NFL Draft Rumors

Added on Apr 16, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

With the 2012 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, the rumor mill has been working overtime. Most of this chatter can be chalked up as posturing and subterfuge, but some of it will likely end up coming to fruition as teams jockey for position to either move up or down in the opening round. Nobody wants to reveal their hand too early, so take the following buzz with a hefty grain of salt.

Browns shopping #4 pick? – Late last week a story surfaced that the Rams and Eagles were inquiring about Cleveland’s fourth overall pick. St. Louis certainly has the ammo to leap back into the top 5 if they choose, but for who? If they covet Justin Blackmon, he’ll be there at six. Unless the Browns like him more than Trent Richardson.

Eagles going QB? – The reason the Eagles have been linked to the fourth pick is due to the assumption that Andy Reid and Co. are eager to add a future franchise quarterback, like Ryan Tannehill. Michael Vick’s age, health and inconsistency is a concern, although getting Tannehill would be expensive. The more likely scenario is the Birds use one of their two second-rounders to draft a developmental signal-caller similar to what they did in 2007 with Kevin Kolb.

Michael Floyd rising – The ex-Golden Domer has to prove to teams his head is screwed on right. If he does, he could find himself in the top 10. Jacksonville is desperate to add a playmaker on the outside. And don’t rule out the Panthers at number nine. Steve Smith got paid, but he’s no spring chicken.

Quinton Coples falling – Pass rushers with questionable desire and work habits are never wise investments. Coples was a top 10 prospect two months ago, but his less than spectacular senior season and eyebrow raising interviews means he could fall to the bottom of the first-round.

Chandler Jones making noise – With so much attention being placed on Coples and Melvin Ingram, Jones is quietly moving up draft boards. He’s tall, rangy and capable of playing multiple positions in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Don’t be surprised if he goes higher than Coples.