Lions, Bucs meeting prospects, talking trade
Oakland has listened to offers for the No. 1 overall pick, but for now, the team seeming to field the most trade inquiries is the Detroit Lions at No. 2.
A Lions official confirmed that the team has received phone calls from at least eight teams interested in trading up to No. 2. One of those teams is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now scheduled to pick at No. 4. The Lions and Buccaneers have had multiple trade conversations.
If Tampa Bay were to trade from No. 4 to No. 2, it could allow the Buccaneers to draft Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, whom team officials privately worked out April 13 with quarterback Chris Simms and wide receivers Michael Clayton and David Boston.
But the Lions official also added that none of the trade talks with Tampa Bay or any other team have become heated -- yet. And they are not expected to do so until this time next week, as April 28 creeps closer.
Should Detroit drop down, it would put the Lions in better position to nab Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams, who very quietly visited Detroit on April 13. The Lions also had a private meeting with Adams in Indianapolis at the scouting combine, so if nothing else, Detroit is closely scrutinizing the Clemson defensive end.
But the Lions also cautioned that nothing much should be read into their meetings with Adams. The team also is scheduled to hold visits this week with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson on April 19, offensive tackle Joe Thomas on April 19, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn on April 18 and LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell on April 18.
They already met last week with Calvin Johnson, who some around the league now believe will be the Lions' pick if Detroit stays at No. 2.
Cleveland, at No. 3, also is busy doing its due diligence. Adrian Peterson, Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell already have visited the Browns, and Thomas spent today in Cleveland. Oakland, Detroit and Cleveland are getting every possible look at each possible pick. The top picks are getting every possible frequent flyer mile.
Soon enough, the interviews and trips will be over, as will the speculation that is only mounting.
GOING GREEN
Despite reports that a Trent Green-to-Miami trade is imminent, it is no more imminent than it was last week or the week before.
The Dolphins and Chiefs haven't had a single discussion in close to two weeks, according to team officials. Green's agent, Jim Steiner, however, has spoken to each team and is hoping to facilitate a trade to Miami. He now is aiming to make a major effort to push through the trade for his client.
But not much has changed since the initial reports that Green likely was to end up in Miami. Green still is not expected to return to Kansas City. He still wants to play for Miami, which is the front runner to land his services. Kansas City still wants as much compensation as it can get in return. And once Green lands in Miami, then it is likely that Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper would depart.
It's unlikely a deal will occur this week, but the closer the draft comes, the more the chances increase that Green will be wearing aqua.
NO ORDINARY JOE
While most top athletes are wrapping up their visits, Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas' seem to just be picking up.
Thomas spent today in Cleveland visiting with the Browns. Thomas then is scheduled to be in Detroit on April 19, and in Washington visiting the Redskins on April 20.
By the time next week rolls around, each prospect will be ready to get some rest. But the fun will be only beginning.
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