Rumors From the NFL Combine

I found some great bits of news on a football message board - though I should stress that none of this information is official, confirmed or vouched for accuracy:

• Look for veteran Billy Volek's name to surface in Atlanta. Even though they'll likely draft a quarterback 3rd overall, they need a veteran to start fresh and keep the seat warm. Volek is favorite of owner Arthur Blank, who offered him a deal once before to back up Michael Vick, but instead he went back to Tenneessee.
• Look for Byron Leftwich's name to possibly surface in San Francisco. Martz thinks he can re-energize him and Alex Smith's support in the Bay Area is on life support.
• Carolina wide receiver Keary Colbert is also very interested in playing the slot for Martz. His agent confirmed that to us.
• Kansas City is interested in quarterback Brian Brohm and have talked to his agents
• Oakland is clearly looking for D-Line help and it appears their relationship with Tommie Kelley is close to over.....The Raiders staff has been told that this year they will be rebuilding both the offensive and defensive lines in the draft....They also don't see running back Lamont Jordan coming back in Oakland.
• Tatum Bell and Julius Jones have been linked to Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Carolina
• Baltimore appears ready to admit defeat and they will rebuild the offensive line. They feel that last year was an aberration because of injuries and they realize that they still have enough on offense to win, with even Kyle Boller, but their offensive line has gotten awfully porous lately.
• Marcus Stroud's longevity is clearly in doubt. His microfracture ankle surgery is really not responding and there is serious concern that he may never make it back to earn the money he signed for last year. The signing of Grady Jackson for two years was obviously done for this reason. They are also interested in bringing in Rod Coleman for a look see.
• In Jacksonville they are excited with the emergence of young linebackers Clint Ingram and Justin Durant, so there is also talk that Mike Peterson days may be numbered....They also would love to pry Laveranues Coles from New York to bring him back home, so don't be surprised if thes two teams dance on draft day....Jax is also in the Justin Smith sweepstakes and has shown interest in veteran free agent wide receivers Bryant Johnson and Dante Stallworth.
• Flozell Adams is now getting love from Kansas City, Baltimore and Atlanta
• Carolina is still toying with trading Julius Peppers
• Arizona is also still considering trading Larry Fitzgerald and there is still smoke around Ocho Cinco's stay in Cincy....I keep hearing that Mike Brown is willing to do something with Chad Johnson if Chad is willing to give back some bonus money pre trade and the new team will give him a new deal.
• Tennessee is hot for free agent wide reciever Bernard Berrian and recent cap cut tight Alge Crumpler....Tennessee is not really that hot for running back Tatum Bell, contrary to media reports. They are, however, talking to Julius Jones' folks....Jones and Bill Parcells were spotted eating together Thursday night, which has fueled some rumor mongering that the Miami Dolphins are after him
• Also, the Bears are shopping running back Cedric Benson. Good luck finding takers!
• Tennessee also seems interested in Texas A&M defensive tackle Red Bryant. He and Albert Haynesworth would be a tremendous tandem
• Most scouts think all the good values at wide receiver will be in round two, and few will go in round one now that Malcolm Kelly has pulled out of the combine with a severe quad hematoma. Insider word is he may not be able to work out for 4-6 weeks.
• The number of red flagged draftees (injuries) is surprising low this year. That's a good sign....The offensive line talent in this draft is deeper than I thought. Steelers staff said its the best in 25 years, in their opinion.
• Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston is moving up, as is Virginia's Chris Long....But Auburn's Quentin Groves is really causing a stir here. He met with 49ers' head coach Mike Nolan and told him your going to be sorry you traded the 7th pick for Staley after I run a 4.4 forty! Big Talk, but if he does he will be a top 10 pick for sure.
• The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins want to sign Dallas Cowboys free agent tackle Flozell Adams
• Wide receiver Javon Walker is rumored to be heading to Tampa Bay.