Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continued to be coy Friday about a potential trade for Seattle Seahawks star safety Earl Thomas.Thomas, who grew up idolizing the Cowboys, piqued interest in a potential deal when he warmly greeted members of their staff following a December 2017 game that the Seahawks won 21-12.While Seattle has reportedly listened to two offers for Thomas, and Dallas reportedly offered a second-round pick, it still appears there won't be an imminent deal. However, Jones happily left the possibility open."We can't talk about that deal," Jones told Clarence Hill of The Star-Telegram.For the time being, a trade involving the best safety of his generation is still just a compelling rumor.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the first round of the NFL draft is unmatched for drama and intrigue, Day 2 of the event is often where some of the best value picks are made.Big names such as edge rusher Harold Landry and running back Derrius Guice fell into Round 2, but who was the best selection of the 68 players chosen Friday?Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The first three rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft are in the books with 100 players off the board so far. With four more rounds to go, there are plenty of talented prospects available. We count down the top players still on the board at each position.QuarterbacksLuke Falk, Washington State

The Jon Gruden hype train took some hits in the first three rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.The Oakland Raiders' draft choices so far have been met with widespread criticism, especially the perceived reach for offensive tackle Kolton Miller at the No. 15 overall spot.Gruden defended his team's selections Friday, and acknowledged the added pressure that comes with unpopular picks."I don't really hear all the skeptics," Gruden said after the conclusion of Day 2, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I have a cell phone, too, that works. I've got a lot of coaches and friends in the NFL that are ecstatic about the picks that we made. And I apologize to people who don't like our picks and are skeptical. I also realize we have to prove we did the right thing."Oakland not only took Miller in the first round but traded up in the third for fellow offensive tackle Brandon Parker, despite being a year removed from owning arguably the best offensive line in the league.But after watching Derek Carr struggle with injuries in recent seasons, Gruden said it was a price worth paying to protect his franchise quarterback."We need guys who can block, and we addressed that today," he said. "And we have a quarterback, I think, that is one hell of a football player, and it's a priority to protect him. He's been hurt the last two years, and it bothers me."The Raiders used their other two picks in the opening three rounds on defensive tackle P.J. Hall and edge rusher Arden Key, and will have six more selections on Day 3 to change the perception of Gruden's first draft back in Oakland.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice emerged as one of the stories of the 2018 NFL Draft for dubious reasons.Guice was billed as a first-round pick and considered by many to be the second-best running back from the 2018 cohort next to Saquon Barkley, who went second overall to the New York Giants.However, the former LSU standout, who was reportedly involved in an altercation with members of the Philadelphia Eagles during a meeting at the NFL Scouting Combine, fell dramatically. He was taken in the second round with the No. 59 selection.Speaking to reporters Friday after being selected, Guice categorically denied any altercation between him and the team."My trip to the Eagles was great. There wasn't an altercation when I went. It was great. They were also like family. And me and (running backs coach Duce Staley) have a great relationship," Guice said.Redskins head coach Jay Gruden also revealed that Guice told him he wasn't involved in a conflict with the Eagles."Yeah, we don't know anything about that, quite honestly. These reports that come out after the pick - unfortunately, we don't get access to every report on the player, so we'll wait and see and talk to Derrius, but he's assured us there was no altercation there at all," Gruden told reporters.The coach added that he'd keep a close eye on Guice, but said he was impressed by the 20-year-old during the pre-draft process."I think when we're talking about pre-draft visits, what we're trying to accomplish here is how they can learn the game and how he would fit with our football team. Get to know him as a kid, number one. See how he can learn, number two. We feel confident that he can learn our stuff. We'll keep a close eye on him like we do with all our players, without a doubt. He's a young kid, but he's a physical runner and I think he's a very good football player, and at the end of the day, it's our job to surround him with good people. We have great leaders in place here. I think he'll fit right in."NFL Network's Mike Mayock provided more insight during the broadcast into Guice's slide."He's a first-round talent,” Mayock said of Guice. "He had several issues getting to different buildings and meeting with teams. He missed some flights. They didn't like his attitude. The NFL investigated and cleared him. He fired his agent. It was a tumultuous offseason for this young man. He did not put his best foot forward. Now today I've had several text messages from general managers telling me there's another investigation out there that could be potentially highly embarrassing to the kid and maybe to the team that selects him. That's why he's sliding now."Guice could become the Redskins' starting running back, but there will certainly be further scrutiny upon him as his rookie season begins in earnest.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL hopefuls wait their entire lives to hear their name called out during the draft, but unfortunately, the reality doesn't always go to plan.Harold Landry found that out Friday when Vince Young - the Tennessee Titans' "franchise legend" selection to announce their second-round pick - butchered the pass-rusher's first name."Titan Up. Titans Up, baby. With the 41st pick in the 2018 draft, the Tennessee Titans select Honor, Honor Landry," Young said, according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe.Young apologized to Landry on Twitter, and the incoming rookie was quick to forgive the former quarterback.

The Baltimore Ravens have selected offensive tackle Orlando Brown out of Oklahoma in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 83rd overall.Brown was projected as a first-rounder prior to the combine. However, an all-time terrible performance at the event caused him to fall to the Ravens.In a strange twist of fate, the former Oklahoma standout's father, Orlando Brown Sr., played for Baltimore for six seasons.Orlando Brown BioPosition: OT

The Dallas Cowboys have selected wide receiver Michael Gallup out of Colorado State in the third round with the 81st overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.With the club's decision to cut Dez Bryant in the offseason, depth at the receiver position was certainly an area of need entering the draft, and the Cowboys addressed that with Gallup's selection.Gallup was third in the country last season in receptions, hauling in 100 passes for 1,413 yards and seven touchdowns.Michael Gallup BioPosition: WR

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected quarterback Mason Rudolph out of Oklahoma State in the third round with the 76th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft after a trade up with the Seattle Seahawks.The Seahawks received the 79th and 220th overall picks from the Steelers to slide slightly back.Rudolph will slot in as Ben Roethlisberger's backup, possibly serving as the team's third-string quarterback in his rookie year with a plan to develop him into a starter.The Oklahoma State product will be reunited with his college teammate receiver James Washington, who was selected with the Steelers' previous pick during the second round. The two were one of the most prolific passing combinations in college the past two seasons.Mason Rudolph BioPosition: QB

The Denver Broncos have selected running back Royce Freeman out of Oregon in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 71st overall.The Broncos had a glaring need at running back after releasing C.J. Anderson this offseason. Freeman should immediately battle with Devontae Booker and De'Angelo Henderson for Denver's starting gig.Royce Freeman BioPosition: RB

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected wide receiver James Washington out of Oklahoma State in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 60th overall.The pick comes about 24 hours after Pittsburgh dealt receiver Martavis Bryant to the Oakland Raiders for a third-round pick. The Steelers used a second-round pick on a receiver for the second year in a row with Washington, having taken JuJu Smith-Schuster at No. 62 in 2017.Washington will likely slide in as a slot weapon for the Steelers with Antonio Brown and Smith-Schuster starting in outside roles. The Oklahoma State product can also easily shift to the outside position and has a fantastic ability to churn out yards after the catch.James Washington BioPosition: WR

Derrius Guice was expected to be one of the first running backs selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, but there is apparently a reason for his precipitous descent down draft boards.Related: Redskins end Derrius Guice's shock fall late in 2ndGuice was reportedly passed over by teams because of his immaturity, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Moreover, Guice apparently performed poorly during visits with NFL teams.His nightmare scenario came to an end, however, as the Washington Redskins selected Guice with the 59th overall pick.

Derrius Guice's long wait is over.The Washington Redskins selected the former star LSU running back in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 59th overall.Guice was projected to be a first-round pick, but reportedly fell due to concerns about his maturity and poor visits with teams.A dominating bruiser in the mold of Marshawn Lynch, Guice will form a frightening combination with 2017 breakout receiving back Chris Thompson.Derrius Guice BioPosition: RB

For the latest update during the draft, close this page and re-enter the tracker.ROUND: 1 | 2-3 | 4-7Round 2PickTeamPlayerSchool33CLEG Austin CorbettNevada○ Browns open 2nd round by drafting a guard (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool34NYGG Will HernandezUTEP○ Giants nab Hernandez to improve O-line (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool35CLERB Nick ChubbGeorgia○ Browns add Chubb to rebuilt offense (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool36INDLB Darius LeonardSouth Carolina State○ Colts replenish linebacking corps with Leonard (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool37INDG Braden SmithAuburn○ Run of guards starts 2nd round of draft (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool38TBRB Ronald Jones IIUSC○ Bucs fill a massive hole at running back with Jones (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool39CHIC James DanielsIowa○ Bears get new partner for Trubisky (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool40DENWR Courtland SuttonSMU○ Broncos add to already loaded receiving corps (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool41TENLB Harold LandryBoston College⇄ Titans move way up the board to end Landry's slide (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool42MIATE Mike GesickiPenn State○ Dolphins revamp tight end group with stud Gesicki (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool43DETRB Kerryon JohnsonAuburn⇄ Lions trade with Pats to get their running back (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool44SFWR Dante PettisWashington⇄ Niners trade up for slot and star returner Pettis (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool45GBCB Josh JacksonIowa○ Packers take 2 of top CB prospects in Alexander, Jackson (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool46KCDE Breeland SpeaksMississippi⇄ Chiefs move up for Speaks (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool47ARIWR Christian KirkTexas A&M○ Cards find Fitzgerald's successor in Kirk (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool48LACDE Uchenna NwosuUSC○ Bolts get even bolder on D-line with Nwosu (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool49PHITE Dallas GoedertSouth Dakota St.⇄ Eagles fortify receiving corps with freak tight end (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool50DALG Connor WilliamsTexas○ Cowboys beef up O-line with Williams (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool51CHIWR Anthony MillerMemphis⇄ Bears trade up to add more talent at receiver (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool52INDDE Kemoko TurayRutgers⇄ Colts address lack of pass rush, pick Turay (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool53TBCB M.J. StewartNorth Carolina⇄ Bucs finally address secondary with Stewart pick (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool54CINDB Jessie Bates IIIWake Forest⇄ Bengals focus on retooling defense, select Bates (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool55CARCB Donte JacksonLSU○ Panthers get potential star in Jackson (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool56NECB Duke DawsonFlorida⇄ Pats move up 7 slots to get corner Dawson (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool57OAKDT P.J. HallSam Houston St.⇄ Raiders go FCS for a DT in Hall (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool58ATLCB Isaiah OliverColorado○ Falcons go DB, grab Oliver (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool59WASRB Derrius GuiceLSU⇄ Redskins resolve their rushing issues, take sliding Guice (Video and Scouting Profile)○ Report: Guice slid due to immaturity, poor visits (Read More)PickTeamPlayerSchool60PITWR James WashingtonOklahoma St.○ Steelers bring in Washington after shipping out Bryant (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool61JAXWR D.J. CharkLSU○ Jags add speedster Chark (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool62MINT Brian O'NeillPittsburgh○ Vikings find athletic tackle in O'Neill (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool63TBCB Carlton DavisAuburn○ Buccaneers take back-to-back corners with Davis pick (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool64INDDE Tyquan LewisOhio State⇄ Colts sneak up 3 picks to take Lewis (Video and Scouting Profile)Round 3PickTeamPlayerSchool65OAKT Brandon ParkerNorth Carolina A&T⇄ Raiders move up for more tackle help (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool66NYGLB Lorenzo CarterGeorgia○ Giants go pass rusher for Carter (Video and Scouting Profile)PickTeamPlayerSchool67CLEDE Chad ThomasMiami (FL)⇄ from IND🕒 On the clockPickTeamPlayerSchool68HOUPickTeamPlayerSchool69NYG⇄ from TBPickTeamPlayerSchool70SF⇄ from CHIPickTeamPlayerSchool71DENPickTeamPlayerSchool72NYJPickTeamPlayerSchool73MIAPickTeamPlayerSchool74WAS⇄ from SFPickTeamPlayerSchool75BAL⇄ from OAKPickTeamPlayerSchool76SEA⇄ from GBPickTeamPlayerSchool77CINPickTeamPlayerSchool78CIN⇄ from KCPickTeamPlayerSchool79PIT⇄ from OAKPickTeamPlayerSchool80HOU⇄ from SEAPickTeamPlayerSchool81DALPickTeamPlayerSchool82DETPickTeamPlayerSchool83BALPickTeamPlayerSchool84LACPickTeamPlayerSchool85CAR⇄ from BUFPickTeamPlayerSchool86KCPickTeamPlayerSchool87LARPickTeamPlayerSchool88CARPickTeamPlayerSchool89OAK⇄ from TENPickTeamPlayerSchool90ATLPickTeamPlayerSchool91NOPickTeamPlayerSchool92PITPickTeamPlayerSchool93JAXPickTeamPlayerSchool94MINPickTeamPlayerSchool95SF⇄ from NEPickTeamPlayerSchool96BUF⇄ from PHIPickTeamPlayerSchool97ARIPickTeamPlayerSchool98HOUPickTeamPlayerSchool99DENPickTeamPlayerSchool100KC⇄ from CINFor the latest update during the draft, close this page and re-enter the tracker.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals selected wide receiver Christian Kirk out of Texas A&M in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 47th overall.Kirk is expected to make an immediate impact in the Cardinals' passing game alongside Larry Fitzgerald and J.J. Nelson.Arizona selected quarterback Josh Rosen 10th overall and Kirk should be expected to form a partnership with him as the present and future of the team's offensive scheme.A dynamic playmaker, Kirk also has added value as a punt and kick returner.Christian Kirk BioPosition: WR

Josh Rosen made waves by pronouncing "there were nine mistakes ahead of me" after being selected No. 10 overall by the Arizona Cardinals on the opening night of the NFL draft.But after a day to sleep on his comments, the quarterback walked them back somewhat, saying Friday there were actually only "three mistakes" - fellow quarterbacks Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Josh Allen, who went No. 1, No. 3, and No. 7 overall, respectively."I was a little emotional last night," Rosen said at his introductory press conference, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.Rosen also continued to defend the perceived personality issues that surrounded him during the draft process, saying it's the misconception he most wants to correct in the NFL.The Cardinals, though, clearly have no concerns about their new franchise quarterback."I've coached plenty of different personalities," Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy said."I coached receivers in Carolina back in the day, and being the coordinator plenty of places, there's plenty of people that have opinions, and everybody's got an opinion, and I got no problem with that. There's going to be a way we're going to do it here, and I'm fine with it."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions selected running back Kerryon Johnson out of Auburn in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 43rd overall.In order to select Johnson, the Lions traded the No. 51 and No. 117 selections to the New England Patriots in exchange for the No. 43 pick.Johnson starred against elite competition in the SEC and will be afforded an opportunity to seize the lead back role upon entering training camp.Kerryon Johnson BioPosition: RB

The Miami Dolphins have selected tight end Mike Gesicki out of Penn State in the second round with the 42nd overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.The senior is an absolute freak on the athletic scale, leaping an incredible 41.5 inches at the NFL combine. With that jumping ability on a 6-foot-6 frame, Gesicki should be a potent weapon in the red zone for the Dolphins offense.Mike Gesicki Bio Position: TE

The Tennessee Titans have selected edge rusher Harold Landry out of Boston College in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 41st overall.In order to select Landry, the Titans traded the No. 57 and No. 89 selections to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for the No. 41 pick.Landry has an outstanding first step and should be able to give NFL offensive tackles nightmares due to his speed and array of pass-rushing moves.With excellent production at the collegiate level, the Titans may have stumbled upon a future Pro Bowl defensive end, capable of taking the team's once anonymous defensive line to the next level.Harold Landry BioPosition: DE/OLB

The Denver Broncos have selected wide receiver Courtland Sutton out of Southern Methodist in the second round with the 40th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.The Broncos have a potential successor to 30-year-old Demaryius Thomas in Sutton, who has similar physical measurements to the veteran. He'll likely slot in as the third receiver in Denver behind Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, though he could be restricted to red-zone duty as a rookie.Sutton was the first receiver taken on Day 2 and third player taken at his position in this year's draft.Courtland Sutton BioPosition: WR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected running back Ronald Jones II out of USC in the second round with the 38th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.Jones rushed for 1,550 yards and 19 touchdowns during his final season at USC and can become the workhorse back for the Buccaneers immediately.The running back is elusive in the open field and does a good job of evading would-be tacklers.Jones will likely compete against Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber for the starting role.Ronald Jones BioPosition: RB

The future of the Browns' backfield is set.Cleveland selected running back Nick Chubb out of Georgia with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft to go along with No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.Chubb is a pure downhill runner who will likely push Carlos Hyde for the starting job from Day 1.Nick Chubb BioPosition: RB

The New York Giants have selected guard Will Hernandez out of Texas-El Paso with the 34th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.Hernandez was widely considered one of the best offensive lineman in the draft and is a superior pass blocker. After the Giants selected Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick, Hernandez will expected to play a key role in the running game.Boasting excellent footwork, Hernandez is expected to be a key contributor for a Giants' offensive line that has struggled immensely in recent years.Will Hernandez BioPosition: G

The Cleveland Browns have selected offensive lineman Austin Corbett out of Nevada with the first pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.Corbett brings great versatility to the Browns as he can play both tackle or guard on the offensive line. With Joe Thomas opting to retire, Corbett will immediately bring depth at a crucial spot for the AFC North club.After taking Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick on Thursday, the pick of Corbett brings the new quarterback a new protector for next season.Austin Corbett BioPosition: G

Giants fans are apparently thrilled with their newest offensive superstar.New York's first-round pick, Saquon Barkley, generated more jersey sales on the first night of the 2018 draft than any other first-round pick, Fanatics told ESPN's Darren Rovell.Not only did Barkley beat out all of his 2018 compatriots, he also sold more jerseys than any player on draft night in the history of Fanatics, which runs the official NFL online shop.And, according to Odell Beckham Jr., the running back will continue to be a record-breaker.

For the first time since 1999, five quarterbacks were selected in the first round when Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson each heard their names called to start the 2018 festivities.The futures of the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens are pinned on their new passers. But when will we see each of them make their pro debuts?Who expects to take the field right away and who will have to sit and watch for what will be more than a season? Here are our projections.Baker Mayfield, BrownsTyrod Taylor may have been signed to be the Browns' next starting quarterback, but once Mayfield was announced as the first overall pick on Thursday night, the hourglass was officially flipped on Taylor's time at the helm.Following seasons with 1-15 and 0-16 finishes, Taylor was brought aboard to put some wins on the team's ledger. His status as a bridge quarterback will be short-lived, however, as it won't be long before the franchise and its fan base push for Mayfield to start.The defending Heisman Trophy winner isn't one to back away from a challenge, and he has a history of forcing a coaching staff to change its plans and install him as a starter. He walked on at Texas Tech in 2013 and was named the starter out of camp. Then he did the same in 2015 after walking on at Oklahoma.Mayfield enters the NFL as the most pro-ready quarterback of the five selected on Day 1 of the draft. The Browns will likely balk at starting him in Week 1 after the failed DeShone Kizer experiment, but the barks emanating from the Dawg Pound will be too loud to ignore for long.Prediction: Mayfield debuts Week 4 at RaidersSam Darnold, JetsDarnold, the No. 3 overall pick, may have landed in the best position for long-term security, but the immediate future of the New York Jets will see 15-year veteran Josh McCown attempt to improve on his five-win output from a year ago.McCown was re-signed to a one-year deal and will serve as a mentor to Darnold both on the field and off of it. Teddy Bridgewater is also in the fold, though he isn't yet fully recovered from shredding his knee in 2016.Darnold isn't a finished product, so he'll have an opportunity to sit for a year and watch McCown attempt to recapture his 2017 magic. But the coast is clear and he'll be at the top of the depth chart to begin 2019.Prediction: Darnold debuts Week 1, 2019Josh Allen, BillsThe Bills traded up from pick No. 12 to the seventh selection and gave up two second-round draft picks to get Allen. But it still might be awhile before Buffalo fans see his cannon arm cut a football through the snow.First, free-agent signee AJ McCarron will be given an opportunity to lead the charge after netting a two-year, $10-million deal.Allen is considered to be the least pro-ready among the rookie passers. With McCarron as the unquestioned starter for 2018, Allen will be afforded as much time as he needs to work on his footwork and decision-making. And to get acclimated to the Buffalo snow.Prediction: Allen debuts Week 5, 2019Josh Rosen, CardinalsWhen the Cardinals traded up to nab Rosen with the 10th overall pick, it was hailed as the best marriage of team and quarterback among those selected Thursday.While Rosen could start right away, Arizona paid Sam Bradford $15 million guaranteed to take the helm in 2018.Luckily for Rosen, Bradford hasn't played a full 16-game campaign since 2012. When he inevitably succumbs to injury, Rosen - leapfrogging backup Mike Glennon - will get his first taste of life with superstar running back David Johnson.Prediction: Rosen debuts Week 10 at ChiefsLamar Jackson, RavensMuch like the QBs taken in the first round last year, Jackson was selected by a team with an established starter. And as Mitchell Trubisky and Deshaun Watson did, Jackson will push Joe Flacco aside and quickly graduate from the future of the Ravens to the present.The 2016 Heisman winner represents the most dynamic quarterback in Baltimore's history.Jackson promised Thursday night that he will one day deliver a Super Bowl to Baltimore. The sooner he starts, the sooner he can deliver on his promise.Prediction: Jackson debuts Week 11 vs. Bengals(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baker Mayfield is not like other first overall picks. He doesn't look like a first overall pick. He doesn't talk like a first overall pick. He wasn't recruited as other first overall picks have been.But breaking the mold is something Mayfield is used to.Prior to Thursday morning, few expected the Cleveland Browns to select the former Oklahoma quarterback. Josh Allen and Sam Darnold were the two signal-callers rumored to be the choice instead.But alas, Mayfield was the pick, adding another chapter to his underdog story. Maybe his uniqueness is just what Cleveland needs to return to relevance after just two winning seasons this century.Since 2003, 11 quarterbacks have been selected first overall, including Mayfield. When examining the other ten players, interesting trends emerge.Matthew Stafford is the only No. 1 quarterback under 6-foot-4, and only Alex Smith is under 220 lbs. Mayfield stands just over 6-feet tall, weighing 215 lbs.Mayfield played in the Big 12, a conference not known for its defensive schemes. He thrived in Lincoln Riley's spread-attack, torching NCAA opponents on a weekly basis. Of the 10 first overall quarterbacks since 2003, eight came from either SEC or PAC-12 schools, and only one other (Sam Bradford) was from the Big 12.The Austin, Texas native was not widely recruited like his peers. The last six first overall quarterbacks were top-20 recruits at their position - either 4- or 5-star prospects - with four of them coming in as top-10 QB recruits, and two ranked No. 1 at the position. Mayfield was ESPN's 69th-ranked signal-caller in the 2013 cycle and walked on at Texas Tech before transferring. No player has arguably climbed as high as the former Sooner has on his way to the top overall selection.We've already established Mayfield is not like other No. 1 picks, but is that necessarily a bad thing?The former Heisman Trophy winner does not possess Andrew Luck's football IQ and he doesn't have Carson Palmer or Matthew Stafford's arm strength. But none of this matters, as Mayfield is the poster boy of the "new NFL." Accuracy, quick decisions, and completing short passing patterns are his greatest strengths.During the 2017 NFL season, only three starting quarterbacks averaged more than 10 yards in the air per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats. Quick passes have replaced a number of run concepts in playbooks.In his final season at Oklahoma, one-third of Mayfield's passes were either bubble screens, quick outs, quick ins, or slant patterns. According to Pro Football Focus, no NCAA passer was more accurate or more productive on these throws.But Mayfield can air it out when the situation presents itself. Twenty-two percent of his targets in 2017 occurred on go routes, and the new Browns quarterback earned a 124.1 rating on these passes, per PFF.As the Browns attempt to rebuild once again, this current regime will live and die with its 2018 No. 1 overall pick. His flashy demeanor, small stature, and underdog mentality are extremely uncommon for a franchise quarterback, but even more so for a first overall draft pick.Mayfield doesn't fit the narrative, but destroying narratives is all he has ever done. And he does it well.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While Jason Witten has reportedly decided to retire, another veteran tight end wants to continue his NFL career.Free agent Antonio Gates wants to continue playing, but the Los Angeles Chargers have informed the veteran this offseason they do not plan on re-signing him, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The news will end Gates' 15-year tenure with the Chargers. The team (then in San Diego) signed the former collegiate basketball standout as an undrafted free agent in 2003. The rest is history, as Gates now leads the franchise with 927 receptions, 11,508 yards, and 114 touchdowns.Gates is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. The NFL's all-time touchdown leader among tight ends will apparently have to end his career with another franchise.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Recently retired longtime Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is expected to join CBS as an NFL game analyst, according to Richard Deitsch of The Athletic.Arians would likely join the existing CBS team consisting of play-by-play broadcaster Greg Gumbel and analyst Trent Green.The 65-year-old made his interest in broadcasting known to various networks shortly after stepping down from the Cardinals.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills team captain Lorenzo Alexander says newly-drafted quarterback Josh Allen will need to address his racially insensitive tweets to his teammates at some point."What I'm gonna do is extend some grace and wait to get to know the kid and see how he develops," Alexander said of Allen on Friday, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN. "And that's how you got to approach it. Now everyone might not have that same approach. I would encourage every teammate in our locker room to do that, but he's gonna have to at some point, whether he does it in front of the whole team or one-off, somebody's gonna ask him, 'Why did you say that?' Or 'Why were you quoting those words?'"Allen, drafted by the Bills seventh overall, landed in hot water Wednesday night when tweets of his from the past containing the "N-word" resurfaced on social media."He's gonna have to have a good answer," Alexander added. "I've listened to a couple of interviews and I think it's gonna come from the heart and he'll be fine. But he's gonna maybe have to work a little bit harder from certain people in the locker room, but I don't think it's an issue because that's who he was and not who he is."Allen apologized for the tweets after they went viral and the posts have since been deleted. Allen said Thursday his account was supposed to be checked for offensive material months ago, and any questionable posts should've been removed. The racially insensitive tweets were made in 2012 and 2013 when Allen was in high school."Obviously the Bills organization vetted him," Alexander said. "So when something like this comes out, (you have to talk to) other teammates or coaches. He's played with some African Americans on his teams, so I know they would say something at some point - or especially when something like this comes up, they're gonna tweet, 'Yeah, this is him.'"You haven't heard anything like that. He's grown, matured, owned it. He's very contrite and apologetic for what he said and did, because he's learned the magnitude of that word."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters Friday that tight end Jason Witten hasn't made a final decision on his reported retirement.Reports broke Friday afternoon that the 15-year veteran is set to hang up his spikes and join ESPN as the lead analyst for Monday Night Football.Witten, a team captain, previously stated his desire to continue his playing career on multiple occasions, even suggesting he hopes to play until at least age 40.However, NFL Network's Ian Rapaport subsequently tweeted that he has been told Witten's ultimate decision will be to make the move to TV.Witten, who turns 36 in May, has seen his production as a pass-catcher decline over the last handful of years but remains a reliable security blanket in the passing game. He caught 63 passes for 560 yards and five touchdowns in 2017.An 11-time Pro Bowler, Witten has 1,152 receptions for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns in 239 career regular-season contests.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Thursday night's first-round selections in the books, theScore projects the picks on Day 2 of the NFL draft.Round 233. Browns - Harold Landry, DE, Boston CollegeLandry, potentially the top player available entering Day 2, is scooped up by the Browns here and offers explosion as a bookend to Myles Garrett.34. Giants - Will Hernandez, OG, UTEPThe Giants drafted Saquon Barkley No. 2 overall, and this Hernandez selection helps bolster their improved rushing attack even more.35. Browns - Nick Chubb, RB, GeorgiaRunning back is not the biggest need for the Browns, but Chubb is possibly the best player available, and is a solid complement to Carlos Hyde.36. Colts - Josh Jackson, CB, IowaJackson projects as an excellent fit in the Colts' 4-3 defense, and fills a weak spot in their secondary.37. Colts - Derrius Guice, RB, LSUWith Indianapolis' second round-two pick, new head coach Frank Reich finds his future lead back to help ease the load on Andrew Luck.38. Buccaneers - Ronnie Harrison, S, AlabamaHarrison is a solid all-around safety, a position of weakness on Tampa Bay's defense.39. Bears - Courtland Sutton, WR, SMUThe Bears have expressed a great deal of interest in Sutton for months, so they could add another weapon for sophomore Mitchell Trubisky.40. Broncos - Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma StateThe first quarterback is off the board in Round 2! Rudolph would be well-served as a backup for two years behind Case Keenum.41. Raiders - Parry Nickerson, CB, TulaneA bit of a surprise pick here, but Jon Gruden is clearly targeting athletic players that fill needs. Nickerson can start immediately in the slot.42. Dolphins - Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota StateAdam Gase loves utilizing tight ends in his offense, and finally gets a useful weapon at the position in Goedert.43. Patriots - Carlton Davis, CB, AuburnDavis is a long-term replacement for the departed Malcolm Butler, and is a nice fit in Bill Belichick's scheme.44. Redskins - James Daniels, C, IowaWashington has potential needs at both center and left guard. Luckily, Daniels is an excellent prospect that can play either position.45. Packers - Connor Williams, OL, TexasWilliams projects as an interior lineman as a rookie, but could eventually take over for Bryan Bulaga at right tackle. He's also one of the top players available.46. Bengals - Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest Cincinnati addressed its offensive line yesterday, and could easily upgrade the team's secondary on Day 2. Bates is a solid fit across from George Iloka.47. Cardinals - Isaiah Oliver, CB, ColoradoThe Cardinals have been attempting to upgrade their No. 2 cornerback position for years, and finally have a solution in Oliver.48. Chargers - Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USCNwosu is an excellent fit for Gus Bradley's defensive scheme, and upgrades a weak linebacking corps in Los Angeles.49. Colts - Malik Jefferson, LB, TexasThe Colts continue to fill their biggest roster holes on Day 2, adding an athletic lineback in Jefferson that could start in Week 1.50. Cowboys - Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn StateWith Jason Witten reportedly retiring, the Cowboys could target one of the top tight ends in the 2018 class.51. Lions - Harrison Phillips, DL, StanfordPhillips is a strong all-around defensive lineman that is exactly the type of player Matt Patricia is looking for in Detroit.52. Eagles - Justin Reid, S, StanfordThe Eagles go best player available here, but also fill their third-safety void and potential successor to Malcolm Jenkins.53. Buccaneers - Kerryon Johnson, RB, AuburnTampa Bay has struggled to consistently run the ball effectively over the last few years. Kerryon Johnson could end their struggles.54. Chiefs - Lorenzo Carter, OLB, GeorgiaEdge rusher is not Kansas City's biggest weakness, but Justin Houston and Dee Ford are no guarantees to play all 16 games going forward.55. Panthers - Donte Jackson, CB, LSUThe Panthers address their slot cornerback position on Day 2. Jackson would slide in as an immediate starter.56. Buccaneers - Austin Corbett, OL, NevadaCorbett can play all five offensive line positions, and his versatility could easily land him in the top 60 picks.57. Titans - Sam Hubbard, DE/OLB, Ohio StateThe Mike Vrabel-Ohio State connection here is obvious, but Hubbard also offers long-term starting potential behind Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.58. Falcons - Rasheem Green, DL, USCGreen is a versatile, but raw, defensive lineman that Dan Quinn could fall in love with. The pass-rusher's upside is worthy of a second-round pick.59. 49ers - D.J. Chark, WR, LSUSan Francisco uses another 2018 pick to help starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Chark is an athletic, speedy option for the 49ers' signal-caller.60. Steelers - Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio StateThe Steelers address their biggest need on Day 2, selecting another Ohio State linebacker. Baker has received a great deal of interest from Pittsburgh leading up to the draft.61. Jaguars - Mark Andrews, TE, OklahomaJacksonville signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins this offseason, but could add a long-term solution at tight end.62. Vikings - Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&MThe Vikings do not have much talent behind Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Christian Kirk projects as a dangerous slot weapon in the pros.63. Patriots - Luke Falk, QB, Washington StateLuke Falk idolizes Tom Brady, so it would be fitting to see the former Washington State quarterback selected as another Patriots second-round passer.64. Browns - Maurice Hurst, DT, MichiganA slight surprise at the end of Round 2. Hurst's heart condition is expected to drop him to Day 3, but the Browns could assume the risk in the event he reaches his enormous upside as an interior rusher.Round 365. Ravens - Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma66. Giants - Josh Sweat, DE/OLB, Florida State67. Colts - Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers68. Texans - Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh69. Giants - Justin Jones, DT, North Carolina State70. 49ers - Duke Dawson, CB, Florida71. Broncos - James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State72. Jets - Geron Christian, OT, Louisville73. Dolphins - Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State74. 49ers - Da'Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama75. Raiders - Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State76. Seahawks - Tony Brown, CB, Alabama77. Bengals - Braden Smith, OG, Auburn78. Chiefs - Tarvarius Moore, S, Southern Miss.79. Steelers - Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State80. Texans - Chad Thomas, DE/OLB, Miami81. Cowboys - Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis82. Lions - Ronald Jones II, RB, USC83. Ravens - Nathan Shepherd, DL, Fort Hays State84. Chargers - Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon85. Panthers - Tony Adams, OG, North Carolina State86. Chiefs - Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State87. Rams - Jeff Holland, OLB, Auburn88. Panthers - Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana89. Titans - RJ McIntosh, DL, Miami90. Falcons - Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah91. Saints - Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond92. Steelers - Jalyn Holmes, DE/OLB, Ohio State93. Jaguars - Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame94. Vikings - Chukwuma Okorafor, OL, Western Michigan95. 49ers - Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF96. Bills - Dante Pettis, WR, Washington97. Cardinals - Joseph Noteboom, OT, TCU98. Texans - Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma99. Broncos - Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon100. Bengals - M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets, stocked with five quarterbacks on their roster, have started receiving calls about possible trades for Bryce Petty, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Petty saw action in four games last year, and six the previous season. The 2015 fourth-round pick has four touchdowns against seven interceptions for his career.The Jets drafted Sam Darnold third overall in the 2018 draft Thursday night, and also have Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater, and Christian Hackenberg in the fold.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With only the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens having multiple picks in Thursday's first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, other teams were unable to address multiple areas of need on their respective rosters.It's far too early to seriously criticize first-round selections, but these five teams are left with glaring weaknesses heading into Rounds 2 and 3.Seahawks' offensive lineThe Seahawks made a bold pick in taking running back Rashaad Penny at No. 27. He'll form a well-balanced tandem with sophomore Chris Carson in his return from injury to start the 2018 season, but the team will first need to get them some help up front.Regardless of the backfield talent, both rushers - and quarterback Russell Wilson - will face further difficulty if the team doesn't address an offensive line that ranked 27th last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Only two teams allowed more than their 209 pressures, and only nine conceded more sacks.Seahawks rushers averaged just 1.15 yards before contact in 2017, the fifth-lowest rate in the league.Broncos' red-zone presenceOnly two teams have scored touchdowns on fewer than 50 percent of their red zone visits in each of the past two seasons: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, the latter of whom scored on just 39.58 percent of trips to the opponent's 20-yard line in 2017.Running back C.J. Anderson was released by Denver, leaving Devontae Booker and De'Angelo Henderson atop the RB depth chart. The free-agent signing of quarterback Case Keenum will boost the productivity of wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but a running back and a big tight end should be targeted to convert easy goal-line scores.Colts' pass defenseThe Indianapolis Colts' 3,946 passing yards allowed last season ranked 28th. They allowed 23 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions and recorded fewer sacks than all teams but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.They strengthened their own offensive line in Round 1 with guard Quenton Nelson at No. 6 overall, but will need to find a way through the opponent's front with more consistency in order to pressure quarterbacks and force more off-target throws.Bills' rush defenseDefensive tackle Star Lotulelei was signed as a free agent to play beside Jerry Hughes but is coming off a poor 2017 season with just 1.5 sacks in his final year with the Carolina Panthers, and the left side of the line needs addressing.The Bills allowed a league-worst 22 rushing touchdowns and only three teams gave up more rushing yards last season.Lions' rushing attackThe Lions added tough center Frank Ragnow with the 20th overall selection. He'll bring physicality and stability in the middle of the offensive line, but needs some help on his left side.In choosing Ragnow in the first round, the Lions allowed the second and third running backs of the draft to go off the board in Penny and Sony Michel, respectively. LeGarrette Blount was added via free agency, but at 31 years old, he shouldn't be counted on to lead the attack. Even if Blount can manage goal-line duties, the team will want to upgrade their supporting cast of Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite her son getting drafted by the Chicago Bears, Roquan Smith's mother says she has no intention of ditching her Atlanta Falcons fandom.Shaquana Thomas spoke to TMZ Sports after Smith, a linebacker out of Georgia, was selected eighth overall by the Bears in the 2018 NFL Draft, and said she'll be cheering for both teams - at least for now."I'll keep both," Thomas said. "I'm from Georgia, I'm in Georgia."The Falcons don't face the Bears this season, so that will make things a bit easier for Thomas.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent quarterback Jay Cutler is expected to retire from football for the second time in the last year, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Cutler spent the 2017 campaign with the Miami Dolphins, signing a one-year contract in August after Ryan Tannehill went down with a season-ending knee injury. He first retired in May 2017 and was set to join FOX Sports as a commentator, and it's possible he could head to the booth for real this time.Cutler broke into the league as a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2006. He spent three seasons in Denver before being traded to the Chicago Bears, with whom he spent the next eight years.Cutler, who's still only 34 years old, threw for 2,666 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for Miami last season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers have traded offensive tackle Trent Brown and the 143rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots for the 95th overall pick, sources told Field Yates of ESPN.Brown, a three-year veteran, started 26 games at right tackle for the Niners over the past two seasons but finished last year on injured reserve.New England selected a potential left tackle in the first round of the draft Thursday night in the form of Isaiah Wynn from Georgia, while right tackle Marcus Cannon also ended the 2017 campaign on injured reserve.Brown has one year left on his contract.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rashaad Penny was a surprise pick at No. 27 of the NFL draft, but another team was so hot on the former San Diego State running back that it tried trading for him after the Seattle Seahawks made the selection."A true rarity is that we had a team call after we selected him and tried to acquire him," Seahawks general manager John Schneider told reporters after the opening round, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. "I've never experienced that. We feel very blessed tonight."Penny was the second of three running backs to come off the board Thursday evening, joining Saquon Barkley (second overall) and Sony Michel (31st overall). A number of other high-profile running backs remain available heading into Day 2.Schneider didn't reveal which team made the trade inquiry, but NFL Network's Michael Silver reported the Cleveland Browns were eyeing him for the first pick of the second round.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks have listened to trade offers from at least two teams for star safety Earl Thomas, according to Michael Silver of NFL Network.A deal is reportedly considered possible, but not necessarily probable. The Seahawks are said to be preparing for Thomas to be on their roster in 2018, the final year of his contract.Thomas' name has come up in trade rumors all offseason, and a report Thursday claimed the Dallas Cowboys had discussed a trade with Seattle involving their second-round pick for the veteran.Thomas was absent from Seattle's voluntary offseason workouts in April but is expected to show up for mandatory activities in the summer.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is planning to retire in advance of the 2018 season after 15 years in the NFL, but he'll meet with owner/general manager Jerry Jones on Friday before making a final decision, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.He's expected to join ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast as the lead analyst, but Mortensen adds Witten is seeking Jones' blessing before finalizing his decision.The Cowboys were blindsided by Witten's retirement, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram, but were made aware of his potential decision prior to their first-round selection on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.They selected linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with the No. 19 pick.Witten would be taking the ESPN analyst job originally turned down by Peyton Manning. Brett Favre and Greg Olsen were also reported to be in the running at various points.The soon-to-be 36-year-old signed a four-year contract extension last March worth $26 million, according to Over The Cap.Geoff Swaim is listed behind Witten on the Cowboys' unofficial depth chart heading into the second round of the NFL draft.Witten has twice been named a first-team All-Pro and is an 11-time Pro Bowler.Originally drafted 69th overall by the Cowboys in the 2003 draft, Witten has 1,152 receptions on 1,620 targets for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns in 239 career regular-season games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ozzie Newsome began his NFL draft career for the Baltimore Ravens with a bang, and he's going out in the exact same fashion.The Ravens stole the show in the opening round Thursday, making three trades, picking two players, and bringing in the potential next face of the franchise.In his first draft with the Ravens in 1996, Newsome was part of a front office that selected a pair of future first-ballot Hall of Famers: left tackle Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis. The two became household names around the league, cemented themselves as franchise icons, and delivered the Ravens their first Super Bowl in 2001. Both spent their entire careers in Baltimore, and Lewis remained a force through the team's second Super Bowl run in 2013.In his final draft as Ravens general manager - Newsome will hand over the reigns to assistant Eric DeCosta next year - the 62-year-old gave Baltimore a polished tight end in South Carolina's Hayden Hurst and a dynamic quarterback to groom in Louisville's Lamar Jackson."It was masterful, the way it happened in that draft room tonight," a satisfied Newsome said after the first round, according to John Eisenberg from the team's official website.Head coach John Harbaugh concurred: "What happened tonight in that draft room was a masterpiece," he said.Hurst may not be the next Newsome - a Hall of Fame tight end, himself - but his reliability as both a receiver and blocker should pay immediate dividends for a team in need of an offensive boost. Joe Flacco has always utilized his tight ends in the passing game, and now he has a go-to one in Hurst - for however long he remains the starting quarterback.Hurst was Newsome's first pick of the night, but the bigger splash came seven spots later. After trading up for the 32nd overall selection, Newsome gave Jackson's phone a buzz - and the Ravens a way to move on from the struggling, overpaid Flacco in the future without hanging themselves out to dry."He's a playmaker," Harbaugh said of his new pivot, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "We do some analytics, and when the ball is in his hands, there hasn't been a better playmaker really in the last few years coming out."At worst, Jackson will serve as an inexpensive backup for Flacco over the next handful of seasons. At best, the Ravens will let Jackson develop at his own pace behind Flacco - who has no guaranteed money left on his contract after 2018 - and make the change when they're confident Jackson is ready to take over.Time will tell if Newsome's final crop of first-rounders is as successful as his inaugural one. Regardless, his brilliance in the most important round was on display Thursday night, just as it was 22 years ago when he set the Ravens up for an extended run of success.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was quick to share his appreciation for his team's decision to select wide receiver D.J. Moore with the No. 24 pick Thursday night.Related: Panthers get Newton a top weapon in D.J. MooreNewton shared a simple "Thank you," with head coach Ron Rivera after the team's pick, according to team insider Bryan Strickland."It was cool to see him react the way he did," said Rivera. "We had a great time going through this process. Cam was just constantly needling us. ... Cam stays up on all this stuff, and he came to us with all the offensive guys."Only two wide receivers caught more than 17 passes for the Panthers last season. Kelvin Benjamin, who posted 32 receptions for 475 yards and two touchdowns through the first eight weeks, was shipped to the Buffalo Bills near the trade deadline.Running back Christian McCaffrey led the team with 80 receptions, while backup tight end Ed Dickson hauled in 30 passes. Devin Funchess will return for 2018 as last year's top performer from the positional group with 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns, while veteran Torrey Smith was acquired this offseason in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.Moore will be expected to help Newton improve on what was a full-season career low of 3,302 passing yards in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Who knew sunflower seeds were such a good icebreaker?In a piece for The Players Tribune, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz and U.S. Women's National Team soccer defender Julie Ertz spoke about their respective championships and shared the story of how they first met at a Stanford baseball game. There were a lot of sunflower seeds involved.Julie: ... I remember Zach was pretty shy. His big move was to offer me some of his sunflower seeds. It was a pretty good move, actually. For the rest of the game, I did most of the conversation legwork, and any time there was an awkward pause or something, he'd just offer me more seeds. I probably ate, like, 500 seeds that night.Zach: Don't underestimate the romantic power of sunflower seeds.Julie: Neither of us knew the other was an athlete at first. That just wasn't a huge part of our conversations. I was playing soccer for Santa Clara, and obviously Stanford is our huge rival, so anything Stanford-sports-related I was like, 'Yeah, no thanks.' Even when I found out he was on the Stanford football team, it took me a long time before I even saw him play in person. Fast forward to seven years later, and my husband is going to the Super Bowl. It was so overwhelming.Zach proposed to Julie in 2016 at that very same location, and the couple got married the following year.

Being chosen first overall by the Cleveland Browns on Thursday won't do much to stop the rampant comparisons drawn between Baker Mayfield and Johnny Manziel, the Browns' previous first-round quarterback selection.Both check in at 6-foot, won a Heisman Trophy in college, and are known for on-field antics and off-field issues.Shortly after Manziel finished a stint in the Spring League in an attempt to return to the NFL just four years after being selected with the 22nd pick, Mayfield says the comparisons will stop in due time."For me, I'm here right now because I have been myself,'' Mayfield said on a conference call, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "Johnny and I are two completely different people. That is nothing against him, but what I have been able to do is be able to be upfront and honest about who I am during these meetings. I'm confident that I have shown that with this coaching staff and with the management and throughout the process. For me, moving forward, it is just being myself. I am not going to go out and try to prove that I am not Johnny. I am going to be myself. To me, that is going to take care of the rest."Related: Mayfield rejects Manziel comparisons ahead of combineBrowns general manager John Dorsey addressed some of Mayfield's in-game displays, which have been interpreted as cockiness and disrespect for his opponents, by saying the quarterback deserves the opportunity to prove himself."You guys are going to try to create. ... Here is how I look at this: In doing all of our research on Baker Mayfield, he is an individual who has earned it all the way through his life,'' he said. "As I look at this thing, whatever he has done from high school to college and now here, he's earning. He has really worked his way up here."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots are in trade discussions with the San Francisco 49ers for offensive tackle Trent Brown, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Brown, a three-year veteran, started 26 games at right tackle for the Niners over the past two seasons but finished last year on injured reserve.New England selected a potential left tackle in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night in the form of Isaiah Wynn from Georgia, while right tackle Marcus Cannon also ended the 2017 campaign on injured reserve.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Day 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft in the books, there is still a lot of fun to be had at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington with over 200 players waiting to find out where they'll be playing next season. As we prepare for Rounds 2 and 3 to kick off Friday night, here are five predictions for Day 2.Landry's, Jackson's slides end within 1st 4 picksEdge rusher Harold Landry and cornerback Josh Jackson are the two most surprising players to still be available after the first round of the draft, but that won't last much longer. The three teams who own picks in the top five slots of the second round - Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts - could all use a pass-rusher, and Indianapolis, which has two picks in that range, are looking for a cornerback.If for some reason those three teams don't want either Landry or Jackson, there are plenty of teams who now have some time to negotiate a move up to improve their defenses.Guice's 'character concerns' push him past 2 other RBsDerrius Guice admitted he made a last-minute decision not to wear an ultra-flashy suit to the red carpet as he heard character concerns were dropping his draft value. There turned out to be merit to his decision as three running backs - Saquon Barkley, Rashaad Penny, and Sony Michel - were all taken ahead of him.As the position's value has taken a hit overall, teams are more likely to wait for a rusher in a later round and take a player who fills a more premium role. With Nick Chubb and Ronald Jones II also still on the board, Guice will continue to slide until some team gets a steal of a talent.Cowboys trade up for Sutton to replace DezMany expected to see the Dallas Cowboys use their first-round pick to replace Dez Bryant, but linebacker Leighton Vander Esch got the nod at No. 19.The move may have been a smart one for Jerry Jones and Co. as only two receivers went off the board in the opening round and Courtland Sutton - the receiver with maybe the class' highest ceiling - is just sitting there on Day 2. Dallas holds the 18th pick of the second round, which may be too long to wait for Sutton, but they've never been afraid to move up to get the prospects they covet most.A 6-foot-3 receiver from Texas who played at a school in Dallas? Expect him to have a star on his helmet by the end of Friday night.3 QBs go in 2nd round, none in 3rdBad news for any teams hoping for a quarterback to slide their way late: there aren't too many good ones left.After Lamar Jackson became the fifth quarterback taken in the first round with the 32nd pick, only three quarterbacks with a hope of doing damage in the NFL remain on the board - Mason Rudolph, Luke Falk, and Kyle Lauletta. The teams who really, really want to take a passer will make the necessary calls to ensure they can trade up to get one of these three in the second round.And as those three are crossed off the "best available" list, the teams that don't land one of them will notice the drop-off in talent and opt for other positions before circling back to the passing crop on Day 3.Another active player is dealtThe Pittsburgh Steelers tried to move on from the Martavis Bryant situation relatively unnoticed as they announced a deal to send the receiver to the Oakland Raiders for a third-round pick in the midst of Day 1. The move continues an offseason trend that has seen a drastic increase in teams' willingness to trade active players, and it won't end with Bryant.Related - Report: Seahawks, Cowboys have discussed 2nd-round pick for Earl ThomasDay 2 often sees its share of trades, and this year will be more of the same, but teams - especially those short on second- and third-round picks - will begin using more roster assets to improve draft position. The Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints, who both made moves in the first round, could fit the bill as they look to remain in the championship hunt and have pieces to deal - players like Brandon Graham, Ronald Darby, Mark Ingram, and P.J. Williams, who are all set to become free agents after next season.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Lamar Jackson may be the quarterback of the future for the Baltimore Ravens, but head coach John Harbaugh said Thursday night he won't be the one of the present."(Jackson's) a great quarterback, but Joe Flacco is our quarterback," Harbaugh told reporters after Baltimore traded up to take the ex-Louisville star 32nd overall, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "That's the thing we got to remember. Lamar is going to have a great chance to develop. When you get to this stage in a quarterback's career, you've seen done in New England and you've seen done in a lot of places. This doesn't really change things in a sense that we're going to go with Joe and he's going to roll."The dynamic Jackson, a former Heisman Trophy winner, brings a completely different skill set to the Ravens compared to Flacco, who is a traditional pocket passer. But that doesn't mean Baltimore is ready to overhaul its offense and anoint Jackson the starter, or even Flacco's successor.Related: Ravens' Newsome bookends his draft career with brilliant moves"You can't make a lot of assumptions like that," said Harbaugh, who won Super Bowl XLVII with Flacco. "The Patriots drafted a quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo) and traded him. You take it one year at a time in this league. Predict the future and say what's going to happen down the road, nobody knows."Flacco, a first-round pick of the Ravens in 2008, hasn't posted a quarterback rating higher than 83.5 since 2014, and has no guaranteed money left on his contract beyond the 2018 season.Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said Flacco wasn't informed of the Jackson selection ahead of time, though Harbaugh reached out to him shortly after the pick was made.For all the pre-draft talk that Jackson may be better suited to play wide receiver in the NFL, Harbaugh said the 21-year-old is a quarterback "through and through."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan revealed that his offer to purchase London's iconic Wembley Stadium was a measure to protect the interest of his team.Khan submitted an offer to purchase the venue for a reported £500 million, where the Jaguars have played games since 2013.One of the smallest markets in the league, the Jaguars have been keen to tap into new revenue streams and Khan released a statement on Fulham's website, the Football League Championship team which he also owns."The games the Jaguars play at Wembley are essential to the financial stability of the Jaguars in Jacksonville, which is one of the smallest markets in the NFL. If my ownership interests were to include Wembley Stadium, it would protect the Jaguars' position in London at a time when other NFL teams are understandably becoming more interested in this great city. And the stronger the Jaguars are in London, the more stable and promising the Jaguars' future will be in Jacksonville," Khan wrote.Jaguars president Mark Lamping also spoke about London's increased importance to the franchise."The revenue potential at Wembley stadium compared to EverBank field is significant,” Lamping said to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "We’ve talked about the importance of London to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Those dollars that we generate in London make us stronger and more stable here in Jacksonville."It's a really critical part of our future."The Jaguars are scheduled to host the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at Wembley on October 28.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If the Cleveland Browns are to be believed, NFL fans will have to wait until 2019 to get a look at No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.Tyrod Taylor has already been named the starting quarterback for next season, a decision the Browns reiterated to Mayfield after he was drafted. While the former Oklahoma standout again said he won't settle for a backup role because of his competitive nature, he made it clear he's eager to learn from Taylor."I know exactly what they said, and exactly why they said that," Mayfield stated, per Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams. "That is a veteran that has been in the league, a guy that I can sit behind and learn from. When I say those types of things, it is because I am competitive. If I came in with the mindset of just being happy that I got drafted and just to settle for a backup job, that wouldn't be myself. I am going to come in and compete but also with the hunger to learn from a guy that has been in the league that has seen things that I haven't seen."I have said multiple times that the best things that happened to me throughout the process at Oklahoma was sitting the year after I transferred. It was a great year for me to be on scout team, to learn from going up against great defensive coaches in coach Mike and Bob Stoops every day in practice. I was able to develop things that I needed to with my body and my mind."Mayfield is arguably more ready to step into the starting lineup than Josh Allen and Sam Darnold - the other two quarterbacks in play at No. 1 overall - so it's possible he forces the Browns' hand.Regardless of who ends up under center in 2018, Mayfield is confident Cleveland's painful quarterback history is finally at an end."It is a mentality," Mayfield said. "You come in and think about the past, so that you can focus on the present and work for the future. For Cleveland right now, we are making the right moves. Tyrod and I, we are going to put an end to that list of the QB names on the back of the jersey."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Not every NFL fan base comes away from the first round of the draft happy with its team's choice.Every single year, selections in the opening round shock and horrify in equal measure. But what do you think was the absolute worst pick of the top 32 picks?Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.