NFL Notes: Draft, Cowboys, Dolphins, Eagles, Seahawks

Draft

• According to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, the “overwhelming belief” regarding Clemson QB Deshaun Watson at the Shrine Game is that he will receive second-round grades from NFL teams. Pauline says that Watson will get high marks for character and leadership but his overall accuracy is a big concern. On top of that, Pauline says that teams will also question whether Watson can play from the pocket in the NFL. Although, Pauline doesn’t rule out a team trading back into the first round to get him like the Vikings did with Teddy Bridgewater a few years ago.
• Colorado pass rusher Jimmie Gilbert spoke with the Buccaneers on Monday and plans to meet with the Patriots at some point this week, according to Pauline.
• Some other workouts courtesy of Chase Goodbread of NFL.com include: Toledo TE Michael Roberts (Panthers), Youngstown State DE Avery Moss (Chargers), Florida DE Bryan Cox (Vikings), Penn QB Alek Torgersen (Eagles) and Temple CB Nate Hairston (Bills).

Cowboys

Cowboys free agent G Ronald Leary mentioned that it was exciting to actually get an opportunity to play this season after La’el Collins went down with an injury. However, he plans to let the free agent process play out and see where he ends up.

“It’s exciting,” Leary said, via the Star-Telegram. “It was exciting to be able to play ball again. Going into the season I didn’t think I was going to be playing at all. As far as free agency, that’s one thing I’m just going to let it play itself out, see how things work out and talk with my agent and see how things go from there.”

Dolphins

• Alex Marvez guessed that the Dolphins will promote Chris Kuper from offensive quality control coach to assistant offensive line coach.

Eagles

• Tim McManus of ESPN writes that the Eagles are in serious need of an upgrade at cornerback and Texans free agent A.J. Bouye “fits the bill” for them.
• McManus believes Bouye could command an eight-figure salary on the open market but he may not secure the $15 million per year and $50 million guaranteed Josh Norman got from the Redskins.

Seahawks

Despite their offensive line issues, Seahawks HC Pete Carroll told reporters that they have no intention of just throwing money at potential fixes this offseason.

“That’s not how we — ‘OK, let’s take money and put it here and all of a sudden you’re going to get better,’” Carroll said, via the Seattle Times. “You’ve got to get guys that can play worthy of it, and when they demonstrate that then they get paid. We’ve shown that we understand that and are committed to that mentality. I don’t think you can just buy your way to it. We’re not going to do that. We’re not going to go out and spend a ton of money in free agency on one guy to try to save the day. That’s now how we function at all.”

• Ian Rapoport reports that the NFL is now looking into the Seahawks’ handling of CB Richard Sherman’s MCL injury following HC Pete Carroll’s admission that he played through the injury, despite it not being mentioned on the injury report.