Wednesday Reading

Giants

Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
3/24/20, 12:53 PM
None of the Giants deals for new free agents are signed and consummated yet. The contracts are in the process of being signed. The deals will be consummated at a later date when it’s safe and clear to get physicals by team doctors. In the meantime, those roster bonuses wait

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: mdabateFPC gives us a scouting report on Dion Lewis and Nate Ebner, the two NYG FA acquisitions who are former Patriots (Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN3931538096.mp3?key=daabc652105e5f378b5ce71d5c783080

RB
Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM)
3/24/20, 10:12 AM
I'm still VERY intrigued by this Dion Lewis signing. I don't think he's Saquon Barkley's backup exactly (but mostly), I think they are going to use two running backs at times to create unpredictability.

Both are stellar pass catchers - will be exciting to see how they use both!

CB

Schwartz NYP: Why James Bradberry chose the Giants in NFL free agency

“I just feel New York was a better fit for me,” Bradberry said Monday on “The Jim Rome Show” on Radio.com. “I knew Mr. Gettleman, I know what type of organization he’s trying to build over there. I knew some of the players that were there as well and they had nothing but good things to say about the organization, so I feel like it was the right fit.”

https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/why-james-bradberry-chose-the-giants-in-nfl-free-agency/

Leonard NYDN: New Giant James Bradberry will make own home gym due to coronavirus closures
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-james-bradberry-20200324-4fenzzqbdjhujnwxmq73xq5pau-story.html


CB/FS

Schwartz NYP: Giants signing XFL’s Dravon Askew-Henry in unprecedented move
https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/giants-signing-xfls-dravon-askew-henry-in-unprecedented-move/

Leonard NYDN: From XFL to NFL: Giants get New York Guardians DB Dravon Askew-Henry on two-year deal
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-xfl-nfl-guardians-giants-20200324-nwftmhrepvapxhtcpz4i4nqvnm-story.html

Lombardo NJ.com: XFL star with Darrelle Revis ties has big dreams for Giants opportunity after lessons learned on ‘Revis Island’
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/xfl-star-with-darrelle-revis-ties-has-big-dreams-for-giants-opportunity-after-lessons-learned-on-revis-island.html

Rosenblatt NJ.com: NFL rumors: Giants sign Darrelle Revis’ cousin, an XFL standout, to multi-year deal | Is he good enough to make the team?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/nfl-rumors-giants-sign-darrelle-revis-cousin-an-xfl-standout-to-multi-year-deal-is-he-good-enough-to-make-the-team.html

McCoy QB FA Washington 6-1 212 34
Lewis RB W Tennessee 5-8 195 30
Toilolo TE FA San Francisco 6-8 268 29
Fleming T FA Dallas 6-6 320 28
Fackrell OLB FA Green Bay 6-5 245 28
Martinez ILB FA Green Bay 6-2 237 26
Bradberry LCB FA Carolina 6-1 212 27
Askew-Henry CB/FS FA New York XFL 6-0 202 25
Ebner S FA New England 6-0 215 31

NFL

Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt)
3/25/20, 8:19 AM
As with free agency, NFL seems determined to power through the Draft on scheduled dates, despite pushback from decision-makers (general managers). Without an "event" to stage, Draft timing seems flexible, why not push the date?

mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL)
3/25/20, 7:57 AM
One dynamic in play is that some coaches are having blunt conversations with team doctors. The doctors are telling them the truth. That the pandemic could last months. There’s been no sugarcoating or lying

mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL)
3/25/20, 8:10 AM
Coaches are quoting me data from the World Health Organization. Again, team doctors are giving them the honest info

mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL)
3/25/20, 7:49 AM
One thing to pass along: I’m increasingly hearing from coaches and front office executives that they believe it will be nearly impossible for the season to start on time. Some believe training camp will start in the fall.

mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL)
3/25/20, 8:22 AM
No one is saying the season will be postponed, it’s just that some in the NFL aren’t trying to fool themselves. They see the same data we do

Mays The Ringer: The Six NFL Teams That Loaded Up During the First Week of Free Agency
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2020/3/24/21192022/post-free-agency-loaded-teams-bills-saints-chargers-dolphins-browns-bengals

ESPN: From Tom Brady to Nick Foles: How the NFL's new starting quarterbacks stack up
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28943829/from-tom-brady-nick-foles-how-nfl-new-starting-quarterbacks-stack-up

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
3/24/20, 1:53 PM
The NFC East has made it clear they want to win the LOS on D:
F. Cox | Dem. Lawrence | J. Hargrave | Dex Lawrence | B. Graham | L. Williams | D. Tomlinson | G. McCoy | M. Ioannidis+Kerrigan/Malik/Sweat/Barnett/ both Hills/J. Allen/Payne/Crawford

ARIZONA
McManaman AZ Republic: Cardinals have now re-secured 10 of their own free agents with Garcia, Washington deals
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2020/03/24/arizona-cardinals-have-re-secured-10-their-own-free-agents/2910395001/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Here’s how Gurley will improve Falcons’ offense
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/the-bow-tie-chronicles-here-how-todd-gurley-will-improve-the-falcons-offense/rjmNCHg3OiiieebKYRDgPK/

Gurley RB W LA Rams 6-1 224 26
Treadwell WR FA Minnesota 6-2 215 25
Hurst TE TR Baltimore 6-4 245 27
McCray G FA Cleveland 6-3 317 28
Fowler DE FA LA Rams 6-3 255 26
Reynolds LB FA Cincinnati 6-1 240 29

BALTIMORE
Shaffer Baltimore Sun: Ravens re-sign wide receiver and special teams contributor Chris Moore
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-chris-moore-20200324-4vnb3ulrjfda5cm5jlbf7hhgfi-story.html

Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley)
3/24/20, 6:57 PM
Ravens free-agent ILB Josh Bynes signed with Bengals, source confirmed. Last season, Bynes made 7 starts and totaled 45 tackle (7th on team).

Ravens are expected to draft an ILB early in draft. Baltimore has 3 experienced ILBs on roster: L.J. Fort, Chris Board and Otaro Alaka

CAROLINA
Fowler Charlotte Observer: Cam Newton’s legacy with Panthers and the Carolinas comes down to one 3-letter word
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article241461056.html

Newton ESPN Charlotte: Not a huge surprise the Panthers plan to release quarterback Cam Newton today, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. My sources said Newton would be released soon after Teddy Bridgewater signed his three-year, $63-million deal to make it official. Bridgewater signed his deal Monday night, so the Panthers need to clear Newton's $21.1 million from the cap. End of an era.

Field Yates (@FieldYates)
3/24/20, 3:39 PM
The new-look Panthers offense:
QB: Teddy Bridgewater
RB: Christian McCaffrey
WR: D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel
TE: Ian Thomas

Explosive and fast group that will be really, really good after the catch

Scott Shanle (@scottshanle)
3/24/20, 6:17 PM
As you saw in the LSU offense you need 5 weapons at the five eligible ball positions. It's about matchups and exploiting them in space. Pre snap reads and go to the favorable matchup

Bridgewater QB FA New Orleans 6-2 215 27
Walker QB FA Houston XFL 5-11 216 25
Anderson WR FA NY Jets 6-3 190 27
Roberts WR FA Baltimore 6-2 195 29
Kirkwood WR W New Orleans 6-3 210 26
DeValve TE FA Jacksonville 6-3 245 27
Okung LT TR LA Chargers 6-5 310 33
Miller G FA Cincinnati 6-3 315 27
Weatherly DE FA Minnesota 6-5 265 26
Whitehead OLB W Las Vegas 30

CHICAGO
Dickerson ESPN Chicago: Can a motivated Nick Foles make the Bears a contender?
https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4709745/can-a-motivated-nick-foles-make-the-bears-a-contender?

CINCINNATI
Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby)
3/24/20, 6:58 PM
Bengals have agreed to terms with LB Josh Bynes on a 1-year deal. Bengals sign a player at an immediate position of need.

Thomas WR FA LA Rams 6-1 189 26
Sua-Filo G FA Dallas 6-4 310 29
Reeder DE FA Houston 6-3 347 27
Bynes ILB FA Baltimore 6-2 235 31
Waynes CB FA Minnesota 6-0 190 28
Alexander CB FA Minnesota 5-10 192 26

CLEVELAND
Paylor Yahoo Sports: We've crowned the Browns free agency champs before. This time, things look different with Kevin Stefanski
https://sports.yahoo.com/weve-crowned-the-browns-free-agency-champs-before-this-time-things-look-different-with-kevin-stefanski-012810730.html

Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Jack Conklin is important addition for Browns, even if he is ‘just a right tackle’
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/03/jack-conklin-is-important-addition-for-browns-even-if-he-is-just-a-right-tackle.html

DALLAS
Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins)
3/24/20, 6:32 PM
In terms of cap space, Cowboys get $935k from the Travis Frederick retirement but get hit with $11.04 million in dead money. If they make it a post June 1, savings is $7 million and dead money is $4.9 million next two years

Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins)
3/24/20, 5:05 PM
A source said Cowboys still interested in signing Dontari Poe. Working through some things

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: New right guard Graham Glasgow said Broncos were “definitely my top choice”
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/24/graham-glasgow-on-coming-to-broncos/

Klis 9News Denver: Broncos reach 3-year agreement with former Lions punter Sam Martin
https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/broncos-reach-3-year-agreement-with-former-lions-punter-sam-martin/73-00e00178-91f6-493e-ab63-a04c104ed1ed

Driskell QB FA Detroit 6-4 235 27
Gordon RB FA LA Chargers 6-1 215 27
Vannett TE FA Pittsburgh 6-6 261 27
Glasgow C FA Detroit 6-6 310 28
Casey DT TR Tennessee 6-1 305 30
Bouye CB TR Jacksonville 6-0 191 29
Martin P FA Detroit 6-1 211 30

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions bring back Oday Aboushi as interior OL group starts to take form
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/24/detroit-lions-oday-aboushi-one-year-deal-offensive-line/2910464001/

Rogers Detroit News: New linebacker Jamie Collins looks to push Lions from 'one play away' to winner
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/24/new-linebacker-jamie-collins-looks-make-detroit-lions-winner/2911486001/

Rothstein ESPN Detroit: Why Ohio State corner Jeff Okudah makes sense for the Lions at No. 3 in the NFL draft
https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/36382/why-ohio-state-corner-jeff-okudah-makes-sense-for-the-lions-at-no-3-in-the-nfl-draft?

GREEN BAY
ESPN: Green Bay to sign WR Devin Funchess after season lost to injury
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28949636/green-bay-sign-receiver-devin-funchess-injured-season?

Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein)
3/24/20, 7:06 PM
Another guy coming off a season-long injury for the #Packers. He and Kirksey played a combined three games last year. A year ago, Gutekunst signed guys because they had impeccable health histories. Not so much this year. Doubt it's much money or agent would have given it out

Funchess WR FA Indianapolis 6-4 225 26
Wagner RT W Detroit 6-6 313 31
Kirksey OLB W Cleveland 6-2 235 28

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: McClain's Mailbag: Concern for Deshaun Watson's future with Texans?
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/amp/Texans-mailbag-Deshaun-Watson-Laremy-Tunsil-15152594.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Walker Colts.com: Jim Irsay On Philip Rivers, DeForest Buckner Moves, Peyton Manning And More
https://www.colts.com/news/jim-irsay-philip-rivers-deforest-buckner-peyton-manning-official-podcast

JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars reach agreement to sign former Bengals TE Tyler Eifert to two-year contract
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200324/report-jaguars-reach-agreement-to-sign-former-bengals-te-tyler-eifert-to-two-year-contract?

ESPN: CB Rashaan Melvin reaches 1-year deal with Jaguars
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28948072/cb-rashaan-melvin-signs-1-year-deal-jaguars?

Eifert TE FA Cincinnati 6-6 255 30
Gunter DT FA Arizona 6-5 305 28
Woods NT FA Seattle 6-4 330 33
Marsh Edge FA Arizona 6-4 254 28
Schobert MLB FA Cleveland 6-1 245 26
Dennard LCB FA Cincinnati 5-11 205 29
Melvin CB FA Detroit 6-2 194 31

KANSAS CITY
Nick Korte (@nickkorte)
3/25/20, 8:01 AM
MIke Remmers signed a veteran salary benefit contract, therefore he's ineligible to become a compensatory free agent.

That's good news for the Chiefs, who have both of their 2021 comp picks for losing Kendall Fuller & Emmanuel Ogbah back on the board

Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
3/24/20, 9:38 PM
Veteran DT Mike Pennel is re-signing with the #Chiefs on a one-year deal, source said. Had other offers, but wanted to return to the team he helped win a Super Bowl last month with his INT-causing hit on Jimmy Garoppolo

LAS VEGAS
Gutierrez ESPN LV: Raiders' Marcus Mariota says he's Derek Carr's backup
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28950643/raiders-marcus-mariota-says-derek-carr-backup?

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez)
3/24/20, 7:29 PM
#Chargers dip into the XFL pool to sign a new TE Donald Parham. He had 24 rec for 307 yards and added 4 TDs for the Dallas Renegades. He is 6’8! Big target.

Paris Forbes.com: LA Chargers Hope Their Defense Doesn’t Rest During Bounce-Back Season
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jayparis/2020/03/24/la-chargers-hope-their-defense-doesnt-rest-during-bounce-back-season/

Miller LA Times: Chargers add former Bengals linebacker Nick Vigil
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-03-24/chargers-add-linebacker

Thiry ESPN LA: The Chargers have added linebacker Nick Vigil, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. Vigil played the last four seasons with the Bengals and adds much-needed depth to the Chargers' defense following the release of Thomas Davis and Jatavis Brown's decision to sign with the Eagles in free agency. A four-year pro, last season Vigil had 111 tackles, an interception, 5 pass deflections, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries

Parham TE FA Dallas 6-8 237 23 XFL
Bulaga RT FA Green Bay 6-5 314 31
Turner RG TR Carolina 6-3 315 27
Joseph NT W Minnesota 6-4 329 32
Vigil OLB FA Cincinnati 6-2 235 27
Harris RCB FA Denver 5-10 199 31

MIAMI
Salguero Miami Herald: It happened months ago but clarity now offers greater reason for optimism about the Dolphins
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article241483301.html

Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero)
3/24/20, 11:17 AM
By the way, the Dolphins didn't chase Tom Brady, didn't chase Teddy Bridgewater, didn't chase Phillip Rivers, didn't chase Marcus Mariota, and they're not chasing Cam Newton.

Think draft.

MINNESOTA
Krammer Minn Star Tribune: Film: Can new Vikings anchor Michael Pierce mimic Linval Joseph's path?
https://m.startribune.com/film-can-new-vikings-anchor-michael-pierce-mimic-linval-josephs-path/569053782/

Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings to sign XFL linebacker DeMarquis Gates to one-year, $610,000 deal
https://www.twincities.com/2020/03/24/vikings-to-sign-xfl-linebacker-demarquis-gates-to-one-year-610000-deal/

Pierce NT FA Baltimore 6-0 340 27
Gates LB FA Houston XFL 6-2 221 24

NEW ENGLAND
Ben Volin (@BenVolin)
3/25/20, 8:17 AM
Think we'll see reports very soon about the Patriots restructuring the contracts of 1-2 players to create cap space. NFLPA records show the Pats as $5.5m OVER the cap. Take out Gostkowski, and it's still about $4.5m.

Ben Volin (@BenVolin)
3/25/20, 8:22 AM
The most obvious moves: Trading or extending Thuney, or a paycut or release for Sanu. Hightower and Cannon also have contracts that can create cap space

Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)
3/25/20, 7:50 AM
⁦‪@chulz58‬⁩ P.S. - I think what we'll all see is a shift in parts of the offensive approach. So we shouldn't look at what the offense was in 2018/2019 and then go from there. Wipe the slate fairly clean and build from there, with younger QB who can move a bit. Projection a developing picture

Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)
3/24/20, 4:57 PM
DE/OLB Shilique Calhoun, who contributed on special teams and in a niche role on defense in 2019, has re-signed with the Patriots.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Calhoun spent the first three years of his career with the Raiders before joining the Patriots last season

Price Boston Globe: Here’s what Bill Belichick said about Stephen Gostkowski
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/24/sports/heres-what-bill-belichick-said-about-stephen-gostkowski/

NEW ORLEANS
Triplett ESPN NO: Why Malcolm Jenkins has always meant so much to Saints
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/32978/why-malcolm-jenkins-has-always-meant-so-much-to-saints?

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Former Buccaneers receiver Breshad Perriman replaces Robby Anderson as Jets new deep threat
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-robby-anderson-breshad-perriman-buccaneers-bucs-tampa-bay-20200324-f5igjl5zxbgr5fwtamiitj6pn4-story.html

Cimini ESPN NY: Jets' O-line makeover: $40 million, 1,536 pounds and a giant challenge
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/82638/jets-o-line-makeover-40-million-1536-pounds-and-a-giant-challenge?

SNY: A deep dive into how George Fant could impact the Jets in 2020
https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/a-deep-dive-into-how-george-fant-could-impact-the-jets-in-2020/313112138

Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes)
3/24/20, 11:50 AM
Source: The #Jets re-signed safety Bennett Jackson, who spent time on the team’s 53-man roster & practice squad in 2019. Good special teamer with versatility in the secondary

Perriman WR Tampa Bay 6-2 215
Fant LT FA Seattle 6-5 322 28
Van Roten LG FA Carolina 6-3 305 30
Andrews G FA Indianapolis 6-2 298 29
McGovern RG/C FA Denver 6-4 306 27
Desir CB W Indianapolis 6-1 192 30
Christian SS FA LA Rams 5-11 207 26

PHILADELPHIA
Mullin Phillyvoice: NFL odds: How has free agency impacted the Eagles' win total for 2020?
https://www.phillyvoice.com/nfl-betting-futures-season-2020-odds-free-agency-eagles-win-total-cowboys-nfc-east/

McManus ESPN Phil: Why the Eagles passed on trading for receiver DeAndre Hopkins
https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/29316/why-the-eagles-passed-on-trading-for-receiver-deandre-hopkins?

Short-Parks WIP Radio Phil: Darius Slay’s contract details and breakdown

“The details of Darius Slay’s contract are out. It is a Howie Roseman special and should ease the concerns some had about trading/signing a 29-year old cornerback”

https://94wip.radio.com/blogs/eliot-shorr-parks/darius-slay-s-contract-details-and-breakdown

Bowen Phil Inquirer: Will Parks is happy to be home with the Eagles, isn’t thinking about replacing Malcolm Jenkins just yet
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/will-parks-eagles-nfl-malcolm-jenkins-safety-20200324.html

PITTSBURGH
Bouchette The Athletic: The Steelers’ Lost Decade: The lessons of the 1980s could help in the future
https://theathletic.com/1674490/2020/03/25/the-steelers-lost-decade-the-lessons-of-the-1980s-could-help-in-the-future/

Zeise Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Steelers are masters at manipulating the salary cap
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/paul-zeise/2020/03/23/steelers-salary-cap-contracts-eric-ebron-chris-wormley-kevin-colbert/stories/202003230102

Zeise Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Zach Banner signing might be the Steelers' most underrated move
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/paul-zeise/2020/03/24/zach-banner-steelers-contract-offensive-line-2020-offseason/stories/202003240106

Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Newcomer Derek Watt expected to centerpiece Steelers’ new-look special teams
https://triblive.com/sports/newcomer-derek-watt-expected-to-centerpiece-steelers-new-look-special-teams/

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo can exhale, for the moment
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Jimmy-Garoppolo-can-exhale-for-the-15154564.php

Branch SF Chronicle: Source: 49ers add versatile wide receiver Travis Benjamin
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Source-49ers-add-versatile-wide-receiver-Travis-15154231.php

David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself)
3/24/20, 3:13 PM
These are all bargain bin, one-year signings for the 49ers. Fans shouldn’t make too much out of them. Kyle Shanahan coached Travis Benjamin, who can add some slot depth, in Cleveland and the 49ers will still almost certainly gun for a quality wideout in the draft

Maiocco NBC Bay Area: How Emmanuel Sanders left his mark with 49ers' young receivers group
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/how-emmanuel-sanders-left-his-mark-49ers-young-receivers-group

David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself)
3/24/20, 8:07 PM
During the offseason, only the top 51 contracts count against the salary-cap. So the 49ers currently have 2 (presumed) starters, Emmanuel Moseley and Dan Brunskill, who don’t even count against the cap — both at $675k and outside the top-51. Emblematic of SF’s depth contributions

Benjamin WR FA LA Chargers 5-10 175 30
Compton G FA NY Jets 6-6 315 31
Hyder DE FA Dallas 6-2 270 29

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks add Phillip Dorsett, hoping he can fill out receiving corps behind Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-add-phillip-dorsett-hoping-the-can-fill-out-receiving-corps-behind-tyler-lockett-dk-metcalf/

Henderson ESPN Seattle: The Seahawks have agreed to terms with Phillip Dorsett on a one-year deal, he told ESPN's Josina Anderson. The 27-year-old Dorsett gives Seattle a veteran option to take over the No. 3 wide receiver behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. David Moore is also in that mix. There's no shortage of speed in that group with Dorsett running a 4.33 at the 2015 combine, before Indianapolis chose him 29th overall. He caught 29 passes for 397 yards and five touchdowns last season in New England.

Dorsett WR FA New England
Olsen TE W Carolina 6-5 255 35
Shell RT FA NY Jets 6-5 324 28
Ogbuehi T FA Jacksonville 6-5 308 28
Warmack G W DNP 2019 6-2 323 29
Finney RG/C FA Pittsburgh 6-4 318 29
Irvin DE/OLB FA Carolina 6-3 250 32
Dunbar CB TR Washington

TAMPA BAY
TB Times: This could be Tom Brady’s most magnificent finish yet
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/03/24/this-could-be-tom-bradys-most-magnificent-finish-yet/

TB Times: Bucs non-traditionally introduce Tom Brady, who embraces ‘unique’ career move
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/03/24/bucs-introduce-tom-brady-who-embraces-unique-career-move/

Orr SI.com: Tom Brady Takes the High Road While Discussing Patriots Departure
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/03/24/tom-brady-talks-patriots-departure-kraft-belichick

WASHINGTON
Fortier Washington Post: By bringing in Peyton Barber, Redskins add to their depth at running back
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/24/by-bringing-peyton-barber-redskins-add-their-depth-running-back/

Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR)
3/24/20, 3:15 PM
The Redskins are signing RB Peyton Barber to a two-year deal, ⁦‪PostSports‬⁩ can confirm. It's worth $3M with $600K guaranteed‬⁩.

Barber, a 25-year-old Auburn alum, made the Bucs as an UDFA in '16. He led the team in rushing twice in four years

Carpenter Washington Post: Redskins add another option at tight end by agreeing to terms with Richard Rodgers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/24/redskins-add-another-option-tight-end-by-agreeing-terms-with-richard-rodgers/

Keim ESPN Washington: Trent Williams' agent says it's time for Redskins to trade or release his client
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28946330/trent-williams-agent-says-redskins-trade-release-client

Keim ESPN Washington: After trading corner Quinton Dunbar Monday, the Redskins now need more depth at the position. As of now, they have not been in contact with former Redskin corner Bashaud Breeland, per source. He might be an option much later, but not now. Logan Ryan remains available, though his asking price has been too high for teams. They do have newly signed Kendall Fuller, Fabian Moreau, Jimmy Moreland, Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson. The first two would be tops on the list as of now, but they do need more

Allen QB TR Carolina 6-3 210 24
Barber RB FA Tampa Bay 5-11 225 26
McKissic RB W Detroit 5-10 195 27
Thomas TE FA Detroit 6-6 250 29
Rodgers TE FA Philadelphia 6-4 257 28
Lucas T FA Chicago 6-8 327 29
Schweitzer G FA Atlanta 6-5 314 27
Davis OLB FA LA Chargers 6-1 235 37
Pierre-Louis OLB FA Chicago 6-0 231 29
Fuller CB W Kansas City 5-11 198 25
Davis FS FA Pittsburgh 6-1 202 27

Colleges/Draft

Brent Rollins (@PFF_Brent)
3/24/20, 10:57 AM
How much #depth & talent does UGA have returning on defense?

⁦‪GeorgiaFootball‬⁩ has 13 returning defenders who played at least 200 snaps and had a ⁦‪@PFF‬⁩ grade of at least 70.0.

No other SEC team had that many play and meet both those marks in 2019, let alone returning in '20.

Walter Football: 2020 NFL Draft Positional Review:Rating the prospect by attribute and comparing them to the 2019 NFL Draft prospects
https://walterfootball.com/draft2020positionreview.php

T
White SB Nation: Mekhi Becton isn’t a finished product, but his NFL potential is as massive as he is
Retired defensive end Stephen White is excited about what kind of OL Mekhi Becton can be in the NFL.
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2020/3/24/21186279/mekhi-becton-nfl-draft-2020-offensive-tackle-projection-highlights-film

Braziller NYP: NFL Draft 2020: Isaiah Wilson is on doorstep to his dream
[url] https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/nfl-draft-2020-isaiah-wilson-is-on-doorstep-to-his-dream/amp/

C
Edholm Yahoo Sports: 41. Michigan C Cesar Ruiz
6-foot-3, 307 pounds 
Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.97
TL;DR scouting report: “Young, extremely solid center with the grit and power potential to emerge as top 2020 center
The skinny: A 4-star Rivals recruit (and top 50 overall) in the Class of 2017, Ruiz chose the Wolverines over nearly three dozen schools, including many in the SEC. He played right away as a freshman spending time as the team’s sixth offensive lineman (lining up at left guard and tight end sparingly) before being thrust into the starting lineup as the right guard for the final six games.
Ruiz won the starting center job in 2018 and kept it the next two seasons. He was named third-team all-Big Ten as a sophomore and second-team all-Big Ten as a junior in 2019, starting 13 games both seasons.
Ruiz, who turns 21 in June, declared early for the 2020 NFL draft following his true junior season. At the NFL scouting combine, Ruiz took part in all the athletic testing drills and positional work.
Upside: Still young with ample upside. Has dealt with a lot in his life and puts a lot into his craft. Mentally and physically tough. Possesses natural leadership traits. Praised by coaching staff for handling scheme changes and line calls adeptly. Smart and able to adapt. Best prospect on a Michigan line that will have four starters on NFL rosters this summer.
Good shotgun center who gets into his blocks quickly. Good, thick trunk and some of the biggest mitts (11-inch hands!) you’ll ever see on a center, much less any human being.
Nimble, agile feet. Works up to the second level with head on a swivel, eager for action — not a clock-punch blocker. Pulls to the perimeter and hits moving targets well. Seals gaps and creates wide run lanes showed off his athleticism. Excels on combo blocks with little wasted movement or effort. Outstanding base — maximizes his power without negating his quickness.
Looked outstanding in positional drills at combine. Well coached and technically sound overall, especially for such a young player. Shoots hands off the snap and can derail rushers with quick pop. Fighter who doesn’t back down from tough matchups or physical mismatches. 
Put on a show against Notre Dame in 2019 after struggling badly against the Irish the year prior — appeared to take the follow-up challenge personally. Michigan coaches gave him one of the highest grades for that game that they can remember in recent seasons. Ruiz (No. 51) dominated on Michigan’s first TD drive in that game, making several key blocks, despite poor (rainy) conditions. 
Watch here on the first one as he pulls around and leads the way on a beautiful run, clearing Irish LB Asmar Bilal out. Then Ruiz again gets into space and paves another huge hole prior to the touchdown:

Downside: Squatty frame — only average height and arm length. Played a little heavy last year — scouts estimate Ruiz was closer to 320 or 325 pounds — and likely best at his combine weight (307). Little flexibility — likely a center only in the NFL. Struggled at guard as freshman and might not have the girth or base strength to play more than a spot role there.
Started 2019 season slowly adapting to new offensive system — appeared hesitant and unsure at times (see Army, Wisconsin games). Might be best served in zone-based blocking scheme. Lacks the raw power to sit and anchor consistently. Better pass blocker than run blocker now but could struggle early in league against longer, quicker foes in single-block situations. Best operating with tighter splits, it appears.
Struggled with the length of Alabama’s Raekwon Davis, who stands 6-6 with 34-inch arms. The Crimson Tide parked Davis often right over Ruiz’s gap, and Davis was able to to extend his arms and get Ruiz back on his heels a lot in the bowl game. This type of play was all over that game tape:

Not as successful if he can’t land his initial punch. Lacks high-end explosion. Gets a bit jumpy and jittery in certain matchups and can play off balance. Has to stay square more often and stay on blocks — can depart too quickly and leave the job unfinished. 
Will be mentally ready to handle a lot on his plate as a rookie but could face some humbling matchups early. Might need some help inside and can’t be asked to anchor a unit from Jump Street.
Best-suited destination: There is a lot to like about Ruiz’s game, and his youth makes him an exciting projection. Although he might not possess elite traits across the board, he has enough tangibles and plenty of intangibles to be an early starting center, preferably in a system that can showcase his movement skills where he can operate in space.
Among the teams that could be interested in his services includes: the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers and New York Jets.
Did you know: When Ruiz was 8, his father, Edwin, was hit by a car and killed while he was trying to help change a stranger’s tire on the side of a highway. 
He was raised by his mother, Latoya Shambry, in a rough part of Camden, New Jersey, and times were tough. Cesar was in denial and acted out. Shambry did everything she could to keep him out of trouble and going on with his life. 
“It'll test your character,” Ruiz said at the combine of his neighborhood. “It will either make or break you. There's a lot of people I grew up with ... it didn't make them, it broke them.

“You hear about violence, shootings, killings, rivalries. You hear that almost every week. So just things like that, it's something you become immune to. As a kid, you see it so many times. I mean, really, what I did, I was fortunate enough to have a mom that was really strict on me, so I was never really allowed to be in those areas or even be caught up in those situations.” 
Ruiz started playing football at the age of 10. He said he was still mourning his father’s death then, and his mother wanted him out of the house — a distraction from tragedy. It helped become his passion.
“As a kid you play football, you don't really have any expectations or responsibilities,” he said. “You're just playing football because you love it. And then when I got to high school, that's when I realized this is probably something I'm going to do for a long time.”
Ruiz cites both of his parents as his heroes and talks about his father in the present tense at times.
“Me and my dad are really close,” he said. “I know my father would be extremely proud of me.”
They said it: “He’s a well-liked guy. Players gravitate to him. Coaches like him.”
— Jim Harbaugh on Ruiz
Player comp: Ruiz compares favorably to Minnesota Vikings 2019 first-rounder Garrett Bradbury and Chicago Bears 2018 second-rounder James Daniels
Expected draft range: Late Round 1 to early Round 2”

https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-41-michigan-c-cesar-ruiz-023335264.html

OLB
John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace)
3/24/20, 11:00 PM
Prospect FilmRoom

Isaiah Simmons in man cov v Miles Boykin, who ran a 4.42 40 at the combine.

Nice recovery off the line. Outside leverage w/safety help. Glides like a gazelle and makes a clean play on the ball. Size/short area speed

John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace)
3/24/20, 11:14 PM
Simmons v Joe Brady’s LSU Tigers.

First, off the edge, closes with violent speed and finishes.

Next, at backer. Diagnoses the screen and shoots through traffic to assist.

This is against the best of the best, talent-wise. Elite versatility.

John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace)
3/24/20, 11:27 PM
This is a fantastic play by Simmons:

Shows movement to line pre-snap. Slides R To bracket slot, flips and recovers w good angle and closing speed on Burrow.

Minimizes the damage on the scramble

John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace)
3/24/20, 11:40 PM
Simmons shows blitz, demonstrates remarkable speed and dexterity, dropping to deep MOF. He covers 13 yds before Burrow finishes his 3step drop. Plays the slot on the post, flips hips w/ ease and redirects to the seam. The best athlete on the field. It just jumps out on tape

John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace)
3/24/20, 11:59 PM
Simmons diagnoses and takes the proper angle, navigates around the center. Good balance and body control. Squares up for a nice form tackle

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
3/25/20, 12:39 AM
Imagine the Giants having a defender who can do this in coverage against the slot vert (every OC/QBs go to) starting Week 1 in 2020. How valuable is that?
You have to imagine because it has been so long. Last I can remember is Michael Boley, but he wasn’t running with a 4.4 WR.

Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/3/24/21191255/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-patrick-queen-lb-lsu-scouting-report-ny-giants

Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle)
3/23/20, 8:11 PM
LSU's Patrick Queen is an instinctive, rangy off-ball linebacker prospect with great athleticism.

He can do anything you ask of him in coverage and really can fly sideline to sideline — AKA the off-ball linebacker you need in today's NFL

Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle)
3/23/20, 8:13 PM
Picks Nos. 25 - 40 feel like the best range considering positional value, imo.

My NFL comparison for Patrick Queen:

Deion Jones

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
3/24/20, 1:00 PM
One of my top targets for Giants at 36. Not sure he’ll fall but I think he has a better chance of lasting until Day 2 than Murray does.
Call me crazy, but a Simmons/Queen 1-2 to start intrigues me. The nickel defense (remember, about 75% of all snaps are nickel) would be 🔥 🔥

CB
Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle)
3/24/20, 12:55 PM
Highest-graded cornerbacks in Cover 0 and Cover 1 concepts over the past two seasons (2018-19), per ⁦‪@PFF‬⁩.

1. Trajan Bandy
2. Amik Robertson
3. Jeff Okudah
4. A.J. Terrell
5. Trevon Diggs
6. Kristian Fulton

DB
Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL)
3/24/20, 5:57 PM
#2020NFLDraft DBs with WR Experience

Trevon Diggs
Noah Igbinoghene
Brian Cole II
Stantley Oliver-Thomas
Chris Claybrooks

Lots of players played both ways in high school... These guys were recruited and showed up to campus as WRs!

Rock Newsday: Life of LI's Elijah Riley: Game-changer to game-seeker

“Army senior defensive back Elijah Riley, a Newfield High School alum, is training for his shot at the NFL. On Monday, March 9, Riley talked about continuing his senior semester at West Point and training when he can.”

https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/elijah-riley-army-1.43153499

S
Eager PFF: Even after a rough junior season, LSU safety Grant Delpit is a good analytical prospect
https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-even-after-a-rough-junior-season-lsu-safety-grant-delpit-is-a-good-analytical-prospect

Giants Birthdays 3-25

Fred Robbins LDT/RDT FA-MIN 2004 NYG 2004-2009 3-25-1977

Shuck BBV: Where are your former Giants now? DT Fred Robbins (12-15-2018)
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2018/12/15/18125122/where-are-your-former-giants-now-dt-fred-robbins

Adame Pensacola News: Ex-NFL star Fred Robbins, wife focus on giving back to Pensacola (7-20-2018)
https://amp.pnj.com/amp/761357002

In Memoriam

Bobby Epps FB D14-Pittsburgh 1954 NYG 1954-1957 Born 3-25-1932 Died 11-14-2014

Penn HOF

“A graduate of Swissvale High School, Bobby was a star in basketball and football, scoring thirty touchdowns over three years. He led his team to two consecutive 9-1 seasons gaining team MVP and All WPIAL First Team honors. He went on to Pitt where he was the starting Fullback for three seasons and a linebacker. He received All-State and All-East honors following his senior season and was drafted by the New York Giants. He shared Fullback duties his rookie season playing for Vince Lombardi and blocking for Gifford, Tote and Conerly. He was injured during the preseason the next year but came back to start the last nine games. As fate would have it, Bobby spent the 1956 season in the military while his Giant teammates were winning the NFL Championship. After returning in 1957 as a starter, he retired to pursue a career in engineering.”

DiPaola Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Pitt-Duke once was historic game

“But there was prejudice. Former Pitt player Bill Priatko, who later played for the Steelers and served as Yough athletic director, recalled playing Duke in 1951 at Pitt Stadium.
We were losing 19-14 when Bobby Epps of Swissvale runs down the sideline 50 yards for a touchdown,@ Priatko said. “We would have won the game.”
Instead, Epps was ruled out of bounds by a split-race officiating crew.
Said Priatko: @You could hear (the official’s) Southern drawl: “He is out of bounds on the 40-yard line.”
“I don’t think they wanted to see Duke lose. If you looked at the film, it showed Bobby was at least a half-yard inbounds.”
Pitt traveled to Houston to play Rice later that season. The black players, including Epps, Chester Rice, Henry Ford and Bill Adams, were forced to stay in private black homes while their teammates slept at a hotel. Kramer remembers fans calling Epps “a turkey.”
Officials called Pitt for holding on three consecutive plays in a game the Panthers lost 21-13.
Joe Schmidt (Pitt’s All-American linebacker) asked “who was holding?”, Priatko said. He was told, “None of your business.”

https://archive.triblive.com/sports/pitt/pitt-duke-once-was-historic-game/

As detailed in the book Lombardi and Landry by the late Ernie Palladino, Epps was a beneficiary of the Giants using photos snapped from the upper deck to show opponents tendencies. When photos revealed the Redskins’ defense concentrating on the Giants’ halfback who remained in position rather than the halfback who spit wide, by having a linebacker shadow the halfback who remained in, Lombardi went to a fullback based attack. With starting FB Mel Triplett injured, Epps as the FB rushed for 115 yards on 13 carries in a 24-20 Giants’ victory.

10-14-1957

“BEN AGAJANIAN'S 50 yard FG. and Bob Schelker's two touchdown catches paced the Giants to a 24-to- 20 win over the Redskins. Little Bobby Epps, second-string New York fullback, gained 115 yards in 13 carries and Charley Conerly completed 11 to 13 passes for 18 yards. Eddie LeBaron connected with Jim Podoley on an 82-yard touchdown pass.”