NFC North Notes: Vikings, Draft, Lions, Levy
Following a failed drug test at the combine, it’s not clear where exactly Nebraska outside linebacker Randy Gregory will land in this month’s draft. Previously viewed as a near lock to be a top-10 pick, Gregory is now receiving consideration from plenty of teams outside the top 10, and he’ll visit the Vikings (No. 11) this week, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports.
Here’s more from around the NFC North:
- Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney and TCU linebacker Paul Dawson are among the prospects visiting the Vikings today, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. In a second tweet, Rapoport passes along another update on McKinney, noting that the linebacker had to reschedule his visit with the Cowboys due to illness, and also has the Ravens and Browns on his slate. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun adds (via Twitter) that McKinney will visit the Bears.
- Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities passes along a couple more names of prospects making pre-draft visits to Minnesota today, reporting (via Twitter) that the Vikings are hosting Norfolk State defensive end Lynden Trail and Northern Iowa running back David Johnson.
- Linebacker DeAndre Levy may be the Lions‘ best defensive player now that Ndamukong Suh is a Dolphin, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. However, as Meinke details, team president Tom Lewand says it’s premature to say whether or not the Lions will get a new deal done with Levy soon. “In the case of DeAndre, we haven’t even begun conversations with him, so I wouldn’t know where those would take us, and we’ll see where it goes, but every circumstance is a little bit different,” Lewand said. “We’ll see where those conversations, once they start, take us.”
- The Lions hosted Auburn defensive tackle Angelo Blackson for a pre-draft visit today, writes Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
Extra Points: Crabtree, Ridley, Bears
The Dolphins were willing to pay Michael Crabtree close to $3MM to suit up in aqua this season, but the longtime 49ers receiver sought “at least” $4.5MM per year, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
After seeking more than $9MM per campaign, Crabtree’s visiting the Raiders in hopes of salvaging some kind of value from what’s been an anti-climactic offseason from the inconsistent wideout. Crabtree earned at least $4.5MM in salary and bonuses the past five seasons.
Some additional news from Miami and the rest of the NFL on Saturday night …
- Although the Dolphins’ summit with Stevan Ridley was merely exploratory, the team hasn’t ruled out signing the ex-Patriots running back, reports Jackson. Ridley, who is recovering from knee surgery and is one of many starting-caliber backs still in free agency, is reported to be down to the Jets and Fins for his next destination.
- The Dolphins also showed “some interest” in bringing Colts signee Frank Gore back to Miami, but the longtime 49ers bruiser told Jackson multiple teams beat out the Dolphins’ pursuit level.
- Jackson lists Buster Skrine, a Jets acquisition on a relatively big contract, as a player who the Dolphins coveted but one who declined their offer.
- Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips visited Miami last week, adds Jackson. The Dolphins are intrigued by the Sooner talent’s potential despite landing Ndamukong Suh and housing several young players who are currently in their good graces.
- With starter-level safeties Antrel Rolle and Ryan Mundy among the three back-line defenders on the Bears‘ roster, the team plans to address the position after the early rounds of the draft, writes Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times. Jahns mentioned Cody Prewitt (Ole Miss), Nick Perry (Alabama) and Northwestern’s Ibraheim Campbell as players the Bears have studied as possible fits.
- Interior defensive line help also intrigues the Bears, reports Jahns, as they lost Stephen Paea to Washington. As they transition to the 3-4, the Bears are chock full of size outside, with Ray McDonald recently added as a five-technique end and Pernell McPhee arriving as a 280-pound linebacker. Interestingly, Jahns includes 300-pound Lamarr Houston, signed to a lucrative deal last year as a 4-3 run-stopping end, as an outside backer, which would be a unique experiment.
- The Ravens will host Kansas free safety Cassius Sendish on a visit April 21, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. A Waldorf, Md., native and potential late-round draft pick, Sendish will visit his hometown team’s facilities during the team’s day designated for local prospect meetings.
Draft Notes: White, Bears, Browns, Ravens
West Virginia wideout Kevin White is expected to be an early first-round pick in the upcoming draft, but the speedster hasn’t received much interest from NFL clubs. Earlier this week, the player told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com that he hadn’t heard from any teams since the Scouting Combine:
“Until they call or I have a set workout schedule, I’m just going to continue to do what I have to do and wherever I do go, if I have a workout or prior workout, I’ll enjoy it and try to make the most out of it.”
White finally got a call late this week, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the receiver will meet with the Titans. For the time being, that’s White only scheduled visit.
Let’s take a look at some more draft notes from around the league, with updates added to the top:
- Toledo linebacker Junior Sylvestre visited with the Chiefs Friday, writes Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter).
- The Patriots had UConn wide receiver Geremy Davis in for a private workout yesterday, writes Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter).
- The Eagles have a need at safety, and Alabama’s Landon Collins has been a popular target in mock drafts. However, he might not make it to the Eagles’ pick at No. 20, and might not be a fit for Chip Kelly anyway, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. Mosher picks out a number of safeties the team could target later in the draft, including Michigan State’s Kurtis Drummond and Northwestern’s Ibraheim Campbell.
Earlier Updates:
- Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley will visit the Bears, according to Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com. The writer notes that Chicago’s new 3-4 defense could be a perfect fit for Beasley.
- The Browns are going to be busy in the coming weeks, as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that the organization will be bringing in 30 draft prospects. The group includes Louisville wideout DeVante Parker and Miami left tackle Ereck Flowers.
- Maryland linebacker Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil will attend the Ravens local prospects day in late April, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. The Patriots, Eagles and Chargers have each checked out the versatile defender.
NFC Mailbags: Saints, Lions, Bears, Vikings
We took a look at ESPN.com’s AFC mailbags earlier this morning. Let’s now shift our focus to the NFC…
- Mike Triplett believes the only way the Saints move on from Drew Brees is if they are confident in their backup plan. While the quarterback’s production has dropped, Triplett is still confident Brees will be one of the best at his position in 2015.
- While the Lions could fill the majority of their roster holes via the draft, Michael Rothstein focuses on a couple of positions that could be fixed in free agency. The writer points to left guard, suggesting free agents Justin Blalock or Rob Sims.
- 2015 will be a big season for Bears defensive end Cornelius Washington, writes Michael C. Wright. The player still has two years left on his contract, but he hasn’t shown much during his brief time in the NFL. With all the veteran defenders on the roster, there’s a chance that Washington could be on the outside looking in.
- Ben Goessling points to safety Harrison Smith as being the Vikings player most likely to receive an extension prior to the season. The writer suggests the organization also explore an extension for kicker Blair Walsh.
- Rob Demovsky says the Packers should now focus their attention on locking up defensive tackle Mike Daniels and cornerback Casey Hayward. However, considering the money thrown around this offseason, Demovsky says it may be in the players’ best interests to explore free agency.
NFC North Notes: Ngata, Copeland, Rodgers
We had a fairly exciting Friday, with a number of players finding new homes for the 2015 NFL season.
Before calling it a night, here are some notes from around the NFC North:
- If you were waiting for fireworks between the Ravens and Lions regarding Haloti Ngata, prepare to be disappointed. The Lions released a statement on Thursday, saying that they were not concerned about comments made by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti regarding Ngata on a Wednesday conference call. “The Ravens have reached out to us concerning the comments made yesterday by Steve Bisciotti regarding Haloti Ngata,” the Lions’ statement read, according to Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com. “We appreciate both the Ravens’ professionalism and the context in which Mr. Bisciotti’s comments were made. We consider the matter to be a non-issue.”
- Linebacker Brandon Copeland visited five teams and had a dozen teams interested in signing him before he agreed to join the Lions, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter).
- Jacquizz Rodgers‘ one-year deal with the Bears is for the minimum salary, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). The deal has a $745K base salary with a $40K signing bonus.
West Draft Notes: Rams, Raiders, Chiefs
The Rams are focusing heavily on offensive lineman as they use their 30 allotted pre-draft visits, as Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch observes. According to Thomas (Twitter links), Pittsburgh offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he’d be visiting the Rams, and Duke guard Laken Tomlinson visited the team earlier this week. Here’s more draft news out of the AFC and NFC West..
- Purdue tight end Gabe Holmes, who had a private workout last month with the Cardinals, paid a visit to the Raiders on Thursday, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Holmes projects as a potential late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
- After being dismissed from Iowa State last year following charges for fifth-degree theft, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief, defensive lineman David Irving is visiting the Chiefs, Raiders, and Seahawks, a league source tells Wilson. According to Wilson, Irving previously worked out for the Bears, Patriots, and Giants, as well as the Chiefs, Raiders, and Seahawks.
- Miami of Ohio safety Harold Jones-Quartey is scheduled to visit the Chiefs next week, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
Draft Notes: Packers, Pats, Dolphins
Here’s the latest draft news..
- Maryland nose tackle Darius Kilgo told Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter) that he has visited the Packers, Patriots, and Dolphins. He’ll also visit the Bengals and attend the Panthers‘ local prospect day.
- Maryland wide receiver Deon Long told Wilson (Twitter links) he’ll attend the Ravens‘ local prospect day on April 21st. He added that he has drawn interest from the Bears and Panthers. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com wrote about the intriguing prospect earlier today and noted that he has drawn the interest of the Patriots.
- The Patriots met with Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter).
- Rutgers fullback Michael Burton worked out for the Buccaneers this morning at RU, according to Dan Duggan of the Star-Ledger (via Twitter). Next up is a visit with the Browns on Friday.
Minor Moves: Thursday
We’ll round up today’s minor transactions from around the NFL in this space, with any additional moves listed at the top of the page throughout the afternoon and evening:
- Raiders defensive back Neiko Thorpe has signed his exclusive right free agent tender, placing him back under contract, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Earlier updates:
- The Bengals have brought back former backup signal-caller Josh Johnson, signing him to a new contract today, according to the team (Twitter link). Johnson, who visited Cincinnati today, spent time with the 49ers in 2014 after serving as Andy Dalton‘s backup for the Bengals in 2013.
- Zeke Motta, a 2013 seventh-rounder who played sparingly for the Falcons in his rookie year, was cut by Atlanta today, according to a team release. Matta missed the entire 2014 campaign due to a neck injury, and will have to pass through waivers before becoming a free agent.
- Safety Anthony Walters, who played in 37 regular season contests during four seasons with the Bears, has been cut, the team announced today (via Twitter). Walters had primarily contributed on special teams for Chicago. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link) wonders if Walters’ release opens up the door for the team to re-sign Danny McCray, which had been previously considered.
- After adding Mike Kafka to their roster, the Vikings have parted ways with another quarterback, formally announcing that they’ve waived Pat Devlin. The ex-Dolphin had signed a futures contract with Minnesota after spending some time on the team’s practice squad in 2014.
- Having visited Minnesota and Tampa Bay this week, tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi will be signing with the Buccaneers, reports Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune (via Twitter). Ogbuehi, who spent time on the practice squads for the Ravens and Browns during the 2014 season, is getting a two-year deal, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- Former Miami Hurricanes linebacker Shayon Green has signed with the Steelers, according to PR rep Burt Lauten (via Twitter).
Draft Visits: Jets, M. Davis, Orchard, Raiders
It would be a little surprising to see the Jets take a receiver with the sixth overall pick after signing Eric Decker and trading for Brandon Marshall during the last two offseasons, but the team is bringing in wideout Amari Cooper today for a pre-draft visit, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). With Cooper viewed as a near lock to be selected in the top 10, it’s more likely the Jets are doing due diligence and keeping their options open rather than making the Alabama product a priority.
Here are some details on several more pre-draft visits around the NFL:
- We heard yesterday that South Carolina running back Mike Davis has a visit lined up with the Patriots, but New England is far from the only team eyeing him. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that Davis also has workouts or visits scheduled with the Buccaneers, Seahawks, Browns, and Falcons.
- Utah defensive end Nate Orchard, a projected second-round pick, confirmed that he met with the Browns, dining with defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil and outside linebackers coach Brian Fleury, per Kevin Jones of ClevelandBrowns.com.
- According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (all Twitter links), the Raiders are taking a look at a handful of prospects today, working out South Dakota offensive lineman Matt Huffer, and hosting New Hampshire center Mike Coccia and Texas Southern defensive back Tray Walker.
- Northwestern safety Ibraheim Campbell, a potential second-day pick, has worked out for the Buccaneers, Browns, and Texans, and has workouts on deck with the Bears and Eagles, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- Delaware State defensive end Rodney Gunter, who had 57 tackles and seven sacks in his senior season, visited the Chiefs, a league source tells Wilson.
- The Broncos are hosting New Hampshire tight end Harold Spears for a pre-draft visit, according to Wilson.
Bears Cut Roberto Garza, Sign Will Montgomery
11:33am: The Bears have formally announced both moves, officially signing Montgomery to a one-year contract and releasing Garza (Twitter link).
10:21am: Montgomery is signing a one-year deal with the Bears, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
9:14am: The Bears have informed longtime offensive line stalwart Roberto Garza that he will be released, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). Rich Campbell of the Tribune tweets that the team’s plan is to sign veteran center Will Montgomery as Garza’s replacement.
The move comes as something of a surprise, since the Bears signed Garza to a one-year contract extension back in December, locking him up for the 2015 season. However, the deal was consummated by the previous regime, led by general manager Phil Emery. Emery and head coach Marc Trestman were let go several days later, and new coach John Fox is more familiar with Montgomery, having coached him in Denver last season.
Garza, who turned 36 last month, had been with the Bears since the 2005 season, playing 154 regular season contests (145 starts) during that stretch, primarily at center and right guard. While he’s in his mid-30s, he was reasonably effective last season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). PFF’s metrics graded him as a below-average pass blocker, but a positive run-blocking grade increased his overall ranking to 21st among 41 qualified centers.
Montgomery, meanwhile, ranked 15th on that same PFF list of qualified centers, with a +4.9 pass-blocking grade buoying his overall mark. The 32-year-old spent five seasons in Washington before joining the Broncos a year ago.
Garza’s old one-year contract with the Bears reportedly included a $75K signing bonus, which would have been prorated across the 2014 and 2015 seasons. As such, Chicago should only be left with $37.5K in dead money on its books after cutting him.