Sunday Roundup: NFC North, ‘Fins, 49ers
Golf takes its yearly ascent to the forefront of many sports fans’ minds today, but before the battle for the Green Jacket begins, let’s take a look at some links from around the NFL:
- The Packers are one of the teams that do not announce which prospects they will bring in for their allotted 30 pre-draft visits, but Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com provides a list of players–compiled by ESPN and other outlets–that have visited, or will visit, with Green Bay.
- The Lions need a new tailback after losing Reggie Bush to free agency, but Kyle Meinke of MLive.com says the team is not targeting a specific type of runner; speed, power, and hybrid backs are all on the table.
- Dan Wiederer of The Chicago Tribune examines the pros and cons of drafting one of this year’s elite wide receiver prospects, which the Bears have the opportunity to do with the No. 7 overall selection.
- There is a deep class of cornerbacks for the Ravens to choose from in this year’s draft, writes Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com. In addition to wide receiver, the secondary is a major area of concern for Baltimore.
- James Walker of ESPN.com wonders if the Dolphins should trade up from their No. 14 overall pick in the draft to land one of this year’s elite receivers or linebackers, and he lists the costs and benefits of such a move. Walker ultimately notes (via Twitter) that Miami has too many holes and too few draft picks to consider trading into the top 10.
- After acquiring Jeron Johnson and Dashon Goldson over the past couple of weeks, Tarik El-Bashir and Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com wonder if Washington should nonetheless invest an early-round pick in a safety, which has been a weakness for the team in recent seasons.
- The Eagles brought in Penn State offensive tackle Donovan Smith for a visit, writes Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
- Despite losing Frank Gore to free agency, the 49ers have a talented pair of running backs in Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush, and as Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News observes, Kendall Hunter will return to the field following an ACL tear that ended his 2014 season before it started. San Francisco’s roster also includes Jarryd Hayne, a former Australian rugby star who is trying to “convert” to American football and is expected to compete as a return specialist and possibly a backup running back. As Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk writes, all of the team’s rushing talent suggests that the 49ers will continue to be among the league leaders in rushing attempts, as they have been in each of the past four seasons.
AFC East Notes: Albert, Jets, Pats
Branden Albert played in just nine games last year, his first in a Dolphins uniform after signing a five-year, $47MM free-agent contract with the club last March. He tore his ACL in a November matchup against the Lions, but as Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald notes, Albert is already in “two-a-day mode” as he fights to return from his injury.
Beasley writes, “Most days, [Albert] wakes up early and either rehabs with the Dolphins’ medical staff or lifts with personal trainer Manning Sumner at Legacy Fit in Miami.” After that, Albert heads into the boxing ring for intense training sessions with Matt Baiamonte, a Wynwood-based boxing trainer. When Albert suffered the ACL tear, the original prognosis was that he would be sidelined for nine to 12 months. But although he will not join the team for on-field activities this spring, he has not had any complications in his recovery thus far, and he plans to suit up for Miami in Week 1.
Albert believes he was at the top of his game before his injury, and if he can get back to that level, the Dolphins, who have a real shot at being playoff contenders in 2015, will have a much-needed anchor on an offensive line that figures to include young guards Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from the AFC East:
- Confirming what we have heard over the past few days, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets that Kevin White, Bryce Petty, and Dante Fowler, Jr. will be visiting with the Jets on Monday and Tuesday.
- Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com believes Jets GM Mike Maccagnan has done a nice job of infusing the team with new talent, but he also thinks that Maccagnan has spent too much time shopping in the Older/Injured Players aisle. As Cimini writes, eight of the team’s 16 new players will be at least 30 when the season opens, and six of the sixteen ended 2014 on IR.
- In the same piece, Cimini examines the motivation behind the Jets‘ recent decision to exercise the fifth-year option for Quinton Coples.
- Despite the presence of Tom Brady under center, the Patriots have drafted more quarterbacks–eight–than all but four teams since Bill Belichick took over prior to the 2000 season. Christopher Price of WEEI.com looks at the reasons behind New England’s decision to consistently add signal-callers despite their enviable quarterback situation.
Extra Points: Manziel, Mack, Vick, Kaepernick
Quarterback Johnny Manziel has been released from his rehab program, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter on Twitter). The 22-year-old is expected to rejoin the Browns on April 20th.
The 22-year-old entered a drug and alcohol treatment facility in late February following a tumultuous rookie season. After being selected 22nd overall in last year’s draft, Manziel disappointed during his first campaign, compiling only 175 passing yards and a pair of interceptions before succumbing to injury.
Newly-signed quarterback Josh McCown figures to be the sophomore’s main competition for the Browns’ starting gig.
Let’s take a look at some more assorted notes from around the NFL…
- Following Mike Pouncey‘s extension with the Dolphins, Joel Corry of the National Football Post says (on Twitter) there is an increased likelihood that Browns center Alex Mack will void the final three years of his contract in 2016 (worth $24MM). Pouncey’s new deal was for five years and $52.15MM.
- Meanwhile, Corry implies that the Dolphins will potentially lead the league in 2016 salary commitments, especially after they exercise Ryan Tannehill‘s $16.155M option.
- Quarterback Michael Vick still intends to play next season, and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that the veteran is hoping interest will pick up following the draft. The 34-year-old will specifically be eying teams that miss out on their quarterback targets.
- Colin Kaepernick has been working this offseason to transform his game and his body. It’s clearly worked, as teammate Vernon Davis almost didn’t recognize his quarterback. “When I saw him yesterday, I didn’t even know that was Colin. No, seriously,” the 49ers tight end told Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “He was working on his dropback and I was like, ‘Who is that?’… You guys are in for a treat. He looks like a totally different guy.”
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.
Draft Notes: Bucs, Fowler, Mariota, Bears
As previously reported, Dante Fowler Jr. visited the Buccaneers, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht “really likes” the Florida pass rusher. However, Fowler himself seems to recognize that he’s unlikely to land with the Bucs, as Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times details.
“They’re going with a quarterback,” Fowler said. “I feel like there’s no need for them to talk to me and waste my time unless something happens with Jameis [Winston] or Marcus [Mariota] or something like that. They know where they’re going. I understand that.”
While the Bucs cover all their bases, Mariota appears to be doing the same thing — Adam Schefter of ESPN.com said Thursday on ESPN 1000 in Chicago that the Oregon signal-caller recently paid a visit to the Bears. Mariota is considered the favorite to come off the board at No. 2, and may not be available when Chicago’s No. 7 overall pick rolls around, but as our Rob DiRe laid out this morning in PFR’s first 2015 mock draft, there are scenarios in which Mariota is still in play at that point. It sounds like both he and the Bears are doing their due diligence.
Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post and the Baltimore Sun has updates on several more draft prospects for us this morning, so let’s round those up….
- Cameron Artis-Payne (RB, Auburn): Met with the Patriots and Browns (link).
- Adrian Coxson (WR, Stony Brook): The Giants were “very impressed’ with him at their local prospect day (Twitter link).
- Tyler Murphy (QB, Boston College): Visiting the Steelers today (link).
- Nick Perry (S, Alabama): Had private workouts for the Patriots and Colts (link).
- Tray Walker (CB, Texas Southern): Visits with the Ravens, Chiefs, Packers, Seahawks, Dolphins, and Falcons, plus private workouts with the Cardinals and Texans (link). Had a previously-reported visit with the Raiders.
Draft Notes: Gregory, Sambrailo, Hundley
Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory, once viewed as a top-10 pick, could fall toward the late first round after his failed drug test. Now, the top-five talent could drift into the early 20s, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). He’ll be evaluated extensively given the concerns, but his agent tells Cole that tons of teams are highly interested in him. The Saints are viewed by many as the most likely destination for him at No. 13 but the Lions, Bengals, and Colts could all be interested if he falls further. The latest draft news..
- When all is said and done, Colorado State tackle Tyler Sambrailo will have met with or worked out for the Colts, Buccaneers, Seahawks, Broncos, Falcons, and Chargers, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The 6’5″, 311 pound athlete is considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in this year’s class. Teams like his versatility and ability to play at either tackle position or on the inside and at least one team told Caplan (link) that they’ve worked him out at center.
- The Cardinals will host UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley for a visit next week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport (link) adds that Hundley has auditioned for the Bengals, Eagles, and Jets. Given the widespread interest in him, Hundley stands as something of a wildcard as we approach the draft.
- The Vikings, Colts, and Giants are all “in love” with Arizona State safety Damarious Randall, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (video link). Miller previously had Randall rated in the second round but he could find his way into the first thanks to his budding interest.
- More from Miller, who says that Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead will not fall further than the middle of the first round. While he’s a boom-or-bust player, the Dolphins, 49ers, and Texans are all high on him and all pick in the middle of the first.
- The Vikings “love” Michigan State shutdown cornerback Trae Waynes, according to Miller. He checks all the boxes for Mike Zimmer‘s defense and while Miller sees him as a late first round guy, Minnesota could make a play for him earlier on.
Dolphins Mulling Trade Into Top 10?
The Dolphins have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league so far this offseason, landing No. 1 free agent Ndamukong Suh and sending a third-round pick to New Orleans in a deal for wide receiver Kenny Stills. And it doesn’t appear that the team is taking its foot off the gas quite yet. According to Rob Rang of CBSSports.com, the Dolphins have been reaching out to clubs picking in the top 10 in this month’s draft to gauge what it might cost to trade up.
Sources suggest to Rang that Miami seems to be targeting a playmaking wide receiver, perhaps Alabama’s Amari Cooper or – more likely – West Virginia’s Kevin White. Despite their trade for Stills and the presence of Jarvis Landry, the Dolphins have been actively seeking more help at the wideout position, having recently brought in free agents Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings, and Wes Welker for visits.
Drafting 14th overall, the top 10 is within reach for the Dolphins, but they may have to leapfrog more than just a handful of teams if they want to have a shot at White, who is viewed as a potential top-five pick. Miami only has six 2015 picks with which to work, though as we saw a year ago when the Bills traded up for Sammy Watkins, giving up a future first-rounder is always a possibility if the Fins get serious about making a move.
Here are a couple more Dolphins-related links for Thursday morning:
- Norfolk State edge defender Lynden Trail is making a pre-draft visit to Miami today to meet with the Dolphins, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Trail visited the Vikings earlier this week.
- Maryland wideout Stefon Diggs, who has previously met with the 49ers and Patriots, is scheduled to visit the Dolphins as well, sources tell Wilson.
- Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald takes a closer look at the Dolphins’ search for a receiver, arguing that the team should continue to look at veteran free agents, such as Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks, and Lance Moore. With myriad options still on the market, it doesn’t look like the Dolphins are in a hurry to lock up any one player.
AFC Links: Ravens, Welker, Raiders, Patriots
Eric DeCosta is one of the hottest up-and-coming general manager candidates in the league. The Ravens assistant GM was asked to interview with the Jets and Bears this offseason, but the 43-year-old declined, just as he had previously with the Seahawks and Raiders. Why refuse an opportunity to become a general manager just to remain an assistant? DeCosta answered that question earlier today (via Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun):
“I get a chance to work with my friends. Every day, I come in and work with my friends. I think it’s a relationship business. In the end, personal ambitions aside, all you have is really your reputation and your friends and your enjoyment in life. And I love Baltimore, the community.
“My wife is from Baltimore. I’ve been here 20 years, my kids go to school here. It’s great. I sit with these guys every day and give everybody a hard time, get a chance to play jokes on everybody every day, and it’s just fun. I enjoy work. I enjoy coming in here. We have a great owner, awesome stadium and best fan base in the country. So, what more do you want?”
There may be another reason for DeCosta to stay put, as Wilson says the executive is “[d]esignated contractually as the Ravens’ general-manager-in-waiting behind Ozzie Newsome.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes out of the AFC…
- Wes Welker‘s visit with the Dolphins ended without a deal, reports Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). The 33-year-old spent three seasons in Miami prior to his tenure with the Patriots. He finished last season with 49 catches for 464 yards and two touchdowns, the lowest totals since his rookie campaign.
- While it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Vic Tafur confirms (via Twitter) that Michael Crabtree wrapped up his visit with the Raiders without a contract. The former first-round pick met with the organization on Monday.
- Stevan Ridley spurned the Dolphins and Washington to sign with the Jets earlier this evening. As the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe notes on Twitter, the Patriots didn’t make “a significant enough push” to retain their free agent running back.
Wes Welker Visiting Dolphins
Nearly a month after the 2015 free agent period officially got underway, veteran wideout Wes Welker has finally been linked to a potential suitor, and it’s a team he has played for in the past. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Welker is paying a visit to Miami today to meet with the Dolphins.
It appeared through the first few weeks of free agency that Welker’s age (34 next month) and injury history might be scaring off potentially interested teams, and there was some uncertainty about whether or not he’d continue his playing career. However, the Dolphins are one club in need of a veteran receiver. Miami parted ways with Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson this offseason, and has hosted Michael Crabtree and Greg Jennings for visits recently, as the team considers potential complements for Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills.
According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Jennings – who visited the Dolphins yesterday – left the club’s facility without a contract, though an agreement between the two sides remains “very much a possibility.” Of course, the Fins may not return to negotiations with Jennings until they talk to Welker and get a sense of the former Bronco’s asking price.
Welker, an 11-year veteran, spent some time with the Dolphins near the start of his career, before the team sent him to New England in a 2007 trade. Since that deal, Welker has racked up 794 receptions in eight seasons for the Patriots and Broncos, and earned five Pro Bowl nods. 2014 was by far his worst season during that stretch, however, as injuries limited him to 14 games, in which he totaled 49 catches and just 464 receiving yards.
Per Salguero, the Texans showed “mild interest” in Welker prior to the start of free agency, but the Dolphins are believed to be the first team to host him for a visit.
Extra Points: Peterson, Jimbo, Mariota, Draft
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is not expected to face any further discipline when he comes off the commissioner’s exempt list, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. For Peterson, being clear of any more punishment was a key goal of today’s meeting with league officials in New York, per Rapoport. Peterson is eligible to be reinstated next Wednesday.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Appearing on Pro Football Talk Live, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher told Mike Florio that he’s received interest from NFL teams in the past, allowing that he “would never say never” to a pro opportunity. With a NCAA title under his belt, and a history of developing quarterbacks, it’s unsurprising that NFL clubs would inquire as to Fisher’s availability.
- Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, having already worked out for the Titans privately, will meet with Tennessee again on Thursday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter link).
- The Dolphins are assessing collegiate linebackers, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, going as far as to send linebackers coach Mark Duffner to spend private time with Clemson’s Stephon Anthony. Miami has also met with Georgia’s Ramik Wilson and Anthony’s teammate, Vic Beasley, and have had several conversations with Utah State’s Zach Vigil, a potential late-round pick, says Jackson.
- Purdue tight end Gabe Holmes, who has already drawn interest from the Cardinals and Raiders, will work out for the Dolphins on Friday, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- Searching for a replacement for Mike Iupati, the 49ers have scheduled an official visit for Utah guard Jeremiah Poutasi which will take place later this month, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
- Both the city and county of San Diego independently voted to pay the cost of hiring consultants with stadium experience as they look for a new home for the Chargers, according to David Garrick of the San Diego Union-Tribune.