Broncos, United Way team up for inaugural “Denver Day of Service” By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 13, 2019
As a part of the NFL’s “Huddle for 100” initiative encouraging fans to do at least 100 minutes of volunteer work, the Broncos and Mile High United Way are hosting the inaugural “Denver Day of Service” on June 7.
More than 20 organizations have committed to hosting projects. Volunteers can sign up by visiting https://volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org/event/104732-Denver-Day-of-Service.
“With the NFL celebrating its 100th season, ‘Denver Day of Service’ is an impactful way for fans to join the Broncs in highlighting the league’s tradition of giving back,” Broncos president & CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. “These 100-minute service projects … will bring together our organization, local non-profits and our fans to benefit our community.”
Registration for the following projects begin today: Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, The Senior Hub, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Make-A-Wish Colorado, Women’s Bean Project, Florence Crittenton Services, The Baby Haven, Zuma’s Rescue Ranch and Food Bank of the Rockies.
Several Broncos players and alumni will participate in and host projects around the Denver area.
Additional Broncos events recognizing the NFL’s 100th season will be announced next month.
A look at 9 prospects who had pre-draft visits at Broncos headquarters By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 13, 2019
9NEWS has reported 9 of the Broncos’ pre-draft visits so far.
Pre-draft visits are held at the Broncos’ UCHealth Training Center headquarters. Visits include breakfast, a one-on-one meeting with general manager John Elway, a one-on-one meeting with head coach Vic Fangio, a tour of the facility, lunch, and skull sessions with the position coaches in which plays are diagrammed on a white board.
Many visits also include a dinner the night before and an overnight hotel stay.
Here’s a closer at each player who was known to visit with the Broncos in the order they were reported by 9NEWS:
Dre’Mont Jones 3-4 DE, 6-2 ½, 281, Ohio State
You always try to find those late-bloomers in the middle to late rounds of the draft. Jones came on last season as a junior after Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending abdomen injury.
Jones had 1.0 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss combined in his first two seasons. He 8.5 sacks, 13.0 tackles for loss and a 28-yard, pick-six return as a junior.
Kingsley Keke 3-4 DE, 6-2 ½, 288, Texas A&M
You always try to find those late-bloomers in the middle to late rounds of the draft. Keke had a combined 10.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks in his first three seasons with the Aggies, then 11.0 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks as a senior. Has a fourth-round projection by NFL Draft Bible.
Dalton Risner OG, 6-4 ½, 310, Kansas State
The native of Wiggins along our state’s eastern plains was a starting center as a freshman, then a three- year starter at right tackle. Should he wind up with the Broncos he’d play a guard position as the Broncos are set at right tackle with Ja’Wuan James, and will probably play Connor McGovern at center.
A three-year captain and the Broncos had success drafting team captains last year.
Drew Lock QB, 6-3 ½, 228, Missouri
In his first start as a freshman, with future Bronco Connor McGovern starting at left tackle, Lock completed 21 of 28 with two touchdown passes and no interceptions in a 24-10 win against South Carolina.
Lock got roughed up the rest of the season but finished strong last year as a senior, throwing for a combined 7 touchdowns with 0 interceptions in games against Tennessee, Arkansas (with Elway in attendance) and Oklahoma State in the Liberty Bowl.
It would be a surprise if after trading for Joe Flacco the Broncos take a QB with their No. 10 overall pick but Elway is not closed-minded about it.
Deebo Samuel WR, 5-11, 214, South Carolina
Dee-bo! The Broncos need a player like this to partner with running back Phillip Lindsay. Samuel is small but electric. He caught 11 touchdown passes as a senior, rushed for six touchdowns as a sophomore and had four kickoff returns for touchdowns in his final three years.
He’s expected to go in the second or third rounds.
Kris Boyd CB, 5-11, 204, Texas
A good tackler which is why Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell wanted to take a look at him. Ran his 40 in 4.45 at the NFL Combine.
The Broncos would seem fine at cornerback after signing free agents Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan. But then again Chris Harris Jr. is essentially a contract holdout from the offseason program and Isaac Yiadom is coming off shoulder surgery.
Noah Fant TE, 6-4, 249, Iowa
Not much of a blocker but a George Kittle-like receiving threat. And Bronco fans know how much new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello must like his tight end in the receiving game after his previous team, the 49ers, torched Denver’s D with Kittle in a December game last year.
Fant could be in play with the Broncos’ No. 41 overall selection in the second round, although he is widely projected to go sooner. Remember, Courtland Sutton was supposed to go No. 19 overall to the Cowboys last year, but the Broncos got him with their No. 40 pick in the second round.
Dwayne Haskins QB, 6-3, 231, Ohio State
Check this out: For his visit to Broncos’ headquarters? Haskins wore a Broncos retro No. 7 Elway jersey. Talk about a thinking-man’s quarterback prospect.
Haskins was only a one-year starter – but it was so good, there was no reason for him to come back and be a two-year starter. As a redshirt sophomore, he completed 70.0 percent of his passes for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions. Posted a 13-1 record.
Went down slinging in his only loss, completing 49 of 73 for 470 yards against Purdue.
Javon Patterson OG, 6-2 ½, 307, Mississippi
A 3 ½-year starter who had starts at left guard, right guard and even three games at center during his sophomore season. Extremely strong in the arms and hands and thick in the legs.
The Broncos currently have Ron Leary/Sam Jones at left guard, Connor McGovern at center and Elijah Wilkinson at right guard. All are capable but all must prove themselves – even the veteran Leary, who is coming off an Achilles surgery as the Broncos switch to the zone blocking scheme.
Broncos to celebrate NFL's 100th anniversary with inaugural 'Denver Day of Service' By Mallory Davis 9NEWS April 13, 2019
The Denver Broncos and Mile High United Way are set to host the inaugural Denver Day of Service on Friday, June 7 at 9 a.m.
The purpose of Denver Day of Service is to challenge the community to participate in 100-minute service projects.
It's all part of the Broncos' Huddle for 100, a league-wide initiative that encourages fans to volunteer for at least 100 minutes during the celebration of the NFL's 100th season.
More than 20 organizations have committed to hosting projects. Volunteers can sign up on United Way's website. There is no limit on the number of volunteers as more projects will be unveiled as events fill up.
Several Broncos players, alumni and cheerleaders will also participate in and host projects for Denver Day of Service. More details on how the Broncos are participating will be announced in May.
Who should the Broncos draft at No. 10? By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic April 13, 2019
The Broncos own the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft and have nearly every option on the table. They have a starting quarterback in Joe Flacco and no longer need to draft one. But they still could.
They sit in prime position to try to move back (or up). But they could also take advantage of selecting in the top 10 for the second time in as many years.
They have a pass-rushing corps to envy. But don’t be surprised in they take another.
They have a tight end group that is largely unproven, but they need an infusion of talent there. They have young receivers, but could use more speed; they added to their secondary in free agency, but might look for more depth; and they brought in a highly-praised offensive line coach, but still need to provide him adequate pieces.
So what might the Broncos do in the first round?
The truth is their board isn’t set. Not yet. But in the coming days and weeks, the Broncos will finalize their plan of attack in continuing to shape their roster.
Perhaps these names are included …
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri The Broncos have or will host the top four quarterbacks — Lock, Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins and Daniel Jones — on top-30 visits. Some may be for due diligence. Others may be purely smokescreens. Even Vic Fangio admitted as much.
With Flacco in the fold, the Broncos have flexibility in deciding to add to the room. They have a starter for at least a year, maybe longer, and they can get out without taking on a cap charge (Flacco doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his contract).
The notion that Elway is “smitten” with Lock was exaggerated, especially at the time it was reported. But the kid fits the mold of what Elway has typically looked for in quarterbacks: He’s tall (6-foot-4), was a team captain, has a big arm and the playing experience to boot (46 starts).
Why they should take him: The Broncos need a long-term plan at the position. Lock would be a good candidate to learn behind Flacco for a year or so before taking the reins.
Why they should pass: His accuracy has been an issue, and if they’re not in love with him and truly believe he can be their long-term starter, the Broncos might end up wasting another first-round pick on a quarterback who won’t pan out. They’re still hurting from the Paxton Lynch whiff. Plus, they have plenty of other needs that could be filled with a top-10 selection.
Vic Fangio’s comments: “Good quarterbacks come in all shapes, sizes, styles and personalities, as you guys all know covering the league. We’re looking for a guy that can produce. Obviously, he’s got to have some minimal arm strength. He’s got to have some type of minimal athletic ability. He’s got to have leadership intangibles. He’s got to be an accurate passer. Can he throw from the pocket under duress? Does he have escapability? Guys make it work all different ways. You have to look at other skill sets. (Do they) fit to what you want to do or can you adapt to what they do well? Do you have the guys on hand that can play that adapted system?”
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State The former Ohio State quarterback has only 14 starts on his college résumé but packed a lot into his one year as the Buckeyes’ starter. As the 2018 Big Ten offensive player of the year, Haskins led the nation in both passing yards (4,831) and touchdown passes (50) while throwing only eight interceptions. He also posted a 70.0 completion percentage. He, too, has the size at 6-3, 231 pounds, and fits Elway’s preferred mold as a pocket passer.
This is the time of the year when draft projections can fluctuate by the hour — and they have for Haskins. Some say he’s slipping on draft boards, while others still claim he’s the best quarterback in the class of 2019.
The Broncos hosted him this week on a top-30 visit, and while there’s no guarantee he’ll be available at No. 10, his potential is intriguing.
Why they should take him: Like the Lock scenario, Haskins provides the Broncos the potential for more stability at the position long term. If the Broncos view him as the top QB on the board, it might be hard to pass him up if he’s around at No. 10.
Why they should pass: Also like Lock, if there are any concerns he won’t morph into the future starter, they risk losing a top-10 pick.
John Elway’s comments: “I think he’s a good player. I think he had a great year last year and did a lot of good things.”
Devin White, ILB, LSU It seems unlikely White will make it past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 5. But say he does. The Broncos need a three-down linebacker who can cover tight ends and receivers, while also stopping the run. Fangio has a history of coaching some of the best linebackers, and most recently worked with former Bronco Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith in Chicago.
White showed out at the NFL scouting combine, running the fastest 40 by a linebacker in attendance (4.42 seconds). He has the athleticism and the accolades (he won the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country last season) and could fill one of the biggest needs for the Broncos in the draft.
Why they should take him: He could be the key piece that restores the Broncos’ defense and puts them back on an elite level. Fangio’s specialty is the linebacker position, and having White alongside their star edge-rushers and remade secondary would be a boon.
Besides, it seems both White and Von Miller are on board for this pairing.
Why they should pass: They may not have a choice if he’s selected earlier. But if he’s available at No. 10, there are few (and not very good) reasons for choosing another prospect. The most-likely reasoning from the Broncos’ perspective: They want a quarterback, or they try to trade down.
Fangio’s comments: “Yeah, I think he’s a guy that can stay on the field and play all situations. The NFL has changed so much in the last few years. In Chicago last year, we saw over 80 percent that we went against three wide receivers or more. Eighty percent of our plays, there were three wide receivers or more on the field. That’s not counting the two tight end packages where one of them is really a receiver. The thought process that a guy is a first- and second-down player and not a third-down player. You’re defending third-down stuff on first and second down too. I think that’s a thing of the past, to say a guy is a one-down player or two-down player. I don’t like to look at things that way anymore.”
Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan Another top linebacker on the board, Bush has the speed and bend that could make him a valuable asset to the Broncos’ defense. The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen went in depth on Bush’s college tape, indirectly revealing how well he would fit in Fangio’s system.
If he’s available at 10, do the Broncos grab him?
Why they should take him: Throughout the offseason, Fangio has stressed the need to find answers to three-wide-receiver sets, and to find players who embrace the game’s physicality. Tackling is non- negotiable, he said. Bush allowed only 4.5 yards an attempt when targeted in coverage, as Nguyen noted. And although he’s a bit smaller (5-11, 234), he’s hardly afraid to take on big hits.
Why they should pass: If Elway feels another prospect — again, maybe a tight end or a quarterback — would be a better grab.
Fangio’s comments: “The game’s played out in space much more than it used to be and the outside linebacker position has become a position with a lot more physical demands on it. You need to find guys that can run and play athletically in the open field, cover some backs and tight ends and cover ground. The ILB position has become a much more demanding position where the talent level has gone up.
“We need to add to that group, but I like some of the players we do have available there in Todd Davis, Josey Jewell and other players that have played in backup roles. But I’d like to see us add a player or two there to be competitive.”
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa It’s no secret the Broncos need serious help at the tight end position. They re-signed Jeff Heuerman to a two-year deal, but he has yet to play a full season. They still have high hopes for Jake Butt, but he’s coming off his third ACL injury. And their 2018 draft pick, Troy Fumagalli, has yet to see the field because of a sports hernia.
Enter Hockenson, the John Mackey Award winner as the nation’s top tight end. He stands 6-5, 251, and led Iowa with 49 catches for 760 yards (15.5 average) and six touchdowns last season.
Why they should take him: Boy, do the Broncos need tight end help. They have for years — really since Julius Thomas left in free agency. Flacco has made good use of his tight ends over the years, and Hockenson would give the Broncos another offensive weapon, especially in the red zone.
Why they should pass: Do they really want to take a tight end that high? In the last 15 years, only three tight ends have been selected within the top 10: Eric Ebron (No. 10, 2014), Vernon Davis (No. 6, 2006) and Kellen Winslow (No. 6, 2004). Since the 1970 NFL merger, the Broncos have selected one tight end in the first round: Riley Odoms, at No. 5 in 1972.
Fangio’s comments: “The tight end position is unique. Everybody is searching for the all-around blocker and receiver. But there are very few of those to go around. You have to manufacture your tight end position. Sometimes it takes a couple of guys to do that.”
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa Fant’s stock seemed to skyrocket following the combine, where he ran a blazing 4.5 40 — the fastest time among tight ends this year. The 6-4, 249-pound former Hawkeye has drawn comparisons to Ebron after three seasons at Iowa in which he compiled 78 catches for 1,083 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. His 11 touchdowns his sophomore season set an Iowa record among tight ends.
The Broncos hosted him on a top-30 visit as they continue to scour their options on both sides of the ball.
Why they should take him: He’s an athletic freak who could be a valuable weapon in Rich Scangarello’s offense.
Why they should pass: Again, would Elway take a tight end this high?
Elway’s comments: “We’ve been trying to address (the tight end position) every year. That’s a tough position now, especially when you’re talking about an in-line guy that is a blocker but can also be a good pass receiver. We don’t have a lot of in-line guys coming out of college like we used to because of what they’re doing in college ball opening things up. And there’s more receivers coming out of college. It’s much more difficult finding the in-line tight ends than it’s ever been.”
Ed Oliver, DL, Houston The Broncos let Domata Peko walk in free agency, leaving an opening at nose tackle. They also let outside linebackers Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett go, leaving them thin at a position that was once very deep. Oliver has the versatility to play on the line or on the edge, maybe even inside.
Under Fangio, Oliver would have a chance to hone his pass-rushing skills while also providing the team the versatility they’ve been seeking across the board. Plus, the guy can move; he ran a 4.75-second 40 at Houston’s pro day.
Why they should take him: Elway loves his defense. Fangio does too. And the Broncos’ group needs depth on the line and could even try to use him at inside linebacker.
Why they should pass: If they view size as a hindrance; he’s only 6-2, 287.
Fangio’s comments: “I think D-linemen are interchangeable. I think the days of a nose tackle and an end — to me, they’re all tackles. They play from lining up on this tackle all the way to that tackle and anywhere in between. They all have to react to the same type of blocking schemes and the same type of blocks to be able to pass rush. To me, they’re defensive linemen. Period. End of story.”
Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama The Broncos were linked to Williams in some mock drafts before the start of free agency. They needed a right tackle, and he could fill the void. Although they went ahead and made Ja’Wuan James the highest- paid right tackle in the league, the Broncos could still look to add to their line.
They need to.
Williams, who met with the Broncos at the combine, played both right and left tackle at Alabama. But his arm length (33⅝ inches) has been deemed by some as too short (cue the eye roll), despite measuring slightly longer than those of his idol, Joe Thomas.
“I think if you look at a lot of the really successful tackles over the past 10 years — Joe Thomas, Joe Staley, Jake Matthews, Jason Peters, La’el Collins, Riley Reiff, Ryan Ramczyk — just a couple guys off the top of my head that have shorter arms than me — I don’t think that’s necessarily a huge deal,” Williams said at the combine. “I’m proud of the way I play. My approach to the game makes me a great player. So, if my fingers were an eighth of an inch longer, I might be good enough? I think the way that I play is what defines me as a football player.”
But here’s the intrigue with Williams: The Broncos could move him inside, where they lost Billy Turner and Max Garcia in free agency, have Ron Leary coming off an Achilles’ injury, and where they could lose Connor McGovern to a position change. Elway has said McGovern will move to center “for now” in place of Matt Paradis.
Why they should take him: The Broncos are thin up front, especially on the interior. Williams, with his skill and work ethic, could play inside or out and would give Mike Munchak another talent as he looks to improve the line.
Why they should pass: If they view him primarily as a tackle and believe they should wait to take a lineman, either later in the first by trading down, or in the second.
Munchak’s comments: “It’s just technique. I think that’s where the biggest thing is, and understanding what you’re being asked to do. … That’s one thing I love about coaching the most — the teaching, the relationships with the players and with the offensive linemen. That’s part of having success, that those guys realize how much they have to rely on each other, the five of them. Achieve as much as you can and help each other so it’s not one-on-one.”
Broncos, United Way partner to host 'Denver Day of Service' By Troy Renck KMGH April 13, 2019
The Broncos and Mile High United Way are looking to make an impact surrounding the NFL's 100-year anniversary.
The pair will will host the inaugural "Denver Day of Service" on Friday, June 7, challenging the community to participate in 100-minute service projects. The Broncos hope to make this an annual event, and it is expected to include team employees, cheerleaders and players.
The event takes place the day after the Broncos end their veteran mandatory minicamp before taking a break before training camp begins in July. Additional information will be announced in May.
“With the NFL celebrating its 100th season, Denver Day of Service is an impactful way for fans to join the Broncos in highlighting the league’s tradition of giving back,” Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis said. “These 100-minute service projects—in partnership with Mile High United Way—will bring together our organization, local non-profits and our fans to benefit our community.”
At this point, in excess of 20 organizations have stepped forward to host service projects. Volunteers can sign up here: https://volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org/event/104732-Denver-Day-of-Service .
Broncos, Mile High United Way invite fans to take part in inaugural Denver Day of Service on June 7 By Staff DenverBroncos.com April 13, 2019
The inaugural Denver Day of Service, hosted by the Broncos and Mile High United Way, is challenging the community to participate in 100-minute service projects recognizing the NFL's 100th season on Friday, June 7, at 9 a.m. MDT.
The Denver Day of Service is part of the Broncos’ Huddle for 100, a league-wide initiative that encourages fans to volunteer for at least 100 minutes during the celebration of the NFL’s 100th season. Additional information about ways the Broncos are engaging with fans in recognition of the NFL's 100th season will be announced in May.
“With the NFL celebrating its 100th season, Denver Day of Service is an impactful way for fans to join the Broncos in highlighting the league’s tradition of giving back,” Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis said. “These 100-minute service projects — in partnership with Mile High United Way — will bring together our organization, local non-profits and our fans to benefit our community.”
More than 20 organizations have committed to hosting projects, and volunteers can sign up through this link.
The city-wide community service projects will be captained by Broncos and Mile High United Way employees. Several Broncos players, alumni and cheerleaders will also participate and host projects for Denver Day of Service.
“Mile High United Way is proud to partner with the Denver Broncos on this first-ever event. Volunteering is the cornerstone of what we do,” President and CEO of Mile High United Way Christine Benero said. “It is exciting to see the full force of the non-profit community and the business community unite and bring this to life. When you join forces with a winning team like the Denver Broncos, communities can be changed.”
There is no limit to the amount of volunteers as additional service projects will be unveiled as projects fill up. Registration for the following projects begins today, Friday, April 12:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Children's Hospital Colorado Florence Crittenton Services Food Bank of the Rockies Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Make-A-Wish Colorado The Baby Haven The Senior Hub Women's Bean Project Zuma's Rescue Ranch Denver Broncos Community Development
The Denver Broncos are committed to improving lives in our community by focusing on Youth Development, Quality of Life, Health & Wellness, Youth Football and Civic Engagement. Alongside key community partners in each focus area, we are able to make a difference through strategic programming, unique events and dedicated advocacy. For more information on the Denver Broncos’ community partnerships and programs, please visit denverbroncos.com/community or follow @BroncosOffField on Twitter and Instagram.
Mile High United Way
Working side-by-side with the community, Mile High United Way takes on the biggest issues facing Metro Denver. Our united approach changes the odds for the children, families, and individuals in our community, and moves them out of poverty. We believe every child has the right to a safe and stimulating place to learn, and that when every youth in Metro Denver graduates prepared for college or career, our community is stronger. We also know that when people don’t have their most basic needs met, longer-term goals like financial stability, are out of reach. When we work together, we make a lasting, holistic, and sustainable impact on our community. Learn more at unitedwaydenver.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @UnitedWayDenver.
Agent's Take: What Demarcus Lawrence's deal means for the next pass-rushers slated to get paid By Joel Corry CBSSports.com April 13, 2019
Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence joined Rams interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald and Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack in the $20 million per year non-quarterback club by reaching an agreement with the Cowboys on a long-term deal over the weekend.
The Cowboys have signed Lawrence, who was designated as a franchise player for a second year in a row, to a five-year, $105 million contract, which averages $21 million per year. Lawrence's deal has $65 million in guarantees, of which $48 million was fully guaranteed at signing. A $25 million signing bonus is a part of Lawrence's guaranteed money.
The Cowboys clear nearly $9.5 million of 2019 salary cap room with Lawrence's long-term deal. Lawrence had been counting on Dallas' salary cap at his $20,571,600 franchise tender. His 2019 cap number is now $11.1 million.
The Cowboys made Lawrence an early offseason signing priority in hopes of avoiding another franchise tag being used on him. There was never going to be a deal until the Cowboys topped the five-year, $85 million contract with $52.5 million in guarantees and $40 million fully guaranteed at signing David Canter, Lawrence's agent, got Olivier Vernon from the Giants during 2016 free agency after factoring in salary cap inflation. Vernon's deal equates to just over $20.6 million per year with approximately $63.65 million of guarantees where almost $48.5 million is fully guaranteed at signing.
Pass rusher 2019 contract comparison Lawrence becomes the second of the four edge rushers designated as franchise players, along with Dee Ford, to sign multi-year contracts. Trey Flowers, who benefited from the decreased competition on the open market, received the top edge rusher deal in free agency. The chart below compares their five- year deals in some key contract metrics.
Ford, who received his deal after the Chiefs traded him to the 49ers for a 2020 second-round pick, clearly has an inferior contract in all aspects. Most importantly, Ford's guaranteed money pales in comparison to Flowers and Lawrence's. Just $33.4 million of Ford's guarantees have the capacity to become fully guaranteed because his $11.6 million salary guarantee in 2021 is only for injury.
Potential beneficiaries of Lawrence's deal Lawrence's deal undoes any damage Dee Ford's may have to the market for highly productive pass rushers in line for new contracts, primarily Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark and Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. Both were designated as franchise players.
The $20 million per year non-quarterback club could be expanding if either Clark or Clowney signs long term, or if Chiefs interior defensive lineman Chris Jones and Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, 2016 draft picks, don't play out their rookie contracts. The agents of the four players will likely view Lawrence's deal as the salary floor for their clients. At the very least, the four should be able to command contracts that are the average of the Flowers and Lawrence deals. These deals average $19.5 million per year with $60.5 million in guarantees and $44 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Clowney, who was named to the Pro Bowl for a third consecutive year in 2018, reportedly rejected an offer for a multi-year contract last preseason. He is expected to file a grievance to be classified as a defensive end since the NFL considers him a linebacker. For tag purposes, a player's position is determined by where he participated in the most plays during the prior season.
The defensive end designation is $17.128 million, while Clowney's tag is $15,967,200, which is 120 percent of his $13.306 million option year salary in 2018. The Texans paid Clowney $1 million more than the fifth-year option price for linebackers selected in the top 10 of the 2014 NFL Draft to resolve a dispute over his position designation.
Signing Clowney to a lucrative contract in the $20 million per year neighborhood may have unintended consequences for the Texans. If defensive end J.J. Watt has a mindset anything like a majority of the clients I represented as agent, paying Clowney substantially more than him will be problematic now that he has largely regained the form that made him a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year award winner after being limited him to eight games over the 2016 and 2017 seasons due to injury. Watt earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018 with 16 sacks, which were second most in the NFL. Clowney's nine sacks were second on the Texans.
The six-year, $100 million contract extension Watt received prior to the start of the 2014 season making him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback upon signing has become outdated. Watt, who recently turned 30, is now a relative bargain for the Texans. He is scheduled to make $46 million over the remaining three years of his contract, which runs through the 2021 season.
Erik Burkhardt, Clark's agent, has made comments indicating he understands the value of pass rushers. He suggested during the 2018 season he would be comfortable with Clark playing on a franchise tag if he and Seahawks can't get on the same page financially. This thinking has apparently changed. Clark reportedly doesn't plan on signing his franchise tender or showing up to training camp without a new deal. His stance isn't unique to franchise players. Missing part or all of the preseason after the July 15 deadline for franchise players to sign long term passes is a fairly common occurrence for those receiving the designation. The tender eventually gets signed, with a notable exception of running back Le'Veon Bell last year with the Steelers.
There has been some speculation that Seattle might trade Clark rather than making him one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players. Previous trades have left the Seahawks with only four picks in the upcoming draft. Seahawks general manager John Schneider would like to acquire more draft capital. A potential replacement for Clark could be found, since this year's draft is considered to have a deep pool of pass rushers. Seattle would probably want more than the second-round pick obtained by the Chiefs to trade Ford.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed a couple of weeks ago at the NFL owners meeting that talks for a Jones extension have begun. Jones got the NFL's attention with his pass-rushing prowess last season. He was third in the NFL with 15.5 sacks. Jones set an NFL record by recording a sack in 11 straight games.
Jones' leverage has increased because of Kansas City's personnel decisions this offseason. He is Kansas City's only proven pass rusher remaining after Justin Houston's release and Ford's trade.
A premium is paid to players who can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks whether a defensive end, 3-4 outside linebacker or interior defensive lineman. The Eagles signed All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox to a six-year, $102.6 million extension containing $63.299 million of guarantees in 2016 which made him the NFL's second highest paid non-quarterback at $17.1 million per year until Von Miller re-signed with the Broncos. The Cox deal averages just over $20.725 million per year if adjusted to the 2019 salary cap environment.
Cox was coming off a 9.5 sack season where he had 77 quarterback pressures (combined sacks, quarterback hurries and quarterback hits), according to Pro Football Focus, when he got paid. Jones had six more sacks and three fewer pressures in 2018 than Cox that season. His 74 pressures were tied for fourth in the NFL last season.
Ari Nissim of Roc Nation Sports represents Ngakoue. He is a former long-time executive with the Jets who was responsible for negotiating player contracts and managing the salary cap before switching to player representation in 2014. Expect Nissim to drive an extremely hard bargain for Ngakoue. Nissim dramatically changed a running back market that had been in steady decline by negotiating a four-year, $57.5 million extension (worth a maximum of $60 million through realistically achievable salary escalators) for Todd Gurley with the Rams last July.
Ngakoue has developed into a pass-rushing force without much fan fare. His 134 quarterback pressures over the last two seasons are more than the edge rushers receiving 2019 franchise designations had during this span except Lawrence. Lawrence has 142 pressures since the start of the 2017 season.
Final thoughts Donald and Mack took pass rusher compensation to unprecedented heights with their contracts averaging $22.5 million and $23.5 million per year, respectively. Lawrence signing for $21 million per year means Donald and Mack's deals aren't market anomalies. With Lawrence being the latest data point for players that can consistently pressure quarterbacks, $20 million per year pass rushers are going to become a more common occurrence in the NFL over the next couple of years.
2019 Draft Needs: Denver Broncos By Andy Benoit & Gary Grambling Sports Illustrated April 13, 2019
Two weeks ahead of the NFL draft, Andy Benoit and Gary Gramling are breaking down draft needs for all 32 teams. You can also see every team in a single post here.
Biggest Need: Interior O-line 2016 fifth-rounder Connor McGovern, who struggled a few times in one-on-one scenarios at guards last year, is the new center, with Matt Paradis not being re-signed. That’s a downgrade. So is undrafted third-year pro Elijah Wilkinson in McGovern’s old right guard spot. And at left guard, Ronald Leary is coming off an Achilles injury and can be cut in 2020 for a cap savings of $8.5M. New QB Joe Flacco, at this point, is only comfortable playing from a clean pocket. Denver needs at least two new blockers inside.
Hidden Need: Linebacker Run thumper Todd Davis has improved to become adequate in pass defense, and 2018 fourth-rounder Josey Jewell, while not the greatest reactor in coverage, showed flashes as a downhill attacker last year. Neither of these men, however, are pure passing-down linebackers. And remember, even on third down, new defensive play-caller Vic Fangio prefers to keep two linebackers on the field. It’s an important position in Fangio’s nuanced scheme, which is why Fangio’s 2018 Bears addressed it with the eighth overall pick (Roquan Smith).
Also Looking For: Quarterback Flacco will almost certainly be The Guy on opening day; the fact that he’s here, and that he’s playing for a new 60-year-old head coach, tells you GM John Elway believes his club is a contender right now. But Elway also understands that you can’t be a contender long-term if you’re not set under center. Flacco, 34 and with a history of injuries, is not a long-term solution.
Who They Can Get If they go offensive line, Denver might have their choice of the top OL prospects, many of whom are collegiate tackles who profile as NFL guards. Alabama's Jonah Williams and Oklahoma's Cody Ford are a bit of a reach at 10. If they wait until 41, they can cross their fingers that Kansas State's Dalton Risner is still on the board. And while he'd be a bit of a reach in the top 50, Boston College's Chris Lindstrom would be a perfect fit in Rich Scangarello's outside-zone scheme. Linebacker would be easier, where both LSU's Devin White and Michigan's Devin Bush bring the kind of three-down skillset Fangio needs. Missouri QB Drew Lock—something of a young Joe Flacco—would be an excellent fit in their offense.
Report: 2019 schedule may feature pre-Christmas Saturday tripleheader By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk April 13, 2019
The 2019 regular-season schedule most likely will be announced next week. As the league removes the sheet from the “when” of 256 contests for which the “who” and “where” became known when the 2018 regular season ended, there could be an intriguing wrinkle on the Saturday before Christmas.
Andrew Bucholtz of AwfulAnnouncing.com reports that the league is considering a Saturday tripleheader for what will be Week 16 of the 2019 season.
In recent years, the league has rediscovered Saturdays in December. Although the broadcast antitrust exemption prevents NFL games from being televised on Fridays and Saturdays from Labor Day weekend until early December (to protect high-school and college football), late-season Saturdays remain open season for pro football.
In 2018, a Week 16 doubleheader featuring Washington-Titans and Ravens-Chargers happened on the Saturday before Christmas, with four games originally earmarked for potential stand-alone placement on that day. (Jaguars-Dolphins and Giants-Colts were bumped to Sunday.) In 2017, Saturday, December 23 had Colts-Ravens in the late afternoon, and Vikings-Packers in prime time on NBC.
The prior year saw a full slate of Saturday games on December 24, standard practice for the league when Christmas lands on a Sunday.
Whatever the league decides (or perhaps more accurately has decided), we’ll know the answer soon enough.
Tua Tagovailoa thinks three-year rule is “fine for me,” but he’d possibly leave if he could By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk April 13, 2019
Humans have an inherent knack for accepting their circumstances when those circumstances can’t be changed. Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa accepts his current circumstances that can’t be changed. If they could be changed, Tua quite possibly would not accept those circumstances.
That’s the vibe the Alabama quarterback created in a recent interview with Zach Gelb of CBS Sports Radio. Here’s Tagovailoa’s take on the rule that makes mandatory a three-year wait following high- school graduation before a player can enter the NFL.
“I honestly think that is a good rule,” Tagovailoa said. “I mean, I’d say because when you go the NFL, I mean, you’re playing against grown men. This isn’t something that you need to take lightly. And you’ve got to take into consideration that it’s a job. It’s a job when you go to the NFL, and just being able to stay in college for another year, for me — I mean, being able to hear all these people, these speakers come and talk to us, you know, about how to be accountable for your money. How to be accountable in things you do. You learn so many lessons before you even reach that stage, too, where when things do happen, you’ve heard it from other guys. You have contacts to go to.
“Just little things like that, I mean when you come out of high school and you only play a year in college, I mean, how fast it’s gonna be, it’s gonna be ridiculous. I hear guys who have played in the league that come back that are from Alabama and they say you can’t compare the two. College is definitely a lot different than the NFL, in all aspects, in every aspect. So I think the three years is fine for me.”
It’s fine for him, because he has no choice but to accept it. But what if he had a choice? Would he make the jump despite the litany of concerns that surely have been drilled into him and the rest of his teammates by a head coach who would prefer they continues to stay and play for him as long as possible?
“Well, I’d probably have to sit down and talk with my parents, see what the best decision would be for me to do, and if they would want me to go I would do everything possible to prepare for it,” Tagovailoa said. “There wouldn’t be any other way.”
Since he doesn’t have a choice, that conversation won’t happen. The conversation should be allowed to happen. Each player should be able to make the decision as to whether he wants to go straight to the NFL out of high school, to leave college after one year, or to exit after two.
The notion that college football, the NFL, and the NFLPA are collectively protecting players from themselves masks the reality that they’re actually protecting college football. Adults should have the ability to make their own decisions regarding potential employment, and the 32 NFL teams should have the ability to decide whether to hire them. An artificial rule premised on the idea that 18- or 19-year- olds would be maimed or worse by grown men overlooks the reality that their employers wouldn’t draft them if they weren’t ready and, if they pick them for developmental purposes, they wouldn’t put them into the fray prematurely.
But the NFL doesn’t want to get in the business of making those decisions about unfinished products. The NFL would rather let the college football system take the raw product and make it pro-ready, or not. Otherwise, NFL teams would have to add to their college scouting burden the task of scouting high- school players.
Thus, the free farm system works for the NFL, and the NFL is in no rush to change it. Hiding behind trumped-up notions of concern for the safety of young players ensures that it won’t change.
But it may change, if/when the XFL opens the doors to players ineligible for the NFL — and if/when someone launches an in-season alternate football league that plays on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and that offers players who can’t yet get paid by the NFL cash money in exchange for their skills, services, and sacrifices.