The New Orleans Saints selected Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 11 overall.The Saints, who entered the draft with two first-round picks, traded up for the 11th overall selection, sending a first-round pick (No. 16), a third-round selection (No. 98), and a fourth-rounder (No. 120) to the Washington Commanders, according to Albert Breer of TheMMQB.New Orleans also drafted offensive tackle Trevor Penning at No. 19 overall. The team acquired an extra Round 1 choice this year in an eight-pick trade with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in April.Wide receiver was viewed as a major need for the Saints, who saw running back Alvin Kamara lead the club with just 47 receptions in 2021. Marquez Callaway was New Orleans' top wideout last year after racking up 698 yards and six touchdowns on 46 catches.Olave put on a show through four seasons at Ohio State, posting 175 catches, 2,702 yards, and 35 touchdowns.With Olave, the Saints add an explosive pass-catcher to line up opposite Michael Thomas. Injuries have limited Thomas, the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year, to only seven regular-season appearances over the last two seasons. He didn't play at all in 2021 due to an ankle ailment.Scouting profile: Chris OlaveSchoolHeightWeight40 timeOhio State6'01874.39Olave might be the most pro-ready receiver in this year's class - sporting high-level route running, fluid athleticism, and the speed to make plays deep. His consistency could lull you into underestimating his accomplishments ... which would be a mistake. The 21-year-old is a finesse player, not someone who will overpower press corners or take on linebackers in the middle of the field. He adds little after the catch and won't do much damage as a run blocker. Instead, he'll beat you with timing, precision, and acceleration on his way to the end zone (32 touchdowns over the last three seasons at Ohio State).Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens selected Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 14 overall.Hamilton was widely considered a top-five talent in the draft but likely dropped to the Ravens partly because of positional value and a relatively slow 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds.The former Fighting Irish standout was a unanimous All-American last season after racking up three interceptions and 34 total tackles in seven games.Hamilton will join a stacked Baltimore secondary that includes Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Chuck Clark, and prized free-agent addition Marcus Williams.The Ravens made center Tyler Linderbaum their second first-round selection at No. 25 overall. Baltimore traded receiver Marquise Brown and a third-rounder (No. 100 overall) to the Arizona Cardinals for No. 23 before moving down two spots in a deal with the Buffalo Bills.Scouting profile: Kyle HamiltonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeNotre Dame6'42204.59Hamilton may be the best prospect in this year's draft class, and there's no hyperbole in that statement. The Notre Dame safety is seriously impressive in all phases of the game. Hamilton's instincts and football IQ make it appear as if he is in the huddle with opposing offenses before the snap. Whether he's asked to cover over the top or play in the box as a thumper, Hamilton does it at an elite level. He's also capable of covering bigger targets due to his size, such as tight ends, and his team frequently asked him to play as a slot defender. It's hard to find holes in Hamilton's game - he can take some poor angles, but those are few and far between. His 40-yard dash time did bring some concerns, but his speed holds up on tape. If football is a game of chess, Hamilton is the ultimate piece that will have defensive coordinators yelling "checkmate."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans traded star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 18 overall pick and a third-round selection (No. 101), the Eagles announced Thursday.Brown received a four-year, $100-million extension that includes $57 million guaranteed, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The 24-year-old was entering the final year of his rookie contract and wanted a new deal from the Titans amid an exploding wide receiver market, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN.However, Brown - who skipped voluntary workouts - reportedly didn't believe Tennessee's offer was good enough and had cut off communication with the team.The Titans repeatedly said they didn't want to trade Brown amid speculation about his future this offseason. The AFC South club immediately used the No. 18 pick on a replacement for Brown, taking Arkansas standout Treylon Burks.Brown will form one of the NFL's most intimidating receiver duos with DeVonta Smith, who led the Eagles in catches (64), yards (916), and touchdowns (five) as a rookie in 2021.Philadelphia was rumored to be targeting a wideout with one of its two first-round selections, but it instead gets one of the most established dynamic playmakers in the league.Brown, a second-round pick in 2019, racked up 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns while averaging 16.2 yards per catch across his first three NFL seasons.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 21 overall.The Chiefs sent the 29th, 94th, and 121st picks to the New England Patriots to move to No. 21, according to ESPN's Field Yates.McDuffie was a star cornerback at Washington despite failing to grab an interception last season. He finished his collegiate career with two picks and one sack.Kansas City's pass defense ranked 27th last season and allowed 27 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.Scouting profile: Trent McDuffieSchoolHeightWeight40 timeWashington5'111934.44McDuffie is an outstanding athlete whose speed and fluidity give him an ideal skill set for sticky man coverage. However, he could thrive in any role he's asked to take on, as his instincts also show up in zone coverage. The only real question mark in his game will be his ability to match up with big-bodied targets. He could primarily end up in the slot due to a significant lack of length, but there's no less value in such a player in today's game, and he'd be particularly impactful in that role with the tenacity he brings as a run defender. Either way, McDuffie should be considered a safe first-round talent with multiple paths to long-term impact play.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans selected Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 18 overall.The Titans acquired the 18th pick in a blockbuster trade that saw A.J. Brown head to the Philadelphia Eagles. They also received the Eagles' third-round selection at No. 101.Burks saw his production increase in each of his three seasons at Arkansas. He put up 475 yards in 2019 and 820 yards in 2020 before exploding for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns last campaign.Brown emerged as one of the league's bright stars before the Titans sent him to the Eagles. The former second-rounder recorded 1,000-plus-yard campaigns in 2019 and 2020. He ended up with 869 yards in 2021, though injuries limited him to just 13 games.Scouting profile: Treylon BurksSchoolHeightWeight40 timeArkansas6'22254.55Despite having the size of a prototypical alpha outside receiver, Burks is a unique prospect who needs the right offense to unlock his significant potential. That's because he's not a polished wideout, but a dominant playmaker with the size and athleticism to challenge NFL secondaries from Day 1. His college coaching staff wisely found ways to get him the ball on high-percentage plays near the line of scrimmage and let him do the rest. The majority of his snaps came out of the slot, which his next club should take advantage of as well. Though the 22-year-old has work to do if he's going to become a force in the pros, he's got the attributes to develop into a mismatch nightmare for defensive coordinators.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders selected Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 16 overall.Dotson provides the Commanders with a speedy receiver for new quarterback Carson Wentz. The former Nittany Lion put up 1,182 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his final collegiate season.Washington lacked production from their second receiving spot last season. Terry McLaurin put up 1,053 yards in 2021, but no other player recorded more than 400 receiving yards. Running back J.D. McKissic ranked second on the team with 397 yards.The Commanders went 7-10 last season and averaged less than 20 points per game (19.7).Scouting profile: Jahan DotsonSchoolHeightWeight40 timePenn State5'111784.43Dotson is an easy prospect to fall for: a smooth and savvy route-runner whose crisp moves will translate well to an NFL field. He has excellent hands and goes after the ball with conviction, showing almost no regard for his body - a trait that might be problematic and hard to replicate when he's up against more physical defenders in the pros. Though he's not equipped to shed tackles, the Penn State star shows the vision and burst to avoid them entirely, which can lead to big plays. His evident natural talents overshadow concerns about his lack of ideal size or play strength.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 13 overall.The Eagles sent the 15th, 124th, 162nd, and 166th picks to the Houston Texans in exchange for No. 13.More to come.Scouting profile: Jordan DavisSchoolHeightWeight40 timeGeorgia6'63414.78Davis is an absolute menace in the ground game. With a massive frame and freakish movement skills for his size - and his ability to find the ball, toss aside his block, and make a play - he can single-handedly destroy opponents' rushing attacks. Even if he offers nothing as a pass-rusher, a player this much of a nuisance on early downs is still worth an early pick. Davis' presence makes it easier to force third-and-longs, where the pass-rush can go to work. And if a ridiculous athletic profile hints at even a little bit of untapped potential for getting after the quarterback himself, watch out.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets finally have their receiver.New York selected Ohio State standout Garrett Wilson in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 10 overall.Wilson is the second wideout off the board after the Atlanta Falcons took Drake London at No. 8. He's also New York's second first-round selection after cornerback Ahmad Gardner was taken fourth overall.The AFC East club was seemingly intent on upgrading sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson's weapons this offseason.The Jets offered a package that included the No. 10 pick for disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel but couldn't come to terms on a deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.New York reportedly also inquired about trading for the likes of DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown earlier in the offseason.Wilson - who racked up 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021 - will join a receiving group that includes Corey Davis and Elijah Moore.Scouting profile: Garrett WilsonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeOhio State6'01834.38Wilson is a versatile, game-breaking wideout with all the traits to be an instant star at the next level. The 21-year-old isn't the most precise route-runner yet, but he creates separation with his short-area quickness and burst. A giant catch radius allows him to haul in anything thrown in his vicinity and he's a serious problem for defenders once the ball is in his hands. Wilson projects to be a high-volume top target capable of producing at all levels of the field. And there's room for him to grow if he tightens up his playing style - eliminating some of the unnecessary steps, jumps, and flailing - in an effort to be more efficient in his routes.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons selected USC wide receiver Drake London with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.London was the first wide receiver taken in this year's draft. He heads to Atlanta after a 1,000-plus-yard campaign with USC in 2021. London also hauled in seven touchdowns last season on 88 receptions.The Falcons are in need of another receiving option opposite second-year tight end Kyle Pitts. Wideout Russell Gage, who finished second on the team in receiving yards last season, departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, while Calvin Ridley will miss the 2022 campaign and possibly more due to suspension.Atlanta is amid a transformation on offense after trading longtime quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason. London will likely catch passes from Marcus Mariota, who is currently expected to be the starting quarterback.Scouting profile: Drake LondonSchoolHeightWeight40 timeUSC6'4219DNPLondon is a big but lanky outside receiver who showed some versatility in college by winning on downfield routes as well as screens. His basketball background helped him "outrebound" defenders in contested situations and he displayed scrappiness and tackle-breaking ability after the catch. However, it's hard to ignore the physical advantages he enjoyed over most of his competition. That makes you wonder whether he'll be as effective against bigger, faster, and more skilled NFL defensive backs. He doesn't turn 21 until July, though, so there's plenty of time for him to add muscle and develop his game. It's also worth noting that he suffered a season-ending broken ankle in October, but it's not expected to impact his rookie year.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 9 overall.The Seahawks were believed to be a candidate to select a quarterback but passed on all the top passers to address their oft-maligned offensive line.Cross developed into a consistent pass-protector at Mississippi State, though his work in the run game reportedly left some teams questioning his ability to thrive as an immediate starter.The Seahawks have a hole to fill at left tackle, as veteran Duane Brown is a free agent. Seattle has drawn criticism in recent years for its lack of investment in the offensive line; the franchise has drafted only one offensive lineman - Ethan Pocic - in the top two rounds since 2017.Scouting profile: Charles CrossSchoolHeightWeight40 timeBoston College6'33125.18Tasked with shutting down SEC pass-rushers in an offense that throws the ball as much as any program, Cross was more than up to the job. To perform at the level he did in a situation like that tells you everything you need to know about his potential at the next level. The Mississippi State product rarely finds himself out of position in his pass sets, helping him shut down both speed to the edge and counters back inside. When opponents turn to power, Cross anchors to shut that down, too. The run game is a bit of a question mark, but a lack of reps truly may be all that stands in the way of him making a major impact there. Either way, offensive linemen are paid to protect the quarterback, and Cross does that as well as anyone in this class.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers selected NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 6 overall.The Panthers entered the draft with a glaring need on their offensive line and had their pick of the top tackles after the top-five selections were used on defensive players. Carolina took Ekwonu over Alabama's Evan Neal and Mississippi State's Charles Cross.Ekwonu - born in Charlotte, North Carolina - is the first offensive lineman drafted by the Panthers in the first round since Jeff Otah in 2008. He was a unanimous All-American last season.The highly athletic 21-year-old projects to start at left tackle from Day 1. The NFC South club brought in guard Austin Corbett and center Bradley Bozeman in free agency to bolster a unit featuring top right tackle Taylor Moton.Scouting profile: Ikem EkwonuSchoolHeightWeight40 timeNC State6'43104.93Whether he's blowing an opponent off the ball, using his athleticism to make difficult assignments look easy, working to the second level to take out a linebacker, or finishing his blocks with a rare nastiness, Ekwonu is phenomenal to watch in the run game. There's work to do in pass protection, particularly when it comes to the timing of his punch and not oversetting or overextending to leave an inside lane open, but an NFL team can clean those things up. And with his athletic skill set, there's no reason to think he won't do it. Ekwonu has the makings of a long-term starter at either tackle spot in any scheme. Should he run into any major challenges in his development as a pass-protector in space, a transition to guard - where he could have All-Pro potential - provides an excellent fallback option.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans selected LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.It's the first time Houston has selected a player in the first round since picking offensive tackle Tytus Howard in 2019. The Texans traded their Round 1 selections in each of the past two years.Stingley suffered a foot injury during the 2021 season, but he's fully recovered from the ailment, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The LSU star will join a secondary that struggled in pass coverage last season, allowing a passer rating of 94.1 to opposing quarterbacks. The Texans' cornerback depth chart also features Desmond King, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and Steven Nelson, the latter of whom joined the club this offseason.Scouting profile: Derek Stingley Jr.SchoolHeightWeight40 timeLSU6'0190DNPStingley has faced plenty of questions after missing time and a slight dropoff in play over the last two years. But scouting departments shouldn't overthink this one. Trust what you saw in 2019 when his emergence as a true freshman for LSU's national championship team already had evaluators looking forward to him declaring as part of this draft class. Stingley is an elite cornerback prospect with the rare skill set necessary to match up with top receivers in press-man coverage. He can also thrive off the ball, where his route recognition and burst allow him to jump routes and make plays. This is the kind of player who can change a defense.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets selected Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 4 overall.More to come.Scouting profile: Ahmad GardnerSchoolHeightWeight40 timeCincinnati6'31904.41Gardner has more than enough size to match up with even the biggest receivers, and he doesn't sacrifice anything in the speed department. That's a rare combination from a physical perspective. Add in the intelligence and the competitiveness he brings to the table, and you've got a top-10 talent at the cornerback position. Shiftier receivers could pose a challenge in man coverage - his short-area quicks aren't great, and he tends to reach and grab in the route - but technique refinement can help him clean that up at the next level. Gardner should be an instant impact player with Pro Bowl potential.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker with the first overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.The Jaguars were believed to be considering Walker, Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, and NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu before making the pick.Walker had only 9.5 career sacks at Georgia, but his stock rose ahead of the draft because of his physical attributes. He drew comparisons to Minnesota Vikings star Danielle Hunter in the pre-draft process in light of his minimal sack production in college paired with his athletic traits.The 21-year-old Walker will head to a Jaguars team that recorded only 32 sacks last season, which ranked 27th in the NFL. Josh Allen led the club with 7.5 sacks in 2021.Walker is Jacksonville's second No. 1 overall pick in as many years. The Jaguars selected former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the top selection in 2021.Scouting profile: Travon WalkerSchoolHeightWeight40 timeGeorgia6'52724.51Walker is an absolute freak of nature. His 6-foot-5, 272-pound build and 35 1/2-inch arms make it easy to see why evaluators might fall over their chairs for him. On the field, he's still extremely raw as a pass-rusher but has all the tools needed: length, power, explosiveness - you name it. He's a brick wall in run defense, insanely strong, and has shown the ability to drop into coverage. When it comes to Walker's ceiling, the plain truth is that he doesn't have one - though it'll be up to his NFL coaching staff to get the most out of him.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The biggest mistake in the history of the NFL draft resulted in the selection of a damn fine professional football player. What made the error so noticeably ruinous is everything that happened afterward.It was 1982. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were coming off their second division championship in three years - an auspicious turnaround for a franchise that began play in 1976 and lost its first 26 games. The Bucs had a pedigreed head coach in John McKay and a promising young quarterback in Doug Williams. They had a future Hall of Fame defensive end in Lee Roy Selmon and a young outside linebacker bursting with potential in Hugh Green. They were primed to build a consistent winner, and had the 17th pick in the first round of the draft.Then they picked the wrong player. Literally."Oh, Jesus Christ," then-Bucs director of player personnel Ken Herock told theScore in a telephone interview. "That story."No, really: Forty years ago this week, Tampa Bay intended to select defensive end Booker Reese from Bethune-Cookman in the first round, only to mistakenly submit to the NFL the name of Penn State guard Sean Farrell.Every team in the league has proven to be incapable of mastering the draft, and all 32 franchises have made a bushelful of rotten selections over the years. But a team that picked the wrong dude because it turned in the wrong name? Yup. It really happened. And somehow, for the Bucs, that's not even the worst part of how this improbable saga played out.On draft day, the team's entire brain trust was back in Tampa. Their man on the ground at the New York Sheraton Hotel - the site of the draft - was equipment manager Pat Marcuccillo, whose job was to wait by the phone for the team's decision. He then would relay the name to the league to officially submit the pick.Both Marcuccillo and Herock told theScore it wasn't uncommon in those days for non-football operations personnel like equipment managers or trainers to represent the franchise on-site at the draft. In fact, 1982 wasn't the first time the Bucs assigned the task to Marcuccillo."It was nothing like it is today," Marcuccillo, who now works in guest services at the San Francisco 49ers' stadium, told theScore. "Nobody had computers, nobody had a guy standing next to them if they want a drink of water. I had a black phone, and I had a desk."With time winding down on the Bucs' 15-minute window to make their pick, Herock phoned Marcuccillo. As Herock told Sports Illustrated in 2014, he instructed Marcuccillo to write down the names of both Farrell and Reese. He also told him to sit tight as the team's brass debated which player it would ultimately choose.Sean Farrell in 1981 at Penn State. George Gojkovich / Getty Images Farrell was a two-time All-American at Penn State, where he played along an outstanding offensive line that also included future Hall of Fame guard Mike Munchak, who was drafted eighth overall that year by the Houston Oilers. Reese, the 1981 Black college player of the year, was much rawer: a 6-foot-6, 260-pounder whose athletic skills caught the eye of Bucs defensive coordinator Wayne Fontes and defensive line coach Abe Gibron."We thought we needed both of those players, but after we mulled it over and discussed it, the selection was to go with Booker Reese," Herock told SI. "So I told Pat, I said, 'Listen, Pat, you've got two names there.' I said, 'We’re not going with Sean Farrell, we're going with Booker Reese. Turn it in.'"To this day, Herock doesn't know why he phrased it that way. His decision to mention both names proved to be fateful.The Bucs draft room was gathered around a speakerphone; Marcuccillo was on an old-school telephone. As Marcuccillo told theScore, he was seated at a desk far from the dais, beneath an eave where a bunch of rowdy hometown New York Giants fans were situated. The Giants had the pick following the Bucs', and with a few minutes of Tampa Bay's allotted time remaining, those fans began to chant loudly and stomp their feet. They hoped the Giants would select Michigan running back Butch Woolfolk (which they did).New York football fans can be passionate, especially at the draft. Diamond Images / Getty Images"You couldn't hear a thing," said Marcuccillo, who described how he had the phone pressed tightly against one ear and a finger jammed in his other ear, in a desperate attempt to make out anything Herock was telling him."There was about maybe two minutes, two and a half minutes to go. And he goes, 'Pat, write down Sean Farrell, guard, Penn State.' OK, Sean Farrell, guard, Penn State. And on my children’s lives, the next two words I heard - or next three words - (were) 'Turn it in.' I never heard 'Turn in Sean,' I never heard 'Turn in Booker Reese.' He said, 'Turn it in,' and that was the last name I heard, Sean Farrell. So I turned it in."After the pick was announced, there was panic. Herock and at least one other person in the draft room told SI they remembered Marcuccillo being told to plead to get the selection rescinded. But Marcuccillo, who was not quoted in the SI story, told theScore that the idea was suggested, but the brain trust back in Tampa instead told him to stay put and keep quiet. Owner Hugh Culverhouse broached the subject with Pete Rozelle, according to Marcuccillo. As one might expect, this cartoonishly hopeless entreaty proved to be fruitless."I was upset," Marcuccillo remembered. "I thought for sure I was going to get fired."Marcuccillo recalled Herock and McKay telling him everything was fine, and that he needn't worry. After all, the Bucs still had to get through the rest of the draft, starting with the second round.The Bucs lacked a second-round pick, having traded it two years earlier to the Miami Dolphins for a pair of middling players. And as the first round wound down, Reese was still available."The D-line coach really wanted him," Herock told theScore, referring to Gibron, who died in 1997. "I said, if you really want him, I'll make a trade and go get him."A Bucs assistant coach told the Tampa Bay Times years later that Gibron's enthusiasm for Reese had cooled by draft day. Marcuccillo, even now, remains convinced that either Culverhouse or general manager Phil Krueger initially wanted to draft Reese because he'd be easier to sign than Farrell, a notion that Farrell's agent, Marvin Demoff, dismissed in that SI story.Whatever the motivation, the Bucs chose to double down on Reese. In an attempt to chase its error, Tampa Bay inexplicably traded its 1983 first-round pick to the Chicago Bears to nab Reese with the fifth pick in the 1982 second round (32nd overall). The 1983 draft was already shaping up to become one of the most talent-rich in league history, but that didn't stop the Bucs from pulling the trigger on dealing their top selection to acquire Reese, even after Reese tumbled into the second round.It was the first in a series of poor decisions that would doom the Bucs franchise for the next decade and a half.Doug Williams, left, and head coach John McKay, right, in 1978. Focus on Sport / Getty ImagesFirst, Reese turned out to be unfit for the NFL, in more ways than one. Then the Bucs lost Williams, their quarterback, to the fledgling USFL after the 1982 season because the notoriously cheap Culverhouse refused to meet Williams' contract demands. Williams maintained in his autobiography that the two sides differed by only $200,000, though Krueger was later quoted in a book saying Williams wanted to be the league's highest-paid QB.Either way, the Bucs entered 1983 without a quarterback - and without a first-round pick in a draft that was stocked with premium signal-callers like John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino, in addition to future Hall of Famers at other positions like running back Eric Dickerson, offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, and cornerback Darrell Green. Making matters worse, Tampa Bay chased its mistake again by sending its 1984 first-rounder to the Cincinnati Bengals for QB Jack Thompson, a 1979 first-round pick who failed to beat out Ken Anderson. Thompson lasted only two seasons with the Bucs and went 3-13 as a starter before losing his job to journeyman Steve DeBerg, who was also acquired via trade.In the midst of all this, Herock left, too. All because of a dispute with Culverhouse over money."He just didn't want to pay me what I wanted, and so I had an option, and I went to the USFL," Herock said.Hugh Culverhouse, right, with Lions coach Wayne Fontes in 1988. Allen Steele / Allsport / Getty ImagesThe team's problems kept snowballing from there. One of Herock's last moves with the Bucs was the selection of QB Steve Young in the 1984 supplemental draft of players who'd signed on with the USFL. Young joined Tampa Bay in 1985 as the USFL began to fall apart, but the team was such a disaster that Young was only able to win three games in two seasons before being traded to the 49ers - with whom he would go on to have a Hall of Fame career.In 1986, the Bucs selected running back Bo Jackson with the No. 1 pick. A contemporary report indicated that after Jackson had dinner in Tampa with a group that included a handful of Bucs players plus Hugh Green, who was traded to the Dolphins in the middle of the 1985 season, Jackson chose to play baseball instead.Many years later, Jackson told USA Today's Bob Nightengale he refused to play for the Bucs because he believed Culverhouse flew him to Tampa for a physical before reporting it to the NCAA as an infraction, in an attempt to prevent Jackson from playing baseball during the spring of his senior year at Auburn."I told myself, 'All right, if you screw me, I'm going to screw you twice as hard,'" Jackson told Nightengale. "If anybody else had drafted me, I would have gone, but I wasn’t going to play for that man."People thought I was crazy, but it was just morals. If you screw me over like that, and I'm not part of a team yet, just think what they'd do to me under contract. I couldn't do that. I needed the money. I was as poor as a Mississippi outhouse. I needed that money. But I couldn't play for that man."Bo Jackson at Auburn in 1983. John Iacono / Sports Illustrated / Getty ImagesTampa Bay chose Heisman Trophy-winning QB Vinny Testaverde first overall in 1987, and he was gone three years later, only to find more success elsewhere. You get the idea. The Bucs were the league's never-ending laugh track from 1983 until 1996, wobbling aimlessly through 14 straight losing seasons, a stretch of futility in which they lost fewer than 10 games once. The Glazer family purchased the team in 1995 following Culverhouse's death and head coach Tony Dungy arrived the following year.Ironically, even as the Bucs kept skidding into a ditch, Farrell - the player they drafted by mistake - developed into a legitimately solid player. But the losing - and the slapstick way the Bucs ran their operation - took quite a toll. By December 1986, as the team was nearing the end of a third 2-14 finish in four seasons, Farrell appeared at a booster club event at Disney World in Orlando and let loose."I know what I want this Christmas," Farrell said, with the Orlando Sentinel adding that he leaned forward for emphasis. "I want to get the hell out of Tampa Bay."Asked where he wanted to go, Farrell replied, "I don't care where I'm going. I just want out. I want to play football for a number of years, but not if there is no fun."Sean Farrell blocking for James Wilder in 1985. George Gojkovich / Getty Images Sport / GettyYears later, in an interview with SI, Farrell provided specifics about the Bucs' shoestring approach. He compared the team facility to a "solid high school" building. He described how the team would bill players for any game balls they received and for the sweatsuits they wore during walk-throughs when it got a little cold outside. The soda machine required exact change. And because there was no on-site food being provided, players often hit the drive-through at a nearby fast-food joint for lunch after taping up for practice."All true stories," Farrell told SI. "It was ridiculous."Herock told theScore the lack of on-site food operations was common in the 1980s, but Farrell noticed the difference when got his wish in February 1987 and was traded to the New England Patriots. There, catered meals were provided. Farrell spent three seasons in New England and also played for the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks in what wound up being an 11-year NFL career. He later went on to work in financial services in the Tampa area and for an organization run by Culverhouse's daughter, Gay, that assisted former NFL players dealing with disability issues after their careers.Reese's trajectory has been much different. He couldn't play, but he also was naive and ill-prepared for life as a pro athlete. One of the more famous anecdotes about his lack of guile involves what happened shortly after he signed his rookie contract. Reese went to a Tampa car dealership and attempted to purchase a vehicle for himself and his mother. He tried to pay for it all by handing over his $150,000 bonus check and asking for the change.Reese also developed a problem with drugs and alcohol - at a time when the league (and society at large) was far less understanding about addiction and mental-health issues. In 2003, Reese told the Tampa Bay Times he began using cocaine in 1981, when he was still at Bethune-Cookman, and that he developed a habit that only worsened when he found himself with money and lots of time on his hands during the seven-week players strike in 1982.It was never Reese's fault that he was selected under such absurd circumstances. But he had to bear the burden of expectations placed upon him. As he struggled to perform, self-doubt began to creep in. His use of alcohol and drugs worsened."It wasn't panning out," Reese told the Times. "I wasn't what I thought I should be. I kept wondering: 'Why am I not excelling?'"Booker Reese was unable to make a mark on a defense unit that boasted Lee Roy Selmon (63) and Hugh Green (53). Heinz Kluetmeier / Sports Illustrated / Getty ImagesAfter a drug-related arrest in 1984, Reese was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. His career in Tampa Bay lasted only 24 games. He went to rehab while in L.A., but was released after 11 games following a positive cocaine test. One last stint with the 49ers in the 1985 offseason ended after another positive test. That 2003 interview with the Tampa Bay Times took place at a Florida state prison, where Reese was serving time for a parole violation related to a 1999 drug arrest.Sports Illustrated was unable to reach Reese for its 2014 story, with several sources telling the magazine they heard he was homeless and living in his native Jacksonville. theScore tracked down a number listed for Reese in that city, and while he didn't respond, his son, Michael, replied to a text message to say his father declined to comment."It was 40 years ago and he's moved on and has finally gotten to a peaceful place in his life," Michael Reese said in his text. "And speaking to him, he just wants to leave all that in the past."Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants won't pick up the fifth-year option on Daniel Jones' rookie contract, a source told Judy Battista of NFL.com.The option was expected to be worth $22.38 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Jones will enter the season in the final year of his deal. However, he could receive the franchise tag in 2023 if he plays well, Battista notes.The Giants' decision to decline Jones' option comes as no surprise after the arrival of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.Jones has thrown for 8,398 yards with 45 touchdowns and 29 interceptions through the first three years of his career.The Giants could target a quarterback Thursday as they hold both the No. 5 and No. 7 picks in the NFL draft.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans are exploring a trade to obtain a second top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Texans hold the No. 3 and No. 13 selections ahead of Thursday's first round. If the right player is available, the AFC South club is prepared to move its No. 13 pick to acquire the prospect, Schefter reports.General manager Nick Caserio said that while the Texans will almost definitely use the third overall pick, there's a "maybe 50%-60% chance" they keep the 13th selection, he told NFL Media's Jim Trotter.The Texans have made multiple offseason moves, including trading quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. While the team could opt to draft another quarterback, the club has stood behind Davis Mills throughout the offseason.Houston is projected to select cornerback Derek Stingley and wide receiver Garrett Wilson in theScore's final mock draft.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Draft day is here.Before we get to the real thing, let's take one last look at how things could shake out. And with so many teams having traded out of the opening round this year, we've also included projections for each of those clubs' first pick.1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travon Walker, EDGE, GeorgiaThe buzz around Walker going to the Jaguars with the No. 1 pick can't be ignored. This could prove to be a reach - needing to project pass-rush value due to a lack of college production isn't ideal - but it's also easy to see why Jacksonville would be willing to take this swing for a potential home run. Walker is a phenomenal athlete with all the tools to make good on this draft position. It may take some time, but the payoff could be worth the wait.2. Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe front office in Detroit will certainly be thrilled to grab local product Hutchinson at No. 2. The Michigan star was projected as the top pick for the majority of the draft cycle and boasts the best college production of any top edge prospect. Hutchinson should thrive in Dan Campbell's system and give the Lions some serious pop on defense.3. Houston Texans - Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSUDespite hearing throughout the draft cycle that teams have concerns about the two years that followed his incredible freshman season at LSU, Stingley now seems like a great beat to go in this spot. Might this just be the media catching up to the way NFL teams saw him all along? Stingley is a foundational talent for a Texans defense that needs help everywhere.4. New York Jets - Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC StateThe Jets were a middle-of-the-pack rushing team in 2022, something immediately addressed with the addition of the physical Ekwonu at No. 4. The NC State product is arguably the best run-blocker in the draft and should also beef up the pass protection for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson.5. New York Giants - Evan Neal, OT, AlabamaThe Giants would have to be thrilled that Neal, a rock-solid offensive tackle prospect with a clear case as the best overall player in this draft, falls to them at No. 5. Whether they play him at right tackle or move Andrew Thomas to that spot so Neal can play on the left, the Alabama standout would be a Day 1 impact starter.6. Carolina Panthers - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Panthers need a quarterback, but with nobody in this draft worth a top-10 pick, Carolina opts to shore up the offensive line with Cross. The Mississippi State standout shines in pass protection and should represent a significant upgrade at tackle, regardless of who's standing behind him at quarterback.7. Giants (via CHI) - Ahmad Gardner, CB, CincinnatiHaving two picks in the top seven gives New York a real chance to come away with two blue-chip players. After landing a marquee offensive tackle at No. 5, Gardner provides the Giants a similar level of upside at a similarly valuable position.8. Atlanta Falcons - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, OregonIt's likely we look back in a few years in utter disbelief that Thibodeaux fell to No. 8 in the draft. The Oregon star began last season as a projected top-three selection but has dropped slightly during the cycle this year. Thibodeaux is as talented as any player on the board and immediately gives the Falcons an edge rusher the rest of the division will fear.9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) - Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida StateJohnson would fit in a Seahawks defense that needs playmakers in the worst way. A pro-ready rusher who can thrive in an every-down role from the jump, the Florida State product is flying under the radar as part of a talented edge rusher class.10. Jets (via SEA) - Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWatch Williams' tape, and it's clear he possesses the elite speed to be a dominant weapon in the NFL. The Alabama star spent all season pulling away from would-be tacklers to help the Crimson Tide reach the national title game. Unfortunately, a torn ACL will likely keep Williams out to start the season, but once he's healthy, he should immediately give the Jets a big-play threat.11. Washington Commanders - Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre DameHamilton shouldn't fall too far despite an underwhelming 40 time, but a mini slide gives Washington plenty of value here at No. 11. The Notre Dame star is a foundational player who would fit in nicely alongside Kamren Curl on the back end.12. Minnesota Vikings - Drake London, WR, USCThe 6-foot-5, 210-pound London is a quarterback's dream thanks to his absurd catch radius. He absolutely dominates 50-50 balls and uses his elite size brilliantly to overpower undersized cornerbacks. The Vikings have a potential out in Adam Thielen's contract after this season. London emerging as a great complement to Justin Jefferson should make that decision quite easy after 2022.13. Texans (via CLE) - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio StateIf the Texans are going to build around Davis Mills, giving him the weapons he needs to succeed will be a major priority. Wilson is a dynamic target who has the ball skills to dominate at the catch point and the run-after-catch ability to turn short gains into explosive plays.14. Baltimore Ravens - George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / GettyWhile he lacks elite length, Karlaftis uses power as well as any pass-rusher in this year's class. The Purdue star is fundamentally sound and should be an exceptional complement to Odafe Oweh.15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) - Jordan Davis, DL, GeorgiaThe interior defensive line isn't necessarily an immediate need for the Eagles, but solidifying the future of that position with Davis is too good of an opportunity to pass up. Prospects with this combination of size and athleticism don't come around very often, if ever. Davis can single-handedly ruin an opponent's running game, and there's potential for him to make an impact as a pass-rusher, too.16. New Orleans Saints (via PHI, IND) - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio StateWhile he won't blow you away with his size, Olave is an exceptional route-runner who can burn almost any defensive back with his speed. He immediately brings a solid one-two Ohio State punch to New Orleans alongside Michael Thomas and should be able to produce solid numbers in his rookie campaign.17. Los Angeles Chargers - Trevor Penning, OT, Northern IowaPenning isn't nearly as refined as the tackles drafted ahead of him - and perhaps even some of those selected after - but his rare athletic profile gives him an outstanding ceiling. With rare movement skills and a nasty on-field demeanor, he could be a phenomenal bookend to 2021 first-round left tackle Rashawn Slater.18. Eagles (via NO) - Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyAt 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Burks is a solid complement to the wiry DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia. Arkansas used the standout junior all over the field and in a variety of ways, including some time as a wildcat QB. While he'll need time to develop as a pure receiver, Burks can be a weapon from Day 1 in the right system.19. Saints (via PHI) - Malik Willis, QB, LibertyIt seems possible, if not likely, that the Saints will use their pair of first-rounders on a receiver and an offensive lineman. With Jameis Winston back on a two-year deal, selecting a quarterback isn't necessarily a lock. But with the top tackles off the board, why not take a swing on Willis here? He'll need some time to make the most of his incredible physical gifts, and the Saints can afford to be patient in hopes of finding a new long-term starter under center.20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Desmond Ridder, QB, CincinnatiRidder finished his career at Cincinnati with the third-most wins by a quarterback in college football history. That pedigree embodies exactly what the Steelers look for in a quarterback. While he doesn't pop with the physical attributes of someone like Willis, Ridder's complete package should translate to a solid starting quarterback for years in Pittsburgh.21. New England Patriots - Devin Lloyd, LB, UtahThe Patriots are tough to predict. A trade down is always possible - and probably New England's preference - but would anyone really need to trade up to this particular spot? Linebacker stands out as a glaring need with the team seemingly having moved on from Dont'a Hightower, and Lloyd is a logical fit as a new long-term leader in the middle.22. Green Bay Packers (via LV) - Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State Greg Fiume / Getty Images Sport / GettyAfter watching Dotson play for Penn State, it's almost impossible to believe he's only 5-foot-11. The Nittany Lions star high points the ball as well as anybody in the draft and has several incredible contested catches on his game film. He immediately will step in and become a favorite target for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.23. Arizona Cardinals - Devonte Wyatt, DL, GeorgiaThe Cardinals desperately need to make upgrades on the interior defensive front, both in terms of run defense and pass rush. Wyatt, yet another standout from a stacked Georgia defense, can be an every-down player right away.24. Dallas Cowboys - Zion Johnson, G, Boston CollegeWhile he played both tackle and guard in college, Johnson should immediately step in as a Day 1 starter on the interior of the Cowboys' line. Johnson's size and length are ideal, and his ability to read the game from the guard position should make him a solid starter in the NFC East for years.25. Buffalo Bills - Trent McDuffie, CB, WashingtonMcDuffie falling to this spot would be a surprise, but it's certainly possible that a lack of length gives teams pause. The Bills would be happy to see the board fall this way, though, as he would be an outstanding fit as a starter opposite Tre'Davious White. It's one of the few remaining needs on a loaded roster.26. Tennessee Titans - Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyGreen played all across the line for Texas A&M, seeing time at four of the five offensive line positions during the 2021 season. The 6-foot-4, 325-pounder shines in pass protection and is a willing run-blocker that should help open up holes for Derrick Henry in Tennessee.27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Travis Jones, DT, ConnecticutTom Brady came back, some free agents followed, and all of a sudden, the Bucs just don't have many needs. At this point, it seems like a lock that they'll go defensive line or offensive line. Jones would give Tampa Bay another great run defender next to Vita Vea. Don't sleep on his ability to get after the quarterback, either.28. Packers - Logan Hall, DL, HoustonHall has been a late riser on draft boards thanks to his potential, but he'll need to add size to play at the defensive tackle spot in the NFL. Hall's quickness and explosiveness are his calling card in disrupting the opposition's game plan, and with a little seasoning, he could be a difference-maker in Green Bay.29. Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA, SF) - Kyler Gordon, CB, WashingtonAllowing Tyrann Mathieu to walk in free agency leaves the Chiefs without one of the NFL's most versatile defenders on the back end. Though he'd likely play more cornerback than safety, Gordon has a similar do-it-all element to his game.30. Chiefs - Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettyEbiketie will bring endless energy to Kansas City at the No. 30 slot. The Penn State star is an elite athlete with excellent speed who thrives in pass-rushing downs. That's a great fit for a Chiefs team that spends a lot of time in the lead with the opposition playing catch-up.31. Cincinnati Bengals - Kaiir Elam, CB, FloridaThe Bengals made a point of upgrading the offensive line in free agency, signing three veterans to fill starting spots. That won't necessarily keep them from adding another in this spot, but the pick would be better utilized by filling a glaring need at corner. With Elam joining Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton, the position group could become another strength of an increasingly strong roster.32. Lions (via LAR) - Nakobe Dean, LB, GeorgiaYes, he's undersized, but there's no player with more impressive game tape in the draft than Dean. The star of Georgia's dominant defense is one of the smartest players we've seen in recent memory, with his ability to read the game keeping him one or two steps ahead of everyone else. His ability and leadership are exactly what Campbell is looking for in Detroit.Teams without 1st-round pick39. Chicago Bears - George Pickens, WR, GeorgiaThe Bears have to make a point of surrounding Justin Fields with weapons. When your first pick isn't until early in the second round, what better way to do so than by taking a chance on a big-bodied playmaker who could return first-round value.42. Indianapolis Colts - Skyy Moore, WR, Western MichiganMoore is a perfect complement to Michael Pittman in Indianapolis and should immediately provide Matt Ryan with a solid playmaker on offense. The 5-foot-10 receiver is stronger than his 195-pound frame suggests and will be a problem for AFC South defensive backs from the start.44. Cleveland Browns - David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettyOjabo likely would have been a first-round pick if not for a torn Achilles suffered during his pro day workout. The injury likely means that he'll miss most, if not all, of his rookie season, but this could be a good way for the Browns to find a long-term running mate for Myles Garrett.61. San Francisco 49ers - Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, NebraskaThe 49ers need versatility on the back end, something Taylor-Britt brings out of Nebraska. The three-year starter is one of the more aggressive defensive backs in the draft and would be a strong fit for San Francisco at No. 61.64. Denver Broncos - Channing Tindall, LB, GeorgiaAfter parting with their first- and second-round selections as part of the Russell Wilson trade, the Broncos aren't scheduled to pick until the end of the second round. The front seven should be the focus when they finally are on the clock, and Tindall would be an immediate starter at inside linebacker.86. Las Vegas Raiders - Matthew Butler, DL, Tennessee Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Raiders bring in Butler to fill a need after significant turnover on the interior of the defensive line. The Tennessee standout is a steady player who fills gaps when needed and flashes potential to play full time going forward.102. Miami Dolphins - Myjai Sanders, EDGE, CincinnatiThe Dolphins' roster is in great shape now after a busy offseason, highlighted by the Tyreek Hill trade that left them without a pick until this spot late in the third round. Sanders would need to add some size to be a full-time player on the edge, but he could still provide plenty of value as a sub-package pass-rusher in the meantime.104. Los Angeles Rams - Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia TechThe Rams find themselves without a pick in the top 100, but the Super Bowl ring on their fingers more than makes up for that. The biggest need in Los Angeles is depth to help replace Von Miller, something that Barno provides. The Virginia Tech standout ran a blistering 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and could be a brilliant pick if he delivers on his athletic potential.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders told star tight end Darren Waller that they won't trade him despite recent reports linking him to the Green Bay Packers."I've had talks with the (Raiders), and they said this is not a thing that's happening, and there's no trade that's going to happen," Waller said Wednesday on the "Zach Gelb Show."Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV reported Monday that Green Bay and Las Vegas were engaged in trade talks regarding Waller, adding the two sides wanted to get a deal done during the 2022 NFL Draft.This isn't the first time Waller has been linked to the Packers. Green Bay wanted the tight end as part of the trade that sent star receiver Davante Adams to Las Vegas in March, sources told The Athletic's Jeff Howe.Waller says he has no intentions of leaving the Raiders right now."I love being here. I love playing with my guys," he said. "(I) really enjoy these new coaches (and) how they challenge us out the gate. So yeah, I love being in Las Vegas, and I love playing for the Raiders."Beyond being one of football's most explosive tight ends, the 29-year-old is also currently signed to one of the cheapest contracts among starters at his position. He ranks 17th among tight ends in average annual salary after inking a four-year, $29.8-million extension in October 2019, according to Spotrac.Waller, who has two years left on his deal, said he has "no idea" if his contract situation was a factor in the trade rumors."I let my agent do his job, and I focus on the football aspect," he said.Injuries limited the 2020 Pro Bowler to only 11 regular-season appearances last year. He racked up 665 yards and two touchdowns on 55 receptions in 2021.Waller previously topped 1,000 yards in both 2019 and '20. He set career highs with 107 catches, 1,196 yards, and nine touchdown receptions two years ago.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is nearing an agreement to join Fox as an NFL studio analyst, reports Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.Payton is expected to be on "Fox NFL Kickoff" and "Fox NFL Sunday," adds Marchand.The 58-year-old also reportedly generated interest from Amazon.Payton stepped away from coaching in January but didn't rule out a potential return to the sidelines in the future. Payton coached the Saints for 15 seasons from 2006-21, posting a 152-89 record and helping New Orleans win its first Super Bowl title.Fox is still looking to replace Troy Aikman as its top NFL game analyst. Payton emerged as a strong candidate, but he hasn't discussed the job with Fox, Marchand reports.Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who sat next to Joe Buck in the broadcast booth, left Fox for ESPN after 20 years. Fox recently announced that Kevin Burkhardt will replace Buck, who also joined ESPN.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals picked up the fifth-year option on quarterback Kyler Murray's rookie contract, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Murray is now guaranteed a $29.7-million salary for the 2023 season, according to Spotrac.The move comes as no surprise, though a long-term extension between the two sides doesn't seem imminent.Murray began looking for a new deal after his third NFL campaign in 2021. The passer's agent, Erik Burkhardt, submitted a long-term contract proposal to Arizona in February, but he's since reportedly pulled his opening offer off the table. Burkhardt apparently hasn't received an extension proposal from the Cardinals.Murray also fuelled rumors about his future in Arizona after removing all references to the Cardinals from his Instagram account in February.Cardinals general manager Steve Keim recently said there's "zero chance" the team will trade Murray despite the stalled contract talks.The 24-year-old has earned two Pro Bowl berths since Arizona drafted him first overall in 2019. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year helped the Cardinals return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 after passing for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions through 14 games in 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Peyton Manning is honoring his former Denver Broncos teammate Demaryius Thomas with the launch of a new scholarship.Georgia Tech announced Wednesday that Manning's PeyBack Foundation, which the Hall of Famer founded with his wife Ashley, has established the Demaryius A. Thomas Scholarship Endowment at the school.The endowment will offer full and partial academic scholarships for incoming freshmen students from Laurens County, Georgia - where Thomas was born and raised - and surrounding areas to attend Georgia Tech.The school also announced it will recognize Demaryius Thomas Day on Aug. 8 of each year in memory of the No. 8 jersey he wore during his three seasons at Georgia Tech and the No. 88 he wore in the NFL."An important part of Demaryius' legacy was the way he inspired the next generation to pursue their dreams with the same perseverance and determination that defined him," Manning said in a statement. "Through this scholarship to Georgia Tech, Demaryius will have a lasting impact on deserving youth from his hometown area who can follow in his footsteps and accomplish great things in life."

Peyton Manning is honoring his former Denver Broncos teammate Demaryius Thomas with the launch of a new scholarship.Georgia Tech announced Wednesday that Manning's PeyBack Foundation, which the Hall of Famer founded with his wife Ashley, has established the Demaryius A. Thomas Scholarship Endowment at the school.The endowment will offer full and partial academic scholarships for incoming freshmen students from Laurens County, Georgia - where Thomas was born and raised - and surrounding areas to attend Georgia Tech.The school also announced it will recognize Demaryius Thomas Day on Aug. 8 of each year in memory of the No. 8 jersey he wore during his three seasons at Georgia Tech and the No. 88 he wore in the NFL."An important part of Demaryius' legacy was the way he inspired the next generation to pursue their dreams with the same perseverance and determination that defined him," Manning said in a statement. "Through this scholarship to Georgia Tech, Demaryius will have a lasting impact on deserving youth from his hometown area who can follow in his footsteps and accomplish great things in life."

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 breaks down his final pre-draft rookie rankings and goes over the latest news updates.

The NFL Draft is a betting vehicle unlike any other. With a week between games during the season, no league provides more time for bettors to decide who they'll put their money on. However, a week becomes months with the draft, meaning the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the value - which explains why we've been trying for months to get to the bottom of who'll top the 2022 event.Like any betting market, we've tried to create value by making bets at prices before they shorten. Our calculated risks come from logical breakdowns of the draft, even if the NFL decision-makers can at times make picks devoid of much common sense.First overall pick odds (Jan. 4)No one knows who is going where. Even the Jaguars don't seem to know. Those claiming to have sources are likely being used by those sources to create misdirection that may benefit the team. We've long been at the forefront of the #NotHutch movement in this space, even when he was the favorite. Now, apparently, Aidan Hutchinson is not even the top edge rusher on the Jaguars' board.Is there a bet left to make?The word out of Jacksonville is that an offensive lineman is still in play, but the odds suggest that Ikem Ekwonu would be the tackle taken and not Evan Neal - as the former is up to +450 - if you're still hoping Doug Pederson will win the right to make the final call.Player draft position over/unders (April 13)We're sitting pretty with our Hutchinson Over 1.5 ticket at +225 now that he's -350 for Jacksonville to pass him over.PLAYERAS OF 4/16AS OF 4/27Kayvon ThibodeauxU5.5 (+100)U4.5 (-205)Garrett WilsonU10.5 (-115)U9.5 (-130)Jordan DavisO13.5 (-160)U14.5 (+125)There were reasons the value was sucked out of those bets: The recognition that a team will scoop Thibodeaux up if available at the fifth pick, the 10th pick will more likely be used on a wide receiver like Wilson, and the Ravens would be a viable landing spot for Davis at 14.Is there a bet left to make?Not on these players, but more players have been lined than there were two weeks ago. The lesson: If you show up on draft week intending to get value in your bets, you're too late.For player over/under bets, the best option might be at the league's highest-profile position.QB markets (April 25)This is where we're trying to have a little fun with uncertainty around these players, and the odds haven't changed much. Some are hinting that the Falcons like Malik Willis (+350) at the 8th pick, but those odds are a little short for me.Is there a bet left to make?Both quarterbacks are seeing their draft position crashing. Willis Under 13.5 (+100) is worth a play on the idea that someone - likely via trade - might grab the prospect with the most upside at the most important position. Willis (-190) is still the safer bet to be the first taken at his position.First-round picks (April 18)Value doesn't exclusively come with a plus sign in front of the number. That was evident with Jameson Williams (-700) and Trevor Penning (-500) - our two picks to definitely go in Round 1. The two are now listed at -3500 and -1000, respectively.Is there a bet left to make?Both Arnold Ebiketie's and Christian Watson's prices have slightly improved to go in the first round. Watson is +115 to go in the first 32 picks, but he's even-money to go Under 39.5. I'd sacrifice 15% of my payout to have the comfort of seven extra picks.Positional totals (April 20)Under 7.5 (+135) offensive linemen really got out of hand, as it's now -205. Meanwhile Under 1.5 (+200) safeties hasn't changed much and is an underdog still relying on players at more valuable positions to go late in the first round.Is there a bet left to make?Over 15.5 first-round defensive players is still widely available at -125. If you're worried about someone doing something crazy like drafting a kicker in the first round, making the same bet on Under 16.5 offensive players is the play.Remaining betsHeavily-juiced bets are a much better idea the closer we get to the draft since there's obviously less time for things to drastically change. With fewer opportunities to make a deal and all duplicitous options exhausted, more reliable information may come out as clubs bring more individuals into the decision-making. Loose lips sink ships, but they also provide last-minute betting opportunities if you're willing to pay the juice.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a three-year, $54-million deal with left tackle Cam Robinson that replaces his franchise tag, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Jaguars previously designated the 26-year-old as their franchise player for the second time in as many years, blocking him from free agency in two straight offseasons.Robinson began his career in Jacksonville as a second-round draft pick in 2017. The Alabama product has struggled against the run game throughout his career but has been more steady in pass protection.The Robinson deal presumably removes Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu from consideration for the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Both left tackles had been mentioned as candidates to go first overall, but edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Travon Walker are the favorites to land in Jacksonville.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Teams have gauged the possibility of trading for Chicago Bears pass-rusher Robert Quinn, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Bears are in rebuilding mode, and the 31-year-old is one of their few valuable veteran pieces after recording 18.5 sacks last campaign to set the franchise's single-season record.However, Quinn is hoping to stay in Chicago."I didn't expect to go anywhere or want to go anywhere, but again, this is a crazy business," Quinn said, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin.While teams have been monitoring Quinn's status with the club, Chicago is not shopping the veteran edge rusher, sources told Rapoport.Quinn signed a five-year, $70-million deal with the Bears as a free agent in 2020. While he wants to remain with the NFC North club, Quinn acknowledged no one is untouchable in the NFL, pointing to Chicago's decision to trade star pass-rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers in March.The then-St. Louis Rams selected Quinn with the No. 14 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2013 after racking up 19 sacks, the second-most in the league.The pass-rusher joined the Bears following stints with the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys. Quinn struggled in his first year in Chicago, producing just two sacks in 15 appearances (13 starts).Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos are bringing back running back Melvin Gordon on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.More to come.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers are keeping quarterback Sam Darnold in the loop about their draft plans.Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said Tuesday that he met with Darnold and told him "there's a pretty good chance" the team will take a quarterback during this week's draft, according to ESPN's David Newton.Fitterer added that there are two quarterbacks he'd be comfortable taking with the No. 6 overall pick. While Fitterer didn't reveal his potential targets, Liberty's Malik Willis and Pitt's Kenny Pickett are widely acknowledged to be the top two quarterback prospects of this class.Carolina has been linked to Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield ever since Deshaun Watson arrived in Cleveland, and Fitterer acknowledged the team has options outside of the draft.But it seems the Panthers intend to let the draft play out first before making a potential move for the veteran passer. It was reported Monday that the NFC South club isn't expected to trade for Mayfield before the event, which starts Thursday and runs through Saturday.Carolina traded a package that included a second-round pick to the New York Jets for Darnold last offseason and guaranteed his $18.9-million salary for 2022 by picking up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.Darnold struggled in his first season with the Panthers, finishing with 2,527 yards and nine touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He split playing time with P.J. Walker and Cam Newton.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are willing to listen to trade offers for former first-round receiver Jalen Reagor, sources told ESPN's Tim McManus.Reagor failed to live up to expectations after being taken with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.He had 396 yards and one touchdown in 11 appearances as a rookie, and his production fell to just 299 yards and two scores in 17 games last season.If Reagor does return for a third season with the Eagles, he reportedly won't be viewed as a primary option.It has been speculated that Philadelphia could target a top wideout in this year's draft with one of its two first-round picks - Nos. 15 and 18 - to pair with ascending star DeVonta Smith, who led the team in catches (64), yards (916), and touchdowns (five) as a rookie.The NFC East club also brought back Greg Ward and signed Zach Pascal in free agency to bolster its receiver depth.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and finished among the top seven each of his last seven years in the contest.With the NFL draft almost here, we're close to learning the landing spots for this year's prospects, which will have a major impact on their fantasy value.Updated rankings will be published following the draft, but here are my final dynasty rookie rankings before Roger Goodell announces the first pick.Dynasty Rankings & Trade Values

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians continues to deny rumors of a rift between him and Tom Brady.Arians revealed Brady has an expensive gift for him and said the two have a golf outing planned soon."Tom just sent me a picture (Sunday). He got a present for me," Arians told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "It's a $50,000 watch. He says he's bringing it to me. Who does that if we hate each other? As soon as he's back in town, we'll play golf."Arians stepped down as the Bucs' coach on March 30 to transition into a front-office role with the team a little over two weeks after Brady announced his decision to unretire. The 69-year-old stated earlier this month that stepping down was a "no-brainer" after Brady returned because the organization is "in a great shape."While Arians has repeatedly spoken about him and Brady being on good terms, he expects the rumors to continue."It's never going to go away, no matter what anyone says," Arians said. "It's a national narrative that they think they know, but they don't."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After completing his first voluntary minicamp practice with the Denver Broncos on Monday, quarterback Russell Wilson already can't see playing anywhere else for the rest of his NFL career."I want to be here, obviously. I want to live here. Hopefully, I get to finish my career here," Wilson said, according to Troy Renck of Denver7. "The city is amazing. The energy. The people. It's a great sports town. The schools, everything. Everything is a big part of it for me and my family."To be here is such an exciting thing, and hopefully, we will win a lot of football games."Wilson has previously said he wants to play until he's 45. The veteran turns 34 in November, so he'd need to play another 11 seasons.The Seattle Seahawks traded Wilson to the Broncos in a blockbuster move in March, concluding a 10-year relationship and ending Denver's long hunt for a successor to Peyton Manning.Wilson will be working under only his second NFL head coach, Nathaniel Hackett, after spending his entire Seahawks career with Pete Carroll.The quarterback heaped praise on Hackett, who spent three seasons as the Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator before the Broncos hired him to replace Vic Fangio in January."He's an amazing teacher. I think that's what I love about it," said Wilson. "Everyone is learning at such a rapid pace. He just brings great energy. He's young, he's vibrant. He brings that intelligence to the game."Our relationship is really tight. To give him little handoffs here and there, somebody said they call him 'White Lightning.' I don't know about that, but he looked good."Wilson will look to rebound with the Broncos after a disappointing final season with Seattle. The Seahawks finished 7-10 in 2021, missing the playoffs for only the second since Wilson arrived in 2012.The signal-caller missed three games due to a thumb injury - the first missed starts of his career - and finished the year with a career-low 3,113 passing yards and his fewest touchdowns (25) since the 2016 campaign.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch appears determined to hold on to Deebo Samuel despite the receiver requesting a trade."I can't ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo," Lynch said during Monday's pre-draft presser, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "You put yourself through the exercises of, even though we don't have a first-round pick, you have to be thorough in this process and prepare for everything. So, you go through it and do that."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)."The 49ers have reportedly tried to discuss a long-term deal with the star receiver, but Samuel has been cold to respond. He's apparently unsatisfied with his versatile role in the 49ers' offense, which had him taking snaps in the backfield as a rusher and playing receiver last season.However, Lynch added he's "confident" the two sides can find "solutions" to work through the issue, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.San Francisco's general manager opened the presser reluctant to discuss Samuel or specifics about the situation, noting that "there's a sanctity to those conversations remaining private," added Wagoner.Samuel hasn't shied away from a possible separation from the franchise after previously cleansing his Instagram of all 49ers-related content.Lynch acknowledged that San Francisco's philosophy is to hear opposing teams out but reiterated his opposition to potentially letting the 26-year-old wideout go."We've been consistent since we've been here that we'd listen on just about anyone," Lynch said. "That's something we'll always do. But I can't ever imagine moving on from Deebo. He's been such a great player for us. He means so much to this franchise."Samuel is entering the final season of his rookie contract and coming off an All-Pro campaign after recording 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns in 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots traded a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for sixth- and seventh-round selections, the club announced Monday.Specifically, New England sent No. 170 to Houston for Nos. 183 and 245.New England owns another fifth-rounder (No. 158) in this draft, while the Texans have two more sixth-rounders (Nos. 205 and 207).The move will give Bill Belichick more opportunity to seek depth later in the draft, which begins Thursday and runs through Saturday. While this class lacks the blue-chip talent of recent years, it is widely acknowledged to have significant depth.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We discussed the first overall pick when it was the only available draft prop in January, and three months later, we still don't know much more about the Jaguars' plan. However, as of Monday morning, we know one thing: there's a new favorite atop the oddsboard.On Friday, GM Trent Baalke admitted they were still considering four players. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's been following the odds.At various points, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal, Aidan Hutchinson, and now Travon Walker have all been favored to be drafted No. 1.First overall pick oddsPLAYERODDSTravon Walker-150Aidan Hutchinson+140Ikem Ekwonu+750Evan Neal+1600Kayvon Thibodeaux+2000What has sparked Walker's move? It's hard to say, beyond the concept of inside information affecting the market. This is different from when other major moves occurred.When Neal became the favorite, it was due to the hire of head coach Doug Pederson and his desire to select an offensive lineman to protect Trevor Lawrence. When Hutchinson was the favorite, it was off the news that the Jaguars had franchise-tagged their incumbent left tackle, Cam Robinson.Baalke's comments indicated the Jaguars would have loved for someone to trade up to the first overall pick to grab Hutchinson - the most reliable prospect of this quintet. This would allow the Jaguars to fill more holes throughout their roster while still having a chance at Walker slightly further down the draft.It seems that no one is biting on a deal and the Jaguars are going to be forced to make the selection; the market suggests Walker is 60% likely to be the pick.We aren't in the business of recommending something after the price has moved our way, so let's look at some other ways to win a bet on the premise that Hutchinson does not go first overall.First overall pick: Ikem Ekwonu (+750)We bet Hutchinson to not be the first overall pick two weeks ago at +225, so we've acquired quite a bit of value. Like a bet on a game, no one knows who's going to win, but when it comes to finding value - mission accomplished, win or lose.Rumors out of Duval County are that Pederson still wants an offensive lineman to protect Trevor Lawrence, especially after the Jags went wild on wide receivers in free agency. Meanwhile, Baalke has a history of betting on edge rushers in the first round. Who wins that internal argument - either the new Super Bowl-winning head coach or the maligned GM - will decide who goes first overall.The other less-publicized move on the board is between the top two offensive line prospects. If information is out there that the Jaguars like Walker more than Hutchinson, it would stand to reason the same source thinks they like Ekwonu more than Neal. That means if Pederson gets his way, the best long shot bet is on the offensive tackle out of North Carolina State.Second overall pick: Aidan Hutchinson (-110)If either Walker or Ekwonu goes first overall, Hutchinson will be a Detroit Lion at No. 2. At -110, that's a better bet than trying to catch up to Walker at -150 to go first.The fifth overall pickPLAYER ODDSIkem Ekwonu+300Evan Neal+300Ahmad Gardner+400Charles Cross+450Kayvon Thibodeaux+500Travon Walker+750Jermaine Johnson+1200Malik Willis+2000Derek Stingley Jr.+2000Kyle Hamilton+2500Drake London+3000Garrett Wilson+3000Jameson Williams+3500With Hutchinson and Walker going one and two, respectively, that leaves the Texans to do something hard to predict. The Jets will wait at No. 4 to select a high-impact defender like Gardner or Thibodeaux.Meanwhile, the Giants have the fifth and seventh pick, with at least two of Ekwonu, Neal, and Charles Cross available at No. 5. Knowing one will still be available at seventh overall, the Giants can save their offensive lineman selection and make a splash at five.Sprinkling a unit divided across a group of long shots for this slot is a fun way to bet on an already unpredictable draft. Johnson (12-1), Stingley (20-1), Wilson (30-1), and Williams (35-1) are worth a collective single-unit bet.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney reported to the team's facility for its voluntary offseason program amid trade rumors, a source told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.Toney was reportedly on the trading block and did not show up for the beginning of the Giants' offseason program last week. It's uncertain whether his arrival at the facility was planned or prompted by the trade buzz, Vacchiano adds.The 2021 first-round wideout had a turbulent rookie year with the Giants. He missed time with various injuries and two stays on the COVID-19 list. The team reportedly questioned Toney's commitment due to the frequent injuries, a lack of playbook study, and poor behavior in meetings.Toney failed to score a touchdown across 10 games last season but did add 420 yards on 39 catches. Should he remain with the Giants, he will be featured in a receiving corps that includes Kenny Golladay and Darius Slayton, among others.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Last year, the fates of the top two quarterbacks were decided well before commissioner Roger Goodell got anywhere near the podium on draft night, with Trevor Lawrence predetermined to go to the Jaguars first overall and Zach Wilson pegged to go to the Jets at No. 2.This year, intrigue around the quarterback position exists because few teams seem to be enthralled by Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett. Perhaps fewer feel compelled to use a first-round pick at the position. This creates an unusual amount of uncertainty.Team to draft Malik WillisTEAMODDSPanthers+250Lions+350Steelers+350Seahawks+350Falcons+350Saints+900Giants+1200Texans+1600Eagles+2000Commanders+2500Colts+2500Titans+2500Cowboys+2500Buccaneers+3000Ravens+4000Vikings+4000Cardinals+400049ers+5000Packers+5000Bears+6000Jaguars+6500*All other teams listed at 100-1If the Panthers could trade the No. 6 pick, they would probably do it in a heartbeat, especially given their reported interest in Baker Mayfield. Getting the signal-caller for cheap and trading down from the sixth slot for multiple picks would be ideal.The Falcons (No. 8) and Seahawks (No. 9) have replaceable quarterbacks on their rosters, which is why they are each +350 to take Willis. This means a team looking to trade up for the former Liberty star should be on the phone with Carolina. So when it comes to where Willis gets picked, I would make that slot the favorite. However, the question here is: Who picks him there?Saints +900Willis isn't necessarily a Week 1 starter, so the modest commitment to Jameis Winston shouldn't dissuade the Saints from making a big move. There's a reason New Orleans added a second first-round selection in the eight-pick swap with the Eagles. The Saints allowed Philadelphia to stay in front of them in the middle of the round, which won't be as big a deal for New Orleans if the club planned to package the picks to move up for Willis.The Saints won't want to show their cards, so this move won't be made before the draft. It's the type of deal that would need to be done after the fifth pick is made. At 9-1, we'd bet this on the idea that there's better than a 10% chance of it happening.Buccaneers +3000Here's a fun long shot. The Buccaneers got a quick glimpse of the quarterback room after Tom Brady's brief retirement. If the Panthers get Mayfield, they can then deal the No. 6 pick for the Buccaneers' 27th overall selection and a series of other picks to fill holes. Tampa Bay's roster will be stacked regardless, so why not just grab someone to learn from the GOAT?Team to draft Kenny PickettTEAM ODDSPanthers+150Saints+200Steelers+350Seahawks+500Falcons+500Titans+1500Lions+2000Commanders+2500Eagles+3000Texans+3500Colts+4000Vikings+5000Giants+5500*All other teams listed at 100-1Seahawks +500The further the underwhelming Pickett falls, the greater the number of teams that come into play for the former Pitt QB. The Steelers sit at 20th overall, so other teams may need to hop in front of his local club to get him. One year younger than Sam Darnold, the Panthers may view Pickett as more of the same.Next up would be Seahawks. Yes, they need everything. But in the waning years of his coaching career, Pete Carroll can't be resting his hopes on Drew Lock.Lions +2000Where teams sit in the draft order directly affects the odds of them picking one of Willis or Pickett over the other. For example, the Lions are the second favorite to select Willis because they own the second overall pick but are 20-1 to take Pickett since he would have to be taken closer to the Lions' 32nd overall choice.However, the fact that the Lions have the No. 34 pick as well is key. Packaging the No. 32 and No. 34 picks to move up to grab a falling Pickett makes a ton of sense after they've already grabbed a star lineman at second overall.Eagles +3000It's worth a small wager that, should he fall to one of their mid-round selections, the Eagles add Pickett to their quarterback room. It's possible they're not as thrilled with Jalen Hurts as many are in the fantasy football realm.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers are not expected to trade for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield before the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Panthers, who hold the sixth overall pick, want to let the opening night of the draft play out before considering any other potential options, Rapoport adds.Mayfield has been heavily linked to Carolina recently, with the Panthers reportedly having the inside track to land the quarterback. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has been involved in trade rumors since the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson.The Panthers are looking to find consistency from their quarterback room after going through several passers in recent years. Seven signal-callers have started for the club since 2018, but only P.J. Walker has posted a winning record (2-0) during that span.Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and Walker started games last season for the Panthers. The trio combined for 14 touchdowns against 21 interceptions.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Multiple teams in the top half of the NFL draft have had discussions with other clubs about trying to trade back in the first round, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The interest in moving down during Thursday night's opening round has exceeded the potential for moving up, Schefter adds.The 2022 NFL Draft is widely regarded as not being as deep or star-studded as previous classes. This year's top prospects include pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive lineman Travon Walker, offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, and cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, among others.The Carolina Panthers are reportedly one team that's had discussions about possibly moving down. The Panthers own the No. 6 overall pick but will not have another selection until the fourth round.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

theScore's Dan Wilkins, Justin Boone, and Daniel Valente break down the 2022 NFL Draft with rankings and analysis for the prospects available at every position.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

Chicago Bears wide receiver Byron Pringle was arrested Saturday in Florida for reckless driving and driving with a suspended license, according to an incident report obtained by ESPN's Courtney Cronin.Pringle was pulled over and eventually charged after allegedly doing donuts on a public road. An adult and a child were passengers in the vehicle.While arresting him, police discovered that Pringle's Florida-issued license was suspended for financial responsibility as of Feb. 10 with a seize tag order and was also suspended for failing to pay a traffic fine as of March 7.Pringle was "verbally confrontational" with the arresting officer, according to the incident report.The Bears signed Pringle to a one-year, $6-million contract in March. The 28-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On Sept. 21, 2019, Derek Stingley Jr. snared his first college interception, leaping to beat Vanderbilt's wideout on a jump ball for an underthrown deep pass. They crashed to the turf and Stingley's helmet wound up in the receiver's hands. Unmasked, he sprung to his feet smiling and waved his fingers to the crowd."He is keeping alive a wonderful football family name," Tom Hart, the play-by-play commentator, said on the telecast.In 2019, Stingley was the freshman fulcrum and hometown headliner of LSU's last championship defense. The shutdown cornerback from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, nicked passes in four straight games during the Tigers' undefeated season. Stingley's dad, Derek, an arena football great and his mentor in the sport, secretly brought to the national final a vintage New England Patriots jersey, red with the No. 84 and their surname on the back.The jersey belonged to Darryl Stingley, the wide receiver who was paralyzed on a brutal hit that made the Stingley name famous without defining it. A go-to deep threat for New England in his mid-20s, Darryl died in 2007 at 55, of causes that included quadriplegia and his spinal cord injury. He'd seen his son Derek establish a niche as a pro - defensive playmaker on a title team - and begin to coach.Football's third Stingley is about to ascend to the NFL. theScore dubbed Derek Jr. a top-five talent in a recent mock draft while projecting he'll go No. 11 in Thursday's first round. That incongruity reflects the gap between his freshman transcendence and the quiet, injury-marred remainder of his LSU career. Where he'll land - where the Stingley story is to continue - is a captivating question.Derek Stingley Jr. Sean Gardner / Getty ImagesPerformance on the field shapes a family's football legacy. So do the stories that teammates tell about each successive player. It's Derek Jr.'s turn to apply his dad's teachings, transposing to the NFL the textbook cover technique for which he's praised. And it's his turn to try to affect people like his late grandpa did."Darryl's in my mind. I think about him quite often," said John Hannah, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman who was his New England teammate in the 1970s."He was a great example to me. I just always loved him. I appreciate who he is. And I hope his grandson lives up to being half the man that Darryl was."The grandfatherOn Oct. 3, 1970, the breakout performance of Darryl Stingley's freshman season helped power a road upset of Stanford, the country's No. 3 team. Purdue quarterback Chuck Piebes completed 15 passes, nine to Darryl. When the Boilermakers missed a field goal short in the first half, Darryl tackled the returner in the end zone, salvaging a safety.Darryl Stingley was a natural in football and life, adept at everything he tried, said Gary Danielson, another Purdue QB who later played in the NFL and is now an analyst with CBS. Darryl could run, catch, leap, dive, dunk, dance, swim, and putt. One Sunday night with the Patriots, he convinced the patrons of a Boston seafood joint that Stevie Wonder was performing live, so persuasive was Darryl's impression of his favorite singer.There was a duality to his playing style. Able to contort his body at will, Darryl rarely had to stretch to make spectacular grabs, so precise were his routes."Like a center fielder making everything look like an easy catch," Danielson said. "That was, to a tee, how Darryl played."Darryl Stingley. Diamond Images / Getty Images Born in Chicago in 1951, Darryl Stingley progressed from Purdue to the Patriots as part of the club's fine 1973 draft class. New England drafted Hannah fourth overall that year, snagged the future 1,000-yard rusher Sam "Bam" Cunningham at No. 11, and added Stingley at No. 19 with a pick acquired from his hometown Bears.By 1977, Stingley's fifth season, he ranked in the top 20 league-wide in receiving yards and touchdowns. Dexterous at 6-feet and 194 pounds, he was QB Steve Grogan's favorite downfield target.Teammates admired Darryl's discipline, dependability, work ethic, and warmth. He carried a boombox around at training camp to blare Stevie songs. He kept his hair combed, his shirt tucked, and his socks up in practice. He wrote color-coded notes in team meetings. He asked Pats cornerbacks to mimic in practice an opponent's tendencies that he'd noticed on film, and he yapped back at defenders who goaded him in games, showing pluck."He was fearless going after the ball," Hannah said. "He ran a lot of across-the-middle patterns. Those are tough patterns. If a quarterback throws the ball a little high, he's exposed wide open. That's what happened against Oakland. But he never cowered away from catching the ball."Darryl is shown with Sam Cunningham in 1973. Boston Globe / Getty ImagesIn August 1978, Darryl ran a 15-yard slant route into the red zone during a Saturday preseason game in Oakland. He lunged to reach Grogan's overthrown pass. Momentum rendered Darryl defenseless as Raiders safety Jack Tatum, nicknamed "Assassin" for his violent hits, rammed his shoulder into Darryl's head.The consequences were terrible. Crumpling to the ground, Darryl touched his head and then lay motionless. Trainers removed his cracked helmet and loaded him on a stretcher to be raced to hospital. A sick feeling engulfed the stadium, Hannah said, recalling that some Patriots cried in the locker room following the game. They learned the hit broke two vertebrae and damaged Darryl's spinal cord, paralyzing him from the neck down."It's a tragedy like a plane crash or a car accident, or anything that strikes somebody that you know. It takes the breath away from you," Danielson said."His body could do things that most of us can only dream of. In his prime, it was taken away."Football got safer after it upended Darryl's life. The Patriots stopped running that slant pattern. The NFL started to penalize helmet hits like Tatum's. League insurance paid for Darryl's medical bills and therapy restored some use of his arms. He drove an electric wheelchair and in 1982 described to The New York Times a recurring dream he'd been having, in which he stood in a stadium tunnel ready to charge onto the field before he woke up to face reality.Darryl visits the Patriots at practice in 1979. Boston Globe / Getty Images Paralyzed at 26, Darryl adapted to his fate when he stopped lamenting it, he once said to the Associated Press. He resumed and completed his Purdue studies, his agent told the Boston Globe for his 2007 obituary. He went to Bulls and White Sox games, chaired a spinal cord injury foundation, and ran a namesake nonprofit to uplift Chicago youth. Tatum died in 2010 having never apologized to him, but Darryl refused to hold a grudge.Teammates admired his resilience and grace."I don't think I could have handled it had I lost my career that early in pro football. It was hard enough after 13 years," Hannah said. "But, gosh, to be as good as Darryl was and to have his career cut short like that … to watch him live life the way he lived it, with that grin on his face, it was an inspiration. It's something beyond belief."Something unforgettable, too. During the 1978 season, the Patriots taped postgame phone messages to be played for Darryl in hospital. When Pats teammate Pete Brock retired in the '80s, he worked in IT for Hannah's pension investment firm, and the Hall of Fame lineman summoned Brock to his office monthly. Hannah would light a cigar and suggest they phone their old friend in Chicago."You wanted to be around a guy like Darryl. He never lost that," Brock said."Most of my memories are of Darryl at 18," Danielson said. "When you're 17, 18, 19, and you're being recruited, we all think we're the best, the brightest, the fastest. And then we saw somebody who was better than us at everything. Almost (at) throwing, to tell you the truth. He could do anything."The fatherOn Aug. 21, 1999, right before ESPN televised a halftime segment on his bond with his dad, Derek Stingley dove to deflect a pass in Arena Bowl XIII, the defunct Arena Football League's championship game. His Albany Firebirds led the Orlando Predators 35-21. When Orlando threatened to score on fourth and goal, Derek broke up a slant route in the end zone.Derek lived in an apartment complex in the unit below Eddie Brown, dad of Antonio Brown and the best receiver and player in AFL history, as voted by an expert panel in 2006. Stingley, a budding star defender who "could run like a deer," sought to learn from his Albany teammate, Brown said. They studied one-on-one matchups on film at home together and battled in practice at game speed, bodying each other with a ferocity that raised eyebrows."He would hit me. I would hit him. It'd be like: Damn, are you guys friends?" Brown said. "It was heated. But we had our mission. Our mission was to make each other better, and we wouldn't pull any punches."In August 1978, Derek was seven and asleep in Chicago when his mother Tina, Darryl Stingley's wife and high school sweetheart, woke him to say she was departing for Oakland. Tina stayed there until Darryl was able to fly home. Around Christmas, Derek has said in past media interviews, he crawled on Darryl's chest in a Chicago hospital room and kneaded his fingers and arms, trying to stimulate movement.Never told he shouldn't play football - only that he shouldn't play fearful of injury - Derek intended to suit up at Purdue but transferred to junior college. His prowess as an outfielder commanded MLB attention. The Philadelphia Phillies drafted him in the 26th round in 1993. Derek toiled in the low minors for three seasons, swiping 55 bases in 169 career games, but quit baseball in '95 with more strikeouts than hits.

Quarterback Tom Brady restructured his contract to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers an additional $9 million in salary-cap space, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Buccaneers had less than $4.4 million in cap space before the move, leaving them with little room to sign their 2022 draft class and bring in additional players.Brady remains on track to become a free agent for the second time in his career in 2023. The 44-year-old is entering his third campaign with Tampa Bay after spending his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots.The Buccaneers could use some of their newfound space to re-sign free-agent tight end Rob Gronkowski, but he's yet to commit to playing in 2022. Veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is also a free agent and could potentially return for a fourth year with Tampa Bay.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.