Pro Football Fan Site

Ndamukong Suh thinks he should be the No. 1 pick. Gerald McCoy and Eric Berry both contend they should go first, too. Suddenly in the quarterback-driven NFL, defense is becoming all the rage.

INDIANAPOLIS — The AFC North blog is wrapping up its four-day tour of the NFL combine.



Here are seven closing notes and observations on the division:

• Although it’s rare in the NFL, in some ways it seems Marvin Lewis is holding back on a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis, who was honored as the NFL Coach of the Year, finally has some leverage to get some things how he wants them in Cincinnati. But at the same time, Bengals owner Mike Brown is notorious for rarely giving in and running the team his way. It will be interesting to see how this all works out. I talked to three league insiders at the combine about Lewis’ situation and two felt he could definitely land a head-coaching job elsewhere in 2011. The third believed the uncertainty with the CBA and a potential lockout would be Lewis’ biggest hurdle. But otherwise, Lewis could quickly land on his feet if he left Cincinnati.
• Keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Steelers on draft day. I don’t think they get enough credit for their propensity to wheel and deal on draft day. The Steelers are in a unique spot where their biggest need (cornerback) may not be available at No. 18. That could mean a trade out of the position for more picks or a trade up to get a player they covet. Pittsburgh GM Kevin Colbert has done both in recent years, which makes the team unpredictable. Last year, the Steelers traded out of the second round completely to get more second-day picks.
• If I’m a general manager, sign me up for Michigan defensive end/linebacker Brandon Graham. He’s not going to impress with his measurables, which is why there are some questions about him at the combine. But on the field, he has an NFL motor, he’s productive and he gets to the quarterback. Also during his combine interview, you could tell he has a passion for the game. I want those type of players on my team.
• Speaking of interviews, in no particularly order I was really impressed with Florida State safety Myron Rolle, Tennessee safety Eric Berry, Idaho guard Mike Iupati, Graham and Cincinnati receiver Mardy Gilyard. Interviewing well doesn’t necessarily mean they all will be great NFL players. But it can’t hurt and shows depth, character and personality.
• Maybe I’m out of the loop on this one, but I would be surprised if the Baltimore Ravens landed free-agent receiver Terrell Owens. This rumor began to pick up steam at the combine, and was further perpetuated when Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said the team would be interested. Baltimore had a chance to sign Owens last season when he was a year younger, but didn’t make a move. I don’t get the sense much has changed with Baltimore about Owens, but I could be wrong.
• But I do believe tailback Thomas Jones could be a potential target in free agency for the Cleveland Browns. Jones was coached by Eric Mangini, who has a fondness for his former players. Mangini doesn’t have nearly the same pull in Cleveland. But the Browns have money to spend and a need for another running back to pair with Jerome Harrison, who is a restricted free agent Cleveland intends to bring back.
• If the Browns don’t go the free-agency route, Clemson tailback C.J. Spiller could be a sleeper candidate for Cleveland at No. 7. Already a top-10 player, Spiller solidified, and likely improved, his stock with a blazing (unofficial) 40-yard dash time of 4.28. The Browns drafted Spiller’s former Clemson teammate James Davis last season. So rest assured, Cleveland’s scouts have spent a lot of time the past two years tracking Spiller’s career. Cornerback and safety are obviously bigger needs. But if those positions are taken off the draft board, I would take the top tailback (Spiller) over the top receiver (Dez Bryant) at No. 7 every time.

INDIANAPOLIS — As promised, I’m about to deliver my annual combine mailbag, which will feature news and nuggets related to every team in the division. I’ve spent four days talking to draft prospects, coaches, agents and scouts. Now it’s time for you guys to pick my brain. This shouldn’t take long.



Casey from West Liberty, W.Va., is concerned about the Cowboys’ WR situation: Please tell me that Dallas is considering other options at wide receiver aside from Roy Williams at this point. You’ve got to think that if you can get Anquan Boldin for a second rounder at this point you pull the trigger, don’t you?



Mosley: So we’re back around to Boldin trade scenarios? I’d missed those days so much. I think the Cowboys would be better off adding a wide receiver via the draft. It looks like second-year player Kevin Ogletree could develop into a No. 2 or 3 receiver if he’s given enough attention. That’s why I don’t think the Cowboys need to select someone such as Golden Tate at No. 27 overall. Let’s remember that Miles Austin and Ogletree were both undrafted. And Patrick Crayton has had a very nice career after being selected in the seventh round. There’s no pressure to send a second-round pick to the Cardinals for Boldin. He wants to be a No. 1 receiver. That’s not going to happen in Dallas, where Austin’s quickly become the main man. And you also have the highest paid No. 2 receiver in the game in Williams.

---

Mike from Richmond, Va., has a question about the Skins’ RBs situation: So I hear Thomas Jones is going to be released. Do you think this is someone the Redskins would be interested in? Everyone is saying how much Shanny likes LT. I would think Jones would still have more in the tank. Thoughts?



Mosley: Everyone who’s saying that Mike Shanahan loves LaDainian Tomlinson is exactly right, Mike. I think the coach has immense respect for Tomlinson after being battered by the running back in the AFC West. As AFC West blogger Bill Williamson told me this past week, Shanahan always covets players who have stuck it to him in the past. That said, I think you’re correct to say that Jones has more left in the tank. He’s arrived at that magic age where his skills begin to decline, but he could still be effective as a complementary back. Would he be happy splitting carries with Clinton Portis in Washington? Well, he may not have a choice. Honestly, I think Chester Taylor might be a better fit than Jones in Washington.

---

Joseph from Bloomer, Wis., wants to talk about the Eagles’ plans for free agency: Matt, what do you think the chances are that the Eagles make a big splash in free agency this offseason? Do they make a serious run for Julius Peppers? What about Darren Sproles? (I know there’s more serious needs than RB, but he might fit in nicely.) Is there someone else on their radar that we’re not hearing about? Do they go after someone big or do they stick with their usual M.O. and try to build through the draft? And how do you see the potential uncapped year affecting how the Eagles go about business? It seems like the majority of teams are going to do the opposite of what most initially expected and limit their spending as opposed to going all “NY Yankees” on the league. Thanks for the excellent offseason coverage!



Mosley: New general manager Howie Roseman opted not to speak with the media during the combine, so I can only go on what I’m hearing from other folks from the organization. I’d be surprised if the Eagles threw a bunch of money at Peppers. They know what it’s like to sink a ton of money into an elite pass-rusher and basically come up empty. (See Jevon Kearse). There’s a concern from people who’ve been around Peppers that he doesn’t truly love the game. Something tells me that Andy Reid and president Joe Banner, the true power brokers, aren’t looking to get into business with a guy like Peppers. I think it’s more likely the Eagles will look for a pass-rusher in the draft. But I’d try to find a starting safety via a trade or free agency. It’s a lot to ask of a rookie to step in and start at safety. Just ask Macho Harris about that. Even if you select someone like Taylor Mays or Nate Allen, it’s not like you feel great at the position immediately. As long as you don’t have to spend wildly, I’d go after someone like Darren Sharper from the Saints. He’s getting older, but he’s still a highly productive player. I’ve read the stuff about how Tracy Porter was the key to that secondary, but you’d be crazy to think the Saints would’ve made it to the Super Bowl without Sharper.

---

(Read full post)