NFL Notes: Draft, Lions, Raiders, & Saints

Draft

Mike Mayock of NFL Media believes Alabama LB Reggie Ragland will be a top-20 draft pick and a day-one starter in the NFL.

“I’m a Reggie Ragland fan,” Ragland said. “He’s going to step in on Day 1 and run somebody’s defense. He’s a top-20 pick all day long. He’s 260 pounds, so the question is, can he play on third down, can he play the passing game? I think he can. Just because of his leadership skills, his toughness, I think he’s going to be a three-down linebacker and a top-20 pick.”

• Tony Pauline reports that the Browns had an extended sit down with Virginia CB Maurice Canady.

Lions

• Jason La Canfora is hearing that longtime Dolphins executive Dawn Aponte could be joining the Lions’ office to oversee their cap and contracts for new GM Bob Quinn.

Raiders

• Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie said the team considered shutting down rookie WR Amari Cooper in December due to a foot injury. (Alex Marvez)

Saints

Saints HC Sean Payton mentioned during an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio that they are likely to be frugal with their offseason acquisitions this year, due to their cap issues.

“Mickey [Loomis, Saints general manager] and I have always looked closely at what’s a must area, a potential area that we might look at in the free-agent market,” Payton said, via FOX Sports. “Maybe it’s the market down the road.

“We’ve had some players really fit roles for us in the latter part of free agency. This year shouldn’t be any different.”