Footballguys #289 - 2/4 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #289 -- Sunday Night, February 4th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Wow. Congrats to the Eagles on an amazing season. And what a fantastic finale to a wild season. Wow. We've got a few bits of news so let's jump to it. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE FEATURE - Top 100 Rookie Rankings](=) One of the things you guys asked for was Rookie info much earlier than we've ever done in the past. We always start that info closer to the NFL Draft but one of the things you told us on the Reader Survey and also here was you'd like to see that info much earlier. We heard you and we're delivering. Our Sigmund Bloom just released his Top 100 Rookies. Obviously, this list will see massive changes as stories develop over the next six months. But Sig's laying out what he sees now based on what we know now. Enjoy. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PHI - QB Nick Foles named Super Bowl MVP](#1) 2. [PIT - ILB Ryan Shazier resumes walking](#2) 3. [IND - ILB Edwin Jackson passes away](#3) 4. [PHI - QB Nick Foles may be trade target](#4) 5. [ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald to make decision soon](#5) 6. [IND - Indy could make offer to WR Donte Moncrief](#6) 7. [DET - WR Marvin Jones thinks DET can have top offense](#7) 8. [NYG - Odell Beckham hopes to get extension](#8) 9. [NE - DT Alan Branch will not play](#9) 10. [OAK - T.J. Carrie expected to test market](#10) 11. [NE - NE to be patient with Antonio Garcia](#11) 12. [NE - Dante Scarnecchia could return](#12) 13. [DEN - Denver had interest in WR Wes Welker](#13) 14. [NFL - John Fox receiving coaching offers](#14) 15. [CLE - Scot McCloughan hired](#15) 16. [SF - SF nearing deal with QB Jimmy Garoppolo](#16) 17. [PHI - QB Carson Wentz to resume exercising](#17) 18. [IND - Darrell Bevell could become OC in Indy](#18) 19. [WAS - WAS could place franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins](#19) 20. [MIN - Pat Shurmur honored](#20) 21. [NFL - Troy Fumagalli a weapon at next level?](#21) 22. [NFL - Arden Key tough to evaluate](#22) 23. [NFL - Josh Allen boom or bust?](#23) 24. [NFL - Rasheem Green not NFL ready?](#24) 25. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers realistic about future](#25) 26. [NO - Baker Mayfield would love to be a Saint](#26) 27. [NFL - Shaquem Griffin invited to combine](#27) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PHI - QB Nick Foles named Super Bowl MVP]( Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles QB [Nick Foles]( was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl LII, completing 28 of his 43 passes for 373 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in a 41-33 win over the New England Patriots. He also caught a one-yard touchdown pass. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] An amazing performance in an amazing game. Foles was incredible and played with poise and calm and aggressiveness. A fantastic ending to the season. Congrats to Foles and to the Eagles. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PIT - ILB Ryan Shazier resumes walking]( Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ryan Shazier (back) has regained movement in his legs and has started a regular walking routine, according to multiple sources. However, the next three to six months of his recovery process should provide a good idea of how much function he can regain. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is outstanding news and we are happy for Shazier and his Steelers family. There is still a question of whether he'll play again, but this is a day for celebrating, that question is for the future. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [IND - ILB Edwin Jackson passes away]( Source: The Indianapolis Star - Justin L. Mack and Emma Kate Fittes Indianapolis Colts LB Edwin Jackson died in a car accident in Indiana Sunday, Feb. 4. Jackson was struck by a suspected drunken driver, according to Indiana State Police. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is sad news for the Colts family and a good reminder to please not drink and drive on this American holiday and don't let anyone you know drink and drive. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [PHI - QB Nick Foles may be trade target]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport The Philadelphia Eagles are expecting to receive trade interest on QB [Nick Foles]( this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If they can get a starter price for him, they should listen, but Carson Wentz is no lock for Week 1 and they'll want to bring him back at a very deliberate pace. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald to make decision soon](=) Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo Arizona Cardinals WR [Larry Fitzgerald]( said he expects to decide on his playing future in the next week or two. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A report earlier this week said new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy made it sound like Fitzgerald will play in 2018. We'll see very soon. If Fitzgerald retires, the Cardinals will have to start over at wide receiver, with John and Jaron Brown also free agents this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [IND - Indy could make offer to WR Donte Moncrief]( Source: ESPN.com - Mike Wells The Indianapolis Colts could consider offering impending free-agent WR [Donte Moncrief]( a short-term deal where he would have to prove his value, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Mike Wells. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Moncrief is still young at 24 and he has great tools, but has been a disappointment with the Colts. The team might value him more than others because of continuity, considering how little they have on the depth chart behind Moncrief. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [DET - WR Marvin Jones thinks DET can have top offense]() Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett Detroit Lions WR [Marvin Jones]( said he believes the Lions have the chance to be the top offense in the NFL next season with QB [Matthew Stafford]( and all of the main receivers under contract. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Lions offense needs to develop a running game before that can happen. Jones did have an excellent 2017 and showed he belongs among the ranks of #1 NFL wide receivers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NYG - Odell Beckham hopes to get extension](=) Source: New York Post - Anthony Barstow New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham Jr](. said he hopes to receive a contract extension this offseason so he does not have to worry about the situation. 'Hopefully we get it done, just to get it over with,' Beckham said. 'I really want to do it so I can move past it. It's too much to be sitting around, thinking where I'm going to be.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Giants should commit to Beckham and build an offensive blueprint around his influence on the game. Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram give them players to exploit the space and mismatches Beckham will leave in his wake, and they can draft their quarterback of the future at #2. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NE - DT Alan Branch will not play]( Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin New England Patriots DT Alan Branch said he will be one of the inactive players for the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Branch was actually spotted eating at a Panda Express in the Mall of America hours before the game. He was a much bigger part of last year's Super Bowl Champion. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [OAK - T.J. Carrie expected to test market]( Source: RaidersSnakepit.com - Bill Williamson Oakland Raiders impending free-agent CB T.J. Carrie is expected to test the free-agent market this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Carrie wasn't a star, but he was probably the Raiders best corner playing out of the slot. He didn't create a turnover and will likely get overpaid in free agency, so he might not be back with the Raiders, leaving a hole in an already compromised secondary. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NE - NE to be patient with Antonio Garcia](=) Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots OT Antonio Garcia (illness) has lost around 40 pounds because of an illness but is working on adding the weight back on, according to offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Scarnecchia said the Patriots will be patient with Garcia as he works his way back from the illness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Patriots had good players four deep on the depth chart at offensive tackle, but backups LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming will be free agents. They could really use Garcia, but the weight loss makes it sound like he's not even ready to practice yet and 2018 will basically be his rookie year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NE - Dante Scarnecchia could return](=) Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss New England Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia has not decided if he will return next season but did said he could envision himself coaching one more season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Patriots are already going to have a new offensive and defensive coordinator next year, and they might need a new special teams coach. Keeping continuity at other positions will be key, so they could give Scarnecchia a raise to keep him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [DEN - Denver had interest in WR Wes Welker]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis The Denver Broncos requested permission to interview Houston Texans assistant coach [Wes Welker]( for their wide receivers coaching position, but the Texans denied the request. The Broncos hired Zach Azzanni as their receivers coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Azzanni's claim to fame is that he was Antonio Brown's wide receiver coach at Central Michigan. Welker appears to be yet another acorn from the Belichick tree that is beginning to grow. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [NFL - John Fox receiving coaching offers]( Source: WGN Radio 720 - Adam Hoge Former Chicago Bears head coach John Fox is reportedly mulling over several assistant coaching offers, as well as an opportunity to join the media, according to FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fox is a good defensive coach, and the defense wasn't really the problem in Chicago. He could be an excellent addition to any defensive staff. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CLE - Scot McCloughan hired]() Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen The Cleveland Browns have hired former Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan as a personnel consultant, according to multiple sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCloughan matches GM John Dorsey in his "football guy" mentality and has clear ideas about the 2018 draft class. Washington did seem to be going in the right direction from a personnel standpoint when McCloughan was playing a big role, although he has recently expressed some hesitation to put Kirk Cousins on a pedestal and might slow down momentum to make a big move for him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [SF - SF nearing deal with QB Jimmy Garoppolo]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport The San Francisco 49ers appear to be close to finalizing a long-term contract extension with QB [Jimmy Garoppolo](, according to multiple sources informed of the situation. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Garoppolo should become one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the game, but because of timing, not track record. Still, the marriage between him and Kyle Shanahan should be a happy and productive one. He might go higher than he should in drafts on the momentum and recognition he generated in December. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [PHI - QB Carson Wentz to resume exercising](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Philadelphia Eagles QB [Carson Wentz]( (knee) will begin doing weight-bearing exercises Wednesday, Feb. 7, with the brace on his knee being unlocked for the first time since he was placed on injured reserve. Barring any setbacks, Wentz could be able to do some work in training camp and the possibility remains that he could be ready for the start of the 2018 regular season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That means it's far from guaranteed that he'll be ready. Wentz is the franchise quarterback and the team will have Nick Foles on the roster, so they will be conservative. Wentz might miss some games early in the 2018 season and will be a risky pick if you have to take him early in drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [IND - Darrell Bevell could become OC in Indy]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is believed to be the favorite for the same position with the Indianapolis Colts, according to multiple sources. The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants are also among the teams that have expressed interest in Bevell. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bevell had an amazing year with Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre in Minnesota, and he's a big part of the Russell Wilson story in Seattle, although his prowess at building an offense and calling plays isn't well established despite his experience. He would be under Josh McDaniels in this scenario, so his influence would be less than in other offensive coordinator positions. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [WAS - WAS could place franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter The Washington Redskins are considering placing the franchise tag on QB [Kirk Cousins]( in order to trade him and recover some of the compensation they sent to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for QB [Alex Smith](, according to multiple sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This could be tough as it will keep Washington from having cap flexibility while Cousins is on the books, and other teams might not play ball knowing that Washington can't keep Cousins. This is a risky move that could backfire by keeping Washington from being players in free agency and getting little for that trouble. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [MIN - Pat Shurmur honored]( Source: NFL.com New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, who served as the offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings during the 2017 season, was named the 2017 Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year Saturday, Feb. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Vikings offense got better despite losing their starting quarterback and running back. They overhauled the offensive line and had balance on offense. Shurmur immediately improved the offense after Norv Turner left in 2016, and now he'll turn his attention to a Giants offense in flux in identity and a few key positions. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NFL - Troy Fumagalli a weapon at next level?](=) Source: NFL.com - Mike Mayock Wisconsin TE Troy Fumagalli is a matchup nightmare, according to Mike Mayock of NFL.com, and Mayock compared Fumagalli to Philadelphia Eagles TE [Zach Ertz](. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fumagalli lacks rare speed, power, or athleticism among receiving tight ends, but he is a sure route runner and hands catcher. He'll be a contributor as a receiving tight end, but he might not as foundational in his offense as Ertz. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [NFL - Arden Key tough to evaluate]( Source: NFL.com - Daniel Jeremiah Louisiana State LB Arden Key is one of the toughest prospects to evaluate in the 2018 NFL Draft, according to an NFL executive. 'We had guys who had huge grades on him coming into the season and they plummeted during the season,' the executive said. 'We're still trying to sort him out.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He has tantalizing upside as an edge rusher with length, explosion, and bend, but Key hasn't been reliable, aware or physical enough to get near the most out of his talent. He's a boom/bust pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [NFL - Josh Allen boom or bust?]( Source: NFL.com - Daniel Jeremiah Wyoming QB Josh Allen has no 'middle ground' in his evaluations, according to an NFL executive. 'We've got enormously high grades and really low grades for him,' the executive said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He's a set of rare traits and abilities without the consistency to get the most out of the tools at this point. All quarterbacks have a big leap to the NFL, and the hope is that he can iron out the wrinkles while keeping the big play mentality intact. He'll be a first-round pick in any event. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [NFL - Rasheem Green not NFL ready?](=) Source: NFL.com - Lance Zierlein Southern California DT Rasheem Green has a high ceiling but isn't strong enough to handle NFL competition yet, according to an AFC scout. 'He probably would have been a top-10 pick next year,' the scout said. 'He's not strong enough to handle NFL guys yet, so this year might be a redshirt year for him. He's going to be a dude when it all comes together.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Green is a DE/DT tweener, but projects as a core defensive line presence with versatility and the ability to hold up against the run and be a force in the pass rush. He should go off the board in the second round. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers realistic about future]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Michael David Smith Green Bay Packers QB [Aaron Rodgers]( said he believes he has many good years left in him, but he acknowledged that he could finish his career with a different team. 'I think you have to be humble enough to realize if it could happen to Brett (Favre), it can happen to you,' Rodgers said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It won't happen any time soon after Brett Hundley showed himself to be a limited quarterback, or at least limited in Green Bay's conception of what he can and can't do. They appeared to keep him on the conservative side, but it still wasn't a good showing. With Hundley entering free agency next year, they need to know what they have in Joe Callahan. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [NO - Baker Mayfield would love to be a Saint]( Source: DraftWire - Luke Easterling Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield said the New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for him in the 2018 NFL Draft because he could learn under QB [Drew Brees]( and play in head coach Sean Payton's offense. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints have also made the most of having a short quarterback and even have a short backup in Chase Daniel. The offensive line is used to blocking for a passer that needs more clear throwing lanes and the fit makes sense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [NFL - Shaquem Griffin invited to combine](=) Source: DraftWire - Luke Easterling Central Florida LB Shaquem Griffin was a late invite to the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Griffin not being invited in the first place was a mistake, and it's good to see the league rectify it. He has only one hand because of a birth defect, but his energy, awareness, and nose for the ball will fit in on Sundays, even if its as a backup and special teams ace. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. We'll have one more update tomorrow and then we'll take a break for a little bit. Thanks for being part of Footballguys. It's been a fantastic season. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). 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