- Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears that a multi-game suspension for Ravens running back Ray Rice is likely, and one source says that the punishment will be “extremely significant.”
- Broncos director of player personnel Matt Russell was sentenced to seven months in jail after pleading guilty to DUI, among other charges (Denver Post story here). Russell, who was arrested last July, served a suspension and returned to his job in September.
- Pro Football Focus tabbed defensive lineman Mike Daniels as the Packers’ “Secret Superstar.”
- In an “Offseason Notebook” piece, Adam Hoge of 670 AM/CBSChicago.com referenced an interview Bears GM Phil Emery did on the station in which he said former Canadian League star Chris Williams was the frontrunner for the team’s open kick returner job. Williams was signed late last season off the Saints practice squad, and Bears special teams coach Joe DeCamillis said he heard from members of the New Orleans staff who were disappointed to lose Williams, whom Emery believes has talent commensurate with mid-round draft picks.
- An anonymous executive envisions Browns rookie QB Johnny Manziel developing into a Jeff Garcia type whose mobility fits well in a West Coast, zone-blocking system, shares Dan Hanzus on NFL.com.
- Lions 2013 seventh-rounder Michael Williams is converting from tight end to offensive tackle, writes Dave Birkett in the Detroit Free Press. Williams (6-6, 270) was drafted as a blocking tight end and missed last season because of a broken hand.
- The agent for Dolphins fourth-round cornerback Walt Aikens, Daniel Frid, tweeted out a picture of the Liberty product signing his contract. Aikens had interest from a number of clubs prior to the draft. He met with the Colts, Packers, Bengals, Chiefs, and Buccaneers and worked out for Cowboys and Jaguars.
- The Dolphins brought in 36 tryout players for their rookie minicamp, tweets Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Zach Links contributed to this post.