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| Hightower expected to stick | Monday 5/26, 8:50 PM CT |
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RotoTimes sources report that rookie running back Tim Hightower is expected to take the roster spot of either Marcel Shipp or J.J. Arrington.
Our View: Even if Hightower doesn't necessarily outplay one of the two veterans during training camp, the team is likely to give the rookie the nod. Arrington is the more dispensable of the two because Shipp is more valuable on special teams. |
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| LaBoy to challenge Berry | Monday 5/26, 8:46 PM CT |
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The loss of linebacker Calvin Pace forced the Cardinals to dig deep into free agency this offseason. One of three incoming free-agent additions, Travis Laboy (Tennessee), is battling with Bertrand Berry for the starting weak-side job.
Our View: The move to bring in LaBoy sends a message to Berry: stay healthy or lose your starting role. Expect LaBoy to win the role based on the durability issues that Berry has faced the last three seasons. |
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| Cards O-line returns intact | Monday 5/26, 8:41 PM CT |
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Russ Grim insisted that his offensive line would be better in their second year together, and for only the second time since the team moved to Arizona 20 years ago, the unit returns all of the starters from a year ago.
The line improved in their first year under Grim, despite injuries that thrust young players like Elton Brown into a starting role.
Our View: Injuries created injuries, significantly to both quarterbacks and caused the game plan to become far too limited in the second half of the season. |
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| Johnson held out of practice | Monday 5/26, 5:39 PM CT |
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The Chiefs are already preparing to rely heavily on Larry Johnson during the 2008 regular season. Without an experienced veteran at wide receiver, and young Brodie Croyle at quarterback, the team will sport a run-heavy scheme.
Our View: The coaching staff is already pampering Johnson this year. The All Pro is not participating when the team practices on the artificial surface at the Chiefs training facility. LJ was held out of Thursday's practice because rain forced the team to move inside. Backup Kolby Smith ran with the first team. |
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| Williams to challenge Harris | Monday 5/26, 5:33 PM CT |
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KC signed Demorrio Williams as a free agent this offseason to challenge Napoleon Harris for the starting role in their Cover-2 scheme. If Williams performs well during training camp he would start on the outside with aging veteran Donnie Edwards moving into Harris' spot in the middle.
Our View: The Chiefs don't believe that Derrick Johnson has deliver on his Pro Bowl potential. He hasn't produced as the big-play provider he was drafted as. Overall, the strength of the team is defense, and the linebacking corps has question marks heading into training camp. |
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| Charles impressive in spring drills | Monday 5/26, 4:20 PM CT |
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Jamaal Charles has impressed the coaching staff of the Chiefs with his speed and ability to make defenders miss when in open space. His early spring workouts have been so impressive that he reportedly a lock to make the team, and the staff has already designed specific packages so they can take advantage of his skill-set.
Our View: The Chiefs first of two third-round picks (76th overall) will challenge incumbent backup Kolby Smith for playing time this summer. He currently has no fantasy value despite his impressive spring. |
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| Jones on the outs in Jacksonville | Monday 5/26, 4:12 PM CT |
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Following up on an earlier report, it's been confirmed by RotoTimes sources that unless former first-round pick Matt Jones does something he hasn't done in his first three professional training camps, the Jacksonville organization plans to release him.
Our View: Jones, selected by Jaguars in first-round (21st pick overall) of 2005 NFL draft, was a reach to begin with. The college quarterback was drafted for his gifted physical skills and positioned as a wide receiver for his first three years as a pro. |
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| Crowder could get extension | Monday 5/26, 3:05 PM CT |
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The new Dolphins' regime reportedly likes Channing Crowder and his agent is believed to approach the team shortly regarding an extension, according to the Miami Herald. Crowder is athletic with good size (6-2 245 pounds) and fits the Dolphins as a prototype for the linebacker position. Crowder has not yet been cleared for full contact work after knee surgery, but he wants to make a bigger impact as a play-maker this season, and looks to improve on his 0.5 sacks in 2007, with no fumble recoveries. He also wants to be the leader of the Dolphins' defense following the departure of Zach Thomas, and possible exit of Jason Taylor.
Our View: Crowder can become an unrestricted free agent next spring, and led the Dolphins with 77 tackles (60 solo) in 2007. |
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| Johnson joins CFL | Monday 5/26, 1:58 PM CT |
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Former member of the Texans Bethel Johnson has joined the Argonauts of the CFL, according to TSN.ca. Argos' assistant GM Greg Mohns said, "Bethel Johnson is a speedy and athletic deep threat receiver who is also an accomplished return man. He should give us great depth, and we expect him to come in and challenge for a starting position. It was a five-month recruitment process and we are thrilled to have him as a part of the Argos family." Johnson added, "I'm excited to get back on the field again and about the great opportunity I have ahead of me with the Argos. Training camp isn't about playing around. You come into camp with the ultimate goal of winning a championship. I'm looking forward to getting on the field and winning again."
Our View: Johnson played three seasons with the New England Patriots and led the NFL in kickoff return yards average (28.2 yards/return) as a rookie. He held solid value on special teams, but never developed to make an impact as a receiver. |
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| Owens to Oakland in 2009? | Monday 5/26, 1:11 PM CT |
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InsideBayArea.com pondered the possibility of Terrell Owens returning to the bay area as a member of the Raiders in 2009. His contract ends at the end of this season, and he would help form a potent offense with quarterback JaMarcus Russell, running back Darren McFadden, receiver Javon Walker, and tight end Zach Miller. Owens would love to succeed in Oakland where rival superstar Randy Moss failed as well.
Our View: This is purely hopeful speculation on the part of InsideBayArea.com, but you have to admit the possibility of him joining the silver and black is exciting. His "bad boy" rep would certainly fit in well in Oakland. |
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| Sharper climbing interceptions list | Monday 5/26, 1:00 PM CT |
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Darren Sharper is climbing up the all-time interceptions list, according to the Star Tribune. If Sharper registers six interceptions this year, he will pass Darrell Green, Willie Brown, Eric Allen, Aeneas Williams, Pat Fischer, Lem Barney, Everson Walls, Johnny Robinson, Eugene Robinson, Bobby Boyd, Mel Blount and Emmitt Thomas into ninth on the career list. Another six interceptions in 2009 would move Sharper past Dick LeBeau, Dave Brown and Ronnie Lott and into a fifth-place tie with Ken Riley.
Our View: That would leave only four more names ahead of him. Vikings great Paul Krause (81), Emlen Tunnell (79), Rod Woodson (71) and Night Train Lane (68). Sharper stated that 2008 will not be his last campaign, and he is reportedly in mid-season form, in terms of preparation.
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| Brady left team unannounced in 2007 | Monday 5/26, 10:11 AM CT |
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Kyle Brady reportedly left the Patriots unannounced in 2007, according to the SouthCoastToday.com. The team managed to quietly coax him into returning, until he was ultimately released on February 29. Brady had problems fitting in last season, and was constantly challenged by his position coach early in the season, who in the process questioned his mental toughness after a series of mistakes. He regularly ran the wrong routes in games and in practice.
Our View: The 36-year is seemingly close to retirement. |
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| Moore could start at SS, if healthy | Monday 5/26, 10:05 AM CT |
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Kareem Moore has been absent from minicamp in early May and agent Jeremy Sanders commented on his client, according to the Washington Post. Sanders said, "Kareem injured his knee ironically while participating in a college all-star game in early February. We did not know the status of his knee at the time, so he started the game and played well. We later learned the extent of his injury and he had a scope performed on the knee about a week after the all-star game."
Our View: Regardless, the Redskins believe they made a solid 6th round pick based on Kareem's ability. He has the ability to be a starter for the team this year. If healthy, Moore would have a chance to beat out Reed Doughty at strong safety. |
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| Morris to be used as a bruiser | Monday 5/26, 8:39 AM CT |
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Sammy Morris is going to be used as a bruising chance-of-pace rusher while he serves as Laurence Maroney's backup this season, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Morris could steal some goal-line touches away from Maroney and should hold some fantasy value this season. He scored three touchdowns in 2007 and topped 100 rushing yards twice over his six games before getting hurt. Speaking of that, he is believed to be fully recovered from his sternum clavicle separation injury. |
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| Important year for Jackson | Monday 5/26, 7:49 AM CT |
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Chad Jackson is entering his third NFL campaign and he knows this is an important season for him to prove his worth with the Patriots, according to the Star-Telegram. With Wes Welker out of last week's passing camp, Jackson was running with Randy Moss and Jabar Gaffney in the top group. Jackson commented, "Donte' Stallworth is gone, so there is a big spot open, like everybody is saying. I think it's an important year for me."
Our View: Jackson has loads of talent and potential, but has had trouble staying healthy over his first two seasons. If he can stay intact, he could supplant Gaffney as the team's number three receiver. Jackson will be on our radar through training camp, and could emerge as a nice late-round sleeper. |
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| Young thinks he can reach 2000 yards | Monday 5/26, 7:41 AM CT |
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Selvin Young thinks he can rush for 2,000 yards this season, according to the Star-Telegram. Young said, "People call me crazy. I got a lot of laughs, too, but I really think it's in me. I feel comfortable. I've gotten adjusted to this altitude. With that alone, I should be able to take more snaps a game. And it seems like they want to do a lot more things with me."
Our View: The Broncos plan to use Young in more ways this season, but he won't necessarily get the ball more. Coach Mike Shanahan said earlier this off-season that he sees Young as a 10-to-15-touches-a-game back. Young should concentrate on reaching 1,000 yards first. He rushed for 729 yards over 140 attempts in 2007, with a solid 5.2 average.
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| Team pleased with Williams | Monday 5/26, 7:33 AM CT |
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The Dolphins have been pleased with Ricky Williams through the early going in the off-season, according to the Palm Beach Post. Coach Tony Sparano said, "I'm not surprised (by his progress), I guess, just knowing how hungry Ricky really is to get at this thing. I love his attitude. I love everything about what he's doing right now. I really do. I'm excited for the guy. I'm excited to see him doing well out there and having a little bit of fun. I am impressed with his burst. Again, no different, it's part of an offseason program. It's something we've been preaching about. They've had an offseason program now, it's been nine weeks they have been going at this thing pretty good. I think if you ask them, they'll tell you that. It's been nine solid weeks so you are starting to see some of it pay off. I think, individually, they're seeing that."
Our View: Williams could be used in a time-share with Ronnie Brown this season, as Brown is trying to come back from his season-ending knee injury in 2007, but Williams still has a long way to go to prove he can make an impact in the NFL again. |
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| Brown recovering well | Monday 5/26, 7:27 AM CT |
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Ronnie Brown is recovering well from his knee injury, according to the Palm Beach Post. Coach Tony Sparano said, "I just know what I see, and what I see is that Ronnie is no different than Joey Porter, Vonnie Holliday and those people right now. From a training standpoint, he's done a wonderful job in the offseason program and really has done a great job with head athletic trainer Kevin O'Neill and his people here from a medical standpoint. He's out there, he's getting a little bit of work in right now and we're going to take it easy with him and see where it goes."
Our View: Brown is making favorable progress, but his fantasy value for 2008 will remain in limbo, especially with news that a time-share with Ricky Williams is being considered. |
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| Sparano talks about Beck | Monday 5/26, 7:22 AM CT |
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Coach Tony Sparano commented on second year pro John Beck, according to the Palm Beach Post. Sparano said, " John, just like everybody else, is out here right now trying to learn what we're doing. In fact, for the last couple of days, John has thrown the ball very well. We were happy to see what we've seen the last couple of days. They're all kind of growing together. Our offense has kind of been around the horn one time. This is the second time through and they're getting a chance now to do it out there on the field and actively be out there throwing the ball to the receivers and doing those types of things. What I've seen, from a mechanical standpoint, QB coach David Lee has done a wonderful job with him right now of trying to help him, Josh McCown and all these guys, mechanically and fundamentally. I see some improvement there. I think he can draw on some of the experiences John had last year at the end of the season. There is nothing like ending the season by taking the team down the field a couple of times and having some scoring drives. For the most part, we all know that somewhere along the line we hope his best football is ahead of him. I think that's important. For now, as I've told all of them, I'm looking at this thing as a blank piece of paper right now. In my mind, what we see right now and what we do on the practice field as we get ready to go here is really how we'll make our evaluations. And I think that's important for him, too."
Our View: Beck has improved in the off-season and is being groomed to be the franchise starter in Miami, but for 2008, he will compete with Josh McCown for the starting job. Rookie Chad Henne will be in the mix too, but should finish third in the competition. |
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| Ayodele could start on inside | Monday 5/26, 7:15 AM CT |
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Newly acquired linebacker Akin Ayodele could start at either spot on the inside, according to the Palm Beach Post. Coach Tony Sparano said, " Akin, as far as outside or inside, if you were a 4-3 team I think Akin can play an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker. In the 3-4, Akin would probably be inside, whether it's weak or strong he's played in a few different positions. He's played both in Dallas. He's played the MIKE end, what we call the MOE; either position. It's good flexibility"
Our View: Ayodele only made 57 tackles (36 solo) in 2007 with Dallas, but that number could go up if he nails down a starting gig at either of the inside spots. He could be worth a look in the closing rounds of larger IDP leagues. |
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| Wayne says he is "Marv" now | Monday 5/26, 12:34 AM CT |
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Indianapolis wide receiver Reggie Wayne was recently asked about the status and outlook for fellow Colt wideout Marvin Harrison, and Wayne offered just one reply, stating, "I guess I'm Marv now," according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: It may be an innocent quote taken in passing, hoping to get reporters off his back, but it may also indicate how the Colts are treating the news of Harrison's legal issues in Philadelphia and how they may affect the team. The concerns about Harrison based on age alone are enough to make us wonder, but if the team is ready to move on without him (and asking the players to do so as well), that may speak more about Harrison's future than anything. |
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| Rookie Ikegwuonu facing felony charges | Monday 5/26, 12:28 AM CT |
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Cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu , the fourth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, is facing residential burglary charges, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: Trial is set for July 14 at which time Ikegwuonu will face charges of a Class I felony, a charge that, if convicted, carries a mandatory sentence of four years in prison and maximum of 15. Ikegwuonu has spoken with the press and states the local DA has attempted to make plea bargain offers, and the rookie is positive things will be resolved before the start of training camp. |
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| Meachem may push for starting job with Saints | Monday 5/26, 12:24 AM CT |
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The Saints report the return of wide receiver Robert Meachem , coming into his second season in the NFL after spending Year 1 in a slew of injuries, could bring drastic changes to the current state of their depth chart at the position, according to The Times-Picayune.
Our View: The team believes a fully-health Meachem will not only push Devery Henderson for the WR3 spot on the chart, but he could maximize his talents and supplant David Patten, currently listed as the WR2. |
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| Sparano does not expect Taylor to show any time soon | Monday 5/26, 12:19 AM CT |
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Asked about absent defensive end Jason Taylor today, Miami coach Tony Sparano stated he realized Taylor would not be attending OTAs, minicamps, and training camp, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Sparano noted, when asked about Taylor, he had not anticipated Taylor's arrival until late in the off-season and that he is still under contract with the Miami Dolphins, thus both parties are "fully aware" of the situation. Of course, fans and media have been speculating on the trade of Taylor for some time, and rumors on draft day persisted to come forth that no team was willing to part with the 2nd-round draft pick the Dolphins were asking in return for the Pro Bowl defensive end. It appears both are, at the very least, ready to play it out and see what happens as we roll forward. |
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| Colvin could land in Indy | Monday 5/26, 12:13 AM CT |
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After having his final season in New England end prematurely because of a foot injury, outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin is now healthy, and if things work out financially, he wouldn't mind suiting up for his hometown Indianapolis Colts, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Colvin met with Colts’ coach Tony Dungy last month and passed a physical, and Dungy relayed last week that he was impressed with Colvin. The Colts are interested if the finances can be worked out, as Colvin would be a pure pass-rushing defensive end in their 4-3 scheme. |
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| Peppers looking at long-term deal in Carolina | Monday 5/26, 12:13 AM CT |
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The Carolina Panthers and defensive end Julius Peppers are continuing to discuss long-term contract options, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: The team seems interested in locking up Peppers for the rest of his career and having their first Hall of Fame candidate insured to don a Panthers jersey for the remainder of his time in the NFL. We will update as more news becomes available. |
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| Beck adding weight | Monday 5/26, 12:08 AM CT |
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The Dolphins report QB John Beck has increased his playing weight to 218 pounds, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Our View: Beck says he feels stronger and is looking forward to proving himself in training camp. |
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| Vilma close to 100 percent | Monday 5/26, 12:04 AM CT |
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There were no signs of a limp during the first week of organized team activities and linebacker Jonathan Vilma didn't wear any sort of knee brace or protective sleeve. Vilma said he hasn't felt the need for a brace but isn't ready to declare himself 100 percent healthy yet, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald. "I'd say I'm pretty close," Vilma said. "I don't want to actually give a number just in case something happens. But right now I'm pretty close, barring any setbacks. I should be ready to go by training camp. I feel good about where I'm at right now, but I'm not going to be satisfied until I get out there and we're playing full pads."
Our View: If Vilma fully recovers and plays anywhere near his first two seasons in New York, the two mid-round picks the Saints gave the Jets in exchange for Vilma may look like a small price to pay for an immediate difference maker. |
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