2016 April - Pro Football Rumors

Month: November 2024

Draft Rumors: Lawson, Lynch, Jack, Bosa

April 25th, 2016 at 1:00pm CST by Luke Adams

In his latest mock draft, Peter King of TheMMQB.com has Clemson edge defender Shaq Lawson coming of the board at No. 11 to the Bears. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report likes that prediction, tweeting that the idea of Lawson to the Bears is “heating up,” with Chicago having done a ton of homework on the young pass rusher.

According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via PhiladelphiaEagles.com), not all NFL teams are comfortable with Lawson’s shoulder — a few clubs believe he has a degenerative condition that will create problems down the road. However, Lawson believes his shoulder is good to go, and his camp sent a video to all 32 teams over the weekend to prove it, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Here are a few more draft-related odds and ends from around the league:

The NFL has notified all 32 teams that no player tested positive for banned substances during the February combine, league sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Some clubs are concerned about Paxton Lynch‘s “alarmingly low score” on the Wonderlic test, and while there are still plenty of teams that like him, some people around the NFL believe the Memphis quarterback may be picked after Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg, according to Tony Pauline. Pauline cautions that he doesn’t buy that idea, but he does expect Hackenberg to be selected during the early part of the second round.
Despite concern about the long-term health of Myles Jack‘s knee, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) says that the UCLA linebacker is still a virtual lock to come off the board within the top 15 picks in the first round, while Gil Brandt of NFL.com (Twitter link) doesn’t expect Jack to get out of the top 10.
The trades for quarterbacks at the top of the draft could push some defensive players down the board, but it’s “highly unlikely” that Ohio State pass rusher Joey Bosa slips beyond No. 7, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link).
Baylor basketball player and tight end Rico Gathers has his pro day at the Saints‘ facility today, with 24 teams sending reps, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Given how weak this year’s tight end class is, teams are more intrigued by Gathers than initially expected, says Rapoport.

NFC Notes: Washington, Artis-Payne, Saints

April 25th, 2016 at 10:22am CST by Sam Robinson

Josh Norman‘s signing with Washington will likely lead to Will Blackmon making the move to safety, Mike Jones and Master Tefatsion of the Washington Post write. Blackmon started 10 games at corner last season. Although Washington signed David Bruton to compete for a starting safety job this offseason, the team has questions on the back line. Kyshoen Jarrett‘s status is unknown after a season-ending injury, and career-long corner DeAngelo Hall‘s full-time transition to the position will come in a season where he turns 33.

Jones and Tefatsion also point out that Bashaud Breeland looks like the favorite to start alongside Norman for Washington this season, since 2015 free agent acquisition Chris Culliver‘s $8MM base salary is non-guaranteed. Washington would take on $3.75MM in dead money if the club decides to release Culliver, Pro Football Focus’ second-worst full-time corner last season.

Here’s more from around the NFC, including a couple more notes on how Norman’s signing affects Washington:

Speaking of Breeland, when he first heard the news that Norman was heading to Washington, he “took it as disrespect,” he admitted during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio (SoundCloud link). However, he came to view the signing as a “chess move” that will not only improve the team, but could also allow Breeland himself to improve by working with one of the league’s best corners.
Landing Norman shouldn’t negatively impact Washington‘s chances of getting a long-term deal done with quarterback Kirk Cousins or any of the club’s other key contributors, writes John Keim of ESPN.com.
Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne was arrested after police recorded him driving 102 mph in a 65-mph zone, per WSOCTV (on Twitter).
The Eagles brought in Auburn cornerback Blake Countess for a pre-draft visit last week while clubs were still permitted to host prospects, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link).
The Saints held pre-draft visits with Washington linebacker Travis Feeney and Nebraska offensive lineman Alex Lewis, reports Joel Erickson of the Advocate. Both prospects project as Day 3 picks, and Lewis is particularly interesting as the college tackle could be moved inside to guard at the pro level.

Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Nkemdiche, Fins, Spence, CBs

April 24th, 2016 at 9:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

Perhaps the most polarizing player in 2016’s prospect pool, Robert Nkemdiche drew the tag of the defensive lineman most likely to be a bust among scouts surveyed by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Although one scout referred to the former Ole Miss standout as a “flash player … with disaster written all over him,” in a statement relating to the former No. 1 overall recruit’s on-field abilities, it’s an old-school sentiment among scouts and executives that has decision-makers concerned.

Of the scouts interviewed, 11 of the 18 singled out Nkemdiche as the biggest bust candidate and some offered the lineman’s wider range of interests and his background as reasons why football won’t matter as much to him. Nkemdiche’s mother is a diplomat who often works in Nigeria and his father works as a cardiologist.

“He’s like a lot of kids from this generation. He’s grown up in some privilege, and that family is involved with so many different endeavors. You’re not going to get rid of that,” a scout told McGinn. “He doesn’t just think football, football, football 24/7. That’s not always the most attractive guy from a football standpoint. Coaches like them a little bit better if it’s football 24/7.”

Here’s the latest from around the league.

Among the scouts surveyed in the Journal Sentinel piece, they were more bullish on the overall crop of defensive linemen than the pass-rushers in the draft. “It’s a tremendous draft for defensive linemen,” an NFC executive told McGinn. “But it’s probably average for pass-rushers.” Among the scouts’ preferences for certain schemes, Joey Bosa ranked as the best defensive end in a 4-3, with DeForest Buckner earning that tag for 3-4 ends. Jarran Reed ranked as the anonymous scout coalition’s best projected 4-3 tackle, and Kenny Clark topped the list for who’d thrive most as a 3-4 nose.
The Dolphins have spent a lot of time with Nkemdiche through the draft process, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. Miami holds the No. 13 pick, which is higher than Nkemdiche’s been slated to go by most outlets during the pre-draft process.
Maryland defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson also recently met with Dolphins DC Vance Joseph, while Arizona guard/tackle Lene Maiava, former BYU defensive end Bronson Kaufusi and Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett are also potential Fins targets, Jackson reports. Dolphins coaches have observed Koufasi and Vannett’s workouts.
Former LSU TE/OL Dillon Gordon has hired Rosenhaus Sports for representation, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (Twitter links). Gordon was recently denied an injury hardship waiver that would have allowed him to return to the collegiate ranks, meaning he’ll instead head to the NFL draft.
Interest in the Chargers‘ No. 3 overall pick has dissipated considerably after the Eagles made the move to acquire the Browns’ No. 2 overall selection, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets.
Noah Spence‘s trajectory points up as draft week nears, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweets. Spence seems to have a wide variance between his landing spots. ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay project the Eastern Kentucky pass-rusher to go off the board midway through the second round, yet several mock drafts have put the former Ohio State performer as a first-round pick.
Josh Norman signing a cornerback-record $75MM deal will have other top-tier corners seeking raises, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. Citing Chris Harris‘ assessment that left Norman out of the Broncos corner’s top five at the position for consistency reasons, Florio notes that if other notable corners view themselves as superior to Norman they’ll want this kind of money.

Dallas Robinson contributed to this report

Dallas Grand Jury Indicts Johnny Manziel

April 24th, 2016 at 9:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Making endless headlines for the wrong reasons this offseason, free agent quarterback Johnny Manziel has been indicted by a Dallas County Grand Jury for his role in an alleged domestic assault in late January, sources tell CBSDFW.com.

The grand jury reviewed this misdemeanor assault charge Thursday night, the TV station reports. The Dallas Police Department presented evidence to the jury instead of arresting Manziel, and the former first-round draft pick’s offseason looks to continue to worsen.

Manziel, 23, faces up to a year in jail and a $4K fine. Manziel and Colleen Crowley, the woman who’s alleged the quarterback hit her several times on the night in question, reached an undisclosed settlement in a civil suit recently, the station reports. A judge granted Crowley’s request for a protective order against Manziel. He has to stay away from his ex-girlfriend until Feb. 3, 2018 and remain 500 feet from her Fort Worth apartment during that span. Manziel is also unable to possess a firearm while this order is in effect.

The Browns cut the former Heisman Trophy winner in March.

Manziel recently released a statement expressing desire to play in the NFL in 2016. Although, the indictment, subsequent alcohol-related issues post-rehab and the quarterback’s substandard play during two abbreviated seasons will make that difficult.

Multiple agents, Erik Burkhardt and Drew Rosenhaus, dropped Manziel as a client, with Rosenhaus parting ways with the wayward passer earlier this week.

Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images

Josh Norman Offered To Sign Franchise Tender

April 24th, 2016 at 7:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

As he was on the verge of becoming one of the more noteworthy free agents in the NFL’s free agency era, Josh Norman looked for a way to stay with the Panthers.

The fifth-year cornerback called the Panthers and said he’d fire his agent, Michael George, and sign the $13.952MM non-exclusive franchise tender the team placed on him prior to free agency in an effort to further work toward a long-term deal, Mike Jones and Master Tefatsion report in an extensive breakdown for the Washington Post. But the Panthers had already filed the paperwork to rescind Norman’s tender, a source told Jones and Tefatsion, meaning Norman’s attempt was for naught as he was set for an unlikely sojourn into free agency.

Many Panthers coaches reportedly weren’t aware of the move as it was happening, sources told the Post reporters, and some on the Carolina staff wondered if a non-football component existed to induce the team to rescind the tender.

Norman was also given permission to seek a trade earlier as the gulf between the sides grew, and the Rams and 49ers were among the potential partners that could not agree on terms. Although, Norman was not aware how far apart the Panthers and George were on terms — a chasm that reached $25MM in totality — which hovered at the root of the 28-year-old All-Pro volunteering to fire his agent to help facilitate a deal in Carolina, the Post duo reports.

George sought a five-year deal averaging $16MM per season, which would have put Norman above Darrelle Revis among cornerback contracts, but the Panthers weren’t willing to go past $12MM AAV. According to a source, Jones and Tefatsion note the Panthers did not want to allocate that much money to a cornerback, a position the Dave Gettleman-managed franchise doesn’t value as much as front-seven cogs, when defensive linemen Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei entering their fourth years. Without a fifth-year option that exists for Lotulelei, Short is entering a contract season.

One of 11 teams who expressed interest in Norman, Washington ended up negotiating a five-year, $75MM accord for Norman with Ryan Williams, who took over as the ex-Coastal Carolina cornerback’s primary representative.

Washington’s top decision-makers were in agreement on Norman, according to the report, and the team had the parameters of an agreement in place on Thursday. DeAngelo Hall also met with Norman prior to his Washington visit to persuade him on joining the team.

Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images

NFC Draft Updates: Goff, Pack, Floyd, Cowboys

April 24th, 2016 at 7:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Since shortly after the Rams traded for the Titans’ No. 1 pick, it’s been expected they’re planning to turn over their offensive keys to Jared Goff. That indeed remains the plan, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com tweets.

Set to make their first No. 1 overall pick since taking Sam Bradford in 2010, the Rams can negotiate with the Cal quarterback if they so choose. But the NFL, according to Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, has asked the team to keep its choice private until the draft to increase the suspense.

Goff’s father, Jerry Goff, told Farmer he has a “pretty good idea” where his son will be beginning his professional career, however, without revealing the choice. Jared Goff dined with Kevin Demoff and Stan Kroenke on Thursday night in Los Angeles, Farmer adds.

This will mark the fifth time in the past nine drafts the Rams will have possessed a top-two pick. Only one of the previous players selected — Greg Robinson — remains on the roster.

Here’s the latest from the NFC on the eve of draft week.

A team in need of inside-linebacking help told Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson (Twitter link) the Packers are Reggie Ragland‘s basement. Green Bay picks at No. 27 and plans to relocate Clay Matthews back to his natural outside linebacker position, leaving unproven Sam Barrington and Jake Ryan as the incumbents pushing for starting jobs there. The Packers took Ryan in the fourth round last year but haven’t selected an inside ‘backer in the first round since A.J. Hawk in 2006.
The Falcons, who sent 16 representatives to watch Leonard Floyd‘s pro day recently, worked out the Georgia linebacker on Saturday on campus, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Floyd weighed 235 pounds Saturday, which is down nine pounds from his Combine weigh-in, per Ledbetter. Picking 17th, the Falcons were impressed with the former Bulldogs ‘backer’s length and speed, Ledbetter notes. Atlanta-based agent Todd France, who represents Vic Beasley, also represents Floyd.
With the Cowboys 7-20 since Tony Romo took the team’s reins at quarterback in October 2006 in games where the now-36-year-old passer sits, Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News wonders if Dallas should trade back into the first round to potentially acquire Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg. Gosselin envisions a scenario not unlike the one in 2011 that saw Jake Locker and Christian Ponder be selected earlier than most thought as an example that for Paxton Lynch being chosen earlier than expected now that the Rams and Eagles are likely to take QBs at Nos. 1-2. Should that occur, Gosselin envisions players like Cook or Hackenberg potentially being taken again before the Cowboys’ second pick (No. 34).
Robinson also points out (on Twitter) that Jerry Jones is a big Ezekiel Elliott fan, and that the Cowboys owner would prefer the Ohio State runner or Jalen Ramsey at No. 4. Conversely, Robinson connects the Cowboys front office as a whole to a choice between Ramsey and Joey Bosa.

Latest On Myles Jack’s Knee Injury

April 24th, 2016 at 5:48pm CST by Dallas Robinson

5:48pm: A potential Jack suitor, the Cowboys have placed Jack on their sub board — a distinction for players with medical risks that a team will consider only if they fall to a certain point — according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com (on Twitter). At No. 4, Dallas doesn’t have a place for Laremy Tunsil but would be in play for Jalen Ramsey, or possibly Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner.

Multiple teams also think Jack will require microfracture surgery at some point, Peter King of TheMMQB.com reports (on Twitter). Jadeveon Clowney was the latest high-profile player to undergo that procedure, doing so last year. That operation also caused Travis Kelce to miss his rookie season in 2013.

4:59pm: UCLA linebacker Myles Jack is dealing with a chondral defect in his right knee, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter links). It’s unclear whether the defect was caused by Jack’s September knee injury, but he can play with the ailment — the length of his career, however, is still up for debate, per Breer.

As Dr. Jene Bramel of FootballGuys.com explains (all Twitter links), a chondral defect is another term for cartilage loss. The injury is to be expected, according to Bramel, who believes that Jack looked good in his latest workout videos — but it’s apparently incredibly difficult to project how the ailment will affect the longevity of Jack’s career. Many NFL players deal with cartilage loss, per Bramel, and each player handles the injury differently (for example, one player might play through the ailment, another might need microfracture surgery).

As expected, the clarity on Jack’s injury could have an impact on his draft stock, and Breer reports (via Twitter) that clubs outside the top 10 picks are now doing more research on Jack in the hopes that he might slip. Breer adds (link) that it’s simply a matter of opinion as to how Jack’s knee will hold up, and some clubs have indicated that they don’t view the injury as a concern.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Former Patriots Defensive Tackle Ron Brace Dies

April 24th, 2016 at 5:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

Former Patriots defensive tackle Ron Brace has died from an unknown cause, Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com reports. Police recovered the body on Saturday night after being dispatched to Brace’s Springfield, Mass., home for an unattended death. He was 29.

The cause of Brace’s death was not deemed suspicious, Police Capt. Robert Strzempek told Duffy. The Hampden County Medical Examiner’s Office is now in charge of the case, Duffy reports.

A Springfield native, Brace played four seasons for his local team after the Patriots selected the 6-foot-3, 330-pound nose tackle in the second round of the 2009 draft.

Brace played in 40 games with the Pats, including the 2011 AFC championship game against the Ravens. He played his entire football career in Massachusetts, including a standout stay at Boston College from 2005-08. Once with New England’s professional franchise, Brace started seven games in 2009-10 before serving as a depth player in the following two seasons.

Brace finished his Boston College career with 22 tackles for loss and five sacks.

“We were deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of Ron Brace’s death,” a statement released by the Patriots late Sunday afternoon said. “Seven years ago tomorrow (4/25/09), we drafted Ron after his standout career at Boston College. During his Patriots career, the Springfield native was always eager to volunteer and give back in our communities, especially when those community initiatives were held in Western Mass.

“It is difficult to believe that someone so young and in the prime of his life is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron’s family, friends and the many former teammates who will mourn Ron’s passing.”

Falcons quarterback and Brace’s former Boston College teammate, Matt Ryan, also offered his condolences (on Twitter).

We at PFR offer our thoughts and condolences to Brace’s family and friends.

49ers, Anquan Boldin Haven’t Had Contract Talks

April 24th, 2016 at 4:32pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The 49ers have made no attempt to re-sign veteran receiver Anquan Boldin, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, but that could change when San Francisco begins OTAs. Per Maiocco, if head coach Chip Kelly is underwhelmed with the club’s pass-catching options, he could work with general manager Trent Baalke to bring Boldin back into the fold.

Boldin has taken just one free agent visit thus far (with Washington), but he said he earlier this month that he’s not interested in rushing into a signing. “I’m taking my time right now,” Boldin said. “It’s the first time in 13 years I’ve been a free agent, so I get to pick where I want to go now. I’m definitely going to take my time and make the best decision for me and my family.”

Boldin, 35, is working out in South Florida and staying in shape as he waits for the right opportunity. Even though he has enjoyed a long career and even has a Super Bowl ring, the veteran says that he is not thinking about retirement. Last season, Boldin recorded only 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns, so he’s probably looking to go out with a stronger campaign. Boldin’s struggles, in large part, can be attributed to the turmoil surrounding the 49ers and their difficulties at quarterback.

Though Maiocco indicates that Boldin could be an option for the Niners down the line, a reunion seems unlikely, if only because Boldin says he’d like to play for a contender, something San Francisco is not expected to be in 2016. The 49ers seem likely to roll with their receiving corps (where Torrey Smith is the only veteran of the bunch), and possibly invest a mid-round pick at the position.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest On Raiders Potential Move To Las Vegas

April 24th, 2016 at 3:42pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Raiders lost out on a potential move to Los Angeles earlier this year, but the upcoming week could prove to be an important one if the club wants to relocate to Las Vegas. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports, owner Mark Davis will attend a Thursday meeting of the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee, and if financing for a move is approved, Davis could pledge to take the Raiders from Oakland to Las Vegas, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link).

As such, this week is “huge” for the Raiders, tweets Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News, who adds that the team is very serious about a potential move (link). So, though the Raiders lost out in their attempt to relocate to LA, it’s critical to remember that the club was approved for a move — as Bonsignore notes, if funding for a new stadium is approved, it could just be a matter of time until the Raiders are ready to go (Twitter links).

If financing does go through, the Raiders will still need league approval, as 24 teams (including Oakland) would need to sign off on a potential move. As far as a relocation fee, Bonignore hears that the payment won’t be anywhere near the $550MM that the Rams paid to move to Los Angeles — in fact, the fee could be completely waived (Twitter link).

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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