National Football League

[Nomad]

I'm a total realist. I see Pete Carroll at least having the team ready to play every Sunday and eliminating all the stupid, bone headed mistakes made by previous coaches, which is a small victory in itself. If the Raiders finish 7-10 in that division but look competitive with a few good wins but don't beat themselves, and look like they are headed in a positive direction at the end of the season, I'd be good with that.

C'mon, Carroll is going to have to do better than that if plans on coaching a 2nd yr. He's not breaking in a rookie QB - he's got a seasoned veteran who's got a lot left in the tank. He's got an incredible talent at TE - the next Dave Casper. He's got a one man wrecking crew with Crosby. And...now one of the best RBs to come out of college in a long time & a generational talent. With Jeanty you'll have a punishing running game that'll open up the door for play-action passing that'll benefit Smith like crazy. Plus Jeanty can catch the ball with the the best of them. Jeanty is classified as a "workhorse back" - a 3-down give it all back. He's "plug n play" day 1 starter.

Ashton Jeanty Running Back Boise State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 92.5 Rank: #1 Forty: 4.42 Jeanty's film study reveals a generational talent with a skill set that transcends traditional running back archetypes. His rare fusion of elite vision, ot...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Carroll needs to go 8-9 at the very least - preferably 9-8 & a shot at the playoffs. Payton in his first year took the Broncos to 8-9 from 5-12 the previous year, 10-7 & postseason this past year. Last year Harbough did a complete reversal taking the Chargers to 11-6 from 5-12 the year before. This is what Carroll is going to be measured against. Carroll's legacy is on the line as a SB winning coach. He has to win now....no excuses. A 7-10 season would be an utter failure for a coach of his status.

 

[Sciatic]

Hawks at least trying to improve the OL!

 

[Potomac]

Several picks into the third round and only three QBs have been taken.
None of them Sanders.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Sanders ran his mouth about his son and got shown up. I read from one interview that his son didn’t interview well and came off as entitled.

Sanders is being sent a hard message.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

He's dropping to the 4th round, or later. The Pelissero article I posted wasn't a hit piece (quotes from coaches and execs saying he wasn't very good, too entitled, etc.), but factual and well researched.

When I looked at numbers, one key area stood out: Rushing attempts and yards. In 2023 he had 111 attempts for -77 yards. And in 2024, 100 attempts for -50. That's correct, minus yards. Granted, most of these are broken plays or scramble/sacks. But it shows how immobile he is, in an era that Nomad aptly pointed out: Mobile and dual threat QBs are now the norm, what's expected. This is the new NFL.

And not just NFL. I posted this before about the UFL. The two least mobile QBs in that league are Luis Perez and Matt Corral. But both of those guys move pretty well within the pocket, plus when it breaks down. Both are pass first guys, but both will move and run for positive yards. Last year's UFL MVP was Adrien Martinez - a dual threat QB (now on the Jets). AJ McCarron was a top passer in the UFL. But he's out of the league. Not signed by his team. Why? He's a statue. The guys they replaced him with are both highly mobile Manny Wilkins (somewhat dual threat) and Max Duggan.

 

[Nomad]

Maybe Sanders won't be drafted at all? We are witnessing something very strange & unprecedented with a consensus projected 1st rd QB dropping down this far (some scouts even had him as the #1 OA pick over Ward). I can't remember anything like this happening before?

How about Tyler Shough - 2nd rd to the Saints moving up to QB3 in this draft! I mentioned earlier that some scouts said he has the best arm talent in this class & that he's the most NFL ready to start (and he showed his athleticism & mobility at the Combine which was in question due to his injury history). If Carr ends up out for the season, I'm sure he'll be given the chance to compete for the starting job & could very well end up as the day 1 starter.

Milroe 3rd rd to Seattle. I thought he might go higher to some team like Pittsburgh. He's the best dual-threat RPO QB in this class (however, there's only two - him & Riley Leonard). Milroe should easily win the backup job (vs Lock, Howell & Hall).

 

[movingtarget]

Hawks at least trying to improve the OL!

More than the 49ers are , at least.

 

[movingtarget]

Maybe Sanders won't be drafted at all? We are witnessing something very strange & unprecedented with a consensus projected 1st rd QB dropping down this far (some scouts even had him as the #1 OA pick over Ward). I can't remember anything like this happening before?

How about Tyler Shough - 2nd rd to the Saints moving up to QB3 in this draft! I mentioned earlier that some scouts said he has the best arm talent in this class & that he's the most NFL ready to start. If Carr ends up out for the season, I'm sure he'll be given the chance to compete for the starting job & could very well end up as the day 1 starter.

Milroe 3rd rd to Seattle. I thought he might go higher (not sure if Seattle drafted him as potential backup or if he's their future QB with the proper development?). He's the best dual-threat RPO QB in this class (however, there's only two - him & Riley Leonard). We'll see if Milroe can win the backup job (vs Lock & Howell).

The next Mr Irrelevant ?

 

[SHAD0W93]

I think his and his dad’s attitude is causing his stock to drop. Like look at the setup he purchased, his number being retired, and the nepotism. No team wants to deal with that drama for someone who played decently from reports in college, I haven’t looked that much into his stats.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The Browns also took Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur. As Nomad said, the modern NFL quarterback is either dual threat, or highly mobile, and that is not how Shedeur plays. though Shough isn't that mobile. It wouldn't surprise me if Riley Leonard isn't the next QB taken at this point. Not the best passer in college, but he is a dual threat, with NFL size at 6'4", 220. Perfect guy to take in rounds 4-6, sit and develop.

One rumor is the Giants after their interview found Shedeur "undraftable". This is a team that took Daniel Jones #6 overall. Someone elsewhere quipped Shedeur's future is in the UFL. But as I posted before, he would be the least mobile QB in their entire league. Let that sink in. At this point my gut tells me he will go to the Cowboys after another couple rounds. I thought the Raiders might grab him, as they have three picks in the 6th round, but now I don't think so, and hope not. Raiders don't need a QB anyway, though at this point he's going to sit for a while wherever he goes.

Milroe is a project, but the potential is there for sure. I think this is a good pick for Seattle.

All defense for SF, which surprises me, as they do need OL help.

That multi-trade by the Broncos was nuts!

 

[Nomad]

Certainly Sanders comes with a lot of drama...no doubt about that. Alpe did a nice job breaking down some of his rushing stats, sacks, etc. In terms of throwing the ball, he is supposed to be pretty good. Accuracy & ball placement is his forte (75% completion rate last year - highest among FBS QBs). I've heard criticism on his lack of arm strength & that Travis Hunter made him look good.

But what is strange is that despite his shortcomings on the field, every scout had him going in the 1st rd - it was a question of what # pick. Go figure.

 

[Potomac]

I love the press.
they completely over hype something that they know nothing about, then be shocked when the professionals disagree with their casual click bait uninformed opinions, and say it must be something "personnel"

 

[Sciatic]

He's dropping to the 4th round, or later. The Pelissero article I posted wasn't a hit piece (quotes from coaches and execs saying he wasn't very good, too entitled, etc.), but factual and well researched.

When I looked at numbers, one key area stood out: Rushing attempts and yards. In 2023 he had 111 attempts for -77 yards. And in 2024, 100 attempts for -50. That's correct, minus yards. Granted, most of these are broken plays or scramble/sacks. But it shows how immobile he is, in an era that Nomad aptly pointed out: Mobile and dual threat QBs are now the norm, what's expected. This is the new NFL.

And not just NFL. I posted this before about the UFL. The two least mobile QBs in that league are Luis Perez and Matt Corral. But both of those guys move pretty well within the pocket, plus when it breaks down. Both are pass first guys, but both will move and run for positive yards. Last year's UFL MVP was Adrien Martinez - a dual threat QB (now on the Jets). AJ McCarron was a top passer in the UFL. But he's out of the league. Not signed by his team. Why? He's a statue. The guys they replaced him with are both highly mobile Manny Wilkins (somewhat dual threat) and Max Duggan.

Really good point about the mobility within the pocket. As much as I dislike him, that was something Rodgers was brilliant at--not only escapability but also keeping his eyes downfield.

 

[Sciatic]

I think his and his dad’s attitude is causing his stock to drop. Like look at the setup he purchased, his number being retired, and the nepotism. No team wants to deal with that drama for someone who played decently from reports in college, I haven’t looked that much into his stats.

POssibly, but the fact all the teams are doing that smells of collusion, which I thought was illegal in the NFL?

 

[movingtarget]

2025 NFL Draft: Browns select Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel with No. 94 overall pick

2025 NFL Draft: Seahawks select Alabama QB Jalen Milroe at No. 92 overall

 

[Sciatic]

The Browns also took Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur. As Nomad said, the modern NFL quarterback is either dual threat, or highly mobile, and that is not how Shedeur plays. though Shough isn't that mobile. It wouldn't surprise me if Riley Leonard isn't the next QB taken at this point. Not the best passer in college, but he is a dual threat, with NFL size at 6'4", 220. Perfect guy to take in rounds 4-6, sit and develop.

One rumor is the Giants after their interview found Shedeur "undraftable". This is a team that took Daniel Jones #6 overall. Someone elsewhere quipped Shedeur's future is in the UFL. But as I posted before, he would be the least mobile QB in their entire league. Let that sink in. At this point my gut tells me he will go to the Cowboys after another couple rounds. I thought the Raiders might grab him, as they have three picks in the 6th round, but now I don't think so, and hope not. Raiders don't need a QB anyway, though at this point he's going to sit for a while wherever he goes.

Milroe is a project, but the potential is there for sure. I think this is a good pick for Seattle.

All defense for SF, which surprises me, as they do need OL help.

That multi-trade by the Broncos was nuts!

Macdonald might envision Milroe in the Lamar Jackson role (though not the same level, obviously) in a Hawks offense of the future. Probably worth a shot.

 

[Nomad]

Macdonald might envision Milroe in the Lamar Jackson role (though not the same level, obviously) in a Hawks offense of the future. Probably worth a shot.

I think Darnold's days are numbered. This move looks like a definite N0 confidence vote on Sammy. A team doesn't take a QB of Milroe's caliber in the 3rd round to be a backup or a long-term development plan (backups all come from the 6th & 7th rd).

Milroe is a 4.4 burner with devastating running ability & a canon of an arm. He'll beat you with his arm or feet...it doesn't matter which (recruited by Saban who said he's the best dual-threat QB he's ever coached). He also won the Walter V Campbell award given to the top student-athlete in FBS, so he's got some smarts (Bo Nix won it last year).

There's some precedence on this:

Russell Wilson was also drafted in the 3rd rd. Wilson beat everybody out in preseason including Matt Flynn who Seattle signed in the off-season as their starter. Wilson was the day 1 starter & never looked back.

Prescott was drafted in the 4th rd & was supposed to sit a few years & "learn under Tony Romo." Prescott won the backup job in preseason but Romo hurt his back anticipating to miss 8-10 weeks so Prescott was the day 1 starter. He played so well that when Romo was cleared to play, they just kept Prescott as the starter & the rest is history.

The Seahawks just traded Sam Howell to the Vikings so that just leaves Lock & Hall as competition for the backup. Milroe will blow them away & he'll have sights set on Darnold.

I imagine there were a lot of expletives when Darnold got this news. Lol. He's smart enough to know that his new employer mustn't be that confident in him or they wouldn't have taken a dual-threat dynamo in the 3rd rd.

 

[Nomad]

My guess is the Browns take Shedeur in round 2.

Not bad - you got the right team just off on the round.

What a strange situation: You've got an aging veteran in Flacco, one 4th year 1st rd drafted guy who's a potential bust & now two kids just out of college as your QBs going into camp. Is Flacco the starter & the others battle for the backup? Or do all four duke it out for the starting spot? Things are about to get crazy in Cleveland. Lol.

 

[Sciatic]

Not bad - you got the right team just off on the round.

What a strange situation: You've got an aging veteran in Flacco, one 4th year 1st rd drafted guy who's a potential bust & now two kids just out of college as your QBs going into camp. Is Flacco the starter & the others battle for the backup? Or do all four duke it out for the starting spot? Things are about to get crazy in Cleveland. Lol.

Wait, things were already crazy in Cleveland.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Browns actually have five QBs on their roster right now: Pickett, Flacco, Gabriel, Sanders, and Watson (who won't play). One of these players will only make the practice squad/emergency QB, another will be cut. Take bets now.

I think Darnold's days are numbered. This move looks like a definite N0 confidence vote on Sammy. A team doesn't take a QB of Milroe's caliber in the 3rd round to be a backup or a long-term development plan (backups all come from the 6th & 7th rd).

I see the same thing. To me this tells Darnold he has this coming year to play at least as well as last season, if not better, and lead Seattle to the playoffs. While the team spends the year developing Milroe, whose issues are inconsistency in accuracy, and some decision making. Those will come with coaching, and work. Keep in mind Milroe is a true dual-threat QB. A potential Jalen Hurts level player. Darnold is one of the least mobile QBs in the league. This all sets up Milroe to be the Seahawks QB in 2026, maybe sooner if Darnold regresses. And if Darnold is great? It's win-win for Seattle.

Pittsburgh is a good landing space for Howard. And Indy for Leonard.

I cannot for the life of me comprehend the 49ers draft decisions.

 

[movingtarget]

The fact that the Browns traded up in the fifth round to get Sanders after taking a QB earlier is such a Browns thing to do. The odds are they didn't need to do that anyway judging by how many times Sanders had already been overlooked. Should be an interesting QB camp............as for the 49ers picks, it got a bit spotty on day 3 and the O line class is supposed to be better next year. The RB seems decent but i think they didn't have to draft two WR's and the under sized corner was an odd choice. It also seems that Mustapha did his ACL in the final game of the season but nothing had been said until now so the pick at safety makes sense. At least their D line seems to have been strengthened but the O line is still a worry even if Trent Williams is back and plays a relatively full season which he rarely does now. The odds of the 49ers getting to a home SB this season are looking less than ideal at the moment unless they can keep their stars on the field regularly and hope that quite a few of the rookies are already able to take an active role especially on defense. Their run defense last season was awful.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The fact that the Browns traded up in the fifth round to get Sanders after taking a QB earlier is such a Browns thing to do.

Many Browns fans are certain it was owner Jimmy Haslem's decision at that point. That GM Andrew Barry didn't want him, and Kevin Stefanski likely didn't either - after all, they already drafted Dillon Gabriel. Fans are picking apart the way Barry was very careful in his wording in their press conference talking about it. As I said before, with 5 QBs on staff, someone will be cut, and someone pushed to the practice squad making them bait for another team. Meaning it's 98% likely either Gabriel or Sanders were a wasted pick. As in, the second guy drafted as far as the GM/coaching staff is concerned.

Watson recently said he plans to come back this season, and play as the starter. But I don't see it.

Every team in the NFC West is in a state of transition. But my gut tells me SF will finish last. Unless Darnold sucks for Seattle, and/or they play Milroe too soon.

Want an example where the GM and head coach make the picks with no meddling from the owners? Look at the Raiders. There was a lot of talk about how Tom Brady helped mentor Shedeur, with private workouts, and Tom is good friends with Prime. Mark Davis also spoke highly of Shedeur, and had been seen talking with Prime in recent months. Raiders fans even thought if Shedeur fell to round 2 or 3, the Raiders would take him for sure. Well, Raiders GM John Spytek, and Pete Carroll, ignored all that, eventually drafting Cam Miller late in the 6th round with a compensatory pick. Miller is, you guessed it, a dual-threat QB.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Don't think mobile/dual QBs are the new norm? Watch just the first few minutes of these UFL highlights between St. Louis and Michigan. If you go back to last year St. Louis QB was AJ McCarron who was a very accurate passer, but a statue. Max Duggan is a completely different QB, and was almost unstoppable for St. Louis in this game both running all over the place including designed runs, and passing - often on the run.

 

[Nomad]

Well, Raiders GM John Spytek, and Pete Carroll, ignored all that, eventually drafting Cam Miller late in the 6th round with a compensatory pick. Miller is, you guessed it, a dual-threat QB.

Miller (NDSU) torched CU for 277 yds passing/81 yds rushing in both team's opener last season where NDSU came real close to upsetting CU (I actually watched this game last year):

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/1f33XRvObYs?si=cGT3D4YMiFx5huCI

You're spot on, Miller is a dual-threat & the best QB in FCS last year (FCS All-American). But I'm a little confused on this selection. The scouting reports aren't all that favorable on his throwing ability. They say his arm isn't very strong & there's concerns with his slow release (though they say he can make all the NFL throws). Noted is his exceptional mobility & running capability. So, was he drafted to compete against O'Connell for the backup job? Or is he practice squad material where he's going to need some intense development to even reach the opportunity to compete for a backup job? Plus isn't there Carter Bradley (Gus' kid) waiting for his shot to compete for the backup?

I see that Quin Ewers, the stud from Texas, dropped all the way down to the 7th rd (Miami). Weren't you prerty high on him at one time Alpe?

 

[Nomad]

...........as for the 49ers picks, it got a bit spotty on day 3 and the O line class is supposed to be better next year. The RB seems decent but i think they didn't have to draft two WR's and the under sized corner was an odd choice. It also seems that Mustapha did his ACL in the final game of the season but nothing had been said until now so the pick at safety makes sense. At least their D line seems to have been strengthened but the O line is still a worry even if Trent Williams is back and plays a relatively full season which he rarely does now. The odds of the 49ers getting to a home SB this season are looking less than ideal at the moment unless they can keep their stars on the field regularly and hope that quite a few of the rookies are already able to take an active role especially on defense. Their run defense last season was awful.

Upton Stout is really undersized at 5'8" (the average height of a corner is 5'11"). How is he going to match up with these Megatron WRs out there? 6'4" guys with great size, blazing speed & incredible vertical jumps? Maybe he could play at the college level
being that short but is the NFL.

And what's with them drafting a big stiff like Kurtis Rouke? He had ACL surgery in January & may not be even ready for preseason camp. He's not very agile/athletic & is more of a pure pocket passer. The way Lynch hypes on him you'd think this is their franchise QB moving forward. Lol.

What the 49ers see in QB Kurtis Rourke, who is recovering from an ACL injury

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Saturday following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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