NFL Notes: Browns, Jets, Ravens & Steelers

Browns

  • Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that first-round rookie OL Cameron Erving has a chance to start at right tackle or right guard.
  • GM Ray Farmer said that OL Michael Bowie could be a “major factor” in 2015.
  • Special teams coach Chris Tabor said he expects WR Travis Benjamin to have a “bounce-back” season in 2015.
  • Tabor mentioned third-round rookie RB Duke Johnson as a possible return specialist.
  • Tabor said he views CB Justin Gilbert as a kick return specialist.

He’s a kick returner. Some people think he’s a punt returner,” said Tabor. “He is not a punt returner. He is a kick returner.

Jets

  • Rich Cimini of ESPN hears the Jets are in “no rush” to get a extension in place with DE Muhammad Wilkerson, but that the team should be able to get a deal done despite having just $6 million in available cap space.
  • HC Todd Bowles said that third-round rookie OLB Lorenzo Mauldin has earned reps at the Sam and Rush linebacker spots so far during the Jets’ offseason program.
  • Cimini does not expect Mauldin to be an immediate starter, but he could emerge in sub packages.

Ravens

  • Jamison Hensley of ESPN expects the Ravens to use fourth-round rookie DE Za’Darius Smith over OLB Courtney Upshaw on passing downs.
  • Hensley has heard “rumblings” that the Ravens will use third-round rookie DL Carl Davis as a five-technique defensive end.
  • Hensley envisions Davis, Timmy Jernigan, and Brandon Williams making up the Ravens’ starting defensive line in the future.
  • Hensley could see the Ravens pursuing veteran free agent options if younger players on the roster play poorly during the offseason program or get injured.

Steelers

  • DE Stephon Tuitt expects to be the Steelers’ starting left end for 2015.

That is my role right now and that is what I am going to do,” said Tuitt, via Steelers.com. “I respect everybody else, but I love my position. I love my role right now and I am going to continue to strive to be better at it.”

 

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