|
| Allen could face possible suspension | Tuesday 5/27, 9:02 PM CT |
|
Will Allen could face a potential firearm charge for allegedly pulling a gun on someone over a money dispute, but even if a charge isn't filed, Allen could potentially face punishment from the NFL, anyway, according to the Palm Beach Post. According to the alleged victim, the money was given to Allen to cover gambling debts. Allen contends the money was for an investment. If the league determines the money was for a gambling debt, a suspension for Allen would be likely.
Our View: We wouldn't rule out Bill Parcells simply cutting Allen if he finds that the cornerback is in the wrong here. We'll keep you posted on this issue as more details emerge. |
|
|
| DeLoatch re-signed | Tuesday 5/27, 6:56 PM CT |
|
The Panthers re-signed backup cornerback Curtis Deloatch Tuesday, according to the Charlotte Observer. DeLoatch played six games last season before injuring his knee.
Our View: DeLoatch provides depth in the secondary but is by no means a difference-maker. |
|
|
| Johnson feels great after practice session | Tuesday 5/27, 6:54 PM CT |
|
The broken foot that sidelined Larry Johnson for half of last season appears to be healed, according to the AP. The running back participated in a 90-minute practice Tuesday and felt great afterward, saying, "It felt good to come out here and still be able to come out and run. Body-wise, I'm 100 percent."
Our View: Johnson will have plenty of detractors after last season's disappointment and the Chiefs' anemic offense, but you shouldn't let him slip out of the first round of your draft. |
|
|
| Jets bring Smith aboard | Tuesday 5/27, 5:03 PM CT |
|
The Jets added some backfield depth Tuesday, signing former Baltimore Raven Musa Smith, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: With Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and Jesse Chatman already on the roster, we're not sure why the Jets felt the need to bring Smith aboard. He has been the third-down back for the Ravens the last couple years, but Washington has a firm grasp on those duties in New York. |
|
|
| Heiden progressing well | Tuesday 5/27, 4:20 PM CT |
|
Cleveland Browns tight end Steve Heiden is progressing well after recent back surgery to repair a bulging disc, but has yet to return to offseason practices, agent Jack Wirth told ESPN.
Our View: Wirth didn't provide an updated timeline but felt optimistic that Heiden could be ready for Cleveland's veteran minicamp June 10-12. |
|
|
| Urlacher to skip mandatory camp | Tuesday 5/27, 4:15 PM CT |
|
Lance Briggs said today that fellow linebacker Brian Urlacher will not be at the Bears' mandatory minicamp, which opens Friday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "He's not going to be there," Briggs said on ESPN. "I'm pretty sure he's not going to be there, and it's sad it got to this point.”
Our View: Urlacher hinted earlier in the month that he would skip the mandatory camp in protest of his contract situation. Sounds like Briggs has some inside information, and it appears that Urlacher's contract holdout will officially commence on Friday. |
|
|
| Redskins trade for James | Tuesday 5/27, 3:54 PM CT |
|
The Washington Redskins have traded a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft to Minnesota for defensive end Erasmus James, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: The Redskins have a glaring need for depth at defensive end, and though James fell out of favor in Minnesota, he does possess some upside potential. |
|
|
| Pittman to Denver confirmed | Tuesday 5/27, 3:19 PM CT |
|
A few weeks ago, the Denver Broncos toyed with the idea of signing Dominic Rhodes or Shaun Alexander, but on Tuesday, they got serious, reaching an agreement with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman, according to ESPN.
Our View: Pittman, 32, is a well rounded back who can run, block and catch, while filling a variety of roles. He has averaged approximately 100 touches in the Bucs backfield over the past three seasons, and it’s not out of the question for him to carve out a similar role in the Mile High City. |
|
|
| Pittman to join Broncos? | Tuesday 5/27, 2:50 PM CT |
|
An unnamed league source tells Pro Football Talk that free agent running back Michael Pittman will sign a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos.
Our View: The Denver running back rotation becomes even muddier if Pittman joins a crowded backfield that includes Travis Henry, Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain. |
|
|
| Warrick lands in CFL | Tuesday 5/27, 2:20 PM CT |
|
The Montreal Alouettes announced the signing of wide receiver Peter Warrick, according to the Montreal Gazette.
Our View: Warrick, the fourth overall draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2000, has not played in the NFL during the past two seasons. |
|
|
| Henry misses practice again | Tuesday 5/27, 2:05 PM CT |
|
Running back Travis Henry did not practice again today as he continues to heal from a hamstring injury, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Henry also missed all of last week's practices, but Denver head coach Mike Shanahan had hoped he would return today. Henry's absence means extra tailback repetitions for Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain. |
|
|
| Stricter conduct policy coming June 1 | Tuesday 5/27, 1:32 PM CT |
|
The NFL's personal conduct policy is about to get stricter — but not before every team is allowed to start with a clean slate. FOXSports.com has learned new league rules resulting in fines for clubs whose players are suspended for off-field violations begin June 1. But the NFL is pardoning franchises whose players' legal problems occurred before then.
Our View: Goodell announced the policy change last week and said he may ultimately begin yanking draft choices from teams with multiple player violations. The moves add teeth to the personal conduct policy Goodell introduced in April 2007. |
|
|
| Booker expected to be go-to guy | Tuesday 5/27, 12:21 PM CT |
|
Although he will turn 32 during training camp this summer, wide receiver Marty Booker returns to the Chicago Bears in the same capacity in which he left -- as the No. 1 receiver, according to the Chicago Daily Herald.
Our View: The Bears lost their top two receivers in the off-season when Bernard Berrian signed with the Minnesota Vikings and Muhsin Muhammad was released to loosen up the salary cap. Despite the opportunity for Booker to be featured, it's difficult to get excited about any receiver in the Bears passing attack, which is expected to be anemic in 2008. |
|
|
| Jackson missed practice last week | Tuesday 5/27, 12:01 PM CT |
|
Running back Steven Jackson sat out last Thursday's practice after turning an ankle on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. "It did swell up a little bit, but it's not serious," head coach Scott Linehan said.
Our View: We will keep an eye on this situation when the St. Louis Rams resume their organized team activities on June 3. |
|
|
| Nelson feeling more comfortable | Tuesday 5/27, 11:55 AM CT |
|
Free safety Reggie Nelson has always been confident. But now he appears to be much more comfortable, too, according to Florida Today. "Last year, I played a little bit slow," Nelson said. "This year, I feel like I'm playing a lot faster. I'm studying my playbook. I'm better, just understanding the rules (of the defense) and stuff."
Our View: Nelson has been a standout in the Jaguars' mini-camp practices, and is receiving accolades from the coaching staff. At this stage of the offseason we have him nestled just inside the top-20 of our defensive back rankings. |
|
|
| Boulware primarily a special teamer | Tuesday 5/27, 11:45 AM CT |
|
If all goes according to plan, safety Michael Boulware won’t be a regular on defense for the Minnesota Vikings, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The Vikings are counting on Boulware to make a significant contribution on special teams, because he was one of only 13 players to be on the field for at least 80 percent of his team's special team plays last year in Houston.
Our View: Darren Sharper and another free-agent Madieu Williams, will be the starters and there is a chance that second-round draft pick Tyrell Johnson will be the first one off the bench if something happens to either veteran. |
|
|
| Chiefs sign CB Horton | Tuesday 5/27, 11:37 AM CT |
|
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with cornerback Jason Horton, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: Horton spent the 2007 season on injured reserve with the Houston Texans after suffering a fractured arm before the start of the regular season. He played in 13 games over two seasons with Green Bay, registering 13 tackles and 22 special teams’ stops. |
|
|
| Kansas City signs Poole | Tuesday 5/27, 11:36 AM CT |
|
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with cornerback Will Poole, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: Poole attended training camp with the Chiefs last summer, but was released just before the start of the regular season. He was a fourth-round pick of the Dolphins in 2004 and played 15 games with Miami that season, recording 37 tackles with a sack. |
|
|
| Thomas bulks up to 240 pounds | Tuesday 5/27, 11:31 AM CT |
|
Zach Thomas has been working with strength coach Joe Jurazsek, who was at Texas Tech when Thomas was in college, and has muscled up to 240 pounds for the first time in his career, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram.
Our View: Thomas, who normally plays at 225 pounds, is expected to provide a major upgrade for Dallas at the inside linebacker slot manned by Akin Ayodele last year. |
|
|
| Ravens not interested in Taylor | Tuesday 5/27, 10:58 AM CT |
|
A local radio station reported that the Baltimore Ravens have had official talks with the Miami Dolphins about acquiring defensive end Jason Taylor. But one team official told the Baltimore Sun that the report was untrue.
Our View: One obstacle in Taylor coming to the Ravens is new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. When Cameron was the head coach of the Dolphins last season, his relationship with Taylor was described as frosty. |
|
|
| Garcia intends to fulfill contract | Tuesday 5/27, 10:51 AM CT |
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia may be unhappy with his contract, but he intends to fulfill it and will not miss a day of training camp, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Garcia has voluntarily participated in every offseason workout. He has one year left on a deal that will pay him a $2-million salary. |
|
|
| Ikegwuonu to miss 2008 season | Tuesday 5/27, 10:38 AM CT |
|
As the spring workouts resume today, rookie Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu is in the training room. That is where the injured cornerback will be putting in his time this season.
Ikegwuonu a fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, has accepted the fact that a knee injury suffered in January will prevent him from playing until the 2009 NFL season, according to PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
Our View: In addition to the injury issues, Ikegwuonu has a trial set for July 14, at which time he will face charges of a Class I felony for residential burglary. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of four years in prison and maximum of 15. Ikegwuonu has stated that the local DA has attempted to make plea bargain offers, and is positive things will be resolved soon. |
|
|
| Winslow rehabbing in San Diego | Tuesday 5/27, 10:24 AM CT |
|
Kellen Winslow missing voluntary workouts isn’t a big deal except that the Cleveland Browns keep saying they don’t know where the tight end is, as if they haven’t even been in touch with him. Per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, Winslow is rehabbing in San Diego will on hand for the Browns mandatory June mini-camp, according to the Dayton Daily News.
Our View: Winslow has made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that he wants his contract redone even though it has three years remaining and the Browns have been generous to a fault with him. It will be interesting to see if Winslow really attends the mandatory camp next month. |
|
|
| Zimmer leaning on Jones | Tuesday 5/27, 10:04 AM CT |
|
New Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is leaning on linebacker Dhani Jones to be a leader and help improve a unit that finished 27th in the league last season, according to the Sporting News. Jones, in his ninth season, is the club's most seasoned linebacker. He is expected to help the defense cut down on mistakes, play more aggressively and cause more turnovers.
Our View: Jones was the Bengals second leading tackler in 2007, despite playing in only 14 games (nine starts). Given the fact he is expected to man the middle, Jones is a legitimate sleeper who could represent a solid value pick in 2008. |
|
|
| Jets, Browns interested in Colvin | Tuesday 5/27, 9:47 AM CT |
|
Rosevelt Colvin did an interview earlier today on Sirus NFL Radio, and stated that despite his release from the New England Patriots this offseason, he’s already received some calls from teams in regards to his services, according to the Dayton Daily News. Two teams that Colvin pointed out as being in contact with are the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets.
Our View: In either locale, Colvin would be utilized as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, which limits his IDP value. The Indianapolis Colts are also reportedly interested in his services. |
|
|
| Beck, McCown frontrunners in Miami | Tuesday 5/27, 9:37 AM CT |
|
The Miami Dolphins quarterback competition appears to be between John Beck and Josh McCown, according to the Sporting News. Beck and McCown are getting substantial reps with the first-team offense during organized team activities and mini-camps, while rookie Chad Henne is still working on his transition to the pro game.
Our View: The Dolphins coaching staff would like to see Beck seize the starting role, as McCown has been nothing more than a journeyman during his career. |
|
|
| Peters angling for new deal | Tuesday 5/27, 9:31 AM CT |
|
Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters appears to be angling for a new contract as he skipped the first week of the Buffalo Bills’ voluntary organized team activities, according to the Sporting News. The converted tight end has become one of the best-left tackles in the NFL, and he wants to be paid accordingly. Peters makes about $4 million per season, far less than teammates Derrick Dockery ($7 million) and Langston Walker ($5 million).
Our View: The Bills have plenty of salary cap space to take care of Peters, making it likely that the organization will lock down the up-and-coming left tackle. |
|
|
| McKelvin to concentrate on defense | Tuesday 5/27, 9:21 AM CT |
|
Despite his stellar return abilities, Buffalo rookie cornerback Leodis McKelvin will learn the ropes of the defense first and foremost, according to Pro Football Weekly. McKelvin isn’t a particularly astute student of the game, and the feeling among the coaches is that throwing both the defensive and special-teams playbooks at him at once will stunt his development.
Our View: Even if the team felt McKelvin could handle dual responsibilities, there’s no guarantee he’d improve the special-teams play, considering KR Terrence McGee and PR Roscoe Parrish are two of the best in the business. |
|
|
| Urrutia flashes potential in mini-camp | Tuesday 5/27, 9:14 AM CT |
|
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Mario Urrutia could be an intriguing player down the road, according to Pro Football Weekly. The 6-5, 232-pound Urrutia has the size of a tight end but is athletic for his size and flashed some potential in the Bengals’ first minicamp.
Our View: Urrutia, a seventh-round pick, is a big powerful receiver with decent speed, but he’s a raw route runner who drops a lot of passes. In other words he is a "project" type, who could land on the practice squad, if he continues to impress during the offseason. |
|
|
| Jets in contact with Baker | Tuesday 5/27, 9:05 AM CT |
|
Even though New York Jets tight end Chris Baker has been a no-show at organized team activities the team is informing him of all developments in the playbook in order for him to hit the ground running when he does report, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Baker, who is boycotting the offseason program due to contract issues, has no leverage in this situation after the organization signed free agent Bubba Franks and drafted Dustin Keller. There’s little chance of the Jets caving in to Baker’s demands, and they fully expect him to be in uniform come training camp. |
|
|
| Goodell, Pacman to meet this week? | Tuesday 5/27, 8:51 AM CT |
|
Suspended cornerback Pacman Jones said he hopes to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at some point this week, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: NFL officials would not comment regarding a potential meeting. Jones worked out with several NFL and college players Monday at SMU. |
|
|
| Glenn continues to miss OTAs | Tuesday 5/27, 8:47 AM CT |
|
The Dallas Cowboys continue their organized team activities today at Valley Ranch, but wide receiver Terry Glenn said he probably wouldn’t work out this week, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Glenn had two surgeries on the knee last year, one to remove a cyst and another to repair loose cartilage. He was told by team officials he will need micro-fracture surgery in the future. Glenn was also held out of three OTA sessions last week because of concerns about his right knee. |
|
|
| Williams skipping OTAs | Tuesday 5/27, 8:34 AM CT |
|
Roy Williams is taking a family vacation instead of participating in the Dallas Cowboys’ organized team activities, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: The workouts are voluntary so Williams isn’t breaking any team rules. However, this is a curious move for a player who has struggled in Wade Phillips 3-4 scheme. At this point, Williams is a risky pick in the IDP world, not for missing the voluntary workouts, but due to the fact that he doesn’t have a clearly defined role in the Cowboys defense in 2008. |
|
|
| Redskins still evaluating Campbell | Tuesday 5/27, 8:22 AM CT |
|
Jason Campbell - the perennial quarterback of the future - has two years remaining on his rookie contract and the Washington Redskins have yet to open any sort of contract talks with him, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Campbell remains something of an unknown commodity due to injuries and the constant changing of the offensive scheme in Washington. If a team knows it has a franchise quarterback, then they jump on an extension early, but it appears the organization is still in evaluation mode with Campbell. |
|
|
| Royal expects to be ready for camp | Tuesday 5/27, 7:46 AM CT |
|
Robert Royal underwent off-season knee surgery, but is expected to be ready for training camp, according to BuffaloBills.com. Late last week, Royal did some of the most vigorous work on the field since his January surgery. He said, "I was pretty excited about what I was able to do. I haven't been doing a lot of jumping around and running. I've just been trying to strengthen my quads and my hip as strong as possible and so far I think I'm doing pretty good. I'm just focused on being here and trying to get better, rehabbing and doing the things I can do to prepare myself to get on the field."
Our View: Royal registered a career-high 25 receptions over 11 games in 2007, and is hopeful that more chances will exist in the passing game for the tight ends under new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert. He will get competition from Courtney Anderson and rookie Derek Fine, but Royal should remain the Bills' starting tight end, assuming his knee is healthy.
|
|
|
| Darling and Webb battling to start | Tuesday 5/27, 7:38 AM CT |
|
Devard Darling and Jeff Webb are battling for the starting role opposite Dwayne Bowe, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: Webb hauled in 28 receptions as a part-time player last season, but the Chiefs see him as more of a reserve. Darling was unable to make much of an impact or earn much playing time in four seasons with Baltimore, but scored three touchdowns on his 18 receptions in 2007, with a 18.1 average. Darling made a fair share of amazing catches while at Washington State, and he will be on our radar through training camp.
|
|
|
| Rookie Franklin impressing | Tuesday 5/27, 7:32 AM CT |
|
Fourth-round draft pick Will Franklin (Missouri) has looked comfortable with the Chiefs so far and has displayed solid hands, according to the Kansas City Star. Quarterback Damon Huard said, "He’s really quick making his moves, and he’s got really strong hands. He’s got the skills to be a special player. If he works hard at it, he will."
Our View: Franklin possesses good speed, quickness, and agility, and has good hands to make tough catches. He needs work on his route running, but could make an impact down the line with the Chiefs, namely as a slot receiver. |
|
|
| Roman underwent minor surgery | Tuesday 5/27, 7:23 AM CT |
|
Mark Roman underwent minor elbow surgery to clean out loose bodies 10 days ago, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: He will be held back during the first week of upcoming OTA, but will be ready for training camp. Dashon Goldson will likely work with the starters while Roman is out, but Roman should not be in jeopardy of losing his free safety job. |
|
A 95 mph heater. A perfectly executed hit and run. A blast into the sky. At Owners Edge MLB, we break down every conceivable fantasy angle from the simple to the complex to quench your fantasy thirst.
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.