This is the digital version of Scoop City. If you want it earlier, start every morning with Scoop City delivered to your inbox. Sign up here.
Did you know that the first person who published lists of NFL Draft prospects was Ray Byrne, a funeral home manager in the 1940s? There’s a joke buried somewhere there.
Today’s NFL update:
- 🔢 QB discussions
- 😲 Potential surprises
- ❗ Tampering: Cousins, Barkley
- Chargers 👉 👈 Baltimore
But first, Dianna looks at scenarios around the league.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Draftmas Eve notes
Patriot officials are open to offers for No. 3, but I was told no real offer has come their way and discussions mostly involve “scenarios.” The Vikings, Broncos and Raiders were told it takes significant draft capital for New England to trade out. Without a deal, the Pats are expected to use the pick, and owner Robert Kraft has said he wants a QB.
The Broncos (No. 12) are still interested in moving up, but there is a limit on the cost they are willing to stomach. Make no mistake, Sean Payton wants a QB. Most teams in the top five believe the Broncos could swing massively with a package that may include star CB Patrick Surtain and players on expiring deals.
It’s been assumed the top four QBs are Williams, Daniels, Maye and McCarthy, but don’t be surprised if Penix enters the discussion tomorrow. Many assistant coaches have spent time studying other players on Washington, coming away impressed with Penix. I had one GM tell me, “He’s the best-kept secret in this draft.”
More on what teams like the Giants, Vikings, Titans, Cardinals, Texans and Raiders are considering in this morning’s article.
Back to you, Jacob.
Five potential NFL Draft surprises: Nabers WR1, Aiyuk to the Jaguars, Titans draft WR
The draft always surprises. A few days prior to the 2023 draft, QB Will Levis was the betting favorite to go No. 2 overall. Levis fell to No. 33, proof that even Vegas doesn’t know.
Here are a few potential surprises, along with their 😮 rating:
Brandon Aiyuk is traded to Jacksonville for No. 17. Aiyuk on Instagram: “Brother said we got 6 days and it’s fireworks,” referring to draft night, notable as he has not been participating in the 49ers’ current voluntary workouts. The Jaguars need a WR1, were reportedly offering Calvin Ridley just shy of $20M per year (Aiyuk’s looking for $25M) and have $30M in cap space. We know the odds of No. 17 being a WR1 aren’t great. 😮😮😮😮
Malik Nabers is the WR1. Bruce Feldman’s 2024 NFL Draft confidential makes it clear this would not be a stretch. “It’s Nabers and then there’s a gap,” said one long-time NFL assistant. As for Marvin Harrison Jr., “I don’t think he wows you,” said a WR coach. Nabers pairs nicely with Cardinals WR Michael Wilson. 😮
Buffalo trades for No. 7 and drafts WR Rome Odunze. In today’s beat writers mock draft, Joe Buscaglia has the Bills moving Nos. 28, 60, 133, 160 and a 2025 first-rounder for this pick and No. 106. Holding Minnesota’s second-round pick next year (via the Stefon Diggs trade) helps justify this spend for a WR1-needy team. 😮 😮
QBs go 1-2-3, 11-12-13. If he slides, J.J. McCarthy won’t fall past Minnesota at 11, while the Broncos want their guy, which could be Bo Nix — a player they’ve quietly done plenty of work on. Dianna mentioned Michael Penix Jr., a player the Raiders are unlikely to take this high. Still, crazier things have happened. QBs (on rookie contracts) are worth it. 😮😮😮😮😮
Titans go WR at No. 7: Every mock I’ve seen has them doing the responsible thing (OT Joe Alt), but consider this: New HC Brian Callahan comes from Cincinnati, where he “landed on the Ja’Marr Chase side” of the debate between picking another WR or picking seemingly much-needed OT phenom Penei Sewell. In Tennessee, DeAndre Hopkins’ contract ends after this season and Callahan has a world-class O-line coach (his dad, Bill). 😮😮😮
Tampering Watch: Falcons, Eagles investigated
Silence is powerful — especially when you are in trouble. Unfortunately for the Falcons and Eagles, comments by Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley’s former coach taught this lesson the hard way.
The rule: Teams and players are not allowed to have direct contact until free agency officially opens. During the legal tampering period — when it was announced that Cousins and Barkley were signing with their respective teams — all communication had to go through agents.
The evidence: “Meeting — calling, yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of P.R. I’m thinking, we got good people here,” Kirk Cousins said upon signing in March, implicating his new team. The Falcons “don’t believe” they tampered.
“One of the first things that [Eagles GM Howie Roseman] said to [Saquon] on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him, was not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that but obviously the connection with Penn State,” were the magic words from Barkley’s coach at Penn State. An Eagles spokesperson told The Athletic all recruiting is facilitated through the player’s agent.
The fallout: Serious. Penalties could involve fines and losses of draft picks, with recent examples including the Cardinals’ tampering with now-HC Jonathan Gannon costing them a third-round swap (No. 66 to No. 94) and a fifth-round pick. The Dolphins lost first- and third-round picks after two executives violated tampering rules (for years) with Tom Brady and the agent of Sean Payton.
The timing: With the league’s review ongoing and reportedly not concluding this week, any draft compensation should occur next year.
The Chargers’ Baltimore connection
Q: Los Baltimore Chargers feels like a fair description of the Chargers right now. How intentional is this, or are these players/coaches just good value?
Daniel Popper: It’s definitely intentional. As GM Joe Hortiz said last week, in reference to signing former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins: “One of the benefits in free agency (is) when you get to sign someone you know.” The Chargers are trying to establish a culture, and they know these former Ravens players and coaches fit the vision.
From a player perspective, it helps that virtually all these signings have been low-risk financially. Tight end Hayden Hurst and center Bradley Bozeman signed minimum deals. Running back Gus Edwards signed for $3.25 million in average annual value.
Around the NFL
New Panthers WR Diontae Johnson was relatable for the average fan when he said he didn’t realize Dave Canales was the Panthers head coach during their dinner together. But seriously, that didn’t come up?
Bengals backup QB Jake Browning was rewarded for stepping up in Joe Burrow’s absence with a two-year extension in Cincinnati. He’s a good one: Browning’s catchable pass percentage of 91.7 was best among 95 qualifying QBs across the past two seasons.
This NFL Draft will shape Seahawks GM John Schneider’s legacy, writes Michael-Shawn Dugar: “If Schneider nails this draft, he would get the bulk of the credit and start to separate himself from the success he and [former HC Pete] Carroll had together.”
Jacob’s Picks
📕 Hockey shaped J.J. McCarthy into one of NFL Draft’s most intriguing prospects. Adam Jahns has the story on the QB’s first love. (The Athletic)
📺 How McCarthy prepared for the draft: A lot of meditation. (YouTube)
🎙 What’s left to cover? Just listen for the biggest questions heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. (The Athletic Football Show)
Now, share this newsletter with the Michigan Football fans you know. Are you that friend? Sign up here.
Sign up for our other newsletters:
The Bounce 🏀 | The Windup ⚾ | Full Time ⚽ | Prime Tire 🏁 | Until Saturday 🏈
(Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
