7.1.22: Metcalf, Javonte, Pickett, Allen, Elijah, Levis

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Metcalf

Ari Meirov: DK Metcalf’s situation with the Seahawks bears watching

Details:?Meirov (PFF) thinks it is?notable?that the Seahawks have yet to hammer out an extension for Metcalf — considering two other high-profile receivers from the 2019 draft class (A.J. Brown and Terry McLaurin) have already come to terms.

• Metcalf, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, held out of mandatory minicamp last month.

Trade??Meirov stopped short of predicting a trade, though hinted that one could become possible if progress on an extension does not happen between now and the start of the season.

Schultz:?Another NFL insider, Jordan Schultz, who was appearing as a guest on Ari’s podcast, indicated that “a lot needs to happen” for a deal to come together. Though he ultimately predicted that an extension, worth $110 to $140 million (over four or five years) will get done.

Another View:?Brady Henderson (ESPN)?wrote?last week that while the Seahawks have “expressed optimism both publicly and behind the scenes” surrounding a deal, “it hardly seems like a slam dunk.”

• Henderson also polled an unnamed NFL agent who thinks the Seahawks will balk at Metcalf’s contract demands and trade the talented 24-year-old receiver.

Image: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire

Javonte

PFF: Broncos RB Javonte Williams is the “next breakout superstar”

Details:?PFF’s Jarad Evans goes as far as saying that Williams could have a Jonathan Taylor-like?breakout?in 2022.

• Taylor totaled 2,171 scrimmage yards (1,811 rushing, 360 receiving) and scored 20 total touchdowns on 372 touches last season.

Rookie Review:?Williams, who the Broncos selected in the second round last year, totaled 1,219 scrimmage yards (903 rushing, 316 receiving) and scored 7 touchdowns on 246 touches as a rookie.

Broken Tackles:?Williams broke a tackle on 31% of his rushing attempts last season, which was the highest rate PFF has ever recorded from a running back.

RB1:?Williams split carries with Melvin Gordon last year — but is expected to be the featured back this upcoming season.

• In his only game with 20-plus touches, Williams totaled 178 scrimmage yards, scored a touchdown, and racked up 29.8 PPR fantasy points.

Image: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire

Pickett

Kenny Pickett would “have to be the second coming of Johnny Unitas” to supplant Mitchell Trubisky by Week 1

Details:?The statement comes from Brooke Pryor (ESPN), who?notes?that Trubisky looked “comfortable and confident throughout offseason workouts,” while Pickett worked with the third-team offense.

Bench:?Pryor thinks there’s a good chance that Pickett, who the Steelers selected 20th overall, sits for his entire rookie season — especially if Trubisky can navigate a challenging opening schedule that includes matchups against the Bengals, Patriots, Browns, Bills, and Buccaneers.

• Trubisky, who spent last year in Buffalo backing up Josh Allen, signed a two-year, $14 million year deal with the Steelers in the offseason.

Steady:?The Steelers apparently believe Trubisky can be a “steady” quarterback capable of managing an offense that will be built around Najee Harris and an improved offensive line.

Debut:?If Trubisky does struggle early in the season, Pryor believes Pickett could make his debut against the Saints in Week 10 — which is after the Steelers’ bye.

Image: Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire

Allen

Josh Allen is favored to win the 2022 MVP Award

Details:?The closest contenders to Allen (7-1) are Patrick Mahomes (8-1), Tom Brady (8-1), Aaron Rodgers (9-1), and Justin Hebert (9-1).

Allen:?Allen did not receive a single MVP vote last year. He completed 63.3% of his passes for 4,407 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. As a runner, he totaled 763 yards and 6 touchdowns. Besides offering elite performance, Allen can prove his value to voters by leading a Bills team that is favored to win the Super Bowl.

Mahomes:?Like Allen, Mahomes did not receive an MVP vote last year. He completed 66.3% of his passes for 4,839 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. As a runner, he totaled 381 yards and 2 touchdowns. If Mahomes can put up elite-level production without Tyreek Hill and keep the Chiefs in front of a challenging AFC West — he’ll have a strong argument for the award.

Brady:?Brady received ten MVP votes last year. He completed 67.5% of his passes for 5,316 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He also added 2 rushing scores. The soon-to-be 45-year-old will have to navigate the season without Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, and possibly Chris Godwin (for the first six games of the season). Brady can help his case by prevailing against a schedule that is amongst the most daunting in the league.

Rodgers:?Rodgers was named MVP last season after completing 68.9% of his passes for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. As a runner, he scored 3 touchdowns. He could struggle to defend his title without Davante Adams on the roster.

Herbert:?Herbert did not receive an MVP vote last season. He completed 65.9% of his passes for 5,014 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Plus 302 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. Like Mahomes, he can impress voters by conquering the AFC West. It’s also worth noting that Herbert’s entire supporting cast has returned and that the Chargers added RG Zion Jonhson in the first round.

Image: William Purnell/Icon Sportswire

Elijah

Jets WR Elijah Moore named a second-year breakout candidate

Details:?The insight comes from fantasy expert Eric Moody (ESPN), who?writes?that Moore “ranks among the top players in the league when it comes to short-area quickness.”

• At his Pro Day last year, Moore completed the 3-cone drill (which measures short-area quickness) in an elite 6.55 seconds.

Rookie Review:?Moore, who was a second-round pick, caught 43 of 77 targets (55.8% catch-rate) for 538 yards and 5 touchdowns before suffering a season-ending quad injury in Week 13.

• In the three games preceding his injury, Moore averaged 10.3 targets, 6.0 receptions, and 88.0 receiving yards per game.

The Real Deal:?Moore has had a strong offseason and was called the?"real deal"?by veteran corner D.J. Reed (78.6 PFF grade) during minicamp last month.

NYJ WR Depth:?Moore figures to contribute alongside rookie first-rounder Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios.

Image: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

Levis

2023 Mock Draft: Kentucky QB Will Levis goes 8th overall to the Lions

Details:?The mock comes from Matt Miller (ESPN), who?writes?that Levis “has many fans in the NFL, thanks to his size (6-foot-3, 232 pounds), arm strength and gunslinger style of play.”

• Miller adds that Levis might have a more well-rounded skill set as a “thrower, scrambler and designed runner” than C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young.

Levis in 2021:?Levis completed 66% of his passes for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. On the ground, he totaled 376 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Lions:?If Levis were to join the Lions next season, he would be surrounded by a top offensive line and a number of talented playmakers — RB D’Andre Swift, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR Jameson Williams, and TE T.J. Hockenson.

Image: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire

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