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Travis Kelce will host “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?”, a show built off the original fifth-grader version, but with celebrities instead of 10-11 year olds. A shame, as I just found a photo of Kelce looking like my fifth-grade teacher.
Today’s NFL update:
- 💬 GM comments, trade options
- ⌚ Timing trades
- 🎯 Reacting to The Beast
- 👔 New jerseys, helmets
Soundbites from NFL Pre-Draft Press Conferences
Yesterday, many teams held pre-draft press conferences, an annual ritual of reporters fishing for clues and GMs providing as many non-answers as possible. Still, we gleaned insights from a few teams:
For the Giants, adding “a better receiving weapon is going to help everybody,” said GM Joe Schoen, who also shared that his phone lines are busy with teams trying to trade up to No. 6.
In Jacksonville, much of the discussion revolved around a new contract for Trevor Lawrence. With ownership involved, and GM Trent “Excuse Me” Baalke adding “I spoke with his agency again last night,” a deal could be reached soon. 👀
Browns GM Andrew Berry will consider trading their first pick, No. 54, but added that a lack of choices (Cleveland has just two in the top 150) gives them less flexibility for a trade.
The Seahawks’ Pete Carroll era is over, but GM John Schneider remains. Four members of his staff spoke to the media, sharing that the new coaching staff is placing an emphasis on versatility. Who comes to mind? Iowa DB Cooper DeJean.
Speaking of trades…
“We feel great about staying at No. 2,” said Commanders GM Adam Peters. Washington decide on their QB? Peters was the rare GM to forego an opportunity to hang an “Open” sign during the press conference. Others were more willing:
The Patriots are “open for business” when it comes to trading the No. 3 pick. While director of scouting Eliot Wolf (the Pats don’t have a GM) added that they are comfortable drafting a QB there, trade discussions are “ongoing.”
- Prediction: Vikings watch Drake Maye fall to No. 3 before sending “a bag” to the Patriots, including No. 11, No. 23 and a 2025 first. Steep, but they believe they are a QB-away.
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort holds No. 4 and is always willing to deal, evidenced by his analogy: If someone offers him a great deal for his house? He calls his wife, who loves where they live: “Hey Shannon, pack up, it’s time to roll.”
- Prediction: They reportedly “aren’t making it easy on teams looking to move up,” and I don’t see anyone valuing J.J. McCarthy enough. Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is the pick.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, holder of the No. 5 pick, is not doing anyone a favor: “The whole, ‘It’s a fair trade, it’s a wash’ — I don’t think that’s a trade that we’re interested in.” Based on his other comments, 2024 picks appear the preference in Los Angeles.
- Prediction: No team is willing to meet the Chargers’ ask, and they select LSU WR Malik Nabers as his vertical abilities help open the run game.
“If it’s the player you think can change the landscape, like a quarterback, then you do what you have to,” said Broncos GM George Paton, who did exactly that to acquire Russell Wilson just two years ago. Still, Paton and HC Sean Payton are clearly willing to move up.
- Prediction: After WRs go 4-5-6, OT Joe Alt is taken at No. 7. The Falcons, happy to add depth on rookie contracts, move No. 8 to Denver for No. 12, a 2024 third, 2025 second and 2026 second.
So, when will these trades go down? Dianna has more.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Trades on draft night
Sorry to disappoint, but you won’t see any trades between today and when the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25. But, I’m expecting a busy night.
Things are heating up across the league as teams work the phone lines to determine who is open to a move up/down, gauge what the cost is and gather any other ounce of helpful information. It looks like everything after No. 1 (Chicago) and No. 2 (Washington) is on the table.
Back to you, Jacob.
Reacting to Dane Brugler’s latest mock
The Bears only have four picks, but walking away with QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze would put them among the draft winners. But do they need another WR? In his review of Dane Brugler’s 7-round mock, Kevin Fishbain notes that “Odunze’s strengths of catching 50-50 balls and making plays downfield would complement DJ Moore and Keenan Allen perfectly.”
Ravens reporter Jeff Zrebiec would add a running back, which GM Eric DeCosta all but guaranteed in the middle rounds. Baltimore has two fourth-round picks, one of which could be used on Florida State’s Trey Benson, Dane’s RB3.
The Giants land LSU WR Malik Nabers at No. 6 in the mock, as he offers an explosiveness not seen in a New York WR since Odell Beckham Jr., the last offensive player the Giants drafted from LSU.
While reviewing the Steelers’ picks, Mike DeFabo notes that the Diontae Johnson trade left the Steelers without an underneath threat. Enter Michigan WR Roman Wilson, Brugler’s WR9 who saw “71.7 percent of his catches in 2023 between the numbers.”
New Team Kits: Leaked
Somehow, each day brings both new NFL gear and a bizarre leak. Yesterday, the Lions had an unveiling event scheduled (for 🔥 new uniforms) but were front-run by a Fanatics promotional post. New gear, fun reactions:
Around the NFL
Jacob’s Picks
📕 QB-need teams, ranked. Ted Nguyen grades seven teams on a QB-friendly scale. The Vikings, with Justin Jefferson and a plethora of other weapons, are No. 1. (The Athletic)
📺 Holdouts don’t always work. This top 10 looks at the biggest blowups for players who held out for more — a group which Giants WR Darius Slayton appears to be joining. (YouTube)
🎙 Ever heard of a draft slots prediction draft? It’s the best way to understand how early certain players are drafted. Really, really enjoyed it this morning. (The Athletic Football Show)
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