2015 April - Pro Football Rumors

AFC Notes: Hightower, Broncos, Titans

April 19th, 2015 at 8:54am CST by Rory Parks

In addition to putting the finishing touches on their big board, the Patriots have a number of personnel decisions to make before draft day, writes Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald. Specifically, New England needs to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year options on linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive end Chandler Jones (the deadline for teams to exercise that option is May 3, one day after the conclusion of the draft).

The fifth-year option would prevent both players from becoming free agents after the 2015 season, so on the surface it appears like an easy decision. And for Hightower, Guregian believes it is. She says not only should the Patriots exercise the option, they should lock Hightower up long-term. Guregian points to Hightower’s critical role in the team’s Super Bowl run last season, which included establishing himself as a playmaker, a leader, and a play-caller in Jerod Mayo‘s absence.

Although Jones represents something of a more difficult decision, as injuries and his struggles against the run tip the scales towards the one-year option rather than a multi-year extension, Guregian writes that Hightower, along with Jamie Collins, are the future of the New England’s defense and should be treated accordingly.

Let’s take a look at a few more notes from the AFC:

The Dolphins will have an official visit with LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins next week, writes Omar Kelly of The Sun-Sentinel. One league source pegs Collins as the frontrunner for Miami’s first-round pick, No. 14 overall, if he is still available when the Dolphins are on the clock.
Mike Klis of The Denver Post expects the Broncos to trade up from their No. 28 overall pick, noting that the team has 10 picks but is in win-now mode and does not have 10 available roster spots.
In the wake of the persistent Philip Rivers-to-Tennessee rumors, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe offers his two cents, asserting his belief that a trade will not happen. For one, although Rivers is by no means a young man relative to other professional athletes, his durability and consistent level of play suggest it is far to soon to worry about his performance taking a sudden downturn. Furthermore, Marcus Mariota, who the Chargers would presumably draft to replace Rivers, is by no means a surefire prospect, which suggests San Diego should stay put at the No. 17 overall pick in the draft and continue to roll with Rivers.
Similarly, Volin believes the Titans‘ statements regarding how much they like second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger are not a ruse. Given the stalled progress of passers like Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick, Volin believes Tennessee did not make those statements in an effort to disguise their desire to draft Mariota.

AFC Links: Dolphins, Robinson, Steelers

April 18th, 2015 at 11:13pm CST by Sam Robinson

A quest to bring another receiver to Miami to join Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry will conclude soon, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The two receiving prospects at the top of the Dolphins‘ list for their No. 14 selection are DeVante Parker and Breshad Perriman, the Nos. 8 and 20 overall talents available in the draft, according to Scouts Inc.

Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong serves as an option for the Fins in a trade-down scenario, notes Jackson, with Sammie Coates (Auburn), Phillip Dorsett (Miami) and Devin Smith (Ohio State) potentially there if the team addresses another need in Round 1. The Dolphins brought in each of the latter trio for visits.

Smith averaged 28.2 yards per reception last season, while Mel Kiper rates Dorsett as one of the class’ safest bets. Jackson also places Dorial Green-Beckham among this contingent who could be on the board for Miami at No. 47, with Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller reporting the Dolphins have “fallen in love” with the boom-or-bust prospect. It’s unlikely the elite-tools prospect falls that far. Our Rob DiRe lists DGB among first-round possibilities in his recent look at the 2015 class’ wideouts.

The Dolphins have worked out late-round hopefuls R.J. Harris and Harold Spears (New Hampshire), and Zach D’Orazio (Akron), per Jackson.

Elsewhere in the AFC as the week winds down …

The Steelers‘ depth chart suggests they need cornerback help following Ike Taylor‘s retirement — their third defensive starter to leave the league in two months behind Jason Worilds and Troy Polamalu — but their recent history dictates they may gamble on a late-round prospect, writes Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Kiper has Pittsburgh taking Wake Forest corner Kevin Johnson at No. 22 (subscription required), but the team hasn’t expended its top pick on a corner since Chad Scott in 1997 and hasn’t used a second-rounder at the position since Bryant McFadden in 2005. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert, whose team currently employs Cortez Allen and William Gay atop its figurative offseason depth chart at corner, attributed this drought to the team’s usual draft slot in the late first round coming after the top corners are usually off the board. “In Pittsburgh’s case, for years they didn’t have really good corners,” NFL.com’s Charley Casserly told Adamski. “That defense was won with the front seven.”
A running back need persists in Jacksonville after Toby Gerhart‘s three-year pact last spring sputtered from the start, but the Jaguars still have the somewhat surprising contributions from Denard Robinson to evaluate from last year, offers Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Robinson’s work from Week 7 until he broke his foot in December — 582 rushing yards — helped elevate the Jags’ weak rushing attacks the past few years to a passable level: 21st in total ground gains last season.
Four-decade NFL coaching veteran Chris Palmer will not have a role in coaching the Bills‘ quarterbacks this year, writes Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman and QBs coach David Lee handling that. Palmer, 65, whose title is senior offensive assistant, will help coach the wideouts and tight ends this offseason after following Roman from San Francisco to Buffalo.

Extra Points: Draft, Peterson, Cowboys

April 18th, 2015 at 10:13pm CST by Sam Robinson

The most landscape-altering move discussed in a slew of Marcus Mariota-procurement rumors involves Philip Rivers heading to the Titans.

But considering the price Washington had to pay the Rams to move up from No. 14 to No. 2 to select Robert Griffin in 2012 — three first-rounders and a second-round selection — ESPN’s Bill Polian argues that the Chargers‘ No. 17 pick and Rivers potentially being included in a trade isn’t enough to warrant the Titans moving out of the No. 2 spot.

“Why wouldn’t that be the benchmark?” Polian said to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Mark Craig. “The price to move up to No. 2 would be pretty darn high, I would think.”

The counter-argument there is the 33-year-old Rivers’ five-time Pro Bowl status and potential productivity going forward replaces one, possibly two, of those selections in a deal. Although Jay Cutler was nearly seven years younger and far less proven, another recent comparable maneuver fetched the Broncos two first-rounders, low-end starter Kyle Orton and a third-round selection, with only an additional fifth-rounder to make that deal work for the Bears.

On to some additional news from around the league on Saturday night …

In the same piece from Craig, Vikings GM Rick Spielman‘s penchant for trading back into the first round stems from the ability to retain the player on his first contract for five years instead of four due to the fifth-year option introduced in the 2011 CBA. Minnesota did this to acquire Harrison Smith in 2012 and Teddy Bridgewater in 2014 but may not be able to execute such a move this year with just seven total draft choices, writes Craig.
Star-Tribune columnist Sid Hartman expects a positive resolution to the ongoing Adrian Peterson-Vikings standoff despite the Cowboys’ not-so-secret pursuit. With the running back potentially accelerating Bridgewater’s development by providing a high-quality complementary force, Hartman expects Zygi and Mark Wilf to “make every effort” to get Peterson back. This included assuring more guaranteed money comes to the player with the biggest contract in the league at his position.
The Cowboys‘ acquisition of Greg Hardy will enable them to address other needs early in the draft, notes Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News. While a forthcoming suspension remains in play for Hardy, Dallas’ 28th-best pass rush receives a big upgrade and as a result, the linebacker and running back needs can be addressed without a reach for a pass-rusher being necessary at No. 27.
Josh Lambo is an unusual kicking prospect that will be available in post-draft free agency, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Before kicking for three years at Texas A&M and breaking the Aggies’ field goal accuracy record, the 24-year-old Lambo resided in Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas organization for four years.

Jaguars Rumors: Lewis, Brown, Posluszny

April 18th, 2015 at 8:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

In a slightly unexpected move, the Jaguars restructured Marcedes Lewis‘ contract and for now look to place the longtime starter behind prized acquisition Julius Thomas on the depth chart.

The Jags, however, might be inclined to use Lewis as a trading chip for a tight end-needy team during the season, with the veteran set to carry a lower cap number, writes Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Although precise terms of Lewis’ new 2015 figure are not yet available, he won’t carry the gaudy $8.2MM, which was the sixth-highest figure in the league, and another team wouldn’t be on the hook for any payments after 2015, reports O’Halloran.

Thomas’ $10.3MM remains the most a team will pay a tight end this season.

Jacksonville executed this strategy two years ago when it dealt left tackle Eugene Monroe to the Ravens for fourth- and fifth-round picks in last year’s draft. The Jags won’t be able to extract that kind of return for the descending Lewis, who will be 31 this year, but a late-round pick wouldn’t be out of the question once injuries are factored into the in-season equation.

Here is some additional news coming out of north Florida on Saturday night.

Recently extended linebacker Paul Posluszny remains below his playing weight after recovering from offseason chest surgery, reports O’Halloran. Currently at 235 with hopes of returning to the 240-pound frame at which he normally plays, Posluszny weighed barely 220 pounds earlier this offseason thanks to the surgery-induced inactivity.
Despite signing Sergio Brown last month, the Jaguars remain interested in bolstering their safety corps, writes Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union. Brown’s made just 11 starts in five seasons and was the Jags’ fallback option after Devin McCourty opted to stay with the Patriots. With a weak safety class, Brown will probably have to be relied upon here, with holes at wideout, running back and defensive line outweighing the need on the back end, Carlyon notes. Byron Jones, Eric Rowe and P.J. Williams are three players Carlyon identified as those who could move from cornerback to safety, as McCourty did. “For me, it’s been going back a few years now, it’s been the hardest position for me to evaluate,” NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah told Carlyon. “You have to watch more tape on that position than any other because of the spread offense and the college game.”
The Jags are expected to focus their wideout pursuit on a slot receiver first, reports O’Halloran. Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee vacillated between inside and outside work last season as rookies, while Ace Sanders played there exclusively, albeit in only 60 snaps. None received a positive grade, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
Electing to exhaust their prospect tours in bulk, the Jags have already used 25 of their 30 allowed visits, according to O’Halloran. Ten prospects trekked to the Jaguars’ facilities on April 7 and April 8, respectively.

NFC Notes: Bucs, Brown, Washington

April 18th, 2015 at 6:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Linked heavily to Jameis Winston since locking up the No. 1 pick and recently reported to be undeterred by the quarterback’s latest legal issues, the Buccaneers may be backing off that stance slightly. There now could be two draft slots available for teams desperate for signal-calling help, reports Bob Glauber of Newsday.

Although the Bucs, who haven’t held the No. 1 draft choice since taking Vinny Testaverde at that position in 1987, are expected to take either Winston or Marcus Mariota, they are willing to listen to offers for the selection, sources told Glauber. The possibility of stockpiling picks and either selecting a second-tier quarterback later or further determining Mike Glennon‘s legitimacy are contingency plans.

The Browns and Chargers are the most likely teams to pull the trigger on a trade, reports Glauber, with the Jets and Eagles now backing off their pursuits due to Gang Green only possessing six selections and the Eagles unwilling to pay what it would cost to vault from No. 20 to a top-two slot. Glauber notes the Eagles are prepared to go into the season with Sam Bradford as their starter.

A team hasn’t traded a No. 1 pick during the draft since the Eli Manning–Philip Rivers exchange 11 years ago, and the Falcons trading up in 2001 representing the last time a franchise that didn’t finish with the worst record the previous season made the No. 1 overall selection.

Some other notes from around the NFC.

The Mariota-to-Philadelphia rumor has indeed lost steam, according to Dave Spadaro of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, with the prospect of the Eagles adding picks by trading down gaining it. The Eagles own seven picks as of now and traded out of their first-round window last year.
Despite being one of several teams in the late derby to add Stevie Brown, the Giants are still considered “one of the favorites” to re-sign him, reports Jordan Ranaan of NJ.com. The Giants’ offer, however, may not top the market that includes the Cowboys, Falcons, Titans and Raiders. But the 27-year-old former seventh-round pick would be a crucial land for Big Blue, as they are in need of two starting safeties. Little-known commodities Nat Berhe and Cooper Taylor are their incumbents at strong safety, increasing the likelihood of a high draft choice coming to help the Giants on the back end. Although converted corners Chykie Brown, Bennett Jackson and Josh Gordy may provide competition at the free safety position, Brown would immediately surge to the top spot there if he re-signs, reports Ranaan.
Roy Helu‘s exit to Oakland leaves Washington without a proven backup to Alfred Morris. More importantly, Helu (47 receptions, 477 yards last season) was the team’s only proven third-down back. Chris Thompson is now the favorite to assume that role despite seeing backfield action in just two games in 2014, report Tarik El-Bashir and Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. Tandler, however, adds that Washington’s coaching staff grew impatient with the 2013 fifth-rounder out of Florida State due to injury struggles and expects this position to be addressed in the draft. Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon, Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah and Missouri’s Marcus Murphy are among those who would fit here, reports El-Bashir, with Pierre Thomas and his 327 career catches still sitting in free agency.

Extra Points: Manziel, Rivers, Parker, Kendricks

April 18th, 2015 at 5:04pm CST by Rob DiRe

Ben Levine parsed through both AFC and NFC mailbags earlier this morning, but as a few more ESPN mailbags have come available throughout the day, let’s take a look at a few more notes from around the NFL:

With Johnny Manziel out of rehab, one could wonder if the Browns are evaluating him before the draft in case the potential of a trade arises. Tony Grossi notes that NFL rules dictate only strength and conditioning coaches can be on the field and in the weight room, and no footballs are allowed during that time, so the Browns would not be able to evaluate Manziel that closely.
Grossi also examines various trade options for the Browns, such as moving down from both No. 12 and No. 19 for more picks, or using those picks to acquire Sam Bradford and Robert Griffin III, dismissing all as positive options for the club.
With the idea that the Titans could add Philip Rivers, Paul Kuharsky admits that the veteran passer would likely help the team turn their fortunes around faster than anyone they could select at No.2.
Kuharsky also explains how the Titans would likely be given the opportunity to discuss a contract extension with Rivers prior to a trade, or that a mention of parameters would be though of as a “ballpark” figure would be brought up by the team and his agent.
The Dolphins weakest position is at linebacker, which is worrisome because it is not a deep position group in the draft. However, James Walker still believes the team must target a wide receiver in round one, and highlights DeVante Parker as the team’s best option.
If Parker is not available, Walker doesn’t recommend the Dolphins reach for the next receiver. Instead, he picks Todd Gurley as an option based on being the best player available.
Given a projected first three picks of Eric Kendricks, Carl Davis, and Rob Havenstein, Derek Newton thinks the Panthers would be extremely well set up with that haul. Newton also points to cornerback Quinten Rollins as a potential third-round pick.
In the best Panthers question of the day, Newton is asked who would win in a pickup game between 11 Cam Newtons and 11 Luke Kuechlys. Newton correctly chooses the team of Kuechlys. I can’t imagine five Newtons successfully blocking against five Kuechlys.

Draft Notes: Beasley, Jones, Dunkley, Delaire

April 18th, 2015 at 3:47pm CST by Rob DiRe

Our own Ben Levine collected a number of notes surrounding prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft earlier today, and as they keep pouring in, here are some additional notes from around the NFL:

The Raiders have sent four of their people to South Carolina to get a closer look at Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley, reports Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. Beasley would be a slight reach at fourth overall, and isn’t a perfect scheme fit, but could be an interesting prospect especially if the team is serious about trading down.
Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones has been rising up draft boards, and could be a day-one selection by the time the NFL Draft commences. Jones has visits lined up with the Cardinals, Cowboys, Eagles, Bills, Bears, and 49ers, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
South Florida cornerback and return specialist Chris Dunkley will be visiting with the Ravens, Patriots, Bills, and Lions next week, according to Wilson. He has already met with the Falcons, Dolphins, and Chargers.
Wilson also writes that Towson pass rusher Ryan Delaire will be attending both the Ravens and Washington’s local prospect days. Delaire had his medical recheck this weekend, and seems healthy. He could be an interesting prospect in the later rounds of the draft.
University of Akron receiver Zach D’Orazio had a private workout with the Browns today, according to George Thomas of Ohio.com. D’Orazio is a former quarterback, who has the size and speed to present a matchup advantage running routes out of the slot.

Reaction To Stefen Wisniewski Signing

April 18th, 2015 at 2:08pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Jaguars came to terms with one of the more interesting free agents of this offseason in Stefen Wisniewski, signing the former Raider to a one-year deal worth $2.5MM.

Here is some reaction from around the league about Wisniewski’s value, interest, and NFL future:

Wisniewski also visited with the Patriots, Seahawks, Titans, and Washington in free agency, writes Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com.
One reason the Seahawks might have been hesitant to pursue Wisniewski more adamantly is that the center would likely cost a compensatory draft pick, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News believed the Vikings had some interest in Wisniewski, but the team never called to pursue him. (via Twitter).
Many Raiders fan were hoping the team could re-sign Wisniewski to play guard next to free agent acquisition Rodney Hudson, but neither the player nor team were interested in that arrangement, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN (via Twitter). Williamson believes the coaching staff did not think very highly of him as a player (via Twitter). He adds that Wisniewski could be added to a long list of recent Raider draft picks to not make it to their second contract in Oakland (via Twitter).
The one-year deal will allow Wisniewski to prove his value before reaching free agency again next offseason, where he could command a larger contract, writes Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).

Extra Points: Wilson, Saints, Gurley

April 18th, 2015 at 12:44pm CST by Ben Levine

Appearing on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson discussed his passion for baseball. The host cited Wilson’s subpar minor league numbers (.227 average, five home runs, 26 RBI), but the former Super Bowl champion believes he could still make it to the majors (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com):

“I wouldn’t be worried about the statistics of it. I know I can play in the big leagues. With the work ethic and all that, I think I definitely could for sure. And that’s why the Texas Rangers got my rights. And they want me to play. Jon Daniels, the G.M., wants me to play. We were talking about it the other day.”

Wilson also discussed N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien’s refusal to let the quarterback play baseball, forcing the player to transfer to Wisconsin:

“I’ll never forget it. I’ll never forget the times that people have told me that I couldn’t do something.”

Let’s take a look at some more assorted notes from around the NFL…

Mike Golic Jr.‘s contract with the Saints is for one year at the league minimum ($435K), according to Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com (via Twitter). The writer notes that the organization’s cap space will not affected by the signing.
Georgia running back Todd Gurley had his injured ACL examined, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport says (via Twitter) the player’s knee “checked out fine.”
UConn cornerback Byron Jones has visited the 49ers, Bills, Bears, Cowboys, Cardinals and Eagles, tweets ESPN’s Adam Caplan. The reporter notes that Jones is expected to also meet with the Dolphins.

Jaguars Sign Stefen Wisniewski

April 18th, 2015 at 12:30pm CST by Ben Levine

12:30pm: The organization has announced the signing, with general manager Dave Caldwell releasing a statement (via Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com):

“We had the opportunity to spend time with Stefen earlier this month and remained in contact with him with the hopes of getting a deal done. We are excited to get him on board before we officially start our offseason conditioning program next week. He gives us great position flexibility along our offensive line as he has started at both center and guard during his career. He has a familiarity with our offensive system and brings a lot of experience to our offensive line room.”

12:13pm: After visiting numerous teams this offseason, Stefen Wisniewski has finally found a home. According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the Jaguars have inked the center to a one-year deal. The deal is worth $2.5MM, according to Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo (via Twitter).

Wisniewski had spent his entire four-year career with the Raiders, starting 61 games. The Penn State product missed only three games in those four seasons, and he managed to play 16 games in 2014 in spite of a torn labrum. The injury resulted in Wisniewski undergoing surgery this offseason, and it also provided a possible explanation for the player remaining unsigned for so long.

Pro Football Focus (subscription required) gave Wisniewski high marks for his performance during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, as the center ranked in the top-20 among eligible center candidates. He received his first negative rating in 2014, but he still ranked 22nd among 41 candidates.

The 26-year-old had attracted attention from many teams, including the Titans, Seahawks, Patriots and Washington. The Jaguars had been rumored to be eyeing the former second-round pick, but reports yesterday suggested the organization hadn’t reached out to the center. He was listed as the 39th best free agent in our ranking of the top 50 free agents.