I used the top 40 potential Free Agents from Pro Football Focus and copied over the summary for the ones that could fill holes for us. I used the quotes on each player so it's easy to skim through and just read what you want to, because I know this is really long.
1. Davante Adams - WR
2. Terron Armstead - Tackle - New Orleans
3. Chris Godwin - WRThe New Orleans Saints rarely let a player they want to retain get away, but after making Ryan Ramczyk the highest-paid right tackle in NFL history by a decent margin with his five-year, $96 million extension signed before 2021, the decision with Armstead gets interesting. Armstead has consistently been one of the best tackles in football since he was drafted in 2013, earning an overall grade above 75.0 every year except for his rookie campaign. While he’s graded better as a pass-blocker over his career, he’s not a liability in the run game by any means. If Armstead does get to test the open market, a dozen teams should be lining up to make him an offer.
Strengths:
– Elite in pass protection
– Scheme-diverse run-blocker
– Explosive athlete
Weaknesses:
– Injury history
Scheme Fit/Role:
HIGH-END STARTING LEFT TACKLE: There aren't many weaknesses to Armstead's game. He's one of the position's best pass-protectors and rarely loses in the run game across both gap and zone run concepts. There are plenty of teams with cap space next offseason — such as Jacksonville, Miami and Washington — that could make use of Armstead's services if the Saints opt against bringing him back. Slotting in next to Quenton Nelson in Indianapolis would be the most intriguing potential landing spot for the 30-year-old.
Recent Injury History:
Armstead has played over 750 offensive snaps just twice in the first six seasons of his career due to a litany of injuries, but he has been healthier of late. Armstead has missed eight games since the start of the 2019 season, five of which have come this season.
Contract Projection: Three years, $57.75 million ($19.25M per year, $43.75 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
We recently saw an elite tackle on the wrong side of 30 with injury concerns step into San Francisco's offense and become the most valuable tackle in football. Armstead may not quite be Trent Williams, but he's one of the best all-around tackles in the league and would make almost any offense better.
4. Chandler Jones - Edge (Not a top need, but wouldn't hurt)
5. Von Miller - Edge (See Chandler Jones)
6. Allen Robinson II - WR
7. Carlton Davis - CB - Tampa
8. Marcus Williams - S (Not going to include but if Bates leaves we are going to need somebody)Carlton Davis is one of very few good, young cornerbacks set to hit the free agent market and among an even shorter list of cornerbacks with the ability to play man coverage and battle head-to-head with an opposing team's No. 1 wide receiver. This more rare skill set always has a higher earning potential on the open market, but a franchise tag here for around $17 million-$17.5 million might be the most likely outcome.
Tampa Bay went the franchise tag route with wide receiver Chris Godwin this past offseason, and they may elect to go that route once more as Davis has missed some time to injury just like Godwin did in 2020.
Strengths:
-Reading routes and passing concepts
-Physicality
-Contesting targets
Weaknesses:
-Penalties (often too physical)
-Consistency
Scheme Fit/Role:
No. 1 CB: Carlton Davis has the size and physical profile of a cornerback who excels at man coverage, but he actually has pretty stark splits between man and zone in the NFL, with significantly worse production when playing man coverage. Davis has great physicality and the ability to break on the ball, and teams with weaknesses at corner should be all over him, putting the likes of the Cardinals, Seahawks, Jets and 49ers firmly in the mix.
Recent Injury History:
Davis suffered a quad injury that shut him down and landed him on IR in early October. He has otherwise been pretty injury-free.
Contract Projection: Franchise tag
Bottom Line:
Carlton Davis is a talented No. 1 corner in pretty much any scheme. He has the profile of a corner that should excel in man coverage, but he has actually been better in zone shells throughout his NFL career. He would be a fit for most cornerback needy teams.
9. Orlando Brown Jr - Tackle - Kansas City
10. Mike Williams - WRBrown was traded for a first-round pick this year and now gets to exert that leverage over the acquiring club, the Kansas City Chiefs, for a very strong contract extension. Brown was granted his request to depart from the Baltimore Ravens so that he could start full-time at left tackle. He’s done just that so far in a polar opposite offensive system, protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes as opposed to Lamar Jackson. Brown is grading above 70.0 as a pass-blocker and a run-blocker while adjusting to a dropback passing attack and starting alongside an entirely new offensive line unit. The Chiefs probably feel comfortable about their trade decision and will now pay up accordingly.
Strengths:
-Length
-Engulfs second-level defenders
Weaknesses:
-Rarely loses in the run game
-Speed rushers
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING TACKLE: Brown is one of the most dependable tackles in the NFL and he annually ranks among the best at avoiding missed blocks in the run game. He uses his length well as a pass-blocker, though he's not as dominant as you'd expect as a run-blocker, given his massive size.
Recent Injury History:
Since taking over as a starter in Week 7 of his rookie season in 2018, Brown has not missed a game, and he played over 1,100 snaps in each of the past two seasons.
Contract Projection: Five years, $105 million ($21M per year, $73.5 million total guaranteed)
11. Jessie Bates III - S (We all know him)
12. Brandon Scherff - Guard - Washington (A lot will depend on what they think of the young guys on there, but you can never have enough good Linemen)
13. Jadeveon Clowney - Edge (See other Edge Rushers)Scherff is playing on his second consecutive franchise tag at a value of $18.036 million, rounding his three-year earnings to $45,591,000. He’s already top-15 among guards in career earnings, and he’s never signed a multi-year veteran contract. The veteran guard missed some time this year but is in the middle of another season with an overall grade above 70.0, with solid grades in both run and pass blocking. Injuries have kept Scherff sidelined from time to time, but he has talent that cannot be taught.
Strengths:
– Reliable in pass protection
– Zone blocking
Weaknesses:
– Durability
– Hasn't been as dominant in gap schemes in recent years
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING GUARD: Scherff is one of the best all-around guards in football when healthy. He has graded out better the past several seasons in zone rushing schemes, where his ability on the move shines. He would be a nice addition to the Jets' young, rebuilding offensive line opposite Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Recent Injury History:
The MCL sprain that sidelined Scherff for multiple weeks in 2021 is the latest in a growing list of injuries that have limited him throughout his career. Scherff has missed two games in each of the last five seasons.
Contract Projection: Three years, $50 million ($16.67 million per year, $30 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
A healthy Scherff is the best interior offensive lineman scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, but it's difficult to bank on Scherff staying healthy through an entire NFL season.
14. Randy Gregory - Edge (Repeat)
15. Stephon Gilmore - CB - Carolina
16. Michael Gallup - WR (Probably going to move down the list with that torn ACL)After the contentious standoff between the New England Patriots and star cornerback Stephon Gilmore ultimately culminated in his placement on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, Gilmore was unceremoniously traded to the Panthers for a 2023 sixth-round pick. While the late future draft pick isn’t a substantial sunk cost that puts pressure on the Panthers to get an extension with the Carolina-native, they are paying Gilmore around $6 million for the remainder of the 2021 season. A player-friendly structure on a modest, short-term deal makes sense for both parties, and Gilmore can help Panthers No. 8 overall pick Jaycee Horn develop into the lockdown player Carolina foresaw when drafting him.
Strengths:
-Man coverage
-Ball skills
-Size/speed
Weaknesses:
-Off/zone coverage
-Age
Scheme Fit/Role:
OUTSIDE CB IN MAN-HEAVY SCHEME: Gilmore made the Patriots' defense tick from 2017 to 2019, as he played lockdown man coverage better than any corner in the league. He's at his best playing press man, where he can cover the league's best receivers, but he comes back down to Earth when asked to play more zone concepts.
Recent Injury History:
After playing every game in 2018 and 2019, Gilmore was limited to just 11 games and 632 snaps in 2020 due to knee and hand injuries. He missed the first seven weeks of the 2021 season due to a quad injury.
Contract Projection: Two years, $28 million ($14M per year, $20 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
From 2017 to 2019, Gilmore was the premier cornerback in the league while matching up against the NFL's best receivers in New England's man-coverage system. Scheme fit and his age are the big question marks moving forward.
17. JC Jackson - CB - New England
18. Tyrann Mathieu - SJ.C. Jackson is playing in 2021 on the second-round restricted free agent tender at a value of $3.384 million. However, former Patriots cornerback and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, who has since been traded to the Carolina Panthers, was also looking for new money headed into 2021. If Carlton Davis does get franchise tagged, Jackson could become the top man coverage corner available after a full season serving as the No. 1 with Gilmore never playing for the Patriots.
Strengths:
– Receiver-like ball skills
– Experience traveling in man
– Very rarely gets beat deep
Weaknesses:
– Hasn't been nearly as effective in zone
– Closing on intermediate routes
Scheme Fit/Role:
OUTSIDE CB IN MAN-HEAVY SCHEME: Jackson was the second fiddle to Stephon Gilmore in New England for much of his career, but he's still handled his fair share of tough, man-coverage assignments in Bill Belichick's defense. He's been one of the position's best playmakers in that role, rarely squandering an interception opportunity. Dallas and New Orleans stand out as potential non-Patriots landing spots if they're able to make things work financially.
Recent Injury History:
Jackson hasn't missed significant time with injury since being drafted in 2018. He drew several questionable tags in 2020 with knee and hip injuries, but those proved to be minor.
Contract Projection: Four years, $64 million ($16M per year, $33.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Throwing at Jackson has resulted in one of the lowest passer ratings in the league since 2018 due to a combination of rarely getting beat downfield and his ability to produce turnovers. He has the man-coverage skill set that teams covet at the position.
19. Akiem Hicks - DL (Like Edge, I'm not considering DL as a top need, but I'll never complain if we bring in a player better than someone on the team)
20. Ryan Jensen - C - Tampa
21. Antonio Brown - WR (This was clearly written before Sunday)The 2021 offseason was a big one for centers, with Los Angeles Chargers center Corey Linsley signing the biggest deal ever at the position. Linsley was quickly surpassed by Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow’s extension as the market continued its upward trajectory. Jensen’s situation is pretty similar to Linsley: Stay with a future Hall of Fame quarterback or take the most money possible elsewhere?
Strengths:
– Finishing + maintaining blocks
– Blocking in space
Weaknesses:
– Can be overaggressive
– Snap accuracy
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING CENTER: Jensen's best fit is on a downhill rushing offense that takes advantage of his physicality, but he's graded above the 75th-percentile of all centers in gap and zone run schemes over the past three seasons. A return to Tampa Bay makes sense for both sides, given the team's Super Bowl aspirations and Jensen's fit in that scheme.
Recent Injury History:
Jensen has been one of the most durable centers in the league since he signed with Tampa Bay prior to the 2018 season. He hasn't missed a start for the Buccaneers, notching over 4,000 offensive snaps for the team over that stretch.
Contract Projection: Three years, $30 million ($10M per year, $15 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Jensen became a fan favorite in Baltimore and Tampa Bay because of his attitude and well-rounded game that can be plugged into most NFL offenses. The biggest concern for potential suitors would be that he's now on the other side of 30 at a position that takes a beating in the trenches, especially given the way that he plays it.
22. Darious Williams - Rams
23. Mike Gesicki TE - Miami (I'm including TE because I do think we need an upgrade even if it's not the number one concern)Darious Williams was the only restricted free agent to receive the first-round tender last offseason at a value of $4.766 million, signaling how much the Rams value his contributions. The move may also demonstrate their perception of how Williams is regarded league-wide if they thought a second-round tender would not have been enough to keep another club from signing him to an offer sheet. A very solid player opposite Jalen Ramsey, Williams has thrived in a heavy zone scheme but has physical limitations at just 5-foot-9. Nevertheless, opposing quarterbacks rarely fare well throwing into his coverage, and he deserves a payday.
Strengths:
-Ball Skills
-Quickness
-Ability to mirror and change of direction speed
Weaknesses:
-Size
-Protected role within Rams defense
-Run defense
Scheme Fit/Role:
NO. 2 CB: Dating back to college, Williams really doesn't have any bad tape to speak of. With the Rams, the only question is that Jalen Ramsey has enabled him to lead a sheltered life as a No. 2 corner that hasn't had the tough assignments that can cause problems to smaller corners. He is not scheme-specific and fits as a No. 2 in any defense.
Recent Injury History:
Williams suffered an ankle injury in Week 5 that landed him on IR.
Contract Projection: Three years, $40M ($13.33M per year, $22.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Darious Williams has elite quickness, movement skills and the ability to find and break up the football once it's in the air. He can play equally well in man or zone coverage but has always been protected by his role within the Rams defense.
24. Harold Landry III - Edge - TennesseeGesicki will have one of the more interesting free-agent situations of any player in the NFL this offseason as he attempts to make the infamous Jimmy Graham argument that he should be considered a wide receiver for franchise tag purposes and not a tight end. Gesicki has played 94% of his snaps lined up in the slot or out wide as a receiver and is rarely ever in-line as a tight end. The wide receiver franchise tag is projected to be around $19 million, while the tight end franchise tag projects to be almost half of that — around $10 million-$11 million. It’s no small distinction.
Strengths:
-Speed/athleticism
-Ball skills/contested catches
-Hands
Weaknesses:
-Blocking
-Separating vs. single coverage
Scheme Fit/Role:
TIGHT END IN PASS-HEAVY ATTACK: Gesicki doesn't have the blocking chops to play in-line all that often, but he's at his best using his athleticism to add value to the passing game all over the formation.
Recent Injury History:
Gesicki has missed just one game in his four-year career, sitting out Week 15 of 2020 due to a shoulder injury.
Contract Projection: Four years, $55 million ($13.75M per year, $30 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
It was a slow start to Gesicki's career, but he's emerged as one of the better tight ends in the league. He's done most of his work in the slot or out wide, and that's where he's at his best, so teams looking for a true in-line tight end need not apply.
25. Rob Gronkowski - TE - Tampa (Don't think I need to summarize him to anybody)
26. Donte Jackson - CB - Panthers
28. Laken Tomlinson - G - San FranciscoThe Carolina Panthers used the No. 8 overall pick on South Carolina standout Jaycee Horn and then traded for two cornerbacks in Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 No. 9 overall pick C.J. Henderson and Stephon Gilmore this season, but they remain steadfast that this doesn’t say anything about their plans for Donte Jackson. It would appear he will at least have a chance to test the open market as Carolina prioritizes signing Gilmore to an extension to mentor their young collection of cornerbacks.
Strengths:
-Speed and recovery speed
-Explosive vertical leap
-Zone coverage
Weaknesses:
-Man coverage
-Missed tackles
-In-breaking routes
Scheme Fit/Role:
NO 2 CB IN A ZONE SCHEME: Donte Jackson has the speed to burn, but is at his best in zone coverage where he can keep his eye on the quarterback and use his athleticism to break on the ball. His best plays come using that speed to attack out-breaking routes. The Steelers or Seahawks run perfect schemes for Jackson.
Recent Injury History:
Jackson battled a toe injury for much of 2020, but he has been healthy so far in 2021. He has yet to clear 1,000 snaps in a season.
Contract Projection: Two years, $20 million ($10M per year, $11.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Donte Jackson has exceptional speed and athleticism but doesn't have the man-cover skills to match them. He can be a playmaker in the right zone scheme, where he can key the quarterback and break on the football, but is limited to a No. 2 role.
29. Emmanuel Ogbah - EdgeTomlinson has picked up where he left off in 2020, earning a second consecutive grade above 70.0. He has yet to allow a sack through Week 13 of the 2021 season. Tomlinson has surrendered a quarterback pressure on just 3.8% of pass-rush snaps, the 16th-best mark among guards with at least 200 snaps on the season. The former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2015 may be in for a bigger deal this time around than his early extension signed in 2018 for three years, $16.5 million.
Strengths:
-Value-add in run game, one of highest percentages of positively graded run blocks
-Zone blocking
Weaknesses:
-Pass blocking on true pass sets
-Locking onto targets on the move
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING GUARD: Tomlinson has developed into one of the best guards in the league under Kyle Shanahan, so a zone-heavy system is best for him to ensure continued high production. However, Tomlinson has done it all throughout his career and he can play in any scheme.
Recent Injury History:
Since 2017, Tomlinson has played at least 1,000 snaps in every season. He tore an MCL toward the end of 2018 but recovered in time to play every game in 2019.
Contract Projection: Three years, $27 million ($9M per year, $16.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
After a slow start to his career, Tomlinson developed into a high-end starter and his most recent work ranks him among the league's best guards. He's a valuable asset in the run game and a strong pass protector who has plenty of good football left as a starting guard.
30. Calais Campbell - DL
31. Jerry Huges - Edge
32. Duane Brown - T - Seattle
33. De'Vondre Campbell - LB - Green Bay (Had to go pretty far to see our first Linebacker)Brown was looking for an extension before the 2021 season but had to settle for a reworked contract that moved his cash payment schedule forward entering his age-36 season. Brown is still several years younger than Los Angeles Rams stalwart left tackle Andrew Whitworth, so he will surely point to his situation to continue making decent money well into his 30s. Brown deserves it, as he earned 80.0-plus grades in every facet in 2020 and few signs of his play dramatically falling off in the near future.
Strengths:
-Avoiding negatively graded plays in the run game
-Pass protection
-Moves well in space
Weaknesses:
-Run blocking on gap runs
-Age
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING LEFT TACKLE: While he's at his best in a zone-heavy scheme, Brown has done it all during his 14-year career. He's been one of the most dependable tackles in the league since his rookie season and he's likely entering tackle-for-hire one-year deal status for teams that expect to be in playoff contention.
Recent Injury History:
After playing all 17 games in 2018, Brown missed four games in 2019 between biceps and knee injuries. He bounced back to play over 1,100 snaps once again in 2020.
Contract Projection: Two years, $20 million ($10M per year, $14.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
We're getting toward the tail end of Brown's stellar career in which he's been one of the best pass protectors in the league. He's shown some signs of decline, but he can be an effective starting option for teams looking for a quick replacement at left tackle.
Campbell could well be the best value free-agent signing of the offseason. After long searching for a reliable off-ball linebacker, the Packers brought him aboard on a one-year, $2 million contract this offseason, and his 81.2 overall grade is second among linebackers through Week 13. Campbell’s 86.4 tackling grade is his fifth straight mark above 75.0, and that sure tackling goes a long way in Green Bay. He’s earned himself a nice raise — it's just a matter of how nice it will be.
Strengths:
– Durability
– Tackling
– Downhill play vs. run
Weaknesses:
– One-year wonder
– Can get caught out of position in coverage
Scheme Fit/Role:
THREE-DOWN LINEBACKER: Campbell has played at least 850 regular season defensive snaps in every season since his rookie year in 2016. He rarely comes off the field, and there's been no reason for Green Bay to do so given his play in all phases. Campbell could be another piece for the Rams' all-in approach on defense if the Packers opt not to bring him back.
Recent Injury History:
Campbell ranks among the top-10 off-ball linebackers in the league in defensive snaps played since he was drafted in 2016. He hasn't missed significant action in his six-year career.
Contract Projection: Two years, $13 million ($6.5M per year, $8 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
The hope for whatever teams sign Campbell is that he follows the Demario Davis career arc with his best football yet to come as he pushes towards 30 years old. He's a difficult evaluation with All-Pro-caliber play in 2021 following five seasons with a PFF grade below 70.0 to start his career.
34. Eric Fisher T - Indianapolis
35. Charles Leno Jr - T - WashingtonFisher suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury in the 2020 AFC Championship Game and underwent injury on Jan. 29, returning to football action just seven months later in mid-September. The mere fact Fisher was even ready to play by Week 2 of the 2021 season is remarkable, and he’s steadily improved each week protecting Carson Wentz’s blindside as he works his way back to 100% health. Fisher is a former No. 1 overall pick, and while he may not have lived up to those lofty expectations, he’s a very solid NFL left tackle. Fisher signed a one-year, $8.38 million deal at a time when questions remained about his recovery, which illustrates the kind of market he will have this offseason now back in top form.
Strengths:
– Very good athlete
– Blocking on the move
– Consistent in pass pro
Weaknesses:
– Struggles with power off the edge
– Run blocking in gap scheme
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING LEFT TACKLE: Fisher fits in the mold of average starting tackles that fanbases think they can upgrade over, but the reality of replacing an average tackle isn't always pleasant. Fisher fits best in a zone-blocking scheme. Chicago makes sense as a potential landing spot, assuming that Jason Peters retires and Teven Jenkins steps in at right tackle.
Recent Injury History:
Fisher got off to a slow start to the season as he made his way back from an Achilles injury that he suffered in the 2020 AFC Championship game. He also missed eight games during the 2019 season following core muscle surgery.
Contract Projection: Three years, $48 million ($16M per year, $31.25 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Fisher understandably had a slow start to the 2021 season as he worked his way back from an Achilles injury, but he's bounced back to his Kansas City form in recent weeks. He's an average starting tackle who will have lowlight moments against power rushers who can get into his chest.
36. Dalton Schultz - TE - DallasLeno Jr. was a cap casualty of the Chicago Bears this offseason, as they had to make a series of tough roster decisions. He latched on in Washington on a one-year, $4 million deal and has been a great value signing so far. His 78.6 overall grade and 85.3 pass-blocking grades both represent his best marks since 2017. The former seventh-rounder has carved out an impressive NFL career to date, and he’ll keep that journey rolling this offseason.
Strengths:
– Feet
– Solid in pass pro
Weaknesses:
– Undersized
– Handling power
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING LEFT TACKLE: Leno can be plugged into most NFL offenses and not stand out as the weak point on the offensive line. He's graded near the 50th percentile as a pass protector and run blocker in gap and zone schemes since entering the league in 2014. Leno will be an option for most tackle-needy teams next offseason.
Recent Injury History:
Leno has remained healthy throughout much of his eight-year career. He hasn't missed a start since taking over as the starter for Chicago in 2015.
Contract Projection: Two years, $20 million ($10M per year, $12.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Leno isn't an overly exciting free-agent target, but he can eliminate a weakness for teams with a clear need for a starting-caliber left tackle.
37. Connor Williams - G - DallasSchultz has taken full advantage of the absence of Blake Jarwin‘s absence within the Cowboys' offense and has made a name for himself. He has at least five receptions in seven of his 12 games thus far in 2021, with his 77.4 overall grade ranking sixth-best among tight ends. The former fourth-round pick out of Stanford seemed like a limited athlete with all the intangibles that typically come with a Cardinal tight end, but he’s blossoming into a solid all-around player at the position.
Strengths:
-Run blocking
-Short/Intermediate routes
Weaknesses:
-One year of good production
-Deep routes
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING TIGHT END ON TEAM WITH GOOD WEAPONS: Schultz has produced in a Dallas system that has multiple playmakers who keep the defense honest and that's his best bet for future receiving production. He's a good blocker, so he can provide value in that area, and he can work the middle of the field at the short and intermediate levels.
Recent Injury History:
After playing a more limited role in 2018 and 2019, Schultz has played in every game for the Cowboys since the start of the 2020 season, including the third-most snaps by a tight end with 973 in 2020.
Contract Projection: Four years, $35 million ($8.75M per year, $17 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Schultz was a backup until 2020 and he didn't break out until 2021 where he's been one of the better all-around tight ends in the league. He's a mid-tier starter who has shown that he can be a dependable receiver and run-blockers.
38. Casey Hayward Jr - CB - Las VegasWilliams was a top-50 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and a full-time starter at left guard right out of the gate in Week 1 of his rookie season. He’s gotten better each season, earning career-high marks in pass-blocking (71.4) and run-blocking (71.6) through Week 13 the 2021 season. Williams understandably gets overlooked playing alongside an elite left tackle in Tyron Smith and with the Dallas Cowboys’ other guard, Zack Martin, leading the way in PFF grade among guards since 2020 (94.9). Nevertheless, he’s a solid young player with more room to grow.
Strengths:
-Blocking on the move
-Combo blocks
Weaknesses:
-Blocking players with length/power
-Penalties
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING GUARD: While Williams has done most of his damage in a zone-heavy scheme, he's an effective puller and he's capable of executing any block required in a gap-heavy system as well. In pass protection, he could use help against longer players.
Recent Injury History:
After Williams' 2019 season was cut short due to an ACL, he's bounced back to play in every game in 2020 and 2021.
Contract Projection: Three years, $20 million ($6.67M per year, $12.5 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Another offensive lineman who took a couple of years to get going, Williams stepped up his game with a top-20 grade in 2020 and he's continued that success in 2021. He's a better run blocker than he is a pass-blocker, and he's a mid-tier starting option with scheme diversity.
39. DJ Chark - WRCasey Hayward Jr. was a cap casualty of the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason after earning the lowest grade of his career by a wide margin — 59.5 overall after zero prior grades below 70.0. Not much of a market developed for the 32-year-old, and he eventually signed a one-year, $2.5 million flier with the Raiders and former Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. All Hayward Jr. has done this year is regain his form with a 72.8 coverage grade through Week 12. He thrives playing zone coverage in a predominantly Cover 3 system, but there are a lot of defenses running such a scheme, so he should be playing his way into a better deal for next year.
Strengths:
– Instincts in zone
– Click and close
Weaknesses:
– Limited schematically
– Age
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING CORNERBACK IN ZONE-HEAVY SCHEME: Hayward has operated in the heaviest Cover 3 defense in the league under Gus Bradley since 2017. It makes sense for Hayward to remain in a similar defensive environment in 2021, whether that's Las Vegas again or another Cover 3-heavy scheme like Seattle or Pittsburgh.
Recent Injury History:
Hayward has only missed one game due to injury since he joined the Chargers back in 2016. That was the 2020 season finale after being placed on IR with a hamstring injury.
Contract Projection: One year, $6.5 million fully guaranteed
Bottom Line:
Hayward has shown that he still has something left in the tank this season for Las Vegas, grading out as one of the best cornerbacks in football. The cliff is nearing as Hayward pushes into his 30s, but he should still be able to provide quality starting play for a zone-heavy defense in 2022.
40. Foyesade Oluokum - LB - Atlanta (Yes I spelled that right)
Oluokun leads the way for a very underwhelming free-agent class at off-ball linebacker, though his timing of reaching unrestricted free agency could work out nicely in his favor. This past offseason, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and subsequently Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard reset the market at the position at just under $20 million per year after years of stagnation. With Oluokun one of the few young players available, a market could develop for him that exceeds expectations.
Strengths:
-Filling against the run
-Identifying routes in his zone
-Speed
Weaknesses:
-Defeating blocks at the second level
-Missed tackles
-Size/bulk
Scheme Fit/Role:
STARTING MLB/WLB: Foyesade Oluokun has impressive speed and more strength than you might expect for a player of his size, and he can play multiple linebacker spots but is at his best when he can run freely to the ball. He would fit in a scheme like Indianapolis' and could be an option for a defense improving either side of the linebacker group like the Raiders.
Recent Injury History:
Oluokun dealt with several minor injuries in 2020 but has been healthy so far this season.
Contract Projection: Three years, $22.5 million ($7.5M per year, $14 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
An undersized, speedy linebacker, Foyesade Oluokun flashes talent consistently but too often gets swallowed up by blockers the second level or doesn't quite make the play in coverage. He fits the profile of a linebacker that may eventually put it all together, but he hasn't got there yet.
