NFC South Notes: Panthers, Saints, Bucs
The offseason losses outweighed the gains for the Panthers, and Carolina’s draft picks must grow up fast for the team to repeat as division champs, writes Charlotte Observer columnist Scott Fowler.
After losing Jordan Gross, Steve Smith, Captain Munnerlyn, Ted Ginn and Mike Mitchell, coach Ron Rivera and general manager Dave Gettleman hope first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin and a host of others can fill the large void.
“Status quo is not good enough,” Rivera said. “We’re not going to stand around and be just as good.
“We want to be better.”
More from the Panthers and the rest of the NFC South:
- With the picks of North Carolina safety Tre Boston and San Jose State cornerback Bene’ Benwikere in the fourth and fifth rounds Saturday, the Panthers added depth to the secondary rather than taking a chance on a developmental offensive tackle to replace Jordan Gross, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
- The Observer put together an early two-deep depth chart for the Panthers, slotting in Byron Bell, Amini Silatolu, Ryan Kalil, Chris Scott and Nate Chandler as the team’s starting offensive line from left to right.
- A recap of Times-Picayune reporter Larry Holder’s pick-by-pick analysis of the Saints‘ draft, passed along by NOLA.com’s Christopher Dabe.
- Dabe aggregated a smattering of reviews of the Saints‘ draft, with most analysts giving general manager Micky Loomis a B or a C.
- Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith believes his team has done all it can to be the the team that makes a leap, writes Tampa Bay Times columnist Gary Shelton.
Draft Notes: Titans, Ravens, Saints, UDFAs
Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team considered taking quarterback Zach Mettenberger in an earlier round, but moved up in fear that another team was prepared to take him, reports Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com (via Twitter).
- Titans’ Director of College Scouting Blake Beddingfield says that the team will sign 12 or 13 undrafted rookie free agents following the draft, reports McCormick (via Twitter).
- The Ravens are out of draft picks, but that won’t stop them from aggressively pursuing Missouri defensive end Michael Sam as an undrafted rookie free agent, reports Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter). The team did trade back into the draft, but elected to take receiver Michael Campanaro out of Wake Forest.
- Saints’ head coach Sean Payton says the team will look to sign a quarterback as part of their undrafted rookie free agent class, reports Mike Triplett of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
NFC Notes: Eagles, 49ers, Giants, Packers, Saints, Gettleman
Eagles GM Howie Roseman met with the media following the first-round selection of Marcus Smith 26th overall, and Philly.com’s Jeff McLane had seven follow-up thoughts. Most notably, Roseman shared his initial plan of attack. Plan A entailed the team having a list of six players likely to be gone by No. 22 (where the Eagles originally were position prior to the trade down) but worth moving up for. To the best of McLane’s knowledge, that list included Anthony Barr, Odell Beckham Jr., Kyle Fuller, Ryan Shazier, Brandin Cooks and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
When those players were gone, Roseman was prepared to move down, pick up an additional pick and choose the best player available. McLane is ” not convinced Smith was at the top of that list, but of the players there he played a premium position of need and thus was moved to the front.” McLane also spoke to other teams’ representatives whose grades on Smith ranged from second to fourth round.
Here’s several more quick-hitting, NFC news and notes:
- The Eagles place on emphasis on college graduates, says Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter).
- The Giants drafted Weston Richburg 43rd overall last night, and what made him attractive to the team was his ability to not only block effectively, but handle the responsibility associated with the position, says ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “[Tom] Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese both said the center’s responsibility for handling line and protection calls will increase under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Giants VP of player evaluation Marc Ross said Richburg scored an impressive 31 on the Wonderlic test and impressed the Giants in his combine interview with his intelligence.”
- The 49ers were very active Friday night, making five trades that netted veteran receiver Stevie Johnson as well as running back Carlos Hyde (No. 57), center Marcus Martin (No. 76), linebacker Chris Borland (No. 77) and offensive lineman Brandon Thomas (No. 100). Eric Branch at sfgate.com recaps the team’s busy day here. The 49ers also have seven picks in the final four rounds.
- The 49ers deep stable of running backs now includes Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Marcus Lattimore and Hyde. James wants more playing time and is open to a trade, but the team has no plans to move him, says ESPN’s Bill Williamson.
- The Packers are confident Davante Adams is the next in a long line of productive receivers drafted in the second and third round, writes Bob McGinn in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
- Redskins second-rounder Trent Murphy, whom the team expects to contribute right away as a nickel rusher, “protects the team’s long-term interests at OLB,” tweets NFL Network’s Albert Breer.
- With the selection of big cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste 53rd overall, the Saints continue to build a “Seattle-like secondary,” writes Larry Holder of Nola.com.
- The Panthers announced via Twitter that GM Dave Gettleman will draft remotely via Skype today so he can be present for his son’s college graduation.
NFC South Rumors: Cooks, Falcons, Benjamin
The Saints had no doubt in their mind that they wanted to go with Brandin Cooks at No. 20, writes Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune. “Periodically you have a real strong conviction on a player, and this was one of those players,” head coach Sean Payton said. The Oregon State star tallied 128 receptions, 1,730 yards, and 16 touchdowns last season, cementing himself as a first round talent. More out of the NFC South..
- Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff told 92.9 in Atlanta that there’s no truth to any rumor about Chiefs safety Eric Berry being a trade target, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Dimitroff also said that by the time the Jaguars took Blake Bortles at No. 3, there was no doubt he’d be selecting tackle Jake Matthews at No. 6 (link).
- Dimitroff also told 92.9 that the Jaguars, led by his protege David Caldwell, were his most viable potential trade partner last night, tweets McClure.
- The Panthers hit a trifecta with first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin, writes ESPN.com’s David Newton, as the 6’5″, 240-pound Florida State receiver addresses a need, provides value and makes quarterback Cam Newton happy. David Newton also quotes GM Dave Gettleman, who said “unusual ball skills” and the ability to make contested catches sold the team on Benjamin.
Matt Feminis contributed to this post.
Poll: Best Trade Up In First Round?
While the Texans stayed put at No. 1, and many teams frequently mentioned as possible traders – including the Lions, Cowboys, Dolphins, and 49ers – also stood pat, there were a handful of intriguing moves in tonight’s first round. Five teams made deals that saw them move up in the first round, as follows:
- The Bills acquired the No. 4 overall pick from the Browns in exchange for the No. 9 pick, a 2015 first-rounder, and a 2015 fourth-rounder. Drafted wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
- The Browns acquired the No. 8 overall pick from the Vikings in exchange for the No. 9 pick and the No. 145 pick. Drafted cornerback Justin Gilbert.
- The Saints acquired the No. 20 overall pick from the Cardinals in exchange for the No. 27 pick and the No. 91 pick. Drafted wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
- The Browns acquired the No. 22 overall pick from the Eagles in exchange for the No. 26 pick and the No. 83 pick. Drafted quarterback Johnny Manziel.
- The Vikings acquired the No. 32 overall pick from the Seahawks in exchange for the No. 40 pick and the No. 108 pick. Drafted quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Taking into account how far each team moved up, the price they had to pay to do so, and the player they ultimately landed, which trade up do you think represents the best deal of the night?
Which trade up was the best move?
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Vikings to 32nd (Bridgewater) 38% (550)
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Bills to 4th (Watkins) 23% (332)
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Browns to 22nd (Manziel) 23% (332)
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Saints to 20th (Cooks) 11% (163)
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Browns to 8th (Gilbert) 6% (82)
Total votes: 1,459
Saints Acquire Cards’ No. 20 Pick
The Saints have moved up to acquire the Cardinals’ No. 20 pick, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). With the No. 20, the Saints will select wide receiver Brandin Cooks, La Canfora adds (on Twitter). The 49ers and other clubs had their eye on the Oregon State star, so it was a prudent move by New Orleans to get their desired target.
The Cardinals will move down to No. 27 and also add the Saints’ third round pick (No. 91 overall), tweets Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Many saw the Cards going after a quarterback with their first round pick but with several quality signal callers left on the board, Arizona could be banking on their target sliding down seven picks. Alternatively, the Cards could go with a different position at No. 27 and get their QB later on.
Saints Notes: Graham, Ingram, Draft
When Saints general manager Mickey Loomis addressed the media today at his pre-draft press conference, he told reporters, including Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune (Twitter link), that there were no new updates on Jimmy Graham‘s contract situation. However, that quickly changed, as Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports the NFLPA has filed a grievance on behalf of Graham, related to his positional designation.
This step had been long anticipated by both sides, and it should help expedite the process. Graham’s tight end franchise tag is worth just $7.035MM, so if an arbitrator determines he should actually be in line for the wide receiver tag of $12.312MM, it will significantly affect leverage in long-term contract talks. It also may prompt the two sides to work out a compromise, particularly if it seems as though the decision could go either way.
Loomis also weighed in today on a few other Saints-related topics, so let’s turn to Holder, ESPN.com’s Mike Triplett, and the Times-Picayune’s Katherine Terrell for the highlights (all links go to Twitter)….
- Of the 30 allowable pre-draft visits for NFL teams, the Saints used 29 to host prospects. Loomis also confirmed that the club had the opportunity to talk to every draftable player on its board.
- While other GMs have identified a few positions they’ll be targeting in the draft, Loomis balked at giving away any details on that, presumably attempting not to tip his hand regarding the Saints’ first-round pick.
- Asked about the decision to turn down Mark Ingram‘s fifth-year option, Loomis said it was purely a financial move and not a reflection of the team’s opinion of Ingram. Given the price tags we saw on running backs this offseason, it makes sense that New Orleans wouldn’t want to commit to Ingram on a $5MM+ salary for 2015.
- The Saints are always keeping an eye out for the potential successor to Drew Brees, but that doesn’t figure to be an area of focus this year.
- Although they have some candidates on the roster to return kicks, the Saints will be on the lookout for guys with return ability in the draft.
- There hasn’t been any increase in trade chatter between the Saints and other teams so far this week, according to Loomis. However, if the club decides to try to acquire extra picks in the draft, salary cap constraints shouldn’t be a concern.
- Asked about the team’s plans at center, Loomis was fairly noncommittal, suggesting that it’s difficult but not impossible for a rookie to come in and take over the starting job.
AFC South Rumors: Texans, Jags, Bortles
Jadeveon Clowney is generally considered the top prospect in this year’s draft class, and Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report writes that many people around the league believe the Texans have settled on keeping their first overall pick and selecting the South Carolina end, since it’s the safest move. However, that pick certainly isn’t set in stone yet. Albert Breer of the NFL Network tweets that he gets the sense Houston will remain flexible when it comes to potential options, and any trade may not occur until the club is on the clock tomorrow night.
As we try to search for clues regarding the Texans’ plans, let’s check in on a few more items out of the AFC South….
- According to veteran beat writer John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter), word is spreading among the media in the New York that the Jaguars will select Johnny Manziel at No. 3. Of course, as is the case with any report the day before the draft, this could be a smokescreen — perhaps the Rams are trying to spur trade action for their No. 2 pick.
- A league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that Blake Bortles is one of three players the Jaguars have identified as a potential pick at No. 3. Within Florio’s exploration of where Bortles could land, he identifies the Texans as a possible destination too, particularly if Houston trades out of the No. 1 spot.
- The Colts are among the teams that have worked out Arkansas kicker Zach Hocker, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Hockey, who has drawn interest from more than 20 NFL teams, also worked out for the Cardinals, Saints, and Eagles, per Wilson.
AFC North Rumors: Big Ben, Ravens, Browns
Although Ben Roethlisberger heads into the 2014 season with two years left on his contract, he expects his career to extend well beyond his current deal, as he told 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday (link via ESPN.com’s Scott Brown).
“I feel like I’m in great shape,” Roethlisberger said. “I think I can get five, six, seven more years out of this arm and these legs.”
Roethlisberger turned 32 in March, so another seven seasons would have him pushing 40, but the Steelers at least appear interested in locking him up beyond the 2015 campaign. We heard last month that extension talks between the two sides have been ongoing for a while, and that discussions could pick up later this summer when Pittsburgh picks up some post-June 1 cap space.
Here’s more from around the AFC North:
- The Ravens, who may be targeting a quarterback at some point in this week’s draft, have done their due diligence on LSU signal-caller Zach Mettenberger, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. That means the team is likely aware of a back condition called Spondylolsis, which several teams have medically flagged Mettenberger for, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. While LSU trainer Jack Marucci said it was a non-issue for the QB during his senior season, it would represent a long-term concern for Mettenberger’s NFL suitors.
- Virginia offensive tackle Morgan Moses had 13 private workouts or official visits leading up to the draft, including a visit to Baltimore to meet with the Ravens, writes Wilson at the Sun. According to Wilson, the Saints were among the other teams to host Moses for a pre-draft visit.
- The best approach for the Browns with their No. 4 pick on Thursday may be to trade down, says Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com, making the case for why a move back would make sense for the club.
NFC South Notes: Bucs, Falcons, Panthers
Though the position isn’t necessarily a need, defensive tackle could be an area of focus in the draft for the Buccaneers, writes Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay’s front four includes All-Pro Gerald McCoy, free agent signee Clinton McDonald, and second-year player Akeem Spence, but, in new head coach Lovie Smith’s scheme, tackle is the most important defensive slot, and a solid rotation would be of help. Additionally, a selection of a player like Aaron Donald would be in line with general manager Jason Licht’s “best player available” philosophy. “What we’ve said all along is we want the best player,” said Licht. “Our team needs in September are going to be totally different than what our team needs are right now. The player you take, you may not think we have a need for him now. But a lot of times, you’re thankful you have them when the season starts.”
More items from the NFC South:
- Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff obviously wasn’t happy with his team’s 4-12 record in 2013, and tells Jarrett Bell of USA Today that his “goal is to rectify this with a vengeance.” Dimitroff hasn’t been afraid to trade up in the draft to acquire an impact player (Julio Jones, 2011), and some believe Atlanta is a player for the first overall selection.
- We previously noted that Florida State linebacker Telvin Smith had worked out for the Buccaneers, Falcons, and Panthers, and now Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post adds the Saints to that list, meaning Smith has completed the NFC South tour.
- In a separate post, Wilson reports that Louisiana-Lafayette tight end Jacob Maxwell, a late-round or free agent candidate, has drawn interest from about half the league, including the Buccaneers and Panthers.
- The Buccaneers could afford to trade Mike Williams to the Bills thanks to an especially deep class of receivers, writes Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.
- The Panthers have been highly successful with their first-round selections over the past few seasons, according to ESPN.com’s David Newton, and though Carolina is picking later than usual this year, there is reason to believe they’ll draft a useful player once again at pick No. 28.
- Don’t look for the Panthers to draft a developmental quarterback on Thursday, says Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, because the team likes the presence of new addition Joe Webb, who is focusing solely on QB.
- The Saints have a history of finding gems in the draft, from late-round picks like Marques Colston and Jahri Evans, to undrafted free agents like Junior Galette, writes Sheldon Mickles of TheAdvocate.com.