Part 1 of my free agent preview was here, and here's the rest of the positions.
One AJ Brown update before we start. As of early this morning, the Patriots were still interested in Brown, but not at the terms that Howie Roseman wants. Will that change? They are hoping so.
TIGHT ENDS I'M IN ON
Cade Otton, Bucs: He's basically Hunter Henry five years ago with a little more wiggle in the pass game. Has some explosion, makes tough catches and is good on screens. A willing blocker and doesn't mind doing the dirty work, but not sure if this solves any blocking issues. STAYED WITH BUCS
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans (move type): A fourth-round pick of Vrabel in 2022, Okonkwo is the fastest tight end in free agency (20.4 mph), and it shows up on film in his ability to quickly make himself available in the seam and on sail routes. Doesn't do a great job of fighting through contact and can get caught up. Will likely be the cheaper version of Isaiah Likely. Willing blocker, just not a very good one (33 pressures allowed!).
Charlie Kolar, Ravens: Not used much in the pass game, but this guy is a live wire who is kind of all over the place with a lot of enthusiasm. Sort of a dirty work guy, but he can pop once in a while in the pass game. SIGNED WITH CHARGERS
Daniel Bellinger, Giants: In the pass game, he's a long strider with a gait similar to Rob Gronkowski and finds a way to get open. Only one drop all season. Very willing blocker who also lines up as H-back/fullback. Good technique and finds the right assignments. Type of player you want on your team. SIGNED WITH TITANS
Jake Tonges, 49ers: Got some time with injures and he produced 34 catches for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns. Kyle Shanahan liked to use him in the screen game and he can move a bit (19.2 mph). Was asked to run block 158 times and produced a good PFF grade of 77.9. The 27-year-old looks like Austin Hooper with a lot more juice.
TIGHT ENDS I'M OUT ON
Isaiah Likely, Ravens (move): Not very explosive, more of a possession type. And there's a reason why the Ravens keep so many tight ends - he doesn't block much (19 pass block snaps). SIGNED WITH GIANTS
David Njoku, Browns: He's 30 now, and durability is an issue. Quickly looks to see if the play is over when he's blocking inline. Still a really good red zone receiver.
EDGES I'M IN ON
Odafe Oweh, Chargers: He's long and powerful, and coming into his prime at 27. SIGNED WITH COMMANDERS
Boye Mafe, Seahawks: He's 27 and at 6-4 and 261 pounds, he fits what the Patriots like to do with their chaos up front. SIGNED WITH BENGALS
Arnold Ebiketie, Falcons: He would be the K'Lavon Chaisson of this group. A former second-round pick, it's never totally come together for him for whatever reason. It seems like there's room to grow with the right coaches.
Joseph Ossai, Bengals: Hasn't turned 26 quite yet. I've always really liked him on film. Another possible Chaisson candidate at 6-4, 263.SIGNED WITH JETS
Samson Ekubam, Colts: Missed 2024 with an Achilles tear and wasn't at full strength last season. Could he get there in '26? Could be a smart bet.
Malcolm Koonce, Raiders: Similar to Ekubam, missed all of 2024 after being an ascending player. Josh McDaniels knows him. He could be revived. BACK TO RAIDERS
Azeez Ojulari, Eagles: Still 25 and a really good run defender. Needs some help to unleash the pass rush. Another Chaisson candidate.
EDGES I'M OUT ON
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: I'm not interested in a 31-year-old edge at the top of the market on a long-term deal. If he's fine with two years and some dummy years, fine.
Jaelan Phillips, Eagles: Seems to be always injured, but he dominated when he got to Philly last year. Low term and reasonable money, I'm in on him. SIGNED WITH PANTHERS
SAFETIES I'M IN ON
Kevin Byard, Bears: A former centerpiece for Vrabel with the Titans, he's still a really good player at 32 years old. Perfect guy to run that room and get a draft pick ready to take his place.
Bryan Cook, Chiefs: Underrated player who is hitting his prime at 26 as a two-way safety. Will probably get paid. SIGNED WITH BENGALS
Coby Bryant, Seahawks: If you're looking for a middle-of-the-field safety (Patriots should be), Bryant is the fastest of the group at 21.5 mph but he's better against the run. SIGNED WITH BEARS
Kamren Kurl, Rams: Known as a run thumper, he's solid enough in coverage.
SAFETIES I'M OUT ON
Reed Blankenship, Eagles: He's toast whenever he's in coverage. SIGNED BY TEXANS
Jaquan Brisker, Bears: He's among the slowest safeties available.
FULLBACKS I'M IN ON
Reggie Gilliam, Bills: Very powerful blocker and is really good in the pass game. Physicality is his middle name. SIGNED WITH PATRIOTS
Patrick Ricard, Ravens: The Maine product is a big dude at 6-3 and nearly 290 pounds. If you're looking for a fullback/tight end/tackle — and the Patriots might be — he's your guy.
