Every week I open up the mailbag for anyone to send me their questions on college football, the NFL, or the NFL Draft. The 2020 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, but there’s still plenty to talk about. This week’s mailbag includes the latest on free agents Jadeveon Clowney and Logan Ryan as well as some discussion about Joe Douglas, the New York Giants, Jacob Eason, and more.
If you have a question you want to send me for next week’s mailbag, send it to asktony@pfn365.com or send a tweet to @PFN365 on Twitter using the hashtag #AskTonyPFN, and we’ll try to include it in an upcoming mailbag column.
The Tony Pauline Mailbag
Tell me how Jonathan Garvin could move to outside linebacker in Green Bay’s system under the tutelage of whom we already have and actually thrive?
I think it will be a struggle, as I believe he’s best as a 4-3 defensive end.
I liked Jonathan Garvin’s film, gave him a draftable grade and ranked him higher than teammate Trevon Hill, which was not the norm. He’s a solid pass rusher with growth potential but I think he’s much more adept coming out of a three-point stance.
What has the feedback around the league been regarding the job Joe Douglas has done thus far?
Douglas is well-liked around the league as he’s a likable and amiable guy. While many describe his free agent moves as “smart,” people in the league also say they have a bit of risk attached to them, and I agree.
Not signing any big-time offensive linemen, not signing an established offensive tackle and basically trading Robby Anderson for Breshad Perriman all have potential risk.
Were you surprised the Jets went Mekhi Becton over Tristan Wirfs? Do Jets fans have something to be excited for in upcoming years with Douglas as GM?
I was surprised by the decision, as Wirfs was rated higher on my board, though not by much.
Douglas will grow into the job; the question is – can Adam Gase properly utilize the offensive tackle Douglas brought him?
Related | Tony Pauline’s 2020 NFL Draft Evaluations: AFC
Have you heard if the Jets are talking to Logan Ryan or Jadaveon Clowney? Any chance they get one or both?
Logan Ryan seems to be in a holding pattern.
Those close to the situation tell me the Jets have been “fishing around” Clowney and if they are serious about acquiring him and put forth a good offer, then they have a legitimate shot. People in his camp tell me Clowney would love to play for a big market team such as the Jets.
That being the case, I’m told it’s expected to be a long process and nothing is imminent.
Do the Giants want to re-sign Markus Golden and do you think they will?
They would like to re-sign him, but it seems doubtful at this point unless Golden’s salary demands come down. I’m told the Giants won’t meet his salary demands on a one-year deal, never mind a long term contract.
Are the Giants planning to move Nate Solder to the right tackle?
It depends how quickly Andrew Thomas develops, and it may be a slow go with no rookie mini-camp and an abbreviated summer camp. This goes for all the rookies – not just Thomas.
Don’t be surprised if Solder is a week one starter at left tackle.
Related | Tony Pauline’s 2020 NFL Draft Evaluations: NFC
What do you make of Jacob Eason ending up in Indy? Do they really think he can be their heir to Rivers?
Jacob Eason was a terrific fourth-round pick by Indianapolis – definitely worth a roll of the dice. He doesn’t need to play in 2020 and can learn and absorb from the sidelines.
Eason absolutely possesses the physical skills to start on Sunday, but he needs to improve his defensive reads, improve his pass placement and improve his maturity.
What is Chicago’s mindset drafting another right end early to make it 10 TEs on the roster at the moment?
The mindset is, except for 33-year-old Jimmy Graham who’s at the end of his rope, the other nine are not worth a damn.
Adam Shaheen has been a major disappointment, Jesper Horsted showed flashes but is a developmental move tight end, Demetrius Harris is a journeyman number three tight end while Ben Braunecker is replaceable.
Cole Kmet is a talented tight end with a lot of upside who should quickly develop atop the depth chart.
Should Buffalo fans expect to see Zack Moss get the lion share of carries or is it going to be another running back by committee situation?
My personal opinion is they are fine with Devin Singletary, who will get better in time. Zack Moss has a higher upside than Singletary but his injury history and inability to stay healthy have always been a concern.
Tony Pauline is Pro Football Network’s Chief Draft Analyst and Insider. Follow him on Twitter @TonyPauline. Follow PFN on Twitter @PFN365.
I’m interested in where the idea came about that Jadeveon Clowney wouldn’t be opposed to playing for a non-competitive team simply because it was “big-market.”
The big market teams come with state tax burdens that remove the incentive to play for a little bit more than where he is now… with no such burden.
They also come without cultures of winning. The same reason the Giants aren’t really in contention for his services. Expounded by a factor of four or so. The Jets odds to land him should be about 400-1. The odds for the Giants being about 100-1. It could be worse than that but I think Mr. Clowney might give the Jets some benefit of the doubt since most of his life that level of lack of success that the JETS came to inspire the acronym Just Embrace The Suck are the fault of fortune shining in Massachusetts.
Better off going after Yannick. Package him with Fournette you might have a decent backfield this year. LeVeon & Leonard… at least give the fans hope of some offense.