New York Jets WR Stephen Hill’s (knee) No. 1 priority this offseason is staying healthy. Hill said he doesn’t have to be at full-speed all the time. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal have worked with Hill on controlling strides and changing direction in order to better control his speed.
Jets | Stephen Hill working to improve health, speed
It appears Southern Methodist RB Traylon Shead will enter the 2014 NFL supplemental draft.
Footballguys View: We can’t imagine NFL teams falling all over themselves for a running back with injury concerns. Originally a Texas recruit, Shead rushed for 197 yards and three touchdowns (in four games) for SMU in 2013. Those numbers aren’t going to draw much attention. Shead is a big back, measuring in at 6’2″ 225 pounds but he has a good initial burst. He can brush off smaller defenders and has a little bit of wiggle in the box. However, Shead is not a burner and lacks creativity as a runner in the open field. He may not get picked in the Supplemental Draft, but perhaps some team would take a chance on him as a tryout player in training camp.
NFL | Traylon Shead expected to enter supplemental draft
Philadelphia Eagles OT Lane Johnson has been suspended four games for allegedly testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, according to sources.
Footballguys View: Johnson had bulked up this offseason, and there must have been a problem with what he used to do that. The Eagles have veteran Allen Barbre as the next guy up to fill in at right tackle while Johnson misses the first month of the year.
Eagles | Lane Johnson suspended
Baltimore Ravens OG Kelechi Osemele (back) has fully recovered from the back surgery he had last year and is expected to start at left guard in 2014.
Ravens | Kelechi Osemele fully recovered from surgery
New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be the No. 3 quarterback this upcoming season unless he is able to show he can handle more things, and a team tries to trade for QB Ryan Mallett during camp.
Footballguys View: Zero surprise here. Garoppolo is simply not ready to be one hit away from starting in the NFL. He’s accurate on short routes, and the rookie has a lightning-quick release. Garoppolo’s game falls apart under the slightest amount of pressure. He is not experienced taking snaps from under center, and he needs to develop his diagnostic skills. At Eastern Illinois, Garoppolo ran a catch-and-throw offense from the shotgun formation that rarely asked him to go through progressions as a passer.
Patriots | Jimmy Garoppolo expected to be No. 3 QB
Miami Dolphins SS Reshad Jones is ‘very, very noticeable on tape,’ specifically his play speed improvement, according to head coach Joe Philbin. Philbin added that Jones is practicing harder and more consistently. Jones said he’s been taking practice more seriously and being more prepared.
Dolphins | Reshad Jones praised by head coach
Cleveland Browns QB Brian Hoyer’s extension would be ‘a very difficult deal to do,’ according to Hoyer’s agent, Joe Linta. Linta added that they are open to talking with the team but are also content with waiting. It had previously been reported that the Browns are interested in extending Hoyer’s contract, which is in its final year.
Footballguys View: It won’t be easy because Hoyer’s value is difficult to gauge at this time. He’s looked decent in limited starting experience, but Hoyer is coming off the ACL injury that cut his season short last year. The team already made the move to acquire Johnny Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, and he’s the quarterback of the future. The Browns have to pay Hoyer like a future backup and not a future starter.
Browns | Brian Hoyer extension won’t be easy
Tennessee Titans OT Michael Roos said he does not expect offensive line coach Bob Bostad to completely change his technique but does expects to make some changes that will help him in the new offense. ‘I think there’s a fine line when you talk about taking a guy and completely changing something he’s done that’s been working,’ Roos said. ‘It’s more like little tweaks here and there to help in this new scheme – visually where your eyes go, and your feet and hand placements.’
Titans | Michael Roos will need to make adjustments
Miami Dolphins DE Garrison Smith appears to be a long shot for the final roster but may be an option for the practice squad if he performs well during training camp.
Dolphins | Garrison Smith could be practice squad option
Miami Dolphins C Tyler Larsen likely will have a chance to make the final roster because of the injury to C Mike Pouncey (hip). He is also one of a few true centers on the roster.
Dolphins | Tyler Larsen has chance to make team