Sammy Watkins

Jets, Giants In The Market For WR

February 23rd, 2014 at 9:48pm CST by Rob DiRe

It is no secret that the Jets are looking to improve their receiving corps. The team has struggled to find a playmaker, settling for mediocre play as of late from veterans such as Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards. The team used a high second round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on receiving project Stephen Hill, but the 6’4″ athletic talent has been underwhelming on the field in two seasons, struggling to consistently catch the football and failing to develop his size and speed into the deep threat the Jets thought he could potentially be.

While the team has not given up on Hill just yet, neither Holmes nor Edwards are expected to be with the team in 2014, and it is imperative to the development of Geno Smith that the Jets add playmakers on the outside. Relying on Hill would be a dangerous proposition. Andrew Cohen of OverTheCap.com has guessed that the Jets could be a landing spot for the top free agent receiver Eric Decker. There could be some reservations due to the large payday Decker is looking to attract and the belief that he may not possess true number one receiver skills. Lesser talents that the Jets could be interested in include Golden Tate, who is an unrestricted free agent, and James Jones who is likely to walk from the Packers. The team could also consider pilfering talent from their roommates, by looking at Giants’ Super Bowl hero Hakeem Nicks.

Of course, if the free agent options aren’t enough, the Jets could use their first round pick on a receiver class that has some depth to it. Clemson’s Sammy Watkins is the consensus best receiver available, and will likely not make it out of the top five or ten picks. Mike Evans of Texas A&M was once thought to be a possibility, but after running well at the combine it is unlikely he will fall to the Jets either, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. Evans was a possible favorite because of his tremendous size, measuring at almost 6’5″ and 220 pounds.

While Evans’ workout may have taken him out of the running for the Jets, Marquise Lee of USC might have run his way into the back half of the first round. Lee was thought to be a candidate for fastest man at the combine, but reportedly ran an unexpectedly slow 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, which could keep him on the board when the Jets select at 18th overall. If Lee runs better at the USC pro day, it still is not a given that he would be available when the Jets are on the clock. Kelvin Benjamin of Florida State and Odell Beckham Jr. of LSU could also be options for the Jets if one of the top receivers is not available.

One team standing in the Jets way is their hometown enemy, the Giants. Tom Rock of Newsday writes that the Giants are also considering using their first-round pick on a wide receiver. The Giants pick 12th in the draft, and could be looking for a replacement after the presumed exit of Nicks. While they have Rueben Randle, they are not sold on his ability to lead the offense.

While there have not been any rumblings that the Giants would look to free agency to solve their receiving problems, Rock writes that like the Jets, the Giants are interested in Evans, and if he is off the board ahead of them, could also consider Lee. If those two and Watkins are the three prizes of this draft for receivers, then it could be dangerous for the Jets to stay at 18 and expect one of the three to drop to them. The Giants have a much better shot at landing one of those three, but there is no certainty that more than one of the big three will still be around at their selection.

Luckily for both teams, there is a certain amount of depth associated with this draft. According to rankings on CBSSports.com, there could be up to 18 wide receivers graded highly enough to be options in the first three rounds of the draft, including a handful of projected second-round picks who are highly thought of and who performed well today in Indianapolis at the combine.

AFC West Notes: Watkins, Pryor, Chiefs

February 23rd, 2014 at 4:59pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Here’s a few notes from the AFC West focusing on the draft and free agency:

Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins is an option for the Raiders with the fifth overall pick, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. Watkins ran a 4.43 40-yard-dash, which was somewhat disappointing, but Bair doesn’t expect it to affect his draft stock. The Raiders have a history of selecting big, speedy receivers, and some believe Watkins could have the same type of immediate effect that A.J. Green and Julio Jones did in their rookie seasons.
In his latest mailbag, ESPN.com’s Paul Guiterrez notes that quarterback Terrelle Pryor could become trade bait. Coach Dennis Allen specifically noted that fellow QB Matt McGloin has a future with the Raiders, but made no such declaration about Pryor.
Guiterrez also reports that Raiders offensive lineman Mike Brisiel could be released, if he doesn’t retire first.
Eric Berry is a candidate for a contract extension with the Chiefs, writes Adam Teichel of ESPN.com. Berry is heading into the final season of his current deal.
Teichel goes on to note that the Chiefs could probably re-sign both free agent offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah for what it would cost to retain tackle Branden Albert, also a free agent. However, Schwartz wants to be a starter, and will likely not accept an offer to return as a backup.
The Chiefs would only consider drafting a quarterback if things looked bleak regarding an Alex Smith extension, says Teichel.
The wide receiver draft class is deep, which is a positive for the Chargers as they look for a play-maker to pair with Keenan Allen, writes ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams.

Combine Updates: Sam, Bridgewater, Browns

February 22nd, 2014 at 6:31pm CST by Peter Sowards

Last year, Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o‘s media session at the Scouting Combine drew the biggest crowds. Before that, it was Florida’s Tim Tebow who stole the show.

Today was Missouri defensive end Michael Sam‘s turn to face the horde of reporters, his first public speaking appearance since coming out February 9. He impressed, as expected, according to Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star.

Sam tried to downplay his sexuality and steer things back to football. “I wish you guys would just say, ‘Michael Sam, how’s football going?'” he said. “I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Sam the football player instead of Michael Sam the gay football player.”

When pushed about an environment like the Dolphins‘ locker room and the Richie Incognito bullying scandal, Sam said he was “not afraid” and that he could handle himself.

In the end, Sam just wants the opportunity to make a roster and rush the passer. “If you put me in a situation to get the quarterback, I’m going to get the quarterback,” he said. “And this league is a passing league, so I like to (see) myself as a good pass rusher. … I can jump back in coverage as well. But my specialty is rushing the passer.”

Other notes from Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine…

Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater proclaimed himself the best quarterback in the draft, per Jim Corbett of USA TODAY.
Bridgewater won’t throw during Sunday’s quarterback drills, but he will throw at his pro day, which takes place on March 17.
Tania Ganguli covers the Texans for ESPN, and said Bridgewater “projected an air of sincerity and likability throughout his combine news conference.” She expects Bridgewater to fare well when he sits down with Houston coach Bill O’Brien, owner of the 2014 No. 1 overall pick.
The potential pairing of Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins with Browns second-year stud Josh Gordon has Cleveland scribes buzzing, especially after Watkins mentioned it himself. “I think Josh Gordon is probably one of the top receivers in the NFL,” Watkins said, according to ESPN Browns reporter Pat McManamon. “He led receivers this year with 1,700 yards. I’d kind of take the pressure off of him with being double-covered or them flipping coverage to his side. It’d be a nightmare for (defenses) to match up.”
McManamon wrote a separate piece yesterday discussing the virtues of a possible pairing, using the successful duo of the Falcons’ Julio Jones and Roddy White as an example.
Texas wide receiver Mike Davis has a minor right foot injury and was not cleared to take part in Sunday’s on-field drills, tweets NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.

NFC Notes: Lions, Giants, Clowney, Watkins

February 22nd, 2014 at 4:46pm CST by Rob DiRe

The biggest positions of need for the Lions is thought to be cornerback after a poor performance from the secondary in 2013, and also finding a talented receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson. Even still, Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News writes that doesn’t lock the Lions first-round pick into those positions. He writes that there are some interesting offensive tackles projected as top ten picks, including Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews, Auburn’s Greg Robinson and Michigan’s Taylor Lewan. If any of those three were still available, they would be real options for the Lions at tenth overall. Here are some other notes from the NFC:

If Hakeem Nicks leaves the Giants in free agency, the team will have a hole to fill at receiver, writes Tom Rock of Newsday. He writes that general manager Jerry Reese is not sold that Rueben Randle can fill that role, and that the team could look to address the position in free agency or with its first-round pick.
Rams’ head coach Jeff Fisher subscribes to the theory that you can never have enough pass rushers, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. If the Texans select a quarterback with the first pick, the Rams may have the opportunity to add a great pass rusher in Jadeveon Clowney. While it is not a position of need, he is thought to be the best player available in the draft.
Bill Williamson of ESPN.com wrote about the possibility of the team moving up in the draft to grab a big time playmaker like Clemson’s Sammy Watkins. While Williamson thinks it is too big of a leap, as Watkins is thought of as a top five pick, if he begins to fall past tenth overall the 49ers have the resources to consider packaging picks to move up in the draft.
John Kuhn‘s agent, Kevin Gold said there is “mutual interest” in Kuhn returning to the Packers, according to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette (via Twitter). Gold and the Packers have been talking specifics in Indianapolis at the Scouting Combine.

Browns Keeping Options Open At No. 4

February 20th, 2014 at 9:47pm CST by Peter Sowards

To say that the Cleveland Browns have struggled to find a franchise quarterback since their reinstatement in 1999 would be the grossest of understatements. 20 different men have started under center for the much-maligned franchise in the past 15 seasons, most in the league during that time. One would assume that the team would be locked in on one of the clear top three QB prospects in the upcoming player selection meeting: Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel, UCF’s Blake Bortles or Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater.

Such may not be the case. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Browns GM Ray Farmer said he may go against conventional wisdom and ignore his team’s direst need.

“It could be safe [to say we’ll draft a quarterback], but we might not go that direction,” Farmer said, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. “It may not be what everybody thinks it’s going to be. There is an opportunity for some curveballs.”

Of course, it wouldn’t do any good for Farmer to come right out and declare his draft strategy with more than two months to go. And there are still evaluations to be done, with combine workouts, pro days and individual workouts still yet to have taken place. Farmer identified winning as the No. 1 quality he’s looking for in a potential quarterback.

“First and foremost, I’m looking for a winner. He can help translate what we’re trying to do offensively to the field. People will talk about arm strength. They’ll talk about different athletic aspects, can he move in the pocket, etcetera. But I truly believe that a guy being able to accurately throw the football, make quick decisions and process [information] and throw from a crowded pocket, those are critical factors in my mind of what the quarterback needs to be able to demonstrate he can do.”

With regard to Brian Hoyer, who went 3-0 in limited play last season before being lost with a torn ACL in his right knee, Farmer said he believes in Hoyer’s traits but is looking to push him with some competition.

Ulrich names Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins and South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney as draftable candidates at No. 4 if the team does not go in the quarterback direction. Or, Ulrich suggests the Browns trade down and select a second-tier quarterback such as Fresno State’s Derek Carr, Eastern Illinois’ Jimmy Garoppolo or Alabama’s AJ McCarron.

Like Jaguars GM David Caldwell, Farmer said he’s willing to trade down and give his team more opportunities “to go to bat” in the draft.

NFC North Notes: Raji, Vikings, Harper

February 16th, 2014 at 12:15pm CST by Rory Parks

ESPN Wisconsin’s Jason Wilde continues his position-by-position outlook of the Packers by delving into Green Bay’s defensive line and linebackers. With regards to the defensive line, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that the Packers would try to remake the unit with smaller and more athletic players, which DC Dom Capers has historically preferred. If the team does go in that direction, it could simply let unrestricted free agents B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly, and C.J. Wilson–all of whom offer more size than speed or athleticism–find a new employer. The biggest name of that group, of course, is Raji, whose rejection of an $8MM/year offer last fall suggests that he is unhappy with his role in the Packers’ scheme and that he is ready to move on. In any event, Green Bay is looking at a great deal of turnover on the defensive line, and it remains to be seen if they will add depth to the unit via free agency, the draft–the Packers have used a high pick on a defensive lineman in each of the past two years–or both.

As far as their linebackers are concerned, the big question the Packers face is what to do with Mike Neal. Neal was a revelation in 2013, moving from defensive end to outside linebacker and thriving in that role. While that was good news for Green Bay last season, Neal, an unrestricted free agent, is well-positioned to receive a significant offer from another club this season. With 2012 first-round pick Nick Perry still an unproven commodity at this point–injuries have shrouded each of his first two years in the league–the Packers may have no other choice but to retain Neal, lest they face another season with Clay Matthews as the only legitimate play-maker in the linebacking corps.

More notes from the NFC North:

As noted by our own Rob DiRe last week, Vikings GM Rick Spielman wants to add another two picks to the team’s 2014 draft. ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling thinks the best way to do that would be for Minnesota to trade back from its No. 8 overall selection. Such a move would be especially tempting if the draft’s top quarterbacks are off the board at that point. Goessling adds that, even if the Vikings could not get a top-flight QB with the eighth overall pick, they would be wise to grab Clemson’s Sammy Watkins if he’s still available. Watkins could team with Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings, and Adrian Peterson to form a formidable group of offensive weapons.
ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein believes the top priority for the Lions this offseason is at wide receiver, a belief reinforced by the recent release of Nate Burleson. Tight end would also be a high priority, particularly if the Lions cannot re-sign Brandon Pettigrew. As noted last week, Detroit’s outlook at tight end beyond Pettigrew is uninspiring.
Although ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright opined last week that the recently-released Roman Harper would probably cost too much for the Bears to sign, he does note that Harper would still be a viable option if another team does not spend big on him.

WR Notes: Holmes, Burleson, Broncos

February 16th, 2014 at 10:08am CST by Rory Parks

Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes that that Jets will cut Santonio Holmes. Holmes has been a disappointment both on and off the field since coming to New York from Pittsburgh, and he would cost the Jets $10.75MM against the cap this year if he were to be retained. However, the Jets will save $8.25MM by cutting Holmes, and Cimini believes the team will use at least a significant portion of that money to bring in a new wideout. As our own Luke Adams wrote last week, the Jets “covet” the Steelers’ Emmanuel Sanders and the Eagles’ Jeremy Maclin, both of whom are eligible for unrestricted free agency.

It is a buyer’s market for receivers this year, with over 50 wideouts set to hit the open market. Some more notes on the wide receiver carousel:

Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com writes that Nate Burleson would make sense for the Cowboys, given the imminent release of Miles Austin and the limitations of players like Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley. Archer believes Burleson’s skill-set, veteran leadership, and connection with new Cowboys’ play-caller Scott Linehan could add up to a nice complement to top receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams.
Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com believes the Broncos will have to grab at least one receiver in the draft. Eric Decker and Andre Caldwell are both unrestricted free agents, but the Broncos will want to make sure they have enough money to pay Demaryius Thomas when he hits free agency after the 2014 season, and that will limit what they could give to Decker, Caldwell, or any other free agent receiver this season. As such, Denver will be left with only two receivers on the roster who have started an NFL game: Thomas and Wes Welker. For a team that uses a three-wide set about 70% of the time, that is simply not enough depth.
Joe Kaiser of ESPN.com examines the chatter surrounding Anquan Boldin‘s return to the 49ers, all of which indicates Boldin will be back in the Bay Area next year.
In a recent interview with Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, NFL Films’ Greg Cosell confirms the general consensus that Clemson’s Sammy Watkins is the best receiver in this year’s draft, but Cosell doesn’t stop there. He believes that Watkins is the best receiver available since the 2010 draft, when Julio Jones and A.J. Green were taken in the first round.

Kiper On Manziel, Clowney, Watkins, Jets

February 6th, 2014 at 10:13am CST by Luke Adams

Draft day is still more than three months away, but with the offseason underway and the scouting combine around the corner, it’s not too early to start looking ahead. Before he revealed his newest mock (Insider link), ESPN.com draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. appeared on a teleconference today to discuss the 2014 NFL draft, and plenty of reporters passed along the highlights. Here’s a recap of several of Kiper’s notable comments (all links go to Twitter):

After talking to people around the league, Kiper believes that Johnny Manziel is the consensus top QB in the draft, at least for now. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s atop every team’s board.
Wide receivers and offensive tackles are likely to dominate the first round, according to Kiper. However, in addition to being top-heavy, the WR class is also expected to be deep, so a team like the Steelers could land a good player there later in the draft.
There should also be plenty of cornerback depth in the draft, so clubs like the Steelers and Bears can afford to wait on that position, though Chicago will likely have to address its defensive line in the early rounds, says Kiper.
Kiper believes Jadeveon Clowney will be picked either first overall by the Texans or third overall by the Jaguars, with both teams in need of a pass rusher to get after Andrew Luck twice a season.
Whichever of those clubs doesn’t take Clowney will probably draft Manziel, according to Kiper, who foresees the Texas A&M signal-caller going first or third, with Teddy Bridgewater coming off the board at No. 4, to the Browns.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is unlikely to be picked outside of the top five, in Kiper’s view.
Kiper doesn’t expect any running backs to be selected in the first round this year.
The Chiefs figure to target receivers, safeties, or defensive linemen in the first round, says Kiper.
Kiper has the Jets using the No. 18 pick on receiver Marqise Lee, and suggests the club should draft a QB in the middle rounds as an insurance policy for Geno Smith.