NFL NEWS AND NOTES

StLouisRams.com reports that free-agent RB Travis Minor signed with the Rams on a one-year deal. Minor could work as a third-down specialist for the Rams as well as on kickoffs.....

The Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones likes his backfield the way it is and won't try and trade Julius Jones this offseason. Rumors late last week surfaced that the Cowboys were dangling Jones in a trade. "I don't see that happening," Jerry Jones said. "We have got a team that's going to need some great plays from that position, and I like what we've done there with [Marion] Barber. More than likely, unless we have an opportunity in the draft to do something, we'll be going with the running back group we ended the season with. Hopefully we can have [Tyson] Thompson there that could give us a third back.".....

The Cleveland Browns signed offensive lineman Seth McKinney to a one-year deal Wednesday, when they also terminated fullback Terrelle Smith's contract before he was due a roster bonus at the end of the week. Smith, originally an unrestricted free agent out of Arizona State, played four seasons in New Orleans. He blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in each season there - Ricky Williams in 2000 and 2001, and Deuce McAllister in 2002 and 2003.....


The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that QB Drew Henson has re-signed with the Vikings for the league minimum, according to NFL Network. Henson was on the Vikings' practice squad last season.....


The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that free-agent RB Ron Dayne will visit with the Eagles on Thursday. If signed, he'd be a backup to Brian Westbrook with an outside shot at being a goal-line back.....

The Falcons have signed reserve WR Derrick Hamilton. The former Clemson Tiger has only been in two NFL games, spending 2005 on the PUP list with a knee injury and off NFL rosters last year.....


The Jaguars have agreed to a deal with kicker/punter Tony Yelk. Yelk was formerly a kicker but will try his hand at punting with the Jags.....

NFL DRAFT 2007


Virginia hopefuls got their chance to show off their skills yesterday. FB Jason Snelling ran 4.85 and 4.73 40s and did 15 reps on the bench. Snelling is considered a top prospect at a position that of late has been a lost one in the NFL. With more teams coming back to the two-back sets, Snelling should garner some second day interest. RB/KR Michael Johnson (5-8¾, 195) ran his 40s in 4.55 and 4.53 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.25 and the three-cone drill in 7.16. He also had a 33-inch vertical jump, a 8-foot-11 broad jump and 20 bench presses. He's considered a long shot. QB Christian Olsen (6-3, 226) is an older brother of Miami TE Greg Olsen. He worked out March 3 at Miami's Pro Day. He ran his 40s in 4.77 and 4.78, the short shuttle in 4.55 and the three-cone drill in 7.44. He also had a 34½-inch vertical jump and an 8-foot-11 broad jump. Christian is not near the prosepct his brother is.


The results from Friday's pro day workout of Pitt Panther star CB Darrelle Revis are finally in. Revis, considered one of the top corners in the upcoming draft, ran two fast 40s in 4.41 and 4.39. He also notched a 38-inch vertical, a 10-foot-5 broad jump, a 4.08 short shuttle and a 6.56 three-cone drill. The workout probably made Revis some cash and he should hear his name called in the middle of Round 1. LB H.B. Blades, son of former Lions star Bennie Blades, also worked out and ran the 40 in 4.69 and 4.72. He also notched a 32-inch vertical, a 9-foot-5 broad jump, a 4.36 short shuttle and a 6.98 three-cone drill. Blades is not considered an elite prospect like his dad was, but should be a good fit for someone as a top reserve and special teamer. Pitt QB Tyler Palko didn't work out and will stand on his Combine results.