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| QB impressive in early going | Saturday 6/7, 7:20 PM CT |
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Tarvaris Jackson has impressed everyone with the Vikings with his work in the early going, according to the Associated Press. "There’s no hesitation when he calls plays,” backup QB Gus Frerotte said. “He’s very confident with himself and how he’s handling himself in the huddle and with the other players. That’s really good to see. That’s all about being a leader and being a quarterback.”
Our View: Frerotte should know has he has played caddy to some of the better QBs in the league in his career. Jackson has a long way to go to impress fantasy gamers, but he will be supported by the best rushing attack in the NFC. |
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| Brady better, still bothered by ankle | Saturday 6/7, 5:24 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Tom Brady's ankle is indeed better, but it still hasn't allowed him to return to lifting weights and he is also unable to jump, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: While this doesn't appear to be anything serious, it is a bit more information than we were given earlier when reports made it seem like he was completely healthy. Just how much this will effect him will not be known until we see him trying to elude a 275 linebacker that is hot on his heels. |
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| What happens if Lynch is gone? | Saturday 6/7, 5:11 PM CT |
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If the growing legal problems of Marshawn Lynch preclude him from starting the season with his teammates, it would appear that Fred Jackson would be the team's starter, according to Buffalo Rumblings. Dwayne Wright and Xavier Omon could also find themselves toting the rock.
Our View: Will the Bills consider another troubled running back, the recently released Travis Henry, if Lynch is indeed unable to play? Just a thought. |
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| Williams trying to improve hands | Saturday 6/7, 5:06 PM CT |
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Troy Williamson continues to work extremely hard with the Jaguars coaches to ensure that he is firmly in the teams plans this season, according to MLB.com. "It's just a big weight lifted off him, all that pressure," receivers coach Todd Monken said. "It's still early, but we've been pleasantly surprised."
Our View: After years of struggling to catch the pigskin, Willamson has looked great hauling in almost everything thrown anywhere near him, and the hope is he can be the teams first deep threat since Jimmy Smith retired a few years ago. |
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| Henne works with first team | Saturday 6/7, 5:01 PM CT |
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Chad Henne was the surprise starter under center on Saturday as he took snaps with the first team offense, according to the Sun Sentinel. Josh McCown and John Beck split reps with the second and third teams.
Our View: The report stated that this was a plan to see how Henne would deal with the pressure as well as seeing which of the other two backups would excel working with lesser talent. Don't read too much into any of this just yet. |
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| Welker misses first two days of camp | Saturday 6/7, 4:58 PM CT |
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Wes Welker has missed the first two days of mandatory minicamp due to an undisclosed injury, according to the Boston Globe. Others who have missed practice would include: WR Kelley Washington, CB Ellis Hobbs, G Stephen Neal, OT Oliver Ross, TE Benjamin Watson, ILB Bo Ruud, DE Jarvis Green and DL Mike Wright.
Our View: At this point there is nothing to worry about as there are no reports of Welker being injured in any meaningful way. |
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| Is Benson trying to ruin his career? | Saturday 6/7, 4:49 PM CT |
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Cedric Benson's tumultuous off-season took yet another detour as he was arrested on Saturday morning and charged with driving while under the influence, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: We might be witnessing the utter collapse of a once promising career. Benson is clearly lost at the moment and in need of someone close to him to help him through this difficult time. At this point, Matt Forte is shooting up draft boards. |
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| Jones ready to quiet doubters | Saturday 6/7, 4:46 PM CT |
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Thomas Jones is ready to put the frustration of last season behind him, according to the Associated Press. “Last year was a tough year,” Jones said. “I ended up 10th in the league in rushing with over 1,100 yards, but I mean, it was a tough year. We had a young team, and we had some bad breaks."
Our View: Many were clamoring for the Jets to draft Darren McFadden, perhaps because Jones scored only one time last season, but he is clearly the #1 option for the Jets. Jones has been going extremely late in mock drafts to this point, so he might be a fine bargain this season. |
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| Tank fitting in very well with Patriots | Saturday 6/7, 3:19 PM CT |
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Tank Williams is fitting in very well with the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe. He is making a solid impact on the practice field, and notably ran stride for stride with sparkplug Kevin Faulk, and intercepted a Tom Brady pass close to the sideline. Williams is a hard-hitter, and provides the Patriots with flexibility to use as a safety and sub-package linebacker.
Our View: He will be on our radar through training camp as a potential late-round sleeper as an IDP. |
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| Watson being held out over weekend | Saturday 6/7, 3:10 PM CT |
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Ben Watson is being held out of the Patriots' mini-camp this weekend, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He is recovering from ankle surgery performed in the off-season. There remains concern as to whether he will be ready for the beginning of training camp in July. Dave Thomas is listed as the primary backup on the depth chart. |
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| Edwards sits out again | Saturday 6/7, 2:34 PM CT |
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Ray Edwards missed Friday's mini-camp practice due to a doctor's appointment, according to the Star Tribune. He was in attendance Saturday, but missed the first practice of the day, and likely won't take part in the second practice of the afternoon. Trainer Eric Sugarman told the staff there is something going on with Edwards, and defensive coordinator Leslie Frasier added, "They are doing some exams, trying to figure out what the problem is. We’re waiting to see exactly what’s happening with him. I think it’s something minor, it’s pre-cautionary, it’s minicamp."
Our View: Jayme Mitchell continues to work with the first team at left end while Edwards is out.
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| Charges against Johnson dropped | Saturday 6/7, 2:26 PM CT |
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Charges against Chad Johnson stemming from a comedy club incident have been dropped, according to WLWT.com. Johnson had been sued after comedy club attendees said he failed to deliver prizes promised as part of a raffle. Court documents show that a judge dismissed any claims that involved trips to out-of-town NFL games and other destinations, but Johnson still could be held accountable for a Lexus that clubgoers stated they had been promised.
Our View: Johnson has said he gave the car to a girlfriend and never intended to include it in the raffle. A trial is set for June 30 in Campbell County Circuit Court. Funny Bone management, but not Johnson, still face a civil count of theft by deception and a consumer protection claim, but neither the club nor Johnson face any criminal charges. |
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| Okoye most improved player in camp | Saturday 6/7, 2:18 PM CT |
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Second-year defensive tackle Amobi Okoye has been the most improved player for the Texans through the off-season, according to the Houston Chronicle. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "I think he's the most improved player. He's a pretty dang good player to begin with but what you saw take place here over the course of the last three weeks, you saw a guy go from still having some of his rookie habits, they went away in one week and we haven't noticed them. I've been very impressed with the player he's become through OTAs."
Our View: Okoye had five sacks in his first four NFL games as a rookie last season, but slowed down and ended the year with only 5.5. He is still yet to reach his 21st birthday, which comes next week, and was considered to be the top defensive player in the 2007 draft. A breakout season could be on the horizon for him, and could prove to be a late-round steal as a fantasy IDP. |
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| Taylor still on top on his game? | Saturday 6/7, 1:53 PM CT |
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Fred Taylor is 32-years old, but hasn't lost his quickness during the Jaguars' two-day mini-camp and believes he is still on top of his game, according to Jaguars.com. Taylor commented, "I feel good. I feel real good. I can do it all still. I still think I’m an every-downs back, but because we have a guy the caliber of Maurice Jones-Drew, there’s no need for it."
Our View: Taylor rushed for 1,202 yards in 2007, and seemingly got stronger as the season wore on. He should have at least one more solid season left in the tank, and is looking good so far in the off-season. He could slip further than he should on draft day, due to his age. |
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| Thurman suspended indefinitely | Saturday 6/7, 1:45 PM CT |
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Troubled linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the substance abuse policy, and he will miss the 2008 season, according to SI.com.
Our View: Under terms of the suspension, the former member of the Bengals will not be considered for reinstatement until after the season. This will be the third straight season that he has missed. |
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| Pats will keep Kaczur | Saturday 6/7, 1:41 PM CT |
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The Patriots have stated that Nick Kaczur will remain with the team despite his recent drug charges, according to SI.com. In case you missed it, Kaczur was arrested in New York State on April 27 after police said a small amount of OxyContin was found in his truck following a traffic stop. Kaczur then helped the DEA catch the man who was allegedly supplying him with the drug in a sting operation.
Our View: The team did not make a statement regarding possible discipline for his arrest. |
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| Angelo hints Benson in jeopardy | Saturday 6/7, 1:35 PM CT |
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Bears' GM Jerry Angelo has hinted that Cedric Benson is in jeopardy of losing his job as a starting running back this season, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Angelo stated, following Benson's arrest for drunk driving, "There was alcohol involved, that’s all we know. We are certainly going to take this seriously. Disappointment is too often-used word when talking about Cedric Benson. The number one lessen of a player is to protect your job."
Our View: It would also appear that he could be in jeopardy of being cut. Rookie Matt Forte seems the leading candidate to unseat him as the Bears' starter, although Adrian Peterson would get a fair shot to compete for the job. |
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| Bradley questionable for start of camp | Saturday 6/7, 1:22 PM CT |
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Mark Bradley underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee earlier this month and is questionable for the start of training camp, according to the Chicago Tribune. The receiver lost 14 games due to injury his first two seasons and caught only six passes last year. Receivers' coach Darryl Drake said, "They cleaned it out. Nothing serious He'll be OK."
Our View: The Bears cannot afford to be without Bradley, as the team is gravely thin at the position following the departures of veteran Muhsin Muhammad and vertical threat Bernard Berrian. Bradley has a shot to start this season, and hopefully he can bounce back in time. |
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| Wesley was surprise attendee Friday | Saturday 6/7, 1:17 PM CT |
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Greg Wesley was a surprise attendee at Friday's team mini-camp, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: Wesley recented commented that he was finished as a member of the Chiefs, and was told that he would be released or dealt prior to mini-camp. He participated in position drills but sat out the second half of the 90-minute practice session. The team had a possible deal worked out with the Broncos, but it ultimately fell through.
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| Brooks accepts mediation on charges | Saturday 6/7, 12:15 PM CT |
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Ahmad Brooks has accepted mediation on charges he punched a woman in the left eye, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is charged with misdemeanor assault, but Brooks did not appear at this morning’s arraignment in Boone District Court. His attorney presented a mediation agreement signed by both parties, according to the court office.
Our View: The case is expected to be reviewed again in September, and Brooks could potentially be in jeopardy of not making the Bengals' roster. |
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| Strahan will likely retire? | Saturday 6/7, 10:43 AM CT |
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Michael Strahan is yet to make a official decision, but most believe that he will in fact retire before the start of training camp, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Unless the Giants raise his salary to $8 million, and they are not ecpected to go that high, then Strahan will likely hang up his cleats. |
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| Ankle not an issue for Brady | Saturday 6/7, 10:40 AM CT |
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Tom Brady's ankle injury that he sustained in last season's playoffs is not an issue, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Brady is moving his feet with ease, and is planting fine with no problems, namely on deep passes. Brady remains a safe fantasy pick for 2008. |
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| Flowers working with starters | Saturday 6/7, 10:36 AM CT |
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Rookie Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech) has been working with the first-team at right cornerback, according to the Topeka Capital Journal.
Our View: Cornerback is a glaring need for the Chiefs, and it is not surprising that Flowers is working as a starter. The team needs to replace Ty Law, and Patrick Surtain continued to decline last season. Flowers has fluid hips and changes direction well, and possesses strong instincts in pass/run recognition. He lacks great speed, but does perform faster than his 4.50 40-yard dash time. He also displays favorable ball skills and is a sound tackler, which will help in run support. He should develop into a solid starter for Kansas City, and could prove to be a pleasant surprise as a rookie IDP. |
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| Texans most likely to land Colvin? | Saturday 6/7, 10:29 AM CT |
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The Texans are believed to be the most likely team to sign Rosevelt Colvin, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The Colts are out of the mix for Colvin, as the team is satisfied with their current mix of pass-rushers. The 30-year old Colvin made four sacks with New England in 2007. |
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| Benson arrested for drunk driving | Saturday 6/7, 10:20 AM CT |
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The legal troubles continue for Cedric Benson as he was arrested for drunk driving in Austin, Texas, according to the Austin American Statesman. Benson was reportedly stopped overnight at 5th and Colorado Streets for a traffic violation and refused a breathalyzer and blood test. Benson was arrested and taken to the Travis County Jail. He was released around 9 a.m this morning on bond, jail officials said.
Our View: The arrest comes a month after Benson was arrested on Lake Travis on charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, both class B misdemeanors. Those cases are still pending. This should push Matt Forte a step closer to the starting running back job in Chicago this season.
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| Birk returns to Vikings | Saturday 6/7, 10:06 AM CT |
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Offensive lineman Matt Birk has returned to the Vikings, according to the AP. He is looking for a contract extension, but stated, "I consider myself very lucky to be a part of this team and play football for a living. I’m very happy with my contract. I want to be here for as long as I play."
Our View: He is entering the final season of an eight-year deal. |
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| Williams remains most impressive RB | Saturday 6/7, 9:54 AM CT |
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Ricky Williams remains the most impressive running back for the Dolphins in the off-season, according to the Sun-Sentinel. He is running hard and looks fast, as he has been routinely beating defenders to the outside on sweeps.
Our View: This is encouraging, but we won't get excited until we see him in full-contact drills. A time-share with Ronnie Brown seems likely, but there is still a long way to go for the Dolphins to make that call. |
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| Taylor's meeting wasn't favorable? | Saturday 6/7, 8:29 AM CT |
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Jason Taylor met with Bill Parcells to talk about Taylor's future with the Dolphins, but the meeting reportedly did not end favorably, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Both Taylor and Parcells left the meeting without any better feelings regarding the situation, and Taylor still reportedly wants to be traded. Parcells told Taylor that trading him will be hard, because the market for a Pro Bowl defensive end like Taylor doesn't match his current value to the Dolphins. |
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| Lynch may have been driving vehicle? | Saturday 6/7, 7:44 AM CT |
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Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark now believes Bills' running back Marshawn Lynch was driving the vehicle involved in an alleged hit-and-run incident that injured a pedestrian last weekend, according to NFL.com. Clark said, "We're proceeding on the assumption that Lynch was driving the car."
Our View: Clark made his new assertion based on the vehicle being owned by Lynch and that the player was spotted that night in the bar district near the accident scene. And he noted that police located the vehicle, with damage linking it to the collision, parked in the player's driveway later that morning. Lynch has declined comment and did not take part in the Bills' voluntary practice Friday morning.
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| Clemens had strong day of practice | Saturday 6/7, 7:15 AM CT |
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Kellen Clemens enjoyed a strong day of practice on Friday, as he threw a 20-yard dart that split the secondary to find Brad Miller in the end zone on a slant, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He will present the Jets with a tough decision as to who to choose for the starting quarterback job if he continues to perform well, like he did on Friday. Chad Pennington made some nice throws as well, but appeared to be favoring his right ankle that he sprained at the start of last season. |
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| Pennington favoring ankle? | Saturday 6/7, 7:08 AM CT |
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Chad Pennington is reportedly favoring the right ankle he injured last season, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He sustained a high ankle sprain at the start of last season, and it seemingly continues to linger into 2008, as he was reportedly walking with a slight limp at times during Friday's practice session. If he doesn't get this under control and it continues to be an issue, then it could improve Kellen Clemens' chances of starting this season. |
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| Henry inked to mult--year deal | Saturday 6/7, 7:03 AM CT |
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Rookie receiver Marcus Henry (Kansas) has been inked to a multi-year deal, according to Newsday. Financial terms and the actual length of the deal were not diclosed.
Our View: He provides the Jets with a big target at 6-3 208 pounds, but lacks solid speed and isn't quick off the line. He also displays good hands, and should develop into a possession receiver. His fantasy value as a rookie will be limited. |
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