Marvin Jones of the rise
Jones was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was considered a steal at that spot by many in the internet draft community. He was knocked for his thin frame and inability to handle physical cornerbacks. What teams passed on was a savvy, quicker-than-fast pass catcher with great hands, and an ability to catch balls that were anywhere near him.
In his rookie season, he saw limited action, recording just 18 receptions for 200 yards, while playing in just 11 games. He did flash his talent and was expected to fight for the starting job going into 2013. Season two was a good one. He got three starts, and played in every game. With Green commanding so much attention, Jones thrived. He racked up 51 catches for over 700 yards and a whopping ten touchdowns, including a franchise record four in a single game. He also electrified fans along the way.
Jones will have his chance to really shine as the #2 WR this season.
The Browns will consider trading down if one of the two or three players they really love isn’t there and they can still get a coveted player later in the round. Aside from one of the quarterbacks, I think two players they’d strongly consider at No. 4 are receiver Sammy Watkins and offensive tackle Greg Robinson. But if they can pick up another high pick and add another difference maker, I’m sure they’d give it some thought. This team has a lot of needs, including quarterback, receiver, cornerback, inside linebacker and guard.
If Watkins is available at number four, many teams will likely be interested in trading up a few spots.
It would be extremely hard for the Ravens to resist taking an offensive tackle at No. 17, assuming either Michigan’s Taylor Lewan or Notre Dame’s Zack Martin will be available. With all their offensive line difficulties last season, getting a long-term answer at right tackle would fit in nicely with the Ravens’ offseason focus. They then could look for a safety in the second round, when guys like Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward and Washington State’s Deone Bucannon should still be on the board. That would allow them to focus on adding depth at running back, wide receiver, defensive end, middle linebacker and cornerback over the final five rounds.
Lewan is a risky pick. He has had anger issues that have led to legal repercussions, so if the Ravens aren’t positive he has overcome them, they should pass.
Jason Worilds unlikely to sign a new contract anytime soon
Worilds signed the deal that will pay him a guaranteed $9.754 Million in 2014. The Steelers have made efforts to sign Worilds to a long term deal way before the start of free agency and beyond.
The last time the Steelers used the transition tag was on Max Starks in 2008. In just two years Starks had banked $17 million in cash plus his base salary for 2009 pushing him over $20 million for two years work. The agents for Starks did their job for their client and it paid off handsomely.
Worilds is not worth elite money, his career history certainly supports that statement. If you are Worilds why would you WANT to sign a new deal right now? It certainly won’t pay you any more money. Any deal the Steelers offer will look to reduce his cap hit this year. They could look to make that up by offering a signing bonus in excess of the almost $10 million he is set to earn but if Worilds waits the season out he will be in position for a big signing bonus with a new deal next year.
Worilds put the Steelers in a tough spot, but did what was best for him. He can earn a big payday by playing an entire season at a high level.
The Sideline Report Announcement from Surge: If anyone is interested in going to Radio City Music Hall for the Draft for The Sideline Report work product only, these are the slots I can fill: Photographer, Press Box (Writers, Radio), TV Personality Interviews
Please contact Surge directly through email or the messaging system in the bottom left if you’re interested. Alternatively, you can let Dooommeeeedd or Ravenous128 know you’re interested in the comments section. The deadline is before April 18th. The 2014 NFL Draft begins Thursday, May 8th and ends on the 10th.
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