Archives for April 7, 2017

'Durant, 31, is a 10-year veteran who has played for four different teams, most recently the Dallas Cowboys. It his second stint with the team, Durant appeared in 13 games, making 37 tackles, one sack and three passes defensed. His best season came in 2012 with Detroit, when he started 14 games and made 103 tackles.'

'"Having a weapon that's not only a receiving entity but a heck of an inline blocker – we haven't seen tight ends over the last few years with this type of multi-dimensional talent," he said. "You saw these tight ends in the '70s, '80s and '90s. Now you have kind of the glorified wide receivers who can't block. He is an extension of your line. He will help your running game. So I think a tight end that can block inline is a rarity these days."'

'The website Pro Football Focus named Thompson college football's "best coverage defender," pointing out his seven picks tied for most among safeties. Additionally, quarterbacks had a passer rating of just 22.3 when throwing to receivers Thompson was responsible for covering, charging him with just one touchdown allowed all season.'

'"Peterman's experience in a pro-style passing attack gives him a head start headed into the league. His physical attributes are just average, but his accuracy, composure and anticipation are what sets him apart from some of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in this year's draft. Peterman's tape is sure to catch the eye of at least a few teams in need of a quarterback and he should come off the board by day two with a chance to become a solid starting quarterback in the future."'

'Durant, 31, played for the Cowboys in 2016. He did not start for the Cowboys, but appeared in 13 games playing a total of 279 snaps. Durant recorded 37 total tackles, one sack and three passes defensed for Dallas. The linebacker considered retirement before playing for Dallas in 2016.'

'Williams is viewed as a day three prospect in the 2017 NFL draft. NFL.com's draft page notes that Williams plays bigger than his height (6'1"), shows physicality and does a good job of using his body as a shield on contested passes. Despite these strengths, Williams is viewed as a developmental wide receiver.'

'Let’s get to real football talk (Sorry folks, it’s April). At quarterback, the Bills have Tyrod Taylor starting with Cardale Jones backing up. There’s a need for a third. Should that third guy be a backup or a draft rookie? Why not both? If there’s a guy you like on the board, where ever it may be, grab him.'

'“I’m a big believer in learning and continuing to grow,” McDermott told Murphy and co-host Donald Jones. “For me, personally, I don't think you’ll ever get there. You chase it, right? But I don't think you ever get there, wherever ‘there’ is, wisdom-wise. And so I'm always trying to learn and trying to grab a piece of competitive advantage for myself and our staff and this football team.”'

'At this point in Durant's career, I don't know that we should expect him to come in and be the starting player that he once was through the four different destinations of his career. Even if he doesn't play, he's a clear fit for Sean McDermott's 4-3 defensive scheme and would add some much-needed depth to the position.'

'“I’m of the opinion and philosophy suited with ‘less is more,’” said McDermott. “Giving the players very clear lines to play. Giving them a set of rules, putting them in a position to be successful, working to their strengths – and when things break down in a game, which they often will, they have rules to fall back on. I just believe that clear expectations, clear lines and letting the players go play and have fun.'

'That's right, for the second straight time, I have the Buffalo Bills trading out of 10th overall.'