The 2013 NFL Draft is under two weeks away, and all 32 teams in the league are doing due diligence on draft prospects. Many teams throughout the league are hosting various prospects to try to gain new information about a prospect and gauge his value in a particular system.
NFL Draft rumors: Star Lotulelei, Lane Johnson visit Eagles, and more
The Philadelphia Eagles hosted one high-profile draft prospect and have another visit set for Sunday, while other teams throughout the league host mid and late-round talents.
Rich Schultz
Here’s a look at the latest visits throughout the league, with the most notable visits occurring in Philadelphia.
Eagles hosted Star Lotulelei, will host Lane Johnson
New Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is faced with a franchise-altering decision just three months into his tenure as Eagles head coach -- what to do with the No. 5 overall pick.
Philadelphia hosted Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, on Friday according to Adam Caplan, and will host Lane Johnson on Sunday. Lotulelei is considered one of the top talents in the draft, and could fall to the Eagles at No. 4 overall. SB Nation ranks Lotulelei as the second-best player available in this year's draft, behind Luke Joeckel.
Johnson is considered one of the top offensive tackles in the draft, but could be a reach at No. 4 overall. SB Nation’s latest mock draft has the Eagles selecting Eric Fisher with the fourth overall pick.
Philadelphia is doing its due diligence on the top offensive tackles, and it’s conceivable that Johnson impresses Philadelphia’s new coaching staff enough to wedge himself into consideration with the No. 4 overall pick.
Patriots hosted Ray Holley
The New England Patriots enter the 2013 NFL Draft with one of the better running back tandems in the league, with Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden and Leon Washington all fighting for touches.
Bill Belichick loves depth and competition, though, and hosted Louisiana Tech running back Ray Holley on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson. Holley only carried the ball 142 times during his senior season, but tallied 740 rushing yards -- good for an average of 5.2 yards-per-carry. Holley added 34 receptions for 324 yards as well.
Holley is not considered a major talent, and is not on SB Nation’s top 200 rankings list. New England could aim to use one of its two seventh-round picks on Holley, or sign the former Louisiana Tech running back as an undrafted free-agent after the draft.
Trevardo Williams visits Colts
Former University of Connecticut defensive end/linebacker Trevardo Williams visited the Indianapolis Colts recently according to scout.com -- and Indianapolis' interest is logical.
SB Nation ranked Williams the No. 199 prospect in the draft, but the former Huskies defensive end could end up replacing a Colts legend -- if the Colts end up selecting him.
Williams' NFL potential lies in his pass-rushing ability. As scout.com noted, Williams is lauded for his pass-rushing skills and explosiveness off the edge -- the exact skillset that Dwight Freeney brought to the table for so many years with the Colts.
It’s unlikely Williams will ever come close to matching Freeney’s career, but the Colts do have replace him, and Williams could be part of that formula.
Sio Moore takes lots of visits
Williams isn't the only former Connecticut defender busy taking visits. Former Huskies linebacker Sio Moore recently visited the Steelers and Ravens according to The Baltimore Sun, and previously visited the Cowboys, Rams and Buccaneers.
Moore is projected to be a second- or third-round draft pick, and the outside linebacker offers plenty of athleticism. Moore makes sense for each team he’s visited, particularly the Ravens, Steelers and Cowboys. Baltimore is rebuilding its defense, while the Steelers’ defensive unit is aging. Dallas is switching to a Tampa-2 defense, and needs to find players that are well-suited for its scheme -- and Moore’s athleticism could play up for Monte Kiffin.
Michael Mauti visits New Orleans
Former Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Michael Mauti suffered a season-ending knee injury late last season, but is still trying to convince an NFL team to take a chance on him. Mauti recently visited with the New Orleans Saints according to Tony Pauline, and previously visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mauti will reportedly be ready for full contact in July, but still will not have a full rookie offseason because of his injury. When healthy, Mauti proved himself to be a difference-maker for Penn State, but Mauti has been plagued by injuries during his time in college, dampening his draft stock.
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