NFC Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Saints

Cardinals

New Cardinals HC Steve Wilks told reporters on Tuesday that their focus regarding QB Sam Bradford is to ensure he’ll be able to play a full 16 games.

“The biggest thing we’re going to do with Sam is to make sure that he’s ready to play 16-plus games,” Wilks said, via NFL.com. “I’ve seen what he can do over the years. I’m not concerned about trying to get him out there as soon as possible to be able to throw the ball.

“We’ve come up with a plan … we want to make sure we’re giving Sam everything that he needs to be successful. And we created a plan and we’re trying to follow that plan accordingly.“

Wilks added that they have no plans to rush Bradford back out on the field after he dealt with more knee issues last year.

“Again, I’m not really trying to rush it,” Wilks said. “He knows his body more than us. We’re trying to make sure we give him the things he needs on a day-to-day basis to make sure he feels healthy when he goes out there, and that he feels very confident about that.

“I feel great with where he is right now. I think he’s making progress in everything we’re doing. But, once again, we want to make sure that he’s here for the long haul, particularly 16-plus games.”

• After speaking with sources in the know, Mike Jurecki says it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cardinals attempt to trade up in this year’s draft, even though it’s going to be costly.
• Juecki says that the Cardinals like the top-four quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class along with Kyle Lauletta.
• According to Mike Jones, the Cardinals worked out Louisville DB Jaire Alexander a few weeks ago.
• We have the Cardinals taking Lamar Jackson in our latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft.

Rams

Rams GM Les Snead mentioned during an appearance on “The MMQB Podcast with Peter King” that they’re poised to make DT Aaron Donald the highest-paid defender in the NFL.

“The nice thing about Ndamukong, at age 31 and somebody who’s been the highest-paid defensive player in football, winning was very important in this phase of his career,” Snead said, via NFL.com. “He’s well aware that when you can partner, be beside someone who is on the verge of being the highest-paid defensive player in football, then that’s a really good thing. I guess you’d say two is better than one.”

• Field Yates reports that DT Ndamukong Suh‘s one-year deal with the Rams includes a $1 million incentive if he plays 65 percent of the team’s snaps and they win two playoff games.
• If Suh plays 65 percent of the team’s snaps and they make the playoffs, he gets $500,000. If they win the game, he receives an additional $250,000.
• Arizona DB Dane Cruikshank is visiting with the Rams Tuesday. (Ian Rapoport)
• Oklahoma pass rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is visiting with the Rams on Tuesday. (Aaron Wilson)

Saints

• Clemson WR Deion Cain is taking a pre-draft visit with the Saints on Tuesday. (Josh Norris)
• BYU DL Tomasi Laulile has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Saints. (Nick Underhill)