2015 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

NFC South Notes: Bucs, Trestman, Draft

January 1st, 2015 at 10:32am CST by Rob DiRe

The Buccaneers had a disastrous 2014, but with the New Year hope they will be able to turn things around quickly. Among their top priorities are landing an improvement at quarterback and finding an offensive coordinator to replace Jeff Tedford, who missed the season after having a heart procedure in August, according to the Associated Press in USA Today.

Buccaneers current quarterback Josh McCown has pushed for the team to hire Marc Trestman as the offensive coordinator, reports Conor Orr of NFL.com. He mentioned his affinity for Trestman to the media, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. “I think Marc is an outstanding coach and an outstanding person and he has a great sense of offensive football, especially quarterback play,” said McCown. “I just know that, for me personally, I played my best football in my career under him. So obviously I have good things to say. But I’ve been around a bunch of different guys over the course of my career, and he was probably the most detailed with game plans and things like that. I really felt like he was on top of it.’’
Today the Oregon Ducks will play the Florida State Seminoles in the Rose Bowl, and the Buccaneers will be watching that game closely according to Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune. The Buccaneers top need is quarterback, and they are expected to draft one with the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Their options will likely be either Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and Florida State’s Jameis Winston, the past two Heisman Trophy winners. General manager Jason Licht will be in attendance for the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and will probably be watching his team’s franchise quarterback one way or the other.
The Falcons also have had a close eye on bowl games since missing the playoffs, with general manager Thomas Dimitroff and assistant general manager Scott Pioli in attendance for the Peach Bowl between TCU and Ole Miss on New Year’s Eve, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
The Saints have 11 players set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, according to Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com. Woodbery writes that none of the 11 will have huge markets for themselves, except maybe Mark Ingram if another NFL team is in desperate need of a starting running back.

Draft Updates: Wednesday

December 31st, 2014 at 7:05pm CST by Luke Adams

NCAA underclassmen have a little over two weeks to declare for the 2015 NFL draft, and several have done so already. Our list of 2015’s early entrants can be found right here, and we have some more names to add to that list today. Here’s the latest on college players forgoing their remaining NCAA years and heading to the NFL:

Simon Fraser University standout wide receiver Lemar Durant has declared for both the CFL and NFL Draft, according to TSN.
LSU cornerback Jalen Collins will enter the 2015 NFL draft, according to Jim Kleinpeter of The Times-Picayune. Collins received a favorable draft grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, which indicated that he should either project as a first- or second-round pick.
LSU linebacker Kwon Alexander will enter the 2015 draft, according to Scott Griffin of CBSSports.com and FOX 6 Birmingham (Twitter link). Alexander figures to be a mid-round pick in the spring.
Stanford cornerback Alex Carter has decided to enter the NFL draft, writes Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle. “I talked it over with my family, and we decided it’s time,” Carter said following Stanford’s Foster Farms Bowl victory over Maryland. The corner will likely be a day-two pick.

Earlier updates:

Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson announced today on his Instagram that he’ll be entering the 2015 draft, according to the SEC Network (via Twitter). Robinson had a breakout junior year for the Bulldogs and is expected to be a mid-round pick in the spring, per WalterFootball.com.
Word is circulating that Houston wide receiver Deontay Greenberry has chosen an agent and is entering the draft, tweets Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net. While Pauline says he likes Greenberry’s game “a lot,” WalterFootball.com’s assessment of the young wideout suggested he should return to school for his senior year. Still, he looks like a potential second-day pick.
Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft has opted to enter the 2015 draft, passing up his final year of college eligibility, coach Kyle Flood announced on Tuesday, according to Keith Sargeant of NJ.com. “I just had a meeting with Tyler Kroft and his dad a little while ago and Tyler is going to declare for the NFL Draft and we couldn’t be more excited for him,” Flood said. “We thank him for all of his contributions and everything that he’s added to our program over the last four years. He has four credits left to graduate, which he should be able to get that done this spring, and we’re looking forward to him having a great career in the NFL going forward.” Kroft is projected as a potential third- or fourth-round pick by CBSSports.com and WalterFootball.com.
Shortly after his Penn State teammate Donovan Smith announced he was entering the draft, defensive end Deion Barnes confirmed that he would also forgo his final year of college eligibility, per a team release. “I talked with my family and we believe it’s best for me to move forward and forgo my fifth year,” Barnes said. The young defensive end has upside, but had an up-and-down college career and will have to perform well in workouts and at the combine to improve his draft stock.

Extra Points: Chargers, Goodell, Peterson

December 30th, 2014 at 10:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Eric Weddle, a Pro Bowler at free safety, is the Chargers‘ only starting defensive back under contract for 2015. He badly wants to see fellow safety Marcus Gilchrist and cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Shareece Wright return to San Diego next year, Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego writes. “Hopefully we’re not starting with three new guys,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get them all back because they all played extremely well this year. We’re a tightly-knit group, and we played well with each other. So, hopefully, they can figure it all out and get them back.” More from around the NFL..

Michael Freeman of Bleacher Report sat down with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss 2014, a year he’d probably like to forget.
Joel Corry of CBSSports.com looked at notable players who cashed in on performance bonuses in 2014, including Elvis Dumervil of the Ravens.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer‘s comments earlier today on Adrian Peterson were rather non-committal, notes Michael Rand of the Star-Tribune.
The Jets have received permission to interview Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan, Browns personnel executive Bill Kuharich, and Eagles director of pro personnel Rick Mueller for their GM spot, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (on Twitter). All three men, along with Trent Kirchner, will interview in the next five days.
Penn State offensive tackle Donovan Smith has decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and will enter the draft, according to a press release from the Nittany Lions. Smith’s 31 career starts are tied for second-highest on the 2014 squad. The announcement comes as a surprise since Smith has had very little draft buzz surrounding him.

Jordan Phillips To Enter Draft

December 30th, 2014 at 4:50pm CST by Luke Adams

Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips has decided to forgo his remaining two years of college eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft, he announced today on Twitter.

“To Sooner Nation thank you for a great four years at the best university in America,” Phillips wrote. “After a thorough but difficult decision I have decided to enter the 2015 NFL draft. Thanks for your support through everything.”

Phillips, a redshirt sophomore, was a disruptive force in the middle of the Sooners’ defensive line this season, starting all 13 of the team’s games and recording 32 tackles to go along with a pair of sacks. Projecting a potential NFL nose tackle, Phillips is ranked as the eighth-best defensive tackle prospect, according to WalterFootball.com. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweeted earlier today that he has a first-round grade on Phillips.

Randy Gregory To Enter Draft

December 30th, 2014 at 7:40am CST by Luke Adams

Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory has formally announced his plans to enter the 2015 NFL draft, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (TwitLonger link). In a statement declaring his intent, Gregory thanked his coaches at Nebraska for helping him take his game to “another level.”

“As I declare for this year’s NFL draft, I’m ready for the next challenge in my life,” Gregory said. “I look forward to the coaching I will receive and the chance to push myself alongside the best players in the world. Thank you to my coaches from all levels, the Nebraska fans, my teammates, and my family who have supported me from the start.”

A junior with the Cornhuskers, Gregory recorded 54 tackles and seven sacks in 10 games for the club in 2014, a year after logging 9.5 sacks as a sophomore. The 22-year-old is viewed as one of the best pass-rushing prospects in the nation, ranking behind only USC’s Leonard Williams among defensive linemen on CBSSports.com’s big board. In Todd McShay’s first mock draft at ESPN.com, McShay had Gregory going fourth overall to the Raiders.

You can find our full list of early entrants for the 2015 draft right here.

Extra Points: Suh, David, Accorsi, Draft

December 29th, 2014 at 10:48pm CST by Zachary Links

Lions star Ndamukong Suh has a chance of winning the appeal of his suspension, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk writes. If Suh can win the appeal, he’ll be in action for Sunday’s playoff game against the Cowboys. While we wait to see how that plays out, let’s take a look at more news from around the NFL..

Discussing linebacker Lavonte David, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht said the team would “like to lock him up now,” tweets Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, adding that negotiations on a new deal are underway. The 2012 second-round pick becomes extension-eligible this offseason for the first time.
The Bears announced today that they’ve hired former Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi as a consultant as the team searches for a new GM and head coach, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Meanwhile, team president and CEO Ted Phillips confirmed today that besides offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, whose contract was terminated, all of the other Bears assistants are still with the team (Twitter link). That includes defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.
Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown and Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon may be playing their final college games tonight, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link), who says both players are leaning toward entering the 2015 draft. The two players’ teams square off in the Texas Bowl.
Former star NFL wideout Cris Carter indicated today (via Twitter) that his son, CFL receiver Duron Carter, will visit the Colts on January 5 and the Vikings on January 9.
According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (all Twitter links), Carter isn’t the only notable CFL player drawing significant NFL attention. Caplan reports that Hamilton Tiger-Cats cornerback Delvin Breaux has 18 teams interested in bringing him in for a visit and/or a workout, including the Eagles, Patriots, Texans, Jaguars, Dolphins, Cardinals, Steelers, Lions, 49ers, and Broncos.
Utah offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi announced that he will enter the 2015 draft, as Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports tweets. Poutasi projects as a mid-round prospect.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Ereck Flowers To Enter Draft

December 29th, 2014 at 8:22pm CST by Zachary Links

University of Miami junior offensive tackle Ereck Flowers will enter the NFL draft, as Matt Fortuna of ESPN.com writes. Flowers projects as a first-round pick and ESPN’s Todd McShay has him going No. 12 overall in his latest mock.

“I could not be happier for Ereck and his family as he prepares to live out his life-long dream of playing in the National Football League,” Miami coach Al Golden said in a press release. “Ereck has made a lot of sacrifices to put himself in this position. He loves football and the competition. I am really proud of him for the maturity and professionalism he displayed throughout this entire process — he is truly making an educated decision and one that is best for he and his family.”

The 6-6, 330-pound tackle started eleven games for the Hurricanes this season, leading an offensive line that helped pave the way for school all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson, who has also declared for the 2015 draft. Flowers spoke with Larry Blustein of the Miami Herald about what went into his decision to go pro.

“I have done everything that I can in college as a football player, and now it’s time to take that next step,” Flowers said. “I believe this is the best for my family and myself. They had told me I had a second-round grade, but I will really look to raise that bar over the next few months. I am very excited about this next challenge in my life and career.”

Leonard Williams To Enter Draft

December 29th, 2014 at 2:11pm CST by Luke Adams

Two-time All-American defensive end Leonard Williams will forgo his senior season at USC and enter the 2015 NFL draft, he announced today through the school.

“This was a very hard decision for me,” Williams said in a statement. “I love USC, Coach Sark and the coaching staff, my teammates and the fans, and I love the game of college football. It’s hard to leave all of that. I know life is never the same once you leave college. But I feel like it’s the right time for me to go. I feel like I’m ready. I’m looking forward to the new challenge that the NFL presents.”

Viewed as a lock to be a top-five pick, Williams is one of the very best prospects available this year, ranking second overall on CBSSports.com’s board, and first on ESPN.com’s. While the Buccaneers and Titans are considered good bets to take a long look at the top quarterbacks available, either team could consider Williams, and if they pass, Jacksonville would be a very realistic landing spot for the USC junior at No. 3. Jaguars beat writers Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com and Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union both published tweets in response to Williams’ announcement suggesting that GM David Caldwell would be very interested in the young defensive end.

Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports reported earlier this month that Williams is believed to have already selected an agent based on a “long-standing family relationship.”

Tevin Coleman To Enter Draft

December 29th, 2014 at 12:19pm CST by Luke Adams

Indiana running back Tevin Coleman has confirmed he will enter the 2015 NFL draft, according to Joe Schad of ESPN.com (Twitter link). “This is my dream,” Coleman told Schad. The junior running back had reportedly been meeting with agents earlier this month, suggesting he was about to make the leap to the NFL.

Coleman, 21, racked up 2,036 rushing yards on 270 carries this season, adding 15 touchdowns to go along with his 7.5 yards per carry. A unanimous All-American, Coleman is viewed as a top-five running back in the 2015 draft class, ranking behind only Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley on ESPN’s current big board. CBSSports.com has Coleman ranked fourth among running backs – behind Gordon, Gurley, and Ameer Abdullah – and 50th overall.

Coleman becomes the sixth underclassmen running back to declare his intent to enter the 2015 draft. Gordon, Gurley, Jay Ayaji, Mike Davis, and Duke Johnson are all headed to the NFL as well. You can check out our running list of early entrants for 2015 right here.

South Notes: Falcons, Bucs, Marks, Pickett

December 29th, 2014 at 10:37am CST by Luke Adams

Discussing his team’s decision to part ways with head coach Mike Smith today, Falcons owner Arthur Blank told reporters – including Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter link) – that he’s seeking a clear leader who has a vision for success, player development skills, and represents the club’s culture values. According to Blank, it’s less important whether Atlanta’s next head coach is offensive- or defensive-minded, and more about finding someone who is adaptable and has a vision, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network. Blank added that the team’s entire football operations will be under scrutiny, and that the head coaching search begins today, with interviews starting as soon as possible (Twitter links).

Let’s round up a few more notes from out of the league’s two South divisions….

Armed with the top two picks in the draft, the Buccaneers and Titans will both have a strong front office presence at this week’s Rose Bowl, per Peter Schrager of FOX Sports and Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (Twitter links). Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and Florida State’s Jameis Winston – the consensus top two quarterbacks expected to be available in 2015’s draft – will square off in the game.
With the Buccaneers considered likely to select a quarterback using the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft, current signal-caller Josh McCown is realistic about his future – or possibly lack thereof – with the team, writes Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.
Jaguars defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks enjoyed the best season of his career in 2014, establishing a career-high with 8.5 sacks. However, his year ended on a sour note — according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (via Twitter), Marks suffered a torn ACL yesterday in Houston. The injury raises questions about Marks’ potential availability for training camp and the start of the 2015 season, and could impact the Jags’ offseason plans.
Veteran nose tackle Ryan Pickett isn’t sure whether or not he’ll retire, but he enjoyed his time with the Texans this season, writes Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. “If I did come back, I’d want to play here,” Pickett said. “I feel like this team is headed somewhere and I’d like to be a part of that.”

2015 NFL Draft News & Rumors