2016 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Rams’ Decision At No. 1

April 14th, 2016 at 2:24pm CST by Zachary Links

The Rams are leaning towards taking Cal quarterback Jared Goff with their newly-acquired No. 1 pick, according to a team source who spoke with Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. However, he hears the Rams will still consider North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz between now and the draft at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, John Clayton of ESPN.com (on Twitter) believes that the Rams will select Wentz. On top of that, a Rams source tells Benjamin Allbright of 1340 AM Denver (on Twitter) that Wentz will be the pick and the decision was “made awhile ago.”

Schefter’s source added that one reason the Rams made their deal with the Titans so far in advance of the draft was to give the team “two weeks to debate between Goff and Wentz. You can make a convincing case for both. Both are going to be good.” At the very least, it does sound as though Wentz is in the picture for the top pick.

So, what do we make of these conflicting reports? It’s possible that there are misinformed team sources, but it’s also possible that the Rams are intentionally throwing out a smokescreen to keep an air of mystery around them heading into the draft. With the Eagles and other teams interested in landing one of the two QBs, it seems quite possible that there will be a trade at No. 2.

Before agreeing to send their top pick to the Rams, the Titans spoke to the Eagles about a similar deal, but Philadelphia withdrew its offer a few days ago. Philly could still explore a similar deal to acquire the No. 2 pick in the draft which would allow them to take whichever top quarterback isn’t selected by the Rams. The Browns, of course, could also stay put and draft one of the QBs.

The Rams got the top pick that they coveted, but it did not come cheap. To get the No. 1 pick, Los Angeles shipped the 15th overall pick this year, two second-round picks (Nos. 43 and 45), and a third-round pick (No. 76) plus the Rams’ 2017 first-round and third-round choices in 2017. The Rams also received a fourth-round pick (No. 113) and sixth-round pick (No. 177) from Tennessee.

As of this writing, the Rams have quarterbacks Case Keenum, Nick Foles, and Sean Mannion on the roster. While coach Jeff Fisher has indicated that Keenum is the favorite to start in 2016, the Rams are looking for a stronger long-term option under center.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Draft Rumors: Titans, Eagles, Dolphins, Drake

April 14th, 2016 at 12:08pm CST by Luke Adams

Titans general manager Jon Robinson completed a major trade today, sending the No. 1 overall pick – along with a fourth-rounder and a sixth-rounder – to Los Angeles in exchange for six picks, including two first-rounders. In fact, according to multiple reports, the deal was finalized last night, but the Rams wanted to wait until today to announce it to avoid stealing headlines during Kobe Bryant’s final game.

Speaking to reporters today, Robinson suggested that he may not be done dealing. Armed with four picks in the top 45, and six in the top 76, the Titans GM referred to those extra picks as “currency,” suggesting Tennessee has options when it comes to moving up or down during the draft. Robinson added that his phone “is still working,” inviting teams to call him if they want to discuss trades (Twitter links).

As we wait to see if Robinson has any other mega-deals up his sleeve, let’s round up a few more draft updates and rumors…

Before agreeing to send their top pick to L.A., the Titans had spoken to the Eagles about the possibility of a swap involving that No. 1 pick, but Philadelphia withdrew its offer earlier this week, a source tells Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter link). As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of Philadelphia continuing to explore a potential trade with the Browns, who hold the No. 2 pick. Of course, that would only be plausible if the Rams don’t select the QB the Eagles like, and the Browns decide not to take a QB of their own.
The Dolphins, who remain in the market for help at the running back position, have shown interest in Alabama reserve RB Kenyan Drake, but not Crimson Tide starter Derrick Henry, observes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (Twitter link).
The Rams, Falcons, and Seahawks are among the teams interested in Utah State wide receiver Brandon Swindall, who has intrigued NFL clubs, writes Aaron Wilson of The National Football Post.
Air Force tight end/long snapper Garrett Griffin is drawing interest from the Lions, Saints, Chargers, 49ers, Chiefs, and Broncos, as Aaron Wilson tweets.
Duke safety Jeremy Cash had more than 10 teams at his pro day, including the Panthers, Steelers, Falcons, Cardinals, and Saints, tweets Rand Getlin of NFL.com.

East Notes: Cowboys, Ramsey, Giants, Jets

April 14th, 2016 at 10:35am CST by Luke Adams

The blockbuster trade that saw the Rams snag the Titans’ first overall pick in this year’s draft will have a significant impact on several other clubs around the NFL, and one of those teams is the Cowboys, who hold the No. 4 pick. If Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Laremy Tunsil are the top three picks in some order, it would give Dallas the opportunity to select any defensive prospect available, including Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

We’ve heard that the Cowboys like Ramsey, and Tom Pelissero of USA Today tweets that Dallas is one of four teams the ex-Seminole has visited since his pro day — Ramsey also made trips to Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Baltimore. While he no longer seems likely to land with the Titans, Ramsey could very well be snatched up by one of those other three teams, and the Cowboys would get the first chance of the three.

Here are a few more notes from around the NFL’s East divisions:

The Giants are taking a close look at plenty of safety prospects in this draft, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, who writes that the team worked out Ohio State’s Tyvis Powell and has been “sniffing around” Boston College’s Justin Simmons for months.
Within his latest Jets mailbag, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News fields questions on the asking price in a Muhammad Wilkerson trade, the possibility of Ryan Fitzpatrick deciding to retire, and the chances of the Jets drafting a cornerback early.
Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle provides the details on the Bills‘ new one-year deal with safety Colt Anderson, tweeting that the minimum salary benefit contract features $580K in guarantees, including an $80K signing bonus.
Cal tight end Stephen Anderson has a visit scheduled with the Dolphins next week, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. In total, Anderson has now logged ten workouts and/or visits with 10 different teams.
James Walker of ESPN.com examines four key Dolphins defenders who are entering contract years, and whom Miami will face decisions on within the next 11 months or so.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

NFC Draft Rumors: Falcons, Bucs, 49ers

April 13th, 2016 at 9:02pm CST by Zachary Links

The Falcons are on the lookout for an upgrade at right guard, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes. Last year’s starter, Chris Chester, would like to return to Atlanta, so he could be one option. Other than that, the Falcons have Mike Person, but they’re not terribly high on him. Atlanta could find their right guard solution in the draft and multiple sources tell McClure that they like UCLA offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch as an interior lineman. The Bruins right tackle recently worked out for Atlanta brass and made a solid impression. Benenoch, a likely later-round pick, has drawn attention for teams because of his ability to play four of the five spots on the offensive line.

Ohio State safety Vonn Bell told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that all of his visits and workouts are in the books. In addition to previously reported teams, Bell noted that he has visited the Buccaneers.
Cal wide receiver Darius Powe looked sharp in a recent workout for the 49ers, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com tweets. Next up for Powe is a Saturday workout with the Cowboys.
Missouri Western offensive tackle Leonard Wester worked out for the Cardinals on Wednesday, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets.
Stanford guard Joshua Garnett says that he has only visited the Bears thus far, though he has had many private workouts, as Eric Branch as the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. Garnett could wind up as a second-round pick.
Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland is scheduled to visit the Falcons on Sunday and Monday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes.

Pauline’s Latest: Jets, Titans, Conklin, Giants

April 13th, 2016 at 5:55pm CST by Zachary Links

Most NFL people that Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via WalterFootball.com) has spoken with tell him that the Jets could still look to take an offensive tackle in the first round even after trading for Ryan Clady. With that in mind, the Jets are bringing Jason Spriggs of Indiana to Florham Park, New Jersey for an official visit on Thursday.

Many view Spriggs as the best pure left tackle in the draft outside of Ole Miss star Laremy Tunsil. Spriggs has been rising on draft boards around the league and the Hoosiers senior has already visited the Broncos and Saints and worked out for the Titans and Ravens.

Here’s the latest from Pauline:

Recently, it was reported that the Titans would consider trading down from No. 1 to select Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley. Pauline hears that Michigan State’s Jack Conklin is also in the conversation if the Titans move down. Pauline previously ID’d Conklin as a possible Top 12 pick in this year’s draft.
The Giants continue to show strong interest in Laquon Treadwell, who is in the conversation at No. 10 overall, Pauline hears. Pauline also adds that several teams do not agree with the assertion that Treadwell is only the second-best wide receiver in this year’s class. While some reports would indicate that the Ole Miss product is slipping down draft boards, that might not be the case.
Speaking of the Jets, Pauline hears that they are very high on tackle Brent Qvale, a UDFA they added in 2014. However, Pauline gets the sense that the Clady signing means that Gang Green does not see him as being quite yet ready for a starting role. Qvale lined up at both left and right tackle during weekly practice in 2015. Sources tell Pauline that Qvale is likely to replace Breno Giacomini in 2017 if he continues to progress.
Western Kentucky tight end George Fant is garnering attention from NFL scouts, Pauline writes. Fant, a former WKU basketball player, has also received consideration at offensive tackle, but scouts believe that he should be a tight end because of his soft hands. If Fant drops some additional weight (currently 296 pounds), the belief is that he can make it work at TE. Fant has (or has had) workouts with a number of teams including the Bengals, Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Saints, and Seahawks. While Fant is apparently rising up draft boards, fellow Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee is seeing his stock fall due to an off-the-field incident.

Shawn Oakman Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges

April 13th, 2016 at 4:15pm CST by Zachary Links

Baylor’s Shawn Oakman was arrested on sexual assault charges stemming from an incident on April 3rd, as Tommy Witherspoon of The Waco Tribune writes. The woman went to the hospital after the alleged early Sunday morning assault and was examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner, according to court records. Oakman, meanwhile, maintains that their contact was consensual.

Oakman turned heads in 2014 when he led Baylor with 11 sacks (a school record) and recorded 19.5 tackles for loss in 13 games. However, he only racked up 4.5 sacks in 2015 as a senior and started his year off with a suspension, so his stock was already trending downward for April’s draft. This week’s arrest could knock him down to the last rounds of the draft if the allegations are accurate.

The muscle-bound 6-foot-8, 287-pound defensive end named a third-team All-America defensive end in 2015, despite his so-so season.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC Notes: Titans, Raiders, Vegas, Dolphins

April 13th, 2016 at 1:52pm CST by Luke Adams

While the defensive line doesn’t appear on the surface to be a glaring hole for the Titans, it may be more of a priority in the draft for the team than we think, says Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com. One personnel man tells Kuharsky that Tennessee’s line has “no depth,” and given how deep this year’s draft class is at that spot, it makes sense that the team would use at least one of its picks on a defensive lineman.

Here’s more from across the AFC:

Richard N. Velotta of the Las Vegas Review-Journal has more details on the presentation Raiders owner Mark Davis is making in Las Vegas later this month. Per Velotta, Davis is appearing before the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee on April 28th to address the proposed Vegas stadium. The committee will be tasked with determining whether to recommend the project for state funding. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report first reported on the meeting on Wednesday.
Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd, who recently visited the Seahawks, is paying a visit to the Dolphins today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). As Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes, the Dolphins have shown plenty of interest in Clemson defenders this year, having done “significant work” on linebacker B.J. Goodson, who is also visiting the team.
The Steelers have yet to make a decision on the fifth-year option of outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com writes. Pittsburgh has until May 2nd to reach a verdict on the 2013 first-round pick. Last year, 12 of 32 selections did not get their options picked up.
Mike Rodak of ESPN.com explores whether or not it makes sense for the Bills to use an early- or mid-round pick on a quarterback in this year’s draft.
Contrary to an ESPN report, Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon and former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel aren’t currently living together in Los Angeles, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

La Canfora’s Latest: Browns, Goff, Titans, Eagles

April 13th, 2016 at 12:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier this week, we learned that a high-ranking official told Peter King of TheMMQB.com that he believes the Browns have their sights set on Jared Goff at the No. 2 overall pick, rather than fellow quarterback Carson Wentz. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com thinks the same thing, writing today that Cleveland offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton favors Goff.

According to La Canfora, many Browns scouts prefer Wentz to Goff, so the Browns’ front office and personnel department isn’t unanimous when it comes to a QB preference. But there’s some concern about Wentz’s lack of experience against high-level opposition, and a belief that the analytics favor Goff. So if the Browns do select a signal-caller with the second overall pick, which isn’t guaranteed, La Canfora believes it will be Goff.

La Canfora’s latest piece at CBSSports.com includes plenty of other noteworthy tidbits, so let’s dive in and round them up….

The Titans have at least two trade offers on the table for the No. 1 overall pick that they consider “worthy starting points toward an eventual deal,” and La Canfora says rival teams expect GM Jon Robinson to eventually deal the pick. “They’ll market it up to the draft to get the best ransom they can, but they’ll move it,” said one executive for a team that has explored moving up. If the Titans do keep the first overall pick, La Canfora expects Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil to be the choice.
The Eagles are “in love” with Ezekiel Elliott, and there’s a chance he’ll be Philadelphia’s pick at No. 8. La Canfora continues to believe the team’s interest in quarterbacks is a smokescreen, but notes that some executives think GM Howie Roseman is set on making a big splash on draft day, which could mean nabbing a QB.
Scouts who have talked to La Canfora uniformly prefer Clemson’s Kevin Dodd to his teammate Shaq Lawson, and like Alabama’s Jarran Reed more than A’Shawn Robinson. “I really hope there are people in this league who like Robinson more than Reed,” one top evaluator said of the Crimson Tide duo. “That just makes it easier for us.” Robinson is viewed as a player whose stock is being overstated by mock drafts, as is Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple.
Several teams, including the Chiefs, are very high on Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Vernon Butler, who is expected to be a first-round pick, per La Canfora.
La Canfora expects TCU’s Josh Doctson to be the first wide receiver to come off the board.
The Steelers are doing a lot of homework on cornerbacks, leading La Canfora to believe they’ll probably go in that direction in the first round.

Draft Rumors: Higbee, Boehringer, Miller

April 12th, 2016 at 8:00pm CST by Zachary Links

Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee plead not guilty to charges stemming from his alleged altercation on Sunday, as Peter Schrager of FOX Sports reports (Twitter links). Higbee, considered to be one of the top tight ends in this year’s class, contends that the other man involved in the skirmish put his hands on his girlfriend, prompting Higbee to intervene. The other participant in the fight has been booked five times since 2014.

As Schrager notes, Higbee’s court date is on May 5th, days after the draft on April 28th-30th. Prior to the incident, teams were viewing Higbee as a Day 2 or Day 3 player, so they’ll be interested to hear his side of the story.

Here’s the latest NFL Draft news:

German wide receiver Moritz Boehringer had team visits with the Chiefs, Packers, and Vikings last week, as Andy Fenelon of NFL.com writes. On Monday and Tuesday, he met with the Rams, on Wednesday he’ll visit the Seahawks, and next week he’ll visit the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers. Boehringer started turning heads in the NFL last month and one scout estimated in March that he could go in the fourth round. Based on the number of teams interested in him, one has to wonder if Boehringer could go even earlier.
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link), Ohio State receiver Braxton Miller said 10 clubs ventured to Columbus to work him out, and while a few have had do drills in the slot (where’s expected to play in the NFL), many had him work outside. The Titans, Bengals, and Ravens are just three of the teams known to have interest in Miller.
Like Miller, Michigan State defensive tackle Joel Heath also appeared on SiriusXM (Twitter link), and also discussed his specific NFL position, saying he’d be willing to move to the offensive line if that helped his pro prospects.
Washington, on the lookout for possible pass rushing help, is hosting Eastern Kentucky outside linebacker Noah Spence for a pre-draft visit today, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
The Vikings met with McNeese State running back Derrick Milton last week, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, who adds that Milton impressed Minnesota at their regional combine. Milton began his collegiate career at Mississippi State before transferring prior to the 2014 season.
Florida defensive end Alex McCalister met with the Eagles, as McAlister himself reported on Twitter. McCalister posted 12.5 sacks for the Gators over the past two seasons.

Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.

Browns Willing To Trade No. 2 Pick?

April 12th, 2016 at 7:24pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The idea of the Browns dealing away the second overall pick is gaining steam, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com (Twitter link), who reports that there is “more and more smoke” around the concept of Cleveland trading down in the draft. The club’s intention would be to select a quarterback in the second round, per Zierlein, who adds that “something big” is likely to happen involving the top five picks.

The Browns, of course, have already added Robert Griffin III this offseason, signing the reclamation project to a two-year deal, and also have veteran Josh McCown under contract. The overwhelming majority of mock drafts have Cleveland selecting either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz second overall, but the Browns have a lot of holes elsewhere on the roster, and trading back could give the team the extra ammunition it needs to fill out their squad. Just this March, the Browns saw a ton of talent walk out the door via free agency, as Mitchell Schwartz, Alex Mack, Travis Benjamin, and Tashaun Gipson all found contracts elsewhere.

Depending on how far back the Browns trade in the first round, they could still have a shot at someone like Paxton Lynch, but Zierlein’s report indicates that Cleveland would instead target a quarterback in Round 2, where it currently holds pick no. 32, the first selection of Day 2. Lynch (possibly), Connor Cook, Christian Hackenberg, and Cardale Jones are among the signal-callers that could be available at that juncture, or even later.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

2016 NFL Draft News & Rumors