Pauline’s Latest: Dolphins, Cowboys, Chiefs, Giants
Here’s the latest from Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com entering the second day of the draft:
- After the Dolphins used the 13th pick on Laremy Tunsil, they called veteran left tackle Branden Albert and assured him he’ll remain at his current position and Tunsil will play left guard.
- The Cowboys “covet” Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah going into the second round, per Pauline, who dismisses the idea that they’re instead after Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa or Eastern Kentucky edge rusher Noah Spence. Dallas holds the 34th selection but could end up moving down, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones (link via ESPN’s Todd Archer).
- Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander is unlikely to get past the Chiefs at No. 37, reports Pauline.
- The Giants are targeting offensive linemen and safeties entering Day 2, meaning Clemson safety T.J. Green could be a fit for the team at No. 40. Like Big Blue, the Steelers and Vikings are also eyeing safeties.
North Notes: Packers, McCray, RG3, Lions
Here’s the latest out of the NFL’s two North divisions…
- Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com has the details of linebacker Lerentee McCray‘s recently signed contract with the Packers. McCray got a $50K signing bonus and could make another $75K in workout bonuses – a high amount for a street free agent, Demovsky notes – and $200K in sack incentives (Twitter link). McCray, 25, was mostly a contributor on special teams with Denver from 2014-15, but the Packers believe he’s capable of helping them defensively. “We think he’s got a nice body type, he’s got good athletic ability, shows the ability to be an outside ‘backer with length and that sort of thing,” said general manager Ted Thompson.
- Robert Griffin III’s offseason training with throwing guru Tom House is going well so far, the Browns quarterback said Thursday. “Tom House has been great. It’s been a really, really beneficial experience,” Griffin stated (link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). House, an ex-Major League Baseball pitcher who uses 3-D motions analysis to dissect a QB’s throwing motion and then revamps it, has worked with the likes of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Andy Dalton and Carson Palmer in the past. He spent a large portion of last offseason with Dalton, who went on to have a career year. On whether he’ll continue training with House, Griffin said, “Without a doubt. It’s not just a one-off thing. It’s a lifestyle. I plan on living that lifestyle.”
- Though no signing has been announced yet, the Lions are expected to bring punter Kyle Christy aboard today following a workout session, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). Christy, who last played at Florida at 2014 and has never spent time on an NFL roster, will presumably act as competition for incumbent punter Sam Martin. Martin is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and notably changed agents in February, signalling that he could be open to an extension.
Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.
Draft Rumors: Dolphins, Titans, Cook
The first and second picks in the upcoming draft have already changed hands, and several teams are convinced that there will be even more shuffling near the top of the opening round, reports Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (on Twitter). The Dolphins could move up from No. 13 in hopes of landing Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, per La Canfora, who names the Titans (15th overall) as another club that might climb the board. Tennessee likes a pair of offensive tackles, Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley and Michigan State’s Jack Conklin, according to La Canfora.
More on the draft:
- Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook had a great college career and has a chance to end up a first-round pick, but questions about his attitude and leadership persist, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “He’s going to fall, I think. Just the guy – people have their questions,” one executive told Pelissero. Said one NFL quarterbacks coach, “There’s something about him that you just don’t trust him.” An offensive coordinator also chimed in, commenting, “There’s just something put-offish about him. It appears to me – I could be dead wrong – but he’d be a guy that, when he got in the locker room, they’d try to eat him up and spit him out.” Cook came off as “flippant and cavalier” during some team interviews, Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com reported last week.
- Nebraska offensive lineman Alex Lewis has logged official visits with the Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Colts, Eagles, Ravens, Lions, Bears, Packers and Saints, tweets Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 (Twitter link).
- The Colts worked out Jacksonville University receiver Andy Jones this week, a source told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Jones, who possesses a 41.5-inch vertical leap, visited with the Cardinals and Jaguars previously, tweets Wilson.
South Notes: Texans, Jaguars, Saints
The Texans exercised the fifth-year option on receiver DeAndre Hopkins‘ contract last week and ensured he’ll be under their control through at least 2017. Not surprisingly, their focus now is to lock him up for the long haul, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle details. The 23-year-old Hopkins certainly seems open to an extension with Houston, having said in February that, “If I can play my whole career here, I would. I love this place.” No deal is imminent, a source told Wilson, but a new accord for Hopkins would surely make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid wideouts. After racking up 76 catches for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns in 2014, his second season, the 2013 first-rounder from Clemson improved his numbers across the board last year. Hopkins totaled 111 catches, 1,521 yards and 11 scores en route to his first Pro Bowl nod.
Here’s more on the AFC South and one NFC South club:
- Texans general manager Rick Smith believes he could have ultimately traded Brian Hoyer for a draft pick, but he decided releasing the quarterback last week was the better option for both parties, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. “There may have been some value there for us organizationally, but we felt like this was the right time,” Smith said.
- Hays Carlyon of Jacksonville.com came away from the Jaguars’ draft luncheon Friday convinced that UCLA linebacker Myles Jack will be their pick if he’s on the board at No. 5 overall. Jaguars brass, led by GM David Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley, loves Jack’s blend of coverage and rush skills, according to Carlyon. Jack is seventh months removed from a torn meniscus, but CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported earlier this week that it shouldn’t hurt his draft stock.
- Former Saints receiver Robert Meachem, who’s looking to make a comeback after missing all of last season, worked out for the club Friday, reports Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate. The Saints used Friday to test Meachem’s speed and conditioning and will have him back in three weeks for on-field work, tweets Leslie Spoon of WWL-TV. New Orleans took Meachem in the first round of the 2007 draft and he went on to catch 141 passes and 23 touchdowns with the team before signing with the Chargers in 2012. After an unproductive season in San Diego, Meachem rejoined the Saints and amassed just 23 receptions and two scores in 26 games from 2013-14.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/22/16
Here are Friday’s minor moves from around the NFL:
- The Patriots have signed linebacker Tony Steward and long snapper Christian Yount, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. Steward, whom the Bills released earlier this week, appeared in seven games and made two tackles as a sixth-round rookie last season. Yount, on the other hand, has 60 NFL games under his belt, including 48 in a row with the Browns from 2012-14.
- The Eagles have signed wide receiver T.J. Graham to a one-year contract, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Graham, who worked out for the Eagles earlier this week, came into the league as a third-round pick of the Bills in 2012 and has also logged regular-season action with the Jets and Saints. The 26-year-old caught four passes in as many games for New Orleans last season, giving him 61 receptions in 47 career contests.
- The Falcons have reached injury settlements with tight end Beau Gardner and guard Adam Replogle, both of whom had undisclosed injuries, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Gardner joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent from Northern Arizona last year, but he didn’t suit up in any games for the team. Replogle entered the league undrafted out of Indiana in 2013 and has spent his entire pro tenure with the Falcons, though he never appeared in a game with the organization.
Pauline’s Latest: Browns, Top 5, Alexander, Bears
The Browns are shopping the No. 2 pick, but if they aren’t able to move it, they could end up selecting Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil and then trading nine-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas, several general managers have told Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. If Tunsil to Cleveland happens, those GMs expect Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey to land with the Chargers at No. 3, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz to become the newest member of the Cowboys at No. 4, and UCLA linebacker Myles Jack to go fifth to the Jaguars.
Here are more early round draft rumors from Pauline:
- Despite possessing first-round-caliber talent, Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander could drop to the second round because of his attitude. Some of Alexander’s Clemson coaches have given him unfavorable reviews to inquiring NFL teams, and clubs are weighing whether he’d be worth a first-rounder as a result.
- The Bears, who hold the 11th pick, are giving serious consideration to Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed.
- Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa is a possibility for both the Colts and Saints in the first round. Indy could turn to Correa at No. 18 if Georgia’s Leonard Floyd is off the board and it deems Eastern Kentucky’s Noah Spence as too risky. The Saints, meanwhile, might move down from 12th to grab Correa.
- Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell could head to the Jets in the second round if they don’t grab an LB with their first selection.
AFC Notes: Broncos, Browns, Texans
Contract talks between the Broncos and franchise-tagged pass rusher Von Miller are going so poorly that the Super Bowl 50 MVP could consider holding out until November both this year and, if needed, in 2017, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Cole says that the Broncos’ current offer to Miller is worth only a little more per year than what the Giants gave the far less accomplished Olivier Vernon ($17MM) in free agency and doesn’t contain nearly enough guaranteed money for Miller’s liking.
Here’s more on Denver and a couple other AFC clubs:
- Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez is working hard to take the reins in Denver, showing leadership, and impressing his teammates in the process, reports Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today (video link). “I can tell he wants to be a leader on this team. He wants to be our quarterback. He wants to be The Guy. And that’s the type of guy we need,” receiver Emmanuel Sanders said. Of course, early reviews aside, Sanchez is a long shot to win the Broncos’ starting job. The team could foil his plans to start by trading for the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick, adding a high-round draft pick, or signing free agents like Brian Hoyer or Ryan Fitzpatrick.
- After the Browns released veteran defenders Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner earlier this offseason, linebacker Paul Kruger worried about his own status with the team, he told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “Yeah I was definitely anticipating something,” the 30-year-old said. “Made me a little nervous, I’m not going to lie.” The Browns could still part with Kruger and save $5.3MM before June 1 or $6.5MM if he’s a post-June 1 cut, but they already have the third-most cap space in the league. Kruger, for his part, now expects to remain in the fold. “Those are discussions that I let my agent and those people take care of but hey, I’m here right now and this is where I’m planning on being come August,” he said. Kruger’s sack total plummeted from 11 in 2014 to 2.5 last season, though he still menaced opposing quarterbacks, finishing with the league’s fourth-most hurries (33).
- The Texans will bring in Wisconsin fullback Derek Watt and Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams for Wednesday visits, reports Tania Ganguli of ESPN (Twitter links). Derek Watt is the brother of superstar Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt.
- Wide receivers Cam Worthy and Saalim Hakim, offensive lineman James Brewer and defensive back Dax Swanson will partake in Browns minicamp this week as tryout players, tweets the team’s communications manager, Dan Murphy.
Draft Rumors: Jack, No. 3 Overall, Spence, Conklin
The notion that Myles Jack‘s surgically repaired knee is a “time bomb” is greatly exaggerated, sources tell CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, who writes that the torn meniscus the UCLA linebacker suffered last year should not meaningfully alter his draft stock. “This kid is a great player. His change of direction is awesome. This is getting totally blown out of proportion,” said an executive. All the teams La Canfora spoke with indicated that Jack won’t last beyond the top 15. The Jaguars, who hold the fifth selection, “seem locked into” Jack, says ESPN’s Mel Kiper (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union).
More of the latest draft rumors:
- The Chargers are generating plenty of interest in regards to the third overall selection, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). On the possibility of trading the pick, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said last month, “It’s certainly an option. We’ll just follow it through and see where it goes.”
- Eastern Kentucky defensive end Noah Spence is arguably the best pass rusher in this year’s draft class, but he’s likely to last until the second round because of off-field issues in college, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report offers (video link). Teams view Spence as a good kid, but there’s concern that the drug problems which got him dismissed from Ohio State will resurface in the NFL, per Cole.
- Michigan State offensive tackle and prospective first-rounder Jack Conklin has met with or worked out for the Titans, Bills, Chargers, Steelers, Falcons, Jets, Colts, Buccaneers and Lions, he told SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link).
- Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett worked out for and/or visited the Panthers, Titans, Falcons, Patriots, Chargers, Packers and previously reported Jets, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (on Twitter).
- Arizona State receiver Devin Lucien visited the Bengals on Tuesday, per Getlin, who notes that he has also visited with/and or worked out for the Cardinals, Patriots and Rams (via Twitter).
- Bowling Green receiver Roger Lewis has visited with or worked out for the Bengals, Cowboys, Patriots, Seahawks, Vikings and Chargers, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. Lewis is a potential third- or fourth-round pick, notes Caplan.
- Auburn cornerback Blake Countess has drawn interest from 13 teams, including Washington, the Ravens and Giants, writes Aaron Wilson of NFPost.com.
Johnny Manziel Hopes To Play In 2016
Free agent quarterback Johnny Manziel is aiming to put his myriad off-field troubles behind him and play in 2016, he told A.J. Perez of USA Today.
“I’m hoping to take care of the issues in front of me right now so I can focus on what I have to do if I want to play in 2016,” Manziel said. “I also continue to be thankful to those who really know me and support me.”
Manziel’s latest off-field blow came Tuesday when agent Drew Rosenhaus, who only began representing the 23-year-old in 
March, dropped him as a client. Rosenhaus’ decision came after offering Manziel an ultimatum last week to either seek treatment for substance abuse issues within a five-day window or lose his representation. Manziel didn’t follow through, so Rosenhaus joined Erik Burkhardt as the second agent to sever ties with the two-year NFL veteran this offseason.
“This is a life or death situation right now,” Rosenhaus told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio last Friday. “This is not about football. I’m not going to stand by and watch him injure himself.”
Combined with his uninspiring on-field performance since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2014, Manziel’s checkered off-field history helped lead the Browns to release him over the winter. That turmoil away from the gridiron has also stopped teams from pursing the ex-Texas A&M star and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner as a free agent.
Manziel is currently facing up to a year in jail and a $4K fine if a Dallas grand jury indicts him on a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a January altercation between him and ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley. Further, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported last week that Manziel had been served with a legal demand for nearly $32K in damages to a Los Angeles house he rented and partied in from April 4-6. Manziel and Browns receiver Josh Gordon were at the house with what appeared to be drugs – including cocaine, mushrooms and marijuana – visible, according to rental agency owner Nicholas Goodwin. It’s important to note that Goodwin didn’t actually see Manziel or Gordon engage in the use of drugs or alcohol. Manziel, of course, spent a significant portion of last offseason in a rehab facility for substance abuse issues.
“So many people only have one image of Jonathan but, believe it or not, he takes all this very seriously,” Denise Michaels, Manziel’s spokesperson, told Perez. “He’s hoping that he can clear up his personal issues, start interviewing agents and see what he needs to do if he wants to play this year.”
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/19/16
Here are Tuesday’s minor moves from around the NFL:
- The Buccaneers have signed quarterback Dan LeFevour, writes Scott Smith of their official website. LeFevour was a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2010 and ended up spending time with three other NFL organizations, never logging a regular-season appearance, before heading to the CFL in 2012. LeFevour played in Canada through last season and will now try to earn a roster spot in Tampa, which already had a stocked QB depth chart consisting of Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon and Ryan Griffin before its latest addition. As Jenna Laine notes (on Twitter), Bucs quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian was Central Michigan’s offensive coordinator for three seasons when LeFevour was its signal-caller.
- Giants tight end Larry Donnell, whose 2015 season ended in November because of what looked like a career-threatening neck injury, has re-signed with the team after receiving clearance from Big Blue’s medical staff, according to Michael Eisen of the team’s website. In eight appearances prior to the injury, Donnell racked up 29 catches, 223 yards and two touchdowns. The 27-year-old amassed an impressive 63 receptions for 623 yards and six scores in 2014.
- The Seahawks have re-signed cornerback Marcus Burley, who was their last remaining exclusive rights free agent without a contract, reports Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (Twitter link). Burley joined the Seahawks in 2014 and has since appeared in 26 games, totaling 53 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions along the way.
- The Bills have released linebacker Tony Steward, tweets Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. Steward, whom the Bills took in the sixth round of last year’s draft, appeared in seven games and made two tackles as a rookie.
- The Ravens announced that defensive backs Jumal Rolle and Jermaine Whitehead have signed their exclusive rights tenders with the club. Rolle has bounced around the league since going undrafted from Catawba in 2013, playing in 19 career games with the Texans and Ravens. Whitehead, undrafted out of Auburn last year, spent most of 2015 on the 49ers’ practice squad before the Ravens signed him in December.