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Stephen Brashear/Associated Press
The Washington Football Team didn t address the quarterback position early in the 2021 NFL draft, choosing instead to focus on players who can contribute to a potential playoff run this season. This means that Ryan Fitzpatrick is inked in as the starting quarterback but should have a strong supporting cast.
Washington nabbed linebacker Jamin Davis in Round 1, offensive tackle Sam Cosmi in Round 2 and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in Round 3.
The Football Team may not have its long-term quarterback answer on the roster, but it should have a good chance to repeat as a postseason participant. Washington won the NFC East in 2020 and should again have its eyes on a division title.
Jerry Jones loves razzle and dazzle with his Cowboys. And if there s anything he likes more than a big headline that attracts attention to America s Team, it s making moves that improve the Cowboys on the field.
Why not pull off a move that does both?
Even casual fans know the story of the Dallas defense. The unit was a disaster in 2020 under coordinator Mike Nolan, who reported to new coach Mike McCarthy. Things were historically bad en route to allowing 29.6 points and 158.8 rushing yards per game. They generated just 31 sacks, and formerly elite players like Jaylon Smith looked out of place.
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Doug Murray/Associated Press
Scouting and predraft evaluations all but consumed NFL front offices during the last month-plus. But the draft is over, and the focus shifts back to free agency.
There could be a bit of a rush to sign the best remaining unrestricted FAs on the open market. A number of intriguing players are still available on both sides of the ball. Most are of the veteran variety, with some looking for redemption coming off injuries.
Let s take a look at nine of the best and project landing spots based on potential fit. These players were chosen based on factors such as pedigree, recent performance and market demand.
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Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press
When the Las Vegas Raiders were on the clock for the first time in the 2021 NFL draft, they selected offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood at No. 17 overall.
The decision was the most surprising move of the draft to coaches and general managers around the league, according to Peter King of ProFootballTalk.
Bleacher Report s NFL Scouting Department ranked Leatherwood as the No. 35 overall prospect in the draft and No. 7 at his position. Numerous players ranked above him Oklahoma State s Teven Jenkins, Virginia Tech s Christian Darrisaw, Notre Dame s Liam Eichenberg and Florida s Stone Forsythe were still on the board at the time.
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Steals, surprises and reaches are what drives the intrigue of the NFL draft.
If everything went according to consensus, the draft wouldn t be the most-watched offseason event in all of sports. Broken down to its most basic element, it s about the commissioner (or sometimes celebrities, former players and fans) reading the names of players who are being selected.
The intensity, though, comes in the battle between what we expect and what actually goes down. Perceived value drives what we consider to be steals, players who weren t expected to be available.
Conversely, perceived value also makes us respond with a visceral