Draft Updates: Clowney, Bortles, Robinson
With no throws to make or brooms to evade, Jadeveon Clowney‘s Pro Day may not have had the fanfare of Johnny Manziel‘s event at Texas A&M, but plenty of coaches and executives showed up to watch Clowney at South Carolina today. Following his Pro Day, Clowney will make visits to work out for the Rams and Falcons, he confirmed today, according to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
Here’s more on May’s draft and the 2014 class of prospects:
- The Browns are conducting their private workout with Blake Bortles today, a source tells Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter link).
- Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson is visiting the Rams in St. Louis today, tweets Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.
- Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link) hears from several sources that Clemson cornerback Bashaud Breeland, who had dinner with GM Trent Baalke following his Pro Day, is drawing “heavy interest” from the 49ers.
- The Panthers worked out Wyoming defensive back Marqueston Huff today and will do the same for Wyoming wideout Robert Herron and quarterback Brett Smith on Thursday, says Gil Brandt of NFL.com (Twitter links).
- According to Brandt (via Twitter), Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning has nine workouts lined up with nine NFL teams, including the Jaguars, Browns, and Patriots.
- Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (all Twitter links) passes along details on three prospects visiting the Titans: Auburn running back Tre Mason, who left Nashville today; West Virginia running back Charles Sims, who will visit later this week; and UCLA edge defender Anthony Barr, who will be in town next Tuesday.
- The Bills hosted Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk, and Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier today, according to the team.
NFC Notes: Soliai, Seahawks, Vikings, Lions
New Falcons defensive tackle Paul Soliai signed one of the more unexpectedly lucrative long-term deals of the offseason last month, agreeing to a five-year, $33MM contract with Atlanta. Agent David Canter was responsible for negotiating that deal, and he walked ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure through the process that led to he, Soliai, and the team agreeing to that figure.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Although the Seahawks haven’t retained notable players like Golden Tate, Red Bryant, and Chris Clemons this offseason, GM John Schneider tells ESPN 710 Seattle that he’s pleased with the team’s free agent period, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times outlines.
- Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link) hears from multiple sources that the Vikings are “heavily leaning” toward LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger in the second round of May’s draft, with a preference for a linebacker like Khalil Mack in the first round.
- The Lions continue to pursue defensive upgrades, with the team focused on improving at cornerback and finding a “flamethrower” at outside linebacker. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News has the details on the team’s secondary search, while Kyle Meineke of MLive.com passes along head coach Jim Caldwell‘s quotes on the need for an outside pass-rusher.
- Former Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan made a pre-draft visit with the Lions today, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter). Twentyman adds in a second tweet that Lewan will meet with the Rams next, while Gil Brandt of NFL.com says (via Twitter) the Michigan tackle worked out for the Falcons yesterday.
- According to Brandt (via Twitter), former Missouri defensive end Kony Ealy worked out for the Panthers today and will do the same for the Falcons tomorrow.
- The 49ers are eyeing safeties in next month’s draft, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
NFC Notes: Moore, Panthers, Bailey, Rams
We’ve taken a turn around the NFC North and the NFC East, so let’s cover the news items in the rest of the NFC:
- Receiver Marlon Moore, formerly of the Dolphins and 49ers, will have a tryout with the Buccaneers, tweets Howard Balzer. Moore is more of a special teams contributor than an offensive weapon.
- Sam Houston State running back Timothy Flanders will visit with the Saints, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter).
- The Panthers, who could still use help at receiver and on the offensive line, will “keep their eye out for free agent bargains,” but are mostly preparing for the draft, says Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link).
- The 49ers have several cornerbacks who have had run-ins with the law, including the recently-arrested Chris Culliver, and veteran Champ Bailey could be a valuable addition to replace some of the leadership lost with the departures of Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown, writes Matt Barrows the Sacramento Bee.
- Another NFC West team looking to add to its secondary is the Rams, opines ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner. “It would have been nice [to add a veteran], but honestly that market got priced out of what we were looking for,” said head coach Jeff Fisher. Wagoner expects the team to add a cornerback at some point in the draft.
FA Notes: Patterson, Rogers, Fox, Hall
DeSean Jackson may be the biggest name on the free agent market these days, but he’s not the only potential difference-maker still available. Let’s round up a few of the latest news and notes related to a few other free agents still on the board…
- After missing out on a handful of cornerbacks earlier in free agency, the Jets are hosting ex-Dolphin Dimitri Patterson today, tweets Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
- Another free agent cornerback, Carlos Rogers, is scheduled for a visit with the Raiders today, tweets Colleen Dominguez of Fox Sports.
- The Chiefs are hosting free agent offensive tackle Jason Fox, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). The 25-year-old ex-Lion struggled to stay healthy during his four seasons in Detroit.
- Former Ravens defensive lineman Bryan Hall worked out recently for the Rams, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle wonders if Chris Culliver’s legal troubles could prompt the 49ers to consider veteran free agent cornerback Champ Bailey.
Rams Sign Shaun Hill
MONDAY, 12:24pm: The Rams have officially signed Hill, the team announced today in a press release.
WEDNESDAY, 1:32pm: Hill’s one-year contract with the Rams is worth $1.75MM, with another $500K available in incentives, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
1:09pm: Hill has agreed to terms with the Rams, confirms Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
1:03pm: The Rams appear to be on the verge of locking up a backup quarterback, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Shaun Hill is expected to sign a one-year deal with the team. Hill had reportedly been deciding between signing with the Rams or returning to the Lions.
If and when he finalizes an agreement with the Rams, Hill figures to replace Kellen Clemens as Sam Bradford‘s primary backup. Clemens signed with the Chargers earlier this month, and Brady Quinn remains a free agent, leaving Austin Davis as the only other quarterback on the Rams’ roster. Given Davis’ lack of experience and Bradford’s ongoing recovery from ACL surgery, a veteran QB had been on St. Louis’ offseason wish list.
Hill, 34, has backed up Matthew Stafford in Detroit for the last several seasons, and didn’t throw a single pass in 2013. In his last extended run as a starter, in 2010, Hill performed respectably in 10 starts for the Lions, completing 61.8% of his passes for 2,686 yards, and a 16-12 TD-to-INT ratio.
Draft Notes: Texans, Bills, Rams, Watkins
Buried deep below speculation on how Michael Vick will be utilized by the Jets, Bleacher Report’s Dan Pompei reports that the Texans are working hard to trade the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. According to Pompei’s sources, the Bills, who own the No. 9 selection, might be a possible trade partner, and that the team could potentially select a quarterback. That would be two first-round quarterbacks in two drafts after selecting former Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel with the 16th overall pick a year ago. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle refuted the report, saying (via Twitter) there’s “no way” the Texans trade back to No. 9.
More draft notes from a busy Friday around the league…
- After selecting a wide receiver with a top-10 selection in last year’s draft (West Virginia’s Tavon Austin No. 8 overall), it sounds as if the Rams will forgo making it two years straight, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Despite the gamebreaking ability of Clemson standout Sammy Watkins, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he’s expecting improvements from Austin and Stedman Bailey, and added that he is pleased with Austin Pettis‘ performance in a backup role. St. Louis has the No. 2 overall pick.
- Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, slated to pick No. 10 overall in the upcoming draft, said there aren’t 10 elite players in the draft pool, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Detroit currently has eight selections, including two compensatory picks in the fourth round.
- University of Pittsburgh defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who was unblockable at the Senior Bowl, told ESPN reporter Michael Rothstein that he has visits set up with the Rams and Cowboys, and that he has already visited the Steelers (via Twitter).
- Georgia State wide receiver Albert Wilson has an official visit scheduled with the 49ers, reports DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline (via Twitter).
- A quarterback’s stock whose rising is Southern Methodist University’s Garrett Gilbert, who completed 88 of 89 passes at his pro day, according to NFL.com draft analyst Gil Brandt. Gilbert, who was not invited to the scouting combine, could wind up being drafted as high as the third round now after the performance (Twitter links).
Draft Notes: Manziel, Fiedorowicz, Lee, Latimer
While plenty of schools have held their Pro Days within the last few weeks, none have included more media members or notable guests than Texas A&M’s, which was attended by former president George H.W. Bush, among others. Johnny Manziel, Mike Evans, and the Aggies also attracted interest from most NFL teams, with representatives from 30 clubs showing up to check out the A&M prospects — only the Bears and Browns weren’t in attendance, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link).
According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter links), GMs for the Jets, Texans, Vikings, Rams, Steelers, Jaguars, Bills, and Lions, along with head coaches for the Texans, Vikings, Jaguars, Steelers, Lions, Buccaneers, Eagles, and Raiders were in attendance today.
Meanwhile, Manziel will meet privately with the Texans, Jaguars, Bucs, and Raiders today, as well as the Vikings tomorrow, says Breer (Twitter links). And although the Browns didn’t show up today, they have a private workout lined up with the young quarterback, according to Williams (via Twitter).
Here’s more on the 2014 draft class:
- Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz is scheduled to work out privately for the Cowboys and Texans on Friday, and also has plans to visit the Bucs, Lions, Falcons, and Patriots in the next few weeks, writes Jeff Arnold at ChicagoFootball.com. The Packers and Panthers have also expressed interest in Fiedorowicz, according to the tight end.
- The Ravens are hosting USC wide receiver Marqise Lee for a visit this week, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- Albany offensive tackle Kadeem Williams worked out for the Bucs and Chargers, and moved well in positional drills, a source tells Wilson (Twitter link).
- Indiana receiver Cody Latimer has visits lined up with the Panthers, Raiders, Eagles, Bills, and Lions, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter links).
- Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig will work out for the Falcons tomorrow, tweets Pauline.
- The Dolphins are scheduled to work out a pair of Monmouth players, tight end Mike McLafferty and cornerback Tevrin Brandon, according to Pauline (Twitter link).
- Syracuse cornerback Keon Lyn has visits scheduled with the Dolphins, Lions, and Raiders, says Pauline (via Twitter).
Rams Sign Alex Carrington
THURSDAY, 9:07am: Carrington’s one-year deal is worth $1.5MM, with $1MM in guaranteed money, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
WEDNESDAY, 1:34pm: The Rams have officially announced the signing of Carrington.
TUESDAY, 4:57pm: It’s a one-year deal for Carrington, a source tells Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
3:17pm: The Rams have agreed to terms on a contract with free agent defensive lineman Alex Carrington, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Before reaching an agreement with the Rams, Carrington also drew interest from the Steelers, Raiders, and Browns.
Carrington, 26, started the first three games in 2013 for the Bills, and appeared to be in line for his most significant role yet, but a torn quad sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The former third-round pick, who is capable of playing both defensive tackle and end, played well in part-time action in 2012, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF’s metrics (subscription required) gave Carrington a +8.7 grade in just 352 defensive snaps in ’12, in large part due to his ability to rush the passer — he recorded a pair of sacks to go along with 18 total QB pressures that season.
The Rams’ defensive line, led by Robert Quinn, shouldn’t have a ton of turnover this offseason, with all of last season’s starters on track to return for 2014. As such, Carrington figures to return to a reserve role in St. Louis.
Eagles Favorites To Sign Mark Sanchez
WEDNESDAY, 9:20pm: Sanchez is in Philadelphia to meet with the Eagles and a deal could be done soon, tweets Brian Costello of the New York Post. The Eagles are putting the quartberack through a physical with an eye on his injured shoulder.
MONDAY, 4:23pm: While the Eagles are in the lead to sign Sanchez, it’s “not a lock,” a source tells Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Mehta adds the Browns and Titans to the list of teams that have expressed some interest, and says the Giants probably aren’t a serious candidate for Sanchez, despite having some interest.
4:05pm: As expected, Mortensen clarifies (via Twitter) that the Eagles will at least have to do their own medical evaluation of Sanchez before signing him. As Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets, the Eagles look like the frontrunners for the ex-Jet, but there are still a few hurdles to clear.
3:59pm: Mark Sanchez received a “failed physical” designation when he was officially released by the Jets, but his recovery from shoulder surgery is going well, and it won’t stop him from signing with a new team, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. While it’s not entirely clear if he’s reporting that Sanchez already has an agreement in place, Mortensen at least suggests (via Twitter) that the veteran quarterback figures to land with the Eagles now that he’s a free agent.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com indicates (via Twitter) that it’s not quite a done deal yet, writing that the Eagles will take a “hard look” at Sanchez and his medicals, and may sign him. In a second tweet, Rapoport adds that the Giants and other teams should join the Eagles in the hunt for Sanchez. Earlier today, we heard that the Rams also have some interest in the 27-year-old.
Sanchez, a former fifth overall pick, spent four seasons as the Jets’ full-time starter before giving way to Geno Smith in 2013. After setting career-highs with a 56.7% completion percentage, 3,474 passing yards, and 26 passing TDs in 2011, Sanchez regressed in 2012, with those numbers dipping to 54.3%, 2,883, and 13, respectively.
If he officially signs in Philadelphia, Sanchez would be replacing the man that replaced him in New York, taking over Michael Vick‘s role as the Eagles’ No. 2 quarterback behind Nick Foles.
Extra Points: Allen, Jackson, Clowney, Spencer
The Jets kept an eye on the Jared Allen situation but never made a firm offer before the defensive end signed with the Bears, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Meanwhile, Rapoport adds (link) that the Raiders actually offered more money than the Bears. Oakland was willing to give Allen a deal worth $9MM per year, but he believed Chicago was the best fit for him. What made Chicago such a good fit for the Pro Bowler? Rapoport says he chose the Bears in part because he has a great deal of faith in Jay Cutler‘s ability to win championships (link). Here’s tonight’s look around the NFL..
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In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Field Yates explores the trade market for Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, identifying the Jets, Raiders, Browns, and Panthers as trade partners that could make sense.
- Texans ownership, coach Bill O’Brien, and General Manager Rick Smith will be meeting and dining with Jadeveon Clowney the night before his South Carolina pro day next week, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
- Anthony Spencer remains on the Cowboys radar, but there’s no rush on the part of Dallas or any other club to sign him as the defensive end fights his way back from microfracture surgery on his knee, writes David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. Spencer’s representative Jordan Woy says his client, who underwent the surgery last fall and missed the final 13 games of the Cowboys season, is “structurally” sound and now working on his strength and conditioning.
- Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch likes the Rams‘ signing of Shaun Hill as their veteran backup quarterback for 2014. Hill, he writes, has been one of the better backup QBs in the NFL since getting his first opportunity to start in a relief role for the 49ers in 2007 and now he’ll be reunited in St. Louis with Frank Cignetti, who was the QB coach with SF during Hill’s time there.
- San Jose State cornerback Bené Benwikere, who had 14 interceptions over four seasons, penned a journal entry for USA Today Sports and disclosed that he’s set to work out for the Panthers on April 1st.
- Scouts Walter Juliff and Chris Hall and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson are expected to be the Cowboys‘ representatives at Johnny Manziel‘s pro day, tweets Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram.