Welcome to the second edition of my mailbag on Pro Football Network. This week, I received questions on Denzel Mims, JuJu Smith-Schuster, the NFL’s plans for 2020, and much more. I also touch on the Deshaun Watson/Chicago Bears drama from last week and tell you which second-year player I think is ready to break out.
If you have a question you want to send me for next week’s mailbag, either submit it using this form or send a tweet to @PFN365 on Twitter using the hashtag #AskAllbrightPFN, and we’ll try to include it in an upcoming mailbag column.
The Benjamin Allbright Mailbag for May 20, 2020
Looking at the situation for Aaron Jones this coming season and I can’t see him not just asking for a trade but trying to demand one. He is in a contract year with the team drafting a running back in a spot you expect to get on the field in year one. I have to think his agent can find a team willing to extend his current deal as part of a trade. Do you see this as inevitable as I do?
I’m not sure about a trade per se. I have a feeling both parties will just move on. Running backs already have a very low trade market, contract year running backs are very difficult to move.
There was a lot of talk about EDGEs who carried the franchise tag getting traded before the draft. Are those rumors still swirling around? Is there a chance of anyone getting dealt before the preseason starts up (whenever that is)?
I don’t think so. I haven’t heard any movement in that direction lately.
Why did Denzel Mims fall all the way to the end of the second round when people were saying he was going to be selected very high? Did the Jets get the steal of the draft by getting him?
There were concerns about how early he’s going to be ready to contribute. Everyone thinks his upside is huge, but he was considered pretty raw at a position that takes 2-2.5 years for a player to really hit his stride typically.
Related | Tony Pauline Scouting Report: WR Denzel Mims
Have you heard anything new about the NFL starting up the season or any potential roadblocks that might prevent them from doing so?
The NFL is planning on business as usual. They have some contingency plans should some states not want to open. But for now, they are for planning business as usual.
Related | Sources: NFL training camps are expected to start on time in 2020
What’s the real story with Deshaun Watson and the Bears? Did they really not talk to him prior to the NFL Draft?
Watson and the Bears 100% did speak. The Bears also sent a big contingent to his pro day.
Now that the schedule has been released, what are some of the must-watch games for the 2020 NFL season?
I guess that depends on what you consider “must watch.” Brady vs Brees? The rookies?
Related | 2020 NFL Schedule: What are the five must-watch games?
What young quarterback do you see making the biggest leap this season? Kyler Murray? Drew Lock? Someone else?
I think Lock could become a household name nationally.
There are rumblings that JuJu Smith-Schuster may be on the way out of Pittsburgh after his contract expires. Do you think this is a smart idea and have you heard anything else on this?
The Steelers have done a great job drafting wide receivers over the years. I don’t think they’ll move on from JuJu unless his number just gets too high. If they do, they’re in good hands with that scouting department.
In your opinion, who is going to be RB1 and WR1 in fantasy football this year?
Alvin Kamara or Christian McCaffrey as RB1. Mike Thomas or Chris Godwin as WR1.
Zac Taylor hinted that the Bengals may not sign a backup quarterback. Is this smart, and how much do you think a veteran QB is needed, especially with a rookie QB on the roster?
They’re committed to Joe Burrow. I’d like to see a savvy veteran to guide the rookie, but not anyone that’s going to challenge him for QB1. The last thing you want is for your new rookie quarterback to put together 3 bad games and have the fans calling for the backup.
Benjamin Allbright is PFN’s NFL Insider. You can follow him on Twitter @AllbrightNFL.