Florida’s Jake Slaughter leads the way among the top returning interior offensive linemen to college football in 2025. Jake Slaughter leads the way: Florida’s center is the top returning interior offensive lineman and was arguably the best center in the nation this past season. Alabama has two players in the top 10: Center Parker Brailsford and right guard Jaeden Roberts help form a loaded Crimson Tide interior offensive line. 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes With the 2024 college football season in the books, it’s time to turn our attention to 2025 by ranking the top returning players at every position. Next up is interior offensive linemen. It’s one of the strongest position groups, as many of the highest-graded guards and centers from 2024 are back for another year. Below is a list of PFF’s top 10 returning interior offensive linemen in college football, in addition to an honorable mention nominee. Please note that NFL projection was not taken into account in these rankings. Click below to view our other position rankingsQB | RB | WR | TE | OT 1. Jake Slaughter, Florida One year after placing eighth on this list, Slaughter tops it after a stellar redshirt junior season. He was the only Power Four center to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker. Even more impressive is that he faced a murderer’s row of defensive tackles, including Walter Nolen, Alfred Collins, Shemar Turner, Deone Walker, Omarr Norman-Lott and Joshua Farmer. All of those players should be selected in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Slaughter’s 85.8 PFF overall grade since 2023 trails only Jackson Powers-Johnson among Power Four centers. He moves very well at 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds, allowing him to dominate in a zone blocking scheme. 2. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M Reed-Adams dominated in his first year with the Aggies. The Kansas transfer ranked second — behind only North Carolina‘s Willie Lampkin — in PFF overall grade, PFF run-blocking grade and PFF’s wins above average metric among Power Four guards. He’s a powerful player at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds who can excel in any run-blocking scheme. Reed-Adams led all Power Four guards in gap run-blocking grade and ranked fourth in zone run-blocking grade. Ar’maj Reed-Adams: Career PFF Grades Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock the world’s most advanced football database! 3. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Laloulu flashed across 413 snaps as a true freshman in 2023, leading all Power Four guards with a 0.9% pressure rate allowed. He shuffled all over the Ducks’ interior that year, playing at least 100 snaps each at center, left guard and right guard. He became Oregon’s starting center as a sophomore and was one of only six Power Four centers to earn top-20 grades in pass blocking and run blocking. Laloulu still hasn’t surrendered a sack across 720 career pass-blocking snaps. 4. Logan Jones, Iowa Jones was the Power Four’s highest-graded center this past season, earning an 83.6 mark. He was particularly dominant in the run game, leading all Power Four centers with an 82.3 run-blocking grade. Despite weighing only 293 pounds, Jones is a powerful player who gets to the second level with ease. He’s no slouch as a pass protector, placing 10th in the Power Four with a 1.8% pressure rate allowed this past season. 5. Connor Lew, Auburn Lew was named to PFF’s 2023 All-Freshman team after performing admirably at center for the Tigers, and he followed it up with an even better sophomore campaign. His 76.4 PFF overall grade ranked fifth among Power Four centers, and he was one of only six who earned top-20 grades as both a pass blocker and a run blocker. Lew surrendered a sack or hit on 0.2% of his pass-blocking snaps, tying for the eighth-best rate among Power Four centers. 6. Cayden Green, Missouri After flashing encouraging signs at Oklahoma as a true freshman in 2023, Green transferred to Missouri and became a much more well-rounded player as a sophomore. Green was one of six Power Four guards this past season who earned 75.0-plus grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker. Across 676 career pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed only one sack. He’ll enter his junior year with the Tigers as the best left guard in college football. Cayden Green: Career PFF Grades Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock the world’s most advanced football database! 7. Parker Brailsford, Alabama Brailsford entered 2023 as PFF’s top-ranked interior offensive lineman in college football following a dominant redshirt freshman season at Washington. He finished 2023 as the second-most valuable center in the nation, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. While his PFF run-blocking grade dropped by more than 19 points as a redshirt sophomore at Alabama, Brailsford still tied for 11th among Power Four centers in PFF pass-blocking grade (82.1). He’s as elite of an athlete as they come, placing in the 100th percentile of PFF’s Game Athleticism Score metric. 8. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State Ioane broke out in his second season as the Nittany Lions‘ starting left guard, placing as the fourth-most valuable Power Four guard, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. He earned 70.0-plus PFF grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker and was one of the 20 highest-graded guards in the Power Four this past season. The redshirt junior is a massive 348-pounder who can pancake defensive linemen, both when he’s lined up at guard and used in motion. 9. Tomas Rimac, Virginia Tech The top transfer on this list, Rimac joins the Hokies after a productive redshirt junior campaign at West Virginia. His 78.6 PFF overall grade in 2024 ranked fifth among Power Four guards, and he was one of only six in that group who earned 75.0-plus grades as a pass blocker and a run blocker. He wrapped up the 2024 campaign as the
College Football: Top 10 returning interior offensive linemen entering the 2025 season
Bengals News (2/26): Tee Higgins sending a message?
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images ‘Big eye emoji.’ Bengals News Tee Higgins seems to take issue with Bengals’ claim that they intend to sign him to long-term dealTee Higgins posts the dreaded “cap” emoji, apparently in response to Duke Tobin’s comments. Duke Tobin lets his guard down and manages to inspire hope for Bengals fans at the 2025 NFL Scouting CombineThe pressure placed on the organization from Burrow, as well as the fanbase, seems to not only have reached Tobin, but resonated with him. Judging by some of his choice words, it’s almost as if he wanted to apply some pressure as well. Bengals Keep Eye On Long-Term Trio; Duke Tobin Says ‘D-Line Always On My Mind’; Zac Taylor’s Perfect Style Of GameThe Cincinnati Bengals reiterated on the national stage Tuesday that they’re still seeking a long-term trifecta with their game-changing wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and NFL sack champion Trey Hendrickson. JJ Watt sets the record straight about playing for the Bengals, but there’s a potential problem that could complicate thingsWatt would be willing to honor his bet, if he’s even allowed to do so. Trey Hendrickson reveals why playing against one quarterback led him to making a unique change long before he joined the Bengals“That was it and now we’re here.” Duke Tobin’s eyebrow-raising comments should make Bengals fans happyBengals fans will like the quick summary of Duke Tobin’s latest combine presser. Bengals steal one of draft’s fastest risers in Mel Kiper’s new mockThe Bengals get an incredible value in the middle of the first round. ‘These Are Champagne Problems’ – Bengals Remain Confident in Ability to Sign StarsThe Bengals sent a message to their fan base and the rest of the NFL on Tuesday. NFL News Nick Sirianni says it’s ‘unfair’ to Eagles if tush push bannedEagles coach Nick Sirianni called it “a little unfair” that some in the NFL are angling to have the tush push banned because it’s highly successful for Philadelphia, adding that the idea that it’s an automatic play is “a little insulting.” Colts plan to add QB, hold competition with Anthony RichardsonThe Colts intend to have an “open” competition at quarterback between Anthony Richardson and a yet-to-be-determined offseason acquisition, general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday. Klay Kubiak promoted to offensive coordinator by 49ersHeadlining a list of changes to the San Francisco coaching staff is the long-awaited promotion of Klay Kubiak to offensive coordinator after four seasons with the 49ers. Sean McVay: The Rams want Matthew Stafford to continue as their quarterbackThe Rams still want Matthew Stafford to be the team’s quarterback. Nine-time Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters retiring, joining Seahawks front officeNine-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters is retiring as an NFL player, Seahawks general manager John Schneider told reporters Tuesday in Indianapolis at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Browns GM Andrew Berry on Myles Garrett’s trade request: ‘Our stance really has not changed’Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry reaffirmed to reporters that Cleveland isn’t interested in parting ways with Myles Garrett despite the star defender’s request for a trade.
Colts GM Chris Ballard hints at the futures of Ryan Kelly, Braden Smith, and Samson Ebukam
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Attempting to read the tea leaves that fell from Chris Ballard’s press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine. Indianapolis, IN — The NFL Scouting Combine’s media portion kicked off this morning as general managers and head coaches from across the league took the podium for availability. While these press conferences in question offer potential insight as to how a team will operate in upcoming acquisitional periods such as free agency and the NFL Draft itself, now is the first opportunity since the season concluded for media members to check in on the futures of rostered players and/or pending free agents. As for the Indianapolis Colts, its pending free agent class pales in comparison to the previous off-season which saw a slew of homegrown players be retained. However, the three biggest question marks surrounded OL Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith, as well as DE Samson Ebukam. C Ryan Kelly Kelly has been a longtime Colt, spending his entire NFL career thus far in Indianapolis. A multi-time Team Captain and Pro-Bowler, Kelly’s time in Indy appears to have come to an end. Colts general manager Chris Ballard had this to say about their discussion(s) thus far with Kelly: “We’re gonna meet again next week. I’m visiting with his agent again this week. Right after the season, we visited for a little bit; we didn’t visit about his future.” With how inconsistent Kelly has been over the last few years, and with the team’s future center in Tanor Bortolini ready to take the reins, it certainly makes sense from the Colts’ standpoint to move on. Ballard didn’t make any proclamations that they’d be doing so, but it felt as if the future has already been written. One of the biggest talking points during this off-season has been regarding the potential cuts of tackle Braden Smith and defensive end Samson Ebukam. The Colts could theoretically add ~$25M in cap space with only $6M in dead cap if they were to make these moves. While that seemed to be on the table before today’s media availability, the vibe after Chris Ballard’s press conference seemed as if one of the two players is likely to be back whereas the other in question is unlikely to return. RT Braden Smith The longtime Colt has struggled to stay on the field during the latter half of his tenure thus far, as he has only put together a full season in one of the past four years. Smith had a personal matter come up this past season which ultimately held him out of the team’s last five games. This is what general manager Chris Ballard had to say when asked about his situation: “We’re supporting Braden [Smith]. We think the world of him, he’s been a great player for us. We’ll see going forward. What I will tell you is that he’s doing really well, and he wants to play football. We’ll work through the rest of it.” Although he provided his unwavering support of Smith, it wasn’t the ringing endorsement that you’d hope for a player still under contract for the upcoming season. There’s no denying that Braden Smith is one of the best right tackles in the league whenever he’s on the field, however, the issue sprouts from the aforementioned fact that he’s struggled to stay on said field over the past handful of seasons. DE Samson Ebukam The Colts’ sack leader in 2023 with 9.5 sacks, Ebukam tore his left Achilles just three days into last season’s training camp. Although following an Achilles injury in an athlete’s first season back typically brings a down year with it, Ebukam’s talent was sorely missed as Indy’s pass rush took a step back in 2024 without him. As extra important as the Latu/Paye moves look now, it cannot be understated how big of a hole Ebukam’s injury has left behind. In 2023, Ebukam was T-8th with best pass rush win rate (19%) among all EDGEs — T-2nd run drop win rate (35%) per ESPN analytics. https://t.co/9H1AUlwsKh pic.twitter.com/Ltu0rgjdei — Noah Compton (@nerlens_) July 29, 2024 Colts general manager Chris Ballard didn’t provide too much on the subject, though he did bring up Ebukam’s rehab with a certain optimism that read as if he’ll be back in 2025 to finish his contract. “It’d be good to get Samson [Ebukam] back. He’s been doing great work in terms of rehab and coming back,” said Ballard.
Raiders reportedly showing interest in Matthew Stafford and Brady is trying to get it done
Matthew Stafford | Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images Rams could trade quarterback The Las Vegas Raiders’ search for a new quarterback is about to heat up and they have reportedly already begun the process. Sports Illustrated has reported the Raiders are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for the Los Angeles Rams quarterback. The report states the Raiders have been joined by the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns and other unnamed teams to express interest in Stafford. The Rams are allowing Stafford to talk to other teams to gauge trade interest. However, there are reports that the Rams and Stafford are not completely done with each other and the two sides could still come back and agree to a contract extension. Tuesday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady is recruiting Stafford to Las Vegas by reaching out to his camp. Tuesday, both Raiders general manager John Spytek and coach Pete Carroll said Brady is involved in the team’s offseason plans. Still, with several teams interested, it is possible a trade agreement with the Rams and a new contract with Stafford, who turned 37 this month, could be agreed with another team in the coming days and weeks. Perhaps the Raiders involvement in these talks will escalate.
Bills’ James Cook says he wants to get paid what he deserves
Bills’ James Cook says he wants to get paid what he deserves Bills’ James Cook says he wants to get paid what he deserves Kam Towle Buffalo Bills running back James Cook recently joined the Nightcap Podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson to discuss some of his latest social media posts, in which he suggests he wants a big pay raise. Cook first hinted at wanting to be paid $15 million per year on Instagram following the season and mentioned it again on X shortly after. If Cook received the $15M salary that he is asking for, it would instantly make him the NFL’s second-highest-paid running back behind San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey ($16M). While Cook may not be deserving of being a top-two paid running back in the league, his play in 2024 definitely warrants a pay raise. In 16 games, he rushed for 1,009 yards, was tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (16), and averaged an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. On top of that, he caught 32 of 38 passes for 258 yards and two more scores. Cook and quarterback Josh Allen make a dangerous combination in the Bills backfield. Although the Bills have Ray Davis who will be entering year two, and they could bring back Ty Johnson, neither have the talent that Cook possesses. He took his game up a notch this past year, evidenced by combining his slashing, make-you-miss playstyle with a bruising, hard-nosed approach. In recent years, Cook would struggle to gain tough yards after contact and around the goal line, and in 2024 he was reliable in those instances. He showcased his contact strength in the AFC championship game, fighting through tackles to extend the ball past the goal line on a crucial fourth down. So, Cook has a valid argument. He outplayed his 2024 cap hit of just over $1.5M. He is due a little over $5.6M in 2025 which would be the last year of his rookie deal, and he is most likely worth more than that as well. Starting with a high number is the oldest trick in the book when it comes to negotiating, and $15M is definitely a high number. If the Bills and Cook can agree to an extension, that cap number will most likely land somewhere in between the $5.6M he’s due in 2025 and the $15M that he’s asking for. What that number will be remains to be seen. Check out what Cook had to say when asked by Sharpe and Johnson to comment on his recent posts on social media: Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Giants news, 2/26: Schoen speaks, combine notes, Russell Wilson, more headlines
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images New York Giants news for Wednesday Good morning New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View For New York Giants GM Joe Schoen, the QB courtship is just beginning With focus on 2025, New York Giants GM Joe Schoen fans Matthew Stafford flames Combine notebook: Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, draft trades, Chris Snee, more Is trading into the top three to get a quarterback ever worth it? NFL considering more adjustments to kickoff rule for 2025 Survey – What are you looking forward to at the Combine? New York Giants 2025 free agency | New York Giants 2025 Draft Other Giant observations The Giants’ scouting combine mission couldn’t be clearer | New York Post It is not all about the quarterbacks. It is not all about the quarterbacks. It is not all about the quarterbacks. The Giants know this. Their front office, led by general manager Joe Schoen, and coaching staff, led by Brian Daboll, this week moved their base of operations to the scouting combine, an important next step in the evaluation process that will eventually conclude with their final player rankings in advance of the 2025 NFL Draft. Joe Schoen has not been asked by other NFL teams about his thoughts on Offseason Hard Knocks If he was asked? “I think I know what I would tell them” pic.twitter.com/FYwBJaIgb8 — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) February 25, 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2025: College football writers weigh in on the first round’s top picks – The Athletic 3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado. The Giants also need a quarterback, but Hunter is the best prospect in the draft and one of the most exciting playmakers of the 21st century. He may already be an All-Pro caliber player. If New York’s quarterback situation doesn’t improve in 2025, Texas’ Arch Manning and Penn State’s Drew Allar will be waiting in 2026. — Grace Raynor The Perfect Free-Agent Signing for Every NFL Team | Bleacher Report New York Giants: QB Russell Wilson. The Giants slammed the door on the Daniel Jones era last year, but if the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns take quarterbacks at No. 1 and No. 2 in the draft, the G-Men will be frozen out of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. If that’s the case, they may look to add a developmental prospect on Day 2. Wilson’s best days may be behind him, but the veteran would be a solid stopgap option after winning six of 11 starts and posting a passer rating over 95 with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Around the league Eagles HC Nick Sirianni defends tush push after proposal to ban play: ‘I’m protective of it’ | NFL.com Report: Some teams believe Eagles could be aggressive in pursuing Myles Garrett | Bleeding Green Nation Commanders grant two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen permission to seek a trade | CBSSports.com Adam Peters: Everything’s still on the table with Jonathan Allen | Pro Football Talk Adam Peters speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine | Hogs Haven Dallas Cowboys ‘selectively aggressive’ plan and what it could mean | Blogging The Boys Chiefs GM Brett Veach says team is ‘pretty optimistic’ it can retain Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith | CBSSports.com Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce expected to return for 13th NFL season | NFL.com Browns GM Andrew Berry on Myles Garrett’s trade request: ‘Our stance really has not changed’ | NFL.com Falcons say Kirk Cousins will be backup QB if he returns for 2025 season | The Athletic Jason Peters to retire, take job in Seahawks front office | Pro Football Talk Jets’ Aaron Glenn said players upset over Aaron Rodgers decision | ESPN Bills agree to four-year extension with Khalil Shakir | Pro Football Talk Four prospects the Titans will have eyes on at NFL combine | ESPN Justin Tucker allegations ‘serious and concerning,’ Ravens GM says | ESPN BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. BBV YouTube You can find and subscribe to Big Blue View YouTube from the show’s home page BBV on X: Follow @BigBlueView | Ed Valentine: @Valentine_Ed | Threads: @ed.valentine | Bluesky: @edvalentine BBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page BBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel BBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page
Open thread: Which Detroit Lions player underwhelmed the most in 2024?
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images The Detroit Lions outperformed expectations in the 2024 regular season, but not every player did. Who underwhelmed the most? Last week I asked you which Detroit Lions player exceeded expectations the most in 2024. There were plenty to choose from. That’s what happens when you go 15-2. However, now we look on the flip side. The Lions certainly had their fair share of players who underwhelmed this year, be it solidified veterans who struggled or younger guys who just didn’t live up to the hype. Who’s your pick? Question of the day: Which Detroit Lions player underwhelmed the most in 2024? There aren’t as many candidates for this one, but a few come to mind. On offense, Graham Glasgow struggled down the stretch. He has been solid as a starter throughout both of his tenures as a Lion, but things fell apart late in the season. Christian Mahogany filled in for Glasgow for one game and folks were calling for the rookie to take over the starting job. On defense, two candidates stand out to me. On the one hand, Ifeatu Melifonwu simply didn’t see the field much this year due to injury. After breaking out to end 2023, Melifonwu missed almost the entire regular season before arriving just in time for the playoffs. You can’t meet expectations, let alone exceed them, if you’re not on the field. On a similar note, Brodric Martin also missed the majority of his sophomore season with a knee injury. Two years in, Martin has almost nothing to show for it on the field. My answer: Brodric Martin is my pick. I know the Lions were betting on his upside when taking him and it’s hard to tap into that potential when you’re injured, but he’s just at a disappointing spot for two years in. Even after getting healthy, his limited action in 2024 was underwhelming. He was constantly driven well past the line of scrimmage by opposing linemen and failed to plug holes in the interior of the defense, which should be his foremost ability. Martin finished the season with just two games played and a single tackle to show for it. Even if you saw year two as another mostly developmental year for Martin, those numbers are underwhelming. Hopefully a full offseason at full health will give him an opportunity to take a big step forward heading into year three. Which Detroit Lions player underwhelmed the most in 2024? Let us know in the comments.
Davante Adams would join Aaron Rodgers on the Rams
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams want to be Rams, according to a new report on Tuesday Rumors about Aaron Rodgers wanting to play for the Los Angeles Rams if they trade Matthew Stafford are heating up on Tuesday, as Pat Leonard of the Daily News reported on Tuesday that the four-time MVP would prefer to play in L.A. if the opportunity presents itself. Leonard went a step further however, adding that according to his sources, Rodgers would “bring Davante Adams with him” as a free agent. Until recently, the idea of Rodgers playing for the Rams wasn’t even a consideration. Now less than a week after Adam Schefter’s initial speculation last week, both Rodgers and his top receiver seem to be default replacements already if the team trades Stafford. Sources tell the Daily News that Aaron Rodgers prefers to play for the #Rams and that the outgoing Jets QB would bring Davante Adams with him once the Jets receiver becomes a free agent. That can only happen if Matthew Stafford gets traded. Enter #Giants GM Joe Schoen, who plans… pic.twitter.com/CN6LMRYT7Z — Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 25, 2025 If this situation came true, the Rams would be the third team that Rodgers and Adams played on together. The duo combined for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns over eight seasons together on the Green Bay Packers, then reunited for 11 more games in 2024 after Adams was traded to the Jets midseason. The team was awful, but Adams had 854 yards and seven touchdowns in only 11 games after he was traded to New York. Though Adams is about six months older than Cooper Kupp, he has been able to stay healthy and productive thus far. The Jets will almost certainly have to release Davante Adams in the coming weeks, as he is due an absurd $35 million, none of which is guaranteed. Rodgers is also expected to get his release, and that adds another potential benefit to the Rams signing Rodgers and Adams: Neither would count in the compensatory pick formula because they were released by their previous team. Of course, none of these rumors matter unless the Rams trade Matthew Stafford, a situation that is increasingly likely, albeit still potential less likely to happen than not. The Rams wanting to keep Stafford is logical and Sean McVay insists that’s the plan, but if Stafford wants a ton of guaranteed money — and Rodgers doesn’t — the possibility of being able to transition from Stafford to a year or two of Rodgers while still searching for a QBOTF in the draft may make it easier for L.A. to part with the veteran. Especially if Rodgers also comes with a replacement for Kupp who he has one of the most historic QB-WR football relationships in history with. Countless Rams fans would say no to replacing Stafford with Rodgers and Adams. But would Les Snead and McVay say no?
Scouting Combine signs point to Travis Kelce returning for 2025
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Rams hire Aaron Rodgers’ former coach as QB rumors swirl
Kim Klement-Imagn Images Former Packers QB coach and Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt joins Rams staff under Sean McVay Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams finalized their coaching staff this week. One of the more compelling hires from the list was senior offensive assistant Alex Van Pelt. Rams have added former Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to their coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/uehTsaksIG — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025 Van Pelt was the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator last season under one-and-done head coach Jerod Mayo. He was not retained as part of Mike Vrabel’s staff who instead elected to bring back Josh McDaniels. Before joining the Patriots, Van Pelt was held the same title with the Cleveland Browns on Kevin Stefanksi’s staff for four years. While on the surface picking up a fired offensive coordinator from a 4-13 team might not look noteworthy, Van Pelt brings a half decade of coordinator experience to LA. With coaches like Nick Caley leaving as part of the Rams’ annual offensive brain drain, this is a welcome addition. Van Pelt comes from a Shanahan-McVay adjacent scheme given his roots with Stefanksi; however, the Browns system is just different enough that he can probably bring new ideas to the table in LA. A year under McVay could put Van Pelt back in the coordinator cycle for 2026. Amidst QB trade rumors, this hire raises eyebrows If the Rams do decide to trade Matthew Stafford, one of the favorites to replace him in Los Angeles is future hall of famer Aaron Rodgers. Van Pelt has a connection to Rodgers as his quarterback coach with the Green Bay Packers between 2014-2017. Rodgers won his second of four MVP awards in 2014, notably. Now, how much does hiring a quarterback coach from nearly a full decade ago move the needle if you are trying to attract Rodgers? Probably not much. Still, with every passing day there are more and more rumors of teams interested in Stafford as he and the Rams continue this years-long contract dispute. Things can change quickly, and Los Angeles will be the most attractive destination for Rodgers to finish out his career on a high note. While we are at it, let’s connect another dot If you personally put much weight behind the Rodgers-Van Pelt connection, then it’s also noteworthy that the New York Giants added Matthew Stafford’s brother-in-law and brother to Kelly Stafford, Chad Hall, to their coaching staff this offseason. Hall is now the G-men’s assistant quarterbacks coach. It’s a nothingburger until it isn’t. Brian Daboll is one of the coaches around the NFL with the most to gain from a potential trade for Stafford. He’s coaching for his job in 2025. Hiring a relatively low level assistant in order to land the biggest fish available this offseason is a small price to pay. The Giants may be building their case for Stafford in the same way that Tom Brady is attempting to sell his vision for the Las Vegas Raiders to the veteran QB.
