nfl officials assignments

NFL Referee Assignments Divisional Round Games: Refs Assigned for This Weekend

W hile the regular season sees each NFL ref have a consistent crew from week to week, that changes in the playoffs. The league grades an official’s performance each game they work during the regular season. The grading is part of how officials are assigned to postseason crews.

The four referees assigned to games this weekend were off during the Wild Card games. Each referee has some members of their regular crew with them this weekend.

NFL Referee Assignments for Divisional Round Games

All penalty stat information is courtesy of NFLPenalties.com . 

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens | John Hussey

Houston was one of the most penalized teams in the NFL during the regular season but only had three flags against them in last week’s win against the Cleveland Browns.

Baltimore had 955 penalty yards this season, the third-highest in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys led the league with 1,012 penalty yards in 18 games this season.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers | Alex Kemp

The 49ers have averaged 5.3 penalties per game in 12 wins and 7.4 penalties per game in five losses. San Francisco had 12 penalties in a Week 6 loss to the Cleveland Browns and 10 penalties in a Week 16 loss to the Ravens.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions | Bill Vinovich

The Lions have been called for defensive pass interference 12 times this season, the fifth highest in the NFL. The Buccaneers have only been called for defensive pass interference six times this season, the fourth-lowest in the league.

Detroit has been called for illegal contact on defense six times, the third most, while Tampa Bay’s defense has not had an illegal contact penalty.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills | Shawn Hochuli

Buffalo only had two penalties against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card game to continue a significant trend. The Bills were 6-6 after 12 games and were averaging 6.8 penalties per game. In the last six games, Buffalo has won each game and is averaging four penalties per game.

MORE: NFL Playoff Bracket

The last time these two teams met in Week 14, a penalty decided the game. Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney lined up offsides and negated a 49-yard touchdown that would have given Kansas City a lead with 1:25 left in the game. After the penalty, Patrick Mahomes had three incomplete passes to end their comeback attempt.

Want to predict the results of the 2023 NFL postseason with our FREE  NFL Playoff Predictor ? How about looking into in-depth breakdowns of  team depth charts  or the  NFL playoff schedule ? Pro Football Network has you covered with all that and more!

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55 Coast Guard Academy cadets disciplined over homework cheating accusations

FILE - The United States Coast Guard Academy is seen, Sept. 14, 2020, in New London, Conn. Fifty-five U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets have been disciplined for sharing homework answers in violation of academy policy, Coast Guard officials announced. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)

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NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — Fifty-five U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets have been disciplined for sharing homework answers in violation of academy policy, Coast Guard officials announced.

After a series of disciplinary hearings, six of the cadets failed the course and 48 got lowered grades, officials said Wednesday.

The cadets were accused of cheating by sharing answers for two separate homework assignments electronically.

“The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, honor, and accountability,” said Capt. Edward Hernaez, commandant of the academy. “Misconduct like this undermines trust and those found to have violated our principles were held accountable for their actions.”

The cadets will be provided the opportunity to appeal the disciplinary actions, officials said.

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2024 NFL Draft: Top 10 CBs don't feature one particular standout, but it's a good class

With the 2024 NFL Draft approaching, let's take a look at each individual position's rankings. Here are the top 10 cornerbacks.

[ Nate Tice's NFL Draft top 100 big board ⊥ Top QBs ⊥ Top RBs ⊥ Top WRs ⊥ Top TEs ⊥ Top OL ⊥ Top Edges ⊥ Top IDL ⊥ Top LBs ⊥ Top CBs ⊥ Top safeties ]

1. Quinyon Mitchell , Toledo

The very first defensive player on my big board, and it’s a former MAC player who takes the honors. Mitchell dominated at Toledo and is more than just the classic height-weight-speed riser. An outstanding athlete with notable production (he had a game with four interceptions and two pick 6s in college), Mitchell knows when to uncoil his spring-like explosiveness and make plays on the ball, with that seek-and-destroy mentality that carries over in run support.

After playing mostly off with eyes on the quarterback in college, his loose hips and ability to stay consistently sticky in man coverage showed up during Senior Bowl practices and his athleticism shined in Indianapolis . Mitchell always looked like the best player on the field at Toledo and it makes a lot more sense after he tested like an upper-tier NFL athlete. He will of course have to adjust with the level jump, but Mitchell has checked every box in the process with vigor and has shutdown potential at the next level.

2. Terrion Arnold , Alabama

Arnold’s role and influence on Alabama’s defense expanded throughout the 2023 season. Whether it was from the outside or in the slot, Arnold loved to challenge wide receivers and was willing to mix up his coverage looks while doing so. His ball skills are also an asset, not just with interceptions but making plays on the ball, which he helps create with his play recognition and very good burst with some Gary Payton-like ball swipes.

Arnold is aggressive and can get burned once in a while, but he can play inside and out and is willing to press wide receivers (and win, as well). His length, twitchiness and feisty style are going to give him plenty of fans throughout the league.

3. Cooper DeJean , Iowa

A top-shelf athlete who has Pro Bowl potential at outside cornerback, slot, safety or punt returner. DeJean is competitive, a strong tackler and loves to press receivers when working on the outside, with clean hands to avoid penalties and the coordination and speed to stay in lockstep. He can rely on his ability to recover a bit too often, but when you have DeJean’s burst, I guess you can get away with it. I would like to see DeJean in a more press-and-man-heavy scheme because his ability to mirror wide receivers without using his hands would be a real asset.

A playmaker no matter where he is on the field, DeJean’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways will help any defensive back end or special teams unit.

4. Nate Wiggins , Clemson

Long and twitchy, Wiggins already has the starter kit for an outstanding NFL cornerback. Wiggins uses his twitchiness to close space on wide receivers, with an understanding of how to use his hands when looking to make a play on the ball. He constantly hinders vertical routes with his ability to stay in-step with wide receivers.

He is merely fine against the run and lacks size to be a difference-maker in that area, which is concerning at the next level as teams will attack any deficiencies that show up, but he has the ability to work well in man or zone without help, with the length to match up with the longer receivers in the NFL. It will be a sliding scale with how teams want to gauge his coverage ability and lack of size.

5. Kool-Aid McKinstry , Alabama

McKinstry is a crafty cornerback, one who wins with control and understanding of the position and using his length and intelligence. McKinstry does a nice job of staying within himself and keeping himself near receivers and with the ability to make plays on the ball.

The other side of this is that McKinstry has to be in perfect position because if he makes a misstep, he lacks the ability to consistently recover because of his average long speed and burst. He is not a bad athlete, just one who lacks the suddenness that you would prefer to see. McKinstry’s awareness, technique and willingness as a tackler make him an interesting candidate in a more zone-heavy defense that would let him play more as a “cloud” cornerback in the flat.

6. Kamari Lassiter , Georgia

Lassiter isn’t a great athlete and lacks ideal size, but he is a competitive and smart player who sees the game well and is constantly in the right position. He won’t be right for every landing spot, but he can be a positive starter in the right role that allows him to use his smarts and doesn’t ask him to hold up in man coverage all the time.

7. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

Rakestraw’s play is infectious. He takes on every blocker like it's an insult and relishes getting man or press coverage assignments, whether it’s inside or outside.

Rakestraw is undersized, weighing in at 183 pounds at the combine, and will still need to channel the energy he brings to the game as his aggressive and handsy style, with lack of overwhelming athleticism, will draw penalties at the next level. His ability to hold his own against different types of wide receivers, with potential to play snaps in the slot, gives Rakestraw a path as a starter. Carlton Davis is bigger, but he is a good comparison at the position for Rakestraw.

8. T.J. Tampa , CB, Iowa State

Tampa has good size and length, and can play inside or outside. He can match up with bigger receivers and also is a smart player when in zone coverages. He is a unique type of prospect.

9. Mike Sainristil , CB, Michigan

Sainristil has below-average size but is a good athlete and smart player who could provide depth and be a possible starter at all five defensive backfield positions and also on special teams. He is willing to play the run and his athleticism and awareness allow him to be a good coverage player. The lack of size limits his ceiling.

10. Max Melton , CB, Rutgers

Melton is a supreme athlete with solid size who is best right now playing in off coverage. He is a willing tackler in the run game. Melton doesn’t always play to his testing numbers because of his inconsistent technique, but there are tools to mold.

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Dan abrams says he has ‘guilt’ that reporting on oj simpson and ‘deaths of two totally innocent people helped make my career’.

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NewsNation’s Dan Abrams said he felt “guilt” for getting his big break in journalism from reporting on the OJ Simpson trial and “the deaths of two totally innocent people.”

“OJ Simpson died today, and for me, it’s actually an incredibly odd day because I covered every day of both his criminal and civil cases from inside the courtroom, and there weren’t many of us,” Abrams said to open his “Dan Abrams Live” show Thursday.

“The reality is his cases jumpstarted my career, and yet he was a murderer. It’s sort of a troubling reality I’ve always had to live with,” Abrams added, Mediaite earlier reported.

Abrams went on to share that he covered the high-profile case as a courtroom reporter for CourtTV at age 27 — less than two years after graduating law school.

Abrams, now 57, was only assigned the Simpson case because the network’s two main court reporters were busy on other assignments, according to Mediaite.

“They sent me out to cover that initial proceeding and I had no sense that I was about to devote the next two years of my life to covering the trial of a generation,” Abrams recalled of working with CourtTV, which captured every moment of the legal drama.

“It was a mountain of evidence like I have never seen in a case that has gone to trial. Ever,” he added.

Simpson was infamously arrested for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and Ron Goldman following a slow-speed car chase in his white Bronco on June 17, 1994.

At trial, he struggled to try on a blood-stained glove that prosecutors argued linked him to the crime scene, prompting one of his defense attorneys, Johnnie Cochran, to insist that, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

Simson’s “Dream Team” of lawyers — Cochran, Alan Dershowitz, Robert Kardashian, Robert Shapiro, and more — would boast to jurors that the evidence against Simpson was “contaminated, compromised and ultimately corrupted.”

Per the prosecution’s story, on June 12, 1994, Simpson had driven over to try to reconcile with Brown, then 35 — whom he had beaten for years before they split two years earlier — but she refused. In “a final act of control,” he stabbed her to death on the walkway leading to her Brentwood condominium.

Goldman, 25, worked as a waiter at the restaurant Mezzaluna, and is believed to have stopped by Brown’s home after his shift to return her mother’s reading glasses.

The pair was found stabbed to death shortly after midnight.

“But despite all of that, those of us who were in court every day were not surprised by the verdict,” Abrams said.

Simpson was acquitted of the double murder in October 1995.

“The bottom line is that the country — in my view rightly — was convinced that a killer got away with it, and yet on a kind of personal level, his legal issues, more importantly, the deaths of two people, the murders of two people, changed my life,” Abrams added. “It’s kind of an off thing to reconcile.”

“I was doing my job, I think I did it well enough,” Abrams continued, according to Mediaite. “But at the end of the day, it’s also true the deaths of two totally innocent people helped make my career, and I have guilt about that. I always have.”

He concluded the segment, which aired following the news that Simpson had died Thursday of prostate cancer age 76 : “So today I’m not thinking about the family of OJ Simpson. I’m thinking about the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown. It breaks my heart that I benefited my career so much as a result of their loved ones being killed by OJ Simpson.”

Following his five-year stint at CourtTV, Abrams went on to work for media giants MSNBC and ABC before launching his own media firm, Abrams Media.

In 2009, he launched Mediaite and he’s hosted “Dan Abrams Live” on NewsNation since 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile.

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Nfl draft notebook: top 30 wr rankings and nfl player comps.

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It’s true. This wide receiver class is special. I know, everyone is getting tired of hearing that every year in April leading into the NFL draft . However, this one truly has it all with superstars going off the board in the top 10, the dynamic athletes going somewhere between the middle of Round 1 and early Round 2, and still having enough depth that teams can grab starters on Day 3.

With so much talent on the board, it was difficult to narrow it down to just a top 10. So, here are my top thirty wide receivers, with player comparisons where I see fit.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Not many receivers come into the league as pro-ready as Harrison Jr. He’s got ideal size, build-up speed, polished routes and elite tracking. It’s easy to see a lot of A.J. Green in his game.

2. Malik Nabers, LSU

Nabers plays with the “NFL Blitz” turbo button held down. His acceleration with and without the ball just looks different . Nabers’ expected usage and play style is very similar to D.J. Moore’s coming out of Maryland.

Moore jumped 11-0” in the broad and 39.5” in the vertical at 6-0, 210 pounds. Nabers jumped 10’9” in the broad and 42” in the vertical at 6-0, 200 pounds.

3. Rome Odunze, Washington

There aren’t a lot of players in this draft that will outwork Odunze and that showed in 2023. He hauled in 21 of his 28 contested catch opportunities, compared to just 4 of 16 in the previous year. He’s even worked out with Washington’s basketball team in the offseason.

It’s hard to land on a perfect comparison for Odunze, who tested well but often wins with crafty footwork, timing and ball skills. I see a blend of Keenan Allen with T.J. Houshmandzadeh .

4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

When Brian Thomas Jr. walks onto the field, even one in an NFL stadium, he will always be one of the best athletes. His game isn’t perfectly rounded, but he’s an acrobat that can win over the top. That dynamic athleticism is similar to Christian Watson coming out of North Dakota State.

RELATED: Vikings, Bills, Eagles headline top trade-up candidates

5. Troy Franklin, Oregon

Over the last two seasons Franklin has 60 catches of 15+ yards and is a consistent, explosive play machine. His first step off the line of scrimmage and straight line gas gives me some flashbacks to Will Fuller at Notre Dame.

6. Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington

Polk plays with a different edge than a lot of the receivers in this class, all the way down to his energetic blocking. It’s lofty to compare anyone to Chris Godwin , but Polk’s fearless mindset over the middle and standout concentration is extremely similar.

7. Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Pearsall is a slippery separator who can make difficult adjustments to throws away from him. His overall build and lateral quickness to consistently get open has some shades of Greg Jennings .

8. Ladd McConkey, Georgia

McConkey’s excellent route running combined with the variety of ways he attacks different coverages give him a promising floor at the next level. A lot of his strengths are identical to Jordan Addison’s , the 23rd overall pick in last year’s draft.

9. Adonai Mitchell, Texas

The highs of Mitchell’s game stand alongside the best receivers on this list, but his inconsistencies drop him down to the ninth spot. He hits cruise control on way too many routes and will often let assignments easily work past him in the run game. His combination of size, speed and vertical ability is similar to D.J. Chark .

10. Keon Coleman, Florida State

One of the more polarizing prospects on this list, Coleman (much like Adonai Mitchell) has highlights that are as jaw dropping as anyone else’s. He’s not an efficient separator, needing to often play above the rim. His ability to climb the ladder or run through defenders after short passes looks like Braylon Edwards .

RELATED: Marvin Harrison vs. Malik Nabers as top WR in class

11. Xavier Worthy, Texas

The new record holder for the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, it’s no secret that Worthy has speed in a unique tier. He’s very difficult to mirror off of double moves and does a nice job tracking the deep ball. At 165 pounds with 9th percentile hand size, there are legitimate play strength questions in his game.

12. Roman Wilson, Michigan

Wilson constantly stresses defenders in single coverage by simply hitting a gear they don’t have. That sudden burst with and without the ball reminds me of Laveranues Coles .

13. Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Legette was a late breakout, tallying 1,255 receiving yards in 2023, compared to the 423 he had in the previous four seasons combined. He carries a ton of mass and uses his frame to shield and high point the ball over defenders. He doesn’t have the lateral agility to be a consistent separator, but his straight line speed and physicality will help him produce.

14. Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Corley is as creative as they come with the ball in his hands and Western Kentucky threw him 149 screen targets over the last three seasons (per PFF). He’s built like a fire hydrant and defensive backs constantly bounce off of him. Corley has understandably drawn Deebo Samuel comparisons. Even if those seem a tad rich, it helps paint the picture for his NFL usage.

15. Devontez Walker, UNC

Walker is a great athlete with strides that quickly eat up turf to gain ground while working down the field. He was plagued by drops throughout Senior Bowl week and doesn’t offer a ton after the catch, but there’s still a lot of upside in his game for a vertical passing attack.

16. Javon Baker, UCF

Baker’s sharp routes, body control and deep ball tracking are extremely underrated in such a deep wide receiver class. He doesn’t have upper tier speed, but he puts himself in ideal positions in contested situations. A lot of his film reminded me of Romeo Doubs coming out of Nevada.

17. Jamari Thrash, Louisville

Thrash is undersized but has mastered the art of the double move to consistently challenge the opposition vertically. I compared him to K.J. Hamler coming out of Penn State.

RELATED: Chris Simms’ 2024 NFL Draft WR Rankings

18. Jermaine Burton, Alabama

Burton, who posted a 95th percentile broad jump, is an explosive outside receiver with 15 touchdowns on just 79 catches over the last two seasons. His routes lack refinement, but he finds a way to make plays in crowded areas with strong hands.

19. Malik Washington, Virginia

If you want a player that can create after the catch like Malachi Corley but at a discount, say hello to Malik Washington. His contact balance is ridiculous, posting 710 yards after the catch with 387 coming after contact (per PFF). He’s built and plays like Rondale Moore , who, like Washington, posted an absurd 42 ½” vertical.

20. Anthony Gould, Oregon State

Gould was first-team All-Pac 12 return specialist in 2022 after bringing two punts back for scores while averaging over 18 yards per return. His jet fuel explosiveness not only helps on special teams, but also crossing routes. I compare him to Calvin Austin III , another speedy receiver with a big-time track background.

21. Brenden Rice, USC

Rice doesn’t always play to his timed speed (4.5 forty), but his big body and catch radius make him a consistent red zone presence. A lot of his upside and limitations are similar to Ben Skowronek coming out of Notre Dame, who has stuck on the Rams roster the last three seasons.

22. Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Smith is another small slot receiver in this group who plays above his weight class at times. He brings value as a punt returner, where he brought two back for a touchdown over the last three seasons.

23. Jalen McMillan, Washington

McMillan eats up zone coverage with great awareness. He looks most comfortable working out of the slot, where he can work in the quick passing game and juke defenders after the catch. He has below average play strength, where he can lose balance when things get physical throughout the route.

24. Luke McCaffrey, Rice

The former quarterback turned receiver put on a show in the agility testing with an 87th percentile three-cone and 91st percentile shuttle. He’s still learning how to vary his release package against press but he catches everything that comes his way. He’s the ideal project receiver to take on Day 3.

25. Jacob Cowing, Arizona

Cowing’s 3rd percentile height, 1st percentile weight and 3rd percentile arm length all work against his pro projection. What works for him is that he’s extremely quick and knows how to get open underneath. I don’t expect him to go this early, but it’s easy to see a lot of Wan’Dale Robinson in his skillset.

26. Johnny Wilson, Florida State

At 6-6 and 231 pounds with 99th percentile arm length, Johnny Wilson is built like a tight end. Yet Florida State used him as a true outside receiver a majority of the time, where he was able to shield corners in contested situations with his frame. Wilson isn’t slow at his size, but he’s not a natural pass catcher. He has more upside in the red zone, despite only catching five touchdowns in 2022 and two in 2023.

27. Cornelius Johnson, Michigan

A big-bodied target, Johnson is a very similar player to Isaiah Hodgins . He uses his size, catch radius and speed to win outside the numbers. His tape has plenty of spectacular catches, but there are way too many layups dropped. He did a good job working back to J.J. McCarthy when plays broke down, which will be a vital aspect for him if he wants to carve out an NFL role.

RELATED: Kyle Dvorchak’s Mock Draft 2.0

28. Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane

The nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Ed Reed, Jackson has vertical wheels that are particularly effective when working out of the slot. He was banged up throughout college and won’t win in contested situations, but in four and five receiver sets he’ll provide a deep threat.

29. Tahj Washington, USC

Washington might seem like just another undersized, crafty slot receiver, but he was also a key part of the punt and kick coverage teams throughout college. His hands drastically improved in 2023 and he really understands how to utilize tempo throughout his routes. Much like Jacob Cowing in this class, his size (4th percentile weight, 2nd percentile arm length, 3rd percentile hand size) makes him an extreme outlier. I still think he can be the next Greg Dortch .

30. Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State

Flournoy is a small school product with over 1,800 receiving yards across the last two seasons without much help from his quarterbacks. His size and hang time on jump balls is reminiscent of A.T. Perry from last year’s class.

49ers NFL Draft big board: 41 players to consider across the 7 rounds

Prepare yourselves for a lot of instant analysis on draft day, especially if the San Francisco 49ers take a receiver early.

What would that mean for Brandon Aiyuk , who is in the midst of negotiating what he hopes will be a massive, long-term deal? What does it say about Deebo Samuel , whose contract provides the 49ers with an escape hatch after the 2024 season?

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And chances are the 49ers will take at least one receiver later this month. They lost Ray-Ray McCloud III in free agency, neither Aiyuk nor Jauan Jennings currently has a long-term deal and there’s no starter-caliber wideout in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, the draft is teeming with wideouts. There are some who are reminiscent of Samuel, some who are like Aiyuk and two with very familiar last names to 49ers fans. Here’s a big board of players who could tempt the 49ers in each round.

NFL Draft 2024 ‘The Beast’ Guide: Dane Brugler’s scouting reports and player rankings

OT Amarius Mims, Georgia: He’s far from a proven player, but Mims has worlds of potential in his 6-foot-8 frame with 36-inch arms. He’s tremendously physically gifted and packs the tools to become a long-term starter at either tackle position. But Mims also started only eight college games. There’s a degree of unpredictability with every draft pick; Mims would mark an aggressive roll of the dice.

CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama: With the 49ers’ top three cornerbacks all under contract only through 2024, don’t rule out an early swing at the position — especially because new defensive assistant Brandon Staley might lobby for a versatile corner to play his “Star” role ( Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James Jr. played this position for Staley at past stops). Evaluators have compared Arnold to the Chicago Bears’ Jaylon Johnson . He should be capable of lining up both inside and outside.

G/C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon: The 49ers can use boosts at every spot along their interior offensive line. Powers-Johnson might be adaptable enough to answer the bell. Center, though, should remain the focal point that it’s been for coach Kyle Shanahan throughout his entire career. And Powers-Johnson might be able to lock down that critical job.

OL Troy Fautanu, Washington:  Given that the 49ers have several pressing issues — both short-term and long-term — to address up front, perhaps they should consider one of the draft’s most versatile offensive linemen. Fautanu played tackle and guard on the left side in college and his unusual build — long arms to go with a shorter stature — may allow for continued versatility in the pros. Fautanu is a mauler in the run game.

49ers mock draft: Packaging picks to move up for an impact offensive lineman

CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa: A versatile DB for Staley’s new defensive wrinkles, you say? That conversation must include DeJean, who projects to be an effective player at any secondary position. DeJean is an excellent tackler, which the 49ers consider an important trait for their defensive backs. His 4.4 speed works well in coverage.

OL Jordan Morgan, Arizona:  Most evaluators project him as an NFL guard, thanks primarily to an arm length — about 33 inches — that is on the short end for tackles. Dane Brugler has written, though, that Morgan should be able to “survive” at tackle in the NFL, if he’s called to do that. But Morgan’s greatest value should come on the inside, possibly following a late-first-round selection.

DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan: The 49ers used a pre-draft visit to host this edge rusher, who fits their prototype at the position. At 267 pounds, Kneeland is big enough to set firm edges against the run. Meanwhile, he’s refining his power pass rush moves. We can never discount the possibility of the 49ers drafting an edge rusher early.

WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky: No one in this draft class has gotten more Samuel comparisons than Corley, who measured in at a Deebo-like 5-11, 215 pounds at the combine and who’s strong with the ball in his hands. Corley could be Samuel’s understudy in 2024, then perhaps take his spot in the lineup in 2025.

CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan: Sainristil’s size — 5-9, 182 — might cause him to fall to the end of Round 2. And teams continue to devalue nickel cornerbacks. But the savvy Sainristil could be the 49ers’ answer to their problems at that spot. He had six interceptions (two for touchdowns) last season and was a team captain known for his toughness in the running game.

WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina: He’s another receiver with Samuel connections. Both played at South Carolina and they train together in the offseason. Legette is a little taller (6-1, 221), and he’s a bit faster, too, having run his 40 in 4.39 seconds. Legette also has experience at kick returns — he had a 100-yard touchdown in 2022 — which is something to consider given the new kickoff rules.

DE Bralen Trice, Washington: Trice is another high-motor player with excellent production: He finished first in the FBS in quarterback pressures in both 2022 (70) and 2023 (78). Trice also seems like he has enough power and grit to line up inside. However, after playing in the 270s at Washington, he showed up at the combine weighing a linebacker-like 245 pounds.

DL Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State: The 49ers love defensive linemen who fire off the snap. That’s Hall, who at 299 pounds ran a 4.75-second 40 with a 1.65-second 10-yard split. Any team that drafts him, however, will have to reconcile that quickness with his lack of production in the backfield. Hall had just 1 1/2 sacks in 12 games last season.

OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame: If the 49ers decide not to take a big swing on a tackle in Round 1, they might be able to find someone like Fisher in Round 2. He’s got excellent size at 6-6, 310 pounds and started 25 games at left tackle the last two seasons. He could challenge Colton McKivitz at right tackle this season and perhaps take over on the left side whenever Trent Williams decides to retire.

OG Dominick Puni, Kansas: He’s played both left tackle and left guard in college but projects to guard in the NFL. Puni has smooth feet for his size — 6-5, 313 — which projects well for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme. Meanwhile, the 49ers have questions at both guard spots after this season.

DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon: He’s one of the draft’s fastest defensive tackle prospects. That alone might pique the 49ers’ interest and they’ve hosted Dorlus on a visit. Dorlus could give 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek the precise type of weapon he covets: A strong end for base downs who can slide inside to beat guards with his athleticism in nickel situations.

LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky:  He grew consistently more productive over three college seasons. By the end, Wallace was a captain for the Wildcats who showed a balanced collection of abilities for the linebacker position. The 49ers must actively consider the future here, with Dre Greenlaw recovering from an Achilles injury. They added Dee Winters and Jalen Graham last draft. It’s a big season for both of those second-year players.

WR Brenden Rice, USC:  It’s inevitable — he’ll be known as Jerry Rice’s son among 49ers fans for the foreseeable future. That just comes with the territory. But Brenden Rice does have the size, speed and hands to develop into an NFL receiving role. His production consistently grew over four seasons at USC. Much of it came on off-schedule connections with QB Caleb Williams, so Rice will have to prove he can master the intricacies of timing and route running at the NFL level. That wasn’t a problem for his dad.

OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale: He started at both right guard and left tackle in college. Amegadjie’s 36-inch arm length is his chief calling card. That’s an elite number that makes NFL evaluators believe he can develop into a solid tackle. But there is rawness here, seeing that Amegadjie hails from the Ivy League. He probably won’t be immediately playable.

OG Brandon Coleman, TCU:  Unlike Amegadjie, Coleman looks suited to contribute immediately. He played six seasons of major college football. And the theme of adaptability that the 49ers seem interested in along the offensive line is also here. They’d be able to play Coleman wherever he proves to fit best — at either tackle or guard.

S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest:  He notched 13 tackles for loss over his last two seasons in college. That’s a testament to Mustapha’s nose for the football. The 49ers frequently ask their safeties to deliver run support. There are some questions about Mustapha’s coverage instincts, but he did maintain discipline on his assignments in college.

WR Malik Washington, Virginia: You might consider the 5-8, 191-pound Washington a “mini Deebo.” A tough runner with the ball in his hands, he forced 35 missed tackles in 2023, tops among FBS receivers. That he finished with 1,426 yards, was a team captain and handled kickoffs also ought to put him on the 49ers’ radar at the end of the third round.

Improving the 49ers' pass protection: A look at 10 O-line draft prospects

CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky: He might remind the 49ers of Deommodore Lenoir — a physical corner who’s good in press coverage and who seems to have the skills for the nickel spot. The 49ers also used one of their official 30 visits on Phillips.

OT Caedan Wallace, Penn State: The 6-5, 314-pound Wallace has started 40 games at right tackle since 2020, though evaluators think he’d be a nice fit at guard as well. He’s one of the players scheduled to visit 49ers headquarters next week.

WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice: Two years ago, McCaffrey was just beginning his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. Last season, he finished with 71 catches and 992 receiving yards. This ought to underscore two things: He’s a fast learner and has room to get better. That he has a little experience returning punts is a bonus.

WR Javon Baker, Central Florida: It’s hard to predict where Baker will land in a loaded wide receiver class. He’s not a burner, but he averaged 21.9 yards per catch last season due to his crisp route running. He’d seem to be a good fit on a team that throws to the second and third levels as much as the 49ers do.

TE Tip Reiman, Illinois: The 49ers signed free-agent tight end Eric Saubert as a possible replacement when their attempt to make restricted free agent Brock Wright their No. 2 tight end failed Wednesday when the Lions matched San Francisco’s three-year offer. Which means the team is still looking for someone to replace Charlie Woerner , who’s now with the Atlanta Falcons .

DE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State: Evaluators won’t like his 6-1 height, his 32 3/8-inch arms or his small-for-his-position hands. But Kamara’s production is undeniable — 21 1/2 sacks and 33 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.

WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State:  There’s a lack of consensus regarding where this 5-8 speedster may be drafted. Special teams should help Gould’s case. He averaged 18.3 yards per punt return in 2022, the top mark in the FBS. Gould also developed into a steadier receiving threat over his time with the Beavers. The 49ers can look at Gould as a potential replacement for McCloud, who signed with the Falcons in free agency.

RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville:  He topped out at 810 yards in his best college season, but the 49ers might view that as a positive. Guerendo, who’s only once surpassed 100 carries in a season, should still have plenty of tread on his tires. His 4.33 40-yard dash, featuring a 1.54 10-yard split, indicates there’s enough speed here to hit the edge in the NFL. Remember that Elijah Mitchell is entering his final season under contract with the 49ers.

LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State: He has a fast burst, as evidenced by a 1.57-second 10-yard split. Jacobs racked up 24 tackles for loss over his college career, most of which came via knifing stops on run blitzes. This is another option if the 49ers want developmental depth at linebacker, but don’t take Greenlaw’s success for granted: It’s not easy to find a quality, every-down linebacker in the fifth round.

LB Jaylan Ford, Texas:  He’s a highly instinctive player who put up big numbers in college. By the time his career with the Longhorns was over, Ford had amassed 27 1/2 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, six interceptions and four forced fumbles. That’s the production of a good football player worthy of a close look in the draft.

CB Elijah Jones , Boston College: He’ll need to strengthen up in an NFL weight room, but Jones already has 4.4 speed and good 6-1 height. He intercepted five passes over just nine games in 2023. Jones also broke up 28 passes over the past two seasons. Brugler criticized Jones for some “undisciplined tendencies,” but he’s clearly an ascending player with the physical tools to make noise in the league.

WR Bub Means, Pittsburgh: Means seems well-suited for a West Coast offense in that he’s got the speed — 4.43-second 40 — to turn short- and medium-length passes into big gains. He also has nice size at 6-1, 212 pounds and long arms — 33 1/2-inch arms — that are reminiscent of Aiyuk’s.

WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M: Smith had 795 yards for the Aggies last season and has a lot of experience running the ball as well. Where he really stands out in terms of the 49ers’ needs is punt returner — he’s taken back 82 over his college career and scored an 82-yard touchdown against Arkansas last season.

TE Erick All, Iowa: All has missed big chunks of the last two seasons with injuries, most recently with a torn ACL that he suffered in October. That will no doubt hurt his draft position, but he’s shown he’s a good pass catcher who’s also willing to block.

CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State: He’s undersized at 5-10, 184 pounds, but his 16 pass breakups over the past two seasons underscore his ability to stick to a receiver’s hip pocket. Smith-Wade also was a team captain and played a lot of special teams at Washington State, a must for a late-round draft pick.

RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire: He’s small-school Christian McCaffrey , leading the Wildcats in both rushing and receiving last season. The vast majority of those yards came against FCS opponents, though he did have 295 receiving yards in a narrow loss to Central Michigan.

LB/S Jamal Hill, Oregon: This can be another Staley special for the 49ers because Hill has already demonstrated excellent roving abilities. He started his college career as a nickelback before moving to inside linebacker during his final season — despite weighing only 216 pounds. Perhaps that illustrates the sport’s trend toward lighter and quicker defenders. The 49ers hosted Hill on a pre-draft visit.

CB Shon Stephens, Ferris State:  The Bakersfield native notched 16 interceptions over the past two seasons, which is a remarkable total at any level of football. Stephens is very fast — his pro day 40 was clocked at 4.4 — but he’s also only 5-8. Still, a ballhawk is a ballhawk, and the 49ers have reportedly been in contact with Stephens.

DE Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington:  Brugler lauded his “dogged determination” when pursuing quarterbacks. Edge rushers with excellent athleticism will not be available this late in the draft, making a high motor the commodity to covet. Tupuola-Fetui certainly brings that.

RB Jase McClellan, Alabama: He started for the Crimson Tide and led them in rushing last season. McClellan also racked up 40 catches for 409 yards over his college career. That’s important to the 49ers, who want their reserve running backs to handle plays designed for McCaffrey. There are injury concerns surrounding McClellan, but he has an NFL-ready physique and could represent solid value at the end of the draft.

(Top photos of Amarius Mims, Cooper DeJean and Xavier Legette: Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images, Keith Gillett / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images and Bob Levey / Getty Images)

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Flag Officer Assignments

The secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. Marc J. Miguez will be assigned as chief of legislative affairs, Washington, D.C. Miguez is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia.

Rear Adm. Ralph R. Smith III will be assigned as director, J2, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.  Smith is currently serving as deputy director, Operations, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland.

Rear Adm. Dennis Velez will be assigned as chief of staff, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.  Velez is currently serving as director, Plans and Policy, J-5, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Matthew Case will be assigned as deputy to the assistant director for Health Care Administration, Defense Health Agency, with additional duties as chief of Medical Service Corps, Falls Church, Virginia. Case is currently serving as commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, with additional duties as director, Tidewater Market; and chief of Medical Service Corps, Portsmouth, Virginia.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael B. Devore will be assigned as senior military official, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Apra, Guam.  Devore is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Joshua Lasky will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Interagency Task Force South, U.S. Southern Command, Key West, Florida.  Lasky is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command; and deputy commander, Fifth Fleet, Manama, Bahrain.

Capt. Douglas J. Adams, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as program executive officer for Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C.  Adams is currently serving as deputy, program executive officer, Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C.      Capt. Timothy A. Brown, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division, N4L, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.  Brown is currently serving as assistant chief of staff for Force Logistics, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California. 

Capt. Todd M. Evans, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center; and commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Washington, D.C.  Evans is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland.

Capt. Todd A. Figanbaum, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission Planning, J-5N, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.  Figanbaum is currently serving as director, Submarine Officer Career Management and Distribution Division (PERS-42), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee.

Capt. Bret M. Grabbe, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy chief of staff, Submarines, Maritime Command Headquarters (MARCOM); and commander, Submarines, NATO, Northwood, United Kingdom.  Grabbe is currently serving as chief of staff, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawai.

Capt. Liam M. Hulin, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Operations - Fire and Effects, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.  Hulin is currently serving as executive officer to the commanding general, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Capt. Brian T. Mutty, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), is assigned as assistant chief of staff, J-3, Joint Forces Command, Naples, Naples, Italy.  Mutty recently served as commanding officer, Surface Warfare Schools Command, Newport, Rhode Island. 

Capt. Craig C. Sicola, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Strategy, Plans and Policy (DJ5), U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.  Sicola is currently serving as assistant chief of staff for Education, Training, and Planning, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.

Capt. Peter D. Small, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander for Ship Design, Integration and Engineering, SEA-05, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.  Small is currently serving as project manager, Program Executive Office, Attack Submarines, Washington, D.C.

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