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| With Allen gone, Hali takes the lead | Tuesday 4/29, 10:57 PM CT |
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The Kansas City Chiefs may have sent their top defensive playmaker, DE Jared Allen, packing in a trade to Minnesota, but there is little fear as the roster harbors a replacement loaded with potential that could fill the rather large shoes left behind, according to the Kansas City Star. Third-year defensive end Tamba Hali is coming off a season in which he produced 7.5 sacks, a feat easily shadowed by the 15.5 sacks produced by Allen. Now, with Allen gone, the Chiefs are moving Hali to the spot vacated by Allen, filling the right defensive end position where the team's top sack leaders have traditionally resided. Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham explained, "Tamba Hali is probably the most underrated player in the NFL when it comes to rushing the passer. All people look at is how many times he sacked the quarterback. What they don't look at is how many times he made the quarterback move. He was a force rushing the passer all year long. I don't know how many sacks he missed when he tried to strip the ball and the quarterback got away."
Our View: With this move now known and considered, the decision to draft stud LSU DT Glenn Dorsey makes much more sense. The Chiefs now have a run-stuffing battle man in the middle that will eat space and demand attention. Put him next to Hali and you will see offensive linemen struggle to make that choice. |
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| Chargers hire Mueller to serve as GM | Tuesday 4/29, 9:56 PM CT |
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The San Diego Chargers have hired former Miami Dolphins General Manager Randy Mueller, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: Mueller was fired by Bill Parcells shortly after he was handed the reins to the Miami Dolphins and will now fill the title of Senior Executive for the Bolts. The Chargers' longtime assistant GM Buddy Nix recently retired, charged with handling player personnel, and those are the shoes Mueller is being asked to fill, tasks that include scouting, quality control, and player evaluation. |
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| McFadden meets press, aims for training camp | Tuesday 4/29, 8:29 PM CT |
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The most recent and exciting addition for the Oakland Raiders has wasted no time in making the fans in Cali happy, according to the Sacramento Bee. Rusher Darren McFadden , selected with the 4th-overall pick of the draft, was introduced to fans and press constituents via press conference today, and he was intelligent in his choice of words. Asked about his pending contract negotiations, McFadden got right to the point, stating, "I want to be out there and playing, I don't want to be sitting back. I want to be out there learning. The more time you miss, the less chance you have of playing. I want to be out there, so I'll let my agent take care of that and I feel like he's going to get it done for me." McFadden's agent, Ian Greengross, has told reporters he is driven to get the deal done before training camp. "That's a time where you have two-a-days," Greengross said. "And go through all the specific stuff that you need to learn for your position. At the same time, we'll try to work something out with the Raiders that's fair."
Our View: While McFadden seems excited and sincere and Greengross has a wonderful track record for getting negotiations completed in a timely fashion, it may be the ownership in Oakland that should worry fans. A quick review of the headlines involving his franchise over the last year or two will reveal (a) a top draft pick last season that was embroiled in a heated contract negotiation that was not settled until the season had begun, (b) the owner's apparent decision to ask the coach, still on staff, to sign a letter of resignation he had no idea was coming, and (c) threats to leave Oakland and leverage just about every team in the greater Los Angeles area for a new stadium deal. If Greengross struggles to get what his client deserves, remember the immediate past before you yell "greedy rookie." |
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| Other Hasselbeck remains unsigned | Tuesday 4/29, 8:11 PM CT |
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Unrestricted free-agent veteran QB Tim Hasselbeck has yet to sign a new contract with any NFL suitors, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Hasselbeck was signed late last season by the Arizona Cardinals to fill a depleted passing corps that was struggling to overcome injury. He failed to throw a single pass during the season. It will take time for Hasselbeck to find employment as teams begin to evaluate their incoming rookies and potential needs are determined. When training camp arrives, Hasselbeck could start getting calls if any NFL passer suffers injury. |
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| Culpepper remains unsigned | Tuesday 4/29, 8:10 PM CT |
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While news of interest recently arose out of Green Bay, unrestricted free-agent QB Daunte Culpepper remains unsigned, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Reporters in Green Bay noted the Packers had interviewed Culpepper as a potential backup for projected starter Aaron Rodgers, but the decision to draft not one but two rookie QBs (Louisville's Brian Brohom, LSU's Matt Flynn) has all but ended that courtship, leaving Culpepper to wonder if another team will come calling. |
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| Weary gets one-year contract | Tuesday 4/29, 7:01 PM CT |
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The Houston Texans have re-signed offensive guard Fred Weary to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Weary, a former 3rd-round draft pick from the franchise's first-ever season in 2002 (one of just four remaining members of that original Texan squad), has started 43 games in his six seasons in Houston, including 24 starts over his past two seasons. Weary was an unrestricted free agent, but the Texans has asked him to refrain from signing with another team until after the NFL Draft (sources report the team would not have signed Weary had they selected an offensive guard in the draft). Weary now has his new deal and will once again be in the mix for starting snaps in 2008. |
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| Pats cut Slaughter loose | Tuesday 4/29, 6:23 PM CT |
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The Patriots cut linebacker T.J. Slaughter on Tuesday.
Our View: The veteran was signed in February but was deemed expendable after the team targeted the linebacker position in the draft. |
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| Shelton inks two-year deal | Tuesday 4/29, 6:21 PM CT |
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The Chargers signed L.J. Shelton to a two-year deal Tuesday. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
Our View: Shelton started 16 games at right tackle for the Dolphins last year and has a chance to crack the Bolts' starting lineup. |
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| Forte pleased to land in Chicago | Tuesday 4/29, 1:16 PM CT |
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Rookie Matt Forte is excited to be a member of the Bears, according to ChicagoBears.com. The second round pick out of Tulane stated, "I’m happy to be drafted by the Chicago Bears, especially as a running back. They have a great history of running backs that came through there. Hopefully I can take over and become one of those guys who makes history as a Chicago Bear just like they did. This is a great opportunity to come in and make a mark for myself. I know their running back situation and I have a chance to come in and compete. It’s not going to be given to me. I’m going to have to work hard and come in and compete. It’s a great chance for me to show I can play in this league and to do good and become a great running back in the NFL."
Our View: Forte will have a good chance to make an impact this season, when you consider the fact that Cedric Benson lacks the durability and toughness to carry a full workload, which is expected of a Bears' back. Garrett Wolfe isn't capable of a full workload either and Adrian Peterson didn't impress during his time as the starter. |
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| Rhodes could return to Indy? | Tuesday 4/29, 1:10 PM CT |
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John Clayton of ESPN stated that Dominic Rhodes could be heading back to Indianapolis following his release from the Raiders. The Colts drafted Michigan running back Mike Hart in the sixth round, but could bring Rhodes back if the price is right.
Our View: Rhodes will land somewhere, but won't likely have a shot at a starting role. The Colts would use Rhodes frequently to spell Joseph Addai, and use him as a receiver out of the backfield, like they did in the past. A return would benefit him, and his fantasy value for 2008. |
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| Scott signed by Panthers | Tuesday 4/29, 12:20 PM CT |
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Ian Scott has been signed by the Panthers, according to the Rock Hill Herald. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Scott spent four years in Chicago, and had a brief stint with the Eagles, which ended with a knee injury.
Our View: He has good size at 6-3 302 and will serve as depth along the interior of their defensive line. The team recently added Darwin Walker, and drafted Nick Hayden of Wisconsin in the sixth round. Scott holds no fantasy value. |
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| Moss plans to shock the world? | Tuesday 4/29, 11:52 AM CT |
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Sinorice Moss is believed to be the odd-man out in a talented and crowded Giants receiving corps, but he still made a bold statement, according to the NY Daily News. Moss mentioned that he was pleased that the team drafted Michigan standout Mario Manningham in the third round, but added, "I need to wake some people up. That’s what I really need to do. I’ve been on the shelf. So I’m ready to come out here and shock the world. That’s what I plan to do. I know what I can do and I know what I bring to this team, so there’s no pressure on me at all. I’m just looking forward to coming out here, getting the opportunity to make some plays and come out here and shock the world. That’s my thing." Moss was inactive during their magical playoff run last season.
Our View: Moss is entering his third season, which is usually the time that receivers break out, and he will be on our radar through training camp. He posseses great speed and was believed to develop into a explosive playmaker when he was drafted by the Giants. |
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| Bryant likely starter at CB? | Tuesday 4/29, 11:42 AM CT |
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Fernando Bryant will be the likely starter opposite Ellis Hobbs this season, according to the Boston Herald. He will be challenged by Jason Webster, but Webster is more likely to serve as depth on the bench.
Our View: Bryant would hold some fantasy value as a starter in New England, but will not make an impact like Asante Samuel did. Samuel left town for Philadelphia. |
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| Steelers have plans for Mendenhall | Tuesday 4/29, 11:36 AM CT |
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Rookie Rashard Mendenhall is going to be used in a Pony backfield with Willie Parker this season, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In case you are wondering what a Pony backfield is, it is when you line up two running backs at the same time, without a fullback. The Steelers used the concept over 15 years ago when Chuck Noll was the head coach, with Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier as the two backs. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said, "Other than the normal one-two punch, they can play together (Parker and Mendenhall). Rashard has enough size as a pass blocker and pass receiver and Willie is improving in that area every year as a receiver. They could block for each other. Willie is capable. You're not going to ask him to lead on the linebacker, but he can handle certain things. Again, it'll be a package. It won't be the focal point of the offense because you'd beat the two guys up. But it gives you another package, and in the middle of the season if you lose somebody you have a package you can go to." Arians also said Mendenhall is going to extend the career of Parker.
Our View: Bruce Arians also considers Mendenhall to be a bigger and faster version of Edgerrin James, and mentions his solid power and hands. Mendenhall's fantasy value went up following this news, and will be an intriguing player to track through training camp. Parker is also coming off a season ending leg injury, and Mendenhall was namely drafted as insurance. |
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| Byrd set free | Tuesday 4/29, 9:23 AM CT |
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Dominique Byrd has been set free by the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was released on Monday, and is scheduled to go to trial in St. Louis Circuit Court on felony charges of assault and armed criminal action resulting from a nightclub brawl downtown in December of 2006. In March 2007, he was charged with DUI in California. In October, he pleaded no contest and received three years' probation.
Our View: Byrd won two National Championships while at USC, but failed to make an impact in the NFL. He was limited to four catcher for 44 yards in 2007. |
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| Leonhard joins Ravens | Tuesday 4/29, 9:17 AM CT |
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Jim Leonhard has been signed by the Ravens, according to the Carroll County Times. The former member of the Bills has two career interceptions and 72 tackles.
Our View: Leonhard found himself in the Bills starting lineup due to injuries, but he will return to the bench while serving as depth for Ed Reed and Dawan Landry. The team drafted safety Tom Zbikowski of Notre Dame as well, and Leonhard holds no fantasy value in Baltimore. |
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| Eagles sue Owens | Tuesday 4/29, 8:53 AM CT |
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The Eagles are still angry with Terrell Owens, and the team actually feels like he owes them money, which they are suing for, according to the Dallas Morning News. The Eagles are suing over money that the team feels Owens should have paid after being suspended in 2005. The NFL players' union filed a grievance on Owens' behalf claiming that he should not have had to repay the money, but arbitrator Shyam Das ruled in the Eagles' favor in late January of this year. The Eagles' complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, said Owens owed the team $769,117.65.
Our View: Let the court settle this one. |
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| Cowboys will listen to WR offers | Tuesday 4/29, 8:18 AM CT |
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Cowboys' Owner Jerry Jones said that substantial deals aren't usually made after the draft, but he made it clear that he is ready to listen to all trade offers regarding top receivers Roy Williams, Chad Johnson, and Anquan Boldin, according to FanNation.
Our View: Williams was believed to be the most likely candidate of the "big three" to join the Cowboys heading up to the draft. |
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| Prioleau agrees to terms to Jaguars | Tuesday 4/29, 8:13 AM CT |
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Pierson Prioleau, formerly of the Redskins, has agreed to terms with Jacksonville, according to the Washington Post. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: He won't make a fantasy impact in Jacksonville, but will provide depth at strong safety. |
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| Jaguars' deal for Sheppard not dead? | Tuesday 4/29, 8:08 AM CT |
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There is still a good chance that Lito Sheppard will be traded before the weekend, according to FanNation. Lamont Smith, who is Sheppard's agent, said that he has had extensive conversations with the Jaguars about acquiring Sheppard.
Our View: The Jaguars need another cornerback, namely to contend with Peyton Manning in the division. Sheppard would make an impact in Jacksonville, and would be a good landing spot for the Eagle. |
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| Phillips will play at FS | Tuesday 4/29, 8:00 AM CT |
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Rookie Kenny Phillips will play at free safety this season, according to the NY Post.
Our View: The team needed to fill a hole left by Gibril Wilson's departure to Oakland, and Phillips was viewed as the top safety in the draft. He could be an immediate starter and has good size to cover tight ends which will help in divisional games against Dallas (Witten) and Washington (Cooley). He will compete with James Butler and Michael Johnson, but has far more upside than both of them. |
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| Redman to open as starter | Tuesday 4/29, 7:54 AM CT |
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Chris Redman is going to open post-draft minicamps as the Falcons' starting quarterback, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Joey Harrington and DJ Shockley will fight for the top backup spot to begin camp as well.
Our View: Redman will lead the offense until prized rookie Matt Ryan is ready to step in. Redman becomes even more unstable as a fantasy prospect now, as he could be unseated by Ryan at any point during the season, especially if he continues to be struggle with inconsistency. |
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| Tubbs won't be available | Tuesday 4/29, 7:47 AM CT |
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Marcus Tubbs won't be available for post-draft minicamps, according to the Seattle Times. He missed the entire 2007 season due to a torn ACL.
Our View: The team drafted Texas A&M defensive tackle Red Bryant in the fourth round as insurance for Tubbs. |
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| Taylor ignored? | Tuesday 4/29, 7:42 AM CT |
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Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells are at odds with each other, according to the Miami Herald. Taylor has chosen to compete on Dancing with the Stars, and is missing the Dolphins' off-season conditioning program as a result, which is not sitting well with Parcells. Two weeks ago, Taylor took a break from his dancing stint and visited the Dolphins. He visited with teammates in the locker room and was given a warm reception, but has ignored by Parcells. Taylor also asked to be traded, which is another reason for Parcells to be displeased.
Our View: Taylor isn't going to turn in his cleats for dancing shoes, and this should blow over in time for the new season. Parcells and Taylor don't have to like each other for him to enjoy another strong season. |
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