By Eli Nachmany
April is one of the most interesting months on the NFL calendar. Pro clubs scramble to make last-minute moves as the NFL draft quickly approaches.
Rumors are flying about and here is some of the latest buzz from around the internet on April 9, 2012.
Minnesota Vikings Split Between Multiple Options with 3rd Pick
Presumably, quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will be off of the board when the Minnesota Vikings pick at number three.
A number of experts, including draftnik Mel Kiper, think that it’s a foregone conclusion that Minnesota will draft USC tackle Matt Kalil. Vikings GM Rick Spielman, though, hinted that the team has interest in LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
The final possibility, which has gained recent steam, is that the Vikings trade out of the pick and move down the draft board. Spielman has done nothing to dispel these rumors, leading many to believe that the Vikings could quite possibly trade out of their pick.
The team brought in Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd for a visit, which fuels speculation that the team could deal the third pick and grab Floyd, a weapon for quarterback Christian Ponder, later in the first round.
Nachmany’s Spin: Spielman is putting up a smokescreen to see just how much value he can get for the third overall pick. I expect the Vikings to end up keeping the pick and selecting left tackle Matt Kalil to protect Christian Ponder’s blind side.
Yeremiah Bell Drawing Interest In New England, New York and Philadelphia
A salary cap casualty of the Miami Dolphins, strong safety Yeremiah Bell is currently unemployed and looking for work. The hard-hitting defensive back racked up 107 tackles last season and looks to be a key factor somewhere in 2012.
According to the player’s agent, Bell has received interest from the Patriots, Jets and Eagles. All three teams have a need for another starter at the safety position, so look for this story to heat up before the draft.
If anything, this says that all three of these teams acknowledge a need at safety for 2012. This admitted need could correlate to a draft selection for whichever two (or three) of these teams miss out on Bell.
Nachmany’s Spin: Bell would be a nice fit in Philadelphia or New York, but if he elects not to sign in either city, look for both teams to consider Alabama safety Mark Barron in the first round. As for the Patriots, if Bill Belichick isn’t able to land Bell, he may take a long look at Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith with one of his first two picks.
Denver Broncos Could Tab Brock Osweiler as Peyton Manning’s Replacement
A few days ago, the Broncos worked out Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler in the interest of seeing whether or not the field general is worth a mid-round flier.
The team has perennial All-Pro passer Peyton Manning locked up for five years, but is looking for a backup signal caller to groom with No. 18 at the helm.
Osweiler, a third-to-fourth round talent, checks in at 6’8″ with a powerful arm but limited experience and poor footwork. The 21-year-old passer would need some seasoning and sitting behind Peyton Manning would be a perfect way for Osweiler to develop into a franchise quarterback.
Nachmany’s Spin: Osweiler is a good prospect but he needs to land in the right situation if he wants to be great. Denver seems like a good place for the Arizona State quarterback and he’d be able to learn valuable lessons from Peyton Manning as he prepares to be the starter in the future.