Category: Features
Caputi: 2020 NFL Mock Draft (final)
It’s (virtual) Draft Day! The 2020 installment of ‘Spring Christmas’ will undoubtedly be a unique experience for all — from league executives to casual observers. Enjoy the process.
1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB. LSU
• Pedestrian junior campaign. Possibly the best individual season by a quarterback in college football history as a senior. Burrow is a risk worth taking for Cincy.
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2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE. Ohio State
• The draft’s premier defender, at a premium position, in a phenomenal defensive class. Don’t think too hard.
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3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB. Ohio State
• Time’s running out on Matt Patricia. With Darius Slay gone, further reinforcement on the boundary is required.
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4. New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OT. Iowa
• Big Blue has its pick of the talent-rich tackle class. Wirfs possesses the most upside of the bunch.
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5. Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB. Oregon
• Ideal size, mobility and arm — Herbert comes without the durability concerns Tua does. Miami refused to fold in 2019 and it’ll use this opportunity to secure a quarterback.
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6. Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, QB. Alabama
• The Rivers Era is over and who knows if the Bolts will have an opportunity to land a passer of Tua’s caliber next year. Less pressure to rush him back if they genuinely like Tyrod Taylor as a stop-gap.
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7. Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, LB. Clemson
• Kuechly’s retirement leaves a void and Simmons enters the NFL with a particularly rare skill-set.
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8. Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, OT. Alabama
• After conceding 50 sacks last year, the best way to supplement the development of Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray is to provide him with edge protection.
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9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, DT. Auburn
• Run defense was abysmal last season and Brown is a legitimate three-down tackle. An injection of talent is suddenly required on D.
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10. Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, OT. Georgia
• If a trade for Trent Williams isn’t on the cards, Thomas represents the most pro-ready option among this year’s tackle class.
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11. New York Jets: Austin Jackson, OT. USC
• Darnold’s flashed, but Gang Green must prioritize supporting him in some capacity. Jackson is an ascending prospect with terrific athleticism and left tackle attributes.
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12. Las Vegas Raiders: C.J. Henderson, CB. Florida
• Long, press-man boundary corner with the ability to shade inside if required. The corner need is clear and Mayock has his pick of the litter at this spot.
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13. San Francisco 49ers: Jerry Jeudy, WR. Alabama
• The NFC Champion 49ers can pick somewhat luxuriously thanks to a neatly built roster, but one item lacking in the tool kit is a receiver who can take the top off a defense.
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14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, OT. Louisville
• An imposing figure, Becton ideally slots in at right tackle — which might be Tampa Bay’s last remaining primary need on offense.
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15. Denver Broncos: Ceedee Lamb, WR. Oklahoma
• Lamb suitably supplements the continued development of both Lock – by providing additional weaponry – and Courtland Sutton – by relieving added attention from the young Pro Bowler.
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16. Atlanta Falcons: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE. LSU
• End? Linebacker? Doesn’t really matter. Chaisson is disruptive and if Dimitroff tried tempting Washington for Chase Young at No. 2, pass rush is the priority.
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17. Dallas Cowboys: A.J. Terrell, CB. Clemson
• Byron Jones is now in Miami and the Tigers’ long, lanky boundary cover corner plays a complete game.
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18. Miami Dolphins: Joshua Jones, OT. Houston
• With or without the QB early on, there’s a need to improve edge protection. Jones is physically imposing and was brilliant in 2019.
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19. Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR. Alabama
• Another player from the 2019 Natty, huh? Ruggs has tremendous speed and his downfield ability adds a new (and sorely needed) element.
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20. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, CB. Alabama
• After dealing A.J. Bouye away and seeing a free agent deal with Darqueze Dennard collapse, cornerback must be addressed early. Ball skills + upside.
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21. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR. TCU
• An electric passing game option, Reagor satisfies the need for an injection of speed at the position. I’ve been enamored with his game since 2017.
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22. Minnesota Vikings: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE. Penn State
• Danielle Hunter is a bona fide star, but help is needed in the wake of Everson Griffen’s departure. ‘YGM’ is a prototype edge in the Mike Zimmer mold.
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23. New England Patriots: Javon Kinlaw, DT. South Carolina
• In what would be a fortuitous scenario, New England could benefit immediately from Kinlaw’s imposing dimensions and interior disruption ability.
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24. New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, LB. LSU
• Signing Emmanuel Sanders left linebacker as arguably the primary need. Queen, a Louisiana native, may remind some of prime Jonathan Vilma.
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25. Minnesota Vikings: Jaylon Johnson, CB. Utah
• Spielman & Co. are nearly staring over at the cornerback position and Johnson’s a terrific athlete and ultra-competitive in man.
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26. Miami Dolphins: Xavier McKinney, DB. Alabama
• I’m skeptical Miami makes all three picks, but after addressing offense earlier McKinney’s versatility replenishes what was lost when Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded.
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27. Seattle Seahawks: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE. Iowa
• Rest assured John Schneider will trade this pick. But in a mock scenario, Seattle’s so-far balked at Jadeveon Clowney’s asking price and edge depth is lacking. He runs a slow 40, but Epenesa is ‘game.’
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28. Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, LB. Oklahoma
• Murray boasts impressive overall size and his tape is evidence that he’s a tackle factory. Besides, Baltimore never properly replaced C.J. Mosley.
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29. Tennessee Titans: Jeff Gladney, CB. TCU
• Plays larger than his diminutive size would suggest and his inside-outside versatility should only further endear him to Vrabel’s Titans.
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30. Green Bay Packers:Â Justin Jefferson, WR. LSU
• Time’s running out on Aaron Rodgers. The Pack’s receiver depth is a myriad of limited complementary options.
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31. San Francisco 49ers: Cesar Ruiz, OG/C. Michigan
• Assuming John Lynch wants to make two picks, much can be done to prep for the near future. Ruiz is an ideal fit in Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme and has experience at guard.
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ross Blacklock, DT. TCU
• I expect a trade out here, but should the Chiefs stand pat Blacklock provides insurance for GM Brett Veach if things deteriorate with Chris Jones.
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Browns add DE Garrett (knee) to injury report
Browns add DE Garrett (knee) to injury report
The Cleveland Browns added star defensive end Myles Garrett to the injury report on Thursday.
Garrett was listed as a limited practice participant due to a knee injury. There was no word on the severity of the ailment.
Garrett, 23, was added to the report after the team’s Thursday practice. Browns coach Freddie Kitchens made no mention of Garrett having a knee injury when he met with reporters following practice.
Garrett has nine sacks, tied with Tampa Bay’s Shaquil Barrett for the NFL lead. The third-year pro has 29.5 career sacks in just 33 games.
Safety Damarious Randall (hamstring) missed practice for the second straight day for the Browns (2-4), who play the New England Patriots (7-0) on Sunday.
Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield (hip) was a full participant for the second straight practice.
–Field Level Media
NFL notebook: Wentz signs extension through 2024
NFL notebook: Wentz signs extension through 2024
The Philadelphia Eagles locked up franchise quarterback Carson Wentz on Thursday, with the sides agreeing to terms on a four-year contract extension through the 2024 season.
ESPN reports the extension is worth $128 million, with a max value of $144 million and a record of more than $107 million guaranteed. Combined with the final two years of his rookie deal — including $4.1 million in 2019 and $22.8 million in 2020 — Wentz’s contract is worth $154 million, with a max value of $170 million, over six years.
Wentz, the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has passed for 10,152 yards, 70 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 40 career games. He finished third in MVP balloting in 2017, when he passed for a franchise-record 33 touchdowns in 13 games before tearing the ACL in his left knee. Backup Nick Foles directed the Eagles through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.
Wentz, 26, returned from the injury to play in 11 games last season and passed for 3,074 yards and 21 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He missed the final three regular-season games and both playoff contests with a back injury but is healthy and participating in OTAs.
–New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady clarified to reporters that his attempt to trademark the nickname “Tom Terrific” was not done with the intent to use the moniker but rather to stop its use.
Brady, who filed to trademark the term last month, has drawn heavy criticism from New York Mets fans, as longtime Mets pitcher Tom Seaver earned the nickname “Tom Terrific” during his time with the Mets from 1967 to 1977. Brady said Thursday he regrets filing the trademark, adding he did so only so nobody else could.
“It’s unfortunate,” Brady said.
“I was actually trying to do something because I didn’t like the nickname, and I wanted to make sure no one used it, because some people wanted to use it. I was trying to keep people from using it, and then it got spun around to something different than what it is. Good lesson learned, and I’ll try to do things a little different in the future.”
–Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse joined the Detroit Lions and reunited with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
The one-year deal reportedly is worth $2.3 million, according to multiple reports.
Kearse, 29, played for Bevell with the Seattle Seahawks but played most recently for the New York Jets. He caught 37 passes for 371 yards and a touchdown last season.
–The Arizona Cardinals claimed offensive tackle Desmond Harrison off the waiver wire.
The Cardinals had the first claim for the 25-year-old lineman, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday after he missed the first day of minicamp.
Head coach Freddie Kitchens told reporters Harrison missed a flight and was “a little late.” He added that the team “just decided to move on.”
–New England Patriots long-snapper Joe Cardona was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Navy during a ceremony at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
Cardona, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was promoted from lieutenant junior grade. The event was held on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, whose father, Steve, coached and scouted for the Navy football team from 1956-89, was in attendance to say a few words.
“Congratulations to Lieutenant Joe Cardona on his promotion,” Bill Belichick said, per ESPN. “And obviously a day to remember our World War II veterans on D-Day. The 75th anniversary, that’s kind of a big one for us. I want to recognize all the things that they did.”
–Field Level Media
Chiefs’ Hill releases statement about child abuse probe
Chiefs’ Hill releases statement about child abuse probe
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill released a statement through his lawyers Thursday, a day after the district attorney’s office announced it would not bring charges against him for child abuse and neglect.
“I love and support my family above anything. My son’s health and happiness is my number one priority. I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs, my attorneys, my agent and my union for supporting me through this. My focus remains on working hard to be the best person for my family and our community I can be, and the best player to help our team win,” Hill said in the statement.
Kansas City District Attorney Stephen Howe on Wednesday said he believes a crime resulting in injury happened to Hill’s son, but that the evidence couldn’t support a charge against Hill or the child’s mother.
Hill’s attorneys Thursday insisted he is “innocent of any crime.”
“Contrary to media reports, Tyreek cooperated with law enforcement, waived his Fifth Amendment rights, and answered questions from both law enforcement and DCF,” Hill’s attorneys said in the release.
Authorities had been investigating incidents — one on March 5 for child abuse and neglect, and one on March 14 for battery — at Hill’s home in Overland Park, Kan. Both police reports indicated a juvenile was involved.
Hill, 25, and his fiancee, Crystal Espinal, were listed on the March 5 police report as “others involved.” On the March 14 report, Espinal was listed as “others involved,” with a juvenile listed as the victim.
The Kansas City Star reported previously that the couple’s son suffered a broken arm in the incident. The Star also reported earlier this week that the boy was recently removed from his parents’ custody, as part of a family court process called a “child in need of care” case.
Despite not being charged with a crime, Hill could be subject to discipline from the NFL.
–Field Level Media
Europe opts for three captain's picks for 2020 Ryder Cup
Europe opts for three captain’s picks for 2020 Ryder Cup
European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington will use three wild card picks instead of four when his team defends the cup at next year’s event at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Nine golfers for the European squad will qualify through the point system. Four will be chosen from points accumulated exclusively in European Tour events, with the next five coming from the World list, where points are gained for starts on any tour.
Europe won the 2018 event in Paris, when captain Thomas Bjorn made four at-large selections.
“I have said on many occasions that one of the reasons for recent European success in the Ryder Cup is continuity,” Harrington said via Golf Digest. “It is a theme that will be prevalent across my captaincy and I think you can see that in the overall qualification process for the 2020 team.
“Having said that, I am pleased that the (European Tour) tournament committee agreed to the change of wild card numbers. I have spoken to a number of people regarding the ninth player automatically qualifying for the team and, in my experience, a player is more comfortable when he has qualified, hence my reasoning behind this change.”
The 43rd Ryder Cup will be played on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis., from Sept. 25-27, 2020. The U.S. team, led by captain Steve Stricker, will use four captain’s picks.
–Field Level Media
Europe opts for three captain’s picks for 2020 Ryder Cup
Europe opts for three captain’s picks for 2020 Ryder Cup
European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington will use three wild card picks instead of four when his team defends the cup at next year’s event at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Nine golfers for the European squad will qualify through the point system. Four will be chosen from points accumulated exclusively in European Tour events, with the next five coming from the World list, where points are gained for starts on any tour.
Europe won the 2018 event in Paris, when captain Thomas Bjorn made four at-large selections.
“I have said on many occasions that one of the reasons for recent European success in the Ryder Cup is continuity,” Harrington said via Golf Digest. “It is a theme that will be prevalent across my captaincy and I think you can see that in the overall qualification process for the 2020 team.
“Having said that, I am pleased that the (European Tour) tournament committee agreed to the change of wild card numbers. I have spoken to a number of people regarding the ninth player automatically qualifying for the team and, in my experience, a player is more comfortable when he has qualified, hence my reasoning behind this change.”
The 43rd Ryder Cup will be played on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis., from Sept. 25-27, 2020. The U.S. team, led by captain Steve Stricker, will use four captain’s picks.
–Field Level Media
Report: Raiders, Incognito have 'mutual interest,' but waiting
Report: Raiders, Incognito have ‘mutual interest,’ but waiting
The Oakland Raiders and free agent guard Richie Incognito have “strong mutual interest” but are waiting to see if the NFL disciplines Incognito for his arrest last summer, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Per ESPN, Incognito’s visit to the team is complete, and he’s returning to Arizona to work out while awaiting word on possible punishment under the league’s personal conduct policy.
Incognito was arrested in August during an incident at an Arizona funeral home following his father’s death. He pleaded guilty last month to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 11 months of probation and a 90-day suspended jail sentence.
The 35-year-old last played for the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He announced his retirement in April 2018 due to health reasons.
“My liver and kidneys are shutting down,” Incognito told the Buffalo News at that time. “The stress is killing me. It’s just about doing what’s right. I just want to be in the Hall of Fame.”
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Incognito has started 150 career games with the St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and Bills. He was suspended by the Dolphins in 2013 after being accused of bullying teammate Jonathan Martin, and he sat out the 2014 season.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said earlier this week the starting job at left guard is “wide open.” Previous starter Kelechi Osemele was traded to the New York Jets this spring.
–Field Level Media
Report: Raiders, Incognito have ‘mutual interest,’ but waiting
Report: Raiders, Incognito have ‘mutual interest,’ but waiting
The Oakland Raiders and free agent guard Richie Incognito have “strong mutual interest” but are waiting to see if the NFL disciplines Incognito for his arrest last summer, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Per ESPN, Incognito’s visit to the team is complete, and he’s returning to Arizona to work out while awaiting word on possible punishment under the league’s personal conduct policy.
Incognito was arrested in August during an incident at an Arizona funeral home following his father’s death. He pleaded guilty last month to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 11 months of probation and a 90-day suspended jail sentence.
The 35-year-old last played for the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He announced his retirement in April 2018 due to health reasons.
“My liver and kidneys are shutting down,” Incognito told the Buffalo News at that time. “The stress is killing me. It’s just about doing what’s right. I just want to be in the Hall of Fame.”
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Incognito has started 150 career games with the St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and Bills. He was suspended by the Dolphins in 2013 after being accused of bullying teammate Jonathan Martin, and he sat out the 2014 season.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said earlier this week the starting job at left guard is “wide open.” Previous starter Kelechi Osemele was traded to the New York Jets this spring.
–Field Level Media
Arians: Pierre-Paul out at least 5 to 6 months
Arians: Pierre-Paul out at least 5 to 6 months
Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul will miss five to six months as a best-case scenario due to the broken neck he suffered in a car accident last week.
The best-case scenario was provided by coach Bruce Arians on Friday, when he met with reporters. A decision on whether Pierre-Paul will need neck surgery hasn’t yet been reached.
“Very unfortunate,” Arians said of the situation. “All we can do is just pray and hope for the best and hope it’s one of those five- or six-month things and go from there.”
Pierre-Paul was injured in the early morning hours of May 2 when he lost control of his Ferrari and it veered off the road and crashed into a concrete barrier. It was raining at the time of the accident, according to the crash report.
Pierre-Paul was not ticketed at the scene.
The loss of Pierre-Paul would be a big blow as even the best-case scenario outlined by Arians would have him missing six to 10 games. Not having him at all in 2019 is possible if the timetable worsens.
Pierre-Paul had a team-best 12.5 sacks last season, his first with the Bucs after playing eight years for the New York Giants. The 12.5 sacks tied for his second most behind the 16.5 he had for New York in 2011.
Pierre-Paul has faced adversity before as he was involved in a fireworks accident on July 4, 2015. He lost a finger and part of a second and played in just eight games in the 2015 season.
Arians is still pondering how the Buccaneers would replace Pierre-Paul.
“I don’t know what the answer is yet, if he’s gonna play, if he’s not gonna play,” Arians said. “(You) just practice with the guys you have, just like if anybody else gets hurt, on the field or off the field. You march on.”
–Field Level Media