Heading into the 2021 NFL Season, the Denver Broncos were in search of their next general manager. In efforts to be removed from the day to day activity, John Elway went out searching for his new eventual replacement.

While Elway actually was actually promoted in a way, he hired a General Manager. Still the President of Football Operations, Elway is still understood to have the ability to step in on a call. That being said, he ultimately has instilled a strong trust in the Broncos’ rookie general manager.

First-year general manager George Paton has been a warranted man across front offices in the NFL. Beginning his profound jersey, Paton took on a scouting role with the Chicago Bears. As a scout of the Bears, Paton excelled and resulted in a quick promotion to assistant director of pro personnel in the year 2000.

During his brief tenure with the Chicago Bears, Paton then met an individual who would play a major factor in his development, Rick Spielman. Once Spielman departed from the Windy City, Paton would follow. After a stint in Miami, the duo then headed to become members of the Skol community.

Where Paton developed and learned how to operate an NFL franchise, to an extent, Minnesota has been the backbone of his career. In a strong 14 seasons with the Vikings, Paton played a predominant role in a draft and development process.

Growing within the organization, Paton worked himself all the way up to eventually becoming the Assistant General Manager and vice president of personnel. Paton had been a hot commodity dating back to 2012 when his interviews had begun.

Passing up interviews, turning down offers, and even removing his name from potential General Manager opportunities, Paton was waiting for a prime opportunity. What stands out about George Paton is the fact he had enough confidence in himself and the expected desire for his abilities, that he passed that many chances up.

Not all potential hires have the moxie to roll the dice in such a consistent manner. Some potential hirees take the first opportunity they get, but Paton believed in himself so strongly that he waited 8 years before accepting his preferred destination.

With the Minnesota Vikings, Paton was a part of a team that selected 17 pro bowlers in their respective drafts or undrafted free agency periods. From building some elite defenses, drafting Dalvin Cook, acquiring Brett Favre and Kirk Cousins, Paton was involved in some impressive transactions.

It certainly isn’t a guarantee that Paton’s upward trajectory continues to rise as he begins his next chapter with the Denver Broncos. As promising as Paton may look, the future remains unknown. All of that said, I have faith not only in George Paton, but the entire Denver Broncos also.

Bringing George Paton in to become the next General Manager of the Denver Broncos has been the overwhelming favorite as the best transaction in 2021, in my opinion.

This was the best decision for one very simple, cut and dry reason, Paton will be making all of the day-to-day decisions. As stated previously, John Elway can block a potentially egregious error, I don’t forsee that being an issue. Not only does this bring relief to Elway, but it also puts the Denver Broncos in a position to succeed in the future.

George Paton has come into the 2021 season with a strategy and he stuck to it. His motto for the entity of the 2021 offseason, Paton reiterated that the Denver Broncos would be aggressive, just not reckless.

Right out the gate, one particular former Detroit Lion became available, Matthew Stafford. Paton immediately showed us what he meant by this. Talking offers with the Lions, the price of the former number one overall pick eventually exceeded what Paton was willing to pay.

After Matthew Stafford started packing his bags for Los Angeles, the DeShaun Waston saga had begun. What potentially began as Watson wanting to be traded due to conflictual reasons with the Houston Texans brass and Jack Easterby.

Before Paton and the Denver Broncos could even breach the doors of a possible Watson trade, the storm just started raining. Shortly after being accused of just one case of sexual assault, a massive amount of baggage therapists came out with similar accusations.

While the jury is still out on the Aaron Rodgers situation, the Denver Broncos did add one quarterback during this offseason. Former Minnestoa Viking himself, Teddy Bridgewater became a member of the Denver Broncos just prior to the 2021 NFL Draft.

In a move that cost the Broncos minimal damage, salary, and draft capital-wise, adding Bridgewater was an efficient move. If Aaron Rodgers becomes available, Broncos Country Tonight’s insider, Benjamin Albright, went as far as to say that if Rodgers were to be traded, it would be to the Denver Broncos.

Trading for Aaron Rodgers could make Paton a very popular man in the Mile High City. Wondering what they may have to give up, sending a package that included two first-round picks, a second-round pick, Teddy Bridgewater, and Bradley Chubb would certainly be enticing.

Maybe the Green Bay Packers would ask for more, but it would be interesting to see how much of his poker chips Paton would be willing to push in on a disgruntled quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. An elite talent and professional, Rodgers would be all the Denver Broncos need to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender

With the overall construction of this roster, the Broncos should be in attack mode. Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Tim Patrick, Noah Fant, and Albert Okuegbunam, would light the NFL on fire with Aaron Rodgers slinging the pigskin to them.

If Paton could add Rodgers for the aforementioned package, I would be a firm believer in the Denver Broncos winning the Lombardi at least once over the next few seasons.

When most people look at how an organization “does’ in the offseason, it always seems to be matriculated around player additions. It is often you hear people say, “I love what the Denver Broncos did the offseason, hiring George Paton gives them an A for the offseason, in my book.” Everything seems to orbit around the way the roster improved, not the front office.

Hiring George Paton has already brought the Denver Broncos Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, as well as retaining key contributors in previous seasons. Von Miller and Kareem Jackson will be staying in Denver for at least one more season. Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris’ contracts were also extended to ensure some long-term retention for this defense.

Built around promise young playmakers on offense, second-round draft pick Javonte Williams, will also have his moments to shine. George Paton’s first-ever draft selection, Patrick Surtain II, looks imposing. It seems taking the misused word “safe” pick in the first round will give this Broncos defense depth and upside in a division that has Patrick Mahomes and Justin Hebert in it.

All of these are decisions that have been made by George Paton. While the Aaron Rodgers thing is just hypothetical at this point, that move would be monstrous. Even if Paton doesn’t secure Rodgers, this offseason still seems like it will be a successful one.

Out of every decision Paton has signed off for to this point, Id say retaining All-Pro safety Justin Simmons has been slightly overlooked. While the members of Broncos Country certainly value Justin Simmons, he may have not been retained if the hard-ball negations tactics of John Elway were pressed.

Looking back towards the end of 2020, there was substantial doubt that Simmons may not be returning to the Mile High. This would not have resonated well with not only the locker room but fans and locals.

Justin Simmons is not just an outstanding athlete, but he is also an outstanding human being. Representing the Denver Broncos last year, in honor of Walter Payton, Simmons continues to show his dedication to his community.

Keeping Simmons in Denver also showed a potential culture shift for this organization and how their home grown talent will be treated. After seeing the negotiating debacles with Elway, having a general manager who wants player to feel truly appreciated is a breath of fresh air.

Justin Simmons was a third round draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Since then he has done nothing less than establish himself as a tremendous athlete, teammate, and person. Rewarding this sort of growth and development shines to the up and comers like Courtland Sutton and Bradley Chubb, who are due for contracts soon.

There once was a toxic feeling in the Denver Broncos locker room, that no matter how well you played, locking up a long term deal would be difficult. Even looking at a superstar like Von Miller, the negotiations got a bit frustrated with John Elway being in charge of these ordeals. It went as far as Miller cropping Elway out of photos as he would post them.

Additionally, Shelby Harris was also rewarded with a contract extension. Although Harris was not a Denver Broncos draft selection, he was not who he is now when he arrived to Dove Valley. He certainly has grown since becoming a Denver Bronco, and after two back to back contract seasons, Harris was rewarded.

Harris is known for many things including an infectious laughter and personality, but his ability to swat passes at the line of scrimmage has been noticed league wide. As Harris has reiterated, he has the best hands in the league.

Dishing out these two extensions early in his tenure will do wonders for Paton. Setting the tone that he will take care of his guys will make players want to play for this organization. This team has needed a culture shift since the retirement of new Ring of Famer Peyton Manning, and ironically enough, I think Paton can right that ship.

Outside of retaining key contributors, the other underrated but important move Paton has done was not be reckless. While the Broncos could certainly use a superstar quarterback, his ability to stick to his word on not being reckless has put the Denver Broncos in a fantastic position.

You may be wondering how not trading for Matthew Stafford, or selecting a quarterback in the draft may work out in a positive direction for Paton. Well, put it this way, Aaron Rodgers is holding out of mandatory mini camp. Paton’s willingness of sticking to his guns has put the Broncos in prime position to land the future Hall of Famer.

While Paton did trade for Teddy Bridgewater, giving up merely nothing to acquire him, he could be a potential piece in a package to acquire Rodgers. If Green Bay does eventually agree to trade Rodgers, they will be in need of a veteran quarterback, ala Teddy “Two Gloves,” to help Jordan Love in his sophomore season.

Using Bridgewater in a package for Rodgers would make Paton look even more intelligent.

This Denver Broncos roster is ready to compete now, adding another young quarterback who needs time to develop could be helpful, but it isn’t what helps the Broncos win this year. That is Aaron Rodgers.

In prime position to secure Rodgers, the feeling is actually quite mutual. It is understood by many around the league that Rodgers would not only welcome a trade to the Denver Broncos, but he may even prefer it. For many who don’t follow this team may look at the previous year’s record and ask, “why would Aaron Rodgers want to play for the Denver Broncos?”

As far as the record goes, this team’s talent is not an adequate representation of that. From top to bottom, offense to defense, this team is stacked. This roster has one issue right now, could you guess what that is?

Addressing the glaring hole at quarterback could solve with Aaron Rodgers would solve every issue this team has. By simply not reaching for a quarterback that would not guarantee a shift in the success of this franchise has set Paton up to do just that.

Paton still has all of his future draft picks available, has a quarterback who would be a piece in the trade package, and a few defenders that the Broncos could survive without. It would hurt giving up a Bradley Chubb or Dre’Mont Jones, but adding Rodgers and a potential Lombardi trophy would mend that sore.

Imagine Aaron Rodgers brining the Lombardi trophy home to the Denver Broncos, instead of the franchise the profound trophy was named after. This would put the Broncos winning the Lombardi in three out of the previous four decades, the 1990’s, 2010’s, and 2020’s.

That would be quite a feat considering there are several franchises that to this day, have not to hoist the trophy a single time. Being in this position would not have happened if Paton had become eager and reached for a middling quarterback. Instead, he stuck to his guns, and although an Aaron Rodgers isn’t guaranteed, he has put the Broncos in the a great position to make it happen.

He’s also taken a talented roster to an even higher floor with the additions in free agency, like cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. In doing so, he put this team in position to draft the best player available in the draft, which he filled this roster with ten potential impact players.

Without luring Paton in as the next Denver Broncos general manager, I am not sure this team is in the position it’s in right now. That is no doubt, the best thing this team could have done after John Elway moved into a higher position. It has been one of the most underrated moves this offseason.

After the hiring of Paton, he immediately stayed true to the backbone of this team and retained the current pillars of this franchise. Also, not reaching for Mitchell Trubisky or any of the other available quarterbacks, has been wildly underrated and its put the Broncos in the driver seat for Aaron Rodgers.

If Paton lures Rodgers in, he may also find himself in the Broncos Ring of Fame someday.

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By: Chandler Hyler

Following a monstrous 2019 season for star pass rusher Chandler Jones, 2020 was disastrous. In a season that started slow for Jones, he was diagnosed with a season-ending biceps injury after week 5.

Needing to be mentioned, Jones amassed just 1 total sack to this point. That being said, pass rushers like Jones can get into a rhythm, much like any other athlete.

Prior to 2020, Jones showed no signs of slowing down. In what some may say has been an underappreciated career, he has totaled 97 sacks in just 9 seasons.

It’s an “odd” year in 2021; Jones seems to be more productive in odd seasons, for whatever reason. There isn’t actually a reason for this, so coincidentally, can Jones hop back on the train tracks?

Now, a teammate of Chandler Jones, JJ Watt is another candidate to be poised for a rejuvenating 2021. Between the star-studded duo of Jones & Watt, they have just under 200 sacks combined. Quarterbacks in the NFC West should be frightened.

JJ Watt is a physical freak, but has only toppled double-digit sacks once since 2016. His best recent season came in 2018 when he had 16 sacks. In the years prior 2018, Watt also had just 1.5 sacks combined in 2016 & 2017.

Watt was drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft and has been a wrecking ball when on the field. Like the 2nd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft Von Miller, JJ Watt was one of the most feared defenders during the 2010’s.

Von Miller, who has undoubtedly been the face of the Denver Broncos franchise since Peyton Manning retired, faced a similar fate. Unfortunately for Miller, he never even seen the field in 2020.

In an offseason that reaped high praise for Miller was cut short, just before the beginning of the preseason. Anyone who was invested in this Denver Broncos team must have heard about how impressive Miller looked in camp.

It was noted that Miller did not take a vacation during the offseason leading up to the 2020 season. Determined to come back from multiple years of decreased production for the future Hall-of-Famer, Miller spent his summer improving his craft.

Having Von Miller on your defensive front is one thing, but having Von Miller with a chip on his shoulder is a different animal. With question marks now swarming his production, but also his availability is going to have Miller motivated again.

Miller is also an unrestricted free agent in 2022, everyone seems to perform better during a contract year. Whether it is coincidence or not, Miller has multiple reasons to bounce back in 2021.

With Jones, Miller, and Watt all coming back from disappointing seasons, I think they could all come out on fire. All being uber-talented, a little extra drive to prove they’re not meeting father time could be all the motivation they need.

If I had to point my finger at one of the previous decade’s top defenders to shine in 2021, it would be Von Miller. Like Jones and Watt, Miller will also have a Pro Bowler on the opposite side of him. Bradley Chubb just recently underwent a minor procedure but should be full go by the beginning of the season.

Miller seems hungrier than ever to prove doubters wrong with his age and declining sack numbers in a previous couple of years. It wouldn’t shock me to see Miller and Chubb combine for 30 sacks in 2021. After all, it is a contract year for Miller.

That alone should be enough motivation for Miller to get back to wreaking havoc on opposing signal-callers. While Chandler Jones & JJ Watt will benefit from being teammates in 2021, it is my prediction Miller will put his name in the conversation once again for Defensive Player of the Year Honors.

The post Which veteran pass rusher will have the best comeback season? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Chandler Hyler

With the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Rashod Bateman, a wide receiver from Minnesota.

During his brief career, Lamar Jackson has never had that elite receiver that every quarterback would love to have. Attempts to secure that weapon for Jackson have been made, as recent as selecting Marquise “Hollywood” Brown 25th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. They also selected Miles Boykin with the 93rd overall selection in the same class.

Even after selecting multiple receivers and having an elite red-zone threat in tight-end Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ passing attack seems to be lackluster at times. Is this related to Jackson’s ability to distribute the football accurately, or is it a lack of weapons?

Drafting Rashod Bateman may be the missing link for the 2019 NFL MVP. Bateman is a polished receiver coming out of college. He also is a deep threat extradorniare, but he also possesses the ability to turn a slant route into a 75-yard touchdown.

What stuck out to me was his ability to make the tough receptions. Whether it was due to a bit of inaccuracy, or a 50-50 ball, Bateman has the prowess to turn those in his favor. This certainly could provide Jackson with a bit more comfortability when making decisions about where to throw the football.

Addressing the need at wide receiver will help Jackson, but will it help him get back to being the league’s MVP?

In today’s NFL, the old-fashioned quarterback is not required anymore. Players like Jackson now have coaches that are willing to form an offense around that special niche a special player like Jackson has.

At the end of the day though quarterbacks have to make big-time throws to be successful, and there are questions concerning Jackson’s ability to do so.

Many NFL quarterbacks have seen first hand, defensive coordinators are quick to adjust and exploit an opposing player’s weakness. If you watched Lamar Jackson throw during the 2019 Pro Bowl, did that not make you worry a little?

In what was a somewhat difficult set-up, Jackson like the other Pro-Bowlers had the task of hitting moving targets for points. In 60 seconds, Jackson scored just a mere two points. To put that in comparison, Jarvis Landry scored six points, and is a wide receiver.

Sure, it may not have been a game setting. Some players play better when the lights are on, but this has to be slightly alarming. Lamar Jackson might just throw better when he is moving, and in today’s league, that is certainly plausible.

All things considered, I do not see Lamar Jackson being a front-runner for the MVP in 2021. Players like Josh Allen, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and maybe Dak Prescott comes back from injury and lights the league on fire.

Drafting Rashod Bateman will help Lamar Jackson, but I do not think it vaults him back to MVP supremacy in 2021.

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By: Chandler Hyler

With the 2021NFL Draft being just a week away, there is a chance we could still see a few trades go down. With teams having needs post-free-agency, they may want to fill their roster out prior. This gives teams the flexibilty to draft the potentially best player available, in a class where there is an expected rush on the quarterback position early on.

While I do not expect to see a trade with heavy implications or trade of a Russell Wilson magnitude, there could be some veterans on the move.

There is also the possibility of teams taking fliers on former high-profile draft picks, that didn’t quite pan out for whatever reason. This option always makes sense, as you are getting young players on cheap contracts, for what is typically a cheap price tag.

What are some trades that would make logical sense?

1. Stephon Gilmore to the Indianapolis Colts

If I am Bill Belichick, I would be looking to move the former All-Pro cornerback while I could. Gilmore will be a free agent after the 2021 season, if you could recoup a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft as well as a third in next year’s, I would pull the trigger on this one.

While Gilmore has been nothing short of outstanding in Foxborough, he is officially 30 years old and has one year left on his contract. Every great thing comes to an end eventually, and it may be time for the Patriots to move on.

As it stands, the Colts are rolling out Rock Ya-Sin, and Xavier Rhodes as their starting cornerback duo. That is telling as it portrays to the NFL Draft, as it is not a productive enough room to be successful in today’s NFL. Going into the NFL Draft with glaring needs is never a good thing. This can show your hand and gives opposing teams the opportunities to jump you to take your guy.

Trading a couple of mid-round picks for Gilmore would not mortgage the Colts’ top two selections, and would fill an immediate position of need. This gives them an opportunity to select a talented wide receiver and add protection for the newly acquired quarterback, Carson Wentz.

Indianapolis has a strong roster, this would make their defense even better. It would also provide them with the chance of adding some key, future contributors to their leaky offense.

2. Zach Ertz to the Jacksonville Jaguars

With the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jagaurs select quarterck, Trevor Lawrence, Clemson. That can be penciled in.

As Lawrence steps into an offense that isn’t exactly loaded with talent, adding a veteran tight end could provide immense value. Ertz was once amongst the conversations of the best tight end in the league, along with George Kittle and Travis Kelce, then 2020 happened.

Since the beginning of the 2020 season, Ertz has now lost his starting job to Dallas Goedert and should be open to relocating in pursuit of a fresh start. This trade could bring the Eagles a possible 5th round pick and cap relief, while it gives Lawrence a veteran option on an offense that is surrounded by youth.

The last thing the Jaguars should want is to bring Lawrence in, and kill his passion with an underwhelming chance at success. They have the cap flexibility as well to absorb any kind of bloated hit that it would take to acquire him, which would be around 8.5 million for 2021. It may just be a rental for the Jaguars, but Lawrence is not a rental, and if acquiring a safety blanket like Ertz to help him grow, then, by all means, go for it.

3. Marcus Mariota to the Chicago Bears

When it comes down to the quarterback postion, the Bears have been the center of comedy for the past few years.

During the 2017 NFL Draft when the Bears traded multiple picks, to slide up one spot to draft underperforming Mitchell Trubisky. Ever since this questionable decision, they have been searching for a legitimate starting quarterback. They passed on the face of the NFL, in Patrick Mahomes, and what was looking like a potential Hall of Famer in Deshaun Watson, to trade up for Trubisky.

Mariota is not gonna come in and be the face of the franchise type guy I do not believe, but he can come in and bring some potential upside. The former 2015 2nd overall draft pick has had an up and down career, but he could see this as his opportunity to put the train back on the tracks, similar to his successor, Ryan Tannehill.

As for Mariota’s contract, he is scheduled to make only 3.5 million in 2021. That is a feasible contract, even for a backup quarterback. While the Bears’ have been in awe over starting quarterback Andy Dalton, I have no choice but to believe they’re just trying to hype “their” guy up.

This at least brings competition into the room and gives the Bears flexibility to trade current backup Nick Foles. Mariota brings much more intrigue than an aging, underwhelming Foles does in my opinion. If they were able to trade Foles and use that capital to sweeten a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, I would go after Mariota. He at least brings some “unknown” and if you are spending a mid-round pick on something, “unknown” could become rewarding.

The post Potential trades we would like to see appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Chandler Hyler

As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, I expect the first round of this draft to one of the more heavy offensive-centered draft in recent memory. If I were to guess as of today, I would say there is potential the entire top 10 selections will be offensive players. With that said, I can see up to five wide receivers being selected in the first round.

Does former LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. fit that mold?

Rounding out his junior season at LSU, Marshall produced a stat line of 48 receptions for 731 yards and a very solid 10 touchdown receptions. This stat line compares well to the statistical production he laid out his sophomore season as well, as he had 46 receptions for 671 yards and 13 touchdowns. The two things that stand out the most to me with Marshall would be his consistency and his touchdown accumulation.

Having 23 touchdown receptions in what was basically two years of collegiate play is impressive, as his freshman season, he did not see the field much. No matter what team you are, having a big-bodied, 6-foot-3 red zone target will make you more efficient. Marshall could come in and be a solid number two option for a team immediately and become their number one option in the red zone.

Knowing that you have someone on the outside who can give you a solid four to five catches a game, that can win one-on-one battles, will only make your offense better. After watching Marshall’s tape, I came away thinking that he reminded me of a Courtland Sutton type receiver.

With many of his touchdowns, he would use his size to box out defenders and attack the football. His frame would allow him to get on top of the defensive back. Marshall is a big play waiting to happen.

It’s understood that he isn’t in the tier one group of receivers that include former teammate of Marshall, Ja’marr Chase, and the 2021’s duo of first-round Alabama wide receivers, Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. That being said, I could certainly see multiple scenarios where he sneaks into the back end of the first round, which would actually benefit his future as he would be going to already bonified playoff rosters.

In these scenarios, he wouldn’t wind up with a franchise that has an unknown commodity at the quarterback position neither. Which receiver needy teams could we see take a flier on the strong, consistent, touchdown machine Marshall.

1. Green Bay Packers

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has seemed disgruntled with the usage of the Packers’ premium picks as of late. The last “wide receiver” they selected with what I describe as a premium pick (day 1 or day 2 pick) was now converted running back, Ty Montgomery.

This was back in 2015, as the former third-round pick is a member of the New Orleans Saints as a running back. While they have one of the receivers who’s in the bonified conversation for best in the league with Davante Adams, their options are thin behind him. After spending a first-round pick on quarterback Jordan Love last year and a second-rounder on running back AJ Dillion, could the Packers finally bring in someone to help the future Hall of Famer?

If they do decide to finally address the wide receiver position, Terrace Marshall would absolutely be an ideal fit for this team. They have Tae Adams on one side, crossing up defenders and drawing consistent attention from the defense. This could benefit the Packers’ offense as if teams try to run a cover one look with a safety patrolling the top, he would certainly lean over to Adams’ side, as he simply can’t be covered man-to-man.

Marshall would then be placed in one-on-one scenarios, and with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, he would feast in the red zone. Rodgers is a man of ball placement. Seeing him drop bucket throws, fades, and back shoulder passes to a strong receiver like Marshall could be a match made in heaven.

Rodgers has been looking for a complementary receiver since the likes of Jordy Nelson retired. Tae Adams was young then, and still perfecting his craft. Marshall fits the mold as a complementary receiver to Adams. It also wouldn’t hurt to actually invest in the talent of Rodgers, instead of making him make chicken salad out of chicken poop.

2. Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens certainly aren’t a wide receivers “dream.” They are a run-heavy offense, that predicates itself on the dual threat ability of their pro-bowl quarterback.

Regardless, they are still a team in need of a strong playmaker on the outside. In 2019, they selected speedster Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in the first round, but he isn’t a do it all wide receiver. He excels in certain areas, but also has weaknesses in areas, like the red zone. They also added free-agent, yet oft-injured WR Sammy Watkins.

Marshall could come in immediately, along with tight end Mark Andrews, and give this team multiple options when the field shrinks. Many have made the argument that like Rodgers, Jackson has not been provided with the weapons he needs to succeed. By adding Marshall, Jackson would multiple options and should take this passing game to the next level of competency.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In every post, I like to add in what would be a “wildcard” team, and for Marshall, it is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They brought back the entire starting roster from the eventual 2020 Super Bowl Championship team. This says that they do not really have any needs to fill for the upcoming season.

With heavy money invested in the WR position, it would be wise to instill some youth here. Yes, the Buccaneers are already loaded here, but Mike Evans is scheduled to make 18 million per in 2022 and 2023. Chris Godwin is playing under the franchise tag in 2021, while they would like to strike an extension, his future is still unknown.

Marshall could come in and be the potential replacement for Godwin or Evans if necessary, or could even just make this offense even more lethal as a luxury pick. Marshall would also benefit from coming in and learning under these veteran receivers, who seem like great teammates.

Evans was willing to restructure his contract in whatever way to ensure that this team would stay intact, and that is a good sign of an excellent teammate. Also, who wouldn’t want to come in and play with the GOAT himself, Tom Brady. Being able to learn from Tom Terrific in his rookie campaign would do wonders for the potential first-round pick.

Terrace Marshall, in my opinion, will make the team that selects him delighted. He gets overlooked, in a seemingly top-heavy draft class at the wide receiver position, but he shouldn’t. I’ve used the word strong many times, but it is the best way to describe Marshall’s ability.

As well as staying on top of defenders at the attack point, he is a YAC machine. Scoring touchdowns in the National Football League will get you paid, and that is Marshall’s specialty. He is a big play waiting to happen, and would be a steal for a team at the back end of round one.

The post Potential Fits for Terrace Marshall Jr. appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Chandler Hyler

During the 2020 NFL season, Atkins not only seen a dip in statistical categories but in snaps played as well. The majority of the time, these two things do play into each other, as fewer snaps are played, it creates fewer opportunities to make plays. That being said, where there is smoke, there is likely to be fire. What I mean by that is the number of reduced snaps had to come from something, was it Atkins was battling back from a shoulder injury or had they seen a drastic drop in his play and production?

Former All–Pro and repeat visitor of the NFL’s top 100 list, Geno Atkins is still looking for a home for the 2021 NFL season. While he may not be the player he used to be, he could still bring in some rotational value for a team looking to upgrade their talent on the interior of their defensive line. Interest has been had for Atkins, but obviously, his market hasn’t been booming, otherwise, he would be preparing to suit up for an NFL franchise. Prior to Atkins being cut, he spent his entire 11 career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Atkins saw action in eight games of the 2020 NFL Season but ultimately did not start one. Another alarming statistic from the previous season, he only recorded one tackle with zero sacks. In 2019, the former Georgia Bulldog played in all 16 games, while starting in 14 of those. There was a dip in his statistics in 2019 compared to 2018, as he totaled just 4.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits compared to a 10 sack season and 19 quarterback hits in 2018. As for relevancy, this created the concern that during his 2019 season, once he surpassed the great age of 30, that he had begun to meet father time.

As a believer in fresh starts, Atkins still may have some gas left in the tank, he may just need to wipe his slate clean. The Cincinnati Bengals are going in a different direction, and instilling a youth movement in efforts to build around second-year stud quarterback Joe Burrow. Who could be suitors for the former All-Pro, wrecking ball in Atkins?

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas has had major problems with creating pressure on the quarterback and has since the departure of all worldly talent, Khalil Mack. I don’t see Atkins coming in and being the absolute solution here, but I could see a scenario where Atkins at the minimum, improves the issue. With newly hired defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, this unit should see some improvement as a whole. Along with Johnathan Hankins, the Raiders could solidify the interior of their defensive line by adding Atkins. At a minimum, if Hankins and Atkins could create pressure inside and get pressure up the middle, this could cease a quarterback’s ability to step up in the pocket, which creates a better angle for outside pass rushers to get home. The duo of Atkins and Hankins are both big bodies and would have no issues filling run gaps. If Atkins could come in and see valuable playing time with Las Vegas, and he could prove he is still an important commodity to this league.

2. Buffalo Bills

Another team that Atkins would be a schematic fit for would be the Buffalo Bills, as they are currently still running a base 4-3 defense. On one side of the interior of their defensive line, they boast former top 10 pick, Ed Oliver, and opposite to him is Vernon Butler. Atkins could be brought in as a rotational piece, and help keep those guys fresh. One other positive takeaway from bringing Atkins in would be his ability to bring Oliver under his wing. Atkins could teach him some of the things that made him such an unstoppable force for over a decade. Oliver is a highly talented player, and has the potential to be great; with the help from a veteran like Geno Atkins, some valuable knowledge could be forever instilled in the young pass-rusher’s mind. The Bills are also expected to be a highly competitive team next year, and Atkins could have a chance to win him a ring before his career is over.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

This is more of a luxury addition for the Kansas City Chiefs, as they have one of the best defensive tackles in the league in Chris Jones. Jones has been a destroyer since he came into the league, and beside Jones is Jarran Reed, a former second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks. Atkins would be brought in to spell these guys, or in certain packages, sub Tim Ward out, push Jones outside, and line up Chris Jones, Geno Atkins, Jarran Reed, and Frank Clark along the defensive front. That would be a scary front on the goal line and would give the Chiefs flexibility in short-yardage situations, as well as obvious pass-rush situations. Similar to joining the Buffalo Bills, this would give Atkins an immediate shot at winning himself a ring before his career is over.

4. Dallas Cowboys

This Dallas Cowboys defense was historically bad last season. They gave up the second-most yards in franchise history while allowing the most points ever in a Cowboy’s single-season at 473. First-year defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has his work cut out for him, as they need to add a plethora of talent across the board. In the NFL, it all begins up front, and adding some depth and talent to this defensive line would give Quinn a boost. Atkins could come in and clog up the interior as a big, strong-bodied 3 technique, who has shown he has pass rush prowess. If he can muster some of his old magic, which is yet to be seen, but if the Cowboys could bring Atkins in on a team-friendly one-year deal, it couldn’t make this defense any worse. They need playmakers and then some more playmakers. As it stands today, their interior defensive line is Neville Gallimore and Trysten Hill, that duo isn’t really making anyone shake in their boots. Atkins could be a solid presence inside of Gregory and Lawrence, and make the Cowboys defensive line formidable at the least.

Geno Atkins will sign with an NFL team at some point, but it really is to be seen with who, and for what. His value and interest around the league have to be differentiating, as what he brings to the table at this point is unknown. That being said, teams ike the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders make a lot of sense as they both could definitely use the upgrade along their defensive front. It would be interesting to see Atkins go sign with a competitor as well, like the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs, as Atkins has been one of the quiet, yet productive players in the NFL for the past decade.

The post Potential Landing Spots For Geno Atkins appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Chandler Hyler

James Conner, former Pittsburgh Steeler running back is still looking for his next home. As we have moved past the first, second, and maybe even third waves of free agency, Conner is still on the market. While he will certainly be brought in by a franchise this year, that really is not the question; it is just which franchise will bring the former 2018 Pro Bowler in.

Conner has had an up and down career, hardly seeing the field in 2017 as the Steelers still were represented by one of the top backs in the league at the time, Le’Veon Bell. In the following year, Bell had his controversial contract dispute which led to him missing the entire season. Conner would actually be the beneficiary of this, as he was given his opportunity to shine, and he capitalized. He amassed 973 rushing yards while adding another 497 receiving yards. He would also reach the end zone 13 times in his scratching the surface debut season.

In the following years, Conner has not been as productive as he has battled though not only injuries, but a struggling offensive output in general. Since the departure of Offensive Line Coach in 2019, Mike Munchak, the Steelers run game as a unit has plunged significantly. The air-raid offense that has been led by a quarterback who is meeting father time also has not worked out Conner’s benefit.

Is Conner the 2018 version, where we saw him reach the Pro Bowl, or was that lone season a mirage in a very efficient offense? Regardless, I think it would be wise for both sides, Conner and his future team to come to terms on a one-year prove-it type deal so neither team mortgages their future on an unknown commodity. So, which teams could possibly roll the dice on Conner?

1. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have been one of the few teams that are connected to possible first-round pick Najee Harris in the 2021 NFL Draft. What that tells us is that they are a team looking for a running back, and while I believe Harris is definitely the better option at this point, you could see a team like the Miami Dolphins pick him before he drops to pick number 30. With that said, This Bills team is ready to win now, as they made it to the AFC Championship game last year, but they just couldn’t surpass the juggernaut in the Kansas City Chiefs. If you subtract Quarterback Josh Allen’s rushing yards from that game, they would have totaled 41 rushing yards, and nine of those came from weapon Isiah McKenzie. If this team wants to make a late push again, and get over the hump, it would be wise for them to address the backfield. Conner hasn’t been the most reliable, but he would not need twenty touches a game in this offense. Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll could limit his touches until January football, and this could be the extra ingredient needed to keep defenses honest against Allen and crew,

2. New York Jets

As the New York Jets look to rebuild their roster under first-year head coach Robert Saleh, they will need some veteran faces inside the huddle and locker room. They are basically penciled in to select quarterback Zach Wilson out of BYU with the second overall pick in this year’s draft, and a quarterback’s best friend can be a good ground game. Conner would help take some pressure off of Wilson, and at the minimum keep the opposing defense honest. Conner could be brought in on a one-year deal, enough to come in and give him the chance to show the other 31 teams in the NFL that 2018 was not an anomaly, and helps rookie signal-caller and head coach get through their first year as a pairing.

3. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are a wildcard in the running for Conner, and there really aren’t any outstanding connections that I’m at least aware of. That being said, they just lost running back Kenyan Drake to the Las Vegas Raiders, so there is a chance to upgrade their backfield. Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury wants to build a potent offense, and with the weapons that they currently have at wide receiver including All-Pro Deandre Hopkins, and a lightning bolt at quarterback in Kyler Murray, Conner could add the final dimension to this offense. He is an able pass-catcher and is a tough runner. Adding pass rusher JJ Watt tells me that this team believes it is in its window right now, and adding Conner could be a valuable piece to add to their offense.

4. Miami Dolphins

Head Coach Brian Flores is building quite the team in Miami and has proven to be a great hire. As he continues to look for pieces to upgrade his offense, Conner could be a name that warrants attention. Out of every team in the running for running back Najee Harris, the Miami Dolphins seem to have the most smoke surrounding them. They actually pick in front of the Steelers as well as the Bills. If for whatever reason they are unable to land Harris, they could turn to Conner as a veteran presence to be behind second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Their defense is solid and is backed by a great secondary; their offense is the unit that needs improvement. The AFC East is a division that is clearly led by the Buffalo Bills, but the window to finish second is surely up for grabs, and if the Dolphins can add some weapons, they could push for a wild card spot in the upcoming season’s playoffs. Adding a playmaker on the outside at the top of the draft, some protection for Tua at pick number 18, and adding Conner could beef this offense up in just a few transactions.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Conner could be the last resorts for both sides in this situation. As the Bills and Dolphins, the Steelers are interested in Alabama product Najee Harris. If they are unable to land Harris and aren’t able to find a running back they like in this year’s crop, we could see the Steelers look towards the familiar face in Conner. The same goes for Conner, if he is unable to get what he wants out of the open market, he could accept the chance to stay home and try to pull one more productive season out of the black and yellow. This seems like it could be the last ride for Steelers’ current quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, bringing back Conner could be similar to the situation that brought Wide Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster back to the Steel City. One last ride for this Steelers roster, and we could see it blown up the following season.

The post Best Destinations For James Conner appeared first on Pro Football Mania.