The NFL announced its five finalists to succeed the retiring Paul Tagliabue as commissioner, naming two attorneys with close ties to the league and two corporate executives to join front-runner Roger Goodell.
Goodell, the NFL's chief operating officer, remained the clear favorite to be elected when the league's 32 team owners meet next week in Chicago. The other finalists selected by an eight-owner search committee are Washington-based attorney Gregg H. Levy, the league's chief outside counsel; Frederick R. Nance, an attorney in Cleveland; Robert L. Reynolds, the vice chairman and chief operating officer of Fidelity Investments; and Mayo A. Shattuck III, the Baltimore-based chairman, president and chief executive of Constellation Energy.
"We've really done a very thorough job," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a member of the search committee, said Sunday. "Any of these men is qualified to be commissioner of the NFL."
Each of the five finalists is scheduled to address the owners during a three-day meeting in Chicago beginning next Monday. Jones said the search committee will not make a recommendation to the owners about which candidate to select. Tagliabue, who is retiring after a 17-year reign in which the NFL became the nation's most prosperous sports league, directed the search process and has been careful to try to avoid the sort of stalemate that existed when the owners took seven months to choose between him and fellow finalist Jim Finks in 1989 to succeed Pete Rozelle.
"This is not your normal deal where you have a committee that steps in here and kind of comes up with some decisions," Jones said. "This is truly a presenting of our options to 32 guys. . . . We all know what happened with Rozelle and what happened with Paul, that process that was involved there. . . . I think everybody worked hard and spent a lot of time on this."
Levy, 53, is a partner at Covington & Burling, the firm at which Tagliabue worked before he was elected commissioner. Two years ago, he kept the NFL's draft eligibility rule intact by winning the league's appeal of a ruling in a lawsuit brought by former Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett. Next to Goodell, he is the closest thing on the list to an internal candidate.
Nance, 52, is the managing partner of the Cleveland office of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey and handled the city's negotiations with the league that secured the return of the Browns franchise in 1999. He was involved in the negotiations for the Browns' $300 million stadium project, and he has represented NBA star LeBron James. Nance, who is African American, is the only minority candidate among the finalists.
Reynolds, 54, has worked for Fidelity for 22 years and was named vice chairman and COO in 2000. Shattuck, 51, is a former investment banker who now heads a company ranked 125th on the Fortune 500.
A candidate needs at least 22 votes among the 32 teams to be elected, and several sources familiar with the owners' deliberations said last week that Goodell had sufficient support to be selected in Chicago. Goodell, 47, joined the league office as an intern in 1982 and worked his way up to being Tagliabue's top lieutenant.
"I believe, stronger than ever, that it will be Roger," said one owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the league has discouraged public comments by owners not directly involved with the search.
The search committee, headed by the Pittsburgh Steelers' Dan Rooney and the Carolina Panthers' Jerry Richardson, considered 185 candidates with the aid of a search firm, then conducted face-to-face interviews with 11 candidates last week. League counsel Jeff Pash and Eric Grubman, the NFL's executive vice president of finance and strategic transactions, had been regarded as strong internal candidates but weren't named finalists.....
Scratch one more 2006 first round draft pick holdout as St. Louis has agreed to terms with CB Tye Hill, the 15th overall selection this past April. That leaves just three unsigned first round picks who have still not come to terms including Buffalo DB Donte Whitner, Philadelphia DT Brodrick Bunkley, and Miami DB Jason Allen.....
Arizona will hit the practice field later this morning making the Cardinals the last NFL team to formally open training camp. And all eyes will be on whether QB Matt Leinart is with the rest of the Cardinals when they take the field this morning. Leinart, the 10th player selected overall, had reportedly been in Flagstaff in recent days, but latest reports had Leinart leaving town.
Bengals supp draft pick in camp... It didn't show up on all the national wires, but Cincinnati did sign former Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks, whom the Bengals selected at this summer's supplemental draft with a 2007 3rd round choice, late last week.....
Seattle has signed CB Kelly Jennings, the Seahawks’ #1 pick at the 2006 draft, to a five-year deal in excess of $9.5 million that includes approximately $5 million in guaranteed money.....
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
WILL PULLS THE TRIGER
JONZUN FFL 2006 DRAFT ORDER
1) Boozers
2) Dawgs
3) Streak
4) Fifes
5) Funkadelic
6) Cats
7)PE
8) 72's
9) Steamers
10)Prop 48's
11) D. Suit
12) Instant Replay
Friday August 25th 7:00 pm
1) Boozers
2) Dawgs
3) Streak
4) Fifes
5) Funkadelic
6) Cats
7)PE
8) 72's
9) Steamers
10)Prop 48's
11) D. Suit
12) Instant Replay
Friday August 25th 7:00 pm
BUSH IN
New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the second player taken at the 2006 draft, and Detroit LB Ernie Sims, the Lions’ #1 pick this year, have both agreed to terms with their respective teams ending short holdouts. Bush reportedly agreed to a six-year deal with the Saints late last night however terms are not available. With the signings of Bush and Sims the number of unsigned 2006 first rounders is down to 6. Of the remaining unsigned first rounders, 5 are officially considered holdouts including Buffalo DB Donte Whitner, Philadelphia DT Brodrick Bunkley, St. Louis CB Tye Hill, Miami DB Jason Allen and Seattle CB Kelly Jennings. The remaining unsigned #1 pick is Arizona QB Matt Leinart whose Cardinals do not have their initial practice until Monday.....
Indianapolis has signed RB Joseph Addai , the Colts' #1 pick at the 2006 draft. ....
Cincinnati has signed CB Johnathan Joseph, the team's #1 pick at the 2006 draft....
Green Bay has signed LB A.J. Hawk, the 5th player selected at the 2006 draft, to a reported 6Y, $37.5M deal. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has signed WR Santonio Holmes, the Steelers' first-round pick this year.
Indianapolis has signed RB Joseph Addai , the Colts' #1 pick at the 2006 draft. ....
Cincinnati has signed CB Johnathan Joseph, the team's #1 pick at the 2006 draft....
Green Bay has signed LB A.J. Hawk, the 5th player selected at the 2006 draft, to a reported 6Y, $37.5M deal. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has signed WR Santonio Holmes, the Steelers' first-round pick this year.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Judge rules against Bucs; league defends pat-downs
July 28, 2006CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
TAMPA, Fla. -- Security "pat-downs" of fans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers games are unconstitutional and unreasonable, a federal judge ruled Friday, throwing into question the practice at NFL games nationwide.
U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore issued an order siding with a season-ticket holder who had sued to stop the fan searches that began last season after the NFL implemented enhanced security measures.
High school civics teacher Gordon Johnson sued the Tampa Sports Authority, which operates the stadium, to stop officials from conducting the "suspicionless" searches. A state judge agreed with Johnston that the searches are likely unconstitutional and halted them.
The case was later moved to federal court, where the sports authority sought to have that order thrown out. Whittemore refused Friday, writing that the pat-downs "constitute unreasonable searches under the Florida Constitution and the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution."
Further, Whittemore said the Tampa Sports Authority failed to establish that the risks outweigh the need to protect the public from unreasonable searches.
Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, which sued on Johnston's behalf, said Whittemore's decision could turn out to be significant.
"It's obviously not going to govern what's happening around the country, but it's certainly going to be an influential precedent," Simon said. "Other courts may look at it."
Simon said he thinks the decision shows that courts are "pushing back" at governmental attempts to violate citizens' civil rights on the basis of a perceived threat of terrorism or crime.
Rick Zabak, an attorney for Tampa Sports Authority, said the decision will be appealed.
"We're disappointed, and we respectfully disagree with the judge's conclusions," Zabak said.
Calls to an NFL spokesman were not immediately returned Friday. In a previous statement, the NFL said "these limited screenings are reasonable and important to the protection of our fans."
Another NFL pat-down case made it into federal court last week when the Chicago Park District sued in federal court to challenge the planned searches by police at Chicago Bears games.
TAMPA, Fla. -- Security "pat-downs" of fans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers games are unconstitutional and unreasonable, a federal judge ruled Friday, throwing into question the practice at NFL games nationwide.
U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore issued an order siding with a season-ticket holder who had sued to stop the fan searches that began last season after the NFL implemented enhanced security measures.
High school civics teacher Gordon Johnson sued the Tampa Sports Authority, which operates the stadium, to stop officials from conducting the "suspicionless" searches. A state judge agreed with Johnston that the searches are likely unconstitutional and halted them.
The case was later moved to federal court, where the sports authority sought to have that order thrown out. Whittemore refused Friday, writing that the pat-downs "constitute unreasonable searches under the Florida Constitution and the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution."
Further, Whittemore said the Tampa Sports Authority failed to establish that the risks outweigh the need to protect the public from unreasonable searches.
Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, which sued on Johnston's behalf, said Whittemore's decision could turn out to be significant.
"It's obviously not going to govern what's happening around the country, but it's certainly going to be an influential precedent," Simon said. "Other courts may look at it."
Simon said he thinks the decision shows that courts are "pushing back" at governmental attempts to violate citizens' civil rights on the basis of a perceived threat of terrorism or crime.
Rick Zabak, an attorney for Tampa Sports Authority, said the decision will be appealed.
"We're disappointed, and we respectfully disagree with the judge's conclusions," Zabak said.
Calls to an NFL spokesman were not immediately returned Friday. In a previous statement, the NFL said "these limited screenings are reasonable and important to the protection of our fans."
Another NFL pat-down case made it into federal court last week when the Chicago Park District sued in federal court to challenge the planned searches by police at Chicago Bears games.
Dallas has reportedly signed LB Bobby Carpenter, the Cowboys' #1 at the 2006 draft. Carpenter, the 18th player chosen overall, has agreed to a five-year contract with a maximum value of $11 million, including $7.5 million in guarantees. Meanwhile, Jacksonville has signed TE Marcedes Lewis, the Jaguars first-round pick in the 2006 draft, to a five-year contract.....
San Francisco has reportedly come to terms with TE Vernon Davis, the 6th pick overall at the 2006 draft. In fact, in signing what is being reported as a 5Y, $23-25M deal, Davis is already the NFL’s highest paid TE despite the fact he has never played a down in the pros. Meanwhile, New England has reportedly signed RB Laurence Maroney, the Patriots’ #1 pick this year, while Buffalo has signed DT John McCargo, the second of two Bills’ #1 picks this year. The Bills, though, still have to sign SS Donte Whitner, their first pick this year......
Baltimore has signed DT Haloti Ngata, the Ravens' #1 pick at the 2006 draft to a five-year deal, the defensive tackle's one-day holdout. Ngata, the 12th overall selection this year, is expected to report to training camp Saturday after missing both practices Friday, the first day of camp.....
Green Bay has signed LB A.J. Hawk, the 5th player selected at the 2006 draft, to a reported 6Y, $37.5M deal. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has signed WR Santonio Holmes, the Steelers' first-round pick this year. The signings of Hawk and Holmes, former teammates at Ohio State, brings to 23 the number of first round selections this year to have agreed to terms. Of the remaining 9 unsigned first rounders, 5 are officially considered holdouts including New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the second player taken overall, Buffalo DB Donte Whitner, Detroit LB Ernie Sims, Philadelphia DT Brodrick Bunkley and St. Louis CB Tye Hill. The other four unsigned #1 picks whose teams have not yet started practice include Arizona QB Matt Leinart, Miami DB Jason allen, Cincinnati CB Johnathan Joseph and Seattle CB Kelly Jennings.
San Francisco has reportedly come to terms with TE Vernon Davis, the 6th pick overall at the 2006 draft. In fact, in signing what is being reported as a 5Y, $23-25M deal, Davis is already the NFL’s highest paid TE despite the fact he has never played a down in the pros. Meanwhile, New England has reportedly signed RB Laurence Maroney, the Patriots’ #1 pick this year, while Buffalo has signed DT John McCargo, the second of two Bills’ #1 picks this year. The Bills, though, still have to sign SS Donte Whitner, their first pick this year......
Baltimore has signed DT Haloti Ngata, the Ravens' #1 pick at the 2006 draft to a five-year deal, the defensive tackle's one-day holdout. Ngata, the 12th overall selection this year, is expected to report to training camp Saturday after missing both practices Friday, the first day of camp.....
Green Bay has signed LB A.J. Hawk, the 5th player selected at the 2006 draft, to a reported 6Y, $37.5M deal. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has signed WR Santonio Holmes, the Steelers' first-round pick this year. The signings of Hawk and Holmes, former teammates at Ohio State, brings to 23 the number of first round selections this year to have agreed to terms. Of the remaining 9 unsigned first rounders, 5 are officially considered holdouts including New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the second player taken overall, Buffalo DB Donte Whitner, Detroit LB Ernie Sims, Philadelphia DT Brodrick Bunkley and St. Louis CB Tye Hill. The other four unsigned #1 picks whose teams have not yet started practice include Arizona QB Matt Leinart, Miami DB Jason allen, Cincinnati CB Johnathan Joseph and Seattle CB Kelly Jennings.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tennessee has signed both QB Vince Young and LenDale White, the Titans 1st and 2nd round picks at the 2006 draft. That means both will be available when the Titans open training camp later today. Young, the the 3rd pick overall at this year’s draft, agreed to a five-year deal with an option for a sixth that could be worth as much as $58M, $25.7M of which is guaranteed. In fact, Young’s deal reportedly tops that signed by Houston DE Mario Williams, the 1st player selected overall this year who signed with the Texans prior to the draft. Meanwhile, Denver has come to terms with QB Jay Cutler the 11th player selected at this year’s draft, to a deal reportedly worth up to $48M. The deal was expected to be signed in time for the Broncos' first workout later today. And Minnesota has signed LB Chad Greenway, the Vikings first-round pick at this April’s draft, while Kansas City has agreed to terms with first-round draft pick DE Tamba Hali, as well as third-round QB Brodie Croyle, bringing all their draft picks under contract a day before camp starts. Elsewhere, Atlanta has signed second round CB Jimmy Williams; because the Falcons did not have a 1st round pick this year after using as a part of the deal to acquire former Jets DE John Abraham in a pre-draft trade, Williams was actually the first player the Falcons took at April’s draft.....
New England placed WR Chad Jackson, the Patriots’ second round pick at the 2006 draft, on the physically-unable-to-perform list as the team gathered for the opening of training camp. Jackson reportedly tweaked a hamstring working out just prior to arriving in New England; he is not expected to miss any significant playing time. Jackson, in fact, was just one of ten players the Patriots placed on PUP imcluding star DT Richard Seymour, as well as DT Jonathan Sullivan, the 6th pick overall at the 2003 draft whom the Patriots acquired from New Orleans earlier this year.....
San Francisco has acquired a conditional pick from Houston in exchange for QB Cody Pickett. The condition likely is that Pickett make the Texans’ opening season 53-man roster this fall....
Speaking of San Francisco, the 49ers are reportedly close to signing former star junior-college LB David Dixon who was not selected at the supplemental draft earlier this month.....
CFB
Kansas State QB Allen Webb will reportedly transfer to Texas College where he will be immediately eligible for his senior season. The athletic 6-2, 205-pound Webb was a sometimes starter for the Wildcats, but was a better runner than passer and might get a look at the next level as a receiver or special teamer.
New England placed WR Chad Jackson, the Patriots’ second round pick at the 2006 draft, on the physically-unable-to-perform list as the team gathered for the opening of training camp. Jackson reportedly tweaked a hamstring working out just prior to arriving in New England; he is not expected to miss any significant playing time. Jackson, in fact, was just one of ten players the Patriots placed on PUP imcluding star DT Richard Seymour, as well as DT Jonathan Sullivan, the 6th pick overall at the 2003 draft whom the Patriots acquired from New Orleans earlier this year.....
San Francisco has acquired a conditional pick from Houston in exchange for QB Cody Pickett. The condition likely is that Pickett make the Texans’ opening season 53-man roster this fall....
Speaking of San Francisco, the 49ers are reportedly close to signing former star junior-college LB David Dixon who was not selected at the supplemental draft earlier this month.....
CFB
Kansas State QB Allen Webb will reportedly transfer to Texas College where he will be immediately eligible for his senior season. The athletic 6-2, 205-pound Webb was a sometimes starter for the Wildcats, but was a better runner than passer and might get a look at the next level as a receiver or special teamer.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
The New York Jets have announced that they have come to terms with OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the 4th player slected overall at the 2006 draft. Ferguson becomes just the 5th first round pick from last April's draft to have come to terms joining Houston DE Mario Williams, the #1 player selected this year who agreed to terms prior to the draft, Oakland FS Michael Huff, Cleveland DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley, and San Diego CB Antonio Cromarie. Meanwhile, the Jets are also reported close to signing C Nick Mangold, their second first-round pick this year. Elsewhere, three other second round picks also came to terms in the past 24 hours or so: St. Louis, for example, signed TE Joe Klopfenstien, Carolina signed CB Richard Marshall and Minnesota inked QB Tavaris Jackson.....
For just the second time since 2001, San Diego has got its first round pick signed in time for the opening of camp. The Chargers reportedly reached agreement with CB Antonio Cromartie, the 19th player selected this year on a a 5-year contract reportedly worth as much as $12.8M, with $7.4M in guarantees.....
Kennison said he would report to training camp with the Chiefs in time for the first practice Friday at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. But he also indicated he might leave camp at some point if the Chiefs don’t either give him a new contract with a raise or release him.
Starting today, when they report to training camp with their teammates, wide receivers Charles Rogers and Mike Williams have to do what is expected of them... Millen insisted the Lions could cut Rogers or Williams, regardless of draft status, financial commitment or salary-cap implications.....
The Broncos coach stated a clear stance toward Lelie on Wednesday: He will be fined for each day of training camp he misses.....
After keeping the information secret at first, Bears coach Lovie Smith indicated Wednesday that running back Thomas Jones and linebacker Lance Briggs will be relegated to backup status at least for today's opening practice... Briggs is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season...
Saban said he would still be willing to add players to his roster if the right opportunity presented itself, although he would not discuss specifics of talks between the Dolphins and free-agent defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson......
Titans General Manager Floyd Reese met again Wednesday with agent Major Adams, who represents Young, and the two sides were nearing agreement on what could be one of the biggest contracts for a rookie in NFL history......
USA Today is reporting that a group of former college officials headed by former NCAA President Cedric Dempsey will unveil plans later today to open a new spring minor football league. There will reportedly be eight teams which will use prominent colleges as their bases, and feature players from those schools and their affiliated conferences and surrounding regions. The league will start play in 2007, with each team probably playing a 14-game schedule from the second week of April to the end of June.
For just the second time since 2001, San Diego has got its first round pick signed in time for the opening of camp. The Chargers reportedly reached agreement with CB Antonio Cromartie, the 19th player selected this year on a a 5-year contract reportedly worth as much as $12.8M, with $7.4M in guarantees.....
Kennison said he would report to training camp with the Chiefs in time for the first practice Friday at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. But he also indicated he might leave camp at some point if the Chiefs don’t either give him a new contract with a raise or release him.
Starting today, when they report to training camp with their teammates, wide receivers Charles Rogers and Mike Williams have to do what is expected of them... Millen insisted the Lions could cut Rogers or Williams, regardless of draft status, financial commitment or salary-cap implications.....
The Broncos coach stated a clear stance toward Lelie on Wednesday: He will be fined for each day of training camp he misses.....
After keeping the information secret at first, Bears coach Lovie Smith indicated Wednesday that running back Thomas Jones and linebacker Lance Briggs will be relegated to backup status at least for today's opening practice... Briggs is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season...
Saban said he would still be willing to add players to his roster if the right opportunity presented itself, although he would not discuss specifics of talks between the Dolphins and free-agent defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson......
Titans General Manager Floyd Reese met again Wednesday with agent Major Adams, who represents Young, and the two sides were nearing agreement on what could be one of the biggest contracts for a rookie in NFL history......
USA Today is reporting that a group of former college officials headed by former NCAA President Cedric Dempsey will unveil plans later today to open a new spring minor football league. There will reportedly be eight teams which will use prominent colleges as their bases, and feature players from those schools and their affiliated conferences and surrounding regions. The league will start play in 2007, with each team probably playing a 14-game schedule from the second week of April to the end of June.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Oakland avoided a holdout involving its top pick at the 2006 draft when the Raiders signed safety Michael Huff to a five-year deal worth as much as $22.5M. Meanwhile, a couple of second round WRs also came to terms yesterday. New England, for example, signed WR Chad Jackson, the 36th player taken this year, while Green Bay signed WR Greg Jennings, the 52nd player selected this year.....
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and running back Thomas Jones have told coaches and teammates they will report to training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill., by the midnight Wednesday deadline. Briggs, in fact, was at Halas Hall on Monday.....
While Greg Ellis' hopes of having parts of his contract guaranteed appear to be stalled, the defensive end will be on the Cowboys' flight to Oxnard, Calif., on Thursday, according to his agent, Butch Williams.....
Schaffer still is actively pursuing trade partners for the Broncos in an attempt to find Lelie a new team, saying he was trying to work toward a 'more positive solution.' ...One scenario off the rumor mill had Titans running back Chris Brown, who played with the University of Colorado, on the Broncos' radar.....
The Dolphins are still in talks for the services of free-agent defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, according to his agent, John Hauser. If signed, Wilkinson, 33, would compete for time with Keith Traylor, 36, at nose tackle......
The Saints' contract talks with tailback Reggie Bush are "proceeding on a normal course," according to General Manager Mickey Loomis.....
The Tennessee Titans and first-round pick Vince Young are making progress toward a contract agreement that could get the quarterback into training camp on time.....
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and running back Thomas Jones have told coaches and teammates they will report to training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill., by the midnight Wednesday deadline. Briggs, in fact, was at Halas Hall on Monday.....
While Greg Ellis' hopes of having parts of his contract guaranteed appear to be stalled, the defensive end will be on the Cowboys' flight to Oxnard, Calif., on Thursday, according to his agent, Butch Williams.....
Schaffer still is actively pursuing trade partners for the Broncos in an attempt to find Lelie a new team, saying he was trying to work toward a 'more positive solution.' ...One scenario off the rumor mill had Titans running back Chris Brown, who played with the University of Colorado, on the Broncos' radar.....
The Dolphins are still in talks for the services of free-agent defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, according to his agent, John Hauser. If signed, Wilkinson, 33, would compete for time with Keith Traylor, 36, at nose tackle......
The Saints' contract talks with tailback Reggie Bush are "proceeding on a normal course," according to General Manager Mickey Loomis.....
The Tennessee Titans and first-round pick Vince Young are making progress toward a contract agreement that could get the quarterback into training camp on time.....
Monday, July 24, 2006
Tag's replacement?
Roger Goodell, the NFL's chief operating officer, is the front-runner to succeed Paul Tagliabue as commissioner, sources say, as the search process intensifies with a meeting of the 32 team owners today in Detroit....
Philadelphia DT Brodrick Bunkley, the 14th player taken at the 2006 draft, could become the NFL’s first official rookie holdout later today if he isn’t signed by the time the full Eagles’ veteran roster hits the field for their first full practice this morning. The Eagles have signed all their other 2006 draftees who have been working out with other rookies since last week. Meanwhile, Oakland opens camp later today with the Raiders first full practice scheduled for tomorrow.....
Brian Dawkins confirmed upon his arrival at Lehigh University yesterday that his agent, Jim Steiner, has been talking to the Eagles about a contract extension.....
Miami/Toronto RB Ricky Williams will undergo surgery Monday to repair a broken left arm and is expected to miss at least four weeks....
Ending one of the longest free agent sagas of the off-season, CB Ty Law has reportedly finally signed with Kansas City.....
Philadelphia DT Brodrick Bunkley, the 14th player taken at the 2006 draft, could become the NFL’s first official rookie holdout later today if he isn’t signed by the time the full Eagles’ veteran roster hits the field for their first full practice this morning. The Eagles have signed all their other 2006 draftees who have been working out with other rookies since last week. Meanwhile, Oakland opens camp later today with the Raiders first full practice scheduled for tomorrow.....
Brian Dawkins confirmed upon his arrival at Lehigh University yesterday that his agent, Jim Steiner, has been talking to the Eagles about a contract extension.....
Miami/Toronto RB Ricky Williams will undergo surgery Monday to repair a broken left arm and is expected to miss at least four weeks....
Ending one of the longest free agent sagas of the off-season, CB Ty Law has reportedly finally signed with Kansas City.....
Sunday, July 23, 2006
The Cowboys, around $12 million under the salary cap, have had talks with Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams regarding an extension, and Jones said they would like to have a deal done before the season ends....
Teams interested in acquiring Saints' running back Michael Bennett, including the Texans, will have to wait. Reggie Bush could hold out.....
Teams interested in acquiring Saints' running back Michael Bennett, including the Texans, will have to wait. Reggie Bush could hold out.....
Browns sign #1 pick... Cleveland has signed DE Kamerion Wimbley, the Browns' first-round pick at the 2006 draft, to a reported 6-year, $24M deal. Wimbley, taken 13th overall this pasr April, is only the second player selected in the first round to reach a deal. DE Mario Williams, the #1 player selected this year, signed with Houston prior to the draft....
Miami RB Ricky Williams, who is playing with Toronto in the Canadian league while he serves a year's suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, did not play in the second half of Saturday night's 26-23 win over Saskatchewan after apparently fracturing his left forearm. For the night, Williams had 17 yards on 4 carries. Meanwhile, former Nebraska QB Eric Crouch made his pro debut at QB after Argos' QB Spegon Wynn suffered a nasty head injury. Crouch, the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner who was a third round pick by St. Louis in 2002, completed 4 of his 9 passes, but one was a 94-yard completion scoring strike to Arland Bruce. Meanwhile, the early word is that Wynn will be okay; he was injured on the final play of the first half and remained on the field throughout the half-time break before being taken to hospital by ambulance....
Not surprisingly, with all NFL camps to be open within the next week, the number of 2006 draft picks who have come to terms with their respective teams continues to rise. Indeed, about a dozen more rookie draftees signed within the past 24 hours including a couple of second round picks. Kansas City, for example, has signed safety Bernard Pollard the 54th pick overall this year, while Baltimore signed C Chris Chester, taken two picks after Pollard, along with 3rd round CB David Pittman. Meanwhile, a number of undrafted free agents have been released including several highly-rated undrafted rookies. Minnesota, for example, released QB Barrick Nealy, while Tampa Bay released former star South Florida RB Andre Hall, as well as former West Virginia FS Jahmile Addae. Meanwhile, the Giants released the Coley twins from Southern Miss – LB Kevis and DB Trevis....
CFB
Miami FS Brandon Meriweather, one of the top 2-3 rated safeties for the 2007 draft, was involved in a bizarre shooting earlier today. According to preliminary reports, A Miami Hurricanes reserve safety was shot in the buttocks when confronted in his yard Friday morning by an unknown assailant, who fled after another player returned the gunfire, police said. Meriweather fired three shots at a fleeing assailant who had shot and wounded teammate Willie Cooper, a junior safety with the Hurricanes. The incident took place outside the pairs home. According to police, Meriweather used his gun legally. No word though if hit anything. For his part, Cooper suffered only a minor injury.....
Auburn CB Montavis Pitts, a decent second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has announced that he will leaving the SEC school and transfer. The 6-1, 195-pound Pitts was arrested last month on a drunk-driving charge. Pitts played in 40 games during his Auburn career where he made 106 tackles.
Miami RB Ricky Williams, who is playing with Toronto in the Canadian league while he serves a year's suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, did not play in the second half of Saturday night's 26-23 win over Saskatchewan after apparently fracturing his left forearm. For the night, Williams had 17 yards on 4 carries. Meanwhile, former Nebraska QB Eric Crouch made his pro debut at QB after Argos' QB Spegon Wynn suffered a nasty head injury. Crouch, the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner who was a third round pick by St. Louis in 2002, completed 4 of his 9 passes, but one was a 94-yard completion scoring strike to Arland Bruce. Meanwhile, the early word is that Wynn will be okay; he was injured on the final play of the first half and remained on the field throughout the half-time break before being taken to hospital by ambulance....
Not surprisingly, with all NFL camps to be open within the next week, the number of 2006 draft picks who have come to terms with their respective teams continues to rise. Indeed, about a dozen more rookie draftees signed within the past 24 hours including a couple of second round picks. Kansas City, for example, has signed safety Bernard Pollard the 54th pick overall this year, while Baltimore signed C Chris Chester, taken two picks after Pollard, along with 3rd round CB David Pittman. Meanwhile, a number of undrafted free agents have been released including several highly-rated undrafted rookies. Minnesota, for example, released QB Barrick Nealy, while Tampa Bay released former star South Florida RB Andre Hall, as well as former West Virginia FS Jahmile Addae. Meanwhile, the Giants released the Coley twins from Southern Miss – LB Kevis and DB Trevis....
CFB
Miami FS Brandon Meriweather, one of the top 2-3 rated safeties for the 2007 draft, was involved in a bizarre shooting earlier today. According to preliminary reports, A Miami Hurricanes reserve safety was shot in the buttocks when confronted in his yard Friday morning by an unknown assailant, who fled after another player returned the gunfire, police said. Meriweather fired three shots at a fleeing assailant who had shot and wounded teammate Willie Cooper, a junior safety with the Hurricanes. The incident took place outside the pairs home. According to police, Meriweather used his gun legally. No word though if hit anything. For his part, Cooper suffered only a minor injury.....
Auburn CB Montavis Pitts, a decent second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has announced that he will leaving the SEC school and transfer. The 6-1, 195-pound Pitts was arrested last month on a drunk-driving charge. Pitts played in 40 games during his Auburn career where he made 106 tackles.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Marshall Faulk
Veteran RB Marshall Faulk will have season-ending knee surgery next week the team confirmed Friday. For now, RB Tony Fisher will be the backup to starting RB Steven Jackson.....
The team does have interest in acquiring RB Michael Bennett from the Saints.
The team does have interest in acquiring RB Michael Bennett from the Saints.
48 DAY TO KICKOFF
The Saints released veteran safety Dwight Smith on Thursday after unsuccessful attempts to trade him the past three months... Smith said several teams already have shown interest, including Tampa Bay, where he played four seasons. He also mentioned Minnesota, Oakland and Dallas....
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf predicted Thursday that quarterback Brad Johnson will report to training camp happily and expressed no concerns about Johnson's contract status.....
Eagles center Jamaal Jackson said he always has believed in his ability to compete at a high level. Yesterday, the Eagles showed that same belief in the 26-year-old product of Delaware State. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Jackson, who started the final eight games last season after Hank Fraley was sidelined by a shoulder injury, signed a contract extension yesterday through the 2013 season."
PLAYERS TO WATCH 2007
RB Clifton Dawson, 5-10, 210, Harvard… Scatback who is on pace to finish his career as the Ivy League's all-time leading rusher. Consistent, durable back who has played in all but one game during his Harvard career. Already has more than 3,600 career rushing yards and 40 TDs; also a very good pass receiver with 56 career receptions, including 34 in 2005. Not overly big, but has bulked up to around 210 pounds. Also a member of the Harvard track team with a 7.2 time for 60M indoors. Big-play type who five career runs of at least 70 yards, plus a 50-yard plus pass reception and a 92-yard kick-off return. Doesn’t turn the ball over with just five fumbles in 800 career touches. Selected by Toronto in the 6th round of the 2006 CFL Draft... Meanwhile, other Canadian players to watch include LSU OT Peter Dyakowski, WRs Joe Cowan of UCLA and Obed Cetoute of Central Michigan, Tulsa OG John Hameister-Reis, and San Diego State TE Steve Schmidt.
Mkristo Bruce, Washington State… 6-6, 255, SR… Star WR Jason Hill gets most of the WSU draft headlines, however, in the end DE Mkristo Bruce may be the better prospect. Indeed, the rangy Bruce is one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2007 draft class, posting 16.5 sacks over the past couple of years, including 10 last fall. Bruce is a tall, rangy DE with long arms who disrupts passing lanes; he also has a very quick, long first step and is almost impossible for collegiate OTs to handle without help. Bruce also has decent closing speed with a 4.75 40 clocking, but plays faster. Bruce also has the functional strength to maintain leverage once he gets to the corner. And while he’s not overly bulky at around 255-260 pounds, Bruce is solid enough playing the run, posting 127 tackles the past two years.
Faulk seems set for surgery
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/7C7B37DA4738715B862571B200324280?OpenDocument
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf predicted Thursday that quarterback Brad Johnson will report to training camp happily and expressed no concerns about Johnson's contract status.....
Eagles center Jamaal Jackson said he always has believed in his ability to compete at a high level. Yesterday, the Eagles showed that same belief in the 26-year-old product of Delaware State. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Jackson, who started the final eight games last season after Hank Fraley was sidelined by a shoulder injury, signed a contract extension yesterday through the 2013 season."
PLAYERS TO WATCH 2007
RB Clifton Dawson, 5-10, 210, Harvard… Scatback who is on pace to finish his career as the Ivy League's all-time leading rusher. Consistent, durable back who has played in all but one game during his Harvard career. Already has more than 3,600 career rushing yards and 40 TDs; also a very good pass receiver with 56 career receptions, including 34 in 2005. Not overly big, but has bulked up to around 210 pounds. Also a member of the Harvard track team with a 7.2 time for 60M indoors. Big-play type who five career runs of at least 70 yards, plus a 50-yard plus pass reception and a 92-yard kick-off return. Doesn’t turn the ball over with just five fumbles in 800 career touches. Selected by Toronto in the 6th round of the 2006 CFL Draft... Meanwhile, other Canadian players to watch include LSU OT Peter Dyakowski, WRs Joe Cowan of UCLA and Obed Cetoute of Central Michigan, Tulsa OG John Hameister-Reis, and San Diego State TE Steve Schmidt.
Mkristo Bruce, Washington State… 6-6, 255, SR… Star WR Jason Hill gets most of the WSU draft headlines, however, in the end DE Mkristo Bruce may be the better prospect. Indeed, the rangy Bruce is one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2007 draft class, posting 16.5 sacks over the past couple of years, including 10 last fall. Bruce is a tall, rangy DE with long arms who disrupts passing lanes; he also has a very quick, long first step and is almost impossible for collegiate OTs to handle without help. Bruce also has decent closing speed with a 4.75 40 clocking, but plays faster. Bruce also has the functional strength to maintain leverage once he gets to the corner. And while he’s not overly bulky at around 255-260 pounds, Bruce is solid enough playing the run, posting 127 tackles the past two years.
Faulk seems set for surgery
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/7C7B37DA4738715B862571B200324280?OpenDocument
Thursday, July 20, 2006
49 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
Hard to believe it but another football season is upon as the first NFL camps of the summer open later today whne Philadelphia and the Jets will open their camps for rookies. That could also put the Eagles and Jets in line to be the first teams whose #1 picks this year are holding out. Indeed, neither the Eagles nor the Jets have signed their 2006 first round picks yet. Players aren't normally considered holdouts, though, until the first on-field practice session which comes on Friday for both teams. The Jets have the most work to do between now and then as they had two first round picks this year: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold. The Jets, though, may not feel too much pressure to get the duo sgned right away because the team's veteran camp doesn't open until the 27th. Meanwhile, the Eagles have yet to sign DT Brodrick Bunkley, their #1 pick, however, the Eagles have signed their seven other picks....
Detroit News (scroll down): "Cornerback Ty Law (Michigan) visited the Lions early in his free-agent tour last year. The Lions are not on his list this year, Law's agent, Kevin Poston of Farmington Hills, said... The Kansas City Chiefs are considered the leading candidate to sign Law.....
Arizona has promoted Steve Keim to the position of director of college scouting and named Dave Razzano and Rashaan Curry as scouts. Meanwhile, the Jets are expected to announce within the next week or so that they have completed the makeover of their front office started last winter. The Jets have reportedly promoted former G.M. Terry Bradway to the position of director of player personnel. The Jets have also reportedly assigned JoJo Wooden to the position of assistant director of player personnel, while Joey Clinkscales becomes director of college scouting. Meanwhile, longtime director of college scouting Jesse Kaye becomes a senior personnel adviser.....
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007
Mkristo Bruce, Washington State… 6-6, 255, SR… Star WR Jason Hill gets most of the WSU draft headlines, however, in the end DE Mkristo Bruce may be the better prospect. Indeed, the rangy Bruce is one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2007 draft class, posting 16.5 sacks over the past couple of years, including 10 last fall. Bruce is a tall, rangy DE with long arms who disrupts passing lanes; he also has a very quick, long first step and is almost impossible for collegiate OTs to handle without help. Bruce also has decent closing speed with a 4.75 40 clocking, but plays faster. Bruce also has the functional strength to maintain leverage once he gets to the corner. And while he’s not overly bulky at around 255-260 pounds, Bruce is solid enough playing the run, posting 127 tackles the past two years.
Detroit News (scroll down): "Cornerback Ty Law (Michigan) visited the Lions early in his free-agent tour last year. The Lions are not on his list this year, Law's agent, Kevin Poston of Farmington Hills, said... The Kansas City Chiefs are considered the leading candidate to sign Law.....
Arizona has promoted Steve Keim to the position of director of college scouting and named Dave Razzano and Rashaan Curry as scouts. Meanwhile, the Jets are expected to announce within the next week or so that they have completed the makeover of their front office started last winter. The Jets have reportedly promoted former G.M. Terry Bradway to the position of director of player personnel. The Jets have also reportedly assigned JoJo Wooden to the position of assistant director of player personnel, while Joey Clinkscales becomes director of college scouting. Meanwhile, longtime director of college scouting Jesse Kaye becomes a senior personnel adviser.....
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007
Mkristo Bruce, Washington State… 6-6, 255, SR… Star WR Jason Hill gets most of the WSU draft headlines, however, in the end DE Mkristo Bruce may be the better prospect. Indeed, the rangy Bruce is one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2007 draft class, posting 16.5 sacks over the past couple of years, including 10 last fall. Bruce is a tall, rangy DE with long arms who disrupts passing lanes; he also has a very quick, long first step and is almost impossible for collegiate OTs to handle without help. Bruce also has decent closing speed with a 4.75 40 clocking, but plays faster. Bruce also has the functional strength to maintain leverage once he gets to the corner. And while he’s not overly bulky at around 255-260 pounds, Bruce is solid enough playing the run, posting 127 tackles the past two years.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
50 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
With the opening of the first NFL camps literally just hours away, the largest number of rookie signings since the draft were announced yesterday. Tennessee, for example, signed a half dozen picks in the past 24 hours including S Calvin Lowry, DT Jesse Mahelona, DB Cortland Finnegan, LB Stephen Tulloch, LB Spencer Toone and RB Quinton Ganther.Lowry and Tulloch were 4th round picks this yera, while Maholena was a 5th rounder; the other three were 7th rounders. Meanwhile, Minnesota signed a pair of picks, 4th round DE Ray Edwards and 5th round SS Greg Blue, while, Philadelphia signed OT Winston Justice, a second round pick; New England signed 4th round TE Garrett Mills; New Orleans signed 6th round CB Josh Lay; and Buffalo signed 6th round LB Keith Ellison. The Eagles' Justice, though, was only the 10th of 97 players taken in the opening three rounds of this year's draft to have come to terms to date. In fact, only about a third of all rookies selected this year have come to terms, including just one first rounder: Houston DE Mario Williams, the first player selected this year whom the Texans signed prior to the draft.....
Monday, July 17, 2006
The window of opportunity for NFL teams to sign unrestricted veteran free agents closed over the weekend. And while league accountants still have to figure out all the final specifics, it appears that both New England and Baltimore are likely to get the maximum number of compensatory picks for the 2007 draft. Indeed, both the Patriots and Ravens lost a total of 6 more unrestricted free agents than they were able to sign themselves. Baltimore, for example, had 9 veteran free agents sign with other teams this winter including RB Chester Taylor, DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu, DE Anthony Weaver and FS Will Demps, while signing three. Meanwhile, the Patriots lost 8 veteran free agents, including WRs David Givens and Andre Davis, as well as star PK Adam Vinateiri. San Diego, Indianapolis and Oakland are also almost certainly going to each receive a healthy package of comp picks next spring. San Diego lost 4 more free agents than they signed, while both Indianapolis and Oakland were a minus 3. As well, all three teams also lost high priced free agents which will impact their ultimate comp pick award. San Diego, for example, lost QB Drew Brees who signed with New Orleans, while star Colts RB Edge James signed with Arizona and Oakland CB Charles Woodson inked with Green Bay. Other teams which should be in line to get something in terms of comp picks this year include Atlanta, Kansas City, Minnesota, and possibly Pittsburgh. On the other hand, teams which will definitely NOT be getting comp picks this year include Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Washington and the Jets. The allotment of compensatory draft picks is determined by a complicated formula which factors in the net loss of veteran free agents for each team, as well as the value of the contracts signed. Comp picks are usually announced about a month before the actual draft....
Several sources are reporting that Giants’ undrafted rookie free agent OT Jai Lewis has decided not to attend training camp when it opens later this month. Lewis, the former George Mason basketball star, did not play football in college, but decided to give football a try after leading GMU deep into the NCAA basketball tournament this spring....
There have been several changes affecting the post-season college all-star games which have kind of slipped under the radar this summer. The NFL Network, for example, has acquired the exclusive rights to televise the Senior Bowl the next few years. The NFL Network will also be covering Senior Bowl practices in a multiyear deal. The Senior Bowl had been televised by ESPN for years. Meanwhile, the Hula Bowl All-Star Classic has a new head honcho. Former college coach and pro scout Joe Dan Rogers has been named executive director of the Hawaii-based game. Both the Senior and Hula Bowls will be played on the weekend of January 27-28 after the current season. And if we hadn’t mentioned it before, the East-West Shrine game will be on the move again. The Shrine game, which was played in San Antonio last winter, will be played in Houston this January. The East-West game will be played the weekend before the other two games. And while we have a full season of college football to be played, the all-star games are already hard at work scouting and recruiting players. Indeed, we had our first reported game attendees when Central Michigan announced that both star DE Dan Bazuin and OT Joe Staley had been invited to the Shrine game.....
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007 DRAFT
CB DeAndre Jackson, Iowa State… 5-11, 190, SR… Perhaps the best cover corner in the country nobody outside of the NFL scouting community – and Big XII offensive co-ordinators – has seen or heard much of to date. However, Jackson is an outstanding all-around defensive back with decent size and better speed; he’s also a very physical CB who is not at all shy about coming up to help support the run defense. Indeed, he hits like a safety and posted over 100 tackles the past couple of years including 55 in 2005. Jackson, in fact, forced 4 fumbles last season. Jackson, though, is even better in coverage where he picked off 6 passes the past couple of seasons, including 5 last year, and broke up another 12. Jackson is very aggressive in coverage with good hands and concentration; he also has an excellent break on the ball and will battle for the ball in the air. If there is a bit of a downside, Jackson can be overaggressive and will gamble at times, but has excellent recovery speed. He’s also a good athlete who was a QB in high school. And just for good measure, Jackson is also a very good KO returner who averaged almost 25 yards per return last fall. Jackson, though, will have to be checked out medically as he was forced to miss his junior season in high school with a bruised kidney which was later removed, although he has been cleared to play since.
Several sources are reporting that Giants’ undrafted rookie free agent OT Jai Lewis has decided not to attend training camp when it opens later this month. Lewis, the former George Mason basketball star, did not play football in college, but decided to give football a try after leading GMU deep into the NCAA basketball tournament this spring....
There have been several changes affecting the post-season college all-star games which have kind of slipped under the radar this summer. The NFL Network, for example, has acquired the exclusive rights to televise the Senior Bowl the next few years. The NFL Network will also be covering Senior Bowl practices in a multiyear deal. The Senior Bowl had been televised by ESPN for years. Meanwhile, the Hula Bowl All-Star Classic has a new head honcho. Former college coach and pro scout Joe Dan Rogers has been named executive director of the Hawaii-based game. Both the Senior and Hula Bowls will be played on the weekend of January 27-28 after the current season. And if we hadn’t mentioned it before, the East-West Shrine game will be on the move again. The Shrine game, which was played in San Antonio last winter, will be played in Houston this January. The East-West game will be played the weekend before the other two games. And while we have a full season of college football to be played, the all-star games are already hard at work scouting and recruiting players. Indeed, we had our first reported game attendees when Central Michigan announced that both star DE Dan Bazuin and OT Joe Staley had been invited to the Shrine game.....
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007 DRAFT
CB DeAndre Jackson, Iowa State… 5-11, 190, SR… Perhaps the best cover corner in the country nobody outside of the NFL scouting community – and Big XII offensive co-ordinators – has seen or heard much of to date. However, Jackson is an outstanding all-around defensive back with decent size and better speed; he’s also a very physical CB who is not at all shy about coming up to help support the run defense. Indeed, he hits like a safety and posted over 100 tackles the past couple of years including 55 in 2005. Jackson, in fact, forced 4 fumbles last season. Jackson, though, is even better in coverage where he picked off 6 passes the past couple of seasons, including 5 last year, and broke up another 12. Jackson is very aggressive in coverage with good hands and concentration; he also has an excellent break on the ball and will battle for the ball in the air. If there is a bit of a downside, Jackson can be overaggressive and will gamble at times, but has excellent recovery speed. He’s also a good athlete who was a QB in high school. And just for good measure, Jackson is also a very good KO returner who averaged almost 25 yards per return last fall. Jackson, though, will have to be checked out medically as he was forced to miss his junior season in high school with a bruised kidney which was later removed, although he has been cleared to play since.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Pro Football Hall of Fame Aug. 5
Aikman and Moon, the two quarterbacks from this year's class, are from as opposite ends of the spectrum as any two enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Aikman was the No. 1 overall pick by the Cowboys in 1989, while Moon will be the first undrafted quarterback to make the Hall.
After being warned that he would be picked late in the draft and probably asked to change positions, Moon went to Canada, where he led the Edmonton Eskimos to five straight Grey Cup championships.
``I think the way I did it was just a little bit different because of some of the other things I had to overcome that didn't have to do with football," Moon said Friday. ``I'm very proud of the fact that -- not so much that I was undrafted, because I would have loved to have been drafted -- but the things I was able to do considering I wasn't drafted and wasn't looked highly upon as an NFL-type player."
``NFL-type" player references Moon's skin color, which in 1984, after he finished a standout career at the University of Washington, was considered by some in the league to be a detriment.
Amazing that just 20 years ago there were those who questioned whether a black quarterback could succeed in the NFL. Per current depth charts, a quarter of the league's teams have black starting quarterbacks.
Moon, who passed for nearly 50,000 yards in 17 NFL seasons, is the first black signal-caller to make the Hall of Fame, marking what should be the last major first for black QBs, and hopefully putting the issue to rest. (Of course, if you don't think some of the criticism Young got before the draft was because of his skin color, you're not paying attention.)
``It just continues to legitimize the fact that -- even though I don't think that needs to be anymore -- that black quarterbacks can play this game at a very high level, and we've kind of established or accomplished things at every level of football that there is," Moon said.
``I think we've kind of done it at every particular level. There's nothing that ever can be said about the African-American quarterback and whether he belongs in the NFL, whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame."
CFB NOTES
• Canes buzz: UM said it expects running back Tyrone Moss, back from knee surgery, to be ready for FSU on Sept. 4. . . . UM's Paul Dee said Miami won't play FSU on Labor Day in 2007 because it visits Oklahoma the following Saturday.
• The Hurricanes told Willie Williams he cannot transfer to a school on Miami's schedule in 2007 through 2009. That doesn't preclude West Virginia and Louisville, which have interest. (Williams cannot play this season if he transfers to a Division 1-A school and must apply for a waiver to play in 2009, the NCAA said Friday.)
• UF coach Urban Meyer said highly touted freshman QB Tim Tebow will play but won't be rotated with Chris Leak: ``Leak will be our starter. There is no quarterback controversy. Fundamentally, Chris is stronger than he's ever been.''
• What happens when you mention Daunte Culpepper's fumbles to him? The Dolphins quarterback says, politely, ''Check how many I've lost.'' OK, we did. He has 81 fumbles in 81 games, but has lost 44 percent (36). Bonus Culpepper fact: His 64.4 career completion percentage tops Peyton Manning's (63.9), Tom Brady's (61.9), Brett Favre's (61.5) and Donovan McNabb's (58.4).
After being warned that he would be picked late in the draft and probably asked to change positions, Moon went to Canada, where he led the Edmonton Eskimos to five straight Grey Cup championships.
``I think the way I did it was just a little bit different because of some of the other things I had to overcome that didn't have to do with football," Moon said Friday. ``I'm very proud of the fact that -- not so much that I was undrafted, because I would have loved to have been drafted -- but the things I was able to do considering I wasn't drafted and wasn't looked highly upon as an NFL-type player."
``NFL-type" player references Moon's skin color, which in 1984, after he finished a standout career at the University of Washington, was considered by some in the league to be a detriment.
Amazing that just 20 years ago there were those who questioned whether a black quarterback could succeed in the NFL. Per current depth charts, a quarter of the league's teams have black starting quarterbacks.
Moon, who passed for nearly 50,000 yards in 17 NFL seasons, is the first black signal-caller to make the Hall of Fame, marking what should be the last major first for black QBs, and hopefully putting the issue to rest. (Of course, if you don't think some of the criticism Young got before the draft was because of his skin color, you're not paying attention.)
``It just continues to legitimize the fact that -- even though I don't think that needs to be anymore -- that black quarterbacks can play this game at a very high level, and we've kind of established or accomplished things at every level of football that there is," Moon said.
``I think we've kind of done it at every particular level. There's nothing that ever can be said about the African-American quarterback and whether he belongs in the NFL, whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame."
CFB NOTES
• Canes buzz: UM said it expects running back Tyrone Moss, back from knee surgery, to be ready for FSU on Sept. 4. . . . UM's Paul Dee said Miami won't play FSU on Labor Day in 2007 because it visits Oklahoma the following Saturday.
• The Hurricanes told Willie Williams he cannot transfer to a school on Miami's schedule in 2007 through 2009. That doesn't preclude West Virginia and Louisville, which have interest. (Williams cannot play this season if he transfers to a Division 1-A school and must apply for a waiver to play in 2009, the NCAA said Friday.)
• UF coach Urban Meyer said highly touted freshman QB Tim Tebow will play but won't be rotated with Chris Leak: ``Leak will be our starter. There is no quarterback controversy. Fundamentally, Chris is stronger than he's ever been.''
• What happens when you mention Daunte Culpepper's fumbles to him? The Dolphins quarterback says, politely, ''Check how many I've lost.'' OK, we did. He has 81 fumbles in 81 games, but has lost 44 percent (36). Bonus Culpepper fact: His 64.4 career completion percentage tops Peyton Manning's (63.9), Tom Brady's (61.9), Brett Favre's (61.5) and Donovan McNabb's (58.4).
Saturday, July 15, 2006
NFL DRAFT 2007
PLAYERS TO WATCH 2007 DRAFT
LBs Jeremy Jones and Troy Collavo, UTEP
They still aren’t quite the LB-U of the southwest, however, Texas-El Paso continues to turn out some very good players at the position. This past April, for example, former Miner OLB Thomas Howard, was a second round pick by Oakland. And UTEP will have a couple more promising LBs this year in OLB Jeremy Jones and MLB Troy Collavo, both of whom were actually more productive than Howard last season, although neither possesses Howard’s pure athleticism. Jones, who had been a special teams’ star prior to last season, emerged as one of the more productive outside backers in the country posting 130 tackles, including 14.5 for loss and 3 sacks. Jones played at just 220 pounds last fall, but has bulked up to 235 for the upcoming season, although that’s still not all that big. What Jones has, though, is good speed and better quickness coming off the edge; plus he’s also got good range and instincts in coverage. Meanwhile, the 6-0, 235-pound Collavo seamlessly filled the huge hole in middle of Miners’ defense created last fall when Robert Rodriquez moved on to the NFL posting 112 tackles of his own; including another 14.5 for loss and 3 sacks. Like Jones, Collavo isn’t overly big, but he is very instinctive with good speed and quickness, although he is not that effective in coverage.
LBs Jeremy Jones and Troy Collavo, UTEP
They still aren’t quite the LB-U of the southwest, however, Texas-El Paso continues to turn out some very good players at the position. This past April, for example, former Miner OLB Thomas Howard, was a second round pick by Oakland. And UTEP will have a couple more promising LBs this year in OLB Jeremy Jones and MLB Troy Collavo, both of whom were actually more productive than Howard last season, although neither possesses Howard’s pure athleticism. Jones, who had been a special teams’ star prior to last season, emerged as one of the more productive outside backers in the country posting 130 tackles, including 14.5 for loss and 3 sacks. Jones played at just 220 pounds last fall, but has bulked up to 235 for the upcoming season, although that’s still not all that big. What Jones has, though, is good speed and better quickness coming off the edge; plus he’s also got good range and instincts in coverage. Meanwhile, the 6-0, 235-pound Collavo seamlessly filled the huge hole in middle of Miners’ defense created last fall when Robert Rodriquez moved on to the NFL posting 112 tackles of his own; including another 14.5 for loss and 3 sacks. Like Jones, Collavo isn’t overly big, but he is very instinctive with good speed and quickness, although he is not that effective in coverage.
Friday, July 14, 2006
NFL NEWS AND NOTES
Cincinnati has been awarded LB Ahmad Brooks after the Bengals put in the highest bid for the former Virginia star in today’s supplemental draft. The Bengals claimed Brooks with a 3rd round pick. Brooks had been rated as a possible top 10 pick for the 2006 draft at this time last year but after an injury plagued fall campaign was kicked off the Virginia team for repeated violations of team policy. As a result of the selection of Brooks, the Bengals will forfeit their 3rd round pick at the 2007 draft. No other players were selected at today’s supplemental draft meaning Iowa State DE Jason Berryman, Texas FB Ahmard Hall and DT Marco Martin, NC State WR Richard Washington, UConn OT Craig Berry and former junior college LB David Dixon are free to sign with any team in the league....
Tennessee has signed former Texas FB Ahmard Hall who was not selected in yesterday’s supplemental draft....
With the opening of the first NFL camps now less than a week away, a number of 2006 draft picks signed yesterday. Carolina, for example, signed three more picks including 3rd round OT Rashad Butler, 5th round TE Jeff King and 7th round DE Stanley McGlover. Meanwhile, Houston signed a pair of picks: 6th round RB Wali Lundy and 7th round WR David Anderson; while Philadelphia signed WR Jason Avant, a 4th round pick this year; and New England signed OG Dan Stevenson, a 6th rounder....
CFB
Minnesota officials have confirmed that star junior RB Gary Russell is not enrolled for the fall semester and will be ineligible to play college football this fall. Russell was dismissed from school over the winter because of academic problems and reportedly tried to improve his grades at a junior college. However, school officials reportedly turned down Russell's final request to be readmitted. According to NCAA rules, Russell, who has two years of eligibility remaining, can't transfer to a lower division because he was not academically eligible when he left Minnesota. As such his only other option if he wants to play college football this fall would be to transfer to an NAIA school....
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007
Stephen Nicholas, South Florida… 6-2, 225, SR… Nicholas is another Florida LB who somehow got away from the state’s top programs. He is a very disruptive OLB who thought about entering the 2006 draft, but opted to return to school for his senior season. Nicholas has played all three LB positions, but is most effective when attacking the line of scrimmage from the weakside; in his career, Nicholas already has 224 career tackles in including 12.5 sacks and 26 other tackles for loss. Nicholas isn’t huge at 6-2, 225, but has the frame to add 10-15 pounds. He also has a quick first step and very good closing speed with a 40 time in the 4.6 range; he also has outstanding lateral speed and range, however, he doesn’t make a lot of plays in coverage.
Tennessee has signed former Texas FB Ahmard Hall who was not selected in yesterday’s supplemental draft....
With the opening of the first NFL camps now less than a week away, a number of 2006 draft picks signed yesterday. Carolina, for example, signed three more picks including 3rd round OT Rashad Butler, 5th round TE Jeff King and 7th round DE Stanley McGlover. Meanwhile, Houston signed a pair of picks: 6th round RB Wali Lundy and 7th round WR David Anderson; while Philadelphia signed WR Jason Avant, a 4th round pick this year; and New England signed OG Dan Stevenson, a 6th rounder....
CFB
Minnesota officials have confirmed that star junior RB Gary Russell is not enrolled for the fall semester and will be ineligible to play college football this fall. Russell was dismissed from school over the winter because of academic problems and reportedly tried to improve his grades at a junior college. However, school officials reportedly turned down Russell's final request to be readmitted. According to NCAA rules, Russell, who has two years of eligibility remaining, can't transfer to a lower division because he was not academically eligible when he left Minnesota. As such his only other option if he wants to play college football this fall would be to transfer to an NAIA school....
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007
Stephen Nicholas, South Florida… 6-2, 225, SR… Nicholas is another Florida LB who somehow got away from the state’s top programs. He is a very disruptive OLB who thought about entering the 2006 draft, but opted to return to school for his senior season. Nicholas has played all three LB positions, but is most effective when attacking the line of scrimmage from the weakside; in his career, Nicholas already has 224 career tackles in including 12.5 sacks and 26 other tackles for loss. Nicholas isn’t huge at 6-2, 225, but has the frame to add 10-15 pounds. He also has a quick first step and very good closing speed with a 40 time in the 4.6 range; he also has outstanding lateral speed and range, however, he doesn’t make a lot of plays in coverage.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
More picks come to terms
At least four more players drafted at the 2006 draft have come to terms with their respective clubs. Arizona, for example, signed both OG Deuce Lutui, a second round pick this year, and 6th round DT Jonathan Lewis. Meanwhile, Green Bay signed DB Tyrone Culver, another 6th rounder, while New England signed DB Willie Andrews, a 7th round pick this year.
PLAYERS TO WATCH 2007
LB Keyonvis Bouie, Florida International… 6-0, 225, SR… One of the best LBs in the country that nobody – other than pro scouts – has seen or even heard of; indeed, the athletic, aggressive Bouie may be the best player no one - other than pro scouts - has heard of period! Bouie isn't the biggest LB around at barely 6-0, 225, but he flies to the ball and delivers a real pop when he gets there. Despite missing a couple of games last fall, for example, Bouie still had 111 tackles, including 11 for loss. Bouie also has excellent range and instincts in coverage, last fall picking off three passes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH 2007
LB Keyonvis Bouie, Florida International… 6-0, 225, SR… One of the best LBs in the country that nobody – other than pro scouts – has seen or even heard of; indeed, the athletic, aggressive Bouie may be the best player no one - other than pro scouts - has heard of period! Bouie isn't the biggest LB around at barely 6-0, 225, but he flies to the ball and delivers a real pop when he gets there. Despite missing a couple of games last fall, for example, Bouie still had 111 tackles, including 11 for loss. Bouie also has excellent range and instincts in coverage, last fall picking off three passes.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
NFL NEWS AND NOTES
Philadelphia has signed OG Max Jean-Gilles and WR Jeremy Bloom, the Eagles' 4th and 5th round picks respectively at the 2006 draft.
For those that didn't see it already, ESPN columnist Len Pasquarelli has a nice piece on former Texas FB Ahmard Hall who will be available in this week's summer supplemental draft.
Player to Watch for the 2007 draft
DB Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech… 6-3, 221, SR… Rouse had been primarily a back-up LB and special teamer until last season, but emerged as one of the biggest hitters in college football last fall when he dropped back to a rover-type position. Rouse, in fact, still has LB size at almost 225 pounds, but runs like a FS with a reported 4.45 40 clocking. In addition, Rouse combines that size and speed with good instincts and play-making ability. As expected, Rouse was very aggressive forcing the run last fall, coming up to post 77 tackles. What wasn’t as expected was that Rouse was also very productive in coverage; indeed, Rouse picked off four passes last fall and broke up 5 others as he showed surprising instincts and range in the deep secondary. And for good measure, Rouse is also a solid potential special teamer.
For those that didn't see it already, ESPN columnist Len Pasquarelli has a nice piece on former Texas FB Ahmard Hall who will be available in this week's summer supplemental draft.
Player to Watch for the 2007 draft
DB Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech… 6-3, 221, SR… Rouse had been primarily a back-up LB and special teamer until last season, but emerged as one of the biggest hitters in college football last fall when he dropped back to a rover-type position. Rouse, in fact, still has LB size at almost 225 pounds, but runs like a FS with a reported 4.45 40 clocking. In addition, Rouse combines that size and speed with good instincts and play-making ability. As expected, Rouse was very aggressive forcing the run last fall, coming up to post 77 tackles. What wasn’t as expected was that Rouse was also very productive in coverage; indeed, Rouse picked off four passes last fall and broke up 5 others as he showed surprising instincts and range in the deep secondary. And for good measure, Rouse is also a solid potential special teamer.
Monday, July 10, 2006
I AM BACK!
A year ago, the Patriots decided Ty Law was overpaid and he ended up leading the AFC in interceptions with 10, earning $6 million in the process. The Patriots paid a combination of Duane Starks, Chad Scott, and Tyrone Poole nearly as much to play not half as well. As business decisions go it wasn't a good one, which is why they're trying to woo Law to return for short money. Unless Ellis Hobbs's exemplary play as a rookie improves, they don't have a shutdown corner. One hope is that Randall Gay, coming off an ankle injury, turns promise into consistent production. Law is leaning toward Kansas City but he's a bottom-line guy, so the best offer will decide where he lands...
The NFL will be holding its annual summer supplemental draft on Thursday later this week. Its been acknowledged for a while that former star Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks, Iowa State DE Jason Berryman and junior college LB David Dixon had applied for entry to this week’s draft, however, long-time NFL draft guru Gil Brandt is reporting over at NFL.com that there are actually 7 players entered in this week’s special player lottery. Joining the original three are two former Texas Longhorns, FB Ahmard Hall and DT Marco Martin, along with UConn DT Craig Berry and North Carolina State WR Richard Washington. Former Cavalier Brooks, though, is the prize in this week’s supplemental draft. Indeed, at this time last year, Brooks was being talked about as a potential top 5-10 pick at the 2006 draft if he were to leave school early. Brooks, though, suffered through an injury-plagued 2005 season and then was booted from the team this winter for repeated violations of team rules. Nobody has said anything publicly, but there have been rumors that Brooks tested positive for marijuana on a number of occasions. Brooks reportedly had also ballooned up to close to 290 pounds this winter, but was reportedly down to around 260 when he worked for NFL teams last month and intends to play in the 255 range this fall. Despite the myriad of red flags, the very athletic Brooks- he has actually run kickoffs back for the Cavaliers on occasion – has attracted plenty of attention from pro teams with San Francisco and Miami reportedly the most intrigued. Brooks, though, has also recently interviewed with a number of other teams including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Green Bay and the Giants. As such, there is speculation that Brooks could go as early as the second round of this week’s draft. Unlike the regular NFL draft, the selection order for the supplemental draft is determined by a weighted lottery. Teams are grouped into three groups: teams that won less than 6 games in 2005; other non-playoff teams; and the playoff teams. The order within each group is then determined by a weighted lottery with teams with the worst records having the best chance of having the first pick in each group. The draft is then conducted by teams interested in a player indicating which round they would take that player. The player is awarded to the team indicating the highest pick in the highest round. That team then forfeits its pick in that round at the 2007 draft. There should also be more than passing interest in several of the other players at this year’s supplemental draft. ISU’s Berryman, for example, is a potentially explosive tweener edge rusher; the 6-1, 235-pound Berryman, who 7.5 sacks last fall, also leads the league in off-field troubles; indeed, he spent a year in jail a couple of seasons ago. For his part, LB David Dixon is a very good athlete with sub-4.5 speed, but he never played D1 football because of academic limitations. Meanwhile, UConn’s Berry, at 6-5, 325, has NFL size, although he lacks the athleticism to figure as a more than a RT prospect; while Texas FB Ahmard Hall is a potentially useful lead blocker, although he’s not overly big at just 5-11, 235. On the other hand, DT Martin, the other former Longhorn in this week’s draft, has all the tool’s that NFL teams are looking for in a stud DT including size (6-3, 300) and 4.7 speed, but the one-time star recruit never played much at Texas. Same for NC State WR Washington who isn’t very big (5-10, 170) or fast....
Raven stable after stabbing
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravens10jul10,0,2380239.story?coll=bal-sports-football
The NFL will be holding its annual summer supplemental draft on Thursday later this week. Its been acknowledged for a while that former star Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks, Iowa State DE Jason Berryman and junior college LB David Dixon had applied for entry to this week’s draft, however, long-time NFL draft guru Gil Brandt is reporting over at NFL.com that there are actually 7 players entered in this week’s special player lottery. Joining the original three are two former Texas Longhorns, FB Ahmard Hall and DT Marco Martin, along with UConn DT Craig Berry and North Carolina State WR Richard Washington. Former Cavalier Brooks, though, is the prize in this week’s supplemental draft. Indeed, at this time last year, Brooks was being talked about as a potential top 5-10 pick at the 2006 draft if he were to leave school early. Brooks, though, suffered through an injury-plagued 2005 season and then was booted from the team this winter for repeated violations of team rules. Nobody has said anything publicly, but there have been rumors that Brooks tested positive for marijuana on a number of occasions. Brooks reportedly had also ballooned up to close to 290 pounds this winter, but was reportedly down to around 260 when he worked for NFL teams last month and intends to play in the 255 range this fall. Despite the myriad of red flags, the very athletic Brooks- he has actually run kickoffs back for the Cavaliers on occasion – has attracted plenty of attention from pro teams with San Francisco and Miami reportedly the most intrigued. Brooks, though, has also recently interviewed with a number of other teams including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Green Bay and the Giants. As such, there is speculation that Brooks could go as early as the second round of this week’s draft. Unlike the regular NFL draft, the selection order for the supplemental draft is determined by a weighted lottery. Teams are grouped into three groups: teams that won less than 6 games in 2005; other non-playoff teams; and the playoff teams. The order within each group is then determined by a weighted lottery with teams with the worst records having the best chance of having the first pick in each group. The draft is then conducted by teams interested in a player indicating which round they would take that player. The player is awarded to the team indicating the highest pick in the highest round. That team then forfeits its pick in that round at the 2007 draft. There should also be more than passing interest in several of the other players at this year’s supplemental draft. ISU’s Berryman, for example, is a potentially explosive tweener edge rusher; the 6-1, 235-pound Berryman, who 7.5 sacks last fall, also leads the league in off-field troubles; indeed, he spent a year in jail a couple of seasons ago. For his part, LB David Dixon is a very good athlete with sub-4.5 speed, but he never played D1 football because of academic limitations. Meanwhile, UConn’s Berry, at 6-5, 325, has NFL size, although he lacks the athleticism to figure as a more than a RT prospect; while Texas FB Ahmard Hall is a potentially useful lead blocker, although he’s not overly big at just 5-11, 235. On the other hand, DT Martin, the other former Longhorn in this week’s draft, has all the tool’s that NFL teams are looking for in a stud DT including size (6-3, 300) and 4.7 speed, but the one-time star recruit never played much at Texas. Same for NC State WR Washington who isn’t very big (5-10, 170) or fast....
Raven stable after stabbing
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravens10jul10,0,2380239.story?coll=bal-sports-football
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