NFL Rumors: Mike Hughes, Josh Allen, Leighton Vander Esch, Draft

Mike Hughes

UCF CB Mike Hughes tells Tom Pelissero of NFL.com that has had to explain the reason he left North Carolina a few years ago after he faced sexual assault allegations that did not lead to criminal charges.

“Obviously, I have to tell them everything that happened and everything that went into why I left and also what I’ve learned from it,” Hughes said. “What I tell teams is that they won’t have any issues with me if they draft me. I haven’t had any problems with the law or anything since I was at North Carolina.”

According to Hughes, he has text messages and a female witness to corroborate his story and the district attorney ultimately declined to file charges because of insufficient evidence. Hughes added that the decision to leave UNC was because a Title IX proceeding made him feel he wouldn’t get a fair opportunity to defend himself there.

Josh Allen

• Wyoming QB Josh Allen tells Pro Football Talk that he visited with the Browns, Giants, Jets, Broncos, Dolphins, Bills, and Cardinals during the pre-draft process.
• According to Allen, he worked out for only one team that plays on the East Coast, which means it’s either the Giants, Jets, Bills, or Dolphins.

Leighton Vander Esch

• Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that he made 11 pre-draft visits including trips to meet with the Eagles, Saints, Steelers, Ravens, Lions, Bills and Cardinals.
• Mike Mayock confirmed that some teams are concerned about Vander Esch’s medical due to a neck issue. (Mark Kaboly)

Draft

• Mike Mayock said Friday that while he views LSU pass-rusher Arden Key as a first-round talent, he could see him falling to the fourth or fifth round because of off-the-field concerns. (Eric Branch)
• Jordan Raanan has spoken with more than a few sources that really like Louisville QB Lamar Jackson and are expecting five quarterbacks to be selected in Top 20.
• According to Albert Breer of MMQB, Florida State S Derwin James declined to work out for the Buccaneers following his Pro Day on March 20.
• USC RB Ronald Jones tells Sirius XM NFL Radio that he met with the Patriots, Eagles, Colts, Buccaneers, Redskins, Ravens, and 49ers during the pre-draft process.
• Regarding being posed inappropriate questions by an NFL team at the NFL Combine, LSU RB Derrius Guice said his issue has been resolved by NFL security: “I cleared those up when I talked to security guys. That’s all that matters. I don’t care who on the outside thinks this and that. I cleared it up with the guys that I needed to clear it up with.” (Pro Football Talk)