NFL Draft Rumors: Buccaneers, Te’o, Lattimore, Raiders, Texans

Buccaneers

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com reports that sources close the Buccaneers have informed him that there is a lot of support within the Buc’s organization for drafting Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks.

Tampa Bay could end up targeting Banks with their first-round pick (No. 13 overall) come April.

Campbell adds that it’s unlikely that they’ll consider trading up given that they have plenty of areas that need to be addressed. Sources suggested that they could look to trade back and grab Banks at a later point.

Manti Te’o

NFL Network’s Mike Mayock discussed the differences between Panther LB Luke Kuechly and Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o.

Mayock believes Kuechly is close to being the perfect linebacker for the current NFL game. Te’o, on the other hand, isn’t on the same level as the former Boston College linebacker.

“Te’o struggles a little bit more because he isn’t naturally built that way,” said Mayock, via WalterFootball.com. “He isn’t as naturally quick or the natural explosion or the change of direction like Luke. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t tough, instinctive and smart.”

“He won’t go second round because he got Catfished,” according to a source who spoke to Matt Miller regarding Te’o. “He’ll go second round because he’s a slow inside ‘backer.”

Marcus Lattimore

Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports that South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore intends to conduct a “limited workout” to show his knee is progressing following his recent ACL surgery.

Lattimore showed up at the Senior Bowl this week to speak with NFL teams regarding his progress. He has reportedly been running in a pool, so there are some tangible signs of progress.

 “If we took him, I doubt we’d play him,” one NFL GM said of Lattimore. “He’s a guy who needs to sit a year and get past that.“

Raiders

Scott Wright prognosticates that the Oakland Raiders will take North Carolina ILB Kevin Reddick at some point during this year’s draft.

“Reddick really looked like a leader today, barking out instructions and getting the defense lined up properly,” notes Wright. “Oakland definitely needs a linebacker and Riddick seems to meet the criteria of what Head Coach Dennis Allen said the organization is looking for in a player which is someone who loves the game, is willing to work and puts the team first.”

Texans

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com reports that sources have informed him that the Houston Texans would prefer to target players that can help their defensive front seven and offensive line in this year’s draft.

Campbell adds that Houston may not look to add some depth to these positions until middle rounds and specifically mentions that inside linebacker and the defensive line are their “top priorities” in regards to their front-seven.

Brandon Williams

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com mentions that Missouri Southern DT Brandon Williams is reportedly being discussed as a potential second-round pick.

Several scouts have raved about the week of practice that Williams has put in while in Mobile.

Draft Notes:

• A former NFL exec mentioned that the Chiefs “have to take [Luke] Joeckel. He’s the best player, period. He’s safe.” (Matt Miller)
• An NFL scout mentioned that he has a “late-round grade” on North Carolina State QB Mike Glennon. (Matt Miller)
• Miami of Ohio QB Zac Dysert reportedly hasn’t looked like a quarterback “with the talent to start” in the NFL this week. (National Football Post)
• The Rams have reportedly showed interest in Georgia CB Sanders Commings this week. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• “215-pound safety with corner feet,” said Mike Mayock of Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox, via NFL.com. “I think he’s an immediate starter in the NFL,
• San Jose State OL David Quessenberry’s strong showing this week could have elevated him into the third to fourth-round of this year’s draft. (Charlie Campbell)
• FIU S Saf Cyprien is “one of draft’s best safeties.” (Erik Galko)