Jump to content

2020 NFL Free Agent Preview


Recommended Posts

After looking at the free agent crop I think it’s safe to say that we should address RB and WR in the draft. There does seem to be some pass rush help however in free agency. Here’s my short list of players I like

 

Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh: 
Perfect guy to replace Trent Murphy and Shaq Lawson. He racked up 11.5 sacks last year in Pittsburgh and was a terror off the edge. Can play some LB as well but ideally I think you just let him attack the QB. Projected at 5yrs $80m

 

Jordan Jenkins, OLB, NYJ:

This is my ideal choice to replace Lorenzo Alexander. Jenkins is good for 8 sacks a year. He is a speedy LB and would round out our LB room. Bud Dupree, Jordan Jenkins and Jerry Hughes rushing the QB is a scary reality for any QB. Projected $8-10m/yr 

 

Robby Anderson, WR, NYJ:
If healthy I think Robby Anderson could contribute on a significant level for our offense. Rookie WRs historically take a year or two to come into their own so Anderson could buy some time for our draftees. Could come cheap on a short term deal.

 

Brian Bulaga, RT, Packers:

Obviously a stalwart in Green Bay for so long. He’s a grizzled vet but I think he still has some juice left. At 32 years old he may have a solid 2 or 3 years left. Green Bay will likely move to re-sign him. Projected at $10m/yr

 

Matt Judon, DE/OLB, Baltimore

Very similar player to Bud Dupree, just not as productive. Regardless, Judon is no slouch. He would invigorate that EDGE position and would provide a solid replacement and upgrade left by Lorenzo Alexander


Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee 

Drafted #8 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Conklin has lived up to his billing as a dominant RT. Having helped pave the way for the NFL’s leading rusher Derrick Henry, Conklin is in line for a huge payday. Ford struggled at RT and could benefit from going into one of those guard spots. Conklin would give us a dominant RT and help keep Josh Allen upright. Projected $15m/yr.

 

Daryl Williams, RT, Carolina 
Daryl Williams has had some injury issues in the past, but when healthy has proven to decent starter. I don’t think he’d be an upgrade over Ford but it would still allow us to bump Ford into guard. Kind of a risky gamble, wouldn’t overpay but if the price was right I’d go for it. Solid, albeit not great player.

 

 

  • Like (+1) 2
  • Thank you (+1) 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Judon is much better than Dupree imo and is easily best player on your list.  Can’t see anyway the ravens let him go.  
 

i don’t think Jenkins is a speedy LB.

 

i think Anderson is good.  I just don’t think he’s a process guy, meaning we don’t want him. 
 

We need a RT-   I agree. Ford shouldn’t play there next year, but most likely will

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 minutes ago, Sunshower said:

After looking at the free agent crop I think it’s safe to say that we should address RB and WR in the draft. There does seem to be some pass rush help however in free agency. Here’s my short list of players I like

 

Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh: 
Perfect guy to replace Trent Murphy and Shaq Lawson. He racked up 11.5 sacks last year in Pittsburgh and was a terror off the edge. Can play some LB as well but ideally I think you just let him attack the QB. Projected at 5yrs $80m

 

Jordan Jenkins, OLB, NYJ:

This is my ideal choice to replace Lorenzo Alexander. Jenkins is good for 8 sacks a year. He is a speedy LB and would round out our LB room. Bud Dupree, Jordan Jenkins and Jerry Hughes rushing the QB is a scary reality for any QB. Projected $8-10m/yr 

 

Robby Anderson, WR, NYJ:
If healthy I think Robby Anderson could contribute on a significant level for our offense. Rookie WRs historically take a year or two to come into their own so Anderson could buy some time for our draftees. Could come cheap on a short term deal.

 

Brian Bulaga, RT, Packers:

Obviously a stalwart in Green Bay for so long. He’s a grizzled vet but I think he still has some juice left. At 32 years old he may have a solid 2 or 3 years left. Green Bay will likely move to re-sign him. Projected at $10m/yr

 

Matt Judon, DE/OLB, Baltimore

Very similar player to Bud Dupree, just not as productive. Regardless, Judon is no slouch. He would invigorate that EDGE position and would provide a solid replacement and upgrade left by Lorenzo Alexander


Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee 

Drafted #8 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Conklin has lived up to his billing as a dominant RT. Having helped pave the way for the NFL’s leading rusher Derrick Henry, Conklin is in line for a huge payday. Ford struggled at RT and could benefit from going into one of those guard spots. Conklin would give us a dominant RT and help keep Josh Allen upright. Projected $15m/yr.

 

Daryl Williams, RT, Carolina 
Daryl Williams has had some injury issues in the past, but when healthy has proven to decent starter. I don’t think he’d be an upgrade over Ford but it would still allow us to bump Ford into guard. Kind of a risky gamble, wouldn’t overpay but if the price was right I’d go for it. Solid, albeit not great player.

 

 

No way 1 year wonder Dupree gets 16 mil a year. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Sunshower said:

 

 

Matt Judon, DE/OLB, Baltimore

Very similar player to Bud Dupree, just not as productive. Regardless, Judon is no slouch. He would invigorate that EDGE position and would provide a solid replacement and upgrade left by Lorenzo Alexander

 

 

Baltimore said they will tag Judon if a deal cannot be worked out:

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ravens-to-use-franchise-tag-on-matt-judon-if-a-long-term-deal-cant-be-worked-out/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dupree is never walking out of Pittsburgh. 
Judon ain’t leaving Baltimore. 
I am no fan of Robbie Anderson. He’s a magician. Disappears for half the games a year. 
Daryl Williams is an injured mess. As is Bulaga. And Conklin lol. 
 

So basically you just want the top free agents available for each position? Easy to work the top guys in. Scout better. Find the gems in the middle area so it can at least be realistic. 
Each team is lucky to get ONE of those guys with the competition from other bidding teams. 
 

I never understood why guys research this stuff so early. It’s completely possible more than half these guys are franchised or resigned before free agency even begins. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Sunshower said:

After looking at the free agent crop I think it’s safe to say that we should address RB and WR in the draft. There does seem to be some pass rush help however in free agency. Here’s my short list of players I like

 

Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh: 
Perfect guy to replace Trent Murphy and Shaq Lawson. He racked up 11.5 sacks last year in Pittsburgh and was a terror off the edge. Can play some LB as well but ideally I think you just let him attack the QB. Projected at 5yrs $80m

 

Jordan Jenkins, OLB, NYJ:

This is my ideal choice to replace Lorenzo Alexander. Jenkins is good for 8 sacks a year. He is a speedy LB and would round out our LB room. Bud Dupree, Jordan Jenkins and Jerry Hughes rushing the QB is a scary reality for any QB. Projected $8-10m/yr 

 

Robby Anderson, WR, NYJ:
If healthy I think Robby Anderson could contribute on a significant level for our offense. Rookie WRs historically take a year or two to come into their own so Anderson could buy some time for our draftees. Could come cheap on a short term deal.

 

Brian Bulaga, RT, Packers:

Obviously a stalwart in Green Bay for so long. He’s a grizzled vet but I think he still has some juice left. At 32 years old he may have a solid 2 or 3 years left. Green Bay will likely move to re-sign him. Projected at $10m/yr

 

Matt Judon, DE/OLB, Baltimore

Very similar player to Bud Dupree, just not as productive. Regardless, Judon is no slouch. He would invigorate that EDGE position and would provide a solid replacement and upgrade left by Lorenzo Alexander


Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee 

Drafted #8 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Conklin has lived up to his billing as a dominant RT. Having helped pave the way for the NFL’s leading rusher Derrick Henry, Conklin is in line for a huge payday. Ford struggled at RT and could benefit from going into one of those guard spots. Conklin would give us a dominant RT and help keep Josh Allen upright. Projected $15m/yr.

 

Daryl Williams, RT, Carolina 
Daryl Williams has had some injury issues in the past, but when healthy has proven to decent starter. I don’t think he’d be an upgrade over Ford but it would still allow us to bump Ford into guard. Kind of a risky gamble, wouldn’t overpay but if the price was right I’d go for it. Solid, albeit not great player.

 

 

Jack Conklin is the guy I really want, he is just a monster a still has room to be better. Possibly the best RT in football in the next few years, I fully expecting him to get the franchise tag. If we lost a RT like this to FA a would be so pissed off, if for some reason he isn't tagged Conklin is worth the big contract and guaranteed money to get him.

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

Jack Conklin is the guy I really want, he is just a monster a still has room to be better. Possibly the best RT in football in the next few years, I fully expecting him to get the franchise tag. If we lost a RT like this to FA a would be so pissed off, if for some reason he isn't tagged Conklin is worth the big contract and guaranteed money to get him.

Tennessee already has $31,000,000+ tied up in their OL for 3 players and I believe they will tag Henry whom also is a FA. Conklin will be there for the taking and I hope Beane/McDermott are calling as soon as the FA negotiating period begins. Move Ford to LG, let Spain walk, and there you have it.  

  • Like (+1) 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

First of all, you should stop to look at the media's top free agents, that's no Buffalo's way, remember when they bring here Poyer, Hyde, Beasley or Brown (both WR more recognized), Lorax. Only Morse was among the top C's at FA and several years ago Mario, but that usually didn't happen.

 

I'm looking for someone like Aaron Lynch, i remembered him from SF a couple years back, i think he signed with Chicago and really don't know much about him recently.

Edited by poblano
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, Sunshower said:

After looking at the free agent crop I think it’s safe to say that we should address RB and WR in the draft. There does seem to be some pass rush help however in free agency. Here’s my short list of players I like

 

Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh: 
Perfect guy to replace Trent Murphy and Shaq Lawson. He racked up 11.5 sacks last year in Pittsburgh and was a terror off the edge. Can play some LB as well but ideally I think you just let him attack the QB. Projected at 5yrs $80m

 

Jordan Jenkins, OLB, NYJ:

This is my ideal choice to replace Lorenzo Alexander. Jenkins is good for 8 sacks a year. He is a speedy LB and would round out our LB room. Bud Dupree, Jordan Jenkins and Jerry Hughes rushing the QB is a scary reality for any QB. Projected $8-10m/yr 

 

Robby Anderson, WR, NYJ:
If healthy I think Robby Anderson could contribute on a significant level for our offense. Rookie WRs historically take a year or two to come into their own so Anderson could buy some time for our draftees. Could come cheap on a short term deal.

 

Brian Bulaga, RT, Packers:

Obviously a stalwart in Green Bay for so long. He’s a grizzled vet but I think he still has some juice left. At 32 years old he may have a solid 2 or 3 years left. Green Bay will likely move to re-sign him. Projected at $10m/yr

 

Matt Judon, DE/OLB, Baltimore

Very similar player to Bud Dupree, just not as productive. Regardless, Judon is no slouch. He would invigorate that EDGE position and would provide a solid replacement and upgrade left by Lorenzo Alexander


Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee 

Drafted #8 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Conklin has lived up to his billing as a dominant RT. Having helped pave the way for the NFL’s leading rusher Derrick Henry, Conklin is in line for a huge payday. Ford struggled at RT and could benefit from going into one of those guard spots. Conklin would give us a dominant RT and help keep Josh Allen upright. Projected $15m/yr.

 

Daryl Williams, RT, Carolina 
Daryl Williams has had some injury issues in the past, but when healthy has proven to decent starter. I don’t think he’d be an upgrade over Ford but it would still allow us to bump Ford into guard. Kind of a risky gamble, wouldn’t overpay but if the price was right I’d go for it. Solid, albeit not great player.

 

 

Nice work! But where is my boy Henry in all of this? Not so sure about Anderson- he is a nice mid level receiver and we have enough of those. Bulaga would give us the much needed flexibility to bring Ford to guard where he belongs. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, NewEra said:

Judon is much better than Dupree imo and is easily best player on your list.  Can’t see anyway the ravens let him go.  
 

i don’t think Jenkins is a speedy LB.

 

i think Anderson is good.  I just don’t think he’s a process guy, meaning we don’t want him. 
 

We need a RT-   I agree. Ford shouldn’t play there next year, but most likely will

 

Agreed with all of this. The only part that I'm not 100% sold on is the Anderson part. I would tend to lean towards agreeing with you, but at the same time, it's seemed like we've pursued basically every good WR that's become available in the past year regardless of any issues they might have (with the exception of Gordon). Robby's might be worse than anyone else's though. He's pretty much the only FA WR I'm interested in though.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On the topic of the pass-rushers, from everyone's favorite analytics site:

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-misleading-sack-numbers-free-agents-2020

 

The basic premise of the article is that pressure rate is more indicative of future sacks than current sacks are (similar to how point differential is a better indicator for future wins than current wins are). This is objectively true; not just PFF creating their own grades based on what they're seeing. With that in mind, the parts relevant to our players/targets:

 

Quote
DI Jordan Phillips, Buffalo Bills

The casual fan will look at Phillips’ stat line and think this was a breakout year. He had 10 sacks after recording just six in his first four seasons combined. The issue is that the sacks didn’t come as a result of Phillips winning more of his pass-rushes or showing dominant reps with quick wins. In fact, Phillips had the lowest PFF pass-rushing grade of his career this season at 60.2.

10 of his 25 total pressures resulted in sacks – an extremely high rate – and a good chunk of those sacks came with the quarterback tucking the ball and running into his waiting arms. As a player who has yet to crack an overall grade of 60.0 in a season, it would behoove teams to not spend big money on Phillips chasing his sack total. To his credit, he did leave us with this work of art against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11.

Edge Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh Steelers

Through the first four seasons of his career, Dupree had all the makings of a first-round bust. He didn’t crack a 65.0 pass-rush grade in any of those seasons, nor did he have a pressure rate north of 12%. That has all seemed to change in 2019, but it’s largely been the splash plays that have brought about that change. Dupree’s 13 sacks are more than double any prior season of his career, and his four forced fumbles are two more than he had from 2015 to 2018 combined.

Year Pressure Rate Sacks
2015 7.6% (88 / 100) 4
2016 8.6% (N/A – not enough snaps) 4
2017 11.8% (46 / 100) 6
2018 10.4% (56 / 100) 6
2019 10.1% (68 / 100) 13

What should concern the Steelers when looking at the potential of re-signing Dupree, along with other potential suitors, is that his pressure rate for 2019 sits at only 10.1%. That ranks 70th among edge rushers, tied with Cassius Marsh and John Simon. Dupree’s sack total with a pressure rate that low and a four-year track record of subpar production as a pass-rusher should bring reason for pause for NFL teams this offseason.

Edge Jadeveon Clowney, Seattle Seahawks

On the surface, it appears that Clowney hasn’t done a whole lot to improve his contract situation this offseason with missed time due to injury and just four sacks on nearly 400 pass-rushing snaps. It doesn’t look like he’ll ever be the dominant pass-rusher off the edge that the Houston Texans expected when they took him as the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he’s also not the 86th-best qualifying edge rusher with 200 or more pass-rushing snaps as his 2019 sack rate would suggest.

Clowney’s pressure rate of 12.2% sits closer to the middle of the pack, but even that doesn’t show how disruptive he’s been. His pass-rushing grade of 79.1 ranks 16th among all edge rushers thanks in large part to just how unblockable he looks at times, such as the above snap against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Paired with another strong season in run defense, Clowney’s overall grade of 87.3 ranks 10th among players at the position. Three sacks or not, Clowney is one of the top impact edge defenders in the NFL.

Edge Adrian Clayborn, Atlanta Falcons

I touched on Beasley earlier as one of the players who might be overvalued by his sack numbers. His running mate at edge, Clayborn, falls in the other camp. He only had four sacks on the season, but very few edge rushers won a higher rate of their pass-rushing snaps. The top-five edge defenders with 200 or more pass-rushing snaps in pass-rush win rate were J.J. Watt (25.3%), Myles Garrett (25.0%), Joey Bosa (22.9%), Za’Darius Smith (21.2%) and Clayborn (21.1%).

Clayborn has shown flashes in games – who can forget the Chaz Green game – and seasons (2017) where he has looked dominant, but he has been unable to string together multiple seasons at that level. With his last three seasons being his three best seasons in PFF overall grade, it makes sense for a team to capitalize on his low sack total from 2019 and bring him in on a team-friendly deal in 2020.

Edited by DCOrange
Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...