Six NFL trades that should happen: Execs weigh in

The pool of prominent NFL player trade candidates is shrinking as teams reach deals before the trading period opens March 14.

Quarterback Alex Smith, cornerback Marcus Peters and defensive end Robert Quinn already have new homes for 2018.

Before another wave of players change addresses, I've assembled five proposed swaps featuring marquee players, beginning with Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas.

NFL executives proposed, vetted and/or heard rumors about all five of these deals. A bonus sixth trade proposal from an exec solves the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback dilemma with an established veteran other than Kirk Cousins. That deal seems unlikely, but the thinking is worthwhile.
It's unclear whether Earl Thomas has a future beyond 2018 with the Seahawks, and a certain team in his home state of Texas could be interested. Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Photo

1. The Seattle Seahawks send free safety Earl Thomas to the Dallas Cowboys for interior defensive lineman David Irving and a 2018 second- or third-round pick.

Jerry Jones adds star power with a game-changer in his secondary. Seattle, having already traded away its second- and third-round picks, gets badly needed draft capital, in addition to a talented young player who provides flexibility as Michael Bennett and Sheldon Richardson face uncertain futures. Irving would join the 25-year-old Jarran Reed and 24-year-old Frank Clark to form a young, hungry defensive front in Seattle.

Unloading Thomas would cause some to conclude the Seahawks were waving a white flag, as one exec put it, but Seattle figures to part with Thomas when his contract expires after the 2018 season anyway. The team has come to regret signing other longtime contributors to third contracts, so there could be incentive to avoid a similar fate with Thomas.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have embraced youth in the past. Irving had seven sacks in eight games last season. The restricted free agent missed four games to a performance-enhancing drugs suspension and four more to a concussion.

2. The Houston Texans send pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney to the New England Patriots for a 2018 first-round choice.

Clowney, 25, is a dominant force coming off the first 16-game season of his four-year career. He is scheduled to earn $13.8 million in 2018 before becoming eligible for free agency. He had 9.5 sacks last season. The NFL credited him with 21 tackles for loss, which ranked second to former Patriots linebacker Chandler Jones, who had 28 with Arizona.

If the Texans think J.J. Watt will justify his current expensive contract for years to come, they could have reservations about paying Clowney even more. This deal would help Houston recoup an early pick after sending its second-rounder to Cleveland in the Brock Osweiler deal.

New England owns two second-round choices, having picked up one from San Francisco in the Jimmy Garoppolo trade. Parting with the 31st overall choice would not hurt too badly. In Clowney, the Patriots would be getting a badly needed game-changer on defense for the next season or two. New England could then land a compensatory pick if the team decided to let Clowney leave in free agency. Clowney would depart with a Super Bowl ring as a parting gift -- if all goes according to plan.
3. The Dallas Cowboys send WR Dez Bryant to the Miami Dolphins or Chicago Bears for a 2018 sixth-round pick.
Bryant will turn 30 in November, and he has declined markedly from a production standpoint, which is why the trade price would be relatively low. He still would provide a talent infusion for teams seeking options at the position. Chicago's receiving needs are acute. One question would be whether adding a potentially high-maintenance veteran wideout would make sense for a Bears team with a young quarterback in Mitchell Trubisky and a first-year head coach in Matt Nagy.

Bryant averaged 91 receptions for 1,312 yards and nearly 14 touchdowns per season from 2012 to 2014, when he did not miss a game. He has averaged 50 catches for 678 yards and fewer than six touchdowns per season since then, missing 10 games total. The drop in production coincides with former quarterback Tony Romo's demise as the starter, but Bryant also has had injuries.

4. The Oakland Raiders send a 2018 second-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for DT Gerald McCoy.

Defensive tackle is a big question mark for the Raiders. McCoy, who turned 30 last month, remains a front-line player at the position. He is signed through 2020, with base salaries between $10 million and $13 million, and only $500,000 of proration remaining, all in 2018.

Tampa Bay could use its early picks to revamp its defensive line, with an emphasis on outside rushers. There was some question among execs whether McCoy would command a second-round pick at age 30 and whether the Buccaneers could comfortably part with him.

Buffalo could be another logical destination for McCoy. Tampa Bay could conceivably ask for defensive end Jerry Hughes as part of its return for McCoy. Hughes is scheduled to earn $7.35 million in salary and bonuses for each of the next two seasons. Sending receiver DeSean Jackson to Kansas City for Dee Ford was another suggested trade to help the Bucs' pass rush, despite doubts over whether the Chiefs would be interested in Jackson at this stage.
5. The New England Patriots send WR Brandin Cooks to the Washington Redskins or Chicago Bears for a 2018 second-round choice.

Cooks is entering the final year of his rookie contract after catching 65 passes for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season with New England. The Patriots could decide to get value for him now if they aren't excited about a lucrative long-term extension with him. They gave up first- and third-round picks for Cooks and the Saints' fourth-rounder last offseason. The price for Cooks would come down in this scenario, which makes sense given that Cooks, though still only 25, has less time remaining on his inexpensive rookie deal.

The Redskins and Bears are among the teams needing to upgrade their wide receiver situation this offseason.

Chicago does not have a 2018 third-round pick, so the Bears might be reluctant to part with their second-rounder. However, their receiver needs are acute, and Cooks is much more proven than any receivers the team might target in the draft, which is a consideration after 2015 first-round pick Kevin White missed 43 games in his first three seasons.

6. The Los Angeles Chargers send QB Philip Rivers to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2018 second-round selection and 2019 first-round pick.

Rivers has a no-trade clause in his contract, and the Chargers have no viable alternative to him on their roster. The exec who conceived this deal strictly as a hypothetical thought Jacksonville would have been the perfect destination for Rivers if a trade were plausible. With the Jaguars having already re-signed Blake Bortles, the exec thought Arizona, Miami or Minnesota could be interesting destinations for Rivers to finish his career.

The exec saw the Chargers as a team in NFL purgatory, with a 36-year-old quarterback reluctantly commuting from San Diego. He thought the team could not credibly build for a long-term future in Los Angeles with Rivers as a centerpiece. This exec also noted that while the Chargers might see themselves as contenders, they struggled against quality teams last season. (They were 2-5 against teams that finished with winning records, including a victory over a Dallas team that was 5-5 at the time.)

With Rivers gone, the Chargers could reunite head coach Anthony Lynn with current Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who could be available by trade. Los Angeles also could target a quarterback in the draft ("take a chance on Lamar Jackson" was how the exec put it).

Minnesota would be getting a two-year quarterback rental at a financial cost much lower than what Kirk Cousins would command (Rivers is due $15 million this year and $16 million in 2019, figures low enough for the Vikings to consider re-signing Teddy Bridgewater as well). If Rivers lifted the Vikings over the top for their first Super Bowl victory, no one would care about not having a 2019 first-round pick. Perhaps Bridgewater would be ready to take over eventually.

Other trade ideas tossed around: CB Aqib Talib from Denver to New England for later-round draft considerations; QB Nick Foles from Philadelphia to Cleveland or another QB-needy team; OT Cordy Glenn from Buffalo to Indianapolis for late-round considerations; and DL Michael Bennett from Seattle to Atlanta or other teams running a similar defensive scheme.

This post was edited by SheriffCool on Mar 6 2018 04:38pm

That McCoy one can fucking do one

Dumb as a rock. We resigned Ellis.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/22783124/2018-nfl-free-agents-landed-perfect-teams-offseason-signings-deals


Pls & ty

This post was edited by MexicanSasquatch on Mar 16 2018 10:55am

Wall just got ten feet higher.

With the Senior Bowl and NFL combine in the rearview mirror, we've been able to review more tape, we have official measurements on all legitimate draft prospects and we have test results (40s, jumps, shuttles, etc.) on 200-plus prospects.

With free agency looming in a week, several of these projections probably will change as a team's needs are altered. Character concerns and medical results are major factors in the process as well.

But Mock 3.0 is due, so here we go.

Note: All underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.

1. Cleveland Browns

Sam Darnold, QB, USC*

I've had Darnold here in the previous two mocks as well. After the combine this past week, it's sounding as if this pick could come down to him or Saquon Barkley. Darnold is the best QB in this class, in my opinion. However, I also could see Josh Allen as the choice here, since he has more experience in the cold, the big arm and the hand size (10⅛ inches) to diminish fumbling concerns in bad AFC North weather. If Cleveland addresses its quarterback situation in free agency (AJ McCarron?), then I think Barkley is the pick here.

2. New York Giants

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*

The Giants could go a lot of different directions here. If they are really looking to win now with Eli Manning at QB, then they should take the best player in the draft, Barkley. Give Manning a running game and a little more pass protection (via free agency or later in the draft) and Giants fans would argue they are a playoff team. Bradley Chubb and Quenton Nelson are in play here as well. And New York also could get a sweet offer to move back for a team looking to jump up and take a QB.
3. Indianapolis Colts

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State

Like the Giants, the big question will be if Indianapolis gets a worthwhile offer to move down from a QB-needy team. If that call doesn't come, then I believe this pick comes down to Chubb or Nelson. With so many holes on this team, including edge rusher, Chubb makes the most sense. He played his way into a top-10 pick this season at NC State and solidified it with a strong combine workout. A high-motor guy, he has good talent and is a very complete player. A plug-and-play starter.
4. Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*

There are teams that could be looking to move up to this pick to get ahead of Denver and the New York Jets (Miami, Arizona, Buffalo to name a few), so the Browns could cash in with the QB they want and now get additional picks to move down. Since we can't project trades, Cleveland goes with a difference-maker on defense in Fitzpatrick (Tremaine Edmunds would be another possibility). With needs at CB, WR, DE and offensive line (among others), this pick is also dependent on where Cleveland spends to upgrade in free agency.

5. Denver Broncos

Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*

I keep hearing that the Broncos are looking to upgrade the QB position in free agency, but the name I keep hearing isn't Kirk Cousins -- it's Case Keenum. If Denver gets either guy, it needs significant help on the O-line, even after drafting offensive tackle Garett Bolles in the first round last year. Nelson had a terrific combine and is a plug-and-play, high-level starter. He's a guard, not a tackle, but he's also currently my second-ranked prospect in this class. If Denver doesn't address QB in free agency, Allen is the likely pick here.
6. New York Jets

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*

The Jets are another team in the Cousins sweepstakes, but assuming they miss out they'd be thrilled if Allen (or Baker Mayfield) were available here. Allen has the best arm talent in the draft and can make any throw. The concern over his 56.3 completion percentage last season at Wyoming is probably overblown, but there are some accuracy issues with multidimensional throws. He's more of a project than some other QBs in this class, but he definitely has the highest ceiling.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Derwin James, S, Florida State*

The Bucs were dead last in the NFL with 17 sacks last season, so they need an edge rusher badly. But the defensive end class this year lacks elite talent at the top, and this is a reach for someone like Marcus Davenport. Instead, Tampa Bay should take the best player available -- which is James. James is a versatile playmaker on the back end, and also a terrific athlete. His outstanding workout in Indy (40-inch vertical jump, 11-foot broad jump, 4.47 40-yard dash) wasn't surprising.
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0:55
Darnold remains No. 1 in McShay's latest mock draft

Todd McShay says Sam Darnold is still No. 1 overall on his draft board because he's the "safest of all the quarterbacks" in the draft.
8. Chicago Bears

Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State*

Calvin Ridley is still my top-ranked WR, but he had a mixed combine workout. The Bears do need playmakers on the outside for second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky, but right now, there are simply too many higher-graded players on the board available. Even if Chicago keeps Kyle Fuller (it placed the transition tag on him), the Bears need a lockdown CB. Ward is that guy, and his blazing 4.32 40 cemented his spot as the No. 1 CB in this draft.
9. San Francisco 49ers

Tremaine Edmunds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech*

The 49ers need another cornerback, but in this scenario Ward is gone at No. 8. The 49ers have invested heavily on the defensive line high in previous drafts, but I think they look to the second level of the defense here. And Edmunds is a gift at No. 9. At 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, he has elite speed (4.47 40) and athleticism -- and he's only 19. Edmunds has the ability to play off the ball on first and second downs and rush the QB on obvious passing downs.
10. Oakland Raiders

Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia*

Oakland has needs all over on defense (CB, LB, edge rusher) and not enough available cap room to make huge upgrades in free agency. Smith would be a good building block for the Raiders' defense, as a rangy weakside linebacker with fast eyes and terrific closing speed. He's also a great leader and possesses tremendous football character.
11. Miami Dolphins

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Smith could also be a great pick for Miami, but if he's off the board and Mayfield and Josh Rosen are both on the board, I think Miami takes a QB here. Ryan Tannehill is good enough to win when healthy, but his availability has been a problem in recent seasons. Adam Gase would be a good offensive mind to help utilize Mayfield's strengths.

12. Cincinnati Bengals

Vita Vea, DT, Washington*

Cincinnati had a disappointing 7-9 season, and the offensive line's poor play and inability to run the ball were big reasons why. With the 12th pick, there isn't an offensive tackle in this class worthy of selection here. The Bengals need difference-makers along the defensive front seven, and Vea fits the bill. He didn't get a chance to fully show off his athleticism at the combine after an injury, but he's extremely agile for a 6-foot-4, 347-pound player. He's a load to move in the running game and disruptive as a power rusher. This would be back-to-back years of using first-round picks on Washington players for the Bengals (WR John Ross, 2017).
13. Washington Redskins

Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida*

Quarterback is no longer a pressing need for Washington after trading for Alex Smith and letting Cousins walk. Now, Washington needs to surround Smith with playmakers and tighten up its defense. Hughes is a talented cover corner who also supports the run. A playmaker when the ball is in the air, he's also a dynamic return specialist.
14. Green Bay Packers

Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Davenport built on a good Senior Bowl week with an impressive showing at the combine. A 4.58-second 40 at 6-foot-5¾, 264 pounds is a ridiculous time, and he showed off his athleticism in other drills. He's still a work in progress, but he's already a long, powerful pass-rusher. Green Bay needs more talent on defense, and Davenport certainly checks that box. Even if the Packers sign Muhammad Wilkerson in free agency, Davenport could be the pick.


15. Arizona Cardinals

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*

Arizona is tough to predict right now, because of what the Cardinals might do in free agency. If they sign a QB like Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater or another veteran, the Cardinals could go in another direction. If they don't address the position in free agency, I'm assuming they will trade up for a QB. They would love to get Allen or Darnold, but can they move up that far? If not, I think they try to move up 5-8 spots for Rosen or Mayfield. We can't project trades, so in this scenario they grab Rosen at No. 15.
16. Baltimore Ravens

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Ravens are in desperate need of offensive playmakers, and they'd be thrilled if Ridley were available here. His poor jumps (worst broad jump, second-worst vertical jump among WRs) at the combine are a bit concerning, but he's still the clear top wideout in this class. He runs terrific routes and creates well after the catch.
17. Los Angeles Chargers

Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Los Angeles' defense is strong but needs an upgrade at linebacker, and Evans is a thumper in the running game. He plays with tremendous effort and has sneaky pass-rush ability as well.
18. Seattle Seahawks

Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa*

The Seahawks are seemingly always in need of offensive line help, so Connor Williams could be a name in play here. But Jackson is a long corner (6-0, 196) who fits the Seattle prototype, and he's a big-time ball hawk (led the nation with eight interceptions last season). With Richard Sherman's future up in the air, Jackson's potential is too good to pass on.
19. Dallas Cowboys

Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*

Payne's sack total is underwhelming (three total in college), but just turn on the tape. He's a highly disruptive player in the middle and would help Dallas' effort to upgrade the Cowboys' pass rush (38 sacks last year was a big improvement). Payne would be a good fit as a 3-technique in Rod Marinelli's system, and would pair well with DeMarcus Lawrence (franchise tagged). With Jason Witten turning 36 this offseason, TE Dallas Goedert is another good option.
20. Detroit Lions

Connor Williams, OT/G, Texas*

Even with Ezekiel Ansah tagged, Detroit could use help at defensive end, but there isn't the value here. Instead, the Lions should turn their attention to keep Matthew Stafford upright. Williams is an athletic pass-protector and played left tackle in college. With shorter arms (33 inches), he might be a better fit inside at guard in the pros. Williams missed nearly all of this past season at Texas because of a knee injury, so how his medicals check out will be vital to his stock.
21. Buffalo Bills

Taven Bryan, DT, Florida*

The big question for the Bills is: What's the plan at QB? Will Buffalo package these two picks to go up to get a QB? Will the Bills sign one in free agency? Since we can't project trades, I'll go defense here. Buffalo needs help along the defensive line after trading DT Marcell Dareus last season, and Bryan would be a good fit. Bryan is an explosive 3-technique whose best football is still ahead of him. His workout confirmed what I saw on tape.
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McShay: Barkley is face of draft class

Todd McShay, Louis Riddick and Bill Polian explain why Saquon Barkley headlines the 2018 NFL draft class.
22. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs)

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville*

This could be one spot for Lamar Jackson. Otherwise, I think they go defense again. Secondary help is needed outside of Tre'Davious White and the recently signed Vontae Davis. Alexander missed half the season, but he's a big-time cover corner. His combine workout -- highlighted by a 4.38 40 -- turned some heads.
23. Los Angeles Rams

Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

The Rams had a need at CB, but the pending deal for Marcus Peters takes care of that. There's no edge rusher worthy of this pick, so I'm going with the top-rated offensive lineman on the board. Hernandez is a monster in the running game and gives no ground to bull rushers. He'll help to keep Jared Goff protected and open up running lanes for Todd Gurley II.
24. Carolina Panthers

Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado*

Oliver has size (6-foot), speed (4.50 40) and length (33½-inch arm span). The Panthers would like to get a playmaker for Cam Newton but might be better served addressing the secondary here and getting better value on Day 2 of the draft.
25. Tennessee Titans

Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

It isn't a terrific tight end group this year, but Goedert is the best one in this class. He's still a little underrated and didn't get a chance to shine at the Senior Bowl or combine because of injury. His pro day will be important. You don't get too many two-way TEs coming out of college, but Goedert fits the bill. He's got a big frame (6-4, 260) with good speed and can play in-line or detached.
26. Atlanta Falcons

Justin Reid, S, Stanford*

Guard is a definite need for Atlanta, but a position I believe the Falcons will address in free agency. This might be a bit of a reach, but I really like Reid's tape and he backed it up with a great combine workout (4.40 40 at 6-1, 204, along with 10-foot, 8-inch broad jump and 36.5-inch vertical jump). I think he's worthy of a top-40 selection.
27. New Orleans Saints

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The Saints could go offensive line with James Daniels or Billy Price, or TE with Goedert if he's available. I'm putting Jackson here because Drew Brees can't play forever, and this would be a terrific spot for him to sit, learn and develop behind a Hall of Fame QB and a terrific offensive mind in Sean Payton.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina*

Hurst is a big (6-4, 250), athletic target who can contribute immediately. A former pro baseball player, Hurst has good ball skills and can help stretch the seam for Ben Roethlisberger and that potent Pittsburgh offense. He's also a good blocker.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars

D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland*

Jacksonville has a real possibility of losing Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson in free agency. If that happens, WR is a huge need. Moore's tape is really good when he's targeted, and his combine showing, including a 4.42 40, only helped his cause. A tough WR with good run-after-the-catch skills.
30. Minnesota Vikings

Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State

One way or another, Minnesota will solve its starting QB situation through free agency. With that in place, there aren't a lot of holes on this roster. Minnesota had great success with 2017 third-round pick Pat Elflein, so they go back to the Buckeyes well here. Price tore his pec at the combine and underwent surgery, but he should be fine for training camp. He's an experienced starter with great character, and could be an immediate upgrade.
31. New England Patriots

Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia

Offensive tackle is a possibility for New England, but I think guys like Kolton Miller and Geron Christian are a bit of a reach here. Carter is a versatile LB at 6-5, 250 with 34-inch arms -- he can play standing up and even some right defensive end in a 4-3. He plays his tail off on tape, and the Patriots could use his pass-rushing production. He had an outstanding combine with a 4.50 40 and outstanding jumps (10-foot, 10-inch broad, 36-inch vertical).
32. Philadelphia Eagles

D.J. Chark, WR, LSU

The Super Bowl champions have the luxury of drafting for value, for a roster without many holes. Chark is a raw route runner but has the tools to develop. His stock is on the rise after a great Senior Bowl week and combine workout, punctuated with a 4.34 40 and 40-inch vertical jump. He could fill Torrey Smith's role as an explosive vertical WR in the future.

With the first wave of NFL free agency wrapped up -- and nearly every top player off the board -- let's take a closer look at the players who landed in ideal spots. I'm talking about scheme fit and the ability to help establish a winning culture, not guys who got the most money.

Here are 10 veterans who can make an immediate impact in 2018 after making wise decisions in free agency:
Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers

The Packers struck out when they acquired free-agent tight end Martellus Bennett in 2017, but the move to land Graham shows Green Bay's need for a matchup weapon inside the 20-yard line for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Graham might not run like he used to before a knee injury in 2016, but his red zone ability is still off the charts.

In Seattle last season, Graham caught 15 of 24 red zone targets, with 10 of those grabs resulting in touchdowns. He's a monster target in scoring position, with the frame and body control to finish. Throw the slant, fade and seam. It doesn't have to be complicated with Graham on the doorstep of the goal line. And that's a good thing for a Packers team that just cut Jordy Nelson, Rodgers' favorite target.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings
2018 NFL free agency

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Landing Cousins can be looked at as the final piece of the puzzle for a Vikings team primed to make a serious run at Super Bowl LIII. This is a loaded roster from top to bottom. And the new system under offensive coordinator John DeFilippo -- a mix of West Coast routes, play-pass and run-pass options -- is a solid fit for Cousins.

He's an accurate thrower with the mobility to produce off-movement passes. Cousins has completed 70.1 percent of his play-action passes since 2015, which ranks No. 1 in the NFL among qualified passers, according to ESPN Stats & Info. DeFilippo's Eagles threw the fifth-most play-action passes in the NFL last season, while the Vikings were first, and quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski has remained in Minnesota.

With an established group of pass-catchers already in place, the return of running back Dalvin Cook from an ACL injury, and a nasty, lockdown defense, Cousins is in a position to elevate his game and play his best football for Mike Zimmer's club.
Richard Sherman, CB, San Francisco 49ers

The Achilles injury Sherman suffered last November is tricky for a 30-year-old cornerback, but the 49ers filled a major need with a veteran who is a perfect fit for the defensive scheme. With former Seahawks defensive assistant Robert Saleh running the San Francisco defense, Sherman can step in and play that pattern-match technique outside of the numbers in the three-deep shell.

More importantly, Sherman brings the leadership skill set necessary to create change on the defensive side of the ball. If teams want to build a winning culture, they have to add veteran players who set the bar with their practice habits, preparation and professional approach. Sherman brings that to Kyle Shanahan's team, and it will resonate with the young players on an ascending team.
Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears

Robinson is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 1 of last season, but when I look back at his tape from 2015 to 2016, it's easy to see that he's an upgrade for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and a Bears team desperate for a No. 1 target in the passing game.

Robinson has the ability to make the splash plays down the field with his 6-foot-3 frame. He can go up and get it. From my perspective, however, it's really the route running that pops on tape. This guy is a technician who can create separation at the break. And that's a positive for Trubisky inside the 20-yard line or in critical down-and-distance situations. Just look at Robinson in the red zone -- his 18 red zone touchdowns from 2015 to 2016 were the most in the NFL.

With the Bears transitioning to a more modern route tree under new coach Matt Nagy, adding Robinson is a major boost to the development of Trubisky and the Bears' overall game plan.
Trey Burton produced five TDs in limited reps in 2017 with the Eagles, and he could be a primary red zone target for the Bears. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Trey Burton, TE, Chicago Bears

This is another Bears fit I liked, as Burton can be the "move" guy in Nagy's offense, with 2017 second-round pick Adam Shaheen playing as the more traditional in-line tight end. Think of a matchup player with the flexibility to line up in multiple spots. Bump Burton to the slot, use him as an H-back or release him from a two-back look in the backfield. Burton has the skill set in the route tree to gain leverage against linebackers or safeties, and he is strong at the point of attack.

In Chicago, the Bears can cater to his talent on isolation routes in the red zone or feed him the ball off play-action and run-pass options. Burton caught 60 passes over his past two seasons in Philadelphia, and he produced five touchdowns for the Super Bowl champs in 2017 playing behind Zach Ertz. Given a more prominent role in Chicago, Burton's production should climb. And the person most happy is Trubisky.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, New York Jets

With a long, 6-foot-2 frame, Johnson is an ideal fit for Todd Bowles' defensive game plan. This is a system that leans on pressure and man-coverage defenders in the secondary. Johnson brings the physicality to challenge the release outside of the numbers and the press technique to win one-on-ones.

And while the former Rams cornerback produced only two interceptions last season, he has 18 in his career. He has some ball skills. The Jets already feature two safeties in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye who are in a position to make a jump in their second NFL seasons. But they had a real need at cornerback, and Johnson is an upgrade as a disruptor at the line of scrimmage.
Case Keenum, QB, Denver Broncos

The Broncos still could draft a quarterback at No. 5 overall, but landing Keenum on a two-year deal gives the Denver offense some stability and leadership heading into the season. Keenum's ability to beat pressure and make off-schedule plays stood out on his 2017 tape when he tossed 22 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions with the Vikings.

In Denver, Keenum has two prime targets in wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Look for the Broncos to use the play-action game -- Keenum had eight TD passes with only one pick on play-action last season -- and get Keenum on the move and capitalize on his skill set to ad-lib when protection breaks down. He can make things happen. The Denver quarterbacks did not protect the ball in 2017, and Keenum will help the Broncos be more efficient.
Jerick McKinnon will take on a bigger workload for the 49ers, who spent big money to sign him. Getty Images
Jerick McKinnon, RB, San Francisco 49ers

McKinnon's contract, which includes $12 million guaranteed in 2018, caught me by surprise because he has been in a rotational role with the Vikings since being picked in the third round in 2014. Question the contract all you want, but there's no reason to question the fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense given McKinnon's ability as a zone runner and versatility as a receiver in the passing game.

McKinnon caught 94 passes over the past two seasons with the Vikings, and that meshes with Shanahan's system. Run the angle route, burst to the flat, impact the screen game or remove from the formation to beat a linebacker in coverage. Similar to what we saw from Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman during the Falcons' 2016 season when Shanahan was calling plays, McKinnon can be that matchup guy out of the backfield for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Dion Lewis, RB, Tennessee Titans

Adding Lewis gives the Titans more versatility to pair with Derrick Henry in the backfield. Think of Henry as that downhill hammer to pound the ball between the tackles, with Lewis bringing some wiggle and pass-catching ability.

Lewis averaged 5.0 yards per carry with the Patriots last season, but what really jumps out is his production after first contact. He averaged 2.6 yards after contact per carry, tied for best in the league with LeGarrette Blount.

Lewis is slippery on contact, and the burst is there to hit the edge or scoot through daylight inside. Plus, with 32 receptions in 2017, Lewis has shown he can produce on screens, swings and quick throws underneath for quarterback Marcus Mariota in an offense that will transition to a modern system under new coordinator Matt LaFleur.
Star Lotulelei, DT, Buffalo Bills

Landing Lotulelei is a bonus for the Bills, who re-signed veteran leader Kyle Williams on the defensive front. In 2017, the Bills ranked No. 29 in rushing defense, giving up an average of 124.6 yards per game. That's rough.

With Lotulelei, Buffalo gets a 312-pound space-eater in the middle of the defense to plug running lanes and eat up blockers. Let those linebackers run and finish. Plus, after playing for Bills coach Sean McDermott in Carolina, expect Lotulelei to be put in a position that maximizes his impact in the game plan. This is a smart signing by the Bills at a position of need that is directly tied to improving their porous run defense.