NFL Notes: Draft, Jim Harbaugh, Broncos, & Cardinals

Draft

• NFL  VP of Football Operations Troy Vincent points out that underclassmen requesting evaluations for early entry into the NFL draft are down 42 percent from 2013.

Jim Harbaugh

Jason Cole mentions that the University of Michigan have really raised the bar in their pursuit of 49ers HC Jim Harbaugh after they reportedly made him a six year, $29 million offer.

Even so, Cole lists the Raiders, Dolphins and Jets (in that order) as the top-three teams Harbaugh is mostly likely to end up coaching next year.

Broncos

Mike Klis of The Denver Post writes that there is a “distinct possibility” DT Terrance Knighton could depart in free agency next year.

“I don’t want to leave,” said Knighton of his future with the team. “I want to be here. But I’ve been in the position before, and I know how it works.”

According to Klis, the Broncos offseasoon priorities are likely to consist of: 1) Demaryius Thomas, 2) TE Julius Thomas, 3) C Will Montgomery/TE Virgil Green and 4) Terrance Knighton.

Klis lumps WR Wes Welker, TE Jacob Tamme, LB Nate Irving, S Quinton Carter, DT Mitch Unrein into the same category as the team’s No. 5 priority.

Cardinals

• QB Drew Stanton (sprained ACL, MCL) returned to practice Thursday and put in a limited session. (Darren Urban)