With so much information going around the league with Pro Days, free agency, and general rumors in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, we’re going to keep tabs on league news and how it could impact the draft. This post will be updated regularly.
March 7
TYLER LINDERBAUM’S WEIGH-IN LIMITS HIS OPTIONS
Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum checked in at 6’2”, 296 pounds, and 31 ⅛” arms at the NFL Combine. Although these measurements did not come as a shock, they do fall below certain thresholds many teams set for offensive linemen.
Based on their gap-blocking scheme, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the teams who may have scratched Linderbaum off their board after seeing these official measurements. The Ravens own the No. 14 pick, and have a need at center.
Iowa used zone blocking on 93% of its run plays last season 一 the scheme which is better suited for undersized linemen like Linderbaum.
Fortunately for Linderbaum, zone-blocking schemes are trendy in the league right now.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the teams likely to remain interested in Linderbaum as a replacement for Jason Kelce. According to Sports Info Solutions, Philly used zone blocking on 73% of its designed runs last season.
TEAMS TURNED OFF BY KAYVON THIBODEAUX’S PERSONALITY
Oregon edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has been a polarizing draft prospect due to perceived questions about his motor and work ethic. ESPN’s Todd McShay highlighted this concern back in February.
Thibodeaux appears to have raised more red flags during interviews at the combine due to what is perceived as an overly self-promoting attitude, according to Yahoo Sports’s Eric Edholm.
Due to his exceptional talent, Thibodeaux won’t fall far in the draft, but certain teams in the top five may be inclined to stay away.
Based on these reports, we can assume the Detroit Lions, who own the No. 2 pick, are among the teams souring on Thibodeaux.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has spoken extensively about the impact character plays on his draft evaluations.
Consider this quote from Holmes prior to last year’s draft: “I am so much focused on the intangible traits way more so than the physical traits… I’ve learned so much as to why a player is or isn’t successful in this league. It falls so much on the intangibles more than the physical.”
COWBOYS LIKELY TO RELEASE AMARI COOPER
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are likely to release Amari Cooper before the start of the new league year. Cooper would be due $20M guaranteed if he’s still on the roster by March 20.
Cooper’s presence has been critical to Dak Prescott’s success, so his release would create a significant hole in the Cowboys’ offense. Even with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup on the field, Prescott’s production has significantly dropped off when Cooper leaves the field.
Over the last two seasons, Prescott averaged 8.0 yards per attempt with Cooper on the field, but just 6.3 yards per attempt with Lamb and Gallup on the field without Cooper, per TruMedia.
| WRs | Comp% | Yds/Att | EPA/Dropback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper on field | 60.0% | 6.3 | -.08 |
| Lamb/Gallup on Field, Cooper off field | 70.1% | 8.0 | .14 |
Knowing Jerry Jones’s affinity for flashy new toys, the Cowboys should be considered a candidate to draft a wide receiver to replace Cooper with the 24th selection in the NFL draft.
Since Cooper played extensively in the slot, Dallas may prefer a weapon that can replicate that role. Arkansas’s Treylon Burks, Alabama’s Jameson Williams, and Penn State’s Jahan Dotson are a few possible targets with slot experience.