The New Orleans Saints are expected to make an aggressive push to sign free-agent safety Tyrann Mathieu, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.New Orleans is revisiting the idea of adding the former All-Pro after the club exited the draft without landing a safety.Mathieu, a native of New Orleans, played his high school ball in the city before spending his collegiate career with LSU. He took a visit to the Saints' facility last month.The Saints are looking to replenish their secondary following the departures of Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins. The club signed Marcus Maye in free agency.Mathieu spent the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and helped lead them to a Super Bowl LIV victory. He also spent time with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals since entering the league in 2013.The three-time Pro Bowler tallied 76 tackles, six passes deflected, and three interceptions last season.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks are ready to roll with their current group of passers.Head coach Pete Carroll shot down the notion that Seattle could soon shake up its quarterback room when asked by the NFL Network's Rich Eisen."Nothing's gonna change that quick," Carroll said Saturday. "We're really happy with the guys we've got, to see them battle, and we'll see what happens."However, Carroll added: "You never know what's going on down the road. We're always looking."The Seahawks didn't draft a quarterback this weekend after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason. General manager John Schneider said the team couldn't find the right fit."Continuously, throughout the draft, it just didn't fall the right way for one reason or another," he said.Currently, Drew Lock - who Seattle acquired in exchange for Wilson - is expected to compete with Geno Smith for the Seahawks' signal-calling duties."Right now, really excited about seeing these guys for the first time, and we'll see what happens in the time to come," Carroll said.Seattle used five of its nine draft picks on offensive prospects, including offensive tackle Charles Cross. While the Seahawks didn't select a passer, they did sign Levi Lewis as an undrafted free agent.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears have agreed to release quarterback Nick Foles, his agent, Justin Schulman, told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network."Ryan Poles did the classy thing, and Nick appreciates it," Schulman said, referring to the Bears general manager.Chicago had been seeking a trade for the veteran signal-caller, but with the draft complete, it decided to allow Foles to find his next destination.The 33-year-old spent the last two seasons with the NFC North club. He started seven games and appeared in two more in 2020 after losing a training camp battle with Mitchell Trubisky. Foles then started one game in 2021 after Justin Fields and Andy Dalton both suffered injuries.Foles should receive interest for backup roles despite his struggles with the Bears and during a one-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019.The quarterback owns a 29-27 regular-season record and has thrown for 14,003 yards and 82 touchdowns against 42 interceptions. Foles is 4-2 in the playoffs, including his 2017 Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Georgia produced 15 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, breaking the record for the highest number of players selected from one school in a seven-round draft.The Bulldogs tied the modern record (14) in the sixth round when the Los Angeles Rams took Derion Kendrick at No. 212. They broke it one pick later when the Atlanta Falcons chose John FitzPatrick.Ohio State and LSU previously shared the record. The Buckeyes produced 14 picks in the 2004 NFL Draft, while the Tigers tied the mark in 2020. Texas still holds the all-time record, as 17 Longhorns were selected in 1984 when the draft lasted 12 rounds.Georgia players drafted in 2022RoundPlayerTeam1Travon Walker (DE)Jaguars1Jordan Davis (DT)Eagles1Quay Walker (LB)Packers1Devonte Wyatt (DT)Packers1Lewis Cine (S)Vikings2George Pickens (WR)Steelers2James Cook (RB)Bills3Nakobe Dean (LB)Eagles3Channing Tindall (LB)Dolphins4Zamir White (RB)Raiders4Jake Camarda (P)Buccaneers6Justin Shaffer (OL)Falcons6Jamaree Salyer (OL)Chargers6Derion Kendrick (CB)Rams6John FitzPatrick (TE)FalconsGeorgia's first draft pick in 2022 was Travon Walker, who went first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With his selection, the Bulldogs tied the all-time record for the most No. 1 picks.The talent-stocked Bulldogs won the 2021 national championship, defeating Alabama - another school that has served as an NFL pipeline - in the title game.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected tight end Connor Heyward, the younger brother of defensive star Cameron Heyward, in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 208 overall.The younger Heyward comes to Pittsburgh by way of Michigan State, where he played five seasons and split time between tight end and fullback. He had 35 receptions for 326 yards and two touchdowns last year.

The Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh could start as early as this September.Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told NFL Network on Saturday that the first-round passer "certainly has a chance" to be the team's Week 1 starting quarterback.Pickett, who was taken with the 20th overall pick Thursday, will have to beat out Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph to claim the starting job.A former first-rounder, Trubisky signed a two-year, $14.285-million deal this offseason, though the pact contains just $5.25 million guaranteed, per Spotrac. Meanwhile, Rudolph has spent the majority of his tenure in Pittsburgh as the backup to now-retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.Tomlin pointed to Pickett's pro-ready skill set as a reason why the organization felt confident taking him in the first round. Pickett was the lone quarterback selected on Day 1 as other top passing prospects such as Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, and Matt Corral fell to Round 3."Two things that really attracted us to him from a floor standpoint," Tomlin said. "We thought he had pro-level anticipation. We thought he had pro-level accuracy. Often times those are two variables that really require a lot of adjustment from a quarterbacking standpoint."He added: "We felt (Pickett) came ready made in those ways and hopefully that's an asset to him in terms of being able to compete and being ready if performance dictates."The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2021 season at Pitt, throwing for 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns to seven interceptions. Pickett also passed Dan Marino as the school's all-time leader in passing touchdowns with 81.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots selected South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong Jr. in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 127 overall.Strong rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons at South Dakota State. He's coming off his best campaign with the Jackrabbits after posting 1,673 yards (7 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns.The Patriots also bolstered their backfield in the draft last year, selecting Rhamondre Stevenson in the fourth round. Damien Harris, who led the team with 929 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021, is entering the last year of his contract this season. Stevenson amassed 606 yards and five scores on the ground through 12 appearances as a rookie.New England added another running back to the group in the 2022 draft, taking Kevin Harris in the sixth round.Scouting profile: Pierre Strong Jr.SchoolHeightWeight40 timeSouth Dakota State5'112074.37Strong might be the biggest sleeper RB in this draft class if he ends up on an offense that runs an outside-zone system and gets an opportunity to earn touches. Though slightly undersized, he's lightning quick and can score from anywhere on the field if he's given enough of a lane to hit his stride. On that note, he needs competent blocking to help him reach his potential, since he's not the most elusive and doesn't break many tackles. He also showed enough as a pass-catcher (56 catches over the last three seasons) to suggest that will translate to the pros.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns traded veteran cornerback Troy Hill back to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2023 fifth-round pick, the team announced Sunday.Hill played for the Rams from 2016-20 before signing a two-year, $9-million contract with the Browns as a free agent (his original four-year, $24-million deal voids after 2023). Hill started 39 games for Los Angeles in his first stint with the team, including all 16 contests in 2020.The Rams will reinsert Hill into a secondary that lost Darious Williams in free agency. Los Angeles has All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey leading its cornerbacks but lacks depth behind him.Hill posted 49 tackles and one pass breakup with the Browns. The 30-year-old failed to record an interception last year after collecting at least two picks in each of the previous three campaigns.Cleveland continued to load up on young talent at cornerback during the 2022 NFL Draft, allowing the franchise to shed Hill after one season. The Browns have drafted Greg Newsome, Greedy Williams, and Denzel Ward in the top two rounds since 2018, and drafted Martin Emerson in the third round in 2022.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders selected North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 144 overall.Howell was the sixth quarterback selected, going after Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis, Matt Corral, and Bailey Zappe.The North Carolina product tossed 24 touchdowns to nine interceptions in 2021. It was a step down from his sophomore campaign in 2020 when he threw for 30 touchdowns and 3,586 yards.Washington has been looking for stability at the quarterback position in recent years. They had three different quarterbacks start last season, with Taylor Heinicke leading the way with a 7-8 record.The Commanders went out and acquired Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason. Wentz joined the Colts last offseason but his stint lasted only one year following a late-season collapse.Howell will likely start the year behind Wentz and could challenge Heinicke for the top backup position.Scouting profile: Sam HowellSchoolHeightWeight40 timeNorth Carolina6'1218DNPHowell's numbers took a hit in 2021. However, he was without several key players who'd left for the NFL, including receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome, as well as running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. What Howell lost in passing stats, he made up for with a huge spike in rushing production, tallying 828 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. That's more of a sign he'll find ways to move the ball, rather than an indicator he'll be a prolific runner at the next level. Regardless, Howell has more than enough arm to deliver as a low-level NFL starter with the right pieces around him. He's a fearless downfield thrower whose bold playing style is sure to turn him into a fan favorite.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots selected Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 137 overall.The Patriots add a prolific passer behind starter Mac Jones. Zappe's eye-popping numbers at Western Kentucky caught the eye of head coach Bill Belichick and New England's front office.The native of Texas, who has set collegiate records, finds himself on a depth chart that will also feature Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer.Scouting profile: Bailey ZappeSchoolHeightWeight40 timeWestern Kentucky6'02154.88Zappe spent four years as the starter at Houston Baptist in the FCS before following his offensive coordinator to Western Kentucky. There, the young quarterback posted an astronomical stat line, throwing for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns. Though the numbers are impressive, it's important to note that Zappe lacks the physical tools to be considered a legitimate starting option in the pros. Though his field savvy and above-average accuracy were essential to his record-setting campaign, it was really his timing and understanding of the system that propelled him. If asked to run an NFL offense for more than a few games, Zappe's lack of elite traits would be exposed. His solid pro day performance likely guaranteed he'll hear his name called during the later rounds of this year's draft and eventually slide into a backup role.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 123 overall.Spiller topped 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons with the Aggies and provides immediate depth to the Chargers' backfield behind Austin Ekeler. He's the first skill-position player taken by L.A. this year.It's the third straight year the Chargers selected a running back; they took Joshua Kelley in the fourth round in 2020 before picking Larry Rountree in the sixth round last year.Scouting profile: Isaiah SpillerSchoolHeightWeight40 timeTexas A&M6'02174.63Once considered a contender to be the top back in this class, Spiller's stock dropped massively after he struggled with athletic testing at the NFL combine (and, to a lesser extent, at his pro day). However, we haven't soured on him as an NFL prospect, because on the field, he doesn't look like he's running in sand. The 20-year-old might lack true home-run speed, but he presents a nice blend of vision and lateral quickness that enables him to make cuts without gearing down significantly. He's an instinctive runner with solid pass-catching skills who's capable of being a legitimate three-down back for his next club.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Georgia running back Zamir White in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 122 overall.The Raiders added White a day after declining the fifth-year option on Josh Jacobs, putting the former first-round pick on track to become a free agent in 2023.White rushed for 856 yards and 11 touchdowns last season while splitting carries with James Cook in the Georgia backfield. The Buffalo Bills drafted Cook in the second round of the draft.Scouting profile: Zamir WhiteSchoolHeightWeight40 timeGeorgia6'02144.40White is a tough back who isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and use his legs to battle for more yards. Though he doesn't have the wiggle to make many people miss, he hits the hole hard and can use his cutback ability to punish defenses. Georgia used him sparingly on passing downs, which will probably continue in the pros. It's worth noting that the 22-year-old has a pair of torn ACLs on his resume, but the most recent one occurred in 2018. He's since shown plenty of explosiveness and athleticism, including a speed score in the 96th percentile. The bigger concern might be the long-term outlook for his knees, and we likely won't know about that unless he falls in the draft or his medicals are released.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans selected Florida running back Dameon Pierce in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 107 overall.Pierce led the Gators with 16 scrimmage touchdowns last season, though he was limited to only 100 rushing attempts on the year. He finished the campaign with 574 yards (5.7 per carry) and 13 scores on the ground.The Texans, who averaged a league-worst 3.4 yards per carry in 2021, also bolstered their backfield with veteran running back Marlon Mack this offseason. Rex Burkhead topped the team last year with just 427 rushing yards and three touchdowns.Scouting profile: Dameon PierceSchoolHeightWeight40 timeFlorida5'102184.59Pierce is an enigmatic prospect with what appears to be a deep well of untapped upside. For whatever reason, the Florida coaching staff kept his role extremely limited. The 22-year-old was held under 10 touches in eight of his 13 appearances in 2021 and never had more than 106 carries in a single season. Even so, he seems to have the tools to be capable of much more. He sports a compact and powerful frame that performs well when it encounters contact. While not a big-play threat, he displayed a nose for the end zone, scoring 16 times on 119 touches as a senior. It's a bit of a projection, but Pierce is capable of delivering a lot more than what we've seen so far. Whether he gets a shot to flourish in the pros depends on the depth chart he joins.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Washington tight end Cade Otton in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 106 overall.Otton gives the Buccaneers some insurance as they wait for Rob Gronkowski to decide whether he'll return or retire in 2022. Gronkowski is a free agent but is expected to re-sign with Tampa Bay if he continues his career. The Buccaneers also have Cameron Brate at tight end after losing O.J. Howard to the Buffalo Bills in free agency.Otton posted 28 receptions for 250 yards and a touchdown last season at Washington. He's regarded as a well-rounded tight end with limited athleticism.Scouting profile: Cade OttonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeWashington6'5247DNPOtton looks the part of an NFL tight end, but whether he has enough talent to propel himself to a starting job at the next level remains to be seen. He's another prospect who might have a more prolific professional career than what we saw from him in college, where his targets were limited. If he does, it won't be because of his athletic prowess, but rather the subtle ways he creates space as a route-runner and his ability to make plays at the catch point. He steps up more often than not when asked to block, but if he’s going to earn significant playing time, he'll need to improve his footwork and technique.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted the club was caught off guard when All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade."We were surprised," Shanahan said Friday, according to Cam Inman of the Mercury News. "Also, once it does happen, you know this business, so it can’t surprise you too much. But yeah, we were disappointed a little bit. But it's part of this business. You'll consider anything. You have a responsibility to help your organization the most you can."Losing a player like Deebo, it's hard to see how that helps your organization," Shanahan added. "You try to look into all aspects and what people are willing to do."The Niners have received trade inquiries after the Pro Bowl receiver requested a trade amid discussions over a contract extension. The New York Jets and Detroit Lions reportedly made offers to the Niners, but each package was ultimately rejected.Shanahan said the offers haven't been "remotely close to what we thought was fair to us or the 49ers."The 49ers' front office declined to go into detail on what led to Samuel's trade request. Shanahan hasn't spoken with Samuel in a couple of weeks but still feels that the disgruntled pass-catcher can come to an agreement with the franchise."Hopefully when it's all said and done, we’ll get the best thing for the Niners, the best for Deebo and hopefully that’s the same thing, because we’d love to keep going how we’ve been," he said.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen squashed the idea that wide receiver Kadarius Toney is on the trade block."We're not shopping Kadarius Toney," Schoen said Friday, according to The Athletic's Dan Duggan.Schoen cleared the air following a report last week that the NFC East club was looking to trade the 2021 first-round pick. The Florida alum did report to the Giants' training facility shortly after trade rumors began to circulate.Toney has encountered a few mishaps since being drafted last year. He missed time last season due to hamstring, ankle, quad, thumb, oblique, and shoulder ailments. He also tested positive for COVID-19 twice and was ejected from a game against the Dallas Cowboys.Toney produced 39 receptions for 420 yards in his rookie season.The Giants selected receiver Wan'Dale Robinson with the No. 43 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.Meanwhile, veteran Sterling Shepard could miss the start of the 2022 campaign as he continues to rehab from a torn Achilles sustained in Week 15 against the Cowboys last year.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Fantasy analysis

The Cleveland Browns selected Purdue wide receiver David Bell in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 99 overall.Bell is the first offensive player Cleveland's taken. It selected cornerback Martin Emerson and defensive end Alex Wright in the third round.The Browns needed to find more weapons for new quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cleveland traded for Amari Cooper, but the veteran and Donovan Peoples-Jones are the team's only established wideouts.While Bell doesn't possess strong physical traits, he put up monster numbers while with the Boilermakers. The 21-year-old racked up 93 catches for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, pushing his career production to 232 catches for 2,946 yards and 21 scores.Scouting profile: David BellSchoolHeightWeight40 timePurdue6'12124.65Bell's profile brings us back to the debate between college production and athletic testing. As a three-year starter at Purdue, he was an innate playmaker who could win all over the field with quality routes, powerful hands, and above-average ball skills. In 29 games with the Boilermakers, he averaged over 100 receiving yards per game. Shockingly, he followed that up with some extremely poor athletic testing at the NFL combine. Athletic measurables arguably matter less for certain types of receivers, but regardless, it planted a seed of doubt as to whether Bell can operate as effectively against the top-tier athletes on NFL defenses.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders selected Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 98 overall.He'll join a backfield that includes Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Jaret Patterson. Unlike the other rushers, Robinson is known for his powerful running style.Robinson led the Crimson Tide in rushing last year with 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns. He's the 11th running back to be drafted from Alabama since 2011.Scouting profile: Brian Robinson Jr.SchoolHeightWeight40 timeAlabama6'22254.53Robinson is a pro-ready downhill runner who's on the older side for a running back prospect at 23. It's fair to question whether he can develop much at the next level, but he has the traits of a solid contributor to an NFL backfield. His quick feet are surprising at his size and he offers baseline production as a pass-catcher. His skills as a blocker should also help him earn playing time as a rookie. At worst, he'll settle in as a short-yardage specialist capable of handling early-down duties when thrust into the starting lineup.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers traded up to select Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 94 overall.The Panthers sent the 137th pick and a 2023 third-rounder to move into the New England Patriots' spot at No. 94 to land Corral, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Carolina was rumored to be in the quarterback market for the majority of the offseason. The Panthers reportedly had the inside track to land disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield before the draft. However, talks between the two sides came to a halt due to a disagreement over how to split Mayfield's guaranteed money next season, according to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson.Corral threw for 3,349 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. His accuracy was a notable trait over his collegiate career. Corral completed 67.3% of his passes as a Rebel.He'll join a Panthers quarterback room that also includes Sam Darnold. A former No. 3 pick in 2018, Darnold was traded to Carolina last offseason but struggled in his first year with the club. He tossed nine touchdowns to 13 interceptions with a 71.9 passer rating.Darnold was told beforehand by Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer that there was a high possibility the team drafts a quarterback.Corral was the fourth quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, following Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, and Malik Willis.Scouting profile: Matt CorralSchoolHeightWeight40 timeOle Miss6'2212DNPCorral is a tough player to evaluate since a lot of his college production can be attributed to Ole Miss' high-percentage spread passing scheme. Even a big chunk of his rushing stats came on designed plays. That brings into question whether he can evolve into a full-time starter at the next level, or if he'll be limited to holding a clipboard most weeks. His tools are enticing enough; he has outstanding accuracy on short-to-intermediate routes as well as the athleticism to escape defenders and pick up yards on the ground. However, his willingness to battle as an undersized runner has led to injuries, which could be an even bigger issue against NFL defenders. It's possible Corral could develop his game to outgrow the need for a rigid system around him, but he'll need an ideal setting for that to happen.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Arizona State running back Rachaad White in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 91 overall.The Buccaneers lost their top backup spot in the backfield when Ronald Jones departed in free agency, though they did bring back Leonard Fournette on a 3-year, $21-million deal.White rushed for 1,006 yards on 182 carries last season. He also scored 15 touchdowns.Scouting profile: Rachaad WhiteSchoolHeightWeight40 timeArizona State6'02144.48White is the classic type of back who's good at many things without being exceptional in any one area as a ball carrier. He's a fun player to watch thanks to the wide variety of moves he uses to try to evade defenders. But that's necessary because he lacks the physicality and strength to break many tackles. His patient, upright running style also makes him vulnerable to big hits. Pass-catching is his most desirable trait - he's got a soft set of hands that hauled in 43 receptions his senior year. However, he doesn't exhibit consistency as a pass protector, which could damage the trust of his new coaches. The overall package appears to fit an eventual backup.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 83 overall.Dean was viewed as one of the top linebackers available after enjoying a monster junior season at Georgia, but medical concerns took a hit to his draft stock.The 21-year-old has battled multiple injuries lately, including pec, shoulder, and ankle ailments. He recently declined surgery on his shoulder, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Dean was one of the leaders of the Bulldogs' top-ranked defense last season, racking up 72 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.Scouting profile: Nakobe DeanSchoolHeightWeight40 timeGeorgia6'0225DNPThe star of a skilled Georgia defense, Dean was arguably the most talented linebacker in college football last season, and it's easy to see why. There isn't another linebacker prospect coming out who has the athleticism that Dean possesses. An elite athlete who plays like he was shot out of a cannon, Dean can make the extraordinary look ordinary. Whether it's coming downhill, sideline-to-sideline, or even backward in coverage, the Georgia product is fluid in all directions. He'll have to prove he can handle bigger, stronger linemen at the next level, but Dean is so explosive that it may be less of a concern than expected. Dean is more of an athlete than a linebacker at this point, but he's got All-Pro potential just waiting to be unlocked.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans selected Liberty quarterback Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading up to No. 86 overall.More to come.Scouting profile: Malik WillisSchoolHeightWeight40 timeLiberty6'0219DNPThe 2022 quarterback class lacks the elite talents we've recently seen enter the league, so keep your expectations in check. Willis is the most exciting prospect in this year's crop. He has the tools to be a star at the next level, but he'll need to land with a patient team willing to build an offense around his skills. The 22-year-old is a very raw passer who can win with his legs early in his career until he gets over the challenging learning curve that comes with a jump from a smaller school like Liberty. A good coaching staff will be key to helping him improve his ability to read defenses and work through his progressions, as well as his pocket awareness. With that in mind, Willis would benefit from a situation where he's not asked to start right away.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 74 overall.Ridder - who was projected to be a late first-round pick - became only the second quarterback off the board after Kenny Pickett went to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20.While this year's quarterback class was widely viewed as a weak one, the dramatic slides of Ridder and Malik Willis were still a major surprise.The former Bearcats standout will likely begin his NFL career as the backup to Marcus Mariota, who joined Atlanta this offseason following Matt Ryan's trade to the Indianapolis Colts.Ridder was named the AAC Offensive Player of the Year and made the All-ACC first team in 2020 and 2021. He threw for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 14 games last season.Scouting profile: Desmond RidderSchoolHeightWeight40 timeCincinnati6'32114.52Ridder is far from having a complete profile, but the tools are there for him to turn into a solid starter if given the proper tutelage. The 22-year-old helped lift the Bearcats to new heights during his four seasons, culminating in an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Though his arm isn't a cannon, Ridder's shown the ability to make any throw required - even if his accuracy is still a work in progress at times. He also possesses the mobility teams covet, which he displayed on numerous occasions at Cincinnati by escaping the pocket and using his long strides to pick up big yardage. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the combine was the fastest among quarterbacks. While it might take a couple of years to materialize, it wouldn't be a surprise if Ridder had the best career of any passer in this class.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills selected Georgia running back James Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 63 overall.Cook, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, set career highs at Georgia last year with 728 rushing yards (6.4 per carry) and seven touchdowns. He also showed dual-threat potential, amassing 284 yards and four TDs on 27 receptions last season.Buffalo has lacked consistency at running back in recent years, though Devin Singletary set a career high with 870 yards (4.6 per rushing attempt) in 2021. Quarterback Josh Allen finished second on the team with 763 yards and six touchdowns on the ground on 122 carries.With Cook, the Bills add another explosive playmaker to an offense that ranked top-three in points in each of the last two seasons.Scouting profile: James CookSchoolHeightWeight40 timeGeorgia5'111994.42Cook is an exceptional pass-catching back who can be flexed into the slot or out wide, presenting a serious mismatch for linebackers. Though his straight-line speed is scary, he tends to go down easily when a defender gets a piece of him. As Georgia figured out, he's a weapon best deployed in a committee rather than a full-time lead back like his brother Vikings star Dalvin Cook. James actually scored better in athletic testing than Dalvin, but his skill set and smaller frame make him unlikely to emerge as a high-volume player.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 54 overall.Moore will join a new-look receiving group in Kansas City. Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster move, while Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson left in free agency.The Chiefs replenished quarterback Patrick Mahomes' arsenal with free agents JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.Moore produced 95 catches for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.Receivers flew off the board in the first two rounds. Moore was the 13th wideout taken, hearing his name called immediately after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected George Pickens and the Indianapolis Colts nabbed Alec Pierce.Scouting profile: Skyy MooreSchoolHeightWeight40 timeWestern Michigan5'101954.41Moore is a compact yet well-built pass-catcher who uses his suddenness and crafty footwork to create separation. What he lacks in height, he makes up for with toughness and a competitive nature that seeps into all aspects of his game. The 21-year-old was a big-play machine that Western Michigan used all around the formation, but he projects as primarily a slot receiver in the pros. With oversized hands and efficient routes, he'll quickly become a safety net for his next quarterback while also offering enough speed to threaten defenses downfield.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Colorado State tight end Trey McBride in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 55 overall.McBride is the first tight end off the board. He posted a monster season in 2021, notching 90 receptions and 1,121 yards. However, he caught only one touchdown.The 22-year-old is the second notable addition to Arizona's offense through this year's draft; the Cardinals used their first-round pick Thursday in a trade to acquire wide receiver Marquise Brown from the Baltimore Ravens. The team previously drafted wideout Rondale Moore in the second round in 2021.The Cardinals' tight end depth chart already features veteran Zach Ertz, who they traded for midway through last season. He signed a three-year deal with Arizona this offseason after catching 56 passes for 574 yards and three touchdowns through 11 games in his first year with the club.Scouting profile: Trey McBrideSchoolHeightWeight40 timeColorado State6'42464.56This year's tight end class lacks elite difference-makers. It's more of a mixed bag of developmental prospects who have the potential to grow into capable NFL starters. McBride is in a tier of his own as an above-average pass-catcher who can line up all over the formation, and he has the speed to frustrate linebackers. He's coming off a 90-catch, 1,121-yard campaign where he only found the end zone once, but he showed he can serve as a primary offensive target. Despite the low touchdown total, he still proved himself worthy of the Mackey Award - given to the top tight end in college football. While he has room for improvement as a blocker, it's not an area of concern since he exhibits the drive to get the job done. The 22-year-old will have no problem getting on the field early and should enjoy a long career as a quality starter.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Georgia wide receiver George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 52 overall.Pickens missed the majority of Georgia's 2021 campaign due to an ACL tear but returned down the stretch. He finished the season with five catches for 107 yards, including a 52-yard reception in the national championship game.The Steelers need reinforcements in their receiving corps after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, and Ray-Ray McCloud in free agency.Pittsburgh went offense with each of its first two picks, taking Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round.Scouting profile: George PickensSchoolHeightWeight40 timeGeorgia6'31954.47Pickens looked the part of a No. 1 receiver before an ejection/suspension and multiple injuries, including a torn ACL in March of 2021, cost him time over the last two years. Although he wasn't the same when he returned from knee surgery, the 21-year-old showed determination by working his way back and suiting up late in the season. Prior to that, he broke out as a true freshman and natural athlete known for hauling in acrobatic contested catches. He played with a competitive mindset, even while sometimes lacking the strength to back it up. If he's going to excel as a pro, which we expect he will, Pickens needs to add some muscle and prove he's overcome the knee issue.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans selected Alabama wide receiver John Metchie in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 44 overall.Houston sent picks No. 68, 108, and 124 to the Cleveland Browns for the second-round selection, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Metchie suffered a torn ACL last December while with Alabama. He caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2021 campaign before the injury.Houston will add Metchie to a receiving corps that also features Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, among others.Scouting profile: John MetchieSchoolHeightWeight40 timeAlabama5'11187DNPBeyond his strong route running, Metchie didn't have much to boast about in terms of high-end traits that would help him stand out in the NFL. And that was before he tore his ACL in December, which could impact his availability and effectiveness in 2022. If he makes a full recovery, the 21-year-old will bring some versatility to his next club, but there were questions about his explosiveness and physicality long before the injury. He faces an uphill battle to emerge as more than a middling contributor out of the slot.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings selected Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading up to No. 42 overall.The Indianapolis Colts traded Nos. 42 and 122 for the Vikings' Nos. 53, 77, and 192.Booth was projected to be a late first-round pick during most of the lead-up to the draft after a standout career with the Tigers.He started 25 games across three seasons and racked up five interceptions in his final two campaigns.Booth is Minnesota's second addition to its secondary after safety Lewis Cine, who the team selected at No. 32 following a move back from 12th with the Detroit Lions.Scouting profile: Andrew Booth Jr.SchoolHeightWeight40 timeClemson6'0194DNPEvaluators considering Booth a top corner prospect after just one season as a full-time starter should tell you everything you need to know about his upside. He'll need some more time to fine-tune his craft, so he could be more of a long-term play than an instant impact star, but the potential payoff is readily apparent. Booth is a fluid athlete who has no issues in confined spaces, and his ability to make difficult plays on the ball is particularly impressive. Add in the downhill aggression that makes him an ideal run defender on the outside, and you've got the makings of an extremely well-rounded defensive back.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 41 overall.The Seahawks passed on quarterbacks on back-to-back picks early in the second round, taking edge rusher Boye Mafe one selection before Walker. Seattle has a gaping hole at quarterback after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos at the beginning of the offseason.Walker rushed for 1,636 yards with 18 touchdowns at Michigan State last season and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back. Seattle made him the second rusher to come off the board following Breece Hall.The 21-year-old will join a crowded Seahawks backfield that already includes Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny. Carson played in only four games in 2021 because of a neck injury.Scouting profile: Kenneth Walker IIISchoolHeightWeight40 timeMichigan State5'92114.38Walker is an impressive ball carrier with the tools to be an early-down stud in any system. Arm tackles aren't going to get the job done against his compact frame and he has the burst and power to consistently get to the second level, where he's a nightmare to deal with in space. The main knock against him is a lack of passing-down work, which doesn't mean he's incapable of excelling in that area - it just means we haven't seen him do it. If Walker can convince NFL coaches he's up for the challenge as a receiving threat and pass protector, his ceiling will be much closer to that of the top back in this class, Breece Hall.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears selected Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft at No. 39 overall.It's Chicago's first pick this year. The team sent its 2022 first-round selection to the New York Giants last year to trade up in the draft and select quarterback Justin Fields.Gordon is coming off his best season at Washington. He amassed 45 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions through 12 appearances last year.His arrival gives the Bears a solid young duo of cornerbacks. Gordon will presumably play opposite Jaylon Johnson, who Chicago selected in the second round two years ago.Scouting profile: Kyler GordonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeWashington6'01944.52Don't let the 40 time fool you - Gordon is a ridiculous athlete. The explosiveness demonstrated at his Pro Day is all over his tape: His downhill burst, breaking on routes in front of him, and recovering speed to stick with the assignment and make a play. The unique athletic profile, combined with his physicality coming downhill in the run game, makes him a fit both on the boundary and in the slot, and perhaps even at safety. Gordon will need to improve on the technical aspects, as well as his instincts, to make the most of his athleticism. But that could just be a matter of getting the necessary reps after not taking a full-time starting role at Washington until 2021. Gordon has a ton of upside either way, with no shortage of roles where he could make an impact.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Penn State pass-rusher Arnold Ebiketie in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading up to No. 38 overall.The New York Giants traded No. 38 to the Falcons for Nos. 43 and 114.The Falcons needed to upgrade their pass-rushing group this offseason after finishing last in sacks with 18 in 2021, 11 fewer than the 31st-ranked club.Ebiketie earned a first-team All-Big Ten honor last season after racking up 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He'll join a unit headlined by Lorenzo Carter and Adetokunbo Ogundeji.Scouting profile: Arnold EbiketieSchoolHeightWeight40 timePenn State6'2250DNPWhen it comes to Ebiketie, the simple question is whether an NFL coaching staff can extract his complete potential. While he's a raw player, all the ingredients are there. With his size and 34-inch arms, he's a feisty pit bull who uses his active hands to fight until the final bell. He's got speed off the line - though he can sometimes struggle to time the snap - and can fight his way to the quarterback with a swipe move. Although he lacks the strength to see the field against the run and is vulnerable to getting moved off his mark, the arrow is only pointed up after his 9.5-sack campaign with Penn State following his transfer from Temple.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers has a new weapon.The Green Bay Packers selected North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading up to the 34th overall pick.The Minnesota Vikings sent the pick to the Packers for Nos. 53 and 59.There was speculation Green Bay could use one of its two first-round selections to find a replacement for Davante Adams, but the NFC North club instead addressed its defense with both picks. The Packers took linebacker Quay Walker at No. 22 and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt at No. 28.Watson could immediately compete for a starting job despite being viewed as a project in the NFL.Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb currently top Green Bay's depth chart following the departures of Adams (traded to the Las Vegas Raiders) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (signed with the Kansas City Chiefs).Watson racked up 43 catches for 800 yards (18.6-yard average) and seven touchdowns last season.Scouting profile: Christian WatsonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeNorth Dakota State6'42084.36Watson is one of the hardest prospects to evaluate in this year's group because almost all of his positive traits are linked to his otherworldly athleticism, including the 12th-best relative athletic score (RAS) among receivers since 1987. However, his skills as a receiver and a football player are very much works in progress. He runs a limited route tree, he's not physically imposing despite his size, his hands aren't trustworthy, and his mediocre college production came against weak competition. He's also an older prospect who turns 23 in May, which is notable considering he still needs some development. Despite all that, Watson remains a risk worth taking for an NFL front office due to his size-speed combination and potential as a splash-play threat with elite upside.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets moved up to make Iowa State's Breece Hall the first running back taken at No. 36 overall in the second round.The Jets sent No. 38 and No. 146 to the New York Giants to slide up to the 36th slot, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Hall rushed for 1472 yards in 2021 with 20 touchdowns. He compiled 3,941 career rushing yards and 56 total touchdowns during his time at Iowa State.He could challenge for the Jets' starting running back job. No New York rusher exceeded 650 yards last season, with Michael Carter's 639 yards leading the team.Scouting profile: Breece HallSchoolHeightWeight40 timeIowa State5'112174.39Hall is by far the most intriguing player in the group after averaging 1,763 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns over the last two seasons behind a subpar offensive line. He followed that up with a dominant performance at the NFL combine, resulting in the seventh-best relative athletic score (RAS) a runner has posted since 1987. He offers a near-complete profile with the explosiveness, physicality, and sufficient pass-catching chops to be a star in the pros.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Houston defensive lineman Logan Hall with the 33rd overall pick to open Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.Hall was a logical choice for the Buccaneers, who are thin along the defensive line. Tampa Bay hasn't re-signed Ndamukong Suh, who started at defensive tackle for the last three seasons.As a senior at Houston, Hall had 47 tackles and six sacks. He can play both tackle and end, and he figures to see time at both when Tampa Bay switches between its base and nickel packages.The Buccaneers made Hall their first selection of 2022, as they traded out of the first round before opening the action on Day 2.Scouting profile: Logan HallSchoolHeightWeight40 timeHouston6'62834.88Hall is a bit of a tweener in that he doesn't quite have the size for an every-down role inside, and his athleticism wouldn't really play as a full-time edge rusher. He's got the movement skills and pass-rush repertoire to be a problem for guards on the interior, though. So whether he finds an early-down role on the outside before rotating in for passing downs or simply starts out as an interior rush specialist, the Houston product will bring plenty of juice to an NFL defensive front from Day 1. If Hall can improve his base strength and become a factor on the play side in the running game, there's potential for every-down impact down the line.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone provided instant breakdowns of every fantasy-relevant selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.Drake London, WR, Falcons (8th)Star potential: ★★★★★

New Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams can't wait to get back on the field - and he might return earlier than many expect."I've just been doing … regular movements. Just getting back to it," he said after being drafted, according to John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated. "But I should be ready to go at training camp."The Lions selected Williams, who suffered a torn ACL in January, 12th overall Thursday after trading up with the Minnesota Vikings. He was the fourth wide receiver off the board.Three unnamed teams expect Williams to begin the regular season on the physically unable to perform list, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently reported. Players who start the season on the PUP list have to remain sidelined for at least the first six weeks of the campaign.Training camps are set to start in July this year, roughly two months before the regular season.Williams put on a show during his junior campaign at Alabama last year, racking up 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns on 79 receptions. Many experts considered him the top wideout in the 2022 NFL Draft before he sustained the knee injury in the national championship game against Georgia.The 21-year-old says he would've probably set the fastest time "ever" in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine this year if it weren't for the ailment."I'm excited to join the offense," Williams said. "I feel like we can do pretty big things. We got (receivers) Amon-Ra (St. Brown), D.J. (Chark), which in addition to the running back game, I just feel like we could do a lot of things."Detroit also took Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick Thursday.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens traded wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and a third-round pick (No. 100 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals for the 23rd overall pick.Brown is coming off his first career 1,000-yard season. He operated as a vertical threat throughout his three campaigns in Baltimore after the team drafted him 25th overall in 2019 with the hopes that he'd develop into an elite playmaker.The Cardinals will add Brown to a receiving corps featuring DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, and Rondale Moore. Hopkins, a perennial Pro Bowler, is coming off an injury-plagued season, while Green and Moore are entering their second campaigns in Arizona. Green recorded 848 yards for the Cardinals last year, while Moore posted 435 yards as a rookie.Brown's production gradually grew over his three seasons in Baltimore. He debuted with a 584-yard campaign in 2019, posted 769 yards in 2020, and broke through with 1,008 yards in 2021.The Oklahoma product will reunite with his college quarterback, Kyler Murray, in Arizona."Kyler has wanted 'Hollywood' Brown for a couple years, and he's as happy as I've ever seen him," Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Thursday night on "The Pat McAfee Show."Murray has appeared disgruntled with the Cardinals over the offseason but publicly insists that he's content in Arizona.The Ravens wound up trading down two spots from No. 23, and they selected center Tyler Linderbaum out of Iowa.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets and Detroit Lions made offers to the San Francisco 49ers in an attempt to acquire All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday on "The Pat McAfee Show."San Francisco ultimately rejected the proposals The Jets reportedly offered the No. 10 overall selection and pick swaps later in the draft, but they ultimately held on to the pick and selected Ohio State wideout Garrett Wilson.Jets general manager Joe Douglas declined to detail the conversations about Samuel. "I'm not going to get into discussions," Douglas said after the draft on Thursday, per SNY. "When we were on the clock at 10, we didn't field any calls."New York has shown interest in multiple veteran wideouts this offseason, including Tyreek Hill, Amari Cooper, and Calvin Ridley.It's unclear what the Lions were willing to give up in exchange. Detroit ended up trading up to No. 12 to select receiver Jameson Williams.San Francisco remains steadfast in its stance on not wanting to deal Samuel, who requested a trade earlier in April. The Pro Bowl receiver is apparently unsatisfied with his contract and "wide back" role within the Niners' offense."I can't ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo," 49ers general manager John Lynch said during his pre-draft presser on Monday."He's just too good of a player. ... We've got nothing but love for him and nothing but appreciation for what he's brought, but you just don't let guys like that walk. So, I can't envision a scenario where we would (trade him)."Samuel turned in a career-best season that resulted in 1,770 scrimmage yards - 1,405 receiving, 365 rushing - and 14 total touchdowns in 2021.While Samuel stayed put in San Francisco, the Tennessee Titans decided to grant fellow 2019 second-rounder A.J. Brown a trade to the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown reportedly received a new four-year, $100-million extension.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders are declining the fifth-year options for Josh Jacobs, Clelin Ferrell, and Johnathan Abram, the team announced Friday."We look forward to working with all three players, and we will evaluate each situation individually moving forward," general manager Dave Ziegler said in a statement.The trio will enter the final year of their rookie contracts in 2022. All three were key acquisitions under former general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden.The group is set to hit free agency in 2023 following a regime change that now has Josh McDaniels as the new coach and Dave Ziegler as the GM.Jacobs, 24, seems to be the biggest surprise of the group. The Raiders selected the running back No. 24 overall in the 2019 draft, and he rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first two campaigns. He turned in 872 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and a career-high 54 receptions for 348 receiving yards last season.Picking up Jacobs' option would have cost Las Vegas close to $8 million in 2023.Ferrell, 2019's No. 4 pick, has never matched his draft value through three seasons. The defensive lineman fell out of the rotation and didn't start a game during his 2021 campaign.The Raiders save about $7.9 million by not picking up Abram's fifth-year option, according to Spotrac. The 25-year-old safety has gradually grown into a starting role after missing most of his rookie season with a shoulder injury. The Mississippi State product racked up 116 tackles, five tackles for loss, and four passes defended last year.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although many football fans were surprised after the Baltimore Ravens traded Marquise "Hollywood" Brown on draft day Thursday, the deal wasn't a shock to the wideout.Brown told the "I Am Athlete" podcast Friday that he requested a trade from the Ravens after the 2021 season. The receiver, who's entering his fourth year in the league, said the decision was based on his fit in Baltimore's offense."As a receiver, even at college, I didn't catch as many balls, but ... I was put in situations that could help me thrive," he said. "I just felt, in times throughout my career (with the Ravens), I wasn't put in the best situations."Brown made clear that his trade request had nothing to do with his relationship with Lamar Jackson. He also added that he's been unhappy with his role in Baltimore for years."It was just about my happiness. I talked to Lamar about it after my second year," Brown said. "Then ... leading up to the end of (last season) ... (I) let him know again that I couldn't do it."It's not really on Lamar. I love Lamar. It's just that the system wasn't for me, personally."The Ravens traded Brown and their third-round pick (No. 100 overall) to the Cardinals for Arizona's 23rd overall selection.Brown, 24, is coming off his first career 1,000-yard season. He was drafted 25th overall in 2019 by Baltimore.The pass-catcher is set to team up with Kyler Murray, whom he played with at Oklahoma. Brown caught 75 passes for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns from Murray during their lone season together in 2018.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The opening round of the 2022 NFL Draft was far more eventful than anyone could have expected, but the fun has only just begun.Up next on Friday night are Rounds 2 and 3, where many see the most value with this draft class. And what better way to gear up for the action than with another mock draft?Here's a look at our Day 2 projections.Round 233. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Travis Jones, DL, ConnecticutThe Buccaneers kick off Day 2 by adding another massive defensive lineman to a group that already features Vita Vea.34. Minnesota Vikings - George Pickens, WR, GeorgiaPickens easily could have gone in the first round. Instead, the Vikings get outstanding value here in a big-bodied running mate for Justin Jefferson at receiver.35. Tennessee Titans - Nakobe Dean, LB, GeorgiaDean is the third linebacker off the board likely due to his undersized build. His athleticism gives the Titans a freak linebacker with sky-high potential.36. New York Giants - Andrew Booth, CB, ClemsonThe Giants hit a home run with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal on opening night. Booth, a talented corner who was in the first-round conversation, gives them yet another potential cornerstone.37. Houston Texans - Drake Jackson, EDGE, USCThe Texans finished with just 32 sacks last season. Jackson may not be ready to help immediately, but he's a step in the right direction toward the future of Houston's defense.38. New York Jets - Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central MichiganThe first round couldn't have gone much better for the Jets. Day 2 also gets off to a pretty good start with Raimann, who could be a long-term starter at right tackle.39. Chicago Bears - Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn StateLacking pass rush following the Khalil Mack trade, the Bears hope to strike it big with the high-upside Penn State edge rusher.40. Seattle Seahawks - Desmond Ridder, QB, CincinnatiResisting the urge to reach on a quarterback works out well for the Seahawks, as one of this year's top passers falls all the way to them in the second round. Ridder could compete to start right away.41. Seattle Seahawks - Kyler Gordon, CB, WashingtonThe Seahawks don't have to look far to bolster their secondary by bringing in the Washington cornerback.42. Indianapolis Colts - Skyy Moore, WR, Western MichiganTheir lack of a first-round pick caused the Colts to miss out on the early run of top receivers, but Moore's quickness and run-after-catch ability make him a great complement to Michael Pittman.43. Atlanta Falcons - Boye Mafe, EDGE, MinnesotaQuarterbacks often left with clean jerseys after facing the Falcons' defense in 2021. Mafe may make their Sundays more difficult.44. Cleveland Browns - Logan Hall, DL, HoustonThe Browns address a glaring need on the defensive front with their first pick of the draft. Hall could play on the edge in base packages, but he'll make his money as a disruptive three-technique on passing downs.45. Baltimore Ravens - Roger McCreary, CB, AuburnThe Ravens keep their attention on the secondary after their pass defense struggled last year. Depth is thin behind Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey.46. Detroit Lions - Malik Willis, QB, LibertyWillis had been linked to the Lions at two different spots in the first round. Given the upside that comes with his physical tools, they won't be able to pass him up here.47. Washington Commanders - Nick Cross, S, MarylandAn athletic ball hawk safety, Cross is the perfect complement to Kamren Curl in the Commanders' secondary.48. Chicago Bears - Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota StateThe Bears must upgrade their skill-position talent for Justin Fields to take a step forward this year. With a freaky combination of size and speed, Watson is the kind of home run swing that could really pay off.49. New Orleans Saints - Jalen Pitre, S, BaylorPitre's versatility and playmaking ability should have defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen smiling from ear to ear.50. Kansas City Chiefs - Danny Gray, WR, SMUThe Chiefs were going to add a receiver at some point. Value wasn't quite there when they picked in the first round, but it might be here in a dynamic speed threat like Gray.51. Philadelphia Eagles - Marcus Jones, CB, HoustonThe Eagles now turn their attention to their cornerback group, where Jones presents an upgrade in the slot despite being undersized.52. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn StateThe safety position should be a priority for the Steelers on Day 2. Adding a versatile player like Brisker alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick would allow the defense to get more creative on the back end.53. Green Bay Packers - Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise StateAfter spending their two first-rounders on defense, the Packers waste no time using their initial Day 2 pick on a weapon for Aaron Rodgers.54. New England Patriots - Leo Chenal, LB, WisconsinChenal's dominance in the run game makes him a natural fit to take over for Dont'a Hightower as New England's new long-term leader in the middle.55. Arizona Cardinals - Perrion Winfrey, DL, OklahomaThe Cardinals could use more beef on the defensive line. Winfrey's length and athleticism make him an intriguing pick.56. Dallas Cowboys - DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&MLeal is a refined pass-rusher who could thrive as a three technique at the next level. Dallas needs that kind of impact player on the inside.57. Buffalo Bills - Breece Hall, RB, Iowa StateAfter waiting it out on the draft's opening night, the Bills still manage to see Hall - arguably this year's top running back - fall into their grasp.58. Atlanta Falcons - Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan StateWalker profiles as a dominant early-down runner at the next level, making him a strong complement to Cordarrelle Patterson's skill set in the passing game.59. Green Bay Packers - Alec Pierce, WR, CincinnatiRecovering from the loss of Davante Adams is going to require plenty of helping hands, forcing the Packers to double down on second-round wideouts.60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Dylan Parham, OL, MemphisAfter addressing the defensive line at the top of the round, the Bucs take care of what may be their only other need. Parham likely rounds out the offensive line as the starting left guard.61. San Francisco 49ers - Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, NebraskaEquipped with cornerback and safety experience, Taylor-Britt could aid the 49ers in more ways than just one.62. Kansas City Chiefs - Phidarian Mathis, DL, AlabamaAfter using one of their first-round picks on George Karlaftis, the Chiefs circle back to make another key addition to the defensive front. Mathis will provide a much-needed boost at stopping the run.63. Cincinnati Bengals - David Ojabo, EDGE, MichiganThe Bengals end Ojabo's slide. Ojabo was considered a potential first-rounder before tearing his Achilles, so Cincinnati might end up with the steal of the draft if he can return to full form.64. Denver Broncos - Chad Muma, LB, WyomingMuma gives the Broncos a physical presence in the middle as they continue to reshape the front seven.Round 365. Jacksonville Jaguars - Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati66. Minnesota Vikings - Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA67. New York Giants - Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina68. Houston Texans - Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois69. Tennessee Titans - Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State70. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State71. Chicago Bears - Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State72. Seattle Seahawks - Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky73. Indianapolis Colts - Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia74. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss75. Denver Broncos - Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati76. Baltimore Ravens - Neil Farrell Jr., DL, LSU77. Minnesota Vikings - Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska78. Cleveland Browns - Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma79. Los Angeles Chargers - Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State80. Houston Texans - John Metchie III, WR, Alabama81. New York Giants - Christian Harris, LB, Alabama82. Atlanta Falcons - Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama83. Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma84. Pittsburgh Steelers - Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati85. New England Patriots - Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama86. Las Vegas Raiders - Matthew Butler, DL, Tennessee87. Arizona Cardinals - Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State88. Dallas Cowboys - JT Woods, S, Baylor89. Buffalo Bills - Percy Butler, S, Louisiana90. Tennessee Titans - John Ridgeway, DL, Arkansas91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH)92. Green Bay Packers - Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA93. San Francisco 49ers - Altontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee94. New England Patriots - Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina95. Cincinnati Bengals - Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State96. Denver Broncos - Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State97. Detroit Lions - Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia98. Washington Commanders - Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia99. Cleveland Browns - Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson100. Arizona Cardinals - Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State101. New York Jets - Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati102. Miami Dolphins - Dohnovan West, OL, Arizona State103. Kansas City Chiefs - James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech104. Los Angeles Rams - Luke Fortner, OL, Kentucky105. San Francisco 49ers - Luke Goedeke, OL, Central MichiganCopyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone discusses the fantasy outlooks for every skill position player selected in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft and goes over the fallout from the A.J. Brown and Marquise Brown trades.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown insists that the trade sending him from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles is not on his shoulders."This wasn't my fault," Brown told ESPN's Turron Davenport. "I wanted to stay, but the deal they offered was a low offer. The deal they offered wasn't even $20 million a year."Brown said the Titans' best offer would have paid him $16 million per season with incentives that could bring his average annual salary closer to $20 million."I would have stayed if they offered me $22 million," he said.The Titans traded Brown to the Eagles for the 18th overall selection and a third-round pick (No. 101) in the 2022 NFL Draft during the opening round Thursday night.Tennessee general manager Jon Robinson said the Eagles initiated trade talks for Brown ahead of the draft, and he decided to deal the 24-year-old because he "realized that the gap was really too far for us to bridge."The 2020 Pro Bowler reportedly agreed to a four-year, $100-million extension with Philadelphia that includes $57 million guaranteed.The native of Mississippi was set to play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2022. Brown reportedly didn't plan to report for offseason activities in hopes of securing a new deal at a time when veteran receivers are signing record contracts.Brown has hauled in 185 receptions for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns since the Titans selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft. He becomes a veteran option for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who previously attempted to recruit Brown to Alabama before Brown opted to play for Ole Miss.Tennessee used the No. 18 pick it acquired in the trade to select wideout Treylon Burks. The Arkansas product has drawn comparisons to Brown based on his size and ability to gain yards after the catch.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's football editors evaluate the biggest winners and losers after the first 32 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft.Winner: Eagles Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyPhilly fans are famous for booing their own team, but even they have to be pleased with what the club did Thursday.The Eagles made their first splash at No. 13, trading up a couple spots to select Jordan Davis. The former Georgia star was the top defensive tackle in the draft, and his combination of production and athleticism screams "eventual superstar." The Bednarik Award winner will begin his career behind veterans Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave on the depth chart, but it shouldn't take long for him to take over as the Eagles' anchor up front.Philadelphia pulled off a blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown later on, finally acquiring the No. 1 wide receiver it long coveted. The Eagles immediately signed the 24-year-old Brown to a long-term extension, and will pair him with DeVonta Smith going forward to create a dynamic duo out wide.Moreover, Philadelphia didn't have to surrender an extra pick in the top three rounds to get Davis, while Brown cost a similar price to what the Arizona Cardinals paid moments earlier for a lesser receiver in Marquise Brown. The Eagles made both moves without touching either of their first-round picks in 2023, meaning they can keep loading up next year or get in position to draft a quarterback if Jalen Hurts stalls out.Loser: Aaron RodgersNew year, same issue in Green Bay.Six wide receivers were taken in the first round, and two others were traded as part of stunning moves on the first day of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Packers had nothing to do with that, though.Green Bay left Round 1 without adding a pass-catcher despite having two first-round picks and a major need at wide receiver after losing Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the offseason. Granted, the two players the Packers did take in the first round - linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt - instantly make the team's defense better. But the major hole in the club's receiving corps remains.As good as Aaron Rodgers is, it's hard to envision the Packers making a Super Bowl run with their current wide receiver depth chart, which is headlined by Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard. Green Bay will likely add to the position in the later rounds, but there are no guarantees that Rodgers will get the pass-catcher he deserves. Green Bay still hasn't taken a wideout in the first round since 2002. The clock is ticking.Winner: Jets Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyJets general manager Joe Douglas hit Thursday's action-packed first round out of the park, arguably more than anybody else, by adding three potential cornerstone pieces in cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner (No. 4 overall), receiver Garrett Wilson (No. 10), and pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson (No. 26 via trade-up).New York desperately needed to inject some blue-chip talent into its roster, and it came away with some wild value based on its own board. Douglas said after the draft that the Jets had Gardner, Wilson, and Johnson ranked in their top eight, according to Connor Hughes of The Athletic. They seemingly weren't alone in that view. Many experts believed Gardner and Wilson were the top players at their respective positions, and the Jets got them as CB2 and WR2. Meanwhile, some had projected that New York could even use its fourth overall pick to take Johnson, who ultimately fell 22 spots below that.The AFC is set to be extremely competitive this season, and the Jets appeared to be in no man's land before this draft. It's too soon to call New York a wild-card contender, especially after 11 years without a playoff appearance, but it's far easier to see that becoming a reality with the addition of this ultra-talented trio. All eyes are on Zach Wilson now.Loser: PatriotsBill Belichick just doesn't care how the fans, the media, or anyone else in the NFL values draft prospects. He picks who he wants, even if that's a beefy FCS offensive lineman no one pegged as a Day 1 or even Day 2 selection.The Rams' reaction to the pick says it all:

The Detroit Lions selected Michigan pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.Hutchinson was widely considered the favorite to be the first player selected for most of the lead-up to the draft before being passed by Travon Walker, whom the Jacksonville Jaguars took with the No. 1 pick Thursday.The Michigan standout set the team's single-season sack record with 14 last season. He finished second to Bryce Young for the Heisman Trophy. Hutchinson was also a first-team All-Big Ten selection and earned the Ted Hendricks Award for the nation's top defensive end.Hutchinson - born in Dearborn, Michigan - gives the rebuilding Lions a cornerstone defensive piece that encapsulates head coach Dan Campbell's hard-nosed mentality. The pass-rusher was lauded for his rare work ethic and leadership qualities while with the Wolverines.Scouting profile: Aidan HutchinsonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeMichigan6'72604.74Hutchinson didn't make many friends on the field in 2021. He spent the majority of the campaign dominating tackles and driving quarterbacks into the ground as the man behind Michigan's revitalization. Now, he's looking to translate that to the next level, and there's a good chance he hears his name called first overall come draft night. Arguably the most NFL-ready pass-rusher, Hutchinson is poised to make an impact from Day 1 and be the face of an NFL franchise for years to come. The 6-foot-7 pass-rusher comes equipped with lightning-quick hands, a never-ending motor, and a variety of moves to get to the quarterback.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions traded up from No. 32 to No. 12 to select Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.The Lions dealt picks Nos. 32, 34, and 66 in exchange for the Minnesota Vikings' 12th and 46th overall selections, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Williams is coming off an ACL tear but was regarded as one of the top receivers in the 2022 class. USC's Drake London and Ohio State wideouts Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave all went off the board prior to the former Alabama prospect.The Lions have now added Williams and free agent DJ Chark to their receiving corps this offseason. They'll also return second-year wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, who led the club with 912 yards last campaign.Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards with 15 touchdowns in 2021.Detroit also selected Michigan pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick.Scouting profile: Jameson WilliamsSchoolHeightWeight40 timeAlabama6'1179DNPWilliams is currently rehabbing from a late-season ACL tear that puts his rookie year availability in doubt. Even with the injury uncertainty, he's a top-three WR prospect in this class with a chance to eventually be the best of the bunch. Prior to undergoing knee surgery, he poured in a 78-catch, 1,561-yard, 15-touchdown campaign for the Crimson Tide - showcasing a devastating combination of speed and electric agility to shake defenders and leave them in his wake. The 21-year-old is more than just a field-stretcher, though. His ball tracking, body, control, and yards-after-catch skills make him a difference-maker with an opportunity to be exceptional at the next level.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 20 overall.Pickett is the first signal-caller off the board in 2022. It's the latest an NFL draft has gone without a quarterback selection since 1997, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.The 23-year-old is the highest-drafted quarterback out of Pitt ever, topping Dan Marino (27th overall in 1983), according to The Athletic's Matt Brown.Pickett was one of the top passers available in what experts described as a weak quarterback class. He enjoyed a decorated career with the Panthers, tossing 81 touchdowns across five seasons. Pickett completed 67.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns against seven interceptions last year.The Steelers began looking for a new franchise signal-caller after Ben Roethlisberger retired in January. Roethlisberger, the franchise's all-time passing leader, spent his entire 18-year NFL career with Pittsburgh.Pickett joins a depth chart that also features Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.Scouting profile: Kenny PickettSchoolHeightWeight40 timePittsburgh6'32174.73Despite being a four-year starter, Pickett didn't truly break out until his last season at Pitt when he finished sixth in the nation in passing yards (4,319) and fourth in passing touchdowns (42). That's led some to compare him to Joe Burrow or Kyler Murray, who also made massive statistical leaps during their final college campaigns. But Pickett doesn't project to be a superstar in the NFL. Though his leadership and command of the offense were impressive in 2021, the 23-year-old doesn't have the most powerful arm. Plus, he'll likely need a good system around him to excel as a pro. And while we don't want to overstate the risk with his hand size (8 5/8 inches), ball security has been a problem for him and will be something to monitor moving forward.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets traded up to select Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 26 overall.The Jets acquired the 26th pick and the 101st pick from the Tennessee Titans for the 35th, 69th, and 163rd choices.New York made Johnson its third pick of the opening round after drafting cornerback Ahmad Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson earlier in the night. The Jets were rumored to be considering Johnson with one of their top choices and wound up trading back into the first round to get him.Johnson posted 12 sacks for the Seminoles in 2021, breaking out as a star after collecting just 6.5 sacks combined over the previous two seasons at Georgia. He slid down the board on draft night despite his immense talent, perhaps in part due to concerns about his personality.Scouting profile: Jermaine JohnsonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeFlorida State6'52544.58In a deep edge rusher class, Johnson is the ultimate consolation prize in the second tier of pass-rushers. He got his first taste of consistent starting experience at Florida State after transferring from Georgia before last season and hasn't looked back, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson is a monster in the trenches thanks to his unmatchable size and length. His 34-inch arms are a marvel to watch on the field as he forces his way into the pocket - usually with a variety of swim, swat, or rip moves. That also carries over into the run game - he uses his freak size to obtain the necessary leverage to get off blocks. We've gotten a taste of Johnson's talent, but it seems the best is yet to come.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.