‘Word on the Street’

NFL Free Agency 2024

Frank Coyle/ Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

The official start of NFL Free Agency period begins today at 4 pm with a few clubs expected to release more veterans to get under the new salary cap. The ‘legal’ tampering opened Monday midday and the player rush began with NFL clubs prepared to make huge offers to new free agents. The new $30+ million-dollar increase added to up a $255.4 million salary cap per team which made most club instant bidders on the open market.

The premier positions took the focus especially the QB market after the 2023 season saw 60+ starters at the position and raised the bar again at the game’s most important position. QB Kirk Cousin’s was again a huge winner in the open market with an incredible 4-year $180 million deal with the Falcons. His presence makes the Falcons dangerous in the NFC South with a young talented group of playmakers and a solid offensive line around him. Their defense will demand the focus of most future signings and many of the premier draft selections in April.

Most of the early FA movement at the QB spot has been the extensive change at the #2 role, following a season with multiple injuries and rotation at the position. The Browns actually made the playoffs last season, relying on the strong performance of backup Joe Flacco who signed late in the 2023 season after his release from the Jets. He stepped up big and delivered multiple 300-yard passing performances. He was the Browns 5th starter as they continue to stabilize offensively after a year of multiple injuries and erratic performances. Flacco is a FA and will not resign with the Browns. They have already signed vet Jameis Winston for their deep QB room.

The Browns’ blockbuster deal for QB DeShaun Watson three years ago is still highly questioned after his second season in Cleveland on a trade which costed three #1 selections and a whopping #230 million contract. He enters training camp hoping to justify the enormous bounty the Browns relinquished.

In addition to Cousins with a new contract, Baker Mayfield re-signed with the Bucs for $100M on a three-year deal. He directed the Bucs to the playoffs after coming off the QB scrap hill and not re-signed in Carolina last offseason. Veteran Russell Wilson was released by the Broncos after two horrible seasons in Denver, leaving a ton of dead money on their salary cap books. He signed with the Steelers where he will compete with young Kenny Pickett who the starting job.

Backup QBs moved quickly prior to the official opening with clubs determined to land veteran backups who can hold the fort during any interruptions of the long 18-week NFL schedule. The 2023 The NFL Draft will also see the QB movement dominate the early action with the top 3 selections expected to be young passers and possibly 5-6 chosen in the first round.  The trade market will also be a factor in the domino effect at the position. The Bears’ hold two #1 picks, the first and #9 overall which makes Justin Fields expendable this offseason. His mediocre three-year early career will probably end in Chicago. Most clubs move on from incumbents when #1 overall pick allows them to add a top prospect to begin a new era. Fields may not command more than a 3rd round selection or possibly later with conditions. He was an expensive trade with the Giants to move up in the 2021 NFL Draft which cost two #1 picks plus a few middle round throw-ins.

The 2024 NFL Free Agency bell rings in minutes with many deals agreed upon over the past 48 hours. The upcoming player movement will change the landscape of NFL rosters for the season.

The impact of new additions will play a huge role in the makeup of the divisional races which bring many surprises annually in the ever-changing NFL.

NFL Compensatory Selections Awarded

The NFL announced on Friday it has awarded 34 compensatory picks to 14 teams for the 2024 NFL Draft, which will be held April 25-27 in Detroit.

The 34 compensatory picks include two special selections that were awarded at the end of the 3rd round to the teams, the Rams and 49ers that had a minority employee hired as a head coach or primary football executive by another club. The special compensatory picks were instituted as an amendment to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement in an effort to promote equal employment opportunities within NFL teams.

Separate from the special compensatory picks, a team that loses more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks, per the league. The compensatory picks are positioned from Round 3 to Round 7 based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost. The formula that determines compensatory free agents is based on salary, playing time and postseason honors.

Below is the full list of compensatory picks awarded to teams ahead of this year’s NFL Draft (special compensatory picks denoted by an asterisk):

Round 3
96) Jacksonville Jaguars
97) Philadelphia Eagles
98) Los Angeles Rams*
99) San Francisco 49ers*

Round 4
132) San Francisco 49ers
133) Buffalo Bills
134) Baltimore Ravens

Round 5
167) New Orleans Saints
168) Green Bay Packers
169) New Orleans Saints
170) Philadelphia Eagles
171) Philadelphia Eagles
172) Kansas City Chiefs
173) Dallas Cowboys
174) New Orleans Saints
175) San Francisco 49ers

Round 6
208) Cincinnati Bengals
209) Los Angeles Rams
210) Philadelphia Eagles
211) San Francisco 49ers
212) Jacksonville Jaguars
213) Los Angeles Rams
214) Cincinnati Bengals
215) San Francisco 49ers
216) Dallas Cowboys
217) Los Angeles Rams
218) New York Jets
219) Green Bay Packers
220) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 7
253) Los Angeles Chargers
254) Los Angeles Rams
255) Green Bay Packers
256) New York Jets
257) New York Jets

Here’s a breakdown of the number of compensatory picks allotted by team (asterisk denotes a special compensatory pick is included in the team’s total):

Team Total Compensatory Picks
Los Angeles Rams 5*
San Francisco 49ers 5*
Philadelphia Eagles 4
Green Bay Packers 3
New Orleans Saints 3
New York Jets 3
Cincinnati Bengals 2
Dallas Cowboys 2
Jacksonville Jaguars 2
Baltimore Ravens 1
Buffalo Bills 1
Kansas City Chiefs 1
Los Angeles Chargers 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1

NFL Draft 2024 – Pro Day Schedule

 Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

With the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine completed last weekend, the next stage of the prospect-evaluation process continues with the extensive pro day schedule.

Photo – QB Caleb Williams – USC
                 (Pro day – March 20th)
     Photographer Jessica Alcheh – USA Today Sports

2024 NFL Draft – April 25-27 – Detroit

NFL personnel offices will canvas the nation, to scout the top players perform on-field drills and interviews.Workouts at team facilities will be in April and limited by league rules.

The Big 12 is hosting a joint pro day featuring prospects from conference schools (Baylor, BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia) at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on March 27-30. This will be a few of several workouts telecast by the NFL Network

Completed Pro Days
March 4
Ball State
 
March 5
Indiana
 
March 6
Northwestern
 
March 7
Purdue
 

Pro Schedule Through April

March 8
    Illinois
    Monmouth University (N.J.)
    Southeast Missouri State
 
March 11
    Oregon State
    Western Michigan
 
March 12
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    South Carolina
 
March 13
    Arizona State
    Arkansas
    Georgia
    Michigan State
 
March 14
    Arizona
    Clemson
    Colorado
    Minnesota
 
March 15
    Penn State
    UCLA
    Wisconsin
 
March 18
    Colorado State
    Fresno State
    Georgia State
    Iowa
    Miami
    Syracuse
    Texas A&M
    Troy
 
March 19
    Toledo
    Wyoming
 
March 20
    Alabama
    Connecticut
    Liberty
    Ohio State
    Texas
    USC
 
March 21
    California
    Eastern Kentucky
    Florida
    Holy Cross
    Houston Christian
    New Hampshire
    Notre Dame
    Rice
    Stanford
    Utah
    Virginia State
 
March 22
    Auburn
    Boston College
    Florida State
    Kentucky
    Michigan
    Missouri
 
March 25
    Louisiana
    South Dakota
    South Dakota State
    Southern Mississippi
    Temple
    Western Kentucky
 
March 26
    Boise State
    Louisville
    Mississippi State
    N.C. State
    North Dakota State
    Tulane
    UTEP
 
March 27
    Big 12 pro day (offensive skill players and DBs report)
    LSU
    Mississippi
    Pittsburgh
    Tennessee
    Wake Forest
    Washington State
 
March 28
    Big 12 pro day (offensive skill players and DBs work out)
    Charlotte
    Duke
    Howard
    Marshall
    North Carolina
    Rutgers
    Washington
 
March 29
    Big 12 pro day (O-linemen, D-linemen, LBs, specialists report)
    Maryland
 
March 30
    Big 12 pro day (O-linemen, D-linemen, LBs, specialists work out)
 
April 3
    Yale
 

‘Word on the Street’

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

NFL Combine Report – Defensive Players

With the skilled positions getting the primary focus at the NFL Combine, especially the weekend exposure, the talented defense class quietly stepped up with strong impressions for scouts. The defensive back class presented several blue chip cornerbacks, one of the premier positions in the game and a group which will provide at least 15 prospects in the top 100 selections in April.

Edge defenders Dallas Turner, 6-4, 245 – Alabama, Laiatu Latu, 6-5, 260 – UCLA and Chop Robinson, 6-3, 255 – Penn State had impressive weeks. Turner displayed quick strong hands and the lateral movement to attack the line. He is very developed and improved his stock and probably top 6-10 selection. Latu is blazing quick off the edge and displayed that skill set in the positional drills. He moves easily and has the explosive first step to gain an advantage and bend the edge. Robinson had a strong performance. He showed a powerful punch and quick feet at over 250 lbs. He moved well in the coverage drills which impressed scouts.

DT T’Vondre Sweat, 6-4, 366, Texas, Byron Murphy, 6-1, 310, Texas and Braden Fiske, 6-4, 295, Florida State lived up to expectations. Sweat is a massive athlete who moves well and looked sharp in drills despite the 366 lbs. He has developed athletic ability to beat the double team, push the pocket and hold the point. Playing in the 340 lb. area may allow him to realize his incredible potential. Murphy is an explosive interior lineman with fine technique and power to penetrate. He moves well along the line which he displayed in the agility drills. Fiske is a fast riser. He has quick strong hands to win early on the down. He ran a blazing 4.78 sprint with a 1.68 ten split. He added 26 reps in the lifting while running drills very well. His efforts may push him into the first round.                            

LB Payton Wilson, 6-4, 235, North Carolina State was lightning fast with explosive quickness and keen instincts in drills. He dropped easily in coverage and is a well-rounded defender with the development to be a three down early starter. He can play a few positions and is scheme diverse. Edgerrin Cooper, 6-3, 235, Texas A&M is a ripped athlete who runs well and ran a 4.51 sprint. He added 34.5” VL and 9’10” BJ He was an easy mover in drills and is a prospect on the come. Cedric Gray, 6-2, 234, North Carolina is a rangy athlete who ran a 4.64 time. He did 17 reps and added a 35.5 VL. His positional drills were excellent, moves quickly laterally and can drop into the deep zones in coverage. Shows the skill set of a three-down starter, though may be limited to a 4-3 on either outside.

Cornerbacks, Terrion Arnold, 6-0, 198, Alabama, Quinyon Mitchell, 6-0, 195, Toledo and Nate Wiggins, 6-1, 173, Clemson separated themselves from in a high-quality class. Wiggins ran a blistering 4.28 time, the best of the entire defensive class.  His 173 lbs. is a concern, though he has developed coverage skills, including smooth hips, quick feet and the speed to ride a receiver down the field. Arnold came in just under 6’ and had a good performance in drills, though ran only a solid 4.51time. His length, agility and instincts are developed and NFL ready. He added a 37” VL and is an explosive mover. Mitchell shined in the workouts. He has the prototypical corner skill set and displayed this over the drills. He runs well (4.33) with quick feet, flexible hips, fast reads and the long speed to mirror top receivers. He leaped 38” and added a 10’2” BJ and 20 reps in the lifting. He was very quick in agility drills with loose hips and explosive acceleration.

NFL Free Agency Tag Deadline

Nine Players Receive Labels
Seven Defensive Players Head List

All Franchise Tags were Non-Exclusive labels
One Transitional Tag

 Offense
Wideouts
Tee Higgins – Bengals
Michael Pittman – Colts

Defense

Edge Defenders
Josh Allen – Jaguars
Brian Burns – Panthers

Interior Linemen
Justin Madubuike – Ravens

Corners
Jaylon Johnson – Bears
L’Jarious Sneed – Chiefs

Safeties
Antoine Winfield – Bucs
Kyle Dugger – Patriots (Transition Label – Top 10 at position)
 
There are three tender options: 1) Non-exclusive franchise tag; 2) Exclusive franchise tag; 3) Transition tag.

Non-exclusive Franchise tag:
The most commonly used tag. When most refer to the “franchise tag,” they generally talk about the non-exclusive version. This is a one-year tender of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position over the last five years, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The tagged player can negotiate with other teams, but his current team has the right to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs with another club.

Exclusive Franchise tag:
Unlike the non-exclusive version, the tagging team retains the sole right to negotiate with the player. The exclusivity raises the pay scale (current average salary versus averaging of the previous five years). This is a one-year tender offer of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position for the current year, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. Few receive the exclusive tag. Generally, players for whom other teams would gladly give up two first-round picks receive this version of the tag — read: quarterbacks.

Transition tag:
The transition tag is a one-year tender offer for the average of the top 10 salaries at the position — as opposed to the top five for the franchise tag. It guarantees the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer the player might receive from another club. The tagging team is awarded no compensation if it chooses not to match a deal

‘Word on the Street’

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

2024 NFL Combine

The NFL Combine 2024 concluded an excellent week-long event on Monday with the offensive linemen and special teams lifting. Most of the 321 pro prospects exited Indianapolis by the weekend after extensive testing, including the important on the field workouts.

The usual number of high prospects opted out of the workouts, including QB Caleb Williams and wideout Marvin Harrison who will compete at their school Pro days in March.

This NFL Draft 2024 class features strong groups at QB, WR, OL and CBs, the premier positions in the game. The workout results reflected those assumptions with excellent performances by numerous prospects. The talented QB class saw a few prospects sit out the drills especially the passing event, including Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. The second tier of QBs, JJ McCarthy, Bo Nix and Michael Penix did participate in the passing drills and all left strong impressions. The passing drills included all the throws with movement in the pocket and was a well-rounded workout which impressed scouts. The pro day season starts and is the final opportunity for the Big Three and other QBs to leave a lasting impression.

The wide receiver group will rival the best classes at the position especially the great 1996 class. Wideout Rome Odunze put on a terrific all-around workout which most likely keeps him in the high 5-8 selections. Wideout Xavier Worthy ran two incredible 40-yard sprints including a new record 4.21 time that established the NFL Combine mark. Worthy is blazing fast at 165 lbs. with experience both outside and inside plus return skills. He can take the top off the defense and his excellent performance probably earns him a first round late grade.

Wideouts, Roman Wilson, AD Mitchell, Ladd McConkey and Ricky Pearsall all had impressive performance including fast sprints and excellent positional workouts. They will be a run-on receivers following the top three prospects with many in the first or early second rounds. The wideout position could provide 15+ prospects in the top 100 selections. McConkey is just one prospect who continues to impress scouts. After interviewing him in Indy, he handled the environment like a pro and was focused on business and preparation. He was precise in positional drills, showing excellent routes, body control and hands with the ability to separate consistently. He should hit the ground running as a rookie in the NFL and can provide impact in three wideout and multiple sets.

A huge contingent of offensive linemen was invited to the event with arguably the best group of prospects in recent history. The line will provide at least 8 prospects for the first round. There could be as least as another 10 chosen in the top 3 rounds. This class will provide an incredibly deep tackle class with several kicking inside to guard to earn early starting time.

RT Roger Rosengarten of Washington ran the fastest among the linemen with a 4.92 time and a fine 1.73 yard split. This follows a strong week at the Senior Bowl where he displayed core strength and consistent technique. Frank Crum of Wyoming ran an excellent 4.94 sprint with a quick 1.70 yard split. He elevated his stock showing both power and agility for a massive prospect. Christian Jones of Texas continued a strong postseason and ran a 5.05 time with a 1.78 ten. His level of play has progressed fast over the past year which will allow him to compete for early NFL starting time.

John Alt ran a 5.05 time with a 1.74 ten, Kingsley Saumataia did a 5.06 time with a 1.74 ten, Tailese Fuaga at 6-6, 330 ran a 5.14 sprint and Tyler Guyton at 6-7, 330  did 5.19 sprint. All impressive tackle sprints with early draft grades. Alt and Fuaga look like top ten selections and NFL ready starters.

Troy Fantanu, 6-4, 315   of Washington ran a 5.01 with a fast 1.71 ten. He is an amazing mover with an easy slide to adjust and strong hands and top balance to mirror defenders. He lacks great length, though could plug and play at guard as a rookie and become a fixture there for a decade. He is a highly developed blocker with toughness, savvy and intangibles to excel in the NFL.

OL Tanor Bartolini had an impressive workout with a 4.94 time and a 1.74 ten. He moved efficiently and flashed strong hands and the base to get movement on contact. He helped his cause further here after a solid Senior Bowl effort. OL Cooper Beebe ran well with a 5.03 time at 322 lbs. He utilizes great power relying on his strong base, long arms and developed technique to move defenders. He is highly developed with extensive experience to start day one in the NFL.

Top 100 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2024

    February 29, 2024 –   underclassmen declared by Jan 15, 2024
Pre-NFL Combine Workout Rankings

#        Pos      Pro Prospect               School
1          QB       Caleb Williams              Southern Cal
2         WR       Marvin Harrison Jr      Ohio State
3         QB       Drake Maye                  North Carolina
4         QB       Jayden Daniels              LSU
5         TE        Brock Bowers                Georgia
6        OT        Joe Alt                     Notre Dame
7        OT        Olu Fashanu                  Penn State
8        WR       Rome Odunze               Washington
9         WR       Malik Nabers                 LSU
10        OT        Taliese Fuaga               Oregon State
11        Edge    Dallas Turner                Alabama
12        DL        Jer’Zhan Newton           Illinois
13        Edge    Laiatu Latu                    UCLA
14        CB        Terrion Arnold               Alabama
15        Edge    Jared Verse                  Florida State
16        OT        Troy Fautanu                Washington
17        CB        Quinyon Mitchell            Toledo
18         C          Jackson Powers-Johnson    Oregon
19        CB        Nate Wiggins                Clemson
20        DB       Cooper DeJean             Iowa
21        OT        Amarius Mims               Georgia
22        CB        Ennis Rakestraw           Missouri
23        OT        JC Latham                    Alabama
24        CB        Kool-Aid McKinstry        Alabama
25        OT        Tyler Guyton                 Oklahoma
26        Edge    Chop Robinson             Penn State
27        WR       Keon Coleman             Florida State
28        Edge    Bralen Trice                  Washington
29         QB       Bo Nix                         Oregon
30        OT        Patrick Paul                  Houston
31        WR       Troy Franklin                 Oregon
32        QB       JJ McCarthy                  Michigan
33        Edge    Chris Braswell               Alabama
34        WR       Roman Wilson               Michigan
35        DL        Darius Robinson            Missouri
36        CB        Kamari Lassiter             Georgia
37        S          Tyler Nubin                   Minnesota
38        WR       Brian Thomas               LSU
39        OT        Graham Barton             Duke
40        DL        T’Vondre Sweat             Texas
41        OT        Jordan Morgan             Arizona
42        WR       Adonai Mitchell             Texas
43         DL        Braden Fiske                 Florida State
44        WR       Xavier Worthy               Texas
45        DL        Byron Murphy               Texas
46        QB       Michael Penix Jr.           Washington
47         S          Kamren Kinchens          Miami (Fl)
48         WR       Malachi Corley              Western Kentucky
49        LB        Payton Wilson                 NC State
50         DL        Leonard Taylor III         Miami (Fl)

 Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL Draft and Free agency insight and news with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

51        OL        Cooper Beebe               Kansas State
52        WR       Ladd McConkey            Georgia
53        LB        Edgerrin Cooper            Texas A&M
54        WR       Xavier Legette               South Carolina
55        CB        Kalen King                    Penn State
56        OT        Kingsley Suamataia       BYU
57         OL        Zak Zinter                     Michigan
58        Edge    Adisa Isaac                   Penn State
59         DT        Kris Jenkins                  Michigan
60        S          Javon Bullard                Georgia
61        OT        Javon Foster                 Missouri
62        CB        T.J. Tampa                   Iowa State
63        LB        Jeremiah Trotter Jr.       Clemson
64         Edge    Jonah Elliss                  Utah
65         CB        DJ James                     Auburn
66        LB        Cedric Gray                  North Carolina
67         OT        Christian Jones             Texas
68         S          Calen Bullock                Southern Cal
69         Edge    Marshawn Kneeland      Western Michigan
70         TE        Cade Stover                 Ohio State
71        S          Cole Bishop                  Utah
72        WR       Ja’Lynn Polk                 Washington
73        DL        Mekhi Wingo                 LSU
74         WR       Tez Walker                   North Carolina
75         CB        Caelen Carson              Wake Forest
76        WR       Tory Horton                   Colorado State
77         TE        Ja’Tavion Sanders         Texas
78        OL        Sedrick Van Pran          Georgia
79        RB        Jonathan Brooks           Texas
80        OL        Kiran Amegadjie            Yale
81        OL        Christian Haynes           UConn
82        CB        Kris Abrams-Draine       Missouri
83         C          Zach Frazier                  West Virginia
84        DL        Maason Smith               LSU
85        LB        Tommy Eichenberg       Ohio State
86        WR       Johnny Wilson               Florida State
87         WR       Brennen Rice                USC
88        OL        Christian Mahogany       Boston College
89        QB       Spencer Rattler             South Carolina
90        DL        Ruke Orhorhoro            Clemson
91        RB        Braelon Allen                Wisconsin
92        RB        Blake Corum                 Michigan
93        Edge    Brandon Dorlus             Oregon
94        CB        Josh Newton                 TCU
95        S          James Williams             Miami (Fl)
96        RB        Audric Estime                Notre Dame
97         LB        Junior Colson                Michigan
98         RB        Jaylin Wright                 Tennessee
99        Edge    Austin Booker               Kansas
100       CB        Nehemiah Pritchett        Auburn

NFL Draft 2024 – Two Round Mock Draft

February 26, 2024 
Frank Coyle/ Head scout

All underclassmen had until Jan. 15th to declare for the NFL Draft 2024. Players had three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility. No underclassmen rescinded their decision.

Pre-NFL Combine – Super Bowl winner Kansas City will draft last in every round except for any Compensatory picks at the end of Rounds 3 thru 7.

Two Round Mock Draft – 5.0

 1st Round

#           Team              W/L       Pos       Player                          School
1 Chicago (Carolina – 2-15)        QB       Drake Maye                  North Carolina
2 Washington (4-13)                  QB       Jayden Daniels             LSU
3 New England (4-13)                QB       Caleb Williams             Southern Cal
4 Arizona (4-13)                          Edge    Dallas Turner                Alabama
5 Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)   WR       Marvin Harrison Jr         Ohio State
6 New York Giants (6-11)           OT        Olu Fashanu                 Penn State
7 Tennessee (6-11)                     WR       Rome Odunze               Washington
8 Atlanta (7-10)                          WR       Malik Nabers                 LSU
9 Chicago (7-10)                         OT        Joe Alt                         Notre Dame
10 New York Jets (7-10)            OT        Taliese Fuaga               Oregon State
11 Minnesota (7-10)                  DB       Cooper DeJean             Iowa
12 Denver (8-9)                         Edge    Laiatu Latu                    UCLA
13 Las Vegas (8-9)                    TE        Brock Bowers                Georgia
14 New Orleans (9-8)                CB        Terrion Arnold               Alabama
15 Indianapolis (9-8)                OT        Amarius Mims               Georgia
16 Seattle (9-8)                          DL        Jer’Zhan Newton           Illinois
17 Jacksonville (9-8)                  CB        Quinyon Mitchell            Toledo
18 Cincinnati (9-8)                     OT        Troy Fautanu                Washington
19 Los Angeles Rams (10-7)      CB        Nate Wiggins                Clemson
20 Pittsburgh (10-7)                   C     Jackson Powers-Johnson   Oregon
21 Miami (11-6)                            Edge    Jared Verse                        Florida State
22 Philadelphia (11-6)                CB        Kool-Aid McKinstry        Alabama
23 Houston (Cleveland – 11-6)    OT        JC Latham                    Alabama
24 Dallas (12-5)                            OT        Tyler Guyton                    Oklahoma
25 Green Bay (9-8)                     OT        Patrick Paul                     Houston
26 Tampa Bay (9-8)                    CB        Kamari Lassiter              Georgia
27 Arizona (Houston – 9-8)         WR       Troy Franklin                 Oregon
28 Buffalo (11-6)                          CB        Ennis Rakestraw             Missouri
29 Detroit (12-5)                          S          Tyler Nubin                     Minnesota
30 Baltimore (13-4)                    OT        Jordan Morgan             Arizona
31 San Francisco (12-5)             Edge    Chop Robinson              Penn State
32 Kansas City (11-6)                 WR       Keon Coleman               Florida State
 
2nd Round
33         Carolina                         WR       Adonai Mitchell             Texas
34         New England                 DL        Darius Robinson            Missouri
35         Arizona                           LB        Payton Wilson               NC State
36         Washington                   OL        Cooper Beebe               Kansas State
37         NY Giants                      Edge    Chris Braswell                Alabama
38         LA Chargers                  Edge    Bralen Trice                   Washington
39         Tennessee                        S          Kamren Kinchens           Miami (Fl)
40         Washington (Chicago)   OL        Graham Barton          Duke
41         Green Bay (NY Jets)      DT        T’Vondre Sweat           Texas
42         Minnesota                      QB       Michael Penix Jr.          Washington
43         Atlanta                            QB       Bo Nix                              Oregon
44         Las Vegas                      OT        Kingsley Suamataia       BYU
45         Denver                           QB       JJ McCarthy                   Michigan
46         Indianapolis                  DT        Kris Jenkins                  Michigan
47         NY Giants (Seattle)        S          Calen Bullock                Southern California
48         Jacksonville                  DL        Braden Fiske                 Florida State
49         Cincinnati                      WR       Brian Thomas               LSU
50         Phil (New Orleans)         S          Javon Bullard                Georgia
51         Pittsburgh                      WR       Roman Wilson               Michigan
52         LA Rams                        LB        Edgerrin Cooper            Texas A&M
53         Philadelphia                  DL        Leonard Taylor III          Miami (Fl)
54         Cleveland                      WR       Xavier Worthy               Texas
55         Miami                            CB        Kalen King                    Penn State
56         Dallas                            LB        Jeremiah Trotter Jr.       Clemson
57         Tampa Bay                   WR       Ladd McConkey            Georgia
58         Green Bay                    Edge    Jonah Elliss                  Utah
59         Houston                        OT        Javon Foster                 Missouri
60         Buffalo                          WR       Malachi Corley              Western Kentucky
61         Detroit                           OL        Zak Zinter                     Michigan
62         Baltimore                      WR       Tez Walker                   North Carolina
63         San Francisco               DL        Byron Murphy               Texas
64         Kansas City                   S          Cole Bishop                  Utah

NFL Combine 2024 Event Schedule
‘Word on the Street’

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

2024 NFL Combine 

The NFL Combine 2024 has opened with the arrival of 321 pro prospects over the next few days for the week-long event. It will be an active week of evaluation of pro prospects who will be broken down to four groups who will stay for 5 days of medical and interview evaluation before measurements, on field drills and bench presses complete their workout. DraftInsiders.com will have several scouts at the event and provide in-depth coverage.  

2024 NFL Scouting Combine Workout and Measurement Schedule

Thursday – 2/29/24
Measurements and On field Drills  – Edge Rushers, Defensive Line and Linebackers
         3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network
 
Friday – 3/1/24
Measurements & On field Drills – Cornerbacks, Safeties and Tight Ends
  Bench Press – DL & TE
     3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network
 
Saturday – 3/2/24
Measurements & On field Drills – Quarterbacks, Running Backs and Wide Receivers 
  Bench Press – Defensive Backs
     1 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network
 
Sunday – 3/3/24
Measurements & On field Drills – Running Backs, Offensive Tackles and Interior Offensive Linemen
  Bench Press – QB, RB, & WR
   1 pm – 7 pm – NFL Network
 
Monday, May 4th
Bench Press – Offensive Linemen & Special Teams
 

      NFL Free Agency 2024
NFL Sets New Salary Cap at $255.4 Million
Huge $30 Million Cap Increase Per Team

Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

The NFL has surprisingly set the new salary cap for 2024 at $255.4M, an incredible $30.6 million increase from the 2023 team cap. That is the biggest cap increase since the salary cap started in 1994 when the original salary cap was only $34.6 million. This increase was a surprise to most NFL executives who expected an estimate in the $20 million dollar area. The announcement was also earlier than any year with the annual new cap always at the end of February. The recent caps since the Covid years have been held down by the paybacks.

This huge increase reflects the new television money where the NFL has expanded on multiple TV streaming platforms. The salary cap has grown at a steady pace until the Covid pandemic occurred. Future increases will probably be in the expected $25M range.

Teams over the salary cap will get some relief this year with 8 clubs in the red currently. They must be in positive cap money for the March 13^th Free agency opening day. This offseason may see the biggest turnover of veteran releases on high contracts for teams to operate in the early FA period which starts March 13th. Tender offers will increase over expectations, in addition to proven performance escalators and rookie contracts.

DraftInsiders.com will have an extensive 2024 NFL Free Agency report in March
   Free for Full subscribers

We are in the Franchise and Transitional tag period which numbers of veterans could increase with the enormous higher cap in place. Teams are diligently combing their roster to restructure veteran contracts to create more salary cap space. The Saints restructured QB Derek Carr’s contract saving $23M for the new cap period.

The upcoming free agency period will be a pivotal time for NFL teams to reload for the 2024 season. The increased cap and restructured veteran contracts can make an amazing new makeover for clubs to compete for the NFL playoffs. The early negotiating window allows teams to speak to free agents and sign them within the first days of the free agency period. It will change the NFL landscape tremendously along with the Trading period which begins the same day. Those additions and losses will be the foundation of rosters entering the important NFL Draft.

Visit – Overthecap.com

2024 Salary Cap Space

Cap Space = (Team Salary Cap) – (Active Cap Spending) – (Dead Money)
Team Salary Cap = (Base Salary Cap) + (Carryover) ± (Adjustments) 
Effective Cap Space: the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected           rookie class to its roster.   

Base Salary Cap: $255,400,000     Statistics from Overthecap.com

Team              Cap Space     Effective Cap Space       #       Active Cap Spending   Dead Money

Commanders   $79,614,671      $67,806,345            49         $171,582,086                $11,933,514

Titans             $78,655,381      $72,565,839                  51         $152,102,981                 $31,850,988

Bears               $78,335,157      $66,248,878                  51         $170,014,987                 $10,539,071

Patriots            $77,955,006      $69,213,592                 55         $165,759,423                 $11,707,888

Colts                $72,337,573      $68,132,343                  62         $181,109,345                 $8,363,623

Texans             $67,583,290      $64,174,292                 54         $174,969,614                 $13,778,652

Lions               $57,614,821      $49,803,411                  45         $177,167,136                 $23,054,507

Cardinals         $53,054,463      $41,905,110                62         $198,221,670                 $14,151,579

Bengals           $51,020,373      $45,584,242                  49         $211,931,359                 $1,775,689

Bucs                 $43,682,067      $40,566,748                52         $192,531,646                 $21,888,078

Rams               $43,110,695      $39,225,710                  51         $212,388,824                 $3,902,765

Raiders            $42,936,109      $38,343,993                  56         $204,052,911                 $15,002,160

Vikings            $35,807,132      $30,682,041                  54         $222,260,496                 $3,508,541

Panthers          $34,572,274      $32,520,236                  55         $215,359,328                 $9,230,998

Falcons            $33,004,013      $27,228,994                  57         $223,994,196                 $3,023,102

Giants             $30,801,691      $22,999,424                  51         $209,557,237                 $17,542,850

Eagles             $27,354,811      $23,244,756                  64         $222,789,618                 $7,278,900

Jaguars           $24,683,167      $20,520,846                52         $237,026,468                 $806,259

Chiefs             $18,194,240      $15,451,427                  54         $234,875,275                 $3,857,097

Ravens            $16,631,328      $12,871,589                  50         $231,810,045                 $9,096,530

Seahawks        $12,969,647      $7,910,407                  49         $247,867,087                 $237,492

Jets                  $12,756,122      $8,169,238                    52         $229,058,404                 $18,331,968

Steelers           $9,005,846        $5,304,852                 63         $239,194,713                 $9,539,633

Packers           $2,340,288        ($2,179,969)               60         $244,695,581                 $15,118,132

Teams currently over the cap

49ers               ($5,066,251)      ($8,344,657)                  56         $287,715,903                 $9,145,613

Browns            ($7,458,897)      ($8,634,913)                57         $279,131,620               $14,972,782

Cowboys         ($9,933,127)      ($12,985,490)              58         $255,464,019               $14,771,496

Broncos           ($16,811,078)    ($20,573,431)                61         $263,994,831                 $9,693,124

Chargers          ($25,607,797)    ($35,160,383)             49         $263,988,882                $24,556,666

Dolphins          ($27,919,894)    ($36,468,784)            44         $267,655,998                $16,809,238

Saints             ($42,089,497)    ($46,149,348)                55         $297,076,846                 $2,840,956

Bills                 ($43,815,909)    ($47,064,828)                53         $288,533,131                 $12,221,717

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.

 He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL Draft and Free agency insight and news with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites