NFL Notes: Browns, Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, & Saints

 

Browns

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that there still is no news, no update, no development, and no ruling regarding Browns WR Josh Gordon and his suspension appeal.

Buccaneers

• The Buccaneers still expect RB Doug Martin to be used in a feature back capacity this season, but rookie Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey and Mike James should also see some reps. (Pat Yasinskas)
• QB Josh McCown and WR Vincent Jackson have already developed some noticeable chemistry. (Pat Yasinskas)
• WRs Tommy Streeter, Louis Murphy, Lavelle Hawkins and Solomon Patton are likely competing for one roster spot. (Pat Yasinskas)

Falcons

• Based on his play so far, rookie RT Jake Matthews has “perennial Pro Bowler written all over him.” (Vaughn McClure)
• WR Julio Jones could see more red-zone targets now that Tony Gonzalez is no longer on their roster. (Vaughn McClure)
• CBs Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford should be “one of the most feared cornerback tandems” in the NFL moving forward. (Vaughn McClure)
• CB Robert McClain appears to be in the lead for the No. 3 cornerback job as of now. (Vaughn McClure)

Panthers

• First-round pick Kelvin Benjamin has emerged as a legitimate No. 1 receiver. (David Newton)
• Veteran DB Charles Godfrey may have to show more improvement in coming weeks in order to secure a roster spot. (David Newton)
• The Panthers are much deeper at tight end following the addition of free agent Ed Dickson and the development of Brandon Williams. (David Newton)

Saints

• First-round pick WR Brandin Cooks has been “everything that was advertised and then some.” (Mike Triplett)
• Outside of Brandin Cooks, none of the Saints’ other draft picks have stood out thus far. (Mike Triplett)
• QB Ryan Griffin appears to have an early edge over veteran Luke McCown for the backup job. (Mike Triplett)
• The Saints’ running attack could prove to be a “legitimate strength” this season. (Mike Triplett)
• The battle between Jonathan Goodwin and Tim Lelito for the Saints’ center job is “still too close to call.” (Mike Triplett)