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Draft Rumors: 49ers, Corley, Commanders, Bears, Alt, Giants, Eagles, Seahawks, Steelers, Vikings, Lions

April 18th, 2024 at 1:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

No Brandon Aiyuk trade request has emerged yet, separating this situation from the Deebo Samuel saga from 2022. Samuel receiving an extension later that year complicates matters for Aiyuk, who has needed to wait longer to enter extension territory due to being a former first-round pick. As this remains a storyline to monitor ahead of the draft, the 49ers scheduled a notable visit. Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley stopped through team headquarters, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, just before the deadline for “30” visits this week.

Playing a role in the Hilltoppers’ Bailey Zappe-led aerial fireworks in 2021, Corley enjoyed a more prominent position in the mid-major team’s passing attack over the past two years — each 11-touchdown campaigns. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein threw out Samuel as a comp for Corley, who is projected to be a second-round pick. Though, he will be unlikely to be available by the time San Francisco’s No. 63 slot arrives. With big-ticket expenses at three other skill-position spots (and Brock Purdy eligible for a re-up in 2025), the 49ers have a major decision to make with Aiyuk soon.

Here is the latest from the draft ranks:

  • The Giants‘ quarterback-or-wide receiver decision at No. 6 figures to be one of this draft’s most important, but the team did bring in some first-round prospects who do not play those positions. Tackle Joe Alt and edge rusher Dallas Turner visited the team recently, per the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz. Highly unlikely to draft Turner due to the Brian Burns trade and Kayvon Thibodeaux‘s status, the Giants could conceivably consider Alt. The All-American Notre Dame left tackle would need to be moved to the right side, however, and Schwartz reaffirms a recent report that indicates the team has not given up on keeping 2022 No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal at tackle.
  • Now that Cooper DeJean went through a workout following a broken fibula suffered in November, a few teams brought him in for visits. The Iowa cornerback met with the Bills previously, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes the Seahawks, Steelers and Eagles hosted the talented cover man on “30” visits before Wednesday’s deadline. Our Ely Allen recently examined the first-round-caliber CB’s prospect stock.
  • Staying at corner, both the Vikings and Lions brought in the well-traveled Terrion Arnold for pre-draft visits, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. The Alabama corner, who slots as the top player at the position (No. 9 overall) on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, also met with the Cardinals, Titans, Falcons and Jaguars during the draft run-up. The Lions, whose CB situation changed after the Cameron Sutton arrest/release, also brought in Arnold teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry recently.
  • Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, he of a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, made two more visits before visit season ended. The Bears and Commanders brought in the intriguing DE prospect, Rapoport adds. In need of D-end help after trading Montez Sweat to the Bears, the Commanders hold the No. 40 pick as a result of that trade. Washington carries Nos. 36 and 40, while Chicago does not have a second-round pick this year. Linked to a potential WR-or-Brock Bowers call at No. 9, the Bears may not be in the value range for Robinson, whom Jeremiah slots as this draft’s No. 21 overall talent.
  • The Seahawks met with Bo Nix and have a clear connection to Michael Penix Jr., with new OC Ryan Grubb having coached the latter at Washington. With Geno Smith on a flexible contract that runs through 2025, Seattle brought in South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler for a pre-deadline visit, per Schultz. Slotted as the No. 7 QB on Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com big board, Rattler met with the Giants this week as well. The former Oklahoma recruit earned Senior Bowl MVP honors in January.

Seahawks Eyeing Additional Draft Picks?

April 18th, 2024 at 8:50am CST by Adam La Rose

The Seahawks added Leonard Williams at the 2023 trade deadline, and he has since been retained on a three-year deal. While that move has given Seattle an experienced producer along the defensive interior, it has left the team without a second-round selection in next week’s draft.

As things currently stand, the Seahawks are set to select 16th overall and then not again until the No. 81 slot. In total, Seattle owns seven picks but five of them fall outside the top 100. For that reason, they could represent a trade-down candidate on Day 1 with an eye on adding more draft capital for the second and/or third rounds.

An NFL executive informed the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora that Seattle is indeed interested in generating extra capital for the 2024 draft. While that objective could be met with a trade involving an established player – an NFL general manager surmised wideout D.K. Metcalf could be dealt – a trade down the order would allow the Seahawks to recoup at least some of the value lost in the Williams trade. GM John Schneider has a well-established reputation for trading down in the first round, having done so on five occasions.

Seattle, like all teams, has been busy over recent days by hosting prospects on local and ‘top 30’ visits. That process has included evaluations of edge rushers Jared Verse and Chop Robinson. Perhaps the most frequently linked prospect in the Seahawks’ case, though, is defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. The Texas product’s floor is seen as Seattle’s current selection in the middle of the first round.

The Seahawks have not only Williams but also Dre’Mont Jones in the fold on lucrative pacts along the defensive interior. That could steer the team in another direction if still on the clock at No. 16, although Murphy and a number of other prospects could help a defense which ranked 31st against the run and 30th in yards allowed per game in 2023. Especially without a second-round pick in hand, though, Schneider could be in position to once again authorize a move down the order; such a move may not come as a surprise around the league if it were to be made.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/17/24

April 17th, 2024 at 8:23pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are some minor moves from around the NFL today:

Cleveland Browns

Miami Dolphins

Seattle Seahawks

  • Placed on reserve/retired list: P Jon Ryan

Murray has been a journeyman lineman since going undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2016. While his most productive season came over three years with the Cardinals during which he started 20 games in 30 appearances, Murray has spent time in Denver, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Oakland, Buffalo, Las Vegas, and Tennessee. Most recently, he signed to the Browns’ practice squad midseason last year before signing a reserve/futures contract in January. Instead of competing for a roster spot, Murray will join wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey in retirement.

Brown, a former sixth round pick out of Penn State, has spent his rookie contract as a core special teamer for the Giants. He’ll attempt to earn a bigger role in Miami in 2024.

After a 12-year NFL career, including 10 straight seasons with the Seahawks, Ryan found himself off of a roster following his 36-year-old season in 2017. Determined to continue playing, Ryan has continued punting, and excelling, in the Canadian Football League over the past few years. Now 42 years old, Ryan seems to have finally resigned to end his football career. He’ll retire a Seahawk.

Seahawks Meet With RB Rashaad Penny

April 17th, 2024 at 5:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

A new coaching staff is running the show in Seattle, but GM John Schneider remains in place. The longtime GM, who now holds top decision-making authority, will have his new staff take a look at one of his former first-round picks.

Rashaad Penny made a trip back to Seattle for a visit Wednesday, according to Cardinals Wire’s Howard Balzer. Penny spent last season with the Eagles but was with the Seahawks for the first five years of his career. The 2018 first-rounder now profiles as a depth option.

A nonfactor in Philadelphia, Penny enjoyed spurts of success — most notably the 2021 stretch run — in Seattle. But injuries have plagued the San Diego State alum for most of his career. Turning 28 earlier this year, Penny figures to be running short on chances. The Seahawks obviously know him well, though Mike Macdonald‘s coaching crew is certainly less familiar.

The Seahawks rostered Penny and Chris Carson for four years, but the latter’s career-ending injury sustained early during the 2021 season left the younger back a path to more playing time. Penny capitalized late that season, eclipsing 130 rushing yards in four of the Seahawks’ final five games. For the ’21 season, Penny averaged a league-high 6.3 yards per carry. That, however, came in just 10 games. Penny injuries limited him in his best season, and the past two have not featured much success.

Penny re-signed with the Seahawks on a one-year, $5MM deal in 2022 but was not available to work with Ken Walker in a rotation for too long. A fractured fibula — along with tibia damage and a high ankle sprain — limited Penny to five games in 2022. In five Seahawks years, Penny missed 40 regular-season games. The Eagles brought in Penny on a one-year, $1.35MM deal in 2023. They soon traded for D’Andre Swift. With Kenneth Gainwell serving as the ex-Lion’s backup — in a backfield also housing longtime contributor Boston Scott — Penny did not see much action. Playing in just three games, Penny logged only 11 carries last season.

While this coaching staff did not work with Penny during Pete Carroll’s tenure, new OC Ryan Grubb — for what it’s worth — was a Fresno State assistant during Penny’s time as a standout in the Mountain West Conference. The 220-pound back’s stock has dropped in the years since, and the Seahawks have used second-round picks on two backs — Walker and Zach Charbonnet — in each of the past two years. The team did lose four-year contributor DeeJay Dallas to the Cardinals this offseason, which will undoubtedly lead to a depth addition soon.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/12/24

April 12th, 2024 at 8:44pm CST by Adam La Rose

Friday’s minor moves:

New Orleans Saints

Seattle Seahawks

Jean-Charles spilt his time between the 49ers and Saints in 2023, finishing the campaign in New Orleans. He was used all-but exclusively on special teams during that time, which has also been the case throughout the rest of his career. The 25-year-old will have the chance to carve out a larger role in his first full season with New Orleans if he can make the active roster at the start of the 2024 campaign.

Jones, Junior and Van Lanen were each tendered as exclusive rights restricted free agents, so their respective deals come as no surprise. Seattle’s OTAs began this week, and each member of the trio will now be in place to take part in on-field work when that takes place before competing for roster spots in training camp.

Jared Verse Drawing Interest From Seahawks, Bucs, Broncos, Bears

April 12th, 2024 at 6:18pm CST by Ben Levine

APRIL 12: Verse has found himself on Chicago’s radar as well. A ‘top-30’ visit with the Bears has been lined up, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. Chicago owns pick No. 9, and the team is heavily scouting edge rush prospects for that slot. That process has included a pre-draft meeting with Dallas Turner, but Verse will also make a trip to the Windy City.

APRIL 9: One of the draft’s top pass rushers is generating interest around the NFL. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse is set to meet with the Seahawks tonight and tomorrow. Garafolo also passes along that Verse previously met with the Buccaneers and Broncos.

After spending his first three collegiate seasons at Albany, Verse put himself on the NFL map following two standout campaigns at Florida State. The edge rusher earned first-team All-ACC and first-team All-American nods in each of the past two seasons, compiling 18 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss along the way.

Described as a “violent tempo setter” by NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, Verse has earned high draft grades for his versatility. The prospect lined up both on the outside and inside of Florida State’s defensive line, excelling in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations. At six-foot-four and 260 pounds, Verse should be able to carry over that positional versatility to the NFL.

Thanks to his impressive performance over the past two seasons, Verse will likely hear his name called during the first round of the 2024 draft. He’s competing with the likes of Alabama’s Dallas Turner and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu to be the first edge rusher off the board.

Both the Broncos (No. 12) and Seahawks (No. 16) pick towards the middle of the first round, putting them in prime position to score one of the draft’s top pass rushers. The Buccaneers, armed with the 26th pick, may need to make a trade if they hope to snag one of draft’s elite edge prospects.

Seahawks Interested In DT Byron Murphy

April 12th, 2024 at 9:14am CST by Sam Robinson

Not making a habit of devoting much money to its defensive tackle spot under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks deviated last year by giving Dre’Mont Jones a three-year, $51MM contract. In Mike Macdonald‘s first weeks as head coach, the team doubled down by re-signing Leonard Williams (three years, $64.5MM).

It would seem Seattle is covered here, as Jarran Reed and free agent signing Johnathan Hankins are on the roster as well. But the team is believed to be interested in Texas DT prospect Byron Murphy II. The Seahawks hosted the recent Longhorns D-line standout on a recent visit, which had been scheduled for several weeks. The team appears interested in further bolstering its DT spot, perhaps even in Round 1.

The Seahawks should be viewed as Murphy’s floor in this draft, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller writes. Murphy is not leaving Austin with eye-catching traditional numbers (five sacks last season), but the 297-pound inside rusher pressured QBs consistently. Murphy’s 33 pressures were 19 more than he posted in 2022. Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board places Murphy 19th, while Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest ESPN.com offering slots him 24th. The Seahawks hold the No. 16 overall pick in this year’s draft.

More was expected from Carroll’s final Seattle team, which underachieved at 9-8. But the squad Macdonald inherits does not feature too many need areas. Guard represents the most glaring weakness, but ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson notes the Seahawks plan to address that spot in free agency and the draft. A guard does not appear realistic in Round 1, pointing to a best-player-available-type investment at 16. Murphy would qualify as an interesting choice.

While the Seahawks rostered Jones and Williams during the season’s second half, they still ranked 31st in run defense last season. Hankins stands to help in that department, but Murphy appeals largely as an inside disruptor. Ranking as the top DT in this class, Murphy would also represent an investment at the position a year after the team strongly considered Jalen Carter. The latter’s off-field issues dissuaded a few teams from choosing the high-end talent in last year’s top 10, and the Seahawks ultimately went with Devon Witherspoon over the Georgia DT talent.

Draft Notes: Titans, Alt, Chargers, Jags, Hawks, Cardinals, Bucs, Pats, Latu, Rams

April 11th, 2024 at 8:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

Cutting Andre Dillard and not replacing him to this point, the Titans have a clear left tackle need going into a draft loaded with high-end prospects at the position. The Titans are “definitely” interested in Joe Alt, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller writes, noting the team’s recent visit and Combine meeting with the two-time All-American. But the Chargers should be considered a team to watch for the Notre Dame alum. The Bolts, whose first-round slot (No. 5) is two in front of the Titans’, have a clear wide receiver need but have hired a coach (Jim Harbaugh) who has not emphasized that position.

Alt continues to come up in connection to the Chargers at 5, ESPN’s Jordan Reid adds, and SI.com’s Albert Breer is not sure the Titans will have a chance at the decorated blocker due to the Bolts staying drafting Alt at 5. Alt would replace Trey Pipkins at right tackle in this scenario. Alt was a left tackle for the Fighting Irish and would step in there immediately if he lasted until the Titans at 7. One avenue for Tennessee to have a shot here would be if the Bolts trade down — a move they have made it known they are willing to make. Other quality tackles like Alabama’s JC Latham and Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga could be options for the Bolts if they move down, Reid adds.

Here is the latest from the draft:

  • Personnel around the NFL are tying the Jaguars to a cornerback investment at No. 17, Reid adds in the above-referenced ESPN piece. Jacksonville has hosted both Alabama CBs — Terrion Arnold, Kool-Aid McKinstry — and has a need at the position due to the Darious Williams cut. The Jags signed Ronald Darby, but the 30-year-old CB is signed to a two-year deal that can be shed easily in 2025. A young corner to pair with Tyson Campbell would make sense. With Josh Allen signed long term and Trevor Lawrence perhaps on deck this year, the Jags finding quality starters on rookie contracts will be paramount.
  • The Cardinals and Seahawks have hosted Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson on visits this week, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes. The ex-Nittany Lions sack artist has been busy during the draft run-up, having already met with the Eagles, Ravens, Saints, Giants and Jets. Robinson would come into play for the Cardinals if they moved down from No. 4, but Arizona — which certainly needs help on the edge — also holds the No. 27 choice courtesy of its Texans trade early in last year’s draft. The Seahawks hold the No. 16 selection. Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com mock draft sends Robinson to the Buccaneers at 26.
  • Speaking of the Bucs, they recently brought in Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley for a pre-draft meeting, Pelissero tweets. The Bucs have plenty of money allocated to the receiver position, with both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on deals north of the $20MM-AAV mark. Corley profiles as a second-round option in a deep receiver draft, with teams who pass on filling a WR need in Round 1 likely paying attention to the ex-Hilltoppers standout’s status entering Day 2. The Browns, Ravens, Seahawks and 49ers have also scheduled Corley visits.
  • Moving to another Day 2-level wideout, Troy Franklin is believed to have scheduled a Patriots meeting, ProFootballNetwork.com’s Adam Caplan tweets. The Patriots not landing Calvin Ridley places them on the radar for a wideout in Round 2, assuming they fill their QB need at No. 3 overall. The Pats did sign K.J. Osborn and kept Kendrick Bourne off the market, but the team’s rookie QB will need more help.
  • Most teams to meet with UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu have cleared him medically, per Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline, who indicates the Rams are one of them. A neck issue forced a Latu medical retirement in 2020, and the ex-Washington recruit missed the 2021 season. He re-emerged to post back-to-back double-digit sack seasons in L.A., and ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop notes edge rusher is a priority for the Rams. With Aaron Donald gone and the team not making any additions here in free agency, that adds up. The reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year has already met with the Eagles, Bears, Broncos, Vikings and Cardinals.

Traded NFL Draft Picks For 2024

April 10th, 2024 at 10:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the 2024 draft nears, numerous picks have already changed hands. A handful of picks have already been moved twice, with a few being traded three times. Multiple deals from 2021 impact this draft. Here are the 2024 picks to have been traded thus far:

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

NFL Staff Updates: Hawks, Dolphins, Slater

April 10th, 2024 at 9:06pm CST by Ely Allen

The Seahawks have added a new face to their front office, according to team senior reporter John Boyle. Boyle tells us that Joey Laine has been hired as Seattle’s new vice president of football administration.

Laine was hired by the Packers last year to the role of salary cap analyst. Before that, he spent seven years in Chicago serving as the Bears’ chief contract negotiator. He also looked after the team’s salary cap situation and strategic planning while ensuring compliance with the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

Seattle announced the hiring of a new assistant coach, as well. Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Seahawks are bringing in former Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton to serve as an offensive assistant. Keeton most recently spent the 2023 season as an offensive analyst at Marshall. He was hired to be Montana State’s new quarterbacks coach in January but will instead take his first job in the NFL.

Here are a few other coaching and staffing updates from around the league:

  • The Dolphins also brought in a new coaching assistant from the college ranks, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Rob Everett, formerly a senior offensive analyst at the University of Wisconsin, will come in as a new Miami offensive assistant. Before his time with the Badgers, Everett was a defensive coordinator at Division III Bridgewater College.
  • Patriots special teams legend Matthew Slater announced his retirement in February after 16 years in New England. We noted at the time that Slater’s attention would now turn to his post-playing days, and it didn’t take long as Conor Ryan of Boston.com reports that Slater will stick around with the Patriots in a new role. Right now, it’s unclear whether the position is a paid, full-time gig or if Slater is simply volunteering, but the 10-time Pro Bowler was on hand for the team’s first day of their voluntary offseason workout program today. New head coach Jerod Mayo has already made a habit of hiring former Patriots players as coaches, hiring Dont’a Hightower as the team’s linebackers coach and Tiquan Underwood as assistant wide receivers coach. Slater may just be the next to join in the fun.
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