Tag: Peter Schrager

Peter Schrager: Rams’ trade for Jalen Ramsey might be best in NFL in last 10 years

Needless to say, this deal is paying off for the Rams in a big way.

Rams general manager Les Snead has pulled off a number of blockbuster trades in the past four years, including deals for Sammy Watkins, Marcus Peters, Dante Fowler Jr., Aqib Talib and Austin Corbett. But none were bigger than Los Angeles’ trade for Jalen Ramsey in 2019.

The Rams gave up two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to acquire Ramsey, and even as costly as the deal was, it’s paid off in a big way already. Ramsey has locked down every No. 1 receiver he’s gone up against, most recently limiting DK Metcalf to three catches for 33 yards when covering him in the wild-card round.

His performance on Saturday, as well as the way he’s played all year long, has Peter Schrager raving about this trade for Los Angeles, saying it “might have been the best trade we’ve seen in the NFL in the last 10 years.”

“That first-round pick was a guy named K’Lavon Chaisson for the Jaguars and it’s going to be a 24th pick or worse for the Jaguars [this year],” Schrager said. “I think they’ll take Jalen Ramsey 10 out of 10 over whatever the Jaguars end up getting with those two first-round picks.

“Jalen Ramsey is an eraser and when you can erase the team’s best wide receiver, it gives you a chance to do a lot of other things.”

Ramsey’s job isn’t done yet. Not even close. He’s still earning his contract and proving the Rams right for trading two first-round picks for him, and he’ll get another chance to show his worth on Saturday.

“They’re playing the Packers this week, and do you know who they’re playing against? Davante Adams,” Schrager continued. “So you know the big problem with the Packers? When you don’t have Adams available, you’ve got to rely on a lot of other guys who might not even be in the same stratosphere. Jalen Ramsey can erase Davante Adams just like he erased DK Metcalf and erased DeAndre Hopkins. It makes the Rams a very tough out.”

Peter Schrager says Washington’s defensive line will be NFL’s best in 2020

Washington’s stacked defensive line has a chance to be great in 2020, and now some are predicting they will be the best in the NFL.

We’re now just a few sleeps away from the Washington Football Team officially kicking off the 2020 NFL Season against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the anticipation is heating up to a boil.

It’s not the anticipation that Washington will be able to go on some major run and sneak into the playoffs, but rather that they will be a serviceable team with a dominant defense, capable of turning some heads across the league.

Recently on NFL Network’s flagship show, Good Morning Football, analyst Peter Schrager went on a tear praising the Washington defense, particularly the defensive line, calling them one of the best in the NFL, and claiming that they will be a dominant force in the NFC East.

 

It’s not just Chase Young, it’s other first-round picks as well. It’s Jonathan Allen, it’s Daron Payne, it’s Matt Ioannidis, it’s Ryan Kerrigan, it’s Montez Sweat. These guys are all first-round picks, with the exception of Ioannidis, and they were coming on strong last year. They get Chase Young, who might be the best defensive talent to enter the NFL since Myles Garrett, and they were already really good. I look at it this way: The 49ers last year, no one thought their defensive line was going to blossom, and all of a sudden it was leading them to the Super Bowl. I don’t think Washington is going that far — they don’t have it on the offensive side of the ball — but that front-five, those guys and the rotation that they’re going to have, I think they’re going to be dominant, and they’re going to give the NFC East hell this season.

If Washington is going to win many games, it will be the offense who has to come through late and put some points on the board. But if all goes right, you can at least count on the defense to keep the score manageable for Dwayne Haskins and his fellow skill-position players on offense. If we can rely on Scot Turner’s offense to put up 17-20 points per game, then you might be able to see Washington rack up a few victories.

It all starts with the defense though, and buzz about their ability continues to grow.

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WATCH: GMFB picks Josh Allen as player who will ‘silence critics’

The NFL Network’s Peter Schrager sees Allen as a player who will “silence critics” this upcoming season.

Many objective analysts have viewed the development of Josh Allen as promising. Allen’s growth from year one to year two in his career has been impressive. There’s still room for growth, but improving his touchdown-to-interception ratio, yards per game, and win total is beneficial for the trajectory of Allen’s career and in turn, the Bills chances at success.

Even so, there are still those critics who hang on to their original evaluation of Allen, not considering the wealth of new evidence that the player has brought to the table. These voices tend to be quite loud among some analysts and fans.

The NFL Network’s Peter Schrager sees Allen as a player who will “silence critics” this upcoming season. The analyst sees Allen learning from his roller-coaster playoff experience while being supported this upcoming season with a true No. 1 wide receiver in Stefon Diggs. Schrager added, “I think there are a lot of critics of that quarterback saying, ‘that team is good, but is that quarterback the guy?'”

Schrager feels Allen is “smart enough mentally to get even better next year,” adding, “I think he will silence critics.” Schrager also named the Bills as the favorite in the AFC East next year.

If Allen improves and does silence the critics, there is a good chance that the AFC East title is only one outcome for next year. The next step: end the team’s postseason victory drought, which extends back to the 1995 season.

Schrager’s complete comments may be viewed below:

 

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Peter Schrager: ‘I think there’s going to be a giant leap for Haskins in year two’

The NFL Network crew had some great things to say about Dwayne Haskins, expecting him to take a giant step forward in 2020.

Fans of the Washington Redskins have been tuned into the workings of the team for the entire 2020 offseason, so it’s not news to them to hear that quarterback Dwayne Haskins has shed some weight while picking up a leadership role in the locker room; that he’s spent his time outside of football attending rallies for Black Lives Matter and working to become a leader in the community as well.

While Redskins fans have seen this plenty across their timelines, the national media is starting to pick up what the second-year QB is putting down, and a bunch of them are starting to buy-in.

The roundtable on NFL Network’s ‘Good Morning Football’ recently discussed the improvement that Haskins has made this offseason, and Peter Schrager had a lot of ‘attaboy’s’ to offer.

“I’ve spoken to folks in the D.C. organization with the Redskins and it’s been astounding to me, hearing the rave reviews about Dwayne Haskins this offseason,” Schrager said. “The weight-loss is one thing; the leadership on Zoom is another thing. Then there’s somebody saying ‘Hey, I’m the face of the franchise.’ When the George Floyd murder occurred, everybody was looking, ‘What’s going to happen in the NFL, How’s this going to be handled?’ Dwayne Haskins went to Doug Williams, the first African-American quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl, who is the VP with the Washington Redskins, and said ‘How can I make a difference? How can I go out and do something?’ Haskins then went out and attended the protest, and was a part of it. He was in the streets, and he was living and breathing it.”

While Haskins took a big part in standing up as a warrior against social injustice in the minority community, his work in the film and weight room has been just as impressive. You’ve all read the reports that he’s dropped 10 pounds this offseason alone and toned his body, shedding a layer of baby fat that was present in 2019; he’s also become a film junky who has stepped up in the QB room.

“This is his team, and Dwayne Haskins has taken this team under his wing this season,” Schrager said. “Stuff like him being the leader in the QB room and on Zoom, we roll our eyes at it but that matters when it’s Haskins who last year couldn’t get on the field because of Case Keenum and Colt McCoy. He is the No. 1 guy; he is the voice in the room, and I think there is going to be a giant leap for Haskins in year two, and a lot of it may be maturity and leadership off the field, which is as important as anything when you’re a young quarterback in the NFL.”

The biggest test for Haskins will come on the field, where he’s going to have to prove himself when it gets to be third down and long, and the team is relying on him to make a play. But with the confidence that he’s shown, and his willingness to tell those around him, ‘Hey, I’ve got this,’ I believe those will be converted more and more going forward.

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Peter Schrager says Bucs’ O-line isn’t bad, but could use another big body

“GMF” host Peter Schrager released his latest mock draft, and likes the idea of the Bucs adding another big body to their O-line.

The NFL draft is less than a week away now, which might be hard to believe considering we haven’t had the usual fanfare and buildup to the big event like in years past. The coronavirus pandemic has altered life and businesses all over the world, and professional sports leagues are no exception.

The draft will be fully virtual this year, which should make for an interesting experience for all involved. While teams haven’t had the benefit of bringing in prospects for private workouts and interviews, their draft boards likely haven’t altered too much since the regular season ended.

The Bucs’ draft board will likely make offense the priority this year. After a solid free agency period in which they were able to retain defensive stars like Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett, the focus now turns to protecting their newest investment Tom Brady.

The Bucs surrendered 47 sacks last season, which isn’t a good sign for the soon-to-be 43-year-old Brady, who was taken down only 27 times last season in New England. Tampa Bay is focused on fixing their offensive line, and the consensus is they’ll look to grab one of the top offensive tackles in round one, where they hold the 14th pick.

Good Morning Football host Peter Schrager doesn’t think the Bucs’ O-line is all that bad, but in his latest mock draft, he still has them nabbing Georgia OT Andrew Thomas to help solidify things.

Per Schrager:

“Keeping Tom Brady upright in 2020 has to be the most important thing for Tampa’s offense. The Bucs’ offensive line isn’t bad, but they could use another talented big body. Thomas could go as high as the top 10 if there’s a run on tackles, though he’s viewed by most teams as the fourth OT off the board.”

Sure, offensive lineman isn’t the sexiest pick when it comes to the draft, but it’s one that can pay immediate dividends if you select the right one. Look at guard Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys, who has made the Pro Bowl every year since being drafted in round one back in 2014, as well as being named First-Team All-Pro four times.

If the Bucs can find a guy even half as productive as Martin was as a rookie, their offense, and in particular Brady, will be in good shape come next season.

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Another 2020 mock draft links Saints to ASU’s Brandon Aiyuk

The New Orleans Saints landed Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the latest 2020 mock draft from NFL Network’s Peter Schrager.

The 2020 NFL Draft is little over a week away, and there’s a growing consensus among the experts on who the New Orleans Saints might end up picking. The majority of recent mock drafts have paired the Saints with LSU Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen, but the runner-up has to be Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ESPN’s Mel Kiper stands apart, having thrown the Saints together with Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell).

NFL Network’s Peter Schrager can be counted in the camp advocating for a Saints-Aiyuk teamup, having made that connection in his own updated mock draft:

The love for Aiyuk in league circles is a lot stronger than what we’re hearing in the media. In speaking with multiple GMs, even with the deep wideout class, Aiyuk is expected to come off the board in Round 1. I’ve got him going to New Orleans, a team that has very few holes, but could use one more receiver if the Saints are going to make a run for Drew Brees‘ elusive second Super Bowl ring this season. Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Aiyuk would form a very dangerous 1-2-3.

Aiyuk is an intriguing prospect, especially in the scenario Schrager sketched out. He projects Aiyuk to be the fifth and final wideout to be picked in the first round, with both of the top two linebackers already off the board once the Saints are on the clock (Kenneth Murray joining the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 19, and Queen getting sniped just ahead of the Saints by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 21). If New Orleans is determined to address linebacker — its most-pressing remaining roster need — on the first day of the draft, a trade up the board might be in the cards.

However, Aiyuk would be a nice consolation prize, reinforcing a strength of the team even further. He’s one of the best run-after-catch threats in this draft class, making him an ideal fit with Drew Brees. If the Saints are going to continue being reluctant about gaining chunks of yards through the air on shot plays, trusting Brees to accurately put the ball in the hands of agile playmakers like Aiyuk would be the best path forward. There’s certainly an appeal to surrounding Brees with as many viable receivers as possible.

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Peter Schrager’s NFL mock draft 1.0: Bucs need to keep Brady upright

“Good Morning Football” host Peter Schrager thinks the Bucs will go with this SEC offensive lineman in round one of the 2020 NFL draft.

Good Morning Football host Peter Schrager has released his first mock draft just weeks before the actual NFL draft. Like many analysts, Schrager expects LSU quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow to go first overall to the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State edge Chase Young to go second to the Washington Redskins.

While it remains anyone’s guess how things will actually play out in a few weeks, it’s clear that people believe the Buccaneers, after landing Tom Brady in free agency, will go for an offensive tackle in the first round, where they hold the 14th pick. Names like Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills and Tristan Wirfs have been thrown around in previous mocks, but one name that seems to be coming up more and more is Andrew Thomas from Georgia. Schrager likes the big OT going to the Bucs, and believes he can help the running game.

Per Schrager:

“The Bucs may have landed the big fish of free agency in Tom Brady, but bringing back Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett could be just as important in 2020. Keeping Brady upright so he can get the ball to his two 1,000-yard receivers is, of course, a priority. Thomas can play guard or tackle for Tampa Bay and was a dominant run blocker for a host of running backs during his time at UGA.”

Speaking of UGA, there’s also the chance the Bucs could try and draft Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. In Todd McShay’s post-combine mock draft the other month he had the star running back going to Tampa Bay in round one, and in his latest four-round mock draft, Chad Reuter had the Bucs snagging Swift in the second round.

One thing is for sure, the Bucs will need to find some help in the backfield for Brady. Right now, Ronald Jones remains the primary back since Peyton Barber left for the Redskins. The draft might be the best place for Tampa Bay to find a new back.

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Vikings address offensive line with first pick in Peter Schrager’s mock draft

After trading Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason, the Vikings are loaded with two first-round picks.

Peter Schrager over at NFL.com put out his first mock draft of 2020 earlier this week.

After trading Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason, the Vikings are loaded with two first-round picks.

With the 22nd pick acquired from the Bills, Schrager has the Vikings taking USC tackle Austin Jackson.

Here’s what he wrote about the fit:

Jackson has an incredible backstory, and he’s a heck of a player, too. The Vikings have invested in the offensive line over the past few drafts, but they may not be done. Still just 20 years old, Jackson’s upside is off the charts.

With the 25th pick, which is originally the Vikings’ pick, Schrager has the Vikings taking Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell.

Here’s what he wrote about the fit:

Terrell had an outstanding combine and solidified himself as one of the top cornerbacks in this draft. The national title game was not his best showing, but Terrell has interviewed extremely well and has answered any doubts about that performance. He also has as much big-game experience as just about any top defensive back in this class. Minnesota’s strength was once that defensive backfield. Not so much anymore. It’s time to reload.

There’s no denying that these are certainly team needs for the Vikings. The bad thing for the Vikings is that they could also address receiver or the defensive line in the first round.