Nov 23, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) throws a pass before a game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith is widely regarded as this year’s best QB prospect, but that doesn’t mean he’s viewed as an elite prospect, and now Yahoo Sports’ Jason Cole reports  Smith could easily fall out of the top-ten draft picks based on what he’s hearing from his sources. Most believe the New York Jets wouldn’t have passed on Smith at #9, but after yesterday’s trade that netted them the #13-overall pick, they could wiat to select him there now.

By dealing away the 13th pick, the Bucs would not have any selections until #43 overall, but the Jets now have three picks in the top-40 (#9, 13, & 39). Despite losing their top corner, Derek Harper of CBS Sports believes the Jets will target one of the top pass-rushers with their first selection:

 There is a good group of defensive prospects likely to be available with that spot — BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotuleleiand outside linebackers Barkevious Mingo of LSU and Georgia’s Jarvis Jones all make sense for the Jets and would be good value picks at that spot.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports the Buffalo Bills are prepared to draft Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib with the #8-overall pick if they are unable to trade down from that pick. Former Cuse Head Coach Doug Marrone knows what Nassib has to offer the QB-needy Bills, and they’ll likely do everything in their power to make Nassib a Bill.

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports the Jets offered the New Orleans Saints a sixth-round pick for running back Chris Ivory, but they want a 4th-rounder in return.

NFL Draft insider Tony Pauline reports the Jacksonville Jaguars are  down to two prospect that they’re considering with the #2-overall pick, and it’s Oregon defensive end/linebacker Dion Jordan or the best offensive tackle still on the board, which will likely be Eric Fisher.

Want more Bengals news? Like Stripe Hype on Facebook, or grab our RSS feed.

Follow @StripeHype

Follow @UK_Fans

Jan.1, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel (3) scrambles in the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the 2013 Orange Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The new Cleveland Browns coaching staff apparently isn’t sold that Brandon Weeden can be the franchise quarterback they want, and their making sure to get an up-close look at this year’s top QB prospects, as they have a private workout today with West Virginia’s Geno Smith.

Florida State’s EJ Manuel will arrive in Cleveland Sunday night and spend Monday with the Browns. Those are the two hottest QB prospects as of now, and both could here their names called in the first-round. Wil the Browns be making one of those selections is the question though.

October 7, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (88) runs after a pass reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s John Clayton reported last night that the Pittsburgh Steelers are 50-50 to match restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders’ one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet with the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh has until 11:59 PM on Sunday night to decide whether they’ll re-sign Sanders to likely start alongside Antonio Brown next year, or let him walk and take the Pat’s third-round draft pick in return.

Want more Bengals news? Like Stripe Hype on Facebook, or grab our RSS feed.

Follow @StripeHype

Follow @UK_Fans

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Michigan offensive lineman Eric Fisher speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Russ Lande of the National Football Post reports that the Kansas City Chiefs are deciding between Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel, Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher, and Oregon DE/OLB Dion Jordan with the #1-overall pick. With 22 days until they make their selection, there’s no reason to decide on who they’ll take now, but whoever they do draft, it’s very likely it will be one of the two stud offensive tackles.

Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has passed five more heart tests, with each resulting in a clean bill of health. The doctor who cleared Star writes the defensive lineman is “safe to participate in pro athletic… without restrictions.” At one time, Lotulelei was viewed as a contender for the #1-overall draft pick, but after his heart condition arose at the NFL Scouting Combine, that talk quickly ceased. Perhaps with a clean bill of health, he’ll be able to challenge for that top spot again.