NFL Notes: Draft, Tight Ends, Rule Changes

February 27, 2018

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports USC QB Sam Darnold will not participate in throwing drills at the Combine.
According to Charles Robinson, several evaluators are “itching” to get another look at Fort Hays DT Nathan Shepherd after he suffered an injury at the Senior Bowl. Robinson adds that a few teams that have consistently drafted good defensive line talent like him and could end up being a riser.
Robinson mentions that a few teams looking to develop a future starting quarterback Richmond’ Kyle Lauletta and Washington State’s Luke Falk. According to Robinson, Redskins president Bruce Allen is a Richmond guy and is said to be very familiar with Lauletta.
Robinson has spoken to quite a few evaluators who are “geeked” to see Georgia RB Sony Michel at the Combine. Although, Robinson says that a few wouldn’t be sad if he had a disappointing workout and dropped down boards.
A few NFL defensive line evaluators have told Robinson that they didn’t think UTSA DE Marcus Davenport dominated a lackluster offensive line group consistently at the Senior Bowl and while he could still end up being a top-15 pick, opinions are apparently mixed on him.
Jeremy Fowler reports that the Steelers have already started doing their draft due diligence on Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that blocking tight ends such as Darren Fells (Lions), Lee Smith (Raiders) and Virgil Green (Broncos) are all going to earn more than expected because of poor draft talent and lack of options at the position.

Adam Schefter reports that NFL’s competition committee is meeting Monday in Indianapolis to try to simplify the catch rule.
Schefter’s sources are “expecting some kind of change with added clarity” to the rule before or during March owner’s meetings.
NFL competition committee is discussing the possibility of eliminating the part of the catch rule that requires a receiver to maintain possession of the football while on the ground. (Mark Maske)
The NFL competition committee could re-emphasize enforcement of illegal contact rules in order to increase scoring. (Mark Maske)
Another change being discussed is a college-style targeting rule that would involve instant replay. However, there’s no guarantee a proposal will be submitted and the NFL could instead propose more ejections for illegal hits. (Mark Maske)
Interestingly enough, the NFL competition committee is discussing the possibility of limiting defensive pass interference penalties to at most 15 yards. (Mark Maske)