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2015 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Schefter, Caplan On Suh, Bucs, Peterson, QBs

January 29th, 2015 at 12:04pm CST by Luke Adams

While most reporters continue to focus on the Super Bowl, which is now just three days away, NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Adam Caplan turn their attention to the offseason in a pair of stories for ESPN.com today, providing a handful of interesting tidbits about coaches, free agency, and the draft. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights from Schefter and Caplan….

  • Many of Schefter’s sources around the league don’t expect the Lions to assign the franchise tag to Ndamukong Suh, since the price ($26.87MM) would simply be too high for one player. Per Schefter, those who know Suh think that the idea of playing in a big market like New York, Chicago, or Dallas has always appealed to him. The Jets, Giants, Bears, and Cowboys could all certainly use a player like Suh, though you could say that about nearly every team in the NFL.
  • There’s a “real sense” that the Buccaneers have their sights set on Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota as the No. 1 pick in April, says Schefter, though he cautions that many NFL execs and scouts consider Jameis Winston the best QB prospect in the draft. We still have three months until draft night, so plenty can – and will – change in between now and then.
  • While the Vikings seem comfortable with the idea of bringing back Adrian Peterson, the veteran running back may not want to return to Minnesota. According to Schefter, at least six teams have already done background work on Peterson to prepare for the possibility that he becomes available.
  • Multiple executives told Caplan at the Senior Bowl that Washington‘s Kirk Cousins and Mike Glennon of the Buccaneers are viable trade candidates, especially for teams looking for stopgap starters for the 2015 season. One NFC team exec said he thought both Cousins and Glennon would be worth a fourth- or fifth-round pick in a trade.
  • Although former Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is coming off a successful season in Buffalo, he’s no lock to coach anywhere in 2015, says Caplan. We’ve heard all along that Schwartz will be patient when it comes to picking his next job, and Caplan notes that there’s still $6MM left on his deal with the Bills, which gives him the flexibility to take his time.
  • Caplan identifies six free-agents-to-be who may fly under the radar this offseason but could really help a team, including running back Roy Helu, linebacker Dan Skuta, and safety Jeron Johnson.

East Notes: Fins, Clay, Pats, Ayers, Washington

January 25th, 2015 at 4:43pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Dolphins would like to re-sign impending free agent tight end Charles Clay, and are preparing an offer with the intention to submit it to Clay’s representatives in the coming weeks, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Clay, who turns 26 in about three weeks, earned $1.431MM in base salary last season, and should be in for nice pay increase despite a somewhat disappointing campaign that saw him catch 58 passes for 589 yards and three touchdowns. I profiled Clay as an extension candidate before the season, and while the four-year, ~$21MM contract I projected at the time now seems a tad high, a $4MM AAV isn’t out of the question.

Let’s look at some more notes from the two East divisions:

  • In the same article, Jackson passes along some other Dolphins news, including Miami’s visit with defensive tackle prospect Danny Shelton, and league-wide interest in Dolphins executives Chris Grier and Adam Engroff.
  • The NFL bears significant responsibility in the DeflateGate scandal, argues Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Despite vowing to investigate the matter fully, the league hasn’t discovered much in the way of evidence or intent, writes Florio. Instead, the Patriots and the NFL as a whole are now being tarnished in what is the most important week in the league calendar.
  • Akeem Ayers doesn’t have any hard feelings towards the Titans regarding the trade that sent him to the Patriots, as the linebacker tells Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal. “They made a decision that they felt like they needed to make,” said Ayers. “…I just took it as motivation and especially being here on this team, I feel like they did me a favor, honestly…I came here and I did a good job here and we’re going to the Super Bowl.” New England acquired Ayers and a seventh-round pick for a 2015 sixth-rounder. A free agent at season’s end, the 25-year-old Ayers registered 20 tackles and four sacks in nine games with the Pats.
  • Washington would like to speak with Packers senior personnel executive Alonso Highsmith about its director of personnel position, but hasn’t heard back from Green Bay as of yet, tweets Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports.

Draft Notes: QBs, Colts, Browns, Chiefs

January 22nd, 2015 at 7:11pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Every NFL team hopes to find its franchise quarterback in the draft, but there’s also a risk that comes with selecting a high-profile signal-caller, as Connor Orr of NFL.com explains. “Everyone is fearful,” one NFC coach said of picking a QB high. “When they draft one, what if they make a mistake? It’s not going to work out too well. The GM, the coach and the quarterback are tied together.” Orr points to Geno Smith, whose failure, along with other mistakes, lead to ex-Jets general manager John Idzik’s firing. But regardless of the risk, the draft offers more promise than does the free agent QB market, where the top options are Mark Sanchez and Brian Hoyer, so clubs will presumably keep trying to hit on college quarterbacks. Here’s more news from the draft arena…

  •  The Colts spent a lot of time with Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony at the Senior Bowl, tweets Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net. CBSSports.com ranks Anthony as the eighth-best inside linebacker available.
  • The Browns seem to be set on improving their blocking up front, according to Pauline, who reports that Cleveland met with both Hobart offensive lineman Ali Marpet (link) and Delaware tight end Nick Boyle (link) at the Senior Bowl.
  • Miami receiver Phillip Dorsett interviewed with the Chiefs, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). As Paylor adds, Dorsett excels at separating from defensive backs, a skill Kansas City could surely utilize.
  • New Washington general manager Scot McCloughan says he’s interviewed “a ton” of NCAA prospects this week, and though he wouldn’t give an exact number, he did say that the staff spoke to prospects projected to go in the sixth round or higher, according to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (on Twitter).

AFC East Notes: Brady, Marrone, Polian, Jets

January 22nd, 2015 at 4:06pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady adamantly denied that he had any involvement in the deflating of footballs during New England’s victory over the Colts in Sunday’s AFC Championship game. “I didn’t alter the ball in any way,” said Brady. “…I was surprised as anyone on Monday morning when I heard what was happening…I have no knowledge of anything…I’m very comfortable saying that” (Twitter links via Albert Breer of NFL.com). Furthermore, Brady stated that NFL has not yet contacted him as part of their investigation, but allowed that they might do so, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) — per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), Brady would be the last person the NFL speaks to, based on Rapoport’s knowledge of the how the league conducts its probes. Here’s more from the AFC East, including a little more on DeflateGate:

  • Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also spoke to reporters earlier today, and one league source found it “shocking” that Belichick shifted the focus of the scandal to Brady, tweets Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Of course, Belichick didn’t accuse Brady of anything improper, but he did say that “quarterbacks…know a lot more than I do,” which struck many as odd.
  • Some league insiders believe that ex-Bills coach (and current Jaguars OL coach) Doug Marrone and Jacksonville executive Chris Polian could be a head coach/general manager pairing in 2016, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link via Mike Rodak).
  • Packers assistant offensive line coach Steve Marshall is expected to join the Jets, presumably continuing to work with the offensive line, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • Kansas State receiver Tyler Lockett interviewed with the Dolphins on Wednesday, and the former Wildcat says the meeting went well, per James Walker of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Zach Links contributed to this post.

AFC South Notes: Chudzinski, Texans, Jags

January 22nd, 2015 at 2:51pm CST by Zachary Links

After blocking interview requests from the Rams and 49ers, assistant Rob Chudzinski could take on a greater role on the Colts‘ staff, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Head coach Chuck Pagano is very high on the former Browns head coach but La Canfora (link) is curious to see whether he re-signs with the club on January 31st when his contract expires of if he’ll seek opportunities elsewhere. More from the AFC South..

  • One of the Texans‘ top priorities during the offseason will be re-signing their most prominent players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on March 10th, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Houston would like to retain cornerback Kareem Jackson, offensive tackle Derek Newton, and outside linebacker Brooks Reed, but if they’re unsuccessful, they’ll have to find replacements in free agency or the draft. Re-signing quarterback Ryan Mallett is another priority, even though the Texans are expected to pursue another QB who fits with what coach Bill O’Brien and quarterbacks coach George Godsey want to accomplish.
  • The Jaguars are seeking a pass-rushing Leo defensive end and a run-stuffing, pass-rush threat at Otto linebacker, Hays Carlyon of The Florida-Times Union writes. Luckily for Jacksonville, it’s a good class for that. “It’s one of the best drafts I’ve seen recently for edge rushers,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “Some are 3-4 guys, some are 4-3 and some can do both. Some juniors that aren’t here are really gifted and will be at the top end. It’s one of the deepest outside linebacker/defensive end groups that we’ve seen in a while.” Louisville’s Lorenzo Mauldin, Oklahoma’s Geneo Grissom, Arkansas’ Trey Flowers, Missouri’s Markus Golden, and Norfolk State’s Lynden Trail could be of interest to the Jags.
  • Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union looked at three defensive tackles that could appeal to the Jaguars in the draft.

Extra Points: 49ers, Gase, Phillips

January 21st, 2015 at 9:28pm CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers continued to pursue Adam Gase as offensive coordinator after bypassing him for their head coaching position, a source told Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. They were not successful, however, as Gase landed with the Bears earlier tonight. More from around the NFL..

  • Former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips could draw interest from the Broncos and Raiders as a defensive coordinator candidate, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
  • The Raiders are hiring Marcus Robertson as their new defensive backs coach, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The team is still on the hunt for its next defensive coordinator, however. Veteran Charles Woodson pushed for the hire, according to Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com (on Twitter).
  • Former Raiders interim head coach Tony Sparano interviewed with the 49ers for their tight ends coach position, a league source told Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
  • The Bears met with a pair of Chicago natives at the Senior Bowl, according to Adam Jahns of the Sun-Times (on Twitter). Defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat (Iowa) and guard Laken Tomlinson (Duke) met with reps from the team.
  • Long rumored to be headed across the Bay, former Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver is joining the 49ers as the team’s linebackers coach and senior defensive assistant, reports Jim Trotter of ESPN (via Twitter). While Tarver may have some input on the play-calling, the Niners are still on the lookout for a defensive coordinator.

South Notes: Saints, Wayne, Buccaneers

January 21st, 2015 at 8:59pm CST by Zachary Links

Years ago, Saints owner Tom Benson designated granddaughter Rita Benson LeBlanc as his handpicked successor. Tonight, he told Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune that he will instead transfer ownership of the city’s two major pro sports franchises (Saints and the NBA’s Pelicans) to his wife, Gayle, when he dies. As for LeBlanc, her offices at the teams’ Metairie headquarters recently have been vacated and her company-issued Mercedes-Benz and cell phone have been seized. More from the South divisions..

  • Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne still isn’t sure if he’ll return for another season as Zak Keefer of the Indy Star writes. “Once I hit Nashville, I’ll figure out the rest,” the wide receiver said. “I’ll make my outline and go from there. I don’t have a plan. I’ve never had one. I just gotta make a couple phone calls, say a couple of prayers and see what route the good Lord sends me.” While it’s uncertain whether the Colts want the aging wideout back, Wayne reiterated on several occasions late in the season that he can’t imagine himself suiting up for any other team.
  • The Saints are just two hours from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, but no member of the team’s coaching staff is in attendance to scout potential draft prospects, writes Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune. “He has his hands full in New Orleans,” Loomis said of head coach Sean Payton. “It’s just the normal activity that you would do,” Loomis said. “Sean felt like the staff would be better served to stay in New Orleans and work on those aspects as opposed to being here.”
  • Heavy-hitting linebacker Denzel Perryman could be a target for the Buccaneers in this year’s draft, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times writes. The University of Miami standout, who is just shy of 5’11”, could potentially be in the mix for Tampa Bay at No. 34. Perryman is often knocked for his pass coverage skllls, but he says he’s determined to show off his improvement in that area.

Draft Notes: Perryman, Dolphins, Lions

January 21st, 2015 at 5:59pm CST by Zachary Links

The Senior Bowl means plenty of draft speculation and talk of the Dolphins tapping local star Denzel Perryman has been a hot topic in recent days. However, drafting Perryman is going to require a long and thoughtful debate in Miami, as Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald writes. While GM Dennis Hickey doesn’t often mind drafting players that do not meet prototypical size and speed requirements (see: Jarvis Landry), assistant GM Eric Stokes does not feel the same way. Perryman, unfortunately, does not have the size one would usually want in a middle linebacker. More draft news..

  • Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin could wind up as the next coach of the Falcons, but he’s not neglecting his duties in Detroit, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. Austin booked interviews with Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton, Ohio State cornerback Doran Grant, Miami (Ohio) cornerback Quinten Rollins, and Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty last night.
  • East Carolina wide receiver Justin Hardy said he a great meeting with the Ravens at the Senior Bowl, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
  • Penn State linebacker Mike Hull and defensive end Deion Barnes have each met with the Eagles at the Senior Bowl, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (on Twitter). Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith and USC cornerback Josh Shaw have also met with the Eagles (link).
  • The Giants met with wide receivers Sammie Coates and Devin Smith, according to Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger (on Twitter).

East Notes: Hughes, Mariota, Murray

January 20th, 2015 at 10:02pm CST by Zachary Links

Bills coach Rex Ryan says that he “absolutely” envisions impending free agent Jerry Hughes returning to the team next season, writes Ross Jones of FOX Sports. However, the defensive end has said that he’s not interested in taking a hometown discount to stay. While we wait to see how that plays out, here’s more from the East divisions..

  • A person familiar with the Eagles‘ offseason plans says the team “is going to try” to move up in the NFL Draft to select Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, Mark Eckel of The Times Of Trenton writes. It won’t be easy, of course, but the Eagles will at least explore going from No. 20 to No. 1 to get the Ducks star.
  • Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News (on Twitter) is skeptical that anyone is privy to Chip Kelly‘s draft plans. He also feels it’s a no-brainer that the Eagles will at least look into Mariota, but it’s far too early for them to start making calls.
  • One team contract negotiator who spoke to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com today indicated that he expects Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to “open his checkbook” and put a 2012 running back market price on DeMarco Murray (Twitter link). The running back position, of course, was valued more highly three years ago than it is now.
  • Michigan State safety Kurtis Drummond has already met with the Eagles and made plans to chat more on Tuesday night, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com (on Twitter).
  • Utah defensive back Eric Rowe apparently has the interest of the Eagles as he has a meeting scheduled with Kelly and Bill Davis, according to Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com (on Twitter).
  • Ryan told reporters, including John Kryk of the Toronto Sun (on Twitter) that he expects to have the Bills‘ coaching staff complete by the end of the week.
  • The Jets spent a significant amount of time with Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett after his weigh ins, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (on Twitter).
  • University of Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman told James Walker of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that he met with the Dolphins at the Senior Bowl.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC South Notes: Colston, Bucs, Falcons

January 20th, 2015 at 7:30pm CST by Zachary Links

A source close to Saints wide receiver Marques Colston tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) that the veteran expects the team to ask him to take a pay cut. Colston is set to make $6.9MM in base salary, but he would be open to a modest cut in order to stay in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears that Colston hasn’t been approached by anyone from the Saints with a request to take a pay cut, nor has he expressed a willingness to do that. Last year, Colston hauled in 59 catches for 902 yards and five scores. More out of the NFC South..

  • The Buccaneers will face a $7MM decision on defensive end Michael Johnson this winter, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains. Per Florio, the Bucs are already on the hook for $7MM in guaranteed money for Johnson whether or not they cut him, but another $7MM will become guaranteed if he’s on the roster past the third day of the 2015 league year.
  • The Falcons like Missouri defensive end Shane Ray, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net. However, Pauline cautions that if the team does in fact hire Dan Quinn, Ray’s hand and arm measurements could become crucial, since Quinn is “a stickler for arm length.”
  • Longtime Saints college scouting director Rick Reiprish says he has been let go, as Triplett tweets. Reiprish says he was surprised by the news, which was delivered to him by GM Mickey Loomis.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

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