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Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 6:39pm

Not only does Nick Mangold think Mark Sanchez should be the Jets’ Week 1 starting quarterback, but the Pro Bowl center believes the rest of the Gang Green locker room feels the exact same way.

Mangold voiced his support for the embattled Sanchez today during a promotional appearance at Washington Square Park, saying his close friend gives the Jets a better chance than rookie Geno Smith of being successful right away this fall.

Asked if the rest of the locker room also hopes Sanchez will emerge as the starter, Mangold nodded.

“I believe so,” he told The Post. “I haven’t walked around with a pen and paper and taken a poll, but from the feeling I get, the locker room wants to win. Whoever gives us the best chance to do that, we want out there -- and at this point, Mark gives us that best chance.”

Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 5:22pm

Ram QB Sam Bradford, a veteran of three offensive coordinators in three NFL seasons, will work with Brian Schottenheimer for a second consecutive season. Familiarity can be a good thing -- not just in general, but when applied to specific situations.

"There were times last year, I remember sitting in meetings, maybe [Schottenheimer] was really comfortable with a play because they had run it in the past and had success with it, but it was new to me and I wasn't as comfortable with it," Bradford said. "Now, I think we have a much better feel for each other."

Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 5:17pm

Arizona Cardinals web site reporter Darren Urban thinks WR Michael Floyd could have a big year:

"In three-receiver sets Andre Roberts will get plenty of work. But Floyd has impressed coaches (and bystanders like myself) with his efforts this offseason. He seems primed for a leap in year two. Can he challenge Fitz? If the Cards can grind out more first downs, I can see Floyd having a big year."

Aaron Hernandez sued for allegedy shooting man
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 2:51pm

Things are slowly going from bad to worse for Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.

On Wednesday, Boston media reported Hernandez hasn't been ruled out as a suspect in a homicide case where a dead body was found less than a mile from his home.

Now Hernandez will reportedly be facing a lawsuit stemming from a February incident where he allegedly shot a man in the face, according to TMZ. Sports Illustrated has also confirmed the existence of the lawsuit.

According to TMZ, the man filing the lawsuit, Alexander Bradley, claims he went to a club in Miami with Hernandez on Feb. 13 and at some point, an argument broke out between the two men.

Hernandez and Bradley left the club in the same car, where the argument continued. At some point during the car ride, Hernandez allegedly aimed a gun at Bradley and the gun discharged, hitting Bradley in the face, according to the report.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 2:39pm

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks didn't want to delve into the reasons why he was not at voluntary OTAs this offseason.

But the New York Giants receiver said in an interview with NFL Network on Wednesday morning that his absence was not because of his desire for a new long-term contract.

"I really don't talk about my contract in the media and stuff like that," Nicks said. "But contract wasn't related."

Rashard Mendenhall will be every down back
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 9:36am

Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" Wednesday, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that RB Rashard Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.

Arians said, "I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

After touting Mendenhall in March as a "big back who never has to come out of the game," Arians is now making it clear that the former Steelers first-rounder is a three-down running back.

Vernon Davis practices with WRs
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 9:07am

It’s worth noting that 49ers Vernon Davis participated exclusively with the wide receivers, not the tight ends, during the 49ers’ past mini-camp.

The Niners probably need him to play more wide out because their best receiver, Anquan Boldin, is a much better slot receiver than outside receiver at this stage in his career. During team drills, Boldin lined up in the slot the vast majority of the time.

Rob Gronkowski could be back by end of preseason
Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 9:40pm

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery on his back Tuesday to correct a spinal issue and will soon begin rehab in the hope of returning to action in late August, a person informed of the prognosis told USA TODAY Sports.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Patriots don't divulge injury information publicly, said the optimistic view is that Gronkowski will be back to work just before the end of the preseason.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 7:03pm

Jared Cook may be gone, but don’t try to tell Titans offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains his tight end group has slipped.

He believes the opposite is the case, now that Delanie Walker, Craig Stevens and Taylor Thompon are the top three players at the position.

“This is probably the best group since Alge (Crumpler) and Bo Scaife,” said Loggains, who’s been with the Titans for eight years. “I feel really good about having three guys that can do a lot of different things. Also all three of them can be in-line blockers, point-of-attack blockers, and all of them have good speed.”

Crumpler and Scaife played together in 2008 and 2009 for the Titans.

Aaron Hernandez questioned in homicide probe
Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 6:51pm

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was questioned by police investigating a possible homicide in this town 40 miles south of Boston.

A source with knowledge of the investigation said Massachusetts State police spoke to Hernandez on Monday and were interested in possibly searching his home.

Hernandez is not believed to be a murder suspect, according to a source, but a vehicle rented in his name has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro, Mass., reported on Tuesday that police identified a rented 2013 Chevrolet Suburban with Rhode Island license plates in connection with the possible homicide. According to the paper, the vehicle is registered to Enterprise and investigators were hoping to analyze it for fingerprints. A source said Hernandez's name is tied to that rental vehicle.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 2:37pm

Cowboys third-round pick WR Terrance Williams has agreed to terms on his rookie contract, source confirmed.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 12:58pm

Giant RBs David Wilson and Andre Brown will compete in next month's camp to start at running back. Wilson is on track to be the starter, but both running backs are slated to share carries.

"I think he's in a position to compete to be the guy," RB coach Jerald Ingram said when asked if Wilson can be the lead back. "He has the talent, has the speed, has a few plays from a year ago underneath his belt. Everything we gauge is kind of like in college with spring ball, but once we put the pads on, we'll see who is physical, who's determined to make plays out there."

Bucs offense on same page, expects big things
Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 12:30pm

The Bucs say they are about to reap the benefits of stability.

With offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan back for a second season, the NFL’s No. 9 attack is gearing up for a more dynamic year.

“We know this offense,’’ says WR Mike Williams. “We know when to break off routes and what zone to read. It’s a knowing instead of reacting to something. QB Josh Freeman’s got this offense down pat."

WR Vincent Jackson said the difference in Freeman is apparent, well before the start of training camp.

“He’s way more comfortable this year with the language,’’ Jackson said. “You can see it in his confidence, the way he’s directing the field. It’s fun to watch his physical tools take shape. We’ve got some new faces out here and it’s fun because we spread the ball around. Once we’re clicking, we’re going to be hard to stop."

Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 12:11pm

The most pressing issue for RB Maurice Jones-Drew is his rehabilitation and conditioning after Lisfranc surgery.

Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell said last week the plan is for Jones-Drew to be 100-percent when camp opens July 26. Jones-Drew said he is optimistic about his progress.

MJD said his foot is now healed and that the focus is now on strengthening the ankle. The foot being healed, he said, is important because now he can run. That, in turn, means he can condition at a level that will allow the weight he added following surgery to come off in time for training camp.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 10:54am

Giants tight end coach Mike Pope is eager to see what TE Brandon Myers will do in training camp.

He believes the former Raiders tight end could be an option in the vertical game. Myers, who had 79 receptions for 806 yards and four touchdowns last season, was signed to replace Martellus Bennett.