Tag: Draft Rumors

Are the Commanders eyeing Ole Miss QB Matt Corral in the 2022 NFL draft?

A new report suggests Washington has done plenty of homework on Ole Miss QB Matt Corral ahead of the 2022 NFL draft.

When the Washington Commanders traded for quarterback Carson Wentz last month, it essentially eliminated them from pursuing a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Or did it?

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Wednesday morning the Commanders have done a lot of research on Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral. Corral is expected to go somewhere in the first round of the draft, but with the uncertainty surrounding this group of quarterbacks, he could fall to round two.

Washington hasn’t been linked to draft-eligible quarterbacks much since trading for Carson Wentz before free agency. But the word heading into draft weekend is the Commanders have done a lot of research on Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, researching his background from high school to college. Washington could be looking for quarterback help on Day 2 of the draft. The Saints and Panthers also have done much homework on Corral. Some coaches were underwhelmed with his presence in team interviews, but many are high on his quick release and natural throwing ability.

There are two schools of thought here. First, Washington should absolutely still be looking for its quarterback of the future. No one believes Wentz will suddenly resemble the Wentz from 2017, although the Commanders certainly hope that’s the case. Washington traded for Wentz to give the team stability at quarterback in 2022. He is an upgrade under center for the Commanders, and the team can cut bait after the upcoming season if things do not work.

So, if Corral is your best available player when you pick, whether that’s in the first round or the second round, you should make the pick.

On the other hand, the Commanders went all-in on Wentz for 2022. They should use their draft choices to help him succeed.

Both thoughts have merit.

Ultimately, Washington shouldn’t draft a quarterback in round seven just to say it drafted a quarterback. Why draft someone like Jack Coan when you can still add offensive line depth? After all, the Commanders drafted safety Kamren Curl in the seventh round two years ago.

But, if there is a player you love, and you believe he can be a franchise quarterback, then you have to select him — Wentz’s presence does not matter. If Corral is that guy, you do everything possible to acquire him.

 

NFL draft rumors: Chargers prefer Rashawn Slater over Penei Sewell

Position flexibility is an intriguing trait to the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers enter the draft in hopes of getting one of the top offensive tackles to protect quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside.

Herbert has publicly expressed that he would love to reunite with his former teammate from Oregon, Penei Sewell.

Landing him would likely require a trade-up, and so would former Northwestern OT Rashawn Slater, who the team might favor over Sewell, another lineman highly sought of.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a couple of people he has talked to believe Los Angeles is one of the teams that has Slater ranked higher because he’s viewed as more versatile and able to play multiple positions on the line.

Slater proved that he can play the left tackle position at a high level in 2019, but he demonstrated the same capability at right tackle in his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Due to his lack of arm length, many believe that he should get kicked inside at the next level, but Slater is technically sound and has the athleticism and smarts to overcome any measurement concerns.

He should be given the opportunity to prove himself at left tackle right off the bat and if he doesn’t pan out, he can easily slide in at guard or center.

The fact that L.A. could have Slater over Sewell due to position versatility makes me wonder if USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker is higher up on the team’s draft board than Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw.

Vera-Tucker put together a solid season as the Trojans’ left tackle this past season and he has plenty of experience at guard, where many project him to play in the NFL due to his lack of arm length.

In my opinion, Vera-Tucker comes with highly impressive athleticism, movement skills and functional strength to match and stymie pass rushers, and I believe he could be a fine blindside blocker in this league.

Only one more day until we find out.

Despite rumors, Steelers JuJu Smith-Schuster is staying put

The rumors that Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is being traded to the 49ers are, reportedly, fake news.

Rumors began circulating on Monday stating that the San Fransisco 49ers had inquired about trading for Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

While the pre-draft period churns the rumor mill — some which are true and most which are not — this one, apparently, falls within the latter.

There are scenarios floating around that the 49ers will draft a wideout with their first pick (No. 13) and also that the organization is interested in trading down to acquire more equity.

The rumor linking Smith-Schuster to the 49ers is so far-fetched that a viable source can’t be found, except for a Twitter account called… wait for it… NFL Rumors. The tweet stated that the 49ers called the Steelers about the receiver; nothing was ever mentioned about a trade actually being in the works.

Though unverified, it could entirely be true that San Fransisco made the call. Judy Battista of NFL.com and Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette both took to Twitter to say there is no truth in Smith-Schuster being traded; not that an inquiry wasn’t made.

Smith-Schuster has one year left on his rookie deal. There’s no doubt that the Steelers want to see what the receiver can do with a healthy Ben Roethlisberger back in the game.

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