NFL Notes: Chiefs, Dolphins, Jets, Lions & Vikings

Chiefs

• Adam Teicher of ESPN writes that WR Jeremy Maclin has appeared “as advertised” after putting together a “solid” offseason.
• S Tyvon Branch is expected to act in a reserve role that could appear largely in passing situations.
• Recently acquired G Ben Grubbs will start at left guard, while OL Paul Fanaika appears to be a backup.
• Undrafted rookie WR Kenny Cook has made “spectacular” catches during practice, but still has a lot to prove to make the 53-man roster.
• Teicher does not see the Chiefs adding Cook to the active roster
• Teicher is unsure of how the Chiefs plan to use WR Chris Conley due to his inexperience, but could see him being used in a “variety” of ways.

Dolphins

• According to James Walker of ESPN, the defensive line has “had it’s way” against the offensive line during offseason activities.
• The Dolphins are not expected to be an up-tempo no huddle offense next season, as QB Ryan Tannehill has yet been given the freedom to call his own plays.

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN views the Jets landing 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick in a trade as a “long shot“, but totally out the realm of possibility.
• OL Brent Qvale has appeared at several spots along the offensive line during offseason activities, but is an “underdog” to land a starting role.
• Cimini expects QB Geno Smith to get a “fair shot” at remaining as the Jets’ starting quarterback, but could see him being replaced by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick if the team has a 1-3 record or worse by the team’s Week 5 bye.
• The Jets are “wide open” at the right guard position, as a consistent starter has yet to be named.

Lions

• Mike Rothstein of ESPN believes RB Ameer Abdullah is the “very slight” favorite to land the return man role, with WR Jeremy Ross and WR Golden Tate as the next choices.

Vikings

• Ben Goessling of ESPN believes RB Matt Asiata will see opportunities in third down and goal line situations.
• Goessling writes that the Vikings have “high hopes” for fifth-round rookie TE MyCole Pruitt and could use him many ways, including out of the backfield.
• Goessling mentions CB Josh Robinson or CB/PR Marcus Sherels making the 53-man roster as a situation to “keep an eye on.”