2022 Official Chargers Season Discussion

[sonorajim]

This season, the Chargers on offense were 5th in pts per game and 4th in yards per game. The Rams were 8th and 9th in those categories. The Chargers scored 40+ pts in three games. The Rams didn't have a single 40 pt game; they scored 38 twice.

So why the Rams and not the Chargers? Here is why.

The Rams on defense were 15th in pts allowed per game and 17th in yards allowed. The Chargers were 29th and 23rd in those categories.

It's very simple. This off-season should be about rebuilding the defense. Even if the Chargers go from a bad to a mediocre defense, it's good enough to win. The offense needs a little attention, as we have all discussed. Upgrade at RT. Another RB to compliment Ekeler. Re-sign Mike. The rest of this off-season's free agent and draft capital has to be defense. Defense doesn't win championships today. Offense does. Both the Rams and Bengals had top offenses but mediocre defenses. The Chargers have the offense - that battle is conquered and in good shape. But you still need at least a middling defense to win. Come on Telesco and Staley. You can do it.

Agree about D. Re-sign Jones, Kyzir, Nwosu. Sign a solid FA DT and draft one early. Sign a solid FA CB and draft one early. Draft a good Edge early.
Sign a solid FA ILB/MLB.
I'm hoping for Sauce Gardner at 17 but if he's gone, do BPA. I don't want to dis talent to reach for PON.

[AK47]

Agree about D. Re-sign Jones, Kyzir, Nwosu. Sign a solid FA DT and draft one early. Sign a solid FA CB and draft one early. Draft a good Edge early.
Sign a solid FA ILB/MLB.
I'm hoping for Sauce Gardner at 17 but if he's gone, do BPA. I don't want to dis talent to reach for PON.

Imagine the madness our "playmakers" will inflict if our front 3 guys are stout.

[Boltjolt]

I'm trying to play Devil's advocate here. EVERYONE wants to sign MW to a big contract.
Does Justin Herbert REALLY need, what, $35 million( if say MW gets 15?) worth of receivers? I'm a HUGE Keenan fan! And ANYONE who watched him this year KNOWS he didn't look the same. Yes, he put up GREAT numbers but with JH at QB, I'm thinking A LOT of guys could?
And as much as I thought Palmer was drafted to replace MW, after watching him this season, I'm thinking he might be Keenans replacement?
I also think we need to find a slot receiver that can make a living in the seams, gain yardage after the catch.
KA is one of the few( if not ONLY!)valuable assets we have, where we actually have viable options to replace him. We need to accumulate as many draft assets as we can, to build as much good depth as possible, whilst Herbert is on his rookie contract.
I'm still not convinced TT can ACTUALLY build a championship roster( he's handcuffed by the owner's dullard son) but as long as he's GM, he needs to try and think outside the box now. Whatever he's done to this point hasn't worked. Maybe shaking up the status quo could work?
I'm tired of almost, and so close, and only if......
Again, just flingin' mud against the wall

I don't think Palmer was anyone's replacent. They cut TBilly, KJ Hill wasn't much to speak of so I'm thinking they just wanted some better WRs. Even if we resign MW we may draft another one.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

I think with Keenan Allen's age and MW's injury history you need Palmer Guyton and one more solid WR. I would prefer we get a mid round guy in this draft to grow with JH preferably one who can play a roll on special teams that is threat after the catch.

[TexanBeerlover]

I think with Keenan Allen's age and MW's injury history you need Palmer Guyton and one more solid WR. I would prefer we get a mid round guy in this draft to grow with JH preferably one who can play a roll on special teams that is threat after the catch.

Another strong take :uplol:

[WindsorUK]

I think with Keenan Allen's age and MW's injury history you need Palmer Guyton and one more solid WR. I would prefer we get a mid round guy in this draft to grow with JH preferably one who can play a roll on special teams that is threat after the catch.

Spot on!
Looking at the top 20 pass catchers this year, 2/3 were 3rd rounders or later.

[WindsorUK]

I don't think Palmer was anyone's replacent. They cut TBilly, KJ Hill wasn't much to speak of so I'm thinking they just wanted some better WRs. Even if we resign MW we may draft another one.

You don't think using a 3rd on Palmer( by most accounts, an overdraft) was a hedge on MW leaving this winter?
Fair enough.

[equivocation]

People: Telesco should be pro active and not reactive.
Also People: ONLY DRAFT PON WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?

We have to plan on Allen and Bosa (and Linsley) having limited years left here. Part of that is having guys in line who are on rookie contacts but who are not rookies.

[foreigner]

How about signing Von Miller?

[Rugger05]

Here is the top 50 free agents and best fits per ESPN

1. Davante Adams, WR




Best team fit: Las Vegas Raiders

Why it makes sense: Adams is the best free agent in years, and plenty of teams will apply pressure. If Adams wants familiarity and contention, the Raiders can offer Fresno State teammate Derek Carr and a playoff roster. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: A scheme-transcendent wide receiver, Adams fits as the top target for Carr in Vegas, with new coach Josh McDaniels' offense featuring defined throws and isolation matchups for Adams to potentially win. -- Bowen

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2. Terron Armstead, OT


Best team fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Why it makes sense: Armstead should earn well above $20 million per year on a new deal. Jacksonville is armed with $57.7 million in cap space and must replace Cam Robinson. New coach Doug Pederson came from Philadelphia, which prioritizes tackle play. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: A powerful mover with nimble feet, Armstead immediately upgrades the pass protection for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But the veteran also fits here in Pederson's run-game structure as a blocker in both gap and zone schemes. -- Bowen

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3. Mike Williams, WR


Best team fit: Cleveland Browns

Why it makes sense: The Chargers will try to re-sign Williams, but he might have priced himself out. The Browns' offense needs a primary vertical threat to pull everything together. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Let's give quarterback Baker Mayfield a boundary target who can be isolated on second- and third-level throws. Coach Kevin Stefanski can also scheme open some middle-of-the-field voids and create red zone advantages for Williams. -- Bowen

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EDITOR'S PICKS

• Ranking the top 50 NFL free agents: Who could be headed toward a big payday?
  
  21dKevin Seifert
• Early look at 2022 free-agent receivers: Execs on Davante Adams, Chris Godwin and a loaded class
  
  19dJeremy Fowler
• 32 NFL teams, 32 big free-agent decisions: Which players will return to their 2021 team?
  
  21dNFL Nation

4. Chris Godwin, WR


Best team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why it makes sense: The Bucs have long planned to make Godwin a competitive offer to remain in Tampa Bay, viewing him as the Lavonte David of the offense -- the quintessential Buccaneer. New England and Miami make sense as contenders if he hits the market. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Godwin is shifty and explosive in Byron Leftwich's offense, and he has high-end ability to run after the catch. He would be an upper-tier slot target for Tom Brady's successor at quarterback. -- Bowen

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5. Jessie Bates III, S


Best team fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Why it makes sense: Bank on the Bengals franchise-tagging Bates at around $13 million. Considering Cincinnati has paid several high-profile free agents, extending the defense's leader and catalyst would be prudent. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: After watching his postseason tape, I can't see a better fit for Bates than returning to Cincinnati in Lou Anarumo's defense. He has the range to make plays on the ball from the post or split-field alignments, but he also has the ability to spin down and create disruption as a second-level defender. -- Bowen

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6. Orlando Brown Jr., OT


Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Why it makes sense: Kansas City traded for Brown last year knowing it would likely franchise tag him. The Chiefs want to see the pairing through. Brown gives Kansas City the best chance to strengthen its run-game identity. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: A powerful blocker who can hold the edge in pass pro and pull in the Chiefs' gap run schemes, it makes sense for Brown to stay in Kansas City as Patrick Mahomes' left tackle. -- Bowen

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7. Marcus Williams, S


Best team fit: Philadelphia Eagles

Why it makes sense: Williams will have several options as a high-level free safety with 15 interceptions and 38 pass deflections in five seasons. The Eagles' safety unit is in transition, and the team could be willing to outbid the Saints and others. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Williams is a fit for Jonathan Gannon's defensive scheme as a post or quarters defender who has elite range -- and the ball skills to make plays down the field. -- Bowen

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8. Von Miller, OLB


Best team fit: Los Angeles Rams

Why it makes sense: The Rams traded for Miller with the intent of re-signing him. Maybe the Super Bowl win allows both sides to comfortably part ways, though, and we considered the Giants here as defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale tries to ignite a defense that needs a boost. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Miller's snap count could begin to decline a bit at this stage of his career, but we still see high-level pass rush traits on his tape. He can win one-on-ones and disrupt the pocket off the schemed stunts in Raheem Morris' defense. -- Bowen

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9. Tyrann Mathieu, S


Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Why it makes sense: Mathieu is part of the fabric of Chiefs football now. He makes all the calls for the secondary and can still make splash plays. But with Mathieu turning 30 in May, will the Chiefs be concerned about the cost of a player entering his 10th season? -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The best fit for Mathieu is in Kansas City with coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who will utilize the veteran's multidimensional traits in both coverage and pressure. -- Bowen

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10. Odell Beckham Jr., WR


Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Why it makes sense: The Chiefs were in on Beckham during his midseason free-agency tour. He has to sign with a contender with high-level quarterback play, and Kansas City needs juice opposite Tyreek Hill. Plus, tight end Travis Kelce turns 33 in October. But any team interested would have to consider the injury history, after Beckham suffered an injury to his left knee in the Super Bowl. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Beckham could very well return to Los Angeles, where he certainly fits well. But we like Beckham in the Chiefs' pass-game structure as a viable No. 3 target for Patrick Mahomes. A nuanced and savvy route runner, Beckham can win isolation matchups or be schemed as a catch-and-run option on the leveled concepts in the Kansas City playbook. -- Bowen
play2:13Did OBJ prove Baker Mayfield is a bad quarterback?


Domonique Foxworth, Bill Barnwell and Pablo Torre discuss how Baker Mayfield might have felt after watching Odell Beckham Jr. in the Super Bowl.

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11. Carlton Davis, CB


Best team fit: Seattle Seahawks

Why it makes sense: Russell Wilson will be watching Seattle's offseason plan very closely. The Seahawks have needed an additional impact player at cornerback for a few years now, and Davis' price might be too steep for Tampa Bay to re-sign him. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The Seahawks need cornerback talent under new coordinator Clint Hurtt, and Davis fits here as a long, press defender who can match in zone schemes and transition on the ball. -- Bowen

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12. Harold Landry III, OLB


Best team fit: Tennessee Titans

Why it makes sense: The Titans will let players at skill positions walk, but if there's one thing we know about GM Jon Robinson, he loves defensive linemen and pass-rushers. Landry and the Titans should work to consummate an extension, though Tennessee should have a hard cap on his value. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The Titans' pass-rush is critical given this defense's low blitz rate and zone-heavy coverage script. That's why we like Landry back in Tennessee as a schemed edge rusher in one of the league's most disruptive fronts. -- Bowen

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13. Brandon Scherff, G


Best team fit: Carolina Panthers

Why it makes sense: It's hard to see Scherff returning to Washington after he just played out two consecutive franchise tags. Washington doesn't want anything to do with an $18-20 million per year deal for a guard. Neither do the Panthers, but they might be desperate enough for interior offensive line help that they jump into the fray. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Scherff has the athletic traits to win on zone schemes, and he can also move defenders up front. The former Iowa Hawkeye is an immediate upgrade on the offensive line for a Panthers team that wants to run the ball under Matt Rhule. -- Bowen

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14. Allen Robinson II, WR


Best team fit: Indianapolis Colts

Why it makes sense: We love the fit as a do-it-all receiver option opposite Michael Pittman Jr. But the Colts rarely spend big. Is Robinson attainable coming off a down year statistically? Maybe that's when Indy pounces. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Robinson is a smooth route runner with the physical traits to make contested catches. And opposite of Pittman in Indianapolis, the veteran wide receiver can be deployed as a vertical target in the slot and on play-action in-breakers. -- Bowen

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15. Randy Gregory, DE


Best team fit: Dallas Cowboys

Why it makes sense: No team knows Gregory better than Dallas. Now that his career is ascending, the Cowboys should reap the benefits with a long-term deal that both sides can appreciate. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: We like Gregory back in Dallas with coordinator Dan Quinn, who can set up the veteran pass-rusher to utilize his long frame and lower-body flexibility to win on the edge. -- Bowen

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16. Chandler Jones, OLB


Best team fit: New England Patriots

Why it makes sense: At this stage, Jones -- who turns 32 this month -- has good reason to seek a contending team. New England showed a willingness to spend big in last year's free agency, and it can use its familiarity with Jones' game to pair him with Matthew Judon off the edge. Jones could also serve as a hybrid weapon for the Patriots. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: At this stage of his career, Jones fits best in a heavily schemed front, which he will get with Bill Belichick in New England. And the Patriots need another pass-rusher opposite of Judon who can be deployed from multiple alignments. -- Bowen

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What to know for 2022 NFL free agency


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17. Jadeveon Clowney, DE


Best team fit: Cleveland Browns

Why it makes sense: The Browns sought Clowney for two years, trying to sign him in 2020 free agency before landing him on a one-year deal in April. They might as well continue to cash in on that courtship. The Browns' defense improved in 2021 in part because Myles Garrett and Clowney patrolled the edges. The Ravens could also make sense, with Clowney reuniting with his position coach in Houston, Anthony Weaver. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: A straight-line speed-to-power rusher, Clowney saw his production climb when working opposite of Garrett. He'll see more one-on-ones and more favorable matchups by staying in Cleveland. -- Bowen

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18. Trent Brown, OT


Best team fit: Baltimore Ravens

Why it makes sense: Baltimore is in transition at tackle with Alejandro Villanueva (a 2033 free agent) turning 34 in September and Ronnie Stanley missing most of the past two seasons with a severe ankle injury. Quarterback Lamar Jackson would have fun running behind this mammoth man. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: In the Ravens' gap-heavy run system, Brown is an easy fit given the power he displays at the point of the attack and the light feet we see on the tape. Pull, he can block down and move people. He's an upgrade in Greg Roman's offensive structure. -- Bowen

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19. J.C. Jackson, CB


Best team fit: Arizona Cardinals

Why it makes sense: The Cardinals have shown they will do whatever it takes to win, and signing Jackson would be a win. A top-shelf cover corner in his prime with serious ball production (17 interceptions since 2020) gives Arizona just what it needs to stabilize the secondary. The Raiders, with strong New England ties, make sense, too. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Jackson is an upper-tier corner in this league, with the coverage traits and playmaking ability to consistently find the ball. It's an easy transition here to Vance Joseph's scheme, where we should see more man coverage and pressure with Jackson in the mix. -- Bowen

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20. Haason Reddick, OLB


Best team fit: Carolina Panthers

Why it makes sense: Reddick took a one-year deal to up his worth, and he produced in a big way with 11 sacks. Carolina might have a cap on what it's willing to spend here, but it should explore an extension pre-free agency. The Reddick-Brian Burns pairing off the edge is problematic for NFC South offenses. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Reddick is a scheme-specific player, and the best fit for him is to stay in Carolina, where coordinator Phil Snow can deploy the linebacker out of multiple fronts to use his juice off the ball as a pass-rusher. -- Bowen

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21. Stephon Gilmore, CB


Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Why it makes sense: We struggled with narrowing down this fit, because many teams would like Gilmore. About two dozen teams had interest at the trade deadline. The 49ers desperately need corner help and will probably poke around here. But Pittsburgh is retooling at the position as well, and Steelers coaches have long been fans of Gilmore's play. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: With Gilmore's detailed coverage technique and high-level awareness, he'd fit with plenty of teams in free agency. But we like him in Pittsburgh, where the veteran corner can check receivers in man or match/carry in the Steelers' multiple zone schemes. -- Bowen

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22. DJ Chark Jr., WR


Best team fit: Atlanta Falcons

Why it makes sense: Don't expect Atlanta to spend top-of-market money. The Falcons are $5.7 million over the cap and are still rebuilding the roster under new GM Terry Fontenot. But a deep threat in the second wave seems suitable. Also watch for the Eagles, who looked into drafting Chark four years ago. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: In Arthur Smith's system, Chark steps in as a vertical stretch target for quarterback Matt Ryan. He's a long, linear route runner who can attack the top of the secondary or be targeted on shot-play throws. -- Bowen

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23. Dalton Schultz, TE


Best team fit: New York Jets

Why it makes sense: Expect the Jets to be in the market for a safety valve over the middle for Zach Wilson, either in the draft or free agency. Dallas wants to re-sign Schultz, perhaps the most complete tight end in the class, but it can't keep everybody. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Schultz can operate as a middle-of-the-field target for Wilson on play-action throws, and he's slippery after the catch. Schultz plays with good coverage recognition and is a much-needed upgrade at the position in Mike LaFleur's offense. Plus, he is an adequate run blocker. -- Bowen

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Super Bowl LVI: Rams 23, Bengals 20


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24. Quandre Diggs, S


Best team fit: Houston Texans

Why it makes sense: At some point GM Nick Caserio needs to find roster staples and leadership. Houston's outlook at safety is uncertain, with Justin Reid hitting free agency. Assuming he's healthy, Diggs is one of the game's most underrated safeties. And he's a native Texan. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Diggs is a back-end playmaker with the transition speed to drive top-down on the ball in Lovie Smith's core Cover 2 looks. Plus, he can run the alley and tackle in space. And the Texans need more talent in the secondary. -- Bowen

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25. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB


Best team fit: Los Angeles Chargers

Why it makes sense: The Chargers struggled to stop the run, but Nwosu wasn't the problem. Keeping the edge playmaker should be a priority. If not, I'm sure the Colts or Jets or other teams needing edge-rush help will gladly take him. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The Chargers will need to address the interior of the defensive front to improve their poor run defense, but bringing Nwosu back helps here too. He's a thumper on the edge who can also play in space. -- Bowen

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26. Mike Gesicki, TE


Best team fit: Los Angeles Chargers

Why it makes sense: Jared Cook turns 35 in April and is coming off a one-year deal. The Chargers can solidify their tight end position long-term with a prime target for Justin Herbert. The Dolphins didn't make a strong enough effort to keep Gesicki, who is primed for a big payout. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: In Joe Lombardi's offense, Gesicki can be deployed as a seam stretcher from flexed alignments. The tight end has the physical tools to win middle-of-the-field matchups and can play above the rim as a target for Herbert in the red zone. -- Bowen

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27. Ryan Jensen, C


Best team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why it makes sense: The Bucs will remain competitive despite the loss of Tom Brady. This is a good roster. And Jensen embodies Tampa Bay's culture better than just about anyone. His physicality will help the new quarterback. Tennessee could be a team to watch here, too. The Titans' center, Ben Jones, will be a free agent, and Jensen would acquit himself well in the Titans' running game. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Jensen will have multiple options in free agency given his play style on tape, but we have the veteran center staying with the Bucs. Gritty and strong at the point, Jensen is the glue on the Tampa Bay offensive line. -- Bowen

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28. James Daniels, G


Best team fit: New York Giants

Why it makes sense: The Giants need several new pieces along the offensive line, and Daniels would instantly upgrade the Giants' mobility in the interior. It's possible the Bears don't let Daniels leave their building without an attractive contract offer. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: In Brian Daboll's zone run game, the Giants need interior movers who can cut off defenders and climb to the second level. That's Daniels, a young, athletic guard who would step in to upgrade this offensive front in New York. -- Bowen

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29. Darious Williams, CB


Best team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why it makes sense: The Bucs could look to bolster their secondary and have seen Williams' coverage skills up close in two matchups with the Rams this season. Los Angeles could franchise tag Williams, but the $17-plus million tag for corners might be too steep. Williams' former team, the Ravens, needs corner help as well. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: If Carlton Davis is out, Williams fits in Tampa Bay. His 5-foot-9 frame can be a concern, but the tape tells us that Williams is an urgent corner with enough length and vertical speed to play outside. And he fits in Todd Bowles' system as a zone corner, with the traits and play style to take some risks in man coverage. -- Bowen

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2022 NFL draft coverage


• Rankings: |
• Mocks: | |
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30. Charvarius Ward, CB


Best team fit: Minnesota Vikings

Why it makes sense: The Vikings must address the corner spot opposite Cameron Dantzler, and a new regime will want a new outlook for the position. Ward's ability to battle in-man coverage will make him an attractive option for several teams. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The arrow is pointing up on Ward, who will challenge in-man coverage and utilize his backfield vision to overlap throws in zone. With aggressive coverage traits, Ward would elevate the cornerback position in Minnesota. -- Bowen

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31. Bradley Bozeman, C


Best team fit: Baltimore Ravens

Why it makes sense: The Ravens and Bozeman have had preliminary contract talks, so expect this to get done closer to free agency. Bozeman is a pillar along the line and is big in Baltimore's community, doing a bunch of outreach. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Bozeman stays in Baltimore because of the run game structure. He's a meat and potatoes lineman, with the strength to dig out defenders and the awareness/toughness to battle up front. -- Bowen

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32. Cam Robinson, OT


Best team fit: Chicago Bears

Why it makes sense: Robinson has major ability but plays inconsistently. With Chicago's issues across the offensive line for the past few years, it's time to invest in high-level talent, betting that Robinson will become more consistent in the right culture and system. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: As Jeremy said, the Bears are betting on the upside and the ability of their coaching staff to elevate the play of Robinson. The former Alabama lineman has the talent level to hold down the left tackle position in Chicago. -- Bowen

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33. Connor Williams, G


Best team fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Why it makes sense: With Quinton Spain hitting free agency, the Bengals could pair Williams with center Trey Hopkins and guard Jackson Carman, who should make a Year 2 jump. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: While we have some concerns on Williams' overall power and ability to anchor, he upgrades the interior of the Bengals' offensive line. A good fit for Zac Taylor's outside zone run scheme, Williams also has the movement skills to mirror in pass pro. -- Bowen

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34. Andrew Norwell, G


Best team fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Why it makes sense: Jacksonville's offensive line disappointed overall, but Norwell was solid with a 66.7 Pro Football Focus grade and three sacks allowed. So bring back a productive, familiar face inside while rebuilding the tackle spots. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Norwell is a mauler in the run game, with a big, long frame to displace defenders. He stays with Doug Pederson's team here, as the offensive focus continues to center on building and maintaining the front. -- Bowen

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35. Rasul Douglas, CB


Best team fit: Buffalo Bills

Why it makes sense: The Packers would love to keep Douglas but won't be inclined to throw him real money. That's a problem for a player with five interceptions on the season. Meanwhile, Buffalo could use a capable zone corner with splash-play ability. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Douglas is a long leverage corner with good top-end speed and playmaking traits. We saw that on his 2021 tape in Green Bay. In Buffalo, he fits in the Bills' split-safety coverages opposite of Tre'Davious White. -- Bowen

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36. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE


Best team fit: Miami Dolphins

Why it makes sense: Ogbah has been productive in Miami with back-to-back seasons of nine sacks. Run it back. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Ogbah stays on the edge for the Dolphins. With easy movement ability and good hand usage, Ogbah can be schemed out of multiple fronts to create pass-rush production. -- Bowen

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37. Jameis Winston, QB


Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Why it makes sense: The Saints very well could be a factor here, as they keep most of the offensive staff intact post-Sean Payton. Pittsburgh has plenty of options, including rolling with in-house passers Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins, but if the Steelers eschew the trade market, Winston is a high-pedigree free-agent option who thrives off play-action. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: With Winston, we would see the full scheme under coordinator Matt Canada. That means more motion/movement, under-center play-action and full-field passing concepts on dropback throws. The decision-making with Winston is still a concern, but his arm talent and second-reaction movement ability would fit well here. -- Bowen
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38. Laken Tomlinson, G


Best team fit: Miami Dolphins

Why it makes sense: Tomlinson thrived in Kyle Shanahan's system, and if San Francisco doesn't re-sign him, reuniting with Mike McDaniel is the next best option. Expect the 49ers to open extension talks closer to free agency. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: With McDaniel now in Miami, the Dolphins must address the offensive line to fit his run scheme. Tomlinson is the logical choice here, to combo and chip on zone schemes with blocking angles created by the pre- and post-snap movement in McDaniel's system. -- Bowen

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39. Christian Kirk, WR


Best team fit: Detroit Lions

Why it makes sense: With $20 million in cap space and one of the league's weaker receiving corps, the Lions are well-positioned to sign a high-caliber player to bolster the passing game. That Kirk can lineup inside or out will help his free agency profile. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: A consistent route runner on schemed concepts who can also create for himself, Kirk would bring speed and vertical ability to the Lions' pass game, which would complement the play style of Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit. -- Bowen

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40. Michael Gallup, WR


Best team fit: Chicago Bears

Why it makes sense: The Bears will prioritize a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups for quarterback Justin Fields. Gallup will be the steal of free agency if a team gets a discount due to his torn ACL. By midseason, he should be humming. Offensive coaches around the league love this guy's game and felt he has been underutilized in Dallas. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The Bears need playmakers in the pass game opposite Darnell Mooney, and Gallup brings a physical element to the position, with the ability to stretch the defense over the top as an outside target for Fields. -- Bowen

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41. Teddy Bridgewater, QB


Best team fit: Houston Texans

Why it makes sense: Multiple execs agree that Houston is a logical destination for Bridgewater, a place he can potentially start games without disrupting the progress of Davis Mills. Bridgewater's days as a full-time starter might be coming to an end. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: We see Mills as the starter in Houston after watching his rookie tape, with Bridgewater as the No. 2. Bridgewater is a consistent decision-maker, with timing and rhythm-throwing traits. -- Bowen

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42. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR


Best team fit: Philadelphia Eagles

Why it makes sense: Smith-Schuster seems destined to leave Pittsburgh. The Chiefs were interested a year ago and could circle back. Smith-Schuster has battled knee and shoulder issues, but when healthy, he can make tough catches over the middle and is a strong blocker -- which would help Eagles coach Nick Sirianni's run-heavy attack. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: The Eagles have speed and vertical ability in the wide receiver room, but they are lacking a slot target with physical traits. Smith-Schuster is more explosive than you think, with the catch-and-run ability to work as a big slot in Sirianni's offense. -- Bowen

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2022 NFL head coach changes


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43. De'Vondre Campbell, ILB


Best team fit: Green Bay Packers

Why it makes sense: Campbell turned a one-year flier deal into an All-Pro season. The Packers recognize they can't pay him the veteran minimum again. Considering Campbell's great fit in Joe Barry's system, expect Green Bay to come with a substantial raise. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Campbell put together outstanding tape for the Packers in 2021. He's an impact player with second-level range and the ability to key and diagnose against the run. His best fit is signing a multi-year deal to stay in the middle of that Green Bay defense. -- Bowen

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44. Duane Brown, OT


Best team fit: Seattle Seahawks

Why it makes sense: Brown might be a candidate to retire at this point -- he turns 37 in August -- but considering several question marks surrounding Seattle's offensive line, the Seahawks will weigh a potential one-year offer for Brown. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Still an adequate starter at the tackle position, Brown has patient feet and is a nuanced technician on the edge. If the veteran comes back for another NFL season, his best fit is in Shane Waldron's offense. -- Bowen

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45. Leighton Vander Esch, ILB


Best team fit: Houston Texans

Why it makes sense: Dallas declining Vander Esch's fifth-year option sent signals that he's not in the long-term plans. That's OK. Vander Esch can still play a pivotal role on a defense. Lovie Smith needs a downhill thumper in Houston, but Pittsburgh could get involved here, too. The Steelers were very high on Vander Esch coming out of the draft and need linebacker help. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Vander Esch displays functional hip tightness on tape, but he's a physical, top-down player who can run the pipe as the deep middle-hole defender in Smith's scheme. -- Bowen

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46. Rob Gronkowski, TE


Best team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why it makes sense: Gronkowski has played with one quarterback his entire career, and I'm not sure if he plans to play with a second. But he's only 32 and is still fairly productive. The Bucs know how to use him and won't overhaul the offense without Tom Brady, so perhaps he has found his niche in Tampa Bay and returns on another one-year deal. But he did say some glowing things about Joe Burrow this week ... hmmm. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Assuming Gronkowski is back for another NFL season, the best system for the tight end remains in Tampa Bay. He sees multiple tight end sets, play-action and middle-of-the-field throws. And Gronkowski can still find the end zone as a flexed target. -- Bowen

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47. Brian Allen, C


Best team fit: Chicago Bears

Why it makes sense: O-line, O-line, O-line. The Bears' new GM, Ryan Poles, was an offensive lineman at Boston College and just helped the Chiefs rebuild their offensive line as part of Kansas City's front office. The 49ers could be a sleeper here though, too. Alex Mack is a candidate to retire, and the 49ers' and Rams' offenses employ similar run-game/play-action principles. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: Allen is a smart, positional blocker who can climb off combos and get up to the linebacker level. That fits what I expect to be a zone-heavy run game approach in Luke Getsy's new offensive system. -- Bowen

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48. Austin Corbett, G


Best team fit: Los Angeles Rams

Why it makes sense: The Rams have interest in bringing back Corbett on a long-term deal but didn't press the issue before Week 1. That might cost them. Corbett figures to have a good market. But the Rams can free up money from now until March (at least $30 million with restructures and cuts). -- Fowler

Scheme fit: In Sean McVay's schemed-up offense, Corbett can function and produce as a run-game blocker and utilize his footwork/anchor in pass pro. The veteran guard has the movement ability to fit up on defenders in space, too. -- Bowen

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49. David Njoku, TE


Best team fit: Cleveland Browns

Why it makes sense: I was hearing around midseason that the Browns had already made a contract offer to Njoku, who once requested a trade but is now happy in Cleveland. Elsewhere, the Jaguars have long needed an infusion of tight-end talent, and the Panthers could utilize the tight end more in Ben McAdoo's offense. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: In Brian Stefanski's offense, the Browns will deploy two- and three-tight end sets, where Njoku is utilized in the pass game. They throw the seams, deep corners and more. Njoku has first-round traits, with the vertical speed to stretch defensive backs. -- Bowen

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50. Terrell Edmunds, S


Best team fit: New York Jets

Why it makes sense: The Jets are poised to re-tool their secondary with several new pieces, and the departure of safety Marcus Maye would leave a void. Edmunds could have a sneaky good market. He has played 64 games -- with 60 starts -- in four years. -- Fowler

Scheme fit: We see Edmunds as a Quarters (Cover 4), deep-half defender who can rotate down to play underneath zones. That's a fit with Robert Saleh and the Jets' defined coverage schemes. -- Bowen

[blueman]

If MWill signs with the Browns he’s dumber than a box of rocks.

[richpjr]

If MWill signs with the Browns he’s dumber than a box of rocks.

Going from Herbert to Mayfield - polar opposites!

I would be quite happy with adding Gesicki - always was a fan of his game.