year rookie deal is worth a fully guaranteed $31.3MM (not including the non-guaranteed fifth-year option), per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan (on Twitter). The four fully guaranteed years on Neal’s contract are worth $24.6MM.
Thibodeaux was a candidate to go first-overall, but he was ultimately selected by the Giants with the fifth-overall pick. In three years at Oregon, Thibodeaux led the squad in sacks and tackles for loss. He finished his career with 19.0 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss, and he also added 14 quarterback hurries over his career, leading the team last year with eight. In early February, Thibodeaux started to see his draft stock affected in a way not uncommon to Oregon alumni, with one pundit questioning the player’s”fire.”
Neal’s status as the top blocker in this year’s class was challenged by NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu throughout the draft process. At one point, the Alabama product was the definitive top OT prospect in the draft, but his stock seemingly fell a bit leading up to the draft. Despite falling below Ekwonu, Neal was still selected with the seventh-overall pick. At six-foot-seven, 360 pounds, Neal’s size and frame are certainly NFL-ready. He projects well as a powerful right tackle, though he started every game this season on the blindside. He earned a PFF grade of 84.5 for the 2021 season, in which he was a consensus First-Team All American.
Once the two signings are complete, 20 of the draft’s 32 first-round picks will have inked their rookie pacts, including every player in the top-eight (per Pelissero on Twitter).
Texans Sign 12 Undrafted Free Agents
The Texans continue to get younger. The team announced the signing of 12 undrafted free agents:
- OL Myron Cunningham, Arkansas
- DL Damion Daniels, Nebraska
- WR Drew Estrada, Baylor
- DB Jacobi Francis, Memphis
- TE Seth Green, Houston
- DL Troy Hairston, Central Michigan
- LB Jake Hansen, Illinois
- DB Kolby Harvell-Peel, Oklahoma State
- DL Kurt Hinish, Notre Dame
- WR Johnny Johnson III, Oregon
- DB Tristin McCollum, Sam Houston State
- DL Adedayo Odeleye, International Player Pathway Program (story)
Green could have a chance to contribute on a shallow tight ends depth chart. After transferring from Minnesota to Houston, Green saw a larger role on offense, hauling in 13 receptions for 157 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll likely compete with rookie fifth-round pick Teagan Quitoriano for reps alongside Brevin Jordan.
Buccaneers Sign 13 UDFAs
After adding eight rookies in the draft, the Buccaneers added another 13 rookies yesterday. The team announced the signing of 13 undrafted free agents:
- TE Ben Beise, Wisconsin-River Falls
- G Curtis Blackwell, Ball State
- OT Dylan Cook, Montana
- ILB Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers
- CB Don Gardner, South Dakota
- WR Kaylon Geiger, Texas Tech
- CB Kyler McMichael, North Carolina
- OLB JoJo Ozougwu, Arkansas State
- ILB J.J. Russell, Memphis
- WR Jerreth Sterns, Western Kentucky
- WR Deven Thompkins, Utah State
- S Nolan Turner, Clemson
- OLB Jordan Young, Old Dominion
The Buccaneers added three UDFA wideouts, including the 5-9, 195-pound Sterns. The receiver had an iconic season at Western Kentucky, leading the nation in receptions (150), receiving yards (1,902), and touchdown catches (17). Only three players have accomplished this “Triple Crown” feat over the past 20 years, with Sterns joining DeVonta Smith and Michael Crabtree.
Fatukasi is the younger brother of New York Jets defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi. The younger Fatukasi finished his collegiate career with a 2021 campaign that saw him compile 85 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Browns Announce 12 UDFA Signings
This morning, the Browns officially announced the addition of 12 undrafted free agents to their rookie class:
- D’Anthony Bell, S (West Florida)
- Junior Faulk, CB (Delta State)
- Mike Harley Jr., WR (Miami)
- Travell Harris, WR (Washington State)
- Brock Hoffman, C (Virginia Tech)
- Shaun Jolly, CB (Appalachian State)
- Silas Kelly, LB (Coastal Carolina)
- Glen Logan, DT (LSU)
- Zaire Mitchell-Paden, TE (Florida Atlantic)
- Roderick Perry II, DT (Illinois)
- Ben Petrula, OT (Boston College)
- Isaiah Weston, WR (Northern Iowa)
Harley leaves the Hurricanes as the school’s all-time leader in career receptions (182, surpassing former Colts receiver Reggie Wayne) and single-game receptions (13). He’ll be joined in Cleveland by the Cougars’ receptions and receiving-touchdowns leader from last season, Travell Harris.
Logan spent six years in Baton Rouge, playing a key role in the Tigers’ run to their 2019 National Championship victory over Clemson, contributing a half-sack in the title game.
Jolly provides some electric ability at corner. He’s an aggressive cornerback who returned two picks for touchdowns in 2019. Jolly adds 25 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles over his 45-game college career.
Titans Sign 17 UDFAs & 1 International Allocation
After making a litany of moves on Draft Day, including trading away star wide receiver A.J. Brown, Tennessee added 17 undrafted free agents to their existing nine-man drafted rookie class:
- David Anenih, OLB (Houston)
- Tre Avery, CB (Rutgers)
- Julius Chestnut, RB (Sacred Heart)
- Haskell Garrett, DT (Ohio State)
- Jack Gibbens, LB (Minnesota)
- Michael Griffin II, S (South Dakota State)
- Hayden Howerton, OG (SMU)
- Brandon Lewis, WR (Air Force)
- Jalen McKenzie, OT (USC)
- Xavier Newman-Johnson, OG (Baylor)
- Thomas Odukoya, TE (Eastern Michigan)
- Sam Okuayinonu, DT (Maryland)
- Jayden Peevy, DL (Texas A&M)
- Reggie Roberson, WR (SMU)
- Andrew Rupcich, OL (Culver-Stockton)
- Caleb Shudak, K (Iowa)
- Ryan Stonehouse, P (Colorado State)
- Tre Swilling, CB (Georgia Tech)
Anenih set career highs this year for the Cougars and made himself a priority for the Titans, signing for a guaranteed $150,000, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Tennessee also saw the Hawkeye kicker as a priority, guaranteeing Shudak an impressive $40,000 at signing, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
Odukoya played 40 career games at Eastern Michigan and is one of four players joining the league from the International Player Pathway Program. Odukoya, who hails from the Netherlands, will look to help strengthen the pipeline of international players to the NFL.
Jackrabbits safety Griffin II holds no relation with former Titans safety Michael Griffin.
Dolphins Announce 14-Man UDFA Class
After only adding four rookies through the 2022 Draft, the Dolphins signed a 14-man undrafted free agent class:
- Blaise Andries, OL (Minnesota)
- Owen Carney, DL (Illinois)
- Ty Clary, OL (Arkansas)
- Tanner Conner, TE (Idaho State)
- Kellen Diesch, OT (Arizona State)
- Elijah Hamilton, CB (Louisiana Tech)
- Tommy Heatherly, P (Florida International)
- Deandre Johnson, OLB (Miami)
- Kader Kohou, CB (Texas A&M-Commerce)
- Verone McKinley, S (Oregon)
- Braylon Sanders, WR (Ole Miss)
- Ben Stille, DL (Nebraska)
- ZaQuandre White, RB (South Carolina)
- Jordan Williams, DT (Virginia Tech)
Miami was able to add some potential gems for their offensive line, bringing in two four-year starters from the Big Ten and SEC in Andries and Clary. They also made sure to bring in Diesch, a two-year starter for the Sun Devils after transferring from Texas A&M, signing him with a guaranteed amount of $140,000, according the Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus.
The Dolphins also think they’ve uncovered a diamond in the rough out of northeast Texas. They signed Kohou out of Texas A&M-Commerce with a guaranteed amount of $130,000, according to Kyed.
Miami will also keep some prospects close to home. Johnson transferred from Tennessee to spend his last year of college close to home with the Hurricanes. Heatherly isn’t a Florida native, but he spent the last three years of college in Miami at Florida International.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/13/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DL Kingsley Keke
- Placed on Non-Football Injury List: TE Alex Ellis
Atlanta Falcons
- Released: CB Kendall Sheffield, TE Ryan Becker
Chicago Bears
- Waived: TE Jesper Horsted
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: CB Abu Daramy-Swaray
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: RB Tre Harbison (non-football injury)
Dallas Cowboys
- Released: K Chris Naggar
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Re-Signed: OL Jared Hocker
- Released: OL Denzel Okafor
New England Patriots
- Waived: OL Liam Shanahan (failed physical designation)
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: TE Dylan Soehner (failed physical designation), TE Ethan Wolf
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: OL Trenton Scott
- Released: OL Malcolm Pridgeon
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: WR Connor Wedington
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Deontez Alexander, WR Kevin Kassis
- Waived: WR Matt Cole, WR Jake Herslow, WR John Mitchell, WR Demetris Robertson
Washington Commanders
- Waived: S De’Vante Cross
Bills Finalize Draft Pick Signings
The Bills have completed the process of signing their entire draft class. The team announced on Friday that each of their eight rookies have inked their initial deal.
That list includes first-round corner Kaiir Elam. The Bills made a small move up the board from 25th to 23rd to make sure they could select him. The former Florida Gator quickly emerged as key piece on the team’s defense, putting up solid production to go along with a pro-ready frame (six-foot-two, 195 pounds). With the secondary identified by many as the position group most in need of assistance, Elam could have a path to significant playing time with the Bills early on.
Another position which Buffalo made considerably stronger was that of running back. The team took Georgia tailback James Cook in the second round, adding competition for touches with Devin Singletary, Zack Moss and Duke Johnson. The younger brother of Vikings Pro Bowler Dalvin, Cook enjoyed a breakout season in his final campaign with the national champions. He topped 1,000 scrimmage yards for the first time, scoring 11 total touchdowns.
The rest of the Bills’ class contains depth options on both sides of the ball, as well as a special teams addition. The team drafted so-called ‘Punt God’ Matt Araiza in the sixth round. The San Diego State product averaged over 51 yards per punt during his college career, fielding kickoff and field goal duties as well.
With the entire class under contract, here is the complete list of Bills draftees:
- Round 1: No. 23 (from Cardinals through Ravens) Kaiir Elam, CB (Florida)
- Round 2: No. 63 (from Bengals) James Cook, RB (Georgia)
- Round 3: No. 89 Terrel Bernard, LB (Baylor) (signed)
- Round 5: No. 148 (from Bears) Khalil Shakir, WR (Boise State)
- Round 6: No. 180 (from Jaguars through Buccaneers) Matt Araiza, P (San Diego State)
- Round 6: No. 185 (from Panthers) Christian Benford, CB (Villanova)
- Round 6: No. 209 (from Bengals) Luke Tenuta, OT (Virginia Tech)
- Round 7: No. 231 (from Falcons) Baylon Spector, LB (Clemson)
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/13/22
Several more mid- and late-round picks agreed to terms on their four-year rookie contracts Friday. Here are the latest agreements:
Denver Broncos
- TE Greg Dulcich (third round, UCLA)
Detroit Lions
- LB Malcolm Rodriguez (sixth round, Oklahoma State)
- LB James Houston (sixth round, Jackson State)
Houston Texans
- WR John Metchie III (second round, Alabama)
- TE Teagan Quitoriano (fifth round, Oregon State)
- OL Austin Deculus (sixth round, LSU)
Indianapolis Colts
- S Nick Cross (third round, Maryland)
Los Angeles Chargers
- DL Otito Ogbonnia (fifth round, UCLA)
- CB Ja’Sir Taylor (sixth round, Wake Forest)
- CB Deane Leonard (seventh round, Ole Miss)
- FB Zander Horvath (seventh round, Purdue)
Miami Dolphins
- QB Skylar Thompson (seventh round, Kansas State)
New England Patriots
- CB Marcus Jones (third round, Houston)
- RB Kevin Harris (sixth round, South Carolina)
New Orleans Saints
- LB D’Marco Jackson (fifth round, Appalachian State)
- DT Jordan Jackson (sixth round, Air Force)
New York Giants
- LB Micah McFadden (fifth round, Indiana)
- DT D.J. Davidson (fifth round, Arizona State)
- OG Marcus McKethan (fifth round, North Carolina)
- LB Darrian Beavers (sixth round, Cincinnati)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- WR George Pickens (second round, Georgia)
- TE Connor Heyward (sixth round, Michigan State)
- LB Mark Robinson (seventh round, Ole Miss)
- QB Chris Oladokun (seventh round, South Dakota State)
Cowboys Sign First-Round OL Tyler Smith
The Cowboys came to terms with first-round pick Tyler Smith on his four-year rookie contract Friday and are putting him to work at a new position, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets.
Smith lined up at left guard at Dallas’ rookie minicamp Friday, marking the first time he has played the guard position since his senior year of high school, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram relays. The Tulsa product played exclusively at left tackle in college.
Tackle-to-guard transitions are common in the NFL; Zack Martin made the move as a rookie in 2014. Like Smith, Martin did not make any starts at guard in college. The Cowboys are still planning on a Tyron Smith-to-Tyler Smith transition at left tackle someday, with Hill noting the younger Smith will receive left tackle reps this offseason. But for now, the first-rounder will vie to line up next to the perennial Pro Bowler up front.
The Cowboys let previous left guard Connor Williams defect to the Dolphins in free agency, pitting Tyler Smith against Connor McGovern. While Smith could make sense at right tackle, the Cowboys are high on frequent starter Terence Steele to take over for La’el Collins full-time at that spot.
Smith, who goes 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, was the Golden Hurricane’s full-time starter at left tackle in 2020 and ’21. As the No. 24 overall pick, Smith will be tied to a fully guaranteed deal worth $13.38MM, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News tweets. The Cowboys can keep Smith on that rookie contract through 2026, via the fifth-year option.
The Cowboys also signed fifth-round offensive lineman Matt Waletzko (North Dakota State), fifth-round cornerback DaRon Bland (Fresno State), fifth-round linebacker Damone Clark (LSU) and sixth-round linebacker Devin Harper (Oklahoma State)on Friday, The Athletic’s Jon Machota tweets.