NFL Insider: Charean Williams’ five cents
My five cents
1 The New York Jets and Tennessee Titans are two of five 2-11 teams, and the winner of their game probably will fall out of contention for the No. 1 overall pick. Both could use a franchise quarterback despite spending a first-round choice on a quarterback in recent seasons. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota figures to be the first quarterback selected. The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders are the only two-win teams expected to have no interest in drafting a QB. The other two-win team is the Buccaneers.
2 Odell Beckham Jr. already is represented in Canton. The Pro Football Hall of Fame requested the jersey the Giants rookie receiver wore when he made his one-handed, fingertip touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys. Beckham (59 catches, 829 yards, 6 TDs) and Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans (57-935-10) are the leading candidates for offensive rookie of the year.
3 The New England Patriots traded for linebacker Akeem Ayers after Week 7. The former second-round pick played only a handful of snaps for the Titans this season. He has started four of six games for the Patriots, making 13 tackles, three sacks, four quarterback hits and an interception.
4 Sean Payton addressed speculation he is looking to leave New Orleans, saying there is “absolutely no way” he would step down after this season. The Irving resident has a contract through the 2017 season that pays him $8 million a year, believed to be the most in the NFL.
5 The Jaguars let middle linebacker Daryl Smith leave two years ago after he underwent surgery for a groin injury and was limited to two games in 2012. Since joining Baltimore last season, Smith has 225 tackles, six sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 29 games. Smith, 32, signed a four-year, $16 million deal in March to stay with the Ravens.
This story was originally published December 13, 2014 at 7:07 PM with the headline "NFL Insider: Charean Williams’ five cents."