Tag: Michael Pratt

Jets trade up for Rome Odunze in 7-round mock from The Athletic

Jets trade up for Rome Odunze in 7-round mock from The Athletic

The Jets would love to come away with a Round 1 pass-catcher Thursday night and they may very well move up the board to get it.

That’s the scenario that plays out in the final seven-round mock for the Jets by Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. He has the Jets moving up three spots in a trade with the Tennessee Titans to land Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze and instantly make the Jets’ offense much more dynamic.

The Jets may very well get aggressive in getting one of the top pass-catchers in this draft, particularly Odunze, who would immediately form one of the best young wide-receiver duos with Garrett Wilson. In this scenario, the Jets trade pick No. 134 this year and a fourth-round pick next year to make the move and jump ahead of the Falcons and Bears to land the Washington stud.

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The Titans or Falcons feel like the teams to watch if the Jets are going to trade up to get one of the trio of stud wide receivers (Odunze, Marvin Harrison, Malik Nabers). I went with the Titans because I don’t think it can be ruled out that Atlanta might want to take a wide receiver after investing in Kirk Cousins. The Titans already have DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley and should still be able to get a top offensive tackle at No. 10.

As for the Jets: GM Joe Douglas has made it clear with all of his moves this offseason — and the structures of the contracts he has given out — that they are all-in on winning in 2024. So if the opportunity presents itself to go and get a wide receiver of this caliber (whether it’s Odunze, Nabers or Harrison), I don’t see why he wouldn’t pursue it. It shouldn’t take too much to move up a couple spots in the order and wide receiver is still a need, even after signing Mike Williams.

It would be interesting to know whether Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt was still on the board when this deal was made, but regardless, coming away with Odunze would be a home run on Day 1 of the draft for the Jets and all for the low price of two Day 3 picks.

The remaining picks for the Jets in this mock are as follows:

72. Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU
111. Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
185. Dominique Hampton, S, Washington
256. Jowon Briggs, DL, Cincinnati
257. frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Mississippi

Sean Payton comments on QB height ahead of NFL draft

“I think oftentimes, these guys are seeing through lanes, not necessarily over them,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of short quarterbacks.

As the Denver Broncos and coach Sean Payton prepare for the 2024 NFL draft, the heights of quarterbacks in this year’s class is one of the many measurements the team will discuss on draft night.

The top quarterback prospects are Caleb Williams (6-1), Jayden Daniels (6-4), Drake Maye (6-4), J.J. McCarthy (6-3), Bo Nix (6-2), Michael Penix (6-3), Spencer Rattler (6-1) and Michael Pratt (6-3).

All of them are notably taller than Russell Wilson (5-11), who played under Payton last year, and Drew Brees (6-0), who won a Super Bowl with Payton.

“Quarterbacks who are not as tall and are not the prototype — generally speaking, it may vary depending on how teams value prototype heights, but 6-2 may be a starting point,” Payton said in February. “As a coordinator, I had Kerry Collins, who was 6-5, Quincy Carter [6-2], who was built differently, [Tony] Romo [6-2], [Drew] Bledsoe [6-5], [Vinnie] Testaverde [6-5] and then Drew [Brees] for a long time.

“There was an evolution with Drew. I don’t know that we set out to go in a direction relative to the makeup of our offensive line, but he was someone that was extremely athletic in the pocket. He was a very good foot athlete.”

Payton said the Saints had two “really good guards” in Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks who helped Brees climb the pocket and find throwing lanes. Payton has coached QBs of various heights and he knows how to help create throwing those lanes.

Whether the Broncos land a tall quarterback or a shorter prospect, Payton said it’s Denver’s job to set them up for success.

“I do think part of our jobs is to build around the strength of your players,” Payton said. “Even this year, what are the things that we feel like our receivers do well, that ‘Russ’ does well and that the running backs [do well]? That’s our job. And so our offense — and when I say our, [I mean] wherever I’ve been — it has been kind of an evolution of starting with the ingredients we have then building around them. So I think there’s still some things that are paramount today.

“At some point, teams are going to make you win from the pocket. We can rush a certain way to keep a quarterback from escaping. We’re going to have to be — wherever you’re at — proficient enough on third down to take a snap, find a throw and protect that spot that you’re referencing, regardless of height. I think oftentimes, these guys are seeing through lanes, not necessarily over them. Certainly for some quarterbacks, that can be a little bit more challenging.”

The first round of the NFL draft will be held in Detroit on Thursday evening. The Broncos hold eight picks this year, including No. 12 overall.

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Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt visits Browns as 2024 NFL draft nears

Cleveland visits with another quarterback ahead of the draft

The second reported 2024 NFL draft top-30 visit of a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns has taken place. Cleveland met with Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt after meeting earlier in the week with Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III.

This comes as a bit of a surprise after the Browns added veteran quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley behind Deshaun Watson. It doesn’t seem likely they will add another one in the draft.

But it’s easy to see why Cleveland would do their homework on Pratt, who has the arm to make all the throws. He’s got good athleticism and the ability to pick up yardage with his legs, though he is a little quick to tuck and run at times. Pratt is a developmental player who comes from a small school, but there is some nice upside to his game.

Could the Browns not be confident in development of Dorian Thompson-Robinson leading them to potentially draft another one?

2024 NFL Draft: Tulane QB Michael Pratt details his favorite college play

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt’s favorite play in college was a leverage throw, and a pure progression read, for a touchdown. Here, he details it.

At the 2024 scouting combine, I was able to ask several draft prospects to give me their favorite plays from their college days – the ones they feel would best represent them to NFL teams. Next man up is Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. 

Tulane’s offense has become pretty explosive under head coach Willie Fritz over the last two seasons, and Pratt has been a big part of that. Last season, he completed 185 of 283 passes for 2,405 yards, 24 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 110.5. And since he completed 24 of 53 passes of 20 or more air yards last season for 859 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 115.8, it’s not a surprise that his favorite play with the Green Wave was a deep ball.

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Brown and Chris Brazzell II ran the over routes, Pratt liked what he saw to Brown when Rice safety Daveon Hook dropped to the flat from a Quarters look, and that’s how you get a 26-yard touchdown.

I have a sneaking suspicion that when Pratt gets in meeting rooms with NFL teams, he’ll impress them with his confident nature and football understanding. I could see him going in the high third day, probably as a third- or early fourth-round pick. He doesn’t blow you away with specific physical attributes, but he’s got it on lock when it comes to understanding the position.

Quarterback Michael Pratt lights up Tulane pro day

Michael Pratt is a real sleeper in the 2024 NFL draft.

One of the more ‘under the radar’ quarterbacks of an already absolutely loaded 2024 NFL draft class, Tulane’s Michael Pratt made the most of his showcase during the teams pro day at the New Orleans Saints indoor facility on Tuesday.

It was interesting to see almost every NFL team represented at the Tulane pro day where Pratt headlined the talent and made the most of his opportunity. Pratt was casually dropping deep balls to his receivers and showing off arm talent that makes him a potential day-three pick.

A four-year starter who guided the Green Waves to a 10-1 season, Pratt was the clear vocal and emotional leader for an upstart team that made plenty of noise last college season. Pratt put up solid numbers with 27 total touchdowns and maintained a quarterback rating of 158.9 on the season.

While Pratt may become lost in the noise of the quarterbacks at the top of the class, the league is always in search of potential diamonds in the rough, especially at the quarterback position. Pratt projects well as a developmental high-level backup in the league, with the potential to get a shot as a starter down the road.

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Broncos attended QB Michael Pratt’s pro day

The Broncos were in attendance at Tulane’s pro day on Tuesday to scout quarterback Michael Pratt.

The Denver Broncos are continuing to take a close look at quarterbacks leading up to the 2024 NFL draft.

The Broncos were one of five teams to send a position coach (wide receivers coach Keary Colbert) to Tulane’s pro day on Tuesday, according to Jim Nagy. Colbert was likely sent to New Orleans to work with Green Wave wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson, but Denver is also taking a close look at Pratt.

The Broncos previously met with Pratt at the Senior Bowl (multiple times) and at the NFL combine earlier this offseason. The 6-2, 216-pound quarterback completed 60.6% of his passes for 9,611 yards with 90 touchdowns against 26 interceptions in four years (46 games) at Tulane.

Denver coach Sean Payton has some connections to the Green Wave’s coaching staff, so he should be well-informed on Pratt as a prospect. Last year, Pratt told Tulane sideline reporter Maddy Hudak that he studies film of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, which might be of note to Payton.

If the Broncos do not land one of the top QB prospects in this year’s class, Pratt could be a target for Denver in the mid-rounds. Most mock drafts have Pratt going off the board in the fourth round, where the Broncos hold pick No. 121. The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Michael Pratt, Tulane

Tulane’s Michal Pratt enters the NFL draft

Michael Pratt became a freshman starter at Tulane after three games that season and remained there for the next three years. He enters the draft as one of the most experienced quarterbacks. Pratt was relatively durable, missing only a couple of games because of a sprained knee to start the 2023 season. He played in 11 games but never appeared totally healthy, even though he led them to the AAC Championship game for the second straight season.

Pratt ended his time with Tulane as their all-time passing leader and opted out of their bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. He’s improved during his four years as a starter. But he’s also entering the NFL draft in a year considered to have a very strong quarterback class. Pratt is expected to hear his name called on Day 3 when teams want to add to their depth.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.65 seconds

Table: Michael Pratt NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year School Games Runs Yards TD Pass Complete Yards Avg. TD Int
2020 Tulane 10 115 229 8 254 140 1806 12.9 20 8
2021 Tulane 12 105 154 5 329 190 2390 12.6 21 8
2022 Tulane 13 129 478 10 338 215 3009 14.0 27 5
2023 Tulane 11 98 286 5 283 185 2406 13.0 22 5
Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

  • Solid build for a pocket passer
  • Capable scorer at the goal line with 28 rushing touchdowns at Tulane
  • Superior mechanics when he throws, even when passing off-platform
  • Quick feet and solid balance makes him hard to sack
  • Adequate arm strength to hit all short, intermediate and sideline passes
  • Tough player and highly competitive – was unquestioned team leader for the last three years.

Cons

  • Some inaccuracy on deeper throws and outside of the numbers
  • Lacks elite arm strength
  • Plenty of rushes in college, but lacks the quickness and change-of-direction to be a true dual threat
  • Intelligent, but played in an offense that wasn’t that sophisticated or required him to make rapid, high-level decisions so he’ll face more complexity in the NFL
  • Tended to hold onto the ball too long and needs work on knowing when to get rid of the ball

Fantasy outlook

Pratts is only expected to be an NFL backup and while he’s been good in almost all areas, he hasn’t been elite in any of them. But he’s been solid at Tulane playing within their system, and he could continue to improve in the NFL.

His best quality is that he can step in and help an NFL team, and as a deeply drafted quarterback, he’ll come at a very low price. He’ll remain well outside of immediate fantasy value, and will need to continue to grow and land in the right spot for his future to become brighter.

Broncos met with QB Michael Pratt at the NFL combine

The Broncos met with QB Michael Pratt multiple times at the Senior Bowl and then interviewed him again at the NFL combine last week.

The Denver Broncos met with Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt at the NFL combine last week, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

Pratt (6-2, 216 pounds) completed 60.6% of his passes for 9,611 yards with 90 touchdowns against 26 interceptions in four years (46 games) with the Green Wave.

The Broncos should be pretty familiar with Pratt now after previously meeting with him multiple times at the Senior Bowl earlier this year.

While coaching the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton held several training camp practices at Tulane University and he knows former Green Wave head coach Willie Fritz. And perhaps even more notable: Tulane offensive line coach Dan Roushar coached under Payton with the Saints from 2013-2021.

Between his connections to the school and his in-person meetings with the prospect, Payton should know everything he needs to know about Pratt. Most mock drafts have Pratt going off the board in the third or fourth round. Draft Wire had the Broncos picking Pratt in the third round of a mock draft earlier this offseason.

Denver currently holds six draft picks, including first-, third- and fourth-round selections. The NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.

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2024 Scouting Combine: Five quarterbacks detail their favorite college plays

The 2024 scouting combine was the place to ask five quarterback prospects for the best plays of their collegiate careers.

INDIANAPOLIS — Unless you are somehow able to gain access to one of the rooms in which NFL teams meet with draft prospects during the week of the scouting combine, there’s no way to know what’s really discussed. One thing that is almost always happens is a tape-watching expedition in which the NFL people will have play examples dialed up that hopefully show what the prospects can do.

Here at Touchdown Wire, we do not possess the required juice to crash those rooms, but we are able to ask these prospects during their combine media sessions which plays from their college careers best typify their potential.

We’ve already done this with six tight ends and seven cornerbacks here at the combine, and now, it’s time to get into the favorite plays of five quarterback prospects — Oregon’s Bo Nix, Kentucky’s Devin Leary, Florida State’s Jordan Travis, South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, and Tulane’s Michael Pratt.

10 quarterbacks for Broncos to consider in 2024 NFL draft

Here are ten quarterbacks for the Broncos to consider to in the 2024 NFL draft. Who is your favorite prospect?

The Denver Broncos seem likely to move on from Russell Wilson this spring, and even if they do bring him back, the team should draft a quarterback in April.

Wilson might return for the 2024 season, but it’s clear that he is not the long-term answer in Denver. The Broncos should draft a quarterback this spring, even if that QB ends up sitting on the bench as a rookie. Denver needs to begin planning for the future, and Sean Payton needs to find a QB that fits his vision.

The Broncos could stay at No. 12 overall and potentially land the fourth-ranked QB in this year’s class (whoever that ends up being). Alternatively, Denver could trade up to select Payton’s favorite QB prospect near the top of the draft (perhaps No. 1 overall).

Most draft pundits view Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (UNC) and Jayden Daniels (LSU) as the top three quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft, but there are several other QBs who could also go off the board in the first round.

Payton recently guesstimated that six or seven QBs could be picked in the first round of the draft. Whether it’s in the first round or later in the draft, the Broncos should target the position in April. Here’s a quick list of 10 quarterbacks to know as the NFL draft draws closer.