Heading into the season, PFF ranked their offensive line as the 10th-best unit and noted the question marks on the interior as Zion Johnson has not lived up to his draft pedigree, but hopefully Mekhi Becton, who played well last year for the Philadelphia Eagles, will help solidify the middle of the offensive line.
Alt will shift to left tackle, and swing tackle Trey Pipkins III will fill in on the right side.
The 13th overall pick in April's draft stood his ground against Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in the Chargers' 20-16 win over Washington. QB Justin Herbert threw for 337 yards and Slater ranked 20th among tackles in pass block win rate. It was a solid performance for a guy who had not played in a year after he opted out of his last season at Northwestern. -- Shelley Smith
Justin Herbert was an absolute savage from the pocket when the Chargers needed him most on Sunday. The second-year QB delivered laser strikes for first-down completions of 17, 19, 20 and 9 yards -- all of them on pivotal third-down plays -- to seal a hard-fought 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team. Herbert wasn't perfect, committing two turnovers with L.A. in scoring range, but his incredible arm talent, combined with a gutsy self-belief in the opportunities that golden right arm gives him, separates him from so many of his peers. The Chargers, at long last, have a closer.
Overreaction: Left tackle Rashawn Slater was the NFL's best offensive rookie in Week 1. Slater, drafted at No. 13, didn't allow a pressure in his NFL debut. And considering he lined up against Chase Young, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft, that's extremely impressive. It's just the kind of protection Justin Herbert needs. -- Jones
Reality check: Not much to check here. Chargers went 14-of-19 on third downs Sunday. That's the most conversions in any NFL game in 10 years, against what should be a stout defense. Los Angeles' next two will be telling: vs. Cowboys, at Chiefs. -- Auman
Signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi in free agency is a good start to address the problem. In a strong offensive tackle class, it wouldn't be a surprise if they used this pick (or their second-rounder) on a tackle. Darrisaw is a three-year starter that had his best season as a junior and is especially dominant as a run blocker.
Given the flashes of brilliance shown by Justin Herbert, the Chargers would be foolish not to take advantage of this year's stellar offensive line class, with Slater's versatility and character likely to earn high marks by the front office.
The Chargers need an offensive tackle and Slater is by far the best option. It's coincidence he's available in this mock because I could have slotted him several spots higher a couple of times. His tape against Chase Young from 2019 is as good as it gets.
Drafting Darrisaw would complete the rebuilding of the Chargers' offensive line in front of second-year quarterback Justin Herbert. They added Matt Feiler at guard and Corey Linsley at center in free agency.
The Chargers don't need another wide receiver to be an explosive offense -- they already are with Justin Herbert at quarterback. But the idea of dropping Waddle's special athleticism into that scheme (with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams) would be tough to pass up.
The Chargers have upgraded the OL interior, but left tackle looms as a big void entering the draft. New head coach Brandon Staley seemed to suggest in a recent news conference that length and pass blocking are two big traits he likes in his left tackles, which leads us to Darrisaw.
He's a three-year starter at left tackle who has allowed a mere three sacks (zero in 2020) over more than 1,100 pass-blocking snaps. Oh, and he has 34-inch arms and great mass for the run game, too. Justin Herbert's protection gets better.
Protecting Justin Herbert has been the theme of the Chargers' offseason, with general manager Tom Telesco spending in free agency on center Corey Linsley and tackle/guard Matt Feiler. So let's continue that theme with Slater, who played both tackle spots in college but could move to guard in the NFL. This could be a steal for L.A. Slater is likely to become Northwestern's first Round 1 pick since Luis Castillo, who also was drafted by the Chargers (No. 28 in 2005).
The Chargers made two big O-line signings in free agency -- C Corey Linsley and OG Matt Feiler -- but I don't think they're necessarily done there. The goal is to protect Justin Herbert at all costs. Darrisaw is a fast-rising prospect who can play across the offensive front.
What will the Panthers do if one of the top five quarterback prospects (Trey Lance in this scenario) are still on the board when they are on the clock? At a minimum, the front office will at least consider double-dipping despite giving up three picks including a second-rounder in 2022 for Sam Darnold.
[Interesting note: Darnold is eight months younger than Joe Burrow.]
The Panthers used their franchise tag on right tackle Taylor Moton and Russell Okung, last year's starting left tackle, is currently a 32-year-old free agent. Slater's critics may point to his lack of ideal size or length, but if you watch Slater's tape against (former) Ohio State (and current WFT) edge rusher Chase Young, it's easy to project his ability to hold his own outside against NFL-caliber edge rushers. In addition, he has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line.
Widely regarded as a blue-chip talent, Pitts should not be available this late in the draft. However, the exceptional talent at quarterback and the fact Miami and Detroit already boast two of the league's better young tight ends in Mike Gesicki and T.J. Hockenson, respectively, could cause Pitts to fall right into Carolina's lap.
The urge to reunite Chase with OC Joe Brady is too strong to ignore for Carolina in this mock. It's not a need for Carolina (that's OL, DL and CB) but Matt Rhule has promised they'll take the best player available. Panthers ultimately couldn't turn down the best wide receiver in the draft, especially after losing Curtis Samuel and having Robby Anderson in the final year of his deal.
Unless the Panthers re-sign Russell Okung, they need a left tackle. Slater does not have the long arms NFL teams covet in offensive tackles, but he's perhaps the best technician among blockers in this class.
Don't rule out Fields here -- there are several around the league who believe the Panthers are ready to throw multiple darts at the quarterback position. But if the Panthers are invested in giving Sam Darnold the chance to be "the guy," then upgrading the offensive line would be wise. Slater would immediately become the top left tackle on Carolina's roster.
They went with an all-defense draft in 2020, but new GM Scott Fitterer shouldn't be too concerned with that in 2021, even though trading for QB Sam Darnold could lead to them wanting to give him some blocking help.
Corner also remains a glaring need, though, and Surtain fits the mold of the long, athletic cover man defensive coordinator Phil Snow seeks and the prototype that the Seattle Seahawks prioritized when Fitterer was a key member of their scouting department. Seattle almost exclusively drafted corners with arm lengths 32 inches or longer, and Surtain crosses that bar -- and he can play, too.
My appreciation for Sam Darnold's potential is well-documented at this point, so I don't see Carolina taking a quarterback here after trading for the former Jets starter. Go and get him some help instead, either along the offensive line or at receiver. Smith is a stellar route runner who just gets open. Put him alongside DJ Moore and Robby Anderson and this is a top-10 offense. Why couldn't Carolina compete for a wild-card spot in 2021?
Now that the QB position has been addressed -- for the time being -- the Panthers can look to add the best player on their board. Sewell is a prime talent and would be a tremendous value at eighth overall.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Miami Dolphins from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The 20-year-old Pitts won the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end, as he finished the abbreviated 2020 season with 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns. While technically a tight end, Pitts has generated some comparisons to Hall-of-Famer Calvin Johnson in terms of measurables. While there is only one Megatron, Pitts profiles as a player capable of dominating any defender lined up across from him.
Kyle Pitts' PFF grade when lined up as a WR and covered by CBs: 92.8
He's a potentially unstoppable pass catcher at any receiving position.
Emmanuel Ogbah led Miami with a career-high nine sacks, but the team parted ways this offseason with Kyle Van Noy (six) and Shaq Lawson (four), both of whom they had just added in 2020. Meanwhile, Ogbah is entering a contract year.
Paye is a freakish athlete that topped Bruce Feldman's Freaks' List heading into last season. Given the rare physical traits for his size and his tenacity, Paye's best football is ahead of him and his upside is through the roof if he can put it all together.
By trading out of the position that would have guaranteed access to one of this year's top quarterbacks, the Dolphins appear to be committing fully to Tua Tagovailoa. If he is to take the next step, Miami will need to surround him with playmakers. A bully after the catch, Chase would be an ideal No. 1 target.
It isn't just that reuniting Tagovailoa with former All-SEC standouts might make his development as a franchise quarterback that much easier, Harris -- and previously projected All-American receiver Ja'Marr Chase -- really are that good.
Chris Grier and Brian Flores worked the draft impeccably to go from No. 3 to 6 and still get a top-flight talent. Pitts is the most versatile tight end prospect we've seen in more than a decade.
I know everyone wants to send a running back to Miami but I just can't do it. Especially not when the Dolphins need EDGE help and the twitchy Paye is sitting there ready to be your edge setter.
With this pick, the Dolphins would prove their trade down from the third pick to be a brilliant move. They would get the best wide receiver in the draft in Chase (the player they might've taken at No. 3) while adding a future first-round pick.
This might be a little high for a running back, but Harris is the best at his position in this year's draft, and adding Harris along with Chase would provide an immediate boost for Miami's offense.
After trading down from No. 3 to No. 12, the Dolphins paid an expensive price to jump back into the top six. Miami made the move with the idea of drafting an offensive difference-maker and Pitts (the top non-quarterback in the class) certainly qualifies.
Parsons is the type of freaky talent that coach Brian Flores would love to add to his defense. With his background as both an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher, Parsons has elite athletic traits and can fill multiple roles in the Dolphins' scheme.
Sewell might be tough to pass on here, but Chase would give Miami a highly confident playmaker who can make life easier for Tua Tagovailoa with his separation, competitive ball skills and run-after-catch ability.
It feels more prudent for them to wait for a running back, which they can grab at Nos. 36 or 50 overall in Round 2. The Dolphins didn't add a pass rusher this offseason and currently have some uninspiring options to chase quarterbacks.
The debate here was between Phillips and Georgia's Azeez Ojulari. We sided with Phillips because of his length and extraordinary athletic burst. His medical and character reports will determine his draft landing spot. He could go from a top-20 pick all the way to a second-rounder.
You didn't see this one coming, did you? All along we've talked about the Dolphins adding weapons for Tua Tagovailoa, and Pitts is the ultimate weapon in this class. Why couldn't they take him? This gives Miami four really good pass-catchers around Tagovailoa in Pitts, Will Fuller V, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki. Pitts and Gesicki are versatile enough to play inline or out wide. They're matchup nightmares for defenses. Another thing to note: Several teams have Pitts at No. 2 overall on their boards. Miami also gets to keep its pick at No. 18 to get help on defense.
Yes, this is the first edge rusher off the board, all the way down at No. 18. It's not an elite class, but Paye could start a run on edge defenders all the way into Round 2. There is quality overall, even if there aren't any instant stars. Paye is my top-ranked defensive end, a gifted athlete who didn't put up sack production at Michigan (11.5 sacks in four seasons). Teams will be on his potential and traits, though. With two picks down so far and the trade up for Kyle Pitts, Miami has two players who rank No. 1 at their positions.
Most mock drafts have Penei Sewell coming off the board before Slater, but a few teams have told me it'll be the other way around. Miami took offensive linemen with early picks last year, but I think they'll continue to build there and protect the QB.
The Dolphins had some success with a running back by committee last season, but Harris is a cut above. He'd be joining his college teammate, Tua Tagovailoa, in Miami's quest to win its first AFC East crown since 2008.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Dallas Cowboys from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Re-signing Jourdan Lewis to a three-year deal but losing Chidobe Awuzie in free agency likely means that this pick is an outside corner, especially if the Cowboys have their choice of the position group. A three-year starter and the 2020 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Surtain II has an NFL pedigree (father was a three-time Pro Bowl CB and his high school coach) with the size (6-2, 208), length and ball skills that new coordinator Dan Quinn will covet.
The Cowboys allowed 34 passing touchdowns in 2020 with just 10 interceptions, one of the worst ratios in the NFL in 2020. With Dak Prescott re-signed and the Cowboys seemingly in a position to compete again for the division title, it is hard to imagine Jerry Jones passing on an opportunity to solidify the secondary with Surtain, an NFL legacy with his own Pro Bowl potential.
This fit seems so obvious I almost don't want to make it. Surtain is the best corner in an athletically gifted class, and he has the pedigree to excel with the star on his helmet in Dan Quinn's defense.
In the Super Bowl era, the latest slot where the first defensive player in the draft was taken was in 1999 when Champ Bailey went No. 7 to Washington. But Surtain falling to No. 10 as the first defender is a realistic possibility. Dallas has the chance to reunite him with Trevon Diggs on the cornerback depth chart.
This will anger some Cowboys fans, and we get it. They need defense! We know, we know. Would they consider South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn here? Maybe -- he'd fit Dan Quinn's preference for longer corners. What about LB Micah Parsons? Another maybe, especially if they're worried about the health of Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.
But Slater could be a Day 1 starting left guard who eventually moves to tackle. Dallas has done a good job of sticking to its board, especially with first-rounders, so a Slater pick here shouldn't be stunning. Some teams believe he has a chance to be picked ahead of Sewell.
Dallas trades back five spots with New England, gains what would likely be a 2022 first-round pick and is able to plug a need at No. 15. The Cowboys' defense was dreadful last season, and they lost starting corner Chidobe Awuzie in free agency. They can pair Horn with 2020 second-round pick Trevon Diggs, who had a nice rookie season. The knock on Horn is that he had only two career interceptions, but that ball production should come in time.
The first defensive player off the board, and it's a cornerback to a team in desperate need of help there. Surtain would join his former Crimson Tide teammate, Trevon Diggs, in Dan Quinn's defensive backfield.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Minnesota Vikings from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Vikings:
Trading for Yannick Ngakoue before the 2020 season, the Vikings should have had a dynamic 1-2 pass-rush duo with Danielle Hunter and Ngakoue. Not only did Hunter miss all of 2020, but the Vikings traded away Ngakoue only six games into his Minnesota tenure. Even so, the short-term Viking still led the team with five sacks. Meanwhile, Hunter is unhappy with his current contract.
It was an unorthodox journey for Phillips from the nation's top high school recruit to potential first-round pick. After briefly retiring from football and transferring to Miami from UCLA, everything came together for the gifted edge rusher as he recorded eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss over 10 games in his lone season in Coral Gables.
Slater is super versatile and could play any of the five positions along the Vikings' line. That's a good thing, because it has a lot of holes -- Minnesota gave up 39 sacks in 2020, lost Riley Reiff and only added Mason Cole to the mix in the offseason. After rebooting the secondary, the Vikings now have to be focusing on protecting Kirk Cousins and opening lanes for Dalvin Cook.
While this class of edge rushers lacks a bona fide star, the Vikings shouldn't hesitate to take their favorite of the bunch. Paye is an explosive athlete who could help a struggling pass rush, especially if Minnesota looks to trade disgruntled star Danielle Hunter.
Nobody in the league had a lower pressure rate on opposing QBs last year than the Vikings. Edge rushers, at this point in the draft process, have not distinguished themselves yet and may push each other down the draft boards as a result. Rousseau sat out last season but in 2019, he had 15.5 sacks while lining up all over the defensive line showing his ability to get pressure not just from the edge which Minnesota desperately needs.
Coach Mike Zimmer didn't hold back when he called his defense the "worst one I've ever had," but the offensive line is priority here considering the Vikings don't have a pick in the second round. Darrisaw would be the first Hokie offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round since 2008 (Duane Brown).
The Vikings have been relatively quiet in free agency, with their two most notable signings being cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. They won't be enough to turn the Minnesota defense around. This team also has to rebuild its pass rush, and Ojulari would be a good start: Though he's undersized, he brings explosiveness and bend to the edge and could thrive opposite Danielle Hunter.
Mike Zimmer called his defense "the worst one I've ever had," so look for the Vikings to add massive reinforcements there, starting with a pass rush that only mustered 23 sacks. Kwity Paye has the physical tools, explosiveness and motor to get to the quarterback, and he's an ideal fit for the 4-3 scheme that Zimmer loves to use.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Los Angeles Chargers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Chargers:
Signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi in free agency is a good start to address the problem. In a strong offensive tackle class, it wouldn't be a surprise if they used this pick (or their second-rounder) on a tackle. With Rashawn Slater already off the board, the Chargers get a three-year starter that had his best season as a junior and is especially dominant as a run blocker.
Because he opted out in 2020, scouts are watching Sewell's game tape from 2019 -- when he was blocking for Justin Herbert at Oregon. Let's reunite them. It's a bit of a shock to see my third-ranked prospect fall this far, but nine of the top 12 picks were QBs or offensive playmakers, causing a mini-slide. The Chargers aren't complaining. Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler were solid signings in free agency, but this offensive line still needs work. And Sewell is the best lineman in the class.
The Chargers upgraded their offensive line in free agency by adding center Corey Linsley and guard/tackle Matt Feiler, but the left side could still use some reinforcements. Slater allowed just five pressures over 11 games in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus, and should be a solid starter with his combination of strength and athleticism.
The Chargers at least addressed the offensive line last week and made a big upgrade by signing Corey Linsley and Matt Fieler, but that didn't solve all their issues along the line. Darrisaw is widely considered one of, if not, the best pure blocker in this class as he consistently got better during his three years as a starter at Virginia Tech. Blocking for franchise QB Justin Herbert should be the Chargers' top priority.
Signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley is a step in the right direction for a very bad offensive line. Slater opted out this season due to COVID, but handled the mighty Chase Young as a junior while playing left tackle and didn't allow a single sack his last season. He's versatile and talented enough to play all five offensive line positions. He did nothing during his pro day to hurt himself.
The Chargers made a couple savvy moves to improve their offensive line over the past few weeks, signing interior linemen Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler to free-agent deals. They take things one step further here, drafting an athletic, physical tackle prospect. Darrisaw would give L.A. a long-term blindside protector for franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.
Another year, another offseason in which the Chargers desperately need a left tackle -- and with all the flashes that Justin Herbert showed in his rookie season, GM Tom Telesco would be wise to protect him. Rashawn Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but he's an aggressive, physical blocker who moves very well and can play either tackle spot or inside at guard.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Giants from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Giants:
One of the bigger spenders in free agency, the Giants extended Leonard Williams after designating him with the franchise tag and signed Kenny Golladay and Adoree Jackson to multiple-year contracts. If the top 10 plays out this way, the pick may come down to Florida's Kyle Pitts, Alabama's DeVonta Smith or Slater. All three offensive prospects are in the top 10 of my 2021 NFL Draft Big Board.
Slater's critics may point to his lack of size and length, but if you watch Slater's tape against (former) Ohio State (and current WFT) edge rusher Chase Young, it's easy to project his ability to hold his own outside against NFL-caliber edge rushers.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Giants look at USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, but they just took three linemen in the first five rounds last year, including Andrew Thomas at No. 4 overall. And while the defense was stellar last season, getting defensive coordinator Patrick Graham a versatile, rangy, fast, instinctive linebacker like Owusu-Koramoah will help keep it that way.
The Giants made a big splash in free agency by signing receiver Kenny Golladay, eliminating one of their biggest needs. They also appear to be content rolling with their young offensive linemen. Parsons, one of the freakiest athletes in this draft, can be a game-changing player at the second level of the defense and give the pass rush a boost it so desperately needs.
Now that the Giants have officially signed their new WR1 in Kenny Golladay, I expect them to turn their attention to the offensive line. The Giants ranked 31st in the league in pressure rate allowed last year. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Slater may not be the biggest or strongest offensive lineman in the draft but he may be considered the safest because he could move inside. That's exactly what a team needs that is trying to protect what they believe to be their franchise QB.
The Giants are in need of another pass rushing threat to go opposite Leonard Williams. Paye is already an impressive run defender against the spread offense, which is becoming increasingly important in the NFL, and there are athletic indicators he will continue to improve as a pass rusher.
A 6-foot-4, 315-pound blue-collar guy considered among the safest picks in the draft, with the positional versatility Joe Judge craves, could be a plug-and-play to replace Kevin Zeitler.
The Giants spent big in free agency to help out third-year quarterback Daniel Jones, inking Kenny Golladay to a four-year, $72 million contract while adding speedster John Ross and tight end Kyle Rudolph on smaller deals. Following those moves, general manager Dave Gettleman can turn his attention to the defense. Parsons is a versatile playmaker who can line up off the ball and play the run on early downs. He also has blitzing and pass-rushing chops that would help on passing downs.
After inking Leonard Williams to a massive extension, the Giants got Daniel Jones a No. 1 receiver in Kenny Golladay, then brought in Adoree' Jackson to play cornerback opposite James Bradberry, among other depth deals. That frees up GM Dave Gettleman to address other needs, the biggest one being edge rusher. Gregory Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season but was one of the nation's best pass-rushers in 2019 with 15 1/2 sacks. He's quite raw technique-wise but has excellent athleticism, burst and length -- just like the last first-round pass-rusher the Giants took: Jason Pierre-Paul.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Denver Broncos Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Denver Broncos from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
As noted earlier, the Broncos would be wise to move up (at least two spots) to get in front of the Panthers for Lance's services. As Brendan Donahue notes in his mock draft, the Broncos have "one of the most talented rosters on offense and the only thing holding them back was their inconsistent QB play."
If the top-five quarterbacks are off the board before the Broncos pick (as they are in this mock), Parsons would make sense here. The 2019 first-team AP All-American is a versatile, three-down linebacker that uses his athleticism, length and instincts to impact the game against the run, in coverage and as a blitzer.
Our first defensive player checks in at No. 9. Depending on what GM George Paton thinks of QB Drew Lock, Justin Fields could be in play -- as could a trade back with another QB-needy franchise. But Surtain is instinctive and a natural playmaker, and the Broncos' 2020 opponents had an 86.3 QBR when targeting receivers. Even after bringing in Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller, cornerback sticks out as a position seeking impact players. (Fuller is on a one-year deal.)
The Broncos have talent all over the roster, but there's a clear hole at quarterback after Drew Lock rated as one of the league's worst at the position in 2020. Denver should be able to beat Carolina's offer to jump to this spot, considering a trade between the division rival Panthers and Falcons is unlikely. With coach Vic Fangio building an impressive defense, Lance can help the team become an AFC contender -- if he reaches the tremendous potential he showed in a dominant 17 games at the FCS level.
Another major shakeup in this week's mock. Now that we have more certainty that the QBs will be going off the board early, I don't think Jones goes outside of the top 10. Denver, somewhat under the radar, has one of the most talented rosters on offense and the only thing holding them back was their inconsistent QB play last year. A team with this kind of talent doesn't want to waste another year of it so they go with a QB that fits more of John Elway's typical profile at the position.
A classic Vic Fangio defense usually features a playmaking linebacker at its core. Parsons is another elite prospect who opted out of the 2020 season, citing "the potential risk to the health and well-being" of his young son due to COVID. He recently dazzled scouts with a 4.39 40-yard dash at his pro day. This would be the first time in my lifetime the first defensive player off the board lasts this long.
Parsons, who ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, fits what coach Vic Fangio wants to do. Parsons is similar to Roquan Smith, who played for Fangio in Chicago.
O-line coach Mike Munchak could coach him up at any position -- especially opposite Garrett Bowles at RT, where Ju'Wuan James has been an expensive free-agent bust.
Now that San Francisco has made its big move, expect other teams that need quarterbacks to attempt to follow suit. Enter the Broncos, who just bolstered their secondary in free agency by re-signing safety Justin Simmons to a long-term deal and adding cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. Next it's time to improve the offense. With a young, talent-packed offensive skill group, Denver seems like it's a game-changing QB away from contention. That's where this move--and Fields--would come in. With a strong arm and rare athleticism, he has the talent to put the Broncos over the top.
With the Broncos missing out on the top four quarterbacks, could new GM George Paton give defensive-minded head coach Vic Fangio more help in the heart of the unit? Micah Parsons opted out of the 2020 season, but he's a versatile linebacker who can do anything asked of him. However, there are a few off-field concerns that need to be answered, most notably a fight with a teammate in 2018 and his involvement in a lawsuit against Penn State that alleges hazing and harassment.
