2020 NFL Draft News and Rumors: Tuesday, April 14
Here’s the second edition of news and rumors surrounding the NFL Draft, as we are fewer than 10 days away from the start of the event.
Chase Claypool viewed as a tight end by teams?
Last week during the NFL Draft Insiders podcast, I mentioned that several teams still grade Notre Dame receiver Chase Claypool as a tight end at the next level. Since then, I can report that there are several teams who not only have Claypool firmly on their tight end boards but list him as the top player at the position ahead of teammate Cole Kmet.
Related | 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool
There was talk about the 238-pound Claypool moving to tight end before the NFL Scouting Combine, but his workout numbers — which included a 40 time of 4.42 seconds, a vertical jump of 40.5 inches and a broad of 10-foot-6 — led many to believe he could remain at wide receiver. Claypool did not time in the short shuttle or three-cone at the Combine.
Teams who have Claypool rated as the top tight end in the draft have stamped him as a second-round prospect. His playing style is drawing comparisons to Darren Waller, the former receiver from Georgia Tech who presently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Tyler Biadasz may go lower than some thought
One player moving in the other direction on draft boards is Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz.
At one point considered a potential top-40 selection, Biadasz has slipped into the late part of Day 2, and some teams feel he may drop into the fourth round. The reason? I’m told Biadasz was red-flagged for previous knee and hip issues.
More than a year ago at the 2019 Senior Bowl, I reported that a hip injury was part of the reason Biadasz did not enter the draft. I still grade the athletic center as a potential second-round choice, and if he is fully healthy, I believe Biadasz will eventually start on Sundays.
Keep an eye out for Auburn OL Jack Driscoll
Offensive lineman Jack Driscoll of Auburn is a player to keep an eye on during the draft. He could be selected earlier than many people presently project, as early as the top half of Round 4.
Related | 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jack Driscoll
Also, keep an eye on the position Driscoll is announced at by the team that selects him. He played right tackle at Auburn, and some teams have Driscoll on their tackle board while others grade him as a guard, the spot where I presently have him listed. There are also several teams who project Driscoll to center at the next level.
Previous updates from Tony Pauline
April 21 (Page 2)
Anthony McFarland, Jaylon Johnson, Jabari Zuniga, Alex Highsmith, and Braden Mann
April 20 (Page 3)
Terrell Lewis, Dolphins QB plans, Saints WR targets, Giants/Herbert
April 17 (Page 4)
Zack Baun’s failed test, Jordan Love and the Dolphins, and more
April 15 (Page 5)
Denzel Mims rising up boards, C.J. Henderson a potential top 12 pick, and teams looking to trade down
April 14 (Page 6)
Chase Claypool at TE, Tyler Biadasz’s stock is falling, and watch for Auburn’s OL Jack Driscoll
April 13 (Page 7)
Giants draft plans, James Morgan, and other quarterback news