2024 NFL Offseason, Free Agency, and Draft Talk

[stevew]

I've never heard of Vontae Davis. Anyone? anyone?

He retired in the middle of a game.

[NobodyHere]

He retired in the middle of a game.

Colts traded a second round pick for him and he turned out to be a very good player for a couple years.

[Ksyrup]

I saw a Twitter post claiming that under some proprietary metric, he had the greatest season of any CB in history in 2013 or 14.

EDIT - here it is.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It doesn’t get talked about much, but Vontae Davis’ 2014 season is one of the best CB seasons in NFL history.<br><br>In fact, it is *the* best in the PFF-era:<br><br>• 93.3 PFF grade (1st in PFF-era)<br>• 92.5 coverage grade (T-2nd)<br>• 91.1 run defense grade (T-6th)<br><br>Rest in peace ���� <a href="https://t.co/F4GAuV5Nyx">pic.twitter.com/F4GAuV5Nyx</a></p>&mdash; Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeKennedyNFL/status/1774855862617583727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[sovereignstar v2]

I've never heard of Vontae Davis. Anyone? anyone?

Why would you have heard of Vontae Davis when you had no idea who Teddy Bridgewater is?

[QuikSand]

I've never heard of Vontae Davis. Anyone? anyone?

He had a stretch where he was really, really good. Wasn't a ten year HOF run, but for several seasons he was a top tier cover guy. In the same breath with, let's say, Nnamdi Asomugha, as a contemporary perhaps?

[albionmoonlight]

Hearing more buzz around Pennix. There's buzz that a lot of the teams that people see trading into the top 5 to grab one of the top-4 QBs might actually be hoping that Pennix falls to them instead so they can surprise people and grab him later in the first round.

Of course, if every team hoping that Pennix falls to them knows that other teams are interested in him, then he suddenly stops being a value pick and starts being a guy you have to trade up to get . . .

I LOVE the game theory this time of year.

[Ksyrup]

I keep reading that the Broncos are not going to trade up but sit back and take Bo Nix later in the 1st round because he's a small guy like Drew Brees. Or something.

[JPhillips]

More QBs before 18 means better options for the Bengals.

[Ryche]

If there is any team that should be trading back it is the Broncos. Could really use some draft capital after all the picks they have shipped out. Quite sure they can get Nix down around 20 if they want him.

I have zero faith in Sean Payton's QB evaluation skills. Lucked into Brees and otherwise has never found a decent quarterback.

[Honolulu_Blue]

More QBs before 29 means better options for the Lions.

[QuikSand]

Hearing more buzz around Pennix. There's buzz that a lot of the teams that people see trading into the top 5 to grab one of the top-4 QBs might actually be hoping that Pennix falls to them instead so they can surprise people and grab him later in the first round.

Of course, if every team hoping that Pennix falls to them knows that other teams are interested in him, then he suddenly stops being a value pick and starts being a guy you have to trade up to get . . .

I LOVE the game theory this time of year.

this is how you end up with Christian Ponder

(and I too love this time of year)

[cartman]

2/3rds of the time trading down works every time

[Ksyrup]

this is how you end up with Christian Ponder

(and I too love this time of year)

I always thought that guy could have had a decent career if he had gone in the 4th round. But top 15 (as I recall)? No way. Too much pressure on him to perform and on the team to play him quickly.

Now, EJ Manuel... I don't know why anyone thought he'd be good. Terrible pocket presence, even in college.

[cartman]

this is how you end up with Christian Ponder


The Samantha Steele approach

[flere-imsaho]

Going back to the first page, you have to get to Tier 6, 11 QBs deep (and that didn't include Rodgers), before you get to a QB not on the team that drafted him, which sort of supports the idea of gambling wildly in the draft.


Tier 1: Brady-esque ability to win regardless of how much his team handicaps him, excels at finding the best plays against the defense and winning consistently without needing to blow other teams away: Mahomes

Tier 2: Peyton Manning-esque ability to take over games and bully opposing teams into submission, while also, like Manning, curiously coming undone against specific defenses or running out of steam when the rest of his team can't hold up their end of the bargain: Allen, Jackson

Tier 3: Could be Tier 1 or 2 but two seasons with ill-timed injuries contribute to a small sample size: Burrow

Tier 4: Probably going to be Tier 1 or Tier 2 but we don't know yet because either a) they've had less than a season or b) they've been playing for the Chargers or c) whatever they hell we think has gone on with Jacksonville: Herbert, Love, Stroud, Richardson, Lawrence

Tier 5: Really good with key offensive weapons: Hurts, Prescott

Tier 6: Really good with key offensive weapons and an offensive guru at HC or OC: Purdy, Stafford, Tagovailoa, Goff

Tier 7: Good with key offensive weapons and no longer actively detrimental to your team's chance to win: Cousins

Tier 8: Adequate. You're not going to make the playoffs due to them, but you're also not going to effectively tank with them: Minshew, G. Smith, Carr, Mayfield

Tier 9: Who the fuck knows: Watson, Murray

Tier 10: You're kidding yourself, start tanking: Dobbs, Wilson, Fields, Howell, O'Connell, Ridder, Pickett, Jones, Young, Wilson

Or, put another way, the chances of the stars aligning as such:

1. QB who can make a significant enough impact to get you to the playoffs if you generally suck, or the SB if you're playoff-worthy in all other aspects is available via trade or FA

2. You can successfully beat off competition for him

...is 2 of 15 or maybe 3 of 16, but probably not in any given year (over multiple years, maybe).

Is that better odds than gambling in the draft? Probably. Is that better odds in any given year? Also probably. Is gambling in the draft vs. waiting for someone to appear via FA or trade more likely to appeal to a standard GM's sense of impending doom? Almost certainly.

[Ksyrup]

Stefan Diggs (a 2024 6th and 2025 5th) to the Texans for a 2025 2nd.

I just read this morning that the Bills needed to draft a #1 WR because of Diggs' age and no heir apparent on the roster. Now they don't even have an apparent.

[SirFozzie]

And the Commisioner will do nothing to the Cards owner/team i'm guessing.

Technically, they did, it was a NFL-appointed arbitrator, (they are now posting it to the court system to enforce judgement)

[QuikSand]

The Texans are just pulling every string. I really like their whole approach.

As soon as you are confident you have the young QB... you push in your chips.

[Swaggs]

Is Diggs considered a headcase or demanding a new deal? Seems like a really light return for team that should be in "win now" mode for a guy that seems like he's in his prime and has a pretty reasonable cap number (looks to be between $18-19M per year for the next four years). I'd like it for the Bills a lot more if it was a 2024 2nd rounder (but still think it would be a good deal for Houston).

Spotrac has an opt out listed, but it seems like it is just a roster bonus type thing if he is on the roster (rather than him having the option to opt out).

I would have loved this deal for the Steelers.

[SirFozzie]

Basically, they were tired of him (and his brother) claiming that he needed to get out of Buffalo (that the problem in Buffalo wasn't him), and not taking responsibility for screwing up. THey phased him well, not out, but down severely in the 2nd half of last season

[CrimsonFox]

He retired in the middle of a game.

Did they stop and serve cake?

[stevew]

The Bills just standing pat and drafting Jefferson is a great what-if. Maybe he wouldn’t have been available to them, but they clearly flubbed this

[albionmoonlight]

There's a way the Bills could be looking at this that makes some sense.

They had their first Super-Bowl-worthy core around Allen. And it didn't get over the hump. And trying to keep running it back with those guys wasn't going to work.

So basically take all of the medicine this season and maybe next. Clear out the cap. Get rid of the old players. Collect picks and young players. And then try to create a 2026-30 core to make another run in the second half of Allen's career.

[GrantDawg]

There's a way the Bills could be looking at this that makes some sense.

They had their first Super-Bowl-worthy core around Allen. And it didn't get over the hump. And trying to keep running it back with those guys wasn't going to work.

So basically take all of the medicine this season and maybe next. Clear out the cap. Get rid of the old players. Collect picks and young players. And then try to create a 2026-30 core to make another run in the second half of Allen's career.
This does make sense. They have to reset sometime. Probably better sooner rather than later.

[JPhillips]

The Texans are just pulling every string. I really like their whole approach.

As soon as you are confident you have the young QB... you push in your chips.

I heard today that in the last six Super Bowls at least one team has had a QB on a rookie deal.

[GrantDawg]

Oops.

[GrantDawg]

That's messed up. The league wouldn't let Kirk Cousins swap jersey numbers with Kyle Pitts unless they bought out the inventory of Pitts jerseys already printed. Several hundred thousand dollars worth.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[flere-imsaho]

Like death and taxes, one thing we can always count on is NFL owners being cheap as fuck.

[CrimsonFox]

That's messed up. The league wouldn't let Kirk Cousins swap jersey numbers with Kyle Pitts unless they bought out the inventory of Pitts jerseys already printed. Several hundred thousand dollars worth.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

how do jerseys fricking cost 100grand! I think we've uncovered a problem with our priorities

[flere-imsaho]

The Texans are just pulling every string. I really like their whole approach.

As soon as you are confident you have the young QB... you push in your chips.

Agreed. And I wonder if the Bears' movement away from Fields represents the corollary: if it's not abundantly clear you have drafted a game-changer QB by the time he gets towards the end of his rookie contract, jettison & try again.

[henry296]

how do jerseys fricking cost 100grand! I think we've uncovered a problem with our priorities

These are the jerseys made for people to buy not the ones for the games. Given the retail price, I would expect the cost could be 75-100 dollars, so it isn't that many they would need to buy back for that price. This helps make sure the retailers don't lose money since people are a lot less likely to buy a jersey of a player with a different number.

[GrantDawg]

These are the jerseys made for people to buy not the ones for the games. Given the retail price, I would expect the cost could be 75-100 dollars, so it isn't that many they would need to buy back for that price. This helps make sure the retailers don't lose money since people are a lot less likely to buy a jersey of a player with a different number.
I had never heard of this problem before, but then it dawned on me that usually the big star player is taking the number from a lesser known player. There probably aren't thousands of jerseys out with the third-string quarterbacks name on them.

[CrimsonFox]

I don't think the bills matter or will ever matter.

same with texans

[stevew]

I find it hard to believe that many Pitts jerseys are sitting around. If they are, it’s on him for playing like garbage.

[CrimsonFox]

Carson Wentz signed 1 yr 3.25 mill deal with the Chiefs

[albionmoonlight]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/chargers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chargers</a> were up double digits on <a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Patriots</a> in the divisional playoff round of the 06-07 playoffs, but just kept chucking their way to a loss. Hall of Fame running back <a href="https://twitter.com/LT_21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LT_21</a> has a theory on the questionable play calling that sent a stack team home. <br><br>Their Offensive… <a href="https://t.co/cQp19ANG9b">pic.twitter.com/cQp19ANG9b</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) <a href="https://twitter.com/Realrclark25/status/1777140809311084901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I go back to my general idea that it is almost impossible to tell the difference between incompetence and corruption.

[albionmoonlight]

Today I learned that Ickey Woods had only one 1,000 yard season and finished his career with under 1,600 yards.

I had no idea. He was such a big deal his rookie season.

[Kodos]

But he still sits atop the Shuffle list.

[JPhillips]

ACL injury before medicine made that an injury you can overcome. That running game for the Bengals with Woods and Brooks was special.

[GrantDawg]

ACL injury before medicine made that an injury you can overcome. That running game for the Bengals with Woods and Brooks was special.
So many guys had careers cut short from knee injuries that are fixable today. I can't help but think of what William Andrews career could have been....

[SirFozzie]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/chargers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chargers</a> were up double digits on <a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Patriots</a> in the divisional playoff round of the 06-07 playoffs, but just kept chucking their way to a loss. Hall of Fame running back <a href="https://twitter.com/LT_21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LT_21</a> has a theory on the questionable play calling that sent a stack team home. <br><br>Their Offensive… <a href="https://t.co/cQp19ANG9b">pic.twitter.com/cQp19ANG9b</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) <a href="https://twitter.com/Realrclark25/status/1777140809311084901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I go back to my general idea that it is almost impossible to tell the difference between incompetence and corruption.



Man,it's hilarious.

Chargers up double digits, refuse to stop throwing: "They threw the game!"

Falcons up 28-3 in the super bowl, become super conservative "They threw the game!"

They didn't execute, end of story.. The only team that really got it right offensively against the Pats in the Pats notable playoff losses was Philly. You keep playing, and executing

[RainMaker]

So many guys had careers cut short from knee injuries that are fixable today. I can't help but think of what William Andrews career could have been....

Gale Sayers comes to mind.

[CrimsonFox]

So many guys had careers cut short from knee injuries that are fixable today. I can't help but think of what William Andrews career could have been....

Wait? When did those start getting fixed?

[Kodos]

So many guys had careers cut short from knee injuries that are fixable today. I can't help but think of what William Andrews career could have been....

I loved those Falcons - Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews, Gerald Riggs, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson. That was my original favorite team.

[albionmoonlight]

Dr. Z would often talk about Greg Cook--a QB that Bill Walsh had in Cincinnati who blew out his shoulder. Lots of "He could have been the greatest ever" type of comments.

[RainMaker]

Wait? When did those start getting fixed?

I believe late 70's is when they started doing the arthroscopic knee surgeries. Wasn't really until the 80's when people were able to recover and play again if I remember correctly. And even then it wasn't until the 90's when players could recover and play at a high level. Terry Allen was the first big name I remember who was really damn good after multiple ACLs.

[flere-imsaho]

Chargers up double digits, refuse to stop throwing: "They threw the game!"

Falcons up 28-3 in the super bowl, become super conservative "They threw the game!"

I remember the Falcons kept throwing, which kept stopping the clock. They also got conservative with playcalling, which probably didn't help either.

But I distinctly remember thinking in the late 3rd Q and all throughout the 4th Q that if they just started running out the clock it was all over.

[GrantDawg]

I loved those Falcons - Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews, Gerald Riggs, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson. That was my original favorite team.
That team and the Hershel Walker Georgia Bulldogs gave me my love for the game.

[CrimsonFox]

Fuck Michael VIck

[CrimsonFox]

Oh Boy....is there exciting news about the drafvt and new teams and free agents? nope. News about the NFL allowing a third helmet option. I miss the 70s.

[GrantDawg]

Wait? When did those start getting fixed?
It was around 1985 when they first started being able to do it arthroscopically, which greatly improved the chances of full recovery. Took another ten years or so to get the physical therapy to a point that the majority of people have near full recovery.

[albionmoonlight]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eagles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eagles</a> have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed, sources say. <br><br>The deal was done by <a href="https://twitter.com/kelt_crenshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kelt_crenshaw</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/KlutchSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KlutchSports</a>, and it keeps Smith in PHI for years to come. �� �� �� <a href="https://t.co/hsBXWx30MH">pic.twitter.com/hsBXWx30MH</a></p>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1779879686186659909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Well-run teams quietly do things like this on a random Monday before the draft. No muss. No drama. Just lock up a good young player at a fair price.

[QuikSand]

Do we think that Jaylen Waddle is probably at about the same market value? He'd expect to get 25/yr overall with a similarly heavy guarantee? (I'd guess so)

[albionmoonlight]

I think that they are certainly in the same zip code.

If I had to pick one, I'd pick Smith (though I am not sure how much of that is some nagging prejudice I have that Waddle is benefitting from Miami's "gimmick" offense).

My guess is that one the theory of the next guy always signs for a little more than the previous guy, Waddle re-signs for a sliver higher than this.

[CrimsonFox]

A week before the draft, one of the draftees dies...

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/nfl-prospect-aj-simon-dies-one-week-draft-rcna148392

[CrimsonFox]

Steelers looking to draft a 4th QB...

and uh...just what is with the "mock Drafts". Are these connected to the teams at all or just article writers guessing

[Ksyrup]

24/7 content generation. I haven't looked at a single one of them, aside from a couple of team-specific deep dives. I just don't care. No matter what is written before the draft, the draft is still going to happen and we'll see the outcome soon enough. I don't care to read some dude filling out an entire 7 round draft. That's just absurd. But then again, I also refuse to watch the 3 hour pregame shows. I am long past the age where any of that stuff interests me in the least. I tune in about 30 seconds before kickoff.

[albionmoonlight]

There is one Saints writer who is plugged in. And he's very careful not to overtly say what his sources are telling him. But if you pay attention and know how to pick up the breadcrumbs, you can get a sense of what the team is going to do. So I follow him.

But otherwise, I agree with K that most of what is out there is people just making content without any more inside information than you or I have.

[CrimsonFox]

Oh the word "mock" clued me in on the fact that it isn't real...I just wondered what the hell was up with them. They make it sound like it's officially from the NFL but ...but...but...

[Bobble]

I know there are some Lions fans on here. Rather than a mock draft, a knowledgeable fan put together a fit list for the Lions on reddit here: bo77_fit_list (https://www.reddit.com/r/detroitlions/comments/1c378aw/bo77_draft_preview_full_2024_detroit_fit_list/). His research and knowledge of the game lead him to believe that these are guys the Lions would want and would fit in their scheme.

Something like this is way more useful to me than some rando's mock draft that barely considers positional weaknesses.

[Kodos]

24/7 content generation. I haven't looked at a single one of them, aside from a couple of team-specific deep dives. I just don't care. No matter what is written before the draft, the draft is still going to happen and we'll see the outcome soon enough. I don't care to read some dude filling out an entire 7 round draft. That's just absurd. But then again, I also refuse to watch the 3 hour pregame shows. I am long past the age where any of that stuff interests me in the least. I tune in about 30 seconds before kickoff.

Yep. I stopped watching pregame shows and halftime shows a long time ago. Such a waste of time! I like to let the game get ahead of me and then blast through all the ads and halftime crap. The only postgame show I ever watch is NFL Primetime, and that's pretty rare too.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I know there are some Lions fans on here. Rather than a mock draft, a knowledgeable fan put together a fit list for the Lions on reddit here: bo77_fit_list (https://www.reddit.com/r/detroitlions/comments/1c378aw/bo77_draft_preview_full_2024_detroit_fit_list/). His research and knowledge of the game lead him to believe that these are guys the Lions would want and would fit in their scheme.

Something like this is way more useful to me than some rando's mock draft that barely considers positional weaknesses.

That’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I’ve said many times that I would zero interest in attending the draft live. I don’t like crowds and the event feels made for TV - being able to relax at home, look up players drafted online, do something else during down time and all of that.

I turned 50 this year and for my birthday, my wife got me two VIP tickets for round one. She works in politics and knows the woman who was setting the draft up for the city of Detroit. I couldn’t pass that up, so I’ll be there live on Thursday night. It should be fun!

[thesloppy]

I’ve said many times that I would zero interest in attending the draft live. I don’t like crowds and the event feels made for TV - being able to relax at home, look up players drafted online, do something else during down time and all of that.

I turned 50 this year and for my birthday, my wife got me two VIP tickets for round one. She works in politics and knows the woman who was setting the draft up for the city of Detroit. I couldn’t pass that up, so I’ll be there live on Thursday night. It should be fun!


Nice! I'm with you, I hate crowds and the draft looks like nonsense these days, but if you lean into I'm sure you'll have a blast!

[Danny]

Nice! I'm with you, I hate crowds and the draft looks like nonsense these days, but if you lean into I'm sure you'll have a blast!

Yeah, I don't care for crowds either, but if I had an opportunity like that, I'd go once for the experience.

[CrimsonFox]

Why don't we just hang out here for the draft and have our own pizza party

[QuikSand]

Why not toss a 6th or 7th on this cat?

https://x.com/alex_kozora/status/1780627627985801706?s=46&t=UiBSwlI6k0QxGYTxadQwhA

[QuikSand]

There is one Saints writer who is plugged in. And he's very careful not to overtly say what his sources are telling him. But if you pay attention and know how to pick up the breadcrumbs, you can get a sense of what the team is going to do. So I follow him.

But otherwise, I agree with K that most of what is out there is people just making content without any more inside information than you or I have.

Underhill, I presume. He’s excellent.

[QuikSand]

Love delving into return standouts for late round value...

Lideatrick 'Tulu' Griffin Highlights - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bujZHLHc-N0)

Tulu Griffin, welcome to my mock drafts.

[QuikSand]

Another later round guy I like a lot:

https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2024/04/06/jonah-laulu-nfl-draft-interview

https://ras.football/ras-information/

Versatile, smart, very athletic— yes please.

[albionmoonlight]

As we talk about late round guys, the Athletic Podcast liked this guy: Tyrone Tracy Jr. Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com (https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyrone-tracy-jr/32005452-4111-6277-e892-3ab02612e4c2)

Guys with RB/WR/Return skills can be such weapons when used by an offensive coach with imagination.

Tracy's not going to be a standard 3-down back. But getting a mini-Cordarrelle Patterson on your team for a 4th/5th rounder? Hell yes!

[Ksyrup]

Zack Wilson is Payton's master plan huh?

I suppose after 44 years it's time to put my fandom up for sale.

[stevew]

Ehhh there’s gotta be at least a tiny chance he gets his mojo back

[Ksyrup]

My daughter sent me a pic of Stidham, Dinucci and Wilson and said "what a room." I replied - "Looks more like a broom closet."

[Danny]

Payton getting paid either way. These head coach gurus just dont have the same success once their hall of fame quarterbacks are gone.

[RainMaker]

I don't like Wilson at all but it's clear Denver is going through a long rebuild here. They have over $50 million in dead cap from Wilson this season and another $35 million next year. This season will likely be a soft tank, they'll draft a QB high in 2025, and start the rebuild process.

Think it's a better strategy than what New Orleans does by just adding high priced mid-tier QBs and never getting out of cap hell.

Should add that this is the same strategy the Bears used when Poles took over and it seems to be working somewhat well if you think the Bears are on the way up.

[stevew]

Surely Herbert isn’t getting traded, right?

If he was actually available I’d think more than just the Vikings would be in.

[Atocep]

Surely Herbert isn’t getting traded, right?

If he was actually available I’d think more than just the Vikings would be in.

I don't see it, considering Harbaugh seems to have a man crush on Herbert and was the reason he took the Chargers job.

[Danny]

He is not. If Harbaugh didnt line Sherbert, hed have gone sonewhere else.

[Danny]

With their cap situation and spanos, Sherbert was their biggest selling point besides money

[RainMaker]

Surely Herbert isn’t getting traded, right?

If he was actually available I’d think more than just the Vikings would be in.

I can't imagine. You would think if they were trading him, the best spot would be to Chicago for the #1 pick.

[albionmoonlight]

Apparently the Falcons medical staff talked to Cousins a day too early in free agency or something.

I think that they should lose every pick for the next three drafts.

Tampering is a sin.

[Kodos]

It's almost as if you are a Saints fan... ;)

[albionmoonlight]

It's almost as if you are a Saints fan... ;)

:jester:

[Edward64]

Thanks, Matty Ice.

You got us close to the promise land and helped stablize the Falcons after the Vick fiasco.

After 15 seasons, four Pro Bowls and a Most Valuable Player award, former Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan announced his retirement Monday, officially ending the career of one of the most durable and consistent players of his generation.

[GrantDawg]

Apparently the Falcons medical staff talked to Cousins a day too early in free agency or something.

I think that they should lose every pick for the next three drafts.

Tampering is a sin.
They are now saying any penalty is not coming before this draft. It seems like such a minor thing, but Mike Florio is so butt-hurt about Cousins leaving the Vikings he has been beating the drum that this is the worst crime ever committed.

[GrantDawg]

Thanks, Matty Ice.

You got us close to the promise land and helped stablize the Falcons after the Vick fiasco.
Greatest Falcon ever.

[JPhillips]

Interesting data analysis from RAS.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some of you have already keyed in on it, but it seems to be CB by a pretty big margin.<br><br>A whopping 95% (!) of pro bowl cornerbacks had an arm length over 50th percentile, a difference of about 17% to the second highest position, WR. <a href="https://t.co/Kz3c4QySHW">https://t.co/Kz3c4QySHW</a></p>&mdash; Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1783110800086872288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[QuikSand]

that's jarring

[albionmoonlight]

Last minute buzz is that the OT run is going to start earlier than people suspect.

That, of course, pushes other players down the board, so maybe one of the Big-3 WRs ends up falling into some lucky team's lap.

[Swaggs]

The last mock draft I saw in the Athletic did not have a defensive player selected until 12th. Seems crazy that there are no CBs or pass rushers that have blown up this year.

FWIW, they had QBs going 1,2,3, and 5 (Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy) and receivers going 4,6, and 7 (Harrison Jr., Nabers, and Odunze). This will be an interesting year to look back at, for sure.

[miami_fan]

Zack Wilson is Payton's master plan huh?

I suppose after 44 years it's time to put my fandom up for sale.

IF Zach Wilson is successful this year, how do we look at him and who gets the credit?

I feel like Wilson becomes a lesser version of Jared Goff, the Sean Payton is a HOFer train gets going and no one on the Jets coaching staff gets to come within 50 miles of a young QB.

[stevew]

I know st Brown is good but 30M/season seems like idiot team money.

[Ksyrup]

And Penei Sewell next.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ford family making it rain just before the draft! The contracts will age well. Both guys are foundational players for this franchise.

[RainMaker]

I know st Brown is good but 30M/season seems like idiot team money.

#1 receivers going for a lot of money on the open market these days.

[Ksyrup]

IF Zach Wilson is successful this year, how do we look at him and who gets the credit?

I feel like Wilson becomes a lesser version of Jared Goff, the Sean Payton is a HOFer train gets going and no one on the Jets coaching staff gets to come within 50 miles of a young QB.

If Wilson is QB1 for even half the season for any reason other than injury or the Broncos are 2-7 and they have nothing left to lose, then this offseason did not go the way it was supposed to. I assumed they brought him in as veteran competition/depth, not to realistically compete for the job. I have to imagine that in mid-February when plans were being solidified to dump Russ, acquiring Zach Wilson to be the starter was not Plan A, B, C, D or E.

But who knows - the guy can probably look good for a game or three. But plenty of guys have done that.

[miami_fan]

If Wilson is QB1 for even half the season for any reason other than injury or the Broncos are 2-7 and they have nothing left to lose, then this offseason did not go the way it was supposed to. I assumed they brought him in as veteran competition/depth, not to realistically compete for the job. I have to imagine that in mid-February when plans were being solidified to dump Russ, acquiring Zach Wilson to be the starter was not Plan A, B, C, D or E.

But who knows - the guy can probably look good for a game or three. But plenty of guys have done that.

I don't think Wilson will be a good QB in the long run for the Broncos. The best explanation that anyone can give for the Broncos acquiring Wilson is that they are taking a flyer that the setup in Denver is better for him than the setup in New York. I assume that the Broncos believe that the setup will allow him to play better in Denver than in NY. Not Super Bowl winning QB better, not Pro Bowl level QB better, just better than he was in NY. If that is not the case, then the only reason I can see for bringing him in is that the Broncos are intentionally trying to go 0-16 this season and brought in Wilson to assist in that goal.

Again, IF Wilson is better with the Broncos, we know the narrative about him will change. There is always a narrative change when the bust QB in one organization succeeds in another. Maybe he has been throwing with the wrong hand or he got his eyes checked and someone realized that he was colorblind. Maybe it will be that he no longer has the pressure of being the #2 of his current team. I have no idea what the story will be. I am just curious what it will be and who gets the credit.

[albionmoonlight]

Trey Hendrickson asking to be traded from the Bengals. Wants more financial security than they are willing to give him.

I understand that teams can't afford to keep/obtain every great player they want.

But if you've got this Burrow Super Bowl window, you do what you need to do to keep your elite pass rusher happy and in the fold

[stevew]

I don't think Wilson will be a good QB in the long run for the Broncos. The best explanation that anyone can give for the Broncos acquiring Wilson is that they are taking a flyer that the setup in Denver is better for him than the setup in New York. I assume that the Broncos believe that the setup will allow him to play better in Denver than in NY. Not Super Bowl winning QB better, not Pro Bowl level QB better, just better than he was in NY. If that is not the case, then the only reason I can see for bringing him in is that the Broncos are intentionally trying to go 0-16 this season and brought in Wilson to assist in that goal.

Again, IF Wilson is better with the Broncos, we know the narrative about him will change. There is always a narrative change when the bust QB in one organization succeeds in another. Maybe he has been throwing with the wrong hand or he got his eyes checked and someone realized that he was colorblind. Maybe it will be that he no longer has the pressure of being the #2 of his current team. I have no idea what the story will be. I am just curious what it will be and who gets the credit.

I’m betting the answer will be “easy access to hundreds of thousands of Mormon MILFS helped Zach get his mojo back”

[QuikSand]

My son (11) and I put together a big board for the first round of the draft... has been fun working through all the permutations. Thus far:

-We have Chargers being the team to deal down for a QB-aspirant, and it's Maye not McCarthy (who goes at 3 on our board)

-We have Jacksonville moving up to 8 to get WR Odunze ahead of the Bears

-We have waffled on what to do with Michael Penix, after a stint off our board entirely we are back to him going at 13 to the Raiders (though I think I'd prefer them dealing down a bit if they want him)

Has been fun. Will likely revise again before things kick off tonight.

[Edward64]

Looking forward to the draft. Hoping for some trade surprises and unexpected picks (Raiders?) tonight.

Draft analysts have been saying the Falcons will go with an Edge/DL for #1.

[weegeebored]

We have Jacksonville moving up to 8 to get WR Odunze ahead of the BearsGrabbing another WR is a luxury pick for the Bears, especially because they only have four total picks. They need another rusher, edge or interior. I prefer an edge rusher because..well..how many DTs is Poles going to draft? I still think they trade down but Poles needs a dance partner.

[GrantDawg]

I don't doubt the Falcons trading down, but I do think down that far would be disappointing. They need to stay in 11-15 range.

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[Ksyrup]

I lol'd.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Babe wake up, the Broncos are going to set their franchise back another 5 years tonight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a></p>&mdash; Edge �� (@BroncosEdge_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BroncosEdge_/status/1783481852063289805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[CrimsonFox]

what the hell is an edge?

[sovereignstar v2]

what the hell is an edge?

what Teddy Bridgewater uses to shave

[QuikSand]

Let Me Google That (https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=edge+in+football)

[QuikSand]

Ok, Cards lovers, where are we? What's the official play with pick 4?

-KEEP IT, TAKE MHJr
-KEEP IT, TAKE OTHER BPA
-TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 then deal back up for WR2/3
-TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 and just use that haul to add talent
-SOMETHING ELSE


I think I am now at the point where I like "TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 then deal back up for WR2/3" with all the mist building around MHJr, but maybe I am just falling for the stupid smoke.

[GrantDawg]

Ok, Cards lovers, where are we? What's the official play with pick 4?

-KEEP IT, TAKE MHJr
-KEEP IT, TAKE OTHER BPA
-TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 then deal back up for WR2/3
-TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 and just use that haul to add talent
-SOMETHING ELSE


I think I am now at the point where I like "TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 then deal back up for WR2/3" with all the mist building around MHJr, but maybe I am just falling for the stupid smoke.
Trade down to 11, then trade back up to 8. Will probably still end up + a solid pick and a good choice a WR.

[GrantDawg]

And yes, that is totally a selfish Falcons fan's take.

[RainMaker]

I would trade down. They have so many needs and I'm guessing someone will give up quite a haul for a QB at #4.

But if the offers aren't great, I'd just take MHJ.

[Atocep]

Grabbing another WR is a luxury pick for the Bears, especially because they only have four total picks. They need another rusher, edge or interior. I prefer an edge rusher because..well..how many DTs is Poles going to draft? I still think they trade down but Poles needs a dance partner.

Dallas Turner or Byron Murphy are my top 2 realistic options at that spot. Trade down for Verse would be my next preferred option. I don't think he has the ceiling of Turner, but he's a more complete DE. Latu's neck injury scares me, but he's probably the most ready of the DEs on day 1.

I would also consider one of the tackles and move Braxton Jones into a swing lineman role over WR.

[RainMaker]

Allen is only in Chicago for a year so I would be fine with one of the wide receivers at #9. With the contracts being given out to receivers, if you can nab a #1, you do it. While I like the defensive guys too, I don't think there are really any huge impact guys.

[GrantDawg]

The Rams are starting to heat up as trade partners with the Falcons. They seem to be targeting Brock Bowers.

[Atocep]

Allen is only in Chicago for a year so I would be fine with one of the wide receivers at #9. With the contracts being given out to receivers, if you can nab a #1, you do it. While I like the defensive guys too, I don't think there are really any huge impact guys.

If they have Odunze as a number 1 I'm ok with it. Not my preferred option but it makes sense.

I just don't want Bowers. Nothing really against him, but taking TEs in the top 10 is stupid. Every "generational talent" at TE that I can think of off the top of my head has ended up being just a good TE that you can get later in the draft. Winslow, Pitts, Vernon Davis or even Ebron and Hockenson. All good players, but also enough evidence for me to not take a TE in the top 10.

[CrimsonFox]

So are like the phones goin wild with traade discussions now?

[CrimsonFox]

what Teddy Bridgewater uses to shave

heh okay now I know...I've never heard it called Edge before. It's always been Defensive End to me.

[Thomkal]

Ok, Cards lovers, where are we? What's the official play with pick 4?

-KEEP IT, TAKE MHJr
-KEEP IT, TAKE OTHER BPA
-TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 then deal back up for WR2/3
-TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 and just use that haul to add talent
-SOMETHING ELSE


I think I am now at the point where I like "TRADE DOWN to 11-12-13 then deal back up for WR2/3" with all the mist building around MHJr, but maybe I am just falling for the stupid smoke.


i say they should keep it, but if the top 3 QB's don't go ahead of them, there's going to be a lot of interest in trading up to 4, and someone may offer the bank to get the pick. As long as the Cards get a 1st rounder in the top half of the draft, then i would be okay with making a trade.



But they have almost no reliable WR talent on the roster, so they have to go with a WR here. I think they are going to keep the pick and take MHJr.

[GrantDawg]

heh okay now I know...I've never heard it called Edge before. It's always been Defensive End to me.
It's edge because many also play outside linebacker. In today's game, most are asked to play a little of both.

[albionmoonlight]

So are like the phones goin wild with traade discussions now?

I wonder this.

I suspect (but would love to know one way or the other) that the actual day of the draft is quiet. All of the groundwork was laid over the previous months. Teams have been talking and working out trade parameters. Boards are set.

It seems like if you are still doing a ton of stuff right now, you did it wrong.

When I have an oral argument, the intense work and prep is done in the weeks before. The day before and day of is about travel and keeping myself loose.

[CrimsonFox]

Watch the Chicago Bears start the draft with a Kicker...

[Danny]

I wonder this.

I suspect (but would love to know one way or the other) that the actual day of the draft is quiet. All of the groundwork was laid over the previous months. Teams have been talking and working out trade parameters. Boards are set.

It seems like if you are still doing a ton of stuff right now, you did it wrong.

When I have an oral argument, the intense work and prep is done in the weeks before. The day before and day of is about travel and keeping myself loose.

I dont know but id guess you are mostly correct until the draft actually starts. Then things i imagine heat up as players go earlier, drop down etc...

[CrimsonFox]

I dont know but id guess you are mostly correct until the draft actually starts. Then things i imagine heat up as players go earlier, drop down etc...

so trades happen DURING the draft once they see who is left to take?

[molson]

As an example, there were over 40 trades during the draft last year, and 6 trades during Day 1.

[weegeebored]

Allen is only in Chicago for a year so I would be fine with one of the wide receivers at #9. With the contracts being given out to receivers, if you can nab a #1, you do it. While I like the defensive guys too, I don't think there are really any huge impact guys.I wouldn't cry if the Bears took a WR but there's only one ball. They already have two #1 wideouts, a TE with very good hands, and an RB who is a threat in the passing game. A pass rusher will have more of an impact and it's a bigger need. They can worry about a WR next year; they're not going to the Super Bowl this season. They might not even make the playoffs this year. The North is a pretty tough division.

[weegeebored]

Watch the Chicago Bears start the draft with a Kicker...I'm still skeptical about Poles, but not that skeptical. :)

Oops. Dola. My first one.

[albionmoonlight]

so trades happen DURING the draft once they see who is left to take?

That's my thinking. All of the planning has been along the lines of

If X happens, then we do Y
If Z happens, then we do A
If B happens, then we do C

But there's nothing much to do until the draft starts and you see what actually happens

[CrimsonFox]

Got my pizza. All ready.

[NobodyHere]

I can't even remember why we boo Roger Goodell anymore.

[CrimsonFox]

I would not want to stand there outside not being able to see much when I can sit here comfy and see everything

[Atocep]

We need more stuff like that opening and less guests announcing picks.

[CrimsonFox]

We need more stuff like that opening and less guests announcing picks.

What up yo Detroit

[sovereignstar v2]

Make the damn pick already!

[CrimsonFox]

So does every pick take the full 10 minutes?

[CrimsonFox]

Make the damn pick already!

I know right? What are they gonna do... change their minds after putting all their eggs in one basket?

[sovereignstar v2]

So does every pick take the full 10 minutes?

Sometimes the Vikings take more time than they are allotted

https://youtu.be/Ocnnt2fm974?si=iHwGUsHmi-aya1Cq&t=3780

[CrimsonFox]

So ghe draft has become like American idol with the showing films about their family ?

[CrimsonFox]

Wondering who is going to pull the trigger on a wr

[GrantDawg]

I totally get Daniels over Maye. I think he is going to be special.

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[CrimsonFox]

The commanders mascot is a pig??? Lol

[GrantDawg]

Maye is going to NE. Now, the big question is what are the Cards going to do.

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[CrimsonFox]

Now we're cooking

[Atocep]

Drake Maye will be playing young Jason Bateman in films.

[CrimsonFox]

What's the over-under on which of the big 3 will bust first

[Edward64]

It’d be nice to see Harrison Jr do great

[CrimsonFox]

There you go thomkal . Merry Xmas

[GrantDawg]

Looks like the Chargers and then the Giants aren't moving. There are no trades after all the buzz so far.

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[Lathum]

I absolutely can not root for JJ McCarthey

[sovereignstar v2]

Smokescreen, Lathum

[GrantDawg]

Giants not going QB. McCarthy is still in play going to 7.

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[Ksyrup]

Booooring so far.

[GrantDawg]

If the Titans don't move, the Falcons will.

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[Lathum]

Man. I really wanted Odunze...

[GrantDawg]

Second OT off the board.

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[GrantDawg]

The Falcons are taking Penix, and I am about to put my head in the oven. How stupid.

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[CrimsonFox]

Lol

[Ksyrup]

Although it's moving fast, which is nice.

[CrimsonFox]

Not fast enough I mean none of these picks took any thought

[Edward64]

Guess that was a surprise

[Atocep]

The Falcons are taking Penix, and I am about to put my head in the oven. How stupid.

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I would have rather given up a late pick for Fields than draft Penix in the first.

[Ksyrup]

The Falcons are taking Penix, and I am about to put my head in the oven. How stupid.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

Only thing I can figure is that they think he can be next level by sitting a couple of years behind Cousins?

[Lathum]

Christ the Falcons are dumb. I'm also pissed that Penix is going to sit behind Kirk freaking Cousins for a few years.

[Ksyrup]

This is probably going to force Denver to take Bo Nix at 12, right? Assuming McCarthy is gone in the next couple of picks.

[Coffee Warlord]

Really expected the Bears to trade down, but getting Odunze is impressive.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Bwahahahahahaha|

The Falcons have THE most clueless management in pro sports.

Unless the Kirk Cousins contract is going to be voided by the NFL (for the improper early contact) this would have to make the Smith family look like capable ownership.

[Lathum]

dola- happy he went so high and is going to get paid. He gave me one of the best rides of my life with a team. Right up there with the 86 Mets, the Devils of the 90s and Eli.

[CrimsonFox]

Bears turn

[GrantDawg]

This is the dumbest thing the Falcons have ever done, and that is saying something.

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[Atocep]

The bears actually have impressive talent on the offensive side of the ball now.

[Lathum]

ROME!

Guess I'm a bears fan now

[Kodos]

Heh. Big fan of Penix. Happy to see him go to one of my favorite teams where he can sit and learn for a while.

I realize it doesn’t make a ton of sense for a team that has a lot of needs and just invested heavily in Cousins. But I’m happy seeing my favorite player in years going to a team I like.

[Atocep]

Spencer Rattler will be taken within the first 20 picks at this rate.

[Lathum]

Rome thanking his grandpa gave me all the feels. Better kid than player and that is saying something. Bears got a special one.

[CrimsonFox]

Penix really shoulda changed his name back in grade school

[Edward64]

Spencer Rattler will be taken within the first 20 picks at this rate.

He had flashes of greatness, but IMO that would be crazy

[CrimsonFox]

Vikings jets trade
Not exciting

[CrimsonFox]

There goes mccarthy

[GrantDawg]

5 Qb's in the top 10. Wow.

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[JonInMiddleGA]

5 Qb's in the top 10. Wow.

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In what I truly expect to be decried as the least productive first round in NFL history.

I don't believe there's a quality starter in the bunch.

[CrimsonFox]

So is Aaron'rodgers leg better?

[CrimsonFox]

Lol getting an OL is a great idea lol

[GrantDawg]

Bo Nix going to the Broncos. 6 Qb's going this high is just insane.

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[Atocep]

This is probably going to force Denver to take Bo Nix at 12, right? Assuming McCarthy is gone in the next couple of picks.

Sounds like Nix is the pick.

[CrimsonFox]

Considering how many qbs have gotten clobbered I'm not sure why this many qbs high in the draft is crazy

[Ksyrup]

Spencer Rattler is now going from 3rd rounder to late 1st rounder, right?

[cartman]

what are the current odds on no defensive pick in the first round?

[Lathum]

Considering how many qbs have gotten clobbered I'm not sure why this many qbs high in the draft is crazy

Because you need a QB to win

[Ksyrup]

Denver picks ... Not Russel Wilson! Yayyy!

[Lathum]

Nix can be good in the right system but he can't throw downfield.

[Ksyrup]

Because you need a QB to win

And rookie QB contracts make it a smart move to take this kind of chance.

[Swaggs]

Hard to believe Nix wouldn’t have been around at the end of the first. Maybe Raiders had eyes on him, too.

14 straight offensive players is wild. Could see more OL and receivers, too.

[Lathum]

The Scientology commercials aren't weird or anything.

[CrimsonFox]

I'm surprised no rb picks yet. Were there no good ones?

[cartman]

Saints are taking their time

[Atocep]

Hard to believe Nix wouldn’t have been around at the end of the first. Maybe Raiders had eyes on him, too.

14 straight offensive players is wild. Could see more OL and receivers, too.

Supposedly the Raiders didn't have a first round grade and weren't high on him.

[Danny]

Surprised he was there. Bowers is great. I liked Penix but had no interest in Nix amd only mild interest in JJ. A lot of qbs overdrafted here.

Im just glad we have a GM who will actually take the BPA instead of making sure their first round pick was some off the wall player to try and prove how smart you are.

[cartman]

I'm surprised no rb picks yet. Were there no good ones?

there have only been a couple taken in the first round over the past 5-6 years

[Atocep]

I'm surprised no rb picks yet. Were there no good ones?

None with a first round grade and even the 2nd round is iffy. It's the weakest position in this draft by far.

[Lathum]

So not only did the Falcons take Penix, they apparently didn't let Cousins know they were doing it.

Complete dysfunction.

[Danny]

As Atop said, Penix appeared to be the guy the Raiders liked. I dont think they wanted to move for JJ or Nix.

[Lathum]

Im just glad we have a GM who will actually take the BPA instead of making sure their first round pick was some off the wall player to try and prove how smart you are.

This was always Bill Parcells philosophy and it worked out great most years

[CrimsonFox]

So not only did the Falcons take Penix, they apparently didn't let Cousins know they were doing it.

Complete dysfunction.

I love it. You guys WANTED drama!

[Lathum]

All these QB picks some teams that are already good are going to get real value on the defensive side of the ball. Probably the Eagles.

[GrantDawg]

Nix can be good in the right system but he can't throw downfield.
And Penix can throw down field, he just can't throw in the middle of the field. Good thing that is not important in the NFL.

[Thomkal]

There you go thomkal . Merry Xmas


and Happy New Year too! i just couldn't see them going anywhere else if they kept the pick,

[Swaggs]

Hoping the Steelers can get Amarius Mims or Brian Thomas at 20. Lots of smoke that they really like Graham Barton, but I hope they don’t go interior line this early.

[Thomkal]

The Falcons are taking Penix, and I am about to put my head in the oven. How stupid.

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Yeah this one has me scratching my head too-He looks like an injury settlement ready to happen with that injury history.

[cartman]

first defense off the board

[GrantDawg]

Latu going 15. I wanted him to be a Falcon so bad. He is the first defender off the board.

[Atocep]

Latu is an easy top 10 guy with clean medicals.

[Lathum]

And Penix can throw down field, he just can't throw in the middle of the field. Good thing that is not important in the NFL.

Penix can make every throw. I watched every single throw he has made the last 2 seasons. If he didn't have his injury history he would be in the discussion for #1 over all.

[NobodyHere]

Not surprised Ballard picks a lineman.

[CrimsonFox]

Defense!

[cartman]

looks like there might now be a run on defense over the next few picks

[NobodyHere]

Latu is an easy top 10 guy with clean medicals.

With the Colts luck he'll play 10 games on his rookie contract.

[CrimsonFox]

Turner pissed

[Lathum]

Yeah this one has me scratching my head too-He looks like an injury settlement ready to happen with that injury history.

eh.

He has played every game last 2 seasons and led his team to the natty.

I think it is an all time stupid pick for the Falcons, but he has all the tools to be great

[CrimsonFox]

Go hawks

[Swaggs]

Yeah - I understand why he isn’t higher with his age and injury history, but I’d bet on Penix’s peak NFL years being better than anyone outside of Williams.

[GrantDawg]

Penix can make every throw. I watched every single throw he has made the last 2 seasons. If he didn't have his injury history he would be in the discussion for #1 over all.
That's interesting considering that is what the scout have all said about him, and Michigan basically shut him down by taking away the deep ball and giving him the middle of the field.

[Thomkal]

So not only did the Falcons take Penix, they apparently didn't let Cousins know they were doing it.

Complete dysfunction.


wow, you would have thought they would have least let him know.

[CrimsonFox]

Did it mention why latu had his neck surgery

[Swaggs]

Do we know what happened to Todd McShay. It’s weird having only Mel from the old crew. No Berman, TJ, Mort…

[GrantDawg]

wow, you would have thought they would have least let him know.
They called him before they made it official. They had told him they were likely to take a QB in this draft, just not in the first round.

[GrantDawg]

Do we know what happened to Todd McShay. It’s weird having only Mel from the old crew. No Berman, TJ, Mort…
Fired last year.

[Lathum]

That's interesting considering that is what the scout have all said about him, and Michigan basically shut him down by taking away the deep ball and giving him the middle of the field.

They have to find holes.

I was at the Natty and that wasn't the case at all.

[Lathum]

They called him before they made it official. They had told him they were likely to take a QB in this draft, just not in the first round.

Big difference between taking a project in the 4th round and taking a guy who the fans and media will be calling for after his first 2 int game

[Thomkal]

Do we know what happened to Todd McShay. It’s weird having only Mel from the old crew. No Berman, TJ, Mort…


He was laid off in the great ESPN purge of 2024

[CrimsonFox]

Vikings trading again

[GrantDawg]

Vikings trade up and get Turner. They are getting who they want in this draft.

[CrimsonFox]

Wait how are they putting names on the shirts so fast

[CrimsonFox]

Turners moms coat the dumbest fashion of the draft

[Atocep]

Vikings trade up and get Turner. They are getting who they want in this draft.

Poor man's 2023 Texans draft.

[Atocep]

Rams just had the first round pick for this decade.

[Ryche]

That Penix pick seems insane, basically saying they acquired Cousins so they win the division for a couple seasons. Cousins has already shown his ceiling without a defense. And I'm sure he is really not happy knowing his contract basically just became a 2 year deal.

Loving the Vikings draft, wanted McCarthy and thrilled to get him without giving up much extra. And I thought Turner would go to Denver at worst at 12.

[Thomkal]

Think my Cards will go defense with their 2nd pick in the 1st if they keep it

[CrimsonFox]

Chop has s signature move. Oh boy

[Brian Swartz]

He has played every game last 2 seasons and led his team to the natty.

Sure, but as has been mentioned age + the injury history mean he isn't worth a high pick regardless of how good he is IMO. I think Penix is a great story, and there's a chance he succeeds in the NFL. But there's too much downside to invest years in a QB when there are the other options there are this year.

If I were a fan of a team picking him anywhere in the first round I would not be pleased.

[CrimsonFox]

wow this is quite a history

The player raised in Florida came back from four separate season-ending injuries in his college career. Penix tore his right ACL in 2018, dislocated his shoulder in 2019, tore his right ACL again in 2020 and separated the AC joint in his shoulder in 2021.

that's just...wow.

[RainMaker]

Even if there was no injury history, why pay Kirk Cousins all that money to then draft a QB?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Even if there was no injury history, why pay Kirk Cousins all that money to then draft a QB?

Because Blank is either senile or simply dumb as a brick.

[stevew]

I guess I hadn’t looked at the contract but it looks like cousins can pretty easily get dumped after two years. They would take a $35 million hit and have to pay out a $10 million roster bonus but they would be wiping off a $35 million non-guaranteed salary. Still a wild move.

[CrimsonFox]

I guess I hadn’t looked at the contract but it looks like cousins can pretty easily get dumped after two years. They would take a $35 million hit and have to pay out a $10 million roster bonus but they would be wiping off a $35 million non-guaranteed salary. Still a wild move.

that's showbiz

[CrimsonFox]

I find it funny that the players watching from home look all surprised when they get called on the phone and drafted...like did no one told them they were in the draft? ...haha

[Edward64]

wow this is quite a history


That is impressive and shows "gumption". But you wouldn't think he can stay healthy in the NFL.

I hope the Cousins-Penix mentoring relationship turns out well.

[Ksyrup]

I wonder if Cousins is more upset that they drafted his replacement with the #7 pick or didn't use that pick to improve the team he'll (presumably) be QBing for a couple years. Like, he's in "win now" mode and they just invested in the post-Cousins era with an asset they could have used for more immediate needs. I feel like Cousins is probably more embarrassed about the situation than anything else. But he is 35 coming off an Achilles, so...

[albionmoonlight]

I agree with pretty much everything that people have said about the Pennix pick.

The one thing that they have going for them is that we judge everything in hindsight. If it turns out that in four years Pennix is a top-5 QB, then the story won't be "how foolish were the Falcons to pay Cousins and then draft Pennix in the top 10?" The story will be "The Falcons have shown that if you think that a franchise-changing QB is on the board, you don't let the fact that you've got a veteran stopgap keep you from drafting him. Other teams could take a lesson from that."

[Edward64]

I wonder if Cousins is more upset that they drafted his replacement with the #7 pick or didn't use that pick to improve the team he'll (presumably) be QBing for a couple years. Like, he's in "win now" mode and they just invested in the post-Cousins era with an asset they could have used for more immediate needs. I feel like Cousins is probably more embarrassed about the situation than anything else. But he is 35 coming off an Achilles, so...

I can't feel bad for athletes who get their feelings hurt but are paid zillions. I just can't.

[GrantDawg]

I agree with pretty much everything that people have said about the Pennix pick.

The one thing that they have going for them is that we judge everything in hindsight. If it turns out that in four years Pennix is a top-5 QB, then the story won't be "how foolish were the Falcons to pay Cousins and then draft Pennix in the top 10?" The story will be "The Falcons have shown that if you think that a franchise-changing QB is on the board, you don't let the fact that you've got a veteran stopgap keep you from drafting him. Other teams could take a lesson from that."
In the end, that's it. In the short term though, if you are spending money to go "all in" and yet burn a prime asset for some (hopefully) distant future, that foresight might end up benefiting your replacement more than you.