This circumstance is distinct from the Deebo Samuel story from 2022 because no trade request involving Brandon Aiyuk has surfaced as of yet. Because he was a former first-round pick, Aiyuk has had to wait longer to enter contract territory. This is made more difficult by Samuel’s decision to receive an extension later that year. The 49ers planned a significant visit because this is still a plot to follow before the draft. According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley visited the team’s headquarters shortly before this week’s “30” visitation limit.
Corley participated in the Bailey Zappe-led aerial fireworks of the Hilltoppers in 2021. Over the previous two seasons, each of which had 11 touchdowns, he was given more of a role in the mid-major team’s passing game. Samuel was passed over as a replacement for Corley, who is anticipated to be selected in the second round by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. However, it is improbable that he will be available when San Francisco’s No. 63 position becomes vacant. The 49ers need to decide quickly on Aiyuk since there are expensive needs at three other skill-position areas (Brock Purdy is available for a re-up in 2025).
The most recent from the draft ranks is this:
One of the most significant decisions made in this draft is likely the Giants’ selection at No. 6 between wide receivers and quarterbacks, albeit the team also selected some first-round players who do not play those positions. According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, the team recently hosted tackle Joe Alt and edge rusher Dallas Turner. Given the condition of Kayvon Thibodeaux and the Brian Burns trade, the Giants may theoretically consider Alt even if they are extremely unlikely to choose Turner. However, Schwartz reiterates a recent story that the organization has not given up on keeping 2022 No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal at tackle. The All-American Notre Dame left tackle would need to be shifted to the right side.
Several organizations invited Cooper DeJean in for visits after he completed a workout after breaking his fibula in November. The NFL’s Ian reports that the Seahawks, Steelers, and Eagles visited the gifted cover man on “30” visits prior to Wednesday’s deadline. The Iowa cornerback had previously met with the Bills. Our Ely Allen recently looked at the prospect stock for the CB in the first round.
Remaining at the corner, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Vikings and Lions both hosted the seasoned Terrion Arnold for pre-draft visits. The Alabama corner met with the Cardinals, Titans, Falcons, and Jaguars during the draft run-up. He is ranked as the top player at the position (No. 9 overall) on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board. The Lions, who had to deal with Cameron Sutton’s arrest and subsequent release, also added Kool-Aid McKinstry, an Arnold teammate.
Before the visit season finished, Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson—who ran a 4.49-second 40-yard sprint at the Combine—made two additional visits. The interesting DE prospect was brought in by the Bears and Commanders, according to Rapoport. The Commanders acquired the No. 40 pick in exchange for Montez Sweat, whom they needed help with on the D-end. Chicago does not have a second-round pick this year, while Washington owns picks 36 and 40. Robinson, ranked by Jeremiah as this draft’s No. 21 overall prospect, may not be available to the Bears at No. 9 due to a possible WR-or-Brock Bowers call.
The Seahawks had a meeting with Bo Nix and evidently have a relationship with Michael Penix Jr., as Ryan Grubb, the new offensive coordinator, coached the latter in Washington. According to Schultz, Seattle brought in South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler for a pre-deadline visit since Geno Smith is under contract through 2025, but his terms are adjustable. Rattler, who is ranked seventh among quarterbacks on Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com big board, also had a meeting with the Giants this week. In January, the former Oklahoma prospect was named the MVP of the Senior Bowl.
