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| Marvin Harrison update | Friday 5/2, 3:17 PM CT |
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison is under investigation in his hometown of Philadelphia in a shooting that took place late Tuesday afternoon, a source close to the investigation told Anthony Gargano of Philadelphia's WIP Radio, according to ESPN. The shooting reportedly occurred outside a North Philadelphia bar owned by Harrison. The source said the alleged victim came into the bar, Playmakers, around 5 p.m. and engaged in an argument with Harrison, who was at the bar. The victim then left the bar, heading to his car, with Harrison following. Gunfire broke out, the victim was hit in the hand, and a young girl was slightly injured by flying glass from a car that apparently was hit by a bullet.
Our View: Harrison has yet to be arrested or charged with the crime, but the weapon used in the shooting is similar to one that he owns. |
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| Harrison under investigation in shooting | Friday 5/2, 3:03 PM CT |
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| Marvin Harrison is reportedly being investigated in reference to a shooting that occurred outside of a bar in his hometown of Philadelphia, according to ESPN News. There is no clear word on if Harrison was the shooter, or somehow involved. We will provide more details as they become available. |
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| Godfrey works with first team | Friday 5/2, 2:45 PM CT |
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The Carolina Panthers third round draft pick Charles Godfrey worked with the first team at free safety during the first minicamp practice, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: Godfrey, who is getting his feet wet quickly, appears to be the frontrunner to start at free safety over Nate Salley and Terrence Holt. |
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| Seahawks re-sign Pork Chop | Friday 5/2, 2:25 PM CT |
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The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed veteran offensive lineman Floyd “Pork Chop” Womack to a one-year contract, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
Our View: Womack clearly has one of the coolest nicknames in the NFL. He has played in 76 games (32 starts), including 14 games with one start last year for the Seahawks. |
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| Mix works at No. 3 in minicamp | Friday 5/2, 2:15 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Anthony Mix received several repetitions with the first team during the Washington Redskins first minicamp practice, often playing as the third receiver with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El, according to the Washington Post. The Play of the Day came during 7-on-7 drills, when Jason Campbell dropped back and found Mix down the right sideline in the back of the end zone. With a corner in his face, Mix bobbled the ball after a deflection, but hauled it in one-handed. He was out of bounds by the time he got control and nearly sprinted into the woods behind the field, but head coach Jim Zorn had already sprinted 10 yards down the field and screamed encouragement at Mix for the catch.
Our View: Nice to hear the players are getting back on the field, and Mix is someone to keep an eye on as he received compliments from the coaching staff earlier in the offseason. He will have to fend off rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly for playing time in 2008. |
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| Marshall has nerve damage | Friday 5/2, 1:57 PM CT |
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The Denver Broncos won't know for sure until shortly before training camp if wide receiver Brandon Marshall will be fully recovered from his right forearm injury, according to ESPN. Marshall has nerve damage in his right forearm as a result of a fall through a glass entertainment center while horse playing with family members in March. The team thinks and hopes Marshall will be fine, but when there is nerve damage, there are no guarantees.
Our View: Marshall is obviously a promising young player, who will likely be ranked in the top 15 or so at his position this year. This story will continue to grow legs as the offseason progresses, and we will stay on top of the latest information as it becomes available. |
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| Browns, Savage ink extension | Friday 5/2, 1:49 PM CT |
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The Cleveland Browns and general manager Phil Savage agreed to a three-year contract extension that will keep Savage with the team through 2012, according to ESPN. "I am extremely grateful to [owner] Randy Lerner and the Browns' organization for giving me an opportunity as a first time general manager back in January 2005 and now to continue with this extension through the 2012 season," said Savage in a statement. "We have worked very hard to turn the Browns around, on and off the field, and our team is looking forward to the 2008 season."
Our View: Savage joins head coach Romeo Crennel and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski among Browns to get contract extensions this offseason. |
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| Lions prefer Dizon on inside | Friday 5/2, 1:42 PM CT |
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Head coach Rod Marinelli wants to look at rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon on the inside at the middle linebacker position, according to MLive.com. The coaching staff feels Dizon can be a three-down linebacker, and there is a possibility that he could man the middle, bumping incumbent Paris Lennon over to compete on the strong side with Alex Lewis.
Our View: One things for sure, this kid has a lot of buzz around him right now. Dizon could be a very productive player in Detroit’s cover 2 scheme, if he starts from day one in the middle. Stay tuned. |
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| Martz to build around Gore | Friday 5/2, 1:31 PM CT |
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San Francisco offensive coordinator Mike Martz is hopeful he can build an offense around Frank Gore the way he did Marshall Faulk when he was with the St. Louis Rams, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: We keep hearing that Martz wants to make Gore the centerpiece of his offensive scheme, which could mean great things for Gore’s reception numbers. Of course, it’s difficult not to let a little doubt creep in our minds, after watching the Detroit Lions compile the fewest rushing attempts in the league over the past two seasons. |
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| Gates on the sidelines for minicamp | Friday 5/2, 1:18 PM CT |
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All world tight end Antonio Gates will not participate in the San Diego Chargers weekend minicamp, according to Chargers.com. Gates will attend the festivities, but continues to recover from the toe surgery he had in February.
Our View: The recovery time for the surgery is between four to six months meaning Gates could return sometime between June and August, depending on how well his foot responds to rehabilitation. |
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| LT will participate in minicamp | Friday 5/2, 1:11 PM CT |
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Head coach Norv Turner feels that the first minicamp is an unofficial start of the new season, and his prized running back LaDainian Tomlinson will be participating, according to Chargers.com. “My thoughts on Mini Camp are to always gear everything to your veterans and let everyone else catch up,” Turner said. “The guys that have got to catch up are second and third-year guys like Anthony Waters and Eric Weddle and Jyles Tucker; guys who haven’t played a lot. Then there’s a chance for the rookies to make first impressions. There’s a lot going on this weekend.”
Our View: Tomlinson, who suffered a knee injury in the AFC Championship Game, will be on the field working and is widely expected to be the first player selected in 99.9 percent of all fantasy drafts this summer. |
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| Brayton working with starters | Friday 5/2, 1:00 PM CT |
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Defensive end Tyler Brayton worked with the starters on the left side during the first day of the Carolina Panthers weekend minicamp, according to the Rock Hill Herald. Defensive end Julius Peppers lined up on the right side, replacing Mike Rucker there.
Our View: Brayton came over from Oakland, where the team experimented with him at outside linebacker. He’s more comfortable with his hand on the ground in a three-point stance, and could be a sleeper candidate on the opposite side of Peppers, who will be doubled on the regular. |
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| Beason undergoes wrist surgery | Friday 5/2, 12:54 PM CT |
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Linebacker Jon Beason won't participate in the Carolina Panthers weekend minicamp after undergoing wrist surgery earlier in the week, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: Don’t panic, this was considered a minor procedure, and Beason isn’t expected to miss a substantial amount of time. We will keep you posted on his status as more information becomes available. |
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| Delhomme throws in minicamp | Friday 5/2, 12:50 PM CT |
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Quarterback Jake Delhomme threw exactly 34 passes Friday morning during individual drills as he eases back from Tommy John surgery, according to the Rock Hill Herald. This report contradicts an earlier update by the Gaston Gazette, that Delhomme wouldn’t participate.
Our View: This is excellent news for Delhomme, who expects to be completely ready for training camp. His return would be a boon for the Panthers, who endured a twisted game of musical chairs at the quarterback position last year. |
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| Steelers like Mendenhall’s blocking | Friday 5/2, 12:39 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Steelers where ecstatic about adding rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall, because they don’t anticipate the former Illinois star having as steep a learning curve as most rookie running backs, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "(Steelers running backs coach) Kirby Wilson and I both felt he might have been the most-ready-to-play guy of the top running backs because he can pass protect," Arians said of Mendenhall, who was the fourth running back taken in the draft. "That's usually the hardest thing for the young running backs coming out of college is having to block Joey Porter off the edge or those great linebackers they face one-on-one in pass protection."
Our View: It's too early to predict what role Mendenhall, who rushed for 1,681 and 17 touchdowns this past season at Illinois, will carve out in the crowded Steelers' backfield, but he’s expected to seize the backup role quickly, while providing a compliment to Willie Parker. |
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| Rivers will be limited in minicamp | Friday 5/2, 12:30 PM CT |
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The San Diego Chargers will hold their first three-day minicamp this weekend, and quarterback Philip Rivers is among the starters whose participation will be limited, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Rivers will throw some and by all accounts is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from his Jan. 23 surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg.
Our View: Rivers will wear a brace this season, but fully expects to be 100 percent ready for training camp. |
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| Dallas negotiating with Barber | Friday 5/2, 12:18 PM CT |
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The Dallas Cowboys are in the beginning stages of discussions with agent Drew Rosenhaus regarding running back Marion Barber's future, according to the Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys feel the six-year, $34.5 million deal Michael Turner signed in Atlanta is in the general vicinity of what they want to pay Barber, while Rosenhaus is seeking between $40-60 million for his client.
Our View: These negotiations could get interesting, as the organization provided themselves with some leverage with the recent additions of rookie running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. |
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| Haley compares Hightower to Barber | Friday 5/2, 11:49 AM CT |
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Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley sees a little of Marion Barber in fifth-round pick Tim Hightower, a running back from Richmond, according to USA Today. "He definitely carries his pads well and is physical, hard running and he is a get-yards-after-contact guy," Haley said.
Our View: Hightower, who flashed power back ability in D1AA, rushed for 1,924 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season. He also posted 106 receptions during his four-year collegiate career. With only Marcel Shipp and J.J. Arrington ahead of him on the depth chart, Hightower is a name to track during the dog days of summer. |
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| Smith could fill nickel role | Friday 5/2, 11:30 AM CT |
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The San Francisco 49ers envision third round rookie cornerback Reggie Smith as a candidate to eventually take over for Walt Harris on the side opposite Nate Clements, according to USA Today. "I don't feel comfortable with the depth that we have right now because of the durability issues that we have," head coach Mike Nolan said. "I love Walt (Harris) to death, but he's getting up there (in age) and practices only one day a week."
Our View: Smith is a player that can play both corner and safety, though the 49ers will likely play him at the nickel position to start out his career. He lacks elite speed, but hides a lot of flaws by being a solid tackler. |
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| Former Bucs WR sentenced for robbery | Friday 5/2, 11:04 AM CT |
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Former Tampa Bay wide receiver Charles Lee, accused of robbing a University of Central Florida student at gunpoint, will spend the next five years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Lee was arrested last December, a week after he held up two students at Pegasus Landing, an off-campus student housing complex near UCF. Lee stole more than $11,000 in cash from his victims at gunpoint. |
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| Cowboys prefer Crayton in slot | Friday 5/2, 10:55 AM CT |
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If the season started today wide receiver Patrick Crayton would be the starter opposite Terrell Owens, but the team would prefer to line him up in the slot, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram.
Our View: The organization has been attempting to trade for a veteran to fill the No. 2 role, and are keeping their fingers crossed that Terry Glenn can return from multiple knee surgeries, which wrecked his 2007 campaign. For now, Crayton, who has started 20 games during the past two seasons is penciled into the starting lineup, and would represent a nice sleeper candidate in the Cowpokes explosive offense. |
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| Booker provides added dimension | Friday 5/2, 10:46 AM CT |
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The Philadelphia Eagles trade for running back Lorenzo Booker provides the organization with the ability to be more creative on offense in 2008, according to the Trenton Times. "He's somebody we really liked in the draft last year, but we couldn't pull it off where we were able to get him," head coach Andy Reid said of Booker, whose presence will allow Westbrook to line up more in the slot. "I think he and Brian on the field will be a nice combination for our offense."
Our View: The transaction will likely result in the release of one of the returning running backs, Tony Hunt and/or Ryan Moats, as Booker is locked in as a much-needed complement to Westbrook. |
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| Kolb will backup McNabb | Friday 5/2, 10:39 AM CT |
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Barring something unforeseen, quarterback Kevin Kolb will jump ahead of A.J. Feeley on the depth chart behind starting quarterback Donovan McNabb after not attempting a pass all of last season, according to the Trenton Times.
Our View: Kolb, who was selected in the second round of the NFL draft last year, combines excellent size with a strong arm. McNabb has been oft injured during his career and turns 32 in November, so the organization is grooming Kolb as his eventual replacement. |
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| Forte not a lock to replace Benson? | Friday 5/2, 10:00 AM CT |
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Contrary to what many team observers have gone out on a limb to suggest recently, the Chicago Bears second-round pick, Tulane running back Matt Forte, is far from a lock to replace the beleaguered Cedric Benson as the team’s featured back from the get-go, according to Pro Football Weekly. “It’s obvious this guy is not a complementary, change-of-pace back to Benson,” one team insider told PFW. “He looks more like a replacement. Forte just seems like a much more complete three-down back than Benson. I can easily see him becoming the starter, with Benson being used in the same kind of role he had behind Thomas Jones in the Bears’ Super Bowl year.”
Our View: Forte had some ball security issues at Tulane, but Benson has been a classic underachiever since being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Like so many other situations around the NFL, this has the ugly look of RBBC in 2008. |
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| Zorn behind schedule | Friday 5/2, 9:52 AM CT |
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New head coach Jim Zorn admits that he would like to have more of the offense in place at this point, but that learning how to be a head coach and preparing for last week’s draft got in the way of him achieving that goal, according to Pro Football Weekly. As a result, Zorn will offer up a “minicamp book” of offensive plays that the team will incorporate into this weekend’s five practices. Zorn said that base of plays should be a good foundation for rookie players such as receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and tight end Fred Davis, once they rejoin the team during organized training activities later in the offseason.
Our View: Zorn is implementing his flavor of the West Coast system for the passing game, which will be integrated with the running scheme of the previous regime. |
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| Jets close to deal with Poteat | Friday 5/2, 9:45 AM CT |
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The New York Jets are close to re-signing veteran free-agent cornerback Hank Poteat, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: If signed, Poteat, who started eight games last year, would compete for the role opposite of starter Darrelle Revis.
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| Hobbs underwent second surgery | Friday 5/2, 9:40 AM CT |
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Cornerback Ellis Hobbs, who had surgery in February to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, underwent a second offseason surgery in March to address a sports hernia, according to the Boston Globe. Hobbs has been working in the team's offseason program and is already jogging. Hobbs, who is entering his fourth season, played in the Super Bowl with both the torn labrum and the groin injury.
Our View: Hobbs is expected to be ready for training camp, but the team has protected themselves at corner in case Hobbs doesn't recover, signing veteran free agents Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, and Lewis Sanders, and selecting Terrence Wheatley (second round) and Jonathan Wilhite (fourth round) in last weekend's NFL draft. |
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| Cutler felt effects of diabetes | Friday 5/2, 9:29 AM CT |
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In an interview with CBS 4 in Denver regarding his recent diagnosis with Type I diabetes, Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler says that he was feeling the effects of the condition during the 2007 season, according to Pro Football Talk. “We looked back, and I dropped 8-10 pounds in October,” Cutler said. “So at least six months. The second half of the season [it] was kind of something I was dealing with at the time. I was losing weight, didn’t have a lot of strength. You could tell. Just the way I played, some of the throws that I made didn’t have a lot behind them.”
Our View: With proper daily medical attention, Cutler should be fine. |
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| Cowpokes could add veteran QB | Friday 5/2, 9:20 AM CT |
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The Dallas Cowboys didn’t add a quarterback to the roster during the NFL draft, but owner Jerry Jones hinted the organization will look at some of the veteran options on the market, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The Cowboys are looking for a veteran to plug in behind Tony Romo and Brad Johnson. Some of the players under consideration include Tim Rattay, Tim Hasselbeck and Kelly Holcomb. |
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| Rivers will have major role | Friday 5/2, 9:14 AM CT |
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The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to give first-round pick Keith Rivers looks at both weak-side and middle linebacker, according to Pro Football Weekly. Rivers’ high skill level, strong character and advanced football intelligence have the Bengals thinking big things; the hope is that Rivers’ learning curve is accelerated because of these factors.
Our View: Rivers started on the weak side at USC, leading us to believe he will at least start out on the weak side as a professional. With the latest arrest of Ahmad Brooks and the uncertainty of the contributions of Odell Thurman, nothing is set in stone at this point. |
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| Mayo expected to start | Friday 5/2, 9:08 AM CT |
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Head coach Bill Belichick doesn’t like to play rookie linebackers, believing that it takes a couple of years to learn the complexities of the position, but he’s expected to make an exception with first-round draft pick Jerod Mayo, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Mayo is an odds-on favorite to win one of the two starting inside linebacker jobs by the season opener. Originally it was thought that Adalius Thomas would shift inside, but he was more effective from the edge last season. Mayo will likely lineup with Tedy Bruschi on the inside, with Mike Vrabel filling out the linebacker corps at the remaining outside linebacker slot. |
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| Tubbs undergoes surgery on knee | Friday 5/2, 8:51 AM CT |
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Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs recently underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean up his chronically-injured right knee, according to ESPN. The procedure is expected to keep Tubbs out of minicamp, but it does give the team some hope he may be ready by the regular season.
Our View: Tubbs missed all of last season because of complications with his right knee, on which he underwent microfracture surgery. He has missed 32 games over the past three years because of injuries. |
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| Pacman contract details | Friday 5/2, 8:42 AM CT |
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If Pacman Jones is to be paid like one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, he will have to earn it, according to the Dallas Morning News. In order to cash in, Jones has to play at a high level. If he is named to two Pro Bowls or intercepts seven passes in any two of the first three seasons and participates in 65 percent of the snaps, his base salary would escalate to the 2011 franchise tender.
Our View: Jones will earn a $700,000 base salary this year, but he will not receive any signing bonus. His base salaries total $4.7 million in the first three years of the deal, if he’s reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. |
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| White has case continued | Friday 5/2, 8:27 AM CT |
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LenDale White, who was issued a citation in Denver in March, had the case continued to June 2, according to the Tennessean. Denver police issued White a citation in March on charges of destruction of property and disobedience to a lawful order/ interference and resistance. White’s lawyer appeared on his behalf in court, when the case was continued.
Our View: White has been participating in the Titans offseason program. This incident isn't expected to impact his 2008 season. |
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| Delhomme held out of minicamp | Friday 5/2, 8:13 AM CT |
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| Jake Delhomme will be held out of the Carolina Panthers first minicamp, because he’s still rehabilitating his surgically repaired elbow, according to the Gaston Gazette. Delhomme, who is coming off Tommy John elbow surgery, is expected to be ready for training camp. |
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| Boldin present at minicamp | Friday 5/2, 8:08 AM CT |
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| The Arizona Cardinals arrived at the team's facility to prepare for the team's first mandatory minicamp, and wide receiver Anquan Boldin was in attendance, according to the Arizona Republic. There has been speculation that Boldin wouldn’t attend due to contract issues, but the team leader and consummate professional was in the house. |
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