NFL Notes: Peyton Manning, Draft, Chiefs, Packers

Peyton Manning

An NFL personnel man who worked with Peyton Manning while they were with the Colts believes there’s no question that Manning will be successful as a front office executive when he’s ready to pursue this kind of opportunity.

“He’ll be extremely successful in anything he chooses to do because of the person is, how smart he is and how hard he works,” the personnel man tells Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com. “He’ll be extremely well prepared, have done research on the job and an understanding of what the job entails. And he wouldn’t go into the job with unanswered questions or just to try it. He goes into everything with the deepest commitment, desire and work ethic. He’s always seen and understood the biggest picture, and he’ll set a vision and high standard for an organization. Winning will be paramount, and he’ll grind and work, he won’t be a figurehead or a guy that hangs out with the owner. He loves the nuts and bolts of football, and knows and loves the game, players and coaches. He’ll be able to put the whole landscape together from a uniquely informed perspective, knows what it takes and will attract top people. He won’t suffer other agendas and obviously has the résumé to set that line. The challenge won’t be football. It’ll be if there are spots in the organization that don’t meet his standard or share his commitment.”

Draft

• Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst reports that Arizona State LB Christian Sam is “seriously” considering entering the 2018 NFL Draft, and the firing of HC Todd Graham may “push him” toward declaring.
• Pauline is also told that Florida State S Derwin James will enter the NFL Draft, regardless of how the head coaching situation plays out with his school. In addition, DE Josh Sweat is “likely” to declare, while WR Auden Tate is “close” to entering the draft.
• Regarding Alabama WR Calvin Ridley, Pauline reports that the junior will enter the draft. Pauline rated Ridley as the best receiver in the draft and a “clear-cut” first-round pick.
• Pauline “surprisingly” hears that Temple RB Ryquell Armstead is considering entering the draft despite playing poorly this season.

Chiefs

• According to Howard Balzer, the Chiefs tried out tight ends Anthony Firkser and Henry Krieger-Coble and decided to sign Firkser to their practice squad. (NFLTR)

Packers

• According to Howard Balzer, the Packers hosted TE Devon Cajuste and LB Ahmad Thomas for visits on Wednesday and ultimately elected to sign Thomas to their practice squad. (NFLTR)