Tag: davis mills

Houston Texans select Stanford QB Davis Mills No. 67 overall in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL draft

The Houston Texans drafted former Stanford QB Davis Mills from Stanford in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL draft.

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The Houston Texans have selected former Stanford quarterback Davis Mills with the No. 67 overall pick in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL draft Friday night.

Mills completed 129 passes on 195 attempts for 1,508 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions through five games.

With a dearth of games played in 2020, Mills emphasized his ability to learn in the classroom when talking to teams.

“I wouldn’t say anything extra,” Mills told reporters at his pro day. “A lot of stuff we’ve talked about. It’s just like classroom-type stuff at the quarterback position. A lot of ins and outs of our Stanford offense. They’ll install plays with me of what they’re running in the NFL. There’s a lot of similarity and crossover because of the type of offense we run out here at Stanford. I would feel like I’m fully prepared for a lot of that stuff.”

In addition to Deshaun Watson, the Texans already have quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Finley on the roster.

Mills is 6-4, 225 pounds, and played high school football at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Atlanta, Georgia.

2021 NFL draft: 3 quarterbacks to watch on Day 2 for Washington

The Washington Football Team is still in need of a young quarterback for the future after day one of the 2021 NFL draft. 

The Washington Football Team is still in need of a young quarterback for the future after day one of the 2021 NFL draft.

Head coach Ron Rivera met with the media after Washington selected Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis in the first round and was asked if he felt tempted to move up for either Justin Fields or Mac Jones.

Rivera — and general manager Martin Mayhew — both said they were never serious about moving up in the first round. For Rivera, it’s all about building the entire roster before making a bold move for a quarterback.

With day one in the books, there are several areas Washington could address on day two, such as offensive tackle and free safety. But don’t count Washington out on quarterbacks.

The franchise has done a lot of work on all of the quarterbacks in this draft, and there is interest in some of the passers outside of the first round.

Here are three quarterbacks to watch for Washington in the second and third rounds.

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Bears have done some ‘extra legwork’ on potential Day 2 quarterbacks

It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Bears will be drafting a quarterback. But they could be looking at a Day 2 pick.

There’s no question that the Chicago Bears will be in the market for a quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft. Every action this offseason — from inquiring about trading for a number of quarterbacks to their aggressive pursuit in trying to trade for Russell Wilson to settling on signing Andy Dalton — indicates as much.

The only question is which round general manager Ryan Pace ultimately decides to pull the trigger for just the second time in his seven-year tenure. Because assuming that Pace does in fact draft a quarterback — as he should — this weekend, it will be just the second quarterback he’s drafted.

While there are many hoping that Pace decides to explore trading up in the first round if someone like Justin Fields or Trey Lance drops to No. 8, there’s also a good possibility that they could settle for a developmental prospect on Day 2.

That’s what reports indicated earlier this offseason as Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears were “doing their homework” on Day 2 quarterbacks like Florida’s Kyle Trask and Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond.

Now, it’s NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that has heard rumblings of the Bears  doing some “extra legwork” on potential Day 2 quarterbacks like Trask, Mond and Stanford’s Davis Mills.

The Bears have been scouring for a franchise QB for generations. With Andy Dalton slated to be the starter and none of the top five signal-callers expected to slip to them at No. 20 overall in the first round, grabbing a quarterback who might need grooming could be GM Ryan Pace’s best option.

Given everything appears to hinge on figuring out the quarterback position, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Chicago will be drafting a quarterback this weekend.

Now, whether that involves trading up in the first round or selecting a developmental prospect remains to be seen. And if we know Pace, he usually does the opposite of what’s out in the media.

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Todd McShay says Washington looking at Stanford QB Davis Mills in the 2nd round

Could the Washington Football Team find its quarterback of the future in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft?

Could the Washington Football Team find its quarterback of the future in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft?

According to Todd McShay of ESPN, Washington could be targeting Stanford quarterback Davis Mills in the second round.

“I’m told Washington, Chicago and New England all have interest in him in the second round,” McShay said in an appearance on “Pardon My Take” this week.

McShay noted how in a conversation with Stanford coach David Shaw, Mills is the closest passer he’s had to Andrew Luck. While Mills isn’t Luck, there are plenty of physical tools that make the two similar.

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Mills was a five-star prospect coming out of Norcross, Georgia, back in 2017, when he was ranked as the nation’s No. 1 quarterback, per 247Sports.

McShay’s partner at ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr., has had Washington selecting Mills in the second round in each of his previous two mock drafts.

In his latest column at ESPN, McShay said there is buzz Mills could slip into the first round.

What about beyond those five? Two people from around the league indicated a growing interest in Stanford’s Davis Mills. One even said that if there is a surprise pick in Round 1, it could be Mills. But it’s clear that there is more love for Mills than many people thought, which is surprising for a guy who only started 11 games in college.

Mills going in the first round be a stunner. There is always late talk of a quarterback unexpectedly moving into the first round, which doesn’t always happen.

For Washington, the only way it would be acceptable to select Mills before No. 51 overall is if it moved back. And that would still be unacceptable.

Mills has intriguing talent. The physical tools are there. However, injuries and a lack of experience would have me hesitant in selecting him until the third round.

 

Washington gets plenty of offensive help in latest NFL.com 7-round mock draft

The Washington Football Team entered the offseason needing plenty of help on offense.

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The Washington Football Team entered the offseason needing plenty of help on offense. The Football Team did well in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Curtis Samuel.

The WFT also added veteran wide receiver Adam Humpries on a one-year deal.

Despite those additions, Washington could still use some help on offense. The team still needs a long-term answer at quarterback, an offensive tackle and depth at wide receiver and tight end.

In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, Chad Reuter gives the Football Team plenty of help on the offensive side of the ball.

At No. 19 overall, Reuter has WFT going with Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Ron Rivera brought a familiar face over from the Panthers in Curtis Samuel, and now adds another explosive, versatile weapon in Toney. Toney’s ability to work from the slot or outside will allow him and Samuel to confuse defenses, making Terry McLaurin even more effective. New quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick certainly approves.

Toney would certainly give the team more speed and could help in the return game immediately. I like Toney, but I feel he could be a luxury in the first round.

In the second round, Reuter stays on the offense, going with North Dakota State offensive tackle Dillon Radunz.

Radunz is moving up draft boards, so getting him at No. 51 would provide good value.

With Washington’s two third-round picks, Reuter goes with Stanford quarterback Davis Mills and Miami tight end Brevin Jordan.

These would be outstanding choices. I am not a fan of Mills in the second round. However, the third round feels like the place where you take a shot. So, the value is appropriate.

Jordan is what Washington needs at tight end to pair with starter Logan Thomas. He is more of a weapon than a true tight end. He gives offensive coordinator Scott Turner options.

In the fourth round, Washington selected Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert. This is another smart pick. You add the talented Herbert to a backfield with Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic and he adds the versatility Peyton Barber lacked in 2020.

The WFT’s final three picks in Reuter’s mock draft were Georgia linebacker Monty Rice in round five, and Notre Dame cornerback Nick McCloud and Alabama long snapper Thomas Fletcher in the seventh round.

If this draft played out, you have to love it as a Washington fan with one exception — linebacker. If the Football Team grabbed a linebacker in the first round, this would almost be a perfect draft for Washington.

Toney is an outstanding player, and the team could certainly use him. But Washington must upgrade at linebacker ahead of the 2021 NFL season.

Washington gets offensive help in latest CBS three-round mock draft

The Washington Football Team enter the 2021 NFL draft with few major holes. Two areas of concern for the WFT are offensive tackle

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The Washington Football Team enter the 2021 NFL draft with few major holes. Two areas of concern for the WFT are offensive tackle and linebacker. Washington would also like to find its quarterback of the future, but that’s probably too costly in next week’s draft.

In the latest CBS Sports three-round mock draft by Chris Trapasso, the Football Team gets some help on the offensive line, but not at linebacker. Also, Washington lands an intriguing prospect at quarterback.

At No. 19 overall, Trapasso has Washington going with USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker with Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater off the board. Surprisingly, Christian Darrisaw is still available and goes two picks later to the Indianapolis Colts.

With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah off the board, Alijah Vera-Tucker was the leading vote-getter over Christian Darrisaw.

I believe Vera-Tucker is going to be a good NFL player. He has All-Pro potential at guard. While Washington could use some help at guard, it isn’t a pressing need. Offensive tackle is.

No one knows if Vera-Tucker will be an offensive tackle in the NFL. There are some who believe Vera-Tucker can be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle.

Darrisaw is clearly an offensive tackle — and a good one.

At pick No. 51, Washington goes with Stanford quarterback Davis Mills.

I see the intrigue with Mills. He has the size, arm strength and accuracy to make it at the next level. There are questions around his injury history and inexperience. Don’t be surprised if someone snags Mills before Washington gets the chance in the second round.

With its two third-round picks, the WFT adds LSU cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. and Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble.

I love both of these selections. Vincent opted out of the 2020 season, but he has played the best competition in college football at LSU. He is ready to play immediately and gives Washington an immediate slot defender as Kendall Fuller likely remains on the outside.

Tremble has played behind other talented tight ends at Notre Dame. He has good size (6-foot-4, 247) and athleticism to make an impact in the NFL. Tremble isn’t a traditional tight end, as he is more of a Jordan Reed-type. He can move around the line of scrimmage and make plays downfield. He would be an ideal complement to Logan Thomas.

If Trapasso’s scenario plays out, this would be a solid three-round haul. I would want more immediate help than Mills in round two, but if you like the player, especially at quarterback, you get him.

 

Where does Washington go in new Kiper/McShay ESPN mock draft?

With the 2021 NFL draft just eight days away, ESPN’s draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay get together for a combined three-round

With the 2021 NFL draft just eight days away, ESPN’s draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay get together for a combined three-round mock draft.

In this mock draft, Kiper and McShay alternate picks, with Kiper beginning at pick No. 1 and are selecting based on what they would do — not necessarily what they think the teams will do.

The Washington Football Team has four picks in the first three rounds, including two selections in the third round. We will give you Kiper and McShay’s pick with their analysis and offer our thoughts on each selection.

At No. 19 overall, Kiper selects Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis.

Washington has a great front four, but it could upgrade at middle linebacker. Davis has elite tape from the 2020 season, and he has some coverage ability, too.

Davis has continued to move up the boards. He was excellent on tape in 2020 and tested extremely well. He would add much-needed speed and playmaking ability to linebacking group in dire need of it.

At No. 51 overall, Kiper goes with Stanford quarterback Davis Mills.

Kiper is sticking with this pick. He made the same choice in his solo mock draft last week.

Here’s the sixth quarterback in the class. Mills is all over the place on teams’ boards, but he makes sense in Washington, which isn’t picking high enough to take one of the top five signal-callers. Mills played in only 14 games at Stanford, so there is some risk taking him any higher.

I absolutely see why NFL teams are torn on Mills. He has the size, arm strength and overall physical tools of a top-10 pick. Then, there are the red flags of health and inexperience. If you truly believe in a quarterback, you often take them in the first round. Mills should not go in the first round, but getting him in the second round is smart if Washington believes in his skill set.

With their first third-round pick at No. 74 overall, McShay goes with Cincinnati offensive tackle James Hudson.

Yet another Day 2 lineman who can play inside or outside, Hudson needs some development time. He’s a defensive-line convert who only has one full season as a starter under his belt.

I love this pick in the third round. Hudson is raw, but the skills are there. This is where you trust your coaches, and Washington has an excellent offensive line coach in John Matsko. Hudson has the size and skills to play tackle or guard.

At pick No. 82, McShay goes with South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith.

The Washington offense needs more weapons, and Smith is a strong route runner with good speed and hands. He really impressed at the Senior Bowl and then ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day.

I like Smith. He didn’t have good quarterback play in college, or he otherwise may have been selected higher. I just don’t love the pick with some of the other players left on the board, like Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth. WFT should absolutely select another wide receiver at some point in the 2021 NFL draft, preferably someone who can work in the slot. Smith can.

In this mock draft, Washington added some players in positions of need. Davis should start immediately, while Mills and Hudson are developmental players. With Smith, Washington hopes it strikes third-round gold again after getting wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Antonio Gibson in the last two drafts.

2021 NFL draft: Who does Washington select in latest Mel Kiper mock draft?

The 2021 NFL draft is just two weeks away and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. just released his fourth mock draft. 

The 2021 NFL draft is just two weeks away, and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. just released his fourth mock draft.

Unlike in past years, Kiper has included trades in his mock drafts in 2021. After all, San Francisco has already moved up to the No. 3 position to secure a quarterback.

In his latest mock draft, Kiper has more quarterback movement in his top 10. Five quarterbacks land in Kiper’s top 10, with Ohio State’s Justin Fields going No. 10 overall to the New England Patriots.

With all the top passers gone, where does that leave the Washington Football Team?

Kiper has Washington staying at No. 19 and getting its linebacker in Notre Dame linebacker/safety Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

Washington could go a few different ways here, including offensive line or wide receiver. I like the fit of Owusu-Koramoah, though, as a three-down off-ball linebacker with cover skills. He’s extremely versatile — he lined up as a slot corner for the Fighting Irish at times last season — and fast. He must improve as a tackler, but he should slot in as an instant-impact player for a defense that is already one of the league’s best.

This is becoming a popular pick for WFT. And rightfully so. Owusu-Koramoah goes to a team that needs a coverage linebacker — and a free safety. No, Owusu-Koramoah is not a true free safety, but he can play everywhere. Washington has smart defensive coaches in head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, and they will know where to employ him best.

While Washington didn’t land a quarterback in round one, Kiper has it landing one in round two. Just not the one you think.

In a surprise, Kiper sees Washington landing Davis Mills of Stanford.

Here is his assessment:

Mills is an interesting case, as he played in only 14 games at Stanford, which would be the fewest by a drafted quarterback in the last 15 years. And yet, at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, he has some arm-talent traits and looked like a first-round pick at times. He also looked like a Day 3 pick at other times. He threw for 428 yards with three touchdowns and three picks in his final college game. If I were running a team, I’d feel much better taking him on Day 2 than I would on Day 1, and this is a Washington team that could bring him along slowly. He’s the type of quarterback talent teams bet on, though.

It would surprise no one if Mills lands in the second round. The talent is obvious. However, so are the concerns. While he may not possess the physical tools of Mills, Florida’s Kyle Trask seems like a better bet in round two.

In this mock draft, Washington doesn’t find a left tackle of the future. Perhaps it can find one in the third round. After all, the team does have two third-round picks.

 

2021 NFL Draft: QB options for the Jets in the early, middle & late rounds

A look at three quarterbacks who could be options for the Jets throughout the NFL draft.

With the 2021 NFL draft now less than a month away, it’s time to dive deeper into Joe Douglas’ plans to upgrade the Jets’ roster with an influx of young talent.

After trading Sam Darnold to the Panthers, New York is all but a lock to go quarterback with the No. 2 pick. Whether Douglas opts for BYU’s Zach Wilson or Ohio State’s Justin Fields remains to be seen, but the Jets are weeks away from welcoming a new potential franchise quarterback to Florham Park.

Jets Wire will be taking a look at three realistic prospects at positions of need that the Jets could land, ranging from the early rounds to the later rounds. Let’s kick this year’s edition of this series off with the most important position in the game.

Are the Bears eyeing Stanford QB Davis Mills as a Day 3 option?

With the Bears rumored to select a late-round quarterback, could Stanford’s Davis Mills be their selection?

With rumors of the Chicago Bears showing interesting in drafting a Day 2 quarterback, that would eliminate guys like Mac Jones, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields from the conversation as Chicago’s next quarterback. That would bring in players like Kyle Trask, Kellen Mond, and a surprise pick, who is likely a Day 3 selection, Davis Mills.

A few days ago, Adam Hoge mentioned that Bears quarterback coach John DeFilippo was at the Stanford pro day watching Davis closely. He even requested a specific throw.

Now, this doesn’t mean that he is the player the Bears are going to draft, but they’re definitely interested, to an extent.

At 6-foot-4, 225-pounds, Mills fits the size of an NFL quarterback. The big issue comes with his lack of playing time in college.

Mills only saw the field in 14 games, starting 11 of them. In comparison, that’s fewer college starts than former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who had 13 at North Carolina.

Even with the lack of playing time, the good news is, Stanford ran a pro-style offense. That’ll help ease Mills’ transition to the next level. That transition needs to be slow, he can’t be rushed to the field in Year 1. That’s what Andy Dalton is for – the bridge to the Bears’ next quarterback.

With Mills having an impressive pro day his name has been thrown around as a sleeper pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Statically speaking, he completed 287 of his 438 attempts (65.5%) in college. He passed for 3,468 yards, throwing 18 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 14 games, (11 starts).

To finish his college career, Mills won his last 4 starts, throwing 6 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and passing for 1,181 yards.

Looking at his tape, the comparison to Jimmy Garoppolo jumps off the screen. They’re both players with strong arms, who are athletic enough for today’s NFL but aren’t dual-threat quarterbacks.

Garoppolo ran a 4.97 at his combine, I expect Mills to be around the same, maybe a split second faster.

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