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Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

NFC Notes: Eagles, 49ers, Giants, Packers, Saints, Gettleman

May 10th, 2014 at 9:58am CST by Matt Feminis

Eagles GM Howie Roseman met with the media following the first-round selection of Marcus Smith 26th overall, and Philly.com’s Jeff McLane had seven follow-up thoughts. Most notably, Roseman shared his initial plan of attack. Plan A entailed the team having a list of six players likely to be gone by No. 22 (where the Eagles originally were position prior to the trade down) but worth moving up for. To the best of McLane’s knowledge, that list included Anthony Barr, Odell Beckham Jr., Kyle Fuller, Ryan Shazier, Brandin Cooks and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

When those players were gone, Roseman was prepared to move down, pick up an additional pick and choose the best player available. McLane is ” not convinced Smith was at the top of that list, but of the players there he played a premium position of need and thus was moved to the front.” McLane also spoke to other teams’ representatives whose grades on Smith ranged from second to fourth round.

Here’s several more quick-hitting, NFC news and notes:

  • The Eagles place on emphasis on college graduates, says Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter).
  • The Giants drafted Weston Richburg 43rd overall last night, and what made him attractive to the team was his ability to not only block effectively, but handle the responsibility associated with the position, says ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “[Tom] Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese both said the center’s responsibility for handling line and protection calls will increase under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Giants VP of player evaluation Marc Ross said Richburg scored an impressive 31 on the Wonderlic test and impressed the Giants in his combine interview with his intelligence.”
  • The 49ers were very active Friday night, making five trades that netted veteran receiver Stevie Johnson as well as running back Carlos Hyde (No. 57), center Marcus Martin (No. 76), linebacker Chris Borland (No. 77) and offensive lineman Brandon Thomas (No. 100). Eric Branch at sfgate.com recaps the team’s busy day here. The 49ers also have seven picks in the final four rounds.
  • The 49ers deep stable of running backs now includes Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Marcus Lattimore and Hyde. James wants more playing time and is open to a trade, but the team has no plans to move him, says ESPN’s Bill Williamson.
  • The Packers are confident Davante Adams is the next in a long line of productive receivers drafted in the second and third round, writes Bob McGinn in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
  • Redskins second-rounder Trent Murphy, whom the team expects to contribute right away as a nickel rusher, “protects the team’s long-term interests at OLB,” tweets NFL Network’s Albert Breer.
  • With the selection of big cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste 53rd overall, the Saints continue to build a “Seattle-like secondary,” writes Larry Holder of Nola.com.
  • The Panthers announced via Twitter that GM Dave Gettleman will draft remotely via Skype today so he can be present for his son’s college graduation.

Ravens’ Draft Notes: Clinton-Dix, Ward, Bucannon

May 3rd, 2014 at 1:46pm CST by Rob DiRe

It is no secret that the Ravens have a tremendous need at safety despite drafting Matt Elam in the first round last year. The team is widely expected to select a safety and an offensive tackle in the first two rounds of the draft in some order, despite a history of taking the best player available. ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. put together a three-round mock draft, and Kiper handed the Ravens Washington State safety Deone Bucannon in round two. Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com loved this pick, noting that Bucannon could become the best safety in the draft and would start immediately next to Elam.

Here are some other rumors surrounding the Ravens’ draft:

  • McShay gave the Ravens offensive tackle Morgan Moses out of Virginia in the first round, a pick that scared Hensley due to the similarities seen with Bryant McKinnie.
  • The safety the Ravens bring in could very well rely on what round they feel comfortable devoting a pick to the position, explains Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times in a series of tweets. The only way they take one in the first round is if Ha Ha Clinton Dix of Alabama falls to them (via Twitter), but even then they are not in love with the value (via Twitter).
  • The team would be much more excited to land Jimmie Ward of Northern Illinois, likely in the second round, with one member saying he has Ed Reed-like playmaking potential (via Twitter). If they can afford to wait for the third round, look for Terrence Brooks of Florida State to be the target, according to Zenitz (via Twitter). One of the Ravens’ scouts said Brooks has the best speed and acceleration of any safety in the draft (via Twitter).

Prospect Profile: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

April 30th, 2014 at 7:02pm CST by Rob DiRe

Earl Thomas signed a huge extension on Monday, making him the highest paid safety in the NFL. The reason Thomas got that money is due to the rarity of true to form center field type safety in today’s game. The versatility that a speedy defensive back that can play in the middle of the defense, providing coverage skills as well as strength bringing down the ball carrier makes a defensive coordinator’s job much easier. If not easier, then definitely more fun.Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

There is only one safety in the mold of Thomas projected to be picked in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, and that is Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Dix played three seasons with the Crimson Tide, and was a part of two national championship teams. His five interceptions as a sophomore led a highly regarded Alabama defense. Clinton-Dix was suspended for two games during the 2013 season, due to “unspecified team rules violations.” Despite missing two games, he was named First Team All-SEC after his junior season, and was a Consensus All-American safety.

Clinton-Dix measured out well at the NFL combine, standing tall at 6’1″ and 208 pounds. He ran a respectable 4.58 40-yard dash. It does not put him in the category of elite athletes, but it is a combination of size and speed that is desirable in a prospect. Under Nick Saban, he learned how to play the position efficiently. According to NFL.com, he is quick to read and react to plays, and makes up for his average speed by taking great angles to the football, where he becomes a nightmare due to his good ball skills and ability to turn defense into offense.

Like many Saban coached defensive backs, Clinton-Dix shined in college coming up to stop the run. Not one to shy from contact, he gets into the alley and is a strong open field tackler. While he does not have the top speed to run with the fastest receivers in the NFL, nor the bulk to be considered a true in the box safety, he does provide versatility in his ability to switch from a run stopper to a pass defender from play to play.

Safety is a tough position to gauge in regards to this draft. Clinton-Dix is not the clear cut top option, as Louisville’s Calvin Pryor has been making headway. The two are very different players as well, as Clinton-Dix has the reputation for staying in the middle of the field and making plays on the ball, whereas Pryor is known as the big hitter. Style will play a huge role in which player comes off the board first.

Clinton-Dix starts to gain a lot of traction among mock drafts starting with the Lions (No. 10). If the Lions pass on him, he begins to make a lot of sense for the Rams (No. 13) and the Bears (No. 14). ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. agrees that the Rams could jump on him, and Todd McShay has him landing in St. Louis as well (subscription required). The Vikings (No. 8) seem like the highest he could possibly go, and if the Steelers (No. 15) do pass, the Cowboys (No. 16), Ravens (No. 17), and Jets (No. 18) all have significant need at safety.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Aikens, Lawrence

April 23rd, 2014 at 6:01pm CST by Rob DiRe

University of Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is visiting Jets tomorrow, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). The team is in desperate need of a playmaker at the position, as Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Winslow struggled to provide a consistent option at tight end in 2013.

  • Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo visited the Jets today, reports Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter). The team could be interested in the signal-caller, should he be available in the second round.
  • Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will be visiting the Jets tomorrow, reports Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Clinton-Dix has visited the Pats and Eagles earlier this offseason.
  • The Dolphins are interested in Liberty cornerback Walt Aikens, writes Kevin Lerner of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The Dolphins need to add to their secondary, and were impressed by Aikens during Senior Bowl practices.
  • The Patriots had a pre-draft visit lined up for Demarcus Lawrence, but decided to cancel it, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. The defensive end/outside linebacker could go off the board within the top 50 picks.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Freeman, Clinton-Dix

April 23rd, 2014 at 2:07pm CST by Zachary Links

In this week’s chat, a reader asked Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News if the 49ers would accept a deal in which they trade Aldon Smith and their first-round pick (No. 30) to the Cowboys for their first-rounder (No. 16). Machota says he’s not sure if the Niners would, but he doubts Dallas would have interest in such a deal because of Smith’s multiple legal issues over the last couple of years. The Cowboys need some pass rushers, but they’re probably more comfortable finding them through the draft. Here’s this afternoon’s glance at the NFC East:

  • Josh Freeman isn’t getting the big bucks in his new deal with the Giants, but he will have the opportunity to learn from Eli Manning, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. The former Bucs QB also took the high road when asked about his experience with coach Greg Schiano.
  • Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has met with the Eagles, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The safety, who is the top-ranked defensive back in the draft, declared early for the draft after recording 52 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections in 11 games last season. He was named a second-team All-American and a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection for his outstanding play.
  • Northern Illinois defensive tackle Ken Bishop has met with the Cowboys, a league source tells Aaron Wilson. As previously reported, the All-Mid-American conference selection has visited the Raiders, Jaguars, and Dolphins. Bishop projects as a later-round pick.
  • Giants safety Antrel Rolle told Bob Papa and Ross Tucker of SiriusXM NFL Radio (audio link) that the team needed serious change this offseason. The veteran went on to say that he wants to end his career as a member of the Giants and says he’s easily got four or five more good seasons left in him, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
  • Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) asked a scout via text if the Cowboys would draft Johnny Manziel if he was available at No. 16 and the scout responded “Of course [Jerry Jones] would.“

North Notes: Vikings, Browns, Bears, Lions

April 15th, 2014 at 1:48pm CST by Luke Adams

After working out for the Vikings on the weekend, Teddy Bridgewater visited with the team yesterday and is still there today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who notes that the Vikes are taking an extended look at the Louisville signal-caller. Bridgewater could very well still be on the board when Minnesota picks at No. 8.

Here’s more from out of the NFC and AFC North divisions:

  • The Vikings and tight end Kyle Rudolph are said to have mutual interest in working out a long-term agreement to keep Rudolph in Minnesota, but the team has yet to approach the 24-year-old about an extension yet, as he tells Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.
  • Johnny Manziel‘s previously reported workout for the Browns is scheduled for this weekend, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
  • After meeting with the Texans today, Blake Bortles will have finished with his pre-draft visits and workouts, with the exception of a visit with the Browns next week, according to Caplan (Twitter links).
  • Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will meet with the Bears this week, tweets Rapoport, adding that Clinton-Dix has also met with the Panthers and Falcons, among other teams. The Bears, meanwhile, have their eye on safeties, having already hosted Calvin Pryor.
  • Rapoport passes along word of a couple more pre-draft visits, tweeting that Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard visited the Bengals today and yesterday, while Minnesota safety Brock Vereen visited the Steelers last week. The brother of Patriots running back Shane Vereen will also meet with the Vikings this week, says Rapoport (via Twitter).
  • The Lions announced pre-draft visits for Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller, Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and Boston College kicker Nate Freese, as Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com details.
  • Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune takes a look at Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix, who recently visited the Bears.
  • Matthew Mulligan‘s one-year deal with the Bears is a minimum salary benefit contract, says Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Chris Pressley‘s one-year pact with the Browns falls into the same category, Wilson adds (via Twitter).

Ravens Links: Clinton-Dix, Rankin, RBs

April 10th, 2014 at 10:54am CST by Luke Adams

As the Ravens continue to weigh their options for the No. 17 pick, the team recently hosted Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on a pre-draft visit, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Wilson adds that Clinton-Dix has also visited the Lions and met with the Titans. As Wilson writes, the young safety would be an excellent addition to Baltimore’s secondary, allowing the club to shift Matt Elam over to strong safety. However, considering Clinton-Dix is viewed as arguably the top defensive back in the draft, there are no guarantees he’ll be available when the Ravens pick 17th overall.

Here’s more out of Baltimore:

  • Add Morgan State cornerback Joe Rankin to the list of prospects participating in the Ravens’ local Pro Day, tweets Wilson. Among the other players expected to be in attendance: Wake Forest wideout Michael Campanaro, Towson running back Terrance West, Towson cornerback Jordan Love, and Arkansas fullback Kiero Small.
  • The Ravens’ No. 3 running backs last season totaled just 16 rushing yards on eight carries, and the team is looking to improve on those totals this season, writes Bo Smolka of CSNBaltimore.com. With Ray Rice dealing with legal troubles and Bernard Pierce coming off shoulder surgery, that position will be of extra importance. For now, Justin Forsett is penciled into that No. 3 spot, though there’s still time for the team to add more competition to the roster, either in free agency or the draft.
  • Picking just two spots apart in the draft, the Ravens and Steelers may be targeting similar players, says Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com. Brown singles out safety Calvin Pryor and offensive tackle Taylor Lewan as prospects who seem to be generating interest from the pair of AFC North rivals.

NFC Rumors: Idonije, Clark, Penn, Spencer

March 17th, 2014 at 4:59pm CST by Luke Adams

Defensive lineman Israel Idonije spent the first nine years of his NFL career with the Bears before joining the Lions as a free agent a year ago. Now back on the market, Idonije appears to be considering a reunion with his old team. Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports (via Twitter) that the veteran will be visiting with the Bears tomorrow, while ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright adds (via Twitter) that Idonije will be taking a physical in Chicago, and the club hopes to lock him up. While we wait for further developments on that front, let’s check in on a few other items from around the NFC:

  • Free agent safety Ryan Clark tells Tom Pelissero of USA Today that his agent continues to negotiate with the Redskins and that he has also received interest from the Ravens and Jets.
  • As of earlier this afternoon, free agent tackle Donald Penn was still in Washington, with the Redskins still working to sign him, says Ross Jones of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
  • Free agent defensive lineman Anthony Spencer left his meeting with the Giants today without reaching a deal with the team, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).
  • The Lions hosted safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix for a pre-draft visit today, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Considered one of the top two safeties in this year’s draft class, Clinton-Dix could be a candidate for Detroit at No. 10.
  • The NFLPA will elect a new president to replace Domonique Foxworth on Wednesday, and Ben Watson of the Saints is a name to watch, tweets Albert Breer.

NFC West Notes: Cards, Browner, Kaepernick

February 26th, 2014 at 3:08pm CST by Luke Adams

With less than two weeks remaining until 2014’s free agent period opens, let’s check out what’s going on in the NFC West….

  • The Cardinals and free agent pass-rusher Mike Neal have mutual interest, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (via Twitter). However, Weinfuss notes that “a bunch” of other clubs also have interest in the 26-year-old, who has spent the first four years of his career in Green Bay.
  • Brandon Browner‘s agent and lawyer, Peter Schaffer, intends to file a lawsuit next week challenging the NFL’s indefinite suspension of his client, reports Mike Florio or Pro Football Talk. Before the Seahawks cornerback was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, he had been scheduled to hit restricted free agency this offseason. As such, Schaffer’s complaint will also include a motion asking the court to allow Browner to become a free agent on March 11.
  • There are no real updates to report on the contract extension negotiations between Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. According to Rapoport, “things went fine” in the early stages of the talks, and the two sides will continue the conversation.
  • Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Louisville’s Calvin Pryor both had formal interviews with the Rams at the combine, as Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch details. While the club won’t select either of the top two safeties in the draft with the No. 2 pick, one or both of them could receive strong consideration if they’re still on the board at No. 13.

NFC North Links: Bears, Lions, Packers

February 24th, 2014 at 11:07am CST by Luke Adams

As the combine rolls along in Indianapolis, let’s round up a few recent stories related to NFC North teams….

  • Given the success head coach Marc Trestman had with Josh McCown in 2013 and comments made by GM Phil Emery before last year’s draft, the Bears should draft a quarterback in 2014, even with Jay Cutler locked up, says Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
  • Safety figures to be a position of need for the Bears, which could prompt the club to draft a prospect like Louisville’s Calvin Pryor or Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix with the No. 14 pick, writes Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
  • Of course, the Lions will draft a few spots ahead of the Bears, at No. 10, and could also be eyeing those top two safeties, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press details.
  • While he acknowledges that safety is probably a more pressing need for the Lions, Josh Katzenstein of MLive.com suggests that it may be hard for the team to pass on a potential shutdown cornerback like Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard or Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert with the tenth overall pick.
  • The Packers opted to go with a relatively unproven center in Evan Dietrich-Smith last season and it worked out well for the club. So Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wonders, in his look at Green Bay’s offensive line, whether the team is willing to take a similar approach this year and anoint J.C. Tretter as 2014’s starting center.
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