NFL Notes: Leighton Vander Esch, Draft, Dolphins

March 5, 2018

According to Tony Pauline, Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch has been “crushing” interviews and impressing people at the Combine.
Pauline adds that the Packers are “very high” on Vander Esch and it’s unlikely he’ll get past the Steelers in round one.
The Eagles would reportedly love to get Vander Esch with the last pick of the first round but have come to the conclusion he won’t be available to them.

Tony Pauline reports that the Lions, Texans and Patriots top the list of teams interested in ASU LB Christian Sam.
Sources have told Pauline that the Seahawks are looking to trade out of the first round again to acquire some more top-100 picks.
Pauline lists the Jets, Panthers, 49ers and Cowboys as teams currently interested in Florida State DE Josh Sweat.
Sources have told Pauline that the Jets and Lions have shown a lot of interest in Delaware DT Bilal Nichols.
Florida State S Derwin James had a formal interview with the Packers while at the combine. James added that he’s been discussed as being versatile on the back end of their defense. (Ryan Wood)
The Jaguars had a formal meeting with Marshall QB Chase Litton at the Combine. (Mike Kaye)
The Patriots had informal meetings with Texas Tech WR Keke Coutee and Middle Tennessee WR Richie James at the Combine. (Zack Cox)

According to Peter King, the Dolphins are “looking hard” at quarterbacks and several sources he’s spoken to believe Miami will take a quarterback in round one.
Before the Senior Bowl, the Dolphins had dinner with Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and his camp believes they’re a strong contender to draft him.