Footballguys #282 - 1/28 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #281 -- Sunday Night, January 28th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- HI Folks, Good Monday to you. We're counting down the days to the Big Game and we've got some News and Notes for you. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski still not cleared](#1) 2. [NE - QB Tom Brady has stitches removed](#2) 3. [TEN - Tennessee expected to hire WR Rob Moore](#3) 4. [NYG - Harold Goodwin could be OL coach](#4) 5. [MIA - ILB Raekwon McMillan may start soon](#5) 6. [TB - Skyler Fulton named WRs coach](#6) 7. [CAR - Marty Hurney favorite for GM job](#7) 8. [CHI - Josh Sitton has option for 2018](#8) 9. [LAC - Forrest Lamp could work at RG](#9) 10. [DEN - CB Aqib Talib may be on trading block](#10) 11. [NYG - Craig Johnson expected back](#11) 12. [DAL - Talks with DE Demarcus Lawrence expected soon](#12) 13. [NE - Two assistants could be OC options](#13) 14. [IND - Josh McDaniels to be next head coach](#14) 15. [NYG - Lunda Wells to coach tight ends](#15) 16. [NFL - Mike Gesicki making plays](#16) 17. [NFL - Will Hernandez a first-round prospect?](#17) 18. [NFL - Allen Lazard shows off upside](#18) 19. [NFL - James Washington stands out](#19) 20. [NFL - Arrow pointing up for Jaylen Samuels](#20) 21. [NFL - Braxton Berrios built for the slot](#21) 22. [NFL - DJ Chark puts himself on NFL radar](#22) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski still not cleared](=) Source: NFL Network - Omar Ruiz Updating a previous report, New England Patriots TE [Rob Gronkowski]( (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol even though he has been on the field the last two days. He said he is feeling good after practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gronkowski appears to be on track to be cleared and play in the Super Bowl as long as he doesn't have a setback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NE - QB Tom Brady has stitches removed]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady]( (hand) had the stitches in his throwing hand removed earlier this week, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The report is now that he had 12 stitches, not four. This makes his AFC Championship performance even more impressive. Any issues from the thumb problem are now in the rear view mirror. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [TEN - Tennessee expected to hire WR Rob Moore](=) Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan The Tennessee Titans are expected to hire former Oakland Raiders wide receivers coach Rob Moore as their new wide receivers coach, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Moore will oversee the development of 2017 #5 overall pick Corey Davis. He had achieved good results as a wide receivers coach early in the first and second seasons of Amari Cooper's career, and the early career development of Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, and Chris Hogan in Buffalo. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NYG - Harold Goodwin could be OL coach]() Source: SNY - Ralph Vacchiano Updating a previous report, former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin could be a offensive coordinator option for the New York Giants but could also serve as the offensive line coach if he is hired. Goodwin held both positions with the Cardinals. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Goodwin would be reunited with James Bettcher, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Giants. Pat Shurmur may be assembling a Cardinals East coaching staff now that the Cardinals have become Panthers West. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [MIA - ILB Raekwon McMillan may start soon]( Source: Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly Miami Dolphins LB Raekwon McMillan (knee) is expected to be the starting middle linebacker once he is recovered from his torn anterior cruciate ligament. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Dolphins linebackers were picked on in the passing game, but McMillan should help with that deficiency next year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [TB - Skyler Fulton named WRs coach]() Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive assistant Skyler Fulton has been named the team's new wide receivers coach. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken was also the wide receivers coach last season but will now be the full-time offensive coordinator. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Monken should be able to focus more on his offensive coordinator duties, while Koetter is still expected to retain playcalling duties. Monken has been a good wide receiver coach over the years and Fulton will have big shoes to fill. Fulton was a wide receiver for Koetter's Arizona State team for three seasons. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [CAR - Marty Hurney favorite for GM job]() Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person Carolina Panthers interim general manager Marty Hurney is considered the leading candidate for the general manager position. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hurney was the team's general manager from 2002-2012 and some of his moves were widely panned by the fanbase and media, although he did a good job on key draft decisions to take Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. He served as the interim GM this year and pulled the trigger on the trade of Kelvin Benjamin that appears to be a good deal for them after Benjamin was unable to stay healthy in Buffalo. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [CHI - Josh Sitton has option for 2018](=) Source: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs Chicago Bears OG Josh Sitton has a 2018 option in his contract, and the Bears will have a month to decide whether they will exercise the option. Sitton would receive $8 million in 2018 if his option is picked up. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sitton has only played in 13 games in each of the last two years after the Packers somewhat surprisingly released him in 2015. He is not a sure thing to be a Bear next season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [LAC - Forrest Lamp could work at RG](=) Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers OG Forrest Lamp could work at right guard next season if the team is not able to re-sign impending free-agent OG Kenny Wiggins during the offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chargers never got to enjoy Lamp's services after he tore his ACL in training camp. He should start somewhere on the line as long as he makes a full recovery. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [DEN - CB Aqib Talib may be on trading block]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos CB Aqib Talib is expected to be placed on the trading block this offseason because of financial considerations, according to 9News.com's Mike Klis. Talib is scheduled to make $11 million in 2018 and $8 million in 2019. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Talib is no longer a top shutdown corner. The rest of the league could wait out Denver and see if they release Talib instead of paying him at a level that is reflective of his past play, not current. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYG - Craig Johnson expected back]() Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan New York Giants running backs coach Craig Johnson is expected to remain on the coaching staff under head coach Pat Shurmur, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson has been a quarterback or running back coach in the NFL since 2002. He has been overseeing the Giants running backs since 2014 and has not had much to work with, although the team could take Penn State's Saquon Barkley #2. Barkley is widely considered to be one of the best 2-3 running back prospects in the last ten years. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [DAL - Talks with DE Demarcus Lawrence expected soon]() Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine The Dallas Cowboys are expected to start contract extension talks with DE Demarcus Lawrence in the next few weeks, according to Lawrence's agent David Canter. Canter said he expects to meet with the Cowboys during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lawrence was a big question mark coming into the year, recovering from a second back surgery and averaging more games missed than sacks in the first three years of his career. Now he's likely to be one of the highest paid non-quarterbacks in the game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NE - Two assistants could be OC options]( Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin New England Patriots assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski and wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea could both be internal options for the offensive coordinator position once offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leaves for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching position, in the opinion of The Boston Globe's Ben Volin. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] O'Shea is a former college quarterback (Houston) in addition to having served as the wide receiver coach for the Patriots since 2009. Schuplinski has come up through the John Carroll pipeline and played college ball with McDaniels, team director of player personnel Nick Caserio, and director of pro personnel Dave Ziegler. Volin wrote that O'Shea is the "most realistic internal choice". He's also the team's red zone offense coordinator. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [IND - Josh McDaniels to be next head coach](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is expected to be named the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts following Super Bowl LII, according to multiple sources. McDaniels had received a second interview with the organization for the job Friday, Jan. 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This can only be seen as good news for Andrew Luck and the Colts offense, although they still need to rebuild the offensive line. The Patriots will likely promote from within again, with wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea being a strong potential candidate to replace McDaniels. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NYG - Lunda Wells to coach tight ends](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Giants assistant offensive line coach Lunda Wells will remain with the organization as the tight ends coach under new head coach Pat Shurmur. Wells had received interest from several other clubs for coaching positions, including the Oakland Raiders, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Evan Engram had a strong rookie year and Rhett Ellison ended up being a good free agent signing for the Giants at tight end last year. Wells will inherit one of the better position groups after being part of a semi-successful effort to hold together a crumbling offensive line last year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [NFL - Mike Gesicki making plays](=) Source: FanRagSports.com - Joe Marino Penn State TE Mike Gesicki displayed 'excellent' ball skills during Senior Bowl practices, according Joe Marino of FanRagSports.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This tight end class might not have one prospect that is worth as much as any of the top three from 2017, but it is still deep at the top and should produce plenty of NFL contributors. If Gesicki lands in a good passing game, he could be a second-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NFL - Will Hernandez a first-round prospect?](=) Source: Sporting News - Eric Galko UTEP OG Will Hernandez has a 'great chance' to be a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft after an impressive showing in Senior Bowl practices, according to Eric Gelko of Sporting News. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hernandez is absolute mauler in a power run game and he is very good at anchoring in pass protection for someone his power and bulk. The Jaguars would be a perfect fit for his abilities. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [NFL - Allen Lazard shows off upside](=) Source: NFLDraftScout.com - Dane Brugler Iowa State WR Allen Lazard used his size and catch radius to make several 'whoa' catches during Senior Bowl practices, according to Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lazard has the height and length teams love at wide receiver, but he needs to become more consistent and skilled. He's probably a third-day prospect who might even end up on a practice squad. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NFL - James Washington stands out](=) Source: NFLDraftScout.com - Dane Brugler Oklahoma State WR James Washington separated himself from the other receivers at the 2018 Senior Bowl, according to Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington doesn't have ideal size, but he has the arm length of a big receiver, and a big play mentality. He has a chance to be the first receiver off of the board, but he is best suited to be a #2 on Sundays. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [NFL - Arrow pointing up for Jaylen Samuels](=) Source: Sporting News - Eric Galko North Carolina State RB Jaylen Samuels looked 'natural' as a route runner and receiver during Senior Bowl practices, according to Eric Galko of Sporting News, and Galko believes Samuels will continue to improve his stock throughout the pre-draft process. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The league is embracing running backs that don't excel at traditional I-back running but add value in the passing game. Samuels has enough versatility to appeal to teams that want to flexibility to their personnel packages, even though he won't be one of the most fantasy friendly backs in this deep class. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NFL - Braxton Berrios built for the slot]( Source: NFL.com - Bucky Brooks Miami WR Braxton Berrios is 'the ultimate slot receiver,' according to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, and Brooks called Berrios a more explosive version of Dallas Cowboys WR [Cole Beasley](. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Slot-only receivers don't usually go until the third day, but their importance is growing. Baltimore, Indianapolis, Miami (assuming Jarvis Landry leaves in free agency), Chicago and Denver among others could use a quality slot receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [NFL - DJ Chark puts himself on NFL radar]( Source: NFL.com - Daniel Jeremiah Louisiana State WR DJ Chark finished with five catches for a game-high 160 yards in the Senior Bowl Saturday, Jan. 27, and had 'everyone talking' by the end of the week of practices, according to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Chark is a classic vertical receiver who might not be versatile but adds a much needed element for some pass offenses. He could be an early second day pick and one of the top drafted receivers in a class that lacks a true #1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =