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| Taylor to the Packers? | Wednesday 6/18, 9:29 PM CT |
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It appears the Dolphins may be getting what they want as the Green Bay Packers are reported to have contacted Miami concerning their ability to trade for the services of defensive end Jason Taylor , according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Our View: With defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila rehabbing the knee that was operated on in the offseason, the Packers have made an exploratory inquiry with the Miami Dolphins about Taylor. The Dolphins continue to show interest in keeping Taylor, but Taylor has said in the past that he would like to play one more season with a team that has a good chance of winning the Super Bowl. |
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| Cason gaining attention for Chargers | Wednesday 6/18, 8:45 PM CT |
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The Chargers are noting rookie cornerback Antoine Cason as an early star of their offseason training efforts, according to Chargers.com.
Our View: In the final morning workout of the team's offseason camp today, Cason intercepted a pass and knocked down two more during team drills. Cason later spoke with reporters and noted that he is concentrating on progress, noting he is still new and not a "full pro" just yet. He has much to learn, but the early returns suggest he could be a player to watch this season. |
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| Worrell signed by Jets | Wednesday 6/18, 7:23 PM CT |
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The New York Jets have signed safety Cameron Worrell , according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: The 28-year old spent last season with division rival Miami, recording 56 tackles in 12 games -- seven starts -- for the Dolphins. The Chicago Bears signed Worrell out of Fresno State as an undrafted free agent in 2003. In four seasons with Chicago, Worrell appeared in 46 games and compiled 20 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. |
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| Turner to lead smash-mouth attack | Wednesday 6/18, 5:47 PM CT |
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It's almost amusing how little attention that Atlanta running back Michael Turner is getting in summer mock settings. Considering that new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey will implement his power "between the tackle" running attack.
Our View: Yes, Murlarkey will work in a vertical passing game as well, but Atlanta doesn't have any proven receivers or a quarterback to make that part of the offense work. Turner is a proven veteran that only needs to find out whether he can take the punishment a of 16-game schedule. |
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| Parker slips in spring Mocks | Wednesday 6/18, 5:41 PM CT |
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said last summer that he would run Willie Parker "until the wheels came off," and one of them finally did -- in the 15th game of the regular season the NFL's leading rusher at the time, fractured his fibula.
Our View: So why is the NFL leading rusher of a year ago (assuming he would have retained that status had he played in Week 17) getting so little respect in summer Mock settings? Parker, a first rounder at this time last year, has slipped to the third and fourth round depending on the format. The fact that he scored only two 2007 touchdowns has a lot to do with his 2008 value, but the All Pro knows how to score and is until evidence proves otherwise, still the short yardage option for the run-first offense. |
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| Fowler shoots down steroids allegation | Wednesday 6/18, 3:47 PM CT |
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Linebacker Ryan Fowler is crying foul on steroid allegations. Fowler has denied taking any performance-enhancing drugs, the AP reports. He recently received a letter saying he was under investigation and could face a suspension. "I'm really not thinking of that [suspension] as a possibility. I think it will all get cleared up before then," Fowler says. "My reputation my whole life has been as a good guy. I hope that this one accusation doesn't taint my reputation that's been pretty clean."
Our View: Fowler turned into a starter for the Titans in 2007, but he didn't have much IDP value. His potential absence doesn't really effect fantasy leagues. |
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| Walker expected to be OK for training camp | Wednesday 6/18, 3:46 PM CT |
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Per head coach Lane Kiffin, wide receiver Javon Walker is supposed to arrive in Alameda and be examined by the team’s medical staff Wednesday night and be with the team Thursday on the final day of organized team activities, according to the Oakland Tribune. Kiffin declined to get into specifics regarding Walker’s condition, but did say, “The information I have at this point is he’s going to be fine. Training camp won’t even be an issue.”
Our View: It is not clear whether Walker suffered an orbital fracture, as has been reported. The Raiders were advised that Walker will make a full recovery in the near future and resume his preparation for the 2008 NFL season. |
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| Smith to be the starter? | Wednesday 6/18, 2:33 PM CT |
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Don Banks of SI.com is on the Troy Smith bandwagon. He says Smith has made huge strides this offseason and is ahead of Kyle Boller on the depth chart. "When Cam (Cameron) was head coach at Indiana, he coached Antwaan Randle-El (at quarterback) and made him maybe the most dangerous player in college football," a Ravens source explains. "We're doing some very exciting things with Troy Smith, and he's much better than people are expecting." Banks adds that Smith's only competition for the Week 1 job is rookie Joe Flacco.
Our View: We'd be surprised if the Ravens pushed Flacco that quickly. Both Cameron and head coach John Harbaugh have been around situations with prized rookie passers (Donovan McNabb, Philip Rivers), and they're likely to show patience. Frankly, we're excited to see what Smith brings. We don't expect much fantasy value, but the former Heisman winner is a gamer with guts. A lack of size didn't stop Cameron from turning Drew Brees into a star. Why should it hurt Smith? |
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| Franklin deal done | Wednesday 6/18, 2:21 PM CT |
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The Chiefs and fourth-round pick Will Franklin have agreed to terms on a four-year deal, the team's official web site reports. Franklin caught 49 passes for 709 yards and four touchdowns as a senior at Missouri.
Our View: Franklin has decent size and excellent speed. The Chiefs don't have a ton of depth at receiver, but he'll probably be limited to, at best, a No. 4 role as a rookie. Franklin has reportedly looked good thus far, though. |
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| Clayton looking better | Wednesday 6/18, 2:13 PM CT |
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Michael Clayton appears to be "making strides" during minicamp, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Our View: We'll believe it when we see Clayton playing well in preseason games. The former rookie star likely still has plenty of skills, but we need more than a sidenote after three disappointing seasons. |
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| McCown could be the No. 2 | Wednesday 6/18, 2:11 PM CT |
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Luke McCown appears to be ahead of Brian Griese on the depth chart right now, the Tampa Tribune reports. He looked sharp during practice on Wednesday and has earned praise from Jon Gruden.
Our View: Many people assume Griese will be the No. 2 guy based on experience and because he's had success with Gruden in the past, but McCown is a bit of a sleeper in this group. He was pretty sharp over his 139 passes in 2007. Anyway, both backups are unlikely to unseat Jeff Garcia. |
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| Forsett signs | Wednesday 6/18, 2:08 PM CT |
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The Seahawks have signed Justin Forsett to a four-year deal, the Seattle Times reports. Forsett was a seventh-round pick out of California.
Our View: At running back and fullback, we know that Julius Jones, Maurice Morris, and Leonard Weaver are locks, and we have to imagine T.J. Duckett and rookie Owen Schmitt are likely to make the cut. That means the undersized Forsett may not make the roster, but he could still impress in camp and end up on the practice squad. |
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| Johnson undergoes ankle surgery | Wednesday 6/18, 2:02 PM CT |
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Chad Johnson underwent successful right ankle surgery on Wednesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer confirms. The wide receiver is expected to be ready for training camp. The reports did not detail the operation or say anything about a left ankle procedure.
Our View: We're hoping that more details were emerge in the next day or two. ESPN.com had reported that Johnson would need both ankles scoped, and numerous sources noted bone spurs as the problem. Anyway, we hope Chad has cleared up this physical issue. As for the other problems... |
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| Glenn wants to remain a Cowboy | Wednesday 6/18, 1:35 PM CT |
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Terry Glenn talked with ESPN.com again, and he expressed a desire to work out his issues with owner Jerry Jones. "I want Jerry to understand that I know he has the ultimate power in everything that goes on with the Cowboys, and I'm not trying to challenge him in any way, shape or form," Glenn says. "But what I want is to remain a Cowboy. I've been here for five years and I've made Dallas my home, and I would love nothing more than to be a Dallas Cowboy... I'm not trying to be at odds with Jerry. These words and comments coming from me were strictly frustration." The receiver has been reluctant to sign an injury waiver. Ed Werder's report also notes that the amount of the waiver has been fluctuating.
Our View: Glenn is simply saying that, in a perfect world, Jones wouldn't ask him to sign the waiver and he could stay in Dallas. His words don't change the fact that the waiver regarding his right knee remains on the table. |
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| Marshall trial pushed back | Wednesday 6/18, 12:24 PM CT |
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Brandon Marshall's DUI trial was set to begin on Wednesday, but the proceedings have been pushed back to September 16, the Denver Post reports. The charges stem from an October 22 arrest. Marshall pleaded not guilty on December 18.
Our View: The new date is two days after the Broncos face the Chargers at home, so that should work out for Marshall. And, heck, if it doesn't, why not just push it back again? If the legal system is willing to wait a year after the arrest, why not two or three years? |
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| Walker released from hospital | Wednesday 6/18, 10:44 AM CT |
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Javon Walker was released from the hospital on Wednesday, and he issues a statement. The note thanked fans for their prayers and support, according to the AP. Walker is "recovering in a private environment." He suffered a moderate concussion and "significant" facial injuries when he was attacked in Las Vegas on Monday morning.
Our View: Previous reports noted that Walker fractured an orbital bone. We're still waiting for more, concrete news about what happened and why. Javon was already carrying right knee concerns heading into this fantasy season, and now he has another cloud hanging over him. |
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| Hamlin not at minicamp | Wednesday 6/18, 8:04 AM CT |
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Safety Ken Hamlin did not attend minicamp practice on Tuesday and has yet to sign his franchise tag. He is hoping for a long-term deal. "He is not behind mentally," head coach Wade Phillips informs the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Hamlin has been calling defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and his teammates for updates.
Our View: Given that he's calling and asking for updates, Hamlin doesn't sound like a guy who is likely to skip training camp or is eager to leave Dallas after this year. His IDP value is safe despite this missed time. |
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| Arrington one of five for fighting | Wednesday 6/18, 8:01 AM CT |
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J.J. Arrington was arrested on Tuesday night in Rocky Mount, N.C. and charged with disorderly conduct, WRAL.com reports. The running back was involved in a fight and was one of five people arrested. Arrington was born in Rocky Mount.
Our View: The Cardinals will likely issue a statement or two over the next few days, and we'll wait for updates before passing judgment. Who knows? Maybe Arrington and his old buddies were just reenacting some old high school plays and got a little out of hand. |
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| Marten getting reps at guard | Wednesday 6/18, 7:54 AM CT |
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The Cowboys are working in offensive lineman James Marten at left guard, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Marten, a third-round pick in 2007, was a backup at the left and right tackle spots last year.
Our View: Starting left guard Kyle Kosier has three years remaining on his contract, but he may be the weakest link on the Cowboys strong line. It doesn't hurt Marten to increase his versatility while he learns from Hudson Houck. |
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| Jurevicius asked to move down depth chart | Wednesday 6/18, 7:44 AM CT |
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Wide receiver Joe Jurevicius admits he told the Browns to find a new starting wideout this offseason. The former No. 2 option has undergone three knee surgeries since the end of the 2007 campaign, and he asked general manager Phil Savage for a demotion. "I don't want it to sound like that was a negative thing," Jurevicius tells the Akron Beacon Journal. "I've shown throughout my career that I'm comfortable being a No. 3 or a No. 2 or being able to back up a 1 or a 2. I did it for the simple fact that I think it helps this football team. Donte Stallworth is a guy who's going to help this football team win."
Our View: That sound you hear is Jerry Jones emailing that article to Terry Glenn and his agent. |
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| Davis moving around, going long | Wednesday 6/18, 7:35 AM CT |
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Vernon Davis informs the team's official web site that he's running more deep routes this year, and he is even working in spots that O.C. Mike Martz's offense that are best described as "Torry Holt" and "Isaac Bruce."
Our View: Martz has never had a tight end as physically gifted as Davis, but it sounds like the former Rams head coach is figuring out how to move Vernon around and get him involved. The 49ers will pass a lot this year, and it would be silly of Martz to not utilize Davis' receiving talents, even if it means lining him up at receiver. |
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| Burress believes he'll be at camp | Wednesday 6/18, 7:28 AM CT |
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Plaxico Burress doesn't believe his contract dispute will cause him to miss any training camp time, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. "Honestly, I think my situation is going to be rectified before training camp," Burress says in an interview with Sportsradio 610 WIP-AM in Philadelphia. "I'm not going to worry about it, but I did state that I was unhappy with my current situation with my contract. It'll be worked out... I don't want to go anywhere. I made that very evident."
Our View: If Plax does indeed show up on July 25, we'll have no reason to worry about his fantasy value. Burress had an excellent 2007 despite missing the offseason and nearly all of camp and the preseason due to ankle woes. This current missed time is nothing in comparison. |
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| Smith appears to be ahead | Wednesday 6/18, 7:18 AM CT |
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The 49ers continue to have an open competition at quarterback, but the Santa Rosa Press Democrat says Alex Smith is "clearly" ahead of Shaun Hill at this point. Both received quite a few reps in minicamp on Tuesday, while J.T. O'Sullivan was limited to only a four snaps at the end.
Our View: This is the news we've been hearing all summer, but it doesn't hurt to keep driving it forward. The 49ers are installing the complex but potent Mike Martz offense, and it sounds like the team is going through the learning pains right now. Smith has some fantasy upside if he can stay healthy and figure out Martz's scheme. |
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| Harrell to miss minicamp | Wednesday 6/18, 7:11 AM CT |
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The Packers are worried that defensive tackle Justin Harrell is once again behind the curve this offseason. A torn biceps tendon hindered his senior year at Tennessee and his preparation for his rookie campaign. Harrell then suffered an ankle ailment in 2007. This spring, he needed surgery to repair an injured disc in his lower back. "It's going to be a struggle for him when he comes back," defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn informs the Green Bay Press Gazette. "He's going to have to go through the ugly part of it like he did last year, and we'll take it from there." Harrell, a first-round pick in 2007, is expected to be ready for training camp after missing OTAs and this week's minicamp.
Our View: Harrell is part of the defensive tackle rotation that the Packers felt strong enough about to trade Corey Williams to the Browns. They won't be totally lost without him, but they definitely prefer to have him healthy and working on his game. Harrell has no IDP value. |
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