2014 NFL Draft chatter/rumors/news

[The Pencil Neck]

most talented.
also those other names i think are either on the back of good QB play or have production due to the system.

the guys i mentioned are more talented and can win games on their own and dont need top QB or top offensive system to produce

I don't care how talented a guy is. I only care if the guy produces.

I don't believe ANY WR can win games on their own. They all need someone to get them the ball -- both the QB and the offensive system. You could take Calvin Johnson and put him in an old ground-and-pound offense and he's not seeing more than 3-4 catches a game. That's not enough for him to be productive.

So, for me, like I said, it's all about production. There are plenty of guys who are VERY productive who are < 6' 2" tall.

 

[Playoffs]

Greg Gabriel &#8207;@greggabe

Reality is there are very few "risers" or "fallers" in the draft. It's the media has figured out they had a guy rated too high or too low

 

[HOU-TEX]

Greg Gabriel &#8207;@greggabe

Hmm, I think I's deja vu-ing

 

[badboy]

Greg Gabriel &#8207;@greggabe

I think it is because the guys have done little research on players like Savage then because of some new (to them) info they are startled into adjusting their ranking. Other examples, Kony Ealy was rated 6th round for long time, Jawuan James a 5th now high second, Phillip Gaines from a 7th to now a mid to high 2nd, Stanley Jean Baptiste has risen three rounds recently,Skov has dropped two rounds based on nothing, McCarron and Christian Jones (ILB) are elevators up and down almost each new evaluation.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Greg Gabriel &#8207;@greggabe

That's kinda what I've been saying.

No one knows who the various teams really like or don't like.

The Media, otoh, that's where these guys rise and fall and it's because... it's the MEDIA. They're trying to sniff around and get some clue from the teams about what their boards look like and who they like or don't like. The Media is trying to figure out where guys are going to go beforehand.

And then, when someone gets drafted somewhere they didn't expect. they call it a reach. When REALLY it just shows that they had incorrect information.

Now, someone like Mayock or Kiper, they try to spin it a different way. They're saying they've got the End-All, Be-All list of prospects ranked by "talent" or "projections" or whatever. This guy has a first round grade and that guy has a 5th round grade, but a list like that without the context of a specific scheme of a specific team is meaningless.

There may be risers and fallers but it's not an across the board thing. A guy may rise on one team's board and fall on another team's board and no one other than those two teams are really going to know that.

 

[WolverineFan]

I think it is because the guys have done little research on players like Savage then because of some new (to them) info they are startled into adjusting their ranking. Other examples, Kony Ealy was rated 6th round for long time, Jawuan James a 5th now high second, Phillip Gaines from a 7th to now a mid to high 2nd, Stanley Jean Baptiste has risen three rounds recently,Skov has dropped two rounds based on nothing, McCarron and Christian Jones (ILB) are elevators up and down almost each new evaluation.

I believe Skov ran a 5.2 at his Pro Day and there are questions about his athleticism post-injury.

 

[disaacks3]

And then, when someone gets drafted somewhere they didn't expect. they call it a reach. When REALLY it just shows that they had incorrect information.

Not always. There's the (R.I.P.) Al Davis' and Jerry Jones' of the world who sometimes make EPIC reaches.

 

[drs23]

This chatter/rumor has been growing some legs for some time. I wouldn't give it a whole lot of stock other than the fact that Demitroff has proven he has the stones to pull the trigger when he believes in a certain player.

Will Mack still be there at #6? I dunno.

I just hope the Texans don't soil the linen by taking Bortels. That guy scares the crap outta me as a high first rounder. Just not impressed in the least. I'd take JFF before Bortels and I'm by no stretch a fan. He scares me too.

 

[Lucky]

I just hope the Texans don't soil the linen by taking Bortels. That guy scares the crap outta me as a high first rounder. Just not impressed in the least.

I think Bortles is rawer than Bridgewater and not as dynamic as Manziel. But, he has improved vastly over the past couple of years and has a lot of potential. If he's the guy O'Brien wants to coach, I have no problem with it. Really like the idea of trading down and getting extra picks. Lord knows they need as many good players as possible.

 

[Number19]

...Skov has dropped two rounds based on nothing...

He plays middle or inside LB and this position has been degraded in importance with today's offenses. Sports Xchange has him listed with a 4.84 and a 5.18, with a average time of 4.95.

 

[Playoffs]

10TV.com &#8207;@10TV

10TV: Former Ohio State University Buckeye CB Bradley Roby Charged With OVI http://bit.ly/1jInJeJ

2 weeks... that DWI couldn't wait 2 weeks. Was likely 1st round selection.

Roby's agent, Michael Perrett of SportsTrust Advisors, released the following statement to Eleven Warriors:

This past weekend my client Bradley Roby was issued a citation in Columbus, Ohio for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). Bradley was sitting in his parked car in a parking lot when he was approached and questioned by an officer. He was fully cooperative and willingly submitted to field sobriety and breathalyzer tests. His BAC test registered a negligible .008 and after further testing at the police station, he was very quickly released on his own recognizance. There are no other charges, and we are confident that this matter will be resolved quickly and favorably for Bradley. However, as the matter is still pending, we cannot comment further at this time.

 

[WolverineFan]

And that's why I want nothing to do with Roby. The guy is a damn idiot, plain and simple.

 

[Texian]

And that's why I want nothing to do with Roby. The guy is a damn idiot, plain and simple.

I would guess he dropped off many 1st and 2nd RD boards. And some boards altogether.

 

[steelbtexan]

I would guess he dropped off many 1st and 2nd RD boards. And some boards altogether.

Not mine,

.008 is a BS moneymaker for states.

The equivalent of having 2 beers in 15-30 mins while sitting in a car. If Roby is there at 26/36 the Browns range, he would be my pick. he's as talented as any CB in this draft.

 

[TexansFTW]

Not mine,

.008 is a BS moneymaker for states.

The equivalent of having 2 beers in 15-30 mins while sitting in a car. If Roby is there at 26/36 the Browns range, he would be my pick. he's as talented as any CB in this draft.

I agree. 0.008 is a joke. If you've ever had a couple beers with your buddies at a bar and you're forced to blow as you leave I'd be willing to bet you'd blow in that range more often than not. He was given a misdemeanor ticket and released to drive himself home. That is nothing.

Although our DLine is in shambles and it's obvious that's where we need to focus a lot of our efforts, if this guy slipped to 3.01 it would be very difficult for me to move past him as a Texans GM.

 

[aussie_texan]

I agree. 0.008 is a joke. If you've ever had a couple beers with your buddies at a bar and you're forced to blow as you leave I'd be willing to bet you'd blow in that range more often than not. He was given a misdemeanor ticket and released to drive himself home. That is nothing.

Although our DLine is in shambles and it's obvious that's where we need to focus a lot of our efforts, if this guy slipped to 3.01 it would be very difficult for me to move past him as a Texans GM.

id take him at 2.1

actually come to think of it i took him in my mock draft

 

[mussop]

He plays middle or inside LB and this position has been degraded in importance with today's offenses. Sports Xchange has him listed with a 4.84 and a 5.18, with a average time of 4.95.

MLB hasn't been devalued that much. It has more to do with his play. He hasn't looked very good since his injury. Although he played better as the year went along.

 

[thetexanator]

roby at 3.1. id be all over this kid.

 

[Playoffs]

Buffalo Bills &#8207;@buffalobills

[Bills G.M] Whaley on moving up in the draft: "If we think a guy would help us make the playoffs, why wouldn't we make the deal?" #BillsDraft

Ian Rapoport &#8207;@RapSheet

Big day for hot #Indiana WR Cody Latimer, who will do on-field drills and work out for nearly every team today in Indianapolis.

 

[Porky]

The biggest rumor at the moment involves the Falcons at #6 trying to trade up to #1 to take Clowney.

I would definitely be highly interested if I were the Texans. I'm leery of Clowney. Actually, I'm leery of anyone at #1. I don't see any sure fire all-pro, so would rather trade down to 6, take Bortles (I think this is their target, just a hunch) and have another pick or two.

I haven't looked at all of the Falcons picks and where they lie, and don't have a super good feel for equal value of moving up 5 spots to the top - But if I were offered the swap in the first, plus their 2nd and 3rd this year, I would be all over it. I would also take their #2 this year and next as well if they wanted to keep the #3 this year.

Like I said not sure if that is fair value or not, but if offered I jump at either of these.

 

[JB]

The biggest rumor at the moment involves the Falcons at #6 trying to trade up to #1 to take Clowney.

I would definitely be highly interested if I were the Texans. I'm leery of Clowney. Actually, I'm leery of anyone at #1. I don't see any sure fire all-pro, so would rather trade down to 6, take Bortles (I think this is their target, just a hunch) and have another pick or two.

I haven't looked at all of the Falcons picks and where they lie, and don't have a super good feel for equal value of moving up 5 spots to the top - But if I were offered the swap in the first, plus their 2nd and 3rd this year, I would be all over it. I would also take their #2 this year and next as well if they wanted to keep the #3 this year.

Like I said not sure if that is fair value or not, but if offered I jump at either of these.

Atlanta has 1:6, 2:5 and 3:4

with the old trade chart that would equal 2380 points

Texans 1:1 valued at 3000

Maybe we can get next years 1st too

 

[Playoffs]

Albert Breer &#8207;@AlbertBreer

5) Lots of folks going in with the thought process that Clowney and Mack are worth moving up for, because edge-rusher group isn't very deep.

4) Left tackles will help shape Top 20. If Robinson's there at 4, could affect CLE's strategy. Zach Martin could go 9th ... or in the 20s.

3) Could be action with clubs dealing up into the 20s for QBs. Underrated reason why: Year 5 option gives clubs more contractual control.

2) For now, looks like the "cliff" for the QBs is the Vikings at 8. If top QBs fall past there ... Look out. Titans are a wild card at 11.

1) The 4-man top-tier (Clowney, Mack, Robinson, Watkins) may keep HOU, STL, JAX, CLE from trading down to, say, 6, 9 or 10. All 4 = Elite.

Five overarching themes to watch as we get closer to the draft ...

 

[aussie_texan]

Atlanta has 1:6, 2:5 and 3:4

with the old trade chart that would equal 2380 points

Texans 1:1 valued at 3000

Maybe we can get next years 1st too

that would be ideal but i would be pretty content to have
1.6, 2.5 and next years 1st

 

[Playoffs]

10TV.com &#8207;@10TV

10TV: Former Ohio State University Buckeye CB Bradley Roby Charged With OVI http://bit.ly/1jInJeJ

RETRACTION: I should have waited before posting... my bad.

.008 &#8800; .08

Not driving part doesn't matter, but the BAC test does.

Matt Miller &#8207;@nfldraftscout

More from Roby. Worth reading RT @BradRoby_1: I was not driving . I did not get arrested . Was not in a cell . No finger prints . No mugshot

Ohio State CB Bradley Roby disputes that he was drunk. Pretty good proof. ---> RT @BradRoby_1: I was not drunk pic.twitter.com/6AijxG5Idg

 

[WolverineFan]

RETRACTION: I should have waited before posting... my bad.

.008 &#8800; .08

Not driving part doesn't matter, but the BAC test does.

Matt Miller &#8207;@nfldraftscout

I jumped the gun as well. I had heard a rumor that he was found passed out in the car, but I guess that was not the case.

 

[Lucky]

The biggest rumor at the moment involves the Falcons at #6 trying to trade up to #1 to take Clowney.

I would definitely be highly interested if I were the Texans. I'm leery of Clowney. Actually, I'm leery of anyone at #1. I don't see any sure fire all-pro, so would rather trade down to 6, take Bortles (I think this is their target, just a hunch) and have another pick or two.

I'm not leery of Clowney, or the QBs, or using the 1st pick. But, I think the Texans would be better served trading down and getting the extra picks. To make the deal with the Falcons, I would accept #6, #37, #103, and next year's 1st. Take the QB (I don't care which of the 3) at #6. Then a pass rusher + RT at #33 & #37 from a pool of Ford, Van Noy, Lawrence, Moses, Kouandjio, and Richardson. Not down with the 2nd (or 3rd) tier QBs at all.

 

[Lucky]

If Robinson's there at 4, could affect CLE's strategy.

The Browns have one of the best (if not the premier) LTs in the game. And where has that gotten them? Taking Robinson as a bookend to protect Brian Hoyer is asinine. Not saying the Browns aren't dysfunctional enough to do it. Just that it would be asinine.

 

[Mollywhopper]

I'm not leery of Clowney, or the QBs, or using the 1st pick. But, I think the Texans would be better served trading down and getting the extra picks. To make the deal with the Falcons, I would accept #6, #37, #103, and next year's 1st. Take the QB (I don't care which of the 3) at #6. Then a pass rusher + RT at #33 & #37 from a pool of Ford, Van Noy, Lawrence, Moses, Kouandjio, and Richardson. Not down with the 2nd (or 3rd) tier QBs at all.

Considered this exact trade scenario yesterday.

Only changes I would make would be Attouchou for Lawrence and would settle for a Garoppolo/Carr/Murray later if by some stroke of magic Mack fell to us at 6.

 

[DocBar]

I'm not leery of Clowney, or the QBs, or using the 1st pick. But, I think the Texans would be better served trading down and getting the extra picks. To make the deal with the Falcons, I would accept #6, #37, #103, and next year's 1st. Take the QB (I don't care which of the 3) at #6. Then a pass rusher + RT at #33 & #37 from a pool of Ford, Van Noy, Lawrence, Moses, Kouandjio, and Richardson. Not down with the 2nd (or 3rd) tier QBs at all.

I'm very leery of all of those, if for no other reason than the extreme scrutiny and pressure that will be placed on the #1 overall.

Are you expecting the Falcons to think their 2015 #1 is going to be low? Otherwise, I don't see that scenario playing out. I would think their 2015 #2 would be the best we could hope for.

I also don't understand naming specific players when we have no clue who will actually be available at those spots. I'm anal like that, though. I hate hearing "an Andrew Luck". There's only one Andrew Luck. "A player with similar qualities as Andrew Luck" is how it should be phrased. Like I said, I'm anal about stuff like that.

 

[Lucky]

Are you expecting the Falcons to think their 2015 #1 is going to be low? Otherwise, I don't see that scenario playing out. I would think their 2015 #2 would be the best we could hope for.

Then I don't make that deal. It's entirely possible for Atlanta to return to the playoffs in 2014. Last year was an aberration, I think. So even their 1st rounder could be late. An extra late 2nd rounder a year removed does nothing for me. If they refuse, be prepared to take the pick.

Like I said, I'm anal about stuff like that.

Sorry to hear about the anal stuff. Hope it gets better.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'm very leery of all of those, if for no other reason than the extreme scrutiny and pressure that will be placed on the #1 overall.

Are you expecting the Falcons to think their 2015 #1 is going to be low? Otherwise, I don't see that scenario playing out. I would think their 2015 #2 would be the best we could hope for.

I also don't understand naming specific players when we have no clue who will actually be available at those spots. I'm anal like that, though. I hate hearing "an Andrew Luck". There's only one Andrew Luck. "A player with similar qualities as Andrew Luck" is how it should be phrased. Like I said, I'm anal about stuff like that.

You get what you want in the trade or just stay put and pick Clowney.

 

[Playoffs]

Dominique Easley’s improving medicals could shake up first round of 2014 NFL draft

According to Bryan Broaddus of the Cowboys’ official website, the news is even better now for Easley, though the timeline might be a bit later than he originally imagined.

Medical report on Easley turned out well. Rehab has been positive and is making progress to be ready at some point during training camp.
— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) April 30, 2014

And if that’s the case, it’s entirely possible that Easley’s final landing spot in the draft could be the bottom of the first round. The 49ers, who pick 30th overall, and the Seahawks, who pick 32nd, have shown that they’ll take players who don’t have a high probability of playing in their first seasons...

 

[Playoffs]

Bill Polian's Mock 1-5 NFL Insiders

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina (he's a dominator, he's a difference maker, he's a guy that can change games)

2. St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M (more ready to play)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson (could easily be Mike Evans, Watkins better YAC)

4. Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M (not married to this with Mike Pettine as a defensive coach)

5. Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo (franchise that needs a lot of players)

6. Atlanta Falcons: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn (will struggle in pass pro. early)

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

8. Minnesota Vikings: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

9. Buffalo Bills: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina (least favorite player in top 10)

10. Detroit Lions: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State (most favorite player in top 10)

 

[Playoffs]

Charlie Campbell &#8207;@DraftCampbell

ICYMI- Sources say the Texans may wait on a QB until 3rd round. Houston may draft more front 7 help at 33. http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftrumormill.php …

Texans May Wait on a Quarterback - Until Round 3

Updated April 30, 2014
By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell

Many projected the Texans to reach with the first-overall pick for a quarterback over the past few months, but the Texans are now extremely likely to take the draft's best player, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney with the first-overall pick. We've heard that barring a mega trade of draft picks similar to the Robert Griffin III package two years ago, the Texans will go with Clowney.

With Clowney being evident as the first pick, many have now assumed that the Texans would take a quarterback to start off the second round. However, we've also learned from sources that the Texans are considering waiting on a quarterback until the third or fourth round.

Houston believes that a good player with a firm first-round grade will fall to pick No. 33, and the team would be better off taking that player with a quarterback coming later. The talent at 33 could be too good to pass on a player that they don't consider to be a franchise quarterback - in which they say that it is plausible they wait to nab a signal-caller until the third round.

So what could Houston do at No. 33 if it doesn't take a quarterback? Some of the talented players that could be there include Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley, Minnesota defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman, Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix and defensive end Stephon Tuitt.

The Texans needed an inside linebacker in the 2013 draft and didn't land one. Mosley would be a great fit in their defense next to Brian Cushing. A front seven that includes Clowney, J.J. Watt, Cushing and Mosley could be tremendous. They also need a five-technique defensive end after losing Antonio Smith this offseason. Hageman and Tuitt could fill that role, while Nix would meet the need for a nose tackle in Romeo Crennel's defense.

Offensively, some of the candidates to fall to Round 2 and cause the Texans to wait on a quarterback include USC wide receiver Marqise Lee, Oregon State Brandin Cooks, Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde and LSU running back Jeremy Hill. Houston needs a slot receiver for O'Brien's offense. They also need a young back to pair with Arian Foster.

If the Texans wait until the third round to take a quarterback, the potential targets could be Pitt's Tom Savage and Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas. Both have plus skill sets for O'Brien to work with. Taking Savage or Thomas could provide them with a more talented roster and avoid reaching for a quarterback above their appropriate draft slot.

If Houston doesn't like the first-round prospects who fall to day two, they could decide to take a quarterback like Louisville's Teddy Bridewater or Eastern Illinois' Jimmy Garoppolo. The Texans are also open to trading down in the second round and adding more picks to address the holes on their roster.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Ian Rapoport &#8207;@RapSheet


A TTalk mock late favorite.

I wonder how really well he would do in a 3-4.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Dominique Easley’s improving medicals could shake up first round of 2014 NFL draft

An interesting article was published just 1 week ago. The study investigated the rate of 2nd ACLs within 2 years of return to play in young athletes involved in pivoting and cutting sports (the mechanism that accounted for both of Easley's NON_CONTACT ACL tears). No previous study has focused on this aspect, an though this study included younger athletes ~17-20 years of age, it probably holds reasonable validity to NFL athletes. In this study, males had a 10.5% chance of suffering a same-side ACL tear within 2 years of their 1st, and a 10.5% chance of suffering an opposite-side ACL tear within 2 years of the 1st.

Especially with this new additional information, I would be guarded re. this 290+ pound (would possibly be asked to gain another 10 pounds when in the NFL) man's future knee status following 2 ACL tears/repairs.

 

[Playoffs]

I wonder how really well he would do in a 3-4.

Not ideal size currently at 300 lbs for Crennel, fwih.

...In this study, males had a 10.5% chance of suffering a same-side ACL tear within 2 years of their 1st, and a 10.5% chance of suffering an opposite-side ACL tear within 2 years of the 1st...

I don't think he'll be in play for our picks barring trades, but he does flash on tape. Injuries scare me off, personally.

 

[mussop]

I still think he can play DE.

i would much rather have Copeland or Urban at DE in this system. Give me a tall guy that can bull OL back and interrupt passing lanes with their height.

 

[mussop]

Charlie Campbell &#8207;@DraftCampbell

Offensively, some of the candidates to fall to Round 2 and cause the Texans to wait on a quarterback include USC wide receiver Marqise Lee, Oregon State Brandin Cooks, Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde and LSU running back Jeremy Hill. Houston needs a slot receiver for O'Brien's offense. They also need a young back to pair with Arian Foster.

Texans May Wait on a Quarterback - Until Round 3

Updated April 30, 2014
By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell

The only player in that paragraph I would consider at 2.1 is Cooks. He would create matchup nightmares for defenses. Also there are a lot of quality backs in this draft. No need to use that high of a pick on one.

 

[Playoffs]

The only player in that paragraph I would consider at 2.1 is Cooks...

Agree, but there will be a host of other players I like more available @33. I see a lot projecting us taking an RB high... hope we don't do that.

 

[thunderkyss]

I bet we trade back into the 1st round.

 

[steelbtexan]

Agree, but there will be a host of other players I like more available @33. I see a lot projecting us taking an RB high... hope we don't do that.

Agreed about RB. Give me Crowell/Freeman in the 5th.

We is the fan talking in you. Truth is this is McNair's team. If it were your/my team it's highly doubtful our team would currently be 2-14 and picking 1-1.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

I'd throw something if we take a WR or RB @ 33

 

[HOU-TEX]

I'd throw something if we take a WR or RB @ 33

Just in case, make sure the family pet isn't around....unless it's a cat

 

[mussop]

Just in case, make sure the family pet isn't around....unless it's a cat

 

[HOU-TEX]

Ha, nice. Gotta spread the rep

 

[HOU-TEX]

I'd throw something if we take a WR or RB @ 33

Maybe not at 33, but..

Adam Caplan &#8207;@caplannfl · 18m
#Texans have done a lot of work on RBs. Realistic possibility that they select 1 before 3rd round ends.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

Maybe not at 33, but..

Your killing me here.

In other news, I just realised that the draft is on during Friday working hours.

Who is ready for a VERY unproductive work day?

 

[Lucky]

Adam Caplan &#8207;@caplannfl · 18m
#Texans have done a lot of work on RBs. Realistic possibility that they select 1 before 3rd round ends.

Maybe they've done a lot of work so they can find one on the 3rd day?

I'm hoping the Texans have also "done a lot of work" on QBs, OTs, OLBs, NTs, CBs, and every other position.

 

[steelbtexan]

Maybe they've done a lot of work so they can find one on the 3rd day?

I'm hoping the Texans have also "done a lot of work" on QBs, OTs, OLBs, NTs, CBs, and every other position.

Given the Texans past draft history I wouldn't sight my hopes very high. If they end up with 3 quality players and 2 great specialty guys I will be happy/surprised.