John Elway just when you thought he lost his touch...

John Elway is entrenched in all things involving American Football in Colorado since being traded here from Baltimore after they selected him first overall. He was the starting quarterback of the Broncos for 16 years, leading them to 5 Super Bowls as a player winning the last two he appeared in back to back before retiring in 1998. After his retirement he was away from football for only about 4 years until he partnered with Pat Bowlen, and Stan Kroenke two NFL owners, and owners of Colorado sports franchises to form the Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League. The Crush played in the AFL from 2003-2008, in typical Elway and Bowlen fashion they turned this team into a winner and ultimately an Arena Bowl champion. The pair led the Crush to playoff appearances in every year except their inaugural season, and won the Arena Bowl in 2005. 

After the Arena Football League decided to indefinitely suspend operations (due in part to Elway's vote), the Colorado Crush was disbanded however at this point Elway had been a part of two professional football franchises for a total of 22 years and gifted Colorado sports fans with 15 playoff appearances, a 2-3 record in Super Bowls, and a 1-0 record in Arena Bowls. But it appeared as if his career in professional football was about to end. 

However that's when his former boss, and partner that had helped him lead two franchises to unprecedented heights asked him to return to the NFL in 2011 as his right hand man once again. This time with the title of Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Elway obliged, and retained Brian Xanders as his GM, and worked directly under Joe Ellis the team president. In 2011 the Broncos were coming out of a funk, after two years of Josh McDaniels running the team it was time for a familiar face to return Denver to the glory days. Elway came in at a low point giving him the unique ability to resurrect the same franchise for a second time, and resurrect he did. 

After a 11-17 record under McDaniels, and an underwhelming end to the Shanahan era with a 15-17 record in his last two years, Elway knew he had to change the culture and knew the right pieces for the puzzle were out there he just had to find them. The first of those pieces was John Fox, the longtime Carolina Panther coach who had led them to a Super Bowl loss at the hands of the Patriots a few years earlier. Fox had been fired after a few down years in Carolina, but the fit in Denver was impeccable. Denver needed a coach to lead it back to winning ways, and Fox was that coach. But the job wasn't done, they needed a solid offseason to bring it home. So they went out and drafted Von Miller, Rahim Moore, Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas, and Virgil Green. Insane haul for the first draft of their new VP. Fox led them to the precipice of a championship but fell to Seattle, and wound up getting replaced. Elway then hired his old buddy Gary Kubiak. Kubiak and Elway just like the old days led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory before just a year later stepping down and more or less handpicking his replacement in Vance Joesph. Joesph failed expectations, and was ultimately replaced by Vic Fangio. Fangio is essentially the second coming of John Fox. He is a no nonsense coach, with a defensive background that believes in a strong run game, and a risk adverse qb that can return this team to the playoffs but only with proper talent something to this point he has lacked. 

That was before this offseason. Elway and company used several trades to acquire veteran talent to fill holes on defense bringing in CB Aj Buoye for a 4th round pick, and DT Jurrell Casey for a 7th round pick. They filled holes on offense by signing guard/center Graham Glasgow, QB Jeff Driskel, and RB Melvin Gordon. They then turned to the draft with ten picks in their arsenal including 3 picks in the 3rd round, and 2 in the 7th round. 

The draft netted them 

Jerry Jeudy in the first round is a number 1 receiver in most offenses but will be asked to be the number 2 target in Denver for at least the next few seasons. Pairing him with Courtland Sutton will be a great move for the Broncos. 

In the second round after drafting arguably the best receiver they followed up by drafting one of the highest ranked slot receivers Kj Hamler. This gives Drew Lock 4 receivers with promise now to spread out defenses, and a tight end that is a mismatch nightmare. 

Headed into the 3rd round Denver had 3 picks, and still needed help at cornerback, defensive end, and had a glaring hole at center and they knocked this round out of the park. 

With the first of three selections they drafted CB Michael Ojemudia from Iowa. Viewed as a relatively raw prospect, he will come in and compete for the job opposite of Buoye. This guy stands 6'1 200 lbs and ran a 4.45 40 yard dash. He may be raw but the team believes he can be a starter in the NFL long term and I agree. 

With their second of three selections they drafted a man whose name should ring popular in Colorado. Lloyd Cushenberry, who will likely be the inspiration for the names of several strains of cannabis soon, is a Center by trade. He attended LSU, and much like the pick of Jeudy this was another value pick. This man was the second rated center on many draft boards and expected to go in the second round. Instead Denver finally gets a legitimate center to replace Matt Paradis after using a converted guard in 2019. 

With the last of three third round picks Denver went and got a versatile defensive lineman in the mold of Malik Jackson. McTelvin Agim is a 6'3 305 lb defensive tackle who has experience playing end as well. He ran a 4.98 in the 40 yard dash, and put up 27 reps in the bench press. He was regarded as a project as a true defensive tackle but he doesn't need to worry about that now after being drafted to a 3-4 scheme that will ask him to move back to defensive end. He has Jurrell Casey, and Shelby Harris to rotate with and learn from this season but I expect him to be a starter in no more than 2 years. He has a knack for penetrating the offensive line and producing sacks and tackles for a loss he will be perfect for Fangio's defense. 

It was at this point Denver started selecting best player available.

With the 118th overall pick the Denver Broncos select Albert Okwuegbunam tight end Missouri. This guy may not be a household name but he played with Drew Lock for two seasons in college. He was Lock's favorite target in the redzone producing 15 tds in two years shortened by injury. He followed that up by putting up 6 more tds in 2019. He simply finds ways to score often. At 258 lbs he ran a 4.49 40 yard dash, displaying game changing speed for a tight end. Pat Shurmur looks to be building a tight end heavy offense with Nick Vannett being signed in the offseason, and that's considering they still have Troy Fumagali, Jeff Heuerman, and Andrew Beck on the roster. I would expect Heuerman and Vannett are competing for the number tight end spot in 2020 with Okwuegbunam as the number 3 option being used in a FB role if any formation calls for it. Beck may also make the roster but I expect Fumagali to be gone, Beck barely hangs on, with either Vannett or Heuerman gone too by final cuts. 

5th round pick went to LB finally. After passing on Troy Dye in round 4 Denver selected Justin Strnad from Wake Forest. This guy is a special teams ace, and developmental prospect at ILB for a 3-4 scheme. He is very capable in zone coverage, and shows an ability to hold up in the run game as well. He could pick Josey Jewell off the roster. 

Round 6 saw a guard come off the board to the Broncos. His name Netane Mudi Attended Fresno State, but due to three separate leg injuries he played in just 19 games. He had solid athleticism prior to injury but succeeds based on his power so there is the hope these injuries won't spell the end of a promising career. He likely fell this far due to this irregular offseason. Some had him projected as high as the fourth round. 

Round 7 the Broncos had two picks available: the first was used to select WR Tyrie Cleveland. Cleveland was a backup wide receiver playing primarily on special teams for Florida. He provides immediate value on special teams and brings prototypical size and speed to the WR position. 6'2 209 lbs, and ran a 4.49 40 yard dash. He is well worth the flier this late in the draft. Depending on how he shows up in camp he could wind up being the 6th receiver. 

With their last pick in the draft the Broncos selected pass rushing OLB Derek Tuszka. This man produced 31 tackles for a loss, and 21 sacks In the last two seasons combined. This guy holds value as a rotational pass rusher from day one and strikes me like another Shaq Barrett. A guy who wasnt a flashy pick in terms of measurables but he is a guy who simply produces when given a chance. He should also contribute on special teams. 

After a draft and offseason like this Broncos fans should be thrilled yet there is still skepticism among the fans. Understandable after a stretch that they have endured but how can anyone bet on John Elway Colorado's Come back kid? This is simply his third act, I for one would love to see him go out on top again when he decides to hang it up for good. Elway deserves that after the success he at some points singlehandedly brought to Denver. 

Jalen Hurts as a RB?

I was rather annoyed on Friday night as I watched our second round pick go to a guy listed as a QB in Jalen Hurts, as were many other Eagles fans, however after looking at him as a player I have changed my mind in a big way. When you really break it down Hurts has traits most normally dont search for in a true QB, but the Eagles have already stated they dont view him as a pure QB. In an NFL where more and more teams are using backup quarterbacks in ways to maximize their roster value is drafting a mobile jack of all trades quarterback going to become a new trend or is this something else entirely? 

When you look at the Eagles roster at first glance they had some glaring needs at multiple positions that never quite got filled. Heading into the second round they had addressed one need, by selecting Jalen Reagor to become the future at WR. Then in the second round they still had obvious needs at backup running back, starting LB, and had some concerns with their depth at quarterback being that the top two players on their depth chart are coming off of injury in 2019. They had players they liked at LB available in the second round but not that they viewed as a second round value. So they addressed two other needs with one pick by selecting Jalen Hurts. Hurts is a QB by trade but this is a guy who stands 6'1 222 lbs, who may have been one of the most accomplished runners in the draft as well. In 4 seasons in college Jalen carried the ball a whopping 614 times for 3,274 yards, or 5.3 yards per carry, and 43 tds. Yes you read that right. 43 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 5 passes for 40 yards and 1 td. 

Looking back to the offseason we had noticeable loss of depth at running back. Gone are Jordan Howard, Darren Sproles, and Corey Clement. With exactly no one brought in to replace their production. So is this where Hurts truly fits on this roster at least at first? As their best option on short yardage and goal line carries? His only competition for that title is Elijah Holyfield who has been a practice squad player up until late last season when the three players mentioned above were inactive. With all of this considered you do start to see a role for this guy who has a nose for the endzone as a runner. He may never surpass the 3rd qb spot on the depth chart, but if he can be a sort of change of pace runner to take a pounding off of Miles Sanders, and provide value as a gadget player in an offense that now has more offensive minds than ever to develop this man a role, then I am on board with the pick. 

Honestly Jalen Hurts could eventually be the first guy we point to as a new wave of truly hybrid quarterbacks begin to be drafted as NFL squads start to look at the way Taysom Hill has been utilized. If Philadelphia manages to get enough value that people dont consider Hurts a bust this will begin a whole new trend. With the quarterback gurus around him, they can develop him as a passer while allowing his athleticism to take over in his other roles. If anyone is questioning his ability to grasp multiple roles in the NFL they likely dont know much about his background. 

Jalen Hurts is the middle of 3 sons to a father who is the head coach of the high school his boys attended. His oldest son became a coach after graduating high school as well while the younger two sons both playing quarterback in college. Basically I am trying to portray the message that this family lives and breathes football. He should have no issue grasping the responsibilities of any role he is asked to play even if it includes games where he lines up at QB, WR, RB, and TE. His athletic profile lends itself to a guy who has a chance to run, catch, return and throw the ball. The 220 LB QB ran a 4.59 40 yard dash, jumped to a 35 inch vertical, and had a 125 inch broad jump. At 2 inches taller, and 10 lbs heavier Hurts ran only .1 second slower in the 40, and managed to nearly match his numbers in the other tests. To further blow your mind Hurts actually carried the ball twice as much in college as Sanders, and still averaged just .3 yards per carry less than Sanders. He also managed to put up 31 more rushing touchdowns than Sanders. So even with a full NFL season under his belt, Hurts still has more experience as a runner than Sanders. I know it's from the qb spot and not as a running back but having vision, and burst translates regardless where you line up. Hurts is arguably the perfect compliment to Sanders in the backfield, and could open up some very advantageous qb draw options in short yardage situations. 

I for one am beginning to get excited to see Hurts in our offense assuming they truly use him as a hybrid player. Press Taylor was asked about the future of NFL offenses and his comments were brushed off at the time but after spending the 53rd overall pick on Hurts they seem extremely relevant. Taylor said something to the effect of seeing another player that can throw the ball outside of your starting qb lining up in the offense to add another threat to the defense. Imagine a jet sweep where the defense has to react to the ability of the guy taking the sweep only for him to stop, square up and fire a 50-60 yard bomb against a defense all coming up to attack the run. Except instead of a running back or WR throwing the ball you have a guy who was a starting qb at Alabama, and Oklahoma and actually has to be respected as a passer on plays like these. We cannot undersell the creativity of Press Taylor who ascended to coordinator after championing the Philly Special where Trey Burton and NFL tight end with quarterback in his background threw a td pass to QB Nick Foles to win the Super Bowl, Marty Morhinweig who oversaw mobile quarterbacks in Donovan McNabb, Mike Vick, Lamar Jackson, and RGIII, he helped Lamar Jackson to a solid rookie campaign using a lot of offensive concepts most coaches wouldn't touch, Rich Scangarello is essentially an expert on rolling the qb out and moving the pocket, which will only further open up options for Hurts in our offense. You can see where I am going with this. Hurts could turn out to be a bust or he could further revolutionize NFL offense as we know it, all thanks to Taysom Hill the man who managed to garner a 2 year $22 million max deal as a third string qb and gadget player paving the way for guys like Hurts. 

My Mock draft 2020

1. Cincinati Bengals-The Bengals have all but selected Joe Burrow here. Burrow is the type of qb talent that can take a solid if not spectacular roster and push them to the next level something Andy Dalton never proved capable of doing. Burrow is the anti-Andy Dalton, and at this point that's exactly what Bengals fans need.

2. Washington Redskins-The Redskins have a couple options here. They can sit pat and draft Chase Young which is what most including myself expect. However if I am the Redskins I explore every opportunity to move down. Last season the Redskins were able to draft Montez Sweat, while teaming him with Young is a defensive coach's dream, who can argue with a chance to acquire multiple picks for a team that desperately needs help in the secondary? I could see Jacksonville making the move to trade up and draft Young. They have two first round picks to offer in the 2020 draft including the 9th overall pick, and the 20th overall pick, as well as Yannick Ngakue. The Jaguars could likely use a draft that produces multiple starters but they could form a nasty pass rush with Chase Young, and Josh Allen who they drafted last year while shedding a guy who isn't happy.

3. Detroit Lions-CB Jeff Okudah is a slam dunk pick here. He is the one undisputed shut down cornerback in this draft. Going to a Matt Patricia led defense who believes in using heavy man to man coverage Okudah should be the perfect CB1 for Patricia to build around. You could debate the intelligence of trading away Darius Slay just to draft another CB but when you consider they added a 3rd and a 5th, and kept high level talent at the position while getting 7-8 years younger the logic starts to appear. 

4. New York Giants-Many people expect Simmons to go here but I am not so sure. The Giants have invested heavily on the offensive side and could continue that trend by picking Andrew Thomas. Thomas is an offensive tackle who can play right tackle to start off with until he ultimately replaces Solder on the left side. This would solidify your long term future at LT, and solidify RT for the short term. Benton would have been the pick if not for the failed drug test. 

5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa QB, Miami simply can't afford to pass on the guy they have been pining for. The injury issue isnt as much of a concern for them right now, as he will likely not start the season as the starter. In fact he might actually redshirt his entire rookie year. With Fitzpatrick, and Rosen in place he doesn't need to be forced into the line up right away. 

6. Los Angeles Chargers-With Tua off the board the Chargers go with Justin Herbert. All offseason we have heard Anthony Lynn preaching mobility in his next qb. So why not go with a healthy Herbert who doesn't have questions about his hip, or mobility after running a 4.68 good for third fastest in the draft? Herbert is still a polished passer and could theoretically start the year as a backup behind Tyrod Taylor who knows the offense. However I expect Herbert to start day 1. 

7. Carolina Panthers-The Panthers are thrilled watching as guys like Simmons, Derrick Brown, all the WR's, and every tackle not named Andrew Thomas falls to them. With Matt Rhule in place and Simmons on the board I have zero doubt Carolina drafts their next Thomas Davis. Rhule spent many years coaching LB's in college, so he knows what a game wrecker a versatile 3 down LB like Simmons can be. He drafts Simmons to be a defensive weapon for coordinator. Two more men who will pound the table for Simmons? Defensive run game coordinator Al Holcomb the man who coached Davis and Kuechly from 2013-2017, and Defensive Passing game coordinator/secondary coach Jason Simmons. Jason Simmons a former DB himself will understand the value that a 6'3 235 lb LB/Safety that runs a 4.39 40 brings to their scheme especially after watching their best LB retire. Carolina has had a long line of All Pro LB's and Simmons is the next to carry on that heritage. 

8. Arizona Cardinals-The Cardinals should be looking at offensive line help here but with a 5'10 qb, they need to be mindful of who they pick here. Mekhi Becton is a physical specimen but stands 9 inches and 150 lbs larger than Murray and would provide a gigantic obstacle in passing lanes for the diminutive qb. Due to this I think they draft Jedrick Wills offensive tackle Alabama. Depending who you ask he is still the second ranked tackle in the draft, and it's no shock to see him go at #8. 

9.  Jacksonville Jaguars-This defense has been dismantled recently trading away Ramsey, Campbell, and Bouye. They brought in Rodney Gutner on the defensive line, and Joe Schobert at LB solid under the radar additions but their moves at CB have been uninspiring. Rashaan Melvin is a journeyman CB on his 7th team in 8 seasons. At 6'2 194 lbs he fits the mold of what they want, and has a lot of starting experience in the last 4 years but he isnt a number 1 cb. Which leads them to draft Cj Henderson the 6'1 205 lb cornerback from Florida. At 21 he has a lot of room to grow into being a true shut down cb. His strength at this point is man to man coverage with a lot of chances to press the receiver at the line. He will provide Jacksonville with a building block.

10. Cleveland Browns-Not afraid to take a risk on a player that has off field concerns Mekhi Becton becomes the third tackle off the board at just the tenth pick. 

11. New York Jets-The Jets were hoping to land one of the top tackles but with the best wide receiver still on the board they opt to take Cedee Lamb. Lamb comes in as an immediate number 1 receiver opposite of deep threat Breshard Perriman, and Quincy Enunwa. Team Lamb with Darnold, and LeVeon Bell and this offense should prove to be potent. 

12. Las Vegas Raiders-The Raiders dont hesitate at all here. With Jerry Jeudy still on the board and a need for talent after trading away Antonio Brown, and Amari Cooper in back to back seasons, the Raiders draft Jeudy. Jeudy can come in and team with Tyrell Williams, and Darren Waller to give Carr some dangerous weapons. 

13. San Francisco 49ers-With Jeudy and Lamb off the board, the 49ers dont believe Ruggs is the receiver they need. With this in mind they consider taking Javon Kinlaw and Derrick Brown but ultimately wind up trading down. Miami gives up their 18th overall pick, and one of their second round picks this year to move up 5 spots and draft the last offensive tackle on their first round graded list. Tristan Wirfs is arguably the safest pick on the offensive line he has experience at several positions he could start at tackle or guard but will be given the chance to replace Laremy Tunsil. Although ultimately I think the Dolphins move him to guard when they can find a true left tackle regardless he could improve all 5 positions on their line currently. 49ers lack any picks from rounds 2-4 so they give up this pick a bit cheaper than normal but the value is great to move down 5 picks.

14. Tampa Bay-Tampa Bay was not expecting both the top defensive tackles to drop to them. They could use a long term solution next to Vita Vea, someone who is more of an attacking lineman that can provide pass rushing ability in the mean time. Derrick Brown is simply too good of a prospect for them to pass up on. Allowing Brown to rotate in for Suh and Vea will create much more push inside providing even more ability for pass rushers Shaq Barrett and JPP to pressure the qb and rack up the sacks. 

15. Denver-Henry Ruggs III is the pick. Basically a faster version of Emmanuel Sanders, Ruggs comes in as a perfect compliment to the large and in charge Courtland Sutton. Sutton is the obvious number 1 target but adding a field stretching threat opposite of Sutton with tight end Noah Fant and the one two punch of Gordon and Lindsay in the backfield suddenly this offense looks formidable. 

16. Atlanta-Javon Kinlaw falling this far is a dream scenario for Atlanta. They need help across the line on both sides and Kinlaw can help suck up double teams next to Grady Jarrett in 2020 and beyond. 

17. Dallas-Klavon Chiasson, if Dallas is counting on Randy Gregory, and/or Aldon Smith to play a lot of snaps that's foolish. I dont care if pot is okay now in the NFL. this guy is the versatile kind of defender Mike Nolan likes. He can play 3-4 LB, or as a pass rush specialist in the 4-3. 

18. Miami traded to San Francisco- San Francisco has watched the top three wide receivers go off the board, the top four offensive tackles, top two defensive tackles, top two cornerbacks, and top two pass rushers. However that doesn't stop them from picking a player here despite offers from New England and Philly to move down. The pick here is Kristian Fulton the 6'0 196 lb cb from LSU is easily the third best CB on the board and some even have him ranked higher than Henderson. He will come in and compete for a starting job outside right away, and could play in the nickel if he doesn't win the job opposite of Sherman his new tutor. 

19. Las Vegas-With their last draft pick the Raiders benefitted from a run on tackles and qbs to come away with one of the top two WR's in the draft. This pick will be no different. The Raiders select Yetur Gross-Matos DE from PSU. He is one of those players who athletic ability is highly underrated, but not enough so that he will fall out of the first round. This guy can pair with Ferrell and Crosby from the 2019 draft to form an impressive rotation at defensive end. Gross-Matos is also a guy I could see playing a Michael Bennett type role in a 4-3 front, packing on 10 lbs or so and playing inside on passing downs. 

20. Jacksonville-Worried that Tennesee, Minnesota, or New Orleans is targetting their guy New England trades up from 23 to 20 with Jacksonville convincing the Jaguars to pass on Jordan Love by tossing them a mid round pick to move up 3 spots. Jacksonville has stripped their team of talent and needs these picks to acquire talent going forward and shed more cap space. New England successfully stocks the cupboard at qb with Stidham, Hoyer and Love at qb. Worst case scenario Love sits through 2020 and watches as Stidham starts. Hoyer was told he has a shot but it isnt quite true.

21. Philadelphia-the Eagles are not thrilled to see Lamb, Jeudy, and Ruggs all off the board but with Justin Jefferson on the board they get a guy they believe 

22. Minnesota-Josh Jones OT Houston. The Vikings stumbled on a solid right tackle for the present and near future, but with Reiff over 30 years old and suffering from relatively inconsistent play the past few seasons, as well as injuries Minnesota jumps on the last offensive tackle available. This would give Minnesota tremendous depth on the offensive line with Rashod Hill as the backup right tackle, and Jones the backup at left. If Reiff got hurt again or they move on, Jones starts, and Hills moves back into his swing tackle role. 

23. New England-Traded to Jacksonville-The Jags have already snagged a potential starter at cornerback, they slid back 3 spots further stocking the cupboard for a rebuild in 2020 and beyond, so what is their next move? They look to Aj Epenesa. They traded away Calais Campbell and look poised to lose Ngakue. They desperately need to improve their depth. 

24. New Orleans Saints- The Saints could use defensive help in 2020. They draft hometown hero Patrick Queen LB LSU. Queen gets to stay at home playing for his hometown team. 

25. Minnesota-Desperste for CB help after watching their top two cornerbacks leave in free agency. They look to Jeff Gladney here to help shore up their secondary.

26. Miami-With most of the guys they had liked off the board they turn to LB Kenneth Murray. Murray will come in and start day one, and help Flores build a defense that teams can be afraid of. 

27. Seattle-Traded to Jaguars for the rights to Yannik Ngakue and a 5th round pick. The Jaguars get rid of a man who refused to sign with them and get a first round pick in exchange. Sending a 5th with him is inconsequential in this trade. Yannick will wreak havoc in this defense going forward. With Jacksonville on the clock again, they select. WR Denzel Mims from Baylor. Mims is a guy most regard as a true X receiver a guy who can make contested catches, and has the body type to be a number 1 receiver in the league. With Marquise Lee released the Jaguars need weapons around Minshew. 

28. Baltimore- Safety Grant Delpit. Delpit will come in and start at strong safety from Day one next to Earl Thomas for the next few years learning how to be an all pro safety. Delpit has his knocks on his game but the Ravens feel comfortable developing his abilities going forward. He will form an incredible secondary with Thomas, Humphrey, and Smith. Chuck Clark becomes the third safety and contributes as a corner as well.

29. Tennessee Titans- CB Aj Terrell. With Malcoln Butler playing inconsistently, as well as Logan Ryan remaining a free agent the Titans go get the best cornerback left on the board to shore up a position of need. 

30. Green Bay- WR Jalen Reagor is the pick for Green Bay and he winds up the final first round receiver with 6 gone in just 32 picks. Reagor is a perfect compliment to Adams, he reminds me of Randall Cobb early in his career. 

31. San Francisco- safety Xavier McKinney is the steal of the first round for the 49ers. McKinney is a jack of all trades at the safety spot acting as a single high safety, a sub LB, or an extra CB he is exactly what a former safety turned GM is looking for on his team. 

32. Kansas City- Antoine Winfield Jr. Is a guy who is listed as a safety but can play in the slot as a cornerback too. He has NFL roots with his father playing CB for the Vikings. He can come in day one, and act as a third safety, and nickelback in their defense. Eventually he will replace the Honey Badger at free safety. 

Youth Movement aside I want Clay Mathews.

Heading into this offseason Howie preached youth, and getting younger. He then followed through, allowing Malcolm Jenkins, Jason Peters, Nigel Bradham, Timmy Jernigan, Nelson Agholor, Vinny Curry, Richard Rogers, Corey Clement, Jordan Howard, and Josh McCown test free agency. 

Darius Slay was the only player brought in over 27 years old heading into 2020. They went and grabbed guys coming off of their rookie deals, Javon Hargrave, Will Parks, Jalen Mills, and Hassan Ridgeway. But should all of that stop them from grabbing a pass rushing specialist that played 13 games in 2019, racking up 8 sacks, 37 tackles and 2 forced fumbles? I don't think so. The Eagles seem to like having a veteran as a role player to rotate in their pass rush. First it was Connor Barwin, then Chris Long, then Vinny Curry came back, now I am hoping the Eagles go get Clay Mathews to play strictly as a pass rusher in their wide 9 based 4-3 defense. 

Mathews is 34 years old and likely to sign a 1 year deal, and would love to play for a contender. The NFC is the only conference he has ever known, and likely the only way he has a chance to prove both his past teams wrong for letting him wallow in free agency. Guess who the Eagles play this season? That's right both the Packers and Rams. Also this guy fills a need for the Eagles, they have been looking for another pass rusher they can add to the rotation and speculation was Hargrave would force Jackson into playing more defensive end, but Mathews is a guy who could provide a whole other kind of versatility with his ability to rush the passer from a LB spot, or as an end in a 4 down lineman set. He has played both OLB, and ILB in a 3-4 defense so I don't think it's a stretch to see him play a sort of hybrid pass rushing role for a season before he hangs it up. The Eagles should definitely entertain this thought for several depth reasons. 

Obviously this offseason there has been a lot of talk about targetting linebackers and pass rush help. Why not do both in one move? I am not advocating for Mathews to be a true starting player but he will be basically the opposite of Malik; where Malik plays end and tackle, Mathews can play LB in run situations, and DE in pass situations. He is also another guy you can move around the formation to create mismatches. The 6'3 255 lb pass rusher is extremely versatile and would be an asset to this defense. Even at 34 years old. 

Wide Receivers Available for trade

I have touched on the Eagles' need to bring in a veteran receiver several times now but they still haven't gone after one. As of late we have been hearing rumors that the Eagles could legitimately keep Alshon Jeffery for one more year to lessen the cap hit in 2021 by trading him after the start of the 2021 league year or by designating him a post June 1st cut in 2021 which spreads the dead money between two seasons. Despite Philly dragging their feet there are still options out there for veterans if they decide that's still an option. 

Reports have come out that a certain speedy receiver from San Francisco is available for trade. That guy is Marquise Goodwin, a 29 year old wideout that stands 5'9 185 lbs. He has dealt with injuries the past two seasons, he still managed 20 games, 35 receptions for 581 yards, and 5 tds. An average of 16.6 yards per reception. Throughout his career he has shown a knack for producing big plays, his yards per reception average every season of his career with more than 2 receptions was 15.5 yards or more. He has The last 4 years he has had a 38 yard td, a 67 yard td, an 83 yard td, and an 84 yard td. Meanwhile in 2017, he snuck in a 1,000 yard season, with 56 receptions for 962 yards, 2 tds, and added 4 carries for 44 yards. He has lost quite a bit of trade value since 2017, but with the Eagles not having an idea when Jeffery will be back this season, having doubts about JJ Arcega-Whiteside and an often injured DeSean Jackson the number 1 target, there is definite value there for Philly. Bringing him in as an option in the slot to add another element of speed outside of Jackson would open this offense up. I would imagine Goodwin could be had for a 5th round pick due to his relative lack of production through two injury marred seasons in San Francisco, as well as his age. 

In Carolina Curtis Samuel might be available as well. They just signed Robbie Anderson and drafted DJ Moore. Samuel may be the odd man out, even though he was a starter for Carolina in 2019. The 5'11 195 lb receiver's stats have continued to rise year after year. In 2017 he had just 15 catches, 115 yards, adding 4 carries for 64 yards. In 2018 he caught 39 passes for 494 yards, 5 tds, adding 8 carries for 84 yards and 2 tds, but in 2019 he put it all together despite playing with Kyle Allen at qb. He played in 16 games, started 15 of them caught 54 passes for 627 yards, 6 tds, adding 19 carries for 130 yards and 1 td. He has obviously shown an ability to run the ball as well as catch it at a high rate. Plus he is only heading into his fourth season, this is a guy you acquire and mold your offense around as your first or second option. However he comes with a larger price tag. I would guess at a minimum you can expect to ship Carolina a 3rd round pick but it would likely require more than that. After acquiring him you will also need to sign him to an extension as he is headed into the last year of his deal. This is the exact reason why Carolina may be interested in trading him, and why the floor for that trade would be a 3rd. With Samuel being a guy who would in all likelihood get a large contract if he left in free agency, he would likely factor into the 2022 compensatory picks for a 3rd round pick. I like Samuels' skillset as a receiver that adds value in the run game, he could come in and be a number 1 receiver in Philly's offense, allowing them to really stretch defenses, while getting a long term starter at WR. They could play him on his current deal or sign him to an extension right away, either way it gives them a proven target for Wentz who is still young and has a high floor in the NFL. He may be the perfect candidate for a trade. I wouldn't be hurt if the team gave up a 2021 2nd round pick and a swap of mid round picks this year to get him. Maybe we give up a 5th for a 6th in return?

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a polarizing figure every other offseason it seems. He plays three years in New Orleans, starts to become unhappy and gets traded to New England. New England teams him with Brady, he went on to put up his third 1,000+ yard season, and 7 tds on 65 receptions. Boom next offseason he is traded again. New England had sent New Orleans a first round pick, and a 3rd round pick receiving a 4th and Cooks when they acquired him. Belichek and company turned around and flipped him to the Rams for a first round pick, and a 6th round pick also sending a 4th round pick to the Rams. Not a good return on their investment just a year prior. Now two seasons later I expect the Rams to again receive even less in return if they find a trade partner. While 2018 Saw Cooks help lead the Rams to the Super Bowl, 2019 wasn't so kind to team or player. He struggled with injuries in route to career lows in receptions, yards, and tds despite 14 starts. However the value again takes a hit when you consider he signed a 5 year $80 million extension with the Rams. Which will lead to cap hits of 16.8, 16.8, 17.2, and 17.8 over the life of this extension, and I doubt any team would give up valuable picks for this kind of cap hit after a down year without an inkling he would be willing to restructure or a belief he could bounce back in 2020. I could see a high return of a 2nd round pick, with a low of a conditional 3rd round pick based on performance.

There are reports out there that either of the top Browns receivers could be had in trade. Obviously those guys are Odell Beckham Jr., and Jarvis Landry. I don't believe that either receiver winds up moving on from the Browns. There are several reasons for this, first off these guys are former college teammates who were thrilled to play together again. While 2019 didn't pan out how either had imagined there is still hope for 2020. Both of them are 27 and were born in November so they are still young, and on expensive contracts but they are on a team that has the cap space to handle their contracts and still somehow walk into this offseason with over $60 million available. More importantly the smarter player to trade would be ODB, who holds higher value but you don't want to trade away an asset whose trade value has diminished to such an extent in one year. ODB cost the Browns an immense package to acquire, to give up on him after just one year, in which he still put up over 1,000 yards would require multiple draft picks and/or players to make sense for a very talented Browns team flush with cap space. If you take a look at how the Browns have operated this offseason they tried to further solidify their roster by bringing in talented free agents, and leading to the belief they are still in win now mode while they have a qb on a rookie deal. 

This next guy is purely speculation based on the lack of a contract extension heading into the last year of his rookie deal. Kenny Golladay is another November baby but is a year younger than ODB, and Landry. He also stands 6'3 215 lbs, ran a 4.50 40 yard dash, put up 18 reps in the bench press, and had a 35.5 inch vertical leap. He is also coming off of a career year, 65 receptions for 1,190 yards and 11 of his 19 career tds. That was his first year playing all 16 games. It resulted in his most tds, yards, and highest yards per reception. Golladay is heading into his fourth season and would cost a lot in a trade but honestly if Detroit asked for the 21st overall pick right now I would ask zero questions and take Golladay in a heart beat. He is a big play waiting to happen, and a true number one receiver. Something this offense has lacked since Jeffery came to town years ago. This would also require an extension but this is the type of guy you want to lock up long term anyway. His cost might actually be closer to what Minnesota got for Stefon Diggs from Buffalo. Minnesota fleeced Buffalo, getting their 2020 first, fifth, and sixth round picks, as well as a 2021 4th round pick and received Diggs and a 2020 7th round pick. Granted Diggs actually had a LOT more production before his trade than what Golladay currently has, but he also doesn't possess the size Golladay has. I am not sure if I would be okay giving up four draft picks for any player, but maybe our first this year, and a conditional third next season? 

After being connected with Robbie Anderson all offseason and then missing out on him, maybe it prompts them to go after Josh Reynolds, a poor man's Anderson. They have similar body types at 6'3 and around 190 lbs. Anderson ran much faster in the 40 but Reynolds showed better in agility drills. Reynolds has been basically buried on the depth chart with the Rams but after 3 years he has shown a penchant 61 receptions for 832 yards and 7 tds., and added 7 carries for 31 yards. However in college he was a three year starter at Texas A&M, and put up over 51 receptions, 840 yards +, and 5 tds. every season. He also spent one year in junior college where you guessed it he started and performed well. This is the perfect veteran receiver who would come cheap, a 5th round pick should do the trick. Reynolds would come in on the last year of his deal with very little leverage on an extension unless he came in and balled out. Which might be in the cards being that he has solid size and hands, and would likely get an immediate opportunity to play a lot in Philly as a number 2 option next to DeSean Jackson.

Rumor is that a guy like Allen Robinson another 6'2 220 lb receiver could be had via trade. He heads into 2020 on the last year of his deal, on a team that has major cap issues going forward. Keeping Robinson should be a priority but after recapturing his status as a solid number 1 receiver the value might be better for them to trade him now while they can. It's hard to believe but Robinson is just 26 years old still and headed into his 7th season. 2019 demonstrated how valuable he can be after he had 98 receptions for 1,147 yards and 7 tds. However a team could look at Robinson and argue he could be headed for a down year if you follow the trends of his career. He tends to have an insanely productive year followed by a much more pedestrian season in 2015 and 2016. Then in 2017 an injury that forced him to miss 15 games, comes back has a solid but not spectacular year, than comes back in 2019 and catches 98 passes and goes over 1,000 yards. It remains to be seen how he fares in 2020 but I would expect a minimum of 60 catches, 750 yards, and 5 tds. Solid numbers for a number 2 receiver but not what you would like from a number 1. He likely costs a conditional 4th round pick right now.