| Woodson, other picks sign with Giants | Tuesday 6/24, 8:17 PM CT |
|
The Giants have signed contracts with the three draft choices from this season, including linebackers Bryan Kehl (selected in the fourth round) and Jonathan Goff (signed in the fifth) and quarterback Andre Woodson (sixth round), according to Giants.com.
Our View: Woodson, once viewed as a top NFL prospect, has battled with a quad injury in early practices, but the team has dedicated a contract to him and he appears to be getting a chance to shine in training camp. This leaves the Giants’ top three choices – safety Kenny Phillips of Miami, cornerback Terrell Thomas of USC and wide receiver Mario Manningham of Michigan – unsigned. |
|
| Walker duped by attackers | Tuesday 6/24, 7:54 PM CT |
|
In the continued story surrounding the assault of Oakland recevier Javon Walker , authorities are now reporting that Walker was in fact duped by Arfat Fadel, the man arrested today in connection with the crime, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: The police believe Fadel targeted Walker for this crime. Fadal and an associate were seen in some of the crowded nightclubs where Walker was shown on surveillance videotapes partying from about 9 p.m. June 15, until shortly before he was found unconscious at 7:19 a.m. the next morning about a block east of the Las Vegas Strip. The police note footage showing Walker entering Fadal's vehicle without force, but the authorities have yet to report why Walker made the decision and are suggesting he may have been "duped" into believing he was safe. |
|
| Snee agrees to six-year extension | Tuesday 6/24, 4:31 PM CT |
|
The Giants have agreed in principle to a six-year contract extension with guard Chris Snee, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Financial terms of the deal aren't known at this time, but the Ledger's source said Snee will now be among the top five highest-paid players at his position.
Our View: Of course coach Tom Coughlin wants to give his son-in-law more money. Nepotism, anyone? We're kidding, of course. Snee is one of the better young guards in the NFL. |
|
| Quinn approaching camp like a starter | Tuesday 6/24, 3:32 PM CT |
|
Brady Quinn, without rocking the boat, is not approaching training camp like a guy resigned to being second string. He says he is looking forward to competing with Derek Anderson, according to USA Today. "That has to be my mindset going in regardless what people may say because if I'm not preparing that way I'm doing our team an injustice," said Quinn.
Our View: Quinn threw the football much better in mini-camp than he did a year ago. The entire offense looked better because it has been in the same scheme for more than a year, but Quinn particularly looks improved. Following a 10-win season, the expectations have been ratcheted up a couple of notches in Cleveland. Though everyone is saying the right things, it will be interesting to see what happens at the position, if the Browns stumble out of the gate in 2008. |
|
| Suspect arrested in Walker case | Tuesday 6/24, 3:10 PM CT |
|
Las Vegas police said they have made an arrest in the robbery and beating case involving Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker, according to ESPN. Las Vegas police Lt. Clinton Nichols said Tuesday that 30-year-old Arfat Fadel is suspected of multiple felonies, including kidnapping and robbery.
Our View: Fadel was arrested Friday and police are still looking for a second suspect. Nichols said the 29-year-old Walker got into a vehicle with the two men early June 16 before he was found beaten and unconscious on a side street near the Las Vegas Strip. Walker told police $3,000 in cash and about $100,000 in jewelry were taken. Walker suffered a moderate concussion and significant facial injuries. He was treated at a Las Vegas hospital and released last Wednesday. |
|
| Prater on target to start for Denver | Tuesday 6/24, 2:06 PM CT |
|
Matt Prater missed the final few days of the final offseason camp with a sore groin. Other than that, his offseason has been pretty good. Prater made every kick in live drills during practices, and if he can continue that in training camp he will have no problem locking up the job as Jason Elam's replacement, according to USA Today. "I've been really consistent so far, which I have to prove to everyone," Prater said.
Our View: So far, so good for Prater, who has only attempted four field goals during his two-year professional career. |
|
| Cottam could start in two-TE sets | Tuesday 6/24, 1:56 PM CT |
|
Tight end Brad Cottam, a third-round pick out of Tennessee, was impressive enough in spring that he likely will be a starter when the Kansas City Chiefs open games in a two-tight end formation, according to USA Today.
Our View: Cottam is a better blocker than receiver, but that's exactly what the team needs him to be. Cottam’s presence as a blocker could free up Tony Gonzalez to get even more involved in the passing offense. |
|
| Taylor working with first team | Tuesday 6/24, 1:29 PM CT |
|
Tony Taylor, a second-year, undrafted free agent, has worked as the starting middle linebacker since veteran Keith Brooking was moved to the weak side in April, according to USA Today. Taylor lacks the great speed, height or mashing temperament typically required for the position, but he could get by because he is bracketed by Brooking and Michael Boley.
Our View: Head coach Mike Smith has been very complimentary toward Taylor but he continues to say the training competition between Taylor and second-round pick Curtis Lofton will be very interesting. |
|
| Stewart on target for training camp | Tuesday 6/24, 1:23 PM CT |
|
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox expects rookie running back Jonathan Stewart to be ready for training camp, according to USA Today. "He's out of his boot and he's one schedule. He will be coming here shortly and being doing rehab with our medical people and they are telling me he will be ready for July 25 (the start of training camp)."
Our View: Stewart is considered by many to be the most complete running back in the draft, and is expected to push DeAngelo Williams for the starting role in 2008. |
|
| Saints, Ellis not discussing contract | Tuesday 6/24, 1:17 PM CT |
|
First-round draft pick Sedrick Ellis is not expecting to sign a contract as quickly as some of the players picked ahead of him in the draft this spring, according to USA Today. "I don't even think there's been any discussions," Ellis said recently.
Our View: Ellis said he doubted that negotiations will begin until July, which is when the Saints typically start signing their draft picks, and will wait to see what type of deal defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, the fifth pick, gets from the Kansas City Chiefs. |
|
| Meachem displaying improvement | Tuesday 6/24, 1:13 PM CT |
|
One of the most encouraging signs of the New Orleans Saints' recently concluded offseason workouts was the play of second-year wide receiver Robert Meachem, according to USA Today.
Our View: After receiving praise from Saints coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and quarterback Drew Brees for his attitude and work ethic in the spring, Meachem will at least go into training camp with much more confidence than last season. The Saints passing game has produced 4400+ yards and averaged 27 touchdowns in the past two seasons, so Meachem is a player to keep a close eye on as training camp approaches. He is expected to battle the inconsistent Devery Henderson for the No. 3 role, and WR2 David Patten, 33, has never caught more than 54 balls in a season during his 11-year career, so there is definitely room for upward mobility within the receiver corps. |
|
| Cadillac making great progress | Tuesday 6/24, 1:03 PM CT |
|
Cadillac Williams is making great progress and it appears he will be able to play again in 2008, according to USA Today. Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee against Carolina last October. While he is unable to participate in team drills, he has been running sprints, cutting and catching footballs.
Our View: Williams, the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 2005, knows he still has a long way to go before he can jog back into the huddle. But his determination and work habits following surgery have carried him further faster than even he originally imagined. Teams can only take 80 players to training camp, so Williams could be placed on the active/physically unable to perform list. If he is unable to participate by the start of the regular season, he could go on reserve/PUP, meaning he would miss at least six weeks recovering from his injury. |
|
| Redskins ink DE Jackson | Tuesday 6/24, 12:52 PM CT |
|
The Washington Redskins have signed rookie defensive end Rob Jackson to an undisclosed contract, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Jackson is a seventh-round pick out of Kansas State, who was credited with 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks in two collegiate seasons. He was honorable mention All-Big 12 as a senior last season. |
|
| Solari installing zone-blocking scheme | Tuesday 6/24, 12:42 PM CT |
|
Seattle Seahawks new offensive line coach Mike Solari has been very muted about some of the changes he may make along a front that was at times in tatters last season. But offensive guard Rob Sims recently revealed that Solari has been attempting to implement a zone-blocking scheme that should allow for the offensive front to be exposed less, according to USA Today.
Our View: The Seahawks have been restricted in their mini-camps because left tackle Walter Jones and center Chris Spencer have missed the entire offseason recovering from surgeries. And Sims missed part of two OTAs to recover from knee surgery. However, running back Julius Jones should be a good fit in the one-cut scheme, adding to his intrigue as a sleeper type back in 2008. |
|
| Smith impressive at mini-camps | Tuesday 6/24, 11:55 AM CT |
|
Running back Musa Smith, who has been hampered by injuries during his five-year tenure with Baltimore, looked sharp during the New York Jets' recent mini-camp and could earn a spot on the roster if he contributes on special teams, according to the Sporting News.
Our View: Smith is mired on the depth chart behind Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and Jesse Chatman. His best chance to make the roster will be to contribute on special teams, and given his size, could be given a shot at backing up Tony Richardson at fullback. |
|
| Dolphins confident in Ginn | Tuesday 6/24, 11:48 AM CT |
|
The Miami Dolphins seem confident in Ted Ginn Jr.'s ability to have a breakout season, especially given his progress as a route runner late last season, according to the Sporting News.
Our View: Ginn has the speed and hands to become elite deep threat, and the new coaching staff intends to lighten his load on special teams so he'll have fresh legs to use those assets to his advantage on offense. He posted 34 receptions for 420 yards and two scores last year, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Ginn to double those numbers across the board in 2008. |
|
| Bradshaw admits steroid use | Tuesday 6/24, 11:30 AM CT |
|
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw said in a radio interview with Dan Patrick last week that he used steroids during the 1970s, when he was leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles, according to AOL.com.
Our View: Bradshaw indicated that he obtained the steroids with a doctor's prescription, and that his primary motivation in using them was to recover from injuries, not to build muscle. |
|
| Breaston impressing Whisenhunt | Tuesday 6/24, 11:23 AM CT |
|
Wide receiver Steve Breaston has been extremely consistent during offseason practices, and is considered the frontrunner for the No. 3 role in Arizona, according to the Arizona Republic.
"You always get players that flash, and you want to get excited about them, but most of the time, it's one play here, one play there," head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "That wasn't the case with Steve. What's so impressive about him is, from the moment we started minicamp, it was every day. He made plays every day. And when you see that, you start to associate him with some of the better players in the league."
Our View: Breaston handled both the kickoff and punt return duties last season, and has bulked up during the offseason in an effort to make a bigger impact on offense. He’s intelligent, fast, elusive and not afraid of contact. And learning from two of the best in the business (Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin) is also a big plus in regards to his development. |
|
| Leftwich loses 25 pounds | Tuesday 6/24, 11:13 AM CT |
|
Unemployed quarterback Byron Leftwich claims he’s lost 25 pounds in an effort to return to the NFL but that hasn’t been enough for any team to give him a look since his release by Atlanta, according to Pro Football Talk.
Our View: Leftwich has never navigated the full 16-game slate during his five-year career due to various injuries. Given the fact that he isn’t currently on a NFL roster, it appears that most teams have questions about his ability to stay healthy. |
|
| Culpepper confirms contract offer | Tuesday 6/24, 10:56 AM CT |
|
Daunte Culpepper did indeed turn down an offer from the Green Bay Packers, the free agent NFL quarterback confirmed, but he declined to explain exactly why, according to the Ocala Star-Banner. "It just wasn't good for either side," said Culpepper.
Our View: The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported earlier this week that the Packers met with Culpepper in an effort to fill the backup spot behind starter Aaron Rodgers. The report indicated that the team extended Culpepper a 1-year, $1 million contract offer, which Culpepper refused. |
|
| Titans might honor Haynesworth’s request | Tuesday 6/24, 10:49 AM CT |
|
The Tennessee Titans might honor defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth's request to not be the team's franchise player in 2009, general manager Mike Reinfeldt said Monday, according to the Tennessean. "Albert wants to be in Tennessee and I think this would be his best place. So I think that's why we have entertained (that option)," Reinfeldt said. "With the right situation we might consider it."
Our View: Such an agreement would likely come with stipulations attached to Haynesworth's one-year tender that would give the Titans a chance to retain him. If the Titans don't sign Haynesworth to a long-term contract by July 15, he would play under a one-year, $7.25-million contract that can't be extended until after the last game of the 2008 season. |
|
| Pacman offended by Imus' comments | Tuesday 6/24, 10:40 AM CT |
|
Cornerback Adam Jones took exception to racial comments made about him by radio personality Don Imus on Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News. "I'm truly upset about the comments," Jones said. "Obviously Mr. Imus has problems with African-Americans. I'm upset, and I hope the station he works for handles it accordingly. I will pray for him."
Our View: During a morning segment on his WABC radio show in New York, Imus was listening to a report from anchor Warner Wolf about Jones dropping his nickname, "Pacman." Wolf mentioned that Jones was arrested six times since he was drafted in 2005. Imus then asked, "What color is he?" "He's African-American," Wolf said. "Well, there you go," Imus said. "Now we know." Imus was fired last year by MSNBC and CBS Radio for racial comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team. |
|
| Allen sued by former sports agency | Tuesday 6/24, 10:19 AM CT |
|
Cornerback Will Allen is being sued by his former sports agency, which alleges that the player failed to make payment on a settlement agreement made earlier this year, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: According to the complaint, filed June 17 in the Circuit Court of Broward County, Allen did not pay agent Tom Condon and his agency commissions due on the salary, signing bonus and incentive bonuses for the four-year contract Allen signed with the Dolphins in March of 2006. |
|
| Jackson drawing rave reviews | Tuesday 6/24, 10:07 AM CT |
|
Second-year running back Brandon Jackson received more raves for his offseason progress than any other Green Bay player, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. The coaching staff puts major stock in offseason work and is adamant that Jackson is a more confident, decisive runner after gaining strength and experience working in the weight room and on the field.
Our View: Jackson will backup Ryan Grant and makes for an intriguing handcuff if he continues to impress during training camp when the pads go on and the hitting commences. |
|
| Williams favorite for nickel role | Tuesday 6/24, 9:58 AM CT |
|
Second-year cornerback Tramon Williams had an impressive offseason for the second straight year and is the prohibitive favorite to be the Green Bay Packers' nickel back this season behind starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Our View: In today’s pass happy NFL teams need three solid corners, and if Williams’ development continues, he could become a starter down the road. |
|
| Martz praises Davis | Tuesday 6/24, 9:20 AM CT |
|
Vernon Davis garnered praise from new OC Mike Martz, according to the Sacramento Bee. Martz said, "I don't know if anyone in the league can run like Davis can at that position. He gets down the field so fast. I don't know who beats him in a footrace." Martz also noted that Davis worked the hardest among all of the players in the off-season.
Our View: Martz just wants to polish his pass routes, and the team is going to take advantage of his speed this season, meaning he could see time on the outside as a vertical threat. Davis has elite skills and has a chance to join the elite class among fantasy tight ends this season, while under the direction of Martz. |
|
| Jarrett has made strides | Tuesday 6/24, 9:14 AM CT |
|
Second-year wideout Dwayne Jarrett has made strides in the off-season, according to the Rock Hill Herald. He reportedly looked good during non-contact spring practices, and said earlier this month he's more focused on the mental side of the game than as a rookie. GM Marty Hurney said, "He just looks more comfortable out there, the year's helped him. He's approaching things the right way, working hard, doing things well in practice."
Our View: The team drafted him in 2007 to replace Keyshawn Johnson as Steve Smith's wingman as the number two receiver, but he failed to make an impact. Now, he will have less weight put on his shoulders, as the team brough back solid vet Muhsin Muhammad and acquired DJ Hackett from the Seahawks. Jarrett should work as the fourth receiver this season, and may be ready for a bigger role in his third campaign in 2009, meaning he is worth a look in keeper leagues, and could come at a rock bottom price following his recent arrest. |
|
| Bennett praises mentor Witten | Tuesday 6/24, 8:35 AM CT |
|
Rookie tight end Martellus Bennett praised Jason Witten, who is going to be his mentor in Dallas, according to the Dallas Morning News. Bennett said, "He's a technician. A lot of the stuff, he tries to be perfect with everything he does. That's one thing I've noticed about how he practices and his approach to practice and the tempo he goes at every day. He's a hard worker. It's fun to work with a guy like that."
Our View: Bennett will replace Anthony Fasano as the Cowboys' number two tight end. He is athletic with strong receiving skills and runs smooth routes. If he can develop quickly, then Witten could be moved around to serve time on the outside in the number two receiver spot, which looks to be an area of need if Terry Glenn does not return to the field. Patrick Crayton is not a vertical threat on the outside and is best suited for the slot. |
|
| Datish released | Tuesday 6/24, 8:27 AM CT |
|
The Falcons have released center Doug Datish, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He suffered through an injury plagued rookie campaign in 2007, as he needed surgery for a dislocated finger, and then broke his right wrist, which ended his year. He had no chance to push Todd McClure for the starting role at center this season. |
|
| Henry is due in court today | Tuesday 6/24, 8:23 AM CT |
|
Troubled receiver Chris Henry is due in court today, according to Heartland News. He was accused of punching a man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. Henry is charged with assault and criminal damaging in the case on Tuesday's court slate in Hamilton County.
Our View: His arrest in April was the former member of the Bengals fifth since 2005. He is suspended indefinitely by the NFL, but could be lifted if he is acquitted. |
|
| Dizon was arrested for DUI in April | Tuesday 6/24, 8:17 AM CT |
|
It has been disclosed that rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon (Colorado) was arrested for a DUI six days before the NFL Draft, according to the Daily Camera in Boulder. He was driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failed to provide proof of insurance.
Our View: His arrest went un-noticed, and he was selected by the Lions in the second-round. The NFL can discipline him, and he has a trial set for October 21. |
|
|
|
