Bear Hands

It's the contrast kicking in at the start of an MRI.

PFF NFL Show echoed a rumor there is apparently a Patriots-Texans framework in place for the #2 overall selection that includes Mac Jones to Houston. Sounds insane but, you never know amiright??

I've noticed the same thing. If we play our cards right, we could load up by getting a later 2nd, higher 3rd, and a 2024 3rd (or maybe even 2nd) Could land just as valuable talent as we would get at 39.

Kincaid & JSN are the obvious 2 that will be gone that we shouldn't even bother wishing for in a trade up. JSN is the clear cut WR1 and Kincaid is arguably the best pure receiving threat in the draft (TE and WRs combined) After those two though, it's anyone's guess.. For me, Addison is the only one after them that has the worthiness as a prospect to trade up for. This may be unpopular, but I just don't see some astronomical difference between Zay Flowers and Josh Downs or even Tank Dell. Addison at his best is an absolute game changer, can play slot, outside, is very Diggs-esque with a smoothness and just enough speed to break huge 50+ yard plays consistently. Can catch every type of ball with ease. He had a strange senior year (which I believe is more due to Caleb William's shortcomings that will be microscoped later this year) but he was an absolute madman for Pickett in 2021 and looked like he was cruising to that G Wilson/OBJ sure-thing type pick. He's the one that if we somehow land, that would be something to get excited about.

haha, he's a beheamoth. But won't lie, I was really surprised at how closely Schoonmaker and Kuntz tested to him. Schoon has some injury concerns though. Darnell is an absolute tank but needs some polishing. Is more of a project than is let on. My personal faves: Tucker Kraft is a monster to try and take down. I've grown quite fond of in late R2 if we wheel and deal. He's just an animal once the ball is in his hands, no CB wants to come near him. And then there's LaPorta who can just do it all and then some, Pete Schraeger was reporting he's TE2 for some teams and could go R1. Love this TE class.

This is one of the worst OL classes in maybe a decade. Maybe Daniels or Bradford but they're prob 4th-5th rounders. Mauch & Avila are the only options IMO. Can't force it IMO.

I agree. There's A LOT of very high upside R2-3 talent that just doesn't have the complete college career to make teams confident enough they'll blossom. But the potential is undeniable. EDGE: Will McDonald, Ade Adebawore, Derick Hall, Tuli Tuipulotu CB: Julius Brents, DJ Turner, Darius Rush, Emmanuel Forbes, Cory Trice TE: Darnell Washington, Luke Musgrave, Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft (They would have all have been TE1 if they were in last year's class) RB: Tyjae Spears, Kendre Miller, Zach Charbonnet WR: Jonathan Mingo, Josh Downs, Tyler Scott, Marvin Mims

The possibilities are endless and fun to run through scenarios...I am actually in favor of the combo trade up/down scenario where we package 39 and 93 (or 114). There's teams just a tad behind us in R2, but ahead of us in R3. Potential Partners: PIT: 32, 49, 80, 120 (notable picks) GB: 42, 45, 78, 114 DET: 48, 55, 81, 151 (note there big gap is where we have picks 93, 114, 132, 145) We have connections, DET has needs that align with who could be available at 39. LAC: 21, 54, 85, 125 - They need impact guys to hit on with Herbert's peak. I can see them trading up. 54 & 85 for 39 fits value. Could even land a 2024 3rd included. SEA: 20, 37, 52, 83, 123, 151, 154 - They could turn around after picking 37 and give us 52, 83 and more for 39. They have so many picks. CHI (again): 53, 61, 64, 103, 133 - Lets keep wheeling and dealing. 39 & 93 for 53, 64 & 133? If we're talking a straight up trade up - THE Potential Partner: Buffalo - notable picks: 27, 59, 91, 130 - They need a RT, WR could be a luxury pick..if Addison slips past NYG & DAL, this is where I'd pounce if I'm Fitt. We've got tight office connections, we can also jump NO so screw them. BUF can land OTs like Mauch or Harrison at 39 (or even Hyatt or Downs) Idea: 39, 114, 2024 4/5 for 27 & 130 Could then use a combo of 93, 130, 132, 145 for more wheeling into the top-100. I prefer 4-5 impact players > quantity in this draft class.

How about Gibbs and Mingo muahahaha

It sounds like we could have some specific targets in the 55-70ish range. If he can wheel and deal and get some type of Turner/Brents CB, Scott/Mims WR, Miller RB combo, I’d be beyond thrilled Also low key feeling we really like Addison in a trade up

From Fit himself: We are already making calls There is a group ahead of 39 we like and may (already) be targeting (Addison? Flowers?) Also can go back 4, 5, or 6 spots and recoup some capital Interesting. Good interview:

Oh and the Haener & Hall buzz is high for teams. Could go as high as late R2. Really think Haener to LA Rams makes a ton of sense.

After the HOU/IND/AZ drama, SEA, DET,& PIT are the teams to watch this draft. They've got plentiful picks and are in position to be really aggressive to fill some needs.

Some interesting tidbits from Pete Schraeger on McAfee: Gibbs to Cincy is heating up. One of my early offseason predictions....could be spicy

After landing a TE/EDGE/CB R2, we make the "sexy" run with WR & RB selections. And the guys we pick aren't from the often discussed bunch...I'm thinking: Marvin Mims Kendre Miller

I honestly think the likes of Jalen Carter, Tyree Wilson, & Myles Murphy are more questionable than some of these high motor, high upside DL like Van Ness, Kancey, & McDonald. Albeit all different types. My view on this class is having a very small top tier (3-4 guys) and a VERY large fringe 1st/2nd round pool that last until #50-55. I would LOVE to get a peak at team value tiers/blocks because that's what probably all over the place team-to-team this year with the 1st to 2nd round talent.

A combo trade up/down package is what I think could make a lot of sense to move up from 93 a tad. Let's just capitalize on a top talent if there at 39. If not, I can see us considering a MINOR trade down. But yeah..a trade up/down-ski: A 93+132 type package to get up to ~75-85 with a team that gives us a later pick in the 160-170 range. Example: Lions give us 81, 159 for 93 & 132. Value isn't there but it's the general idea. Also--Even though we don't have a 2024 1st, we have a 6th or 7th rounder we should be able to add on to a trade if we wanna move up a tad more at any spot.

I do know SEA's pipe dream is being gifted Anderson somehow. That would be nasty if they land him, then turn around and grab Banks or porter at 20. It is amazing how up in the air this draft is.

If you're looking at perimeter types, yeah Mingo has become an internet fave at WR this offseason for a ton of fanbases. Xavier Hutchinson is also a name to keeps tabs on in that department. He's flying under the radar for how decorated he is.

Fair, I'm excited. The crux of my spiel is that a Tyler Scott, Tank Dell, or Marvin Mims could slot right in fairly well, even with the crowd. Think we have room to improve ahead of Shi & Byrd on the depth chart. Although, I won't be mad if we don't land a WR, but if/when Chark misses time, it would be good to still have some higher end speed in this unit. But no doubt: Would be awesome if both TMJ & Laviska worked out in what their expected roles will be.

Thielen is a 6'2 all-around, but primarily outside receiver who can shift into slot, playcall dependent. Historically, he's been in the 450 snaps per year range lining up wide (around 70% of his career snaps).

Unsure. Shi's usage didn't really change after we landed Shenault. Once here, we brought Laviska in on very specific playcalls so he just seemed to be used in a more creative fashion. That was with Rhule and then a dismantled hodge-podge staff so we'll see. Even in JAX, his slot play was still in the 57% range of his passing snaps. Only 27% his rookie year.

I like Witherspoon a lot but Gonzalez sounds like he's really impressed in interviews. Those two are solidly my top 2 but starting to think Banks goes ahead of Porter Jr. Washington's type is more in line with Banks and Porter Jr. could be gifted right into a team like PIT or SEA's lap at 19/20. Brugler mentioned today to also not be surprised if DJ Turner is round 1 and to keep an eye out on him. Teams are quite high on the kid...could be there ay 39.

HOU seems to have a few better decision makers in place so we'll see...I did a big mock but here's mine with some minor revisions: 1-CAR - Bryce Young QB 2-HOU - Will Anderson EDGE 3-IND (from AZ) - CJ Stroud QB (not buying Levis rumors) 4-AZ (from IND) - Christian Gonzalez CB (my surprise right now) 5-SEA -Anthony Richardson QB 6-DET - Devon Witherspoon CB 7-LVR - Tyree Wilson DL 8-HOU (from ATL) - Will Levis QB 9-CHI - Paris Johnson Jr. LT 10-PHI - Nolan Smith OLB

For comparison, Shi Smith was played in the slot for 266 passing snaps which accounted for 78.7% of his snaps. That accounted for 38 targets with only 22 receptions. We could really use a slot upgrade. Smith was graded 110th out of 113 eligible receivers.