NFL Notes: June 1 Cuts, Roster Expansion, Dolphins, & Ravens

June 1 Cuts

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL could move up the date for June-1 cuts date to May 1, which would give these players an opportunity to participate in offseason practices.

Roster Expansion

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk also reports that the Competition Committee is considering expanding rosters from 53 to 55 players for the 2015 season.

Florio mentions that while the NFLPA would obviously like to see the number of NFL jobs increase, these positions would cut into the available pool of cash for all players.

Dolphins

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has a number of interesting notes regarding the Dolphins’ offseason plans in his most recent article.

• The Dolphins would reportedly like to re-sign free agent DT Jared Odrick, but are well aware that they could be outbid by teams like the Bears and Jaguars.
• According to Jackson, Miami also likes Broncos DT Terrance Knighton and Vikings DT Tom Johnson.
• For what it’s worth, Jackson considers it very unlikely that the Dolphins would be in on the bidding for Lions DT Ndamukong Suh.
• Jackson believes Ravens DL Haloti Ngata would be appealing player if he ends up being available.
• Jackson reiterates that Miami would like to upgrade at middle linebacker and are reportedly targeting David Harris, Mason Foster and Dan Skuta.
• As for their offensive line, the Dolphins reportedly “think highly” of 49ers G Mike Iupati, but could be hesitant to spend big on the guard position.
• Jackson mentions that Miami conveyed to G Shelley Smith earlier this offseason that they want to give him another chance to compete for a starting job.

Ravens

Jamison Hensley of ESPN writes that the cornerback position remains the weakest spot on the Ravens’ roster.

Hensley writes “you also get the sense from Ravens officials that they’re not going to be able to address this position by how much they’re downplaying the need at cornerback.”

With this in mind, Hensley says that no one should expect a major overhaul at cornerback this offseason.

• According to Hensley, the odds of the Ravens taking Georgia RB Todd Gurley in round one are “not great,” and instead expects them to take Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon if they’re truly considering a running back in round one.
• Hensley doesn’t see the Ravens paying Torrey Smith as a No. 1 receiver. If Smith were to leave, Hensley could see the Chiefs being a potential option.
• Former second-round pick OLB Courtney Upshaw is likely to be “next man up” after Pernell McPhee departs in free agency, according to Hensley.
• Hensley expects the Ravens to seek an upgrade to backup QB Tyrod Taylor this offseason.