AFC Notes: Pats, Gregory, Bolts, Steelers, Jets
Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler went from a little-known name to a Super Bowl hero when his late-game interception of the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson helped New England earn its fourth championship in February. Now, with the departure of star corner Darrelle Revis, Butler will have a chance to make a full-season impact in 2015. One of Butler’s teammates, linebacker Chandler Jones, believes he’s up to the task.
“I know you guys only heard of Malcolm Butler during the whole Super Bowl thing and that big play, but Malcolm has been making plays for us the whole season in practice, and he’s been getting good looks for us,” Jones said, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “So I’m excited for him to step up as one of the impact players as well.”
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory will visit the Chargers on Saturday, and Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the team has to weigh the risk and reward of drafting the 22-year-old. Gregory is already in the NFL’s substance-abuse program for a failed drug test at the combine, but he is worth the Chargers’ first-round pick (17th overall) based on talent alone. Gregory says his past issues are behind him and he is “focused” on his dream to play in the NFL. The Chargers will have an opportunity to gauge his sincerity this weekend.
- Gregory will visit the Steelers next week, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).
- The Jets will visit with Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty early next week, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Petty could be a target for the Jets in the second round (37th overall).
- In the unlikely event Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers hits the trading block, Bills general manager Doug Whaley will do everything in his power to land the five-time Pro Bowler, according to Joe Buscaglia of WKBW (Twitter link).
West Notes: D. Washington, 49ers, Raiders
Daryl Washington emerged as a standout linebacker with the Cardinals during the first four years of his career, racking up a pair of 100-tackle seasons, 18 sacks and a Pro Bowl invitation in 2012. However, the NFL suspended him four games in 2013 for violating its substance abuse policy. He then violated the same policy again and the league hit him with a much harsher penalty last May in the form of a year-plus suspension. That suspension caused Washington to miss all of the 2014 campaign. What’s more, the league hasn’t yet disciplined Washington for a domestic violence arrest last spring, when he pleaded guilty to assaulting the mother of his child.
Now, hoping to put his off-field issues in the past, Washington plans to apply for reinstatement to the league in the coming weeks, writes Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. The 28-year-old’s status should be determined in the next two months, per Somers, who reports that the Cardinals are conducting business as if Washington won’t be with them in 2015. The Cardinals paid Washington a $10MM roster bonus last year to keep him around, with half of that prorated total being sent to the defender in February 2014. Washington, whose $8MM per season makes him the league’s sixth-highest-paid ILB, has $15MM worth of dead money remaining on a contract that runs through the 2017 campaign.
Here’s more from the league’s two West-based divisions:
- Despite the departure of longtime 49er and eight-time 1,000-yard rusher Frank Gore, quarterback Colin Kaepernick is confident the team’s running game will be fine going forward. “We have Kendall (Hunter) coming back, who a lot of people forget about,” Kaepernick said, per Cam Inman of the Mercury News. “Carlos (Hyde) had a great rookie year for us, and we’ll probably be using him a lot more this year. We’ve brought Reggie (Bush) in, who’s another great weapon on offense.” Kaepernick is also a fan of newly signed Jarryd Hayne, a former Australian league ruby star who could make an impact in San Francisco’s backfield. “A phenomenal athlete, just a natural,” the QB said. “ It doesn’t seem like there’s much of a learning curve for him.”
- Raiders linebacker Sio Moore is on track to return for training camp, writes ESPN’s Bill Williamson. Moore, who is recovering from hip surgery, played 11 games in 2014 and totaled 90 tackles and three sacks as a second-year man.
- The Raiders will meet with South Florida wide receiver Breshad Perriman and Miles College cornerback Travis Lee before the draft, Williamson reports. Perriman is someone Oakland could have an eye on in the second round, with the 35th overall pick.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Draft Notes: Parker, Holliman, Roberts, Bucs
Let’s take a look at the latest regarding a handful of prospects as the 2015 NFL Draft draws nearer:
- Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker has pre-draft visits lined up with the Patriots, Ravens, Jets, Saints, Rams, Titans, 49ers and Panthers, according to Sports Illustrated’s Robert Klemko (Twitter link). In a mock draft posted earlier today, our own Rob Dire has the highly touted Parker going 11th overall to the Vikings.
- Safety Gerod Holliman, Parker’s teammate at Louisville, tweeted that his workout with the Dolphins was a “success.”
- Marshall cornerback Darryl Roberts visited the Chiefs this week, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post and Baltimore Sun. Roberts previously had private workouts with the 49ers and Packers.
- Stony Brook receiver Adrian Coxson is scheduled to visit the Packers, reports Wilson (via Twitter).
- The Buccaneers are expected to take a quarterback – either Florida State’s Jameis Winston or Oregon’s Marcus Mariota – with the first overall pick, but Wilson tweets that a a lesser-known QB, West Georgia’s Austin Trainor, impressed the team at its local prospect day. Trainor was the only signal caller in attendance.
- In other Bucs news, South Florida kicker Marvin Kloss had a “strong workout” for the team Friday, per Wilson. Kloss hit 9 of 10 field goals, including a 55-yarder, and three of his four kickoffs went for touchbacks.
49ers Notes: Smith, Bowman, Davis, Draft
The 49ers’ defense has already lost a pair of standouts, linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, to retirement this offseason. Defensive linemen Justin Smith is mulling his own future and could end up taking the same path as his two ex-teammates. Head coach Jim Tomsula hasn’t gotten word on Smith’s plans for 2015 and isn’t pressing the 14-year veteran for an answer, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
“We all want Justin Smith to come back and play football. You know? But he’s earned the right to make that decision and take the time that he needs,” Tomsula said Friday, per Maiocco.
If Smith does retire, Tomsula says the 49ers have in-house replacements lined up. “For four years –- you see the D-linemen we’ve brought in –- we’ve been making preparations.”
Nevertheless, losing Smith would seem to be another notable blow to San Francisco’s defense. In 2014, his age-35 season, Smith totaled five sacks (giving him 87 for his career) and Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him the NFL’s 11th-best 3-4 defensive end out of 47 qualifiers.
Here’s more on the 49ers:
- Star linebacker NaVorro Bowman missed all of last season after tearing his ACL and MCL in the 2013 NFC championship game, but he’s nearing a comeback. Tomsula said the three-time First-Team All-Pro should be ready to go for the team’s upcoming on-field activities, writes Cam Inman of the Mercury News. “When we can get on the field, Bow is going out on the field,” said Tomsula. “I haven’t gotten into the specifics on how much. Obviously we’re not going to throw somebody out there and go 100 reps. My understanding is, yes, he’s moving great.”
- Tight end Vernon Davis skipped 49ers offseason activities last year because of unhappiness with his contract and subsequently produced one of the worst seasons of his nine-year career. Now, with one year left on his deal, Davis is in attendance at the team’s voluntary workout program, according to Maiocco. “I’m here this year because I want to get better,” said Davis, who stated that Willis’ retirement “put everything in perspective for a lot of guys around here.”
- The 49ers are one of eight teams that Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker is scheduled to visit with prior to the upcoming draft, tweets Sports Illustrated’s Robert Klemko. In a mock draft posted earlier today, our own Rob DiRe has Parker going 11th overall to Minnesota. The 49ers have the 15th pick.
Sunday Roundup: Manziel, Broncos, Cowboys
Some notes from around the NFL:
- This offseason has been one to forget for Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has spent time in rehab and seen his future in Cleveland come into question since his rookie year ended. The latest blow comes from one of the Browns’ most respected players, offensive tackle Joe Thomas. The eight-time Pro Bowler said that Manziel “lost a lot of trust last year by the way he handled himself,” according to Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com (via Twitter).
- With the hiring of Gary Kubiak as their head coach, the Broncos’ offense will feature a fullback for the first time since 2012, writes Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. “My thing is that to be really effective in the running game, you have to run the fullback,” said general manager John Elway, per Renck. “We will have people in the fullback position.” As of now, the leading candidates for the job are Juwan Thompson and Joe Don Duncan.
- The Dallas Morning News’ Bob Sturm profiled Utah defensive back Eric Rowe. Sturm sees Rowe a potential fit for the Cowboys in the upcoming draft, possibly as early as the first round. The Cowboys hold the 27th overall pick.
- The Colts, Buccaneers, Packers and 49ers are the only four teams in the league with fewer than three quarterbacks, according to Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk. The Bucs are the sole member of the group without an established starter, which is likely to change in the draft. Tampa has the No. 1 overall pick, with which it could select either Florida State’s Jameis Winston or Oregon’s Marcus Mariota. The other three squads are also candidates to draft QBs, albeit not in the first round.
Extra Points: Lions, Titans, Draft, Pats
Let’s take a look at a handful of stories from around the NFL this evening:
- Aside from acquiring Haloti Ngata, the Lions haven’t made any major headlines this offseason. They’re fine with that, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. “We’re not out just reaching to grab anyone and high-fiving in March,” said Lions vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White, per Meinke. “We’re trying to find guys who selectively fit our profile, fit what the coaches need and we all get together and come up with a plan that we think will help the Detroit Lions.” Nevertheless, despite what team president Tom Lewand calls the organization’s “selectively aggressive” approach, Meinke notes that it still has several holes to fix. Left guard and running back lead the way.
- Last year’s NFL draft featured a deep, star-studded receiving class that included the likes of Odell Beckham, Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins and Kelvin Benjamin. This year’s class of wideouts could be nearly equal to the 2014 group in terms of both ability and depth, an AFC personnel executive told Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. “Could see five or six going in the first round,” the exec said, “and at least a dozen in the first three rounds. It’s really deep again.”
- ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky answered fans’ questions in a Titans mailbag. One of the Titans’ issues Kuharsky addressed is receiver, an area he thinks the team should prioritize in the draft because of its lack of playmakers.
- Nik Beimler of WEEI.com profiled Hobart guard Ali Marpet, who could be a fit for the Patriots in the draft. Marpet is expected to be hear his name called in the second or third round.
NFC East Notes: RGIII, Murphy, Carr
Scot McCloughan has been putting his stamp on Washington’s roster since he took over as the team’s general manager in January. That’s not going to stop anytime soon, according to Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com (video link). McCloughan didn’t draft a single one of Washington’s players, which means he has no built-in loyalty toward those individuals and could look to replace anyone on the roster, per El-Bashir. One of those players is quarterback Robert Griffin III, whose future in Washington beyond next season is nebulous. RGIII has a player option for 2016 worth over $16MM, and El-Bashir speculates that Washington is either still discussing what to do with that option or has decided not to pick it up. The club has until May 3 to make its decision known.
Let’s take a further look at the most recent news regarding Washington and one of its NFC East rivals:
- Washington used a 2014 second-round pick on outside linebacker Trent Murphy, who had just 2.5 sacks as a rookie. Now there’s speculation that Washington will spend another high selection on an outside linebacker this year, perhaps its first-rounder (fifth overall). Despite that, head coach Jay Gruden still believes in the 24-year-old Murphy, writes El-Bashir. “He’s very young up top, his frame, and he’s going get a lot stronger,” said Gruden. “He’s got the hands. He’s got the hips. He’s got the flexibility to be an effective pass rusher.”
- Pittsburg State cornerback De’Vante Bausby is an unheralded draft prospect to keep an eye on for Washington, El-Bashir tweeted. Washington attended his pro day Thursday.
- The Cowboys’ pass defense ranked 26th in the NFL last season, but Bob Sturm of the Dallas Morning News reports that the team hasn’t hosted any cornerback prospects as the draft nears. The Cowboys have instead focused on running backs and linemen.
- Speaking of Dallas’ corners, Sturm took a look at Brandon Carr‘s situation. Carr’s agent said earlier this week that the 28-year-old is not going to take a pay cut for 2015, when he’s due to count $12.7MM against the salary cap, which means Dallas could eventually cut him loose. Doing so after June 1 would save the Cowboys $8MM on next season’s cap. However, Sturm thinks Carr will ultimately stick around at a reduced rate – perhaps with the help of a contract extension – as the Cowboys aren’t in position to find another corner to adequately replace the seven-year veteran and the 1,000-plus downs he’ll play in 2015.
Extra Points: Pagano, Bradford, Broncos
Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is entering the final year of his contract and, despite news this week that the team isn’t planning to extend him prior to the 2015 campaign, the 54-year-old isn’t concerned about his long-term status. Pagano issued a statement Friday that expressed his excitement about “coaching the Colts this season and for many years to come,” tweeted Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star.
More on Pagano and the rest of the NFL:
- Pagano shouldn’t be coaching for his job in 2015, barring a disastrous season, writes Mike Chappell of RTV6. Chappell cites the Colts’ progress under Pagano, who took over a team that went 2-14 in 2011 and has since coached it to three straight playoff appearances, as a reason to retain him long term. The Pagano-led Colts have gone 33-13 in the regular season during his tenure, giving them the NFL’s fourth-best record in that time span.
- Newly acquired Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford is working hard with center Jason Kelce to learn the team’s offense, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. McLane notes that Bradford had accuracy issues during his time with the Rams, but that aspect of his game could improve in Eagles coach Chip Kelly’s system. Both Nick Foles, whom Philly traded for Bradford, and Mark Sanchez posted career-best completion percentages under Kelly.
- Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged that the team needs to improve its offensive line, per Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. “Right tackle, we’ve got some issues,” said Kubiak. “We have to get better up front.” The Broncos will presumably attempt to upgrade right tackle via the draft, in which they have the 28th overall pick. Renck cautions that it’s no sure thing a rookie will step in and succeed as a starter, however.
- The Panthers signed free agent offensive tackle Michael Oher earlier this month and added fellow tackle Jonathan Martin on Friday. Given those acquisitions, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer tweeted doubt that Carolina will use its first-round pick in this year’s draft on an O-lineman. The Panthers could instead target a receiver, running back or edge rusher with the 25th overall selection, according to Person.
NFC Links: Cowboys, AP, Saints, Bears, 49ers
The Cowboys seemingly downgraded significantly at running back this offseason in replacing reigning rushing champ DeMarco Murray, who signed with the NFC East rival Eagles, with Darren McFadden. Given that and Adrian Peterson‘s unhappiness with the Vikings, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com took a look at whether Dallas should attempt to acquire the former NFL MVP.
Peterson, 30, has three years left on his current contract, and missed all of last season because of domestic violence issues. His off-field problems aside, Fitzgerald opines that Dallas would be better off steering clear of Peterson because of the difficulty that would come with fitting him under the team’s salary cap. The Cowboys have worked hard in recent years to better their long-term cap situation and they still have to find a way to retain wide receiver Dez Bryant beyond the 2015 season. Adding Peterson, although enticing, would be imprudent.
Here’s a look at some other NFC clubs currently in the news:
- The Saints need an edge rusher and could take one with their first-round pick, the 13th overall selection, writes Larry Holder of NOLA.com. “I think we’ll have to draft at least one if not two defensive linemen and or outside linebacker pass rushers,” head coach Sean Payton said. The Saints must generate a better pass rush going forward after finishing an underwhelming 21st in the league in sacks last year.
- The staff at CSNChicago.com is analyzing possible draft prospects the Bears could target. The site examined Colorado State offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo, whom it sees as a fit for the Bears in the second or third round.
- The 49ers waived cornerback Cameron Fuller on Friday, according to the team’s website. San Francisco signed Fuller to its practice squad late last season and activated him for one game, in which he didn’t play.
AFC Notes: Colts, Raiders, Bills, Dolphins
Despite the success they’ve achieved since joining the Colts in 2012, general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano are both lacking long-term security as they enter contract years. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes how important it is for Grigson and Pagano to remain on the same page going forward. If they fail to stay united and the team disappoints next season, Florio opines that the pair could blame one another, thus setting the tone for the ouster of one or both. Should Pagano end up elsewhere after the 2015 season, he’ll join John Fox and Jim Harbaugh as the latest in a line of coaches whose teams parted ways with them after tenures that were good, but not quite good enough.
Some updates concerning other AFC teams:
- The Raiders had a two-day visit with tight end Jermaine Gresham early in free agency. Gresham then underwent back surgery and Oakland’s interest in the 26-year-old seemingly cooled. Not the case, however, according to Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. “He’s still on my board,” said McKenzie, per Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “We’ll see how he feels and how he rehabs and all that. Going forward, it will be more about how he wants to navigate through this.”
- The Bills made plenty of noise earlier this offseason in acquiring outside talent, but general manager Doug Whaley says their approach will change in the next year. The Bills’ focus between now and the 2016 offseason will be locking up their own players long term, Whaley told ESPN’s Mike Rodak (Twitter link). That means trying to re-sign defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn and linebacker Nigel Bradham, all of whom are scheduled for free agency next year, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore – who is under Buffalo’s control for just two more seasons.
- Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey is hoping to add to his total of six draft picks this year, specifically in the form of mid-round selections, writes Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. That could mean moving down from 14th overall, where Miami is currently slated to pick in the first round. “We’d like to be able to massage the board to acquire more picks to get more chances at players,” said Hickey. “It always takes two. I would trade down, but it has to present itself.”