NFL Weekly Report: Free Agency Week 2 and Notable Pro Days

As The World Turns with Lamar Jackson

Adam Theilen Headed to Carolina

Carolina’s spending spree continues as they have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal with veteran WR Adam Theilen. He had plenty of interest amongst numerous teams but has settled on Carolina. With DJ Moore getting traded to Chicago a few weeks ago, this assumes that Thielen will not only be the veteran voice in the WR room but he could be the #1 receiver on this team in 2023. He believes he has plenty left in the tank and can still play at a high level. Carolina is a good landing spot for him but this move does not make them an instant contender, it does bring them closer to relevancy in the weak NFC South.

Top Guard Moves On From Philadelphia

The much in-demand Issac Seumalo has moved on from Philadelphia and signed a three-year contract worth up to $24 Million with Pittsburgh. Many believed Indianapolis would be a prime landing spot as they needed to shore up the right side of the offensive line. Just how underrated is Seumalo? He played 1,135 snaps and he only allowed one QB sack. The other surprise is that he lasted that long in free agency, he was expected to be signed very quickly.

The Ever-Changing Jets WR Room

In a move that appears to have some future Aaron Rodgers implications, the Jets acquire Mecole Hardman through free agency and then traded Elijah Moore and a third round pick to Cleveland for their second round pick. Jets will now pick back-to-back at #42 and #43. Last week they picked up Allen Lazard and this week Mecole Hardman. They are rumored to be in the running for free agent WR Odell Beckham Jr. They are also linked to Randall Cobb, a favorite of Aaron Rodgers.

Impactful Pro Days

We had three major pro days this week that will impact the April Draft Class. Ohio State had there pro day on Wednesday, Alabama was on Thursday and finally, Kentucky was Friday.

              –Ohio State: Nearly every NFL team had representation at this pro day or to see CJ Stroud throw. Not only did they want to see Stroud but they wanted to see more of potential top 5 selection in the 2024 class, Marvin Harrison Jr. Neither of them disappointed and teams were left dreaming of the potential both players would have on their respective teams. Carolina brought their entire organization to see Stroud go through his drills. Frank Reich was beaming ear to ear while watching and new QB coach Josh McCown seemed impressed by what he saw. Other prospects getting attention from teams included star WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba, OT Paris Johnson and OL Dawand Jones. JSN was also impressive in drills and has cemented himself as surefire first round draft pick.

              –Alabama: Bryce Young finally laced up the cleats for the Alabama Pro Day after choosing not to throw at the combine. Like CJ Stroud before him, he did not disappoint. His arm strength and mobility were accentuated as the strengths of his quarterback resume. The best defensive prospect in the upcoming draft, EDGE Will Anderson did not go through drills on Thursday as he shined at the combine. He was present to talk to the reported 12 NFL GMs and 10 NFL Head Coaches that were, reportedly, in attendance. Free Agent OL DJ Fluker made an appearance and went through drills sporting a new and improved physique. He has slimmed down considerably and looks ready for another opportunity to make a roster this fall in the NFL.

              –Kentucky: Will Levis quieted some doubters with a great performance at the Kentucky Pro Day. He showed off his great arm strength and quick delivery. Levis is a top-10 prospect and this Pro Day performance should secure his status among the scouts and decision makers in the NFL. While he did show some regression last season at Kentucky, he was hampered by injuries, that he played through. He exuded great confidence while speaking to the media as well. He did secure a top-30 visit with Indianapolis and that will happen in the coming weeks leading up to the draft. He also had dinner with Frank Reich and the Panthers the night before his Pro Day, Another prospect that got some attention was Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez Jr as Indianapolis and others put his through some added drills with scouts. He had a great showing and will most likely be a Day 3 depth piece for a running back room.

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