AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

The Dolphins hosted veteran DE Melvin Ingram for a visit this week. Miami HC Brian Flores expanded on the decision to host Ingram, noting they are always looking to improve their roster.

“We do our due diligence on any player that available,” Flores said via Adam Beasley and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. That’s the case with Melvin. We brought him in and had conversations. I’m not going get into what those specific conversations were with Melvin or what our conversations have been internally about the possibility of adding him or not adding him.”

• Beasley and Jackson report Dolphins DE Emmanuel Ogbah was a no-show at voluntary workouts on Wednesday, which could be related to Ingram’s visit. 
• Beasley and Jackson also note there’s been chatter of Ogbah seeking an extension, though unsure if his absence is related to his contract situation.
• Other notable absences on Wednesday included CBs Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, Jason McCourty, and Justin Coleman, LBs Jerome Baker, Benardrick McKinney and Brennan Scarlett, OT D.J Fluker, WR Will Fuller, TEs Adam Shaheen and Chris Myarick and DT Raekwon Davis.
• It is of Beasley and Jackson’s understanding Howard’s absence has nothing to do with his desire for a new contract, instead noting Howard feels there’s nothing to gain from him attending a voluntary workout following his 10 interception season. The Dolphins to this point have not granted his request for a raise or restructured deal.
• WR Preston Williams, who dealt with a lingering foot injury last year, was present during OTA’s, walking briskly, however he did not appear to be practicing. Williams has been doing “some” running and is expected back for the regular season, if not sooner, per Beasley and Jackson.
• 2020 opt-out’s Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns were both in attendance.
• Dolphins LB Elandon Roberts was back on the practice field just five months after sustaining what the Dolphins categorized as a “significant” knee injury. Beasley and Jackson reported that his movement looked good.
• Beasley and Jackson expect Dolphins second-round OL Liam Eichenberg to be given the opportunity to win the starting right tackle job out of the gate.

Jets

• According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, the Jets have hired former Dolphins DC Matt Burke for a game-management role. 
• Jets HC Robert Saleh said they are currently not considering signing a veteran cornerback because it would “eat up reps” for younger players. (Brian Costello)
• Saleh said Jets’ first-round QB Zach Wilson has been “relentless” in learning their system and studying film: “He’s relentless in terms of his want for knowledge and in terms of studying. It is interesting when he’s watching tape, the things that he’s able to pick up and recognize. He’s already trying to get himself into that ‘501’ world, and it’s almost like, ‘Hey, let’s scout back, let’s keep on learning.’ He’s got a lot of horsepower in his mind and he’s not afraid to use all of it.” (Jets’ official Youtube)
• Jets LB C.J. Mosley said opting out of last season was a difficult decision but feels it was the best choice for his family. (Brian Costello)
• Mosley said opting out of last year has brought “a little added chip” on his shoulder and is confident he’s still a productive player. (Rich Cimini)

Patriots

Newly retired WR Julian Edelman believes Patriots first-round QB Mac Jones must possess the “confidence” to succeed, given that he will face “a lot of pressure” in the New England market. 

“He needs to have that eye,” Edelman said, via The Michael Irvin Podcast. “He needs to have that confidence. … What are you going to do? This kid, it’s not easy playing in New England, especially after Tom Brady, if he gets the opportunity and beats out the other guy. This ain’t going to be easy. This town is tough. This town is mean. This town is blue-collar. Boston people, the New England people, they want winning. They’re used to that in all sports. The kid’s going to have a lot of pressure.”

Edelman points out that HC Bill Belichick typically uses first-round picks on defensive positions, meaning Jones could have the additional pressure to quickly contribute.

“When you play on Bill teams, [first-round picks] are usually defensive ends,” Edelman said. “Those are usually corners. We usually have the 28th pick or something — we’re getting a defensive player. That’s how Bill builds a team. But if you come in and you’re a quarterback drafted by Bill Belichick, I mean, let’s go, buddy.”

• ESPN held a mock trade exercise involving Falcons WR Julio Jones with beat reporters standing in for GMs. Atlanta received four offers from the Ravens, Patriots, 49ers and Titans. 
• New England’s offer was a 2022 second-round pick and QB Jarrett Stidham. To fit Jones on their cap, the Patriots could restructure his deal, which would spread the money out over the three years remaining on his contract and give Jones more money upfront. 
• San Francisco’s offer was a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round pick and ESPN’s Falcons beat reporter Michael Rothstein accepted that offer over the others.