Jets trade back, add capital in NFL Network’s pre-combine mock draft

In NFL Network’s three-round mock draft, the Jets trade back with the Denver Broncos and add Alabama OL Jedrick Wills Jr. with the 15th pick

With the NFL Combine next week in Indianapolis, the NFL Network released a three-round mock draft that includes multiple trades.

In this particular mock draft, the Jets trade back in the first round and add an extra pick on Day 2 and Day 3. While this mock draft has the Jets maximizing their value, some of the picks may be too good to be true. Obviously, the combine will help clear up any uncertainties, but players like TCU’s Jeff Gladney and Michigan’s Josh Uche could be dark horse first-round picks after they perform in front of teams next week.

With that said, let’s take a look at who the Jets got in NFL Network’s pre-combine mock draft.

Round 1: Jedrick Wills Jr. | OT | Alabama

(Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports)

In this scenario, as projected by NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuter, the Jets trade back from No. 11 to No. 15 and pick up a third and fourth-round pick in the process.

The Broncos trade up for Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb, who was just recently mocked to the Jets by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, while the Jets trade back four spots and land arguably the draft’s best tackle in Jedrick Wills Jr.

Here’s Reuter’s explanation for the trade-back and the draft choice:

Wills lived up to the recruiting hype in 2019, showing nice athleticism in pass pro and destroying his man in the run game. The Jets pick up third- and fourth-round picks from the Broncos in this trade scenario.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, it’s highly unlikely that Wills will be on the board for the 11th pick, let alone the 15th.

If he were there at No. 11, the Jets probably wouldn’t trade back with Denver and risk him being poached by the Raiders, Colts and Buccaneers. That trio of teams could be in the market for a tackle depending on how free agency shakes out.

Henry Ruggs III or Jalen Reagor: Which WR is the best fit for the Eagles?

NFL.com draft analyst weigh-in on the best fit for the Eagles

The consensus in the 2020 NFL Draft is that the Philadelphia Eagles will likely use their first-round pick on a wide receiver. It’s the deepest wide receiver class in years, and there are game-changers that come in all different shapes, sizes, and speeds.

Two of the NFL’s top personnel and NFL draft analyst weighed-in on what the Eagles needed most at the wide receiver position.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah tossed two names out in space, Henry Ruggs or Jalen Reagor, with relevance to how they’d fit with the Eagles? Ruggs has been linked to the Eagles for weeks but could be off the board before Philadelphia picks at No. 21.

Reagor has been mentioned in NFL draft circles as a playmaker who could bring a much-needed boost to the Eagles deep passing game.

When describing the two playmakers who are similar in size and stature, both men believe the comparison isn’t even close when deciding which player would fit the Eagles best.

Jeremiah: I don’t think it’s close. Reagor is a good player. Ruggs is on another level. Ruggs is faster and has more reliable hands. Ruggs only dropped one ball this year. Reagor’s drop percentage was 12.5%. Either one would fit with the Eagles because they’re trying to get more explosive. Coming off of Nelson Agholor’s struggles, though, it seems like Eagles fans would be more comfortable with Ruggs.

Brooks: Ruggs is a more talented player. Both are explosive athletes but Ruggs is at another level. His pop and overall explosiveness are different.

Reagor finished the 2019 season with 43 receptions for 611 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those were solid numbers, but the not the All Big-12 stats many had come to expect.

A 5-foot-11 dynamo, Reagor has the speed to stretch NFL defenses and could give the Eagles an option in the passing game that they’ve lacked since DeSean Jackson was drafted.

Reagor is one of the better kick and punt returning options in the draft as well.

As for Ruggs III, he’s likely the most dynamic playmaker in the draft behind his teammate, Jerry Jeudy.

Ruggs averaged 18.6 yards per catch this season and 17.5 yards per catch during his three-year career at Bama with 25 total touchdowns.

Ruggs is more than just a vertical threat and his ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands gives him the best shot to be utilized like Hill in the Eagles offense.

7 potential Chargers that should blow up NFL Scouting Combine

Chargers Wire lays out who Los Angeles Chargers fans should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine is just around the corner. The event is a useful tool for player evaluation, and some teams put more stock in it than others.

It is a big opportunity for prospects to showcase their athleticism and skillset through a series of tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and on-field drills.

With that, we have compiled a list of seven prospects all Chargers fans must watch in Indianapolis next weekend, in addition to a handful of others Los Angeles could be targeting in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Below are the players to keep an eye on:

QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Herbert has been commonly linked to the Chargers since the start of the pre-draft process. The 6-foot-6 and 227 pound quarterback’s tape shows a lot of good things, but two things stand out: arm strength and mobility.

I believe Herbert is going to run a 4.7 second 40-yard dash and his polarizing arm will be on display during the on-field drills, where he will make all the throws to all parts of the field, especially on the deep ball.

The interview process will be the most important for Herbert. This will be his opportunity to show that he can lead a team and impress the coaches when they put him on the whiteboard.


OT Josh Jones, Houston

The offensive tackle position is a glaring need for the Chargers, and Jones should be at the top of their board in the second-round (if he’s already not taken). With his basketball background, the athleticism is evident. He plays with long arms, coordinated feet and lower body movement skills in pass protection. Jones should do really well in the agility drills, but he should light up the on-field drills.


LB/S Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Like safety Derwin James, Simmons is a true chess piece on the defensive side of the ball. He can blitz, play the run, cover in the slot and play special teams. Think about that for a second, two James on the field at the same time.

Everyone is familiar with the 6-foot-4 and 230-pound hybrid defender after putting together such a polished resume for the Tigers. But the Combine is going remind people how much of a freakish athlete he is.

Simmons has a vertical jump of 40 inches and a broad jump of 11-0. He routinely jumps onto a 52-inch box for single-response jump work. He also has run a sub-4.4 40 this off-season, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.


WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

The Chargers are in need of another deep threat, given the underwhelming production from Travis Benjamin and the guys behind him on the depth chart this past season. If they choose to go that route early on in the draft, Reagor should be on their radar.

Reagor is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class. The 5-foot-11 and 195-pounder showed breakaway speed to burn corners week in and week out. This past offseason, he clocked a 4.29 40-yard, and his strength numbers are also eye-popping: a 620-pound squat, a 380-pound bench and a 380-pound clean, per Feldman.


CB Troy Pride, Jr., Notre Dame

The Chargers will be in the market for a cornerback. Pride Jr. got on my radar at the Senior Bowl, but it won’t be long until he catches the attention of others that aren’t familiar with him.

At the 2018 ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships he ran a personal-best 6.73 seconds in the 60-meter dash. His 10.50 100 time is one of the fastest in school history. This past offseason he ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, per Feldman.

The 5-foot-11 and 193 pounder would be a perfect zone defender for the Chargers since he has a knack for reading and getting a feel for route concepts before making a play on the ball. His speed, mirroring ability and spatial awareness are all plus traits of his.


OT Matt Peart, UConn

Peart, a four-year starter at UConn, is a good athlete that boasts terrific length. The 6-foot-5 and 310 pound tackle doesn’t have overwhelming power to dominate his opponents, but he quickly finds his landmarks and uses his natural movement skills, base and length to keep rushers busy. His quick feet will be evident during the on-field drills.


OT Ben Bartch, St. John’s

The 6-6, 308-pound Bartch is coming off a stellar Senior Bowl week, where he showed that he could hang with some of the best pass-rushers in the nation. Now, he is bound to stamp himself as the first Division III player to be drafted since Buccaneers’ Ali Marpet, who has turned into a quality starter.

Bartch, the former tight end, is likely to run under five seconds in the 40-yard dash. But the on-field drills will be a major plus for him because on tape he showcases a silky smooth set in pass protection with beautiful footwork, lateral range and quickness in his kick slide to protect the edge.

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: TCU WR Jalen Reagor

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor.

Honors and Awards

  • 2019 Second-Team All-Big 12
  • 2018 Second-Team All-Big 12
  • 2018 Pro Football Focus Second-Team All-Big 12
  • 2018 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Honor Roll, vs. Oklahoma State
  • 2017 True Freshman All-America Team, 247Sports
  • 2017 Big 12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year

Stats

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Highlights

Strengths

  • One of the best playmakers in this year’s class.
  • Can go from 0-100 in a split second. Keeps defensive backs on toes and likely makes them think twice about playing press coverage.
  • Ability to get over the top of the defense requires the attention of a safety at all times.
  • Yards after catch king. Can turn a short throw into a long gain. Shows elusiveness, creativity, vision after the catch and suddenness, using head fakes and impressive lateral change of direction to make multiple defenders miss.
  • Light on his feet with terrific balance. Sinks his hips with ease and pops out of breaks to separate. Plant foot burst to gain spacing out of his breaks.
  • Unafraid to go up and get it. Tracks and adjusts, good concentration, leaping ability, body control and boundary awareness.
  • Excellent weight-room strength and ideal balance. Bounces off tacklers with ease.

Weaknesses

  • Limited route tree. Included slants, screens, stops, crossers, etc.
  • Could have difficulty beating physical, press coverage. Needs to develop hand technique at line of scrimmage.
  • Catch focus plummets at times, more focused on getting upfield before having the ball in his hands. Tends to cradle-catch even when he goes up for the ball and needs to improve attacking it with his hands.
  • Little effort as a blocker, looking careless in this aspect of the game.

Summary

Reagor is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class, but it’s more than just his straight-line speed that makes him so dangerous. While many receivers have track-like speed, the former Horned Frog has the functional athleticism, burst and agility that makes him so lethal in the open field. TCU didn’t have the best quarterback play throughout the years and the offense limited him in terms of the route tree, so there’s still growth needed in that area to become a complete wideout at the next level.

Chargers Fit

Speed kills in today’s game and that’s something Los Angeles has been lacking at the wide receiver position. Reagor does offer some positional flexibility, but he would be the starting “z” receiver for the Bolts, where he would thrive as a vertical option to force defensive backs to hone in on him, opening things up for the other pass-catchers on the team. Given his blazing speed and elusiveness in the open field, he would be able to serve as a return specialist, too.

Projected Round: Late 1st-Early 2nd

Dueling 4-round Buffalo Bills 2020 mock drafts

Two four-round mock drafts for the Buffalo Bills at the 2020 NFL Draft.

The NFL offseason has been underway for the Buffalo Bills for some time now. The league year does not officially end under March, but Super Bowl LIV between the Chiefs and 49ers is one day away.

Once the final whistle blows and the confetti hits the turf in Miami on Sunday, that’s the unofficial start of the NFL offseason for everyone.

To celebrate, Bills Wire’s Kyle Silagyi and Nick Wojton pushed Bills Mafia into the offseason with two dueling four-round mock drafts for Buffalo.

Take your pick between both below:

Kyle’s pick:

22. RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor. Credit: Richard Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

Though unlikely, there is a scenario where the top four-or-five wide receivers are off the board when Buffalo goes on the clock at pick No. 22.

Should this situation occur, the team should take a long look at Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.

Though his stock has fallen in recent weeks, Taylor is still widely looked at as a top-three ballcarrier in this year’s class. A well-rounded back with elite vision, Taylor rushed for 6,174 yards and 50 touchdowns throughout his three years at Wisconsin, winning the Doak Walker Award as college football’s best running back in 2018 and 2019.

Taylor was a high-usage player in Madison; there was nothing creative about the way the Badgers got the ball into his hands. The majority of his runs went up the middle or off-tackle, and this suited the 21-year-old, as he was often able to identify holes with his first-class vision and make the most of them with his strong footwork.

Taylor has solid speed and power, and he projects to be an impactful running back at the next level straight away. He would immediately make Buffalo’s backfield one of the league’s brightest, as his downhill-style of running would effectively complement the open-field shiftiness of Devin Singletary.

Though wide receiver is undoubtedly a bigger need for the Bills, selecting Taylor would perhaps unintentionally help address that positional deficiency. With Taylor and Singletary manning the backfield, Buffalo would become a ground-oriented team, relying on the two backs to consistently move the ball. This would open up opportunities in the play-action passing game, creating more chances for wide receivers to get open on called passes through a commitment to the ground game.

Nick’s pick:

22. WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tee Higgins. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The writing on the wall just seems too apparent ahead of April’s draft. The Bills needing a wide receiver isn’t anything new. The last time the Bills had a premium No. 1 wideout was back in Sammy Watkins’ days with the team.

While John Brown and Cole Beasley had profitable seasons with the Bills in 2019, Buffalo needs a top, young prospect in that group. Tee Higgins would be exactly that.

That writing has been there because for about a season or two, many draft pundits predicted the 2020 draft will be one of the deepest classes for the position, The Bills knew that too, so they’re going to take their swing and that’s why they didn’t last season.

In Higgins, Buffalo would get exactly what they need. That big-bodied target that quarterback Josh Allen has lacked. While the Bills would be smart to not just pin-point a guy that’s tall, realistically, Higgins’ pre-draft selection in mock drafts has been right around where the Bills pick. It wouldn’t be a reach and early outlooks appear the Bills choosing between Higgins and Colorado’s Laviska Shenault here, both talented receivers the Bills could use.

Jalen Reagor scouting report, potential fit with the Eagles

Here is a scouting report of former TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor and his potential fit with the Philadelphia Eagles.

A name that has been heating up among Eagles Draft Twitter is former TCU wide receiver, Jalen Reagor. The former Horned Frog stands at 5’11” and weighs in at 195 lbs. He ended the 2019 season with 43 receptions, 611 yards, and 5 scores. Reagor also added a punt return touchdown.

Reagor is known as a burner who can make a defense pay with the ball in his hands. It is well known that the Eagles need playmakers at the receiver position, which would make sense as to why so many Eagles fans are getting excited about Reagor joining their favorite team.

Here is a scouting report and breakdown of Jalen Reagor’s strengths and weaknesses and potential fit with the Eagles:

Strengths: Reagor is a burner, which is evident on film. He can fly and he may give Henry Ruggs III a run for his money at the NFL Combine for the fastest 40-yard dash. If he gets the ball in his hands and has a crease, he can take it to the house. He made some “wow” plays with the ball in his hands.

He runs solid routes but was not asked to run a diverse route tree. He uses his speed and acceleration to make defenders pay on go routes. He can be a deep threat in the NFL, but I like the idea of getting him the ball on quick screen passes and letting him pick up chunk plays as well.

He definitely has punt and kick return potential in the NFL. Reagor reminds me of the Kansas City Cheifs’ receiver, Mecole Hardman.

He made the most of being at a disadvantage with his quarterback.

Weaknesses: As a true wide receiver, Reagor leaves a lot to be desired. He can run fast and make highlight plays, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to consistently get open by running good routes. His hands are in question, dropping some easy passes and letting a lot of balls into his body.

Reagor has highlight plays but disappears other than the highlights. He had some really bad games against poor competition. He took a step back in 2019 and was not as good as he was in 2018. His collegiate production is worrisome. Reagor has a high ceiling but is one of those players with a low floor as well.

He reminds me of Indianapolis Colts’ receiver Parris Campbell, in the sense that you have to hope more than you know if he will reach his potential.

In the run game, Reagor is really bad, and at times; he has no interest in even trying to block. TCU’s receivers’ coach should be ashamed of some of the plays Reagor produced on film in the run game.

Overall Impression: Reagor is obviously going to be a player people like and want because of the speed. He has flashes of greatness in his game, but far too many times he has flashes of a player that is nothing more than a gadget player. He is not even close to a finished product and his development will be crucial for his success in the NFL. He can make an impact in Year 1 as a return guy. Reagor can also be a solid deep threat in the NFL, but isn’t going to be a No. 1 receiver in the league. You need to hope you can develop him into a solid No. 2 wideout.

Grade: 2nd round (Picks 40-48)

Fit with the Eagles: Obviously the Eagles would love to add a player with speed to their offense, but the hype of Reagor at 21 is craziness. He isn’t a first-round wide receiver, especially with some of the guys you can get in the first round in the 2020 NFL Draft. If the Eagles decide to use their second-round pick on him, fans need to know he isn’t going to be their No. 1 receiver. Doug Pederson would be able to get him the ball on designed plays and have him take the top off the defense, but Reagor isn’t going to be Carson Wentz’s No. 1 target. I mentioned Hardman earlier, but I see Reagor taking on the role that Hardman had for the Chiefs in his rookie season.

2020 NFL draft: Bills defense re-stocks in 3-round mock

Buffalo Bills 2020 NFL mock draft via the Draft Wire.

The Bills have plenty of needs on offense. Their defense under head coach Sean McDermott has remained one of the NFL’s best.

Despite that, in Draft Wire’s recent three-round mock draft following Wild Card weekend, the Bills go with two defensive players with those three picks, starting with their first rounder.

Here’s Draft Wire’s breakdown:

LSU Tigers linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
K’Lavon Chaisson, who will be getting after the Clemson Tigers in the national title game soon, sports a wide-range of moves as a pass rusher which could be intriguing to McDermott. Plus, the Bills really could stand to improve along their defensive end position.
Sure, Jordan Phillips was great while leading the Bills with 9.5 sacks, but it’s usually the pass rushers on the outside doing that. Shaq Lawson had 6.5 sacks there to lead the Bills. It’s a good step in the right direction for him, but he’s currently slated to be a free agent. Along with Lawson, Trent Murphy could be a cap-casualty for the Bills, too. The Bills could realistically have a nice spot for Chaisson next season.

Saints stand to benefit as loaded 2020 wide receiver draft class gets deeper

The 2020 NFL Draft class may feature the best group of wide receiver prospects ever assembled, which is big news for the New Orleans Saints.

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The New Orleans Saints are putting up points and winning games in spite of a very shallow depth chart at wide receiver, thanks to Herculean efforts from All-Pro Michael Thomas and creative play-calling from Saints coach Sean Payton. Thomas has proven he can put the world on his shoulders for New Orleans’ passing game.

However, the lack of production from the group as a whole can’t be ignored: in the four games since their bye week, all of the non-Thomas receivers have combined for 8 receptions and 90 receiving yards (with two touchdown catches) on 21 total targets. Those stats all came from Tre’Quan Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. Practice squad call-up Krishawn Hogan has logged 37 snaps in that time, but has yet to receive his first target with the Saints.

Fortunately, the situation shouldn’t remain this grim forever. The 2020 NFL Draft class is shaping up like one of the best groups in recent memory, rivaling the 2014 class that put Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans, Brandin Cooks, John Brown, Sammy Watkins, and Allen Robinson into the pros.

While the top draft prospects in this year’s draft are underclassmen who or may not leave early for the NFL — names like Alabama stars Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, Oklahoma big-play threat CeeDee Lamb, and Clemson’s clutch performer Tee Higgins — there are plenty of options generating excitement around the league. Four talented juniors have already declared, at least two of whom are popular picks in the conversation of who might be a first-round pick:

  • Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
  • Jalen Reagor, TCU
  • Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon State
  • Gabriel Davis, UCF

Shenault has a reputation as one of the most versatile players in the draft class, having lined up everywhere from slot receiver to tight end and fullback, and still found ways to make plays. Think of him as a Swiss army knife in the mold of Taysom Hill, but with more aptitude as a receiver (which is saying something, given Hill’s four touchdown catches this season).

Reagor is another hot name in draft circles, given his game-breaking speed and ability to track the ball in flight deep downfield. He’s averaged over 15 yards per catch in his career despite the Horned Frogs’ instability at quarterback (half a dozen different passers have targeted Reagor over the last three years), drawing comparisons to Cooks, the Saints’ own former first-round pick.

Something has to be said for both of the two big men who have declared early, as Hodgins (6-foot-4) and Davis (6-foot-3) have each caught 70-plus receptions and scored double-digit touchdowns this season. There’s room in the NFL (and in New Orleans) for either of them to contribute.

And this doesn’t even include the numerous talented seniors in this year’s draft class, ranging from Minnesota graduate Tyler Johnson to Arizona State product Brandon Aiyuk, as well as Texas Longhorns fixtures Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson. Keep an eye on Ohio State alum K.J. Hill and experienced South Carolina receiver Bryan Edwards.

Of that group, four have already accepted invitations to participate in the 2020 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., taking the opportunity to practice in front of NFL scouts ahead of the annual all-star game. Those participants include Aiyuk, Edwards, as well as Longhorns prospects Duvernay and Johnson. They’ll be joined by receivers not previously mentioned such as Kalija Lipscomb (Vanderbilt), Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty), Michael Pittman Jr. (USC), and Chase Claypool (Notre Dame), all of whom will have a good shot at improving their draft stock.

So all of this was said to say: the Saints do not lack for options at addressing the wide receiver position during the offseason. They’ve thrown resources at the problem before, it just hasn’t worked out — Smith hasn’t consistently helped the offense after being drafted in the third round last year, while the Saints lost their wager that Cameron Meredith would be a better free agent addition than what it would have cost to keep Willie Snead. Here’s hoping the players New Orleans already has to work with can continue doing enough to compete for Super Bowl LIV.

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The 3 biggest storylines ahead of Oklahoma-TCU

No. 9 Oklahoma (9-1, 5-1) and TCU (5-5, 3-4) face off for the last time at the Palace on the Prairie in 2019.

No. 9 Oklahoma (9-1, 5-1) and TCU (5-5, 3-4) face off for the last time at the Palace on the Prairie in 2019. The Sooners still have College Playoff hopes, needing quite a few dominos to fall for Oklahoma to sneak into the top-four.

Here are the three biggest storylines ahead the Sooners’ matchup against the Horned Frogs.

CAN OKLAHOMA PLAY A COMPLETE GAME?

The Sooners have had quite the struggle in gaining grasp of the ever so important “game-control” that the CFP committee is looking for.

Over the past three games, Oklahoma has had a hard time offensively and/or defensively at some point of the game against Kansas State, Iowa State and Baylor.

With the Sooners coming off the most complete 30 minutes of football they have played in a long time, can they build off of it?

WHO WILL COVER JALEN REAGOR?

Although he has had a subpar season to his standards, Reagor deserves to have his named mentioned among some of the best receivers in the nation.

The former Oklahoma commit has been an absolute weapon offensively for the  Horned Frogs since he has stepped on campus in 2017.

Who in the secondary can line up against Reagor and go snap for snap with TCU’s No. 1 wideout?

IS THIS THE LAST HOME GAME FOR CEEDEE LAMB?

Being held out with a head injury in the comeback win over Baylor, Lamb’s availability has yet to be made public by Lincoln Riley.

After two fantastic seasons lining up opposite of Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and having another great season as the solo act, Lamb will be draft eligible at the end of the season.

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