East Notes: Webb, Hackenberg, Dolphins
Mired in their worst season in 14 years, the Giants could soon be faced with a tough decision at quarterback. But for now, their plan isn’t changing. Eli Manning will continue to be their starter, and Davis Webb‘s role doesn’t look to be increasing. The Giants do not plan to play the third-round rookie in 2017, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv reports.
Webb has not been receiving additional practice reps and remains behind Manning and Geno Smith, the latter being expected to keep operating as the backup quarterback. Giants wide receivers coach Frank Cignetti said the Cal product is making “tremendous progress” and noted the team would “obviously” get a better read on Webb with game action, but the 1-8 Giants may have other plans in the works regarding their post-Manning quarterback.
Webb was “all but anointed” as Manning’s successor come 2020, Vacchiano notes, but that was before the team lost eight of its first nine games. Now, the Giants have ramped up quarterback scouting, Vacchiano confirms, because of their lost season and a possible top-five draft choice that would then be awarded. The reporter adds Big Blue will “strongly consider” taking a quarterback with that pick.
Here’s the latest from the Eastern divisions, continuing with the New York teams.
- Both the Giants and Jets have sent their GMs to Los Angeles on Saturday night for the UCLA-USC game featuring high-end quarterback prospects Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen. While Jerry Reese is heading the Giants’ contingent, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.com (on Twitter), Mike Maccagnan, VP of personnel Brian Heimerdinger and a scout are representing the Jets. Cimini adds Gang Green might be leading the pack among interested teams here. That’s interesting because, as of now, the Jets won’t be in position to have the kind of draft pick it will likely take to land Darnold or Rosen, provided they declare early. While it’s uncertain how many other GMs are at the Los Angeles Coliseum for UCLA-USC, at least 20 teams have sent scouts.
- The Jets are operating their quarterback contingent in similar fashion to their stadium mates, with Vacchiano reporting the team has no immediate plans to play Christian Hackenberg. Barring a Josh McCown injury, Vacchiano writes it’s unlikely Hackenberg plays this season. Additionally, the reporter notes the Jets “aren’t sold” on the 2016 second-round pick. Vacchiano reports the Jets are “strongly eyeing” the 2018 draft class as well. The Jets are believed to be scouting Wyoming’s Josh Allen to a degree other teams aren’t just yet.
- The Dolphins‘ pass-catching corps may look quite different next season. While Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes the team will have money to re-sign Jarvis Landry, the Dolphins are of the belief they can replace the slot receiver with a Day 2 draft pick. Landry is averaging 7.7 yards per reception, and that might not be worth a $16MM franchise tag for the team. Jackson reports Landry is expected to want a contract in the range of five years and $65MM — which would make him by far the NFL’s highest-paid slot receiver. Jackson writes no decision has been made on this front yet, and how this season finishes will influence the franchise’s thinking on this front.
- Miami wants Ndamukong Suh back for what will be his age-31 season but will likely approach the Pro Bowl defensive tackle about a restructure, Jackson notes. The Dolphins could create $12MM in 2018 cap space with a base salary-to-signing bonus conversion, thus putting more money on future caps, and lower Suh’s ’18 cap hit from $26.1MM to around $14MM.
- However, Jackson notes Julius Thomas probably won’t be back next season. The tight end has another season on his Jaguars-constructed (and Dolphins-restructured) deal, but Miami can save $6.6MM in cap space. The athletic pass-catcher who will turn 30 in June is on pace to play more than he did in either Jaguars season, having suited up for all nine Dolphins games thus far, but he has not been the same since leaving Denver.
Poll: Highest-Impact Rookie Quarterback?
Of the 15 quarterbacks selected in last year’s draft, seven ended up starting at least one regular-season game in 2016. The Rams’ Jared Goff and the Eagles’ Carson Wentz comprised the top two picks of the draft, but it was Cowboys fourth-round signal-caller Dak Prescott, the 135th overall choice, who ultimately emerged as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the face of a 13-3 team.
When the Cowboys drafted Prescott, there was little expectation he’d garner significant playing time right away, let alone thrive from the get-go, with Tony Romo on the roster. But debilitating summer injuries to Romo and backup Kellen Moore opened the door for Prescott, who’s now firmly entrenched under center in Dallas. Romo, realizing he wasn’t going to start again for the Cowboys, is now working for CBS.
While it’s hard to imagine any rookie quarterback from this year’s 10-man class bursting on the scene in Prescott-like fashion, it stands to reason at least some will get opportunities to do so. Like last year, three passers went in the first round of the 2017 draft, though immediate playing time isn’t a guarantee for any. For now, Mitch Trubisky (No. 2 overall, Bears), Patrick Mahomes (No. 10, Chiefs) and Deshaun Watson (No. 12, Texans) are in understudy roles.
Trubisky, a one-year starter at North Carolina for whom Chicago somewhat controversially traded up a spot to select, reportedly won’t see the field as a rookie unless free agent investment Mike Glennon flops. Considering Glennon previously held a starting job in Tampa Bay but didn’t do enough to keep it, he very well could struggle enough for Trubisky to grab the reins in 2017.
Watson might also take the helm sooner than later, as the ex-Clemson national championship winner whom the Texans traded up 13 spots to draft is behind a veteran, Tom Savage, who’s almost completely untested. Given that the Texans have sullied quality rosters with subpar quarterbacks in recent seasons, it could behoove them to plug in Watson if Savage, he of two career starts and zero touchdown passes, looks like another Brock Osweiler this year.
An early path to playing time appears less clear for Mahomes, even though Kansas City paid a high price to go up 17 places to secure him. At the moment, the ex-Texas Tech gunslinger looks like a good bet to red shirt 2017 behind Alex Smith as the Chiefs take at least one more kick at the Super Bowl can with the steady (albeit non-elite) veteran at the helm.
Perhaps more than any other QB in this year’s class, Browns second-rounder DeShone Kizer stands out as someone who looks destined to amass playing time as a rookie. The 52nd pick and former Notre Dame dual threat has impressed in the very early going in Cleveland. Moreover, his main competitors for the Browns’ open starting job, Osweiler and Cody Kessler, aren’t exactly Otto Graham and Bernie Kosar.
As Prescott and 2012 third-rounder Russell Wilson have shown in the past half-decade, a quarterback doesn’t necessarily have to come off the board at the top of the draft to star right away. That’s surely heartening to the Giants’ Davis Webb (third round, No. 87), the 49ers’ C.J. Beathard (third round, No. 104), the Steelers’ Joshua Dobbs (fourth round, No. 135), the Bills’ Nathan Peterman (fifth round, No. 171), the Lions’ Brad Kaaya (sixth round, No. 215) and the Broncos’ Chad Kelly (seventh round, No. 253). Barring injuries, though, Webb, Dobbs and Kaaya have virtually no chance to earn starting roles at any point in 2017, as each is behind an established veteran. On the other hand, there’s no Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger or Matthew Stafford on any of the rosters of the 49ers, Bills and Broncos, which could give Beathard, Peterman and Kelly a glimmer of hope. Still, for various reasons, all three look like major long shots to break out as rookies. Then again, the same could’ve been said about Prescott 12 months ago.
Which rookie QB will make biggest impact?
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Deshaun Watson 44% (1,478)
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DeShone Kizer 17% (581)
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Mitch Trubisky 10% (351)
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Patrick Mahomes 6% (204)
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Nathan Peterman 5% (182)
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C.J. Beathard 5% (171)
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Chad Kelly 4% (148)
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Joshua Dobbs 3% (110)
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Davis Webb 2% (70)
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Brad Kaaya 2% (69)
Total votes: 3,364
Photos via USA Today Sports Images and Pro Football Rumors on Instagram.
Giants Sign Three Picks, 14 UDFAs
The Giants have signed three draft picks, second-round defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (Alabama; previously reported), third-round quarterback Davis Webb (California) and fifth-round defensive end Avery Moss (Youngstown State), per a team announcement. Additionally, the club has added 14 undrafted free agents, all of whom are listed below:
- Josh Banks, DT (Wake Forest)
- Jessamen Dunker, OT (Tennessee State)
- DaShaun Amos, CB (East Carolina)
- Jadar Johnson, S (Clemson)
- Keeon Johnson, WR (Virginia)
- Jarron Jones, DT (Notre Dame)
- Calvin Munson, LB (San Diego State)
- Travis Rudolph, WR (Florida State)
- Evan Schwan, DE (Penn State)
- Shane Smith, RB (San Jose State)
- Colin Thompson, TE (Temple)
- Nigel Tribune, CB (Iowa State)
- Rob Wheelwright, WR (Wisconsin)
- Jalen Williams, WR (Umass)
Giants Select Cal QB Davis Webb
The Giants, in need of an heir apparent to Eli Manning, have selected Cal quarterback Davis Webb with the 87th overall pick.
Webb’s name had been tossed out as a potential first-round choice, but in the end he fell to Round 3. Webb, 22, transferred to Cal from Texas Tech after losing out on the Red Raiders’ starting job to Patrick Mahomes. In his only season with the Bears, Webb completed 61.6% of his passes for 4,295 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
At 36, Manning is getting up there in age, leading the Giants to prioritize choosing a young signal-caller in this year’s draft. Of course, if Manning remains healthy and effective during the final three years of his contract, it could be awhile before Webb sees the field in the pros. The Giants previously used a fourth-rounder on ex-Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib in 2013, but he threw just 10 passes with them in four years and is now a free agent. Webb will hope to avoid a similar fate and develop into the Giants’ next long-term answer under center.
Teams Interested In Packers’ No. 33 Pick
Teams are already interested in the Packers’ No. 33 overall pick, the first selection of the second round, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Those clubs include the Chargers (No. 38), Jets (No. 39) and Buccaneers (No. 50), reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). Both the Chargers and Jets are attempting to move up for Cal quarterback Davis Webb, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com. Meanwhile, if the Packers keep the pick, they’ll select either Florida State running back Dalvin Cook or Washington cornerback Kevin King, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
Here’s a look at some of the other notable names that remain on the board as we head into Day 2:
- Forrest Lamp, G (Western Kentucky)
- DeShone Kizer, QB (Notre Dame)
- Zach Cunningham, LB (Vanderbilt)
- Sidney Jones, CB, (Washington)
- Joe Mixon, RB, (Oklahoma)
- JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR (USC)
- Teez Tabor, CB (Florida)
- Malik McDowell, DL (Michigan State)
- Tim Williams, OLB (Alabama)
- Alvin Kamara, RB (Tennessee)
- Zay Jones, WR (East Carolina)
NFL Draft Rumors: Peppers, Redskins, Webb
A Redskins contingent including leading exec Bruce Allen worked out and had dinner with Jabrill Peppers in Ann Arbor last weekend, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), meanwhile, hears that the Redskins have explored trading into the late first round. The versatile Michigan product could be a target for them there as they seek secondary help. Some teams, meanwhile, might be shying away from Peppers after his diluted sample at the combine.
Here’s the latest NFL Draft buzz:
- Rapoport (Twitter link) wouldn’t be surprised to see a team trade back into round one for Cal’s Davis Webb. One national scout said, “He has Dak [Prescott]-like intangibles.” Some executives seem to think that four quarterbacks could be taken in the first round and it’s possible that five QBs could go inside of the first 32 picks. Webb, by and large, is considered to one of the five best QBs in this class.
- The Bills taking a defensive player at No. 10 overall seems to be the consensus right now, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweets. Previously, we heard some buzz about Buffalo taking a quarterback with its top pick.
- One connection to watch very closely is Miami tight end David Njoku and old coach Al Golden who now serves as the Lions‘ tight ends coach, Rapoport tweets. Some projections have Njoku coming off the board in the teens, so he might be gone before Detroit gets a chance to take him.
Pauline’s Latest: Webb, Bolles, Robinson
Cal quarterback Davis Webb is expected to be selected at some point in the middle of Round 2 of the draft, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com. Webb has been mentioned as a possible first-round pick, and the dearth of quarterback options could certainly push him up the board. But Day 2 looks more likely, per Pauline, who adds the Jets, Saints, Chargers, and Cardinals have shown the most interest in Pauline thus far. Those final three teams, notably, currently employ veteran signal-callers, which would allow Webb at least one year of development.
Here’s more on the 2017 draft, all courtesy of Pauline:
- While Garett Bolles is reportedly considered the top offensive lineman by some clubs, the Utah product may ultimately slip into the second round, reports Pauline. That would certainly be surprising, especially given that the 2017 offensive tackle class is considered especially weak (meaning top options such as Bolles should come at a premium). The clubs most heavily linked to Bolles are the Broncos, Giants, Raiders, and Texans, says Pauline. Bolles’ age is the one key factor working against him, as he’ll already be 25 years old when the upcoming season begins.
- If the Ravens don’t trade down from No. 16, Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson is expected to in consideration, per Pauline. After losing right tackle Ricky Wagner during the free agent period, Baltimore could use another offensive lineman to help protect Joe Flacco. Given the presence of 2016 first-rounder Ronnie Stanley, Robinson would presumably play on the right side for the Ravens (though he could conceivably play guard, as well). Meanwhile, if Baltimore does trade down, the team would probably target UCLA edge rusher Takkarist McKinley, whom Pauline says is a favorite of general manager Ozzie Newsome.
- The Packers are gearing up to select Wisconsin pass rusher T.J. Watt in the first round, a team source tells Pauline. Zach Links sent Watt to Green Bay in at pick No. 29 in PFR’s live mock draft earlier today. Watt, who managed 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2016, is a local product, as he hails from Pewaukee, Wisconsin and spent three seasons with the Badgers. The Packers re-signed edge defender Nick Perry last month, but could still use another outside linebacker, especially if the move Clay Matthews Jr. back inside.
McShay’s Latest: Mahomes, Foster, Cook
Three quarterbacks are expected to be selected in the first round: Mitch Trubisky (North Carolina), Deshaun Watson (Clemson), and Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech), according to Todd McShay of ESPN.com (Insider subscription required). Cal’s Davis Webb is also reportedly a contender for a first-round slot, says McShay, though he could fall to the middle of Round 2. Watson, interestingly, has been more lauded by NFL clubs that aren’t in the market for a quarterback, per McShay, as those teams have praised Watson’s leadership ability and other intangibles. Trubisky and Mahomes, meanwhile, are seemingly more attractive to clubs that do need a signal-caller.
Let’s take a look at a few more highlight’s from McShay’s column, which is certainly worth a full read:
- Mahomes, specifically, has been consistently linked to the Chiefs and Cardinals, says McShay. Both clubs are on the hunt for long-term options under center, as Alex Smith has shown a limited ceiling while Carson Palmer is entering the final stages of his career. The Texans have also been mentioned as a destination for Mahomes, as Houston head coach Bill O’Brien reportedly “loves” the Red Raider quarterback. If Kansas City is hoping to land Mahomes, it may have to trade up, as McShay doesn’t believe Mahomes will be available when the Chiefs pick at No. 27.
- Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster and Florida State linebacker Dalvin Cook are both dealing with off-field concerns, but Cook could end up falling further down the board than Foster, reports McShay. At least one source tells McShay the Colts at pick No. 15 could be the eventual landing spot for Foster. Indianapolis is attempting a complete remake of its defense, so the club may be willing to overlook Foster’s issues in order to secure a top-notch ‘backer. If the Colts pass, the Redskins (pick No. 17) could also be interested in Foster, per McShay. Meanwhile, Cook will be “strongly considered” by the Buccaneers at No. 19.
- The Saints could consider Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett, Temple linebacker Haason Reddick, or Ohio State safety Malik Hooker with the 11th overall pick, according to McShay. New Orleans has fielded one of the league’s worst defensive units for several years, so any sort of upgrade on that side of the ball shouldn’t be ruled out. Hooker isn’t expected to come off the board in the top five picks, but should be drafted between No. 6 and No. 13, per McShay. Reddick, meanwhile, is expected to be a top-15 selection and could even sneak into the top 10.
- Houston pass rusher Tyus Bowser is expected to be a late first-round pick, sources tell McShay. Bowser, who managed 8.5 sacks last season, could conceivably appeal to a number of teams picking in the 20s or 30s. Speculatively, the Lions, Dolphins, Cowboys, Packers, Steelers, Falcons, and Saints could all use an edge defender late on Day 1.
NFL Draft Rumors: Mixon, Raiders, Eagles
Is Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon the most talented player in this year’s draft? One nameless personnel executive told Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel he believes that to be the case. The other execs surveyed, naturally, went in different directions. Texas A&M star Myles Garrett got 11 votes, LSU safety Jamal Adams got two, and there was one vote cast for Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster and Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. Unlike the others, Mixon doesn’t necessarily seem likely to go in the first round.
Here’s the latest NFL Draft buzz:
- If the Raiders do not have Marshawn Lynch locked up this week, they’ll likely explore a running back in the draft. CSNBayArea.com’s Scott Bair looked at the team’s Day 2 options, including Tennessee’s Alvin Kamara, but noted that the team would probably wait until even later to address the position. Wyoming’s Brian Hill, Pittsburgh’s James Conner, Brigham Young’s Jamaal Williams, and Clemson’s Wayne Gallman could all garner consideration deeper in the draft.
- Mixon remains on the Eagles‘ draft board with less than one week to go before the draft, two sources tell Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. Furthermore, the Eagles are “very interested” in drafting him, and that comes after extensive research into his off-the-field history. Mixon recently settled the civil suit brought against him by Amelia Molitor and apparently apologized to her in person, which might help his case with teams.
- Is Cal’s Davis Webb a better quarterback prospect that Jared Goff? At least one NFL talent evaluator thinks so. “Goff has maybe quicker feet and better release. Davis has a stronger arm. Goff would be more accurate. Davis would be a much better worker, much smarter, better leader, enjoy the process,” an AFC scout told Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “I think Davis puts the ball on the ground a little bit too much and he forces probably a little bit too much.” Overall, here’s how the surveyed scouts ranked the top QBs in this year’s class: 1. Mitch Trubisky, 2. Patrick Mahomes, 3. Deshaun Watson, t-4. DeShone Kizer t-4. Webb, 6. Nathan Peterman, 7. Joshua Dobbs, 8. Brad Kaaya, 9. C.J. Beathard, 10. Trevor Knight.
Cal QB Davis Webb Visiting Chiefs, Jets
Cal quarterback Davis Webb will take the last of his predraft visits this week, as he’ll meet with the Chiefs on Monday and the Jets on Tuesday, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
[RELATED: PFR’s 2017 Mock Draft]
Webb has bandied about as a potential first-round pick, but it’s extremely unlikely the Jets would use the No. 6 selection to tab Webb. New York certainly has issues at quarterback, but if Gang Green drafts a quarterback early, they’d almost surely go for one of Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, or Patrick Mahomes. Webb, then, could be an option in Round 2, or at the back end of Round 1 if the Jets trade back into the first round to ensure a fifth-year option.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have been linked to quarterback upgrades throughout the offseason, Chiefs management has been adamant that Alex Smith is the club’s quarterback for 2017. That doesn’t mean Kansas City won’t target a long-term successor in the draft, and Webb would be an option if he’s still on the board at No. 27.
Webb, 22, transferred to Cal from Texas Tech after losing out on the Red Raiders’ starting job to Mahomes. In his only season with the Bears, Webb completed 61.6% of his passes for 4,295 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.