Notes: Coaches, scouts express concern over NFL Draft complications

The NFL Draft is going ahead as planned, according to a memo sent out by commissioner Roger Goodell last week. And even though Goodell warned NFL executives about criticizing this decision publicly, some have come forward to express their concern about how things may play out going forward.

Due to quarantine restrictions, NFL teams are expected to have virtual war rooms on draft day, and some are beginning to worry about the security of that setup. Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed that concern in his pre-draft conference this week.

“It’s a big concern,” Harbaugh said per ESPN. “Hopefully we’ll be OK. I really wouldn’t want the opposing coaches to have our playbook or our draft meetings. That would be preferable, if we can stay away from that.”

But the concerns go well beyond internet security. The Draft Network spoke to several anonymous scouts, and they revealed a list of concerns due to the big changes this offseason.

One suggested that teams are really going to push for 2021 draft picks in trades—especially later in the draft—simply because they didn’t get the full story on some 2020 prospects, given the lack of Pro Days and in-house meetings.

“You’re going to see a record amount of trades on Day 2 and Day 3 for future picks,” one scout predicted. “Why would I draft a kid this year that I don’t have all the information on and risk an already risky decision when I can just punt and look towards 2021 and hopefully find more value and information present with that pick?”

Others suggested the increased reliance upon technology could provide a big hurdle for those that over rely on assistants in everyday tech-business.

But the Dallas Cowboys at least gave us some insight into how the draft process has worked thus far:

• Speaking of the draft, here’s a look at how much money the Detroit Lions may have to allocate to their rookie class. Of course, if they trade down slightly and acquire more picks, it could be even more:

• Looking for cornerbacks in case the Lions don’t draft Jeff Okudah? The Detroit News goes over other options in the draft.

• Tigers legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline passed away this week. The Lions released the following statement on his death:

• Dave Birkett dropped his latest mock draft. He’s sticking with Jeff Okudah in the first round, but check out his second-round pick here.

• Want to know the trade value of every pick in this draft? Lions Wire has a handy guide that shows the trade value and the owner of every pick in the 2020 NFL Draft

• This is just awesome: