Collateral damage: 20 veterans hurt by 2013 NFL Draft (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Collateral damage: 20 veterans hurt by 2013 NFL Draft

Quote

By Gregg Rosenthal
Around The League Editor


NFL rosters are a zero sum game. For every lifelong dream that was fulfilled during the 2013 NFL Draft there's one NFL veteran who will lose playing time or even a roster spot.
Here's a look at NFL veterans who suffered collateral damage on draft day. Offensive players up first:

Kevin Kolb, Buffalo Bills quarterback


Kolb knew he wasn't a long-term solution in Buffalo, but he surely was hoping the Bills would draft a quarterback sometime later than the No. 16 overall pick. The temptation to play EJ Manuel will be tough to resist for new coach Doug Marrone. Also: Tarvaris Jackson has to be disappointed to be further away from playing.

Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos running backs


Montee Ball is your new favorite to be Denver's early-down running back. Ronnie Hillman, last year's third-round pick, is locked in as a third-down back. That probably will leave McGahee on the open market after coming off a serious injury. Moreno also could struggle to make the roster. At best, only one of these guys will make the team.

Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans wide receiver


This almost surely will be Britt's final season with the Titans, assuming he's healthy enough to make the team. The Titans gave up a bounty to trade up for Justin Hunter in the second round because they don't trust Britt long-term -- or short-term. Nor should they. Just as concerning for Britt: His production and playing time could be reduced during his contract year because of all the wideouts on the team.

Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams wide receiver


I know that Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey fundamentally are very different as receivers compared to Quick. The Rams expect a big jump from Quick on the outside. But teams don't draft two wide receivers with the hope they will be forced to draft two more the following year like the Rams did. Chris Givens, a 2012 fourth-rounder, looks like a keeper. Quick is going to be battling a lot of people, including tight end Jared Cook, to make a bigger impact in 2013.

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback


Mike Glennon isn't a threat to start in 2013 unless the Bucs' season goes horribly wrong, but that can't make Freeman feel much better.

Greg Schiano helped choose Glennon. The coach didn't choose Freeman, and the presence of a young signal-caller with a big arm makes it clearer this is a make-or-break year for Freeman in Tampa.

DuJuan Harris, James Starks, and Alex Green, Green Bay Packers running backs


Starks now is on the trade block, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Green might not make the team. Harris, one of our favorite players late last year, now has an uphill battle to win the starting job over rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. This is a good problem for the Packers after their recent struggles on the ground.

Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle


He's not getting his long-term contract this year. The stalled trade talks with the Miami Dolphins means Albert probably is stuck in Kansas City for the season, playing on his franchise tag. The Dolphins now are moving on to other options at offensive tackle.

Danny Watkins, Philadelphia Eagles guard


The team's 2011 first-round pick is headed to the bench. Lane Johnson will take over at right tackle, moving Todd Herremans inside to right guard.

A.J. Jenkins, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver


It would not be that surprising if fourth-round pick Quinton Patton stole snaps from Jenkins in San Francisco.

Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals running back

His role will be all but erased by second-round pick Giovani Bernard.



Mark Sanchez and David Garrard, New York Jets quarterback


This time Sanchez has actual competition. With Geno Smith guaranteed a spot, Sanchez and backup David Garrard probably are battling it out for a roster spot, with Greg McElroy the most likely No. 3. (The Jets theoretically could keep Sanchez and Garrard.)

Sanchez's contract is problematic to cut, but it's problematic to keep, too. Everything about this quarterback situation is problematic. If the Jets see Garrard as a better option to work with Smith, Sanchez still could be let go.


Robert Turbin, Seattle Seahawks running back


Marshawn Lynch's primary backup will have a battle with second-round pick Christine Michael.


T.J. Graham, Buffalo Bills wide receiver


It's never a good sign when your team drafts a player almost exactly like you. That's what happened to Graham when the Bills selected Marquise Goodwin in the third round.


Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers running back


It seemed inevitable that the Steelers would draft a running back with an eye on finding a starter. That happened in the second round with Le'Veon Bell.


David Nelson, Cleveland Browns wide receiver


Davone Bess, acquired in a trade, probably will fill the slot receiver role that Nelson wanted.


Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver


It's easy to imagine Simpson not making the team after they added Cordarelle Patterson in the first round.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[Faust]

The formatting is a little messed up. I will fix it later tonight.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

I don't know if this means much. Tough to read into it other then they want to have some good depth if Lynch was to be injured. This is a running team with an awesome defence.

Lynch is 27 years of age (not old, but rb's can fall quickly) especially ones that take out and give punishment like Lynch. Good teams that plan on having deep playoff runs have good players for depth. Lynch also had "back" issues for much of last year. He played through them but they were continually called "back spasms" which indicates there were some issues there.

If Lynch was to go down, I think Turbin would have been more then adequate but adding Michael was a move that was great for down the road and he fell into their laps.

 

[Donnybrook]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000165305/article/collateral-damage-20-veterans-hurt-by-2013-nfl-draft"]Collateral damage: 20 veterans hurt by 2013 NFL Draft

Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver

It's easy to imagine Simpson not making the team after they added Cordarelle Patterson in the first round.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

He moved from the 3rd receiving option to the 4th on the team. It's hard to imagine Simpson not making the team.

 

[cstu]

Sanu and Marvin should be on the list. Not only are they competing for the same job, it's now limited by the addition of Eifert.

 

[Banemorth]

Sanu and Marvin should be on the list. Not only are they competing for the same job, it's now limited by the addition of Eifert.

Gresham should be on the list even more than those two. Weird that he isn't.

 

[cstu]

Sanu and Marvin should be on the list. Not only are they competing for the same job, it's now limited by the addition of Eifert.

Gresham should be on the list even more than those two. Weird that he isn't.

He takes a hit IMO but I expect a lot of 2 TE sets.

 

[Ghost Rider]

How is Brian Quick a veteran?

 

[cstu]

How is Brian Quick a veteran?

For this conversation we're considering every non-rookie a veteran.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Thanks Faust, great article, you always have them ready to peel out in here.

 

[DoubleG]

How is Brian Quick a veteran?

For this conversation we're considering every non-rookie a veteran.

I...ummm...oh.

 

[cstu]

How is Brian Quick a veteran?

For this conversation we're considering every non-rookie a veteran.

I...ummm...oh.

That's the way I took it.

 

[ex-ghost]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

I don't know if this means much. Tough to read into it other then they want to have some good depth if Lynch was to be injured. This is a running team with an awesome defence.

Lynch is 27 years of age (not old, but rb's can fall quickly) especially ones that take out and give punishment like Lynch. Good teams that plan on having deep playoff runs have good players for depth. Lynch also had "back" issues for much of last year. He played through them but they were continually called "back spasms" which indicates there were some issues there.

If Lynch was to go down, I think Turbin would have been more then adequate but adding Michael was a move that was great for down the road and he fell into their laps.

Lynch does have knucklehead tendencies - I see this as a way to cover their asses in case of another DUI, gun charge, etc.

 

[Bruce Hammond]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000165305/article/collateral-damage-20-veterans-hurt-by-2013-nfl-draft"]Collateral damage: 20 veterans hurt by 2013 NFL Draft

Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver

It's easy to imagine Simpson not making the team after they added Cordarelle Patterson in the first round.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

He moved from the 3rd receiving option to the 4th on the team. It's hard to imagine Simpson not making the team.

I thought listing Simpson was pretty weak too. Everyone knew they'd draft someone to surpass Simpson so in most eyes there was no real drop anyway. And he'll make the team. Way too weak an overall corps not to.

 

[cstu]

Golden Tate is in the last year of his contract and will most likely lose his job to Chris Harper.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

I don't know if this means much. Tough to read into it other then they want to have some good depth if Lynch was to be injured. This is a running team with an awesome defence.

Lynch is 27 years of age (not old, but rb's can fall quickly) especially ones that take out and give punishment like Lynch. Good teams that plan on having deep playoff runs have good players for depth. Lynch also had "back" issues for much of last year. He played through them but they were continually called "back spasms" which indicates there were some issues there.

If Lynch was to go down, I think Turbin would have been more then adequate but adding Michael was a move that was great for down the road and he fell into their laps.

Lynch does have knucklehead tendencies - I see this as a way to cover their asses in case of another DUI, gun charge, etc.

checking couch potato dyno ranking thread, looks like Lynch's contract runs through 2014. Wonder if this could be his last season in SEA?

 

[ex-ghost]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

I don't know if this means much. Tough to read into it other then they want to have some good depth if Lynch was to be injured. This is a running team with an awesome defence.

Lynch is 27 years of age (not old, but rb's can fall quickly) especially ones that take out and give punishment like Lynch. Good teams that plan on having deep playoff runs have good players for depth. Lynch also had "back" issues for much of last year. He played through them but they were continually called "back spasms" which indicates there were some issues there.

If Lynch was to go down, I think Turbin would have been more then adequate but adding Michael was a move that was great for down the road and he fell into their laps.

Lynch does have knucklehead tendencies - I see this as a way to cover their asses in case of another DUI, gun charge, etc.

checking couch potato dyno ranking thread, looks like Lynch's contract runs through 2014. Wonder if this could be his last season in SEA?

I think that is a strong possibility. With Turbin and Michael they now have two running backs that are 3-4 years younger. The way Lynch runs, he may not last until 30 years old.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000166341/article/deangelo-williams-future-on-carolina-panthers-vague

DeAngelo Williams' future on Carolina Panthers vague

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

Deep into Day 3 of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers drafted running back Kenjon Barner in the sixth round. It wasn't a pick that got a lot of attention outside of Charlotte, but it might have provided a window into new general manager Dave Gettleman's thinking.

With Barner in place, perhaps the Panthers would feel comfortable either releasing or -- more likely -- shopping DeAngelo Williams. Gettleman was asked about it on WFNZ-AM on Thursday.

"More often than not, nature is going to take its course," Gettleman said about all of his running backs. "You may have an injury, you may make a move. Anything's possible; the roster is fluid. It's never bad to have too many good players at one position."

The hosts asked if the Panthers might cut Williams or whether the halfback would be on the roster in Week 1.

"Right now, he's on the roster," Gettleman answered.

When pressed further on using the words "right now," Gettleman clearly wanted to avoid the subject.

"None of us know if we're going to be here tomorrow," he joked.

We wrote about Williams as a potential salary-cap cut earlier this offseason, but it doesn't make sense to release him now. (Yes, he could be labeled a post-June 1 cut. But the Panthers could have designated Williams that way at any point.)

It's more likely that Gettleman was being vague out of habit, and he's aware that anything can happen in training camp. It sounds like if a team were willing to put together a deal for Williams in August, the Panthers certainly would listen.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000166341/article/deangelo-williams-future-on-carolina-panthers-vague

DeAngelo Williams' future on Carolina Panthers vague

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

Deep into Day 3 of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers drafted running back Kenjon Barner in the sixth round. It wasn't a pick that got a lot of attention outside of Charlotte, but it might have provided a window into new general manager Dave Gettleman's thinking.

With Barner in place, perhaps the Panthers would feel comfortable either releasing or -- more likely -- shopping DeAngelo Williams. Gettleman was asked about it on WFNZ-AM on Thursday.

"More often than not, nature is going to take its course," Gettleman said about all of his running backs. "You may have an injury, you may make a move. Anything's possible; the roster is fluid. It's never bad to have too many good players at one position."

The hosts asked if the Panthers might cut Williams or whether the halfback would be on the roster in Week 1.

"Right now, he's on the roster," Gettleman answered.

When pressed further on using the words "right now," Gettleman clearly wanted to avoid the subject.

"None of us know if we're going to be here tomorrow," he joked.

We wrote about Williams as a potential salary-cap cut earlier this offseason, but it doesn't make sense to release him now. (Yes, he could be labeled a post-June 1 cut. But the Panthers could have designated Williams that way at any point.)

It's more likely that Gettleman was being vague out of habit, and he's aware that anything can happen in training camp. It sounds like if a team were willing to put together a deal for Williams in August, the Panthers certainly would listen.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

100% guarnatee DeAngelo is still a panther this football season

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

I don't know if this means much. Tough to read into it other then they want to have some good depth if Lynch was to be injured. This is a running team with an awesome defence.

Lynch is 27 years of age (not old, but rb's can fall quickly) especially ones that take out and give punishment like Lynch. Good teams that plan on having deep playoff runs have good players for depth. Lynch also had "back" issues for much of last year. He played through them but they were continually called "back spasms" which indicates there were some issues there.

If Lynch was to go down, I think Turbin would have been more then adequate but adding Michael was a move that was great for down the road and he fell into their laps.

Lynch does have knucklehead tendencies - I see this as a way to cover their asses in case of another DUI, gun charge, etc.

checking couch potato dyno ranking thread, looks like Lynch's contract runs through 2014. Wonder if this could be his last season in SEA?

I think that is a strong possibility. With Turbin and Michael they now have two running backs that are 3-4 years younger. The way Lynch runs, he may not last until 30 years old.

Carroll likes competition at every position, and there is no better position to have depth at than RB. Especially if Lynch's contract is coming due in over the following year. Seahawks are lucky to have solid backs in Turbin and Michael who have tangibles similar to Lynch (all right around 5'10/220) to plug in the lineup if the injury bug bites.

It's also true that Carroll and company are also really willing to part ways with guys who have proven worth on their team.

But IMHO, if you have a back who is literally able cause earthquakes, you run him until he can't run any more, regardless of how knuckle-headed he is perceived to be.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I don't know that any of Sanu, Jones, or even Gresham are directly hit by the pick of Eifert (and for that matter Bernard). Of those, Sanu is really the only one that I could see a big increase in numbers from what they've done prior. Actually the guy that may take a hit is Hawkins as he's normally been the 3rd receiver in the 3-WR sets and 2-TE sets are going to decrease those. Number of targets may go down a little but the quality of those targets should increase.

BJGE basically is a goal-line back now. Maybe. I think his stock is hurt if loses that GL duty.

Without these additions, I'd have Sanu, Gresham and Jones in about the same draft range. The big difference is that Dalton's value should go up.

Scott was probably dead before this, but Bernard makes it more or less official. Very doubtful he'll make the team at all.

-QG

 

[cstu]

I don't know that any of Sanu, Jones, or even Gresham are directly hit by the pick of Eifert (and for that matter Bernard). Of those, Sanu is really the only one that I could see a big increase in numbers from what they've done prior. Actually the guy that may take a hit is Hawkins as he's normally been the 3rd receiver in the 3-WR sets and 2-TE sets are going to decrease those. Number of targets may go down a little but the quality of those targets should increase.

BJGE basically is a goal-line back now. Maybe. I think his stock is hurt if loses that GL duty.

Without these additions, I'd have Sanu, Gresham and Jones in about the same draft range. The big difference is that Dalton's value should go up.

Scott was probably dead before this, but Bernard makes it more or less official. Very doubtful he'll make the team at all.

-QG

I think the big issue is what any of those guys are ever going to get. Between Green, Gresham, Eifert and Bernard out of the backfield, what's left for the #2 WR, especially with Dalton at QB? I like Jones the best of them but even under the best circumstance of being the full-time #2 does he ever even catch 50 passes?

Between BJGE and the top 5 WR's after Green they caught 138 passes. I expect Bernard to catch about 50 this year, leaving 88 for Eifert, BJGE and the rest of the WR's.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I agree cstu, though I also would think there should be more completions than last year with the new weaponry. My main point was that I don't think Sanu or Jones were all that exciting even before these acquisitions and I think Gresham likely has plateaued.

-QG

 

[msommer]

I know the article mentions Turbin specifically, but Im wondering more about Lynch. Kind of a knucklehead. They drafted turbin and Michael in back to back seasons and both are thought of pretty well.

I don't know if this means much. Tough to read into it other then they want to have some good depth if Lynch was to be injured. This is a running team with an awesome defence.

Lynch is 27 years of age (not old, but rb's can fall quickly) especially ones that take out and give punishment like Lynch. Good teams that plan on having deep playoff runs have good players for depth. Lynch also had "back" issues for much of last year. He played through them but they were continually called "back spasms" which indicates there were some issues there.

If Lynch was to go down, I think Turbin would have been more then adequate but adding Michael was a move that was great for down the road and he fell into their laps.

Lynch does have knucklehead tendencies - I see this as a way to cover their asses in case of another DUI, gun charge, etc.

checking couch potato dyno ranking thread, looks like Lynch's contract runs through 2014. Wonder if this could be his last season in SEA?

I think that is a strong possibility. With Turbin and Michael they now have two running backs that are 3-4 years younger. The way Lynch runs, he may not last until 30 years old.

Carroll likes competition at every position, and there is no better position to have depth at than RB. Especially if Lynch's contract is coming due in over the following year. Seahawks are lucky to have solid backs in Turbin and Michael who have tangibles similar to Lynch (all right around 5'10/220) to plug in the lineup if the injury bug bites.

It's also true that Carroll and company are also really willing to part ways with guys who have proven worth on their team.

But IMHO, if you have a back who is literally able cause earthquakes, you run him until he can't run any more, regardless of how knuckle-headed he is perceived to be.

True, but Michael making the team means someone else doesn't. There are only 53 spots. Granted they do not have Leon Washington anymore, but Michael is not exactly going to cover that role, is he?

 

[djmich]

Disagree on Britt.

Britt is an idiot and tore his ACL. This are the things that hurt him, not Justin Hunter. If he has no issues with those first two this year he will be just fine whether he is in Tennessee or somewhere else next year.

 

[Crippler]

What rookie TE comes in and really dominates. I think Eifert probably does what Rudolph did his rookie year in the end. I dont think Gresham wont be with the Bengals long term now.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000165305/article/collateral-damage-20-veterans-hurt-by-2013-nfl-draft"]Collateral damage: 20 veterans hurt by 2013 NFL Draft

Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver

It's easy to imagine Simpson not making the team after they added Cordarelle Patterson in the first round.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

He moved from the 3rd receiving option to the 4th on the team. It's hard to imagine Simpson not making the team.

Unless Greg Childs comes back healthy.

 

[cstu]

What rookie TE comes in and really dominates. I think Eifert probably does what Rudolph did his rookie year in the end. I dont think Gresham wont be with the Bengals long term now.

It will all come down to Gresham's contract demands when he's a free agent. If Eifert develops like we expect then it will make it a lot easier for the Bengals to pass on giving Gresham a huge contract.

 

[Mister CIA]

I don't think the draft hurt McGahee much. If he's healthy AND has not succumbed to Father Time, I gotta believe he is still the guy.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...al-damage-defensive-players-hurt-by-nfl-draft

Collateral damage: Defensive players hurt by NFL draft

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

NFL rosters are a zero-sum game. For every lifelong dream that was fulfilled during the 2013 NFL Draft, there's one veteran who will lose playing time or even a roster spot.

We ran down the offensive players who suffered collateral damage on draft day. Now let's look at defense and special teams.

Rolando McClain, Baltimore Ravens linebackerAfter McClain was arrested, we wrote that the Ravens could draft multiple players at the position. That's exactly what happened: Second-round pick Arthur Brown looks like the starter of the present and future. Defensive end John Simon, a fourth-rounder, is one of our favorite picks from Saturday, and he could be a starter in time.

D.J. Williams, Chicago Bears linebacker
The challenge of replacing Brian Urlacher simply won't be handed to Williams. Second-round pick Jon Bostic could challenge Williams for snaps, though Bostic was drafted in part because he can play all three linebacker positions. Williams remains the favorite.

Ed Reed, Houston Texans safetyReed was year-to-year with the Texans even before the draft, but the presence of second-round safety D.J. Swearinger makes it more likely that Reed's stay with the Texans will last only one season.

Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker.
Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers linebackerWorilds has waited three long seasons to get a chance to start since he had James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley in front of him. Even though first-round pick Jarvis Jones isn't guaranteed to start right away, Worilds might never get his opportunity.

Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland Browns linebackerBarkevious Mingo, drafted No. 6 overall, is the future in Cleveland, and he likely will start at outside linebacker opposite Paul Kruger this season. That leaves Sheard coming off the bench.

Roman Harper, New Orleans Saints safety
Much of Harper's big 2013 salary is guaranteed. That should ensure his roster spot, but he'll be 31 years old by the end of the season. Harper might see reduced snaps on clear-passing downs. Malcolm Jenkins and first-rounder Kenny Vaccaro will be the starting tandem for years to come.

Alfonzo Dennard, New England Patriots cornerbackDennard isn't from Rutgers, so he's not going to have anything to talk about in the Patriots' secondary meeting room.

Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings punter
Kluwe might be the greatest punter in Vikings history, but teams usually don't draft special teamers in the fifth round (like the Vikings did with UCLA's Jeff Locke) unless they intend on starting the rookie.

Dan Carpenter, Miami Dolphins kicker
See above. The Dolphins drafted kicker Caleb Sturgis in the fifth round with the intent on pushing Carpenter, a former Pro Bowl player, out the door.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[TheGreatSpinks]

Disagree on Britt.

Britt is an idiot and tore his ACL. This are the things that hurt him, not Justin Hunter. If he has no issues with those first two this year he will be just fine whether he is in Tennessee or somewhere else next year.

I think both are accurate.Britt is a headcase who has made more headlines getting pinched than making plays. He had a bad knee injury, and then reports about the team not being satisfied with his rehab work... I've read that he skipped rehab multiple times and didn't take the process serious. THat's probably why he looked as bad as he did last year. Justin Hunter is an extension to what you're saying. The drafting of Hunter makes it clear to see that Britt's attitude/decisions have forced them to draft his replacement. I wouldn't be shocked to see Britt get cut prior to week 1. He's not accountable, he can't be trusted... Just a bigger distraction than what his production is worth.

 

[Runningman]

Did any of these really matter any way?

 

[QuizGuy66]

Early articles seem to indicate BJGE will get more carries than Bernard. Whether that ends up being true or not may be another matter (could just be the idea that they don't want Bernard to think the position will be handed to him).

-QG

 

[unckeyherb]

FWIW I could see Brent Celek at best, taking a big hit in production; at worst not on the team starting week 1. They got a simliar sized, similar aged guy that can also drop back to play fullback as well as one of the top 2 rookies this year that is taller, heavier, faster, has better hands and is 22.

 

[teamramrod]

Collateral damage: Defensive players hurt by NFL draft

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

NFL rosters are a zero-sum game. For every lifelong dream that was fulfilled during the 2013 NFL Draft, there's one veteran who will lose playing time or even a roster spot.

We ran down the offensive players who suffered collateral damage on draft day. Now let's look at defense and special teams.

Rolando McClain, Baltimore Ravens linebackerAfter McClain was arrested, we wrote that the Ravens could draft multiple players at the position. That's exactly what happened: Second-round pick Arthur Brown looks like the starter of the present and future. Defensive end John Simon, a fourth-rounder, is one of our favorite picks from Saturday, and he could be a starter in time.

D.J. Williams, Chicago Bears linebacker
The challenge of replacing Brian Urlacher simply won't be handed to Williams. Second-round pick Jon Bostic could challenge Williams for snaps, though Bostic was drafted in part because he can play all three linebacker positions. Williams remains the favorite.

Ed Reed, Houston Texans safetyReed was year-to-year with the Texans even before the draft, but the presence of second-round safety D.J. Swearinger makes it more likely that Reed's stay with the Texans will last only one season.

Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker.Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker

Worilds has waited three long seasons to get a chance to start since he had James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley in front of him. Even though first-round pick Jarvis Jones isn't guaranteed to start right away, Worilds might never get his opportunity.

Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland Browns linebackerBarkevious Mingo, drafted No. 6 overall, is the future in Cleveland, and he likely will start at outside linebacker opposite Paul Kruger this season. That leaves Sheard coming off the bench.

Roman Harper, New Orleans Saints safety
Much of Harper's big 2013 salary is guaranteed. That should ensure his roster spot, but he'll be 31 years old by the end of the season. Harper might see reduced snaps on clear-passing downs. Malcolm Jenkins and first-rounder Kenny Vaccaro will be the starting tandem for years to come.

Alfonzo Dennard, New England Patriots cornerbackDennard isn't from Rutgers, so he's not going to have anything to talk about in the Patriots' secondary meeting room.

Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings punter
Kluwe might be the greatest punter in Vikings history, but teams usually don't draft special teamers in the fifth round (like the Vikings did with UCLA's Jeff Locke) unless they intend on starting the rookie.

Dan Carpenter, Miami Dolphins kicker
See above. The Dolphins drafted kicker Caleb Sturgis in the fifth round with the intent on pushing Carpenter, a former Pro Bowl player, out the door.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

Kluwe cut, good eye

peace