HEADLINES

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Draft Notes: Farmer, Cowboys, Packers

February 16th, 2014 at 11:11pm CST by David Kipke

As we continue to approach the 2014 NFL Draft, various teams have begun to discuss information regarding their draft preferences. According to FanNation, new Browns GM Ray Farmer has stated that he knows which quarterback he wants to draft in May — but he’s not willing to share. Farmer has final say over the 53-man roster, and it remains to be seen whether or not he would be open to changing his mind should coach Mike Pettine or offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan prefer a different quarterback.

Here are a few more tidbits surrounding teams and their draft preferences…

  • Assistant director of player personnel for the Cowboys, Will McClay, spoke with KRLD-FM 105.3 sports radio and disclosed his thoughts that having “good football character” is an important quality in a draft prospect.
  • The Dallas Morning News’ SportsDayDFW took a look at players that the team might be interested in drafting in the first round. The outlet also covers what 10 offensive lineman, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and linebackers that it thinks that the Cowboys will be most interested in drafting this May.
  • Weston Hodkiewicz of Press-Gazette Media writes that after a series of whiffs by the front office on high draft picks in recent years, the Packers‘ 2014 first round pick will be the team’s most important draft pick in recent history. Hodkiewicz highlighted Alabama junior safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama linebacker C. J. Mosley, and North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron as potential Packer first-round targets.

AFC North Notes: Dix, Ravens, Little

February 8th, 2014 at 1:59pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Steelers have a lot of questions when it comes to the depth of their runningback situation, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com. While Le’Veon Bell stood out as the clear number one choice, Jonathan Dwyer, Felix Jones, and LaRod Stephens-Howling are all hitting free agency. Brown believes the Steelers will try to retain Dwyer and Stephens-Howling due to their unique skill sets, but if one of those two leaves for another situation, they will address their depth further in the draft. Here are some other notes from the AFC North:

  • The Steelers may need a free safety if Ryan Clark does not return, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix could be a strong choice in round one, adds Scott Brown. Brown also writes that he expects the Steelers to add depth at corner later in the draft.
  • The Ravens also have a need at free safety, but may have to look to free agency to fill their need, writes Jamison Henley of ESPN.com. He highlights possible cap casualties Michael Griffin (Titans), Louis Delmas (Lions), and Thomas DeCoud (Falcons) as interesting fits, in addition to the free agent class.
  • Greg Little was thought to be a candidate for release, writes Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, as the Browns‘ receiver has underachieved since being drafted. While Little has struggled with consistency, McManamon feels like he might be a fit for new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
  • McManamon also adds that if the Browns retain Little, Eric Decker would become far too expensive an option to join Little and Josh Gordon in the receiving corps.