Thread: NFL draft info. (18 April 2006) from KFFL

Browns | Defensive front seven a good bet for first-round pick
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 18:16:02 -0700

Patrick McManamon, of the Akron Beacon Journal, reports the Cleveland Browns selecting a player for their front seven with their first-round pick in the NFL Draft seems to be a safe bet. "That would be a good guess,' general manager Phil Savage said at his pre-draft news conference Tuesday, April 18. "We've emphasized that quite a bit." The challenge for Savage and his scouts: Because the Browns use a 3-4 defensive front and few colleges do, the front seven is the most difficult position to find players. Because of that, Savage said the Browns adjusted how they evaluated the front seven players. They have spent more time evaluating the linebackers in the draft than any other position. The Browns divided the defensive linemen into three groups as well: nose tackles, ends and pass rushers. Oregon DT Haloti Ngata is the top nose tackle; Florida State DE Brodrick Bunkley is the top end. Savage said both could play either position, if needed. "The first pick isn't going to solve three needs,' Savage said, "but we definitely want it to solve one need."


Bills | Team conducts pre-draft visit with Ngata
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 18:09:13 -0700

WGR550 reports the Buffalo Bills conducted a pre-draft visit with Oregon DT Haloti Ngata Tuesday, April 18. Ngata did visit with the coaching staff and front office people but, Ngata may not be a good fit with the club's new defensive scheme. Under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, a lighter, quicker tackle may be the better fit.


Saints | Team to conduct pre-draft visit with D. Bullocks
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:42:02 -0700

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the New Orleans Saints will conduct a pre-draft visit with Nebraska S Daniel Bullocks this week. If they draft Daniel, he would join his identical twin brother, S Josh Bullocks, on the Saints' roster.


Raiders | Not likely to trade up; may choose a quarterback if available
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:36:40 -0700

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports it appears the Oakland Raiders will not trade up in the NFL Draft to select USC QB Matt Leinart or Texas QB Vince Young. However, it will be hard for them to pass on either one if they fall to the Raiders at No. 7. It's not known how the Raiders feel about Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler.


Jets | Not pursuing a quarterback at No. 4?
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:36:21 -0700

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports it appears more and more likely the New York Jets will not draft a quarterback with their fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Jets are giving serious consideration to taking a position player with their pick. Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is an example of a player the Jets might draft for need and value.


Jets | R. Bush conducts impromptu workout
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 14:16:58 -0700

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports USC RB Reggie Bush was asked by the New York Jets Tuesday, April 18, to perform an impromptu workout. Bush, on very short notice, acquiesced to the request, and ran some pass routes for the Jets as part of the team's on-field session with USC QB Matt Leinart. The Jets' contingent, comprised of general manager Mike Tannenbaum, head coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, had been originally scheduled only to interview with Bush and the meeting was not to include any on-field work. Sources at the workout said that Bush moved effortlessly through the session and caught the ball well. There is a suspicion that, if he is not the top pick, Bush would be intrigued by playing in New York, in part because of the marketing potential there.


NFL | Leinart picks new agents
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 12:10:37 -0700

Gary Klein, of the Los Angeles Times, reports USC QB Matt Leinart said he has hired Hollywood heavyweight Creative Artists Agency to handle his NFL contract negotiations. "After lengthy discussions with my family, I felt it was in the best interest for my professional football career to have all of my representation combined," Leinart said in a statement released this morning by a spokesman. "My good friend and agent, Chuck Price, and Tom Condon of CAA Football will oversee my professional representation." CAA already represented Leinart in his off-the-field business deals. In addition to Condon, Beverly Hills-based CAA also hired football agent Ken Kremer and baseball player agent Casey Close.


Browns | Team could trade down in draft
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 11:31:01 -0700

Steve Doerschuk, of the Canton Repository, reports the Cleveland Browns could look to trade down in the NFL Draft, possibly to a position where Ohio State LB Bobby Carpenter could be had. The Browns currently hold the No. 12 overall pick. Head coach Romeo Crennel said, "It depends on who else may be there at 12. that 'best athlete available' thing. I mean, there might be a good athlete there at 12 ... that might be Carpenter. I'm not saying it's not Carpenter, all right? But a good athlete might be available there at 12." Crennel added, "To trade down, you've got to have somebody to trade with. What are they offering? If somebody makes us an offer we can't refuse, then, hey, we'll have to take it. You have to determine who's available at 12. Anytime you have to move out of the spot, hoping to get a guy, there's no guarantee that the guy's gonna be there."


Raiders | Stinson will have pre-draft visit with team
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 09:14:35 -0700

Jackson State OT Albert Stinson is scheduled to have a pre-draft visit with the Oakland Raiders.


Ravens | Team has some interest in T. Lutui
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:04:29 -0700

Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports the Baltimore Ravens have some interest in USC OL Taitusi Lutui.


Lions | Team to conduct a pre-draft visit with Cutler April 20
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:15 -0700

The New York Post reports the Detroit Lions will conduct a pre-draft visit and workout with Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler Thursday, April 20.


Dolphins | Team conducts a pre-draft visit with M. Robinson
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:57:20 -0700

Jeff Darlington, of the Palm Beach Post, reports the Miami Dolphins conducted a pre-draft visit and workout with Penn State QB Michael Robinson Monday, April 17. Robinson, who can also play wide receiver, said teams have questioned him about playing many positions in the NFL from quarterback to safety to wide receiver, but he said his preference remains quarterback.


Vikings | Team had pre-draft visit with Greenway
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:43:17 -0700

Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports Iowa LB Chad Greenway, one of the top linebacker prospects in the NFL Draft, visited the Minnesota Vikings last week, agent Marvin Demoff said.


Cowboys | Team has pre-draft visit with J. Allen
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:37:42 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys conducted a pre-draft visit with Tennessee S Jason Allen Monday, April 17.


Cowboys | Team has pre-draft visit with D. Byrd
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:36:36 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys conducted a pre-draft visit with USC TE Dominique Byrd Monday, April 17.


Cowboys | Team has pre-draft visit with W. Justice
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:35:34 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys conducted a pre-draft visit with USC OT Winston Justice Monday, April 17.


Cowboys | Team has pre-draft visit with T. Howard
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:34:51 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys conducted a pre-draft visit with UTEP LB Thomas Howard Monday, April 17.


Cowboys | Team has pre-draft visit with B. Carpenter
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:33:38 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys conducted a pre-draft visit with Ohio State LB Bobby Carpenter Monday, April 17.


Cowboys | Team has pre-draft visit with M. Huff
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:25:42 -0700

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys conducted a pre-draft visit with Texas S/CB Michael Huff Monday, April 17. Huff talked to owner Jerry Jones and the defensive coaches at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. He is to meet with head coach Bill Parcells today. As noted previously, the Cowboys are considering trading up in the NFL Draft to have a shot to select Huff.

Vikings | Team had pre-draft visit with Greenway
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:43:17 -0700

Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports Iowa LB Chad Greenway, one of the top linebacker prospects in the NFL Draft, visited the Minnesota Vikings last week, agent Marvin Demoff said.

Yeah, I was watching a NFL Network draft special and the guy on there said that by #17, the Vikes best bet was Greenway. They said his best attribute is his speed and agility.

Bush takes part in impromptu workout for Jets

Bush takes part in impromptu workout for Jets

Amid speculation that the Houston Texans will not select Reggie Bush with the top pick in the 2006 NFL draft, the New York Jets on Tuesday morning undertook a bit of creative due diligence, perhaps preparing for the still-unlikely possibility that the Southern California tailback might be available to them.

ESPN.com has learned that Jets officials, following their previously scheduled meeting with Bush in Los Angeles, asked if he would participate in an impromptu workout for them. And Bush, on very short notice, acquiesced to the request and ran some pass routes for the Jets as part of the team's on-field session with USC quarterback Matt Leinart.

The New York contingent -- comprised of general manager Mike Tannenbaum, coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer -- had originally been scheduled only to interview with Bush and the meeting was not to include any on-field work.

But when the Jets asked if Bush would mind shagging some passes and performing a few rudimentary drills, the Trojans star quickly changed into workout clothes. Sources at the workout said that Bush moved effortlessly through the session and caught the ball well. The significance of the brief workout for the Jets remains to be seen.

So what are the realistic chances that Bush, regarded by many as the top overall prospect in the draft, could take his game from the country's second-biggest market to the Big Apple? Probably not good. But credit the Jets for doing their homework and Bush for doing any work at all on such brief notice.

There is a suspicion that, if he is not the top pick, Bush would be intrigued by playing in New York, in part because of the marketing potential there. It's hard to fathom, though, how Bush would slide all the way to the Jets' current berth in the first round, the No. 4 slot overall. Then again, New York officials could be tempted to move up in the round if Bush was not chosen by the Texans with the first pick.

The New York offense statistically ranked next-to-last in the NFL in 2005 and needs playmakers. Future Hall of Fame tailback Curtis Martin will turn 33 next month and is entering his 12th season. And coming off a dismal 4-12 record, the Jets could certainly use the kind of buzz Bush would create.

Even given what appears to be some uncertainty on the part of the Texans' brass, though, Bush remains the favorite to be the Houston choice. ESPN.com has learned that there was dialogue on Tuesday between the Texans and Bush's agent, Joel Segal, but still no substantive negotiations. There have been no hard contract talks yet, either, with the representatives for North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, the other prospect Houston is apparently considering with the first pick.

It's believed that the Texans will commence negotiations later this week with the aim of having the top pick signed before the draft begins. League rules permit the Texans, by virtue of owning the top selection, to begin contract negotiations with one or more candidates for the No. 1 spot.

In the meantime, the Jets are exploring all the contingencies and covering as many bases as possible, even if it meant imposing on Bush a little.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.