Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be having his fourth arm surgery soon, likely on Monday, though it could happen earlier. Gronkowski had X-rays taken on Wednesday as a precursor to surgery, and the Pat do expect Gronk to be ready for training camp, but they won’t know have a timetable until the plate in his arm is replaced.

This hasn’t however kept Gronk from staying in the public spotlight, as he recently worked as a bartender at Strega Waterfront in Boston. At least he’s not worrying about his injured forearm that is now on the verge of threatening his availability for the start of the 2013 NFL season.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported on Thursday’s NFL 32 that fourth-round pick Tyler Wilson made a “very big impression” on Raiders brass during his first week of offseason practices. Wilson threw for 7,765 yards and 52 touchdowns during his college career, and was projected as a first-rounder entering the 2012 college football season, but a disastrous senior campaign marred by his head coach being fired caused his stock to plummet.

Dallas Cowboys starting right tackle Doug Free has agreed to a $3.5 million pay cut and will remain with the team. Free originally had four years left on his contract, but agreed to a new two-year deal that will drop his pay significantly from $8 million annually.

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# 10 – Colton Chapple QB Harvard

This little known QB has a lot of skills. Now he hasn’t played against top end talent, that is true, but he can do a lot of things. He is a good athlete, who can move outside the pocket and take off and run anytime. He ran the pistol offense at Harvard, and ran it very well. With the pistol making its way into the NFL, someone who has some proficiency in it would make a lot of sense for many teams. He doesn’t have an elite arm like Glennon and Bray, but puts good touch on the ball. He threw for 24 TD’s this year as well as adding 9 rushing TD’s. He was the Ivy Leagues OPY. Would be a very good late round developmental project.

Should be picked – Mid 4th – Early 5th round

NFL Comparison – Colt McCoy

Nov 22, 2011; Athens, OH, USA; Miami-Ohio Redhawks quarterback Zac Dysert (4) looks to pass against the Ohio Bobcats at Peden Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

#9 Zac Dysert QB Miami (Ohio)

Dysert has a good, over the top release on his throws. Shows good touch and shows good accuracy on his underneath throws. Didn’t throw many passes down the field in college, and might not possess the the velocity on the ball to fit it into tight windows. Good athlete who can move, but is a little inconsistent when throwing on the run. Isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket and take a hit to get the ball where he wants it. Played out of the spread, so can he adjust to a pro offense, but with the way spread QBs have adapted the last few years, that is less of a concern. Isn’t as big or physical. He is going to need a year or 2 to learn before he has a chance of starting.

Should be picked – 4th round.

NFL Comparison – Ryan Fitzpatrick

Jan 21, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad quarterback Tyler Wilson of Arkansas (8) drops back to pass during Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Richard of CBS Sports believes Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson has been the top quarterback during practices this week, and with a week QB crop this year, he could easily be hearing his name called in the first-round of the NFL Draft:

As far as developmental QBs the Bengals are likely scouting, he wasn’t quite as high on Florida State;s E.J. Manuel or Miami, Ohio’s Zac Dysert:

E.J. Manuel, Florida State. Between some issues with his throwing style and his decision making, Manuel’s weaknesses outweigh his potential. The guy is a beast of a quarterback with tremendous athleticism. He also has a strong arm and can push the ball downfield but he was iffy in drills all week. He’s not close to being a starter in the NFL and his drafting will be done by a team that thinks they can mold him into a major threat.

Zac Dysert, Miami (OH). While he has good size, his arm has been the most inconsistent of any player here. Of all the quarterbacks he’s the one who has made the least amount of impressive throws during the week. He’s not consistent throwing downfield which makes him a liability at the next level. The feeling here is that teams would rather try and develop one of the other quarterbacks listed above before Dysert.

As far as who the Bengals have been in direct contact with, USC safety T.J. McDonald was the only prospect they showed reported interest today:

Bengals rep talked to TJ McDonald after practice

— Shane P. Hallam (@ShanePHallam) January 23, 2013

McDonald is known more as a physical safety who thrives when lined up in the box, but is often too slow reacting to receivers and gets burned in coverage too often to come in and be a starter his rookie year.

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