NFL Notes: Draft, Colts, Jets, Saints, Steelers

Draft

• Aaron Wilson reports that the Cardinals conducted a private workout for Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes on Thursday.
• Wilson also reports that the Saints had a private workout for Mahomes on Tuesday.
• In addition, Mahomes has already had private workouts for the Chargers, Browns and Bears. (Aaron Wilson)
• According to Wilson, the Bears invited Robert Morris LB Dontaye Johnson to their local prospect day.
• Notre Dame DL Isaac Rochel said he has generated his most interest from the Cowboys and Panthers so far. (Mike Florio)
• Michigan S Delano Hill has met with the Patriots and Buccaneers, while he met with the Saints over dinner Thursday night. (Tony Pauline)
• According to Pauline, the Dolphins are interested in Michigan DL Chris Wormley and he has already met with Steelers, Giants and Ravens.
• California QB Davis Webb has had official visits with the Cardinals and Steelers, and has met with the Jets and Chiefs within the past week.

Colts

• Mike Wells of ESPN does not think the Colts will pursue free agent RB Adrian Peterson because it would likely force them to overspend to get him and he does not fit into GM Chris Ballard‘s vision of creating a younger roster.

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN thinks it would be a mistake for the Jets to draft a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick since none of the top prospects–North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Notre Dames’ DeShone Kizer and Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes— are day-one starters.
• Cimini thinks the Jets would be better off starting former second-round pick QB Christian Hackenberg at some point this season and determine if they should select a quarterback in the 2018 draft after evaluating him.
• As for prospects that could make sense for the Jets at No. 6 overall, Cimini lists LSU S Jamal Adams, Ohio State S Malik Hooker, Ohio State CB Marshon Lattimore and LSU RB Leonard Fournette.

Saints 

• Jason La Canfora expects the Saints and Patriots to eventually work out a trade for CB Malcolm Butler during the upcoming league meetings.
• According to La Canfora, both sides are “motivated” to get a deal done, while trade talks will likely pick up once Butler and the Saints agree to a contract price.
• In the end, La Canfora would be “very surprised” if the Saints trade away a first-round pick for Butler.

Steelers

• Mark Kaboly would not be surprised to see the Steelers carry over as much as $7 million to their 2018 salary cap, which could add to the $17 million they would currently have to work with.
• Kaboly mentions that the available space would be useful towards re-signing LB Ryan Shazier when his contract is up after 2018.
• Jason La Canfora reports that recently re-signed Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower had more money on the table from the Steelers, who would have paid him over $9 million per year.