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Like few before it, the 2021 off-season will be driven by quarterback movement. Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff have already swapped locales and now Carson Wentz will succeed Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning. And we’ve only just begun.
Driven by Trevor Lawrence at the top, the 2021 quarterback class easily looks like the best since 2017. There’s even the possibility teams 1-4 could go QB back-to-back-to-back-to-back. Or maybe the league isn’t as hot on this rookie class as fans and the media are. It seems a remote possibility, but as I toyed around with the PFF Mock Draft machine, a situation occurred that’s worth exploring.
It all begins on April 29th. Urban Meyer confirms that the only reason he left his cushy job with ESPN is to coach Trevor Lawrence. Joe Douglas trades Sam Darnold to the Panthers and drafts Justin Fields. All the talk about early trades amounts to nothing as the six teams before George Paton pass on Zach Wilson and Trey Lance.
The Texans’ president offers what no sane man can refuse. Rodger Goodwell tells the world Zach Wilson is going to Houston while social media is abuzz about what it really means. No one outside Jerry world bats an eye when Parsons lands in big D or Gruden’s gamble on Gregory Rousseau. Only Boston cares that Bill Belichick grabbed Jaycee Horn over Trey Lance and Mac Jones. When the dust settles on the first night, everyone wants to talk about how the Broncos stole Deshaun Watson.
3.77 James Hudson - Tackle - Cincinnati
With just 11 starts under his belt, this Bearcat could use some seasoning. With Ja’Wuan James back from his opt out and Elijah Wilkinson back in the fold, he gets just that. With James’ 2022 cap number looming large, Paton adds a toolsy youngster to learn under Mike Munchak.
If you are willing to spend a round 1 pick - or even a top 50 pick - on Jalen Mayfield as a developmental OT... why wouldn't you just draft James Hudson instead?
— Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) February 19, 2021
4.114 Tylan Wallace - Wide Receiver - Oklahoma State
Due to his injury and expiring rookie contract, Courtland Sutton’s 2022 status is a pressing unknown while Tim Patrick’s playing on a 1-year RFA tag. With both looming as long-term questions, it doesn’t hurt to add another receiver who can win at the catch point. Paton figures Deshaun Watson can set the league on fire if he never runs out of weapons.
Tylan Wallace.
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 26, 2019
Oh my god pic.twitter.com/AJDCpGPHAF
5.153 Israel Mukuamu - Cornerback - South Carolina
Bryce Callahan and Patrick Peterson promise to be a pair of talented 30-something corners while Michael Ojemudia is fighting for base snaps. The depth behind them is equal parts callow and battle-tested, with many coming off of injuries. While Mukuamu may have some trouble with speed freaks like the Cheetah, he could be a valuable role player against Travis Kelce in the battles ahead.
Israel Mukuamu really picked this with one hand pic.twitter.com/9uXX7g9SUw
— ESPN (@espn) October 3, 2020
6.193 Garrett Wallow - Linebacker - TCU
Somewhere in the States, the Broncos’ 2019 fifth rounder breathes a sigh of relief as Paton sticks with an old Viking tendency. Vic Fangio’s grinning because he finally has a safety backer to pair with Alexander Johnson after missing on Patrick Queen. Justin Strnad gets his overdue shot in an open competition with Wallow, Josh Watson, and Josey Jewell for the starting job.
The @seniorbowl is looking live at @TCUFootball vs. @KStateFB. Horned Frogs converted DS➡️LB Garrett Wallow (@gwallow_12) is fast-closing and always around the ball player. Fits mold of what NFL scouts are looking for in space ‘backers. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/46cNCDgDLO
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 10, 2020
7.235 Jermar Jefferson - Running back - Oregon State
With three backs playing on expiring contracts, Paton takes a swing on an explosive Beaver. Paton’s hope is that Jefferson eventually becomes a reliable third down outlet. With Gordon’s potential suspension looming, he has an early opportunity to prove himself.
If you're looking for an explosive play from the RB position, Jermar Jefferson can hang with the best of them. pic.twitter.com/6vO0fUXmej
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) February 17, 2021
Your Broncos’ News
Denver Broncos now favored to land Deshaun Watson - Mile High Report
Day 342 of Deshaun Watson watch continues on Mile High Report. The Denver Broncos are now odds on favorite to land the quarterback before season starts.
Denver Broncos have options with Von Miller - Mile High Report
Paton’s decision with the future Hall of Famer will give us a hint on his plans for QB this offseason.
George Paton has a ‘Plan A, B, C and D’ for this team - and that includes Watson - Mile High Report
Andrew Mason joined Broncos Country Tonight to discuss the new GM, the pursuit of Deshaun Watson plus the still growing potential of Drew Lock.
2021 AFC cut candidates: Viable releases and potential surprises
Strong candidates for release 1) Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos
NFL free agent profile: Cornerback Patrick Peterson - Mile High Report
Should the Broncos chase a veteran All Pro corner?
NFL free agent profile: Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie - Mile High Report
Could the Colorado product return and play for the Broncos?
Packers release OL Rick Wagner, LB Christian Kirksey after one season with team
Both could make sense for the Broncos.
The Broncos can't replace Von Miller. https://t.co/wfqLXlGUnw
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) February 19, 2021
NFL News
Will someone make Jaguars an offer they can’t refuse? - ProFootballTalk
This year, someone likely will make the Jaguars an offer for the first pick in the draft, in order to take Trevor Lawrence. The first question becomes whether it will be an offer the Jaguars can’t refuse. The next question becomes whether the Jaguars actually will refuse it.
The Jared Goff, Carson Wentz contracts become a cautionary tale - ProFootballTalk
The deterioration of Goff and Wentz after getting their second contracts should prompt other teams with first-round quarterbacks on rookie deals to reassess their plans for offering second contracts.
Hunter Henry ‘open to whatever’ as TE approaches free agency
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, so I’m not going to ever rule that out, you know, with a young quarterback, me and Justin (Herbert) have formed a relationship,” Henry explained in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “But I think I’m open to whatever, and I think I kind of have to, in a way, but I really enjoyed my time and if that continues, I’ll be excited. If that doesn’t, then that would be a new step and a new place to kind of start again.”
Eagles announce DeSean Jackson’s release - ProFootballTalk
The move comes a day after the Eagles agreed to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to the Colts and further roster changes are expected in Philly after they finished 4-11-1 during the 2020 season. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and defensive tackle Malik Jackson are others believed to be on the chopping block as the team puts together its 2021 squad.
How Frank Reich can fix Carson Wentz
Fixing Carson Wentz requires rebuilding his confidence more than anything else.
Jerry Jones’ Company Hits ‘Jackpot’ As Storms Send Gas Prices Surging : Live Updates: Winter Storms 2021 : NPR
The storm has reduced natural gas output at the same time that demand — for both home heating and power generation — has skyrocketed. That’s resulted in catastrophic shortages, as well as some truly eye-popping prices for natural gas in the affected regions.
Here is what I suspect all of today's Deshaun Watson stuff boils down to.
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) February 19, 2021
- Texans are floating things to try and drum up a trade.
- Watson's no-trade clause complicates it.
- Everyone is working for someone.
Think for yourself.