NFL Notes: Lions, Jaguars, Patriots, & Ravens

Lions

According to Justin Rogers of MLive.com, Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell has been cleared to run at full speed after recovering from a left-knee injury he sustained last season.

“I’m feeling 100 percent,” said Bell. “I’m feeling great.”

Bell, 27, has missed all of the Detroit’s OTAs and mini-camp practices this offseason, but will report to training camp a few days early in order to test out his body.

Bell had his most productive season of his three-year career last season. He gained 650 rushing yards on 166 attempts to go along with 547 yards receiving and eight rushing touchdowns. 

The Lions brought Bell back on a three-year, $9.3 million deal that included $4.3 million guaranteed.

Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars LB Dekoda Watson has missed all OTA and mini-camp workouts due to a lingering groin injury that he sustained in May, per Ryan O’Halloran of the The Florida Times-Union.

O’Halloran expects Watson to be “on a managed schedule early in camp and be ready to start” come the beginning of the regular season.

The time missed is significant for the newly acquired linebacker. Watson was signed to play the Jaguars’ new “Otto” linebacker position this year, which will have him operating along the line of scrimmage against the run and pass.

Watson, 26, accumulated 42 total tackles, two sacks, one interception with one forced fumble and fumble recovery last season in a reserve role for the Buccaneers. He should see increased playing time during his first year in the Jaguars’ defense.

Patriots

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston believes that sixth-round rookie DE Zach Moore is a “sure-fire lock” to make the New England Patriots’ 53-man roster.

Reiss writes that Moore could be on the “two-year plan” in terms of development and credits his “top physical traits and testing results” to being assured a spot on New England’s active roster.

As a result, Reiss mentions that 2012 third-round pick DE Jake Bequette could be on the chopping block if Moore does in fact win a spot on the final roster.

Ravens

Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that third-round rookie TE Crockett Gillmore has impressed during practices with his physicality and blocking ability.

“Crockett is a good football player,” said veteran TE Dennis Pitta. “He’s a tough kid and he’s big and physical and a great blocker at the point of attack. I think that’s what stood out the most this early on. He’s going to be a valuable asset for this offense moving forward.”

Wilson points to Gillmore’s “sound blocking technique, a physical nature and a willingness to mix it up” as reasons why he has stood out in offseason workouts.  

Gillmore,22, was a first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection with Colorado State. Originally recruited as a defensive end, Gillmore finished his college career with 111 receptions for 1,308 yards and eight touchdowns.