NFL Draft Rumors: Lions, Browns, Vikings, Packers, Redskins, Colts, Bills, Stephen Hill

Lions

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that a team source refers to the Lions chances of taking North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins as being “slim.”

Several mock drafts have had Jenkins going to Detroit at #23 overall, but there are plenty of concerns regarding his character that will almost certainly have an impact on where he goes in the upcoming draft. NFL Films’ Greg Cosell has mentioned that he believes Jenkins is the best cover corner in this year’s draft, but talent has been the question regarding him. Jenksins has been arrested three times during his college career.

Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider reported that Lions could be targeting Stanford OT Jonathan Martin in the first-round as a replacement for veteran Jeff Backus.

Browns

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland tweets that the chances of the Browns trading down from the #4 overall pick is “less than 50-50.”

Previous reports have mentioned that Browns GM Tom Heckert was “leaning towards” trading out of their current position, but obviously Grossi is hearing otherwise.

Cleveland loves to have plenty plenty of draft picks at their disposal but they have to start adding some player makers to their offense. The Rams are supposedly interested in possibly moving up, but that too, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense considering that they don’t need a quarterback or a running back. That leaves team’s like the Dolphins as the next best trade partner for the Browns and at #8 overall, they could very easily miss out on all three of Trent Richardson, Ryan Tannehill and Justin Blackmon. Sticking with the #4 pick makes the most sense right now.

Vikings

Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman has confirmed, what has been reported for a numbers now, that they are open trading the #3 overall pick.

“(I’m) sure there will be some conversations before that pick if we’re going to (make a trade),” Spielman told ProFootballWeekly.com. “It’s an unknown, but you’re prepared for both ways. We’ll be ready and we’ll have a good idea of what we think the value of that third pick is.”

As of now, someone would have to fall in love with either USC LT Matt Kalil or Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill to warrant such a move. Interest in RB Trent Richardson could also pick as the draft nears but it’s hard to say that someone would be willing to move up to #3 for a running back.

I know the Vikings have shown interest in both Kalil and LSU CB Morris Claiborne, but I can’t see how they can pass on Kalil, if they end up staying at #3 overall.

Spielman added that the Vikings’ decision during free agency will have no effect on their approach in the upcoming draft.

Packers

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the Green Bat Packers have “genuine interest” in Washington RB Chris Polk.

This stems from their previous meeting with Polk at this year’s Scouting Combine and the fact that they were one of 12 NFL team’s to send representatives to Washington’s Pro Day last month.

Polk hasn’t attracted as much interest as some of the other running backs in this year’s draft class, but he certainly could end up being a sleeper prospect. Josh Norris of Rotoworld actually has him rated as the #3 best running back in this year’s draft class. You can check out his regularly updated Draft Rankings here.

We have Polk listed as the #77 prospect in our Big Board.

Redskins

NFL.com reports the Washington Redskins are not allowed to have “unlimited visits” with Baylor QB Robert Griffin III.

Greg Aiello mentioned that there’s currently not an issue with the Redskins plans for meeting with Griffin but added that “the league does reserve the right to look into such cases.”

Obviously, if it was determined that the Redskins were abusing  their opportunity to meet with a draft prospect, the league would get involved, but until then, they can continue with their plans of meeting with  Griffin a “couple times each week.”

It’s becoming more and more evident that RGIII will begin his NFL career in Washington, which is by no mean’s a surprise.

Colts

Colts owner Jim Irsay mentioned that “things have always pointed toward” Indianapolis drafting Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the # 1 overall, but added that they’re keeping an “open mind” regarding the situation.

So far, they tried their best to keep people guessing as to what their plans may be, but they’re not fooling anyone. I guess they could still take Robert Griffin III, but every indication has suggested that Andrew Luck will be undercenter for them in 2012.

Bills

WGR 550 Buffalo believes that the Bills have Iowa OT Riley Reiff, Stanford OT Jonathan Martin and Georgia G/T Cordy Glenn all “on their radar.”

Offensive tackle was the one position that they were unable to address during free agency. They just recently lost Demetress Bell to the Philadelphia Eagles so they’ll have to find an adequate replacement for him during the draft.

Of the previously mentioned players, Reiff figures to have the best chance of being taken by the Bills. His draft stock has dropping in the last few weeks because of concerns regarding his arm length. Some scouts have suggested that he may have to move inside and play guard at the next level, but it’s worth pointing out that he has longer arms than Joe Thomas who is arguably the best offensive tackle in the league.

We actually have the Bills taking Reiff in our recently updated 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

Stephen Hill

Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz mentioned that it could end up being a “process” for Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill to learn an NFL offense.

“He’s raw, like a lot of guys are who have come out of (Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense),” Hortiz said, via the Carroll County Times. “Their route polish isn’t quite there, but his athletic traits are really outstanding and exceptional, rare for the position.”

Hill recently visited the Ravens so he figures to at least be on their radar. At the Scouting Combine, Hill displayed an unbelievable combination of size and speed, but Hortiz’s concerns are valid. He’s still a workout wonder, but figures to be late-first, early second-round pick.

Draft Notes

Here are some draft notes from NFL Film’s Greg Cosell.

• Cosell mentions that LSU WR Rueben Randle has similarities to Giants WR Hakeem Nicks. (Greg Cosell)
• Cosell tweets that Stanford TE Coby Fleener can “attack vertical seams,” and points to Texns TE Owen Daniels are a comparable player. (Greg Cosell)
• Cosell uses adjectives like “measured” and “methodical” to describe Washington RB Chris Polk but adds that he possesses “no special attributes.” (Greg Cosell)
• Cosell “(sees) some of Dwayne Bowe” in Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd. (Greg Cosell)
• Cosell calls Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles a “smooth route runner with natural quicks.” (Greg Cosell)