HEADLINES

Graham Barton Likely To Be Bucs’ Starting Center; Tykee Smith To Play Nickel CB

May 5th, 2024 at 11:23am CST by Rory Parks

Unsurprisingly, Buccaneers rookie Graham Barton is expected to become Tampa Bay’s starting center right away, as ESPN’s Jenna Laine writes. Barton, the No. 26 overall pick in last month’s draft, will compete with Robert Hainsey for the job, but given Hainsey’s struggles at the pivot in 2023, it would be surprising if the first-year pro does not beat out his veteran counterpart. Our Ben Levine said as much when the team first turned in the card for Barton.

The Bucs won a Super Bowl with Ryan Jensen snapping to Tom Brady in 2020, and after another quality performance the following season, Jensen earned a three-year, $39MM deal with the club in March 2022. Unfortunately, he suffered a major knee injury during training camp just a few months after the ink dried on his new contract, and although he suited up for the Bucs’ lone playoff game at the end of the 2022 campaign, he never made it back onto the field. He announced his retirement back in February.

Hainsey, a 2021 third-rounder, took over at the pivot in Jensen’s stead over the 2022-23 seasons, and after a solid enough showing in 2022, he struggled mightily last year. Pro Football Focus assigned Hainsey a poor overall grade of 50.2 in 2023, which made him the fifth-worst center in the league among players with enough snaps to qualify. Laine writes that Hainsey himself was responsible for 11 sacks last season, and while PFF was more forgiving in that regard — it charged Hainsey with just four sacks — the advanced metrics site did attribute nine penalties and 27 total pressures to the Notre Dame-produced blocker.

Regardless of the numbers themselves, it is clear that Tampa Bay could do with an upgrade, and head coach Todd Bowles specifically wanted “more beef” in the interior of the O-line. Barton possesses plenty of beef, with a 6-5, 314-pound frame and the type of lower body mass that Hainsey does not have.

Barton, a Duke alum, served as the Blue Devils’ center as a freshman but operated as the team’s left tackle for the remainder of his college career. As such, his transition back to the interior of the line may not be entirely seamless, but both Bowles and GM Jason Licht are intrigued by his size, temperament, and technique.

On the other side of the ball, the Bucs see third-round rookie Tykee Smith as a nickelback, according to Laine. 2023 UDFA Christian Izien held down the fort as the club’s primary slot corner as a rookie, but his play began to slip in the middle of the season. Izien and Smith will compete for the starting nickel gig while also cross-training at safety behind starters Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead.

Ravens Received Eight Trade Offers For No. 30 Pick

May 4th, 2024 at 10:52pm CST by Ben Levine

Before the Ravens scooped up one of the draft’s top defensive prospects in Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, the team fielded many trade offers for the No. 30 pick. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, the front office rejected eight trade offers for the team’s first-round selection.

[RELATED: Ravens Sign First-Round CB Nate Wiggins]

The decision to turn down the trade offers wasn’t entirely due to the underwhelming returns. Instead, the Ravens were ecstatic to land a prospect of Wiggins’ caliber late in the first round. The organization didn’t expect the Clemson product to fall to No. 30, with GM Eric DeCosta declaring Wiggins the draft’s top CB prospect and defensive coordinator Zach Orr declaring Wiggins the draft’s top defensive prospect. So, when Baltimore was on the clock, it was unlikely that any trade suitor would pony up the necessary assets to get them to move on from the defensive back.

“For us, it was always, ‘If Nate [is] there, we [are] going to pick,'” DeCosta said (via Hensley). “In our opinion, [he’s] a guy that can be a true shutdown-type corner.”

The unprecedented run on offensive players allowed the Ravens to snag the elite defensive prospect. Wiggins was only the ninth defensive player off the board, and he was the third defensive back to hear his name called (after Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama’s Terrion Arnold).

The 6-2, 175-pounder faced questions about his playing weight, but his length and agility clearly appealed to the Ravens. The cornerback finished his Clemson career having compiled three interceptions and 21 passes defended, culminating in a 2023 campaign where he earned a first-team All-ACC selection.

While the organization clearly has high hopes for their first-round pick, the team has the luxury of not immediately throwing him into the fire. Baltimore has Marlon Humphrey in place as a cornerback cornerstone, and Brandon Stephens had a productive campaign on the opposite side in 2023. Stephens, however, is set to hit free agency following the 2024 campaign, so it shouldn’t take long for Wiggins to force himself into the starting lineup.

“With the guys that we have in our room, they’re truly interchangeable,” said defensive passing game coordinator Chris Hewitt said. “[We’re] trying to get the best guys on the field. Whatever that position is, or how we get them on the field, that’s what it’s all about.”

Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett To Compete For Patriots’ QB1 Job

May 4th, 2024 at 10:36pm CST by Ben Levine

Even before the Patriots pulled the trigger on Drake Maye with the third-overall pick, it was assumed that free agent acquisition Jacoby Brissett would keep the seat warm for most (if not all) of the 2024 campaign. However, it sounds like the organization is willing to give their rookie quarterback every chance to compete for the starting job.

[RELATED: Patriots Select QB Drake Maye At No. 3]

While speaking with reporters this week, head coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged that the team hasn’t made a decision on their Week 1 quarterback starter.

“Look, Jacoby understands, he’s a mentor,” Mayo said (via NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe). “He’s very smart, has great leadership skills, and hopefully Drake can learn something from him, as well. I would say we’re going to compete all spring, we’re going to compete during training camp, and the best player will start.”

After moving on from three-year starter Mac Jones, the Patriots scooped up old friend Brissett via free agency. The veteran would never be confused with a top-end quarterback, leading many to rightfully assume that the organization was going to select a QB at No. 3.

However, Brissett has shown that he can be competent when given the opportunity to start; he went 7-8 as a full-time starter for the Colts in 2019, and he’s since gone 6-10 in stints with the Dolphins and Browns. Considering that performance as a fill-in, Brissett has earned a reputation as one of the league’s premier backup QBs.

As Wolfe notes, many scouts were critical of Maye’s “inconsistency in accuracy and overall NFL readiness,” leading many to believe that the veteran would be the QB1 until his younger teammate was ready to go. That could still end up being the case, especially considering Brissett’s former Cleveland OC Alex Van Pelt is now leading the Patriots offense. But following New England’s worst showing in decades, there’s a chance that Robert Kraft and co. want to generate some enthusiasm with their squad, resulting in Maye leading the depth chart.

The Patriots found themselves in a similar situation back in 2021. That season, Jones was expected to temporarily take a back seat to 2020 starter Cam Newton, but the rookie ended up winning the job in the preseason. While Brissett will surely be sticking around regardless of this current outcome (Newton was ultimately cut), there’s a chance the Patriots immediately start their first-round QB for the second time in a post-Tom Brady era.

Latest On Steelers’ WR Situation

May 4th, 2024 at 10:06pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the build-up to the draft, the Steelers were frequently connected to a wide receiver trade. No such move took place over the weekend, though, and Pittsburgh has not been active in the post-draft wave of free agency to date.

The Steelers placed a heavy emphasis on the offensive line, using first- (tackle Troy Fautanu), second- (center Zach Frazier) and fourth- (guard Mason McCormick) round selections up front. The team also added a wideout by taking Michigan alum Roman Wilson in the third round, but there is room in the lineup for an experienced pass-catcher to play opposite George Pickens. As veteran dominoes have fallen in recent days, however, Pittsburgh has not added at the position.

Michael Gallup, DJ Chark and Odell Beckham Jr. have each landed one-year deals this week, thinning out the pool of available options. With a blockbuster trade involving either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel no longer an option based on 49ers general manager John Lynch‘s recent comments, it would come as a surprise if Pittsburgh pulled off a player swap at this time. Indeed, Steelers GM Omar Khan confirmed during a Pat McAfee Show appearance that nothing is currently imminent regarding a receiver addition (video link).

One of the top free agents still on the market is Tyler Boyd, who was linked to his hometown team early in free agency. Pittsburgh now faces plenty of competition for the ex-Bengal’s services, though, and the team’s price point on a contract offer remains too low for a deal to be worked out. On that point, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic notes the Steelers are not prepared to offer a multi-year pact, something Boyd is seeking (subscription required). For that reason, Kaboly confirms a Boyd-to-Pittsburgh agreement is still “highly unlikely” at this time.

In addition to Pickens and Wilson, the Steelers’ WR room features the likes of Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Marquez Callaway and Denzel Mims. With over $18MM in cap space, the team could afford to bring in another option, but it will be interesting to see if Khan pursues one of the remaining veterans or allows the current group to compete for roster spots in training camp.

Bears Open To Re-Signing DE Yannick Ngakoue?

May 4th, 2024 at 8:56pm CST by Adam La Rose

Yannick Ngakoue‘s debut Bears campaign came to an abrupt end due to a broken ankle. He remains unsigned following the draft, but a return to health could lead to an uptick in interest.

Ngakoue operated as a full-time starter in 2023 upon signing a one-year Bears pact. He racked up four sacks as a member of Chicago’s underwhelming edge contingent before needing to undergo season-ending surgery. The journeyman thus posted less than eight sacks for the first time in his career, but a video he posted this week demonstrates his ankle has healed. It will be interesting to see if his market picks up as a result.

Chicago added Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, and that move was followed up by a four-year, $98MM extension. The Bears still have room to improve along the edge, though, and The Athletic’s Adam Jahns writes it “wouldn’t be surprising” if Ngakoue was brought back on a low-cost agreement (subscription required). The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $10.5MM deal last offseason, but his injury will hinder his market value this time around.

Ngakoue has bounced around the NFL over his eight-year career, spending time with the Jaguars, Vikings, Ravens, Raiders, Colts and Bears. Chicago has one major edge commitment on the books in the form of Sweat (who posted a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2023, including six with the Bears), but a veteran addition could see notable playing time this season. Ngakoue is best suited as a complementary option specializing on third downs, a role he could fulfill on a new Bears agreement.

Chicago’s only draft addition along the edge was fifth-rounder Austin Booker. The Kansas product saw little playing time in his first two college seasons, but his lone campaign with the Jayhawks upon transferring produced eight sacks. Booker could operate in a rotational capacity as a rookie, but first-team reps should not be expected right away. As things stand, veteran DeMarcus Walker is in line to start opposite Sweat. Walker (who is on the books for two more years at cap hits of $8.67MM and $5.92MM) posted 3.5 sacks last season, leaving plenty of room for improvement in that department moving forward.

The Bears have nearly $23MM in cap space, so they are better positioned than most teams to make a notable post-draft free agent addition. Ngakoue has not been linked to any potential suitors so far, but it will be worth watching to see if the Bears pursue a reunion.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/4/24

May 4th, 2024 at 8:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Saturday’s minor moves:

Kansas City Chiefs

Christiansen began his career with the Chargers in 2020, and he spent his first two seasons in the league as a core special teamer. The 26-year-old had been with Kansas City since 2022, making six total regular season appearances and playing three postseason games this year. Christiansen was tendered in March, but today’s decision makes him an unrestricted free agent.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/4/24

May 4th, 2024 at 7:31pm CST by Adam La Rose

Saturday’s lone draft pick signing:

Philadelphia Eagles

Keegan spent five seasons with the Wolverines, serving as a full-time left guard starter from 2021-23. He was a key member of Michigan’s O-line (a unit which won the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s top offensive front in 2021 and ’22) and he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors last season. With Landon Dickerson locked into the left guard spot in Philadelphia, Keegan will look to compete for playing time at the opposite guard position. The Eagles have now signed two members of their nine-man draft class.

NFL Front Office Updates: Panthers, Cardinals, Buccaneers, Raiders

May 4th, 2024 at 5:58pm CST by Ely Allen

Oftentimes, when there are staff and front office changes on NFL teams, a Black Monday-type of exodus can happen following the NFL Draft. With mere months or even weeks between the time of a new staff’s hiring and the draft, it can be advantageous to utilize the scouting and personnel department already in place. Though, after the draft concludes, those same teams may opt to clear house and in their own preferred employees.

The Panthers are one such team, with Joe Person of The Athletic reporting that both director of pro scouting Rob Hanrahan and assistant director of pro scouting Tyler Ramsey have been let go. Hanrahan had been with the team for seven years, while Ramsey had been there for three.

The two weren’t alone as Neil Stratton of SucceedinFootball.com reported the departure of northeast area scout Michael Coe and senior personnel executive Jeff Morrow, as well. New general manager Dan Morgan had forecasted changes after the draft, which we’re seeing now.

Here are some other changes in NFL personnel departments:

  • Stratton also informs us that the Cardinals have parted ways with director of college scouting Josh Scobey. The former Arizona running back had just finished his second year in the role after 12 seasons as a part of the team’s scouting department.
  • The Buccaneers have also moved on from personnel department employees with Stratton reporting that neither veteran scout Mark Ellenz nor assistant director of pro scouting Alex Smith will return in 2024. Smith had been with the team for seven years and was elevated to his most recent position after four seasons as a pro scout.
  • The Raiders are the next team mentioned by Stratton with director of scout development Keith Kidd reportedly being removed from the team’s website.

NFL Workouts: Averett, Jacobs, Harvin, Eason, Ollison

May 4th, 2024 at 5:01pm CST by Ely Allen

NFL teams often use rookie minicamp as an opportunity to bring in some veterans for workouts. Here are a few such instances of teams who invited some veteran free agents for the weekend:

  • The Steelers invited a former division-rival in cornerback Anthony Averett, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pittsburgh acquired veteran Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson in the trade that sent Diontae Johnson to Carolina, and Jackson is expected to start across from last year’s rookie starter Joey Porter Jr. Behind them, though, the team’s depth chart shows seventh-round rookie selection Ryan Watts and last year’s seventh-round pick Cory Trice as the top backup options. After playing out his rookie contract in Baltimore, Averett played the 2022 season with the Raiders before getting place on injured reserve. He spent a little time with the 49ers in the preseason before getting signed to the Lions’ practice squad. He could provide starting, veteran experience to a young corners group in Pittsburgh.
  • The Jaguars also brought in a veteran cornerback from Detroit, inviting Jerry Jacobs, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Despite coming in as an undrafted free agent, Jacobs started 29 of his 40 game appearances for the Lions. Jacksonville is apparently looking to add some depth to the position after replacing Darious Williams with Ronald Darby as the starter opposite Tyson Campbell.
  • The Buccaneers brought in some competition for their punter of the past two years, Jake Camarda, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Tampa Bay invited former Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III after he was waived by Pittsburgh in February. Harvin isn’t likely to impact the depth chart, though, after Camarda set Tampa Bay’s franchise record for single-season punt average just last year.
  • The Packers invited an extra arm to the rookie minicamp, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, bringing in Jacob Eason. Green Bay just drafted Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the seventh round to compete with last year’s fifth-round pick Sean Clifford for the backup job. Alex McGough is also in the room but has yet to make an NFL debut despite being drafted back in 2018. Eason has in-game experience with the Colts and Panthers and could certainly find himself in the running for a roster spot with an impressive performance.
  •  Finally, the Jets brought in veteran running back Qadree Ollison, per Wilson. Ollison’s only NFL touches came over two years ago during his stint with the Falcons, so it’s unlikely that he’ll make an impact on the depth chart in a young running backs room that includes 2022 second-round pick Breece Hall, last year’s fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda, rookie fourth-round pick Braelon Allen, and rookie fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis.

Chiefs Sign 17-Man UDFA Class

May 4th, 2024 at 4:06pm CST by Ely Allen

The rich got richer last week when the winners of the last two Super Bowls drafted seven players, with the first three selections joining the team’s well-established offense. The Chiefs expanded their rookie class to 24 players by signing these 17 undrafted free agents:

The Chiefs return their top three rushers in Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and La’Mical Perine, but after finishing a middling 19th in the league in rushing yards, Kansas City may be taking some flyers on potential upgrades at the backup positions behind Pacheco. Bailey comes in after two seasons at Louisiana and two seasons at TCU. At each school he had a season in which he scored eight touchdowns, and he racked up 1,209 rushing yards in 2023. Steele arrives after two years at Ball State and one at UCLA. He led his team in rushing yards all three seasons and was first-team All-MAC in 2022 after leading the conference with 1,556 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Driskell was a surprising prospect to end up undrafted. He’s raw and needs NFL coaching to develop a role with the Chiefs, but his towering 6-foot-8 frame was expected to land him somewhere in the fifth or sixth round of the draft. Lovett was likewise expected to land in the fifth or sixth round but slipped out to an undrafted position unexpectedly. He has the ability to flash as a rotational defensive lineman, but a lack of consistency could cost him a spot on the 53-man roster.

After trading away L’Jarius Sneed in the offseason and drafting Kamal Hadden in the sixth round out of Tennessee, the Chiefs bring in three more prospects including Roland-Wallace. Roland-Wallace spent his final season with the Trojans after four years as a starter at Arizona. His quick twitch helped him rack up four interceptions and 29 passes defensed in college.

Even Rehkow was expected to get drafted after four years with the Cougars. The four-year punter saw his punting duties skyrocket in 2023 as BYU’s offense struggled mightily in their move to the Big 12.

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