AFC Notes: Browns, Jets, Patriots

Browns

Browns DC Gregg Williams mentioned that he’s “so excited” to see DE Emmanuel Ogbah play this year.

“I’m so excited to see how well [Ogbah’s] doing out here this year,” Williams said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “He’s night and day more relaxed and doing things more instinctively, not overthinking and not as afraid to make a mistake as he was last year because we moved him into a new position. Knock on wood, staying healthy, he’s going to really stand out this year.”

Jets

Daryl Slater of NJ.com previews the Jets’ tight end position ahead of training camp.

• Overall, Slater expects the Jets to use a committee approach at tight end this season.
• Slater considers Chris Herndon and Jordan Leggett to be locks to make the 53-man roster this summer with Eric Tomlinson also in good position to make the team.
• This leaves Bucky Hodges, Clive Walford, and Neal Sterling on the roster bubble entering training camp.

Patriots

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com writes that the Patriots shouldn’t trade TE Rob Gronkowski under any circumstances.

A former NFL defensive coordinator tells Brooks that Gronkowski is really “the straw that stirs the drink in New England.”

“I like their running backs and how they create and exploit mismatches, but Gronkowski is the straw that stirs the drink in New England,” the defensive coordinator said. “He dictates the coverage and forces you to double-team or bracket him. When he gets all of the attention, it allows those other guys to work against one-on-one coverage. If he’s not there, I don’t think there’s anyone else on that roster that makes you change your defensive plans.”

An NFC personnel director explained that the Patriots are unlikely to get more than a second-round pick in a trade for Gronkowski.

“I don’t think you can get a No. 1 for him,” the personnel director said. “He has a high cap number and an injury history that makes it tough to commit more than a No. 2 for him. Plus, you have the rumors about a possible retirement on the horizon. … I just don’t think I can give up a top pick for him.”

“There’s a lot of information out there about Gronkowski considering retirement,” an AFC executive added. “He’s also had a series of serious injuries. … If I knew I was getting a healthy Gronkowski, I believe he is worth a first-round pick plus, but this version is probably worth a No. 2 that can move to a No. 1 if he is able to stay healthy.“