NFL 2023 Offseason/Free Agency/Draft Thread

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Stillers getting Joey Porter Jr seems so obvious, right?

I think so. He’s a legacy guy from Penn State that plays their biggest position of need. Steelers don’t have the greatest track record of taking/developing corners and I think fans, at least, seem a little leery wondering why he slipped. Fans would have had zero issue with him going pick 17 yesterday, though. I think they will take him, though. Tomlin seems to get attached to guys that have visited a lot.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

So how far does Will Levis fall?

Not much further.

Nice if he would fall to Falcons at 2.13.

[Ksyrup]

I saw an evaluation by someone on Twitter (Doug Farrar maybe) that had Carson Wentz as the comp for Levis. Off the charts athletic but unable to run an offense that wasn't laid out for him down-by-down. And it showed this past year - OC who he had success with left, and the next guy was unable to bring Levis back up to that level. Sounds a lot like Wentz who was great in a specific offense and hasn't found anyone who did for him what they were able to do in Philly.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

And despite the trade both managed to take players that have character/ football character questions.

I think there's a good chance both teams just wasted their picks.

Day after articles on Wright brought the work ethic issues up. Sounds like the Bears staff basically worked the guy to death during private workouts, wanting to see if he'd break/quit. He didn't. Think that sold them on him.

[tzach]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

I’m really interested in how the Steelers play this. Their new GM already seems more aggressive about going to get what he wants. I think Porter Jr. and Branch seemed acceptable at #17, but one of those TEs + Jones in the first would really transform the offense quite a bit. If they could drop down 4 or 5 spots and maybe regain the fourth they traded away, that would be pretty nice. I think there have to be some teams kicking the tires on that pick for Hooker or Levis

I’d like to see them get one of the two ILBs (Simpson or Sanders) with their other 2nd. I think they need an ILB about as bad as anything and I’ve been wondering if they may try to get Devin White from Tampa - they liked him a lot the year he was drafted, but couldn’t move up high enough to get him and ended up with Bush, who got hurt and was a bust.

I love the move to get Broderick Jones and it seems possible that we could end up with two more guys that could get serious playing time next season.

apparently there's questions about jp jr's playmaking and motor. the steelers highly coveted darnell washington and have increasing usage of 122 personnel, so i wouldn't discount that possibility.



michael mayer looks like the real deal though, but the steelers didn't bring him in for a visit and only sent an area scout to the pro day. maybe they thought the guy wouldn't be available in the 2nd.


i'd guess they would try to trade down a few spots and still grab one of the three. they would trade down as far as ATL or WAS if a 3rd this yr + fut 2nd is involved, i'd guess.

[Ksyrup]

This sounds like a plan. At least a better plan than trading for Russell Wilson...

The Broncos will trade up for Joey Porter Jr.

Think about it.

Another CB who just happens to be the son of an NFL player.

Next year they get Marvin Harrison Jr.

And then

ARCH Manning to complete the plan

And then 6 of the Rivers kids

— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) April 28, 2023

[tzach]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Stillers getting Joey Porter Jr seems so obvious, right?

i personally hope they pass on him and take one of the 2 top TEs that are still available. i think there's valuable info on other teams passing on porter, and the steelers track record of drafting DBs is abysmal. it's a deep class -- they can get their project DB in the 3rd

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

This sounds like a plan. At least a better plan than trading for Russell Wilson...

The Broncos will trade up for Joey Porter Jr.

Think about it.

Another CB who just happens to be the son of an NFL player.

Next year they get Marvin Harrison Jr.

And then

ARCH Manning to complete the plan

And then 6 of the Rivers kids

— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) April 28, 2023

I don't know - if he goes to Denver, I don't know if his dad will come see him play.

One of my favorite YouTube videos ever (warning - need to have sound, but it is a little bit loud):



"They shot me in Denver!"

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by tzach

apparently there's questions about jp jr's playmaking and motor. the steelers highly coveted darnell washington and have increasing usage of 122 personnel, so i wouldn't discount that possibility.



michael mayer looks like the real deal though, but the steelers didn't bring him in for a visit and only sent an area scout to the pro day. maybe they thought the guy wouldn't be available in the 2nd.


i'd guess they would try to trade down a few spots and still grab one of the three. they would trade down as far as ATL or WAS if a 3rd this yr + fut 2nd is involved, i'd guess.

I think you may be right on Porter Jr., but the question is how big of a ding does he get? At least enough to go from mid-teens out of the first round, but at some point I assume he becomes a good value despite his flaws. There are some 2nd round worthy CBs that seem like they may be there at 49 (Ringo, Brents, and Stevenson).

If they go tight end, it will be interesting. It seems like Mayer is the better overall prospect, but Washington may be more in line with what they are trying to do with the run game and it seems like Mayer may be a little more like Friermuth, while Washington is just unique in size and athleticism. At his point, I would be happy with JPjr, Branch, either of the TEs, or trading down 4-8 spots and hoping one of those guys slides.

Really hoping for Sanders or Simpson at 49, but I don't know if either make it there. Sanders, in particular, seems like the type of freak that we need up the middle.

I'd assume the Steelers, being the Steelers, will also be looking at the DE from GT, since they seem to love pass rushers despite the percentage of cap that will be going to Watt and Highsmith once contracts are finalized (Highsmith seems certain to get an extension, based on the front office comments about him).

[Ksyrup]

Looks like the Lions are shopping Swift, which makes sense given the first pick yesterday.

[stevew]

I don’t trust any defensive back we draft.

[tzach]

Originally Posted by stevew

I don’t trust any defensive back we draft.

this. the track record has been abysmal.


i forgot to mention DT Benton above, who apparently is slated to go high in the 2nd. steelers have spent some time on him during the offseason. Cam heyward will fall off a cliff sometime soon. i'd trust the steelers scouting DTs a lot more than DBs.

[stevew]

Like I’d use 32 to trade for Budda Baker if he’s still available. Even if we have to give up another 2nd next year. Or draft a DT or TE. But no DB in the draft.

[JPhillips]

WHat in the name of God is up with Will Levis putting mayo in his coffee?

[GrantDawg]

You really got you one, Colts fans:

Colts Fans…would you take Will Levis at #2 if you’re on the board for Colts in 4 hours from now???������… and go Montana - Young for Franchise??

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 28, 2023

[miami_fan]

I am looking at this from my personal POV with little knowledge of how these things go but I have to wonder what team told Will Levis they were drafting him in the first round and did not. To me, the only reason to go to the draft and especially to be in the green room is the knowledge that you will be say a top ten or top fifteen pick. This is especially the case if you are a QB. Maybe there is a culture of players just going to enjoy the draft atmosphere like there is in the NBA that I don't know about. I just don't see the need to show the nation my "character" as the cameras pans to me and my family as pick after pick goes by. The highlight of the Levis family from last night are not ideal as far as I could tell.

[Ksyrup]

I thought that whole process of who shows up for the green room was based on the NFL's consensus that certain players will be drafted in the 1st round, mainly determined for the TV production. But I have no idea who does it or with what precision. Certainly, Levis has been discussed as a top 10 pick since last August, so it may be as unscientific as reading the lice in Mel Kiper's Hair.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I thought that whole process of who shows up for the green room was based on the NFL's consensus that certain players will be drafted in the 1st round, mainly determined for the TV production. But I have no idea who does it or with what precision. Certainly, Levis has been discussed as a top 10 pick since last August, so it may be as unscientific as reading the lice in Mel Kiper's Hair.

Pete Brisco said he thought he would go second, but that he should be first overall.

[B & B]

Two words:

Cody Mauch

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I thought that whole process of who shows up for the green room was based on the NFL's consensus that certain players will be drafted in the 1st round, mainly determined for the TV production. But I have no idea who does it or with what precision. Certainly, Levis has been discussed as a top 10 pick since last August, so it may be as unscientific as reading the lice in Mel Kiper's Hair.

There was definitely something in place. I remember a Notre Dame QB (Jimmy Clausen?) going to Roger Goodall's suite because he spent forever in the green room. I think a lot of guys decided to stay home after that just in case. I am not sure that it is any better having the cameras in your house tbh. I don't know what can be done without exposing teams to having the player they want leaked. It is just seems like the NFL flew him out to New York and then all of a sudden, walked him into the Maury Povich Show studios to find out if he is the father.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I thought that whole process of who shows up for the green room was based on the NFL's consensus that certain players will be drafted in the 1st round, mainly determined for the TV production. But I have no idea who does it or with what precision. Certainly, Levis has been discussed as a top 10 pick since last August, so it may be as unscientific as reading the lice in Mel Kiper's Hair.

I feel like Levis has been a game by Kiper to see how high he could get a mediocre college QB drafted. It seems like there is a huge gap in what NFL front offices see in him and what Mel Kiper and some other draft experts see. I've never seen why he was hyped so much.

[albionmoonlight]

The Saints had a boring and expected first round. Which is actually nice considering their propensity to trade up and overdraft someone. It is nice to have not lost any picks of next year so far.

[Qwikshot]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

The Saints had a boring and expected first round. Which is actually nice considering their propensity to trade up and overdraft someone. It is nice to have not lost any picks of next year so far.

Doesn't Philly have their 2nd rounder next year?

[stevew]

If the saints wanna trade their 1st next year for #32 please call

[GrantDawg]

Falcons trade up to take what scouts call a possible Pro-Bowl level run blocker to probably slot right into the LG spot. They are going all in on the run game.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[NobodyHere]

So Stroud to the Texans, Richardson to the Colts, and Levis to the Titans. Not to mention you have Lawrence with the Jaguars.

That's a lot of QB potential in the AFC South.

[NobodyHere]

Maybe the Colts will actually make this pick...

[Thomkal]

Happy my beloved Cards keep picking up picks and with the guy they got in the second round too.

[Swaggs]

Can’t believe Simpson, Sanders, and Washington all made it past the Steelers at 49.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Can’t believe Simpson, Sanders, and Washington all made it past the Steelers at 49.

Dola, I feel like 90% sure the Ravens are going to end up with one of those linebackers and I’ll have to watch them 2-3 times a year for the next 5-10 years.

[Carman Bulldog]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

So Stroud to the Texans, Richardson to the Colts, and Levis to the Titans. Not to mention you have Lawrence with the Jaguars.

That's a lot of QB potential in the AFC South.

The disparity between AFC and NFC becomes ever larger with these picks, particularly when you look at both the established talent and the guys with some decent upside.

AFC
Lamar
Josh Allen
Burrow
Watson
Russ
CJ Stroud
Anthony Richardson
Lawrence
Mahomes
Jimmy G
Tua
McCorkle Jones
Rodgers
Pickett
Levis (Tannehill for now?)

NFC
Ridder
Colt McCoy (Kyler when healthy)
Bryce Young
Fields
Dak
Goff
Jordan Love
Stafford
Cousins
Carr
Daniel Jones
Hurts
Purdy/Lance
Geno
Baker?/Trask
Howell (Brissett?)

[JPhillips]

How many of these "fans" are paid by the NFL to celebrate every pick?

[NobodyHere]

Why did the interviewer ask Will Levis about how he eats his bananas?

[Coffee Warlord]

If the Bears were gonna trade up a few picks, think I woulda preferred Schmitz. They badly need a center.

[JPhillips]

I understand what the Bengals are doing, but I never like the plan of drafting for a couple of years away. They have drafted a #4 DE and a #4 corner. In a couple of years they will both start, but they won't provide much this year.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

Doesn't Philly have their 2nd rounder next year?

Yes. I just meant this draft.

[henry296]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

Why did the interviewer ask Will Levis about how he eats his bananas?

There was a story that he eats the peel to go with the putting mayo in his coffee.

[Edward64]

Happy that Drew Sanders landed at Denver.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Devon Achane is apparently the consensus RB 3/4/5/6/7 in this draft... but I'm not buying it. He's going to run like a gazelle, right? How does he last and fall down into round three or whatever? I know, I know, about the wiseguy opinion on running backs and draft capital and all that.

I'm taking this kid.

Love him to the Dolphins. Was an easy forecast but glad it fell into place.

[Edward64]

Also happy the Commanders picked Ricky Stromberg. Com’on Bumper Pool

[Bobble]

Seems like an extra weird draft this year. Maybe it's just me 'cause I follow the Lions. Trades faster than they can display them, "reaches" and "fell to them"s everywhere. Kind of a wild ride.

[Ghost Econ]

We can all agree Anthony Richardson's brother isn't 13 or his brother, right? It's some sort of mini-me situation? Kid has a neck tattoo.

[Qwikshot]

Eagles grab another Georgia Bulldog.

[QuikSand]

Deandre Swift traded to the Eagles, presumably for a bag of chips. Whatever, Lions, I'm sure you guys know what you're doing over there, based on your laundry's track record of success.

[Swaggs]

Steelers add LB Nick Herbig in the 4th. They had signed guard Nate Herbig from the Eagles a few weeks ago. That gives them another set of siblings to go with the Watts and Heywards.

[Thomkal]

I wondered if the Cards would draft a QB given their current situation with Murray. No idea if Clayton Tune from Houston is any good but at least he's healthy.

[Atocep]

Poles is really focused on speed and athleticism in this draft. I still think they're a year away from being serious playoff contenders, but it's nice to see a GM that values picks and seems to have a plan.

[Thomkal]

Heh this is pretty funny/cool: New QB Clayton's Tune great great uncle was the Cardinals first ever draft pick in 1936!

[Edward64]

I'm glad Stetson Bennett is getting a shot.

So the Rams now have Matthew Stafford and ... Bennett?

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I'm glad Stetson Bennett is getting a shot.

So the Rams now have Matthew Stafford and ... Bennett?

I read that he and Stafford have a good relationship (Bennett was probably a freshman during Stafford’s last year).

I love the Deuce Vaughn pick by Dallas. I feel like he has a good chance to play in the NFL for awhile.

Also, love the Dorian Thompson-Robinson pick by Cleveland. He is a solid player.