NFL Rumors: Bears, Eagles, Jets & Panthers

Bears

Bears HC John Fox said the team is looking to sign a versatile backup offensive lineman.

“We need depth,” Fox said, via ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson. “We need a swing guy. We’ll probably address that shortly in the latter part of free agency.”

Dickerson mentions Will Beatty, Khalif Barnes, Jake Long and Nate Chandler as veteran free agent offensive lineman that could fit this description.

Eagles

• Eliot Shorr-Parks believes that QB Sam Bradford‘s days with the Eagles could be over if they draft a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick.
• It is worth mentioning that the Eagles are scheduled to work out North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz.

Eagles HC Doug Pederson said that he would like to evaluate the top six quarterbacks in the 2016 NFL Draft through individual work outs.

“I think it’s important to evaluate all of them, especially those top three, four, five, six guys and really spend some time,” Pederson said, via Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Because you never know when somebody’s a free agent and you got to exhaust all the positions. It’s something that I look forward to doing here in the next couple of weeks.”

Outside of Wentz, Cal’s Jared Goff and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch, Pederson feels that there are players that can develop and fit well as a third quarterback.

“I know if you’re looking for that third quarterback, there’s some good ones in this draft, taking out, say, the top three,” Pederson said. “There’s still some guys you can develop and would be good fits at the No. 3.”

Pederson went on to say that he did not attend Wentz’s Pro Day because he would rather put him through a private workout.

“I won’t go to the Pro Days as much,” Pederson said. “I prefer the individual workouts where you can go a little more hands-on, one-on-one with a guy.”

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN mentions four players to keep an eye on with the Jets’ No. 20 overall pick, including: Georgia OLB Leonard Floyd, Ohiot State OT Taylor Decker, Eastern Kentucky OLB Noah Spence and Ohio State CB Eli Apple.

Panthers

• David Newton of ESPN mentions the defensive tackle, nickel back and safety positions as the Panthers’ largest needs at this point in time.
• Newton would not be surprised to see the Panthers use their first-round pick on a cornerback to address their need for a nickel back.
• Additionally, Newton expects the Panthers to draft a defensive end and could see them selecting one in the first round.
• As for defensive tackle, Newton views that as a deep position in this year’s draft and could see the Panthers using a “high pick” to select one.
• Newton points out that Carolina could be looking to improve at runningback, since they are bringing in Alabama RB Derrick Henry for a visit next month.