Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucs elected to not re-sign budding star defensive end Michael Bennett, and I don’t think they were justified in their decision-making on that one. They never viewed Bennett as a priority, and the fact that he had a torn rotator cuff was not a correct justification for allowing him to walk for a meager $5 million to the Seattle Seahawks. Bennett broke out as a pass rusher last year despite the injury, and he was clearly their only consistent pass rushing source. What separates Bennett from a lot of other young defensive ends is his run defense, and he is excellent in that regard.

Jordan is an extremely talented player in his own right, and it would be interesting to see what the Bucs do here. A two-day visit shows that the Bucs likely have significant interest in Jordan, but the fact that the Bucs have the 13th pick in the draft makes it unlikely that they would draft Jordan without having to trade up. To guarantee selecting Jordan, they would have to trade into the top five. To have a shot at taking him, they would have to move up into the top ten.

IJordan fits best as a 3-4 OLB and playing him as a 4-3 OLB would not be taking advantage of his very unique skill-set as a pass rusher. At Oregon, the Ducks used to use Jordan in so many different alignments, and he is so athletic that he would even cover slot receivers.  He would be a unique fit in a 4-3 defense, and it will be interesting to see if the Bucs believe they can get the most out of him in that manner.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns have the sixth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and their two top needs are at cornerback and at pass rusher. Signing former Baltimore Ravens star Paul Kruger in free agency has mitigated the need for a pass rusher, but the Browns previously had such a huge need in that regard that adding a guy like Jordan could still help. However, the signing of Kruger has elevated the relative need of a cornerback, and most mock drafts have the Cleveland Browns selecting Dee Milliner.

So it’s a no-brainer to hear that the Browns will be working out Milliner, because he represents the best selection for this team. They need somebody to put next to former coveted draft pick Joe Haden at CB, and Milliner is the best CB in a class that has some solid players at the position in Desmond Trufant, Xavier Rhodes, and Johnthan Banks.

They could also stand to add a cornerback later on in the draft and take a risk on the “Honey Badger”, but I think Tyrann Mathieu’s skill-set is limited to the slot. That’s not to say he is bad or anything, because slot corners are in high value these days- two cornerbacks no longer comprises a base set. Mathieu has the upside of a guy like Cortland Finnegan, and you have to think that the drug-related issues regarding Mathieu won’t be as much of a factor in the NFL. Or, at least, you would hope that isn’t the case.

Jordan is a prospect I have fallen in love with, and I remember the Ducks would even have him covering slot corners despite being a 4-3 DE at Oregon. However, Jordan is an ideal 3-4 OLB fit in the NFL, and that means he fits the Cleveland Browns scheme. Milliner is a better prospect than Jordan, so it’s more likely that we see the former Oregon standout get picked by the New York Jets later on in the top ten.

Cabot also notes that the Browns had a private workout with former UCLA Bruins star Datone Jones, and that Tyrann Mathieu is projected to be a third-round pick in this draft.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Nov 12, 2011; Stanford CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly watches his team warm up before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Oregon defeated Stanford 53-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

It has previously been reported that Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly is a hot commodity among NFL teams who are looking to fill their head coaching vacancies. Among those interested in Kelly’s bright offensive mind are the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, both teams have expressed that Kelly is their top target.

While both teams are interested in Kelly’s services, one of them has been able to lock up the Ducks coach for an interview following Oregon’s Fiesta Bowl match up against Kansas State.

Per multiple reports, Kelly will be interviewed by Browns CEO Joe Banner in Phoenix following the Fiesta Bowl. The interview is expected to take place on Friday or over the weekend.

With the Browns, Kelly would be close to achieving his goal of having “near total control” of a NFL franchise.

Will the Browns land Kelly? We will find out in the coming weeks, but it appears increasingly likely that Thursday night will be his final game on the Oregon sideline as a head coach.

November 10, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly along the sideline against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Chip Kelly is a very popular man.

As the NFL rumor mill continues to churn, there are multiple teams who are reportedly making the Oregon Ducks head coach their top choice to fill head coaching vacancies. We all knew about the Philadelphia Eagles preparing to make a push for Kelly, but now there is another team who is ready to give the Eagles a run for their money — The Cleveland Browns.

Per the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Oregon coach Chip Kelly is the clear No. 1 choice for the Browns as their next head coach, according to Adam Caplan of Sirius XM radio, who talked to two high-ranking NFL personnel executives. Kelly, who is 45-7 in his four year at Oregon, will be pursued by other teams, including the Eagles, the former team of Browns CEO Joe Banner.

Caplan, a Philadelphia-based reporter, pointed out that Banner has a strong relationship with Kelly’s agent,David Dunn, of Athlete’s First.

Banner said in his news conference today that he thinks the Browns can convince the best candidate to come to Cleveland and “we think we can make a very good case why this is the best opportunity in the league right now.”

They’ll also interview other top candidates, including Penn State’s Bill O’Brien.

There is no doubt that Kelly will be a hot commodity, but will he accept an offer from one of the team’s in pursuit of his services? It was just a season ago that Kelly was close to accepting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coaching job, so anything is possible this offseason.

September 8, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly leads the team to the field before the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

Thanks to the Alabama Crimson Tide losing to Texas A&M on Saturday, the Oregon Ducks have a better chance than ever to make their way into the BCS National Championship game. If the Ducks make the championship and find a way to capture the title, it could be the final game that head coach Chip Kelly leads the Ducks onto the field.

“It’s just inevitable that he will eventually be in the NFL,” Bellotti told Dennis Dodd of CBS.

“Chip is one of the ultimate competitors and he sees that. It actually surprised me he changed his mind [with the Bucs] last year. Whether they get to the national championship and whether they win the national championship, I don’t know. To think he’ll stay there when ultimately his idea of top jobs is to get to the Super Bowl, it won’t happen, unfortunately, at the college level.”

Another source told CBS Sports, “There are nine chances in 10 if he wins out [this season] he’s gone.”

Last season, Kelly considered entering the NFL ranks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but ultimately returned to Oregon to finish what he started. Once he secures a national title, Kelly would have accomplished everything he set out to do at the college level so the jump to the NFL would make sense.

Kelly is currently 48-years-old and remains one of the hottest NFL head coach options out there. Regardless of whether Oregon wins the national title this season or not, Kelly will be fielding a lot of calls from NFL squads this offseason.

During his time in Oregon, Kelly won the conference title all three years, while leading the Ducks to their first Rose Bowl victory in 95 years. Could Kelly successfully translate to the NFL level? Let your opinion be heard by leaving a comment.

To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/#!/McNamaraUO/status/158362558422720512"]

The Ducks will now enter next season without Thomas and star running back LaMichael James. Thomas’ decision is a bit of a puzzling one. He would have benefited from returning to school for a senior year, but with his athleticism and arm strength, some NFL GM will take a chance on him.

For a full list of underclassmen who have declared for the NFL Draft, CLICK HERE.

To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

“This was a decision that wasn’t easy for me. But after talking things over with my family and Coach (Gary) Campbell, as well as praying about it, I have decided that I will return to Oregon for my senior year,” Barner said.

This season, Barner had 1,123 total yards and 14 touchdowns rushing and receiving. He was a big part of the Ducks offense and really stepped up during James’ absence. Barner returning is great news for the Ducks as they hope to return to the top of the PAC 12.

To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

LaMichael James will not return for his senior season. A source inside the Oregon football program has confirmed to The Oregonian today what has long been expected, that the Ducks’ all-time leading rusher will declare for the NFL draft after this season.

To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter