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NFL News and Notes: NFL Draft Will Be Virtual

Of all the major sports in the United States, the NFL has been the least affected by the coronavirus pandemic to this point. Fortunately, the NFL has been in their offseason and free agency and the draft (although slightly modified) have been a full go.

Furthermore, according to commissioner Roger Goodell, the league is planning to play and sees no reason to have to postpone the start of the season. With all of that in mind, let’s look at some of the news from around the league this last week:

Draft Will Be Held Virtually

As previously mentioned, the upcoming draft from April 23-25 is still a go; however, it will be modified due to the coronavirus pandemic. Goodell announced that the draft would be completely virtual this year.

Due to the circumstances of stay-at-home orders and other pandemic-related concerns, teams will not be able to meet in their war rooms, and the events surrounding the draft in Las Vegas have been canceled.

To adjust, the league will be holding their draft completely virtually. Club personnel will be working remotely from their homes, and high draft picks will also be interviewed remotely.

While there is excitement to at least have something sports-related to talk about, there are certain disadvantages teams must face with the new reality of the pandemic. Mostly, teams are unable to meet with prospective players, hold individual workouts, or be able to have their doctors examine the players.

Could Redskins Draft Tua?

The idea that team doctors can’t examine players is especially problematic when thinking about Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. For quite some time, Tagovailoa seemed like the consensus number one pick, but a hip injury that required surgery has put some shadows over where he might fall in the draft.

Interestingly, Ron Rivera and the Washington Redskins seem at least intrigued by the quarterback. Despite having drafted Dwayne Haskins last year and seeming like a sure-fire bet to take Chase Young at No. 2, some believe they are at least considering Tagovailoa. It would certainly be a draft day shocker, but stranger things have happened.

Last year, with Alabama, Tagovailoa threw for 2,840 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions in nine games. He also rushed for two touchdowns in that time.

Chiefs Making Moves

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a couple of familiar faces in Sammy Watkins and Bashaud Breeland. Watkins agreed to a restructured contract that will pay him $9 million plus another $7 million in incentives. Last season, Watkins had 52 receptions for 673 yards and three touchdowns.

Cornerback Bashaud Breeland is also returning on a one-year deal that will pay him $4.5 million. Last season, Breeland had 48 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries (including one for a touchdown).

To top off a solid season, he had an interception in the Super Bowl that saw the Chiefs eventually earn a ring. Needless to say, it was a reunion that both sides were happy to see get done.

Finally, the Chiefs have also brought in former Raiders backup running back DeAndre Washington on a one-year deal. Last year, Washington rushed 108 times for 387 yards and three touchdowns.

He also had 36 receptions for 292 yards. He will battle for a spot on a running back depth chart that also includes Damien Williams, Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson.

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