2014 May - Pro Football Rumors

Seahawks Notes: Price, Richardson, Lynch

May 17th, 2014 at 2:44pm CST by Rob DiRe

Keith Price, former quarterback from the University of Washington, has been shining at Seahawks rookie camp, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Coming from Steve Sarkisian’s offense in college to Pete Carroll’s has eased the transition. Sarkisian was Carroll’s offensive coordinator at USC.

Here are some other notes from Seahawks camp:

Price was excited to have the opportunity to stay close to where he made his name as a college standout, writes Terry Blount of ESPN.com. “I had my mind set here,” Price said. “I was very familiar with the [offensive] system and the coaches. And I love this place. I love Seattle and I love being here. There’s great competition at the quarterback spot, and I’m a competitive guy.” Price will have to compete with Tarvaris Jackson, Terrelle Pryor, and B.J. Daniels for a spot on the active roster.
The quarterback was not the only bright spot of the team’s offensive practices, as second-round pick Paul Richardson has impressed already, writes Clare Farnsworth of Seattle.com. Richardson was on the receiving end of Price’s passes. His 4.33 speed was on display as he ran past the defense, consistently getting open.
Marshawn Lynch is set to star in a movie about his own life, writes Marcus Thompson II of the San Jose Mercury News. Lynch is notorious for avoiding the media, but is excited about the opportunity to showcase his story. “For me, it’s just about having some fun,” Lynch said. “It’s just a fun experience. I also get to the shine light on the community and some of the things that we grew up doing and what we went through.”

Bears Notes: Lynch, Jones, Palmer, Britton

May 17th, 2014 at 1:58pm CST by Rob DiRe

Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch didn’t get a chance to hear his name called at the NFL Draft last week, but he is committed to making an NFL roster with the Bears, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com. Lynch lined up in the backfield as a running back during the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend, fitting in with the other running backs just fine.

“Jordan’s a real football player, there’s no doubt about it,” said head coach Marc Trestman. “In Day 1, he certainly didn’t look out of place.

“It wasn’t tough at all,” Lynch said of his new position. “I’m a football player. I love football, and I’ll do whatever it takes to stay in the NFL. I guess the toughest thing is some footwork drills playing running back and just trying to pick up on little things with special teams and running back.”

Here are some more notes from Bears’ rookie minicamp:

Trestman said the team is closely following the play of undrafted free agent linebacker Christian Jones our of Florida State, reports Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com (via Twitter). Trestman noted his athleticism as an asset for the team.
Although sixth-round pick David Fales is practicing at the team’s rookie minicamp, Trestman still believes Jordan Palmer will be Jay Cutler‘s backup in 2014, according to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times (via Twitter).
Offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer believes the starting five on the offensive line is solid, and that Eben Britton will be competing to be the sixth lineman, reports Jahns in a separate tweet. “We feel good about our starting five,” said Kromer.

Extra Points: Motta, Williams, West, Lewis-Moore, Steen

May 17th, 2014 at 12:53pm CST by Matt Feminis

“There appears to be some doubt about Atlanta Falcons safety Zeke Motta‘s playing status this season as he continues to recover from neck surgery,” writes ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. Motta underwent surgery in December to repair a cervical fracture, but he hasn’t been medically cleared and won’t be participating in the team’s offseason program. William Moore is entrenched at one safety spot, but with Motta out of the picture, that leaves Dwight Lowery, Kemal Ishmael and rookie fifth-rounder Dez Southward battling for the other position.

NFC East Notes: Spencer, Martin, Smith, Moore

May 17th, 2014 at 11:28am CST by Matt Feminis

Cowboys veteran defensive end Anthony Spencer, recovering from microfracture surgery, will most likely start the season on the physically unable to perform list, projects ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins.

Here’s a handful more NFC East notes:

Cowboys first-rounder Zack Martin, praised for his consistency and versatility, is working at right guard during rookie minicamp, and head coach Jason Garrett thinks it’s a natural fit, writes Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News. Meanwhile, Martin has already sought out the help of veterans, and he told Carlos Mendez of the Star-Telegram that Doug Free “is like another coach on the field.”
“Most first-round edge rushers make mild contributions, or almost none at all, in their first year,” says the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, who writes the Eagles are prepared to be patient with first-rounder Marcus Smith if he doesn’t make an immediate impact.
Speaking with Les Bowen on Sulia.com, Eagles seventh-rounder Beau Allen said his predraft interview with the team was more formal and organized than other teams’.
Though defensive end was viewed as a need, the Giants did not spend a draft choice on the position, which shows some faith in second-year man Damontre Moore, writes Conor Orr in the Star-Ledger. Recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Moore hasn’t been cleared for contact yet, but says he’s 95 percent and working towards bulking up 15 pounds.

AFC Notes: Clary, Johnson, Archer, Pats

May 17th, 2014 at 10:08am CST by Matt Feminis

During Chargers rookie minicap, third-rounder Chris Watt was working at right guard, “the same position of Jeromey Clary, who is to make $4.55 million in total compensation in 2014,” writes ESPN’s Eric D. Williams. “Watt lining up at right guard probably is not a coincidence.”

This comes on after an ESPN Insider piece (subscription required) about veterans whose jobs are in jeopardy in which Nathan Jahnke put the magnifying glass on Clary: “Thanks to the drafting of D.J. Fluker in 2013, Clary was moved from right tackle to right guard last year. The move didn’t work out well for Clary, who had the third-lowest run-block rating for all guards per PFF. In addition, the Chargers’ running backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry when running to the left compared to 3.6 yards per carry when running to the right, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Clary had something to do with that large difference.”

Here’s a few more AFC news and notes:

Any rumors of Andre Johnson being reunited via trade with Gary Kubiak in Baltimore were quashed by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com passed along a few Patriots tidbits: The team will carry three quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Mallett), but Mallett is expected to depart via free agency at year’s end; Shane Vereen could earn a contract extension with a healthy, productive season; and 2013 fourth-rounder Josh Boyce, who struggled with the “mental aspect” as a rookie, will “compete for the kickoff return job while also vying for a role as a No. 3-5 option on the depth chart.”
Free agent linebacker James Anderson, who started all 16 games for the Bears last season, tried out for the Patriots, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
On third-rounder Dri Archer, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told Post-Tribune writer Alan Robinson, “We think we got the fastest player in the draft.” The Steelers hope to take advantage of Archer’s versatility, according to Colbert, who says the rookie could be used as a kick returner, in the slot, in the backfield and maybe as an H-back.
When asked about potential surprise cuts depending on how many rookies/young players make the Jaguars, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco mentioned Tyson Alualu, Denard Robinson and Ricky Stanzi as bubble players.
With the Jets adding Daryl Richardson via waivers, Mike Goodson is not expected to be with the team, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).

NFC North Notes: Bears, Houston, Packers, Vikings

May 17th, 2014 at 8:52am CST by Matt Feminis

Following one of the worst defensive seasons in team history, the Bears’ scheme under defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will “undergo significant alterations in 2014,” says ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. “There are some significant changes in terms of techniques that we’re going to play; how we’re going to fit the run, some of our alignments,” Tucker said. “We’ll have some alternative fronts that we’ll play. I’m not sure how much of a difference you’ll see during the OTAs and things like that because we’re going to work to lay the foundation on our base principles and techniques, which will allow us to do pretty much anything we want down the road.” Wright also mentions that the team plans to cross train all of the defensive linemen in an effort to achieve better flexibility and versatility.

In other NFC North notes. . .

Lions veteran cornerback Chris Houston had toe surgery earlier this week, and the team is uncertain if he’ll be ready for the start of training camp, writes Dave Birkett in the Detroit Free Press.
The Packers drafted four defensive rookies. Of the group, first-round safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and third-round defensive lineman Khyri Thornton are expected to contribute as rookies. “There’s a reasonable chance Clinton-Dix will be plugged in as a starter on Day 1 of training camp,” says Tyler Dunne in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “Thornton, while raw, was taken in the third round for a reason. Green Bay envisions him adding rotational juice to the defensive line.”
Because of an NFL rule, Vikings rookies Anthony Barr, Scott Crichton and David Yankey can’t join the team full-time until next month, writes Master Tesfatsion of the Minnesota Star-Tribune. The players’ schools — UCLA, Oregon State and Stanford, respectively — are on quarters instead of semesters, and the players are required to return to school until the term ends in June.
Meanwhile, the Vikings envision third-round pick Jerick McKinnon, an option quarterback at Georgia Southern, as the type of complimentary, all-purpose back that has thrived in so many of offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s units, writes ESPN’s Ben Goessling.

Peter King On Seventh-Round Picks

May 16th, 2014 at 10:54pm CST by Rob DiRe

Seventh-round picks do not always get a chance to make an immediate impact on the field as rookies. However, these picks do have a very good chance of sticking around and collecting a pay check for a year. Last year’s draft saw 48 seventh rounders selected (including compensatory picks). 47 of those players either spent time on the active roster, practice squad, or for the unlucky few, spent the season on injured reserve lists hoping to get another chance the following year. This ESPN stat was shared by Peter King of SI.com (via Twitter).

The frenzy surrounding whether or not a seventh rounder sticks on a team is mostly applied to the fate of Michael Sam with the Rams. King is confident that this shows that Michael Sam should be able to avoid getting cut (via Twitter). Even if Sam is not on the active roster, chances are he will find another role with the team. Hopefully, that role will not be with the injured guys who have to watch the season from the sidelines.

King also writes that Rams defensive coordinator Greg Williams will give Sam every chance to succeed. Sam’s situation is further complicated by the backlash the team would receive it it does cut him.

He has always made his missteps, such as the idea to have a documentary crew follow him around. Luckily, Sam and the Rams were able to postpone the story, so Sam would be able to start his NFL career like a normal late-round pick.

While Sam has gotten the most attention in round seven, there are dozen of players who face similar uncertainties when it come to roster construction. Even if the players are able to make the active roster, getting on the field for anything more than special teams will still be difficult. It is encouraging that so many of these middle of the road prospects were able to find a way to stick through year one, in the ultra-competitive NFL.

Extra Points: Johnson, Williams, Green, Mack

May 16th, 2014 at 10:02pm CST by Rob DiRe

Texans‘ star receiver Andre Johnson and head coach Bill O’Brien have spoken this offseason, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. “We’re going to continue to communicate and we’ve had good discussions, we’ve had good talks,” O’Brien said. “We’ve spoken quite a bit and will continue to do that.”

Johnson has voiced his frustration with the team’s direction. Despite his comments, O’Brien spoke highly of the franchise’s career leader in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Andre and his career here in Houston. The conversations that Andre and I have had have been very positive about what we’re doing here as a team and, obviously offensively, what we’re doing here,” said O’Brien. “As far as what Andre said, I’ll let him speak for himself. I can only tell you from my end we’ve had good, positive communication.”

Here are a few more notes to round out the day in the NFL:

The Cowboys brought in former Cardinals‘ running back Ryan Williams for a workout, reports Carlos Mendez of the Star-Telegram.com. Williams was cut by the Cardinals after the draft. He was a second-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2011, after being one of the top collegiate running backs in the nation. The Cowboys did not draft a running back in this past draft, but have two veterans on the roster behind starter DeMarco Murray, and brought in two undrafted free agent options to compete as well.
Jets‘ running back Alex Green finds himself the odd man out in the team’s backfield, reports Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter). The Jets claimed and were awarded Daryl Richardson after he was cut from the Rams. Green tweeted “Time to officially move on, life goes on regardless. #blessed.”
Raiders‘ first-round pick Khalil Mack wanted to sign his rookie contract as quickly as possible so he could focus on football, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. With the new rookie scale basically setting the terms in stone, Mack saw no reason to wait. “I’m only focused on football and being the best player I can be,” Mack said. “I’m glad that process is done, and I’m ready to go play football.”
Embattled Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla has a tryout with the Packers, reports Chase Goodbread of NFL.com. He will be one of 58 rookie players that will be competing at the team’s rookie training camp this weekend. Lyerla fell off draft boards after a litany of off-the-field incidents, including a cocaine-related offense.

NFC Rookies: Lions, 49ers, Seahawks, Sam

May 16th, 2014 at 7:51pm CST by Rob DiRe

Lions‘ draft picks Nevin Lawson and T.J. Jones have officially signed their rookie deals, reports Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Lawson, a cornerback out of Utah State, was a fourth-round selection. Jones, the receiver out of Notre Dame, was taken in the sixth round. That leaves only three players left to be signed, which Twentyman writes is expected soon.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC:

The 49ers have announced the signing of sixth-round draft pick Kenneth Acker, according to the team’s official website. The SMU cornerback signed a standard four-year deal with the team. He is one of six rookie draft picks to sign his deal.
The Seahawks have officially announced the signing of defensive tackle Jimmy Staten, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). Staten, a fifth-round pick out of Middle Tennessee State, is the third draft pick to sign with the team.
While Michael Sam and the Rams have yet to agree on their rookie contract, the player and team already made one big decision together, as the OWN Network’s documentary on Sam has been postponed, reports Chris Mortensen of ESPN (via Twitter). The Rams have said they prefer to treat Sam like any other seventh-round draft pick.

Cardinals Notes: Peterson, Thomas, Draft

May 16th, 2014 at 6:26pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cardinals’ general manager Steve Keim spoke about Patrick Peterson‘s upcoming contract extension, saying “We’re hoping to try to get something done here in the near future,” reports Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Weinfuss notes that Keim knows he has time to get the deal done.

Here are some other notes from the Cardinals organization:

Cardinals’ fourth-round pick Logan Thomas believes he will sign sometime early next week, according to Weinfuss (via Twitter). The quarterback will likely serve as a backup to Carson Palmer this season, and could ultimately become head coach Bruce Arians’ big armed starter in the future.
Keim had a favorite quarterback in the draft, but never had a chance to draft him because Blake Bortles was off the board with the third-overall pick, reports Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com. He had high praise for the quarterback out of Central Florida.“We liked Blake Bortles a lot … when you looked at his size, his athleticism, his ability to improvise. He doesn’t quite have the arm strength that Ben Roethlisberger had, but he has some of the same skill set with his foot speed and [the] athleticism to get out of the pocket and make plays with his feet as well as stand tall in the pocket and make some of the throws down the field,” said Keim. “And he’s a guy, being a junior coming out, he still had some developing to do … but we think his upside is really big.”
Another player coveted by the Cardinals was linebacker Marcus Smith, according to the Eagles’ Insider Twitter Feed. Smith said he heard rumors that the Cardinals and Redskins were interested in him if the Eagles had let him fall past pick number 26.