Face it, your bracket is busted. You tried, but it’s just too late now. Thanks a lot Georgia State. That’s fine. Sit back, enjoy the games and get back to following everything that’s going on in the NFL on this fine first day of spring.
Rise ‘n Grind: Everyone’s interested in Marcus Mariota now
Good morning, let’s talk about what’s happening in the NFL (hint: there’s a lot!) before you watch your bracket get even more busted.
And what better place to start than with the very first ever Onside Kick Family Hour, SB Nation’s NFL podcast featuring retired NFL defensive end Stephen White and NFL writer Danny Kelly. This week, we talked all about free agency’s biggest surprises, who really helped themselves with all the dealmaking, a little draft previewing and when we got to Chris Borland, Stephen told an outstanding story about one moment in his career when the game gave him pause.
If you do still want to do the bracket thing, SB Nation is offering a new one that you can play as you go, which is pretty fun.
Let’s dump some links!
Headlines
Wonderlic’d -- Leaked Wonderlic scores, a spring tradition, could come any day now. However, we may be getting closer and closer to a time when that test isn’t even something draft prospects have to go through. SB Nation talked to the people who came up with the player assessment tool, a better way of finding out what makes a player tick, and the kind of thing that could help teams avoid the big time draft busts.
Chasing Mariota -- The Jets are the next team on the list to have a private workout with Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll draft him with the sixth pick, but then again, maybe they will. Speaking of draft rumors, Dan Kadar of Mocking the Draft is keeping up with the rumor mill and trying to sort through the smoke.
Hey, big spenders -- Despite what enthusiastic fans are saying, not EVERY contract handed out to a free agent was a good one. On the other hand, some deals -- like the two-year, $11 million contract the Patriots gave Jabaal Sheard -- are primed to pay big dividends. Speaking of hefty contracts, check out how much Michael Crabtree is expected to fetch on his next deal.
SB Nation presents: The biggest winners and losers in free agency
Another Eagles trade? -- Is there another player from Philadelphia on the trade block? Possibly.
Forget the players -- Ohhhhhh son, Dan on Fire returned from wherever to drop flaming hot truths on you. This time America's favorite fake deejay tackles Chris Borland's decision to retire. Move over Mike Florio!
Remember him? -- Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett stopped by Hogs Haven, our Washington NFL team blog, to talk about college and professional football and what he’s been up to lately.
Changes in Oakland -- A handful of Raiders players are going to experience things a little differently this coming season.
Retirement talk -- Speaking of hanging it up, Patrick Willis, the other 49ers linebacker to retire this month, sat down for an interview with his former teammate Takeo Spikes, and talked about his decision, his career and more. Giants owner John Mara wants Osi Umenyiora to retire with the team.
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