HEADLINES

Month: April 2014

AFC Notes: Jets, Titans, Raiders

April 13th, 2014 at 7:27pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jets haven’t selected an offensive player in the first round since Mark Sanchez in 2009, but Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com doesn’t think its farfetched for the team to select a defender for the fifth-straight year. While the team has a need at wide receiver, Cimini believes cornerback should be the priority. The writer suggests Darqueze Dennard as a possible fit.

Let’s take a look at more notes from Cimini and fellow AFC writers…

  • If the Jets do select a wide receiver, Cimini doesn’t think that signals the end of the line for Stephen Hill. Cimini does acknowledge that the team’s patience is wearing thin on the former second-round pick, though.
  • The Titans could go a number of different ways in the draft, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com mentioned in a recent mailbag. The only positions Kuharsky can’t see the team selecting with their first pick would be quarterback or running back.
  • Continuing with the draft, Kuharsky believes the Titans will draft a receiver at some point after the first round. Additionally, a Titans deal to move up in the first round would be “huge surprise” to the writer.
  • If the Raiders could have traded Terrelle Pryor for fair value, a deal would have already happened, says Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. Gutierrez points out the team’s clear desire to have more of a traditional pocket passer, making Pryor expendable.
  • In the same article, Gutierrez expresses his belief that if Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack and Sammy Watkins are off the board by the time it gets to the Raiders at pick number-five, the team should trade down. As an alternative, the team could select an offensive lineman like Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson.

Draft Notes: Lions, Falcons, 49ers, Pats

April 13th, 2014 at 6:01pm CST by Ben Levine

The Lions are hoping to make it back to the playoffs in 2014, and Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com believes that the team is one player away from being a true contender. With that said, there are plenty of different directions the Lions could go in during the draft. If they select a wide receiver like former Clemson standout Sammy Watkins, Rothstein says the offense “would look extremely talented.” Of course, Rothstein also adds that it may be in the team’s best interest to draft defense.

Here are some more draft notes from around the NFL…

  • A Falcons congregation travled to Towson University to workout running back Terrance West and cornerback Jordan Love, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
  • The 49ers will bring in former Sooners cornerback Aaron Colvin for a pre-draft visit, reports Eric Branch of SFGate.com. Colvin is currently rehabbing from an ACL tear sustained during the Senior Bowl.
  • Considering Vince Wilfork‘s age and questionable future in New England, the Patriots need another elite defensive tackle, writes Tom E. Curran of CSNNewEngland.com. Specifically, Curran looks at Notre Dame’s Louis Nix, stating that the defender would be “the most reasonable replacement” for Wilfork.
  • One scout referred to Jadeveon Clowney as “spoiled” and “lazy,” writes Mark Eckel of the Times of Trenton. While the scout can’t see Clowney overcoming his apparent lack of commitment, he still acknowledges that the defensive end will be a top-five pick.

AFC Notes: Finley, Browns, Chiefs, Patriots

April 13th, 2014 at 4:33pm CST by Dallas Robinson

An assortment of items from around the AFC:

  • The Dolphins have engaged in talks with free agent tight end Jermichael Finley, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Finley, who suffered a bruised spinal cord last season, played under ‘Fins head coach Joe Philbin when both were with the Packers.
  • The two players that most interest the Browns at pick No. 4 are Sammy Watkins and Greg Robinson, and the team could trade down if neither is available, writes Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. However, Cabot also cautions that if Cleveland wants a top-flight quarterback, they shouldn’t wait until to pick No. 26 to select one.
  • Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star believes the Chiefs should look to trade safety Eric Berry, citing cap flexibility, the need to stockpile draft picks, and the relative ease of finding in-the-box safeties. Dealing Berry, whom Pro Football Focus graded as the third-best safety in the league last season, would save the Chiefs a little over $11MM in cap space over the next two seasons. I don’t see such a trade coming to fruition, as Berry is an excellent player, and the cap room gleaned would only be useful next offseason, since all the name free agents have already signed this offseason.
  • Duron Harmon is the leading candidate to take over as the Patriots strong safety now that Steve Gregory has been released, writes Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Harmon, at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, would add an imposing presence to a backfield that has gotten progressively smaller over the past few seasons.
  • Joel Corry of the National Football Post looks at what the Jaguars could have done to ensure that the Browns did not match their offer sheet to Alex Mack; among the options, the Jags could have considered guaranteeing all $42MM in the contract, which would have been unprecedented.
  • The Raiders’ defensive line should be among the most improved defensive units in the league next season, writes Rick Drummond of Pro Football Focus (via ESPN Insider – subscription required). Oakland added Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith, and LaMarr Woodley, all of whom had excellent PFF grades in 2013.

PFR Originals: 4/6/14 – 4/13/14

April 13th, 2014 at 3:24pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Here’s the original content produced by PFR during the past week:

  • Luke Adams explained the fifth-year option, the mechanism contained in the most recent CBA that allows teams to retain first-round-picks for an additional season.
  • Rob DiRe asked if the Browns would match the Jaguars’ offer sheet to Alex Mack, and about two-thirds of voters selected the correct answer (which was, of course, “yes”). Thanks for voting!
  • We illustrated how to follow specific players on PFR; if you’re solely interested in the latest Chris Johnson rumors, for example, there’s a way to follow those notes.

Week In Review: 4/6/14 – 4/13/14

April 13th, 2014 at 2:50pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Major Move:

  • The Browns matched the Jaguars’ five-year, $42MM offer sheet for Alex Mack, which allows Cleveland to retain the veteran center for at least two seasons before Mack has the option to void the remainder of the deal.

Signings:

Waivers:

Follow all the latest news at PFR’s Transactions page.

AFC Mailbag Roundup: Chiefs, Colts, Steelers

April 13th, 2014 at 1:54pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We took at a look at the most recent mailbag segments involving NFC teams, so let’s do the same for the AFC:

  • Though Johnny Manziel doesn’t figure to be around when the the Chiefs at No. 23, Teddy Bridgewater might be in for a draft-day fall. If he does slip, don’t be surprised if Kansas City pulls the trigger on the young quarterback, writes Terez A. Paylor of ESPN.com. The selection would make sense, as Alex Smith is entering the final year of his contact.
  • The oft-criticized Colts offensive line is still in flux, according to ESPN.com’s Mike Wells. Donald Thomas, returning from a torn ACL, is expected to man one guard spot, while Lance Louis and Hugh Thornton will battle for the other guard position. The most intriguing position may be center, where the team seems to want Khaled Holmes to beat out recent addition Phil Costa for the starting role.
  • Third-year Steelers safety Robert Golden could be the victim of a roster crunch, says Scott Brown of ESPN.com. Golden played only 51 snaps on defense last season, but excelled on special teams.
  • Though Kevin Boothe might be the better player, Khalif Barnes could be the favorite for the Raiders left guard position, writes Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. Boothe is set to be the backup center, and the need to keep him fresh for that role could mean Barnes will enter the starting lineup.
  • ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco doesn’t believe Jaguars will draft a quarterback with the third overall selection, but he does think QB is an option later in the draft. Zach Mettenberger and Jimmy Garoppolo seem to be among the Jags preferred choices.

NFC Mailbags: Saints, Giants, Eagles, Cards

April 13th, 2014 at 12:59pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s have a look at some of the highlights from the mailbags of NFC writers:

  • Mike Triplett of ESPN.com writes that the Saints are likely to draft a receiver in the first three rounds, given the combination of the team’s need for a dynamic young receiver and the depth of quality options available. However, if the Saints really like LSU WR Odell Beckham, Jr., whom they just saw at the LSU pro day last week, they will probably need to trade up from their No. 27 overall selection.
  • In the wake of Eli Manning‘s ankle surgery Thursday, Giants fans are wondering if the team’s reaching out to veteran free agents like Josh Freeman and Matt Flynn is cause to worry about Manning’s health. ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano says there is no reason to worry at this point, and that there is a real possibility that all the team is doing is seeing whether players like Freeman and Flynn represent an upgrade at backup quarterback over Curtis Painter.
  • Bill Williamson of ESPN.com believes TCU CB Jason Verrett is a perfect fit for the 49ers with the No. 30 overall pick
  • Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com sees a great deal of talent among defensive linemen projected to go in the top half of the first round of the draft, but the Bears have also brought in top safety prospects Deone Bucannon and Calvin Pryor for visits. Wright believes the decision between a defensive back and a defensive lineman will ultimately come down to what player still available the Bears have ranked highest on their board at the time of the pick.
  • Speaking of safeties, Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com believes the Eagles will definitely consider Bucannon or Northern Illinois product Jimmie Ward, they just won’t consider them in the first round.
  • ESPN.com’s Josh Weinfuss believes the Cardinals would do well to draft LSU QB Zach Mettenberger and groom him behind incumbent starter Carson Palmer.

Extra Points: Landry, Thompson, Texans

April 13th, 2014 at 10:57am CST by Rory Parks

Let’s have a look at some notes from around the league on this relatively slow news day:

  • Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post takes a look at some of the most significant pro day workouts from this past week. LSU and Penn State were the major programs to host pro days, but smaller schools McNeese State and Bloomsburg also boast several draftable prospects.
  • LSU WR Jarvis Landry will be an intriguing player to watch at next month’s draft. He carried a first-round grade into the combine, but performed poorly there, and though he showed improvement at his pro day this week, it won’t be enough to get him back in the first round. Gabriel expects him to be taken in the third or fourth round, but does note that Landry’s game tape is phenomenal and there are plenty of other top-flight receivers who have had mediocre workout numbers.
  • BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy has had a number of official visits already, and he recently met with the Ravens, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Van Noy has received first- and second-round grades from draft analysts.
  • In a separate piece, Wilson writes that the felony and misdemeanor drug charges that Ravens WR Deonte Thompson was facing have been dropped by Florida prosecutors. Thompson may be crowded out of the Ravens roster this year, as the team added to its receiving corps this offseason and expects to add at least one more receiver in the draft, but at least he no longer has legal troubles hanging over his head.
  • Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, noting that the Patriots have a penchant for drafting highly-talented players whose stock has taken a hit for medical reasons, wonders if Clemson guard Brandon Thomas, who carried a second-round grade before tearing his ACL in a pre-draft workout last week, might be a target in the middle to late rounds of this year’s draft.
  • The Patriots are still in the mix for free agent OLB/DE Will Smith, according to Christopher Price of WEEI.com.
  • John McClain of the Houston Chronicle gives an excellent description of the dilemma the Texans, picking first overall for the third time in their young history, face in the 2014 draft.

Draft Day Trades: Redskins, Rams, Pats

April 13th, 2014 at 8:43am CST by Rory Parks

As we have heard throughout the offseason, the depth of this year’s draft class will make teams more inclined to trade down in the draft rather than trade up. However, as the 2014 draft draws ever closer, and as more prospects get the opportunity to show off their skills at various pro days and official visits, some of those prospects may start to shine a little brighter in the eyes of certain clubs.

When that happens, we start to hear rumors that some teams may be willing to trade up, to sacrifice a pick or two (or three or four) in a deep draft in order to land the player they covet, just as the Falcons did to take Julio Jones in 2011 and the Broncos did to nab Tim Tebow one year earlier. Here are some quick notes regarding draft-day trades:

  • The Redskins, who are without a first-round pick in this year’s draft, do hold an early second-rounder, No. 34 overall. Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com believes the reversing fortunes of two young signal-callers may allow Washington to add to its satchel of picks. LSU QB Zach Mettenberger‘s stock is on the rise while Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater‘s is on the decline, and both players might be available after the first round closes on May 8. Quarterback-needy teams that filled a different position in the first round may be looking to land one of those two players in the early stages of the second, which would put the Redskins in a prime position to swing a deal.
  • The Jaguars have 11 total picks in the draft, including the N0. 3 overall selection, but GM Dave Caldwell has indicated he wants to add more, according to Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union. The Rams, who have the No. 2 overall pick, may want to trade down as well; the Falcons have expressed interest in making a deal with St. Louis, and it was recently reported the Lions might be willing to trade up to land Clemson WR Sammy Watkins.
  • As Stellino notes, the Rams and Jaguars could switch spots in the first round, giving Jacksonville the opportunity to land Texas A&M tackle Jake Matthews, who has been linked to the Rams in various mock drafts. Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reported that the Jaguars are interested in Matthews, but perhaps not with the No. 3 (or No. 2) overall pick. They would be more inclined to draft the seasoned tackle if they traded back a few spots.
  • Although his willingness to trade back in the draft is the aspect of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick‘s draft strategy that is discussed the most, he has had just as much success moving up, writes Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. She notes that the Pats seem to be in “go-for-it mode,” so they may stand pat and make a selection with their No. 29 overall pick, or even consider moving up. However, given the depth of this year’s class, she believes the chances New England drops back is “fairly strong.” Guregian cites NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt, who believes there is not much difference between picks 25 and 40.

 

Extra Points: Mack, Dolphins, Manziel

April 12th, 2014 at 9:45pm CST by Zachary Links

It was rocky there for a while, but Alex Mack says that there’s no bad blood between him and the Browns now that he’s back in the fold. “It’s been a long, hard road, but I’m here and I’m happy,” Mack told Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer. “I’m excited. I’m fired up. There’s no bad blood. Now that it’s done, I’m happy.” The new deal, which averages $8.4MM a year, makes Mack the highest paid center in the NFL and gives him the opportunity to become a free agent after two years. More from around the NFL..

  • Today’s mailbag with Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com was, unsurprisingly, filled with questions regarding the Browns and Mack. One reader asks if there could have been an easier and less stressful way for the Browns to retain their Pro Bowler. Grossi says that the best way to avoid a repeat would be for Cleveland to be proactive with their pending free agents and re-sign core guys a year before their contracts lapse.
  • In his Twitter mailbag, a reader asks James Walker of ESPN.com about the Dolphins‘ running back picture. Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee, and Marcus Thigpen will all be fighting for roster spots and since Thigpen can also pitch in as a kick returner and receiver, it’ll be Thomas and Gillislee fighting for one spot on the depth chart.
  • Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal believes that Johnny Manziel has the swagger needed to succeed in a tough quarterback town, but he wonders if it will be enough to convince the Browns to bet on him.
  • USC junior free safety Dion Bailey has met with the Panthers and the Bengals, a league source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Bailey intercepted five passes last season and had 61 tackles with 6.5 for losses and is drawing middle-round grades from draft analysts.
  • Should the Buccaneers draft a top wide receiver to pair with Vincent Jackson or a quarterback for the future? Gary Shelton of the Tampa Bay Times says Tampa Bay needs to go out and get a signal caller to succeed Josh McCown.
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