Patrick Mahomes

PFR’s 2017 Live NFL Mock Draft

April 25th, 2017 at 9:47am CST by Dallas Robinson

The 2017 NFL Draft begins on Thursday night, and Pro Football Rumors is back with its second mock draft of the year. While our initial mock attempted to project what will happen in Round 1, we’ve taken a different approach for mock draft 2.0.

PFR editor Zach Links and I conducted this live mock draft on Tuesday morning, rotating picks and breaking down what we would do were we in charge of these selections. We posted each pick on Twitter, followed by a short explanation of our thought process on this page.

Here’s the complete mock:

1. Cleveland Browns (Zach) – Myles Garrett, LB, Texas A&M

I suspect this is the easiest pick either one of us will make all day. Garrett is the best pure talent in this year’s draft and the Browns would be foolish to go in any other direction at the top of the draft.

2. San Francisco 49ers (Dallas) – Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

Reports that the 49ers are considering a quarterback with the second overall selection stand out as a potential smokescreen, and instead San Francisco uses the No. 2 pick to bolster its defense. Hooker, who recently earned a full medical clearance following combine rechecks, has been commonly linked to the Chargers as a perfect fit for Los Angeles defensive coordinator Gus Bradley‘s scheme. But the 49ers are running the same defensive look as the Chargers under new DC Robert Saleh, and Hooker would give the team a centerfielder with the upside of an Earl Thomas. San Francisco’s plan to convert nickel cornerback Jimmie Ward to safety won’t stop it from adding Hooker, who is possibly the draft’s No. 2 overall prospect.

3. Chicago Bears (Zach) – Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford

Dallas’ bold pick left my Bears with a golden opportunity. The Bears could go safety or cornerback in this scenario, but the talent of Thomas is too good to pass up. Thomas can be used on both the inside and outside of the Bears’ defensive line and I see him as one of the safest talents on the board.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (Dallas) – Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

No, we didn’t forget the Jaguars used a top-five pick on Jalen Ramsey in 2016 and then handed a $67.5MM contract to A.J. Bouye in free agency last month. But one of Ramsey’s key selling points last year was his versatility: while he’s a shutdown corner at his best, Ramsey can man the slot, cover tight ends, and dabble at safety. As such, adding Conley doesn’t mean Jacksonville is facing cornerback overload, especially given that NFL clubs are in the nickel more than two-thirds of the time. Conley is viewed as a safer prospect than his Ohio State teammate Marshon Lattimore, and he’d give the Jaguars a Broncos-like secondary.

5. Tennessee Titans (Zach) – Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

The Titans, arguably, get the best cornerback available in the draft even though they are the second team to address the position. No, we don’t have a ton of film to go on for Lattimore, but his combine numbers indicate that he could be a megastar. Few teams in the NFL would have a young cornerback duo like the Titans if they can pair Logan Ryan with Lattimore.

6. Cleveland Browns (projected trade with Jets) (Dallas) – Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

In need of a franchise quarterback, the Browns send the No. 12 and No. 52 pick to the Jets in exchange for No. 6 with the intention of drafting Trubisky. It’s a slight overpay for Cleveland (at least, based on Chase Stuart of Football Perspective‘s draft value chart, which is likely what the Browns front offices uses), but it does the deal anyway to land a long-term option under center. Given that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is reportedly pressing the club to select a quarterback early — and the fact the Cleveland may still be considering Trubisky with the first overall selection — landing the UNC signal-caller at No. 5 for the cost of a mid-second-round pick is a move the Browns can’t pass up.

7. Los Angeles Chargers (Zach) – Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

In this scenario, it seems like Allen’s subpar workouts have led to a bit of a drop. His size (6’3″) is a bit of a concern, but he has the ability to be an effective defensive end while spending some time on the inside as well. Allen would look great lining up on the opposite end of Joey Bosa.

8. Carolina Panthers (Dallas) – Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Sitting at pick No. 8, the Panthers certainly have options. General manager Dave Gettleman & Co. could go after a running back like Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey, bring in a young edge rusher to play alongside veterans like Charles Johnson and Julius Peppers, or even reach for an offensive tackle given Michael Oher‘s health questions. With Ted Ginn Jr. and Corey Brown having defected via free agency, the Panthers need another wideout to pair with Kelvin Benjamin. Enter Davis, who topped 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (Zach) – Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Foster’s stock, by all accounts, is slipping after he turned in a diluted urine sample and got into an argument with a hospital worker at the combine. However, with other teams in the market for an inside linebacker (like the Jets at No. 12, for example), it would be somewhat risky to trade down into the teens and expect Foster to still be there. The Bengals have been willing to overlook character concerns in the past, so I see no reason why they can’t do the same here and land the Alabama star.

10. Buffalo Bills (Dallas) – Jamal Adams, S, LSU

While the Bills gave Jordan Poyer a four-year deal with $6MM in guarantees earlier this offseason, I’m still not convinced Buffalo views him as a definite starter. Those questions come to the forefront with Adams still on the board, and the Bills don’t hesitate to take the LSU defensive back. With ex-Packer Micah Hyde also in the fold, Buffalo can field one of the more diverse and flexible safety tandems in the league. Adams is viewed as a leader in the locker room, and has been favorably compared to former Cowboys All Pro Darren Woodson by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

11. New Orleans Saints (Zach) – Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Leonard Fournette would have been a logical choice here, but the Saints have now landed Adrian Peterson. Instead, the Saints get one of the draft’s best pass rushers. With 33 sacks over the last three years, Barnett will provide an immediate boost to the Saints’ lackluster D.

12. New York Jets (projected trade with Cleveland) (Dallas) – O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Former Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey got next to nothing of his tight end group in 2016, as Charone Peake led Gang Green with 19 receptions for 186 yards. New play-caller John Morton comes from the Saints, the club that unearthed production from Jimmy Graham and Ben Watson, so it stands that the New York front office will give Morton a fresh face in Howard. Universally regarded as the draft’s No. 1 tight end, Howard is a threat in the passing game as well as a willing blocker in the run game.

13. Arizona Cardinals (Zach) – Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Popular thought has the Cardinals taking a quarterback here, but I instead have them targeting a cornerback to pair with Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals have the rest of the draft to explore a potential Carson Palmer successor/stand-in, and I’m higher on Humphrey than most.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (Dallas) – Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Having already added two starting wide receivers in free agency, the Eagles continue to make Carson Wentz‘s life a bit easier by giving him an all-purpose weapon in McCaffrey. While Leonard Fournette gets more run as a generational talent, I think McCaffrey is actually the best back in the 2017 class. His pass-catching skills are on par with a full-time wideout, and his ability as a runner is underrated. McCaffrey would team with Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles in a dynamic Philadelphia backfield.

15. Indianapolis Colts (Zach) – Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

The Colts’ revamped linebacker group looks even brighter with the addition of Reddick. This board climber can be used at both ILB and OLB.

16. Baltimore Ravens (Dallas) – Cam Robinson, T, Alabama

Robinson is now expected to be the first offensive lineman off the board on Thursday night, and the Ravens can use front five help after losing right tackle Ricky Wagner to the Lions last month. By slotting in Robinson, Baltimore will be able to keep Alex Lewis at guard, where he’s better suited. While Robinson has the qualities to play left tackle, that won’t be a consideration with the Ravens, who just drafted Ronnie Stanley sixth overall in 2016. Robinson, who is only 21 years old, gives Baltimore options, as he could certainly be a fallback player at guard if he can’t cut it at tackle.

17. Washington Redskins (Zach) – Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Fournette fell right into the laps of the Redskins! The Eagles went with McCaffrey because he is the best scheme fit, but I feel that the rival Redskins are getting the superior talent three spots later.

18. Tennessee Titans (Dallas) – Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

After landing Marshon Lattimore with the No. 5 pick, the Titans address their other glaring need by selecting Williams. At present, Tennessee’s wide receiver group is lead by Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and Harry Douglas, so the club definitely needs to give quarterback Marcus Mariota more talent at pass-catcher. Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com compares Williams — who managed 1,361 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016 — to former Cardinal/Patriot Michael Floyd, but Titans fans clearly hope Williams will provide more value than did Floyd. Washington’s John Ross was also a possibility here, but he may fall to the second round due to ongoing injury concerns.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Zach) – Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

The Buccaneers just couldn’t resist going with the homegrown talent. Cook can contribute right off the bat and provide the kind of production that was expected of Doug Martin. Let’s just hope the Bucs’ running back jinx of 2016 doesn’t extend into 2017.

20. Denver Broncos (Dallas) – Garett Bolles, T, Utah

The Bolles-to-Denver connection is perhaps the strongest link in the first round of this year’s draft. Bolles will be 25 years old when the 2017 campaign gets underway, which is a concern, but the Broncos can afford to possibly eschew long-term value in favor of immediate need. If the season began today, either Menelik Watson or Donald Stephenson would be Denver’s starting left tackle. Unless Broncos management has a death wish for Trevor Siemian/Paxton Lynch, they can’t allow that to happen. Bolles would instantly upgrade the left side of Denver’s line, solidifying a massive need area for the Broncos.

21. Detroit Lions (Zach) – Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA

The buzz around McKinley seems to have quieted a bit in recent week, but I feel great about this pick for Detroit. He needs some polishing, but the potential is there for McKinley to be a Pro Bowl talent. The Lions needed defensive help and the get it in a major way with McKinley.

22. Miami Dolphins (Dallas) – Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky

While the Dolphins have also been tied to defensive ends during the predraft process, Miami could still use help at guard, where projected starters Ted Larsen and Jermon Bushrod will each be over 30 years old when the season starts. Recent reports have indicated the Dolphins “love” Lamp (I know, I know) and are “locked in” on the Western Kentucky guard. Lamp played tackle at the collegiate level, and Mike Renner and Sam Monson have been making the case on the Pro Football Focus podcast that Lamp should stay at tackle in the NFL. If Lamp lands in South Beach, however, that probably won’t be a consideration, as the Dolphins already employ Laremy Tunsil and Ja’Wuan James.

23. Kansas City Chiefs (projected trade with Giants) (Zach) – Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

Here’s the inside scoop: my Giants are eyeing three players in particular and at least one of them will be available at No. 27. So, why not use this opportunity to gain some draft capital? The Chiefs, meanwhile, seized an opportunity to leapfrog the Texans and secure their desired QB. The Chiefs sent the No. 27 and No. 91 overall picks to the Giants to get back the No. 23 and No. 167 selections.

24. Oakland Raiders (Dallas) – Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

Having released Dan Williams, the Raiders’ interior defensive line is now headlined by Justin Ellis, Jihad Ward, Darius Latham, and Denico Autry, all of whom graded as bottom-half defensive tackles in 2016, per Pro Football Focus (Ward ranked dead last). If former second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr. can return from injury, he makes a fine sub package interior rusher, but Oakland still needs a big body in the middle. Enter McDowell, who stands 6’6″, 295 pounds. He’s faced effort questions throghout his collegiate career, but he’s clearly a first-round talent if his head is on straight. The Raiders can take the risk with the hope their coaching staff gets the best out of McDowell.

25. Houston Texans (Zach) – Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Watson, in my opinion, has the greatest upside of any quarterback in this year’s draft. This is a solid pick for Houston at No. 25.

26. Seattle Seahawks (Dallas) – Ryan Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin

Seattle invested $7MM guaranteed in former No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel with the intention of playing him at left tackle, but I have a hard time believing Joeckel will stick in the starting lineup all season given his history of poor play. Ramczyk is too good a value to pass up at No. 26, and he can play guard or right tackle (depending on how the Seahawks deploy 2016 first-rounder Germain Ifedi) until Joeckel proves he shouldn’t be starting any more. Cornerback is also a consideration here, but Pete Carroll can find developmental defensive backs later in the draft.

27. New York Giants (projected trade with Chiefs) (Zach) – Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

As the Giants GM, I will neither confirm nor deny that we traded down with an eye on getting Ryan Ramczyk here (OK, you got me – we wanted him). Fortunately, Davis was also on our short list and still available. Linebacker is an area of need for the Giants and Davis could have a bright future. Let’s just hope that the Giants can unearth an offensive line gem or two in the later rounds.

28. Dallas Cowboys (Dallas) – Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

Harris is shooting up draft boards, and Josh Norris of Rotoworld now has the Missouri product ranked 15th overall on his latest big board. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have “made no secret” of their interest in Harris, as Charean Williams of the of Star-Telegram recently reported. With former second-round pick Randy Gregory on a yearlong suspension (and never having produced at the NFL level anyway), Dallas needs another edge presence to pair with Demarcus Lawrence. Harris posted 16 sacks over the past two seasons for the Tigers.

29. Green Bay Packers (Zach) – T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin

Reach? Maybe. Fan pleaser? Definitely. But Watt would be a great fit for a team in need of reinforcements at outside linebacker.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers (Dallas) – David Njoku, TE, Miami

The Steelers inked Ladarius Green to a four-year contract prior to the 2016 season, but he played in six games during his inaugural Pittsburgh campaign due to lingering concussion issues. General manager Kevin Colbert says Green will be ready for the upcoming season, but there’s no guarantee Green will fully recover from his head injuries. Pittsburgh needs insurance at the tight end position, and Njoku — an athletic freak with competent blocking skills — gives them that. An offense armed with Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Njoku, and (hopefully) Martavis Bryant would be among the best in the league.

31. Atlanta Falcons (Zach) – Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

The versatile Jabrill Peppers was a consideration here, but his diluted drug test could allow Atlanta to get him later in the draft. Instead, I tuned to defensive end. Takkarist McKinley, T.J. Watt, and Derek Barnett are all off the board, but Charlton isn’t a bad consolation prize late in the first round.

32. New Orleans Saints (Dallas) – DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame

While I seriously considered giving the Saints LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White, I’ll stick with the pick I made in PFR’s first mock draft: Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. Drew Brees is now 38 years old and entering the final year of his contract, and the Saints haven’t shown any urgency in signing him to an extension. Head coach Sean Payton said in February that his club is always in the “quarterback business,” and it’s now time to find Brees’ successor. Kizer, who tossed 26 touchdowns against nine interceptions in 2016, can be the next man up. Personally, he’s my favorite quarterback in the 2017 class.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images and Pro Football Rumors on Instagram.

Latest On Browns’ Mitch Trubisky Interest

April 21st, 2017 at 9:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

Earlier today, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported the Browns were still mired in a Myles Garrett-vs.-Mitch Trubisky debate despite the former being the consensus top talent in the draft. More came out of Cleveland on Friday night to support the Browns are legitimately considering the North Carolina product.

The team is both pondering a trade-up for the former Cleveland-area high school quarterback and selecting him at No. 1 overall, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. Cabot adds that the pro-Garrett vibes coming out of Sashi Brown‘s Wednesday press conference do not mean the team is going to take the defensive end, noting the Browns are “strongly considering” bypassing the Texas A&M sack artist and selecting Trubisky.

Cleveland’s line of thinking here is believed to be that the pro-Trubisky contingent within the Browns’ decision-making structure is uncertain he will be there at No. 12 and isn’t sure the team will be able to swing a trade back into the top 10 to select him. Sources informed Cabot the team is ready to select its quarterback of the future.

During the second-year GM’s pre-draft presser, Brown said the Browns have “just about finalized” their decision at No. 1. While that was believed to be interpreted as a sign the team was ready to take the best player available, sources told Cabot that Brown may have meant Trubisky is the emerging consensus choice.

Cabot also hears the 49ers are a threat to take Trubisky at No. 2 overall, and that the North Carolina-honed signal-caller won’t last past the Jets at No. 6. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported earlier this month some Jets officials are high on Trubisky, and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report noted the team could serve as a trade partner for the Browns if they wanted to get back into the top 10.

If the Jets are entertaining the thought of using another high pick on a passer, the Titans hold the No. 5 pick. Tennessee had to surrender a 2016 third-rounder and 2017 second-round choice to Cleveland in order to move from No. 15 to 8 to select Jack Conklin. The price could be similar for the Browns, who have been more known for stockpiling draft picks than trading up for talent since the Brown- and Paul DePodesta-led front office took over.

The Browns have turned down offers for the No. 1 pick, Cabot reports, but after the team traded out of No. 2 last year and passed on Carson Wentz, it’s now poised to make that quarterback pick this year. Cabot adds that the Browns missing out on Trubisky would result in them moving on to Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes — presumably with their No. 12 pick. Of course, a GM told NFL.com’s Charlie Casserly he believes two quarterbacks would go in the top nine selections. In that scenario, the Browns would have to trade back into the top 10 if they wanted to draft the second-best quarterback on their board.

This would wrap up another complex Browns pre-draft process. Reports about the Browns’ astronomical grade on Garrett and team brass being awed by his Combine showing eventually leading to a Trubisky pick would be quite interesting. As would the possibility that owner Jimmy Haslam, who was possibly connected to having made the decision to trade up for Johnny Manziel in 2014, being involved in the decision-making process, as La Canfora suggests he could be.

Draft Notes: QBs, Foster, Ross, Cook, Mixon

April 21st, 2017 at 8:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the 2017 rookie quarterback pool has been heavily scrutinized this offseason, teams are warming up to select signal-callers as the draft nears. While this shouldn’t be unexpected, given the position’s scarcity at the sport’s highest level, Charlie Casserly of NFL.com and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) hear two QBs could well be taken in the top 10. A GM told Casserly he expects two quarterbacks to be taken in the top nine picks, meaning the Bills — who have been linked to passers at 10 — could have to look elsewhere if they don’t trade up. Miller points to Mitch Trubisky and Patrick Mahomes as the players most likely to be those top-nine choices, while a 22-team survey from Casserly produced Trubisky or Deshaun Watson as the quarterbacks teams identify as this draft’s best.

Here’s more from this draft pool, with the three-day event less than six days away.

Reuben Foster has been linked as high as No. 2 overall to the 49ers, but since, the former Alabama linebacker has run into off-field trouble on multiple fronts. And Miller hears a Myles Jack-like fall could be in store for the talented ‘backer. Viewed as a top-five talent in 2016, Jack plummeted to the Jaguars at No. 36 last year because of a severe injury he suffered while at UCLA. Foster falling out of the first round based strictly on character issues would stand as a surprise. A failed drug test and his forced exit from the Combine indeed raise red flags, but Foster has been viewed as the top off-the-ball linebacker in this draft throughout the process. It would take a lot of linebacker-needy teams to pass on him for this freefall to commence. PFR’s Zach Links asked whether Foster was going to fall out of the top 10 earlier today; slinking out of the top 32 would be something else entirely.
Regarding other possible falling stocks, Miller hears John Ross and Dalvin Cook may fall out of the first round as well. The Florida State back has not seen much momentum since the Combine, with a low SPARQ score accompanying a past that includes some troublesome signs. Ross underwent surgery after the Combine to repair a torn labrum but did set the event’s modern record with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash time. This isn’t the first time Miller’s warned about concerns around Ross potentially causing a slippage for the Washington-developed speedster.
Ross’ agent, Brad Cicala, attempted to address concerns that there’s more to Ross’ medical history. Ross underwent two surgeries to correct knee problems in early 2015, per Cicala, but did not undergo two ACL procedures. “Despite recent reports, John Ross III has never sustained 2 ACL injury’s (sic) nor has he had 2 ACL surgeries,” Cicala wrote (via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Facebook link) “In January of 2015 he endured surgery on his right lateral meniscus and in April of 2015 he had surgery on his left ACL.” Cicala adds that Ross has been deemed “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from the labrum surgery, with the wideout expected to be ready by training camp.
Miller is hearing Mixon’s name connected to the second round. One team to meet with the runner has a need at running back but is connected to a higher-profile name. The Raiders met with the Oklahoma product who grew up in the Bay Area, and Reggie McKenzie was satisfied with the embattled running back’s answers. “We thought he was a really good kid,” McKenzie said Friday, via Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “He came off really well. He explained each and every thing. The questions that we had, he had an explanation. He was upfront about everything.” Mark Davis is associated with having a “zero tolerance” policy on domestic violence, and the Raiders are currently negotiating with Marshawn Lynch. So, this would be an interesting fit, to say the least.
Former USC wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster said the Rams and Cowboys have shown the most interest in him, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The Los Angeles-based wideout said he would like to play for the Chargers last month.

Draft Rumors: Mahomes, Texans, Cards, Fins

April 19th, 2017 at 5:07pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Texans believe their visit with Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday and Monday went “extremely well,” sources told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Mahomes agrees, telling Chase Goodbread of NFL.com: “I feel like a lot of coaches like me, but especially coach O’Brien. I think my personality and how real I am, those are things beyond what I can do on the field that he likes. It seemed like the way I was answering questions, I think he knew that I knew what was going on. You can tell when coaches have a confidence in you.” O’Brien reportedly “absolutely loves” Mahomes, though there has been skepticism about the idea of the Texans using their first-round pick (No. 25) on the local gunslinger. If they do pass on a QB there, drafting a signal-caller later would seem likely. That could be Miami’s Brad Kaaya, whom the Texans met with Wednesday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Kaaya is a mid-round-caliber prospect.

More draft-related news and rumblings:

Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer worked out for the Cardinals on Wednesday, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN (Twitter link). Arizona was already familiar with Kizer before Wednesday, having met with him April 10. The Cardinals own the 13th pick, with which they could take Kizer, though questions about his attitude and maturity might force him out of the first round. With veteran starter Carson Palmer set to take each Wednesday off during the upcoming season, Kizer or any other QB the Cardinals select will be in position to helm the first-team offense once a week in practice.
With the Kizer workout in the rearview, the Cardinals will turn their attention to a meeting with Temple linebacker Haason Reddick, tweets Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910. Like Kizer, Reddick is a prospective first-rounder. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com regards Reddick as the 20th-best player in this year’s class, noting he’s “a three-down linebacker with the versatility to play inside or outside depending on the scheme or game plan.”
The Dolphins “love” both Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett and Western Kentucky guard Forrest Lamp, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Either could be possibilities for the Dolphins at No. 22 overall, though Salguero urges Miami to take Barnett if he’s still on the board, arguing that defensive end is a much more pressing need for the club than guard.
The Jaguars hosted Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson for a two-day visit earlier this month, and the team took another look at him Wednesday in the form of a workout, relays Rapoport (on Twitter). While Robinson will probably go in the first round, this is not a strong tackle class; thus, it seems unlikely the Jags would spend the fourth overall choice on him.

Draft Rumors: Mahomes, Texans, Humphrey

April 19th, 2017 at 9:24am CST by Connor J. Byrne

Texans head coach Bill O’Brien “absolutely loves” Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes, according to one report, but Houston’s interest could be a smokescreen, writes Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com. Pauline spoke to sources close to the organization who pointed out that the Texans are in win-now mode, meaning they’re more likely to use their first-round pick (No. 25) on a player who can make an immediate impact than select a project like Mahomes. There’s also a sense that current starting signal-caller Tom Savage‘s familiarity with O’Brien’s system will enable him to successfully transition from a backup to a No. 1. As such, there’s a stronger probability of the Texans taking an offensive tackle or a cornerback than a QB with their initial pick, per the sources.

More draft-related news and rumblings:

“Several” clubs have concerns regarding Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey, notes Pauline. Specifically, they fear that Humphrey is too much of a straight-line defender and someone who’s only capable of playing in limited schemes. Those teams liken him to ex-Crimson Tide corner Dee Milliner, who, despite going ninth overall to the Jets in 2013, is no longer in the NFL.
Kansas State edge defender Jordan Willis was among the Ravens’ pre-draft visitors Tuesday, and Houston’s Tyus Bowser will meet with the team Wednesday, relays Albert Breer of The MMQB (Twitter links). Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com ranks Willis as the 49th-best prospect in the 2017 class – right in the vicinity of the Ravens’ second-rounder (No. 47) – and rates Bowser an even better 36th.
Missouri defensive end Charles Harris‘ stock has risen so much that he could come off the board before Tennessee DE Derek Barnett, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Jeremiah places Harris 21st in his rankings and Barnett 13th, and PFR’s Dallas Robinson currently has the former going 26th overall and the latter ninth. Harris recently worked out for the Falcons, as he tells Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.
Indiana offensive lineman Dan Feeney could be a late first-rounder or an early second-rounder, according to Pauline, who reports he has visited the Vikings, Bears and Colts. Feeney also has meetings with the 49ers and Rams on tap. The Dolphins have also worked out Feeney, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, who adds Miami has also spent “considerable time” with Western Kentucky guard Forrest Lamp.

Cardinals, Texans, Bears Interested In Patrick Mahomes

April 17th, 2017 at 10:18am CST by Dallas Robinson

Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes is one of the more divisive prospects in the 2017 draft. While he received a second-round grade from the NFL’s College Advisory Committee, reports have indicated Mahomes could possibly be a top-three selection. Mahomes seems unlikely to slip out of the first round next week, and several teams have emerged as potential suitors.

The Cardinals are in search of Carson Palmer‘s long-term successor, and they “like” Mahomes, according to Peter King of TheMMQB.com, who adds Arizona may indeed “love” the Red Raider signal-caller. That jibes with reporting from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, and Mahomes would seemingly be a good fit in head coach Bruce Arians‘ vertical offense. The Cardinals, who own the 13th pick in the first round, attended a Mahomes workout in March.

The Texans, too, are in need of a quarterback, and head coach Bill O’Brien “absolutely loves” Mahomes, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported last week Mahomes is unlikely to fall past Houston at pick No. 25, and the Texans are meeting with Mahomes today. Following the trade of Brock Osweiler, Houston only has two quarterbacks — Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden — on its roster.

Finally, Mahomes was scheduled to meet with the Bears last weekend, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Chicago inked Mike Glennon to a three-year deal last month, but that may not eliminate the club from selecting another passer with the third overall pick, according to Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com.

AFC South Notes: Mahomes, Titans, Jack

April 16th, 2017 at 7:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

Earlier today, Deshaun Watson‘s Texans visit schedule became known. He will have some company, it appears. Patrick Mahomes is also meeting with Texans brass, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports. Mahomes is already in Houston and will be visiting with the Texans tonight and on Monday, John McClain of the Chronicle adds (via Twitter).

The Texas Tech product is one of the fastest-rising commodities in this draft. He’s had 18 visits and private workouts thus far, but this one is among the more interesting for the high-volume college passer because of the Texans’ status as a two-time reigning division champion and void at quarterback.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports noted earlier this month Mahomes was unlikely to slip past the Texans at No. 25, and the team is now doing some work on him. Houston would have a better shot at drafting the strong-armed former Big 12 signal-caller at No. 25 than Watson, but the former looks to have gained extensive ground and could be a priority for a team holding a higher pick — or one that trades up in front of the Texans — at this point.

Here’s more from the AFC South.

Corey Davis made a trip to Nashville, Tenn., today to visit with the Titans, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Davis will meet with the Titans tonight and Monday before flying to Baltimore for a Monday-Tuesday Ravens summit, per Rapoport. The Titans recently met with fellow first-round wideout prospects John Ross and Mike Williams. The franchise holds two first-round picks (Nos. 5 and 18) and is believed to be targeting wideout help. Their aggressive Brandin Cooks pursuit made this rather apparent.
The Jaguars will have some movement at linebacker, it appears. Last year’s second-round pick, Myles Jack has already learned middle and strong-side linebacker and is set to supplant Paul Posluszny in the middle, relocating the career-long middle ‘backer to the strong side. But the Jags view Jack as a natural fit on the weak side long-term, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Telvin Smith currently occupies that position and is expected to start there again in 2017. However, Smith is slated to be a 2018 UFA, and another Jack move would stand to impact Jacksonville’s decision on Smith. O’Halloran adds that Smith extension talks could pick up after the draft, but the fourth-year linebacker’s spot could be tenuous if Jack is viewed as the future at that position.
The Jags could also be exploring the idea of moving A.J. Cann to left guard, per O’Halloran. A third-year player, Cann’s been the Jags’ right guard starter the past two seasons. Recently re-signed Patrick Omameh and former Cardinal Earl Watford are the team’s other top guards presently. Jacksonville made a push for Kevin Zeitler but saw him sign with the Browns.
After picking up his fifth-year option, the Texans are expected to pursue an extension for Jadeveon Clowney. But they are waiting to see if he can deliver a repeat showing of last year’s Pro Bowl campaign.

Miller’s Latest: Trubisky, Mahomes

April 14th, 2017 at 1:05pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

We took a look at some fresh draft rumors earlier Friday. Here are several more, courtesy of Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller:

While Browns head coach Hue Jackson wants the team to select Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett first overall, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, that doesn’t mean he’s against taking North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Jackson “likes Trubisky a lot,” writes Miller, who notes there’s a chance the signal-caller will still be on the board when the Browns make their second first-round selection at No. 12 (assuming Garrett’s their initial pick, of course).
The Jets have met with Trubisky on multiple occasions, but Miller’s not quite buying their interest. They “would love” if someone traded ahead of them at No. 6 and chose Trubisky, Miller contends.
Both the Cardinals and Chiefs “really like” Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes, two sources have told Miller. The Cardinals are reportedly interested in trading up from No. 13 for Trubisky, but they could perhaps stay where they are and grab Mahomes. As for the Chiefs, who own the 27th pick, Mahomes visited them last month.
The Titans are likely to draft Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore if he’s still available at No. 5, according to Miller; in the event he’s gone by then, Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams will garner consideration. The club met with Lattimore earlier this month, and it subsequently created a need at corner when it released Jason McCourty on Thursday. Tennessee hosted Williams on Tuesday, and has done its homework on the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder.
Lattimore may well end up with the Bears at No. 3 overall. Whether it’s him or someone else, one executive is “99 percent sure” the Bears will wind up with a defensive back in Round 1.
The Saints “would love” to select Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster at No. 11, per Miller. Otherwise, New Orleans is a possible destination for one of Foster’s college teammates, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, as are the Titans and Ravens.
Ohio State running back/wide receiver/return man Curtis Samuel might come off the board before Florida State RB Dalvin Cook, a scout told Miller. Samuel’s ability to impact games in all of those areas is improving his stock, with teams mindful of the damage Kansas City’s jack-of-all-trades weapon, Tyreek Hill, did last season.
Like Samuel, Michigan defensive lineman Chris Wormley is a candidate to go earlier than expected. Miller pegs Wormley as a Day 1 starter in a 3-4 defense, adding that he’s unlikely to last beyond the top 50 picks.

Draft Rumors: Jets, Mahomes, Foster

April 12th, 2017 at 2:05pm CST by Zachary Links

It’s not a guarantee that the Jets will select a quarterback at No. 6 overall, but they’re certainly doing their homework in that area. Today, the Jets are meeting yet again with Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes II, a source tells ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).

Earlier this month, Mahomes did a private workout with Gang Green and he apparently did well enough to warrant further consideration. After the college season, Mahomes looked to be a second or third-round type of player. Now, all signs are pointing towards him going in the first round. It’s even possible that he could be the second QB off the board.

Here’s more NFL Draft news:

The Saints are still evaluating linebackers and expected to have Reuben Foster in for a pre-draft visit on Wednesday, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Foster has already met with a number of clubs and has a busy schedule still ahead of him between now and the draft. He won’t be on the board for long and Dallas Robinson’s mock draft 1.0 has him going inside of the top ten.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback coach Rich Scangarello flew to Chapel Hill, North Carolina last Thursday to work out Mitch Trubisky, a league source tells Schefter (on Twitter). If the latest rumors are to be believed, Trubisky might not be available when SF picks at No. 2.
Cal quarterback Davis Webb is visiting the Seahawks today, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Many believe he’s a first-round QB, Rapoport adds.
The Jaguars are still doing their quarterback homework and they have scheduled a private workout next week with Pitt QB Nathan Peterman, a source tells Rapoport (on Twitter).
The Raiders have scheduled cornerback Kevin King for a visit today (Wednesday). King is an Oakland-area native.

Latest On 2017 QB Draft Market

April 11th, 2017 at 5:49pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Mitch Trubisky is likely to become the first quarterback off the board in the draft later this month, but ordering the rest of the class is exceedingly difficult, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Scouts consider the second-tier of signal-callers to be comprised of Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes, but it’s unclear which prospect will be selected first among that pair. Davis Webb, meanwhile, is picking up more steam as a potential first-round pick, while “attitude and maturity” questions could force DeShone Kizer out of the first round.

The Chargers are putting in “ample work” on this year’s quarterback class, and are perhaps more likely to select a passer at No. 7 than many observers believe, per La Canfora. Both head coach Anthony Lynn and owner Dean Spanos have intimated their openness to drafting a quarterback in 2017, and Los Angeles is reportedly “serious” about finding a long-term successor to Philip Rivers. So far, the Chargers have been linked to Kizer, Webb, and Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs.

Like Los Angeles, the Saints and Cardinals may also try to secure replacements for Drew Brees and Carson Palmer, respectively. New Orleans will select a quarterback on Day 1 “in all likelihood,” writes La Canfora, and could use either pick No. 11 or No. 32 to draft a passer. For what it’s worth, I sent Kizer to the Saints at the end of the first round in PFR’s first 2017 mock draft.

Arizona, meanwhile, is attempting to “gauge internally” the price of trading up from No. 13 in order to draft a quarterback, reports La Canfora. Cardinals brass met with Trubisky on Monday, as team owner Michael Bidwill, general manager Steve Keim, and head coach Bruce Arians dined with the UNC signal-caller in Phoenix, tweets Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910. Arians voiced concerns about Trubisky last month: “The growth potential is obviously there,” said Arians. “The question is why wasn’t all that talent starting for the last three years? That’s always bugging me.”

Finally, the Texans “are drafting a quarterback high,” declares La Canfora, and Mahomes is unlikely to fall past Houston at No. 25. Clearly, the Texans are in need of talent under center, as the only quarterbacks currently on the roster are Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden. Veteran passers such as Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick aren’t expected to interest the Texans, so a draft pick will probably be added to the squad.

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