| Seattle signs Bryant | Friday 7/18, 11:18 PM CT |
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The Seattle Seahawks have signed their fourth-round pick, defensive tackle Red Bryant, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Bryant joins a defensive tackle corp that already has at least five players, so he will have to fight for playing time. |
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| Tribble inks deal | Friday 7/18, 10:26 PM CT |
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Cornerback DeJuan Tribble hA signed a four-year deal with the San Diego Chargers, according to Pro Football Weekly. He was the team's sixth-round selection in the draft.
Our View: The Chargers have a number of talented corners, including first round selection Antoine Cason, so Tribble will probably see most of his time on special teams. |
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| Chargers sign Hester | Friday 7/18, 10:22 PM CT |
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Jacob Hester, the Chargers third-round pick in the NFL draft, has signed a four-year contract that includes a signing bonus of $833,000, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Hester will back up LaDainian Tomlinson, play fullback, and may even line up in the slot at receiver for San Diego. Still, his fantasy value is not very high as the Chargers possess so many other playmakers. |
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| Johnson could rebound for big year | Friday 7/18, 8:30 PM CT |
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Tight end Eric Johnson has looked very good in the offseason and could be in store for a big year in 2008 after a somewhat disappointing season in 2007, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Johnson was not bad last year, racking up 48 receptions for 378 yards and two touchdowns, but New Orleans clearly expected more. His new comfort level in the Saints offense should be kept in mind by fantasy owners, as Johnson has the ability to become a serviceable player. |
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| James will have to fight for roster spot | Friday 7/18, 8:24 PM CT |
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Defensive end Erasmus James, a former first-round selection of the Vikings, will have to perform very well in training camp and the preseason in order to make the Redskins final roster, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: James has been a bust after coming out of Wisconsin with such high expectations. He only accumulated seven tackles and one sack last season and his time in the NFL may be winding down. |
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| Mikell in battle to start | Friday 7/18, 8:12 PM CT |
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Quintin Mikell will battle Sean Considine to be the starter at strong safety for the Eagles, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Both players have something to prove, though Mikell, who registered 75 tackles last season, is said to have the edge on the starting job. |
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| Kearse gets first shot at starting | Friday 7/18, 8:05 PM CT |
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Jevon Kearse will be given the first opportunity to become the team's starter at left defensive end, with rookie fourth-round pick William Hayes seeing some snaps, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Kearse has not had a big season in some time, and at 32 years of age, his best football is clearly behind him. Still, if he can muster up eight sacks or so, you would have to consider that a success. |
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| Jones may only be fourth receiver | Friday 7/18, 7:59 PM CT |
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Jacoby Jones' game has not matured as quickly as the Texans have hoped, and he could wind up simply being the fourth wideout on the squad, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Houston seemingly falls in and out of love with Jones on a regular basis, but the second-year pro clearly has the skills to excel at some point. For now, he will have to make due on special teams while getting the occasional snap. |
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| Pouha to see increased time | Friday 7/18, 7:55 PM CT |
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Defensive tackle Sione Pouha will see plenty of snaps as the backup to Kris Jenkins in order to keep Jenkins fresh, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: It is widely known that Jenkins has trouble staying in shape, so Pouha's presence may allow Jenkins to play fewer snaps, therefore increasing his effectiveness. |
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| Williams signs with Titans | Friday 7/18, 7:42 PM CT |
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The Tennessee Titans have signed their seventh-round pick, cornerback Cary Williams, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Williams will fight for a roster spot after coming out of Washburn University. He had seven interceptions his senior season. |
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| Porter tears hamstring | Friday 7/18, 5:48 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Jerry Porter had surgery for a torn hamstring and will miss the preseason, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Porter is expected to contribute handsomely to the Jacksonville offense, but keep the injury in mind during fantasy drafts, as hamstrings are notorious for being nagging injuries. |
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| Anderson working to get better | Friday 7/18, 5:37 PM CT |
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Jamaal Anderson has been working on his technique in order to get better, in an effort to improve on his poor performance his rookie season, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: He couldn't get much worse. A top-10 pick a year ago, Anderson did not even whiff the quarterback and ended the year with no sacks. He has nowhere to go but up. |
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| Bears eyeing Simms | Friday 7/18, 5:30 PM CT |
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With neither Rex Grossman nor Kyle Orton doing much to make themselves stand out, the Chicago Bears would likely jump at the chance to acquire Chris Simms, but only if he is cut, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The Bears apparently don't want to make a trade for Simms, but it seems unlikely that Tampa would just let him go for free. If Orton and Grossman don't pick it up, however, it wouldn't be shocking to see Chicago make a play for Simms. |
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| Bengals to run the ball more this season | Friday 7/18, 5:09 PM CT |
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The Cincinnati Bengals are planning to run the ball more this season as Rudi Johnson returns to health, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Johnson was awful last year, averaging 2.9 yards per carry for the season. He is a bruising runner when fully healthy, and has the ability to put up good numbers for fantasy players. However, expect his touches to be down from recent years as Cincinnati has a number of options in the backfield, including Kenny Watson, Kenny Irons and Chris Perry. |
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| Evans unlikely to holdout | Friday 7/18, 5:04 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Lee Evans is not likely to be a training camp holdout despite his desire for a new contract, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: This is good news for fantasy players as Evans has more time to work with quarterback Trent Edwards. Evans was a disappointment in fantasy play last season, so working with Edwards as much as possible in training camp should help. |
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| Smith waived by Ravens | Friday 7/18, 4:38 PM CT |
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Linebacker Mike Smith has been waived by the Ravens after receiving an injury settlement, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Smith did not play last season after injuring his shoulder in 2006. This does not affect the Ravens defense for fantasy purposes whatsoever. |
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| Arrington inks deal | Friday 7/18, 4:22 PM CT |
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Adrian Arrington has signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The seventh round selection agreed to a three-year deal.
Our View: Arrington will battle the Saints plethora of wide outs and may have a difficult time making the team's final roster. |
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| Young's jersey to be retired at Texas | Friday 7/18, 4:20 PM CT |
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Vince Young will have his jersey number retired at the University of Texas, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Young was a national champion and one of the most productive players ever to come out of the University, and there is little doubt he deserves the honor. |
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| Jets ink Keller | Friday 7/18, 3:45 PM CT |
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The Jets have inked first-round pick (30th overall) Dustin Keller (Purdue), according to Newsday. Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Keller has solid hands and is tough to bring down after the catch, but lacks bulk at 6-4 240 pounds, and still needs a lot of work as a blocker. He could develop into a productive NFL tight end, but his fantasy potential will likely be limited as a rookie. |
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| Westbrook fires agent | Friday 7/18, 3:39 PM CT |
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Brian Westbrook has decided to fire his agent (Fletcher Smith), which could potentially lead to the elite running back holding out from the start of training camp, according to the AP. Westbrook is currently unhappy with his current five-year, $25 million contract with the Eagles. Unable to negotiate a new deal, Westbrook fired Smith on Monday and is considering holding out from training camp, which opens Monday for rookies and selected veterans in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. According to the NFLPA, Westbrook cannot officially hire a new agent until Saturday, but Westbrook likely will name John Rickert as Smith’s replacement.
Our View: Westbrook knows how valuable he is to the Eagles' offense, and you cannot fault him for wanting a lucrative new deal. We will continue to monitor the situation heading up to training camp.
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| Sypniewski officially placed on IR | Friday 7/18, 2:55 PM CT |
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Quinn Sypniewski, who tore his ACL during the Ravens' minicamp in April, has officially been placed on the IR, hence ending his 2008 season, according to the Ravens.com.
Our View: Daniel Wilcox will serve as Todd Heap's primary backup this season. |
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| Smith signs with Ravens | Friday 7/18, 2:38 PM CT |
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Fourth-round pick Marcus Smith (New Mexico) has signed a three-year deal with the Ravens, according to the AP. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He is physical and makes plays in traffic and the team envisions him to be a slot receiver. He should challenge for the number four receiver role as a rookie behind starters Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason and projected slot man Demetrius Williams. His fantasy value will be low in his debut campaign. |
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| Chiefs sign Morgan | Friday 7/18, 2:13 PM CT |
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Third-round pick DaJuan Morgan (North Carolina State) signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs, according to the AP. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Morgan is a solid well-rounded safety who can play either spot at the position. He should work as a backup as a rookie, but could challenge for a starting spot, likely as soon as 2009. |
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| Saints ink Mehlhaff | Friday 7/18, 2:06 PM CT |
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Rookie Taylor Mehlhaff (Wisconsin) has inked a three-year deal with the Saints, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He is expected to battle Martin Gramatica for the starting gig at kicker through training camp. He was a first-team All-America and a finalist for the Lou Groza award in 2007. He has a strong leg and the Saints have the guns to score a lot of points, meaning the rookie could hold solid fantasy value if he beats out Gramatica. |
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| Bears close to signing top pick | Friday 7/18, 1:36 PM CT |
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The Bears are close to signing their first-round pick, offensive tackle Chris Williams, according to the Chicago Tribune. His agent, Bill Johnson, stated, " We have exchanged dialogue and proposals. I respect the Bears' diligence in working toward a timely resolution, particularly with training camp right around the corner." He is expected to sign a five-year contract, with $9 million guaranteed.
Our View: This would be a key signing before the club heads into training camp. Williams will be needed to fill a void on the offensive line at left tackle, which would allow John Tait to cover the right side, which he is best suited for. |
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| Redskins ink Thomas | Friday 7/18, 12:24 PM CT |
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The Redskins have inked second-round pick Devin Thomas (Michigan State) to a four-year deal worth $4.8 million, according to ESPN.
Our View: The 21-year-old Thomas caught 79 passes for 1,260 yards as a junior at Michigan State, and he may prove to be the best receiver in the 2008 draft class. His fantasy value as a rookie may be limited however, as he learns the ropes. |
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| LT campaigning to be top pick | Friday 7/18, 11:18 AM CT |
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LaDainian Tomlinson was campaigning in Times Square - to be the top overall pick in fantasy drafts this season, according to the USA Today. He said, "I should be the No. 1 pick because I'm proven. LT in '08. I've been doing it for a while and have experience helping owners win their leagues. I got a good track record, and I'll be ready on day one."
Our View: He gets our vote for top pick, and he should get yours too, if you are lucky enough to hold the number one slot in your drafts. Not many players have been as consistent over the past several seasons as LT. |
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| Taylor still prefers to be traded | Friday 7/18, 9:58 AM CT |
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Jason Taylor indicated in an interview with ESPN that he would not commit to training camp with the Dolphins and would still prefer to be traded to a contender, according to the Sun-Sentinel. He added, "I want to win games. I don't play this game for fame or money. It's fun when you play it and you win. t's about winning. Being 1-15 and being on the doorstep of 0-16 isn't what this game is about."
Our View: If Taylor sits out at the beginning of training camp, it probably won't last heading into the regular season. His plan is to play this season. |
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| Brown working extra hard | Friday 7/18, 9:06 AM CT |
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Reggie Brown has doubled his workouts in a bid to come back stronger following a disappointing 2007 campaign, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Brown has taken it to heart that the Eagles missed the playoffs last season despite having a strong defense and solid offense. He is also seemingly ready to embrace his role as the number one receiver in the aerial attack, which could make him a solid sleeper candidate for 2008. If Donovan McNabb stays intact (which is always a big "if"), Brown could challenge 1,000 yards. |
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| Mitchell released by Titans | Friday 7/18, 8:55 AM CT |
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Shirdonya Mitchell has been released by the Titans, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: Mitchell has been with the Dolphins, Colts, and Lions prior to being signed by the Titans this past off-season. He had little to no shot to earn a backup role at cornerback with the Titans. |
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| Stephens released | Friday 7/18, 8:51 AM CT |
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Leonard Stephens has been released by the Titans, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: Stephens has been bumped around between the Chargers, Buccaneers, Redskins, Lions, and Seahawks before landing in Tennessee. The Titans are well stocked at the tight end position, following the addition of Alge Crumpler, and Stephens had little chance to make the final roster. |
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| Patriots ink Wilhite | Friday 7/18, 8:03 AM CT |
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The Patriots have inked fourth-round pick Jonathan Wilhite (Auburn) to a four-year deal, according to the Boston Globe. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Wilhite will compete with fellow rookie Terrence Wheatley, second-year player Mike Richardson, and veterans Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, and Lewis Sanders to replace Asante Samuel and Randall Gay. Wilhite possesses solid instincts and toughness and was a solid pick for the fourth round.
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| Vikings silent on tampering charge | Friday 7/18, 7:35 AM CT |
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The Vikings are remaining silent on the tampering charge against them involving Brett Favre, according to the Star Tribune. A team spokesman said, "We are not commenting on the issue. These types of matters are handled by the league."
Our View: If found guilty of having "inappropriate dialogue" with Favre, the Vikings could face penalties that include the loss of draft picks and/or fines.
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