NFL Notes: Draft, Packers, Panthers, Patriots

Draft

• Ian Rapoport reports that Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer is working out for the Chargers on Friday and has already done so for the Jets and Browns.
• According to Rapoport, Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes has had dinner with the Bears and worked out for the Chargers and Browns.
• Katherine Terrell reports that Bengals RBs coach Kyle Caskey worked out OSU RB Curtis Samuel on Thursday. Terrell believes the Bengals could target a running back early in this year’s draft.
• According to Tony Pauline, scouts believe Ohio State LB Raekwon McMillan has the potential to be a three-down player and that he met with Jets’ representation including DC Kacy Rodgers.
• Pauline adds that the Saints‘ entire staff has already interviewed McMillan.
• Pauline calls Utah LT Garett Bolles a “premier” tackle in the 2017 NFL Draft, while 19 offensive line coaches were on hand at his Pro Day, including the Jets, Browns, Jaguars and Lions.
• Utah RT Sam Tevi impressed scouts as well at the school’s Pro Day and met with the Saints and Patriots.
• According to Pauline, the “feeling” for SDSU LB Calvin Munson is that he locked down a late-round selection after his Pro Day performance and he has scheduled official visits with the Giants and Lions.

Packers

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers admitted that they could still use a few pieces on the defensive side of the ball, but overall he’s excited about where the team is.

“We probably need a couple more pieces on defense before the season starts, but we’re going to be really tough to stop on offense,” Rodgers said on a podcast with Evan Daniels of FOX Sports. “Mike [McCarthy] has a great system there that’s ever evolving and changing. I put my stamp on it once we get it down on paper. It’s exciting, man. Green Bay Packers fans should be really excited about this season and the possibilities.”

Panthers

• Panthers GM Dave Gettleman indicated that they didn’t know the full extent of DE Charles Johnson‘s back injury when they elected to re-sign him a few weeks ago. However, Gettleman added that this wouldn’t have changed their thinking. (Joe Person)
• Gettleman mentioned that LT Michael Oher remains in the concussion protocol, but is doing “NFL workouts not for the faint of heart.” (Joe Person)
• In regards to the decision to trade DE Kony Ealy to the Patriots, Gettleman said: “To you guys eight spots doesn’t seem like much, but to me it’s gold. Got to give up something to get something.” (Max Henson)

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN writes that free agent WR Michael Floyd may be the receiver most affected by the team’s acquisition of Brandin Cooks. According to Reiss, there doesn’t appear to be a roster spot available for Floyd with Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell and the possible return of Danny Amendola.
• Reiss mentions that it’s his understanding that the Patriots have discussed the possibility of re-signing Blount but they couldn’t come to an agreement with him. Even so, Reiss doesn’t rule out the Patriots showing interest in him later on in the event they don’t draft a power back.
• Reiss would be surprised if Darrelle Revis was a serious consideration for the Patriots in the event they move on from Malcolm Butler.