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Broncos Mailbag: Phillip Lindsay earned his pay — and then some By Mike Klis 9NEWS May 7, 2019

A postman after a three-day holiday doesn’t sort through as big a bundle of letters as 9News did for its latest Broncos mailbag.

The first 9 letters received were answered here:

Mike — Does Phil Lindsay qualify for the rookie post-year bonus pool to players who outperform their draft position substantially?

If no, there should be an amendment fixing that obvious problem and it should be named after Phil. If yes, I’m guessing he more than doubled his salary with the bonus going from undrafted free agent to and 1,000 yards. —Tom Boyer, Centennial

Tom — Lindsay did get a $201,592 performance bonus, although it was based on playing time, not his 1,000-yard season. All players, not just rookies, get a performance bonus at season’s end that is based on a formula that weighs scheduled pay out vs. playing time.

The less you make and the more you play, the greater the bonus.

Guard-center Connor McGovern got the largest bonus among Broncos at $445,424. got the smallest at $354 – not bad for a one-snap kneel-down.

Lindsay otherwise got a $480,000 rookie minimum salary and a $15,000 signing bonus that was tied with Jeff Holland for the largest among the Broncos’ undrafted rookies in 2018.

So Lindsay’s performance bonus bumped his pay 41 percent. Lindsay did set a precedent by becoming the first undrafted offensive rookie to be named to the Pro Bowl.

He is scheduled to make a first-year minimum salary of $570,000 this year. He and the Broncos are not allowed to renegotiate his rookie contract until after this season. If he has another 1,000-yard season, you can bet they will.

Always enjoy your insight and analysis. I have a question regarding QB . Does Denver see him as the eventual successor? What is the Broncos plan for him as opposed to when they drafted Paxton? Also, why did they draft a QB this year knowing next year the QB class is considered a deep class? I appreciate your time Mike. — Matt Padilla

Matt — Three questions. Here goes:

1) Yes, the Broncos look at Lock as their franchise of the future. If all goes well, he will be their season-opening starter in 2021. Which could be a watershed season for the Broncos as it currently stands as the final contract year for both CEO/president Joe Ellis and general manager .

Lock in 2021 is the best-case scenario because that would mean plays well and leads the Broncos to the playoffs these next two seasons.

2) As for the Lock plan vs. strategy used for , I remember coaching Lynch up hard in Lynch’s first season of 2016. The idea at the time was for Lynch to start at some point in his rookie season. There was never a plan for to become the starter.

Plans changed when Lynch didn’t come along as hoped and Siemian far outperformed his seventh-round status.

With Lock, the plan is for him to observe and absorb this season. And then see how Flacco plays, how Lock is developing, and take it from there.

3) As for not waiting until next year to take a first-round quarterback, the Broncos plan to be drafting in the 20s in 2020. The highest pick among playoff teams is No. 20. The top three or four should be gone by then.

Elway and his top personnel assistant Matt Russell liked Lock from the get-go last season. They did consider him a first-round talent who dropped to the second round. Why wait till next year, when a quarterback you like is there now at No. 42?

When will the Broncos update their uniforms? Like many in Broncos Country, I’m a diehard and a fan for life but our jersey shells and pants are dated. I love our logo and helmets but really feel we need a more traditional look. When will we make an update to our unis? — Michael Caden Los Angeles CA. Originally from Denver

Michael – I have a different take. As soon as you go to a new uniform, those $319.99 authentic jerseys at the Broncos’ Team Stores become outdated. An authentic, custom Phillip Lindsay jersey is $399. Hate to hang it in the mothball section of the closet after a year or two.

The Broncos changed their uniforms from the dark-blue home jerseys to predominantly orange in 2012. Just in time for the arrival of .

It was only their third major uniform re-design in the past 51 years. They wore those pumpkin-orange tops, white pants, straight stripes and light blue helmets from 1968-96, or 29 seasons.

Then they went with the -like navy blue tops, white pants, Nike swoosh stripes and darker- blue helmets with the meaner Bronco logo in 1997, which held through 2011, or 15 years.

They then went back to the orange top -- if darker orange -- in 2012, which they will use for going on their eighth season.

I say no uniform changes until 2021 when there could be all kinds of changes at Dove Valley.

Mike, enjoy your Broncos coverage and insight. 14 years for Broncos? Let’s go 14 more years.

Any chance the Broncos inquire about a trade with the Jets for ILB? Also, although we hear Josey Jewell is physically limited are we missing something? Is it possible Vic Fangio believes Jewell can get the job done — Steve Buerge, Highlands Ranch

Steve — Yes, it’s been 14 years on the Broncos’ beat, starting my 15th season. I assume you are talking about acquiring Jets’ inside linebacker , who apparently has not played up to expectations since he was the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2016 draft.

The Jets did not pick up his fifth-year, $9.501 million option for 2020. The Jets also signed inside linebacker C.J. Mosley to a huge contract in free agency.

Lee did seem to be playing well until he was suspended from the final four games of last season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

All this seems to put Lee on borrowed time with the Jets. But the Broncos had a chance to take speedy inside linebacker Devin Bush with the No. 10 pick a few days ago and passed in favor of a trade back that resulted in tight end and Drew Lock.

In part, this decision was made because the Broncos do think Todd Davis and Josey Jewell are pretty good players. They may not have the speed you’d like on third downs, but still they’re too good to ride the bench.

Mike is there any chance the Broncos bring back ? — Shane Ellis

Shane -- That would be a longshot in part because Ray would rather not return after his fifth-year option wasn’t picked up by the team last year and he was benched, along with safety Su’a Cravens, from the final four games last season. Ray did visit with the Colts and this offseason but left each place without signing. This would be an indication he got a low offer that he’s not ready to accept.

Do you think Su’a Cravens has a role in this year’s defense? — Justin Majka

Justin – After a rough 2018 season, Cravens is getting a second chance this year. He is competing for the dime-linebacker/strong safety position. held that spot last year. Some of the decision to keep Cravens figures to involve the comeback of strong safety Jamal Carter, who missed all of last season with a torn hamstring.

Cravens must re-impress his new defensive coaches, Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell.

Hey Mike, do you believe the plan at QB for this draft was always to come away with multiple players? It just seems that we were either planning for Flacco not being around long or they really liked . He got a rather healthy undrafted free-agent deal. —Adrian Watson

Adrian — They went into the draft knowing they had to take one quarterback. It was a must because they didn’t have one after losing Paxton Lynch to performance and Chad Kelly to behavioral issues last year.

Rypien was similar to Lock in that he fell past where the Broncos had him rated. Broncos’ offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello liked Rypien enough to draft him in the mid- to late-rounds.

When he fell out of the draft, the Broncos felt he held too much value as an undrafted rookie not to make a run at signing him, even if they did give him an unusually large $146,000 guarantee.The Lock- Rypien pickups with Flacco as the first-year starter is somewhat like the ’ draft strategy in 2008. was going to replace Brett Favre and become a first-year starter, but that same year the Packers took quarterbacks Brian Brohm in the second round and in the seventh.

Brohm was waived after just one season and Flynn only made two starts in four years with the Packers. Rodgers never gave them a chance. No one is looking at it this way but it could turn out that Flacco plays so well, Lock and Rypien never get a chance here. But Elway finally has his quarterback room the way he drew it up – a proven starter (Flacco), a proven backup () and two young developmental prospects (Lock, Rypien).

Reduce Financial Pressure Ad by Merrill See More Do you see anyway Drew Lock starts this year barring a Flacco injury? Are the Broncos willing to stick with Flacco if he struggles?

--Alex Nina

If he has two bad games in a row, the Broncos will still stick with him, even if there will be mounting public pressure to “put in Lock!”

But Flacco knows the NFL is a week-to-week business. He went 10 and a half seasons without getting replaced and only a series of events – his injury coupled his replacement sparking the Ravens – dropped him to No. 2 late last season.

I’d bet on Flacco remaining as the Broncos’ starter through the 2019 season. But that’s no guarantee. Like every NFL starting quarterback, Flacco will either have to play well, or his Broncos will have to win.

What area do you still see as the Bronco's most glaring weakness after the draft and free agency?

I still think that inside linebacker remains a concern. I like Jewell and Davis, but neither has the speed to go sideline to sideline and be a true cover guy and the Broncos have been fairly weak vs. tight ends over the years because of this. Their coverage of tight ends has come back to haunt them time and time again.

I also do not see a true nose tackle on the roster. Shelby Harris is more suited for passing downs that being that early down run stopper type and I do not think that they have truly replaced Domata Peko.

I think that they could use a little depth at receiver and Flacco has had a lot of success with a burner.

--Jon Cornbleet

Jon – You pretty much nailed it. Not having a third-down inside linebacker can be compensated with an extra safety. More teams are doing that anyway.

This is a big year for Shelby Harris, just as last season was for . Both were exceptional backup players. But how would they do in their first year as a true starter? The reviews were mixed on Roby as he was allowed to leave -- only to land a $10 million, one-year contract with the Texans.

Also keep in mind that while new head coach Vic Fangio employ the nose tackle in his base defense, he usually doesn't use the stereotypical 330-pound guy. He likes to defensive tackles to be move better than the typical nose. Not that Peko couldn't move. He actually was quite agile.

I do think the Broncos needed a veteran receiver as protection against ’ recovery from Achilles surgery. But the team is optimistic Sanders will make a full recovery and it also believes Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton will make sizeable steps up from their rookie years.

One more possible area of concern: The offensive line. Dalton Risner takes care of one guard spot, but Ron Leary needs to make an adequate recovery from his Achilles surgery to regain his left guard spot. Otherwise, the team is counting on Sam Jones or Don Barclay to step up.

After bumpy college career, sixth-round WR Juwann Winfree out to prove the Broncos right By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic May 7, 2019

A flood of emotions rushed through Juwann Winfree as he hunched over a kitchen counter, his phone glued to his ear as he tried to fight back tears.

“Hey, Juwann. John Elway. Congratulations,” the voice said on the other end. “We’re thrilled you’re a Bronco.”

After many Thank Yous, Winfree hung up and let the moment set in. Two days later, he sat in a tattoo parlor to have the words “Dare to Dream” stamped over the number 187 on his back, a permanent reminder of his dream that had just become reality.

On the final day of the draft, the Broncos traded up a full round to the sixth to be able to take him at No. 187. The selection was a surprise to many, including Winfree, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound receiver projected to either go in the seventh round or be signed as a college free agent like his former University of Colorado teammate Phillip Lindsay.

“I didn’t think I was going to the Broncos, to be honest,” Winfree told The Athletic. “… There were a bunch of teams that called earlier, expressing that they were highly interested, but they don’t know how the draft is going to go.”

The Broncos were compelled to snag Winfree before any of the 31 other NFL teams could, thanks in large part to his performance on their own turf two weeks earlier. The team hosted a pro day for more than 30 local prospects, pairing Winfree with Broncos receivers coach Zach Azzanni, who was tasked last year with holding together a young group in the wake of the trade to Houston and Emmanuel Sanders’ season-ending Achilles injury.

“With Phil and the success that he’s had, he created a huge platform for us CU players to not get overlooked anymore,” Winfree said. “I came in with that attitude and me and Coach Z had a real good chemistry when I got there. I made sure I was first in line and doing everything he asked, I’m talking to him and asking questions. He likes my attitude and how I came ready to work.”

Keen on acquiring players with the right personality and right fit for his still-developing room, Azzanni took a liking to Winfree almost immediately. His potential was evident on tape, but the chance to see him on the field and work alongside him all but sealed the deal.

“I know coach is really high on him,” second-year receiver Courtland Sutton said. “He had been talking about him for a while and he was saying if we get a chance to get him, he was really hyped about it. When we made the pick and got him, I knew coach was really happy.

“If coach speaks really high of him, that says a lot.”

But Winfree’s road to Englewood wasn’t made with one showcase. His path was winding and bumpy and included many moments when even he thought it had reached its end.

Born in New York City, Winfree starred on both sides of the ball as a three-star recruit out of Dwight Morrow High in New Jersey. He committed to the University of Maryland, where he joined a receivers room led by Stefon Diggs, he of the Minneapolis Miracle.

But Winfree was limited to only eight games and zero starts as a freshman. Frustration over his few on- field opportunities, however, was trumped by his strikes off the field — failed drug tests and check fraud got him suspended twice by the university in an eight-month span. The second time, he was suspended indefinitely.

Winfree withdrew days later in search of a fresh start, but he first had a frank conversation with his then receivers coach, Keenan McCardell, who now holds the same position with the .

“I realized at that point I was on my last straw,” Winfree said. “It was either do or die. At that point, it clicked for me.”

So Winfree headed to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas and became one of the top JUCO prospects, with 55 receptions for 837 yards (15.2 average) and seven in his one year. His short stint served as a launching pad back to the FBS and in front of Darrin Chiaverini, then a first-year assistant at Colorado in 2016, who turned Winfree into his first recruit.

The move to Colorado breathed new life into Winfree’s career, but obstacles continued to hinder his three years as a Buff. Winfree suffered a torn ACL two weeks into practice and redshirted his 2016 season. He returned in 2017, playing all 12 games (one start) and totaling 21 catches, 325 yards and two touchdowns — both against Southern California.

“I’ve seen his highlights before we drafted him,” Broncos receiver Tim Patrick said. “On one he did like a corner post against USC that he scored on. I’ve seen that play, and just that one alone I feel like he’s a great receiver.”

After showing flashes of what could be as a redshirt junior, Winfree’s final season in Boulder was limited to eight games and 324 receiving yards because of hamstring and ankle injuries.

“I always stay hopeful, but at that point, I didn’t know when I would be able to come back,” he said during his introductory conference call during the draft. “The school had thought my injury wasn’t going to be as bad as it was. I got hurt and they didn’t take much of a serious precaution after it. They waited to see what happened after two weeks and I still was limping hard. That’s when I finally got my shot — my PRP (platelet-rich plasma) shot — in my ankle. I’m a big man of God and I’m a big man of trusting the process because I’ve been through so much. There’s times when I kind of doubted if I was ever going to get back to being fully healthy, but I always knew what I was capable of.”

Just days after receiving the shot, Winfree said he began to feel like himself again — a feeling he hadn’t experienced for almost the entirety of his college career.

But the most important line on his résumé in 2018 wasn’t a stat: Winfree, the player who vowed to change his ways after his suspension from Maryland, was voted a team captain.

When the season ended, Winfree stayed in Colorado to begin training for the NFL at Landow Performance in Centennial, a facility owned by Broncos strength coach Loren Landow. Lindsay and Panthers receiver Christian McCaffrey also turned Landow Performance into their second homes ahead of their drafts in 2018 and ’17, respectively.

Like Lindsay, Winfree never got a combine invite.

Like Lindsay, Winfree didn’t make cross-country treks to visit with NFL teams.

And like Lindsay, Winfree had limited opportunities to quash any doubts and prove his value in front of NFL scouts and executives.

But he took advantage of the few he had. His first major one was the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles, where he turned the field into his canvas with acrobatic catches that caught the eye of NFL decision-makers and fans. His game-tying was the only one scored by the American Team in their 10-7 victory over the National Team.

“I felt that game was huge for me, just that whole week,” he said. “That was a big opportunity for that I was dying to get. Any senior game after the season, having the type of season I had. I wasn’t fully healthy this year at all. I had the ankle the whole year after Week 2, so that game I was fully healthy, so I was just anxious to really show what I can do. I prepared real well for that.”

At Colorado’s pro day in March, Winfree ran a 4.51-second 40 and came away satisfied with what he was able to show the 34 scouts from 30 different NFL teams in attendance.

But his biggest showcase is yet to come.

Thursday, he and rest of the Broncos’ rookie class will report to Dove Valley for their three-day minicamp that will include on-field work. OTAs will follow and then training camp, where Winfree will fight to secure a roster spot among the Broncos’ young receiving corps.

Winfree already has his jersey picked out. No. 15 because “Brandon Marshall was a beast back in the day and , he held in high stature here,” he said. But the one on his back will serve as a constant reminder of where he came from and where he wants to go.

The 187th pick in the 2019 draft says he is “blessed,” but not done.

“I just want to prove that I can be an all-around guy for the Broncos,” he said. “They gave me an opportunity, so I want to show that I can help them win, whether that’s on special teams or being a leader or being a dominant receiver.

“I feel I’m a top receiver in the class and wasn’t able to prove that in college. So every time I come in there, I’m coming with that chip on my shoulder and will go out there and perform the way I can.”

Mike Munchak’s offensive line is already developing an identity By Zac Stevens BSN Denver May 7, 2019

Ever since John Elway landed Hall of Fame offensive lineman and renowned position coach Mike Munchak to take over the Broncos’ offensive line, the expectations in Denver outside of the UCHealth Training Center have been a Mile High.

The expectations are no different within the walls of the Broncos’ headquarters, either.

“I want people to turn on film and say, ‘Okay, we’ve got to play the Broncos o-line this week. Alright, we’ve seen them on film playing hard, finishing downfield, dumping people,” Ja’Wuan James said, recapping a conversation he had with fellow offensive lineman Ron Leary about what the identity of the new and improved line will be. “I really want people to look at it and have respect. That’s the big thing in this league is respect.”

The word “feared” hasn’t been paired with Denver’s offensive line in quite some time, despite shelling out big-time money and devoting top draft picks all along the unit in recent years.

“We want people to turn on the film and be like ‘Alright I got to bring my A-game today,’” James stated with passion on Tuesday at Godsman Elementary School in Denver, where he and United HealthCare surprised 70 students with new bikes and helmets

While Elway has devoted plenty of resources to the offensive line during his tenure, it’s been on another level in 2019.

Not only did Elway lock up arguably the league’s best offensive line coach in Munchak, he made James one of the league’s highest-paid right tackles to the sweet tune of $12.75 million per year and used his second pick in the draft on versatile offensive lineman Dalton Risner.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things,” James said, emphasizing his excitement to meet Risner. “Coach Munch talked him up. We heard he’s a nasty player, so that’s what we like in our offensive line… I feel like he’ll be a good addition to our team.”

“Nasty” is something the Broncos have looked for in their offensive lineman for years.

In the past, Elway’s sang the praises of and Leary’s nastiness on the football field.

Not only do the Broncos believe their new on-field additions of Risner and James possess that same tough attitude, but they also have no question their coach possesses the same trait.

“He has it,” James quickly responded with a big smile, talking about Munchak. “He has it in him. He was a player. He was a heck of a player, a Hall of Famer. He has that in him.”

With Bolles at left tackle, Leary at left guard, Connor McGovern at center and James holding down the right side at tackle, it’s expected that the rookie will immediately step in as the team’s starting right guard.

“If he’s next to me, I see it as an opportunity to help another young player in this league get to his best and reach his potential,” James said.

Despite an expensive new tackle and a promising new rookie, the conductor of the unit is unquestionably the only one with a gold jacket in his closet.

“Coach Munch—I think he relates so well to us and that’s why every player he’s ever coached loves him because he was a player. He sat in that chair. He’s done it. He’s done it at a high level, Hall of Famer,” James said, describing the first few weeks of working under his new coach as “great.”

“He can definitely relate and communicate with us very well.”

Being nasty and intimidating is great, and likely what every offensive line strides to be. But with so many new pieces, even with Munchak leading the way, James acknowledged it can take up to an entire season for a new group of five linemen to gel and become one unit.

“Hopefully not, but you never know. You never know,” the 26-year old said. “I feel like we got a bunch of guys in the room that like to come to work every day, embrace the competition that’s in the room— we’re bringing in a rookie now, so that’s going to raise the competition. We’ve got a good room. A good group of guys.”

For years, Elway’s wanted an offensive line that’s respected around the league.

Led by Munchak, James is already envisioning a path where he and his unit can turn to Elway at some point in the season and say, in the soulful words of Aretha Franklin, “Baby, I got it.”

'Win the first second': RT Ja'Wuan James, Broncos adopting granular philosophy to gain edge By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com May 7, 2019

One Mississippi.

Forget taking the season week by week or day by day.

The Broncos have an even more granular focus: one single second.

That, as right tackle Ja’Wuan James pointed out Monday, is enough to tip the scales in the Broncos’ favor. And it’s been a main point of emphasis for Head Coach Vic Fangio as the Broncos have moved forward in their offseason program.

“Coach Vic, he’s big on winning the first second of the play,” said James on Monday after distributing 70 bikes to elementary schoolers at Godsman Elementary. “If you win the first second of the play, you’ve got a great chance to win the rest of the play.”

Win enough plays, and you start to build a reputation.

And though James has been in Denver for only a few weeks after signing as a free agent in March, he’s already thought a lot about how he wants people to view Denver’s new-look offensive line.

“I just talked about that with [guard] Ron [Leary],” James said. “I want people to be able to turn on film and say, ‘OK, we’ve got to play the Broncos’ O-line this week. All right. We’ve seen them on film playing hard, finishing downfield, dumping people.’ I really want people to look at [us] and have respect. That’s the big thing in this league is respect.

“A guy [can’t] turn on the film like, ‘Oh, we’ve got the Broncos’ O-line this week. OK. I’m going to do this.’ Nah, we want people to turn on the film and be like, ‘All right, I’ve got to bring my A-game.’”

James and Co. won’t put on pads until training camp, but the sixth-year veteran said there’s plenty for the group to work on before July rolls around.

“Technique and communication [are important],” James said. “We’ve got a lot of new pieces on the offensive line. We’ve got a whole new playbook, so this time is learning that. Learning the guy you’re playing next to, learning the little code words you’re going to say with him, learning how to communicate amongst five guys that are new together. That’s the big thing right now, because we’re not [in] pads.”

Pads or not, James isn’t willing to waste one of those now precious seconds.

Students Excited About Bike Donation From Ja’Wuan James By Staff CBS4 Denver May 7, 2019

A Denver Broncos player is helping some elementary school students get moving with a new bicycle. New right tackle Ja’Wuan James donated 70 bikes to students at Godsman Elementary School.

James partnered with United Healthcare to make Monday’s donation happen. The student cheered when they realized the bicycles were for them.

They couldn’t wait to begin riding around with their new helmets.

James hopes the bicycles will help the children build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

From to , predicting where the top 10 remaining NFL free agents will land By Cody Benjamin CBSSports.com May 7, 2019

By this point in the NFL offseason, most teams are fairly settled in terms of roster-building, with the 2019 NFL Draft and March's wave of big-money free agency squarely in the rear-view mirror.

Depth charts aren't actually finalized for a while, however, and some of the league's best will tell you that late-summer transactions can be some of the most important. Starting May 8, teams will also get fresh motivation to explore the top veterans still on the market, since signings after May 7 do not count against future compensatory draft picks -- increasing commodities in a younger, data-driven game.

With that being said, here's 10 of the top remaining free agents available, plus predictions for where each will land:

RB Jay Ajayi WR DT Corey Liuget DT Ndamukong Suh DE Ezekiel Ansah DE Muhammad Wilkerson OLB Derrick Morgan LB Jamie Collins CB S Eric Berry

Predictions for the top 10 remaining free agents

RB Jay Ajayi, Falcons Adding a fifth-round power back in Qadree Ollison was nice, but it doesn't exactly read like a complement to the similarly physical Devonta Freeman. Ito Smith is also in the house, but Dan Quinn has yet to give his ringing endorsement of anyone as a Tevin Coleman replacement. Ajayi is the Falcons' best bet of bringing "lightning" into a room of "thunder," especially at a discounted rate. Yes, he's a bit repetitive in terms of being injury prone like Freeman, but he also brings a wealth of starting experience.

WR Michael Crabtree, Green Bay Packers The Pack went heavy on defense early in the 2019 draft, adding only third-round tight end Jace Sternberger to Aaron Rodgers' arsenal of passing-game weapons. And while Green Bay's receiving corps probably has more upside than you think, another red-zone target wouldn't hurt, and who better to come in for a specialized role than Crabtree, who at the very least brings a reputation for over-the-top catches? On a one-year, low-risk deal, both sides win. Rodgers gets a proven target. Crabtree gets another shot with an elite QB.

DE Ezekiel Ansah, The Bills aren't exactly desperate for a pass rusher, but there's a reason they've been sniffing around Ansah for almost two months. No. 1, adding a former All-Pro to a line that now includes first-rounder Ed Oliver could really ramp up their trench game. No. 2, they're flush with the cap space to make it happen. Ansah may want a one-year deal to get back on the market for one last shot at a big contract, but regardless, he seems like a guy who'd fit in Buffalo. It's not like he'd be playing with slouches, either.

DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Seattle Seahawks Ansah makes some sense here, but let's just say he's a touch pricey for the Seahawks' blood. Besides, Wilkerson is the prototypical Seattle swing guy who can bounce in and outside a la Michael Bennett. and Co. have gone through the motions with a big-name Jets castoff before, and they need someone as a legitimate L.J. Collier insurance plan in the wake of Frank Clark's exit. Injury concerns aside, he's exactly the type of plug-and-play veteran this team could use.

DT Corey Liuget, New England Patriots has a history with ex-Chargers defenders (see: Rodney Harrison, Junior Seau), and while Liuget doesn't carry the same weight (at least figuratively), he does fill a need for some interior help. New England is all about giving well-known veterans a shot, and although Michael Bennett should give them some DL flexibility in a post-Trey Flowers room, Liuget could easily find a prominent role. And from the DT's perspective, what's better than signing up for a run with the champs?

DT Ndamukong Suh, The Colts never really lived up to the hype as the big-money ballers of free agency, but with the draft in the rear view and their DT depth chart pretty forgettable outside of Margus Hunt, it's fair to wonder if Chris Ballard might break out a Rams-esque one-year payday to bring some extra juice to the interior. Indianapolis already went to the veteran well to satisfy an edge need with Justin Houston, so this wouldn't be out of character. Suh would also be joining a team that looks poised to seriously contend in 2019.

OLB Derrick Morgan, This one fits like a glove. The 2019 draft came and went without Pittsburgh addressing a decent need for pass rushing depth, and the Steelers haven't been shy to take fliers on veteran defenders in recent years. Morgan, meanwhile, is a proven stand-up edge guy, went to high school a few hours from Pittsburgh and played three years under Dick LeBeau in . Is he past his prime? Sure, but you can do a whole lot worse at backup OLB. This guy has the makeup and resume to be a solid rotational addition.

LB Jamie Collins, Unless the Patriots bring back their old friend or the get creative to replace C.J. Mosley, Collins seems like the kind of luxury upgrade would love to give . Kansas City's LB situation isn't insanely bad, but with some money to spare, they can afford to find a place for Collins, especially since LB was the one position the Chiefs didn't address in the draft. They've already been aggressive to upgrade the defense, so why not finish it off? Collins got paid. Now he can contend.

CB Morris Claiborne, Among all the top remaining free agents, no one seems more likely to stick with their old team than Claiborne. Almost every team could use more CB depth, but this is a solid, if unspectacular, starter we're talking about, and future first-team jobs -- primarily in places like Arizona and New York (not the Jets!) -- were largely filled through the draft. Claiborne's played some of his better ball in green, so this is a win- win for both sides, regardless of how long the deal takes to figure out.

S Eric Berry, You can make a case for the here, but the Browns connections are too obvious to ignore. First, you've got John Dorsey, the man who employed Berry for years, running the show in Cleveland. Second, the Browns were after earlier in the offseason and are still very clearly trying to upgrade the position. Third, they've got more than enough money to make it work. And fourth, does anyone really believe was brought in to be a true full-timer?

2019 NFL All-Rookie Team: Kyler Murray, Devin Bush to show out By Chad Reuter NFL.com May 7, 2019

Now that the 2019 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, it's time to look ahead and project how this year's rookies will fit with their professional squads.

Most of the players listed on this projected All-Rookie Team were drafted in the first two rounds, which makes sense because teams are trying to meet immediate needs with the best available prospects. However, there are other NFL newbies listed here who were picked later on but fell into a good situation where their contributions will be needed sooner rather than later.

Note that some early-round picks may not be listed here because they have veterans ahead of them on the projected depth chart for 2019. I suspect that, for example, left tackle Andre Dillard, Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock and Byron Murphy are among the dozens of early selections who will have great careers -- but may have to be patient, unless injuries force them into a larger role than expected in 2019.

With that in mind, here's a look at my All-Rookie Team for the upcoming season:

OFFENSE Quarterback: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (Round 1, No. 1 overall). Murray will be under the most pressure of any quarterback in this class to perform in 2019, since the team's former QB, 2018 first- round pick Josh Rosen, was traded away a day after Murray was picked first overall. While Murray will need to adjust to the pro game, like every rookie, I suspect he will challenge defenses early on with his blend of arm strength and athleticism.

Running back: David Montgomery, Chicago Bears (Round 3, No. 73). Montgomery will be what Jordan Howard wasn't for the Bears last season: elusive, and able to regularly break off 5- or 6-yard runs to keep the chains moving.

Running back: Josh Jacobs, Oakland Raiders (Round 1, No. 24). With the Raiders and parting ways this offseason, it is likely that Jacobs earns more carries in his first 16 games as a pro than he did in his last 26 games (two seasons) with the Tide (166). The fact that he made plays as a receiver out of the backfield will also help his cause for playing time.

Wide receiver: Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (Round 2, No. 36). San Francisco's need for a receiver in the second round was not a well-kept secret. A healthy Jimmy Garoppolo will find Samuel open for short, intermediate and deep throws to challenge each level of the defense.

Wide receiver: N'Keal Harry, New England Patriots (Round 1, No. 32). Harry won't get 80 catches this season, but his presence in the red zone and other crucial situations gives the tall, strong- handed target that he lost when retired.

Tight end: T.J. Hockenson, (Round 1, No. 8). Detroit really wants to run the ball this year. Hockenson's ability to block defenders on the edge and make the big catch gives him a chance to be one of the best combo TEs in the league.

Interior O-line: Garrett Bradbury, (Round 1, No. 18). The Vikings might play Bradbury at guard this season and keep veteran Pat Elflein in the pivot. Regardless, he's going to plug into Minnesota's line and provide instant relief for Kirk Cousins.

Interior O-line: Dalton Risner, Denver Broncos (Round 2, No. 41). Risner was an excellent fit for the Broncos, and not just because of his Colorado roots. His toughness and football intelligence should allow him to start immediately.

Interior O-line: Chris Lindstrom, (Round 1, No. 14). While not quite on the level of the Colts' Quenton Nelson -- the sixth overall pick in the 2018 draft -- as a prospect, Lindstrom was a legitimate mid-first-round talent who will shore up a trouble spot for the Falcons.

Offensive tackle: Kaleb McGary, Atlanta Falcons (Round 1, No. 31). McGary and Lindstrom will work together to solidify Atlanta's offensive line, much in the same way Nelson and second-round pick Braden Smith did for the Colts in 2018.

Offensive tackle: Greg Little, (Round 2, No. 37). Little was a value pick for Carolina in Round 2. If the Panthers try to get their five best linemen on the field in 2019, he'll play tackle with Taylor Moton at guard to make sure stays as healthy as possible.

DEFENSE Defensive tackle: Greg Gaines, (Round 4, No. 134). Assuming free agent Ndamukong Suh does not return to the Rams, Gaines is in a perfect positon to make an impact for the reigning NFC champions as a rookie. His motor and strength at the point of attack are well-known, but he can also be a factor in pushing the pocket.

Defensive tackle: Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills (Round 1, No. 9). Just plug Oliver in at the 3-technique spot and watch him disrupt plays.

Edge: Jachai Polite, New York Jets (Round 3, No. 68). The Jets needed pass-rush help, like, right now. Polite is not aptly named because he will not endear himself to pro tackles or quarterbacks. This is a match made in heaven.

Edge: Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers (Round 1, No. 2). Bosa's production will be greater if the 49ers trade one of their previous first-round picks, Solomon Thomas or Arik Armstead, before the season. Still, the former Buckeye is going to make a big impact when he's in the game even if those players are still around. Bosa's been off the field since September due to injury, but that won't matter. He might not get 10.5 sacks as a rookie like his brother, Joey, but his presence will be felt.

Linebacker: Devin Bush, Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 1, No. 10). Bush is an outstanding defender who will likely lead the Steelers in tackles and make plays in coverage.

Linebacker: Devin White, (Round 1, No. 5). This former LSU Tiger will help Lavonte David lead the Bucs' revamped defense in 2019.

Linebacker: Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 1, No. 7). Allen is not just an effective outside rusher -- he's a complete player who solidifies the second level of Jacksonville's defense. Watch out if he picks up more pass-rush moves.

Cornerback: , New York Giants (Round 1, No. 30). Baker or his new teammate, fourth- round CB Julian Love, might earn a spot on an All-Rookie Team this year due to the Giants' lack of quality depth at cornerback. I'll give Baker the edge because he has the confidence and strength to match up with pro receivers right now.

Cornerback: David Long, Los Angeles Rams (Round 3, No. 79). Pro Bowlers and Aqib Talib are the scheduled starters, but Talib only played in eight games last year (due to injury) and hasn't ever played a full 16-game season. It won't be a surprise if Rams coaches get Long on the field early. He'll be tested, too, which gives him a shot at racking up and/or pass breakups, statistics that help young players receive postseason accolades.

Safety: Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers (Round 1, No. 21). There figures to be fierce competition between Savage and 2017 second-round pick Josh Jones in training camp to start next to free-agent acquisition Adrian Amos. Even if Jones wins that competition, I'll bet that Savage gets on the field regularly in sub packages, maybe even working the slot depending on the health of the team's .

Safety: Nasir Adderley, (Round 2, No. 60). Adderley might not start right away for the Chargers, but I won't be surprised if he steps right in and wins the job opposite Derwin James. He possesses the skills to line up in coverage as well as stick his nose in against the run in a nickel capacity.

SPECIAL TEAMS Kicker/punter: Austin Seibert, Cleveland Browns (Round 5, No. 170). Seibert made 80 percent of his kicks at Oklahoma over four years, and he will not shrink under pressure. He can handle kickoff duties and also averaged more than 41 yards per punt, if the team needs that in a pinch.

Returner: , Kansas City Chiefs (Round 2, No. 56). With the uncertainty around 's future in the NFL, Hardman could make an immediate impact as a returner (25-yard career average on kickoffs, 15.2-yard average on punt returns at Georgia). However, don't underestimate him as a contributor on offense. Hardman has the potential to be an outlet receiver who can turn a short pass into a long gain for .

Brett Rypien’s contract guarantee reportedly is a record for Broncos GM John Elway By Dave Southorn Idaho Statesman May 7, 2019

Brett Rypien said that waiting through the last day of the NFL Draft and not hearing his name called was “a nightmare scenario.”

But he got plenty of interest as an undrafted free agent, and there’s good reason he chose to sign with the Denver Broncos.

Rypien was given a guarantee of $146,000, which included a $10,000 signing bonus. That guarantee is among the most lucrative in this year’s undrafted free agent class, and likely the highest among quarterbacks.

According to 9News in Denver, it may be the most the Broncos have given to an undrafted free agent, and certainly the most in John Elway’s eight-year tenure as general manager. The $136,000 is a full season’s pay on the , and veteran reporter Mike Klis wrote that “it virtually assures Rypien will be part of the Broncos’ quarterback room in 2019, although it’s not a full guarantee.” The guarantee is comparable to what a sixth-round pick typically is given.

“I wanted a team that was going to be invested in my development,” Rypien told The Athletic. “I knew the coaching staff believed in me and thought I was a draftable player. I had a really good relationship with coach (Rich) Scangarello throughout the entire pre-draft process, so I think that was probably the biggest part for me. I want to go to a place where I knew I was going to get a shot to develop and be a guy eventually.”

Scangarello, Denver’s first-year offensive coordinator, spent the last two seasons as the 49ers’ quarterbacks coach. He helped Nick Mullens, undrafted in 2017, perform solidly in eight starts last year after injuries hit the team’s depth chart. Rypien drew plenty of comparisons to Mullens as the draft approached.

The Broncos have three other quarterbacks on the roster — veteran Joe Flacco, 2019 second-round pick Drew Lock and fourth-year backup Kevin Hogan. Denver’s rookie minicamp runs Friday through Sunday. The Broncos will play five preseason games, starting with Aug. 1’s Hall of Fame Game against the Falcons in Canton, Ohio.