NFL Draft Rumors: 49ers, Falcons, Bills, Rams, Geno Smith

49ers

Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports reports that the 49ers are “believed” to be interested in possibly trading up to either No. 13 or No. 14 depending on what happens at the top of the draft.

San Francisco would reportedly like to get a defensive lineman that could eventually replace veteran DE Justin Smith.

Cole mentions that there’s “no way” the 49ers can keep more than five or six of the 13 draft picks they available, so a trade up really makes a lot of sense for them. Cole believes they could also target a safety, backup tight end and a cornerback at some point as well.

Falcons

According to Jason Cole, the Atlanta Falcons could be targeting players such as: CBs Desmond Trufant or Xavier Rhodes, as well as DEs Bjoern Werner, Barkevious Mingo and Tank Carradine in the first-round of the upcoming draft.

Previous reports indicated that the Falcons could trade up for a cornerback now that they’re without Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes. It’s hard to say how high they would be willing to move up, but there has been some buzz that Alabama CB Dee Millner could drop out of the top-ten, which could be enough for them to consider the idea.

Rams

The Rams are “likely” to draft either Tavon Austin or DeAndre Hopkins with their No. 16 overall pick, according to Jason Cole.

St Louis has been linked to a few receives for the past few months, but Austin’s draft stock has improved enough where he may not be available to them at No. 16. Hopkins was named as one of the two draft prospects responsible for trashing a hotel room at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, but his involvement doesn’t appear to be having an impact on his draft stock, at least from what we’ve seen.

Geno Smith

Jason Cole writes that West Virginia QB Geno Smith “could easily fall out of the top 10.“

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen refers to Smith as the “mystery man” of the first-round. Mortensen adds that Smith could be in for a long day one if he gets past the Bills at No. 8 overall.

Albert Breer tweets that Smith is no longer a lock to be the first quarterback drafted this year.

Bills

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that there’s a “growing belief” around the league that the Bills will take Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib at No. 8 overall pick if they are unable trade back.

Given the reports regarding Geno Smith, there’s at least a chance that Nassib could now be the first quarterback select come Thursday.

Buffalo has been connected to Nassib since they hired Doug Marrone as their head coach, but there has been a growing number of respected NFL analysts who believe Nassib should be the first quarterback taken in this year’s draft class.

Joe Buscaglia mentions that the Bills like USC QB Matt Barkley “a lot.” Buscaglia adds that it’s currently a “two-horse race” between Nassib and Barkley for the Bills.

NFL Draft Notes: 

• Teams such as the Cardinals, Bills and Raiders could trade back into the first-round for a quarterback. (Jason Cole)
• The Rams, Steelers, Texans, Patriots, Vikings and Ravens are all believed to have interest in possibly drafting a WR in round one. (Jason Cole)
• The Browns and Jets reportedly have Alabama CB Dee Milliner graded as a Top 10 pick. (Tony Pauline)
• Jets could target Geno Smith and Tavon Austin with their two first-round picks. (Jason La Canfora)
• Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, Dion Jordan, Lane Johnson, Star Lotulelei or trade back are believed to be the Eagles options at No. 4. (Chris Mortensen)
• The Raiders are believed to have interest in trading back, but not further than No. 7 overall. (Chris Mortensen)
• Dolphins would reportedly trade up for Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher, but not Lane Johnson. (Chris Mortensen)
• Browns and Raiders would reportedly like to trade down, but it will probably come down to the amount of interest in the OTs. (Albert Breer)
• UNC G Jonathan Cooper is believed to be a “strong fall back option” for the teams trading out of top 6. (Daniel Jeremiah)
• There could be as many as 6 offensive linemen taken in the top-ten. (Albert Breer)
• The Jaguars are reportedly considering either Oregon’s Dion Jordan or the top offensive tackles at the No. 2 pick. (Tony Pauline)
• “Several” teams reportedly have graded Houston’s D.J. Hayden similar to Stephon Gilmore. (Tony Pauline)
• Boise State CB Jamar Taylor reportedly continues to build a buzz around the league as one of the cleanest cornerback prospects in this year’s draft class. (Tony Pauline)
• “Several” teams have Rice TE Vance McDonald as the number two tight end in this year’s draft class. (Tony Pauline)