"NFL Draft 2015 - Everything Draft Related (Trades, Picks, Team/Pick Breakdown, etc)"

[Superman55]

Tyler Lockett - WR - Seahawks
The Seahawks have been impressed with rookie Tyler Lockett’s route running.
Seattle traded up for Lockett to improve their return game, but his route running is good enough to land him an early-season role. The Seahawks have been getting Lockett reps outside and in the slot. Lockett can win Seattle’s No. 3 receiver job

Nelson Agholor - WR - Eagles
An anonymous NFL executive told the Newark Star-Ledger that first-round WR Nelson Agholor will have an immediate impact in Chip Kelly’s offense.
"He’ll come in and produce right away," the source said. "He has a great approach. And in that offense, he’ll put up numbers." Agholor saw time on the outside and in the slot at OTAs. He projects to get the majority of his snaps as Jeremy Maclin’s replacement at Z receiver. Agholor should push Amari Cooper to be this year's top redraft rookie, and is locked in as a top-four wideout in Dynasty rookie drafts.

Breshad Perriman - WR - Ravens
Breshad Perriman said his dropped passes are "really all mental."
Perriman had an up-and-down first NFL offseason, flashing "playmaking skills and explosiveness along with a tendency to lose his concentration and drop passes." He dropped 8-of-54 catchable passes at Central Florida last year. Heightened focus should be a fixable issue and we still expect Perriman to beat out Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown. The Ravens will want their first-round pick to win the starting X job opposite Steve Smith.

 

[Superman55]

Marcus Mariota hasn’t thrown an interception in Titans camp

Posted by Darin Gantt on August 4, 2015, 7:05 AM EDT
Marcus Mariota
AP
Sometimes you have to be very careful when interpreting training camp statistics.

But sometimes, the big round numbers — like zero — have a way of standing out.

According to John Glennon of the Tennesseean, Titans rookie Marcus Mariota has gone through four straight practices without an interception, making him the only Titans quarterback in camp to do so.

According to the unofficial tally, Mariota is 49-of-73 in combined drills over four days of camp, a solid 67 percent.

Again, camp stats have to be taken with a grain of salt sometimes, as they don’t always (or never) provide for context of who the drills are against and with, the plays being worked on that day and a million other factors. But hey, it’s a number.

(By the way, camp stats are awesome. Those degenerates who cover the Jets mastered the calculation of passer rating during the Tim Tebow era, and a few sick individuals who cover the Packers break out stop watches to document hang time during punt drills. You’re all twisted, and we all love you.)

But as it pertains to the second overall pick in the draft, the news is good. Mariota is a careful quarterback by nature (only four interceptions against 42 touchdowns), and he’ll need to continue that with the Titans if they’re going to have a chance to progress.

 

[Superman55]

John Fox “can’t predict” when Kevin White will practice

Posted by Josh Alper on August 3, 2015, 2:28 PM EDT
Kevin White
AP
The Bears are five practices into training camp and they’ve yet to have their first-round pick on the field for any of them.

Wide receiver Kevin White landed on the physically unable to perform list to open up his first professional camp and there’s no timetable at this point for when his shin injury will be healed enough for him to begin working with the team. Coach John Fox said Monday that he’s looking at White’s absence as a “day-to-day” proposition, but after six weeks of dealing with the injury he “can’t predict” when White will be well enough to join his teammates.

“I think he’s making headway,” Fox said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “Like I said, he was on the shelf for six weeks. His conditioning level [and] soft tissue has built him back to have a chance to come back and play.”

Last year, Odell Beckham missed the entire preseason for the Giants while dealing with a hamsting injury and then missed four regular season games before having a rookie year for the ages. Repeating Beckham’s exploits is too much to ask, but the Bears hope for impactful contributions to their offense after a shorter absence from their rookie wideout.

 

[sg3]

After hearing some of the negative reports on Kevin White on NFL.COM and the NFL Network during OTAS and early training camp, I'm absolutely thrilled that Mikey Macc didn't listen to the advice of some media and interwebz experts and choose him over the Big Cat from USC at #6

 

[Superman55]

After hearing some of the negative reports on Kevin White on NFL.COM and the NFL Network during OTAS and early training camp, I'm absolutely thrilled that Mikey Macc didn't listen to the advice of some media and interwebz experts and choose him over the Big Cat from USC at #6

Well, if you think it is wise to already judge their careers based on their first training camp...feel free...at this time last year beckham hadn't practiced with the Giants yet...

 

[Superman55]

Kevin White impossible to miss at rookie minicamp
5/8/2015
Jeff Dickerson, ESPN Staff Writer
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LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Kevin White is impossible to miss.

The seventh overall selection of the 2015 NFL draft, White took the field Friday at the Chicago Bears’ rookie minicamp, an annual event featuring six draft picks, 15 undrafted rookie free agents and 28 tryout players.


Rookie receiver Kevin White knows he has a lot to learn at rookie minicamp. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
At 6-foot-3, White easily stood out from the crowd.

“Did a lot of movement today,” White said. “Left side and in the slot on the right side. Slot in the left. So a lot different than college. Just trying to get adjusted. First day. So it wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be. But I’m learning the system and trying to get better each and every day.

“There’s a lot of information to take for day one. Everything gets thrown at you at one time. So you’ve got to kind of relax and try to take it all in and just learn.”

One of White’s biggest supporters is Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who endorsed White after the wide receiver’s April pre-draft visit to Halas Hall.

“He was outstanding,” Gase said. “He could tell you exactly what the checks were, what him and the quarterback, what page they were on. It was pretty impressive when he came in the building. We really like what he brought to the table, and we look for specific routes, and when we see one or two things, we know they can do the entire tree, so his speed, his body control, the way that he bursts off the ball, all those things we really liked.”

White will need to catch 46 balls to break the Bears’ rookie reception mark (45) set by Johnny Knox (2009) and Harlon Hill (1954). For that to happen, White needs to develop a strong rapport with quarterback Jay Cutler.

“If he’s in trouble, he can come to me,” White said. “If he has trust in me, it’s a lot better for me. I get more chances. If a quarterback doesn’t trust you, he isn’t going to go to you very often.

“I can call or text him whenever I want. He’s here to help me. We’re on the same team so there’s no ‘ask someone else.’ If I text him, he’s ready to help.”

 

[Superman55]

Jay Ajayi - RB - Dolphins
The Miami Herald calls rookie RB Jay Ajayi "a bit of a disappointment so far."
The physical Ajayi should look better once the serious hitting gets going at camp. It's also possible his head is simply swimming right now as he goes through his first real NFL practices. But for now, it sounds like the Dolphins are seeing why Ajayi was still available in the fifth round of the draft. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is talking up an increased workload for Lamar Miller.


DeVante Parker - WR - Dolphins
DeVante Parker (foot surgery) is still roughly 3-4 weeks away from being able to practice.
This assumes Parker has no setbacks as he continues his rehab. So in a best-case scenario, the No. 14 overall pick will partake in his first NFL training camp practice roughly two weeks before Week 1. It's hard to see him making a big impact right out of the gate, leaving him as a bench stash in fantasy formats.


Breshad Perriman - WR - Ravens
Breshad Perriman (knee) has missed four straight Ravens practices.
Perriman is nursing a bruise on his knee. The first-round pick remains the favorite to open the season as Baltimore's starting X receiver opposite Steve Smith Sr., but still needs to secure that role on the practice field and in preseason games. Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown are also vying for snaps.

David Cobb - RB - Titans
ESPN Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky expects the team to employ a committee at running back this season.
"I know people want an RB1, but likely it's (going to be a) running back by committee," were Kuharsky's words as he broke down the Titans' backfield from a fantasy perspective. Noting fifth-rounder David Cobb figured to feature prominently inside, Kuharsky also said Cobb has been "lit into frequently" for his failures in pass protection early in camp. Cobb remains behind both Bishop Sankey and Antonio Andrews on the Titans' depth chart.

Duke Johnson - RB - Browns
Browns coach Mike Pettine said Sunday that Duke Johnson's hamstring injury will keep him out "a little while."
With Terrance West (calf) and Glenn Winston (fitness) also out a few days, the only healthy backs at Browns camp are Isaiah Crowell and Shaun Draughn. The Browns may sign a free agent runner this week. As hamstring injuries are highly susceptible to aggravation, we'd expect the Browns to slow play Johnson's recovery. Missed practices are a concern for Johnson's 2015 playing time.

Jaelen Strong - WR - Texans
The Houston Chronicle's John McClain said he's been impressed by rookie WR Jaelen Strong.
McClain did admit Strong "has a lot of work to do" after missing most of OTAs and minicamp with a hamstring injury, though he's been impressed by his "smooth hands" and precise route-running. Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington are ahead of him on the depth chart but DeAndre Hopkins is the only Houston receiver guaranteed a starting role.

 

[TebowCan'tThrow]

After hearing some of the negative reports on Kevin White on NFL.COM and the NFL Network during OTAS and early training camp, I'm absolutely thrilled that Mikey Macc didn't listen to the advice of some media and interwebz experts and choose him over the Big Cat from USC at #6

I will wait and see, but I would be willing to bet we won't regret the Williams pick.

 

[Superman55]

Adam Schefter
2 mins ·
Marcus Mariota, no picks again today. Six straight practices without an INT. Streak lives on.

 

[Superman55]

Bears first-rounder Kevin White to begin running next week

Posted by Darin Gantt on August 6, 2015, 3:52 PM EDT
Kevin White
AP
The Bears can’t get a clear view of what their offense is going to be yet, partly because they’re putting in a new system. But they also haven’t gotten anything from their first-rounder.

But that may be changing soon.

Bears General Manager Ryan Pace said during an interview on 670 AM that rookie wide receiver Kevin White was ready to begin running next week.

White was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open camp, and hasn’t practiced yet because of shin splints.

“He looks really good,” Bears coach John Fox said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “We just don’t want it flare back up, so we’re being very cautious.”

The wide receiver from West Virginia has been doing cardio work in the pool, so they don’t want to rush him back in too soon. Assuming they can keep him caught up with his assignments, the hope is he can add some instant impact to an offense that needs it.

 

[Superman55]

Nelson Agholor - WR - Eagles
Rookie Nelson Agholor has begun mixing in heavily with the first-team offense at Eagles camp.
The Eagles opened August with Riley Cooper, Josh Huff, and Jordan Matthews in three-receiver sets. On Thursday, Agholor was more involved with the first unit than at any point previously in training camp. "He’s quick," observed beat writer Jeff McLane, "but what has impressed most is how effortlessly he gets in and out of his breaks." Agholor should become a starter by Week 1.

 

[Superman55]

Jamison Crowder - WR - Redskins
Redskins fourth-round WR Jamison Crowder "continues to shine" in training camp.
Per reporter Mike Jones, Crowder's speed has been "hard for anybody to match," and he runs good routes and finds holes in coverage. Crowder could put heat on slot WR Andre Roberts with a strong preseason.

 

[Superman55]

Michael Irvin said he had to talk Kevin White “off the ledge”

Posted by Darin Gantt on August 7, 2015, 6:38 AM EDT
Kevin White, David Fales
AP
Bears first-rounder Kevin White still hasn’t practiced, and he’s only going to start running next week after battling shin splints.

And as the rookie wide receiver waits, he’s getting antsy, but had a Hall of Famer in his ear this week offering advice.

According to John Mullin of CSNChicago.com, Michael Irvin spent time talking to White, and reminding him of the importance of taking the long view.

“I have to talk him off the ledge right now,” Irvin said. “People look at you and wonder why you aren’t on the field. Do you know how much this kid wants to be out there?

“He’s missing things, sure. You can’t say he’s not missing things being out here running full speed and getting a sense of timing. That’s important. Getting a sense of timing, and also getting Jay [Cutler]’s confidence. That’s what he’s missing right now.”

Irvin said he reminded White of his own injury issues, from an ankle injury during his rookie training camp that set him behind. But he cautioned the No. 7-overall pick that he had to be patient.

“I’m trying to make sure that Kevin’s spirit stays in the right place,” Irvin said. “This a great kid, a great kid. I talked with him quite a bit, and it hurts me so much to see him going through this. He talks about it, working so hard to be a first-round draft choice, then drafted by a great organization like the Bears, the draft is in Chicago, and ‘I can’t even get on the field,’ he says.

“I love hearing that. All these things are revelatory. That’s what you want in a kid. But I have to tell him, ‘Listen, I understand, but this is not West Virginia.’ I tell them I want them to understand what it’s really like I the NFL. Because they have whole families now that are going to forego family vacations in order to go to games, because they love this. But if you do the wrong thing, you’ll play this season for 15-16 games. If you do the right thing, you can play for 15 years. You want to play 15 years.”

White has shown the ability to do amazing things in college, so there’s naturally a high degree of expectation for him. When he starts running on the ground (instead of a pool) next week, there will be a better indication of when we might see some of that potential.

 

[Superman55]

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/08/new_orleans_saints_work_andrus.html

New Orleans Saints work Andrus Peat at left guard on Sunday

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va -- The New Orleans Saints still see rookie lineman Andrus Peat as a tackle, but they're willing to experiment a little bit.

The Saints moved 6'7, 316 pound Peat inside for the first time with Cyril Lemon held out of practice for unspecified reasons. Peat worked at left guard with the second-team during the walkthrough portion of practice and during 11-on-11 drills.

Peat has not spent any time at guard for the Saints and was primarily a tackle for Stanford. Moving him to guard full-time this early in his career would be a surprising move.

"I would say the vision all along has been tackle and yet what is most important is trying to get the right combination out there, but the vision when we drafted him was tackle and so he was able to play at left tackle with Terron (Armstead) missing some snaps last week or the scrimmage, and today he took some snaps at left guard," Payton said. "We will keep moving him around. He is bright. He knows what to do. I think that (tackle) would be the position spot."

The Saints have consistently said they want to put the best five players out on the offensive line. Were the season to start today, based on practice repetitions, the starting lineup would likely be Terron Armstead, Tim Lelito, Max Unger, Jahri Evans and Zach Strief.

However, behind the starting five, game experience is limited. So it's likely the Saints would like to have linemen who could play more than one position if necessary. Lelito played both center and guard last season, while Senio Kelemete has been working at both positions this offseason.

"What we have been able to do based on our personnel, if all of a sudden we are down in one position, he has kind of been that guy we want to see play the tackle position," Payton said. "He has been at right (tackle), left at the end of the week, then we were down a guard today and we wanted to put him in at left guard. The key is to get the right five guys out there. When he is at left guard he has his left hand on the ground which is kind of similar to his college career. I do see him as a tackle, and yet I think he has the athleticism to play inside."

Payton said Peat will likely return to tackle on Sunday.

"Without having planned practice tomorrow I would imagine there is a good chance he will come back outside at tackle," Payton said.

 

[Superman55]

http://www.startribune.com/vikings-notes-rookie-waynes-endures-difficult-first-nfl-action/321202541/

Rookie Waynes endures difficult first NFL action

CANTON, Ohio – It sure wasn’t the NFL debut that rookie first-round draft pick Trae Waynes probably dreamed of growing up in Wisconsin.

Waynes took one snap with the first-team nickel defense – with veteran Terence Newman moving over the slot -- and did well. But it was downhill for a bit after that. He was flagged three times in the second and third quarters. One of them, a defensive holding call, was declined after Waynes’ man caught a 35-yard pass that set up a field goal in the Vikings’ 14-3 win over the Steelers in Sunday night’s Hall of Fame game.

Waynes was called for another holding penalty and a 38-yard pass interference as the Steelers began picking on him.

“Part of the thing was I didn’t want to take him out,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “I wanted to find out what kind of toughness he had when things happen like that and how are you going to fight back and how are you going to respond. I thought he did a nice job with those things. He’s just got to learn some of the technical things about the NFL. Athletically and the type of kid he is, he’s going to be fine.”

 

[Superman55]

Kevin White - WR - Bears
Kevin White (shin splints) is doing light on-field activity Monday.
White was spotted jogging off to the side of practice. If his shin splints were overly severe, the team would not allow him to be putting such heavy pressure on his legs already. White at least has a chance to be ready for Week 1.

JaCorey Shepherd - DB - Eagles
Eagles sixth-round CB JaCorey Shepherd tore his right ACL during Sunday's practice and is out for the season.
The Eagles surely regret trading away Brandon Boykin as Shepherd was the leading candidate to replace him in the slot. Options for DC Billy Davis now include going with Jaylen Watkins or E.J. Biggers, or using one of his starters (Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll) inside in sub packages. That would result in second-round rookie Eric Rowe on the outside. Regardless, the depth of this secondary has already taken a pair of hits this month with the loss of Boykin and Shepherd. We're not sold it will be a significantly improved unit from last year's Bradley Fletcher/Nate Allen-induced dumpster fire.

Clive Walford - TE - Raiders
ESPN's Adam Caplan says third-round TE Clive Walford will have a "significant role" in the Raiders offense this season.
A strained hamstring has kept Walford sidelined for the last few days, but he's expected back shortly. At that point, he'll continue his push on incumbent Mychal Rivera. Walford, someone to keep on watch lists as a potential in-season add, outplayed Rivera during the spring.

 

[Superman55]

Kevin White resumes running, “really sharp” mentally

Posted by Josh Alper on August 10, 2015, 1:51 PM EDT
Kevin White
AP
Bears rookie wide receiver Kevin White needed Michael Irvin to “talk him off the ledge” last week because he was itching to get on the field after a long spell on the sideline with a shin injury.

Irvin may be free to move on to other ledge-dwellers because White’s taken a step forward in his return to full speed. Bears radio sideline reporter Zach Zaidman shared pictures of White running during Monday’s practice, which was an expected step this week after White passed through running in a pool without any trouble.

The Bears will now wait to see how he responds to this step forward. General Manager Ryan Pace said on ESPN 1000 in Chicago Monday that the team has a “long way” before the start of the regular season and their goal is to avoid setbacks that would jeopardize White’s chances of being on the field for games. Being patient is made a bit easier by Pace’s confidence that White is on track with his off-field preparation.

“Mentally he’s really sharp,” Pace said. “He’s probably exceeded our expectations there. But there is an element where he needs to get the timing with our quarterbacks. But from a mental rep and classroom standpoint, he’s been all good.”

The Bears open the preseason on Thursday and then play again on August 22 and August 29. If White keeps progressing, he should have a chance to play in one or both of those games.

 

[Superman55]

David Cobb - RB - Titans
Titans GM Ruston Webster mentioned fifth-round RB David Cobb as a player who's stood out at training camp.
"Cobb has kind of shown what we saw from him at the Senior Bowl and in college, his ability to run the football, his vision and his feet," Webster said. "If he continues along that path he can help us." Beat writers have also been impressed with Cobb's ability to run the ball and hit the right hole in practices. Cobb averaged nearly five yards per carry in the preseason opener, while "starter" Bishop Sankey couldn't crack 2.0 YPC. Cobb is expected to get a longer look with the first-team offense this weekend against the Rams.