Report: Bills have pre-draft meeting with John Simpson

Per Pewter Report, the Tampa Bay Bucs met with offensive lineman John Simpson. The outlet also specifics that he met with a few other teams, including the Bills:

On Thursday, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said when the ongoing coronavirus pandemic hit full scale, he was in South Carolina visiting Clemson.

Perhaps we have some insight into why, and it’s not just because of wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Per Pewter Report, the Tampa Bay Bucs met with offensive lineman John Simpson. The outlet also specifics that he met with a few other teams, including the Bills:

Per source, Clemson guard John Simpson met with the #Bucs before his pro day (March 12th). He also met with the #Steelers, #Bills and #Giants personnel during that same timeframe. Simpson is expected to come off the board some time on day two of the draft.

— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 2, 2020

Simpson was a second-team All-American in 2019 for the Tigers. The 6-foot-5, 330 pound lineman also has a nugget in his background that Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott will appreciate: he was a high school wrestler as well.

The senior had an up-and-down Senior Bowl, but flexed his muscle, literally, at the combine, by putting up 34 bench press reps. That was the third-highest among all offensive linemen at the combine.

The Bills do have depth at their offensive line, and the unit is returning all five starters in 2020 after Quinton Spain re-signed with the team this offseason. But Buffalo could still stand to add a rookie prospect to groom for future starting consideration with one of their upcoming draft picks.

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Chargers select future signal-caller, double dip in trenches in CBS Sports’ 3-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers stack deck on the offensive side of the ball in CBS Sport’s latest three-round mock draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for the start of free agency, but the focus still revolves around what the franchise is going to do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Free agency will play a part of how they’re going to go about their draft, but at the moment, addressing the quarterback position and offensive line will be the main focal point.

In CBS Sports’ latest three-round mock draft, the Bolts did that with their first three selections, with them using their No. 6 overall selection on Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.

Here’s a look at how the rest of the mock draft panned out:

No. 6, QB Jordan Love, Utah State
No. 37, OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
No. 71, OL John Simpson, Clemson

Love is arguably the most polarizing quarterback in this year’s draft. His ability to make any throw on the field from multiple set points is very impressive, but he needs to improve his decision-making process and accuracy at the next level.

Love would benefit from sitting behind Tyrod Taylor for a year in order to correct those weaknesses to his game before taking over as the team’s starting quarterback.

The Chargers could benefit from Cleveland’s athleticism at the position. He needs to improve his play strength in the run game, but his balanced athleticism and loose movement skills allow him to stymie different types of rushers off the edge.

In his rookie season, he would be capable of filling in an immediate void at right tackle or competing for starting reps at left tackle now that Russell Okung is no longer on the team.

Finally, the Bolts shore up their offensive line with Simpson. He possesses the competitiveness and character that the Chargers covet.

The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection.

Simpson would offer competition at the guard spot, possessing the skillset to start in Year 1.

5 OL prospects Bears should watch at NFL Scouting Combine

One of the glaring needs the Bears will need to address this offseason is the offensive line, where there’s work to be done for the future.

There were no shortage of concerns on the offensive side of the ball for the Bears in 2019. One of the glaring needs the Bears will need to address this offseason is the offensive line.

While they’re pretty much stuck with what they’ve got — with the exception of a vacant right guard position — in 2020, there’s plenty of work to be done in the NFL Draft in regards to building for the future.

With that said, here are five offensive line prospects the Bears should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine next week:

1. Damien Lewis, LSU

The Bears are looking to fill the vacant role at right guard, and LSU guard Damien Lewis could very well be the guy for the job. Lewis started 28 straight games at right guard for the Tigers. He’s a physical force up front and does well under pressure. Lewis had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, and his draft stock will only continue to rise with a strong outing at the NFL Combine.

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6 more players the Jets should target at the Senior Bowl

Florida’s Van Jefferson and Michigan’s Josh Uche are among prospects at the Senior Bowl that the Jets should prioritize come April.

While this Senior Bowl class isn’t the deepest one in recent memory, that still doesn’t mean that there aren’t players worth targeting in Mobile.

We already highlighted six players that the Jets should keep an eye on down in Alabama. Well, now we are highlighting six more.

Certain players have been flashing this week and evaluators believe that several Senior Bowl participants have improved their draft stock with their performance in practice this. Let’s take a look at a few more names the Jets will want to consider with game day here.

WR Van Jefferson – Florida

This one seems like a no brainer, as Van Jefferson is the son of Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.

The former Florida Gator was named one of the South Squad offensive practice players of the week, as voted on by the position group they competed against in practice.

Nice separation by Van Jefferson pic.twitter.com/5vghKC4iZR

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 21, 2020

In all three days of practice, Jefferson consistently stood out in one-on-one drills. He showed his ability to create separation with his flexibility as a receiver. His route running ability has opened some eyes, too.

Being the son of a 13-year NFL receiver seems to be paying off for Jefferson.

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2020 Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from Day 1 practices

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out his winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The 2020 Senior Bowl kicked off on Tuesday with the North and South teams starting their first day of practices.

Which players impressed? Which players disappointed?

Here are my picks for the the biggest winners and losers from Tuesday’s on-field action:

Winner – Javon Kinlaw | DT | South Carolina

Labeled as a projected top-20 going into the week, there was only so much to gain for Kinlaw. Many were wondering why he decided to still play this week despite being slotted to go high in the upcoming draft, and he said that he wanted to just come out and compete in his presser on Monday night.

Compete might be an understatement to describe Kinlaw’s showing on Tuesday afternoon, as he dominated some of the top interior offensive linemen. He used his power, length and explosive quickness to get into the backfield on every single.

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13 potential Bills prospects to watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl

Buffalo Bills prospects to watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl is upon us, which means the beginning of the draft season. Plenty of first and second day draft picks end up taking part in the festivities.

Josh Allen, anyone?

In 2019, 10 first-round picks took part in the game and since his tenure as Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott has taken a liking to seniors due to their extra year of maturity and experience. There’s a good chance the Bills dip back into the Senior Bowl pool in 2020 with nine total draft picks currently slated to them at the upcoming draft.

With that, here are 13 Senior Bowl prospects to monitor for the Bills at the event as practices begin on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s game:

Clemson Tigers offensive lineman John Simpson (74). Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

OL John Simpson, Clemson

The Bills might have an opening for starting spot on their offensive line via Quinton Spain. He’s a free agent and where he struggled according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics were as a run blocker. Clemson’s John Simpson is described as a powerful blocker who could improve a bit as a pass blocker at the next level.

Simpson is currently projected as a mid-round pick that could use a big week at the Senior Bowl. Playing at a powerhouse school and using football to pull himself out of a tough upbringing. That could attract the Bills to him. Simpson can play both guard position, but only lined up at left guard in 2019.

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2020 Senior Bowl: 7 prospects Bears should watch on offense

The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason. Here are 7 prospects on offense they should be watching this week.

The road to the 2020 NFL Draft starts in Mobile, AL, with the Senior Bowl, where Bears scouts will have the chance to get to know some of the top prospects in this draft class.

More than 100 of the top collegiate seniors from schools all over the country will participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, which will take place on Jan. 25.

But prior to then, practices during the week leading up to the game give front offices a chance to evaluate players on the field and meet with them off the field.

The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason, especially on offense. Let’s take a look at seven prospects on offense they should be watching closely this week.

1. QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

Considering the uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Bears should definitely pay attention at the Senior Bowl. Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts is a dual-threat passer that can surely help his draft stock with a solid week. Hurts is likely going to fall to the second round, where the Bears happen to have two draft picks. But should they use one of their selections on Hurts?

Hurts had a career-season with 3,851 yards passing and 32 touchdowns, which led him to be a Heisman finalist. But there are questions about Hurts as a downfield passer and going through his progressions, something that current Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has been known for.

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Potential Bills prospects to watch in National Championship

Buffalo Bills prospect watch for 2020 National Championship Game.

The National Championship Game in college football will take place on Monday. Unfortunately the Bills won’t be in the AFC Championship next weekend, so offseason mode is upon us.

Could there be some future Bills players on the field?

Here are some prospects to watch who could be on Buffalo’s radar at the 2020 NFL draft:

LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Wide receiver is going to be a very talked about position in regard to the Bills during the pre-draft process. Buffalo had successful years from John Brown and Cole Beasley in 2019, but could certainly stand to add more in their wideout room.

Justin Jefferson could be a strong prospect on Buffalo’s radar in the second or third round. The 2020 receiver draft class is considered by many as a deep class, so the Bills could potentially get a first-round talent in the second round. Could that guy be Jefferson?

Here’s how Draft Wire breaks down Jefferson’s game:

As much fun as Joe Burrow has been this season for the Tigers, Justin Jefferson has been a big beneficiary of that stellar play. Not that Burrow is the only reason for the success, Jefferson has given opposing corners fits all season long. His double-moves down the field have created so many big plays for the Tigers. His size and explosiveness translates well to the next level, he has the potential to be a playmaker in the NFL.

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The Bills have a strong defense under Sean McDermott, but the pass rush can stand to improve. Jordan Phillips on the interior of the defensive line was effective with 9.5 sacks last season, but he’s a free agent and you’d really like to get more production from the defensive end spots.

Chaisson could be a guy in play for the Bills in the first round of the draft. Considering Shaq Lawson is also a free agent and Trent Murphy could be a cut causality, Chaisson could certainly make some sense.

Here’s how Draft Wire breaks down his game:

Chaisson is an absolute freak coming off the weakside of the offensive line. He has the bend that scouts will salivate over and the explosiveness to make him a handful at the next level. He has all the intangibles to be similar to another former Tiger, Danielle Hunter. He can play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 alignment without suffering any coverage ability if needed. His relentless motor and athleticism sets him apart from most edge rushers. Once he learns to use his hands with better technique, watch out.

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2020 NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

Here are a few of the top prospects that could help the Bears to watch in Monday’s National Championship Game between LSU and Clemson.

All eyes will be glued to Monday night’s National Championship Game, where the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers will battle for the collegiate championship glory.

There will be plenty of scouts in attendance, and the Bears have plenty of needs they need to address this offseason. Monday night’s game will feature some of the best prospects heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Here are a few of the top prospects that could help the Bears to watch courtesy of Draft Wire:

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

LSU

With Leonard Floyd’s future in question, Chicago needs an edge rusher that can thrive opposite Khalil Mack. Chaisson’s explosiveness coming off the weakside is something that should make him an attractive option for teams.

In 2019, Chaisson had 58 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. His freakish athleticism and natural ability shows he can be effective as a speed rusher off the edge.

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2020 NFL Draft: Who is Bears’ answer to problems at guard?

Bleacher Report believes Clemson guard John Simpson is the perfect answer to the Bears’ offensive line woes.

There is no shortage of problems on the Bears offense. Quarterback, offensive line, run game, tight ends — you name it, the Bears are struggling with it. Even the defense has holes that can be plugged at cornerback, safety and edge rusher.

But heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, which needs are the Bears expected to target? On offense, the line ranks near the top of the list.

The lack of availability at the guard position was evident last season, when right guard Kyle Long was placed on season-ending injured reserve and Rashaad Coward and Ted Larsen relieved him.

While most of the Bears offensive line figures to remain the same in 2020, the one position they need to address is right guard.

Bleacher Report believes that Clemson guard John Simpson is a versatile answer to the Bears’ offensive line woes.

In order to shore up the spot and strengthen the ground attack, which would help quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, the Bears could target a prospect with one of their two second-round picks.

Though John Simpson has settled at left guard this season, he’s lined up on both sides of the Clemson line. His versatility would be an added plus in case of injuries.

At 6’4″, 330 pounds, Simpson isn’t going to impress with light feet, though he knows how to use his frame to wall off defenders. He can match power with stout defensive tackles and create openings for ball-carriers to follow his lead.

While there are candidates to take over at right guard, including Alex Bars, Chicago needs dependability and versatility on the offensive line. Simpson could be an answer to that.

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