The Biggest Lingering NFL Questions Between Free Agency and the Draft
We're a few weeks beyond the heart of NFL free agency, and a few weeks outside of the NFL draft.
That being the case, this seems like an ideal time to step back and take a gauge on the most critical questions still surrounding the league's teams and notable players.
Here's a rundown.
Where Will the Top Quarterback Prospects Land?
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This is, of course, front of mind for many NFL observers now that April has arrived.
USC's Caleb Williams is widely expected to be selected first overall, likely by the Chicago Bears. Nothing's in cement and Chicago did trade away the top pick last year, but with Justin Fields now in Pittsburgh, the team looks set to keep the pick and grab the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner.
Beyond that, it could become quite chaotic.
The latest mock draft from the B/R NFL Scouting Department has 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels going second overall to the Washington Commanders, Drake Maye of North Carolina heading to the New England Patriots third overall, Michigan product J.J. McCarthy going to the Minnesota Vikings (who are currently slated to pick 11th) following a trade into the No. 5 pick, and Michael Penix Jr. from Washington landing with the Las Vegas Raiders with the 21st overall pick.
Oregon's Bo Nix is also a strong first-round candidate, although he doesn't make that cut with our gang.
Other teams that could consider a quarterback in the first round include the New York Giants (sixth overall), Denver Broncos (12th), Seattle Seahawks (16th) and Los Angeles Rams (19th).
This is likely to mark the fourth time in NFL history in which quarterbacks have gone 1-2-3, and for the first time in league history as many as five signal-callers could go off the board with top-10 picks.
It's going to be wild.
What Kind of Shape Is Aaron Rodgers In?
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The future Hall of Fame quarterback is now 40, he hasn't completed a pass since the end of the 2022 season, and he's less than seven months removed from surgery on his left Achilles tendon.
It's fair to wonder what he'll have left in 2024, and what he'll be capable of doing between now and the start of said season.
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience in February, Rodgers said his Achilles "feels good" and that he "can do everything except sprint at a top speed." And the organization expects to see him participate to some degree when organized team activities get underway next month.
Still, this is a scenario worth monitoring closely throughout the spring and summer.
Same Question Regarding Several Other Franchise Quarterbacks...
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Joe Burrow: The Cincinnati Bengals' star passer missed a large portion of the 2023 campaign after undergoing wrist surgery in November but is gunning for a mid-May return.
Kirk Cousins: The Atlanta Falcons didn't shy away from handing the former Viking a huge new contract despite the fact he's coming off a torn right Achilles. He expects to be "full speed" by training camp.
Deshaun Watson: The 28-year-old Cleveland Browns QB lost about half of his 2023 after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he sounds optimistic. "The situation is good," Watson said on his podcast last week. "We're in a great spot, right where we need to be. We have plenty of time to ramp up the throwing sessions and things like that, but everything is going pretty smooth. As long as I'm feeling well and the doctors and (physical therapists) and everyone are on the same page, we're in a good spot."
Anthony Richardson: The 2023 No. 4 overall pick missed the vast majority of his rookie campaign for the Indianapolis Colts due to a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, but the good news is he's working out and throwing quite impressively.
Daniel Jones: The New York Giants' lightning rod is coming off a torn ACL, and NFL Network's Judy Battista reported recently that "there are real concerns about his durability." It's entirely possible he'll be replaced before he ever starts again, if not soon thereafter.
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What Will Happen with Tee Higgins?
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Both are big-time wide receivers for AFC contenders, and both could be on the move via trade this offseason.
Higgins requested a trade last month after the Cincinnati Bengals hit him with the franchise tag, while Diggs has shown signs of being disgruntled following a letdown season for the Buffalo Bills.
Editor's Note: Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans on Tuesday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Receiver-needy teams to watch include the Giants, Jets, Bears, Ravens, Browns, Chargers, Patriots and Titans.
Don't be surprised if one or both wind up elsewhere on or around draft weekend, if not sooner.
Which QBs Will Get Paid Next?
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It's an ongoing game of leapfrog. Who's next?
Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins comes to mind first because he's damn good and is entering his prime as well as the option year on his rookie contract. Among 32 quarterbacks who have thrown at least 500 passes since the start of 2022, the 26-year-old is the highest rated (102.9).
Dak Prescott is entering a walk year for the Dallas Cowboys, but he's on the north side of 30 now and the team is coming off yet another disappointing conclusion to a season. It's entirely possible he plays it out in '24.
Jared Goff has put together by far the best two-year run of his career with the Detroit Lions, and he's also on the verge of a walk year as he approaches 30. He might not quite be at a level to take the "highest paid" crown from Joe Burrow, but he'll likely break the bank nonetheless.
Other candidates who might need to put up another strong season but could very well suddenly become wildly rich? Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers (needs to prove he isn't a one-hit wonder), Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars (too up-and-down thus far in his career) and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers (lighting it up but only two years in as Mr. Irrelevant).
Regardless, Burrow isn't likely to remain on the throne much longer.
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