Wednesday Reading

Giants

Schein NFL.com: Eli Manning suddenly New York Giants' biggest question mark
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000341526/article/eli-manning-suddenly-new-york-giants-biggest-question-mark

Jason Fitzgerald Over The Cap.com: Free Agency Thoughts: New York Giants
"Overall Grade: C+
The Giants got better this offseason but I question the cost of doing so, in particular the Rodgers-Cromartie contract that is very player friendly for a player who is by no means a sure-fire bet. They would have been better off committing to Joseph and finding another second tier cornerback. The Giants pushed a few guys into a paycut and did not rework the contract of either Eli Manning or Antrel Rolle, which was a good move since both could be on their way out next season.

I think the team has added far better depth for next season, some of whom bring some upside on lower cost contracts. The way they approached the offseason tells me that they are unsure of where they are right now and how competitive the team can be. Most of this feels like a team making keeping their fingers crossed and taking one last chance with this group. I think they are at a position where I could see them getting hot, if Manning is on a good year, and going deep in the playoffs or just completely falling apart and having to sort through a veteran roster for at least one more year before they can get younger and competitive, likely with a new GM, head coach, and QB."
http://overthecap.com/free-agency-thoughts-new-york-giants/

Raanan NJ.com: Giants Draft 2014: Best and worst picks at No. 12 in past 10 years
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/04/giants_draft_2014_best_and_worst_picks_at_no_12_in_past_10_years.html

QB

NYDN: Eli Manning insurance eludes NY Giants
QB Matt Flynn signed with the Packers, and Josh Freeman worked out with Big Blue but did not come to terms with the team.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/eli-insurance-eludes-giants-article-1.1757683

Kussoy NYP: Gilbride says talk of Eli’s decline is ‘ludicrous’
http://nypost.com/2014/04/15/gilbride-says-talk-of-eli-mannings-decline-is-ludicrous/

Raanan NJ.com: Eli Manning Debate: Former coach Kevin Gilbride calls decline of Giants QB 'ludicrous'
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/04/eli_manning_former_coach_kevin_gilbride_calls_decline_of_giants_qb_ludicrous.html

Carlton Florida Times Union: Are Giants seeking successor to Eli Manning?
http://members.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/401949/francine-frazier/2014-04-15/are-giants-seeking-successor-eli-manning

RB

Ebenezer Samuelþ@ebenezersamuel·6 hrs
For all who think CJ1K might check out Giants if he doesn't sign with Jets, doesn't sound like Big Blue has anything like that planned.

WR

Ralph Vacchianoþ@RVacchianoNYDN·6 hrs
WR LaRon Byrd also left visit with Giants without a deal today. Next stop for him: Visit to Dallas on Thursday.

DT

Craig Minn Star Tribune: Kevin Williams leaves Giants visit without signing
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/255431501.html

NFL

ARIZONA
Urban Cardinals.com: Finding that future quarterback
http://blog.azcardinals.com/2014/04/15/finding-that-future-quarterback/

BALTIMORE
Zrebiec Balt Sun: McClain struggles in Ravens' workout
http://goo.gl/EUXMST

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Nix could fortify Bears' revamped defensive line
http://goo.gl/bUrhMT

CINCINNATI
Tanier SOE: The Mettenberger Solution
The Bengals must draft Zach Mettenberger. The LSU quarterback is the solution to their Andy Dalton dilemma, and it's easy to see why once you examine all the scenarios -- if Dalton's play improves, deteriorates, or remains at its current plain yogurt state
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/72149298/nfl-draft-cincinnati-bengals-zach-mettenberger-first-round-qb

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Johnny Manziel will work out for the Cleveland Browns this weekend
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/04/johnny_manziel_will_work_out_f.html

Shaw Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns must be wary of ever-widening opinions on top QBs
http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2014/04/cleveland_browns_18.html

DALLAS
Sabin Dallas Morning News: Slew of defensive line prospects visit Dallas Cowboys as NFL Draft nears
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/slew-of-defensive-line-prospects-visit-dallas-cowboys-as-nfl-draft-nears.html/

DENVER
Stapleton AP: Remaking of Von Miller's image well underway for the Broncos
http://gazette.com/remaking-of-von-millers-image-well-underway-for-the-broncos/article/1518244

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Reggie Bush, Joique Bell will stick with split role in Joe Lombardi's offense
http://www.freep.com/article/20140415/SPORTS01/304150101/detroit-lions-reggie-bush-joique-bell

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Tom Lewand invokes Mark Cuban's warning, says NFL must be 'careful'
http://www.freep.com/article/20140415/SPORTS01/304150070/nfl-detroit-lions-mark-cuban

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' talks with Ndamukong Suh 'civil'; Tom Lewand remains optimistic
http://www.freep.com/article/20140414/SPORTS01/304140155/detroit-lions-ndamukong-suh-contract-no-update

GREEN BAY
Dunne Mil JS: Running backs still important to Packers offense
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/running-backs-still-important-to-packers-offense-b99246229z1-255409831.html

Dunne Mil JS: Matt Flynn reportedly back with Packers
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/qb-matt-flynn-re-signs-with-packers-b99248664z1-255440701.html

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: Texans sign defensive end Ricardo Mathews
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/04/texans-sign-defensive-end-ricardo-mathews/

INDIANAPOLIS
Chappell Ind Star: Colts Q& A: Might Colts GM Ryan Grigson be on move during draft?
http://www.indystar.com/story/colts-insider/2014/04/15/colts-gm-ryan-grigson-isnt-averse-to-trading-in-nfl-draft/7735243/

JACKSONVILLE
O'Halloran Fla Times Union: Gus Bradley talks draft in radio interview
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/544821/ryan-ohalloran/2014-04-15/gus-bradley-talks-drafts-radio-interview?

KANSAS CITY
Teicher ESPN KC: Thoughts on how Chiefs spend money
http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/5190/thoughts-on-how-kc-is-spending-its-money

MIAMI
Beasley Miami Herald: Technology embraced by Miami Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/15/4060760/technology-embraced-by-miami-dolphins.html

MINNESOTA
Vensel Minn Tribune: Josh Samuda suffers gruesome ankle injury and Vikings bring back TE Allen Reisner
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/255377601.html

Vensel Minn Tribune: Vikings' Rudolph likes what he sees, wants to stick around
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/255432241.html

NEW ENGLAND
Howe Boston Herald: Patriots Draft Series: Notre Dame's Louis Nix could be Vince Wilfork's eventual replacement
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/04/patriots_draft_series_notre_dames_louis_nix_could_be_vince

Reiss ESPN: Beyond the 1st round: Defensive end
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4761514/beyond-the-1st-round-defensive-end?utm_source=twitterfeed& utm_medium=twitter

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phil.com: Malcolm Jenkins' trash talk game is strong
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Malcolm-Jenkins-trash-talk-game-is-strong.html

Kempski Phil.com: Round-up of edge pass rushers the Eagles have shown interest in this offseason
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Round-up-of-edge-pass-rushers-the-Eagles-have-shown-interest-in-this-offseason.html

Chadiha ESPN: Could Chip Kelly's ego derail Eagles?
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10780145/eagles-coach-chip-kelly-rude-awakening

PITTSBURGH
Pitt Post Gazette: Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript: 04.15.14
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/04/15/Ed-Bouchette-s-Steelers-chat-transcript-04-15-14/stories/201404150194

SAN DIEGO
Gehlken UT SD: Malcom Floyd's status still uncertain
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/apr/15/chargers-malcom-floyd-neck-injury-rehab-nfl/

SAN FRANCISCO
La Canfora CBS Sports: High-flying 49ers hitting heavy turbulence; key decisions ahead
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24528253/high-flying-49ers-hitting-heavy-turbulence-key-decisions-dead-ahead

Kawakami SJ Mercury News: Aldon Smith’s future: Court date, probable NFL suspension and the 49ers’ overwhelming weariness and frustration
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2014/04/15/aldon-smiths-future-court-date-probable-nfl-suspension-and-the-49ers-overwhelming-weariness-and-frustration/

Branch SF Chronicle: He’s back: 49ers sign well-traveled WR Brandon Lloyd
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2014/04/15/49ers-sign-well-traveled-wr-brandon-lloyd/

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Wilson gives peek into Seahawks’ workout
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2014/04/15/wilson-gives-peek-into-seahawks-workout/

TAMPA BAY
Triplett ESPN Tampa: Gerald McCoy vows to be in camp
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10787069/gerald-mccoy-tampa-bay-buccaneers-says-holdout-not-issue

TENNESSEE
Glennon The Tennessean: Dexter McCluster's skills wow Titans teammates
http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/04/15/dexter-mccluster-skills-wow-tennessee-titans-teammates/7754787/

Glennon The Tennessean: Charlie Whitehurst already has key role with Titans
http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/04/15/charlie-whitehurst-key-role-tennessee-titans/7757187/

Wyatt The Tennessean: Nate Washington embraces 'old man' role with Titans
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2014/04/15/tennessee-titans-nate-washington-mentor/7753183/

WASHINGTON
Jones Wash Post: Redskins mailbag: Draft priorities, DeSean Jackson and salary cap talk
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/04/15/redskins-mailbag-draft-priorities-desean-jackson-and-salary-cap-talk/

Draft

Bechta NFP: Resetting the draft board
After many distractions, the focus is finally on the draftees and their film.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Resetting-the-draft-board.html

Farrar SI: The SI 64, Nos. 24-20: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Kelvin Benjamin, Odell Beckham Jr. and more
http://nfl.si.com/2014/04/15/2014-nfl-draft-si64-ha-ha-clinton-dix-kelvin-benjamin-odell-beckham-jr/

CBS Sports: Latest Mock Drafts
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft

QB
Gabriel NFP: Draft top 5: Quarterbacks
Who tops Greg Gabriel's list in this class?
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Draft-top-5-Quarterbacks.html

Dunne Mil JS: Draft Preview QB's:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/after-backup-fiasco-in-2013-packers-may-use-draft-pick-on-qb-b99246231z1-255413781.html

Florio NBC Sports: Derek Carr isn’t lacking in confidence
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/15/derek-carr-isnt-lacking-in-confidence/

Lande SOE: A Fourth to Be Reckoned With
Jimmy Garoppolo may not be the first quarterback chosen in the draft, but he'll be up there -- possibly even in the first round -- thanks to his strong arm, accuracy and agility. Here's a breakdown of the crucial skills that will make Garoppolo a quality starting passer
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/72179090/garoppolo-may-not-be-first-quarterback-chosen-but-still-one-of-the-best

WR
Bedard MMQB: The NFL’s Next Big Thing Isn’t Really Big at All
But Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins has the strength to outmuscle linebackers and the speed to leave cornerbacks in his dust. Can this potential top five pick break the mold, or will he just end up breaking a general manager’s heart?
http://mmqb.si.com/2014/04/15/sammy-watkins-clemson-nfl-draft/

T
Dunne Mil JS: Draft preview: OTs:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unlikely-to-draft-tackle-but-plenty-of-talent-is-waiting-b99246237z1-255418931.html


G/C
Dunne Mil JS: Draft preview Guards, Centers:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/jc-tretter-might-get-competition-for-spot-on-interior-of-packers-line-b99246239z1-255428991.html

Defense
Kirwan CBS Sports: Teams eyeing defense in 2014 NFL Draft may be forced to reach
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24527887/teams-eyeing-defense-in-2014-nfl-draft-may-be-forced-to-reach

DT
Bowen Bleacher Report: Aaron Donald Has the Talent to Turn Heads at the NFL Level
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2028678-why-aaron-donald-has-the-talent-to-turn-heads-at-the-nfl-level

LB
Bowen Bleacher Report: Jordan Tripp: A Mid-Round Prospect with NFL Starting Potential
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2029966-jordan-tripp-a-mid-round-prospect-with-nfl-starting-potential

CB
Burke SI: 2014 NFL draft position rankings: Dennard, Gilbert pace diverse cornerback class
http://nfl.si.com/2014/04/15/2014-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerbacks-darqueze-dennard-justin-gilbert/


History

Crippen NFP: Where are they now: Gino Marchetti
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Where-are-they-now-Gino-Marchetti.html

Partsch Beaumont Enterprise: Like a movie: Bill Bradley's life reads like a screenplay
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Like-a-movie-Bill-Bradley-s-life-reads-like-a-5405356.php

MIL JS: Bart Starr looks back on career, keeps busy at age 80 with life after football
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/bart-starr-looks-back-on-career-keeps-busy-at-age-80-with-life-after-football-b99236850z1-255431011.html?