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Top 10 Remaining NFL Free Agents: Defense

May 9th, 2018 at 6:26pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The most high-profile free agent signings occurred more than two months ago, but as we near June there are still talented NFL free agents available on the open market. Most of these players (with a few exceptions) won’t command much guaranteed money, and none will factor into the compensatory draft pick formula given that we’ve passed the May 8 deadline for comp selections. Let’s take a look at the defensive players who will try to find a home as training camp approaches:

1. Eric Reid, S

There’s no question that Reid’s history of protesting the national anthem has factored into his ongoing free agency. Reid was asked about his plans to kneel during the anthem by the Bengals, the only club yet to have him in for a visit, and Reid has since filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, one that is backed by the NFLPA. Colin Kaepernick, of course, has failed to land an NFL job after initiating the protest, and it’s quite possible Reid will be similarly blackballed. On the field, Reid is a solid starter capable of playing either defensive back or linebacker, but the safety market as a whole has been incredibly slow to develop.

Possible fits: 49ers, Cardinals, Buccaneers, Panthers, Redskins, Chiefs

2. Tre Boston, S

To date, Tyrann Mathieu‘s one-year, $7MM deal with the Texans is the most expensive safety contract (non-franchise tag department) handed out this offseason, and one agent told Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com that safeties aren’t even getting offers of “one year, $3 million.” Like Reid, Boston has generated scant interest over the past two months, although four clubs — the Cardinals, Raiders, Browns, and Giants — reportedly expressed interest in March. Boston is only 25 years old, coming off the bet season of his career, and can handle deep safety. He’s admitted his history of social activism could be working against his prospects, although Boston hasn’t taken as public of stances as has Reid.

Possible fits: Bengals, Giants, Cowboys, Panthers, Buccaneers, Cardinals

3. Robert Ayers, EDGE

The Buccaneers swapped out Ayers in favor of Vinny Curry this spring, and it’s not readily apparent that Tampa Bay found a better player. While Curry is three years younger than Ayers, the latter finished as the league’s No. 10 edge defender in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus, while Curry ranked 21st. Ayers hit a career-high in sacks with nine in 2015 and managed only two quarterback takedowns a season ago, but he’s highly adept at generating pressure, even if it doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. Instead of taking multiple free agent visits, Ayers met with several clubs at the league’s meetings in March, but he’s yet to ink a new deal.

Possible fits: Lions, Panthers, Seahawks

4. Bashaud Breeland, CB

Breeland originally signed a three-year, $24MM pact with the Panthers on the first day of the free agent period, but that contact was nullified after Breeland failed his physical. A freak injury resulted in a cut on Breeland’s foot that will require a skin graft, meaning he won’t be able to sign until he heals, which could be at some point this summer. Overall, the health issue — which occurred when a stray golf ball hit Breeland and re-opened a wound he suffered in grade school — sounds relatively minor, and shouldn’t scare teams once the 26-year-old is ready to meet with teams again. The Packers, for one, were reportedly interested in Breeland before he landed with Carolina (but have since added multiple corners via the draft), while the Redskins don’t appear ready to discuss a reunion.

Possible fits: Cardinals, Lions, Eagles, Raiders, Chiefs, Colts, Bills

5. Junior Galette, EDGE

The 2018 pass rushing market was extremely thin, as there were few options available via either free agency or the draft. Veterans such as Demarcus Lawrence and Ezekiel Ansah were quickly franchise-tagged, while only two edge rushers — Bradley Chubb and Marcus Davenport — came off the board in the first round of the draft. Enter Galette, who dominated in limited playing time with the Redskins a season ago. Although he put up only three sacks, Galette registered 37 pressures on just 258 pass-rushing snaps. His age (30) and history of off-field issues should drive his price down, meaning an edge-needy club could be in line for a bargain. One team that’s not interested? Washington, which is moving on after inking fellow outside ‘backer Pernell McPhee.

Possible fits: Browns, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Texans

6. Kenny Vaccaro, S

Vaccaro offers a more versatile skill-set than other defensive backs on this list, as he’s demonstrated the ability to play slot cornerback. Coming off the worst season of his five-year NFL career, Vaccaro was admittedly putrid in coverage in 2017. Pat Thorman charted the former first-round pick allowing a 84.2 completion percentage, 11.7 yards per attempt, and a 147.3 passer rating (for comparison, Eric Reid‘s numbers: 64.7%, 7.8 YPA, 81.8 passer rating). The Dolphins met with Vaccaro earlier this year, but seem unlikely to sign him after adding Minkah Fitzpatrick in the draft.

Possible fits: Cowboys, Bengals, Colts, Eagles, Buccaneers, 49ers

7. Delvin Breaux, CB

The Saints opted not to tender Breaux as a restricted free agent, passing on the opportunity to keep the 29-year-old at a one-year price south of $2MM. Since hitting the open market, Breaux has generated a good deal of interest, meeting with the Broncos, Patriots, Packers, and 49ers in March. That he hasn’t yet signed is likely an indication that Breaux is asking for too much money, as teams are likely wary of paying a player who hasn’t been healthy since 2015. That 2015 campaign was a massive success for Breaux, however, as he finished 16th in Football Outsiders’ success rate, meaning the former CFLer was proficient at stopping receivers short of the sticks.

Possible fits: Patriots, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, Eagles, Panthers

8. NaVorro Bowman, LB

Although Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has not ruled out a reunion with Bowman even after signing fellow linebacker Derrick Johnson last week, it’s difficult to see how Bowman would fit on the Oakland Roster. Johnson wasn’t the only Raiders ‘backer addition this spring, as the club has also brought in Tahir Whitehead, Emmanuel Lamur, and Kyle Wilber. Bowman, 30, has stated that he’d like to re-sign with the Raiders, and noted his affinity for the Bay Area. If Bowman wants to stay in California, the Chargers or even the 49ers (Reuben Foster insurance?) could make sense as a potential destinations.

Possible fits: Chargers, 49ers, Patriots, Steelers, Jaguars, Giants, Rams

9. Johnathan Hankins, DT

Despite having five NFL seasons under his belt, Hankins is still only 26 years old. So why aren’t teams banging down his door? Massive defensive tackles of Hankins’ stature (6’3″, 320 pounds) simply are relied on very much in today’s pass-heavy league, so clubs aren’t willing to shell out money for what is effectively a part-time player. Hankins has steadily played about two-thirds of his team’s defensive snaps, meaning he’s taken off the field on passing downs. Still, he should be able to fill a specific role for a team with a need on the interior. Thus far, Hankins has met with the Redskins and Jets.

Possible fits: Dolphins, Browns, Texans, Falcons, Saints

10. Kayvon Webster, CB

Webster ruptured his Achilles tendon last December before ultimately being released by the Rams in April, so any interested party will need to closely inspect his health status before agreeing to a deal. In his first full season as a starter, Webster was relatively successful, ranking as a top-35 cornerback in Football Outsiders’ success rate and yards per pass allowed. Los Angeles probably won’t have any interest in re-signing Webster after landing both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib this offseason, but the Broncos — with whom Webster spent the first four years of his career — might be an option.

Possible fits: Broncos, Cardinals, Dolphins, Eagles, Giants, Bills

Top 10 Remaining NFL Free Agents: Offense

May 8th, 2018 at 8:11pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The most high-profile free agent signings occurred more than two months ago, but as we near June there are still talented NFL free agents available on the open market. Most of these players (with a few exceptions) won’t command much guaranteed money, and none will factor into the compensatory draft pick formula given that we’ve passed the May 8 deadline for comp selections. Let’s take a look at the offensive players who will try to find a home as training camp approaches:

1. Dez Bryant, WR

Bryant has been available for nearly a month, but so far has yet to generate any serious interest. While teams such as the Cardinals and Packers were mentioned as possible early suitors, the list of clubs who don’t intend to sign Bryant is ever-growing. The Browns, Jaguars, Giants, Ravens, and Bills are among the teams who are reportedly out on Bryant, leaving the 29-year-old with a limited pool of potential new clubs. Bryant rejected a three-year deal from the Ravens last month, as he apparently prefers a lucrative one-year pact that will allow him to hit the market again in 2019. Whether he can attain that goal is an open question, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com recently reported there are “far more” teams unwilling to pay Bryant that league minimum salary than there are clubs open to even considering the veteran wideout.

Possible fits: Cardinals, Packers, Patriots, Redskins, Seahawks

2. DeMarco Murray, RB

Like Bryant, Murray is a former Cowboys star who still has something to offer despite offering declining production in recent seasons. After being released by the Titans, Murray was briefly a hot commodity, as he took meetings with the Lions, Dolphins, and Seahawks inside of a week. All three of those clubs have since added running backs (Kerryon Johnson, Frank Gore/Kalen Ballage, and Rashaad Penny, respectively), so Murray may have to look elsewhere. As Scott Sprat of Pro Football Focus noted in April, Murray is probably best-suited to a third-down back role at this point in his career, especially given that he’s still an excellent receiver and graded as PFF’s No. 1 pass-blocking back in 2017.

Possible fits: Colts, Ravens, Steelers, Texans, Broncos, Chargers

3. Austin Howard, T

Howard has never been a world-beater, but he’s been a competent offensive lineman for awhile. The 31-year-old has made at least 10 starts in six consecutive seasons, and started all 16 games for the Ravens in 2017. Baltimore declined his option in order to save $3MM, and he’s visited both the Colts and Saints. Also capable of playing guard, Howard would be a solid addition to a number of struggling offensive lines, either as an immediate starter or as a top reserve.

Possible fits: Bills, Bengals, Texans, Colts, Giants

4. Dontrelle Inman, WR

The Bears acquired Inman from the Chargers last October in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, and he went on to produce adequate results for Chicago. In eight games, Inman put up 23 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown. Inman ranked 38th among 94 qualifying wideouts in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, meaning he was pretty effective on a per-play basis. He’s been hosted by both the Cowboys and Colts this offseason, and while Dallas no longer looks like a suitor after adding Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson, and Michael Gallup, Indianapolis is still in dire need of wide receivers. New Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni was Inman’s position coach in Los Angeles.

Possible fits: Colts, Bills, Texans, Titans, Chiefs, Cowboys

5. Orleans Darkwa, RB

Darkwa posted the best year of his NFL tenure in 2017 by setting career-highs in starts (11), rushes (171), yards (751), and touchdowns (five). Still, there’s almost no chance he’s heading back to the Giants after Big Blue not only drafted Penn State’s Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick, but inked veteran runner Jonathan Stewart to a one-year deal. Other clubs that have expressed interest — including the Patriots and Jets — have also added multiple new backs over the past two months. A pounding runner who is also known as an excellent locker room presence, Darkwa should be able to find early-down work even at this late juncture.

Possible fits: 49ers, Eagles, Colts, Texans, Saints

6. Jahri Evans, G

2017 marked the first of Evans’ 13 NFL campaigns not to be spent in New Orleans, as the veteran guard signed a one-year, $2.25MM contract to play for the Packers last season. As noted by Chase Stuart of Football Perspective, Evans was arguably the best player selected in the 2006 draft despite not having been picked until the fourth round. He currently boasts 111 points of weighted career approximate value, Pro Football Reference’s attempt at a wins above replacement metric. While Evans’ legacy likely won’t affect negotiations for his next deal, the 34-year-old is still a durable and high-quality lineman. He’s played fewer than 14 games just once in his career, and last year ranked as the league’s No. 30 guard among 77 qualifiers, per PFF.

Possible fits: Packers, Redskins, Vikings, Seahawks, Bills, Broncos

7. Marcedes Lewis, TE

Lewis had spent his entire 12-year career with the Jaguars, and looked to be ready for a 13th seasons with the club after Jacksonville exercised his 2018 option on February 20. Exactly one month later, the Jags made the decision to release Lewis following their signing of fellow tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Lewis wasn’t happy with the decision, but he stopped being a prolific receiving threat roughly a half-dozen years ago. He can still help out a new team, however, especially one that profiles as a run-heavy club: PFF graded Lewis as the league’s best run-blocking tight end in 2017, assigning him an 87.1 mark that ranked him just ahead of Rob Gronkowski.

Possible fits: Broncos, Cowboys, Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Texans, Chiefs, Falcons

8. Eric Decker, WR

Quietly productive on 72% playtime, Decker posted 54 receptions for 563 yards during his lone season with the Titans. Tennessee doesn’t have any interest in re-signing Decker, and the only clubs to meet with the veteran wideout — the Ravens and Raiders — have since made enough pass-catching additions that they’re likely out of the picture. Decker has expressed interest in a reunion with the Broncos, with whom he spent the first four years of his career, but Denver drafted both Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton in the top four rounds. The 6’3″ Decker ran nearly half his routes from the slot in 2017, so he could give his next team another dimension from the inside.

Possible fits: Bills, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, Cowboys

9. Antonio Gates, TE

Of the 10 free agents listed here, Gates is perhaps the most likely to retire in the coming months. Gates should almost certainly be able to find some sort of free agent deal, but he’s been accustomed to a certain pay level, and it’s unclear if he’s willing to accept something close to the veteran minimum (or even a $2.25MM deal like Evans took last season). Don’t ask the nearly 38-year-old Gates to block, but he can still be an effective complement to an offense. The Chargers aren’t planning to re-sign Gates to play alongside Hunter Henry, meaning Gates will finish his career elsewhere.

Possible fits: Cowboys, Broncos, Falcons, Vikings, Texans

10. Jeremy Maclin, WR

Maclin has garnered a bit of interest since being released by the Ravens earlier this year, but the clubs that took a look at him — the Eagles and Cowboys — have made other additions to their respective wide receiver depth charts. There’s still room, theoretically, on both the Philadelphia and Dallas rosters for a player like Maclin, but he may have to look elsewhere. Maclin posted career-lows in receptions and yards in 2017, but he put up the 22nd-fastest maximum speed among wideouts last year, per researcher Anthony Staggs. Those speed-based numbers come from the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, and indicate Maclin still has some quickness remaining.

Possible fits: Bills, Seahawks, Redskins, Cowboys, Colts

Fifth-Year Option Decisions For 2019

May 2nd, 2018 at 5:58pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The deadline for teams to pick up the fifth-year options for players passed earlier today at 3pm CT, meaning each NFL club needed to decide on the status of its former first-round picks by that time. 20 of 32 players had their options exercised, while 10 saw the options declined.

Of course, just because a player has his option exercised or declined, that doesn’t necessarily dictate his future earnings. These fifth-year options are only guaranteed for injury only for now, so assuming a player stays healthy, his team could still release him by March 2019 without being on the hook for any ’19 salary, even if his option was exercised today. Conversely, a player who had his option declined could have a bounce-back year and do well on the open market next March.

As we wait to see how the latest round of option decisions looks a year from now, let’s recap the action. Here’s a full breakdown of the fifth-year option decisions for 2019:

Exercised:

  1. Jameis Winston, QB, $20.922MM (Buccaneers): Exercised
  2. Marcus Mariota, QB, $20.922MM (Titans): Exercised
  3. Amari Cooper, WR, $13.924MM (Raiders): Exercised
  4. Brandon Scherff, G, $12.525MM (Redskins): Exercised
  5. Leonard Williams, DE, $14.2MM (Jets): Exercised
  6. Vic Beasley, DE, $14.2MM (Falcons): Exercised
  7. Todd Gurley, RB, $9.630MM (Rams): Exercised
  8. Trae Waynes, CB, $9.069MM (Vikings): Exercised
  9. Andrus Peat, G, $9.625MM (Saints): Exercised
  10. DeVante Parker, WR, $9.387MM (Dolphins): Exercised
  11. Melvin Gordon, RB, $5.605MM (Chargers): Exercised
  12. Kevin Johnson, CB, $9.069MM (Texans): Exercised
  13. Arik Armstead, DE, $9.046MM (49ers): Exercised
  14. Marcus Peters, CB, $9.069MM (Rams): Exercised
  15. Nelson Agholor, WR, $9.387MM (Eagles): Exercised
  16. Bud Dupree, LB, $9.232MM (Steelers): Exercised
  17. D.J. Humphries, T, $9.625MM (Cardinals): Exercised
  18. Shaq Thompson, LB, $9.232MM (Panthers): Exercised
  19. Byron Jones, DB, $6.260MM (Cowboys): Exercised
  20. Damarious Randall, DB, $9.069MM (Browns): Exercised

Declined:

  1. Dante Fowler, DE, $14.2MM (Jaguars): Declined
  2. Kevin White, WR, $13.924MM (Bears): Declined
  3. Ereck Flowers, T, $12.525MM (Giants): Declined
  4. Danny Shelton, DT, $7.154MM (Patriots): Declined
  5. Cameron Erving, OL, $9.625MM (Chiefs): Declined
  6. Cedric Ogbuehi, T, $9.625MM (Bengals): Declined
  7. Shane Ray, LB, $9.232MM (Broncos): Declined
  8. Breshad Perriman, WR, $9.387MM (Ravens): Declined
  9. Laken Tomlinson, G, $9.625MM (49ers): Declined
  10. Phillip Dorsett, WR, $9.387MM (Patriots): Declined
  11. Stephone Anthony, LB, $9.232MM (Dolphins): Declined
  12. Malcom Brown, DT, $7.154MM (Patriots): Declined

2018 NFL Draft Results By Round

April 28th, 2018 at 5:15pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Listed below are all 256 picks of the 2018 NFL draft, broken down by round, and featuring trades.

Here are the complete 2018 NFL draft results:

Round One:

  1. Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield, QB (Oklahoma)
  2. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB (Penn State)
  3. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): Sam Darnold, QB (USC)
  4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston) Denzel Ward, CB (Ohio State)
  5. Denver Broncos: Bradley Chubb, DE (North Carolina State)
  6. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets): Quenton Nelson, G (Notre Dame)
  7. Buffalo Bills (from Tampa Bay): Josh Allen, QB (Wyoming)
  8. Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith, LB (Georgia)
  9. San Francisco 49ers: Mike McGlinchey, T (Notre Dame)
  10. Arizona Cardinals (from Oakland): Josh Rosen, QB (UCLA)
  11. Miami Dolphins: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB (Alabama)
  12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Cincinnati via Buffalo): Vita Vea, DT (Washington)
  13. Washington Redskins: Da’Ron Payne, DT (Alabama)
  14. New Orleans Saints (from Green Bay): Marcus Davenport, DE (UTSA)
  15. Oakland Raiders (from Arizona): Kolton Miller, T (UCLA)
  16. Buffalo Bills (from Baltimore): Tremaine Edmunds, LB (Virginia Tech)
  17. Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James, S (Florida State)
  18. Green Bay Packers (from Seattle): Jaire Alexander, CB (Louisville)
  19. Dallas Cowboys: Leighton Vander Esch, LB (Boise State)
  20. Detroit Lions: Frank Ragnow, C (Arkansas)
  21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo): Billy Price, C (Ohio State)
  22. Tennessee Titans (from Kansas City via Buffalo and Baltimore): Rashaan Evans, LB (Alabama)
  23. New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Rams): Isaiah Wynn, T (Georgia)
  24. Carolina Panthers: D.J. Moore, WR (Maryland)
  25. Baltimore Ravens (from Tennessee): Hayden Hurst, TE (South Carolina)
  26. Atlanta Falcons: Calvin Ridley, WR (Alabama)
  27. Seattle Seahawks (from New Orleans via Green Bay): Rashaad Penny, RB (San Diego State)
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Terrell Edmunds, S (Virginia Tech)
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Taven Bryan, DT (Florida)
  30. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Hughes, CB (UCF)
  31. New England Patriots: Sony Michel, RB (Georgia)
  32. Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia): Lamar Jackson, QB (Louisville)

Round Two:

  1. Cleveland Browns: Austin Corbett, T (Nevada)
  2. New York Giants: Will Hernandez, G (UTEP)
  3. Cleveland Browns (from Houston): Nick Chubb, RB (Georgia)
  4. Indianapolis Colts: Darius Leonard, LB (South Carolina State)
  5. Indianapolis Colts (from New York Jets): Braden Smith, G (Auburn)
  6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronald Jones, RB (USC)
  7. Chicago Bears; James Daniels, C (Iowa)
  8. Denver Broncos: Courtland Sutton, WR (SMU)
  9. Tennessee Titans (from Oakland): Harold Landry, DE (Boston College)
  10. Miami Dolphins: Mike Gesicki, TE (Penn State)
  11. Detroit Lions (from San Francisco via New England): Kerryon Johnson, RB (Auburn)
  12. San Francisco 49ers (from Washington): Dante Pettis, WR (Washington)
  13. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jackson, CB (Iowa)
  14. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cincinnati): Breeland Speaks, DE (Ole Miss)
  15. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Kirk, WR (Texas A&M)
  16. Los Angeles Chargers: Uchenna Nwosu, LB (USC)
  17. Philadelphia Eagles (from Seattle via New York Jets and Indianapolis): Dallas Goedert, TE (South Dakota State)
  18. Dallas Cowboys: Connor Williams, G (Texas)
  19. Chicago Bears (from Detroit via New England): Anthony Miller, WR (Memphis)
  20. Indianapolis Colts (from Baltimore and Philadelphia): Kemoko Turay, DE (Rutgers)
  21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Buffalo): M.J. Stewart, CB (North Carolina)
  22. Cincinnati Bengals (from Kansas City): Jessie Bates, S (Wake Forest)
  23. Carolina Panthers: Donte Jackson, CB (LSU)
  24. New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Rams via Buffalo and Tampa Bay): Duke Dawson, CB (Florida)
  25. Oakland Raiders (from Tennessee): P.J. Hall, DT (Sam Houston State)
  26. Atlanta Falcons: Isaiah Oliver, CB (Colorado)
  27. Washington Redskins (from New Orleans via San Francisco): Derrius Guice, RB (LSU)
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers: James Washington, WR (Oklahoma State)
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars: D.J. Chark, WR (LSU)
  30. Minnesota Vikings: Brian O’Neill, T (Pittsburgh)
  31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from New England): Carlton Davis, CB (Auburn)
  32. Indianapolis Colts (from Philadelphia via Cleveland): Tyquan Lewis, DE (Ohio State)

Round Three:

  1. Oakland Raiders (from Cleveland via Buffalo and Baltimore): Brandon Parker, T (North Carolina A&T)
  2. New York Giants: Lorenzo Carter, LB (Georgia)
  3. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis): Chad Thomas, DE (Miami)
  4. Houston Texans: Justin Reid, S (Stanford)
  5. New York Giants (from Tampa Bay): B.J. Hill, DT (North Carolina State)
  6. San Francisco 49ers (from Chicago): Fred Warner, LB (BYU)
  7. Denver Broncos: Royce Freeman, RB (Oregon)
  8. New York Jets: Nathan Shepherd, DT (Fort Hays State)
  9. Miami Dolphins: Jerome Baker, LB (Ohio State)
  10. Washington Redskins (from San Francisco): Geron Christian, OL (Louisville)
  11. Kansas City Chiefs (from Oakland via Baltimore): Derrick Nnadi, DT (Florida State)
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks (from Green Bay via Seattle): Mason Rudolph, QB (Oklahoma State)
  13. Cincinnati Bengals: Sam Hubbard, DE (Ohio State)
  14. Cincinnati Bengals (from Washington via Kansas City): Malik Jefferson, LB (Texas)
  15. Seattle Seahawks (from Arizona via Oakland and Pittsburgh): Rasheem Green, DE (USC)
  16. Houston Texans (from Seattle): Martinas Rankin, T (Mississippi State)
  17. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup, WR (Colorado State)
  18. Detroit Lions: Tracey Walker, S (Louisiana-Lafayette)
  19. Baltimore Ravens: Orlando Brown, T (Oklahoma)
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Jones, DT (North Carolina State)
  21. Carolina Panthers (from Buffalo): Rashaan Gaulden, CB (Tennessee)
  22. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City): Mark Andrews, TE (Oklahoma)
  23. Oakland Raiders (from Los Angeles Rams): Arden Key, DE (LSU)
  24. Green Bay Packers (from Carolina): Oren Burks, LB (Vanderbilt)
  25. Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee via Oakland): Joseph Noteboom, OL (TCU)
  26. Atlanta Falcons: Deadrin Senat, DT (USF)
  27. New Orleans Saints: Tre’Quan Smith, WR (UCF)
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chukwuma Okorafor, T (Western Michigan)
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ronnie Harrison, S (Alabama)
  30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Minnesota): Alex Cappa, G (Humboldt State)
  31. San Francisco 49ers (from New England): Tarvarius Moore, S (Southern Mississippi)
  32. Buffalo Bills (from Philadelphia): Harrison Phillips, DT (Stanford)
  33. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory): Mason Cole, C (Michigan)
  34. Houston Texans (compensatory): Jordan Akins, TE (UCF)
  35. Denver Broncos (compensatory): Isaac Yiadom, CB (Boston College)
  36. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cincinnati) (compensatory): Dorian O’Daniel, LB (Clemson)

Round Four:

  1. Carolina Panthers (from Cleveland from Green Bay): Ian Thomas, TE (Indiana)
  2. Minnesota Vikings (from New York Giants via Tampa Bay): Jalyn Holmes, DE (Ohio State)
  3. Houston Texans: Keke Coutee, WR (Texas Tech)
  4. Indianapolis Colts: Nyheim Hines, RB (North Carolina State)
  5. Cleveland Browns (from Chicago via New England): Antonio Callaway, WR (Florida)
  6. Denver Broncos: Josey Jewell, LB (Iowa)
  7. New York Jets: Christopher Herndon, TE (Miami)
  8. New York Giants (from Tampa Bay): Kyle Lauletta, QB (Richmond)
  9. Washington Redskins (from San Francisco via Denver): Troy Apke, S (Penn State)
  10. Oakland Raiders: Nick Nelson, CB (Wisconsin)
  11. Los Angeles Rams (from Miami): Brian Allen, C (Michigan State)
  12. Cincinnati Bengals: Mark Walton, RB (Miami)
  13. Denver Broncos (from Washington): DaeSean Hamilton, WR (Penn State)
  14. Detroit Lions (from Green Bay via Cleveland and New England): Da’Shawn Hand, DE (Alabama)
  15. Chicago Bears (from Arizona): Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB (Western Kentucky)
  16. Dallas Cowboys: Dorance Armstrong, DE (Kansas)
  17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Detroit via New England): Jordan Whitehead, S (Pittsburgh)
  18. Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Averett, CB (Alabama)
  19. Los Angeles Chargers: Kyzir White, S (West Virginia)
  20. Seattle Seahawks: Will Dissly, TE (Washington)
  21. Buffalo Bills: Taron Johnson, CB (Weber State)
  22. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City): Kenny Young, LB (UCLA)
  23. Miami Dolphins (from Carolina via Cleveland): Durham Smythe, TE (Notre Dame)
  24. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams): Armani Watts, S (Texas A&M)
  25. Philadelphia Eagles (from Tennessee via Baltimore): Avonte Maddox, CB (Pittsburgh)
  26. Atlanta Falcons: Ito Smith, RB (Southern Mississippi)
  27. New Orleans Saints: Rick Leonard, T (Florida State)
  28. San Francisco 49ers (from Pittsburgh): Kentavius Street, DE (North Carolina State)
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Richardson, T (North Carolina State)
  30. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota): Josh Sweat, DE (Florida State)
  31. Miami Dolphins (from New England via Philadelphia): Kalen Ballage, RB (Arizona State)
  32. Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia): Jaleel Scott, WR (New Mexico State)
  33. Green Bay Packers (compensatory): J’Mon Moore, WR (Missouri)
  34. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory): Chase Edmonds, RB (Fordham)
  35. Los Angeles Rams (from New York Giants) (compensatory): John Franklin-Myers, DE (Stephen F. Austin)
  36. Carolina Panthers (from New England via Los Angeles Rams) (compensatory): Marquis Haynes, DE (Ole Miss)
  37. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory): Dalton Schultz, TE (Stanford)

Round Five:

  1. Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland): Cole Madison, T (Washington State)
  2. New York Giants: RJ McIntosh, DT (Miami)
  3. Oakland Raiders (from Indianapolis): Maurice Hurst, DT (Michigan)
  4. Seattle Seahawks (from Houston): Shaquem Griffin, DE (UCF)
  5. San Francisco 49ers (from Denver via Washington) D.J. Reed, CB (Kansas State)
  6. New England Patriots (from New York Jets and San Francisco): Ja’Whaun Bentley, LB (Purdue)
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Watson, WR (Pennsylvania)
  8. Chicago Bears: Bilal Nichols, DT (Delaware)
  9. Seattle Seahawks (from Oakland): Tre Flowers, S (Oklahoma State)
  10. Los Angeles Rams (from Miami via New Orleans, Green Bay, and Carolina): Micah Kiser, LB (Virginia)
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers (from San Francisco): Marcus Allen, S (Penn State)
  12. Seattle Seahawks (from Washington via Denver): Michael Dickson, P (Texas)
  13. Cleveland Browns (from Green Bay): Genard Avery, LB (Memphis)
  14. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Davontae Harris, (Illinois State)
  15. Tennessee Titans (from Arizona via Oakland and Baltimore): Dane Cruikshank, CB (Arizona)
  16. Detroit Lions: Tyrell Crosby, T (Oregon)
  17. Buffalo Bills (from Baltimore): Siran Neal, S (Jacksonville State)
  18. Los Angeles Chargers: Scott Quessenberry, CB (UCLA)
  19. Denver Broncos (from Seattle via Philadelphia and Seattle): Troy Fumagalli, TE (Wisconsin)
  20. Minnesota Vikings (from Dallas via New York Jets): Tyler Conklin. TE (Central Michigan)
  21. Cincinnati Bengals (from Buffalo): Andrew Brown, DT (Virginia)
  22. Indianapolis Colts (from Kansas City via Cleveland, New England, and Oakland): Daurice Fountain, WR (Northern Iowa)
  23. Los Angeles Rams (from Los Angeles Rams via Denver): Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, LB (Oklahoma)
  24. Carolina Panthers: Jermaine Carter Jr., LB (Maryland)
  25. Baltimore Ravens (from Tennessee): Jordan Lasley, WR (UCLA)
  26. Washington Redskins (from Atlanta via Denver): Tim Settle, DT (Virginia Tech)
  27. New Orleans Saints: Natrell Jamerson, S (Wisconsin)
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylen Samuels, RB (North Carolina State)
  29. Buffalo Bills (from Jacksonville): Wyatt Teller, G (Virginia Tech)
  30. Minnesota Vikings (from Minnesota via New York Jets): Daniel Carlson, K (Auburn)
  31. Seattle Seahawks (from New England): Jamarco Jones, T (Ohio State)
  32. Indianapolis Colts (from Philadelphia): Jordan Wilkins, RB (Mississippi)
  33. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Darius Phillips, CB (Western Michigan)
  34. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory): Mike White, QB (Western Kentucky)
  35. Green Bay Packers (compensatory): JK Scott, P (Alabama)
  36. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas) (compensatory): Johnny Townsend, P (Florida)
  37. Green Bay Packers (compensatory): Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR (USF)

Round Six:

  1. Cleveland Browns: Damion Ratley, WR (Texas A&M)
  2. Los Angeles Rams (from New York Giants): John Kelly, RB (Tennessee)
  3. Houston Texans: Duke Ejiofor, DE (Wake Forest)
  4. New England Patriots (from Indianapolis via Cleveland): Christian Sam, LB (Arizona State)
  5. New York Jets: Parry Nickerson, CB (Tulane)
  6. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay via Minnesota): Folorunso Fatukasi, DT (UConn)
  7. Chicago Bears: Kylie Fitts, DE (Utah)
  8. Arizona Cardinals (from Denver): Christian Campbell, CB (Penn State)
  9. Denver Broncos (from Miami via Los Angeles Rams): Sam Jones, G (Arizona State)
  10. San Francisco 49ers: Marcell Harris, S (Florida)
  11. Indianapolis Colts (from Oakland): Deon Cain, WR (Clemson)
  12. Seattle Seahawks (from Green Bay): Jacob Martin, LB (Temple)
  13. Buffalo Bills (from Cincinnati): Ray-Ray McCloud, WR (Clemson)
  14. Cleveland Browns (from Washington): Simeon Thomas, CB (Louisiana-Lafayette)
  15. New Orleans Saints (from Arizona): Kamrin Moore, CB (Boston College)
  16. Baltimore Ravens: DeShon Elliott, S (Texas)
  17. Los Angeles Chargers: Dylan Cantrell, WR (Texas Tech)
  18. Los Angeles Rams (from Seattle via Oakland and Dallas): Jamil Demby, T (Maine)
  19. Dallas Cowboys: Chris Covington, LB (Indiana)
  20. Atlanta Falcons (from Detroit via Los Angeles Rams): Russell Gage, WR (LSU)
  21. Los Angeles Rams (from Buffalo): Sebastian Joseph, DT (Rutgers)
  22. Kansas City Chiefs: Tremon Smith, CB (Central Arkansas)
  23. Washington Redskins (from Carolina via Los Angeles Rams): Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB (Alabama)
  24. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams via New England): Kahlil McKenzie, DT (Tennessee)
  25. Tennessee Titans: Luke Falk, QB (Washington State)
  26. Atlanta Falcons: Foyesade Oluokun, S (Yale)
  27. New Orleans Saints: Boston Scott, RB (Louisiana Tech)
  28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Pittsburgh via Cleveland and Pittsburgh): Jack Cichy, LB (Wisconsin)
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tanner Lee, QB (Nebraska)
  30. New York Jets (from Minnesota): Trenton Cannon, RB (Virginia State)
  31. Los Angeles Rams (from New England via Cleveland and Washington): Trevon Young, LB (Louisville)
  32. Philadelphia Eagles: Matt Pryor, T (TCU)
  33. Green Bay Packers (compensatory): Equanimeous St. Brown, WR (Notre Dame)
  34. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory): Cedrick Wilson, WR (Boise State)
  35. Miami Dolphins (from Kansas City via Los Angeles Rams) (compensatory): Cornell Armstrong, CB (Southern Mississippi)
  36. New England Patriots (from Oakland) (compensatory): Braxton Berrios, WR (Miami)
  37. Houston Texans (compensatory): Jordan Thomas, TE (Mississippi State)
  38. Baltimore Ravens (from Oakland) (compensatory): Greg Senat, T (Wagner)
  39. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory): Colby Gossett, G (Appalachian State)
  40. Houston Texans (compensatory): Peter Kalambayi, LB (Stanford)
  41. Baltimore Ravens (from Baltimore via Tennessee) (compensatory): Bradley Bozeman, C (Alabama)
  42. Oakland Raiders (compensatory): Azeem Victor, LB (Washington)
  43. Denver Broncos (from Oakland via Los Angeles Rams) (compensatory): Keishawn Bierria, LB (Washington)
  44. Minnesota Vikings (compensatory): Ade Aruna, DE (Tulane)

Round Seven:

  1. New England Patriots (from Cleveland): Danny Etling, QB (LSU)
  2. Seattle Seahawks (from New York Giants via Pittsburgh): Alex McGough, QB (Florida International)
  3. Indianapolis Colts: Matthew Adams, LB (Houston)
  4. Houston Texans: Jermaine Kelly, CB (San Jose State)
  5. San Francisco 49ers (from Tampa Bay via Miami): Jullian Taylor, DT (Temple)
  6. Chicago Bears: Javon Wims, WR (Georgia)
  7. Minnesota Vikings (from Denver via Minnesota and New York Jets): Devante Downs, CB (California)
  8. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets via Seattle): David Williams, RB (Arkansas)
  9. Miami Dolphins (from San Francisco): Quentin Poling, LB (Ohio)
  10. Oakland Raiders: Marcell Ateman, WR (Oklahoma State)
  11. Miami Dolphins: Jason Sanders, K (New Mexico)
  12. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Cincinnati): Leon Jacobs, LB (Wisconsin)
  13. Los Angeles Rams (from Washington): Travin Howard, LB (TCU)
  14. Green Bay Packers: James Looney, DT (California)
  15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona via Kansas City and New England): Jordan Mailata, T (Australia)
  16. Carolina Panthers (from Los Angeles Chargers via Buffalo): Andre Smith, LB (North Carolina)
  17. Indianapolis Colts (from Seattle via New York Jets): Zaire Franklin, LB (Syracuse)
  18. Dallas Cowboys: Bo Scarbrough, RB (Alabama)
  19. Detroit Lions: Nick Bawden, FB (San Diego State)
  20. Baltimore Ravens: Zach Sieler, DE (Ferris State)
  21. Green Bay Packers (from Buffalo): Hunter Bradley, LS (Mississippi State)
  22. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City): Richie James, WR (Middle Tennessee)
  23. Washington Redskins (from Los Angeles Rams): Greg Stroman, CB (Virginia Tech)
  24. Carolina Panthers: Kendrick Norton, DT (Miami)
  25. New England Patriots (from Tennessee via Kansas City): Keion Crossen, CB (Western Carolina)
  26. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Justin Lawler, DE (SMU)
  27. New Orleans Saints: Will Clapp, G (LSU)
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Frazier, DT (Alabama)
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Logan Cooke, P (Mississippi State)
  30. Green Bay Packers (from Minnesota via Seattle): Kendall Donnerson, LB (Southeast Missouri)
  31. Cincinnati Bengals (from New England): Logan Woodside, QB (Toledo)
  32. New England Patriots (from Philadelphia via Seattle, New England, Seattle, and Philadelphia): Ryan Izzo, TE (Florida State)
  33. Los Angeles Chargers (compensatory): Justin Jackson, RB (Northwestern)
  34. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Rod Taylor, G (Ole Miss)
  35. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Auden Tate, WR (Florida State)
  36. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory): Korey Cunningham, T (Cincinnati)
  37. Buffalo Bills (from Tampa Bay) (compensatory): Austin Proehl, WR (North Carolina)
  38. Washington Redskins (from Atlanta via Los Angeles Rams) (compensatory): Trey Quinn, WR (SMU)

2018 NFL Draft Results By Team

April 28th, 2018 at 5:14pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Listed below are all 256 picks of the 2018 NFL draft, broken down by team. You can find a complete breakdown of the draft results by round right here.

Here are the complete 2018 NFL draft results by team:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Read more

Poll: Who Will Browns Take At No. 1 Overall?

April 26th, 2018 at 1:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

In one of the wilder lead-ups to a draft in many years, the Browns have been connected to several players with their No. 1 overall pick. The quarterback-desperate franchise is almost certain to announce its expected Tyrod Taylor successor tonight, but the buildup to that moment has been a process featuring many twists and turns.

Having bypassed Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson the past two years, the Browns have now been linked to three quarterbacks at No. 1. The latest could be one of the most unique first-overall picks in memory.

The Browns are now strongly connected to Baker Mayfield, the Heisman Trophy winner and a player who did not appear in the top half of the first round of Todd McShay’s first offseason mock draft. But John Dorsey brought on former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan as a consultant before the draft, and the longtime scouting guru has been an outspoken proponent of the polarizing Oklahoma-developed quarterback. The news the Browns will take Mayfield at No. 1 emerged this week, and that rumor is rapidly gaining steam.

However, the Browns’ previous debate was believed to be a two-horse race between Sam Darnold and Josh Allen. Dorsey has a history of selecting big-armed passers or being affiliated with organizations which have done so, most recently pulling the trigger on Patrick Mahomes in his final draft as Chiefs GM. Viewed as a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect, Allen would represent that kind of bold choice. A report earlier this week indicated Cleveland was down to the Wyoming prodigy or the fast-rising Mayfield.

Darnold has gone from a player viewed as arguably the best combination of production and upside to one that may fall out of the top two and be there for the Jets at No. 3. The Jets scheduled a Darnold visit once they began to sense the USC product falling to them was a legitimate possibility.

The Browns have also been linked to Saquon Barkley at No. 1. While Barkley is viewed as the top running back and possibly the No. 1 overall player in this prospect pool, it’s hard to believe the Browns would again bypass their chance at landing a possible franchise quarterback.

They have not been closely tied to Josh Rosen during this pre-draft stretch, and the latest on a trade-down occurrence is that line of thinking could transpire with the Browns’ No. 4 pick rather than their No. 1 choice.

So, which passer will be bound for northeast Ohio? Is the Mayfield surge legitimate or a massive smokescreen operation? Does Allen’s upside, the unearthing of several tweets from his high school days notwithstanding, warrant this kind of an investment? Or should the Browns take the player they’ve been most connected to in Darnold with the top pick? How about a trade-down scenario? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section!

Who will the Browns take at No. 1 overall
Sam Darnold 39.31% (693 votes)
Baker Mayfield 34.88% (615 votes)
Saquon Barkley 12.65% (223 votes)
Josh Allen 10.38% (183 votes)
They will trade down 2.78% (49 votes)
Total Votes: 1,763

Community Tailgate: Giants’ Barkley Fit

April 22nd, 2018 at 8:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

With the draft four days away, the prospect of Saquon Barkley becoming the first running back to go off the board in the top two since Reggie Bush has steadily increased. The Giants/Barkley noise has intensified.

The Giants hold their highest pick since 1981, when they chose Lawrence Taylor at No. 2, and have a quarterback who is set to play his age-37 season in 2018. With all but one QB likely to be available to Big Blue at No. 2, it could be argued — as some in the organization appear to have done — the Giants should not forgo a chance to add a possible Eli Manning successor only to draft this year’s best running back prospect. They have not held a top-five selection since the Manning trade 14 years ago, so it can’t be considered a lock they’ll have this opportunity again soon.

New York also has needs on its offensive line, at cornerback and on its front seven, putting a trade-down decision in play. A Bradley Chubb pick would go about meeting need and value if he is the No. 2 choice, but Barkley may well be the No. 1 prospect on the Giants’ board. And Dave Gettleman, who held key decision-making positions when the Giants used a No. 7 pick on Ron Dayne (2000) and a No. 32 choice on David Wilson (2012), does not look to believe running backs aren’t the commodities they used to be. (At least, he’s not saying so publicly.)

The Giants also need a better answer in the backfield. Jonathan Stewart is nearing the end of his career, and Paul Perkins and Wayne Gallman may be backup types. As a player who’s been rated by some high-profile draft experts as being a better prospect than Ezekiel Elliott, Barkley would surely take care of that and join an offense that would have Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram (and if Dez Bryant gets his way, Dez Bryant) at the skill spots. The Penn State superstar being in that mix could change the equation for the Giants, who ranked 26th in rushing offense and scored just 15.4 points per game (31st in the league) last season. Elliott sure made an impact for the Cowboys as a rookie, but he had a much better offensive line in front of him.

The Jaguars invested a No. 4 overall pick in Leonard Fournette a year ago. He’s Jacksonville’s unquestioned starter going forward, but the Jags saw third-rounders Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt have superior rookie seasons. Devonta Freeman was just a fourth-round pick, and Jordan Howard went in the 2016 fifth round. Le’Veon Bell, a second-rounder, is gunning for a No. 1 receiver-level contract And this running back class is viewed as another strong group, and intriguing ball-carriers will be available on Day 2.

ESPN’s Todd McShay was definitive in his stance that Barkley will be a Giant, and the franchise’s interest in him appears to be genuine. PFR readers overwhelmingly believe that’s what will happen. The Giants had one of the 2000s’ best backfield options in Tiki Barber, but they won a Super Bowl the year after he retired and won another four years later when they ranked last in rushing. This franchise has deployed successful backs since Barber, in Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, but Big Blue has shown it hasn’t necessarily needed a top-tier back to thrive in the recent past.

So, should the Giants use their top offseason resource to draft Barkley? Is he worth the team bypassing a possible long-term quarterback option when the running back position has seen its value take numerous hits this century? Or would the Giants be reaching if they took a quarterback who might not play until 2020 over a well-reviewed running back who could have an Elliott-esque effect on their offense this season? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section!

Poll: Who Will Be First Non-QB Selected?

April 19th, 2018 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Quarterbacks are dominating this year’s draft discussion even more than the NFL’s marquee position’s prospects usually do. With the possibility of four signal-callers going in the top five, it opens the door for a wide variety of scenarios.

But with this many passers projected to go high, teams that either do not need a quarterback (this would include the Browns at No. 4, if they keep their pick) — or franchises on the fence about selecting one in the top five (see: Giants, Broncos) — could find themselves in position to land an impact talent that may not have been available to them in another year.

There doesn’t seem to be a consensus about the top non-QB in this draft, either. Players like Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb and Quenton Nelson are high on draft boards. Denzel Ward may be as well, with Roquan Smith having visited teams holding top-10 picks. So, who goes first?

Chubb and Barkley have made the most noise here, with the latest coming out of the Big Apple aligning the Giants with the Penn State running back. Viewed as a superior talent when compared to recent No. 4 overall choices Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette, Barkley has been connected to the Giants at No. 2 and the Browns at No. 4. Although the Browns are not expected to bypass a quarterback at No. 1, Barkley’s name is the one mentioned as a possibility for Cleveland at No. 1 that isn’t a QB. And there may or may not be an issue with a Barkley-to-Cleveland scenario.

Viable running backs are obviously easier to obtain in later rounds than pass-rushing talent, and Chubb has visited the Giants and drawn praise from Hue Jackson as a possible No. 4 overall selection. James Bettcher doesn’t see a problem fitting the N.C. State defensive end into his 3-4 scheme at outside linebacker, and edge rushers are much more valuable commodities than running backs.

Nelson is reportedly a top-three player on the Giants’ board, and Dave Gettleman has not made it a secret he wants an offensive line metamorphosis to take place under his watch. Nelson’s been tabbed a prospect on the Zack Martin tier. Should a quarterback rush occur ahead of them, the Broncos are also in need of a guard. Buzz about a Broncos/Nelson union has emerged, with Ward — the latest high-end cornerback Ohio State has developed — on that level as of late as well.

The Notre Dame-trained blocker being the first non-passer selected would be a massive change of direction. This century, only one team — the 2015 Redskins — took a guard in the top five. And Brandon Scherff was viewed as a tackle prospect at the time. Ward would also represent a major upset as the first position player taken as well, but former Buckeyes teammate Joey Bosa didn’t receive a ton of buzz to go No. 3 to the Chargers two years ago. And this program has produced some high-caliber corners in recent years, as Bradley Roby and Marshon Lattimore have shown.

Who will even make this pick? The Giants have visited with each of the top quarterbacks and have been mentioned as Sam Darnold fans for a while, so it’s not certain they’ll be making this pick. If the Browns take Josh Allen at No. 1 and trade their No. 4 pick to the Bills, the Broncos could be thrust into this role at No. 5.

So, which one of these prospects will hear his name called first? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section!

Who will be the first non-quarterback taken in this year's draft?
Saquon Barkley 69.99% (1,635 votes)
Bradley Chubb 27.57% (644 votes)
Quenton Nelson 1.50% (35 votes)
Other 0.51% (12 votes)
Denzel Ward 0.43% (10 votes)
Total Votes: 2,336

2019 Fifth-Year Option Decision Tracker

April 18th, 2018 at 3:44pm CST by Zachary Links

Teams across the NFL have until May 3 to officially pick up their 2019 options on players who are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. These fifth-year options can only be exercised on first-round picks, and the salaries are determined by where players were drafted and what position they play.

If a player has his option exercised, his rookie contract will be extended by one year and he’ll be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2020, after the conclusion of the 2019 season. If a player’s option is declined, he’ll be eligible to hit the open market a year earlier. Of course, if a 2015 first-rounder is no longer on his rookie contract, there will be no option to exercise or decline. We explained the intricacies of the fifth-year option in a PFR Glossary post, so you can read up on the specific details there.

Soon, we’ll learn the official salary figures for all 2019 fifth-year options. What we do know is that the option salaries for top 10 picks is equal to the transition tender at the player’s position during his fourth season. So, because the transition tag for quarterbacks this year was $20.922MM, we already know that Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston‘s fifth-year option will be worth that amount.

With next month’s deadline looming, we’ll use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league based on various reports and official announcements. Here are this season’s fifth-year option decisions so far:

1. Jameis Winston, QB, $20.922MM (Buccaneers): Exercised

2. Marcus Mariota, QB, $20.922MM (Titans): Exercised

3. Dante Fowler, DE, $14.2MM (Jaguars): Declined

4. Amari Cooper, WR, $13.924MM (Raiders): Exercised

5. Brandon Scherff, G, $12.525MM (Redskins): Exercised

6. Leonard Williams, DE, $14.2MM (Jets): Exercised

7. Kevin White, WR, $13.924MM (Bears): Declined

8. Vic Beasley, DE, $14.2MM (Falcons): Exercised

9. Ereck Flowers, OT, $12.525MM (Giants): Declined

10. Todd Gurley, RB, $9.630MM (Rams): Exercised

11. Trae Waynes, CB, $9.069MM (Vikings): Exercised

12. Danny Shelton, DT, $7.154MM (Patriots): Declined

13. Andrus Peat, OL, $9.625MM (Saints): Exercised

14. DeVante Parker, WR, $9.387MM (Dolphins): Exercised

15. Melvin Gordon, RB, $5.605MM (Chargers): Exercised

16. Kevin Johnson, CB, $9.069MM (Texans): Exercised

17. Arik Armstead, DE, $9.046MM (49ers): Exercised

18. Marcus Peters, CB, $9.069MM (Rams): Exercised

19. Cameron Erving, OL, $9.625MM (Chiefs): Declined

20. Nelson Agholor, WR, $9.387MM (Eagles): Exercised

21. Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, $9.625MM (Bengals): Declined

22. Bud Dupree, LB, $9.232MM (Steelers): Exercised

23. Shane Ray, LB, $9.232MM (Broncos): Declined

24. D.J. Humphries, OT, $9.625MM (Cardinals): Exercised

25. Shaq Thompson, LB, $9.232MM (Panthers): Exercised

26. Breshad Perriman, WR, $9.387MM (Ravens): Declined

27. Byron Jones, S, $6.26MM (Cowboys): Exercised

28. Laken Tomlinson, G, $9.625MM (49ers): Declined

29. Phillip Dorsett, WR, $9.387MM (Patriots): Declined

30. Damarious Randall, CB, $9.069MM (Browns): Exercised

31. Stephone Anthony, LB, $9.232MM (Dolphins): Declined

32. Malcom Brown, DT, $7.154MM (Patriots): Declined

Poll: Should Broncos Draft A QB At No. 5?

April 15th, 2018 at 9:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Having missed the playoffs the past two seasons largely because of quarterback play, the Broncos face one of the draft’s most interesting decisions. Do they attempt to use their rare top-five real estate to invest in the kind of quarterback not usually available to them, or do they try to help Case Keenum this season with a best-player-available choice?

While the 2016 Eagles and 2017 Bears used a top-five pick on a quarterback despite having authorized a starter-level contract earlier in those years, the Broncos are operating on a different timeline since the cornerstone players on their team are the veterans held over from their Super Bowl team three seasons ago.

It would help the Von Miller-, Chris Harris– and Demaryius Thomas-fronted contingent this season if Keenum’s breakout 2017 was legitimate and not a product of what he was working with in Minnesota. The Broncos receiving improved quarterback play and selecting an instant starter/early contributor at No. 5 overall would help their veteran group. But Keenum’s pre-Minnesota career makes it difficult to judge what the Broncos are getting.

Of the players potentially worthy of this pick, only Quenton Nelson would qualify as filling a dire Denver need, but Bradley Chubb, Saquon Barkley or even Denzel Ward would be an improvement for a team that could use additional talent to help climb back to AFC contention.

However, if Keenum is merely a modest upgrade from Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler, thus a placeholder rather than a long-term answer, it may look bad if the Broncos bypassed Josh Rosen or possibly Baker Mayfield because they signed a journeyman quarterback instead. Previously pegged as Rosen fans earlier in this pre-draft process, the Broncos may now have eyes for Mayfield. But so do the Jets, it appears.

Broncos trade-down noise emerged this week, and that would give the franchise better odds at landing multiple 2018 starters in this draft. Denver’s only held a top-five pick twice in the past 35 years (2011 and 1991), and depending on how the Giants proceed at No. 2, the Broncos could have a chance to take the best or second-best non-QB in the draft. That would help a veteran team.

However, being the Bills’ or another team’s vehicle to trade into the top five could as well. Although, it’s possible teams will see the Giants’ pick or the Browns’ No. 4 spot as better trade-up targets rather than the Broncos’ slot. If the pre-draft buzz is an accurate indication, a team considering a trade-up decision may only have Rosen on the board to target by the time the Broncos pick. If just one quarterback is there at 5, Denver’s leverage shrinks.

Keenum’s contract guarantees him $25MM over the next two years. That’s $6MM more than the Bears guaranteed Mike Glennon but $1MM less than the Eagles guaranteed Sam Bradford. That wouldn’t necessarily stand to prohibit another quarterback addition, although the Broncos — with Paxton Lynch, who has made just four starts, still on the roster — would join a short list of teams to have selected a first-round passer twice in three years.

But with the Broncos’ core on the verge of the “aging” label, and the team coming off a 5-11 season, they need to come out of this draft much better than they entered it in order to maximize the latter portions of their championship nucleus’ primes.

So, is the best way to do that to select a quarterback at No. 5? Or is the Broncos’ $18MM-AAV investment in Keenum sufficient enough for them to take the best player available? Should John Elway be hoping a team calls with a viable trade offer? Which is the best route for the Broncos? Take PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section!

Should the Broncos take a quarterback at No. 5 overall?
Yes 45.61% (884 votes)
No 28.74% (557 votes)
They should trade down 25.64% (497 votes)
Total Votes: 1,938
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