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2021 first-round NFL mock draft
Alika Jenner/Getty Images

2021 first-round NFL mock draft

NFL teams are just getting prepped for the 2020 season, but front offices and scouts have already been scouting for next year. As we enter 2020 training camp, here's a look at next year's first round mock.

 
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1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Sabrina Schaeffer / USA Today Sports Images

Lawrence would likely be the first overall pick in 2021 whether he plays for Clemson this year or not, showing the elite ability that backed up the hype as a top recruit. He threw 36 touchdowns and added 563 yards on the ground for the Tigers last year. If Gardner Minshew can't back up the potential he showed in his rookie season, Lawrence could be in play for the Jaguars.

 
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2. Washington Football Team: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Washington Football Team: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Troy Wayrynen / USA Today Sports Images

Sewell is at the head of a great offensive tackle class in 2021, and would make a nice fit for Washington after the team traded Trent Williams. Of course, going tackle at this spot assumes that Dwayne Haskins will make progress at quarterback in 2020.

 
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3. Carolina Panthers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Carolina Panthers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Fields transferred from Georgia to Ohio State, and became an instant star in his first season as a starter. He threw for over 3,200 yards and 41 touchdowns last season, while also rushing for 10 scores. The Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater this offseason, but it remains to be seen if he's the long-term answer for the team.

 
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Scott Clause / USA Today Sports Images

Chase is shaping up to be one of the best wide receiver prospects in years, a truly uncoverable fiend who had 84 catches for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns for LSU last season. A.J. Green isn't signed beyond 2020, and Chase would be rejoining his former LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow.

 
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5. Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)
Sam Navarro / USA Today Sports Images

Rousseau had an incredible 2019 season at Miami, recording 15.5 sacks and 54 tackles in 13 games. He could go down the road and join a Dolphins team that would welcome another edge rusher, even after signing Shaq Lawson and Kyle Van Noy during the offseason.

 
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6. Detroit Lions: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Detroit Lions: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

Lance will naturally be compared to North Dakota State alum Carson Wentz, and he has similar potential as a top draft pick. He showed great accuracy for the Bison last season and also has the running ability of other modern, successful NFL quarterbacks.

 
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7. New York Giants: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

New York Giants: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Kelley L. Cox / USA Today Sports Images

New York thought they were set at cornerback after drafting Deandre Baker in 2019 and signing James Bradberry this offseason, but Baker's legal troubles are now a concern. Surtain's father had a long and successful 11 year career in the NFL, and the youngster shows elite ability.

 
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8. New York Jets: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

New York Jets: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

The Crimson Tide just keep reloading at wideout. Waddle stands below six feet, but he has great deep speed and has scored 13 times in two seasons. His stats could skyrocket this year with more opportunities, and the Jets could still use more help for Sam Darnold despite drafting Denzel Mims in the second round.

 
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9. Las Vegas Raiders: Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State

Las Vegas Raiders: Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State
Melina Myers / USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders addressed the defensive end spots last year, but a young defensive tackle to complement Maliek Collins would be a good fit. The stout Williams had 44 tackles and five sacks for the Seminoles last season.

 
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10. Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Jesse Johnson / USA Today Sports Images

Parsons was a former top recruit and has dominated in two seasons with 191 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He could shore up inside linebacker for the Broncos.

 
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11. Atlanta Falcons: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Atlanta Falcons: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Mike Carter / USA Today Sports Images

The Falcons selected A.J. Terrell in the first round, but they might need more cornerback help next year. Wade could add to an already young and talented group of corners while also following in the footsteps of Ohio State cornerback 2019 first rounders Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette.

 
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12. Arizona Cardinals: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Arizona Cardinals: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Nikos Frazier / USA Today Sports Images

Could this be Larry Fitzgerald's final year? Kliff Kingsbury has shown that he can never have enough wide receivers, and Arizona will be in the market again if Fitzgerald retires. Moore is looking to rebound from an injury-shortened in 2019 season, but had 114 catches in 2018.

 
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13. Los Angeles Chargers: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama

Los Angeles Chargers: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

The Chargers selected Kenneth Murray in the first round this year but might address linebacker again if Nick Vigil doesn't work out. Moses missed 2019 with a knee injury but has the ability to rebound into first round territory.

 
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14. Miami Dolphins (via Texans): DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Miami Dolphins (via Texans): DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

Wide receiver is one of Miami's strengths, but they could look to add more depth for Tua Tagovailoa. Smith returned to school despite producing 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

 
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15. Chicago Bears: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas

Chicago Bears: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
Scott Wachter / USA Today Sports Images

The offensive line was a problem for Chicago last season, and they might have address that area in the draft next year if it continues. Cosmi is a strong left tackle prospect at 6-foot-7, 300 pounds.

 

 
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16. Cleveland Browns: Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU

Cleveland Browns: Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

Standing at 6-foot-3, 346 pounds, Shelvin is arguably the top nose tackle prospect heading into 2020. The Browns did add Jordan Elliott in this year's draft, but it remains to be seen if Sheldon Richardson will be in Cleveland beyond this season.

 
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17. Indianapolis Colts: Walker Little, OT, Stanford

Indianapolis Colts: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Jaime Valdez / USA Today Sports Images

Left tackle Anthony Castonzo has flirted with retirement in the past, so it's certainly possible the Colts will be in the market for a replacement next year. Little is a strong prospect in a loaded class.

 
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18. Tennessee Titans: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

Tennessee Titans: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Darren Yamashita / USA Today Sports Images

Tennessee selected Kristian Fulton in the second round this year but might need more cornerback depth if they move on from Malcolm Butler in 2021. Adebo is a top corner prospect, recording eight picks in the last two seasons.

 
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19. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

Jacksonville acquired a first-round pick in the Jalen Ramsey trade and very well could look at using it on a tackle. They might have a need at right tackle next year, where Leatherwood is capable of helping.

 
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20. New England Patriots: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

New England Patriots: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Troy Wayrynen / USA Today Sports Images

The Patriots used a second-round pick on Kyle Dugger this year but might need another safety next year considering that Patrick Chung has opted out of 2020 and Devin McCourty is entering his 11th NFL season. Holland has shown a nose for the ball with nine picks in two seasons for the Ducks.

 
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21. Minnesota Vikings: Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest

Minnesota Vikings: Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest
Greg M. Cooper / USA Today Sports Images

Minnesota moved on from Everson Griffen this year and might be up for a replacement next year. Basham is coming off a great junior season, recording 10 sacks and 57 tackles.

 
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22. Buffalo Bills: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

Buffalo Bills: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
Joseph Maiorana / USA Today Sports Images

The Bills pride themselves on smashmouth football, and strengthening guard will be a possibility next year. A former five-star recruit, Davis had an excellent 2019 season.

 
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23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Tampa Bay drafted Ke'Shawn Vaughn this year, but the opportunity to take Etienne in 2021 could be too enticing to pass up. He surprised by returning to school after gaining more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage in his junior season and could put the finishing touches on a talented Bucs offense.

 
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24: New York Jets (via Seahawks): Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina

24: New York Jets (via Seahawks): Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

The Jets secondary is in rebuild mode after trading Jamal Adams. Cornerback is already a need, and Mukuamu is a huge press corner prospect at 6-foot-4 and recorded 59 tackles and four picks in 12 games last season.

 
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25. Green Bay Packers: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Green Bay Packers: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Jesse Johnson / USA Today Sports Images

The Packers failed to address wide receiver in the 2020 draft, which could come back to haunt them if Marquez Valdes-Scantling doesn't deliver this year. Bateman was an elite deep threat for the Gophers last season, averaging 20.3 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns.

 
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26. Dallas Cowboys: Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma

Dallas Cowboys: Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

Travis Frederick's retirement put the Cowboys in a bit of a bind. The team did take former Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz in this year's draft, but Humphrey is potentially a more surefire long-term replacement.

 
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27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia
Rich Barnes / USA Today Sports Images

It's about time the Steelers think about a Ben Roethlisberger replacement with Big Ben missing most of 2019 and edging toward age 40. The multi-dimensional Newman has transferred from Wake Forest to Georgia this year, and has all the physical tools to produce big numbers.

 
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28. Philadelphia Eagles: Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia

Philadelphia Eagles: Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia
Chuck Cook / USA Today Sports Images

Philadelphia is experimenting with moving Jalen Mills from cornerback to safety this year. If that move doesn't work out, there are plenty of high-quality safeties in next year's class. LeCounte is coming off a huge junior season, recording 61 tackles and four picks.

 
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29. New Orleans Saints: Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh

New Orleans Saints: Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports Images

With Sheldon Rankins struggling through injury recently, defensive tackle is a possibility early in next year's draft. Twyman has shown great pass-rushing skills for his size at nearly 300 pounds, recording 10.5 sacks last season.

 
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30. Baltimore Ravens: Jay Tufele, DT, USC

Baltimore Ravens: Jay Tufele, DT, USC
Casey Sapio / USA Today Sports Images

Baltimore features a strong but veteran-heavy defensive line in 2020. Tufele shows intriguing upside, and recorded 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season.

 
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31. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images

Farley has already opted out of the 2020 season as he looks toward next year's draft. He's coming off an excellent season with four picks, and could add depth to a 49ers defense that could use help at corner.

 
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
John Reed / USA Today Sports Images

The Chiefs failed to make any big additions at cornerback this offseason and had a notable loss in Kendall Fuller. Stokes became a starter last season for the Bulldogs, and shows elite speed and ability.

Seth Trachtman

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications

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The Big Five: NFL’s biggest surprises of the 2025 season — for better or worse
NFL

The Big Five: NFL’s biggest surprises of the 2025 season — for better or worse

The 2025 NFL season has already produced unexpected plot twists, with projected playoff teams struggling and preseason afterthoughts becoming the talk of the town. For better or worse, here are the NFL's most surprising teams entering Week 6. 1. Baltimore Ravens (1-4) When things can't possibly get worse for the Ravens, they reach new depths. By losing 44-10 in Week 5 to the Houston Texans, a team it has historically dominated, Baltimore tied for its worst home loss in franchise history. The Ravens made moves this week to improve a putrid secondary, acquiring safety Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers for edge-rusher Odafe Oweh and signing free-agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but that's unlikely to provide immediate relief. In Week 6, Baltimore hosts the Los Angeles Rams, who have the league's second-ranked pass offense, so QB Matthew Stafford should carve up the defensive backfield with wideouts Puka Nacua (who is on a pace for a record-shattering season) and Davante Adams. Baltimore's offense, which is likely to be without two-time MVP starting quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) for the second consecutive week, won't be able to keep up in a shootout. Oddsmakers agree, with Los Angeles an 8.5-point favorite, per ESPN BET. The Ravens appear headed for a 1-5 record entering their Week 7 bye, but they have a much more favorable schedule when they return. According to ESPN's NFL Football Power Index, Baltimore ranks No. 25 in remaining strength of schedule. With a healthy Jackson and an AFC North up for grabs, don't rule out a second-half surge. Yet it's just as likely Baltimore spends all season in a hole it can't get out of. 2. Indianapolis Colts (4-1) The most surprising success story of the season is in Indianapolis, which has surpassed all expectations. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who entered 2025 3-13 in his past 16 starts, is playing like an MVP candidate. Through five games, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft is 107-of-150 (71.3 percent) for 1,290 yards, nine total touchdowns and two interceptions. The offense has generated most of the headlines, and for good reason, but the defense has been a revelation as well. The unit has held three of its first five opponents under 300 yards and forced a turnover in each game. Indy's fortune might not change in Week 6 as it hosts the Arizona Cardinals, who are coming off one of the most embarrassing collapses in recent history, blowing an 18-point lead at home to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Arizona (2-3) has turned the ball over five times in its past two games. With road games remaining against the Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks, the Colts will soon provide a more accurate gauge on where they stand. But rather than being a Week 1 flash in the pan, Indianapolis looks built for the long haul. 3. San Francisco 49ers (4-1) Colts head coach Shane Steichen's main competition for Coach of the Year should be Kyle Shanahan, who has done a masterful job of leading a hobbled 49ers squad to the top of the NFC West. San Francisco is 3-0 without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, with Mac Jones joining Daniel Jones as one of the year's great reclamation projects. The Niners are also thriving without elite production in the run game from Christian McCaffrey, who is averaging 3.1 yards per carry. San Francisco is already 3-0 in division games, but to maintain its edge in the NFC West, the offense must become more balanced. Through Week 5, the Niners are first in pass offense (290.6 yards per game) but rank last in yards per rush attempt (3.1) and are the league's only team without a rushing touchdown. (Every other team has at least two.) 4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) The Jaguars made the AFC South the only NFL division with two one-loss teams after coming back to win at home against the three-time defending AFC champion Chiefs in Week 5. Jacksonville ranks in the top 10 in the NFL in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The Jaguars have ascending talent on both sides of the ball, with running back Travis Etienne (443 rushing yards) averaging career highs in yards per carry (5.8) and rush yards per game (88.6). First-year head coach Liam Coen has done a good job of running him in advantageous situations, with Etienne only facing a stacked box (eight or more defenders near the line of scrimmage) on 13 percent of his carries, the sixth-lowest rate among qualifying running backs, per NFL Pro. The defense, led by first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, a former Green Bay Packers linebackers coach/run game coordinator, has more than held up on its end, forcing an NFL-high 14 turnovers. Linebacker Devin Lloyd (four interceptions, one fumble recovery) is one of the league's most improved players. ESPN's FPI gives the Jaguars a 75.4 percent chance to reach the playoffs, the third-highest odds in the AFC, trailing the Buffalo Bills (92.2 percent) and Colts (85 percent). 5. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4) "I'm processing it poorly to tell you the truth," first-year Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, 74, told reporters after his team's 40-6 trouncing at the Colts last Sunday. "I did expect to win right out of the chutes," Carroll added. Technically, Las Vegas did, defeating the New England Patriots (3-2) in Week 1. But four consecutive losses have dimmed hopes of a playoff run and instead raised significant questions, particularly at quarterback. Geno Smith, acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, has regressed significantly after a strong three-year run as Seahawks starter. Through five games, Smith leads the NFL in interceptions (nine), throwing one on 5.5 percent of his pass attempts, more than double his rate from 2022-24 (2.1 percent). Instead of contending for a postseason spot, the Raiders, a longtime doormat, are closer to the No. 1 pick. Las Vegas is projected to end the season with the league's fifth-worst record, per ESPN. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Raiders Made Three Moves Including Signing LB Jamin Davis
NFL

Raiders Made Three Moves Including Signing LB Jamin Davis

The Las Vegas Raiders announced they have signed LB Jon Rhattigan from the Steelers practice squad and also added LB Jamin Davis to the practice squad. The Raiders cut QB Jeff Driskel to make room on the practice squad. Davis, 26, is a former first-round pick of the Commanders back in 2021 out of Kentucky. He was in the final year of his four-year rookie contract after having the team decline his fifth-year option when Washington elected to waive him in October 2024. Davis then caught on with the Packers’ practice squad a few weeks later. The Vikings signed him to their active roster before waiving him in December when he was claimed by the Jets. The Jets cut Davis loose coming out of the preseason this year. In 2024, Davis appeared in nine games for the Commanders and Vikings, recording 18 total tackles and a sack.

Eagles receive good and bad injury news ahead of matchup with Giants
NFL

Eagles receive good and bad injury news ahead of matchup with Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off one of their worst losses of the season after the Denver Broncos scored 18 unanswered points in the fourth quarter last Sunday to win 21-17. The Eagles have a short week due to playing their divisional opponent, the New York Giants, on “Thursday Night Football.” They have the opportunity to fix the problems on offense, as the Giants are one of the worst defenses (26th, 377.2 yards) in the NFL. However, the Eagles could struggle on defense, as they may also be down one of their better defensive linemen, Jalen Carter. The Eagles received one positive and one negative piece of injury news for two key players Being a short week, the Eagles have a limited amount of time to practice and formulate a game plan, but also have a limited amount of time for their players to heal after a few came out of the Eagles' loss to the Broncos battered and bruised. Running back Saquon Barkley was one of those players who wasn't 100% healthy following the loss, as he found himself on Monday's injury report and did not practice with the team due to a knee injury. Barkley taking time to rest seems to have paid off, as he was a full participant in practice as of Wednesday’s injury report. Defensive linemen Jalen Carter was a new addition to the report, as he was limited in practice due to a heel injury. Carter is currently listed as "questionable" for Thursday night's game. Eagles need both Saquon Barkley and Jalen Carter to win against the Giants Even without Carter and Barkley, the Eagles have a better roster than the Giants, but having both makes the gap even wider. Saquon is one of the best running backs in the league and has extra motivation to play the Giants, as they're his former team. In one career game against them since signing with the Eagles, Barkley ran for 176 yards on 17 carries and scored one touchdown in their matchup last October, per StatMuse. Not having a game with over 100+ yards rushing this season, Saquon could have his first one of the season against his former team, as the Giants have the 26th-ranked defense (140.0 yards) against the rush. Hopefully, Carter is available, as he is the glue that holds the Eagles' defense together. Carter is credited with playing in every game, except he was disqualified from the Eagles' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after he spat on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter has three solo tackles, seven assists and has not recorded a sack. If Carter can't play, the Eagles will need to rely on Jordan Davis to step up and fill in for Carter. Davis has 11 solo tackles, eight assists and a sack in five games this season. Davis will also need to pick up the slack for Carter on special teams, as the two have a blocked kick on their stat sheet against the Los Angeles Rams, which Davis ran back for a touchdown.

Major changes coming to transfer portal, but challenges still remain
College Football

Major changes coming to transfer portal, but challenges still remain

College football's transfer portal window is undergoing a significant overhaul, with two major changes on the horizon that will substantially impact how programs recruit players. The NCAA Division I Administrative Committee has approved specific dates for a one-time-only transfer portal that will replace the two existing windows. The new transfer portal will be open for 15 days, from Jan. 2-16. Previously, there was a winter portal window in December and a spring transfer portal in April. The committee's approval of these dates was expected to become official at the conclusion of its October meetings on Wednesday, per NCAA News on X. The problem with a December window is that it occurred while many teams were involved in bowl games, along with those invited to play in the College Football Playoff. The spring portal, meanwhile, was challenging for coaches because it fell toward the conclusion of most squads' spring practices. Eliminating these two transfer portal windows and sticking with just one window moving forward is logical, although it presents issues. Huge changes are coming to the transfer portal window The biggest challenge with this one-time-only transfer portal in early to mid-January is that some athletes will still be competing in the CFP. For those participating in the event, they will have five days after their team's final postseason game to enter the portal. The new portal window closes on Jan. 16. The CFP national championship game this year is on Jan. 19. That means players who suit up in the title contest could enter the portal from Jan. 20-24, even though the portal will have officially closed on Jan. 16. Depending on where a player in the portal might want to transfer to, he could run up against challenges due to classes at his new school starting before he can enter the portal and make a decision about where to head next. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who led the Buckeyes to the national championship last season, is among those who are opposed to a one-time-only transfer portal. "I don't think it's a good idea at all," Day said last month. "In the conversations that we had with the Big Ten coaches, I think the majority of them agree. I just don't quite understand how teams that are playing in the playoffs are expected to make the decisions and sign their upcoming players while they're still getting ready to play games. It doesn't make any sense to me." Day's argument is valid, but there's no perfect solution here. Moving back a single window after the CFP title game won't work, and the transfer portal being in December during bowl season or in April after spring practices is flawed. While there are challenges that will arise with the transfer portal being open from Jan. 2-16, it's the best option of the three. Another significant change that will be enacted is the Division I Administrative Committee's decision to limit athletes to 15 days to enter the transfer portal after a head coaching change occurs. Currently, it is 30 days. Athletes must also wait five days after a new head coach is hired or announced to enter the portal, although players whose head coaches have already departed are grandfathered in under previous rules. That's a massive change, as athletes would often flock to the portal in droves once a head coach left or was fired. Now, they have to wait.