NFL Notes: 2018 Draft, Cardinals, Eagles

2018 Draft

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell explained that it isn’t so much about hosting the draft in a big city as much as it’s about the passion the city brings to the event.

“There’s a tremendous amount of interest in all communities to host this,” Goodell said, via Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star. “It has a tremendous platform, in that it gives exposure to communities, and it has a tremendous econonic impact.

“But the event has become much bigger than it ever has, and it takes more infrastructure. Even our draft recently in Philadelphia, it set a new standard, it created a new event — 250,000 people.”

Goodell mentioned that he believes Kansas City would bring the kind of passion they’re looking for, but there are 14 cities interested in hosting the draft next year.

“I think we’d see the same kind of passion here in Kansas City,” Goodell said. “But I believe we had 14 cities in Philadelphia that were all there to talk about how we’re going to improve our bid, our proposal, how we would make the draft even bigger. So the game and the standards keep going up.”

Indications have been that Dallas is the favorite to be selected.

Cardinals

• Josh Weinfuss writes that the most intriguing position battle to watch this summer will be at backup quarterback between Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert.
• Weinfuss says that’s not impossible for Gabbert to beat out Stanton for the job, but it will still be a “hefty undertaking” considering that Stanton knows the offense so well and is beloved by the coaching staff.

Eagles

Tim McManus writes that Eagles QB Carson Wentz is “trending in the right direction” following minicamp.

Eagles HC Doug Pederson mentioned that Wentz has looked sharp during offseason workouts.

“It’s coming,” said Pederson. “I would say that obviously he’s been working extremely hard at everything we’ve done. He’s really understanding our offense and our scheme, and that’s part of it, too — making good choices and decisions with the ball. He’s been sharp. It’s exciting to watch him, and just excited now headed into camp.”