Oakland souring on Russell?
Steve Corkran for Sporting News.com is reporting that the Raiders came away from the NFL Combine less convinced that QB JaMarcus Russell was their man. Corkran believes that WR Calvin Johnson has an equal chance of being Oakland’s No. 1 pick, although this seems like one of the many smokescreens that teams “leak” leading up to the draft. Aaron Brooks was cut, many quality free agent quarterbacks are off the market and Randy Moss and Jerry Porter are still on the roster. I’d still give Russell more than a 50% chance of landing in Oakland.
Houston looking to trade up for Quinn?
ESPN.com reported last week that the Texans were rumored to already have a deal in place with Washington to move up to the No. 6 spot in the draft. However, the Houston Chronicle reported over the weekend that the Texans are unwilling to part with any draft picks. It should be noted, however, that the Chronicle is also reporting that if Quinn does fall to the Texans at No. 8, they are not expected to pass on him.
With Lewis on board, will Cleveland pass on Peterson?
Some of the nationwide thought now that the Browns have inked RB Jamal Lewis is that they’ll pass on Adrian Peterson in the draft. However, read between the lines and you’ll find that Cleveland wants to employ a two-back system next season. With Reuben Droughns now out of the mix and Lewis only signed through next year, Peterson is still very much in the mix for the Browns at No. 3. The only way I see the Browns passing on Peterson is if Joe Thomas falls past the Lions, or another team packages picks and swaps with Cleveland at No. 3 in hopes of landing Brady Quinn or Calvin Johnson.
Smith looks impressive, Ginn doesn’t run at OSU Pro Day
Quarterback Troy Smith reportedly showed a strong, accurate arm at Ohio State’s Pro Day last Saturday. He also ran a 4.7 40, increasing the likelihood that he will be chosen on the first day of the draft. Ted Ginn Jr. failed to run again, opting not to workout on his foot sprain. Some mocks have him failing past the first 15 picks, with the notion that many NFL teams are filling their wide receiver position through free agency.
Quick hits: The Jaguars and Patriots are both interested in S Reggie Nelson, although the Jags would have first crack at him unless the Pats traded up…New England is also rumored to be interested in LB Buster Davis…Michael Bush plans to run at Louisville’s Pro Day on March 26…The Lions are reportedly interested in QB Drew Stanton or LB Patrick Willis if they trade down from their No. 2 spot. If Detroit spends a No. 1 pick – even a late No. 1 pick – on Stanton, that organization is more troubled than I ever thought imaginable.
