The NFL offseason is upon us, and it’s time to dive into the mailbag to discuss various topics around the league. Without further ado, let’s talk NFL rumors and 2021 NFL Draft news!
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This week’s installment will cover my 2021 NFL Draft prospect rankings and various questions around 2021 NFL Draft rumors and items from around the league. First, PFN’s Chief Draft Analyst and Insider Tony Pauline gives his thoughts on the Philadelphia Eagles’ QB situation following the Carson Wentz trade.
NFL Rumors & Draft News: The Tony Pauline Mailbag (2.23.21)
How do you view the Eagles’ current QB situation as far as Jalen Hurts compared to the top QBs this year? Do you think they should draft a QB in Round 1, either at 6th overall or in a trade up?
If they are sold on a guy like Justin Fields, they should try and get him one way or another. Whether it’s Fields or someone else, they should definitely consider a quarterback at the No. 6 pick. I’m not sold on Hurts being the quarterback to lead the franchise moving forward, and neither are many I’ve spoken to who cover the Eagles for a living.
Who are your top 4 pass rushers that the Jets could get at 23 that’d fit into Robert Saleh’s system?
Kwity Paye and Carlos Basham Jr. are both terrific fits, though I believe No. 23 is a bit early for both players. Rashad Weaver or Elerson Smith are both good fits at the top of Round 3. Personally, I believe the best fit would not be in the draft, rather it would be free agent Trey Hendrickson.
Any NFL rumors that the Dolphins could really draft Penei Sewell at 3 despite taking two offensive tackles in the top 40 last year?
Not if Ja’Marr Chase is available to them.
Why is Zach Wilson considered a better prospect than Justin Fields by many people? His 2019 tape is not good, and even though Fields had two bad games this year, he has better tape than Wilson both years.
From a physical and arm strength standpoint, Fields is superior to Wilson — there is no denying this.
But go back to The Draft Insiders podcasts from December when I first broke this story. At that time, I reported people were telling me they feel Wilson would be a better NFL quarterback because he processes information quicker and better than Fields.
Related | Zach Wilson vs. Justin Fields: Who is QB2 in 2021 NFL Draft?
Then, move on to my report from the Senior Bowl where one team broke down all of Fields’ throws from 2020, and he looked off the primary target just seven times.
And again — I had another report on The Draft Insiders podcast last week. Fields is slipping due to concerns over his inability to read the field quickly.
It seems a popular mock draft pick is Penei Sewell to the Bengals. Do you think Sewell would be at the top of Cincinnati’s board? Any NFL rumors that the Bengals would have to move up to secure him?
I think it will be Penei Sewell or Ja’Marr Chase. Projecting it today, if the Jets trade Sam Darnold and take a quarterback, I believe Sewell would be available for the Bengals at No. 5.
It looks like Wyatt Davis’ ranking has dropped significantly from the low 20s to upper 30s recently. Is this drop due to his injury or performance in the championship game? Or perhaps it’s just due to the value of the guard position?
The championship game was just one contest, and you shouldn’t grade a player off one contest. I believe people want to wait and see the prognosis on the injury he sustained during that game. For the record, I love Wyatt Davis and believe he’s going to be a great pro.
Who is a draft prospect currently flying under the radar who could sneak into the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?
The name that keeps popping up is Kelvin Joseph, the CB out of Kentucky. If he runs well at his pro day, meaning under 4.45s, he’s likely to go in the top 42. He could sneak into the late part of Round 1.
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Tony Pauline is Pro Football Network’s Chief Draft Analyst and Insider. Follow him on Twitter @TonyPauline and follow PFN on Twitter @PFN365 for all the latest NFL rumors and draft news.