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Day: January 26, 2024

League Insider Suggests Pro Bowl Cornerback Is On Trade Block

Posted on by David Latham, Managing Editor

The New Orleans Saints are always one of the hardest teams to predict in the offseason. The franchise’s perpetual state of going all-in leads to heavily bloated salary cap numbers, yet they continue to put off the inevitable rebuild by restructuring deals to circumvent the salary cap. They did it last year to sign quarterback Derek Carr to a big contract, but Saints insider Nick Underhill suggests the team might be changing their ways. In a recent article, the longtime beat reporter suggested that the team could look to trade four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

We should note that Underhill’s article is behind a paywall, and to respect that business decision, we will not be pulling quotes from his work. Everything from here on out is pure speculation based on Underhill’s initial report. Nick Underhill is perhaps the most well-connected reporter on the New Orleans beat, and he wouldn’t write an article like this if he didn’t hear that a Marshon Lattimore trade was a distinct possibility. So, let’s take a look at what Lattimore can bring to a franchise and which teams would make the most sense as potential destinations.

Top Insider Suggests The Saints Could Trade Marshon Lattimore

At his best, Marshon Lattimore was one of the top cornerbacks in the game and any team would be willing to trade at least a first-round pick to secure his services. The Ohio State product hit the ground running, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 while making four Pro Bowls during his first five years of NFL action.

However, the past two seasons have not been as good for Lattimore. Injuries have limited him to only 17 games since the start of the 2022 season, and Pro Football Focus suggests he’s starting to slow down. According to their film-based grades, Lattimore was the 56th and 51st-best cornerback in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He’s still a good player, any team looking to trade for Marshon Lattimore will know that he’s not the same lockdown player from years past. So, Saints fans should not expect a Jalen Ramsey type of return for the soon-to-be 28-year-old.

Additionally, New Orleans will not receive too much salary cap relief in a Marshon Lattimore trade. According to OverTheCap, Lattimore’s cap hit is currently $14.6 million. That number jumps to $45.07 if they trade him before June 1st, and lowers to $13.4 million if they wait until after June 1st to make a move. Still, that’s only $1.2 million in savings, so there isn’t much of a financial benefit to doing this. Basically, it’s hard to picture New Orleans making this trade unless they can get a first-round pick or more for his services. Without further ado, here are five teams that might think this is a price worth paying.

Potential Trade Destinations

Buffalo Bills

Following yet another heartbreaking playoff loss, the Buffalo Bills are once again left with an entire offseason to figure out how to make a deep postseason run. Josh Allen is a superstar and played an amazing game, but the rest of the team let him down. Patrick Mahomes went up and down the field with ease, and Buffalo could try to improve their secondary with a Marshon Lattimore trade. 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam has not worked out, so it’s time for Buffalo to look for outside help to secure the cornerback position.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys will get Trevon Diggs back from injury in 2024, but they could also lose Stephon Gilmore to free agency. Despite his age, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year had a strong campaign last year and could earn a sizable paycheck on the open market. If that happens, a Marshon Lattimore trade could be a cheaper option. Jerry Jones is not getting any younger, and Mike McCarthy knows that he needs to bring this team on a deep playoff run to keep his job. Lattimore will help with that, and the trio of Lattimore, Diggs, and DaRon Bland would be one of the best in the league.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game even though their defense is one of the worst in the league. This team struggles to stop the pass, and their cornerback depth chart is one of the worst in the game. With Ben Johnson likely heading off to Washington, the Lions will need to rely on their defense in 2024 if they want to make another deep run. A Marshon Lattimore trade should make this defense far more competitive and help them compete against what should be a difficult NFC North.

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos proved that he’s willing to spend up for a top head coach in Jim Harbaugh. Now, he needs to prove it again with a Marshon Lattimore trade. Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in football, but he can’t singlehandedly carry an entire organization to a deep playoff run. The defense is going to need to start carrying their weight, and the best way to get that to happen is by improving the secondary. This unit couldn’t cover anyone last year, and now it’s time for them to get someone who can help slow the elite offenses of the AFC. The Chargers won’t give up the fifth-overall pick for Marshon Lattimore, but if these two teams can find a way to make a deal work, Los Angeles could make a deep playoff run as soon as next year.

Jacksonville Jaguars

After a promising 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars were supposed to take a big leap in 2023. That didn’t happen, in large part because the defense couldn’t carry an injured Trevor Lawrence down the stretch. A Marshon Lattimore trade might not solve all their issues, but they’ll need all the cornerback help they can get, seeing as they share a division with C.J. Stroud.

Main Photo: Maria Lysaker – USA Today Sports

AFC GM: “I Don’t Know Right Now” If 1,000-Yard Receiver Will Be Back

Posted on by David Latham, Managing Editor

After a heartbreaking collapse down the stretch, Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke is trying to build a contender for 2024. The first step in building a roster is identifying which free agents to keep, and there is a decent chance that wide receiver Calvin Ridley will be playing elsewhere next year. During a recent press conference, Baalke said that edge rusher Josh Allen will be back no matter what, but he did not make the same guarantee of Ridley.

When asked about the impending free agent wideout, Baalke noted that Ridley “did some awfully good things” but couldn’t commit to bringing him back.

“When you bring in somebody in that hasn’t been a part of football for over a year and a half, you gotta knock the rust off,” Baalke said. “He did that and, at times, he showed who he was and what he used to be and what he can be. The sky’s the limit…We would love to have Calvin back. We are going to work toward that. What that means is, I don’t know right now.”

Trent Baalke: “I Don’t Know” If Calvin Ridley Will Be Back

Based on this, it appears as though the Jaguars would like to retain Calvin Ridley, but it’s anything but a foregone conclusion. Ridley’s not good enough to receive a franchise tag or the transition tag, which means he will hit the open market if the two sides cannot come to terms before March. Ridley also isn’t the type of player you must retain at all costs, and Jacksonville knows just how easy it is to overpay receivers in free agency. With only $17.5 million in cap space and Josh Allen being the top priority, there is a very real chance Ridley prices his way out of Jacksonville.

Calvin Ridley is no superstar, but the 2023 season proved he still has some juice left in his tank. Maybe he never matches his 2020 output, but he still found a way to record 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns during his first season with the Jaguars. Now, with the rust sufficiently knocked off, he should have several suitors throughout the league.

Best Free Agent Destinations

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers hired Dave Canales due to his track record of fixing quarterbacks. Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield had the best years of their careers under Canales’ guidance, and now it’s Bryce Young’s turn. However, those two veterans could not have turned it around without help from their wide receivers. The Panthers have arguably the worst collection of pass-catching talent in the entire NFL, and Calvin Ridley would be a major upgrade. He wouldn’t fix the entire unit all by himself, but he’d be a good step in the right direction.

Buffalo Bills

Don’t look now, but the Buffalo Bills are in desperate need of some wide receivers. Stefon Diggs is possibly on the trade block, Gabriel Davis is a free agent, and there isn’t anyone else of note on the roster. If the team parts ways with Diggs, then Calvin Ridley could be a more cost-effective replacement. Nobody is saying Ridley is as good as Diggs in his prime, but the $96 million man is on the wrong side of 30 and didn’t do much of anything down the stretch. There is a very real chance that Ridley can match Diggs’ production at a fraction of the cost.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the AFC Championship Game, but they made it this far in spite of their wide receivers. Outside of Rashee Rice, every single receiver on the team has underperformed, and if Travis Kelce starts slowing down, Patrick Mahomes will need more help. Calvin Ridley is no Tyreek Hill, but he can catch the ball and make plays downfield. When Mahomes is your quarterback, that’s all it takes. The 2023 season showed that the present-day version of Calvin Ridley probably shouldn’t be the best option on a depth chart, but he’s more than capable of being a complementary guy for Rice and Kelce.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have a young star in Chris Olave, but the rest of the wide receiver depth chart leaves something to be desired. Michael Thomas never recaptured his old form, and Rashid Shaheed is better off as a depth player. The Saints always find a way to escape their self-imposed salary cap restrictions, but it’s hard to see them blowing big money on a top wide receiver free agent like Michael Pittman or Tee Higgins. Instead, they could go for a cheaper option like Calvin Ridley, since all they really need is another supporting receiver.

Dallas Cowboys

With Amari Cooper gone, CeeDee Lamb spent the past two seasons erasing all doubt about his ability to be the focal point of the passing attack. While Lamb can handle a high target share, Dallas needs to find somebody who can handle a modest workload. Age has finally caught up with Brandin Cooks, while Michael Gallup has never looked the same since his ACL injury all those years ago. Calvin Ridley would easily be the second-best receiver on this roster, and he might be the missing piece this team desperately needs to make a deep playoff run. Mike McCarthy will not survive another quick postseason exit, so the team should be all-in for 2024.

Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy Won’t Recieve Contract Extension, To Coach on Expiring Contract in 2024

Posted on by Jack Hintze

The Dallas Cowboys gave Head Coach Mike McCarthy a contract extension in 2024, meaning he will coach on an expiring deal. The team’s dedication to McCarthy while not throwing massive money at him is both good and bad. Here are the upsides and downsides of the Cowboys keeping their head coach for one more year.

Cowboys Retain Mike McCarthy On Expiring Contract; The Good and Bad

Good: Diverse Play Calling

We finally got to see CeeDee Lamb in the backfield more often. We finally got to see young playmakers like Jalen Tolbert and Jake Ferguson fully utilized. Many NFL teams are dying to see their talent fully on display. Mike McCarthy might be on the hot seat, but the play-calling was equally hot as the season progressed.

In the Wild Card game against Green Bay, clear second-half adjustments were made on offense. CeeDee Lamb finally got the ball, Prescott improved, and the offense kept Dallas in the game. Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said about the defense. While the Packers gashed Dallas over and over with QB Jordan Love and WR Romeo Doubs, Dallas’ offense kept the score closer than many realize. It would have been a blowout of disgusting proportions if not for McCarthy’s adjustments. That is reason enough to keep him for one more year.

Bad: A Glass Ceiling

A Mike McCarthy contract extension would cost the Cowboys money they don’t have. Sure, there’s some cap space available, but it isn’t always about the cash.

The former Packers’ head coach went 10-8 in the playoffs, winning a Super Bowl in 2011. More than 10 years later, McCarthy is 1-3 in the playoffs with Dallas. It’s only been four years, but that’s like night and day. The Cowboys used to be a team that wouldn’t settle for less than perfect.

In Mike McCarthy’s four-year tenure as Cowboys Head Coach, Dallas has seen three playoff exits, two of which to San Francisco. Mike McCarthy was a Super Bowl-winning coach. It’s safe to say that Cowboys fans had higher expectations than playoff embarrassment for three straight years. How much more do the fans need to sit through before a change is made?

Good: It’s Mike or Break

Some could call this a good thing, as walking on a cracking plank could light a fire in McCarthy. It’s not necessarily unreasonable to say that fear is a good motivator in the NFL. McCarthy’s 17 seasons as an NFL Head Coach have seen him develop the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, DaVante Adams, Jordy Nelson… the list goes on.

It’s time that McCarthy does the same for the Cowboys. While 19 key players like RB Tony Pollard and LT Tyron Smith are set to become free agents, the ones staying home should benefit from McCarthy’s ‘make or break’ 2024.

Mike McCarthy’s job status is far less in question than that of Dan Quinn. The latter is already on his second round of interviews with the Seattle Seahawks, and Cowboys fans are calling for his head. Calling for the head coach’s job on an expiring contract is pointless. There’s nothing left for McCarthy to do except push Dallas further into the playoffs.

And if he doesn’t? Well, the writing is already on the wall. It’s Mike or break season.

Main Photo: [Wm. Glasheen] – USA Today Sports

3 Facts To Know About Chargers New Head Coach Jim Harbaugh

Posted on by Nate Gosney

With the extremely exciting news of Jim Harbaugh going to the Los Angeles Chargers, there is plenty of unknown and known about his history. Jim Harbaugh has plenty of different exciting miniature facts to know about him, but here are three important facts to know about the new leader of the Chargers.

3 Must-Know Facts About Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh The Former Charger Quarterback!

We all know the current Chargers quarterback, Justin Herbert. Harbaugh will be working with him to create an offense to finally support the former first-round pick. Though, it is not known outside of the realm of diehard Charger fans that Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback for the Bolts back in the day.

The former Michigan Wolverines head coach had a respectable career as a passer in the NFL. In his fifteen seasons in the NFL, Harbaugh may have not been a top-end quarterback of his era but showed immense grit, longevity, and ability to pick up any playbook. Jim Harbaugh enjoyed his last two seasons as an NFL quarterback with the Los Angeles Chargers from 1999 to 2000.

Current League Leader in Career Win Percentage

Jim Harbaugh is a winner. There is plenty of proof to back that up, especially when watching his previous teams’ seasons and the success they encountered. Whether it was with Michigan, playing in a National Championship or it was with the 49ers, Harbaugh was and is a winner.

That said, where does the former Michigan man rank in terms of NFL win percentage? When looking at the all-time ranks, Jim Harbaugh ranks himself as fifth all-time – an incredible achievement for a coach who has also experienced immense success at the collegiate level. So being fifth all-time in all-time win percentage, where does Jim Harbaugh land in current win percentage? He would rank first. First amongst all current head coaches in the entirety of the NFL. The Chargers got a good one.

He Models Himself After Spongebob?

The last fact to know about Jim Harbaugh is one that is rather peculiar. Though it is not the most important fact to know about Harbaugh, it is one to add to his likability factor. If I am Dean Spanos, this is all that I would need to hear to have him lead my football team. That said, I am not an NFL owner for a reason.

So what is this mighty peculiar fun fact about Harbaugh? It is that he simply models his life after Spongebob Squarepants. Yes, the cartoon character that we saw growing up on Nickelodeon. What does he mean by this? When asked about The Simpsons and his thoughts on them including his name in a scene, he gets into how Spongebob is another cartoon he enjoys.

During the course of that conversation, he says “I love his attitude, he attacks each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. I model my behavior by him. What a great employee he is. He is a go-getter, he’s always got a bounce in his step. He’s got pizzazz, he puts his heart and soul into making those patties. I think he’s awesome.” The best part of all of this is that Jim Harbaugh does a great job modeling his game after Squarepants. He is a go-getter, has enthusiasm, pizzazz, and truly does put his heart and soul into what he loves.

The Los Angeles Chargers found themself a head coach with plenty of success, experience, and of course those quirks. A perfect man for a team that needs success, experience, and to live and learn through the quirks of previous coaching regimes. The 2024 Chargers is much brighter with coach Harbaugh at the helm.

Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports

What to Expect From Baltimore Ravens in AFC Championship

Posted on by Nicholas Henderson

The Baltimore Ravens are headed to the AFC Championship and are anticipating a Super Bowl appearance. After finishing the season with the best record in the NFL, confidence is plentiful on both sides of the ball. The Ravens ended the season by winning five out of their six final games, and the one loss came with most of the starters resting. Due to being the number one seed, Baltimore could rest an additional week during the Wild Card round. The following week in the Divisional round, the Ravens beat the Houston Texans in a dominating fashion. Next, the Kansas City Chiefs are on the schedule. Everyone knows what to expect from the Chiefs in this spot, but what can be expected from the Ravens?

The Chiefs are a heavily proven team. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has practically been living in the AFC Championship game since he entered the league. Two rings and three Super Bowl appearances later, Lamar Jackson has a chance to dethrone the king. Although not statistically, Jackson is having the best season of his career. Jackson is the leading MVP candidate and is looking to add a second award to his mantle. Win or lose, Jackson will be considered most valuable. But, he’d prefer a Super Bowl trophy over personal accolades.

What to Expect From Ravens in the AFC Championship Game

The Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. This is the sixth consecutive time Kansas City has reached the conference championship, as they constantly find ways to get the job done. On the other hand, Baltimore has not seen a conference championship game since 2012 when they went on to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens are the hottest team in football this season and look to take down the budding GOAT Patrick Mahomes. Here’s what’s to be expected to make that happen.

Offense

Offensively, Baltimore is a powerhouse. Starting at the quarterback position, Lamar Jackson is a bonified superstar. Jackson is not only officially the best-scrambling quarterback of all time, but he’s also learned how to pass the ball equally as effectively. Jackson has been doing it all on the field and posting his usual highlight runs, but now highlight throws are included. Expect more of the same going forward. At running back, Gus Edwards has been as consistent as they come. Edwards is a workhorse that always falls forward, and now he has help. Dalvin Cook will likely get more opportunities against the Chiefs now that he’s acclimated to Baltimore. Expect Cook to have a breakout game while the Ravens run wild.

The receiver group has been great all season. Zay Flowers has learned the ins and outs of being an NFL receiver while steadily improving each week. Flowers is now on the radar and has earned respect across the league. Flowers has become the number one option with a consistent supporting cast. Odell Beckham Jr. and Isaiah Likely have shown themselves to be clutch, and that will be expected against such a clutch opponent.

Defense

The Ravens have the best defense in the NFL. There are standout players on the roster, but as a whole, the defensive chemistry is outstanding. Linebacker Roquan Smith has been likened to Ravens legend Ray Lewis. Smith never takes a down off and is the vocal leader of the team. Smith is a big-game player and will leave it all on the field. Safety Kyle Hamilton has made a name for himself in the league. Hamilton is one of the most recognizable safeties in football due to his height and length. Hamilton will be expected to continue his ball-hawking dominance in a game that will require tenacity.

Defensive Tackle Justin Madubuike is the head of the Ravens’ pass rush. Madubuike leads the team in sacks and will need to put pressure on Patrick Mahomes by any means necessary. The secondary is essentially a no-fly zone. Safety Geno Stone led the team in interceptions and ranked second in the league. If Baltimore plans to make a Super Bowl appearance, they will need to force turnovers.

Main Photo: [Sam Greene/The Enquirer] – USA Today Sports

Dynasty Must Sell Options – Fantasy Football Staples That Need Moved

Posted on by Adrian Rovito

Dynasty Must Sell Options – Fantasy Football Staples That Need Moved

Some words just go together; peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, Dynasty owners and Travis Kelce. Yes, every year some players are viewed as prize possessions, the Fantasy Football staples if you will. But the shrewdest of Dynasty owners, not unlike the 2022 Green Bay Packers, know when to ship off a star to maximize returns just before they decline. Let’s look at some of the stars of the game that are ripe to be sold high. If you haven’t already, also check out Fantasy Football Breakouts to Keep or Trade in 2024.

Josh Jacobs (RB)

Josh Jacobs broke out in 2022, but his ADP saw a nosedive because of contract disputes before the 2023 season. Nevertheless, Jacobs, when guaranteed to play, is seen as a hot commodity. With Antonio Pierce now confirmed as the head coach, there’s reason to be hopeful for Raiders nation. Even as an interim, there was a noticeable lift in play, including Jacobs until a week 15 injury. So why move on? Jacobs is a pending free agent, Antonio Pierce has been vocal about wanting to keep him around, but given last year’s transgressions it’s very possible he is moving to a destination unknown. If he remains with the Raiders, his division is arguably the hardest in the NFL and it just got harder with the Los Angeles Chargers hiring Jim Harbaugh. Not to mention a new Offensive Coordinator coming to town, so a new scheme to learn. Now is the time to get what you can for Jacobs.

Travis Kelce (TE)

Travis Kelce is undoubtedly the first Tight End off the board in a startup draft, sorry Mark Andrews fans, but it is what it is. However, this year saw a decline in production and an increase in injuries. Kansas City may still make and win the Superbowl, Kelce is turning on the jets in the postseason just like any of the greats. But statistically, and by the eye test, he may have played his best football. Don’t give him up for chump change, even 80% of Kelce is a valuable asset. But if you can get some premium picks and/or players for him, best to do so before he begins a Swift decline (see what I did there?).

Stefon Diggs (WR)

So you joined a new Dynasty league last year and drafted Diggs in the top 10. You pulled your hair out as he averaged 9.8 points per game, his lowest since 2018. Your heart is telling you to keep him, at least one more year, he is likely back with the bills, and his value in past years is undeniable. Listen to me closely… your heart is WRONG. Diggs is one of those personalities who is in the media after every loss questioning his actions and loyalty. He may be back with the Bills but his chemistry with Josh Allen is not. Add to that, second-year receiver Khalil Shakir took a significant step this year. Over the last 10 games, Shakir outgained Diggs despite being targeted less than half as many times. Shakir is the future here, and Diggs is unlikely to replicate his previous years atop the fantasy throne. Move on while he is still a household name.

Nick Chubb (RB)

This one is painful to write. Nick Chubb is pound-for-pound the best pure runner in the NFL. Well at least, he was, before a gruesome knee injury in week 2. Chubb, 28 years old, is already facing a painful but true reality, running backs aged 29 or over statisically do not perform. In fact, this year there were exactly 2 running backs aged 29 or over. Raheem Mostert who benefitted heavily from scheme and line, and Derrick Henry who is arguably the only person to perform at his level during his age 29 season. Now to be fair, you won’t be able to get the farm in a trade because of his injury, but I’d say get whatever you can. If I were to bet on this, I’d say Jerome Ford is the starting back for the Browns by week 5 of the 2024 season, at which point you will get exactly zero for Chubb.

Related Video: Late Round Running Back Sleeper

Jonathon Taylor (RB)

Allow me for a moment, to borrow your mind’s eye. Cast yourself back, it’s 2021, week 11 and the Buffalo Bills are playing the Indianapolis Colts. The Bills have a decent run defense, the key to winning this game is for them to stop rising superstar Jonathon Taylor from his usual dominant performance. Can you remember how that ended? Taylor rushed for 185 yards and four touchdowns. Just another day in the life of 2021 Taylor. But sadly, football is not played in your mind’s eye, it’s played in the present, and in 2023 Jonathon Taylor is not that man anymore. Injured throughout the season and disgruntled, not to mention a promising young back in Zack Moss who has quietly made it easier than ever for the Colts to say sayonara. He will likely be elsewhere next year, and not unlike the beginning of this season, uncertainty is a risk best taken by middling teams who hope to squeak into the playoffs. Before those contract talks peak, you can and should send this man out to pasture, getting some primo capital in the process.

As the saying goes, there is no off-season. This is when the bones of truly great Dynasty owners are made, so go and make yours. Especially if you have someone who is a little green in your league, and would light up seeing a name like the ones above included in a trade offer.

Main Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

 

The Tennessee Titans Have a Wide Receiver Problem

Posted on by Thomas Lagrone

The Tennessee Titans are coming off one of their worst seasons in the past decade and have huge holes on their roster. One of the most glaring issues for the Titans is their offensive line, even after drafting offensive guard Peter Skoronski in the first round of last year’s draft. The Titans may pick another offensive lineman in the first round to complement Skoronski, but they also have massive questions at wide receiver heading into this offseason.

The Tennessee Titans Have a Wide Receiver Problem

The Problem

The team’s wide receiver issues arose when they traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, as they tried to replace him with 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks. During his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, Burks showed great promise via his explosive play ability. However, his collegiate success has not translated well to the NFL throughout his first two seasons. Burks has dealt with numerous injuries and has not played more than 11 games in a single season. He had over 400 receiving yards in his rookie year but performed much worse in 2023.

Alongside Burks being a possible miss in the draft, two Titans wide receivers are heading to free agency this offseason. The two receivers are Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chris Moore. Although neither player was outstanding in the passing offense this year, losing both players would take away a large portion of production from the Titans wide receiver corps.

One bright spot in the Titans wide receiver room is De’Andre Hopkins, who had another season with over 1,000 receiving yards. The Titans have Hopkins under contract for one more season, so the team just needs one or two more elite receivers to solidify the position. Hopkins had double the receiving yards of tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, the second-leading receiver on the team. The fact that nearly every Titans receiver had less yardage than a tight end is concerning and needs to be addressed.

Part of the Titans wide receiver issues may have stemmed from the inconsistent quarterback play from Ryan Tannehill and Will Levis. The inconsistency will be slightly solved by allowing Levis to start an entire season, as Tannehill will likely not re-sign with the team in 2024.

Related: Will Levis Film Study

Two Possible Solutions for the Tennessee Titans at Wide Receiver

The first possible solution for the Titans is to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Since wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is a top prospect, he will likely not be available when the Titans pick seventh overall. However, there will be plenty of talented receivers on the board. One major prospect is Rome Odunze, who played receiver at the University of Washington. Odunze accrued over 1,600 receiving yards in his final collegiate season, which led the NCAA. Another talented receiver is Malik Nabers of Louisiana State University, who nearly had 1,600 receiving yards. If the Titans can land one of those prospects, then they can make their wide receiver corps a strength heading into 2024. They could also take a later option like Ladd McConkey.

Another answer is for the Titans to sign a prominent free agent wide receiver this offseason. The only issue with this solution is the lack of elite receivers in this free agency window. Mike Evans is one name that stands out from the rest. Other options at wide receiver have not been as consistent or productive as Evans. Despite this fact, Gabe Davis and Tee Higgins are a couple of names that might be productive alongside Hopkins.

Main Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Top Five Wide Receiver Prospects 2024 NFL Draft

Posted on by Mike Kashuba

Wide receivers have become a premium position in the NFL. By contract value, wide receivers are the second most valuable position in football. As teams look to add firepower in the 2024 NFL Draft, who are the top wide receiver prospects, and what team fits make the most sense?

Top Five Wide Receiver Prospects 2024 NFL Draft

Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State University

The nickname Maserati Marv is fitting. He’s 6’4″ (unofficially) with absolute burners. There are almost no holes in his game, and he’s a lock to go in the top ten of the NFL Draft. He’s a unanimous All-American, dominated NFL corners, and will likely be a consensus top fifteen wide receiver in the league by October.

Pro Comp: Lanky Justin Jefferson (yes he’s that good)

Team Fits: New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers

Malik Nabers, Louisiana State University

If you like freaky yards after the catch, acceleration that looks like an alien, and a thick body to bully smaller corners, Nabers is your guy. About three plays into watching Jayden Daniels, Nabers caught a crossing route with a defender in his lap. Two steps later he had separation, and he turned a five-yard play into a 40-yard gain. In most draft classes, he would be the number one, but as far as 2024 NFL Draft receiver prospects go he’s firmly two.

Pro Comp: D.J. Moore

Team Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans

Rome Odunze, Washington

Talk about polish. Rome Odunze is adept at lining up all over the field and uses his frame masterfully along the sideline. Watching Malik Nabers is like a rock song. Watching Odunze is smooth jazz. No wasted movement. Late hands so the defenders never get a chance. He doesn’t have the same extra gear that Nabers has, but he’ll slot into most offenses and be their top receiver.

Pro Comp: Taller Chris Olave

Team Fits: New York Jets, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints

Brian Thomas Jr, Louisiana State University

Brian Thomas is going to make the NFL Combine must see TV. He accelerates while making tight turns, which physically isn’t something people do often. If any of the 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver prospects is going to jump out of the gym, it’s Thomas. His scouting report is right up there with the best in the class.

Pro Comp: Marques Colston

Team Fits: Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Troy Franklin has the change of direction of a 5’8″ man, but he’s 6’3″. He’s built like a pencil, but it helps him to put corners in a spin cycle, so nothing to worry about there. If he packs on a couple pounds and keeps the maneuverability, he’s a Pro Bowl threat. If he stays the same size, he’ll make parents around the world gasp when he gets hit, but he’ll still command targets.

Pro Comp: DeVonta Smith but you stretched his picture in Microsoft Word

Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers

Honorable Mention – Ladd McConkey

While every other receiver on this list is a dominant physical force, McConkey’s acceleration at the line is his super power. He’s already a clean route runner that attacks blind spots effectively, and will immediately contribute to an offense. If you think he’s just another slot guy, check out this quick film study and find out why he’s one of PFF’s favorites this draft.

Pro Comp: Skinny Chris Godwin

Team Fits: Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons

Related:

Xavier Legette Film Study Video

Braelon Allen Scouting Report

Main Photo Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

2024 NFL Scouting Report: Taliese Fuaga

Posted on by Rashad Tatum

Taliese Fuaga NFL Draft Overview

The playoffs have shown one common thing as the 2023 NFL SEASON comes to a close. Dominating in the trenches for four quarters wins big games. The NFL is in for a treat, as Taliese Fuaga loves to dominate defenses. The former 3-star recruit out of Mount Tacoma High School committed to Oregon State and became a force. Fuaga appeared in 14 games total in his first two years as a Beaver, used primarily as a role player. In 2022, he became the starting RT, playing all 13 games, and was the consensus second team all Pac 12. In 2023, Fuaga improved his pass protection skills and became a monster in the run game. His play was awarded first team all Pac 12 and Outland trophy semifinalist in a stacked class of candidates. However, what is his ceiling in the NFL? Let’s dig into the film!

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height: 6’6 (Unofficial)

Weight: 334 lbs (Unofficial)

Age: Unkown

School: Oregon State Beavers

Taliese Fuaga Player Evaluation

Fuaga’s Strengths

  • Large Frame with thick Calves, Legs, thighs, and proportional massive build. Built to last, never missed a start.
  • Devastating run blocker. He explodes out of his stance quickly or has an excellent pad level—total domination at point of attack on combo blocks, base blocks, and down blocks. Perfect gap power scheme fit.
  • It is a fluid mover, dancing bear out in space on screens and pulls. Zone, blocks, easily reach the second level, and maintain good leverage.
  • He explodes out his stance to reach the Pass pro set point very fluidly.
  • Heavy Hands and impressive strength stall bull rushes. Also, his hands are swift and precise when striking rushers.
  • He keeps his head up to see what he is hitting.
  • When he has no one to block, he finds work to provide extra protection for teammates.

Fuaga’s Weakness

  • Although improved from 2022, Footwork still needs work.
  • He does not always bring his feet with him when he has to redirect pass rushers.
  • He can find himself in situations where he over-sets and gets too aggressive. It leaves him susceptible to counters and defenders crossing this face.

Projection: Top 20 Pick

NFL Comparison: Taylor Decker

Best Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets.

Bottom Line

Taliese Fuaga, is one of the most promising offensive line prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. Standing tall with a massive frame and incredible strength, Fuaga is a force to be reckoned with on the field. His impressive fluidity and agility make him a versatile player who can excel in both the run game and in space. Despite being a highly talented prospect, Fuaga still needs work on his footwork in pass protection, but with the help of chips, he can play Tackle too. Comparing him to the highly impactful RG for the Kansas City Chiefs, Trey Smith, I project Fuaga to be a borderline Pro Bowl guard with the potential to play Tackle if needed. With his exceptional skills and immense potential, Fuaga is undoubtedly a star in the making who is sure to make a significant impact in the NFL.

Main Photo: [Darren Yamashita] – USA Today Sports