NFL News and Notes - April 25, 2011

No free agency hasn't altered the New England Patriots' approach to the draft, writes Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe.

North Carolina linebacker Quan Sturdivant's hamstring injury from 2010 is probably why the Buffalo Bills brought him in for a visit, Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News notes.

The New York Jets are a possible landing spot for Temple defensive lineman Muhammed Wilkerson.

A considerable portion of the Miami Dolphins' draft preparation period has been spent evaluating quarterbacks.

In his third mock draft, Jamison Hensley of The Baltimore Sun has the Baltimore Ravens using the 26th pick on Wilkerson.

The Pittsburgh Steelers found eight Super Bowl starters in the 1971 NFL Draft, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Cleveland Browns long-snapper Ryan Pontbriand is the 76th-best pick in franchise history.

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Morgan Trent recently returned from a life-changing trip to Haiti, writes Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

If the Indianapolis Colts add a quarterback in this year's draft, it won't be to replace Peyton Manning, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

The Tennessee Titans are wary of the comparisons between Vince Young and Cam Newton, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports.

Addressing the pass defense is the most pressing issue for the Jacksonville Jaguars, writes Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.

To improve the defense quickly, the Houston Texans must trade up in the draft, writes Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.

The Kansas City Chiefs may be a year late in addressing the offensive tackle position, writes Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.

Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus would be a safe pick for the Denver Broncos, writes Dave Kreiger of The Denver Post.

As evidenced with San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason, draft picks take some time before becoming impact players, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Nnamdi Asomugha are the top two first-round picks the Oakland Raiders have made since 1995, writes Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group.

Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune has the Seattle Seahawks using the 25th overall pick on Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget.

From the sounds of it, San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will foster a competitive environment in Santa Clara.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves acknowledges the different off-season, but says it hasn't changed the team's draft preparations.

The St. Louis Rams are not positioned to trade up for Alabama wideout Julio Jones, writes Tony Softli for 101Sports.com.

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that the Minnesota Vikings are looking for a quarterback who'll provide hope and stability.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel profiles the Green Bay Packers' scouting department.

Baylor guard Danny Watkins is the Chicago Bears' first-round pick in dueling mock drafts from Michael C. Wright and Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago.

North Carolina linebacker Bruce Carter may be a second-day bargain for the Detroit Lions, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

The New York Giants will look to add youth to the offensive line, writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.

Right cornerback is once again a position of need for the Philadelphia Eagles, writes Jonathan Tameri of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett may be a second round option for the Washington Redskins.

Of 24 picks in the last three NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys emerged with just three starters, writes Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

New Orleans Saints center Jonathan Goodwin isn't sure if he'll be back with the team next season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik has character high on his checklist when evaluating prospects, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff thinks teams running a 3-4 defense will be fortunate in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Linebacker isn't a pressing need for the Carolina Panthers.

Today's NFL birthdays: Panthers offensive lineman Jacob Bender (26) and running back DeAngelo Williams (28), Bears guard Lance Louis (26) and punter Richmond McGee (28), 49ers linebacker Keaton Kristick (23), Titans safety Donnie Nickey (31), free agent center Matt Lehr (32), quarterback Andre Woodson (27).

Retired defensive backs Corwin Brown (41) and Darren Woodson (42), offensive linemen Randy Cross (57) and Terry Hermeling (65), defensive lineman Eddie Edwards (57), and quarterback Art Schlichter (51).