With the draft just a week away, all eyes are currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars and what they will do with the top overall pick. With their decision will come a ripple effect that will impact every other team’s draft boards.
With a big week ahead as teams look to fill holes in their rosters, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories of the week.
Do Jaguars Want Out Of Top Spot?
Sticking with the draft and the Jacksonville Jaguars, reports have come out that the Jaguars may be interested in moving off of the top spot.
According to Albert Breer of SI.com, it appears that many around the league assume that Jaguars’ general manager Trent Baalke would actually prefer to trade down in the draft to acquire multiple assets in exchange for the top spot.
That may be easier said than done, though. Unlike previous drafts, there is no clear-cut No. 1 pick in this draft, particularly because the draft is light on top-tier quarterbacks.
If they do stick with the top pick, ESPN’s Todd McShay has them going with Michigan defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson first overall, while others, including Peter Schrager of NFL.com, project the Jaguars taking Georgia defensive linemen Travon Walker.
One way or another, we will know what is happening to that top spot next Thursday, April 28.
Deebo Samuel Wants Out
San Francisco 49ers’ wideout Deebo Samuel is one of the best in the business. Last season, the 26-year-old Samuel had 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns.
He also rushed 59 times for 365 yards and another eight scores. If that wasn’t enough, he even threw for a 24-yard touchdown during the season.
He is one of the most lethal weapons in all of football, and it appears he might want out of California.
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that Samuel had requested a trade after an extension offer came in well short of what Samuel is wanting. However, that isn’t the only issue at play.
Reports from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport suggest that Samuel was not fond of how he was used in the offense, and NBC’s Chris Simms reports that he would prefer to move closer to his home state of South Carolina.
At the end of the day, the 49ers will do everything in their power to keep Samuel in the fold, but this may be one of the cases that escalates quickly, particularly with the upcoming draft.
As it stands now, the 49ers have the fourth-best odds of winning the NFC next season at +750, and they are +1600 to win the Super Bowl.
Murray Staying Put
While Deebo Samuel may be seeking a trade, it appears that Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray is staying put. Both principal owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim have indicated there is no chance they will move Murray, despite his desire for a contract extension.
Even Murray reiterated that he wanted to win a Super Bowl in Arizona, although his contract demands may become an issue as Arizona’s brass may be willing to see the remainder of his current deal play out.
Last season, in 14 games, Murray threw for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He also rushed 88 times for 423 yards and another five scores.
Arizona is currently +2700 to win the Super Bowl and +1300 to win the NFC.
Browns Keep Ward With Multi-Year Contract
On Monday, the Cleveland Browns made news by signing cornerback Denzel War to a massive contract worth just over $100 million over five years. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal has a little over $70 million in guaranteed money.
This new deal now makes Ward the highest-paid corner in NFL history, surpassing Jalen Ramsey.
Turning 25 on the first day of the draft, Ward played in 15 games last season, amassing 43 tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and half a sack.
In an offseason that has had controversial moves like the Deshaun Watson acquisition, this one is a clear win for the Browns.
Cleveland currently has the fifth-best odds of winning the AFC at +1000.
