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Chiefs open to keeping Branden Albert

2013-04-29T22:56:40Z

Branden Albert might not be traded after all. Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are open to the idea of keeping Albert in 2013, rather than trading him, according to The Kansas City Star.

More: Arrowhead Pride: Chiefs blog

Kansas City was shopping Albert prior to the 2013 NFL Draft, seeking a second-round draft pick in return. Armed with two second-round picks and a need at left tackle, the Dolphins were linked to Albert in trade rumors -- and indeed discussed a trade with the Chiefs.

Miami general manager Jeff Ireland opted against using one of his picks to acquire Albert, and instead packaged one of Miami's two second-round picks with the No. 12 overall pick to acquire the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, to select Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan.

The Chiefs used the franchise tag on Albert earlier this offseason, preventing him from reaching free agency. A team that trades for Albert will undoubtedly attempt to sign the left tackle to a long-term deal, but Albert is seeking a significant payday -- which is another hindrance in trade talks.

Kansas City is believed to want a 2014 second-round pick in exchange for Albert if they trade him. The Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers are potential destinations for Kansas City's left tackle.

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• The NFL draft's winners and losers

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NFL news and rumors: Jets release Tim Tebow, Colts trade Jerry Hughes to Bills and more

2013-04-29T22:08:10Z

The 2013 NFL Draft came and went, and the offseason is now in its post-draft phase. The New York Jets wasted little time making headlines, cutting ties with a popular quarterback just days after drafting Geno Smith.

Here's the latest news and rumors from around the NFL.

Jets release Tebow

Tebow Time in New York is over. The Jets released Tebow after an odd and disappointing season in 2012 -- Tebow's only with the Jets. New York surrendered a fourth-round draft choice for one season of Tebow, in a trade that will mostly be remembered for the media circus that began in Cortland, N.Y. and ended with the Jets finishing 6-10 after a disastrous and distracting season.

More: Jets blog: Gang Green Nation

Rex Ryan rarely used Tebow. The former Florida Gators and Denver Broncos quarterback attempted only eight passes, completing six for 39 yards, while rushing 32 times for 102 yards. Tebow contributed on special teams as well, but was essentially a ghost -- save for the media frenzy that followed him everywhere.

Even though Ryan eventually benched Mark Sanchez, the Jets didn't turn to Tebow, instead turning to Greg McElroy. Though Tebow was injured throughout the season, that the Jets wouldn't give Tebow a chance at quarterback -- even toward the end of the season -- is telling.

If Tebow does latch on with another NFL team, it almost certainly won't be as a quarterback. Tebow will likely have to accept his role as a football player, lining up on special teams, as a tight end, and perhaps occasionally, as a quarterback as a change-of-pace play.

Colts, Bills complete trade

The overhaul of the Indianapolis Colts continues, as the Colts traded outside linebacker Jerry Hughes to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard.

More: Bills blog: Buffalo Rumblings Colts blog: Stampede Blue

Hughes was Indianapolis' first-round draft choice in 2010, and was selected with the No. 31 overall pick. Hughes never made a big impact with the Colts, and 2012 was his only productive season with Indianapolis. Hughes recorded 41 tackles and four sacks last season -- both career highs.

With the Colts in a 3-4 scheme, unlike the 4-3 scheme he was drafted to, Hughes was deemed expendable.

In return, Indianapolis received Kelvin Sheppard, who was selected in the third round of the 2011 draft by the Bills. Sheppard recorded 80 tackles and two sacks for Buffalo last season.

Jags to use former Michigan QB at running back

When the Jacksonville Jaguars selected former Michigan Wolverines quarterback and wide receiver Denard Robinson, it wasn't clear what position they'd deploy him at. The answer is now clear: running back.

More: Jags blog: Big Cat Country

Robinson's cameo as a wide receiver simply didn't go well late last season, and he doesn't possess the abilities to play quarterback at the NFL level. Robinson is a superb athlete, and ran a blistering 4.43 40-yard dash. Robinson displayed the ability to make defenders miss scrambling out of the pocket, and on designed running plays.

With Maurice Jones-Drew entering the final year of his contract, Robinson could see an extended look throughout training camp and throughout the 2013 season, giving the Jags' coaching staff and front office a strong look at the position going forward.

McKinnie visits Miami, will visit San Diego

Bryant McKinnie is still on the free-agent market -- but could soon find a new home. McKinnie visited the Miami Dolphins on Monday, as the Dolphins continue to look for a replacement for Jake Long. Miami lost long through free agency, and opted to trade up to select Dion Jordan in the 2013 NFL Draft, rather than Lane Johnson. The Dolphins were in trade talks with the Chiefs regarding Branden Albert, but a deal never materialized.

More: Dolphins blog: The Phinsider Chargers blog: Bolts from the Blue

McKinnie spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, before signing with the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2011 season. McKinnie was a member of Baltimore's Super Bowl team in 2012, and has noted that he'd like to remain with the Ravens -- but only as a starter at left tackle.

Miami is the most logical landing spot for McKinnie. The Dolphins have a clear need at left tackle after Long signed with the Rams, and McKinnie wants to play left tackle. Solidifying Ryan Tannehill's blind side is paramount to Miami's success in 2013 -- and McKinnie, though unspectacular, is better than what the Dolphins currently have at that position.

Titans host Winston

The Tennessee Titans have made a concentrated effort to improve their offensive line this offseason, and it appears they are still looking to improve. Tennessee hosted free-agent tackle Eric Winston on Monday, just days after drafting Alabama guard Chance Warmack with the No. 10 overall pick.

More: Titans blog: Music City Miracles

Tennessee doesn't have a glaring need at right tackle with David Stewart still on its roster. Stewart carries a $7 million cap charge this season, and has a base salary of $5 million. Stewart has a player option for the 2014 season as well, and cutting him to sign Winston isn't likely.

The Titans, like any NFL team, could stand to use more depth at the offensive line. It's unclear if Winston is willing to sign with a team as a backup, but it doesn't appear to be a starting job for him in Nashville.

Tennessee also hosted defensive end Israel Idonije. Though 32 years old, Idonije is still playing at a high level. As a member of the Chicago Bears in 2012, Idonije recorded 48 tackles, including 7.5 sacks, and forced a fumble.

Idonjie's trip to Tennessee constitutes his first free-agent visit this offseason. The former Bears defensive end has also drawn interest from the 49ers, and has a standing offer to return to Chicago.

Romo will influence Dallas offense

Tony Romo signed a rich contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason, and is now being given more responsibility with the Cowboys. Romo, entrenched as Dallas' starting quarterback since 2006, will now meet with the coaching staff on Mondays and Tuesdays to help devise that week's offensive gameplan.

More: Cowboys blog: Blogging the Boys

Dallas' curious move puts Romo under the microscope more in 2013 than at any point during his NFL career. Romo has been the center of criticism regarding Dallas' poor play and lackluster finishes in recent seasons, fairly or unfairly, and will now be responsible for devising Dallas' offensive attack on a weekly basis.

If the Cowboys fail to block for Romo and running back DeMarco Murray, then the team simply will sputter out to another mediocre season -- which will undoubtedly result in even more criticism levied on Romo.

The Cowboys have done little to improve their offensive line, but did draft center Travis Frederick with the No. 31 overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

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Orlando Franklin injury: Broncos OT expected back for training camp

2013-04-29T15:56:09Z

Denver Broncos right tackle Orlando Franklin is expected to miss organized team activities throughout the summer, but will be ready for the start of training camp in July, according to The Denver Post.

More: Broncos blog: Mile High Report

Franklin is recovering from offseason toe surgery, joining a list of battered Broncos linemen that includes Ryan Clady, J.D. Walton and Chris Kuper -- each of whom are coming off of offseason surgery.

Last season, Franklin graded out as the sixth-best right tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Denver is considering moving Franklin to guard -- despite his success as a tackle -- because of concern over Kuper's ankles. If Kuper proves he is healthy, then Franklin will likely remain at right tackle.

Continuity on the offensive line is a plus in the NFL -- especially if the line is strong. Denver's line is strong -- and should be in 2013, even though four of its members are recovering from offseason procedures.

In addition to injuries, Denver is dealing with a potential holdout in Clady on the offensive line. Clady wants a long-term contract, but was instead given the one-year franchise tag.

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2013 NFL Draft grades: Jaguars, Titans lead AFC South

2013-04-29T15:37:44Z

Two teams from the AFC South made the playoffs last season, as the Indianapolis Colts went from worst-to-second, earning a wild card berth, while the Houston Texans captured their second-consecutive division title. The Jaguars and Titans have plenty of work to do if they're to catch the Colts and Texans and both came through with strong 2013 draft classes.

While the jury will remain out for years on the 2013 draft class, NFL analysts and draftniks submitted grades for each team in the league just days after the draft concluded. Mel Kiper, Chris Burke and Rob Rang are three of the many who delivered draft grades, and here's a look at how the trio graded the AFC South.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper: B+
Burke: A
Rang: B

Almost every mock draft throughout the entire draft process had Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel projected to be the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, but Joeckel fell to No. 2, where the Jaguars promptly scooped him up. Jacksonville addressed its defensive needs as well, selecting safety Johnathan Cyprien in the second round before selecting UConn cornerback Dwyane Gratz in the third. The Jaguars added some offensive firepower in Ace Sanders and Denard Robinson in the middle rounds before drafting three cornerbacks to end the draft.

Tennessee Titans

Kiper: B+
Burke: A-
Rang: B+

Chris Johnson is smiling somewhere. The Titans continued to address their offensive line through the draft, despite signing guard Andy Levitre earlier this offseason. Tennessee used its top pick on Alabama guard Chance Warmack before using its second-round pick on wide receiver Justin Hunter. The Titans addressed the defensive side of the ball as well, selecting UConn cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Missouri linebacker Zaviar Gooden in the third round.

Indianapolis Colts

Kiper: C+
Burke: C
Rang: B

Indianapolis drew criticism for its first-round pick, Bjoern Werner, and how he fits as a 3-4 outside linebacker. NFL draftniks and analysts believe Werner is better suited for a 4-3 defense, but the Colts went ahead and made him the No. 24 pick anyway. The Colts used their third and fourth-round picks on offensive linemen, selecting guard Hugh Thornton and center Khaled Holmes. Indianapolis passed on drafting a wide receiver or cornerback in this draft, a move that could haunt the Colts, as Indianapolis could use more depth at those positions.

Houston Texans

Kiper: B
Burke: B
Rang: A-

At last, the Texans have a wide receiver to start opposite Andre Johnson. Houston used its first-round pick on Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, addressing its biggest need right away. The Texans used their second-round pick on South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger, who will have a chance to develop under future Hall-of-Fame safety Ed Reed's tutelage. Houston focused on the trenches in the middle rounds, using its third and fourth-round picks on offensive tackle Brennan Williams and defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Trevardo Williams.

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2013 NFL Draft grades: Falcons, Saints top NFC South classes

2013-04-29T14:44:48Z

The balance of power in the NFC South shifted last season, with the Falcons running away with the division en route to the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs. The Saints, Buccaneers and Panthers all made moves in the offseason trying to catch up with the Falcons -- but only time will tell if it's enough.

Mel Kiper Jr., Chris Burke and Rob Rang all posted their grades for the 2013 draft class. Here's how they view what transpired in the NFC South over the weekend.

Carolina Panthers

Kiper: C+
Burke: C
Rang: B

The Panthers were fortunate to have Star Lotulelei fall to them with the No. 14 overall pick, but after that, the Panthers only made four more selections -- missing their third and seventh-round picks. Carolina did well to address its defensive needs with Lotuelei and Kawaan Short, but the consensus appears to be that the Panthers should have addressed the secondary as well -- and that fourth-round selection Edmund Kugbila, a guard from Valdosta State, is a head-scratcher.

New Orleans Saints

Kiper: B
Burke: C
Rang: B-

New Orleans drafted former Texas Longhorns safety Kenny Vaccaro, widely regarded as the top safety in the draft class, with the No. 15 overall pick, helping bolster its paltry defense. While the selection of Vaccaro earns universal praise, the rest of the draft is somewhat divisive. New Orleans did not have a second-round pick because of the bounty scandal, hurting its draft class. Both Kiper and Rang praise New Orleans' second third-round pick, Jon Jenkins, believing he can be a difference-maker immediately.

Atlanta Falcons

Kiper: B
Burke:B
Rang: B

It's safe to say the Falcons had an above-average, but not spectacular draft class, as all three analysts give the Falcons a B. Atlanta moved up in the first round to draft Desmond Trufant, and added another cornerback, Robert Alford, in the second round. Six of Atlanta's eight picks were defensive, as the Falcons also selected two defensive ends and two safeties in the draft as well. The Falcons entered the draft needing to improve their defense -- and did just that.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kiper: B
Burke: C
Rang: C+

Tampa Bay traded its first-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis -- a move that isn't reflected in Tampa Bay's draft class. The Buccaneers continued to boost their secondary in the second round, selecting former Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks with the No. 43 overall pick. The Bucs used their third-rounder on Mike Glennon, before focusing on defense again with Akeem Spence, William Gholston and Steven Means.

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NFL Draft 2013: Eagles' Chip Kelly considered Dion Jordan at No. 4

2013-04-29T12:59:33Z

The Philadelphia Eagles selected left tackle Lane Johnson with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, the first pick of Chip Kelly's NFL career. If the Miami Dolphins didn't trade up for the No. 3 overall pick, Kelly's pick could have been different, as the former Oregon Ducks head coach "heavily considered" former Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan, according to USA Today.

More: Eagles blog: Bleeding Green Nation Ducks blog: Addicted to Quack

The Dolphins surrendered the No. 12 and No. 42 overall picks in exchange for the No. 3 pick, which they used on Jordan. The Raiders used those two picks to select D.J. Hayden and Menelik Watson.

Kelly and the Eagles considered moving up to thwart the Dolphins, but deemed the price too steep. Philadelphia would have needed to surrender its third-round pick to move up one spot from No. 4 overall to No. 3 overall, according to USA Today, and that price simply was too high for the Eagles' new staff.

"When you start to get getting emotionally involved, and I was very conscious of that, then what do you have to do to move up?" Kelly said. "If you move up to get him, then that means you don't get Bennie Logan because you don't have a third-round pick or you don't get Matt Barkley because you don't have a fourth-round pick. It's the accumulation of putting the whole team together. It's saying, 'What are you willing to sacrifice to get one player?'

Had Miami, who needs a left tackle, traded up for Fisher, it appears likely that Jordan would have traded his Oregon green for Philadelphia green.

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Branden Albert trade rumors: Chiefs aim for 2014 2nd-round pick

2013-04-29T12:30:31Z

Even though the 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone, Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert remains on the trade block. Kansas City was rumored to want a 2013 second-round pick in exchange for Albert, but are now looking for a 2014 second-round pick, according to Yahoo! Sports.

More: The Phinsider: Albert still a possibility for Miami Arrowhead Pride: Albert trade 'could still happen'

Miami was rumored to be Albert's top suitor. The Dolphins lost starting left tackle Jake Long in free agency to the St. Louis Rams and have yet to replace him. Miami was reportedly willing to meet Albert's contract demands, but was reluctant to meet Kansas City's trade demands of a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Dolphins entered the 2013 draft with two second-round selections, but instead of trading for Albert, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland packaged one of his two second-round picks in a trade with the Oakland Raiders, moving up from No. 12 to No. 3 in order to select Dion Jordan.

Ireland stated after the draft that he didn't think trading for Albert was "the right thing for the Dolphins," according to the Miami Herald, but didn't rule out trading for Albert in the future.

In addition to the Dolphins, the Lions, Chargers and Cardinals all have a need at left tackle and all could be willing to send Kansas City a second-round pick in exchange for Albert.

Albert is deemed expendable by Kansas City's coaching staff and front office after the Chiefs selected Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick. The Chiefs were hoping to receive a second-round pick in the 2013 draft in exchange for Albert, after sending their own second-rounder to San Francisco in exchange for quarterback Alex Smith.

Kansas City placed the franchise tag on Albert at the beginning of the offseason, ensuring that Albert will earn nearly $10 million in 2013 unless a long-term deal is reached.

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