Getting to know Aaron Lynch, who Bengals have shown interest in
The Bengals showed specific interest in was defensive end Aaron Lynch, [who], after looking like a future top 10 draft pick at Notre Dame, transferred to South Florida and sat out the 2012 season. After a so-so 2013 campaign, Lynch declared for the draft, despite only having two full seasons of college football under his belt.
He has huge potential and upside. Has top 15 pick athleticism if he was polished off the field and a consistent performer with more muscle. Needs to put on at least 15 good pounds to play end. Inconsistent. Has a temper that showed on field. Best games were his last four, ironically.
Needs to be with the right coach who can tap into his brain at any given time and know how to get consistent results.
After losing Michael Johnson in free agency, the Bengals will look to replenish depth via the draft. Lynch only has two seasons of experience, but if new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is anything like his predecessor Mike Zimmer, he could develop Lynch well, and get the most out of him.
Mack, Browns at impasse
With Mack’s agent saying they have no intention of signing off on the tag anytime soon, it places the pressure back on the Browns to remain somewhat frugal in free agency. In this respect, I feel like the Browns may have shot themselves in the foot, which seems silly considering the financial advantage they appeared to have heading into last week.
For now, the plan is working, as potential suitors for Mack seem to be falling by the wayside with each passing day. It appears that Mack is hell-bent on leaving one way or another. It seems like a waste to pay a guy $10 million for one season, only to lose him in the next.
If the Browns intended to scare off potential suitors with the $10 million transition tag, it appears to have worked. If Mack wants to leave, he’ll have to wait another year. With $33 million left in cap space, I wouldn’t say the tag is necessarily limiting the Browns’ free agency moves.
How Do Ravens Free Agency Moves Impact Draft?
The Ravens have re-signed top priorities in left tackle Eugene Monroe, tight end Dennis Pitta and wide receiver Jacoby Jones, and added wide receiver Steve Smith.
So how have the early moves in free agency changed expectations for this year’s draft?
“It really doesn’t affect their first round,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper said Thursday on a national conference call.
In his latest mock released Thursday, Kiper has the Ravens taking wide receiver Brandin Cooks [in the first round]. The 5-foot-9 receiver would give the Ravens a speedy target out of the slot who can work the middle of the field. Kiper compared him to Smith.
Eric Ebron and Mike Evans may not be available when the Ravens pick at seventeen. Odell Beckham from LSU and Marquis Lee from USC are two potential first round WR prospects. Re-signing Jones and signing Smith solidified depth, but the Ravens could still use a reliable WR or TE.
Ex-Saints receiver Lance Moore to visit Steelers on Tuesday
In 2012, Moore caught a career-high 1,041 yards. His production went down during the 2013 NFL Season as Saints quarterback Drew Brees found other targets, giving Moore just 37 catches for 457 yards and two touchdowns.
Some feel that a bringing in another veteran receiver to compliment Antonio Brown makes sense. Others wonder if this signals that the Steelers are looking past re-signing Jerricho Cotchery to the team.
With Cotchery visiting the Panthers this week, the Steelers should look to add proven depth at WR. Aside from Brown, there aren’t many proven receivers on the Steelers. Markus Wheaton only had a handful of receptions, and missed time last season due to injury, but should have an increased role.
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