Former Indianapolis Colts wideout great T.Y. Hilton took to Twitter (or X?) to officially announce his retirement, having not played professional football since 2022. Now 36-years-old, the 11-year veteran formally finishes his highly productive pro career with 638 receptions for 9,812 total receiving yards (15.4 ypr. avg.) and 53 touchdown receptions during 146 career games […] Former Indianapolis Colts wideout great T.Y. Hilton took to Twitter (or X?) to officially announce his retirement, having not played professional football since 2022. Now 36-years-old, the 11-year veteran formally finishes his highly productive pro career with 638 receptions for 9,812 total receiving yards (15.4 ypr. avg.) and 53 touchdown receptions during 146 career games (121 starts). He played for the Colts from 2012-21, before joining the Dallas Cowboys for his final pro season in 2022 for 3 games. Nicknamed ‘The Ghost,’ the seemingly diminutive at 5,‘10”, 183 pounds, yet incredibly dangerous deep threat, became a 4x NFL Pro Bowler with Indianapolis from 2014-17—teaming up with former franchise quarterback great Andrew Luck to form one of the most prolific quarterback-to-wide receiver pairings of their hay day. Hilton was incredibly fast, featuring sure hands and elite acceleration to go along with his signature slippery elusiveness. He led the entire league in receiving yards in 2016 with 1,448 total receiving yards. In Colts franchise history, Hilton ranks tied for 3rd all-time in career total receptions (631), 3rd in total receiving yards (9,691), and 4th in total touchdown receptions (53) respectively. Now that he’s hung up the football cleats safely for good, Hilton seems like a surefire ‘Ring of Honor’ candidate in the future, given his high-level production and importance in Colts franchise history. He was one of Indianapolis’ best players on a rising Colts squad that even made the AFC Title Game back in 2014. Thank you for all of the great memories, Ghost! And enjoy your retirement, as you’ve earned it! See More: Indianapolis Colts News
Colts former longtime WR great T.Y. Hilton officially announces retirement
Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco fit veteran QB mold for Raiders
Here we are in mid-March and the Las Vegas Raiders — rightfully so — aren’t disclosing their 2026 NFL Draft plans. Not without the yearly event taking place at the tail end of April. The Silver & Black own the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s event and, as you can imagine, during his […] Here we are in mid-March and the Las Vegas Raiders — rightfully so — aren’t disclosing their 2026 NFL Draft plans. Not without the yearly event taking place at the tail end of April. The Silver & Black own the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s event and, as you can imagine, during his stay at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, general manager John Spytek was asked frequently what he intends to do with the top pick. The questions surround around Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, pegged by many as the presumptive No. 1 overall selection. “Not right now, it’s not,” Spytek answered when the CBS Sports’ panel asked him if it was that simple to peg in Mendoza as the first pick. “Maybe sometime in early April it will be. I truly mean we’re going to go about this process the right way and don’t want to rush this.” Spytek and his crew are doing due diligence this early into the draft process but getting the quarterback spot solidified for his rookie head coach Klint Kubiak is vital. Gone is veteran Geno Smith (traded to the New York Jets) and the coaching staff that adored the signal caller. And it would be quite the surprise if the Raiders don’t take Mendoza on Thursday, April 23 — the day the 2026 draft occurs. When free agency opened last week, the rumor mill began churning about Las Vegas’ quarterback position, namely the team eyeing a veteran quarterback to bolster the group. And for good reason. Kubiak is a renowned architect and orchestrator of an offense coming off the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory, however, the Raiders cupboard at signal caller is bare as bare can get. Aidan O’Connell, who enters Year 4 and will turn 28 on September 1, is the lone quarterback currently on the Raiders’ roster. And that should change in the near future. There are two experienced veterans on the open market that fit the mold the Raiders are reportedly seeking in Kirk Cousins and Joe Flacco. Cousins, who was released by the Atlanta Falcons as a post-June 1 designation, is 37 (38 on August 19) and has a connection with Kubiak as the Raiders head coach was Cousins’ quarterbacks coach (2019-20) and offensive coordinator (2021) for the Minnesota Vikings. Flacco, who is on the market after being with the Cincinnati Bengals, is the older of the two at 41 but has a Kubiak connection of his own — Klint’s father Gary, who served as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator in 2014. Flacco was 29 then and threw for 3,986 yards, 27 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions with the elder Kubiak dialing up the plays. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler even postulated Flacco would be an intriguing option to be the veteran presence at quarterback for a rookie signal caller like Mendoza. The duo’s familiarity with the the Kubiak coaching tree can serve both well if either were to land in Las Vegas. Cousins’ two-year stint with the Falcons after six years with the Vikings saw him play in 24 games with 22 starts. He went 12-10 in said starts throwing for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions — including a career high 16 picks thrown in 2024. In the three seasons in Minnesota where Kubiak worked directly with Cousins, the quarterback played in 47 games (all starts) compiling a 25-22 record and throwing for 12,089 yards, 94 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions from 2019-21. Kubiak’s offense showcases heavy play-action, a productive run game, and quick-decision making, all of which play into Cousins’ strengths. His addition to the Raiders roster allows the veteran quarterback to reassimilate quickly and take the reins while Mendoza develops in Year 1. Flacco, on the other hand, comes off a 2025 campaign that saw him begin with the Cleveland Browns and end with the Bengals. He played in 13 games (10 starts) compiling a 2-8 mark while throwing for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Like Cousins, Flacco operates well on a run-heavy, play-action based approach that takes advantage of his deep accurate passing skillset. Flacco’s familiarity with Gary’s version of the Kubiak offense — that Klint has taken and evolved — allows the veteran to also slide in, start games, and mentor Mendoza. That all noted, let’s take a look at potential cost for the two veteran signal callers. Cousins represents the more expensive option as a 14-year veteran that’s amassed a career earnings of more than $321 million. Spotrac notes a $10.7 million market value for the quarterback with a projected two-year, $19.77-plus million pact at an average annual salary of $9.88-plus million. Flacco’s market value from Spotrac is about half that at $5.6 million. The group projects a two-year, $10.23-plus million contract at an average annual salary of $5.11-plus million. To compare, O’Connell enters the final year of his rookie contract on a very modest $3.674 million base salary and $3.801-plus cap number. Thus, if the Raiders are inclined to add a free agent veteran quarterback, it’ll cost them some coin. Both Spotrac and Over The Cap have the Raiders with somewhere between $28 and $27 million in cap space, currently. See More:
NFC North Free Agency Breakdown
Now that the first and biggest wave of NFL free agency is over, let’s take a look at how the Minnesota Vikings’ division opponents fared and what impact that may have on the division race this season. Chicago Bears The NFC North division champions of a year ago got there in large part due to […] Now that the first and biggest wave of NFL free agency is over, let’s take a look at how the Minnesota Vikings’ division opponents fared and what impact that may have on the division race this season. Chicago Bears The NFC North division champions of a year ago got there in large part due to turnovers. Their offense had the fewest in the league and their defense had the most. But despite leading the league in interceptions, the Bears decided on a near complete overhaul of their defensive secondary. Overall, the Bears have been fairly active turning over their roster, but not necessarily for the better. Those listed in bold were starters. Outgoing Players C Drew Dalman – retired WR D.J. Moore – traded to Bills LB Tremaine Edwards – released, signed by the Giants S Kevin Byard – free agent, signed by Patriots S Jaquan Brisker – free agent, signed by Steelers S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – free agent, signed by Bills CB Nahshon Wright– free agent, signed by Jets TE Durham Smythe- free agent, signed by Ravens ED Dominique Robinson, free agent, signed by Texans WR Devin Duverney, free agent, signed by Cardinals DL Chris Williams, free agent, signed by Falcons S Jonathan Owens, free agent, signed by Colts DL Andrew Billings, free agent, signed by Cardinals WR Olamide Zaccheaus, free agent, signed by Falcons Of the Bears’ outgoing players, Drew Dalman, Nahshon Wright, and Kevin Byard made the Pro Bowl last year, and Byard was also named First-Team All-Pro. Remaining Unsigned Free Agents ED Joe Tryon C Ryan Bates LB Amen Ogbongbemiga RB Travis Homer CB Nick McCloud LS Scott Daly LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin Incoming Players C Garrett Bradbury, acquired via trade from Patriots S Coby Bryant, free agent formerly with the Seahawks DL Neville Gallimore, free agent formerly with the Colts S Cam Lewis, free agent formerly with the Bills QB Case Keenum, free agent extension T Braxton Jones, free agent extension WR Kalif Raymond, free agent formerly with the Lions S Elijah Hicks, free agent extension DL Kentavious Street, free agent formerly with the Falcons G Jordan McFadden, free agent extension CB Jaylon Jones, free agent extension LB Devin Bush, free agent formerly with Browns LT Jedrick Wills, free agent formerly with Browns (didn’t play in 2025) LB D’Marco Jackson, free agent extension DE Daniel Hardy, free agent extension Projected starters in bold. The Bears swapped Bradbury for the retiring Dalman as their starting center, which is a downgrade. Bradbury was the 25th ranked center by overall PFF grade last season while Dalman was 7th and made the Pro Bowl. Dalman’s retirement came as a surprise at age 27 and just one year after signing a big contract with the Bears. The Bears have Ozzy Trapilo penciled in as their starting left tackle, who was decent last season, but by extending Braxton Jones and taking a flyer on Jedrick Wills, they look to maintain competition. Defensively, Devin Bush was acquired to replace Tremaine Edwards, who didn’t perform up to his contract. Edwards was a big signing by the Bears in 2023, but he didn’t have the impact he had his last season with the Bills. The Bears hope that Bush isn’t a repeat, as he had a big season last year with the Browns after several mediocre seasons with the Steelers and Seahawks. Gallimore is a mid-tier replacement for Billings, who struggled last season for the Bears. Coby Bryant is a solid and younger replacement for the departed Kevin Byard. Elijah Hicks looks to take over for the departed Jaquon Brisker and has been solid. Lastly, the Bears felt comfortable trading D.J. Moore, who will be replaced by last year’s second-round pick Luther Burden III, who had a good rookie season. Overall, the Bears looked to upgrade their defense and get younger, but it may end up being closer to lateral moves by-and-large compared to last season, but avoiding a potential downslide, while the moves at center represent a downgrade. The Bears haven’t been able to address their biggest need so far in free agency which is adding good pass rushers. They could also use a replacement for Grady Jarrett (33) on their defensive interior, as he’s been in decline the last couple of seasons. Bottom line, the Bears don’t appear to have done much overall to move the needle but may have avoided some declining performance from aging players they let go on defense. The Bears have their first, second, and third round picks in the upcoming draft, plus an additional second-round pick they got from the Bills for D.J. Moore which could allow them to add some impact players in the draft. My guess is that adding to their defensive line and edge rusher room will be a priority. The Bears don’t have any cap space left at the moment for new acquisitions, so I don’t expect any major additions the rest of free agency. Green Bay Packers The Packers have moved on from a number of players this offseason while only signing a few outside free agents so far. For the most part, the Packers are looking to existing players to step-up and fill the void left by departing players. Outgoing Players QB Malik Willis, free agent signed with the Dolphins ED Rashan Gary, traded to the Cowboys DT Colby Wooden, traded to the Colts WR Romeo Doubs, free agent, signed with the Patriots LB Quay Walker, free agent, signed with the Raiders C Elgton Jenkins, released, signed with the Browns ED Kingsley Enagbare, free agent, signed with the Jets CB Nate Hobbs, released, signed with 49ers LT Rasheed Walker, free agent, signed with the Panthers
Does interest in AJ Brown signal a wide receiver for Rams in first round?
After addressing many of their immediate needs in free agency and via trade, the Los Angeles Rams will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with the flexibility to truly take the best player available. Still, it’s very possible that the Rams will prioritize some positions over others. Following recent rumors that the Rams have interest in […] After addressing many of their immediate needs in free agency and via trade, the Los Angeles Rams will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with the flexibility to truly take the best player available. Still, it’s very possible that the Rams will prioritize some positions over others. Following recent rumors that the Rams have interest in A.J. Brown, the front office may be showing their cards as to what position they may be targeting in the first round of the draft. The Rams have a clear need at the WR3 spot behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Jordan Whittington is more of a special teams player while Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith aren’t quite to the level of being a true third wide receiver in the offense. According to The Athletic and Pro Football Talk, the Rams were one of the teams in serious talks with the Philadelphia Eagles for Brown, but backed out due to some concerns with his medicals. The Brown trade discussions may have simply been about opportunity and wanting a more proven wide receiver. At the same time, the Rams may be looking for a legitimate third wide receiver behind Nacua and Adams. That’s a player that the Rams could also add with the 13th overall pick. If the Rams backed out of the Brown trade due to medicals, that may rule out players such as Jordyn Tyson or Chris Bell. Still, if Brown is the type of receiver that they were looking for, Bell makes a lot of sense as he has elite physicality and dominates after the catch. The same can be said about Omar Cooper Jr. Makai Lemon could fit that mold of a physical wide receiver as well which is why NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had the Rams taking the USC wide receiver in his latest mock draft. Said Jeremiah, “According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams were in on trade discussions for Eagles star A.J. Brown, which points to their desire to add at receiver. Lemon has the characteristics they covet in wideouts, with toughness, strong hands and the ability to pick up yards after the catch.” However, even if the Rams don’t take a wide receiver in the first round, it could be a position that’s on their radar on day two. Elijah Sarratt, Skyler Bell, and Ja’Kobi Lane could be potential fits in the middle rounds. Sarratt and Bell especially fit what the Rams are missing at the position. With the Rams set to potentially pay Puka Nacua a top-of-the-market contract, it makes sense to keep the rest of the position cost effective on rookie contracts where they can. While wide receiver may not be considered a top need, it is a position that the Rams need to upgrade from a depth perspective. Adams is getting older, and having young depth behind him that can immediately upgrade the WR3 spot and develop into the eventual WR2 is the best-case scenario. Again, the Rams will have the flexibility to go best player available in the draft because of how they’ve approached the rest of their offseason. With that said, their interest in AJ Brown speaks volumes on how they feel about their need at wide receiver. See More: Los Angeles Rams Draft
Tycen Anderson leaving Bengals for Broncos, per report
The Cincinnati Bengals are losing another key contributor from last season, this one being safety Tycen Anderson. According to Yanni Tragellis of CBS Cincinnati, Anderson is signing a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos. Now entering his fifth NFL season, Anderson was originally a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Toledo. After […] The Cincinnati Bengals are losing another key contributor from last season, this one being safety Tycen Anderson. According to Yanni Tragellis of CBS Cincinnati, Anderson is signing a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos. Now entering his fifth NFL season, Anderson was originally a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Toledo. After being marred by injuries over his first two seasons, Anderson rebounded to become a key member of the Bengals’ special teams units while appearing in all 34 games over the past two seasons. The 6-2, 209-pound DB logged just 65 career defensive snaps, 64 of which came this past season when the Bengals had arguably the worst safety unit in the NFL. Anderson will now look to carve out a role in Denver for a team that just narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl appearance this past season. Be sure to follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for the latest Cincinnati Bengals news, views, and some other fun stuff. Then add us to your “Preferred Sources” on Google to get all the latest Cincy Jungle content. See More:
Dolphins conduct top-30 visit with top wide receiver prospect in 2026 NFL Draft
In a somewhat under the radar move from late last week, the Miami Dolphins conducted a top-30 visit with Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon at the official USC Pro Day on March 12th. Lemon — a top pass catcher in this year’s selection process — would need to be selected by the Dolphins (if […] In a somewhat under the radar move from late last week, the Miami Dolphins conducted a top-30 visit with Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon at the official USC Pro Day on March 12th. Lemon — a top pass catcher in this year’s selection process — would need to be selected by the Dolphins (if he were still available) at pick #11 in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is why most fans didn’t raise an eyebrow when the news broke last Thursday. Last Thursday, the Miami Dolphins still employed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Well, as we all know, yesterday, the Miami Dolphins traded the number #6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — Waddle — to the Denver Broncos for a first round pick (30th overall), third round pick and fourth round pick in this year’s draft. They included their own fourth round pick in the return Denver received. As a result, the Dolphins are left with a wide receiver room that is bereft of top-end talent. Suddenly, Miami taking Lemon at pick #11 becomes a more believable scenario. Lemon played three seasons with the Trojans from 2023 through 2025. In that time, he totaled 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns — including a 79 catch, 1,156 yard season last year that also saw the wide receiver nab 11 touchdown receptions while winning the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation’s top wideout. While at the NFL Combine, Lemon’s media availabilities rubbed some the wrong way, however NFL teams don’t seem to be dissuaded by the receiver’s strange demeanor. He has multiple top-30 visits with teams selecting inside the top-10 in April’s draft — the Washington Commanders (pick #7), Cleveland Browns (pick #6), and the Tennessee Titans (pick #4) amongst them. Of course, there’s also the Jon-Eric Sullivan factor to consider as well. Coming from the Green Bay Packers — an organization that hadn’t used a first round pick on a wide receiver since 2002 until this past year when they selected Matthew Golden of Texas with the 23rd overall pick — will Sullivan depart from his Green Bay ways and provide new quarterback Malik Willis with a sorely needed offensive weapon early in the first round of the draft? We will find out in just over one month when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. See More:
Miami Dolphins Discussion: Is He Really Untouchable Edition
With the trade of Miami Dolphins star wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the rumors quickly moved to the idea that De’Von Achane would clearly be the next up to be shipped off for more draft picks in 2026. This was quickly shot down in a report from ESPN’s Adam Shefter (highlighted in Sumeet […] With the trade of Miami Dolphins star wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the rumors quickly moved to the idea that De’Von Achane would clearly be the next up to be shipped off for more draft picks in 2026. This was quickly shot down in a report from ESPN’s Adam Shefter (highlighted in Sumeet Jena’s post) that the Dolphins, despite fielding interest from other teams, had told them that he was not available in “any capacity.” While I can see the clear reason to keep the team’s best player on offense, there are also multiple reasons to move him at this point. I will begin by saying that I love Achane on this team and personally hope he remains a Dolphin for a good long time. I also understand that this team is in full rebuild mode, and Achane may be a shell of his former self by the time they manage to turn this thing around. Additionally, Achane is entering the final season of his deal with the Dolphins and will likely want an extension from the team before stepping back onto the field. If you consider Achane a top-5 back, the average for the top five paid backs in the NFL is currently $16,648,600 per season. I would think that De’Von is going to be looking to make at least that amount if not exceed it. So tonight’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is: Do you think the Miami Dolphins are being sincere in signaling that De’Von Achane is not a tradable piece of the roster, or do you believe that they are just attempting to drive up his trade value? Beyond that, do you believe that the team should keep Achane and give him an extension beyond the 2026 season, or do you believe that they should attempt to trade him for more picks in the 2026 NFL draft, knowing that they need multiple players to rebuild this team from the ground up? Please share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below- See More: Miami Dolphins News
Detroit Lions adding logical Kalif Raymond replacement with ties to new coach
According to NFL Network, the Detroit Lions are signing former Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch to a one-year deal. Dortch was a very common projected free agent target for the Lions as a natural replacement for Kalif Raymond, who signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason after five seasons in Detroit. Dortch not only has […] According to NFL Network, the Detroit Lions are signing former Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch to a one-year deal. Dortch was a very common projected free agent target for the Lions as a natural replacement for Kalif Raymond, who signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason after five seasons in Detroit. Dortch not only has a lot of the same skills as Raymond—with great explosiveness and a ton of returner experience—but he also comes to Detroit after spending the last five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, working under now-Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Our own Al Karsten highlighted Dortch as a potential bargain-bin option at wide receiver this free agency. Here’s his short profile on Dortch: Dortch is an undersized gadget player who has familiarity with Drew Petzing designing touches for him. After going undrafted, Dortch bounced between four teams via waivers and practice squads before carving out a role with the Cardinals. He provides immense value as both a punt and kick returner and shares many similarities with Kalif Raymond as a space player capable of creating explosive plays. Over the last four seasons, Dortch has been a reserve receiver, playing in 61 games and starting 15. He’s tallied at least 200 receiving yards and 24 catches in each season, with a career high in 2022 (52 catches, 467 yards). As a returner, he’s returned at least 16 punts in each of the last four years, and last year he served as one of the Cardinals’ two kick returners under the new rule. He ended up taking 31 kickoffs for 811 yards and an average of 26.2 yards per return—ranking 15th among all kick returners with at least 22 returns and just above the 25.9 league average. In Detroit, Dortch will likely compete with Dominic Lovett for the WR4 role and one of the return specialists. See More:
NY Giants draft news: WR KC Concepcion schedules 30 visit with New York
KC Concepcion, a highly-regarded wide receiver prospect in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, has scheduled a 30 visit with the New York Giants. Concepcion, from Texas A&M, is currently the No. 29 ranked prospect on the NFL Mock Draft Database Big Board, and could be available to the Giants at No. 37 in Round 2. Concepcion recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The procedure was performed by Dallas Cowboys team doctor Daniel Cooper, and Concepcion is expected to be ready to go at rookie minicamp later this year. There has been some discussion that Concepcion could be selected late in Round 1. If teams are hesitant about selecting him due to the knee surgery, he could become available to the Giants. Concepcion caught 61 passes for 919 yards (15.1 yards per catch) with nine touchdowns last season. Rugged, versatile playmaker with the quickness and agility to elude coverage and the gyroscopic balance to make hay after the catch. Concepcion is a tough, dynamic pass catcher with a wide catch radius and turbo-boosted acceleration. A transfer to Texas A&M in 2025 after a two-season stint at NC State, he took his game to a whole new level for the Aggies, proving he can operate as a three-level playmaker from anywhere in the formation. After playing mostly in the slot as an underneath option for the Wolfpack (in his final season there he saw an average depth of target of just 6.9 yards), Concepcion shifted primarily to the outside for Texas A&M, pushing his aDOT to a career-best 12.3 yards while reeling in 61 catches for 919 yards and 10 total touchdowns (nine receiving, one as a rusher). He brings suddenness as a route runner, using lightning-quick footwork to shake defenders off the line and at the route break. He sells routes with jukes and shoulder fakes before cutting sharply to create separation on digs and slants. He shows a good feel for finding space against zone coverage and makes sure to come back to the quarterback on scramble-drill plays. He brings a big catch radius and shows excellent concentration at the catch point (grabbing 10 of 15 contested catch opportunities last year, per PFF). He plays above the rim, elevating over defenders to snag high passes. He’s one of the better run-after-the-catch receivers in this draft, with 440 of his 919 receiving yards last season coming after the catch (and he averaged 7.2 yards after the catch per reception, with 14 missed tackles forced, per PFF). He’s a top-tier accelerator, mashing the gas pedal to sprint away from defenders and break tackles. His open-field prowess comes in handy when he’s returning punts, too; he averaged 18.2 yards per punt return last year, with two touchdowns on 25 returns. Concepcion lacks top-tier size and could struggle to beat press coverage from bigger, more physical corners at the NFL level. Drops were a bit of an issue in college—he had a 10 percent drop rate in 2025 and notched a 9.3 percent drop rate over his career. He’ll have to work to clean up inconsistencies there. He also needs to get stronger as a blocker in the run game. No. 5 the ceiling for RB Jeremiyah Love? ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter thinks so. See More: New York Giants Draft
Rams go tackle in more original mock draft
Most mock drafts have collided on the same position group target for the Los Angeles Rams and I don’t need to tell you that it’s wide receiver. But Charles McDonald at Yahoo! Sports didn’t go that direction in a mock draft posted this week, focusing instead on offensive line help. McDonald has the Rams taking […] Most mock drafts have collided on the same position group target for the Los Angeles Rams and I don’t need to tell you that it’s wide receiver. But Charles McDonald at Yahoo! Sports didn’t go that direction in a mock draft posted this week, focusing instead on offensive line help. McDonald has the Rams taking Caleb Lomu, a tackle from Utah. 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah “With longtime right tackle Rob Havenstein retiring, the Rams have a big hole on the right side of their offensive line. Luckily, they can find the perfect replacement here. Lomu hasn’t gotten as much adoration as his teammate Spencer Fano, but Lomu might be a cleaner fit here considering he was already playing right tackle at Utah. Lomu’s nasty streak, explosiveness and overall athleticism give him the chance to develop into a lockdown right tackle.” Clearly McDonald doesn’t have much admiration for the work that Warren McClendon has done and the potential for him to man right tackle for the long-term future. Would you agree? NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares Lomu to tackle Dan Moore, Jr., which doesn’t sound that exciting but could be a dependable long-term asset on the offensive line. Two-year starting left tackle who is still in the early stages of his development. Utah’s run game leaned heavily on movement and misdirection, preventing Lomu from firing out and showing his power. His run blocking trails his pass protection, but improved pad level and a nastier demeanor could close the gap. In protection, he shows good balance with adequate foot quickness, landing quick, well-timed punches and using a firm grip to control rushers once he’s in. His anchor was rarely stressed by power and his athletic recoveries are average. Lomu flashes but is still under construction. His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching. Is a “project” with high upside at right tackle the right move for L.A. at pick 13? Certainly nobody would argue against the importance of offensive linemen. The Rams are usually tied to receivers at 13, of which there are a few options like Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon, but only if they’re still on the board. Would you give the Rams a good grade if they drafted Lomu? See More:
