NFL Notes: Cardale Jones, Draft, Broncos, & Panthers

Cardale Jones

An anonymous NFL scout referred to Ohio State QB Cardale Jones as a “poor man’s JaMarcus Russell.”

“Kind of reminds me of a poor man’s JaMarcus Russell,” said the scout, via Bob McGinn of the Milawaukee Journal-Sentinel. “At least JaMarcus had some touch. This guy just throws the ball. His mechanics are all over the place.”

• Jeremy Fowler reports that  the Chargers and Cardinals are planning separate trips to meet with Jones next week.

Draft

• The Broncos, Raiders, Jaguars and Vikings are all showing interest in Sioux Falls DB John Tidwell. (Scott Bregman)
• FAU QB Jaquez Johnson has interest from the Jets, Saints, Browns, Panthers and Broncos. (Scott Bregman)
• Portland State LB Sadat Sulleyman worked out for the Seahawks at their local prospect day and has been receiving positive feedback. (Aaron Wilson)
• Coastal Carolina LB Devon Brant is reportedly drawing interest from the Jets, Dolphins and Panthers. (Scott Bregman)

Broncos

Jason Cole of B/R mentions that Broncos John Elway‘s patience in regarding to finding another quarterback appears to be paying off, given that the available quarterback market continues to expand.

As of now, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Hoyer, Colin Kaepernick and possibly Eagles QB Sam Bradford could all be options for the Broncos. Beyond this group, it’s still possible they could add someone in next week’s draft, even if they sign or trade for a veteran quarterback.

Cole tosses out Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg as two potential options for the Broncos at the end of round one.

However, the Broncos have no intention to overpay for a “mediocre quarterback” at this point in time, according to Cole. This means that Bradford or Kaepernick would likely have to agree to a restructured deal that includes a pay cut and/or incentives added to their current agreement.

Panthers

Panthers GM Dave Gettleman told reporters on Thursday that there’s at least a chance they could consider trading their No. 30 pick to another team looking to get a player in round one so that they get a fifth-year option on the player.

“There could be teams at the top of the second that have an interest in coming into the first,” Gettleman said, via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review.

Gettleman added that the fifth-year on a rookie deal is “hard to pass that up.”