NFL Notes: Bears, Giants, Jets, & Packers

Bears

Michael C. Wright of ESPN writes that the Bears aren’t likely to tank the remainder of the season to be in position to draft one of the top quarterbacks in next year’s draft class.

This would likely run out any chance of coming away with Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and Florida State’s Jameis Winston.

However, Wright believes Chicago could consider guys like Bryce Petty (Baylor), Brett Hundley (UCLA), Connor Cook (Michigan State), Sean Mannion (Oregon State) and Dak Prescott (Mississippi State) at some point in the draft.

• Wright believes Christian Jones will takeover as the team’s strongside linebacker next season with former first-round pick Shea McClellin being his backup.

Giants

There has been some talk that the Giants hired OC Ben McAdoo to eventually takeover as the team’s head coach, but Dan Grazinao believes this is “far too simple.”

Instead, Graziano writes that it’s more likely for the Giants to keep Tom Coughlin around a few more years before making McAdoo the head coach.

• Dan Grazinao believes the Giants view Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond as long-term solutions at cornerback.
• Grazinao writes that RB Rashad Jennings could be back from another season, but he also admits that Jennings’ injury could impact the team’s decision.

Jets

Rich Cimini of ESPN believes second-year QB Geno Smith “might be finished in New York,“especially if John Idzik is fired during the offseason.

Cimini adds that the best approach for the Jets is likely to move forward with a veteran quarterback like Michael Vick while they target another rookie to develop.

• Cimini believes ILB David Harris will be the Jets’ No. 1 priority this offseason, but he doesn’t see OL Willie Colon and CB Kyle Wilson returning.

Packers

• According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, there is no way the Packers would have considered moving Clay Matthews to inside linebacker had Nick Perry showed promise to start the season.
• Demovsky writes that the idea to play Matthews at ILB stems from them trying to shore up their run defense, which is why he expects Clay to remain there for Sunday’s game.