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Travis Kelce will host “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” “, a show built on the original version for fifth graders, but with celebrities instead of 10 to 11 year olds. Too bad, because I just found a photo of Kelce looking like my fifth grade teacher.
Today’s NFL update:
- 💬 GM comments, trading options
- ⌚ Timing Trades
- 🎯 React to The beast
- 👔 New jerseys, helmets
Soundbites from NFL preliminary press conferences
Yesterday, many teams held pre-draft press conferences, an annual ritual where reporters hunt for clues and general managers provide as many non-answers as possible. Nevertheless, we gleaned information from a few teams:
For the giantsadding that “a better receiving weapon is going to help everyone,” said general manager Joe Schoen, who also shared that his phone lines were busy with teams trying to move up to No. 6.
In Jacksonville, much of the discussion revolved around a new contract for Trevor Lawrence. With ownership involved, and GM Trent”Excuse me» Baalke adding “I spoke with his agency again last night”, an agreement could be concluded soon. 👀
Browns General manager Andrew Berry will consider trading his top pick, No. 54, but added that the lack of picks (Cleveland has only two in the top 150) gives them less flexibility for an exchange.
THE The Seahawks The Pete Carroll era is over, but general manager John Schneider remains. Four members of his team spoke to the media, sharing that the new coaching staff emphasizes versatility. Who comes to mind? Iowa DB Cooper DeJean.
Speaking of jobs…
“We feel good staying at number 2,” said Commanders Managing Director Adam Peters. Washington decides on its QB? Peters was the rare general manager to forgo the opportunity to hang an “Open” sign at the press conference. Others were more willing:
The Patriots are “open for business” when it comes to trading pick #3. While director of scouting Eliot Wolf (the Pats don’t have a general manager) added that they are comfortable drafting a QB there, trade discussions are “ongoing.”
- Prediction: Vikings watch Drake Maye fall to No. 3 before sending ‘a sack’ to Patriots, including No. 11, No. 23 and a first in 2025. Steep, but they believe they’re one QB.
Cardinals Managing director Monti Ossenfort is in 4th place and is always willing to negotiate, as evidenced by his analogy: what if someone offers him a good deal for his house? He calls his wife, who loves where they live: “Hey Shannon, pack your bags, it’s time to ride.”
- Prediction: They would have “don’t make it easy for teams looking to advance”, and I don’t see anyone valuing JJ McCarthy enough. Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is the pick.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, holding the No. 5 pick, isn’t doing anyone any favors: “The whole ‘It’s a fair trade, it’s a wash’ – I don’t think it’s a trade we’re interested in . Based on his other comments, the 2024 picks appear to be the preference in Los Angeles.
- Prediction: No team is willing to meet the Chargers’ request, and they select LSU WR Malik Nabers because his vertical abilities help open up the running game.
“If you think this is the player that can change the landscape, like a quarterback, then you do the right thing,” said Broncos General manager George Paton, who did just that to acquire Russell Wilson just two years ago. Still, Paton and HC Sean Payton are clearly ready to move forward.
- Prediction: After the WRs moved to 4-5-6, OT Joe Alt was taken at #7. The Falcons, happy to add rookie contract depth, are moving No. 8 to Denver for No. 12, a third in 2024, a second in 2025 and a second in 2026.
So, when will these exchanges decrease? Dianna has more.
What Dianna Says: Draft Night Talks
Sorry to disappoint, but you won’t see any trades between today and the start of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25. But I’m expecting a busy evening.
Things are heating up around the league as teams work the phone lines to determine who is open to a move up or down, assess the cost and gather any other useful information. It seems like everything is on the table after No. 1 (Chicago) and No. 2 (Washington).
Back to you, Jacob.
React to Dane Brugler’s latest mockery
THE Bear have only four picks, but going with quarterback Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze would put them among the draft winners. But do they need another WR? In his review of Dane Brugler’s 7-round mock, Kevin Fishbain notes that “Odunze’s strengths of catching 50-50 balls and making downfield plays would complement DJ Moore and Keenan Allen perfectly.” »
Crows reporter Jeff Zrebiec would add a running back, which general manager Eric DeCosta all but guaranteed in the middle round. Baltimore has two fourth-round picks, one of which could be used on Florida State’s Trey Benson, the Dane’s RB3.
THE giants place LSU WR Malik Nabers at No. 6 in the mock, because he offers explosiveness not seen in a New York WR since Odell Beckham Jr., the last offensive player the Giants drafted from LSU.
By examining the The Steelers pick, Mike DeFabo notes that trading Diontae Johnson left the Steelers without an underlying threat. Enter Michigan WR Roman Wilson, Brugler’s WR9 who saw “71.7% of his catches in 2023 fall into the digits.”
New team kits: leaked
One way or another, every day brings both new NFL gear and a weird leak. Yesterday, the Lions had an unveiling event planned (for 🔥 new uniforms) but were led by a promotional message from Fanatics. New gear, fun reactions:
Around the NFL
Jacob’s choices
📕 Teams in need of QBs, ranked. Ted Nguyen rates seven teams on a QB-friendly scale. The Vikings, with Justin Jefferson and a plethora of other weapons, are #1. (Athleticism)
📺 Holdouts don’t always work. This top 10 looks at the biggest blowouts for players who held more – a group that Giants WR Darius Slayton appears to be joining. (Youtube)
🎙 Have you ever heard of a slot prediction project? This is the best way to understand when certain players are drafted. Really, I really enjoyed this morning. (The athletic football show)
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The rebound 🏀 | Liquidation ⚾ | Full time ⚽ | Main tire 🏁 | Until Saturday 🏈
(Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)