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| Carlson likely to start at TE | Thursday 6/5, 8:47 PM CT |
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John Carlson will likely become the first rookie tight end ever to start for a Mike Holmgren coached team, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "I don't understand the offense the way that Matt Hasselbeck does," Carlson said. "So this is my job now and it's my responsibility to really learn it. It's challenging, but I'm excited."
Our View: The Seahawks traded up 17 spots to secure Carlson in the draft making their intentions pretty clear. Carlson is working hard to grasp the offense and the team is extremely pleased with his attitude thus far. |
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| Lynch principal suspect in hit and run | Thursday 6/5, 7:46 PM CT |
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Things are looking very grim for Marshawn Lynch as he has been identified as the "principal suspect" in a hit and run accident, according to the Associated Press. Here is the report from Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark. “There were other people in the car, too, (Lynch) wasn’t the only person in the car,” Clark said. “I don’t know whether he was driving that car or not. But I’m confident that before the investigation ends, we’re going to find out, whether he talks to us or whether he doesn’t.”
Our View: Yet another off-field incident to further tarnish the image of the NFL. At least the woman that was hit with the SUV is alright. Lynch was almost certainly involved at some level, let's just hope he cooperates with authorities so he can avoid a substantial punishment, though it's not looking too good right now. |
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| Smith ready for battle for snaps | Thursday 6/5, 6:50 PM CT |
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Troy Smith has to overcome the presence of Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't impressed the Ravens to the point that whispers are starting to grow that he might have a legitimate shot to be behind center in Week 1, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Smith is a strong presence in the huddle and in the locker room who never takes a snap off. He continues to work hard despite some physical limitations, but it still appears that he may have actually played himself into a legitimate shot at starting this year. |
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| Clowney impressing boss | Thursday 6/5, 6:40 PM CT |
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David Clowney has made quite an impression in OTAs, according to Newsday. “I think he’s a guy that has excellent deep speed, he’s got a history of special teams production in college (Virginia Tech)," HC Eric Mangini said. "He got into our system last year when we picked him up from Green Bay and he made some strides (last year). And I like the strides he’s made to this point."
Our View: Clowney didn't pull down a pass last season, and he figures to be a long shot to be anything more than a depth WR, though there is a chance he could end up seeing some work in the return game if he keeps flashing solid work with his hands and his effort. |
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| Williams working hard at comeback | Thursday 6/5, 6:32 PM CT |
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Ricky Williams continues to work hard and his work is impressing people within the Dolphins organization, according to the Miami Herald. ''Within his individual drills, I see the guy working hard to get better,'' HC Tony Sparano said. ``I think the guy shows up each day, and he has a purpose when he practices. He wants to get better at something each and every day.
Our View: It remains to be seen how much Williams will be utilized this season, but he is doing everything he can to thrust himself squarely into the team's plans. Ronnie Brown is also progressing well, but it sure seems like Williams is going to push him. |
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| Norwood to try hand at WR | Thursday 6/5, 6:25 PM CT |
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Jerious Norwood hasn't seen enough touches the past few years, and as a result the Falcons are considering splitting him out wide at the receiver position, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "He's a guy that can cause all kinds of problems for defensive coordinators," said Falcons coach Mike Smith. "Not strictly because of his speed but because of the potential matchup problems he can create. Jerious is a special athlete that can do a number of different things."
Our View: Norwood possesses blazing speed and the key is to just get him the ball and watch him go. We are all for this idea, though it remains to be seen just how often he will be deployed in this manner once the games start. |
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| Jackson still waiting to make mark | Thursday 6/5, 6:17 PM CT |
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DeSean Jackson figures to be a big part of the Eagles return game this season, but he hasn't been able to spend much time working with the offense thus far because of a sore hamstring, according to the Eagles Official Site. "(Jackson's) got a long way to go," OC Marty Mornhinweg said. "A lot of hard work still left. However, he's does have a real high skill and ability set there. He's pretty good."
Our View: Jackson will certainly be involved in the passing game, but just how much remains to be seen. At this point, he doesn't deserve to be rostered in standard leagues. |
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| Garcia won't retire after all | Thursday 6/5, 5:47 PM CT |
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Jeff Garcia spoke Wednesday of possibly retiring, but it turns out he was referencing the 2009 season and not this year, according to the St. Petersberg Tribune.
Our View: Garcia is ticked off that the Bucs haven't reworked his contract, he is due a little less than $3 million dollars this year, and he hasn't been shy about expressing his displeasure to the press. However, don't panic, Garcia won't be sailing off into the sunset until at least the 2009 season. |
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| Portis misses practice | Thursday 6/5, 5:38 PM CT |
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Clinton Portis missed practice on Thursday with a situation that was deemed as "nothing serious" by HC Jim Zorn, according to the Washington Post. However, Zorn then went on to say that Portis could also end up missing some practice time next week as well.
Our View: Portis has been dealing with some discomfort in his hip, but reportedly this situation has nothing to do with him missing practice time. Stay tuned for more clarification on the matter. |
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| Manning alters throwing program | Thursday 6/5, 5:32 PM CT |
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Peyton Manning has never missed an NFL game, and in order to keep that streak intact, and his arm strong, Manning has cut back his throwing schedule, according to NFL.com. "I try to be smart in preserving my arm, so I had our trainer call the trainers for (Dan) Marino and (John) Elway and Favre to see what you do after 32 because it's kind of uncharted territory," Manning said.
Our View: We would bet that Manning will still throw for 3,700-yards and at least 26 TDs as he has done in each of the past 10 seasons even if he tosses a few less passes in the off-season. |
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| Gradkowski added to QB mix | Thursday 6/5, 5:21 PM CT |
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Bruce Gradkowski, released last week by the Buccaneers, was claimed off waivers on Thursday by the Rams, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Gradkowski will lay in wait for the inevitable Marc Bulger injury and then battle with Trent Green and Brock Berlin for playing time. |
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| Sensabaugh arrested back on May 30 | Thursday 6/5, 1:47 PM CT |
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Gerald Sensabaugh was arrested on May 30 for reckless driving stemming from an incident in which he was allegedly doing wheelies on a motorcycle, according to the Florida Times Tribune.
Our View: He has been arrested before, and could face discipline from the NFL. He was competing for the starting strong safety gig in Jacksonville. |
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| White expected to be starting FS | Thursday 6/5, 1:21 PM CT |
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Marvin White is expected to be the Bengals' starting free safety this season, according to the Dayton Daily News. He would replace Madieu Williams, who departed to Minnesota.
Our View: White became a starter late last season as a rookie, and made a solid impact, namely as a fearless and devastating hitter. He also displays good speed, range, and ball skills, but just needs to improve his recognition skills. He could establish himself as an enforcer this season, and could emerge as a solid IDP sleeper for 2008. |
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| Galloway fully recovered? | Thursday 6/5, 1:13 PM CT |
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Joey Galloway said he is fully recovered from off-season shoulder surgery, according to the Tampa Tribune. He said, "It’s fine, it’s ready to go. I have a lot of confidence in our medical staff here. It was pretty smooth and the rehab was pretty smooth."
Our View: This is favorable news, but he is still 36 years old, and will be hard-pressed to remain intact for a full 16-game slate in 2008. |
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| Porter likely starter? | Thursday 6/5, 11:44 AM CT |
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Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams are the likely starting receivers for Jacksonville this season, according to Jaguars.com. If that holds true, then Dennis Northcutt would likely move into the slot role as the number three receiver, with promising second-year pro Mike Walker following him on the depth chart at four. Troy Williamson, Matt Jones, and John Broussard will fight for the remaining spots, which may only be one.
Our View: Porter had a few solid seasons in Oakland, and racked up 44 receptions for 705 yards and six scores last season despite poor play at quarterback. Porter could rank as a solid sleeper candidate if he nails down a starting gig, with the consistent and efficient David Garrard delivering his passes in Jacksonville.
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| Hackett sporting knee brace | Thursday 6/5, 11:34 AM CT |
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D.J. Hackett is now sporting a knee brace in practice, according to the Rock Hill Herald. He has been slowed by knee swelling, but was able to return to practice Wednesday, and said, "It feels good. I just had some swelling in my knee, so I just took it easy. It swells up, but it's nothing that's hurt, nothing injured."
Our View: The injury-prone Hackett cannot afford to lose reps while he is in a tight battle with veteran Muhsin Muhammad for the starting receiver role opposite speed demon Steve Smith. Hopefully for him, this knee issue will not linger into training camp, which would draw him a red flag as a fantasy prospect. |
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| Cowboys expect to sign Hamilin | Thursday 6/5, 11:27 AM CT |
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The Cowboys "want to and expect to" sign Ken Hamlin to a contract extension before training camp, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View: There is no indication, however, if the team will complete a deal with Hamlin before the start of the veteran minicamp next week. He is working out on his own away from the team, and is looking for a long-term deal.
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| Feely will have to compete for job | Thursday 6/5, 11:22 AM CT |
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Bill Parcells stated that Jay Feely will have to compete for the kicking job in Miami this season, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Parcells isn't high on Feely, and the team signed Dave Rayner back in March to challenge him for the placekicking job. Feely has been inconsistent over his career, but did have a strong 2007 campaign as he converted 21-of-23 field goal opportunities. |
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| Parcells wants Taylor | Thursday 6/5, 11:07 AM CT |
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Bill Parcells commented that he wants Jason Taylor to be a member of the Dolphins this season, according to the AP. Parcells said, "Of course I want Taylor. Why wouldn’t you want one of the very best players?"
Our View: Parcells also called a "rift" between him and Taylor purely a fabrication. The team isn't expected to trade Taylor for anything less than a third-round draft pick, so he isn't likely to leave Miami. |
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| Baker attended camp, as expected | Thursday 6/5, 10:39 AM CT |
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Chris Baker attended the Jets' mandatory mini-camp on Thursday, as expected, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He is still upset with his contract situation, and is only in attendance to avoid a $8,500 fine. He is expected to talk to the media later today, and the source states that he isn't going to be kind to the team with his comments. |
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| Pace could be every-down player? | Thursday 6/5, 10:35 AM CT |
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Coach Eric Mangini likes Calvin Pace's versatility and thinks he can be an every-down player for the Jets' defense this season, according to the Star-Ledger. Mangini said, "He's very fast, has very good athletic ability and change-of-direction for someone his size. A lot of times, the taller they get, the bigger they get, the stiffer they get."
Our View: He is projected to start at left outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 system. He may not challenge the 97 tackles he made with the Cardinals in 2007, but could improve on his 5.5 sacks. |
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| Tyree could begin season on PUP list? | Thursday 6/5, 10:28 AM CT |
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David Tyree could begin the season on the PUP list, according to the NY Daily News. He is slowly rehabbing his injured right knee. If placed on the PUP list, he wouldn't be able to play until Week 7.
Our View: He went down in Giants' history last season when he made a miraculous drive-saving catch against his helmet in the closing minutes of the Super Bowl against New England, but he is not guaranteed a spot on the Giants' 2008 roster. Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer are locks to start, and Steve Smith potentially looks to be third receiver, so that leaves Tyree to fight with rookie Mario Manningham and Sinorice Moss for the remaining spots. The team isn't likely to carry six receivers, so Tyree could be the odd-man-out. In his favor, he excels on special teams, and that could keep him in New York. |
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| Curtis implies McNabb is hurt | Thursday 6/5, 9:37 AM CT |
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Wide receiver Kevin Curtis implied that Donovan McNabb may be nursing shoulder soreness, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: McNabb notably didn't throw on the final day of the mandatory team minicamp last month, and his passes reportedly lacked "zip" on Wednesday. A team source stated that nothing was wrong with McNabb's shoulder, and he took batting practice with the Phillies last night. The team confirms he is fine, but we will continue to monitor the situation. |
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| Williams still not practicing | Thursday 6/5, 9:18 AM CT |
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Roydell Williams still hasn't begun practicing in the Titans' OTA, according to the Nashville City Paper. He is slowly recovering from a broken ankle.
Our View: The Titans are employing a new offense under coordinator Mike Heimerdinger this season, and Williams could be in jeopardy of losing his starting job if he doesn't return to practice soon. He hauled in 55 receptions for 719 yards and four touchdowns in 2007, but is missing valuable practice time to learn the new system, and Heimerdinger is very pleased with Justin McCareins right now, who would be the top candidate to unseat Williams as a starter. |
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| Urlacher did not attend OTA Wed. | Thursday 6/5, 9:11 AM CT |
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Brian Urlacher did not attend the Bears' voluntary OTA on Wednesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: Urlacher's absence increases the possibility his contract battle with the team will drag on toward training camp. The Bears have a policy of not negotiating with players who are absent, so it's doubtful any progress of working out his contract will be made while he is away. |
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| Dvoracek doing some light work | Thursday 6/5, 8:41 AM CT |
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Dusty Dvoracek did some light work on the line during special teams drills on Wednesday, but continued to nurse his sore left hand, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: The Bears are hoping that Dvoracek will rebound favorably from his knee injury, as they need someone to make an impact as a compliment to the elite Tommie Harris on the inside. He could start this season, but will hold little to no fantasy value. |
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| Tillman returned to mini-camp | Thursday 6/5, 8:35 AM CT |
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Charles Tillman rejoined his team-mates at mini-camp on Wednesday, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: He missed the last two days due to undisclosed personal reasons. |
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| Davis has been Bears' best receiver | Thursday 6/5, 8:31 AM CT |
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Rashied Davis has been the Bears' best receiver so far through the off-season, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: The Bears lack a true number one receiver, especially following the departure of vertical threat Bernard Berrian and crafty vet Muhsin Muhammad, meaning Davis has a shot to hold down that role. He is undersized at 5-9 187 pounds, and would be better suited for the slot, however. The Bears' aerial attack could crash and burn this season, when you also factor in that either the erratic Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton is going to be the starting quarterback. |
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| Moss running with second-team | Thursday 6/5, 8:22 AM CT |
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Second-year pro Jarvis Moss is currently working with the second-team defense, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: The starting ends right now are John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil, with Moss joining Steven Harris on the second-unit. The pass-rushing Moss does come in at left defensive end, with Dumervil shifting to right end, on the Broncos' number one nickel package. He was a first-round pick in 2007, but was limited to only 12 tackles and one sack due to ankle and leg injuries. He has a shot to beat out Engelberger as a starter, and should make a more favorable impact in 2008. |
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| Jordan gets permission to seek trade | Thursday 6/5, 8:04 AM CT |
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The Raiders plan to move forward without LaMont Jordan and he has received permission to seek a trade with another team, according to the Contra Costa Times. His agent (Alvin Keels) stated, "We have not had any success at this point in doing so because there are many moving pieces to such a trade. However, with new developments going on around the league, maybe something can be done in the coming days."
Our View: Jordan only averaged 3.8 yards per carry in 2007, and the team is now deep at the position with prized rookie Darren McFadden, sparkplug Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush, who is displaying strong hands and receiving skills, and has further made Jordan expendable. |
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| Ellis returned to team OTA | Thursday 6/5, 7:44 AM CT |
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Greg Ellis returned to the field on Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. He did not attend most of the team's OTA sessions. Ellis and coach Wade Phillips met Monday to talk about Ellis' displeasure with the amount of work he has received in practice. Phillips said, "As much as a number of reps he's getting or not getting, I don't think that's as important as being with your teammates and working with them on a voluntary basis."
Our View: Ellis and Phillips are believed to be on the same page now. He only made 31 tackles (24 solo) in 2007, but carried his weight with 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. |
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| Romo injury briefly scares Cowboys | Thursday 6/5, 7:40 AM CT |
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Tony Romo had his left hand cut after colliding with a defender and getting stepped on, and gave the team a brief scare, according to the Dallas Morning News. Romo was examined by head athletic trainer Jim Maurer before taking some snaps from Andre Gurode.
Our View: He returned to practice with his ring and middle fingers taped, and the injury reportedly did not compromise his play. |
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| Brown held out of drills, but on pace | Thursday 6/5, 7:28 AM CT |
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Ronnie Brown was held out of team drills during practice on Wednesday, but he reportedly remains on pace to return in September, according to the Sun Sentinel. He is recovering from a torn ACL.
Our View: He will serve in a time-share with Ricky Williams for carries this season, if both backs prove to be healthy. Brown averaged 141 total yards over seven games before suffering the season-ending injury in 2007, but will be hard-pressed to challenge those numbers this season. |
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| Lehan suffered dislocated ankle | Thursday 6/5, 7:21 AM CT |
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X-rays revealed that Dolphins' cornerback Michael Lehan has suffered a dislocated right ankle during practice on Wednesday, according to the Sun Sentinel.
Our View: Lehan could be back on the field in time for training camp in late July, according to the team. The Dolphins are thin at the position and Lehan was competing for the starting cornerback job opposite Will Allen. |
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| Colvin could be on Colts' radar? | Thursday 6/5, 7:16 AM CT |
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Coach Tony Dungy has commented that the Colts are not out of the picture to add Rosevelt Colvin, but added that time is winding down, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: The 30-year old free agent linebacker met with the Colts in late April, but left without a deal. The Colts see him as a pass-rush specialist, which is an area of need for the club. Colvin made four sacks in his final campaign in New England, and has 52.5 for his career. |
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