South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney would like to be a member of the Falcons — but only if they trade up to get him, writes ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure. The star Gamecock is widely expected to be selected in the top five picks of the draft, and he realizes this would make it challenge for him to get to Atlanta. “…I hope I don’t fall to No. 6,” said Clowney, hoping for a Falcons draft position swap. “I like Atlanta – a lot. They’re pretty good. They’ve got some guys from South Carolina on the team, also. And it’s close to home.” The Falcons are in dire need of pass rush help, and we learned Friday that they are not averse to attempting to move higher in the draft.
Some other notes from around the NFC:
- The Lions are in the market for a backup quarterback, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Veteran Shaun Hill is 34 years old and a free agent, while third-stringer Kellen Moore has yet to take a NFL snap. Lions GM Martin Mayhew says the team will take a look at the free market market, and then draft a quarterback if necessary. Birkett notes that new coach Jim Caldwell learned the importance of having a strong backup quarterback during his final season with the Colts, when the team sputtered to a 2-14 record as Peyton Manning missed the entire season.
- The Vikings will be looking for a quarterback in the draft, and Ben Goessling of ESPN.com opines that they will be open to taking a shorter QB, thanks to the success of Russell Wilson.
- Regardless of the specifics of the Bears defensive scheme, GM Phil Emery wants to acquire larger players for the defensive front seven, writes John Mullin of CSNChicago.com.
- The 49ers have several interesting contractual decisions to make, says Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. While a Colin Kaepernick extension is expected to get done, cornerback Carlos Rogers may be asked to a take a 50% pay reduction, and faces release if he declines.