Seahawks
Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider reports that Seattle Seahawks are hoping to trade down from the #12 overall pick and target Alabama ILB Donta Hightower later in the draft.
Pauline adds that they would most likely turn their attention to Alabama S Mark Barron if Hightower isn’t available at that point. Should they take Barron, Pauline mentions that they would then move Kam Chancellor to outside linebacker.
This is obviously a very interesting scenario as many have Boston College LB Luke Kuechly listed as the best available inside linebacker in this year’s draft, but they’re apparently unwilling to use their #12 overall pick to address the position.
Cowboys
Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Dallas Cowboys haven’t scheduled a visit with Memphis NT Dontari Poe because they “don’t want to draw attention to him.”
Hill adds that every player taken in the first-round by the Cowboys since 2006 “has come to the team’s Valley Ranch headquarters for a pre-draft visit,” but Hill concedes that Dallas could still target someone else.
“Of course, the last time it didn’t happen was in 2005 when they selected linebacker DeMarcus Ware _ a decision that has turned out quite nicely,” writes Hill.
The Cowboys are expected to host a number of local prospects that will include: LB Emmanuel Acho, LB Keenan Robinson, LB Tank Carder, WR Jeff Fuller, RB Cyrus Gray, CB Ron Brooks, DB Jamell Fleming, QB Nick Stephens, QB G.J. Kinne and QB Nathan Dick.
Quinton Coples
Dan Pompei of the Chicago-Tribune was asked whether or not UNC DE Quinton Coples was worthy of moving up for or a good value at #19.
“I wouldn’t move up for Coples, and I’m not even sure I would take him if he fell to me if I was picking 19th,” Pompei responded. “He has top-of-the-draft talent, but Coples doesn’t always play like it. NFL scouts question his motor, his passion for the game and his coachability.”
Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting mentioned that he feels like the questions regarding Coples motor have been “overblown” but concedes that his passion and coachability are both concerns.
Coples was initially seen a guaranteed Top 10 prospect but the draft process hasn’t exactly been great for him. He’s immensely talented with great size for the position, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll end up being a game-changing talent at the next level. Greg Cosell previously mentioned that he might be more “effective as inside pass rusher in sub-packages.”
Here’s my favorite quote regarding him thus far.
“He’s good as hell, but he’s nuts,” said one NFL personnel man. “I’m not sure what’s up with him. I’d put him at left end in a 4-3, but he could do everything if he wants it.”
Bengals
Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider writes that the Bengals are hoping to have Alabama DE/LB Courtney Upshaw available to them at #21 overall, which is their second first-round pick. Pauline adds that Wisconsin C Peter Konz is also another possibility.
The real question now is; Who are they targeting with the #17 overall pick? They could be looking at a offensive lineman, cornerback, wide receiver or possibly safety like Mark Barron. You’d have to think that Cordy Glenn, David DeCastro and Dre Kirkpatrick would also be in play at #17.
Packers
Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Green Bay Packers have shown Green Bay Packers have shown “significant interest” since the Senior Bowl in Boise State OLB Shea McClellin, according to a league source.
McClellin has received a lot of praise in recent weeks and has drawn comparisons to former Patriots LB Mike Vrabel. There’s no question that the Packers could use help opposite of Clay Mathews. Mike Mayock believes McClellin could end up being a possible late first-round pick which makes him a strong possibility for the Packers at #28.
Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider writes that Packers will likely target Wisconsin C Peter Konz if they choose to take an offensive player.
Jets
Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider reports the Jets are also giving strong consideration to Alabama S Mark Barron. Pauline’s source mentioned that Barron is a “no brainer” for them at #16.
Pauline also mentions that you cross of Illinois DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus as being an option for the Jets and believes that they “will look hard at moving down in round one.”
Patriots
Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider writes that the Patriots are looking for a “smaller linebacker who can cover” in this year’s draft which comes in contrast to the belief that they’re leaning towards a pass rushing linebacker.
Pauline adds that taking some like Utah State LB Bobby Wagner at the end of round one is “definitely not out of the question.”
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