AFC Notes: Colts, Jets, Titans

January 28, 2018

Mike Wells of ESPN mentions that it’s safe to say anything is possible for the Colts and their No. 3 overall pick.
Wells doesn’t rule out the possibility of them trading down, but adds that it could be impacted by whether they believe NC State defensive lineman Bradley Chubb will still be there for them.
Wells says that the Colts could also use a long-term replacement for Frank Gore at running back, which could make Penn State’s Saquon Barkley someone worth watching for Indianapolis.
Here’s what Colts GM Chris Ballard said of picking No. 3 overall at the Senior Bowl: “Well, look, you get a chance to get a very good player at No. 3. Do I want to be there ever again? No. It’s the first time I’ve been this high in the draft, I think, since [2005] when I was in Chicago. So we don’t want to get that high again. But, saying that, we’ve got to take advantage of the situation. We think there’s some very talented players at the top of the draft we’ll have a shot to get.”

Rich Cimini of ESPN writes that Wyoming QB Josh Allen improved his draft stock during the Senior Bowl on Saturday after what was an up and down week of practice for him. Cimini says that the odds of Allen falling to the Jets at No. 6 overall have likely been reduced as a result.
As for Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield, he played just two series and didn’t do anything to increase his draft value, which he says is great news for the Jets if they happen to be interested in taking him.
Cimini maintains that it would be a surprise to see Jets GM Mike Maccagnan take Mayfield with the sixth pick, given the concerns about his height.
Cimini thinks the Jets have interest in Allen, despite the concerns about his accuracy issues in college.

Mike Reiss of ESPN believes it would be a “shrewd hire” for new Titans HC Mike Vrabel if he were to add Eric Mangini to his coaching staff.
Reiss admits that he’s isn’t sure if Mangini is even a consideration for Vrabel’s staff, but believes it would make a lot of sense, considering that Mangini’s past experience as a head coach could make him a valuable sounding board for a first-time head coach.
Beyond that, Vrabel played for Mangini while they were in New England.