Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the team is searching for a running back in this year’s draft. ‘We need that shifty back that can come in and be that change-of-pace guy who can catch passes out of the backfield, a guy that can run routes and get one-on-one with a linebacker,’ Mayhew said. ‘That’s what Jahvid gave us, a guy with some juice, some elusiveness.’ Oregon RB Kenjon Barner, Stanford RB Stepfan Taylor and Florida RB Mike Gillislee were the most impressive at the Senior Bowl this week, and Taylor is the most complete back of the three.
Lions | Looking for RB

Former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will almost certainly be mentioned as a candidate for a coaching position with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as a linebackers coach.
Eagles | Steve Spagnuolo an option?

Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel and former Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini could be options to fill the New Orleans Saints’ defensive coordinator position.
Saints | Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini options for DC

Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert is seeing his draft stock increase because of his improvement in blocking, according to NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. ‘I thought that was the biggest difference,’ said Mayock. ‘It was a combination of two things. One, opposing defenses knew what a good pass receiver he was and they did everything in their game plans to take him away. Putting a ton of people on him. On tape, teams were doubling him, combo, all kinds of bracket coverage. To the kid’s credit, he took his blocking to a completely different level. Whether he was in line or in motion, I thought that was the biggest difference in his game.’
NFL | Tyler Eifert’s blocking helps draft stock

The Miami Dolphins likely will allow impending free-agent CB Sean Smith test free agency this offseason because they likely will not be willing to pay what he is looking for in a contract. The team believes he has not reached his potential yet but do not see him as a playmaker or game changer.
Dolphins | Sean Smith likely to hit free agency

South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore (knee) is expected to hold a limited workout before the 2013 NFL Draft to show teams were he is at physically.
NFL | Marcus Lattimore expected to have limited workout

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said that Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o does not have the same abilites that Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly had a year ago. ‘Kuechly was a tackling machine. Kuechly was set for today’s NFL,’ said Mayock. ‘If you could match up a prototype inside linebacker with today’s NFL, it is Luke Kuechly. With his speed he’s a pass first linebacker. He can play three downs. You don’t have to take him off the field in nickel; in fact, he’s going to be better in nickel, so to me Kuechly is made for today’s NFL. Te’o struggles a little bit more because he isn’t naturally built that way. He isn’t as naturally quick or the natural explosion or the change of direction like Luke. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t tough, instinctive and smart.’
NFL | Manti Te’o does not have Luke Kuechly’s abilities

Washington CB Desmond Trufant has proved to be the top cornerback at the Senior Bowl this week, displaying great foot quickness, agility and ball skills. Nearly every personnel official believes he’ll be a first-round pick after this week.
NFL | Desmond Trufant the top CB

Green Bay Packers LB Erik Walden is expected to have the disorderly conduct charge against him dropped after going a year without any violations. Walden was originally charged in connection with a domestic dispute as his home.
Packers | Charge against Erik Walden expected to be dropped

Kansas City Chiefs impending free-agent P Dustin Colquitt said he has not heard much from the team at this point but hopes to re-sign with the team this offseason.
Chiefs | Dustin Colquitt hopes to return