Tag: nfl draft rumors

Cardinals set to host Alabama WR Jameson Williams for a visit

The Cardinals are set to meet with star receiver Jameson Williams next week, a move that would be praised across the valley.

Perhaps the most exciting news for Arizona Cardinals fans this offseason, the team is set to host Alabama star receiver Jameson Williams for an official top-30 visit next week.

Williams, who has largely been connected to the Cardinals and is at the top of many of the fans’ wish lists, is one of the premier prospects in this draft. His draft stock has fallen due to a torn ACL suffered in the national championship in January, otherwise, he would likely be completely out of the Cardinals’ range at pick 23.

Originally reported by Jordan Schultz, Williams will meet with the team brass next week with two weeks to go until draft night. We’ve discussed Williams’ perfect fit in Arizona at length on the site, so it’s certainly reassuring to see the team potentially looking to make him their first-round draft selection.

Prior to this news, there were rumblings of the Cardinals’ interest in Williams and the high-ceiling they view him to have. This only confirms those rumors and adds to the signs that the team is looking to draft a wide receiver with their first-round pick.

With a large cap hit for star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, it appears the Cardinals are looking towards the draft to fill their void at receiver, as securing a star in the first round grants the team up to five years of affordable production at the position. It is also a sign of good faith towards Kyler Murray, as they have yet to add any pieces to support himself offensively this spring.

Could the Cardinals also be eying a trade-up in the draft? They’ve now met with the likes of Williams, LSU’s Derek Stingley and FSU’s Jermaine Johnson, all of whom are projected to be selected by pick 23. It’s possible the Cardinals were quiet on the trade block during free agency with eyes on some of these prospects.

Jameson Williams to the Cardinals is slowly turning into a real possibility.

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Jameson Williams reportedly a top-10 NFL Draft selection in the eyes of NFL executives

Some experts are saying that Jameson Williams could go top-10 in the draft.

Jameson Williams didn’t have a long career at Alabama, arriving at the Capstone by way of a transfer from Ohio State, but with the one season that he spent with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, he contributed in a huge way.

In 15 games played for Alabama in 2021, Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was the Tide’s premier receiver in a year where they desperately needed one.

Williams represents the good of the NCAA transfer portal. Where he wasn’t given a chance for the Buckeyes to get significant playing time, the transfer to Alabama likely reinvigorated him and his self-esteem enough to prove that he could be the best wideout in the receiving corp.

SiriusXM’s Pat McAfee had special guest Peter Schrager on his show on Wednesday talking about the latter’s sources and what information should be posted on social media. Schrager, while giving an example of some concrete information he has gathered, declared that he has heard from “a very good source” in the NFL that Williams could be as high as top-10 on several draft boards around the NFL.

Among the franchises picking in the top 10 with a need at wide receiver are the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans and the New York Jets.

If medical teams are confident in Williams’ ability to retain his athleticism and speed post-ACL surgery, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that he could go in the top-10 of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The first round of the NFL Draft is slated to begin on April 28 at 7:00 p.m. CDT.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Layne Gerbig on Twitter @LayneG_29. 

Cardinals NFL draft preview: WR Drake London

USC’s Drake London is an intriguing option to complete Cardinals’ group of skill position players.

With the Arizona Cardinals, to this point, opting not to add any wide receivers in free agency, all signs point to a premium draft pick going towards the position in this month’s NFL draft.

One of the highest-rated prospects at the position this year is USC’s Drake London. At 6-4, he was one of the nation’s best at making contested grabs and the jump ball.

It just so happens, Cardinals’ star quarterback Kyler Murray often gives his big-bodied receivers chances to make plays, even in contested coverage. London fits the height the team has sought at the Z receiver position, particularly with A.J. Green last season.

Most mock drafts have London being selected far before the Cardinals pick at 23, but recently Charles Davis of NFL.com had the Pac-12 playmaker falling to Arizona. Davis actually suggested London could play in the slot as well.

Big frame, big production. Larry Fitzgerald moved to the slot and put up terrific numbers at the end of his career. London moved inside often at USC in 2021 and thrived. He can do the same to help QB Kyler Murray get the Cards back to the playoffs — and potentially log a postseason win or two.

While London would most likely play most of the time outside, it certainly helps to have positional flexibility based on the strengths and weaknesses of opposing defenses. In 2020, he actually lined up primarily in the slot before moving outside last season.

Prior to suffering an ankle injury, London was absolutely electric. In only eight games, he totaled 88 receptions, 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. His 19 contested catches were the most among qualified receivers. Coupled with that were his 22 forced missed tackles in those eight games, a trait desperately needed in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Due to his size and strength, London’s most common NFL comp is Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans. There are some concerns about his route-running ability, given his limited route tree at USC and low separation rates. He wasn’t the fastest receiver in college, either, but we’ll know more when he officially runs his 40-yard dash during his pro day on April 15th.

If London succeeds at the NFL level as he did in college, he would be a perfect addition for the Cardinals. They have DeAndre Hopkins to draw most of the attention, allowing London to see more single coverage, particularly as he learns on the spot during his rookie year. Rondale Moore is projected to be their speed and deep threat player. London’s height and jump ball ability is a perfect complement to Kyler Murray’s game.

His physicality would also be welcome, particularly given the team’s second-half struggles the past two seasons. Partnered with the physical running game behind James Conner, London would thrive in Arizona.

We’ll see if the SoCal product comes out east to the valley in a few weeks time.

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Cardinals NFL draft preview: Ohio State WR Chris Olave

Ohio State’s Chris Olave is a projected first round prospect in this year’s NFL Draft. With a need at the position, should the Cardinals select him with the 23rd pick?

The Arizona Cardinals have yet to make any additions to their wide receiver room following the departure of Christian Kirk and, thus far, not re-signing A.J. Green.

With the team, to this point, not opting to pursue any of the premier wideouts in free agency, it’s safe to assume they likely have their sights set on this month’s upcoming NFL draft.

One of the premier receivers in this draft is Ohio State’s Chris Olave, the university’s career leader in touchdowns scored with 35. In his four-year career, he compiled 175 receptions and 2,702 yards. 936 of those yards came in just eleven games last season.

The Cardinals have been searching for speed to threaten opposing defenses both in the deep passing game, but also to create more open space in the middle of the field. One of the fastest players at this year’s NFL Combine with a 4.39 40-yard dash, Olave couples elite speed and athleticism. Coupled with the speed of Rondale Moore and the contested-catch ability of DeAndre Hopkins and Zach Ertz, the Cardinals’ offense would be lethal.

Olave is a projected top-20 pick in this year’s draft. Unfortunately for the Cards, there are a few receiver-needy teams right in front of them in the draft order. Most notably, the Green Bay Packers received pick 22 from the Las Vegas Raiders after they shipped All-Pro wideout Davante Adams away. That leaves a receiver-depleted team one spot ahead of the Cards. Given the lack of draft capital in 2022, it would be difficult (but not impossible) for the Cardinals to move up at all.

Listed at 6-1, Olave has the size the Cardinals are looking for at the Z receiver position. Steve Keim and the scouting department sought that type of height when they brought in A.J. Green (6-4) to play that role last year.

Drafting a receiver in the first round this year gives the team up to five years of cheap production, which could prove invaluable with the incoming lucrative extension for star quarterback Kyler Murray. Coupled with the $30 million cap hit for DeAndre Hopkins next season, the Cards need to manage their funds efficiently, particularly at that position.

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling had the Cardinals selecting Olave with the 23rd overall pick in his mock draft. He is one of the names commonly linked to the Cards, particularly in the local media.

Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gambadoro reported earlier in the month that the Cards could be a top target for the Cards, despite their continued interest in bringing back A.J. Green for another season.

Would you like to see the Cardinals select the former Ohio State star in this year’s upcoming draft?

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WR Jameson Williams could be a dynamic addition for the Cardinals

Alabama WR Jameson Williams is a projected first round pick and could give the Cardinals an electric wide receiver duo for the foreseeable future.

In the past two seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have been the subject of scrutiny due to their consecutive post-November collapses. 2020’s team was on pace to make the postseason and fell flat on their face. Last year’s, albeit partially due to the injuries to DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt, embarrassed themselves in the first round of the playoffs.

In both instances, it appeared the offense took a further step back than the defense. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense started off electric in both instances, but failed to keep that momentum into the winter.

The Cardinals have a glaring need at their Z receiver position, the one played by A.J. Green last season. While Green has a good chance of returning, the Cards need to find a young, electric playmaker to pair with Hopkins and Rondale Moore for the foreseeable future.

Alabama’s Jameson Williams was an explosive weapon for the Crimson Tide throughout his college career. In 15 games last season, Williams totaled 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He previously played for Ohio State, but struggled to find playing time behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, both of whom will be selected in the first round later this month.

Williams suffered a torn ACL in January’s National Championship game, which puts his availability for the regular season in doubt. He recently spoke with NFL Network, giving a cautious, yet optimistic outlook on his near playing future.

“Oh yeah, for sure that’s what I’m shooting for,” he said at Alabama’s Pro Day. “But what overrules that is just me making sure I’m 100% before doing anything.”

Some have voiced concerns over Williams being unable to beat Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson out during his time at Ohio State. Many view the latter two receivers as better prospects than Williams. It’s a fair argument, but Jameson sounds like a player who thrived and developed under Nick Saban, and the challenge of practicing against the Crimson Tide defense every day.

Per Pro Football Focus, Williams leads the SEC in 20+ touchdowns since 2020 with 12. He did not play in the SEC until 2021.

TouchdownWire’s Doug Farrar gives an excellent breakdown of Williams’ game and compares him to the newest Miami Dolphin, Tyreek Hill. That sort of consistent speed threat would do wonders, particularly opposite DeAndre Hopkins.

For the Cardinals, Williams would be too good a prospect to pass up. Should A.J. Green return, the Cards could rely on him as the week one starter while Williams likely continues his rehab. When he was ready to go, he could battle for his starting spot.

There are injury concerns, but the Cardinals should rush to the podium to stop Williams’ draft fall if he makes it to pick 23. Most of the premier teams in the league today have two elite receiving options. Williams would give the Cardinals their second for the next five years.

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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.

Report: Lions tried to trade up to land LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase

The Falcons asking price was too high, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler

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The Detroit Lions and their plans in the 2021 NFL draft are one of the league’s biggest guessing games right now. With a little over 30 hours to go before the team makes its first-round pick, a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler throws another layer of mystery onto Detroit’s intentions.

Fowler reports in his Wednesday draft rumors and speculation piece a very interesting tidbit on the Lions. Much of it is talk we’ve all seen, heard, and reported on for weeks now.

Detroit could go any number of ways. The Lions have a depleted roster and need everything. We’ve been told not to rule them completely out of the quarterback mix at No. 7, depending on how things shake out with the 49ers, but QB is not their primary focus. They like Parsons or Phillips if they go defense (or especially if they trade down and go defense). They could go with Slater as a versatile offensive line piece. And many expect them to take a wide receiver.

But then Fowler mixes in a curveball. There was talk that the Lions tried to trade up to No. 4 to land LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

“There was chatter early in the week that the Lions tried to trade up to No. 4 to get Chase, but the Falcons’ asking price was too high,” Fowler writes.

It’s a speculative report, but it does highlight the complete uncertainty and unpredictability of what new GM Brad Holmes and the Lions are going to do this weekend.

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Analyzing a potential Cardinals-Dolphins trade in 2021 draft

With the Dolphins rumored to be looking at trade down scenarios, does it make sense for the Cardinals to move up?

The 2021 NFL draft is nine days out and the rumors are flooding in. Many of them are deemed smoke or just purely non-factual, but people tend to pay a bit more attention when a report comes out from one of the best sports reporters in the business.

One recent report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is that the Miami Dolphins could be open to making a third trade in the first round. They traded back from the third overall selection to the 12th pick and then moved up to the sixth overall pick.

They apparently can’t make up their mind on where they’d like to pick in this year’s draft, but this could be to the advantage of the Arizona Cardinals.

Originally reported by Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gambadoro and also suggested by NFL Network’s Peter Schrager in two different mock drafts, Arizona is exploring options to trade up and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts is a potential target.

In order for this to happen, it’s quite possible four quarterbacks would have to go in the top five. The Cincinnati Bengals, who have the fifth overall pick, would likely need to not take LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, and instead choose to protect second-year quarterback Joe Burrow, who is recovering from a torn ACL, with a top tackle prospect. This week’s rumors mill says the Bengals are locked in on Chase, but again, one must always take those with a grain of salt.

There is concern that the Dolphins may be looking to move back because they believe the top two pass catchers will be gone by pick No. 6. This would mean Kyle Pitts likely goes to Atlanta at fourth overall, and Chase going fifth. With those two off the board, a trade to six wouldn’t make sense for the Cardinals.

However, here is how a Cardinals-Dolphins trade could be viable.

  1. Trevor Lawrence, JAX
  2. Zach Wilson, NYJ
  3. Mac Jones, SF
  4. Justin Fields, ATL
  5. Ja’Marr Chase, CIN
  6. Kyle Pitts, ARI

It’s quite difficult to see the Dolphins’ dull offense from last season not opt to take Kyle Pitts in this situation, regardless of the trade package dealt by the Cardinals. But, in this instance, here is a projected trade based off trade values:

Miami receives: 2021 first round pick (No. 16), 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick,

Arizona receives: No. 6 overall, used to select TE Kyle Pitts

Chances of Trade: Unlikely

The hard truth here is the Dolphins would be foolish to allow another team to jump them for Kyle Pitts given their offensive struggles last season. It would be a massive haul for the Cardinals to give up.

As of today, in my opinion, this is the most feasible opportunity for the Cardinals to acquire Kyle Pitts.

  1. Trevor Lawrence, JAX
  2. Zach Wilson, NYJ
  3. Mac Jones, SF
  4. Justin Fields, ATL
  5. Penei Sewell, CIN
  6. Ja’Marr Chase, MIA
  7. Kyle Pitts, ARI (Trade with DET)

DET receives: No. 16 overall, 2022 first rounder, 2022 third rounder

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2020 NFL Draft: Latest rumors, news and reports

Check out all the latest news, rumors and reports from across the league as the 2020 NFL Draft kicks off

The 2020 NFL Draft has finally arrived, bringing the culmination of a months-long predraft process that has been challenging and unique in many ways.

Teams and prospects alike will be taking part in the league’s first every all-virtual draft experience, with all parties interacting with the process from their various homes.

As we prepare for Thursday night’s action, here are the latest rumors and news reports from across the league:

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Swap meet: 5 hypothetical trade offers for 49ers

It feels like a foregone conclusion that the 49ers are going to make at least one move down in the first round of this year’s NFL draft. We’ve run down what a trade might look like for San Francisco, but we wanted to put feelers out to some of our …

It feels like a foregone conclusion that the 49ers are going to make at least one move down in the first round of this year’s NFL draft.

We’ve run down what a trade might look like for San Francisco, but we wanted to put feelers out to some of our friends around the NFL Wire Network to see what they might offer for the 49ers’ picks.

We talked to Falcons Wire’s Matt Urben, Colts Wire’s Kevin Hickey, Ravens Wire’s Matthew Stevens, Rams Wire’s Cam DaSilva and Saints Wire’s John Sigler.

Let’s get into the deals they offered and unpack what kind of value the 49ers might get:

Trade with Falcons

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers get: Nos. 16 and 78 (1,200 points)
Falcons get: No. 13 (1,150 points)

This is a trade we explored when reports surfaced that Atlanta was aiming to move up in this year’s draft.

If the 49ers aren’t enamored with any players at 13, jumping back three spots to pick up a much-needed third-round pick is a savvy move packed with value, especially if the player they like at 13 is going to slide to the No.16 spot.

San Francisco would be left with pick Nos. 16, 31, 78, 156, 176, 210, 217, 245.

Having that third-round pick gives them a little more flexibility with the No. 31 pick as well. They’ll still likely move down, but if they’re in love with a player there, the 49ers have the mid-round draft capital to stick in the end of the first round.

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