NFL Notes: Draft, Packers, Rams & Redskins

Draft

Matt Miller of B/R spoke to a long-time NFL GM this week about the 2017 class of quarterback prospects and offered his thoughts.

• The GM believes Clemson QB Deshaun Watson’s interception issues will have a big impact on his draft status: “[Deshaun] Watson’s interceptions are going to crush him. And he’s small. He’s a lot like your guy [Teddy] Bridgewater, actually.”
• In regards, to Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer, the GM told Miller: “I would advise [DeShone] Kizer to leave because I don’t think [head coach] Brian Kelly is helping him, but you really wish he had another season of experience under his belt. He could be the one we all fall in love with between now and April.”
• The GM isn’t as high on UNC QB Mitch Trubisky as some other people are, pointing out that he’s a one-year starter who couldn’t beat out Marquise Williams.
• As for Miami QB Brad Kaaya, the GM considers him to be the smartest of the quarterback but has concerns about him being skinny and throwing off of his back foot.

Packers

• There has been a lot of speculation about Packers HC Mike McCarthy and his future with the Packers. With this in mind, Matt Miller wonders if Alabama HC Nick Saban or Patriots OC Josh McDaniels could be targets for Green Bay if they’re to move on from McCarthy.

Rams

Rams offensive coordinator Rob Boras mentioned that they won’t be scaling back their offense for rookie QB Jared Goff this weekend, despite the fact that he’s making his first NFL start and has reportedly had some issues picking things up.

“We’re not scaling back,” Weinke said, via ESPN.com. “This kid understands what we’re trying to do on offense, he’s able to execute it. He had a good day of practice [on Wednesday], we expect him to have another good day on Friday. In terms of our approach as a staff, putting a game plan together, we’re obviously smart enough to say, ‘Hey, listen, we know what this kid does well, and we’re going to lean on those things.’ But we’re not going to scale back for him. We don’t need to.”

Redskins

Redskins veteran TE Vernon Davis has rejuvenated his career in Washington and now feels like he could continue playing for several more years.

“I’m having so much fun I feel I can play another five years,” Davis said, via John Keim of ESPN. “It’s just the opportunities are right. Being here, I’ve had to make plays and just play ball, whether it’s blocking or catching passes. I’m having fun.”

Fellow Redskins TE Jordan Reed agreed that Davis could continue playing for many more years.

“He’s got a lot more years left in him,” Reed said. “He’s a freak of nature. He still has that athleticism when he first came into the league, where he can run real fast and he can jump high, real strong. Now I see more wiggle to his game. He’s killing it.”