NFL Notes: Draft, 49ers, Eagles

Draft

On Monday, Arkansas HC Bret Bielema said that several college coaches advocate moving the “declaration date” that would push back the deadline for underclassmen to declare for early draft eligibility.

“We had more discussions this past spring about what we can do to progressively make this a little better if they do declare themselves [draft eligible], and move back that declaration date,” Bielema said, via Chase Goodbread of NFL.com. “I know Nick [Saban] and several other coaches in our league have proposed moving that date back a little bit to allow our guys to have a better understanding. There are times now where we have a bowl game in January, and a kid feels pressure or is hearing from outside sources that he needs to make a decision sooner than later. Then he makes a decision before the bowl game even takes place. That tells me that A.) he’s not focused on his priorities, and B.) he’s getting information from people who really shouldn’t be gathering and giving information, and it leads to an uninformed decision.”

49ers

49ers first-round LB Reuben Foster is working his way back from an offseason surgery to repair his right rotator cuff.

However, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said previously that Foster is doing great and should be ready for training camp.

“He’s been doing great with his rehab,” Shanahan said, via the Mercury News. “I really have no concerns. I think he’ll be more than ready to go by training camp. That’s my feeling. I can’t promise that, but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.”

Eagles

Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com takes a look at some potential cap casualties for the Eagles to consider in 2018 if they need to create some cap space.

• Shorr-Parks mentions that 2017 will be a big year for DE Vinny Curry, as he could be an obvious release candidate that could net the team $5 million of cap room.
• According to Shorr-Parks, the writing is on the wall for DE Brandon Graham, who did not get the extension he was looking for and saw the team use their first-round pick on Derek Barnett. Releasing Graham next year would amount to $6.5 million in cap savings.
• Shorr-Parks doesn’t rule out the Eagles bringing C Jason Kelce back next year if he produces a solid season and Isaac Seumalo doesn’t show much. This is despite the fact that Kelce has reportedly been on the trading block for several months now.
• Veteran TE Brent Celek may have to agree to a “massive” pay cut to be back in Philadelphia next year, according to Shorr-Parks.
• The Eagles could pick up another $2.1 million by releasing CB Ron Brooks next year.
  Shorr-Parks can’t see the Eagles re-signing veteran Darren Sproles after this season.