NFL Notes: Draft, Browns, Jets, Texans, & Vikings

Draft

• According to Tony Pauline, the scouting community has reportedly pegged Stanford QB Kevin Hogan as the quarterback who’s likely to rise throughout the draft process.
• While Michigan State OT Jack Conklin is viewed by many as a first-round pick, Pauline mentions that everyone in the NFL is certain he can handle playing left tackle in the NFL, but a solid showing at this week’s Combine would likely put these questions to rest.
• Pauline writes that Florida WR Demarcus Robinson has the most to gain/lose in interviews with teams this week. Pauline believes Robinson is a top-15 talent based on his film, but there are obvious off-the-field concerns with him.
• Mel Kiper referred to LSU LB Deion Jones‘ draft leap “monumental,” as he has apparently gone from being a late-round pick to being the mix to be a first- or second-round selection. (Art Stapleton)
• Kiper has Michigan State QB Connor Cook graded as a second-round pick. (Aaron Wilson)

Browns

• Mel Kiper believes the Browns could address a position other than quarterback at No. 2 overall and suggests Florida State CB Jalen Ramsey as an option for Cleveland. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• For what it’s worth, Kiper has North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz rated ahead of Cal QB Jared Goff due to Wentz’s size.
• Kiper mentions that if the Browns draft a quarterback at No. 2 overall,  they could consider a receiver such as TCU’s Josh Doctson, Baylor’s Corey Coleman or Notre Dame’s Will Fuller at No. 32 overall. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Conversely, Cleveland could pass on a quarterback in round one and then target one of Paxton Lynch, Christian Hackenberg, Connor Cook, or Dak Prescott later in the draft. (Mary Kay Cabot)

Jets

• Mel Kiper believes Michigan State OT Jack Conklin would make sense for Jets at No. 20 overall if he’s still on the board. (Art Stapleton)

Texans

• ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes Memphis QB Paxton Lynch and Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg could both be in play for the Texans in first round. (Aaron Wilson)
• Kiper also suggested Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott as another option for Houston. (Aaron Wilson)

Vikings

Vikings free agent LB Chad Greenway says that if he re-signs Minnesota, 2016 will likely be his final season.

“I think with the stadium opening and kind of being able to be a part of that, I think if I was able to come back and play, I’d announce that this is going to be it — just kind of treat it that way,” Greenway said, via Ben Goessling of ESPN.com. “I think it’s nice for my family, if I get that, to have some closure and go through the season knowing that might be it. It may not be in Minnesota; we don’t know the answer to that. But the reality is, I’ve told my kids I want to play and they’re excited about that and they want me to do it. And they’re going to have a harder time than me [when I’m done playing.]”