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| Urlacher to report on Friday | Thursday 5/29, 8:49 PM CT |
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Brian Urlacher will be in camp starting on Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Urlacher hasn't participated in any voluntary workouts as he angles for a contract extension, but he will be in camp for the mandatory three day affair starting on Friday.
Our View: Urlacher is coming off neck surgery, but reports indicate that he is healthy and ready to go. This situation clearly isn't solved, but we would be shocked to see Urlacher allow it affect his play on the field. |
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| Team hopeful of having QB by end of OTAs | Thursday 5/29, 6:50 PM CT |
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49ers HC Mike Nolan hopes to have a decision made on who will be the teams QB this season by the end of OTAs, according to the Sacramento Bee.
"At this point I'm hopeful. But I won't hold myself to it." Nolan also went on to say that even if a starter is determined in the next month, things could still change. "Whatever happens at the end of OTAs," Nolan said, "It's not the end of the race for anyone."
Our View: Alex Smith is clearly the top option, though Shaun Hill certainly gave the team a lot to think about with his work late last season. The smart money is on Smith emerging with the job. |
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| Smith to attend minicamp | Thursday 5/29, 6:44 PM CT |
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Will Smith will attend mandatory minicamp after sitting out voluntary workouts and the first two weeks of OTA, according to the Times Picayune. Smith and the team continue to have discussions about restructuring his contract.
Our View: Look for the Saints and Smith to get things done as they are aware of the value of the 27 year old Smith. |
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| KGB sidelined for two months | Thursday 5/29, 6:37 PM CT |
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Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had surgery on his knee on Thursday and will be out for about two months as a result, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was minor surgery, something that's been bothering him throughout the off-season, so we probably won't get him back until training camp," said HC Mike MccCarthy. "But I haven't had the results yet."
Our View: The Packers certainly hope to have KGB back and at full health by the time the season starts to help provide the pass rush that he is famous for. |
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| Seau still contemplating future | Thursday 5/29, 6:33 PM CT |
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Junior Seau still hasn't decided if he we will return for another season, according to the Boston Globe. "I'd say it would probably be closer to training camp than [early June's] mini-camp," HC Bill Belichick said.
Our View: Seau is more of an emotional leader than anything else at this point, and he is clearly well past the point where he is worthy of consideration in most IDP leagues. |
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| Jones has amazing workout | Thursday 5/29, 6:29 PM CT |
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Kevin Jones worked out in front of reporters on Thursday and looked "amazing", according to MLive.com. "I know the NFL will be shocked,'' said Dr. D.S. Ping of Jones who is just five months removed from knee surgery. "He can go into (training) camp right now. All he needs is football conditioning. They told him it'd be a year and he's ready now.''
Our View: Jones will have his official workout on June 28th for NFL scouts, at which point he will likely offer his services to the highest bidder. Keep an eye on where he lands, but don't expect him to be a lead back given the myriad of injuries he has suffered the past few seasons. |
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| Bears have battle at QB | Thursday 5/29, 6:24 PM CT |
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Rex Grossman will split work with the first-team with Kyle Orton, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. "I think the No. 1 thing is decision-making," OC Ron Turner said. "Obviously they have to have the physical talent to make all the throws, but decision-making, accuracy and athletic ability (come into play)."
Our View: Grossman would appear to be in the lead at this point, though neither QB does much to get ones fantasy fire burning. Keep an eye on the final decision, though whomever is handed the title of starter is nothing more than a deep QB2 option. |
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| Benson, Forte in battle for carries | Thursday 5/29, 6:20 PM CT |
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Cedric Benson appears to be in an open competition with Matt Forte for carries this year, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. "Until somebody proves that they're the guy," GM Jerry Angelo said, "we have to make sure that we create as much competition at that position. I felt like our running game obviously was one of the weak spots on our football team."
Our View: Benson has looked good in work so far, especially consider his off-field issues and comeback from ankle surgery, but it's clear that he still has a lot to prove this year. As a result, Forte's value continues to rise in off-season ADP results. |
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| Hobson running better than expected | Thursday 5/29, 2:17 PM CT |
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Victor Hobson is running better than expected, as he makes the transition from an outside linebacker in the Jets' system to an inside backer in the Patriots' 3-4 system, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He is proving to have the speed and athleticism needed for the spot on the inside, and could make an impact in New England this season. Tedy Bruschi is aging and the status of Junior Seau remains undecided. |
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| Tank being used as sub-linebacker | Thursday 5/29, 2:10 PM CT |
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Safety Tank Williams is being used as a sub-linebacker during OTA sessions with the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: The Patriots could use him as a linebacker in sub-packages to counter spread offenses with three and four receivers. His tackling numbers could improve while being used in the role. |
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| Bly will miss remainder of pass camp | Thursday 5/29, 12:19 PM CT |
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Dre Bly will miss the remainder of the Broncos' passing camp due to a pulled hamstring, according to the Denver Post. Bly said, "It didn't pop or anything, so it's nothing bad."
Our View: The veteran will be fine with missing the rest of passing camp, and could return when the Broncos begin their team camp on Monday. |
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| Williamson holding on to the ball | Thursday 5/29, 11:10 AM CT |
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Troy Williamson fell out of favor in Minnesota due to poor concentration and frequent dropped passes, but he is reportedly holding on to the ball so far during the Jaguars' OTA sessions, according to Jaguars.com. He isn't impressing the team or flashing big-play potential, but his hands have seemingly improved.
Our View: He was a high first-round draft pick and has good size and speed to develop into an elite NFL receiver, but still has a long way to go to prove himself worthy of a solid role in Jacksonville. |
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| James will wear communicator | Thursday 5/29, 11:00 AM CT |
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Bradie James will wear the defensive communicator in his helmet for the Cowboys this season, according to the Star-Telegram. James said, "I feel like I am going to break the thing because I play linebacker. I am going to try and break it. That's my goal is knock it out. We'll see how that things go. I'm still old-school in that manner."
Our View: James has been chosen over Zach Thomas, as he has more experience and seniority within the Cowboys' defense. James racked up 101 tackles (64 solo) in 2007, with three sacks and three fumble recoveries. Wearing the communicator ensures he will remain an every-down player, and should register another 100 tackle campaign. |
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| Green sick with food poisoning | Thursday 5/29, 10:14 AM CT |
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Ahman Green missed the Houston Texans workout Wednesday with a possible case of food poisoning, according to the Houston Chronicle. "He's sick," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He was really sick this morning, and he came in and we took him to the doctor. We think he may have food poisoning. But he's fine."
Our View: Green has been healthy thus far during offseason workouts, but has a well-documented history of injury issues, mostly with his problematic knees. He cuurently sits on top of the Houston running back depth chart, but the Texans are expected to employ a RBBC scenario with Chris Brown and rookie Steve Slaton figuring prominently in the mix. |
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| Johnson a candidate to breakout in ‘08 | Thursday 5/29, 10:01 AM CT |
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Many Detroit insiders feel that the second-year receiver Calvin Johnson is in a good position to break out in 2008, according to Pro Football Weekly. They say his demeanor in practice is more professional and focused, and that he will be featured prominently in the new design of the offense.
Our View: Johnson averaged 15.8 yards per catch last year, despite being hindered by a back injury for much of the season. By all accounts, he has been a force in offseason workouts and we tend to agree with this report that Johnson is definitely a breakout candidate in ’08. |
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| Russell emerging as team leader | Thursday 5/29, 9:33 AM CT |
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Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell appears to be on the fast track toward a leadership position with the team, according to Pro Football Weekly. Sources in Oakland say Russell has gained his teammates’ respect through showing a commitment and strong work ethic in offseason workouts.
Our View: Russell has looked in command of the offense during offseason practices thus far, which is a big departure from where he left off at the end of last season. While he doesn’t represent an optimum choice for re-draft leagues, he is definitely a top target for those of you who participate in dynasty leagues. Given his limited production last year, it might be a good time to try to pry him from the roster of your fellow owners. |
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| Indy to expand tight end roles | Thursday 5/29, 9:26 AM CT |
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With the uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Marvin Harrison, the Indianapolis Colts are planning on expanding the already significant role of their tight ends in the passing game, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Dallas Clark will continue to line up throughout the formation to exploit his size-speed gifts. And word out of Indianapolis is that the team has big plans for rookie Jacob Tamme, who has great hands but is a poor blocker. Tamme won’t provide much help to the running game, but the coaches are scheming ways to utilize his natural receiving abilities. With a dearth of legitimate receiver depth, look for Clark and Tamme to act as de facto wideouts in a good number of offensive sets. |
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| Slaton comfortable in zone blocking scheme | Thursday 5/29, 9:19 AM CT |
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Houston Texans rookie running back Steve Slaton starred running behind zone blocking at West Virginia, so he is familiar with elements of Houston's offense, which also features a zone blocking scheme, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Slaton, who will compete for carries as a backup in his rookie campaign, has reportedly displayed a comfort factor with the Texans scheme. He could also be the primary third down back on passing situations, which would add an element of explosiveness to the backfield. |
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| Mendenhall making positive impression | Thursday 5/29, 9:13 AM CT |
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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall looks as though he will be a solid fit in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' offense, according to Pro Football Weekly. Mendenhall has caught the ball well in his brief Steelers career, and he's also shown the speed that helped make him such a well-regarded prospect.
Our View: Mendenhall, who is healthy again after suffering a hamstring injury early in May, will primarily play the role of keeping starter Willie Parker fresh. Mendenhall and probable third-down back Mewelde Moore are likely to be the first backs off the bench for Pittsburgh, which will have a more versatile backfield than it did a season ago. Keep in mind, Parker has rushed for 4,013 yards with a 4.4 yards per carry average during the past three seasons, so Mendenhall will likely be a complimentary player in his first year, though he could provide value as a solid flex option, if he can handle the goal line duties. |
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| Glenn asked to sign injury waiver | Thursday 5/29, 9:01 AM CT |
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Last week, wide receiver Terry Glenn revealed that the Dallas Cowboys were keeping him out of the team's off-season workouts. Per Glenn, the team has asked him to sign a $500,000 injury settlement - relieving them of any further obligation if he is sidelined for the season due to his surgically repaired right knee, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram.
Our View: So far, Glenn has declined to sign the waiver and has not been allowed to participate in the "organized team activity" workouts the past two weeks. If Glenn were injured without the waiver, the team would be on the hook for his entire 2008 salary of $1.74 million. |
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| Dolphins running back update | Thursday 5/29, 8:54 AM CT |
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With running back Ronnie Brown in the thick of rehab after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, Ricky Williams has been temporarily thrust into the No. 1 running back job and will likely enter training camp with such a designation, according to Pro Football Weekly. Although it’s far too early to draw definitive conclusions, the early returns from the team’s offseason program are favorable for a seemingly changed and dedicated Williams.
Our View: Williams is earning the trust of the coaching staff with his performance and attitude. It's looking very much like a RBBC situation in Miami during 2008 with Williams and Brown being the key performers. |
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| Bills, Evans negotiating extension | Thursday 5/29, 8:47 AM CT |
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The Buffalo Bills recently offered Lee Evans a lowball contract extension, one the wide receiver declined, according to Pro Football Weekly. Evans’ contract expires at the end of next season, and the Bills are placing a premium on inking him to a long-term extension before training camp commences.
Our View: Evans has performed well on the field, and is one of the most respected leaders in the locker room. He is receptive to staying in Buffalo long-term, so look for the Bills to eventually come through with a mutually acceptable offer. |
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| Delhomme threw 40 passes yesterday | Thursday 5/29, 8:35 AM CT |
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Quarterback Jake Delhomme participated in team drills on the opening day of the team's optional workouts, and threw about 40 passes up from the 34 he threw in individual drills during April's minicamp, according to ESPN. Delhomme said he was "mentally a little rusty," but said his arm felt fine.
Our View: Delhomme had ligament-replacement surgery in his right elbow last fall after playing in only three games. The Panthers expect Delhomme to be at full strength for the start of training camp in July. And this represents another positive step in his rehabilitation from elbow surgery. |
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| Posluszny impressive during offseason | Thursday 5/29, 8:29 AM CT |
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Buffalo Bills linebacker coach Matt Sheldon is impressed by how linebacker Paul Posluszny has kept up with the playbook to stay sharp, noting how positionally sound the player has been in practice, according to NFL.com. "We've been very, very pleased with what he's done," Sheldon said. "We expect there to be a good amount of study away from the facility. So he's done that work and it's starting to show."
Our View: Posluszny has made a good impression two weeks into the Bills spring practice sessions. On Tuesday, he burst through the middle and bowled over backup center Duke Preston. On Wednesday, during a red-zone team drill, Posluszny followed the play perfectly to make a leaping one-handed interception, picking off starter Trent Edwards' pass at the goal line. If Poz can stay healthy, he’s expected to make a major impact at middle linebacker in 2008. |
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| Wilson getting noticed by Crennel | Thursday 5/29, 8:16 AM CT |
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When asked to name one player that has stood out during organized team activities so far, head coach Romeo Crennel didn't hesitate to list third-year receiver Travis Wilson, according to ClevelandBrowns.com. "Travis Wilson has done a good job this camp," Crennel said. "He's been more consistent. He has caught more balls. He seems to have a better attitude overall."
Our View: Wilson was picked by the Browns in the third round at the 2006 draft, but has made only two catches for 32 yards in four games during his two NFL seasons so far. He did not appear in a game in 2007, and is mired behind Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth and Joe Jurevicius, who are entrenched on the depth chart at the top three receiver slots. |
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| Jones has twisted ankle | Thursday 5/29, 8:08 AM CT |
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Previously unannounced, safety Sean Jones twisted his ankle last week and sat out some drills Wednesday, but head coach Romeo Crennel said the injury isn't regarded as serious, according to ClevelandBrowns.com.
Our View: Good news that Crennel considers this to be a minor injury, as Jones has emerged over the past two seasons as one of the fine young strong safeties in IDP formats. He will be one of the top 2 or 3 players off the board at his position in 2008. |
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| Marinelli evaluating Davis | Thursday 5/29, 7:59 AM CT |
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The Detroit Lions will try linebacker Buster Davis at middle linebacker and they expect him to excel on special teams, according to MLive.com. Davis doesn't have great speed and his lack of size might cause him to get lost in traffic, but head coach Rod Marinelli really likes his instincts and hitting ability.
Our View: Davis was a third-round pick last year by the Arizona Cardinals and eyebrows were raised when he was cut. The Lions selected linebacker Jordon Dizon in the second round of the NFL draft, and he is expected to start from Day 1 in the middle, moving Paris Lennon over to the strong side. |
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| Porter has a pulled hamstring | Thursday 5/29, 7:51 AM CT |
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Jaguars.com senior editor Vince Ketchman advises that contrary to previous reports, wide receiver Jerry Porter has a hamstring pull, which caused him to miss some practice time in the recent organized team activities. There were reports surfacing that Porter had ankle, knee and achilles injuries.
Our View: At this time of the year, coaching staffs tend to err on the side of caution, so we aren’t too concerned about this situation at this early stage of the offseason. |
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