NFL Notes: Jaguars, Panthers, Rams & Titans

Jaguars

According to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, veteran OL Mackenzy Bernadeau is the current favorite to start at left guard, while third-year OL Brandon Linder will move to center from guard.

“Experience,” Jaguars OC Greg Olson said regarding Bernadeau. “He’s had experience with very good rushing football teams and Dallas is a similar scheme to us in the run game. We were able to see him do some of the things we do. He fits what we do.”

Interesting enough, Olson said Colts’ first-round C Ryan Kelly would have been Jacksonville’s “center from Day One,” if they drafted him.

Jaguars DC Todd Wash also said that Prince Amukamara, Aaron Colvin and Dwayne Gratz will all compete for the third cornerback role covering slot receivers.

Panthers

• David Newton of ESPN lists TE Braxton Deaver, OL Eric Mac Lain, FB Devon Johnson and CB Shaq Richardson as four undrafted rookies with a chance of being signed by the Panthers following their rookie minicamp.

Rams

• Nick Wagoner writes that a case can easily be made that the Rams actually took a step back in terms of their defense after they moved on from LB James Laurinaitis and DE Chris Long, and lost CB Janoris Jenkins and S Rodney McLeod in free agency.
• According to Wagoner, the Rams are still working to get a deal done with S Donte Whitner. In fact, Wagoner mentions that it could be just a matter of time before there’s an agreement in place with Whitner.

Titans

Titans HC Mike Mularkey said the team is focusing on their wide receiving group and expects improvement from them this year.

“They all know they’re going to be coached harder than any position there is,” Mularkey said, via John Glennon of The Tennessean. “First of all, because it needs to improve. There’s no question about that. If there’s a position on this team that could be better, it’s that one.

“We’re going to be in their ear. We’re not going to accept anything that’s not the best from them. If they don’t show that, we’re going to find someone that understands that.”

Mularkey also said that he has came away impressed by second-round RB Derrick Henry so far this offseason.

“I liked a lot of things he did,” Mularkey said. “Just some of the holes and the plays we’re running, the reads on the run were good for the very first day with a whole new offensive line and a fullback in front of him.

“But also some of the things he did protection-wise … Some of the guys got beat up front, he had no problem stepping right up and picking up leakage. So that’s good to see the very first day from him.”