There are multiple ways to make betting on the NFL draft profitable.If you have a decent pulse on the prospect pool, draft total over/unders are probably your strength. If you're more comfortable in an area such as team needs or have a good feel for which side of the ball a franchise may address first, then the market we're covering today is likely up your alley.We already have a good idea where the Jaguars, Jets, and 49ers are leaning with the first three picks. However, most other organizations could go in a multitude of directions, making this one of the more fun markets to bet.Here are the odds on which select teams will draft offense or defense first, along with two that stick out right away.Playing position of team's 1st draft pickTeamOffenseDefense Bears-335+250Bengals-2500+1000Bills+163-210Broncos-157+125Browns+170-225Buccaneers+155-200Cardinals+180-230Chargers-177+140Chiefs-177+140Colts-137+111Cowboys+230-305Dolphins-1250+675Eagles-155+124Falcons-715+475Giants-125+101Lions-278+215Packers-150+127Panthers-275+215Patriots-200+159Raiders+140-177Ravens+105-130Saints+115-143Steelers-230+180Titans+133-167Vikings-134+108Washington-305+230Broncos: Offense (-177)From an offensive standpoint, the AFC West is terrifying.The Chiefs have the best quarterback in the league, the Chargers are set under center, and even the Raiders have finished top 10 in pass DVOA each of the last two seasons despite owning a 15-17 record since 2019. The Broncos have effectively stockpiled weapons - Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, and K.J. Hamler are all 25 or younger - but their only problem is they don't have a solution under center.Denver's Drew Lock led the NFL with a 28% uncatchable rate in 2020 and shouldn't be the least bit surprised if George Paton - the first-year GM who's taking over John Elway's duties - trades up to pluck his franchise signal-caller.With an influx of offensive talent at the top of the draft, the Broncos will have a serious case of FOMO if they don't go that route.Packers: Offense (-150)The Packers wouldn't dare go defense again, would they?Green Bay has used 12 of its 15 first-round picks on defense since taking Aaron Rodgers in 2005. The Packers haven't taken a wide receiver in the opening round since 2002, but that could be this year's move when the club is on the clock at No. 28.One of Kadarius Toney, Elijah Moore, Rashod Bateman, and Rondale Moore will be available, and any of the four would be welcome additions alongside Davante Adams.Green Bay has other priorities besides stacking last year's top-ranked DVOA pass offense, but a dynamic receiver who can make an impact right away would slap a smile on Rodgers' face.Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Aldon Smith is wanted for an alleged second-degree battery, according to WDSU-TV's Travers Mackel.Smith allegedly committed the crime in front of the French Press Coffee House in Chalmette, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, on the evening of April 17.St. Bernard Parish District Attorney Perry Nicosia reportedly issued the warrant for Smith's arrest.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and his legal team filed an official response Monday to allegations of sexual misconduct in 22 lawsuits filed against him, once again denying all claims and requesting a jury trial.In a subsequent statement Monday afternoon, Watson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said: "The answer to whether we are saying that all 22 plaintiffs are lying about the allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Watson is a resounding yes."The filing says the plaintiffs "are not victims of any type of misconduct," stating that many of them excluded relevant information about their interactions - in three cases failing to mention additional massage sessions with Watson - and several told other people they wanted to get money out of him.According to the original answer, seven plaintiffs willingly worked or offered to work with the quarterback following the alleged incidents, three "lied about their alleged trauma and resulting harm," and eight "bragged about, praised, and were excited about massaging" the 25-year-old.At least three of the plaintiffs messaged or attempted to contact Watson about future appointments or interactions after the alleged incidents, the filing asserted, with one woman "telling him ... that she wanted to go on dates with him.""It was not until the plaintiffs saw an opportunity for a money grab that they changed their stories to convert therapy sessions they bragged about to friends and family to something much more nefarious," the original answer continued.Watson is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. The Houston Police Department recently opened an investigation into the star passer after a complainant filed a criminal report against him."Only two of the 22 lawsuits allege forced sexual activity, which Mr. Watson vehemently denies," Hardin said in his statement.The lawsuits allege that Watson exposed his penis to the women, touched them with his penis, forced them to kiss him, or in one case, forced one of the women to perform oral sex. Earlier in April, Hardin said "some sexual activity would have taken place" during some of the massages but insisted it was consensual.Watson's team said at least four of the women have altered the social media accounts where they advertised their work since filing the lawsuits and one deleted her Instagram account. The plaintiffs were originally anonymous until two identified themselves in early April and a judge's order last week required the remainder of them to be identified. One of the women dropped her suit, citing concerns about privacy and security, but another woman subsequently filed a lawsuit, bringing the number back to 22.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran quarterback Alex Smith is calling it a career after 16 seasons in the NFL, he announced on Instagram.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney believes Trevor Lawrence will make a big impact in the NFL.Swinney raved about Lawrence on the latest episode of the "Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah & Bucky Brooks" podcast, comparing the former Tigers quarterback to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and noting that he has what it takes to become the face of a franchise."You watch Steph Curry shoot the ball, and you just go, 'Wow.' Just to sit there and watch this guy shoot the basketball. Well, that's how you feel when you watch Trevor throw a football," Swinney said. "When you get to see him live and you get to see him move, you just go, 'Wow.' I mean, it's just different. He's a face-of-a-franchise guy."I think Trevor can be an international superstar, you know? There's not many football players that have become international superstars. I think part of that is just because we all wear helmets and uniforms and kind of get identified by that. And then you take the helmets off and become a normal person, and sometimes you blend in. Trevor doesn't blend in in any regard."Lawrence is widely expected to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's already starting to leave his mark on the local community, recently pledging to donate $20,000 to Jacksonville charities.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes provided a favorable update on his recovery from toe surgery."I think I’m progressing well. I think I’m ahead of schedule, myself. Obviously, they’re trying to be cautious and not push me out there too soon. But I’m doing what I can," Mahomes said Monday, according to Pro Football Talk's Myles Simmons.The talented signal-caller went under the knife shortly after Super Bowl LV due to a turf toe injury that bothered him throughout the playoffs. Mahomes' initial diagnosis involved several months of recovery, but he is hopeful he will get some on-field work in the coming months."I’m trying to get back on the field and get that stuff working. So, I’m sure they’ll keep me along that same pathway so that I can hopefully do some stuff by the end of the offseason," he added.Head coach Andy Reid also lauded the quarterback's progress during Monday's press conference. Reid previously said he was optimistic Mahomes would be ready to go by training camp."Pat’s doing tremendous, getting great flexibility in that toe," Reid said."He’s worked his tail off. Not a real fun thing to do with that, it seems like a small thing, but that toe is rather large and stiff before the surgery and after the surgery. So he’s really worked hard at getting that right."Mahomes threw for 4,740 yards and 38 touchdowns during the 2020 season, leading the Chiefs to a second-straight Super Bowl appearance.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens are still discussing a potential extension for star quarterback Lamar Jackson, general manager Eric DeCosta said Monday."(Extension talks are) ongoing, that's definitely a fluid thing," DeCosta told reporters. "Lamar and I have had a discussion about that. I think it's important to us, and it's important to him. I think Lamar is obviously a very patient guy. He wants to be the best he can be, he wants this team to be the best it can be, and he wants to win very badly. So we're aligned that way."I'm confident that we'll continue to discuss this, and I think at some point hopefully we'll have some good news for everybody."Jackson and the Ravens reportedly began negotiations in February, but the two sides were previously far apart on a deal.DeCosta noted the salary cap implications of extending a signal-caller quarterback, but he's prioritizing talent over money."We understand that if we do sign a long-term deal with Lamar Jackson, that's going to change the way we've operated over the last couple of years," he said. "We certainly understand that. We look at that as a great problem to have. We aspire to that type of problem. We want to have a franchise quarterback."Baltimore indicated its intention to sign the 2019 league MVP to a new deal following the 2020 season. Jackson's current contract will pay him $1.7 million in 2021, and the Ravens can exercise their fifth-year option to retain his services in 2022.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With more than a dozen teams now opting out of offseason workouts to some extent, and the NFL Players Association recommending that players skip any in-person activities until training camp, it's important to stress exactly what is going on here, and what it all means.With the exception of a three-day minicamp that can take place between May 24 and June 18, the league's entire offseason program is voluntary. Wait, hang on, let's be perfectly clear. According to the collective bargaining agreement that governs the relationship between management and players, these activities are "strictly voluntary." This means, despite a lot of hand-wringing in the press about the potential for competitive imbalances and divergent priorities among different groups of players, teams can't do anything to those who choose not to show up. Like, literally nothing.This is not some trivial matter. What's at stake involves honoring a contract, which ought to be a pretty straightforward principle of labor relations. The players, through their union, successfully bargained for these workplace conditions as part of the 2011 CBA, and those provisions are also a feature of the pact signed with the league last year. The 2020 offseason took place virtually due to the pandemic, with no noticeable effect on the on-field product. The pandemic's continued existence has simply presented the NFLPA with the opportunity to remind its members of what they have already earned.Last year was an exception, of course, but the NFL's elastic definition of the word "voluntary" tends to pop up every spring whenever a player with some name recognition elects not to attend organized team activities (OTAs). This is true whether a player's absence is related to a contract squabble or just because the player would rather not spend April, May, and early June shuffling around the team facility. Then, every September, all that OTA attendance-taking is forgotten.To be clear: Absences from OTAs are not holdouts, which pertain to mandatory activities like training camp and in-season practices and meetings. This is an often-overlooked distinction, but it's still a significant one. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesNonetheless, coverage of the way players choose to approach OTAs frequently frames the issue around team loyalty, or the potential for bad influences, or the desires of coaches who, if the rules allowed for it, would just as soon schedule full-pad two-a-days every day between the Super Bowl and Labor Day. But the specific point here is that the rules don't allow for it. The players made sure of that by specifically negotiating this into reality.No, really. It says so in Article 21-1 of the CBA:

With plenty of buzz remaining about who the 49ers are targeting with the third overall pick, San Francisco is "extremely involved" with quarterback Trey Lance's scheduled workout Monday, ESPN's Dan Graziano reports.Lance normally works under quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery, but he's trained with John Beck in recent weeks at 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's request, according to Graziano. Beck played for the Washington Football Team in 2011 when Shanahan was the team's offensive coordinator.It's believed the 49ers effectively designed Lance's upcoming workout as the coaching staff provided Beck with a list of drills it wanted the signal-caller to work on prior to Monday, per Graziano.Last month, San Francisco traded the 12th overall pick and two future first-round selections to the Miami Dolphins for the third pick in this year's draft. Rumors have since surfaced that the 49ers are targeting Alabama passer Mac Jones, but betting odds last week had Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields as the favorite to be taken with the No. 3 selection.Beck also works with Fields, Graziano adds.San Francisco won't be the only team present for Lance's workout. The Atlanta Falcons, who pick after the Niners at No. 4, are also expected to be in attendance.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Dan Wilkins breaks down the top edge prospects in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft as part of a position-by-position series rolling out throughout April.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

The NFLPA told its members Saturday that the NFL doesn't intend to discipline players for high-risk COVID-19 conduct during the offseason, allowing athletes to go to bars and restaurants and attend other indoor events, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.As a result, players that join in-person offseason workouts won't have to quarantine, adds Pelissero.Despite the reported change, the league reportedly maintains that teams are allowed to punish players for violating protocols inside facilities.Last season, the NFL and teams fined players for off-field conduct on multiple occasions. Former Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins was reportedly fined $4,833 in October after he reserved a room for a family friend at the club's hotel. Washington then stripped Haskins of his team captaincy in December after the signal-caller partied without wearing a mask at a club.The union has been advising players to not show up for in-person voluntary workouts this offseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players from 18 teams have already agreed to skip the activities.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Answer: This longtime sports broadcaster feels he's ready to follow in Alex Trebek's footsteps.Joe Buck will be taking a turn as the guest host of "Jeopardy!" in the near future, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reports. He'll also be in contention to land the permanent job for the syndicated game show.The 51-year-old's episodes are expected to air in the middle of summer, according to Marchand. It's not known how long he'll be hosting, although most of the other guest hosts have filled in for two weeks at a time.Buck is an iconic voice of modern sports, having served as Fox's lead play-by-play voice for both Major League Baseball and the National Football League for several decades. He's called all but two World Series since 1996, as well as six Super Bowls.He'll be the second sports figure to guest host "Jepoardy!", following Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose two-week stint finished airing this week.Other notable figures slated to fill in hosting the program this year include Anderson Cooper, Mayim Bialik, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta.Trebek hosted "Jeopardy!" from 1984 until his death in November at age 80.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterbacks are often viewed under a microscope as they transition to the NFL, and it appears Trevor Lawrence is no different.Many in the media are questioning the former Clemson signal-caller's commitment and passion for football after being quoted in a Sports Illustrated article saying, "I don't have this huge chip on my shoulder."Lawrence took to Twitter on Saturday to alleviate concerns and said his sentiment was misinterpreted."I am internally motivated - I love football as much or more than anyone. It is a huge priority in my life, obviously," he wrote. "I am driven to be the best I can be and to maximize my potential. And to WIN."I have a lot of confidence in my work ethic, I love to grind and to chase my goals. You can ask anyone who has been in my life. That being said, I am secure in who I am and what I believe. I don't need football to make me feel worthy as a person."Lawrence has always been considered poised under pressure with quiet leadership skills. He started as a freshman for the Tigers in 2018 and won a national championship, ACC Player of the Year, and was second in Heisman Trophy voting over the course of his collegiate career.The Jacksonville Jaguars are all but certain to select Lawrence first overall on April 29.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the Atlanta Falcons continue to weigh their options with the fourth overall pick, they're set to be heavily represented in an upcoming quarterback workout.Atlanta will send three members of its personnel to Trey Lance's second pro day Monday, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The attending staff will be a different set from the one that observed Lance's first pro day, Pelissero adds. This will give the Falcons six sets of eyes for one of the 2021 class' top passing prospects, similar to how the club handled Justin Fields' workouts.The first three picks April 29 are expected to be quarterbacks, with the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting Trevor Lawrence and the New York Jets landing Zach Wilson. Mac Jones has been reported as the favorite to join the San Francisco 49ers third overall, though the team is also considering Fields.As a result, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot could make it four signal-callers in a row or nab the highest non-quarterback on his board.Atlanta is reportedly open to trading the fourth overall selection and has engaged in exploratory talks with clubs looking to move up. Star tight end Kyle Pitts could also interest the franchise if it stays put.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2021 NFL win total market is officially open.We're through the first wave of free agency, the draft is right around the corner, and the league's first 17-game schedule is only a few months away.Lo and behold, here are all 32 teams' win total openers, with a couple of early notes and trends.TeamWinsOverUnderChiefs12-130+110Buccaneers11.5+100-130Packers11+105-125Ravens11-105-115Bills10.5-130+110Rams10.5+105-125Colts10-110-11049ers10-140+120Seahawks10+105-125Browns10-115-105Titans9.5+110-130Saints9.5+120-140Cowboys9.5+110-130Steelers9+105-125Patriots9-125+105Dolphins9-135+115Chargers9+105-125Vikings8.5-115-105Raiders8+115-135Cardinals8-140+120Washington8-105-115Broncos7.5+105-125Bears7.5+105-125Panthers7.5+110-130Giants7-110-110Eagles7+105-125Falcons7-115-105Bengals6.5-105-125Jaguars6-120+100Jets6-130+110Lions5-130+110Texans5+110-130

De'Vincent Spriggs, the man who accused Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald of assault Wednesday, is apologizing via his attorney.Todd J. Hollis told KDKA late Friday that his client mistook the attacker outside a Pittsburgh-area nightclub for Donald."I wanted to make this statement public, and to extend an apology to Aaron for what he's gone through, but I clearly know this was not him," Hollis said.Spriggs initially said Donald gave him a concussion and a broken arm and that he needed 16 stitches near his eye as a result of an incident that took place the morning of April 11.Donald's attorney, Casey White, said Friday his client saved Spriggs from further harm instead of attacking him. Video footage surfaced later in the day and appeared to show the Rams defender attempting to break up the altercation.Hollis told KDKA that he and his client are no longer planning on pursuing lawsuits against Donald.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears signed wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.Goodwin opted out the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns after the San Francisco 49ers traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles. The wideout's rights reverted to the 49ers after the campaign due to a certain condition in the trade, but San Francisco promptly released him.The 30-year-old had his most productive season in 2017, catching 56 passes for 962 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Goodwin played for the Niners from 2017-19 after spending his first four years with the Buffalo Bills.As a former Olympian who competed in long jump, Goodwin has been known as a speed threat throughout his career, and he'll look to bolster a Bears offense that finished 26th in yards last year.Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Anthony Miller highlight Chicago's depth chart out wide, but Miller is reportedly on the trade block.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The notion of Marshawn Lynch receiving a handoff from Tom Brady almost became a reality last season.Lynch pondered coming out of retirement last year, but only for a Super Bowl contender. During an appearance on ESPN's "SportsNation," the former NFL running back revealed he spoke to Brady about potentially coming back to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020."I was specifically speaking to Tom Brady and the Bucs," Lynch said. "That's who I was talking to."Brady and Lynch have shared the field before, albeit on opposite teams. The pair faced off in Super Bowl XLIX when Brady's New England Patriots defeated Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks. That game was decided on an infamous goal-line interception after Seattle opted to pass rather than continue handing the ball off to Lynch.Although Lynch did not end up returning for the 2020 campaign, Brady went on to capture his seventh Super Bowl title during his first season in Tampa Bay.When asked if he has any franchises on his radar for a potential 2021 comeback, Lynch said, "I think that time has passed me."The five-time Pro Bowl running back, who earned the nickname "Beast Mode" due to his physical running style, accumulated 10,413 rushing yards over his career.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Trevor Lawrence, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is signing a sponsorship deal with Adidas, according to Sportico's Eben Novy-Williams and Scott Soshnick.The former Clemson star will join fellow quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Tua Tagovailoa in the three stripe brand family.Lawrence figures to ink several other endorsements as he transitions from college to the pros. The 21-year-old has been billed as the greatest quarterback prospect in years following his storied career at Clemson, which included a national championship and a runner-up finish in Heisman Trophy voting.Alvin Kamara and JuJu Smith-Schuster are among the non-quarterbacks to hold deals with Adidas.The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to land Lawrence with first pick in the draft, which begins April 29.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio essentially declined to comment on the allegations against Deshaun Watson during his press conference Friday, adding the Texans won't discuss speculative scenarios regarding their future at quarterback.“We're not really going into a lot of hypotheticals and a lot of speculation. I'm not really good at that," Caserio said." ... If you want to speculate, you should probably go buy Bitcoin, focus on that. We're just going to focus on the things that we can control, which is kind of getting ready for (the) draft and trying to take advantage of the opportunities to continue to add to our team and build our roster."Houston could reportedly consider pursuing free-agent quarterback Alex Smith if Watson is unavailable to play or isn't a member of the team in 2021.Watson is currently facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. The Houston Police Department also recently opened an investigation into the star signal-caller after a complainant filed a criminal report against him.Caserio said the Texans are "respectful of the legal process" and will remain focused on the offseason."I know (franchise owner) Cal (McNair) and ownership put a letter out a few weeks ago just relative to the organizational stance relative to where we are," he said. "So I don't have anything to add other than it's a legal process. We're respectful of the legal process and where that is. We're focused on today, and we're focused on getting ready for the offseason program and getting ready for the draft."Watson, 25, reportedly requested a trade after Houston hired Caserio as its general manager in January. The three-time Pro Bowler tossed a league-high 4,823 yards last season while also completing 70.2% of his pass attempts for 33 touchdowns.Caserio previously said the allegations against Watson are "certainly troubling."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns announced Friday the release of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson after two seasons with the club.Richardson was due more than $12 million for the 2021 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The 2013 first-round pick joined Cleveland in 2019, signing a three-year, $36-million contract with $21 million guaranteed.Richardson started 31 games over his two campaigns with the Browns, registering 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble last season.The 30-year-old is now a free agent seeking his fifth NFL team in six years. He had one-year stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings between his final season with the New York Jets and his first campaign with the Browns.Cleveland signed Jadeveon Clowney on Wednesday, adding to an intriguing defensive line that already featured Myles Garrett, Andrew Billings, Malik Jackson, and Takk McKinley.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Clemson's Trevor Lawrence has been locked into the No. 1 overall draft pick for quite some time. BYU's Zach Wilson, who fits the current mold of NFL quarterbacks, is becoming more and more of a lock to go second as the clock ticks.The No. 3 pick is where things start to get interesting.The 49ers shook up the first-round order in late March, acquiring the third selection from the Dolphins. While the market's pretty certain which direction San Francisco's leaning, there's less clarity regarding who the franchise will pluck.Third player selected in the 2021 NFL DraftPlayerOddsJustin Fields (Ohio State)-125Mac Jones (Alabama)+125Trey Lance (North Dakota State)+350Zach Wilson (BYU)+2500Kyle Pitts (Florida)+4000Penei Sewell (Oregon)+10000Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)+10000Jones on the riseJones posted the best PFF grade for any quarterback in college football history and led the Crimson Tide to a national title in 2020, yet he was still regarded as a mid-to-late first-round pick following the season.Now, the hype train's chugging at full speed.With the draft a few weeks away, the Jacksonville native's floor is now roughly pick No. 7 or 8. Jones has good size at 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, he won at the top level in the country, and the 22-year-old would fit seamlessly in Kyle Shanahan's offense around plenty of playmakers.However, that's not where the money's at.Best bet - Fields (-125)I wouldn't get in the habit of laying a lot of chalk in the draft markets, but this price is good enough to play.It wasn't long ago Fields was the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this class behind Lawrence. Wilson deservedly jumped Fields after months of evaluating, but has the market over-corrected its stance on the Ohio State product? Fields' athleticism is through the roof, with traits that would be a breath of fresh air in San Francisco.I'm nowhere close to managing a professional football roster, but count me as someone who doesn't think the 49ers would have made the drastic move that they did to draft Jones with Fields still available. Shanahan's the best quarterback whisperer in football, and leaving the top dual-threat option on the board for a glorified Jimmy Garoppolo would set the franchise back an entire decade considering the quarterback competition in the NFC West.Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Donald's attorney said Friday his client did not attack De'Vincent Spriggs, the person accusing him of assault, but actually saved Spriggs from further harm.Casey White told 93.7 The Fan that the April 11 incident from which Spriggs' allegations stem began when Spriggs started elbowing Donald at a party at a residence above a Pittsburgh nightclub. Spriggs was removed from the party after becoming "aggressive" and "coming at" Donald, White said, according to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.White said Spriggs was still outside when Donald left the building and that Spriggs began approaching the Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle with a liquor bottle in hand. White said Spriggs swung the bottle at Donald, grazing his head, and that Spriggs was then "tuned up" by others defending Donald.Donald was "being restrained" during this time before coming to Spriggs' rescue, according to White."Aaron then breaks free from the restraints - and this is all on video, so I'm not making this up - he then goes to the pile where this melee is taking place," White said. "He starts tearing people off, protecting Mr. Spriggs."He actually saves Mr. Spriggs from further injury."White said Donald, 29, did not "cause any trouble" at any point during the altercation. The attorney added he has surveillance video and five witnesses to substantiate his assertions.Video footage appearing to show Donald attempting to break up the altercation surfaced later Friday:

theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and has finished among the top seven each of the last seven years.Follow the links below to see his updated 2021 rankings.Half PPR

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is accused of assaulting a man earlier in April, according to Andy Sheehan of KDKA.De'Vincent Spriggs says that Donald assaulted him on April 11 between 3-4 a.m and intends to file charges with Pittsburgh police, his lawyer, Todd Hollis, told Sheehan.Hollis provided a photo of Spriggs, who appears to have a swollen right eye and several cuts on his face.

theScore's Mike Alessandrini breaks down the top offensive line prospects in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft as part of a position-by-position series rolling out throughout April.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL

The Washington Football Team recently asked season-ticket holders for their input as the club considers a name change.Each fan was shown a selection of names from a broader pool and told to select their preferred choices. Among the options were the Rubies, Warriors, Pilots, Wild Hogs, and Armada."This is not a vote for the name, but instead an opportunity to capture insights and perspective that will be so important to this next phase of our rebrand journey," team president Jason Wright said in a letter to season-ticket holders.

Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson says he got a big pitch from teammate Russell Wilson during free agency to re-sign with the team."He was definitely in my ear," Carson said, according to Jonathan Warner of NBC Sports. "We talked about it before the season, thinking it might be the last time we play with each other. But he definitely was in my ear this entire offseason."Wilson has been a busy man on the Seahawks' free-agent front this offseason. The signal-caller also played a part in pass-rusher Carlos Dunlap's return, assuring the lineman he was staying with Seattle despite earlier trade rumors.Carson, who inked a two-year, $14.6-million contract with the Seahawks, added Wilson and running mate Rashaad Penny were the two biggest recruiters in luring him back to Seattle.The 26-year-old rusher says he had other offers available but coming back to the Seahawks felt like the right move.Carson has been the go-to back for Seattle in recent years. The 2017 draft's seventh-round draft pick had consecutive 1,000-plus yard campaigns in 2018 and 2019 before rushing for 681 yards last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There might not be a worse omen in the NFL draft process than being the wide receiver projected to go off the board first.No favorite has won since 2015 when the Raiders took Amari Cooper at No. 4. Since then, it's been a string of ringers.YearFavorite1st WR Taken2016Laquon TreadwellCorey Coleman2017Mike WilliamsCorey Davis2018Calvin RidleyD.J. Moore2019D.K. MetcalfMarquise Brown2020CeeDee LambHenry RuggsThat brings our attention to LSU's Ja'Marr Chase, who overwhelmingly leads the pack for this year's draft in just a few weeks.First WR to be selected during the 2021 NFL DraftPlayerOddsJa'Marr Chase (LSU)-625Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)+600DeVonta Smith (Alabama)+700Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)+5000Rondale Moore (Purdue)+5000Terrace Marshall Jr. (LSU)+5000Kadarius Toney (Florida)+8000Tutu Atwell (Louisville)+15000Elijah Moore (Ole Miss)+15000Amon-Ra St. Brown (USC)+25000Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma State)+25000Nico Collins (Michigan)+25000D'Wayne Eskridge (Central Michigan)+25000The last time we saw Chase in action, he went off for nine catches, 221 yards, and a pair of scores over Clemson to help LSU nab a national title. Chase's 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in 2019 both led the country. The 6-foot star sat out all of last season but still has a monster cushion over the rest of the field - his -625 odds imply an 86.2% win probability.Trimming the fatFrankly, everyone after Bateman is just filler, and we're only including the 50-1 long shot because he arguably has the highest ceiling and the ability to play both in and out of the slot.That decision leaves us with a trio of SEC receivers and one player who deserves a flier.Underdog to bet Smith (+700) offers loads of value in a very random market that could change at the drop of a hat.All he did was go off for 1,836 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to a Heisman trophy, much less on the most dominant program in the country.The gap between Smith and Chase isn't as wide as the prices suggest, so getting this number on a player who's a fringe top-10 pick is a solid wager.Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders released 2018 draft picks Arden Key and Maurice Hurst, the team announced Thursday. Las Vegas also cut depth quarterback Kyle Sloter.Key was selected in the third round and 87th overall. The defensive end appeared in 37 games during his three-year stint with the Raiders, but started 10 and recorded just three sacks.Hurst was taken in the fifth round of that draft. The defensive tackle saw time in 40 games and put up eight sacks and 76 tackles.Both were part of Reggie McKenzie's last draft class as general manager of the Raiders and Jon Gruden's first since returning to the sidelines. Of that nine-player class, only tackles Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker and wideout Marcell Ateman remain on the team.Sloter signed on a futures contract in January.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms with free-agent defensive end Aldon Smith, the team announced Thursday.The deal is for one year, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.Seattle lands Smith after reportedly attempting to acquire him via trade last year.Smith spent the 2020 campaign as a member of the Dallas Cowboys after missing four seasons while serving multiple suspensions.He started all 16 games in his return to the league last year, racking up 48 tackles, five sacks, and five tackles for loss.Seattle has placed a priority on improving a pass rush that tallied 46 sacks but finished 31st in passing yards allowed (4,560) last season.Smith now joins Carlos Dunlap, Benson Mayowa, and Kerry Hyder among the Seahawks' defensive line additions this offseason.Smith played four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers after the club selected him with the seventh overall selection in the 2011 draft. He was named a first-team All-Pro and earned a Pro Bowl nod following the 2012 campaign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Dane Brugler of The Athletic joins Boone to discuss the deep wide receiver class in this year's NFL draft.

Robert Woods thinks the Los Angeles Rams are capable of re-establishing their dominance on offense after bringing in quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver DeSean Jackson.Stafford was acquired from the Detroit Lions in exchange for Jared Goff and two first-round draft picks while Jackson was signed as a free agent. Woods praised the blockbuster acquisitions on "Good Morning Football.""Excited for what (Stafford) brings to our offense, just seeing what he did in Detroit," the Rams wideout said, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "Many, many passing yards every single season. Just got to get these wins and these playoff wins with him. Really, his addition to our offense (plus) adding DeSean Jackson, our offense is looking loaded once again."The Rams made the playoffs in three of their last four seasons but their firepower has declined over the years. Los Angeles averaged 32.9 points per game during its 2018 campaign but this figure dropped to a measly 23.3 last season, good for 22nd in the NFL.Stafford and Jackson are expected to help address these issues. The 33-year-old signal-caller has over 45,000 passing yards to his name, while Jackson is a dangerous deep threat. The veteran wideout has been limited to just eight games over the last two years but has led the league in yards per reception four times over his career."It's really dangerous for our offense to have so many weapons to go along with me and Cooper (Kupp)," Woods said. "Just the speed and all the threats on the field partnering with Matthew Stafford, this offense is going to be very, very dangerous."The Rams' renovated 2021 offense includes Stafford, Jackson, Woods, Kupp, and Cam Akers, among others.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons signed wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, the team announced Thursday.Patterson agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.The four-time first-team All-Pro is considered one of the greatest returners in NFL history. He's tied for the most kickoff-return touchdowns ever with eight, and Patterson owns the longest kickoff score at 109 yards.The 30-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears, earning back-to-back first-team All-Pro nods. He led the league in kick-return yards in 2019 with 825, and in 2020 with 1,017.Patterson rarely played as a receiver in Chicago, catching just 32 passes for 215 yards and zero touchdowns.His career highs of 469 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns came during Patterson's rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.The veteran has also been named to two second-team All-Pro squads, four Pro Bowl teams, and the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team.Atlanta desperately needed to bolster its return game after ranking 31st in kickoff yards with 409 in 2020.The Falcons also announced the signing of safety Duron Harmon on Thursday. Harmon started 16 games for the Detroit Lions last season following a seven-year stint with the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns officially signed Jadeveon Clowney on Wednesday, hoping an improved pass rush will help them contend for a championship.The new partnership - and a chance to play opposite star edge rusher Myles Garrett - may be just as beneficial for Clowney."I've been getting double-teamed an awful lot in this league, in my career, and I'm looking forward to playing with somebody dominant on the opposite side - like a Myles Garrett - who can draw double teams. Maybe I can go one-on-one more," Clowney said with a laugh at his introductory press conference.Clowney has compiled 32 career sacks since the Houston Texans selected him first overall in the 2014 draft. But 29 of them came during his five-year stint with the Texans, and he has just three over his last two seasons.After a meniscus injury limited him to just eight games with the Tennessee Titans last season, the 28-year-old is eager to show he can still be a difference-maker."I feel great now. I'm looking forward to this season, to prove to guys that I'm back healthy and I still can dominate in this league," he said. "That's what I'm here to prove this year."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Among the numerous props to bet during the NFL draft is the first position player selected market. Here, the name of the game is finding value.Nowadays, the influx of mock drafts has sharpened odds. You'll almost always notice a correlation between price points and where prospects are projected. If a player is favored, there's a good chance they're mocked ahead of the rest of the field.Just last season, LSU's Clyde Edwards-Helaire - who was going off as high as +3200 at one point - cashed in this same market. Is there another dark horse lurking in this year's crop of running backs, or will the chalk win out?Let's dive into the odds and see where the value's at.First RB to be selected during the 2021 NFL DraftPlayer OddsNajee Harris (Alabama)-150Travis Etienne (Clemson)+150Javonte Williams (North Carolina)+400Michael Carter (North Carolina)+4000Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis)+4000Trey Sermon (Ohio State)+4000Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State)+5000Jaret Patterson (Buffalo)+6600Kylin Hill (Mississippi State)+8000FavoriteHarris (-150) put on a clinic in 2020.A three-year contributor at Alabama entering the year, Harris sealed the envelope on a star-studded career, leading the country in scrimmage yards and touchdowns en route to a national title as a senior.Harris has only gained traction since the draft process began. He was listed at +120 to be the first taken during the early betting period in March and is the only prospect at his position currently with a first-round draft total (Over/Under 32.5).Underdog to bet The best bet in this class isn't Harris or Etienne; it's Williams (+400).The North Carolina product's 7.3 yards per rush attempt was No. 6 in the nation for running backs with at least 100 carries. The 5-foot-10 standout also logged 22 total touchdowns and earned PFF's top RB grade despite sharing a workload with Carter (+4000), who added more than 1,500 scrimmage yards for the high-flying Tar Heels.Williams doesn't have Harris' size and physicality or Etienne's career accolades, but there's upside nonetheless. He's only 20 years old and played in 34 career games at UNC, showcasing his elusiveness - his 83 broken tackles in 2020 led the country - and versatility as a pass-catcher (42 catches between 2019-20, with 11.3 yards per reception).

The Pittsburgh Steelers are re-signing linebacker Vince Williams after cutting him earlier in the offseason, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports.The veteran linebacker received other offers but wanted to stay in Pittsburgh, Fowler adds.The Steelers originally released Williams due to salary-cap reasons. His return adds depth to a linebacker group that features Devin Bush and Robert Spillane.Williams has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh since being selected in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He started just 17 games throughout his first four seasons but grew into a consistent starter over the years. He's started 52 games since 2017.The 31-year-old has recorded 479 tackles and 20.5 sacks over his eight-year career. His 2020 campaign included a career-high 14 tackles for a loss.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns signed pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the team announced Wednesday.Clowney inked a one-year contract worth up to $10 million after he passed his physical, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network."Jadeveon's had a very productive career since 2014. We love his relentless style of play," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. "He's one of the more disruptive players in the game and we think he's going to add an element of ruggedness along our defensive line and will pair nicely with many of the guys we have on the roster already."Cleveland pursued the 2014 No. 1 pick last offseason, but the Browns lost out to the Tennessee Titans despite reportedly making the largest offer of his suitors.Clowney first met with the AFC North club in late March, leaving the visit without a deal. He then met again with the Browns on Wednesday.The 28-year-old will join a pass-rushing group in Cleveland that star Myles Garrett headlines. The Browns also signed Takk McKinley to a one-year, $4.25-million pact this offseason.The former Houston Texans standout has struggled in recent seasons. Clowney registered just one sack with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, and none over eight games with the Titans last season.He racked up 29 sacks and made three Pro Bowls during his five years in Houston.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Mike Alessandrini breaks down the top tight end prospects in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft as part of a position-by-position series rolling out throughout April. Also included for offensive skill players is fantasy analysis from theScore's Justin Boone.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL*

The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent running back James Conner to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.Conner was given a fully guaranteed $1.75-million contract with a $500,000 signing bonus, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Conner, who is recovering from offseason toe surgery, visited the Cardinals on Monday.The 25-year-old suffered the injury while riding in a recreational vehicle this offseason but is expected to be fully recovered by June, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Conner racked up 973 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 to earn his first career Pro Bowl nod. However, his production fell off over the next two seasons and the Steelers didn't re-sign him.Arizona needed to add to its backfield after Kenyan Drake signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Conner will likely split time with Chase Edmonds, who had a career-high 850 yards from scrimmage last season as Drake's backup.Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma while playing at the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. He was declared cancer-free the following year and the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers players joined their Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks peers Tuesday in announcing they won't participate in voluntary offseason workouts due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and has finished among the top seven each of the last seven years.In an effort to help you find trades that could improve your fantasy team, we present the Dynasty Trade Value Chart.You can use this chart to compare players and build realistic trade offers. Values are based on 12-team PPR leagues.Follow the links below to see the trade values for each position.Dynasty Rankings & Trade Values

Rob Gronkowski still can't pass up the opportunity to drop a dirty joke or two.The fun-loving tight end was approached by TMZ and asked about the chances retired receiver Julian Edelman will join him and Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."69% chance," Gronk joked.Edelman retired on Monday after 12 seasons due to a recurring knee injury. But his former New England Patriots teammate doesn't believe the "Squirrel" has played his last down."He'll be back," Gronkowski said.Gronk knows a thing or two about comebacks. He retired after the 2018 season only to reunite with Brady on the Bucs and win another Super Bowl last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the NFL. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.Julian Edelman is a Hall of FamerJack Browne: TrueFew outside Foxborough, Massachusetts, likely believe Edelman is a slam-dunk Hall of Famer on the level of Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, or Marvin Harrison. His regular-season statistics admittedly pale in comparison to those of the aforementioned receivers and others of their caliber. But Edelman's case, while not overwhelmingly or conventionally strong, still has undeniable merit.Edelman is the second-most productive postseason receiver in NFL history behind Jerry Rice, racking up the second-most catches (118) and receiving yards (1,442) while helping the New England Patriots win three Super Bowls. And considering Rice's ridiculous statistical dominance, being the best of the rest is no small feat. Edelman was not only hugely productive in those postseason runs, but he also came up clutch in the biggest moments.The 34-year-old's fingertip snag that kept alive the Patriots' historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI was one of the best catches you'll see. He followed it up two years later with a 10-catch, 141-yard performance in New England's Super Bowl win over the Los Angeles Rams that earned him MVP honors.Edelman's case is arguably most similar to that of Eli Manning - who is all but assured a gold jacket - but without a royal football surname to bolster it. Both players were underwhelming regular-season performers rarely mentioned among the best at their respective positions, but both are also owners of multiple titles, iconic postseason moments, and huge production in the games that mattered most.Caio Miari: FalseEdelman's playoff success is indeed impressive, but a decorated postseason resume combined with limited regular-season production shouldn't be enough for a spot in Canton.Edelman topped 1,000 receiving yards in a season just three times, and his best year for touchdowns was a 2015 campaign that saw him score seven in nine games. He retired with 620 regular-season receptions for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. Drew Pearson is the only wide receiver to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Super Bowl era with fewer than 50 TD catches. Pearson retired in 1983 with 48 touchdowns, three All-Pro nods, and a spot on the NFL's 1970s All-Decade Team. He also led the league in receiving yards once and helped the Dallas Cowboys win a Super Bowl. Still, he only became a Hall of Famer as a member of the senior category in 2021.Edelman's regular-season resume lacks both consistency and dominance. He called it a career without a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection and never topped any major receiving categories. And although Edelman's postseason success is undisputed, he achieved that success playing for arguably the NFL's greatest dynasty. For comparison, four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Hines Ward was named Super Bowl MVP once and amassed 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns before retiring in 2011; he hasn't been a Hall of Fame finalist in the last five years.Getting into the Hall of Fame isn't an exact science. We don't know how many or which boxes a player has to check to earn a gold jacket. But while Edelman might have met the top criteria for a potential induction, he retires with most of the requirements unfulfilled.Sam Darnold will be the guy for Carolina Abbie Parr / Getty Images Sport / GettyMiari: TrueDarnold has been a major disappointment since entering the NFL as the third overall pick in 2018. But don't forget that as bad as he looked with the New York Jets, most - if not all - of the Jets' promising players have underperformed in recent years.Two of Darnold's three NFL seasons were with head coach Adam Gase, whose offensive units have clearly held starting quarterbacks back. For instance, Ryan Tannehill posted a 93.2 passer rating during the 24 games he started for the Miami Dolphins with Gase on the sideline. The Dolphins traded Tannehill to the Tennessee Titans in 2019, and he's recorded a passer rating of 110.6 in 28 appearances since.Another major difference for Darnold is the Carolina Panthers' offensive cast. Carolina's rising offense offers him an explosive duo of receivers in DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, not to mention a superstar running back one year removed from an All-Pro campaign in Christian McCaffrey. A new offensive line should also help. Darnold was sacked at least 30 times a season with New York, exposing one of the biggest flaws in his game: decision-making under pressure. Though the Panthers' offensive line won't solve that issue completely, it's one step ahead of New York's.Finally, Darnold will be only 24 when the 2021 season kicks off. The former USC star has shown flashes, and the tough circumstances he faced with the Jets arguably left him with untapped upside. If Darnold can finally unlock the full talent that previously made him the NFL's youngest Week 1 starter since the AFL-NFL merger, he can easily be a top-15 quarterback - and maybe even a top-10.Browne: FalseTannehill has become the go-to example for quarterback reclamation projects since his recent breakout with the Titans. But for every Tannehill, there are a dozen failed passers whose second chances only further proved they were never worth their initial investment. Carolina is banking on Darnold being another exception to the rule, even though there's far less evidence to the contrary than there was with Tannehill.While Tannehill has certainly ascended to a new level with Tennessee, many have forgotten that he wasn't all that bad for Miami. He had an average finish in QBR of 22.8 across his six seasons with the Dolphins and earned a career-high mark of 15th in 2015. Tannehill's 16-game averages over that span were 3,715 yards and 22 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. He was nothing more than average, but he was average while playing behind an awful offensive line under an incompetent head coach.Darnold has dealt with the same set of handcuffs. But unlike Tannehill, he's shown very little good to balance out the overwhelming amount of bad. In his three NFL seasons, Darnold has ranked 28th, 25th, and 33rd (last in the league) in QBR. He's also finished 30th, 32nd, and 32nd in DVOA. Beyond two or three flashy plays a year, he's been the definition of a replacement-level player. Darnold will have his work cut out just to match the quarterback he's set to replace; Teddy Bridgewater ranked 17th in QBR and 18th in DVOA last season.It's easy to point to Darnold's physical skill set, the college tape that made him a No. 3 overall selection, and the Jets' undoubted failures to give him a real supporting cast. But if he is a top-15 quarterback who's been held back by circumstance, there would be far more evidence of it by now.The 49ers will draft Mac Jones at No. 3Browne: TrueThe NFL community is still reeling over rumors that the San Francisco 49ers will take Jones at No. 3 after their blockbuster trade with the Dolphins. It was widely assumed that Justin Fields or Trey Lance would be the preferred option for Kyle Shanahan and Co., especially after San Francisco surrendered an enormous haul of picks to climb to No. 3. Fields and Lance are consensus top-10 picks; it wasn't long ago that Jones was considered a late first-rounder at best.But there's too much smoke to this rumor. First, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network - one of the most plugged-in draft analysts - said in late March that "the majority of people around the league" believe the 49ers are zeroed in on Jones. Then, in uncharacteristically definitive fashion, Adam Schefter of ESPN said last week that Jones will be the third quarterback off the board.The former Alabama star doesn't possess outstanding physical traits and was part of a star-studded offense. His ceiling is seemingly far lower than those of his more talented compatriots. Many probably won't believe the 49ers are taking Jones until they actually hand in the card on April 29, but it appears the most likely outcome.Miari: FalseJones going third overall just doesn't sound right. The 49ers do seem to like Jones more than most teams, but it's hard to believe they'll select a developmental starter over someone as talented as Fields - a player who's more dynamic and skilled and can make an impact in practically any NFL offense.Jones did have an amazing 2020 college season, racking up 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. But the fact he was surrounded by an outstanding offense featuring the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in wide receiver DeVonta Smith can't go unnoticed. And as accurate as Jones was last year (77.4% completion percentage), neither his arm strength nor his athleticism is especially eye-popping.Why would San Francisco risk the third overall pick on a quarterback who might need a friendly system and a solid supporting cast on both sides of the ball to succeed? The 49ers already have that signal-caller in Jimmy Garoppolo. The argument that Jones is an upgraded version of Garoppolo is fair. But today's NFL is made for dynamic quarterbacks, and Shanahan will find one in Fields or Lance, not Jones.This year's draft evaluation has been limited and unusual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so it's unlikely the 49ers are fully locked in on Jones despite rumors suggesting otherwise. Shanahan and San Francisco general manager John Lynch have yet to attend Fields' and Lance's second pro days, and both quarterbacks reportedly plan to showcase their abilities with drills and throws Shanahan uses in practice. That should be enough to convince the 49ers to draft the best quarterback available.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When it comes to the NFL offseason, the splashy moves draw all of the headlines. Matthew Stafford heading to the Rams had a clear effect on the market; so did Carson Wentz to the Colts, the 49ers' trade for the No. 3 pick, and the retirements of Drew Brees and Philip Rivers.But what about the moves that might not have grabbed the spotlight? Here are five under-the-radar acquisitions that could have a significant effect on the NFL betting market in 2021.Joe Thuney to the ChiefsThis one drew plenty of attention when it happened, if only because of how glaring the Chiefs' offensive-line issues were in their Super Bowl loss to the Buccaneers. Still, don't gloss over this move in favor of flashier skill-position signings.Thuney ranked in the top 12 among guards in PFF grades in each of the last four seasons and has played 500 more snaps at left guard than any player in the league since joining the Patriots in 2016. That consistency and availability is a game-changer for the Chiefs (+500) in their quest for another championship.John Johnson to the BrownsThe Browns seemingly had the makings of a title team last year with an elite offense and burgeoning pass rush. Their biggest weakness was on the back end - Cleveland ranked 12th in points allowed per red-zone trip (4.93) but fell to 23rd in points per drive (2.52), a symptom of poor secondary play and an inability to prevent the deep shot.Johnson ranked fourth among safeties in coverage grade last year (minimum 100 snaps) and fourth in run defense, too, recording 79 tackles and seven pass breakups with the Rams. He's the type of defensive star who could elevate the Browns (+2000) to legitimate Super Bowl contenders.Ryan Fitzpatrick to WashingtonIt's rare that a quarterback signing can fly under the radar, but that's what happened when Washington inked Fitzpatrick to a one-year deal early in free agency. The move provides stability at quarterback to complement the team's elite defense and developing rushing attack, making Washington an instant value in the NFC East.Fitzpatrick also has the potential to unlock Terry McLaurin and new signee Curtis Samuel after both ultra-efficient wideouts were saddled with years of poor quarterback play. Don't sleep on this team with the old gunslinger at the helm.Will Fuller to the DolphinsAmid one of the best wide-receiver free-agent classes in recent memory, Will Fuller's one-year contract with the Dolphins was overshadowed by Kenny Golladay's payday from the Giants and multi-year deals for Samuel and Corey Davis. Yet Fuller's move could have the greatest impact in 2021.Miami desperately needed a receiver opposite DeVante Parker and found it in Fuller, who ranked 10th in yards per game (79.9) and sixth in yards per catch (16.6) in 2020. His availability has been a concern, but if Fuller's healthy for the playoffs, the Dolphins (+2800) could be explosive enough to compete with the top offenses in the AFC.Kyle Fuller to the BroncosWhen the Bears cut Fuller to save $14 million, it was a logical but somewhat surprising move. It's only fitting that Broncos coach Vic Fangio - who worked with Fuller as the Bears' defensive coordinator - took a chance on the 29-year-old two-time Pro Bowl cornerback.In Fangio's last year in Chicago, Fuller tied for the league lead with seven interceptions and ranked fourth in PFF coverage grade and in passer rating allowed (66.6) among corners with at least 500 snaps. Another season like that would help the Broncos exceed their mediocre win total and potentially surprise as a dark-horse playoff team.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL team employees who refuse COVID-19 vaccination without "bona fide medical or religious ground" won't be able to receive Tier 1 and Tier 2 status, the league said in a memo Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.That means they wouldn't be able to access restricted areas in facilities or work "directly or in close proximity with players," the memo continues.Personnel who choose to be vaccinated are expected to be eligible for relaxed COVID-19 protocols, potentially including reduced testing, not having to wear a tracking device, and not being required to quarantine after exposure.The new memo comes nearly two weeks after the NFL and NFLPA reportedly agreed not to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory.The league will also reportedly require clubs to report the number of employees who have been vaccinated on a weekly basis. The NFL and NFLPA are discussing relaxed protocols for teams that reach a certain threshold of vaccination among staff and players.The NFL and NFLPA continue to discuss what form offseason programs will take ahead of the April 19 start date.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Stephon Gilmore doesn't know what his future holds.The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year is entering the final year of a five-year, $65-million contract with the New England Patriots. He's proved to be one of the league's most productive cornerbacks through four seasons with the Patriots, earning three Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl title.But despite his accolades, Gilmore's $13-million average salary ties him with Adoree' Jackson of the New York Giants for 12th among NFL corners, according to Over The Cap. He's set to make roughly $7 million in 2021 after earning $14.2 million last season, according to Spotrac.Gilmore, 30, is reportedly open to signing an extension with New England. But his team-friendly deal has prompted speculation about a move."It's out of my control," Gilmore said, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe. "I'm just happy to be a Patriot right now and see how it goes."He added: "You've got to leave it in their hands. Of course, I know what type of player I am, what type of person I am. I let everything lay on its own."Gilmore's 2020 campaign ended prematurely after he suffered a quadriceps injury in Week 15. He finished 2020 with 37 tackles, three passes defended, and one interception.The Patriots, meanwhile, are looking to put last season behind them after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Whether Gilmore is a part of New England's plans for redemption remains to be seen.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Unless you're entrenched in one of the 32 professional football franchises or a respected, professional insider, your biggest edge betting the NFL draft will hinge on your ability to react to news.Timeliness is an important factor in any market, but the draft is a different animal. Rumors and reports surface daily, especially with the event now just weeks away. Smart bettors not only prioritize urgency but can effectively sift through the smokescreens and false narratives that permeate the draft process.The 2021 board is starting to take shape, but there's still time to make money. If you're willing to act quickly, here are a few simple tips to maximize your profits.Hit the late windowWe see it every year: Prospects skyrocket up draft boards due to a plethora of factors.A mid-major cornerback runs a blazing fast unofficial 40-yard dash and automatically slips into first-round mocks; a quarterback-needy team - like the 49ers this year - moves up, subsequently sending odds on the move; hell, DK Metcalf shattered a couple of records at his pro day and showed us what 1.6% body fat looks like, then closed as the betting favorite to be the first receiver off the board; he was the sixth.In hindsight, was it a brutal decision by the other 31 teams? Of course, but the point stands. The market is quick to react to any pre-draft buzz.And we've already caught a glimpse of the first wave of this year's risers.Prospects such as Florida tight end Kyle Pitts or Alabama quarterback Mac Jones were perceived as mid-first-round targets just weeks ago. Now, both are on the cusp of being selected in the top five. Bettors who got down on draft position totals or other props are sitting pretty.If you're just now arriving at the party, fear not; there's usually one more window late in the draft process during which you can capitalize on news.Just last year, players like Isaiah Wilson, Brandon Aiyuk, and Austin Jackson were all late bloomers. Multiple legitimate reporters cited first-round buzz, so make sure you have those Twitter notifications turned on.Expect a couple more hot commodities to climb the rankings in the coming days.Expand your portfolioImagine digging for a treasure chest, only to stumble upon three of them. Would you loot all three, or just the one you came for? It's not a trick question.If you have a legitimate edge in the draft market, don't stop there - there are plenty of other correlated plays you can make.Suppose you have a good feeling that LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall - a fringe first-rounder - will go on Day 1. Not only can you invest in the under on his draft position total, but you can also go over on other props like the total number of wide receivers or SEC prospects drafted in the first round.Don't be afraid to cover all your bases.Find value after the 1st roundIf you aren't making bets outside the first round, you're doing yourself - and your bankroll - a disservice. Obviously, it's the meat of the draft; most props take place in the first. And who doesn't enjoy the anticipation of the commissioner spilling the pick at the podium on that first day, rather than watching the decade-long Packers season-ticket holder stumble through the team's sixth-round pick in the background of a Saturday interview?Instead of competing with the market over popular bets, take a second look at draft position over/unders or player matchup props (will quarterback X or quarterback Y be selected first?) for mid- and late-round prospects.Congratulations! You just turned what's usually a one-night betting event for most people into a full-weekend extravaganza.And that might be the biggest win of the draft.Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every AFC team ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, which will take place April 29-May 1.AFC I NFCAFC EastBuffalo Bills Elsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Edge rushBuffalo marched its way to a 13-3 record last season despite lacking an impact pass-rusher. The Bills swung and missed on signing J.J. Watt this offseason, but there's still a lot of time to improve a unit that didn't have a player record more than five sacks in 2020. A strong secondary complemented by a boost in the pass-rush department could be the final piece in putting Josh Allen and Co. over the top in the battle for the AFC's crown.Top early-round targets: Gregory Rousseau, Azeez Ojulari, Jaelan PhillipsMiami DolphinsBiggest need: Top pass-catcherThe Dolphins are putting all their chips in on Tua Tagovailoa after a rather flat rookie season. Tagovailoa struggled to push the ball downfield last year, but it's still unclear if that was by design. Regardless, Miami should continue surrounding him with talent in hopes of bringing back the skilled passer we saw light it up at Alabama a few years ago. Luckily for the Dolphins, one of the top two pass-catching prospects in Ja'Marr Chase or Kyle Pitts should fall right into their lap with the sixth overall pick.Top early-round targets: Ja'Marr Chase, Kyle Pitts, Jaylen WaddleNew England PatriotsBiggest need: QuarterbackBill Belichick may be inclined to pursue a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo in a year from now, but it'll be hard to look away if one of the top quarterback prospects falls down the board. Neither Cam Newton nor Jarrett Stidham looks to be the future in New England, and the Patriots are hoping they won't draft in the top 15 again next year after retooling the roster in free agency. Even if they can't nab one of the marquee names, New England might take a gamble on whichever passer falls into its lap.Top early-round targets: Justin Fields, Kyle Trask, Davis MillsNew York JetsBiggest need: QuarterbackOne of the draft's worst kept secrets seems to finally be out - the Jets are going to take a quarterback. After trading Sam Darnold, New York is firmly positioned to select a signal-caller with the No. 2 pick. Some may wonder why the Jets traded a young passer only to take another one. Perhaps New York's biggest need has less to do with the quarterback position and more with the process of developing one. That means making sure it surrounds its next quarterback with all the right tools, a benefit Darnold wasn't provided with.Top early-round targets: Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey LanceAFC NorthBaltimore Ravens Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Edge rushAs much as the Ravens would love to add a playmaking wide receiver, they need a pass-rusher more urgently. Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon both defected in free agency, and nobody on the team had more than four sacks last season. While Baltimore figures to add a wideout at some point in the draft, general manager Eric DeCosta is likely to target an edge rusher first, prioritizing a position group the Ravens haven't addressed in the top two rounds since selecting Tyus Bowser in 2017.Top early-round targets: Gregory Rosseau, Jayson Oweh, Joe TryonCincinnati BengalsBiggest need: Offensive lineIf the Bengals really are moving ahead with Jonah Williams and Riley Reiff as their two tackles - as head coach Zac Taylor claims - then they'll look to address the inside of their offensive line. Guard and centers rarely go early in the first round because they don't play premium positions, so the Bengals may take replacement candidates for Michael Jordan, Trey Hopkins, and Xavier Su'a-Filo on Day 2. If Taylor's assertion was simply a smokescreen, the Bengals could take tackle Penei Sewell with the fifth pick and move Williams to guard.Top early-round targets: Landon Dickerson, Wyatt Davis, Trey SmithCleveland BrownsBiggest need: LinebackerThe Browns seem fairly set on both sides of the ball but still have some issues to iron out in the middle of their defense. Their linebackers struggled in coverage last year, and there was room for improvement against the run. Tack on the fact that B.J. Goodson is still unsigned, and the stars appear to be lining up for Cleveland to take a linebacker with one of its top selections.Top early-round targets: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jamin Davis, Zaven CollinsPittsburgh SteelersBiggest need: Offensive lineThe Steelers made it clear that they're improving their running game this offseason, and that begins with the big boys up front. The holes on the offensive line, especially at center, are bigger than the gaps the running backs had to run through last season. A Day 1 starter to replace the retired Maurkice Pouncey or a quality tackle would do wonders to re-establish the identity of Steelers football.Top early-round targets: Landon Dickerson, Teven Jenkins, Jalen MayfieldAFC SouthHouston Texans Troy Taormina / USA TODAY SportsBiggest need: DefenseWhere to start? Houston has more issues than can be counted and aren't on the clock until the third round. While Deshaun Watson's future remains uncertain and possibly out of their hands, the Texans should fix what they can control. With pressing concerns on the edge and in the secondary, Houston should take the best defensive player available when it finally gets on the clock.Top early-round targets: Paulson Adebo, Patrick Jones, Joe TryonIndianapolis ColtsBiggest need: Defensive endThe Colts allowed 15.5 sacks to walk out the door in free agency, as Denico Autry left for the Titans and Justin Houston remains unsigned. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the edge tandem of Tyquan Lewis and Isaac Rochell isn't good enough. DeForest Buckner, an interior lineman, is the only player still on Indianapolis' roster who managed more than four sacks in 2020.Top early-round targets: Jaelan Phillips, Azeez Ojulari, Joseph OssaiJacksonville JaguarsBiggest need: QuarterbackThis one's obvious, but not just because the Jaguars all but admitted they're taking Trevor Lawrence first overall. Jacksonville actually boasts a promising, young roster and added some established veterans like Marvin Jones and Shaquill Griffin to the mix in free agency, providing a decent situation for a rookie quarterback. Justin Fields and Zach Wilson will garner consideration if anything unforeseen happens to Lawrence before the draft.Top early-round targets: Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach WilsonTennessee TitansBiggest need: Wide receiverThe Titans have an awfully thin receiving corps, with little to nothing behind A.J. Brown and Josh Reynolds. Relying on Reynolds to fill the void caused by Corey Davis' departure is also a risky proposition. Another receiver helps everyone, and it takes attention from Brown while keeping defenses honest in their pursuit to stop Derrick Henry.Top early-round targets: Terrace Marshall Jr., Rondale Moore, Kadarius ToneyAFC WestDenver Broncos Joe Sargent / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: QuarterbackFor the most part, the Broncos have a roster ready to compete, but the biggest question mark comes at the most important position: quarterback. The jury may still be out on Drew Lock, but the number of individuals backing him is dwindling by the minute. Denver shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if the opportunity to take a heralded passer presents itself.Top early-round targets: Trey Lance, Justin Fields, Kellen MondKansas City ChiefsBiggest need: Offensive tackleThe Chiefs signed Joe Thuney, Kyle Long, and Austin Blythe to shore up the inside of their offensive line, but that won't solve the tackle spots. After releasing longtime stalwarts Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz due to injuries and cap constraints, Kansas City must replenish its protection for Patrick Mahomes. Lucas Niang, a second-round pick in 2020, could be the answer on one side of the line, but that still leaves a gaping hole on the other.Top early-round targets: Sam Cosmi, Brady Christensen, Walker LittleLas Vegas RaidersBiggest need: Defensive backIt hasn't been for lack of trying, but the Raiders' largest need still lives in their secondary. At last check, Trayvon Mullen, Damon Arnette, Nevin Lawson, and Johnathan Abram were are still recovering from the first-degree burns they suffered at the hands of their opponents last year. Las Vegas may prefer to take an offensive lineman with their first pick after moving on from three starters in the offseason, but it's hard to win if you can't cover anyone.Top early-round targets: Caleb Farley, Trevon Moehrig, Jevon HollandLos Angeles ChargersBiggest need: Left tackleThe Chargers wasted no time building a wall to protect Justin Herbert in free agency by signing Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler to lucrative deals, but their work isn't done. Los Angeles' final piece to its offensive line puzzle is finding a left tackle to protect Herbert's blindside for years to come. With Herbert and the Chargers on the rise, there may not be many opportunities to pick in the early portions of future drafts, so finding a top tackle is especially important this year.Top early-round targets: Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater, Alijah Vera-TuckerCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every NFC team ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, which will take place April 29-May 1.AFC I NFCNFC EastDallas CowboysBiggest need: Cornerback Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Cowboys have a major hole opposite Trevon Diggs and ideally would land a rookie capable of stepping into that starting role from Day 1. But the question is will Dallas want to use No. 10 to secure one, even it if means reaching? Or will the team once again use the best-player-available strategy, with elite talent likely to be pushed down due to the run of quarterbacks expected at the top? Patrick Surtain is arguably the only cornerback worthy of No. 10, but the next group will all likely be gone by the time the Cowboys pick again at No. 44.Top early-round targets: Patrick Surtain, Jaycee Horn, Asante Samuel Jr.New York GiantsBiggest need: Edge rusherThe Giants' pass-rush group isn't without talent. Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines flashed potential before both suffered season-ending injuries early in 2020, and New York bolstered the unit with Ifeadi Odenigbo and Ryan Anderson in free agency. But the NFC East team needs a centerpiece pass-rusher to build around. That said, taking the best player available at No. 11 would likely best serve the Giants due to the lack of obvious top-10 edge talents, and then the franchise could trade up from No. 44 to secure its desired pass-rusher.Top early-round targets: Gregory Rousseau​​​​​​, Carlos Basham Jr., Joe TyronPhiladelphia EaglesBiggest need: Wide receiverIf Jalen Hurts is going to succeed in his sophomore season, he will need a lot more talent at wide receiver than he had last year. DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery are gone, and Philadelphia can't bank on 2020 first-rounder Jalen Reagor after a poor rookie campaign. The Eagles likely gave up their chance at landing J'Marr Chase by trading down to No. 12 overall, but they should still have a solid shot at one of the other top receiver prospects.Top early-round targets: Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, Rashod BatemanWashington Football TeamBiggest need: LinebackerWashington could use its first-round pick on a left tackle or attempt a bold trade-up for a quarterback, but the move that could bolster its chances in 2021 the most is targeting a linebacker. Kevin Pierre-Louis, the team's best coverage linebacker, left for the Texans in free agency. Cole Holcomb is an emerging player, but fellow starter Jon Bostic will be 30 in May and is in the last year of his deal. Washington needs an athletic, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can excel in coverage to take its talented defense to the next level.Top early-round targets: Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah, Zaven Collins, Jamin DavisNFC NorthChicago BearsBiggest need: Quarterback Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Bears signed Andy Dalton, telling him he's their starter. While Chicago does seem confident in Dalton, the team clearly needs better quarterback play in the short and long term. But the Bears' first pick is only at No. 20, which puts the top QB prospects out of the team's range. In other words, Chicago will only get its potential new franchise quarterback this year with a blockbuster draft trade. But if the organization does call a signal-caller with its original first-round pick, it'd be an enormous reach. In case the Bears don't go QB on Day 1, they could address other areas of need, such as cornerback and offensive line.Top early-round targets: Trey Lance, Mac Jones, Kyle TraskDetroit LionsBiggest need: Wide receiverThe Lions have many glaring holes, but this offseason made the wide receiver position the club's biggest need. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones signed elsewhere while Danny Amendola remains unsigned, meaning Detroit doesn't have any of its top three wideouts from last year's roster. Granted, the Lions added Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams, but the pair's arrival adds little to arguably the NFL's worst receiving corps at the moment. With quarterbacks expected to shape the draft's top 5, Detroit will see most prospects still available from this deep class of receivers at No. 7 overall.Top early-round targets: Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta SmithGreen Bay PackersBiggest need: CornerbackThe Packers' cornerback depth chart remains essentially unchanged from last season. Green Bay re-signed Kevin King to a one-year deal, and he's on track to remain the club's No. 2 corner behind Jaire Alexander. Adding competition for King isn't a bad idea, though - he's coming off arguably the worst season of his career and is set to hit free agency again in 2022. The Packers would also welcome a new pass-catcher or offensive lineman, but landing a new corner should be the team's top draft priority.Top early-round targets: Caleb Farley, Asante Samuel Jr., Greg NewsomeMinnesota VikingsBiggest need: Edge rusherMinnesota has holes on both sides of the ball, but its defense deserves special attention due to last season's struggles. The Vikings' pass rush will likely have Danielle Hunter back despite the Pro Bowler's reported dissatisfaction with his contract, but Hunter is the only high-level edge rusher on the roster, and the lack of consistent pass-rushing also helps expose Minnesota's issues in the secondary. The Vikings traded for Yannick Ngakoue last year, but the move didn't pay off. Luckily for coach Mike Zimmer, this year's edge rushers class features plenty of options.Top early-round targets: Jaelan Phillips, Kwity Paye, Azeez OjulariNFC SouthAtlanta FalconsBiggest need: Edge rusher Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Falcons have tried and failed to land an alpha pass-rusher near the top of the draft in recent years. To make matters worse, Dante Fowler Jr. was a big disappointment in 2020 after signing a big-money deal in free agency. Unfortunately for Atlanta, this draft lacks a pass-rusher worthy of the No. 4 spot. If the NFC South club trades down - as it reportedly is open to doing - there are several edge players worthy of consideration. But it's more likely the Falcons target one at the top of the second or trade back into the 20s.Top early-round targets: Kwity Paye, Jayson Oweh, Ronnie PerkinsCarolina PanthersBiggest need: Left tackleRecently acquiring quarterback Sam Darnold has dramatically altered the outlook of the Panthers entering the draft. Darnold might not be the long-term answer under center, but the trade means Carolina is no longer going in laser-focused on landing one of the top five passers. Instead, the team should prioritize bolstering Darnold's protection with Russell Okung, last year's starter at left tackle, no longer with the club.Top early-round targets: Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, Christian DarrisawNew Orleans SaintsBiggest need: CornerbackThe Saints have locked Marshon Lattimore in as one of their starting cornerbacks, but the team currently doesn't have a clear No. 2 following Janoris Jenkins' departure and with Patrick Robinson, P.J. Williams, and Grant Haley all being more suited to depth roles. New Orleans has reportedly looked at veteran free agents like Richard Sherman, but the franchise could benefit the most from using an early pick on a corner to form a tandem with Lattimore for the foreseeable future.Top early-round targets: Asante Samuel Jr., Caleb Farley, Kelvin JosephTampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest need: Defensive lineThe reigning Super Bowl champions don't have any glaring needs after a spectacular free-agency period in which the franchise retained all of its core pieces from a season ago. Therefore, the Buccaneers' top priority should be shoring up a talented but aging defensive line. Ndamukong Suh is 34 and William Gholston turns 30 in July, so it makes sense to secure a long-term option now who can also act as an insurance policy in case one of the starting veterans goes down.Top early-round targets: Levi Onwuzurike​​​​​​, Christian Barmore, Osa OdighizuwaNFC WestArizona CardinalsBiggest need: Cornerback Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Cardinals landed Malcolm Butler in free agency, but their cornerback room still lacks star power and depth. Arizona hasn't brought back two of its starting corners from last year, with Patrick Peterson joining the Vikings and Dre Kirkpatrick remaining unsigned. That means Robert Alford, who hasn't played since 2018 due to injuries, is the presumptive favorite to start opposite Butler. For a team hoping to make a deep playoff run, that could be problematic.Top early-round targets: Patrick Surtain, Jacee Horn, Caleb FarleyLos Angeles RamsBiggest need: CenterThe Rams currently don't have a Day 1 pick this year, but center should be the organization's priority when Los Angeles first gets on the clock in the second round. Austin Blythe, last season's starter, signed with the Chiefs in free agency, leaving Brian Allen as the Rams' only center with NFL experience. Allen, however, missed the 2020 campaign due to injury and his form remains uncertain. Moving someone like Austin Corbett from guard to center is also an option, but it could open a hole at guard as a result, affecting a stable position for L.A.Top early-round targets: Creed Humphrey, Quinn Meinerz, Josh MyersSan Francisco 49ersBiggest need: QuarterbackThe 49ers' blockbuster trade for the third overall pick makes clear what they are looking for. And who could blame San Francisco for wanting improvement at quarterback? Jimmy Garoppolo has missed 23 games due to injury since 2018. When he's healthy, his ceiling is clear: Garoppolo can lead his team to wins, but he'll need help from a solid supporting cast on both sides. For a club coached by an offensive genius like Kyle Shanahan, that isn't good enough. This year's loaded QB class gives Shanahan mouth-watering options.Top early-round targets: Justin Fields, Trey Lance, Mac JonesSeattle SeahawksBiggest need: CornerbackThe Seahawks have only three picks this year, and their first selection isn't until Day 2, so they'll have to see how the opening round will shape up before making calls. However, Seattle should have plenty of gifted corners available to choose from in the second round. The cornerback unit is crucial for coach Pete Carroll's scheme, but it was inconsistent in 2020 and lost Shaquill Griffin to free agency, raising even more questions for 2021. Meanwhile, veteran Ahkello Witherspoon, who's often injured, was the team's only main addition to the position.Top early-round targets: Benjamin St-Juste, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Tyson CampbellCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.