NFL Draft Rumors: Jets, Ravens, Ryan Tannehill, Bengals, Patriots, Bruce Irvin

Jets

• According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, the Jets “have the hots” for South Carolina DE/OLB Melvin Ingram.

He probably could have put that better, but  Ingram certainly would be an incredible fit in New York. The general consensus is that he’ll be a Top 10 pick, but his stock has been fluctuating a bit in recent weeks, mainly do to concerns that he doesn’t fit a specific position. Ingram displayed plenty of ability and versatility in college and there’s really no question that he could help the Jets defense.

• Cimini also mentions that Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd will likely “receive strong consideration” from the Jets if he ends up being available to them at #16.

Ravens

• Garrett Downing of BaltimoreRavens.com mentions that the Ravens will likely target a safety in the upcoming draft.

Ed Reed has said that he expects to return for the 2012. Bernard Pollard figures to see more playing, especially now that both Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski have left during free agency.

Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta mentioned that they’re planning to add depth to their roster in this year’s draft.

“Like a lot of positions; we feel like we could use some depth at that position,” said DeCosta. “I think this is a depth draft for the Ravens.”

Downing mentions that Alabama S Mark Barron and Notre Dame S Harrison Smith could both be options at the backend of the first-round.

• DeCosta also discussed some offensive line prospects that he’s been impressed with thus far. He specifically mentions Stanford G David DeCastro, Wisconsin G Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin C Peter Konz, and Georgia C Cordy Glenn as being some of the standout o-line prospects.

You can almost certainly cross of DeCastro as he’ll almost certainly not get passed the Bengals at #17. Glenn has done a great job of maintaining a first-round grade throughout the draft process, so he too should be gone by the time the Ravens are on the clock at #29. Konz figures to be someone that the Ravens will have to consider, now that Matt Birk is very closing in on 40. Zeitler is another possibility as some NFL scouts have given him a first-round grade, even though the general consensus has been that he’s more of a second-round prospect.

Ryan Tannehill

• Dan Pompei of the National Football Post spoke with some NFL scouts and executives regarding Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill, and it seems like they’re not convinced that he’s ready be a starter in the NFL at this point.

“Can he come in and play at a championship level?” said one NFL GM. “When you start talking about a top five pick, that’s what you are trying to say. I don’t see that in him. He is still young in the quarterback position in terms of the reps and starts.”

Tannehill was initially seen as an early second-round prospect when the draft process first began months ago, but has vaulted into the the top half of the first-round and could very well end up being a Top 10 pick.

The people that Pompei spoke with seem to think he would be best served by sitting a little while before being thrust into the starting role. While this is probably an unlikely scenario, he would be a great for the Eagles considering that they could work with him for a few years before turning over their offense to him a later point in time.

• Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that he’s heard that the Browns do have interest in Tannehill, but would only take him if they choose to move out of the #4 overall pick.

Pluto adds that they also “like” Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden, but expects them to target someone later in the draft.

Bengals

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that Washington RB Chris Polk could be a good fit for the Bengals.

There’s been a lot talk regarding Polk in the last few days. Cincinnati recently signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who will be paired with Bernard Scott in the Cincinnati’s backfield, so it’s hard to say where a RB fits into their priorities. They would most likely have to use their second-round pick on him or hope that he falls to them in the third-round.

Patriots

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston writes that the Patriots “figure to prioritize” finding a kick returner in the upcoming draft.

Reiss specifically mentions Florida RB Chris Rainey, Arkansas WR Joe Adams, Fresno State WR Devon Wylie, and Syracuse WR Dorian Graham as possible options for New England.

Last year the Pat’s actually ranked 29th in yards per return so improving on Danny Woodhead and Julian Edelman is certainly a possibility, although Edelman was decent punt returner for them.

Bruce Irvin

Dan Pompei of the National Football Post writes that West Virginia DE/OLB Bruce Irvin “could creep into the first round” of this year’s draft.

Pompei adds that Irvin will be visiting with 12 NFL team’s in the coming days, but it’s hard to say where teams are projecting him to go. Pompei lists the Bears, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, 49ers, Jets, Panthers, Patriots, Texans and Titans as some of the teams that he’ll be visiting with.

Irvin was arrested a few weeks ago and has had other off-the-field issues in the past. It’s also been mentioned that he’s a one-dimensional player, but it just so happens that his strength is rushing the passer, and that’s certainly a marketable skill.

Draft Notes:

• The St. Paul Pioneer Press sees Notre Dame S Harrison Smith as a “perfect fit” for the Vikings at pick #35 overall.
• One NFL personnel man mentioned that he doesn’t see Miami RB Lamar Miller as a finished product. (Dan Pompei)

“He could be thrown into the mix too quickly in the NFL,” he said. “He needs a good running backs coach and a patient offensive coordinator.”

• One front office man said that LSU DT Michael Brockers needs to work on his ability to get to the quarterback and will require some time to develop. (Dan Pompei)
• NFL front office men mentioned that Oklahoma LB Ronnell Lewis needs to mature. They also believe that he may have a hard time finding a position at the next level. (Dan Pompei)