Latest draft rumors around the NFL

[ChrisW]

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reports that the Arizona Cardinals could be a team to watch in a trade-up scenario if UCF QB Blake Bortles gets past the Vikings at No. 8 overall.

• Pauline expects the Cardinals to “work the phones” in an attempt to move up and secure a quarterback.
• Pauline adds that the Browns could be a “dark horse” team in regards to Bortles at No. 4 overall.

Peter King of MMQB.com reported earlier that the Cardinals and Browns both have more interest Bortles than he initially thought, so this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Bortles connected to Arizona.

The Cardinals hold the No. 20 overall pick and have become a popular landing spot for quarterbacks in recent mock drafts.

Fresno State QB Derek Carr has come up as someone who they could consider at No. 20.

There has been so much talk regarding the Cardinals possibly taking a quarterback in round one, that you have to wonder if they don’t move in an entirely different direction all together. After all, Arizona is still a candidate to trade back.

We’ll have more regarding the Cardinals as the news is available.

 

[ChrisW]

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reports that the Buccaneers owners are “pushing” for the team to select QB Johnny Manziel.

Interestingly enough, Pauline adds that new HC Lovie Smith would prefer to take Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald instead.

NFL executives around the league have told Pauline that Manziel being selected in the first eight picks would be “by decree of the owner rather than the scouting department or general manager.“

Pauline’s sources added that the feeling among GMs is that they are hoping Manziel is gone by the time they are on the clock to prevent the owner from stepping in.

There has been a lot of buzz regarding the idea of Manziel ending up in Tampa Bay.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Tuesday that the Bucs were considering a trade up to No. 2 overall and could target Manziel or possiblySammy Watkins.

As of now, the smoke is extremely thick with almost every possible scenario being thrown around, so take the news for what you will.

 

[ChrisW]

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins have been in talks with teams about either trading up or out of the No. 19 overall pick.

According to Salguero, Miami has had “preliminary discussions” with theEagles, Browns, and Saints regarding trade-down scenario.

Moving down to No. 28 or No. 30 overall with either the Panthers or 49ers could be an option for the Dolphins as well.

As for possibly trading up, Salguero mentions that they could target Notre Dame OT Zack Martin or possibly even Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews, depending on how far he falls.

There’s no question that Miami could really use some help at offensive tackle and some have mentioned that Tennessee OT Ja’Wuan James could be on their radar as well. Others have tossed out Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio and Virginia’s Morgan Moses as guys who could be in consideration for them as well.

 

[ChrisW]

Don Banks of SI.com is hearing that Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel would prefer not to play in Jacksonville if given the option.

According to Banks, Manziel’s preference has nothing to do with the people in the Jaguars’ organization, but is instead centered location of Jacksonville.

Banks also mentions that Manziel’s family is hoping that he doesn’t end up in Houston as it would most likely only add to the pressure on him. Banks adds that playing somewhere else would allow him to distance himself from the “Johnny Football” persona.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported earlier in the day that word is spreading throughout the media that the Jaguars are planning to take Manziel at No. 3 overall, so it appears as though there is at least a chance he could be playing in Jacksonville this season.

It’s hard to put a lot of stock in reports about a player’s preference simply because they have no say in where they end up. On top of that, their No. 1 incentive is to step in produce for team as soon as possible in order to secure a long-term contract.

There has been so many reports regarding Manziel that I really have no idea where he ultimately ends up at this point. Maybe to the Buccaneers at No. 7 or possibly to the Rams at No. 13? Who knows.

 

[ChrisW]

Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News reports that the 49ers explored the idea of trading up into the top 10, but were told that it would require them to part with their 2015 first-round pick.

• Kawakami adds that the 49ers aren’t willing to meet that asking price.
• According to Kawakami, it appears as though San Francisco was targeting a receiver, which coincides with previous reports.

There’s still a decent enough chance that they will be able to move to for the second straight year, but the reason question is how high.

Last year, the 49ers sent the Cowboys their No. 31 overall pick and No. 73 overall in return for the 18th overall selection. Dallas currently has the No. 16 pick, so there is a chance that a similar trade could happen again this year.

Reports have mentioned that the 49ers are very high on LSU WR Odell Beckham Jr, so this could be something to watch on Thursday.

 

[ChrisW]

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports that a team drafting in the top 10 was told by the Texans that it would cost them three first-round picks and a second-round selection to trade up to No. 1 overall.

According to Glazer, no team is willing to give up that much for any player in this year’s draft.

Houston is obviously looking for a similar package of picks to what the Rams received for QB Robert Griffin III a few years ago.

Recent reports have mentioned that the Falcons are among the interested teams in trading up into the top-five. Other teams with reported interesting include the Buccaneers, Lions and Bills.

Assuming the Texans asking price comes down as Thursday night draws closer, there is a chance that someone will make the move up to No. 1. But they choose to stick with this asking price, the Rams could be in a great position to trade out of No. 2 overall.

 

[ChrisW]

Here’s a running list of reports from Wednesday regarding prospects visits, workouts and rumors:

• Rams GM Les Snead mentioned that he’s already taken a number of phone calls regarding the No. 2 overall pick. (Michelle Beisner)
• Raiders reportedly view Khalil Mack as a “perfect replacement” for DE LaMarr Houston. (Omar Ruiz)
• The Broncos are reportedly talking about possibly trading up on Thursday. (Ian Rapoport)

———–

• The Texans are reportedly asking for three first-round picks and a second-round to trade up to No. 1 overall. (Jay Glazer)
• The Cowboys would try to trade out of No. 16 overall if Johnny Manziel is still on the board. (Ian Rapoport)
• As many as seven receivers could be drafted in the first round, with five of them coming off the board in the top 25. (Mike Florio)
• Concordia DE Zach Moore has had private workouts with the Patriots, Dolphins, Panthers, andFalcons. (Chris Tomasson)

———-

• Texans reportedly aren’t concerned about DE Jadeveon Clowney’s lack of hustle and believe they can deal with it. (Ian Rapoport)
• The Rams and Jaguars reportedly do not have “effort” concerns regarding Jadeveon Clowneyeither. (Albert Breer)
• Dolphins could be a trade partner for teams looking to move up for a WR or QB that’s dropping. (Albert Breer)
• Vikings have spoken to five teams regarding a trade down and it’s unlikely that they trade up on Thursday. (Albert Breer)

———–

• The Buccaneers‘ owners are reportedly “pushing” for the team to select QB Johnny Manziel. (NFLTR)
• Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith would reportedly prefer to take DT Aaron Donald in round one. (NFLTR)
• Cardinals could be a team to watch in a trade-up scenario if UCF QB Blake Bortles gets past theVikings at No. 8 overall. (NFLTR)
• The Browns could be a “dark horse” team in regards to Blake Bortles at No. 4 overall. (NFLTR)
• Texas A&M WR Mike Evans is expected to come off the board within the top-five picks. (Ian Rapoport)
• UCLA DE/OLB Anthony Barr says he has had no contact whatsoever with the Giants. (Art Stapleton)
• Nevada OL Joel Bitonio is reportedly in play for the Chargers and Panthers in round one. (NFLTR)
• The Panthers could consider a move up for a WR such as Brandin Cooks or Marquise Lee. (NFLTR)

———–

• Quarterback prospects could drop in the first-round due to the performances of guys like Sam Bradford, Christian Ponder and Jake Locker. (Ed Werder)
• People in the NFL would not be surprised to see Odell Beckham Jr get drafted ahead of Mike Evans. (Ed Werder)

———

• The Texans could reduce their asking price for the No. 1 pick as the draft nears. (Jason La Canfora)
• The Falcons trading up to No. 2 overall for Buffalo LB Khalil Mack remains an option. (Jason La Canfora)
• UNC TE Eric Ebron mentioned that the Bills and Lions have shown the most interest in him. (Marc Sessler)

———-

• The Browns‘ perfect draft could include taking OT Greg Robinson, QB Teddy Bridgewater and Carlos Hyde. (NFLTR)
• The Browns have reportedly considered trading up from No. 26 for Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater.(Mary Kay Cabot)
• The Jaguars could be planning to take Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel at No. 3 overall. (NFLTR)
• UCF QB Blake Bortles could still be an option for the Jaguarsat No. 3 overall. (Mike Florio)
• Auburn OT Greg Robinson mentioned that the Falcons and Rams were two teams with the most interest in him. (Marc Sessler)
• The Dolphins brought in Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier for a workout on Monday. (NFLTR)

————-

• LSU QB Zach Mettenberger has reportedly been red-flagged by several teams due to a back condition. (Ian Rapoport)
• The Ravens have reportedly done their due diligence on LSU QB Zach Mettenberger. (Aaron Wilson)
• The Eagles reportedly “love” Virginia Tech CB Kyle Fuller. (Jeff McLane)
• Virginia OT Morgan Moses has had 13 visits and private workouts with teams like Saints andRavens. (Aaron Wilson)
• Towson RB Terrance West has visited or met with the 49ers, Bills, Falcons, Titans, Vikings,Seahawks, Cardinals and Dolphins, and worked out for Falcons. (Aaron Wilson)
• Notre Dame DT Kona Schwenke has visited with 49ers and Chiefs. (Aaron Wilson)
• Arkansas K Zach Hocker has worked out for Colts, Cardinals, Eagles and Saints. (Aaron Wilson)

www.nfltraderumors.co

 

[CGI_Ram]

Nice work with this thread, Chris.

 

[PhxRam]

good work dude.

 

[FRO]

I don't see how Bradford can be lumped in the same sentence as Ponder. Some of these national guys need to take a look at the strides he has made over his last 16 games.

But there is a point to be made, if your offense is void of skill, does drafting a QB make sense? When Bradford was drafted, only Steven Jackson would have started for any other team. We had a horrible roster. Maybe the move should have been to add talent and then add the QB.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Interesting. Mike Evans is expected to go in the top 5 picks and Odell Beckham is expected to go ahead of Mike Evans. Throw in Watkins and that would be 3 WRs in the top 5. Too bad that won't happen because the Rams could trade back a bit further and still get a good top 5 player.

 

[ChrisW]

No need to compliment and thank me, guys. It's a direct copy and past from the link I provided in the last post. Thank you anyways.

 

[ChrisW]

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that Broncos are another team that is discussion the idea of possibly trading up in round one.

We’ve already heard that the 49ers have been actively trying to move up and possibly target a wide receiver. However, it would be interesting to hear who the Broncos would like to move up for.

Many have assumed that they could target a defensive lineman or a linebacker in round one. Guys like Alabama’s C.J. Mosley and Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier could make a lot of sense for them, but may not last until Denver’s pick at No. 31 overall.

There are also some solid cornerback options that could be available in the mid-to-late portion of the first round that might be attractive for Broncos.

We have the Broncos taking Kony Ealy at No. 31 overall in our most recent 2014 NFL Mock Draft.

 

[bomebadeeda]

Thanks for the updates Chris....

 

[Alan]

Good stuff as usual.

 

[OnceARam]

My head may explode.

 

[ChrisW]

ESPN’s Adam Schefter provides a list of teams who have shown interest in up and down in round one.

According to Schefter, teams who have inquired about trading up in the first round include: the Lions, Jets, Browns (from No. 26 overall), 49ers, Texans(from No. 33 overall) and the Falcons (from No. 37 overall).

As for teams who are looking to move down, Schefter reports that the Raiders, Buccaneers, Titans, Ravens, Dolphins and Patriots have all shown interest in doing so.

There really aren’t too many surprises in this group of teams. We haven’t heard a whole lot about the Titans hoping to move out of the No. 11 spot, but it would probably make sense if an opportunity presented itself.

 

[ChrisW]

• The Raiders are believed to prefer Mike Evans to Sammy Watkins. (NFLTR)

———-

• The Texans are reportedly asking price a 2014 first, second and third-round pick, as well as a 2015 first-round selection for No. 1 overall. (John McClain)
• Browns HC Mike Pettine mentioned that Johnny Manziel will be in the discussion at No. 4 overall. (Lindsay Jones)
• Rams informed QB Sam Bradford of the plans to leak interest in Johnny Manziel as a smokescreen. (NFLTR)
• LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr and Notre Dame’s Zach Martin are “hot names” who could go in the top 12. (John Clayton)
• Penn State WR Allen Robinson could sneak into first round. (Paul Domowich)
• Virginia Tech CB Kyle Fuller recently met with the Ravens. (Aaron Wilson)
• Virginia OT Morgan Moses visited the Ravens. (Aaron Wilson)

 

[ChrisW]

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net is being told by a source that the Cardinals will try and select a quarterback in one of the first three rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Cardinals still have QB Carson Palmer under contract until after the 2015 season. Behind him, Arizona currently has Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley, two players with little experience.

Arizona could certainly use a young quarterback for Head Coach Bruce Ariansto groom, but that may be a luxury the team cannot afford. Playing in the suddenly ultra-competitive NFC West, Arizona will have to keep pace with the 49ers and Seahawks.

Accordingly, Arizona may need to use their early round selections on players who will make an immediate impact.

Arizona has been linked often to Fresno State QB Derek Carr, but many teams have done their homework on this classes’ signal callers.

 

[ChrisW]

According Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, it makes more sense for the Falcons to trade up to No. 4 overall and take Buffalo LB Khalil Mack, than trade up to No. 1 overall for Jadeveon Clowney.

The Browns are reportedly willing to trade out of the No. 4 pick, but this scenario would require Mack to get past the Rams at No. 2 and the Jaguars at No. 3 overall.

Reports from the past few days have mentioned that the Texans are looking for several picks for the No. 1 overall pick, so the cost seems almost too high for anyone to make the move up.

It’s worth mentioning that executives have told Tony Pauline that they believe Sammy Watkins could be the Jaguars’ pick.

An offensive tackle could still be in play for the Falcons if they were to stay at No. 6 overall. This would obviously allow them to keep their draft picks and build their offense and defensive lines.