NFL Notes: Shane Ray, Bengals, Broncos, Browns, & Packers

Shane Ray

Ian Rapoport reports that NFL teams drafting in the mid-to-late first round are now doing more work on Missouri DE/OLB Shane Ray following his recent citation for marijuana possession.

• According to Rapoport, Ray has already spoken with many of them.
• NFL owners and GMs are trying to determine what the real story is with Ray’s recent incident.
• Rapoport mentions that teams that never had a chance on him before are now inquiring.

Bengals

Long-time Bengals’ LT Andrew Whitworth said he would view Cincinnati drafting an offensive tackle as a “challenge.”

“Mess up and draft somebody at my position because you are going to sit around and watch him sit the bench,” Whitworth said, via Paul Dehner Jr of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “That’s always been my mentality. I see it as a challenge.”

“Right now, this is the strongest I’ve been in my life, most conditioned I’ve been in my life,” Whitworth said. “I don’t see the door that’s closing. This is the strongest I’ve ever lifted in my career. I feel like I’m as fast or faster than I’ve ever been in my life. I’m in the best shape ever.

“I stop listening to what people thought about what year you are in or when they thought you should be done and started to just listen to what my body says. My body says I can still go get it. I’m still excited to take on anybody any day.”

• Paul Dehner Jr mentions that the odds of the Bengals re-signing TE Jermaine Gresham are “very, very slim.”

Broncos

• Mike Klis of 9News can see the Broncos taking Florida State OL Cameron Erving if he’s still available to them at No. 28 overall.

Browns

• According to Peter King of MMQB, the Browns “love” Washington NT Danny Shelton are hoping he’s available to them at No. 12 overall.

Packers

• According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the Packers have done “a ton of work” on linebacker prospects this year.