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2014 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Rams Eyeing Watkins, Robinson, Clowney?

April 14th, 2014 at 10:01am CST by Luke Adams

The Rams are hosting Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins for a pre-draft visit today, and will privately work out Watkins on Friday of this week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). St. Louis, with the second and 13th overall picks in this year’s draft, has taken a look at several of the year’s top prospects, but Rapoport thinks the team’s pick at No. 2 could come down to Watkins, offensive tackle Greg Robinson, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Both Robinson and Clowney have already visited St. Louis.

Of the teams with top-five picks, the Rams appear to be the only one without any real interest in the top tier of quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. As such, the club can focus on the best players available at other positions, which includes guys like Watkins, Robinson, and Clowney. While Clowney ranks as perhaps the best overall prospect in the draft, defensive end also isn’t a real position of need for the Rams at the moment, whereas wide receiver is a spot where the team could use an upgrade. It’s also possible Clowney won’t be on the board when the Rams pick at No. 2, but it’d be a real surprise if Watkins or Robinson was unavailable.

If the Rams pass on Watkins, they’ll likely draft a receiver later on, and one candidate could be Indiana’s Cody Latimer. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter), Latimer is visiting the Rams.

King’s Latest: Clowney, Savage, Jags, Mack

April 14th, 2014 at 8:39am CST by Luke Adams

Peter King of TheMMQB.com shares a few notable draft updates to lead off his latest column, so let’s dive right in and check out the highlights….

  • Jadeveon Clowney won’t be working out for any more NFL teams, according to King, who says that Clowney and his camp have turned down at least three clubs hoping to work out the standout defensive end. The decision, which stems from the torn ACL suffered by Brandon Thomas during a workout with the Saints, was met with mixed reactions from the general managers who spoke to King. While it shouldn’t have a real impact on Clowney’s draft stock, at least one GM was disappointed not to get a closer look at the South Carolina defender: “I’d want the guy who’s going to be coaching him to put him through some of our drills, and see how he responds.”
  • Pittsburgh quarterback Tom Savage is one of the draft’s hottest names, and has such a full calendar this month that he literally has no room to schedule more visits. By the end of April, Savage will have visited with or worked out for 24 or 25 teams, says King. There’s a good chance that the young signal-caller could be drafted ahead of players like A.J. McCarron, Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger.
  • Four quarterback-needy teams with top-five picks – the Texans, Jaguars, Browns, and Raiders – are “strongly considering” passing on the position in the first round, according to King. Those teams aren’t necessarily in love with any of the top quarterbacks, and may prefer to take a surer thing at another position. I’d be pretty surprised if all four of those clubs decided not to draft a QB in round one, but it sounds like at least a couple could pass.
  • The Jaguars “really like” Jimmy Garoppolo, who could be available when Jacksonville picks in the second round.
  • King also explores the Alex Mack situation, suggesting that the Jaguars‘ willingness to negotiate with Mack and offer him $18MM+ guaranteed could buy some good will for the team next time the veteran center hits free agency. King adds that Mack likely won’t forget that the Browns, who had plenty of cap space and for whom the 28-year-old has never missed a game, didn’t choose to pay him until their hand was forced. I’m not sure I fully agree with King on that point, since simply using their transition tag on Mack indicated that the Browns were serious about keeping him around and paying him a significant salary. Still, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in two years when Mack has the chance to opt out.

Extra Points: Options, Bucs, Ravens, Panthers

April 13th, 2014 at 10:16pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The new CBA could hinder the availability of elite talent on the free agent market, writes John Clayton of ESPN.com. With long-term contract prices exceedingly high, teams will look to use the fifth-year option on many 2011 first-round-picks who would’ve been free agents after the upcoming season. Players like Cam Newton, Von Miller, and A.J. Green will likely have their options picked up by their respective teams, followed by progressive talks towards long-term deals. Compounding the situation is the fact that the top seven picks of the 2010 draft have contracts that do not expire until after the 2015 season. Because teams will have to conserve cap space to hammer out inevitable extensions for star-level players, mediocre free agents may have to be willing to sign for less money than might be expected.

More NFL notes to close out your weekend:

  • The Buccaneers plan to draft a quarterback, but in what round is still a question, says Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Johnny Manziel remains a possibility if he slips to pick No. 7, as Bucs coach Lovie Smith noted: “I had time to watch quite a few games, and I had a chance to watch him — a lot. So you add all that up.”
  • Boise State offensive lineman Matt Paradis, who worked out for the Patriots on Wednesday, recently visited with the Broncos, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
  • The Ravens have improved this offseason, but their offensive line (particularly left guard and right tackle) is still in flux, writes Greg Bedard of the MMQB.com.
  • The Panthers receiving corps and offensive line are both listed among Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness’ list of offensive units that took a step back this offseason (via ESPN insider – subscription required). Carolina lost pass-catchers Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, and Ted Ginn, while their offensive line suffered the retirement of Jordan Gross and is still awaiting the decision of Travelle Wharton.
  • On the Over the Cap podcast (audio link), Jason Fitzgerald stated that he believes the Chiefs will extend quarterback Alex Smith this summer. Signing Smith, whose contract expires after the upcoming season, would lower his cap figure and allow the team more cap space, enabling them to negotiate new deals for young players like Justin Houston.

NFC Notes: Smith, Cowboys, Seahawks, Bell

April 13th, 2014 at 8:53pm CST by Dallas Robinson

49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested this afternoon at Los Angeles International Airport following an incident where he allegedly falsely indicated that he possessed a bomb, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. The episode reflects poorly not only on a Niners team that has dealt with several off-the-field issues over the past month (the Colin Kaepernick investigation and the Chris Culliver arrest), but also on Smith himself, who has been embroiled in personal struggles over the past year, including missing five games last season while spending time in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.

This incident could have implications on Smith’s future with the 49ers: as ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson points out, the team has not decided whether to pick up the fifth-year option they hold on Smith. If San Francisco decides that the young edge rusher’s personal issues make him too difficult to trust, they could opt to decline the option, estimated to be worth more than $9MM. The deadline to decide on the option is May 3.

Other news from the NFC:

  • Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News examines the Cowboys draft strategy regarding developmental quarterbacks, and wonders why the team hasn’t copied the strategy of the Patriots and Packers and drafted an heir apparent to Tony Romo.
  • The Seahawks might look ahead to 2015 needs rather than simply draft to fill immediate positional vacancies in the upcoming draft, writes Andy Benoit of the MMQB.com. Seahawks general manager John Schneider is a forward-thinking executive, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him eschew a pressing receiver need in favor of stockpiling defensive talent.
  • Byron Bell is expected to slide from right to left tackle for the Panthers, helping to replace the void created by Jordan Gross‘ retirement, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. Bell was below-average last season according to Pro Football Focus (-2.8 grade), but both Gross and coach Ron Rivera think Bell should be much improved in 2014. Additionally, Carolina’s tight cap situation meant they couldn’t sign a free agent left tackle, and the premier options in the draft likely won’t last until pick No. 28, so Bell looks to be the team’s only option.

Draft Notes: Lions, Falcons, 49ers, Pats

April 13th, 2014 at 6:01pm CST by Ben Levine

The Lions are hoping to make it back to the playoffs in 2014, and Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com believes that the team is one player away from being a true contender. With that said, there are plenty of different directions the Lions could go in during the draft. If they select a wide receiver like former Clemson standout Sammy Watkins, Rothstein says the offense “would look extremely talented.” Of course, Rothstein also adds that it may be in the team’s best interest to draft defense.

Here are some more draft notes from around the NFL…

  • A Falcons congregation travled to Towson University to workout running back Terrance West and cornerback Jordan Love, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
  • The 49ers will bring in former Sooners cornerback Aaron Colvin for a pre-draft visit, reports Eric Branch of SFGate.com. Colvin is currently rehabbing from an ACL tear sustained during the Senior Bowl.
  • Considering Vince Wilfork‘s age and questionable future in New England, the Patriots need another elite defensive tackle, writes Tom E. Curran of CSNNewEngland.com. Specifically, Curran looks at Notre Dame’s Louis Nix, stating that the defender would be “the most reasonable replacement” for Wilfork.
  • One scout referred to Jadeveon Clowney as “spoiled” and “lazy,” writes Mark Eckel of the Times of Trenton. While the scout can’t see Clowney overcoming his apparent lack of commitment, he still acknowledges that the defensive end will be a top-five pick.

AFC Notes: Finley, Browns, Chiefs, Patriots

April 13th, 2014 at 4:33pm CST by Dallas Robinson

An assortment of items from around the AFC:

  • The Dolphins have engaged in talks with free agent tight end Jermichael Finley, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Finley, who suffered a bruised spinal cord last season, played under ‘Fins head coach Joe Philbin when both were with the Packers.
  • The two players that most interest the Browns at pick No. 4 are Sammy Watkins and Greg Robinson, and the team could trade down if neither is available, writes Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. However, Cabot also cautions that if Cleveland wants a top-flight quarterback, they shouldn’t wait until to pick No. 26 to select one.
  • Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star believes the Chiefs should look to trade safety Eric Berry, citing cap flexibility, the need to stockpile draft picks, and the relative ease of finding in-the-box safeties. Dealing Berry, whom Pro Football Focus graded as the third-best safety in the league last season, would save the Chiefs a little over $11MM in cap space over the next two seasons. I don’t see such a trade coming to fruition, as Berry is an excellent player, and the cap room gleaned would only be useful next offseason, since all the name free agents have already signed this offseason.
  • Duron Harmon is the leading candidate to take over as the Patriots strong safety now that Steve Gregory has been released, writes Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Harmon, at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, would add an imposing presence to a backfield that has gotten progressively smaller over the past few seasons.
  • Joel Corry of the National Football Post looks at what the Jaguars could have done to ensure that the Browns did not match their offer sheet to Alex Mack; among the options, the Jags could have considered guaranteeing all $42MM in the contract, which would have been unprecedented.
  • The Raiders’ defensive line should be among the most improved defensive units in the league next season, writes Rick Drummond of Pro Football Focus (via ESPN Insider – subscription required). Oakland added Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith, and LaMarr Woodley, all of whom had excellent PFF grades in 2013.

AFC Mailbag Roundup: Chiefs, Colts, Steelers

April 13th, 2014 at 1:54pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We took at a look at the most recent mailbag segments involving NFC teams, so let’s do the same for the AFC:

  • Though Johnny Manziel doesn’t figure to be around when the the Chiefs at No. 23, Teddy Bridgewater might be in for a draft-day fall. If he does slip, don’t be surprised if Kansas City pulls the trigger on the young quarterback, writes Terez A. Paylor of ESPN.com. The selection would make sense, as Alex Smith is entering the final year of his contact.
  • The oft-criticized Colts offensive line is still in flux, according to ESPN.com’s Mike Wells. Donald Thomas, returning from a torn ACL, is expected to man one guard spot, while Lance Louis and Hugh Thornton will battle for the other guard position. The most intriguing position may be center, where the team seems to want Khaled Holmes to beat out recent addition Phil Costa for the starting role.
  • Third-year Steelers safety Robert Golden could be the victim of a roster crunch, says Scott Brown of ESPN.com. Golden played only 51 snaps on defense last season, but excelled on special teams.
  • Though Kevin Boothe might be the better player, Khalif Barnes could be the favorite for the Raiders left guard position, writes Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. Boothe is set to be the backup center, and the need to keep him fresh for that role could mean Barnes will enter the starting lineup.
  • ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco doesn’t believe Jaguars will draft a quarterback with the third overall selection, but he does think QB is an option later in the draft. Zach Mettenberger and Jimmy Garoppolo seem to be among the Jags preferred choices.

Draft Day Trades: Redskins, Rams, Pats

April 13th, 2014 at 8:43am CST by Rory Parks

As we have heard throughout the offseason, the depth of this year’s draft class will make teams more inclined to trade down in the draft rather than trade up. However, as the 2014 draft draws ever closer, and as more prospects get the opportunity to show off their skills at various pro days and official visits, some of those prospects may start to shine a little brighter in the eyes of certain clubs.

When that happens, we start to hear rumors that some teams may be willing to trade up, to sacrifice a pick or two (or three or four) in a deep draft in order to land the player they covet, just as the Falcons did to take Julio Jones in 2011 and the Broncos did to nab Tim Tebow one year earlier. Here are some quick notes regarding draft-day trades:

  • The Redskins, who are without a first-round pick in this year’s draft, do hold an early second-rounder, No. 34 overall. Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com believes the reversing fortunes of two young signal-callers may allow Washington to add to its satchel of picks. LSU QB Zach Mettenberger‘s stock is on the rise while Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater‘s is on the decline, and both players might be available after the first round closes on May 8. Quarterback-needy teams that filled a different position in the first round may be looking to land one of those two players in the early stages of the second, which would put the Redskins in a prime position to swing a deal.
  • The Jaguars have 11 total picks in the draft, including the N0. 3 overall selection, but GM Dave Caldwell has indicated he wants to add more, according to Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union. The Rams, who have the No. 2 overall pick, may want to trade down as well; the Falcons have expressed interest in making a deal with St. Louis, and it was recently reported the Lions might be willing to trade up to land Clemson WR Sammy Watkins.
  • As Stellino notes, the Rams and Jaguars could switch spots in the first round, giving Jacksonville the opportunity to land Texas A&M tackle Jake Matthews, who has been linked to the Rams in various mock drafts. Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reported that the Jaguars are interested in Matthews, but perhaps not with the No. 3 (or No. 2) overall pick. They would be more inclined to draft the seasoned tackle if they traded back a few spots.
  • Although his willingness to trade back in the draft is the aspect of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick‘s draft strategy that is discussed the most, he has had just as much success moving up, writes Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. She notes that the Pats seem to be in “go-for-it mode,” so they may stand pat and make a selection with their No. 29 overall pick, or even consider moving up. However, given the depth of this year’s class, she believes the chances New England drops back is “fairly strong.” Guregian cites NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt, who believes there is not much difference between picks 25 and 40.

 

Extra Points: Mack, Dolphins, Manziel

April 12th, 2014 at 9:45pm CST by Zachary Links

It was rocky there for a while, but Alex Mack says that there’s no bad blood between him and the Browns now that he’s back in the fold. “It’s been a long, hard road, but I’m here and I’m happy,” Mack told Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer. “I’m excited. I’m fired up. There’s no bad blood. Now that it’s done, I’m happy.” The new deal, which averages $8.4MM a year, makes Mack the highest paid center in the NFL and gives him the opportunity to become a free agent after two years. More from around the NFL..

  • Today’s mailbag with Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com was, unsurprisingly, filled with questions regarding the Browns and Mack. One reader asks if there could have been an easier and less stressful way for the Browns to retain their Pro Bowler. Grossi says that the best way to avoid a repeat would be for Cleveland to be proactive with their pending free agents and re-sign core guys a year before their contracts lapse.
  • In his Twitter mailbag, a reader asks James Walker of ESPN.com about the Dolphins‘ running back picture. Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee, and Marcus Thigpen will all be fighting for roster spots and since Thigpen can also pitch in as a kick returner and receiver, it’ll be Thomas and Gillislee fighting for one spot on the depth chart.
  • Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal believes that Johnny Manziel has the swagger needed to succeed in a tough quarterback town, but he wonders if it will be enough to convince the Browns to bet on him.
  • USC junior free safety Dion Bailey has met with the Panthers and the Bengals, a league source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Bailey intercepted five passes last season and had 61 tackles with 6.5 for losses and is drawing middle-round grades from draft analysts.
  • Should the Buccaneers draft a top wide receiver to pair with Vincent Jackson or a quarterback for the future? Gary Shelton of the Tampa Bay Times says Tampa Bay needs to go out and get a signal caller to succeed Josh McCown.

East Rumors: McClain, Herron, Cowboys, Pats

April 12th, 2014 at 6:24pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier today, Terrell McClain joined SiriusXM NFL Radio to discuss signing with the Cowboys and explained that Rod Marinelli had a lot to do with his choice (transcript courtesy of The Dallas Morning News). “It factored in a lot. He actually came down to my pro day and actually did the drills at my pro day three years ago when I was coming out of college, so I had a chance to talk to him. He was telling me all about himself. He’s a great guy, a great coach and I’m really fortunate to be able to be coached by him the next three years,” McClain said. The latest from the AFC and NFC East..

  • In his latest draft diary entry for USA Today, Wyoming receiver Robert Herron discussed his visit to New Orleans and disclosed that he’ll visit with the Dolphins in the near future. The Rams have also reached out to Herron, who had 72 catches for 937 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns in 2013.
  • The Cowboys are willing to invest resources in developing a quarterback, just not draft picks, writes Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News. Dallas has drafted the fewest quarterbacks of any team since 2000 and we shouldn’t expect them to break that cycle this year. The Cowboys are looking to resurrect the career of signal caller Brandon Weeden in an effort to solidify things behind top signal caller Tony Romo.
  • Arjuna Ramgopal of WEEI.com looks at Charles Sims of West Virginia as a prospect who could potentially be a target of the Patriots. The 6’0″, 214 pound tailback has shown that he is a strong, quick back with good speed burst and great field vision. As it stands, Sims projects to come off the board in Round 3 or 4.
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