Draft Rumors

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Buzz on Cincy's draft targets

Two players that appear to be at the forefront of their thoughts on the selection process are S Kenny Vaccaro and RB Giovani Bernard. Earlier this offseason, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer cited those two as potential targets with those early-round picks, and the scribe has been informed by sources that the Bengals are hosting Vaccaro and Bernard for pre-draft visits.

New buzz on Miami at No. 12

Though the team signed Brent Grimes to a one-year pact, CB appears to still be a position of need, so grabbing Xavier Rhodes or Desmond Trufant there (or Dee Milliner if he falls) would appear to be a smart addition. Furthermore, the team lost Jake Long to free agency, and while Jonathan Martin can potentially slide over to LT, that would produce a vacancy on the right side; if any of the Top 3 OTs fall, they'd make a fine addition. Adding a pass-rusher would also make sense, as the team has been looking for a complement to Cameron Wake, and failed to land Osi Umenyiora or Elvis Dumervil, with John Abraham and Dwight Freeney remaining possibilities. This draft is deep with D-line talent, so there may well be a fine option for Miami when it's their turn to pick.

Barkley on Arizona's short list?

... according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Cardinals GM Steve Keim and Arians are scheduled to conduct a private workout with Matt Barkley on Saturday. Barkley's draft stock was high at the start of the season, but wavered as he was plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance in his final campaign for the Trojans. Nevertheless, there are some who believe he could be a first-round pick, and the Cards (at No. 7 overall) could be the team to fulfill that destiny. Palmer, after all, is generally seen only as a short-term fix.

More hints on Eagles at No. 4

... they made a significant number of moves to solidify positions up and down the roster. Based upon the thoroughness of those signings, there aren't really any "need" positions heading into the draft, which means that they've been a tough team to nail down when it comes to projecting who they'll select at No. 4 overall.

Their pre-draft visit schedule has only contributed to that confusion. Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that QB Geno Smith and DE/OLB Ezekiel Ansah visited the club Wednesday, and that DE/OLB Dion Jordan and OT Eric Fisher arrived Wednesday night for their visits. Next week, OT Luke Joeckel will make his visit to Philly.

There's been on word on when (or if) CB Dee Milliner is going to visit Philly, though he's been a popular pick for them in mock drafts thus far. They've also been linked to the top DTs, Star Lotulelei and Sharrif Floyd.

Patriots' draft ideas

The New England Patriots always have a solid roster, but even quality teams can benefit from the draft. Since they are drafting near the bottom of the first round, though, it's difficult to peg exactly which player or position they may be targeting with their first pick (No. 29). ESPN AFC East blogger James Walker took a stab at a few guys, including cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Desmond Trufant and wide receiver Keenan Allen. [...] Looking at the draft as a whole, ESPNBoston.com's Field Yates touched base with ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. for his thoughts on possible coverage linebacker targets.

"You look at guys and I think [Kansas State's] Arthur Brown and his instincts and his feel for the game, Khaseem Greene from Rutgers is another kid, kind of in that [Buccaneers linebacker] Lavonte David type of mold," Kiper said. "Zaviar Gooden from Missouri can fly around the field, [he's] one of the fastest outside linebackers in this draft. Jelani Jenkins from Florida is another kid, Sean Porter from [Texas] A&M showed ability to get after the quarterback and play in reverse at Texas A&M, playing in two different schemes during his career. ... Taylor Reed from SMU is another one, probably a late rounder or a priority free agent."

Jets and Nassib?

As we noted Tuesday, Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib has upcoming workouts scheduled with the Cleveland Browns (Thursday), the Jacksonville Jaguars (Friday), the Buffalo Bills (Sunday) and the Arizona Cardinals (date unknown). He has long been tied to the Bills, because Doug Marrone just left Syracuse to take over as their head coach. However, there is at least one more team that we can connect as an interested party: the New York Jets.

"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Jets have shown considerable interest in Nassib, both during the season (when Mike Tannenbaum was the General Manager) and after the season (when John Idzik got the job)," wrote ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio.

"The Jets, we’re told, scouted Nassib aggressively during his final season at Syracuse, and they spent extra time with him after his Pro Day workout, including taking him to dinner."

The Jets arguably would be making a reach if they snag Nassib with the No. 9 overall pick, but they could take him with the seventh pick of the second round, two spots ahead of the Bills' second-round draft spot, where ESPN's Todd McShay has the Bills taking Nassib in his most recent mock draft.

NFL Rumors Blog - ESPN

 

[augustisback003]

Chiefs narrowing their options

According to NFL.com's Albert Breer, Chiefs GM John Dorsey indicates that the team is down to four options with the No. 1 pick. Dorsey naturally didn't disclose the names of the final four, but the assumption is that the top two LTs on the board -- Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher -- are under consideration. Other than those two, some the Chiefs could look to bolster their defensive front with Star Lotulelei or Sharrif Floyd, and the big question remaining is whether their public interest in Geno Smith has any weight to it (or if it's a smokescreen).

Cooper high on Cowboys' list?

As it stands, Nate Livings, Phil Costa and Mackenzy Bernadeau appear in line to start at the three inside spots. But if things fall their way on the fateful night of Apr. 25, there may be another individual in the mix. Specifically, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net passes along word from a source that UNC OG Jonathan Cooper is one of the Cowboys' top first-round targets at No. 18 overall. In a recent blog post, Steve Muench of Insider's NFL Draft blog considered whether Dallas should take Cooper or Chance Warmack with that pick.

Jarvis Jones as Harrison's replacement?

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, UGA's Jarvis Jones visited with Mike Tomlin's team on Tuesday.

It's rare that a prospect can come right out of college and play a significant role in Dick LeBeau's complex defensive system, but the Steelers may not ask too much out of a rookie OLB given the presence of Worilds on the roster. In Todd McShay's most recent mock draft, Jones was the choice for Pittsburgh in Round 1.

Falcons draft buzz

Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com has kept his finger on the pulse of mock drafts across the media landscape, and notes that two prospects in particular -- Washington CB Desmond Trufant and Stanford TE Zach Ertz -- are the most popular choices for Atlanta at No. 30. The inclusion of a TE makes sense; though Tony Gonzalez is coming back this fall, they'll need an heir to his position for future campaigns (and the Patriots have shown that a 2-TE set can be a challenging matchup).

Ogletree as Urlacher's successor?

Some have compared Georgia's Alec Ogletree to Urlacher in the sense that both are converted safeties. And while Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune isn't ready to make that leap of faith, he does believe that Ogletree would be of some interest to Chicago:

"Ogletree is talented enough to play middle linebacker or weak side linebacker in the Bears' 4-3. Because he is tall, athletic and rangy and isn't real natural when taking on blocks, some scouts think he would be best utilized as an outside linebacker. But he is not a player with a lot of limitations. He probably is the type of athlete who hasn't yet played his best football. Ogletree is somewhat similar to Urlacher when Urlacher came out of New Mexico in 2000, but Urlacher was bigger and faster. Ogletree is more experienced at playing the way he will play as a pro."

NFL Rumors Blog - ESPN

 

[Tubbs1518]

I read a report yesterday.....though I can't remember where I read it, that Bernard has fallen down draft boards fast and is now looking like a 3rd round. If we spend either of our 1st 2 picks on him we are stupid.

 

[cincygrad]

That would be awesome if we could draft a small back without break away speed and a balky knee. We need one of those.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

The thing that amazes me there is they think Jarvis Jones is going to fall to Pittsburgh. I mean, I know his stock has fallen a bit after his poor combine and workout, but the tape really does not lie on what kind of instinctive player he is.

If he is sitting there around 16 still, we need to trade up and nab him in my opinion. Not sure how much that would take..maybe one of our 2nd round picks and swapping of our 3rd round pick?

We lose our lower second round pick, but gain a few spots on the draft board with our 3rd round pick.

 

[Tubbs1518]

The thing that amazes me there is they think Jarvis Jones is going to fall to Pittsburgh. I mean, I know his stock has fallen a bit after his poor combine and workout, but the tape really does not lie on what kind of instinctive player he is.

If he is sitting there around 16 still, we need to trade up and nab him in my opinion. Not sure how much that would take..maybe one of our 2nd round picks and swapping of our 3rd round pick?

We lose our lower second round pick, but gain a few spots on the draft board with our 3rd round pick.

There are people saying he won't even be a 1st round pick now. Gil Brandt for one.

 

[cincygrad]

Well clearly Gil Brandt is an idiot.

 

[vancelot23]

This draft is long on depth, short on elite talent. Trading up would be stupid. There will be fine players around no matter what. I also don't really like Jones as a 4-3 OLB.

 

[DanBengalfan]

Actually, I think we're so far over the cap now that we've signed John Skelton that we're actually going to have to borrow money from players in 2014 just to average things out.

so forget about drafting anyone in the top 3 rounds.

 

[vancelot23]

Per Joe Reedy, the Bengals have about $25 million in cap room. They're carrying $10 million into next season and will need about $5-6 million for draft picks, so they have $9-10 million left, not counting Andre.

 

[DanBengalfan]

89% = 100%

but, but, but Hobspin says The Bengals are way over the cap, they can only afford another player by the genius wizard magic of Mike Brown...

The Bengals will have to auction off seats soon and force ticket holders to stand in their spot instead of sitting.

 

[kramer1]

Per Joe Reedy, the Bengals have about $25 million in cap room. They're carrying $10 million into next season and will need about $5-6 million for draft picks, so they have $9-10 million left, not counting Andre.

That's 25 million off the 89% I'm sure.

I don't believe a word Reedy says. He's a fucking tool just like Hobspin.

 

[DanBengalfan]

the salary cap is irrelevant when you consider the Bengals spending habits.

 

[icehole3]

according to Hobson with the signing of Skelton we may have to cut Atkins to get under the cap

 

[DanBengalfan]

we'll probably have to cut everyone that doesn't make the league minimum.

All the NFL can do is fine Mike Brown the difference of what he should have paid and distribute it evenly to his players.

What they don't know is that Mike Brown is a crafty lawyer and they aren't getting a damned cent. He'll go to jail first.

 

[DanBengalfan]

actually, as I understand it, Mike Brown dresses as a homeless vet and asks for money before reds games.

 

[augustisback003]

More on St. Louis' draft targets

Armed with an extra first-round pick this offseason thanks to their trade of the No. 2 overall selection in 2012, the St. Louis Rams are one of the more intriguing clubs in the selection process [...] Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch provided a rundown in a post this week. RB Eddie Lacy, LB Khaseeme Green, OL Kyle Long and WRs Keenan Allen and Justin Hunter have already visited or are confirmed as scheduled. In addition, there have been some unconfirmed reports that WR Tavon Austin, LB Alec Ogletree and RB Marcus Lattimore are also set to visit or hold private workouts with the club elsewhere.

Geno to the Jags?

On the current roster, the Jaguars have 2011 first-rounder Blaine Gabbert and former second-round pick Chad Henne. Gabbert has never really materialized into a NFL-caliber starter as yet, while Henne has had his moments of strong play, both in Jacksonville and in his previous home in Miami. Within a lengthy post in which he argues that Geno Smith is essentially a lock to go in the Top 5 of the draft, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports has some intriguing insight into the Jags' situation:

"Everything I have heard leads me to believe the real smoke screen is the idea that there has been a rallying behind Gabbert. To the contrary, his sense of entitlement, lack of production/development, attitude, and struggles in the face of the pass rush are just some of the reasons why he might never see the fourth year of his rookie contract in Jacksonville. So the Jags are very much in the hunt for their next quarterback, they won't do any better than Smith in this draft, they're likely to be the first quarterback-needy team with the chance to take him, and passing on him could prove to be a huge mistake."

Who wants Jordan?

There's one possible future where the stars align and Oregon DE/OLB Dion Jordan joins up with his collegiate coach Chip Kelly, who has taken the reigns of the Philadelphia Eagles at this point. But two things will need to happen: none of the three teams ahead of the Eagles can draft Jordan (the Chiefs, Jags and Raiders could all use a dynamic pass-rusher), and Jordan must be higher-ranked on the Eagles' draft board than anyone else available at that point. The Eagles aren't the only team concerned with Jordan, however.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Jordan has already visited with the Eagles, Cardinals and Jaguars, and is scheduled to visit the Jets, Bucs, Bills, Titans, Steelers, Lions and Browns.

Targets for Buffalo at No. 8

Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 Radio reports that four players were in town on Thursday -- QB Geno Smith, WR Ryan Swope, LB Kevin Minter and S Kenny Vaccaro. Based upon where they've been going in mock drafts, it would seem that Smith and Vaccaro would be under consideration in the first round, while Minter and Swope would be second-round targets.

Who's into Fluker?

A number of teams could use the upgrade at RT, but we do have a set of clubs that's going to get a deeper look with a an official pre-draft visit. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, the list includes the Minnesota Vikings (who have picks No. 23 and 25), St. Louis Rams (picks No. 16 and 22) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (pick No. 13). The New York Giants are selecting at No. 19, and many believe they have some level of interest in Fluker (given their current situation at RT), but no official visit is yet lined up.

NFL Rumors Blog - ESPN

 

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Eagles to Host Utah DT Star Lotulelei for Pre-Draft Visit

The Eagles continue to line up pre-draft visits with potential first-round draft choices, as Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei will visit the team's Novacare Complex in the coming days, according to NFL sources.

It is expected that general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly will be among those evaluating Lotulelei during his vist in Philadelphia at a to-be-determined date.

Earlier this offseason, the Eagles released defensive tackles Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins, who each recently signed with the New York Giants, and are in the process of transitioning to a 3-4 alignment from a 4-3. Part of the process is finding a suitable nosetackle and Lotulelei fills that void. The Eagles already have signed 31-year-old former San Francisco 49er Isaac Sopoaga in free agency.

Questions began to surround Lotulelei prior to the NFL Scouting Combine when a heart condition was discovered, but the 23-year-old has since been cleared by an independent physician. Lotulelei is projected to be selected somewhere in the top ten choices.

"A treadmill stress test showed normal response of the heart to exercise and an ambulatory EKG monitor revealed normal findings," University of Utah cardiologist Josef Stehlik wrote in his report issued Tuesday. "This evaluation suggested that the initial heart function abnormality was likely transient, resulting from a viral infection."

Lotulelei turned in a solid pro day in which he hoisted 38 reps on the bench press and turned in a 4.65 second 40-yard dash.

Eagles to Host Utah DT Star Lotulelei for Pre-Draft Visit | Bleacher Report

 

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'Lots of buzz' Fluker will go before Warmack

According to NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah, there's "lots of buzz" Alabama RT D.J. Fluker will come off the board before college teammate OG Chance Warmack.
Both players have been ticketed for the first half of the first round for some time now, but the media is beginning to catch up with what teams have thought all along. Fluker has versatility to play both right tackle and right guard and offers more positional value than Warmack.

NFL | Schefter throws out a Revis for Smith swap - Rotoworld.com

 

[augustisback003]

Bengals hold private workout with Cyprien

The Cincinnati Bengals need a starter at strong safety, and there's a good chance that they will take one early with three of the first 53 picks in the draft. One prospect who is apparently on their radar is Johnathan Cyprien.

Considered one of the top three safeties in the draft, Cyprien is having a private workout Monday at Florida International with Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

NFL Rumors Blog - ESPN