Colts
- ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes that it’s a given Colts G Quenton Nelson will become the NFL’s highest-paid guard when he signs his extension. The real question is whether Nelson can crack $20 million a year on a new deal.
- Nelson is the first player since Barry Sanders to be named an All-Pro in each of his first three seasons and this offseason is the first in which he’s eligible to sign an extension.
- Now that 49ers LB Fred Warner has signed an extension worth $19 million a year, Graziano expects Colts LB Darius Leonard to top that figure.
- That’s also looking like it will be close to the number Indianapolis will need to lock up RT Braden Smith, as the Saints and Panthers have moved the right tackle market significantly with deals for Ryan Ramczyk and Taylor Moton in recent weeks.
Jaguars
Jaguars assistant HC/ILB coach Charlie Strong recently discussed his transition from the collegiate to NFL coaching ranks. He opts for a more analytical approach, emphasizing his job as a coach is “creating value” for his players.
“When you think about the differences between just the college athletes and the professional athletes, it’s all about can you create value for them,” Strong said, via Saturday Down South. “The thing about a professional athlete, he just wants to extend his career because it’s a living for them and if you can help them extend their career, they’re more than willing to listen, Pat. We’ve had no resistance from any of the players, and it’s really been exciting just to see how much they’ve come to work each and every day and how much they’re buying into what we’re trying to get them to do.”
Strong commented on what it’s going to be like coaching against some of his former players from the University of Florida.
“It’s going to be strange going up against those guys and seeing them,” he admitted. “They’re going to be on defense, so I’m going to be able to watch them when they’re out there playing.”
Coming off of a one-win season, Strong was asked what an improvement would look like in his eyes for the Jaguars organization.
“Coming in as a completely new staff and then coming in with Urban, I just think that the players are really buying in and trying to do everything you ask them to do,” he said. “When you have a plan in place, which he does have a plan in place, then the players are more willing to listen. And then these guys are professionals, so they understand that our success is going to be how we go play is going to be more for them. And so they’re going to try to do everything you ask them to do. Like I said, it’s all about creating value. How do I create value for myself?”
Titans
- Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com notes that while backup QB Logan Woodside has only completed one NFL pass, it says more about starting QB Ryan Tannehill‘s ability to stay healthy and consistent than it does Woodside’s ability.
- When it comes to RB Darrynton Evans, Wyatt believes he would have played more often last year if he had stayed healthy and will now compete with RB Brian Hill and RB Jeremy McNichols for the backup running back spot.
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