NFL homeowners voting on a number of large rule modifications, plus NFL Draft rumors and underrated free company storylines

Welcome to the Monday version of the Decide Six publication!

I used to be going to start out off at this time by bragging about my NCAA Match bracket, however I feel I really set it on hearth two days in the past, so let’s transfer on. I am by no means filling out a bracket once more. Really, earlier than we transfer on, I might like to provide a shout out to Joe M., who’s at present in first place in our Decide Six Podcast bracket problem. And I might additionally like to provide a shout out to CBSSports.com NFL Draft guru Josh Edwards, who’s at present in lifeless final. Josh did so badly that I really really feel higher about my bracket. 

Anyway, this month is not only for March Insanity; the ultimate week of March can be a giant time across the NFL, as a result of it is when the homeowners get collectively for his or her annual league assembly. The homeowners might be voting on some large rule modifications this week and we’ll be breaking these down at this time, plus we’ll have a look across the league on the newest NFL Draft rumors. 

As all the time, here is your weekly reminder to inform all your folks to join the Decide Six publication. To get your folks to enroll, all it’s a must to do is click on right here after which share this hyperlink with them. Let’s get to the rundown. 

1. NFL’s annual league assembly goes down: This is what it’s essential to find out about doable rule modifications

For the subsequent two days, the NFL’s 32 homeowners might be in Orlando for the NFL’s annual league assembly. Based mostly on the placement of the conferences, you’d suppose the homeowners had been taking a gaggle trip, however because it seems, that is not the case. The annual league assembly is the place many of the NFL’s offseason work will get completed. Any time you see any main rule modifications within the NFL, these are nearly all the time voted on and accredited on the annual league assembly. 

This yr, the homeowners might be voting on one of the crucial dramatic rule modifications in NFL historical past once they vote whether or not to approve the league’s new kickoff proposal. 

This is a fast take a look at a number of issues that might be voted on or have already been voted on: 

• House owners prone to vote on new kickoff rule. If this rule passes, the kickoff will look dramatically totally different in 2024. The NFL proposal is 9.5 pages lengthy, so I will not attempt to clarify the complete factor right here, however if you’d like the complete clarification on what would change, I broke that down right here. Proper now, the rule appears to have a couple of 50-50 likelihood of getting accredited. If it would not get handed, that does not imply it will not ultimately get voted via. The homeowners may vote to desk the dialogue till Might. That will give the NFL two months to tweak the proposal earlier than the homeowners meet once more for an additional doable vote in Might. That being stated, the chairman of the NFL Competitors Committee, Wealthy McKay, needs to see the vote occur this week. If it would not occur at this time, the homeowners may maintain off on voting till tomorrow. 
• Hip-drop deal with will get banned. The NFL has completed some analysis on this deal with, and the league has discovered that the damage charge is someplace between 20 to 25 instances greater than that of different tackles. Though the NFLPA did NOT wish to see the deal with banned, the homeowners formally voted this via Monday, which implies the hip-drop deal with has now been outlawed going ahead. 
• NFL approves extra challenges. NFL groups will now get a 3rd problem in the event that they win simply certainly one of their first two challenges. Below the outdated rule, a coach needed to win every of his first two challenges to get a 3rd problem, however now, they’re going to simply must win one. 
• Commerce deadline may very well be shifting. The commerce deadline is at present held on the primary Tuesday after Week 8, however that might change this yr. There are two proposals on the desk this week: One proposal would push the deadline to the Tuesday after Week 9 and the opposite one would push it to after Week 10. CBS Sports activities lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones has reported that homeowners are hesitant to maneuver the deadline, but when it does occur, the Week 9 proposal is the one that may probably win out. 
• Possession modifications. The homeowners will vote whether or not to make Houston’s Cal McNair the brand new principal proprietor of the Texans, a title that at present belongs to his mother, Janice. Cal at present runs the day-to-day operations of the group, so it will not be stunning if this will get accredited. In keeping with the Sports activities Enterprise Journal, the identical scenario might be taking place with San Francisco. The homeowners might be voting whether or not make Jed York the principal proprietor of the 49ers, a title that at present belongs to his mother, Denise DeBartolo York. Jed purchased a few of her fairness and now owns sufficient of the staff to turn into the principal proprietor. One possession change that will not be voted on entails Tom Brady. The seven-time Tremendous Bowl winner has been attempting to buy a chunk of the Raiders, however the phrases nonetheless have not been finalized, in order that scenario stays on maintain, in line with the Washington Submit. 

For any rule that is voted on this week, it has to get accredited by 24 of the NFL’s 32 homeowners, which is why it is exhausting to get a deal with on whether or not a rule will go. CBS Sports activities Lead NFL Inside Jonathan Jones might be in Orlando this week, and also you can learn his newest on the conferences right here.

2. Mock Draft Monday: Patriots commerce again

It is time for an additional version of Mock Draft Monday, which is the place we search out certainly one of our NFL Draft gurus and pressure them to provide you a brand new mock draft since there is no higher strategy to begin the week than with a recent mock draft. 

This week’s mock is coming from Kyle Stackpole, who went an fascinating route this week by having the PATRIOTS commerce out of the third total decide. Who did they commerce with? What sort of impression did it have on the remainder of the primary spherical? Let’s discover out.  

Listed below are the top-11 picks from his mock: 

1. Bears: QB Caleb Wiliams (USC)
2. Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels (LSU) 
3. Vikings (by way of mock commerce with Patriots): QB Drake Maye (UNC) 
4. Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (Ohio State)
5. Chargers: WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
6. Giants: J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) 
7. Titans: OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
8. Falcons:  EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)
9. Bears: EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State)
10. Jets: OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State)
11. Patriots (by way of mock commerce with Vikings): WR Rome Odunze (Washington)

If you wish to see how the remainder of Stackpole’s first spherical pans out, then be certain to take a look at his complete mock draft by clicking right here. 

For extra draft protection, you possibly can hear in-depth evaluation twice every week on “With the First Decide” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with Ryan Wilson and Rick Spielman. You could find “With the First Decide” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

3. NFL Draft rumors: Marvin Harrison Jr. is allegedly eyeing one sure staff

The one factor extra thrilling than the NFL Draft are all of the draft rumors that include it. Between now and the beginning of the draft on April 25, you are going to be listening to a number of hypothesis about what every staff goes to do with their first decide, and solely about 37% of that hypothesis goes to be true. 

Throughout draft season, every little thing is a smokescreen and you may’t consider something that anybody says. With that in thoughts, we will cowl a number of the newest draft information from over the weekend. 

• Marvin Harrison Jr. apparently needs to play for Arizona. Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. was as soon as teammates with Harrison at Ohio State, so the 2 nonetheless discuss. Throughout a current dialog, Johnson informed Harrison he would nearly definitely find yourself with the Cardinals. Harrison’s response? “He stated he wished to be a Cardinal,” Johnson stated. You can learn extra about Johnson’s story right here. 
• Commanders appear set on taking a QB. At this level, it is in all probability protected to say the Commanders might be taking a QB with the second total decide. “I might say it would be truthful to check we might be taking a quarterback,” head coach Dan Quinn informed NFL.com on Saturday. “To say the place it’s going to be taking place, I feel that is a greater query for (basic supervisor) Adam (Peters).” You see that? That is a traditional smokescreen. Quinn confirmed that the Commanders will nearly definitely be taking a QB, however he would not affirm in the event that they’d be doing it with the second total decide. Though I feel they are going to take a QB at No. 2, in the event that they wish to commerce the decide, there’ll probably be loads of takers. You’ll be able to try who these takers could also be right here.  
• Patriots do not appear set on taking a QB. The staff to observe on the prime of the draft is the Patriots. With the Bears and Commanders each probably taking a quarterback, will probably be fascinating to see what the Patriots do. New head coach Jerod Mayo is aware of his staff wants a QB, however he isn’t locked into taking one. “It is the precedence proper now,” Mayo stated of getting a QB. “However with that being stated, it’s a must to actually be in love with the man to take him at No. 3. So actually all of the choices are nonetheless open for us.” If the Patriots’ two favourite quarterbacks go off the board with the primary two picks, it would not be a complete shocker to see them go on taking a QB or commerce out of the third spot altogether.
• Control the Broncos to commerce up. Sean Payton admitted Monday that there is undoubtedly a “lifelike” likelihood that the Broncos could commerce up within the draft this yr. The Broncos at present maintain the twelfth total decide and nonetheless want a QB, so in the event that they do commerce up within the first spherical, it should probably be to seize a quarterback. You’ll be able to learn extra about Payton’s feedback right here. 

The primary spherical of the draft kicks off precisely one month from at this time, which implies draft rumor season can be kicking off, so take every little thing you learn with a grain of salt until, in fact, you learn it on this publication. 

4. NFL free company: Most underrated storylines we aren’t speaking about sufficient

We are actually two weeks into free company, and though we have been speaking continuous about sure issues — like Russell Wilson signing with the Steelers — there are some issues which have flown beneath the radar over the previous two weeks. Jordan Dajani determined to carry these to gentle at this time by rating a few of these most underrated storylines of free company. 

Let’s check out three of the storylines on his listing: 

• The Texans are doing issues proper. “The Texans had been the shock story of the 2023 season and so they clearly have basis to construct upon, which is why Nick Caserio and Co. made the choice to be aggressive this offseason. Houston locked up go rusher Danielle Hunter, who’s coming off a profession yr the place he recorded 16.5 sacks with the Vikings. The Texans additionally upgraded the bottom recreation by buying and selling for former Bengals operating again Joe Mixon. The Texans did lose a few items on the defensive entrance, equivalent to Sheldon Rankins and Jonathan Greenard, however Houston additionally added loads, with the underrated Denico Autry, defensive deal with Tim Settle, plus Mario Edwards and Foley Fatukasi.”
• The Jets could be good. “This offseason, Joe Douglas put an emphasis on the offensive line (as he ought to), signing a brand new left deal with in Tyron Smith, a brand new guard in John Simpson and traded for proper deal with Morgan Moses. The Jets additionally landed huge receiver Mike Williams. The AFC is loaded, however ought to we be speaking concerning the Jets extra heading into 2024? They must show they will win video games, in fact, however Rodgers has this superpower the place he steps as much as make his doubters look foolish. Can he do it once more?”
• The Browns have a number of quarterbacks. “Cleveland now has Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Why is that? Are the Browns shifting ahead with the understanding that their $230 million man goes to be perennially injured? Or is certainly one of these guys commerce bait?”

To take a look at Jordan’s full listing of underrated storylines, make sure to click on right here. 

5. Winners and losers from Week 2 of free company

It would not appear doable, however we have already got two full weeks of free company beneath our belt. The second wave of free company wasn’t as thrilling as the primary wave, however we nonetheless noticed some massive strikes final week like Chase Younger signing with the Saints. 

With the in thoughts, Jordan Dajani pored via all of the strikes that went down over the previous week so he may give you a listing of winners and losers from the second wave of free company. 

WINNERS

• Jerry Jeudy. “Jeudy, a former No. 15 total decide, didn’t precisely stay as much as expectations throughout his 4 seasons in Denver. He averaged 53.6 receiving yards per recreation, and scored 11 touchdowns in 57 profession video games. And now, the Browns determined to increase him earlier than he even took a snap for his new staff. Jeudy agreed to a three-year extension that is price as much as $58 million whereas together with $41 million assured.”
• Joshua Dobbs. “For those who needed to decide essentially the most premier place to be a backup quarterback, it could be with the San Francisco 49ers. That is the gig Dobbs landed this week. … Dobbs went 2-2 because the starter for Minnesota final season earlier than the Vikings wished to get a take a look at Nick Mullens, however the 29-year-old dual-threat quarterback has potential, and San Francisco is a pleasant touchdown spot for him.”

LOSERS

• Veteran defensive backs. “When it got here to cap casualties this offseason, the highest three getting into free company in my view had been cornerback Xavien Howard, security Justin Simmons and cornerback Tre’Davious White. Nonetheless, two weeks into free company, zero of the three veteran defensive backs have discovered new properties. There’s nothing incorrect with taking your time in choosing a brand new staff, nevertheless it additionally may imply their markets aren’t as sizzling as anticipated.”
• Individuals who hate the ‘Tush Push.’ “The ‘Tush Push’ might be again in 2024. NFL government vice chairman Troy Vincent confirmed this week that the controversial play will stay authorized. Nonetheless, the NFL will proceed to watch the play, in line with CBS Sports activities lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Possibly we are able to identify the Eagles winners right here as nicely. That they had a 93.5% success charge with the ‘Tush Push’ in 2022, and a 90% success charge in 2023.”

You’ll be able to try Jordan’s full story right here. 

6. Additional factors: Chiefs commerce away their prime nook 

It has been a busy weekend within the NFL, and because it’s practically unattainable to maintain observe of every little thing that occurred, I went forward and put collectively a roundup for you. 

• Titans purchase L’Jarius Sneed from Chiefs. Lower than three weeks after hitting Sneed with the franchise tag, the Chiefs determined to commerce away their star nook to Tennessee. The Titans are anticipated to ship a 2025 third-round decide to Kansas Metropolis for Sneed and the 2 groups will even do a swap of seventh-round picks within the 2024 draft. You can learn our full breakdown of the commerce right here. We additionally broke down why the Chiefs did not get a lot in return for his or her star nook, which you’ll be able to learn right here.  
• Aaron Donald reveals why he determined to retire. It appears like Donald was simply burnt out on soccer after 10 NFL seasons. “I am full. I am full,” Donald stated in his first interview since retiring. “I feel the eagerness to play the sport is not there for me.” You’ll be able to learn Donald’s full feedback right here.  
• Russell Wilson within the pole place at QB. The Steelers QB might be within the “pole place” for the beginning job, however that does not simply imply will probably be handed to him. Over the weekend, Mike Tomlin made it sound like Justin Fields could have an opportunity to win the job. “Justin will (be) given a chance to compete and we’ll enable these guys to type themselves out,” Tomlin stated. If you wish to learn extra from Tomlin, make sure to head right here. In different Steelers information, the staff signed Quez Watkins on Monday, in line with ESPN.  
• Geno Smith anticipated to be Seahawks starter. Though the Seahawks added Sam Howell, it would not appear like he’ll be a risk to take Geno’s job. “Geno’s going to be our starter. Sam is aware of he will be our backup, however Sam is a superb younger participant, and he is bought a extremely vibrant future that we consider in,” new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald stated over the weekend. 
• Aidan O’Connell can have a shot to win the Raiders’ QB job. The Raiders added Gardner Minshew and so they’ll probably add one other QB within the draft, however that does not imply O’Connell would be the odd man out. Antonio Pierce made it clear over the weekend that O’Connell might be given the prospect to win the beginning QB job. “You are speaking a couple of child that has the psychological toughness to play within the Nationwide Soccer League,” Pierce informed NFL.com. “No matter occurs and no matter we do, it has to undergo Aidan O’Connell. Being trustworthy with you as a result of he is earned that proper.” 
• Broncos set to unveil new uniforms. The Broncos have introduced that they will quickly be unveiling new uniforms. Nonetheless, they did not reveal when these uniforms can be launched. For essentially the most half, groups attempt to launch their new look earlier than the NFL Draft, so that they’ll probably be unveiled earlier than April 25. If groups miss that window, then they often wait till July.