NFC Notes: 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins, Saints

49ers

• Nick Wagoner of ESPN considers Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, Jeremy Kerley, and Trent Taylor all to be locks to make the 49ers’ roster this season.
• According to Wagoner, Garcon and Goodwin appear to be the favorites to start on the outside with Kerley serving as the primary slot receiver.
• Wagoner adds that Aldrick Robinson is likely a “good bet” to secure a roster spot but the 49ers appear to be interested in some of their young prospects, so there’s at least a possibility that he could be cut, depending on how things go over the next month and a half.

Cowboys

• According to Todd Archer of ESPN, a recent electromyogram test on Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith’s knee showed that his nerve is continuing to regenerate and there’s hope of a full recovery in the coming months.
• Smith has come a long way after suffering a devastating knee injury a few years ago. This spring, Smith was able to lift his foot and flex his toes and the recent test showed further improvement. Some questioned whether Smith’s nerve would even regenerate at all, so this is obviously very encouraging news for him.
• Archer says that Smith will continue to wear a custom-made brace on his left foot, but it will be different from the ankle-foot orthosis that he wore after the surgery.

Redskins

• John Keim of ESPN writes that free agent addition WR Brian Quick “didn’t look great in the spring” and it’s hard to imagine him securing a top-four receiver spot.
• Keim believes Quick will need a strong training camp and to show that he can help on special teams in order to secure a roster spot.

Saints

• Mike Triplett mentions that at least one or two prominent linebackers will most likely not make the cut this summer after they brought in a few notable players at the position.
• If former first-round pick Stephone Anthony doesn’t show improvement during training camp and the preseason, Triplett believes his job could be in jeopardy.
• Triplett adds that Dannell Ellerbe and Manti Te’o both need to prove they can also stay healthy to solidify their roster spots.