"Aaron Rodgers looks like he’s at the Kentucky Derby to arrest Tom Brady"
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Now let’s get to this week’s headlines!
News & Notes:
Schefter: "I don't care if the Packers used every single pick on WRs and OL, I don't think it would change Aaron Rodgers mind. Many people connected to him believe he's played his last down in Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers is not committed to the Packers in 2021 and beyond." Apparently it is a "serious consideration" that Aaron Rodgers retires rather than return to the Packers. Also: Aaron Rodgers is reportedly “intrigued” by the Raiders as a landing spot. Packers’ GM Brian Gutekunst has stated they do not intend to trade Rodgers.
The Lions have cut Kerryon Johnson.
Daniel Jeremiah on NFL Network stated that everyone in the league expects Deshaun Watson has played his final snap with the Texans.
The Panthers have officially picked up the 5th year option on Sam Darnold.
The Atlanta Falcons are not exercising the fifth-year option on tight end Hayden Hurst. He’ll be a free agent in 2022. The Kyle Pitts hype rolls on.
Analysis & Hype:
Note: Joe Mixon led the NFL in touches pre-injury. Note 2: The Bengals didn’t add a real replacement for Gio Bernard. Also: Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan on the plan for third-down usage among the RBs: "I don't want Joe (Mixon) to leave the field, and I think he's up for that challenge." Hope springs eternal.
Most receiving TDs of 20+ yards in college football since 2019: Bengals Rookie WR Ja'Marr Chase with 14. Note that Chase didn't even play last season. “Imma break every record they got” -Ja’Marr Chase
Something the league liked about 49ers Rookie QB Trey Lance, according to league personnel exec: His age. He doesn't turn 21 until next Sunday. Considered wise beyond his years and the few bad habits he has are easier to break because they aren't as ingrained.
Unless the Jaguars go 17-0 this season, Jaguars Rookie QB Trevor Lawrence is slated to lose his first regular season game in his entire life. You read that right. He never lost one in high school or college.
“Jalen Hurts averaged 29.5 DK points in three full games last year. Since then Eagles have: * Traded Carson Wentz * Drafted zero QBs * Added Devonta Smith * Got RT Lane Johnson and RG Brandon Brooks back from injury”
Ryan Fitzpatrick Is working with speed this year. 40 times: Curtis Samuel 4.31 Terry McLaurin 4.33 Antonio Gibson 4.39 Dyami Brown 4.44 Logan Thomas 4.61
Sam Darnold's 2020 vs 2021 — 2020: Adam Gase RB Frank Gore WR Jamison Crowder WR Braxton Berrios WR Breshad Perriman 2021: Joe Brady RB Christian McCaffrey WR D.J. Moore WR Robby Anderson WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
Notable positions NOT drafted by teams before Round 7: Cardinals - RB (Chase Edmonds) Falcons - RB (Mike Davis) Bills - RB (Zack Moss) Dolphins - RB (Myles Gaskin) Saints - WR (Tre'Quan Smith) Jets - TE (Chris Herndon)
“[Jaguar’s HC] Urban Meyer said on the ESPN Draft broadcast that a player was taken before their selection at 25 that "broke our heart" to not be able to pick. Today, he revealed that player was new Giants WR Kadarius Toney. Such a dynamic player.” Toney was drafted with the 20th overall pick.
In 2020 out of every NFL RB with 30+ targets (42 total) Myles Gaskin finished: 1 in Yards Per Tar (8.3) 1 in Yards Per Rec (9.5) 1 in DVOA (37.8%) 1 in VOA (36.8%) 2 in Catch % (87%) 6 in Tar Per Game (4.7)
“[Rookie RB] Michael Carter fits that wide zone scheme in New York like a glove. Big riser here.”
The Jaguars drafted the best QB prospect since Andrew luck and then didn’t draft a WR until the 6th round. That’s Laviska Shenault music.
NFL team source on Broncos Rookie RB Javonte Williams: "He's the best RB in the Draft. He has the ability to be a 1000y rusher & receiver like @CMC_22. He's as physical as @NickChubb21, as gifted as @A_kamara6 on 3rd down and as patient as @LeVeonBell. He is the MF truth." Might need to make a “scorching hot takes” section for this one. Also: “Denver just got a RB1. [Javonte] Williams is a juggernaut in the open field.”
A Twitter thread making a strong case for Falcons Rookie TE Kyle Pitts to be the Dynasty Rookie 1.01 in all formats.
A note on 49ers Rookie RB Trey Sermon: “Trent Williams was the #1 run blocking tackle in 2020. Mike McGlinchey was #2. Those are the 49ers tackles. I know Shanahan is a “hot hand” coach. But those hands can get real hot like on his 2016 Falcons. When Alex Mack was his center. Who just joined the Niners.”
UDFA (Undrafted Free Agent) signings from all 32 NFL teams
Matt Harmon lists some superlatives for WRs from the 2021 NFL Draft class. - Best at beating man - Best at getting off press - Best contested catch threat etc.
Sleeper potential: “Since 2000 Power-5 Underclassmen WRs with 50+ receptions, 20+ YPR 2020 [WFT Rookie WR] Dyami Brown 2019 Rashod Bateman, Dyami Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb 2015 Will Fuller, James Washington 2013 Mike Evans 2002 Andre Johnson 2001 Lee Evans, Charles Rogers Dyami Brown did it twice.”
Quick video explaining why Steeler’s Rookie TE Pat Freiermuth could be a future top 5 TE.
Interested thread on /r/DynastyFF: “Are We Missing the Boat on Zach Wilson?”
An early 2021 strength of schedule list.
Handy table with all the players drafted in the 2021 NFL draft.
Cold Water:
Warren Sharp explains why he isn’t very excited about Rookie RB Najee Harris’s upside in Pittsburgh.
Jaguars coach Urban Meyer said he envisioned No. 25 overall pick RB Travis Etienne as his third-down back behind James Robinson and Carlos Hyde.
“Brandon Aiyuk is a stud. But I don't see how he lives up to his WR27 ADP if George Kittle and Deebo Samuel play most of the games. Too balanced of an offense, especially if Trey Lance starts early.” … “Bottom 10 pass attempts with Kittle and Deebo competing just makes the math tough to fit.”
Podcasts I Enjoyed This Week:
The Late-Round Podcast: Utilizing Front Office Decision-Making
Fantasy Football Today: Updated QB Rankings
The Fun Stuff:
Easily my favorite tweet of the week: “Aaron Rodgers looks like he’s at the Kentucky Derby to arrest Tom Brady.”
Adjusts J.K. Dobbins in my rankings.
Giants fans seeing the Eagles jump ahead of them to get Rookie WR DeVonta Smith.
Footage of Patriots’ Rookie QB Mac Jones when he was a young boy meeting Cam Newton.
Bill Belichick has a type.
Tim Tebow was born to be a tight end.
Trevor Lawrence’s dad was singing high notes on draft night.
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