NFL Notes: Draft, Jets, Packers & Panthers

Draft

• NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein compares Clemson QB DeShawn Watson to Titans QB Marcus Mariota based on his size, speed, ability to win at the college level, and having performed in a similar offensive scheme.

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN is told the Jets actively explored trade options for DE Sheldon Richardson but was not able to find a suitable offer.
• Cimini expects Richardson to be a hot topic this offseason since his contract will expire after 2017, making him a potential bargaining chip to help fill other holes through a trade.

Packers

• According to Rob Demovsky, the Packers worked out three cornerbacks on Tuesday including Larry Scott, Duke Thomas, and Cleveland Wallace.

Panthers

David Newton reports that Panthers QB Cam Newton spoke with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell regarding late hits he has taken without drawing defensive penalties.

Panthers HC Ron Rivera said on Monday that he fully supports Newton’s claims and that he also reached out to the NFL on the matter.

“It’s more about making sure he is getting the equal treatment and the protection he deserves as a quarterback in the pocket,” Rivera said. “I have reached out to the league and the league has responded. And most recently I have reached out to the commissioner and he has responded and we’ll continue to work through this and see how it goes.”

Additionally, NFL senior vice president of officiating Dean Baldino admitted on the NFL Network that Cardinals DL Calais Campbell should have been flagged for his low hit in the pocket on Newton during Week 8.

Baldino went on to say that the NFL will address the officials about the missed call to ensure, “that all of our quarterbacks are protected the same way under the rules.”