NFL Combine schedule for Georgia football’s 10 invitees

Here’s the 2020 NFL Combine schedule for the Georgia football players invited.

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Georgia had 10 players invited to participate in the 2020 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The combine will take place from February 23rd to March 2nd, with on-field workouts beginning on the 27th.

The 10 Georgia players that received an invite are as follows:

• K Rodrigo Blankenship

• WR Lawrence Cager

• QB Jake Fromm

• RB Brian Herrien

• OL Solomon Kindley

• S J.R. Reed

• RB D’Andre Swift

• OL Andrew Thomas

• OL Isaiah Wilson

• TE Charlie Woerner

For the players that did not receive an invite, and for those who did but want to better their scores, Georgia will host its annual pro-day, where coaches from all 32 NFL teams should be present.

As for the 10 players who will be in Indianapolis next week, they’ll be busy with everything from orientation, to interviews, medical exams, psychological testing, media sessions and an NFLPA meeting.

And then finally they’ll hit the field for their workouts.

They’ll be broken up into groups. Here’s a list of those groups and the Georgia players who will be in them.

Group 1: TE, QB, WR (Fromm, Cager, Woerner)

Group 2: PK, ST, OL, RB (Blankenship, Thomas, Kindley, Wilson, Swift, Herrien)

Group 3: DL, LB (No UGA players)

Group 4: DB (JR Reed)

Here’s the schedule for the 10 Dawgs who will be there, provided by NFLCombine.net.

Group 1: (Fromm, Cager, Woerner)

Sunday, Feb. 23: Arrive in Indy, Registration, Orientation, Interviews

Monday, Feb. 24: Measurements, Pre-exam at hospital, Interviews

Tuesday, Feb. 25: Media session, Medical exams, Position coach interviews, Psychological testing

Wednesday, Feb. 26: NFLPA Meeting, Interviews, Bench Press, Psychological Testing

Thursday, Feb. 27: Limited testing, On-field Workout

Friday, Feb. 28: Departure from Indianapolis

Group 2: (Blankenship, Thomas, Kindley, Wilson, Swift, Herrien)

Monday, Feb. 24: Arrive in Indy, Registration, Orientation, Interviews

Tuesday, Feb. 25: Measurements, Pre-exam at hospital, Interviews

Wednesday, Feb. 26: Media session, Medical exams, Position coach interviews, Psychological testing

Thursday, Feb. 27: NFLPA Meeting, Interviews, Bench Press, Psychological Testing

Friday, Feb. 28: Limited testing, On-field Workout

Saturday, Feb. 29: Departure from Indianapolis

Group 4: DB (JR Reed)

Wednesday, Feb. 26: Arrive, Registration, Orientation, Interviews

Thursday, Feb. 27: Measurements, Pre-exam at hospital, Interviews

Friday, Feb. 28: Media session, Medical exams, Position coach interviews, Psychological testing

Saturday, Feb. 29: NFLPA Meeting, Interviews, Bench Press, Psychological Testing

Sunday, March 1: Limited testing, On-field Workout

Monday, March 2: Departure from Indianapolis

Todd McShay’s mock draft has Patriots landing QB at 23rd overall

Tom Brady’s replacement — or heir-apparent.

Tom Brady will need replacing in 2020 or beyond. So ESPN’s Todd McShay suggested the New England Patriots plan accordingly. In his latest mock draft, McShay projected Bill Belichick would take one of the draft’s top quarterback prospects, one who could start day-one if necessary but might also benefit from a year or two behind Brady, if he returns despite his status as a pending free agent.

At 23rd overall, the Patriots are projected to pick Washington Huskies quarterback Jacob Eason. Here’s what McShay wrote on the topic:

“Yes, that’s right, I’m now going with a quarterback for the Patriots, who still don’t know if they’ll have Tom Brady under center in 2020. Even if the 42-year-old free agent returns on a short-term deal, the Pats have to address the position on the first two days of the draft, so why not do it now? I like 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham’s potential, but I’m not sold on him as a long-term starter. Eason has been getting a lot of buzz from people I talk to in the NFL lately, though he’s not a lock to be the fourth quarterback taken; he’s still battling with Utah State’s Jordan Love, but I’ll give the 6-6 Eason the edge for now. He has the best arm of any signal-caller in this class, though he can be erratic at times. It’d be ideal if he got a year or two to sit behind Brady, but he has a much higher ceiling that Stidham. Safety and linebacker are other positions to keep an eye on for New England’s top pick.”

So McShay had both Love and Eason on the board, but apparently likes Eason’s fit in New England, particularly with Belichick and Josh McDaniels getting time to groom the young signal-caller, who finished 2019 with a 64.2 completion % with 3,132 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He needs help getting through his reads, something the Patriots coaching staff would dedicate themselves to fixing. Eason also has an impressive amount of talent and power, but that has lent itself to poor mechanics, which won’t cut it in the NFL. That’s another area for improvement, which should lower his number of misfires.

The player no one is talking about, Stidham, is the biggest unknown variable in the equation. He spent most of the year away from reporters’ eyes, and is therefore an unknown entity to everyone except the Patriots. Only Belichick’s staff knows how quarterback-needy they are in New England. If Stidham made major developmental strides, maybe the Patriots don’t need a quarterback.

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Multiple former Georgia players go to Falcons rivals in latest NFL mock draft

Three former Georgia football players, including Jake Fromm and Jacob Eason, go to Atlanta Falcons’ rivals.

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The NFL Draft is coming up in just a few months and multiple former Bulldogs are expecting to hear their names called in Las Vegas.

In the latest four-round 2020 NFL mock draft done by USA TODAY’s DraftWire, multiple former Georgia players go in round one and three guys head to the NFC South.

However, none are projected to go the Falcons, a franchise that has routinely passed up on drafting players from the in-state university over the years.

Round 1:

Nov 30, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Solomon Kindley (66) and offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) celebrate with fans after a victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The first two picks of the draft see Joe Burrow headed to Cincinnati and Chase Young to Washington.

Andrew Thomas goes early…

Pick No. 4: Andrew Thomas to the Giants

At No. 4 the first Dawg, offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, gets taken by the New York Giants.

On Thomas, DraftWire wrote:

If the Giants want Daniel Jones to become a true franchise quarterback, they’re going to have to protect him. General manager Dave Gettleman is as old-school as they come, so don’t be surprised when he spends this pick in the trenches. Moving back would be ideal given this year’s depth at both tackle and along the interior, but if they’re stuck here, Thomas is a strong pick.

At No. 5, the Miami Dolphins take Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Kindley to Tennessee…

Pick No. 29: Solomon Kindley to the Titans

In the first round, at pick No. 29, Georgia has its second player selected in the draft. Offensive guard Solomon Kindley, one of the most consistent blockers at Georgia over the past couple of seasons, is projected to the Tennessee Titans, where he would team up with former UGA center Ben Jones.

On Kindley, Draft Wire wrote:

If Derrick Henry leaves in free agency, running back obviously becomes a strong possibility here. But if he returns, the Titans should focus on fortifying an already strong offensive line with young reinforcements. Kindley is the best of a deep class of interior blockers, and his experience against top competition in the SEC have him ready to make an impact from Day 1.

Former Bulldog goes to the NFC South in the second round…

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5 QB prospects Bears should watch at NFL Scouting Combine

The Bears are expected to target a veteran QB in free agency, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they also drafted a young QB to develop.

Easily the biggest offseason conversation surrounding the Bears has been how they’re going to handle the quarterback position.

While Mitchell Trubisky has been named the starter for the 2020 season, that’s not guaranteed beyond this season or even at the start. Which means the Bears will likely be in the market for a new quarterback.

Chicago is already expected to target a veteran signal caller in free agency, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they also drafted a young quarterback to develop.

With that in mind, here are five quarterback prospects the Bears should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine next week:

1. Jordan Love, Utah State

Utah State quarterback Jordan Love is the kind of player the Bears would love — an athletic, dual-threat quarterback with a big arm. But Chicago certainly wouldn’t be the only team in need of his services.

Love certainly regressed in his senior season, throwing for 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 2019 compared to 32 touchdowns, six interceptions in 2018. But his upside is enough for the Bears to consider taking a chance on him if he’s still on the board come the second round.

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2020 NFL Draft: QB prospects Colts should watch at NFL combine

Here are the QBs the Colts should watch at the Combine.

The Indianapolis Colts are in a position to select a quarterback early in the 2020 NFL draft. With the Nos.13, 34 and 44 picks in the first two rounds and plenty of quarterback prospects coming out in this year’s draft, the Colts have plenty of options if they want to add a young player to the quarterback room.

All eyes will be on Indianapolis at the end of February as the NFL Combine will be underway. This will give the Colts the chance to meet with prospects and watch them run through drills on their home turf.

Here are some quarterback prospects to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine:

Joe Burrow | LSU | Age: 23

The presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Burrow threw 60 touchdowns last season and led his school to the National Championship and won the Heisman. The Colts won’t get a chance to draft Burrow, who is likely to go to the Cincinnati Bengals with the first pick in the draft.

Burrow is ranked No. 1 in Draft Wire’s quarterback rankings for 2020.

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Bears address offensive needs in PFF’s new mock draft

In PFF’s new 2-round mock draft, the Bears addressed 2 key offensive needs in quarterback and offensive line with their second-round picks.

We’re just over two months away from the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Bears will have several needs to address this offseason.

The Bears hold the 43rd and 50th picks in the second round of the NFL Draft, as they got the Raiders’ second-round pick (No. 43) in the Khalil Mack trade.

In Pro Football Focus’ new two-round mock draft, the Bears addressed two key offensive needs in quarterback and offensive line with their two second-round picks.

With the 43rd pick, PFF believes the Bears will find their quarterback in Washington’s Jacob Eason.

The Bears get their guy, but there’s a reason why Eason fell to the second round. Similar to Drew Lock last year, Eason has all the arm talent in the world, but that never quite translated to consistent play on the field. Eason had a passing grade below 60.0 in 4 of his 9 Pac-12 games this year.

While Eason might be a project, his upside makes him someone that would be difficult for the Bears to pass up, especially if Chicago is ready to move on from Mitchell Trubisky. The Bears are expected to bring in a veteran to compete with Trubisky in free agency, and bringing in a young player via the NFL Draft is certainly a possibility.

Then, with the 50th selection, PFF says Chicago will address the offensive line with the addition of LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry.

Cushenberry took it on the chin a bit this past season, as he allowed more pressures than any other center in the country. That looked like an outlier at the Senior Bowl, where he tied for the highest win rate of any interior offensive lineman there. With guard more of a need for the Bears, Cushenberry has the size and skills to kick out there.

The Bears need to address issues on the offensive line, and they have a need at right guard. While Cushenberry is a center, he could be that option at right guard if the Bears need him.

Barring any trades, the Bears will have eight picks in this year’s draft, but only two in the top 50 and three in the top 150. Chicago’s selections include a projected fourth-round compensatory pick for safety Adrian Amos, as well as a conditional pick from the Eagles for running back Jordan Howard, which projects to be a sixth rounder.

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2020 NFL Draft: 3 quarterbacks the Titans could target

Here’s a look at just three prospects the Titans could target in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Tennessee Titans will likely do everything in their power without totally breaking the bank to keep quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the team ahead of free agency after he finished the season as one of the league’s best quarterbacks.

But what if Tannehill doesn’t return, or the Titans simply want to invest more in the backup position?

That decision would come at a fortunate time, considering how loaded this year’s free agency will be, and how many talented signal-callers have entered the 2020 NFL Draft.

Here’s a look at just three prospects the Titans could target in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. Jordan Love, Utah State.

Love is practically a lock to come off the board by mid-first round or so, meaning the Titans would have to take him on Day One and probably have to do some dealing to get the job done.

He finished 2019 with a 61.9% completion percentage, throwing for 3,402 yards with 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Last season was his worst on the stats sheet, after losing his starting offensive line, strongest running back, top wide receiver, on top of his head coach resigning and being forced to learn an entirely new offense.

There’s a lot to like about Love, with his impressive over-the-top release, impressive arm strength and ability to throw into even tighter windows than he may see in the NFL.

It’s also worth noting the Titans have already been connected to Love.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Post-Super Bowl projections with trades

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling throws out some potential trade scenarios in his latest projection for the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

I’ve watched the Super Bowl from many different places, but this was the first year in which I took in the big game while flying over the Atlantic.

On our way to attend my wife’s graduation in England, my nine-year-old daughter and I huddled around the screen in our seats and watched the NFL season come to an entertaining and dramatic end. It was a worthy ending to the league’s 100th season.

You know it’s always draft season around here, but now it’s official, as all 32 teams now enter the offseason with their sights set on getting to where Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs just went.

To that end, here’s an updated look at how the first round of the 2020 NFL draft could shake out, with a few trade scenarios that could spice things up:

*denotes projected trade

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

This has seemed like a foregone conclusion for so long, that we’re starting to get to the point in the process where rumors and speculation start to swirl to the contrary. Don’t buy into the boredom; Burrow has always been the guy for the Bengals, and that’s not going to change between now and draft day.

2. Washington Redskins

Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

This is an absolute no-brainer for Washington, unless they’re bowled over by a trade offer from another team. They have bigger needs at other positions, but there’s no way they should pass up a rare talent like Young at such a premium spot. He’s the best overall prospect in this entire class.

3. Miami Dolphins (from DET)*

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

This move just makes too much sense. Tagovailoa seems destined for Miami, as long as his recovery is in a good place. If the medicals are in order, though, the Dolphins will likely have to make a small jump up the board to make sure another team doesn’t leapfrog them. The position is too important, and Tua is too good a player, to risk losing out.

4. Carolina Panthers (from NYG)*

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

While the Dolphins moving up for Tagovailoa wouldn’t be a surprise, this move might be a bit more of a shock. New head coach Matt Rhule will be overseeing a huge rebuild, though, and will likely want to hand-pick his quarterback. Herbert followed up a solid career at Oregon with a Rose Bowl MVP and a strong week at the Senior Bowl, making him worthy of top-five consideration.

5. Detroit Lions (from MIA)*

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

This is a fantastic scenario for the Lions, who trade back a couple of spots, get an extra first-round pick, and still land the player they likely would have taken at their original spot. Okudah is by far this year’s top corner prospect, and would team up with Darius Slay to give Detroit one of the league’s best tandems at a premium position. Don’t rule out Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown here, either.

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New 2020 mock draft has Bucs taking a QB with ‘some Carson Palmer vibes’

See which quarterback NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein thinks will draw the attention of Bucs head coach Bruce Arians.

We’re all still in wait-and-see mode when it comes to quarterback Jameis Winston and his future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the season ending a month ago, things seem just as murky now as then. While Winston did throw for over 5,000 yards, he also had 30 interceptions.

Head coach Bruce Arians has said we shouldn’t expect a decision on Winston’s future anytime soon, but that hasn’t stopped draft analysts from speculating that the former Heisman Trophy winner’s time in Tampa Bay could be done.

In his first NFL mock draft, Daniel Jeremiah had the Bucs taking Oregon QB Justin Herbert at the 14th spot. Today, draft analyst Lance Zierlein has the Bucs taking a quarterback in his mock draft, only it’s not Herbert. Zierlein thinks Tampa Bay will take Washington QB Jacob Eason.

“Tampa might trade back, but Eason could still be the target. While I expect him to be taken later than this pick, his stature and arm strength will give Bruce Arians some Carson Palmer vibes.”

Palmer, himself, has said Winston could have a massive Year 2 if the Bucs bring him back. By his own admission, Palmer said that Arians’ system takes time to learn, but once you master it, the results speak for themselves.

Eason is 6-foot-6 and nearly 230 pounds. This past season he threw for 3,132 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Bucs would certainly love Eason’s size and strength, but would they really be willing to reach so high for him when they have other pressing needs?

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What could the perfect offseason look like for Colts?

Is this the perfect offseason?

There is no such thing as a “perfect offseason” in the NFL. Fans crave free agency and the draft and fall in love with players, hoping their team will pick them up in the offseason.

While Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and company have different ideas on what their vision for a perfect offseason would be, I wanted to share what my perfect offseason would include.

2020 NFL Draft

The Colts hold the Nos. 13, 34 and 44 picks in this upcoming draft, and they have plenty of holes to fill.

With the quarterbacks that are coming out this year that could be available at pick 13 (Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Jacob Eason, Jake Fromm) most are projects and will need time to develop.

Indianapolis should draft a ready-made difference-maker at No. 13. With how thin the talent is at the defensive line the Colts should look to get a guy like Javon Kinlaw, Derrick Brown or Neville Gallimore.

With the 34th pick, an option will be to move back into the first round if the Colts see someone slipping but in my hypothetical world, they stay at 34 and draft a young prospect out of Washington, Jacob Eason. At 34, Eason won’t be forced to start right away, and won’t cost as much.

With how deep the receiver class is in this draft Indianapolis could wait on a receiver until their 44th overall pick and get a player like Donovan Peoples-Jones, K.J. Hill, Tyler Johnson or Chase Claypool.

Free agency

According to Spotrac, the Colts have the most projected cap room in the NFL this offseason. If anyone watched the end-of-season presser Ballard did, it seemed likely he might spend a little of that money in free agency.

Indianapolis seems unlikely to re-sign all of their in-house free agents, so let us look at a few guys they could target in free agency.

If I was Ballard I would look to go get a multi-dimensional defensive end to replace Jabaal Sheard opposite Justin Houston, bringing in a guy like Shaq Lawson of the Bills or Arik Armstead of the 49ers will do that.

Last offseason it was Ballard poaching Houston from his former employer the Kansas City Chiefs. He could do that again this offseason by signing free agent Chris Jones. As a 4-3 interior defensive lineman, Jones won’t be cheap but would provide an instant upgrade inside.

Lastly, the receiver group was a major disappointment last year due to injury and while drafting a receiver will help, the Colts need depth at that position and some guys that can create explosive plays when the ball is in their hands.

There are a few intriguing receiver free agents this offseason, Emmanuel Sanders, while he is 33 he has shown can still make plays. Amari Cooper is also a premier option if he hits the market.

They do have the option to bring back Devin Funchess, probably for a one-year deal and if that’s the case I’m all for it because he was that big body threat the Colts used a lot in Week 1 when he played.

While the likelihood of any of these things happening is very small, I think these could be some ways the Colts could look to improve the roster going into 2020.

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