SMOKE AND MIRRORS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE 4/16

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Agamemnon

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Apr 6, 2013
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2013 DRAFT BUZZ:
THE LATEST PRE-DRAFT SMOKE AND MIRRORS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE
http://www.gbnreport.com/draftbuzz.html
April 16

The New York Jets have reportedly put trade talks with Tampa Bay regarding a possible deal for Jets’ All-Pro CB Darelle Revis ‘on hold.’ Ostensibly, the Jets have put the talks on hold while they wait for updates on Revis’ medical condition. Revis, who is in New York for the beginning of the Jets’ ’voluntary’ off-season workouts that got underway on Monday, underwent an MRI that according to sources showed his recovery from a torn ACL to be on schedule if not somewhat ahead of what was expected. The fact that the Jets have put a hold on trade talks, though, is far more likely a pressure tactic in the stalled talks between the two teams. The Buccaneers are reportedly offering 1st and 3rd round picks, as well as a 5th or 6th rounder for Revis, although it is very possible that the first rounder is their #1 pick in 2014. Meanwhile, the Jets are holding out for more in a stare-down that could go on right up until the Buccaneers get on the clock with their opening round pick next week. The strangest part of the whole story, though, emerged on the weekend when there were reports that the Jets were trying to get the Buccaneers to take QB Mark Sanchez and his guaranteed $8M-plus contract for 2013 off their hands. The Jets never really denied the reports, but it doesn’t appear as if Sanchez is still part of the discussion. What is pretty clear is that Jets‘ management have no faith in Sanchez‘ ability to turn the franchise‘s fortunes around so it won‘t be a shock if the Jets make a move to try and acquire one of this year’s top prospects at the position such as West Virginia’s QB Geno Smith, especially if they are able to arm themselves with a second opening round selection at next week’s draft.

Meanwhile, Kansas City has reportedly lowered its demand for veteran LT Brandon Albert to a high second-round pick at this year’s draft. The Chiefs had been asking for a first rounder for Albert, who is would become expendable in KC if as expected the team selects either of OTs Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher with the first pick at next week’s draft, but got no nibbles at all. Despite lowering the price tag, the Chiefs reportedly still haven’t generated much interest in Albert, who as the team’s franchise player carries a $9M-plus contract for the upcoming season, although any team that were to acquire him would be in a position to negotiate a new long-term contract. In the end, the Chiefs may have to wait until after the first round gets sorted out as teams needing a LT like Detroit, Arizona and San Diego wait to see if they can draft one of this year’s very promising LT prospects.

This and that … This is the final week for teams to have out-of-town players in for pre-draft visits and if frequent flyer miles are any indication, West Virginia WR Tavon Austin may be the hottest guy in the 2013 draft class. By the time it’s all done, Austin will have had private workouts and/or on-site visits with 12 teams. And Austin, who most analysts still project to be a mid-first round prospect, will be in Detroit later today for a two visit with the Lions who will have the 5th pick overall next week. Austin also had a private workout with St. Louis over the past weekend. In fact, the Rams, who have the 16th and 22nd picks in this year’s draft, are thought to be the team most likely to want Austin, however, at this point it looks like they may have to move up into the top 10 to get him. Indeed, in addition to Detroit at #5, Austin has also had recent visits with Cleveland and the NY Jets, which have the 6th and 9th picks respectively, while both Miami and Tampa Bay (with picks #12 and #13) are also believed to be intrigued by Austin’s uncommon playmaking ability. And speaking of on-site visits, while most players making the rounds are early to mid-rounders, teams are also bringing in the odd true sleeper. And a couple of unheralded guys who have made visits include California Lutheran WR Eric Rogers and Old Dominion OLB Craig Wilkins. Rogers is a 6-3, 205-pound DIII All-American with 4.50 speed - he was also a D3 track All-American as a triple4 jumper - had 91 receptions for almost 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season. For his part, Wilkins is a disruptive 6-1, 238-pound OLB with sub-4.65 speed who had 6.5 sacks and 7 other tackles for loss last fall among his 90 total tackles in 2012 ... More positive news on the health status of Utah DT Star Lotulelei after Philadelphia G.M.Howie Roseman confirmed in a pre-draft presser the former Utes’ star is okay medically after that heart scare at the combine.