The 2021 NFL draft is here (8 p.m. ET Thursday on ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App). After many mock drafts, trades, and hours of preparation, it's time to pick.
According to San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch, the 49ers have attended 176 college games and practices, conducted 400 Zoom calls, interviewed 600 players and attended 128 separate pro days to be able to make their selection with the No. 3 overall pick.
That's a lot.
We're hours away from the Jacksonville Jaguars kicking off the festivities with the top pick. They are expected to select Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, while the New York Jets, with the No. 2 pick, seem set on BYU QB Zach Wilson. After that, things get interesting and a lot can happen before those picks.
Here are the latest rumors as well as the buzz from ESPN's NFL reporters, starting with a big one: Aaron Rodgers might not want to come back to Green Bay:
Zac Wilson in college: #1
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 29, 2021
Trey Lance in college: #5
Mac Jones in college: #10
Aaron Rodgers: #12
Trevor Lawrence in college: #16
Justin Fields in college: #1
This is an elite Tweet from @JedYork. https://t.co/ZqAG8t6CtO
I asked an #NFL GM how he would expect the #Packers to respond to Aaron Rodgers' discontent: "They dig their feet in and make him play or be a game-show host."
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 29, 2021
What are the Falcons doing with the #4 pick as of now? #NFLDraft2021 pic.twitter.com/jjMobtdjMV
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 29, 2021
While certain teams have reached out to the Packers to inquire about Aaron Rodgers this off-season, no team has made a trade offer for him, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
In a draft light on defensive linemen, here's a name that could be called tonight: Houston DE Payton Turner could go in the first round due to his character, medicals and length, some NFL execs believe.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is so disgruntled with the Green Bay Packers that he has told some within the organization that he does not want to return to the team, league and team sources told ESPN on Thursday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
More on NFL Live now....
Tim Tebow recently reached out to the Jaguars and requested a tryout at the tight end position, per sources, a move many believe would have extended his NFL career had he made the transition earlier. He recently worked out with the Jaguars' TE coach. No decision has been made.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
According to Caesar's: Trey Lance is now the favorite for the third pick to the #49ers at -120. Mac Jones is next at +110.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) April 29, 2021
The Atlanta Falcons have taken calls from just about everyone.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 29, 2021
I was told there hasn't been an offer good enough to trade back. They are willing to keep listening.
As of now, TE Kyle Pitts would be a selection the Falcons would be THRILLED to have if he's available.
#Seahawks - with NFL-low 3 draft picks - make interesting signing for defensive line, adding 2106 #Cardinals first-rounder Robert Nkemdiche. Source says move not related to Aldon Smith's arrest and uncertain availability. Nkemdiche wanted another chance and "crushed" a workout.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 29, 2021
Sean McVay on Rams roster: "We don't have any major glaring holes where it's like, 'Okay, you've got to address this position or else.' We're not really asking anybody to feel like they have to come in and immediately start. You are trying to provide depth at some positions."
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) April 29, 2021
I was told #Saints GM Mickey Loomis is working the phone, trying to trade into the top 10, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 29, 2021
The primary reason isn't for a QB, it's actually for another position.
Although, there is 1 QB (not named Trevor) who would change their minds if he was still available.
Something to remember re: #Jets pick at 23.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 29, 2021
Saleh's D is predicated on a strong D-line. During his 4 yrs in SF, they drafted DLM 3x in first round.
Highest-drafted CB: 3rd round (Witherspoon '17).
The Seahawks have signed DT Robert Nkemdiche, a 2016 first round pick of the Cardinals who last was on a roster with the Dolphins in 2019.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 29, 2021
For the first time in NFL history the first 4 players selected in the draft could all be QBs
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) April 29, 2021
The Jaguars, Jets, & 49ers are in the market for a QB, w/ the question-mark being the #4 pk
It is a premiere trade spot for a tm looking for an upgrade at QB (#Bears , #Patriots , etc)
The Eagles have been active this week with phone calls on a potential move-up. Multiple teams in that range think Philly might be trying to get ahead of Dallas for one of the top corners. Some NFC East jockeying going on.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2021
Multiple teams are expected to contact the 49ers today to inquire about the availability of QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per sources. But as of early this morning, the chances of him being traded are, in the words of one source, "remote." Let's see if anything changes in next 72 hours.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
While Atlanta considers all options at No. 4, many around the league expect them to take Kyle Pitts at No. 4 absent a massive offer in a trade-back. https://t.co/WrUd9WKbHW
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 28, 2021
Had a source who had contact with Atlanta throughout the process suggest last night he thought Falcons would go Trey Lance if Mac Jones was selected by 49ers. Mock drafts could be dust by No. 4 ... which would be great for the Giants.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 29, 2021
So much rests on the fate of the QBs.
Alijah Vera-Tucker is a sneaky name to watch tonight. Very highly regarded by teams, including the Giants. Will he go higher than expected? These are the kind of things that make tonight so much fun.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 29, 2021
NFL Draft starts tonight, and here's a Patriots primer: QB plans fuel intrigue, but importance for franchise goes beyond that spot. https://t.co/yVuGxeht2S
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 29, 2021