NFL Rumors: Catch Rule, Draft, Broncos, Colts & Eagles

Catch Rule

• According to Jason Cole of B/R, numerous coaches and executives believe it would be problematic for the league to change the catch rule, and overall do not expect any adjustments to occur.
• Cole says that executives throughout the league think that rule changes would lead to safety concerns for wide receivers and defensive backs.

Draft

Tom Peliserro of USA Today spoke with several scouts who believe California QB Jared Goff has fallen behind North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz after his strong performance at the Senior Bowl.

“I knew once (Wentz) got around the coaches and stuff, they’d eat him up,” said a veteran scout. “This guy’s unique. He’s just different. And obviously, he’s 6-5, 230, and can spin it like a mother.”

According to Peliserro, evaluators from six NFL teams voted four to two in favor of Wentz when posed the question of who was better between the two prospects.

“To me, Carson has passed every test,” said another scout. “I don’t think it’s even close.”

One scout credited Goff’s strengths to his intelligence, work ethic and mobility in the pocket. However, questions were raised about his ability to drive certain throws and his inexperience playing under center.

As for Wentz, one NFL general manager labeled his larger build, larger hands and athletic ability as key reasons for him having the edge over Goff.

• Peliserro adds that several scouts predict Michigan State’s Connor Cook being the best quarterback to come out of this class.
• Lastly, one scout could also see Memphis QB Paxton Lynch being the first quarterback selected based off his rare physical traits and raw ability.

Broncos

Broncos GM John Elway said he will meet with the agents of OT Ryan Clady and OLB DeMarcus Ware on Friday to discuss their contract situation.

“I’ll talk to him about it and we’ll see,” Elway said, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. “From everything I read, DeMarcus wants to play and we’d like to have DeMarcus back. We’ll sit down and chat with him. Again, this thing is so fluid with the numbers and everything.”

Clady has said previously he is open to restructure his $9.6 million salary for next season, while Ware could also be a restructure candidate given he is set to have a total salary of $10 million for 2016.

Colts

• Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap labels TE Coby Fleener as a player the Colts should re-sign, due to the lack of quality players set to available in the tight end market.
• Additionally, Fitzgerald mentions K Adam Vinatieri, ILB Jerrell Freeman, and S Dwight Lowery as other impending free agents the Colts should re-sign.

Eagles

Eagles HC Doug Pederson said he will evaluate quarterbacks this offseason and will look into the leadership qualities of players.

“It’s a talented group. It’s just a matter of figuring out, how can they command a huddle? How can they come into Philadelphia and convince Jason Peters of what they’re selling?” Pederson said, via Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News. “I want to be able to see that. I want to be able to look into their eyes and say, ‘That’s the guy I can hang my hat on.”

Pederson went on to say that team’s must consider adding a quarterback through the draft or free agency, though he does not clearly specify that’s one of his plans.

“I think you have to look hard at drafting quarterback. Every team needs to draft a quarterback,” said Pederson. “I’m a big believer that you need to keep the pipeline coming, and you need to consider drafting one whether you need one (or not), in the first, second or third round, or sixth, seventh, free agency.”