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***Official 2010 Minicamp Notes*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter gianmarco
- Start date
gianmarco
Footballguy
Balco
Footballguy
Jaguars Mini Camp Day 1
Mike Thomas v. Jarret Dillard for # 2 should be interesting
From Big Cat Country article
OFFENSE:
All three of the quarterbacks looked as about expected, somewhat rusty and erratic. David Garrard early on in camp was sailing some passes and giving the wide receivers extra difficult passes on the sideline. As the practice went on however, David Garrard settled down and looked like his normal self. Back up Luke McCown however, was actually pretty impressive. He showed a much stronger arm than I expected during a lot of the drills, and his throws were effortless. Undrafted rookie free agent Trevor Harris from Edinboro looked alright, from what little action he had. During the drills he showed a very quick release and good arm strength. He hit some pretty passes down the seem, although some of them did seem to float just a bit.
Being traded during the season, Week 1 of last year, it was kind of trying to learn the game plan every week, not necessarily learn the system. I'm really enjoying and looking forward to getting into the rest of this off-season. Really diving into the nuances of this system, it's different than any system I've ever been in. Run first, play action, and throw the ball down the field type deal, and I feel like I can be good at it. - Luke McCown after the first day of practice
Luke looks like he can be good at it, as he was probably the most consistent quarterback on the field today. Like I said however, it's only the first day of camp without any pads. There will be some that speculate with a full season and off-season under his belt, Luke McCown could push David Garrard in training camp and pre-season this year, which is something that's been sorely missing at the quarterback position since 2007; Competition.
David's the starter. He's the starter. That means I've got to be ready to play if called upon, one way or the other. With that said, that doesn't keep me from competing. When I get a rep, when I get on the field, I go at it like I'm the starter. That's the way I've always prepared, and I've always said if I don't prepare that way, I'm doing a disservice to my teammates who are out there. They deserve someone to be prepared and ready to play and help them win a ball game. - Luke McCown, when asked about his expectations this season
Outside of watching how the quarterbacks performed, I was able to watch some of the wide receivers. For the second year in a row the Jaguars have quite a bit of competition at the wide receiver position and it may be difficult to cut. Mike Sims-Walker had the catch of the day early, with a twisting 1-handed grab on the sideline from a pass thrown by David Garrard. He latched on to the ball with his hand and brought it in to his body, and he made it look easy. Sims-Walker continued to impress all during practice, as he had done in years past. This season however, is the first time in his NFL career he's coming off a season where he was healthy and able to play all 16 games.
It felt great man. I told them [the Jaguars] before last season, I said no more excuses man. The first couple of years I had all the potential in the world, I was coming to practice being one of the best out here. It never showed up on Sunday though, be it injury, or death, or whatever the case may be. So I don't want no one making excuses for me this year. I just went out there with a clear mind and did it. - Mike Sims-Walker, on getting to camp after an injury free season.
Some of the other wide receivers stood out, too. Mike Thomas routinely turned around defensive backs in one-on-one match ups with his superb route running. Jarett Dillard caught everything in sight, and Kassim Osgood looked pretty good. The only thing that really stood out with Osgood is that he looks awkward running, almost lumbering. It's not too bad, because he still shows flashes of speed for his size, but it just looks so unnatural. Wide receivers coach Todd Monken was working with him heavily on polishing his routes, so that will be something to watch at later camps and in training camp. Troy Williamson, the pre-season enigma, also looked pretty good. He had an early drop, but after that caught everything thrown to him if he wasn't being shoved to the ground on a deep pass. That happened twice during the 11x11 drills. Williamson would be on the verge of breaking free from the coverage as the ball was put into the air and the defensive back took him to the ground both times. If nothing else, it would have been two easy pass interference calls.
Mike Thomas v. Jarret Dillard for # 2 should be interesting
From Big Cat Country article
OFFENSE:
All three of the quarterbacks looked as about expected, somewhat rusty and erratic. David Garrard early on in camp was sailing some passes and giving the wide receivers extra difficult passes on the sideline. As the practice went on however, David Garrard settled down and looked like his normal self. Back up Luke McCown however, was actually pretty impressive. He showed a much stronger arm than I expected during a lot of the drills, and his throws were effortless. Undrafted rookie free agent Trevor Harris from Edinboro looked alright, from what little action he had. During the drills he showed a very quick release and good arm strength. He hit some pretty passes down the seem, although some of them did seem to float just a bit.
Being traded during the season, Week 1 of last year, it was kind of trying to learn the game plan every week, not necessarily learn the system. I'm really enjoying and looking forward to getting into the rest of this off-season. Really diving into the nuances of this system, it's different than any system I've ever been in. Run first, play action, and throw the ball down the field type deal, and I feel like I can be good at it. - Luke McCown after the first day of practice
Luke looks like he can be good at it, as he was probably the most consistent quarterback on the field today. Like I said however, it's only the first day of camp without any pads. There will be some that speculate with a full season and off-season under his belt, Luke McCown could push David Garrard in training camp and pre-season this year, which is something that's been sorely missing at the quarterback position since 2007; Competition.
David's the starter. He's the starter. That means I've got to be ready to play if called upon, one way or the other. With that said, that doesn't keep me from competing. When I get a rep, when I get on the field, I go at it like I'm the starter. That's the way I've always prepared, and I've always said if I don't prepare that way, I'm doing a disservice to my teammates who are out there. They deserve someone to be prepared and ready to play and help them win a ball game. - Luke McCown, when asked about his expectations this season
Outside of watching how the quarterbacks performed, I was able to watch some of the wide receivers. For the second year in a row the Jaguars have quite a bit of competition at the wide receiver position and it may be difficult to cut. Mike Sims-Walker had the catch of the day early, with a twisting 1-handed grab on the sideline from a pass thrown by David Garrard. He latched on to the ball with his hand and brought it in to his body, and he made it look easy. Sims-Walker continued to impress all during practice, as he had done in years past. This season however, is the first time in his NFL career he's coming off a season where he was healthy and able to play all 16 games.
It felt great man. I told them [the Jaguars] before last season, I said no more excuses man. The first couple of years I had all the potential in the world, I was coming to practice being one of the best out here. It never showed up on Sunday though, be it injury, or death, or whatever the case may be. So I don't want no one making excuses for me this year. I just went out there with a clear mind and did it. - Mike Sims-Walker, on getting to camp after an injury free season.
Some of the other wide receivers stood out, too. Mike Thomas routinely turned around defensive backs in one-on-one match ups with his superb route running. Jarett Dillard caught everything in sight, and Kassim Osgood looked pretty good. The only thing that really stood out with Osgood is that he looks awkward running, almost lumbering. It's not too bad, because he still shows flashes of speed for his size, but it just looks so unnatural. Wide receivers coach Todd Monken was working with him heavily on polishing his routes, so that will be something to watch at later camps and in training camp. Troy Williamson, the pre-season enigma, also looked pretty good. He had an early drop, but after that caught everything thrown to him if he wasn't being shoved to the ground on a deep pass. That happened twice during the 11x11 drills. Williamson would be on the verge of breaking free from the coverage as the ball was put into the air and the defensive back took him to the ground both times. If nothing else, it would have been two easy pass interference calls.
Balco
Footballguy
Dan Lefavour struggling at Bears minicamp:
From the Daily Herald Article:
Quarterbacks Dan LeFevour, the Bears' sixth-round draft pick out of Central Michigan, and former Fighting Illini Isiah "Juice" Williams struggled. They had to contend with howling winds and unfamiliar receivers while also working on drop-back skills that they weren't required to perfect while operating out of the shotgun in college.
In passing drills, even against air, more balls hit the ground than receivers' hands. And more than a few that did hit pass catchers in the hands clanked off.
From the Daily Herald Article:
Quarterbacks Dan LeFevour, the Bears' sixth-round draft pick out of Central Michigan, and former Fighting Illini Isiah "Juice" Williams struggled. They had to contend with howling winds and unfamiliar receivers while also working on drop-back skills that they weren't required to perfect while operating out of the shotgun in college.
In passing drills, even against air, more balls hit the ground than receivers' hands. And more than a few that did hit pass catchers in the hands clanked off.
Unwrittenlaw
Footballguy
McKnight: 'It was nerves'
healthpellets
Footballguy
Todd Haley talking about rookie minicamp.
http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_a...dia?id=13355083
http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_a...dia?id=13355083
gianmarco
Footballguy
Balco
Footballguy
Ted Ginn to contribute as a receiver for the 49ers?
From SFGATE ARTICLE:
"More and more every day, as you have coaches coming back, they are saying, 'This guy has a lot more to him than just a return guy. He's going to help our team as a receiver,' " 49ers coach Mike Singletary said.
"The more he gets acclimated, the better he gets at being a receiver, the less we are going to want him doing some of those (other) things. I think it's important to remember he is a receiver."
Ginn acted like one in practice Friday. He used his quickness to get off the line of scrimmage and his speed to stretch the defense on go-deep routes.
In short, he's everything the 49ers' passing offense lacked last season.
"You throw a few balls with him, and you notice right away how fast he's moving," 49ers quarterback Alex Smith said. "He's covering a lot of ground so you can tell he gets going."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?...L#ixzz0mjeqj18N
From SFGATE ARTICLE:
"More and more every day, as you have coaches coming back, they are saying, 'This guy has a lot more to him than just a return guy. He's going to help our team as a receiver,' " 49ers coach Mike Singletary said.
"The more he gets acclimated, the better he gets at being a receiver, the less we are going to want him doing some of those (other) things. I think it's important to remember he is a receiver."
Ginn acted like one in practice Friday. He used his quickness to get off the line of scrimmage and his speed to stretch the defense on go-deep routes.
In short, he's everything the 49ers' passing offense lacked last season.
"You throw a few balls with him, and you notice right away how fast he's moving," 49ers quarterback Alex Smith said. "He's covering a lot of ground so you can tell he gets going."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?...L#ixzz0mjeqj18N
D'OHtis
Footballguy
chinawildman
Footballguy
I'm holding my breath on Ginn as a niners fan. He supposedly always looked great in practice while with the Dolphins as well, just couldn't put it together consistently enough on game day. The potential is definitely there however. While he does drop alot of balls, Ginn WAS able to consistently get open vs opposing #1 CBs so the ability is there.
Balco
Footballguy
Dez Bryant has great second day of practice:
"The conditioning questions that were evident in Day 1 did not appear to be an issue for Dez Bryant in his second day of practice with the Cowboys.
His ability to catch the ball? Well, that was never in question.
Bryant caught almost everything thrown his way in both sessions. Each session included one spectacular moment.
In the morning practice, Bryant adjusted on a ball that was thrown high and wide to his left, soared over 6-foot free agent Marquis Floyd from West Georgia and came down with the catch.
In the afternoon session, Bryant got Jamar Wall, the Cowboys sixth round pick out of Texas Tech, to bite on a move and blew past him for a long touchdown catch."
"The conditioning questions that were evident in Day 1 did not appear to be an issue for Dez Bryant in his second day of practice with the Cowboys.
His ability to catch the ball? Well, that was never in question.
Bryant caught almost everything thrown his way in both sessions. Each session included one spectacular moment.
In the morning practice, Bryant adjusted on a ball that was thrown high and wide to his left, soared over 6-foot free agent Marquis Floyd from West Georgia and came down with the catch.
In the afternoon session, Bryant got Jamar Wall, the Cowboys sixth round pick out of Texas Tech, to bite on a move and blew past him for a long touchdown catch."
Balco
Footballguy
Joe McKnight to put in extra work after atrocious mini camp:
Whether it was his nerves, his stomach flu, his conditioning or his introduction to the East Coast heat, Joe McKnight had a forgettable first two days as a pro.
The former USC running back appeared exhausted during the morning practice on the second day of Jets’ rookie minicamp today. At one point, he was on his hands and knees as trainers applied wet towels on his neck.
McKnight suggested the combination of nerves and a tinge of a stomach virus contributed to his shaky performance. For the second consecutive day, McKnight struggled with pass-catching.
After the afternoon practice, McKnight admitted he "was not in good shape right now."
"I'm in okay shape — but not the best," he added. "I can do better."
McKnight pledged that he would stay in Florham Park for a few extra days to work out with coaches.
“I feel every day I have to prove myself,” McKnight said. “I need to show the coaching staff what I can do.”
Coach Rex Ryan cautioned not to jump to conclusions about the Jets’ fourth-round pick, citing Shonn Greene’s early training camp struggles last year.
“I don’t think we need to overreact,” Ryan said. “He still does some great things out there. The thing that I appreciate about him is that he is trying to fight through it, albeit on a knee most of the time.”
McKnight, who vomited 20 minutes into his first pro practice Friday, also said the weather — “It doesn’t get hot like that in L.A.” — played a factor in his subpar performance. He maintained that he wasn’t taking anything for granted, including his roster spot.
“I already know how this business is,” McKnight said. “If you think you got a spot, that will be a fastest way out of the league.”
Said Ryan: “I don’t know exactly what it is. . . . Sometimes it takes a player a little longer to play like a Jet.”
Whether it was his nerves, his stomach flu, his conditioning or his introduction to the East Coast heat, Joe McKnight had a forgettable first two days as a pro.
The former USC running back appeared exhausted during the morning practice on the second day of Jets’ rookie minicamp today. At one point, he was on his hands and knees as trainers applied wet towels on his neck.
McKnight suggested the combination of nerves and a tinge of a stomach virus contributed to his shaky performance. For the second consecutive day, McKnight struggled with pass-catching.
After the afternoon practice, McKnight admitted he "was not in good shape right now."
"I'm in okay shape — but not the best," he added. "I can do better."
McKnight pledged that he would stay in Florham Park for a few extra days to work out with coaches.
“I feel every day I have to prove myself,” McKnight said. “I need to show the coaching staff what I can do.”
Coach Rex Ryan cautioned not to jump to conclusions about the Jets’ fourth-round pick, citing Shonn Greene’s early training camp struggles last year.
“I don’t think we need to overreact,” Ryan said. “He still does some great things out there. The thing that I appreciate about him is that he is trying to fight through it, albeit on a knee most of the time.”
McKnight, who vomited 20 minutes into his first pro practice Friday, also said the weather — “It doesn’t get hot like that in L.A.” — played a factor in his subpar performance. He maintained that he wasn’t taking anything for granted, including his roster spot.
“I already know how this business is,” McKnight said. “If you think you got a spot, that will be a fastest way out of the league.”
Said Ryan: “I don’t know exactly what it is. . . . Sometimes it takes a player a little longer to play like a Jet.”
Balco
Footballguy
Hardesty & McCoy look solid:
Friday morning dawned and the Browns newest members took the field for the first time in bright, shiny orange jerseys and shorts.
Colt McCoy confidently led the offense while wearing his familiar number 12 jersey.
Former Brown Doug Dieken was in camp and sized up McCoy saying “he’s taller than Brian Sipe.”
McCoy looked accurate in the passing drills and Montario Hardesty, wearing Jamal Lewis’ old number 31, ran superbly according to reports and did not favor either of his previously injured legs.
Wide receiver Carlton Mitchell strained a leg muscle early on Friday and spent the afternoon riding the stationary bike.
Friday morning dawned and the Browns newest members took the field for the first time in bright, shiny orange jerseys and shorts.
Colt McCoy confidently led the offense while wearing his familiar number 12 jersey.
Former Brown Doug Dieken was in camp and sized up McCoy saying “he’s taller than Brian Sipe.”
McCoy looked accurate in the passing drills and Montario Hardesty, wearing Jamal Lewis’ old number 31, ran superbly according to reports and did not favor either of his previously injured legs.
Wide receiver Carlton Mitchell strained a leg muscle early on Friday and spent the afternoon riding the stationary bike.
Balco
Footballguy
Martz says receivers will be strength of Bears:
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Just over a month into the Bears offseason program, first-year offensive coordinator Mike Martz has formed at least one definitive opinion about his players.
“I love our receivers,” Martz said Sunday after the Bears concluded their rookie minicamp with a 90-minute practice. “I think that our receiver corps will be the strength of this team.
“You can put that in granite. I can promise you that one. There’s not very many things I would say are unretractable, but that one is pretty strong. This will be the strength of this football team. It’s a terrific group.”
Receivers who’ve been working with Martz include Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox and Eric Peterman.
The Bears aren’t expected to bring in a veteran receiver in part because they don’t want to stunt the growth of their inexperienced players at the position. But they’ll continue to monitor the situation.
Coach Lovie Smith said that having a young group of receivers is “not always a bad thing.”
“I know Mike and some of our new coaches coming in have been impressed with our receiver group,” Smith said. “He thinks we’re in pretty good shape right now. But we’re always looking to improve our ballclub. That evaluation will continue at all positions right up until.”
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Just over a month into the Bears offseason program, first-year offensive coordinator Mike Martz has formed at least one definitive opinion about his players.
“I love our receivers,” Martz said Sunday after the Bears concluded their rookie minicamp with a 90-minute practice. “I think that our receiver corps will be the strength of this team.
“You can put that in granite. I can promise you that one. There’s not very many things I would say are unretractable, but that one is pretty strong. This will be the strength of this football team. It’s a terrific group.”
Receivers who’ve been working with Martz include Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox and Eric Peterman.
The Bears aren’t expected to bring in a veteran receiver in part because they don’t want to stunt the growth of their inexperienced players at the position. But they’ll continue to monitor the situation.
Coach Lovie Smith said that having a young group of receivers is “not always a bad thing.”
“I know Mike and some of our new coaches coming in have been impressed with our receiver group,” Smith said. “He thinks we’re in pretty good shape right now. But we’re always looking to improve our ballclub. That evaluation will continue at all positions right up until.”
Balco
Footballguy
Greg Olsen has to block better to stay on the field:
Martz rarely talks to the media without hearing the obligatory question about how tight end Greg Olsen will fit into his system. He gave what is becoming his stock answer.
"When you have a guy like Greg, he has to get grounded in the running game, obviously," he said. "But there are some things we'll do with him we've never done before. It's exciting for me as a coach [because I] get to explore some different avenues. Plus, you can have him on the field as kind of a third receiver on first down and do those kinds of things. It's unlimited.
"But before you get there you have to go back to the basics of getting your hand on the ground and coming off the ball and sustaining a block. If a tight end can't do that than his value is [diminished]. He can certainly do that. He's proven he can do that. We have to get him involved in that. It's easy to get him involved in the passing game. He's certainly capable of putting his hand on the ground and being a good blocker."
Martz rarely talks to the media without hearing the obligatory question about how tight end Greg Olsen will fit into his system. He gave what is becoming his stock answer.
"When you have a guy like Greg, he has to get grounded in the running game, obviously," he said. "But there are some things we'll do with him we've never done before. It's exciting for me as a coach [because I] get to explore some different avenues. Plus, you can have him on the field as kind of a third receiver on first down and do those kinds of things. It's unlimited.
"But before you get there you have to go back to the basics of getting your hand on the ground and coming off the ball and sustaining a block. If a tight end can't do that than his value is [diminished]. He can certainly do that. He's proven he can do that. We have to get him involved in that. It's easy to get him involved in the passing game. He's certainly capable of putting his hand on the ground and being a good blocker."
Balco
Footballguy
Benn and Williams have great mini camp for Bucs:
When Tampa Bay’s rookie wide receivers, Arrelious Benn, a second-round pick from Illinois, and Mike Williams, a fourth-round pick out of Syracuse, aren’t making plays on the practice field they are making plans in their hotel room.
Benn and Williams, who are roommates during the Bucs’ rookie mini-camp, have spent this weekend scheming and dreaming of the future – a future that includes them in the starting lineup, catching touchdown passes from Josh Freeman.
“The first night it was great,” Williams said. “We kept saying to each other that we could be the future whether it’s this year or next year. We could be the future and we have the opportunity of a lifetime, no matter how our situation ended (in college). We said that we have to go out here that we can still do this.”
Benn agreed and envisions him teaming with Williams to become playmakers in the NFL.
“We joked a lot because Mike has been getting a lot of balls and I haven’t been getting as many balls,” Benn said. “It’s a learning process right now. It’s great to have him here. This is a great situation for us. We are two guys that are going to be a force. We talked about how we wanted to come here and make a good first impression and do everything we needed to do and let it be known that we’re here and we’re here to make plays.”
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Williams has been the star of the rookie mini-camp, making acrobatic catches and big plays in the passing game.
“That’s what I do. I make plays,” Williams said. “My whole life people have been calling me a playmaker. I don’t think it should stop now. I think I’m here and I should keep making plays and working hard.”
Williams said he cannot wait to play with the veterans and work with Freeman, the quarterback he expects to be catching passes from this year.
“I want to make a big statement,” Williams said. “I want to go out there and work hard with the team. I want to be out here with the team. I’ll be back. I’m not going to miss any practices. I want to let them know that I am here to stay.”
The Syracuse product knows that just because he’s making plays in the rookie mini-camp doesn’t mean that he will automatically earn a starting assignment. After all, players like Reggie Brown, Maurice Stovall and Sammie Stroughter have a leg up on Williams due to their experience.
“Those guys are good,” Williams said. “They go out there and they make plays. Those are NFL receivers and I’m behind those guys right now. Hopefully I get the chance to learn from those guys and to earn some playing time.
“I feel like I have to earn where I have to get. I’ve got to earn playing time. If it happens, it happens.”
The 6-foot-1, 219-pound Benn is taking a more confident approach to his rookie season.
“I wouldn’t say set numbers,” Benn said. “I have some in my head and I don’t want to overdo myself. I’ll definitely be in the lineup and I’ll definitely have a lot of catches.
“I want to come here and be the guy. I want to be that guy who’s going to take it to the next level as far as the receiving group. Mike Williams is a great guy. He’s going to come bring it too, so I want to be that guy that they may not have always had, but I think with me and Mike we can be a tandem.”
By having another starting-caliber receiver like Williams in the fold, Benn is relieved to have some of the pressure taken off his shoulders during his rookie season.
“It’s going to help us a lot,” Benn said. “It’s not going to be on me to do everything. Mike is going to have some pressure also and he’s a great guy. We’re going to come out here together and help make each other great. We’re going to have a little competition against each other why we are doing it.”
Benn heard the reports about Williams having character issues at Syracuse and quickly dismissed them.
“[What is said about Mike Williams] is overhyped,” Benn said. “He’s a quiet guy. He seems cool from the little days that I’ve known him, so for the most part he’s a pretty good guy.
“He’s from upstate New York and I’m from down in [Washington] D.C., so it’s two different worlds [in some respects]. We just like to catch balls and touchdowns.”
Williams knows that he enters the NFL with a bad rap because of his disciplinary issues and academic issues at Syracuse, but is ready to shed the negative image that some may have of him.
“I definitely feel like I have something to prove,” Williams said. “People say I don’t work hard or that I’m bad off the field. I feel like I have something to prove. I’m here at this camp trying to prove myself.
“People think I’m a bad person that should be under the microscope. I want to let people know who I am and be under the microscope.”
Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris already believes that Williams is a good person, and based on his comments from the rookie mini-camp, he knows he’s a great player, too.
“You have to go out there and be consistent at wide receiver,” Morris said. “[Williams] practices well, and he practices hard. I love how he makes plays on the ball down the field. He’s promising, and it has been a great start for him. There are high expectations for this whole class, and he is living up to it right now.”
Morris is equally excited about Benn, who hasn’t made as many big plays downfield in practice, but has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to make plays against underneath coverages.
“The thing with Arrelious is when you watch his tape, after he catches the ball he is a punishing running back,” Morris said. “He does a great job of balancing his shoulders and controlling his weight. He lowers his shoulders down on the smaller defensive backs. He does a great job of getting skinny and fighting for extra yards. You got to see his underneath routes and drag routes, and his ability to turn up the field and become a physical presence. He is stepping into a situation where there is a bunch of receivers battling for playing time. He should fit into the mix nicely.”
Benn said his first exposure to the Buccaneers playbook and Greg Olson’s offense in the rookie mini-camp has gone well.
“It was easy [to adjust to the offense],” Benn said. “We picked it up like that (snaps his fingers). I know it’s not all of it and it’s just some basic things, but we retained a lot and it’s easy to retain and we just came out here and did it.
“The transition is good. I’m out here and it’s a learning process right now. That’s why I’m here to soak up everything that I can and just get acclimated with how things are run. I’m feeling good just coming out here and having fun. This is my team and this is my home.”
Williams also came away with a strong grasp of the offense during his first weekend in Tampa Bay.
“I learned a lot of the playbook,” Williams said. “I learned two positions on offense. I took away how they practice out here. They showed us how to practice and how they get up in the morning, have a walk-through and have a real practice in the afternoon. I learned a lot about how to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.”
When Tampa Bay’s rookie wide receivers, Arrelious Benn, a second-round pick from Illinois, and Mike Williams, a fourth-round pick out of Syracuse, aren’t making plays on the practice field they are making plans in their hotel room.
Benn and Williams, who are roommates during the Bucs’ rookie mini-camp, have spent this weekend scheming and dreaming of the future – a future that includes them in the starting lineup, catching touchdown passes from Josh Freeman.
“The first night it was great,” Williams said. “We kept saying to each other that we could be the future whether it’s this year or next year. We could be the future and we have the opportunity of a lifetime, no matter how our situation ended (in college). We said that we have to go out here that we can still do this.”
Benn agreed and envisions him teaming with Williams to become playmakers in the NFL.
“We joked a lot because Mike has been getting a lot of balls and I haven’t been getting as many balls,” Benn said. “It’s a learning process right now. It’s great to have him here. This is a great situation for us. We are two guys that are going to be a force. We talked about how we wanted to come here and make a good first impression and do everything we needed to do and let it be known that we’re here and we’re here to make plays.”
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Williams has been the star of the rookie mini-camp, making acrobatic catches and big plays in the passing game.
“That’s what I do. I make plays,” Williams said. “My whole life people have been calling me a playmaker. I don’t think it should stop now. I think I’m here and I should keep making plays and working hard.”
Williams said he cannot wait to play with the veterans and work with Freeman, the quarterback he expects to be catching passes from this year.
“I want to make a big statement,” Williams said. “I want to go out there and work hard with the team. I want to be out here with the team. I’ll be back. I’m not going to miss any practices. I want to let them know that I am here to stay.”
The Syracuse product knows that just because he’s making plays in the rookie mini-camp doesn’t mean that he will automatically earn a starting assignment. After all, players like Reggie Brown, Maurice Stovall and Sammie Stroughter have a leg up on Williams due to their experience.
“Those guys are good,” Williams said. “They go out there and they make plays. Those are NFL receivers and I’m behind those guys right now. Hopefully I get the chance to learn from those guys and to earn some playing time.
“I feel like I have to earn where I have to get. I’ve got to earn playing time. If it happens, it happens.”
The 6-foot-1, 219-pound Benn is taking a more confident approach to his rookie season.
“I wouldn’t say set numbers,” Benn said. “I have some in my head and I don’t want to overdo myself. I’ll definitely be in the lineup and I’ll definitely have a lot of catches.
“I want to come here and be the guy. I want to be that guy who’s going to take it to the next level as far as the receiving group. Mike Williams is a great guy. He’s going to come bring it too, so I want to be that guy that they may not have always had, but I think with me and Mike we can be a tandem.”
By having another starting-caliber receiver like Williams in the fold, Benn is relieved to have some of the pressure taken off his shoulders during his rookie season.
“It’s going to help us a lot,” Benn said. “It’s not going to be on me to do everything. Mike is going to have some pressure also and he’s a great guy. We’re going to come out here together and help make each other great. We’re going to have a little competition against each other why we are doing it.”
Benn heard the reports about Williams having character issues at Syracuse and quickly dismissed them.
“[What is said about Mike Williams] is overhyped,” Benn said. “He’s a quiet guy. He seems cool from the little days that I’ve known him, so for the most part he’s a pretty good guy.
“He’s from upstate New York and I’m from down in [Washington] D.C., so it’s two different worlds [in some respects]. We just like to catch balls and touchdowns.”
Williams knows that he enters the NFL with a bad rap because of his disciplinary issues and academic issues at Syracuse, but is ready to shed the negative image that some may have of him.
“I definitely feel like I have something to prove,” Williams said. “People say I don’t work hard or that I’m bad off the field. I feel like I have something to prove. I’m here at this camp trying to prove myself.
“People think I’m a bad person that should be under the microscope. I want to let people know who I am and be under the microscope.”
Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris already believes that Williams is a good person, and based on his comments from the rookie mini-camp, he knows he’s a great player, too.
“You have to go out there and be consistent at wide receiver,” Morris said. “[Williams] practices well, and he practices hard. I love how he makes plays on the ball down the field. He’s promising, and it has been a great start for him. There are high expectations for this whole class, and he is living up to it right now.”
Morris is equally excited about Benn, who hasn’t made as many big plays downfield in practice, but has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to make plays against underneath coverages.
“The thing with Arrelious is when you watch his tape, after he catches the ball he is a punishing running back,” Morris said. “He does a great job of balancing his shoulders and controlling his weight. He lowers his shoulders down on the smaller defensive backs. He does a great job of getting skinny and fighting for extra yards. You got to see his underneath routes and drag routes, and his ability to turn up the field and become a physical presence. He is stepping into a situation where there is a bunch of receivers battling for playing time. He should fit into the mix nicely.”
Benn said his first exposure to the Buccaneers playbook and Greg Olson’s offense in the rookie mini-camp has gone well.
“It was easy [to adjust to the offense],” Benn said. “We picked it up like that (snaps his fingers). I know it’s not all of it and it’s just some basic things, but we retained a lot and it’s easy to retain and we just came out here and did it.
“The transition is good. I’m out here and it’s a learning process right now. That’s why I’m here to soak up everything that I can and just get acclimated with how things are run. I’m feeling good just coming out here and having fun. This is my team and this is my home.”
Williams also came away with a strong grasp of the offense during his first weekend in Tampa Bay.
“I learned a lot of the playbook,” Williams said. “I learned two positions on offense. I took away how they practice out here. They showed us how to practice and how they get up in the morning, have a walk-through and have a real practice in the afternoon. I learned a lot about how to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.”
Balco
Footballguy
Mike Thomas making a push to start?:
Offense
Maybe it was the lack of Greg Jones, but I saw a good amount of 3 wide receiver sets. Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas, and Troy Williamson look like they've seperated themselves from the pack already. Jarrett Dillard also made some nice receptions. Kaasim Osgood made one of the plays of the afternoon by catching a long pass, but he still reminds me of a big dog that isn't comfy in his own skin when he runs. Mike Sims-Walker looks primed for easily the best season by a Jaguars wide receiver since Jimmy Smith was in his prime. He made several terrific catches, inluding going down on both of his knees to catch a poorly thrown ball on an out route.
Offense
Maybe it was the lack of Greg Jones, but I saw a good amount of 3 wide receiver sets. Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas, and Troy Williamson look like they've seperated themselves from the pack already. Jarrett Dillard also made some nice receptions. Kaasim Osgood made one of the plays of the afternoon by catching a long pass, but he still reminds me of a big dog that isn't comfy in his own skin when he runs. Mike Sims-Walker looks primed for easily the best season by a Jaguars wide receiver since Jimmy Smith was in his prime. He made several terrific catches, inluding going down on both of his knees to catch a poorly thrown ball on an out route.
Balco
Footballguy
Byron Leftwich practices with 1st team:
PITTSBURGH -- With two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger currently banned from team activities, Byron Leftwich took the first-team snaps at the start of the Pittsburgh Steelers' veteran minicamp Friday.
Roethlisberger faces a conditional six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The penalty can be reduced to four games if he successfully completes the league-mandated behavior program. But, either way, the Steelers will have a new quarterback under center in September.
On Friday, it appears Leftwich is getting the first chance to win the job, although a firm decision likely won't be made until after training camp.
"When you like an offense, you never forget it," said Leftwich, who last played in Pittsburgh in 2008. "And I always liked this offense. ... I never really forgot it. It's just now getting back into calling it, saying it and doing it."
Third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon played with the second team Friday. Dixon made his first career start in place of Roethlisberger last November during a 20-17 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for 145 yards, with two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) and an interception.
After practice, Dixon said he's fine with being on the second team and is looking forward to competing for the starting job this offseason.
"As long as I have a job, and as long as I have a position out there, I'm happy," Dixon said. "I'm preparing the same way."
PITTSBURGH -- With two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger currently banned from team activities, Byron Leftwich took the first-team snaps at the start of the Pittsburgh Steelers' veteran minicamp Friday.
Roethlisberger faces a conditional six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The penalty can be reduced to four games if he successfully completes the league-mandated behavior program. But, either way, the Steelers will have a new quarterback under center in September.
On Friday, it appears Leftwich is getting the first chance to win the job, although a firm decision likely won't be made until after training camp.
"When you like an offense, you never forget it," said Leftwich, who last played in Pittsburgh in 2008. "And I always liked this offense. ... I never really forgot it. It's just now getting back into calling it, saying it and doing it."
Third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon played with the second team Friday. Dixon made his first career start in place of Roethlisberger last November during a 20-17 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for 145 yards, with two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) and an interception.
After practice, Dixon said he's fine with being on the second team and is looking forward to competing for the starting job this offseason.
"As long as I have a job, and as long as I have a position out there, I'm happy," Dixon said. "I'm preparing the same way."
Balco ptsteelers
Footballguy
I want to say the same and add how much I appreciate the work involved.Thanks man.Balco
Great stuff here!
(and kudos to the rest as well ... you guys making it easier for me) 
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THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA
Footballguy
kurtrudder
Footballguy
indeed!! going above and beyond....this stuff is gold Jerry...gold!!I want to say the same and add how much I appreciate the work involved.Thanks man.Balco
Great stuff here!
Max Power
Footballguy
Bears should have traded Olsen around the draft. They will have to cut one TE from the roster, and its likely to be Dez Clark although he is a better fit for Martz's O thank Olsen is.
Balco
Footballguy
Sam Bradford "Terrific" in camp:
ST. LOUIS — For five practices over three days, Sam Bradford called the play in the huddle, stepped up to the line and (drum roll, please) lined up under center.
Let the transition begin, from spread offense at Oklahoma to pro-style quarterback with the Rams. By all accounts, it was a good start for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
"Sam did a terrific job," offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said Sunday after the conclusion of the Rams’ rookie minicamp. "All the reasons for drafting him were obvious.
"He’s very smart. Got a great command of the huddle. He’s got great attention to detail. By the end of the weekend, he was repeating things like he got ’em in the installations. And he’s very talented. So you take the talent and then the ’work hard’ and I think he progressed well in five practices."
There is much to learn and many hurdles to cross. But Bradford’s Rams journey began with him lining up under center_over and over and over again. By design, every snap Bradford took over the weekend was under center as opposed to the shotgun formation.
"The focus in this camp was to do pretty much everything under center, so we could work on the one-, the three-, the five- and seven-step drop," Shurmur said. "As time goes on, what naturally happens is they get smoother and smoother and smoother."
At first blush, Bradford looked surprisingly comfortable with his footwork and his dropbacks. About 85 percent of the rookie minicamp was open to the media (all but about 90 minutes of Friday morning’s practice). And in that time, Bradford had only two botched center exchanges.
Maybe this shouldn’t be surprising. It’s not as if Bradford never lined up under center. He said the Sooners were under center about half the time during his freshman season.
"That’s one of the things that the media kind of skews a little bit, because it’s not that big of a deal," Bradford said. "If you’ve never taken a snap from under center, I mean, I could see where the footwork obviously would take some time getting used to. But if you’ve spent any time under center. ... I’ve taken snaps under center since I was in third grade."
So give Bradford an early checkmark for his work under center over the weekend. But that’s just one layer of his multi-faceted learning curve.
In the week between the draft and the minicamp, Bradford spent hours on the phone with Shurmur and quarterbacks coach **** Curl. They talked about formations, protections, the cadence, even how everyone would line up in the huddle.
"A lot of the little things that I don’t think everyone sees," Bradford said. "You don’t think about it because everyone thinks, ’Oh, it’s second nature.’ But when you haven’t done it, and you don’t know how the Rams do it, it’s a huge deal. Especially for a quarterback."
Obviously learning the language of a new offensive scheme is a big step.
"The verbiage is really important," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "There’s a lot of words he’s got to spit out in that huddle in a short amount of time."
And once the play is called, timing is very important, particularly in the passing game. On Sunday, the Rams worked almost exclusively on red zone offense (and defense) in "team" periods.
"I was really anxious to see the way he would react in the red zone," Spagnuolo said. "Now when we were down there doing the seven-on-seven (red zone work) with no linemen in front of him, I reminded him that down here you can’t hold on to the football. Everything happens a little faster."
Bradford got the message. During the full 11-on-11 red zone session later in practice, he looked sharp and decisive.
"I thought he got it out pretty quick," Spagnuolo said. "He had one nice throw down here in the corner." (On a fade route to wide receiver Dominique Curry, who was at the minicamp as a tryout player.)
Even with that success, Bradford knows the speed of the game picks up in two weeks, when he starts practicing with the veterans. It will speed up again once preseason play arrives, and then finally once the regular season starts.
"I felt like I was in the right place most of the time with the ball," Bradford said. "But even at the speed we were playing this weekend, I was a half a count or a count late. It may not look like it, but I know it when I let it go, if I can get it out just a half-count quicker, it’s that much better."
In the five practices, Bradford threw hundreds of passes over about a 50-hour period. But his surgically repaired throwing shoulder showed no ill effects from the workload.
Of course, there’s one area of Bradford’s game that can’t be addressed until the games begin. Namely, how his throwing shoulder will respond to that first hit. And the second, and the third. ...
"I think it’ll be cool, and hopefully it’ll kind of calm everyone down because I think everyone’s freaking out about it like, ’If his shoulder gets touched is he going to, like, die?’" Bradford said, chuckling. "It’s going to be OK. I’m going to be able to take a hit."
ST. LOUIS — For five practices over three days, Sam Bradford called the play in the huddle, stepped up to the line and (drum roll, please) lined up under center.
Let the transition begin, from spread offense at Oklahoma to pro-style quarterback with the Rams. By all accounts, it was a good start for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
"Sam did a terrific job," offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said Sunday after the conclusion of the Rams’ rookie minicamp. "All the reasons for drafting him were obvious.
"He’s very smart. Got a great command of the huddle. He’s got great attention to detail. By the end of the weekend, he was repeating things like he got ’em in the installations. And he’s very talented. So you take the talent and then the ’work hard’ and I think he progressed well in five practices."
There is much to learn and many hurdles to cross. But Bradford’s Rams journey began with him lining up under center_over and over and over again. By design, every snap Bradford took over the weekend was under center as opposed to the shotgun formation.
"The focus in this camp was to do pretty much everything under center, so we could work on the one-, the three-, the five- and seven-step drop," Shurmur said. "As time goes on, what naturally happens is they get smoother and smoother and smoother."
At first blush, Bradford looked surprisingly comfortable with his footwork and his dropbacks. About 85 percent of the rookie minicamp was open to the media (all but about 90 minutes of Friday morning’s practice). And in that time, Bradford had only two botched center exchanges.
Maybe this shouldn’t be surprising. It’s not as if Bradford never lined up under center. He said the Sooners were under center about half the time during his freshman season.
"That’s one of the things that the media kind of skews a little bit, because it’s not that big of a deal," Bradford said. "If you’ve never taken a snap from under center, I mean, I could see where the footwork obviously would take some time getting used to. But if you’ve spent any time under center. ... I’ve taken snaps under center since I was in third grade."
So give Bradford an early checkmark for his work under center over the weekend. But that’s just one layer of his multi-faceted learning curve.
In the week between the draft and the minicamp, Bradford spent hours on the phone with Shurmur and quarterbacks coach **** Curl. They talked about formations, protections, the cadence, even how everyone would line up in the huddle.
"A lot of the little things that I don’t think everyone sees," Bradford said. "You don’t think about it because everyone thinks, ’Oh, it’s second nature.’ But when you haven’t done it, and you don’t know how the Rams do it, it’s a huge deal. Especially for a quarterback."
Obviously learning the language of a new offensive scheme is a big step.
"The verbiage is really important," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "There’s a lot of words he’s got to spit out in that huddle in a short amount of time."
And once the play is called, timing is very important, particularly in the passing game. On Sunday, the Rams worked almost exclusively on red zone offense (and defense) in "team" periods.
"I was really anxious to see the way he would react in the red zone," Spagnuolo said. "Now when we were down there doing the seven-on-seven (red zone work) with no linemen in front of him, I reminded him that down here you can’t hold on to the football. Everything happens a little faster."
Bradford got the message. During the full 11-on-11 red zone session later in practice, he looked sharp and decisive.
"I thought he got it out pretty quick," Spagnuolo said. "He had one nice throw down here in the corner." (On a fade route to wide receiver Dominique Curry, who was at the minicamp as a tryout player.)
Even with that success, Bradford knows the speed of the game picks up in two weeks, when he starts practicing with the veterans. It will speed up again once preseason play arrives, and then finally once the regular season starts.
"I felt like I was in the right place most of the time with the ball," Bradford said. "But even at the speed we were playing this weekend, I was a half a count or a count late. It may not look like it, but I know it when I let it go, if I can get it out just a half-count quicker, it’s that much better."
In the five practices, Bradford threw hundreds of passes over about a 50-hour period. But his surgically repaired throwing shoulder showed no ill effects from the workload.
Of course, there’s one area of Bradford’s game that can’t be addressed until the games begin. Namely, how his throwing shoulder will respond to that first hit. And the second, and the third. ...
"I think it’ll be cool, and hopefully it’ll kind of calm everyone down because I think everyone’s freaking out about it like, ’If his shoulder gets touched is he going to, like, die?’" Bradford said, chuckling. "It’s going to be OK. I’m going to be able to take a hit."
Balco
Footballguy
Gilyard dropping passes in Rams camp
From the article:
Unfortunately for Gilyard, he was far from being the next Torry Holt during his first NFL practice Friday morning. The 5-foot-11, 179-pound wide receiver admitted he dropped a few passes from quarterback Sam Bradford.
“We had a few miscues on my end,” Gilyard said. “Just doing a little over thinking, a little nervous on the first day.”
From the article:
Unfortunately for Gilyard, he was far from being the next Torry Holt during his first NFL practice Friday morning. The 5-foot-11, 179-pound wide receiver admitted he dropped a few passes from quarterback Sam Bradford.
“We had a few miscues on my end,” Gilyard said. “Just doing a little over thinking, a little nervous on the first day.”
Balco
Footballguy
Dez Bryant's mini camp leaves coach awed:
ARLINGTON -- First-round draft pick Dez Bryant was out of shape and winded at the start of the Dallas Cowboys rookie minicamp Friday.
He ended it Sunday, limping to the huddle after twisting his ankle on a deep pattern.
In between, he was simply one of the most impressive-looking rookie-camp participants coach Wade Phillips has ever seen.
"Dez Bryant is an absolute talent. You don't see that many come in and look that good that early," Phillips said.
"In 33 years [of coaching] there's not very many that I can say look that talented at their position for a three-day period."
Bryant did not run sprints with the Cowboys after practice Sunday. Phillips, however, seemed unconcerned about the rolled ankle and expects him to be ready to go when the rookies are back on field for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) with the veterans at the end of the May.
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/05/02/21...l#ixzz0mrrSVeke
ARLINGTON -- First-round draft pick Dez Bryant was out of shape and winded at the start of the Dallas Cowboys rookie minicamp Friday.
He ended it Sunday, limping to the huddle after twisting his ankle on a deep pattern.
In between, he was simply one of the most impressive-looking rookie-camp participants coach Wade Phillips has ever seen.
"Dez Bryant is an absolute talent. You don't see that many come in and look that good that early," Phillips said.
"In 33 years [of coaching] there's not very many that I can say look that talented at their position for a three-day period."
Bryant did not run sprints with the Cowboys after practice Sunday. Phillips, however, seemed unconcerned about the rolled ankle and expects him to be ready to go when the rookies are back on field for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) with the veterans at the end of the May.
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/05/02/21...l#ixzz0mrrSVeke
And brains, that guy is as dumb as a stump
Faust
MVP
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/articl...rwxYvAD9FFH0H00
Broncos' 2 WR draft picks are spectators for now
By ARNIE STAPLETON – 1 hour ago
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Tim Tebow isn't the only risk the Denver Broncos took in the NFL draft.
While all eyes were on the former Florida quarterback during the Broncos' three-day rookie minicamp over the weekend, two players who figure to have more of an immediate impact served as sideline spectators.
Wide receivers Demaryius "Bay-Bay" Thomas and Eric Decker are both recovering from foot surgeries.
"Me and Bay-Bay are kind of cheerleaders at this point," Decker said.
The pair of draft picks are the biggest receivers on the Broncos' roster and they'll be expected to strut their stuff on the football field as soon as they're healthy.
Thomas, the Broncos' top overall draft pick, broke his left foot doing drills just before the NFL combine. He said he should be able to run routes in two weeks when the veterans and rookies gather for the start of the team's offseason training activities.
Decker, a third-round draft pick whose collegiate career at Minnesota was cut short last fall because of a ligament sprain in his left foot, hopes to hit the field in June and be able to participate fully by the start of training camp in late July.
Although Thomas, selected 22nd out of Georgia Tech, and Decker, taken 87th, didn't get to show scouts their skills this spring, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he relies more on game film anyway and his medical staff told him both receivers are on target in their rehab.
The Broncos needed a big, athletic wide receiver after trading two-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins and they got two: Thomas is 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds and Decker is 6-3 and 218 pounds.
In Thomas, McDaniels hopes he's found Marshall's lookalike but not act-alike.
Despite three straight 100-catch seasons, Marshall's antics on and off the field made him a chronic headache for the organization. Thomas said he thinks he convinced the Broncos they should select him in part because "I'm a good guy."
He said living with his uncle, James Brown, a preacher, after his mother and grandmother were incarcerated on drug charges when he was 12, is what set him on the right path.
The Broncos liked his character but loved his potential even more and made the former Yellow Jackets' deep threat the first wide receiver taken in the draft. Dez Bryant went two spots later to Dallas at No. 24.
Thomas said he was surprised he was drafted ahead of the more polished Bryant. After all, Thomas played in Paul Johnson's triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, a system that's considered ill-suited for the NFL.
Thomas watched the rookie camp forlornly.
"I want to do stuff but I can't, so it's still tough," he said.
He's eager to get on the field because he knows he has a steep learning curve.
"It's a lot different than what I come from," Thomas said. "I'll just have to work hard."
One thing that could help him in his adjustment: the attention is all on Tebow, not Thomas. While dozens of reporters and cameramen swarmed Tebow coming off the field Friday, Thomas meandered off the field almost anonymously.
Is that a good thing?
"Maybe," Thomas said, cracking a smile.
Although they didn't participate in practices, Thomas and Decker said they got plenty out of their first foray into the NFL last week, attending meetings, watching film and learning the thick playbook.
Once they're able to get on the field and sprint and cut, Decker and Thomas will have to catch up quickly because the Broncos are expecting a lot out of them next season, health permitting.
McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton have both talked about adding more of a downfield passing attack and these two rookies figure to contribute. The Broncos also will be paying Thomas first-round money and they'll need a speedy return on their investment.
Before he got hurt, Decker was considered among the top receivers in the country and many scouts were projecting him as a first-rounder. He showed his smarts at the NFL combine by scoring a 43 on the 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test that's used to gauge aptitude.
After his injury, Decker got a call from Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who suffered the same ligament injury in 2002 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts.
Stokley, who was asked to reach out to Decker by former Broncos assistant coach Jedd Fisch, a coordinator at Minnesota last year, gave Decker advice on how to deal with the injury, the surgery and the long rehab that follows.
Decker said he's sure that he'll be doing fast-food runs for Stokley and the other veterans now just because he's a rookie. As payback for all his advice, he'll have to do more than burgers and fries, though.
"Maybe a couple of dinners," Decker surmised, "and I don't know if I have to baby-sit his kids or what, but I'll help him out somehow."
Broncos' 2 WR draft picks are spectators for now
By ARNIE STAPLETON – 1 hour ago
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Tim Tebow isn't the only risk the Denver Broncos took in the NFL draft.
While all eyes were on the former Florida quarterback during the Broncos' three-day rookie minicamp over the weekend, two players who figure to have more of an immediate impact served as sideline spectators.
Wide receivers Demaryius "Bay-Bay" Thomas and Eric Decker are both recovering from foot surgeries.
"Me and Bay-Bay are kind of cheerleaders at this point," Decker said.
The pair of draft picks are the biggest receivers on the Broncos' roster and they'll be expected to strut their stuff on the football field as soon as they're healthy.
Thomas, the Broncos' top overall draft pick, broke his left foot doing drills just before the NFL combine. He said he should be able to run routes in two weeks when the veterans and rookies gather for the start of the team's offseason training activities.
Decker, a third-round draft pick whose collegiate career at Minnesota was cut short last fall because of a ligament sprain in his left foot, hopes to hit the field in June and be able to participate fully by the start of training camp in late July.
Although Thomas, selected 22nd out of Georgia Tech, and Decker, taken 87th, didn't get to show scouts their skills this spring, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he relies more on game film anyway and his medical staff told him both receivers are on target in their rehab.
The Broncos needed a big, athletic wide receiver after trading two-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins and they got two: Thomas is 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds and Decker is 6-3 and 218 pounds.
In Thomas, McDaniels hopes he's found Marshall's lookalike but not act-alike.
Despite three straight 100-catch seasons, Marshall's antics on and off the field made him a chronic headache for the organization. Thomas said he thinks he convinced the Broncos they should select him in part because "I'm a good guy."
He said living with his uncle, James Brown, a preacher, after his mother and grandmother were incarcerated on drug charges when he was 12, is what set him on the right path.
The Broncos liked his character but loved his potential even more and made the former Yellow Jackets' deep threat the first wide receiver taken in the draft. Dez Bryant went two spots later to Dallas at No. 24.
Thomas said he was surprised he was drafted ahead of the more polished Bryant. After all, Thomas played in Paul Johnson's triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, a system that's considered ill-suited for the NFL.
Thomas watched the rookie camp forlornly.
"I want to do stuff but I can't, so it's still tough," he said.
He's eager to get on the field because he knows he has a steep learning curve.
"It's a lot different than what I come from," Thomas said. "I'll just have to work hard."
One thing that could help him in his adjustment: the attention is all on Tebow, not Thomas. While dozens of reporters and cameramen swarmed Tebow coming off the field Friday, Thomas meandered off the field almost anonymously.
Is that a good thing?
"Maybe," Thomas said, cracking a smile.
Although they didn't participate in practices, Thomas and Decker said they got plenty out of their first foray into the NFL last week, attending meetings, watching film and learning the thick playbook.
Once they're able to get on the field and sprint and cut, Decker and Thomas will have to catch up quickly because the Broncos are expecting a lot out of them next season, health permitting.
McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton have both talked about adding more of a downfield passing attack and these two rookies figure to contribute. The Broncos also will be paying Thomas first-round money and they'll need a speedy return on their investment.
Before he got hurt, Decker was considered among the top receivers in the country and many scouts were projecting him as a first-rounder. He showed his smarts at the NFL combine by scoring a 43 on the 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test that's used to gauge aptitude.
After his injury, Decker got a call from Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who suffered the same ligament injury in 2002 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts.
Stokley, who was asked to reach out to Decker by former Broncos assistant coach Jedd Fisch, a coordinator at Minnesota last year, gave Decker advice on how to deal with the injury, the surgery and the long rehab that follows.
Decker said he's sure that he'll be doing fast-food runs for Stokley and the other veterans now just because he's a rookie. As payback for all his advice, he'll have to do more than burgers and fries, though.
"Maybe a couple of dinners," Decker surmised, "and I don't know if I have to baby-sit his kids or what, but I'll help him out somehow."
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Faust
MVP
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in...servations.html
Saturday mini-camp practice observations
The first practice of today's two-a-days is over. Here are some notes and observations:
Koa Misi, Miami's best answer to the strong side outside linebacker job, plays fast. Yes, it is only pratice. And there are not pard or hitting here. But the guy just gets there with alacrity. He doesn't dither.
He also looks natural in coverage which is kind of important considering Misi played mostly as a defensive end at Utah.
"He handled information very easy within the coverage," Coach Tony Sparano said of Misi. "I just like the way he moved that way."
The quarterbacks here -- Casey **** and Jameel Sewell -- clearly need to improve their accuracy. I've seen some passes hit receivers in stride. I've seen too many passes thrown several feet too wide or too high. Sometimes it's not all about arm-strength.
It has been interesting watching receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen, who was signed earlier this offseason after playing in the CFL. Grice-Mullen is a former teammate of Davone Bess at Hawaii so the comparisons are natural.
I would tell you the guys are similar in that both are not necessarily fast, but rather quick. Both wear their hair in dreads. And then there's the real reason Grice-Mullen has a chance.
"The thing they have in common is their return ability and those skills," Sparano said. "That was something that interested us. [Grice-Mullen] has shown me good ability to judge the football back there which is a major hurdle for any returner. I feel like he's going to be a pretty good decision-maker."
John Jerry is working exclusively as a left guard at this camp but Sparano said that might change later on. "We're going to bounce him around a little bit," the coach said.
Nose tackle Travis Ivey is out of shape. He needs to lose maybe 10-15 pounds and reshape his giant, round body. But he has potential. Coaches are saying he wasn't always consistent at Maryland. He either took some plays off or wasn't in good enough shape to give his all.
But he has the prototype size and so the Dolphins figure they can work on the other things.
"You don't find people with that kind of size," Sparano said of the 6-4 and 325-pounder. "There were a lot takers on draft dayand our scouts did a great job of getting him here. We've got a lot of work to do with him right now, but from what I've seen out here, he's a pretty willing guy."
Saturday mini-camp practice observations
The first practice of today's two-a-days is over. Here are some notes and observations:
Koa Misi, Miami's best answer to the strong side outside linebacker job, plays fast. Yes, it is only pratice. And there are not pard or hitting here. But the guy just gets there with alacrity. He doesn't dither.
He also looks natural in coverage which is kind of important considering Misi played mostly as a defensive end at Utah.
"He handled information very easy within the coverage," Coach Tony Sparano said of Misi. "I just like the way he moved that way."
The quarterbacks here -- Casey **** and Jameel Sewell -- clearly need to improve their accuracy. I've seen some passes hit receivers in stride. I've seen too many passes thrown several feet too wide or too high. Sometimes it's not all about arm-strength.
It has been interesting watching receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen, who was signed earlier this offseason after playing in the CFL. Grice-Mullen is a former teammate of Davone Bess at Hawaii so the comparisons are natural.
I would tell you the guys are similar in that both are not necessarily fast, but rather quick. Both wear their hair in dreads. And then there's the real reason Grice-Mullen has a chance.
"The thing they have in common is their return ability and those skills," Sparano said. "That was something that interested us. [Grice-Mullen] has shown me good ability to judge the football back there which is a major hurdle for any returner. I feel like he's going to be a pretty good decision-maker."
John Jerry is working exclusively as a left guard at this camp but Sparano said that might change later on. "We're going to bounce him around a little bit," the coach said.
Nose tackle Travis Ivey is out of shape. He needs to lose maybe 10-15 pounds and reshape his giant, round body. But he has potential. Coaches are saying he wasn't always consistent at Maryland. He either took some plays off or wasn't in good enough shape to give his all.
But he has the prototype size and so the Dolphins figure they can work on the other things.
"You don't find people with that kind of size," Sparano said of the 6-4 and 325-pounder. "There were a lot takers on draft dayand our scouts did a great job of getting him here. We've got a lot of work to do with him right now, but from what I've seen out here, he's a pretty willing guy."
Tyrion
Footballguy
:( I agree. Keep up the updates.
JAA
Footballguy
What team/pos is Pat White running with?
Faust
MVP
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/02/1609...i-dolphins.html
First step complete as Miami Dolphins' rookie minicamp concludes
BY JEFF DARLINGTON
The Dolphins' new class of rookies boarded a chartered bus Sunday afternoon bound for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where they would be catching flights back to their respective cities after the conclusion of this weekend's four-practice minicamp.
The team is now left to hope the players took more than their luggage home with them.
``They've gotten information from a social standpoint, football standpoint and a nutritional standpoint,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``We've given them some of the tools right now to go home in the next two weeks to succeed before they come back.
``Whether or not they use them, we'll see in a couple of weeks.''
NFL rules allow teams to conduct a postdraft rookie minicamp, but all of those rookies are not permitted to return to the team's facility until May 16. They will then have more than a week to work out with the veterans before a full-squad minicamp May 28-30.
``I kind of like the way the [rookie] group looks, I really do,'' Sparano said. ``I like the way they look mentally and physically. It didn't look too big for a lot of them when they were running around out here.
``Now the next step is to put them in that same fishbowl with the veteran players and see how they swim.''
LEFT OR RIGHT FOR JERRY?
Despite the earlier expectation based on the minicamp's first practices that guard John Jerry would be used as a left guard, it became clear Sunday that Miami still is experimenting with that decision.
He ended up splitting his time between left and right guard, with two practices at each.
``I just kind of wanted to see the differences,'' Sparano said. ``You see it on [his college] tape, of course, because you see him at right [tackle].
``But I just wanted to see him on the right side a little bit more than on the left side.''
Sparano also said ``it's possible'' veteran Richie Incognito could play left guard despite the expectation that he would play on the right.
``That's the great thing about this now,'' Sparano said. ``I just got a bunch more things floating around in my head, so my wife will be happy.''
THAT'S KARMA
A funny moment as camp concluded Sunday:
Posing for a magazine cover together after practice, first-round pick Jared Odrick was playfully mocking the size of second-round pick Koa Misi's biceps as they flexed side by side for the cameras.
``Man, those are some chicken wings!'' Odrick said.
A moment later, Odrick's own biceps cramped up, and he had to shake out his muscle before he could continue. Karma clearly is on Misi's side.
I am still looking for any info on Pat White...
First step complete as Miami Dolphins' rookie minicamp concludes
BY JEFF DARLINGTON
The Dolphins' new class of rookies boarded a chartered bus Sunday afternoon bound for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where they would be catching flights back to their respective cities after the conclusion of this weekend's four-practice minicamp.
The team is now left to hope the players took more than their luggage home with them.
``They've gotten information from a social standpoint, football standpoint and a nutritional standpoint,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``We've given them some of the tools right now to go home in the next two weeks to succeed before they come back.
``Whether or not they use them, we'll see in a couple of weeks.''
NFL rules allow teams to conduct a postdraft rookie minicamp, but all of those rookies are not permitted to return to the team's facility until May 16. They will then have more than a week to work out with the veterans before a full-squad minicamp May 28-30.
``I kind of like the way the [rookie] group looks, I really do,'' Sparano said. ``I like the way they look mentally and physically. It didn't look too big for a lot of them when they were running around out here.
``Now the next step is to put them in that same fishbowl with the veteran players and see how they swim.''
LEFT OR RIGHT FOR JERRY?
Despite the earlier expectation based on the minicamp's first practices that guard John Jerry would be used as a left guard, it became clear Sunday that Miami still is experimenting with that decision.
He ended up splitting his time between left and right guard, with two practices at each.
``I just kind of wanted to see the differences,'' Sparano said. ``You see it on [his college] tape, of course, because you see him at right [tackle].
``But I just wanted to see him on the right side a little bit more than on the left side.''
Sparano also said ``it's possible'' veteran Richie Incognito could play left guard despite the expectation that he would play on the right.
``That's the great thing about this now,'' Sparano said. ``I just got a bunch more things floating around in my head, so my wife will be happy.''
THAT'S KARMA
A funny moment as camp concluded Sunday:
Posing for a magazine cover together after practice, first-round pick Jared Odrick was playfully mocking the size of second-round pick Koa Misi's biceps as they flexed side by side for the cameras.
``Man, those are some chicken wings!'' Odrick said.
A moment later, Odrick's own biceps cramped up, and he had to shake out his muscle before he could continue. Karma clearly is on Misi's side.
I am still looking for any info on Pat White...
Faust
MVP
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/05/02/19189...-has-shown.html
New Chief McCluster shows strength to make up for lack of size
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
As much as the Chiefs might hope for one last growth spurt, or order Dexter McCluster to burn hours in the weight room, there’s a fact he has come to terms with.
“I can tell you one thing,” McCluster, a rookie slot receiver, said this weekend during Kansas City’s three-day rookie minicamp. “I’m 5-8 and 21 years old, so I don’t think I’m growing taller right now.”
The Chiefs drafted McCluster last weekend in the second round out of Mississippi. They like his speed and playmaking ability, and those skills remind observers of Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson and San Diego running back Darren Sproles. But like those players, it’s McCluster’s size that doesn’t seem a natural fit in the NFL.
McCluster is listed at 170 pounds, a weight that makes Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles — at 199 pounds — look like Hercules. Both Jackson and Sproles are each at least 10 pounds heavier than McCluster.
Now the Chiefs’ challenge is to try to add thickness to McCluster without sacrificing the speed and quickness that made him so enticing. Chiefs coach Todd Haley said that whatever happens next, McCluster already has proved that he possesses the mettle to hang in an NFL locker room.
“It takes special ability and character to make it at that size,” Haley said. “We feel he’s got the right combination of quickness, speed and strength, which is a key thing when you start talking about smaller receivers or backs.”
Haley compared McCluster to former New York Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet (5-10, 188 pounds) and former Chiefs and St. Louis kick returner Dante Hall (5-8, 187), players who overcame their diminutive statures with remarkable strength. Haley said he thought McCluster was a similar kind of player.
“Those are the things that you hear about him: He’s pound-for-pound the strongest guy at Mississippi,” Haley said.
McCluster admitted this weekend that this wasn’t the first time he’s been questioned about his size. It’s also not the first time he overcame those concerns and thrived. He played running back and receiver for the Rebels, catching 130 passes and rushing for 1,955 yards in four seasons. Haley said Friday that McCluster was one of the Chiefs’ highest-rated running backs and wide receivers on the team’s draft board when its turn came up early in the second round.
He was small for Southeastern Conference standards, too. Not that it affected his performance or confidence.
“There was never a time at Ole Miss that I doubted myself,” McCluster said. “All my life growing up, I’ve been a smaller guy and had to prove (myself) to people. It was pretty much the fuel to my success.”
Another thing that has fueled McCluster’s success is his willingness to work. He said he’d be up for extra work in the weight room or playing any position. He worked this weekend at running back, receiver and kick returner.
“We oriented him into multiple areas,” Haley said. “So it was important for us to see how he handled some of that: being in a different classroom, different meeting, different spots. We’re learning as much as they are, and it’s important.”
That’s not all.
“Hope he grows, too,” Haley said with a laugh.
Haley didn’t elaborate on the team’s plans to thicken McCluster before training camp, saying that the team will lean on first-year strength coach Mike Clark to design a program for McCluster.
Not that it matters, McCluster said.
“I want to make a name for myself,” he said. “Whatever they ask, you best believe I’m doing it.”
New Chief McCluster shows strength to make up for lack of size
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
As much as the Chiefs might hope for one last growth spurt, or order Dexter McCluster to burn hours in the weight room, there’s a fact he has come to terms with.
“I can tell you one thing,” McCluster, a rookie slot receiver, said this weekend during Kansas City’s three-day rookie minicamp. “I’m 5-8 and 21 years old, so I don’t think I’m growing taller right now.”
The Chiefs drafted McCluster last weekend in the second round out of Mississippi. They like his speed and playmaking ability, and those skills remind observers of Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson and San Diego running back Darren Sproles. But like those players, it’s McCluster’s size that doesn’t seem a natural fit in the NFL.
McCluster is listed at 170 pounds, a weight that makes Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles — at 199 pounds — look like Hercules. Both Jackson and Sproles are each at least 10 pounds heavier than McCluster.
Now the Chiefs’ challenge is to try to add thickness to McCluster without sacrificing the speed and quickness that made him so enticing. Chiefs coach Todd Haley said that whatever happens next, McCluster already has proved that he possesses the mettle to hang in an NFL locker room.
“It takes special ability and character to make it at that size,” Haley said. “We feel he’s got the right combination of quickness, speed and strength, which is a key thing when you start talking about smaller receivers or backs.”
Haley compared McCluster to former New York Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet (5-10, 188 pounds) and former Chiefs and St. Louis kick returner Dante Hall (5-8, 187), players who overcame their diminutive statures with remarkable strength. Haley said he thought McCluster was a similar kind of player.
“Those are the things that you hear about him: He’s pound-for-pound the strongest guy at Mississippi,” Haley said.
McCluster admitted this weekend that this wasn’t the first time he’s been questioned about his size. It’s also not the first time he overcame those concerns and thrived. He played running back and receiver for the Rebels, catching 130 passes and rushing for 1,955 yards in four seasons. Haley said Friday that McCluster was one of the Chiefs’ highest-rated running backs and wide receivers on the team’s draft board when its turn came up early in the second round.
He was small for Southeastern Conference standards, too. Not that it affected his performance or confidence.
“There was never a time at Ole Miss that I doubted myself,” McCluster said. “All my life growing up, I’ve been a smaller guy and had to prove (myself) to people. It was pretty much the fuel to my success.”
Another thing that has fueled McCluster’s success is his willingness to work. He said he’d be up for extra work in the weight room or playing any position. He worked this weekend at running back, receiver and kick returner.
“We oriented him into multiple areas,” Haley said. “So it was important for us to see how he handled some of that: being in a different classroom, different meeting, different spots. We’re learning as much as they are, and it’s important.”
That’s not all.
“Hope he grows, too,” Haley said with a laugh.
Haley didn’t elaborate on the team’s plans to thicken McCluster before training camp, saying that the team will lean on first-year strength coach Mike Clark to design a program for McCluster.
Not that it matters, McCluster said.
“I want to make a name for myself,” he said. “Whatever they ask, you best believe I’m doing it.”
Balco
Footballguy
Cincinatti Rookies: First Impressions:
TE Jermaine Gresham (Uniform No. 84) — Big, strong, fast with excellent hands and athleticism, and extremely confident. You’d have never known he was sidelined the entire 2009 season. As one club insider said, Gresham was the perfect blend of need, talent and grade falling into the Bengals’ lap at No. 21. Head coach Marvin Lewis said Gresham is farther along than anyone expected. A positive sign for the offense.
WR Jordan Shipley (Uniform No. 11) — Ran some nice routes. Showed some good moves. Caught numerous passes. But his one bugaboo — untimely drops — resurfaced on Sunday. He ran a button-hook near the right sideline. Turned and was wide open. Ball hit him in the numbers and fell to the FieldTurf. He’s 24, but looks 30. Love his nose — gnarled with a bloody bridge. His nose looks like it just went 12 rounds against Floyd Mayweather’s gloves. His nose belongs on a workbench where it appears to have been punished by a hammer, screwdriver, saw and wrench.
WR Dezmon Briscoe (Uniform No. 88) — Made a good impression on Friday until he tweaked a groin muscle. Spent the next two days watching, learning and getting treatment. For some reason, I was expecting a skinny, fragile guy with stick-like, thoroughbred legs. But he’s got some thickness to him. As in, thick, strong calf muscles.
TE Jermaine Gresham (Uniform No. 84) — Big, strong, fast with excellent hands and athleticism, and extremely confident. You’d have never known he was sidelined the entire 2009 season. As one club insider said, Gresham was the perfect blend of need, talent and grade falling into the Bengals’ lap at No. 21. Head coach Marvin Lewis said Gresham is farther along than anyone expected. A positive sign for the offense.
WR Jordan Shipley (Uniform No. 11) — Ran some nice routes. Showed some good moves. Caught numerous passes. But his one bugaboo — untimely drops — resurfaced on Sunday. He ran a button-hook near the right sideline. Turned and was wide open. Ball hit him in the numbers and fell to the FieldTurf. He’s 24, but looks 30. Love his nose — gnarled with a bloody bridge. His nose looks like it just went 12 rounds against Floyd Mayweather’s gloves. His nose belongs on a workbench where it appears to have been punished by a hammer, screwdriver, saw and wrench.
WR Dezmon Briscoe (Uniform No. 88) — Made a good impression on Friday until he tweaked a groin muscle. Spent the next two days watching, learning and getting treatment. For some reason, I was expecting a skinny, fragile guy with stick-like, thoroughbred legs. But he’s got some thickness to him. As in, thick, strong calf muscles.
jacobo_moses
Footballguy
Keep the notes coming guys this is great stuff.
Balco
Footballguy
Slimmer White ready for another chance
Seahawks: Streamlined, motived LenDale White rejoins Pete Carroll, looks to resurrect NFL career in Seattle
Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2010/05/04/1227...l#ixzz0n10BoQRk
RENTON – If talk’s cheap in the regular world, it holds even less currency in professional sports. Every camp produces stories of underachieving guys who are newly motivated to make the most of second (or last) chances.
It’s always best to wait and see how these things play out on the field before buying too much into self-proclamations of career rebirths.
So, when running back LenDale White voices his excitement at getting a shot with the Seattle Seahawks after being picked up on the cheap from Tennessee, you might take it with a grain of salt … and perhaps a lime wedge.
But seeing White on the hoof is pretty convincing evidence that he’s highly motivated to get his career rebooted.
At the recent Seahawks minicamp, the former USC star was so lean as to be unrecognizable to anybody who saw him carrying around more than 250 pounds and being replaced as the Titans’ main back by the sensational Chris Johnson.
Even when he had been productive, his level of conditioning and commitment had been steady topics of discussion in Tennessee, where he once attributed some weight loss to the fact that he had stopped drinking tequila. And then Johnson’s emergence rendered him obsolete.
During the recent NFL draft, Carroll swapped some low picks with the Titans and was reunited with White, who had been USC’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns.
Remember, this is early, but in some team drills over the weekend, White showed a time or two that he could hit the hole with surprising quickness and blow past the second level of defense before anybody could even touch him. And this is from a “power” back who would tend to look even better in full-contact, padded drills.
White says he’s 225 pounds, but Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who coached him at USC, said he weighed in at 218, and that he “can’t remember him ever being that light; I don’t think he was that light when we recruited him way back when.”
Hawk linebacker Lofa Tatupu played with White at USC and was impressed with what he saw at minicamp.
“He looks great,” Tatupu said. “You really have got to like his attitude and how he’s going about taking care of himself. He’s such a powerful back ... he’s always had talent.”
Tatupu remembered practices at USC when he would marvel at White’s vision and anticipation of where the hole would develop on running plays ... a knack displayed by gifted backs.
But the motivation and discipline? The situation he’s in should help keep him on track. He was at his best with Carroll, and wants to pay him back for the chance. And he will be in a fight for a roster spot.
His level of fitness at minicamp should stand as a testament to how seriously he’s taking this opportunity.
“My prayers were answered; I just wanted to get a new start, a fresh situation,” White said of the call from Carroll. “I feel like it’s home because I played with coach Carroll and I know exactly what’s going on.”
White showed his potential before slipping on the depth chart in Tennessee, having rushed for more than 1,000 yards one season and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns in another.
“(This is) a new chance, a new start for me just to begin something new ... for me to have a different name, for my teammates to look at me in a different light.”
White joins other newcomers Leon Washington and Quinton Ganther in challenging incumbents Julius Jones and Justin Forsett for carries in the backfield.
“Competition is going to do nothing but bring out the best of all of us,” White said.
Interestingly, after White broke off a couple nice runs in one practice session, Jones also stepped lively on a big gain up the middle.
White said that he’s not uncomfortable sharing the workload, with his experience going back to USC, where he worked in tandem with Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush.
Carroll made it clear that White isn’t getting any free passes because of the long-term connection with him. But there’s a spot on the roster if White can prove he’s up to it.
“When a guy gets to change programs and it fits ... and he has the knowledge of who’s bringing him in and all, like we do ... I think he’s taking it like it’s a great opportunity,” Carroll said. “His attitude is up. He’s looking forward to making something happen here.”
After the flak he picked up following last year’s tequila comment, White was not going to elaborate on his dietary regimen, nor on the Tennessee experience.
“I feel good; I feel great,” he said. “I’ve been through situations. Everybody knows my past ... out-of-shape LenDale, this and that. But for me to come in here, in shape – 225 – it’s the best I’ve felt in my career.”
Tennessee?
“I’m out of Tennessee ... I’m happy to be a Seattle Seahawk,” he said. “I obviously wanted a different situation and a different start.”
Carroll is giving him the chance. And White is off to a good start proving that his career revitalization is more than talk.
Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2010/05/04/1227...l#ixzz0n101U9Qp
Seahawks: Streamlined, motived LenDale White rejoins Pete Carroll, looks to resurrect NFL career in Seattle
Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2010/05/04/1227...l#ixzz0n10BoQRk
RENTON – If talk’s cheap in the regular world, it holds even less currency in professional sports. Every camp produces stories of underachieving guys who are newly motivated to make the most of second (or last) chances.
It’s always best to wait and see how these things play out on the field before buying too much into self-proclamations of career rebirths.
So, when running back LenDale White voices his excitement at getting a shot with the Seattle Seahawks after being picked up on the cheap from Tennessee, you might take it with a grain of salt … and perhaps a lime wedge.
But seeing White on the hoof is pretty convincing evidence that he’s highly motivated to get his career rebooted.
At the recent Seahawks minicamp, the former USC star was so lean as to be unrecognizable to anybody who saw him carrying around more than 250 pounds and being replaced as the Titans’ main back by the sensational Chris Johnson.
Even when he had been productive, his level of conditioning and commitment had been steady topics of discussion in Tennessee, where he once attributed some weight loss to the fact that he had stopped drinking tequila. And then Johnson’s emergence rendered him obsolete.
During the recent NFL draft, Carroll swapped some low picks with the Titans and was reunited with White, who had been USC’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns.
Remember, this is early, but in some team drills over the weekend, White showed a time or two that he could hit the hole with surprising quickness and blow past the second level of defense before anybody could even touch him. And this is from a “power” back who would tend to look even better in full-contact, padded drills.
White says he’s 225 pounds, but Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who coached him at USC, said he weighed in at 218, and that he “can’t remember him ever being that light; I don’t think he was that light when we recruited him way back when.”
Hawk linebacker Lofa Tatupu played with White at USC and was impressed with what he saw at minicamp.
“He looks great,” Tatupu said. “You really have got to like his attitude and how he’s going about taking care of himself. He’s such a powerful back ... he’s always had talent.”
Tatupu remembered practices at USC when he would marvel at White’s vision and anticipation of where the hole would develop on running plays ... a knack displayed by gifted backs.
But the motivation and discipline? The situation he’s in should help keep him on track. He was at his best with Carroll, and wants to pay him back for the chance. And he will be in a fight for a roster spot.
His level of fitness at minicamp should stand as a testament to how seriously he’s taking this opportunity.
“My prayers were answered; I just wanted to get a new start, a fresh situation,” White said of the call from Carroll. “I feel like it’s home because I played with coach Carroll and I know exactly what’s going on.”
White showed his potential before slipping on the depth chart in Tennessee, having rushed for more than 1,000 yards one season and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns in another.
“(This is) a new chance, a new start for me just to begin something new ... for me to have a different name, for my teammates to look at me in a different light.”
White joins other newcomers Leon Washington and Quinton Ganther in challenging incumbents Julius Jones and Justin Forsett for carries in the backfield.
“Competition is going to do nothing but bring out the best of all of us,” White said.
Interestingly, after White broke off a couple nice runs in one practice session, Jones also stepped lively on a big gain up the middle.
White said that he’s not uncomfortable sharing the workload, with his experience going back to USC, where he worked in tandem with Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush.
Carroll made it clear that White isn’t getting any free passes because of the long-term connection with him. But there’s a spot on the roster if White can prove he’s up to it.
“When a guy gets to change programs and it fits ... and he has the knowledge of who’s bringing him in and all, like we do ... I think he’s taking it like it’s a great opportunity,” Carroll said. “His attitude is up. He’s looking forward to making something happen here.”
After the flak he picked up following last year’s tequila comment, White was not going to elaborate on his dietary regimen, nor on the Tennessee experience.
“I feel good; I feel great,” he said. “I’ve been through situations. Everybody knows my past ... out-of-shape LenDale, this and that. But for me to come in here, in shape – 225 – it’s the best I’ve felt in my career.”
Tennessee?
“I’m out of Tennessee ... I’m happy to be a Seattle Seahawk,” he said. “I obviously wanted a different situation and a different start.”
Carroll is giving him the chance. And White is off to a good start proving that his career revitalization is more than talk.
Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2010/05/04/1227...l#ixzz0n101U9Qp
Balco
Footballguy
Lesean McCoy looking good:
McCoy, who at this time last year needed Westbrook’s advice and poise to keep his head from spinning, has taken over Westbrook’s role – not just as the guiding light for his teammates, but also as the team’s top runner.
“It’s just 180 degrees different,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said, comparing the rookie McCoy to the second-year one. “He’s very, very good right now. He’s in shape. He’s got a year under his belt. He’s teaching the younger guys. He feels pretty comfortable. He’s pretty confident right now in this offense and with all that he’s learned.”
McCoy, who last season set a rookie rushing record [637] and started eight games, said he trimmed down to 211 pounds from 217 last year. He compared the difference to running with a five-pound vest on, then running without it.
Remember those elusive moves and bursts you saw from McCoy last season? He expects to be way more explosive this year without the added weight and with a little more muscle tone on his frame.
“They wanted me in better shape and also, man, I wanted to get a little more quicker,” he said. “Putting that weight on from Pitt [after his combine], I lost a step. I’m trying to get that step back a little more.”
McCoy, who at this time last year needed Westbrook’s advice and poise to keep his head from spinning, has taken over Westbrook’s role – not just as the guiding light for his teammates, but also as the team’s top runner.
“It’s just 180 degrees different,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said, comparing the rookie McCoy to the second-year one. “He’s very, very good right now. He’s in shape. He’s got a year under his belt. He’s teaching the younger guys. He feels pretty comfortable. He’s pretty confident right now in this offense and with all that he’s learned.”
McCoy, who last season set a rookie rushing record [637] and started eight games, said he trimmed down to 211 pounds from 217 last year. He compared the difference to running with a five-pound vest on, then running without it.
Remember those elusive moves and bursts you saw from McCoy last season? He expects to be way more explosive this year without the added weight and with a little more muscle tone on his frame.
“They wanted me in better shape and also, man, I wanted to get a little more quicker,” he said. “Putting that weight on from Pitt [after his combine], I lost a step. I’m trying to get that step back a little more.”
Balco
Footballguy
LeSean McCoy: Trimmer Faster:
PHILADELPHIA — LeSean McCoy set a rookie rushing record last season, started eight games in place of a legend and matured into an impact run-catch threat for an offense that scored the most points in franchise history.
Yet, he almost seemed disappointed that he accomplished these feats while carrying a robust 217 pounds on his six-foot frame -- a measurement he referred to as "bad weight." "That's kind of bad," McCoy said, shaking his head. "Aw man, that's kind of embarrassing."
Plenty of NFL running backs weigh more than 217 pounds but McCoy, known for elusive and explosive moves in his career at Pittsburgh, said he slimmed down to around 211 pounds in preparation for a breakout 2010.
Five pounds doesn't seem like much, but McCoy said the difference is striking.
"You throw a little extra bad weight on you, it's like maybe putting a heavy vest on and running with it," he said Saturday in the locker room after the team's morning minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex.
"You see the difference when you take it off.
"(It's) The same way with the weight. You got bad extra weight on you, it's going to slow you down."
McCoy placed third among all rookie running backs last season with 637 rushing yards and ranked second only to Broncos first-round pick Knowshon Moreno among rookie ball carriers with 945 combined yards.
But those extra pounds he added after the combine never went away, and he said the Eagles approached him after the season to discuss his physique.
Anticipating that he'd be the primary halfback and part-time receiver in the team's pass-happy offense, McCoy said the coaches spoke to him about lowering his body fat while also adding muscle to handle the duties of a featured back.
"More of just kind of getting my weight down, getting in better shape, so I can go out and do things they want me to do as far as running the ball, catching the ball, stuff like that," he said.
Westbrook also started his career in the low-200 pound range but bulked up as his role became more prominent. Even at 5-foot-10, Westbrook had molded himself into one of the league's more chiseled superstars without losing the sharp cuts and first-step quickness. The weight also helped him develop into a reliable blocker in blitz pick-up, which added another element of deception to the offense.
McCoy and Westbrook share similar attributes, but their body frames aren't carbon copies. McCoy is less stout, less compact, and won't be compared to Greek statues anytime soon.
"They are in the same mold, but quite different," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said when asked to compare and contrast halfbacks past and present.
In a roundabout way, Mornhinweg suggested that McCoy's god-given speed and athleticism are ahead of Westbrook's at the same point in their careers.
"Brian was a little shorter, but a little bigger than people thought," he added. "Brian was a little bit stronger than people thought, and as we know, he was quite elusive. LeSean was a little bit bigger than people think and this guy's really elusive -- really natural athleticism -- so again, we'll try to play to his strengths."
McCoy shrugged off further skill-set comparisons to his mentor but agreed that he's already inherited Westbrook's role of nurturing his fellow running backs, many of whom are rookies or in their first season with the team.
The Eagles this offseason signed veteran Mike Bell and Canadian football standout Martell Mallett to join McCoy and Eldra Buckley, and later added powerful Louisiana State runner Charles Scott in the draft.
Each of the newcomers is getting a crash course in the Eagles' pass-heavy offense.
PHILADELPHIA — LeSean McCoy set a rookie rushing record last season, started eight games in place of a legend and matured into an impact run-catch threat for an offense that scored the most points in franchise history.
Yet, he almost seemed disappointed that he accomplished these feats while carrying a robust 217 pounds on his six-foot frame -- a measurement he referred to as "bad weight." "That's kind of bad," McCoy said, shaking his head. "Aw man, that's kind of embarrassing."
Plenty of NFL running backs weigh more than 217 pounds but McCoy, known for elusive and explosive moves in his career at Pittsburgh, said he slimmed down to around 211 pounds in preparation for a breakout 2010.
Five pounds doesn't seem like much, but McCoy said the difference is striking.
"You throw a little extra bad weight on you, it's like maybe putting a heavy vest on and running with it," he said Saturday in the locker room after the team's morning minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex.
"You see the difference when you take it off.
"(It's) The same way with the weight. You got bad extra weight on you, it's going to slow you down."
McCoy placed third among all rookie running backs last season with 637 rushing yards and ranked second only to Broncos first-round pick Knowshon Moreno among rookie ball carriers with 945 combined yards.
But those extra pounds he added after the combine never went away, and he said the Eagles approached him after the season to discuss his physique.
Anticipating that he'd be the primary halfback and part-time receiver in the team's pass-happy offense, McCoy said the coaches spoke to him about lowering his body fat while also adding muscle to handle the duties of a featured back.
"More of just kind of getting my weight down, getting in better shape, so I can go out and do things they want me to do as far as running the ball, catching the ball, stuff like that," he said.
Westbrook also started his career in the low-200 pound range but bulked up as his role became more prominent. Even at 5-foot-10, Westbrook had molded himself into one of the league's more chiseled superstars without losing the sharp cuts and first-step quickness. The weight also helped him develop into a reliable blocker in blitz pick-up, which added another element of deception to the offense.
McCoy and Westbrook share similar attributes, but their body frames aren't carbon copies. McCoy is less stout, less compact, and won't be compared to Greek statues anytime soon.
"They are in the same mold, but quite different," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said when asked to compare and contrast halfbacks past and present.
In a roundabout way, Mornhinweg suggested that McCoy's god-given speed and athleticism are ahead of Westbrook's at the same point in their careers.
"Brian was a little shorter, but a little bigger than people thought," he added. "Brian was a little bit stronger than people thought, and as we know, he was quite elusive. LeSean was a little bit bigger than people think and this guy's really elusive -- really natural athleticism -- so again, we'll try to play to his strengths."
McCoy shrugged off further skill-set comparisons to his mentor but agreed that he's already inherited Westbrook's role of nurturing his fellow running backs, many of whom are rookies or in their first season with the team.
The Eagles this offseason signed veteran Mike Bell and Canadian football standout Martell Mallett to join McCoy and Eldra Buckley, and later added powerful Louisiana State runner Charles Scott in the draft.
Each of the newcomers is getting a crash course in the Eagles' pass-heavy offense.
gianmarco
Footballguy
healthpellets
Footballguy
Balco
Footballguy
Arizona QB Thoughts:
When it comes to non-football activities, Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart is keeping a low profile these days. I don't think we'll see many, or any, behind the scenes stories telling us about Leinart's everyday life.
But Leinart is making a number of appearances on video this off-season, as are the Cardinals other quarterbacks. The Cardinals are recording a couple of throwing sessions each week involving Leinart and backup Derek Anderson. During minicamps, the Cardinals had cameras above the field recording everything, and they also had a camera on the field focusing on the quarterbacks.
QBs coach Chris Miller is working hard with Leinart and Anderson on their mechanics. Miller is a stickler for details. The idea is to work hard now on the fundamentals now so that everything is coming naturally by the time camp opens in July.
I know many people are going to read about the work on fundamentals and assume Leinart is still having problems entering his fifth NFL season. But Miller strikes me as someone who would work on fundamentals with any quarterback. And it's important to remember that Ken Whisenhunt and his staff emphasized ball security to Kurt Warner and worked with him on keeping two hands on the ball while moving around in the pocket. And Warner had already won two MVP awards.
Leinart, I thought, improved as last week's mini-camp progressed. He was erratic the first day but I thought he settled down and looked in command the last two days.
He doesn't have the arm strength of Anderson or rookie John Skelton, but Leinart has experience in this offense and knows what to do with the ball.
Anderson has a tremendous arm, but seemed to struggle with accuracy. That's his history and something the Cardinals are trying to work out.
Skelton has a great arm, too, and an interesting release. It's quick and he generates a ton of power from a short throwing motion. Like Anderson, he looks like he needs to learn to put some touch on shorter passes.
Max Hall, the rookie free agent, looked as advertised. He seemed to pick up the offense quickly and I was impressed that he seemed to have no problem checking down in his progressions. Hall isn't very big and his arm is average.
What works against Hall is the Cardinals have not kept a quarterback on the practice squad since Ken Whisenhunt became coach. There's not enough work in regular-season practices for three quarterbacks, much less four, and the Cardinals like to use that practice squad spot for someone who might be needed during the season.So it would seem that Hall needs to beat out Skelton for a job.
Former Rams quarterback Marc Bulger remains available, and he intrigues some people in the organization. But it would seem difficult to add him this late in the spring. The Cardinals seem ready to go with Leinart and Anderson.
When it comes to non-football activities, Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart is keeping a low profile these days. I don't think we'll see many, or any, behind the scenes stories telling us about Leinart's everyday life.
But Leinart is making a number of appearances on video this off-season, as are the Cardinals other quarterbacks. The Cardinals are recording a couple of throwing sessions each week involving Leinart and backup Derek Anderson. During minicamps, the Cardinals had cameras above the field recording everything, and they also had a camera on the field focusing on the quarterbacks.
QBs coach Chris Miller is working hard with Leinart and Anderson on their mechanics. Miller is a stickler for details. The idea is to work hard now on the fundamentals now so that everything is coming naturally by the time camp opens in July.
I know many people are going to read about the work on fundamentals and assume Leinart is still having problems entering his fifth NFL season. But Miller strikes me as someone who would work on fundamentals with any quarterback. And it's important to remember that Ken Whisenhunt and his staff emphasized ball security to Kurt Warner and worked with him on keeping two hands on the ball while moving around in the pocket. And Warner had already won two MVP awards.
Leinart, I thought, improved as last week's mini-camp progressed. He was erratic the first day but I thought he settled down and looked in command the last two days.
He doesn't have the arm strength of Anderson or rookie John Skelton, but Leinart has experience in this offense and knows what to do with the ball.
Anderson has a tremendous arm, but seemed to struggle with accuracy. That's his history and something the Cardinals are trying to work out.
Skelton has a great arm, too, and an interesting release. It's quick and he generates a ton of power from a short throwing motion. Like Anderson, he looks like he needs to learn to put some touch on shorter passes.
Max Hall, the rookie free agent, looked as advertised. He seemed to pick up the offense quickly and I was impressed that he seemed to have no problem checking down in his progressions. Hall isn't very big and his arm is average.
What works against Hall is the Cardinals have not kept a quarterback on the practice squad since Ken Whisenhunt became coach. There's not enough work in regular-season practices for three quarterbacks, much less four, and the Cardinals like to use that practice squad spot for someone who might be needed during the season.So it would seem that Hall needs to beat out Skelton for a job.
Former Rams quarterback Marc Bulger remains available, and he intrigues some people in the organization. But it would seem difficult to add him this late in the spring. The Cardinals seem ready to go with Leinart and Anderson.
Faust
MVP
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true
Rookie RB Mathews already in spotlight with Chargers
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO -- Ryan Mathews had a busy first day on the job.
The running back, selected 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the NFL draft, was the focal point of the team's rookie orientation, which started Friday and includes four sessions through Saturday afternoon.
Mathews was already the workhorse the Chargers expect him to be during the regular season, their first without LaDainian Tomlinson since 2000. He took a lot of reps during his first official practice as a Charger, and admits that everything didn't come easy.
"I knew it was going to be fast paced and I knew there was going to be a lot of reps and mental work," Mathews said. "It's hard work and it's going to take some getting used to, but it's all part of the process. I'm going to take as much as I can from these sessions and use it to prepare for minicamp and the rest of the offseason."
The former Fresno State star was the center of attention for the coaching staff, general manager A.J. Smith and a group of veteran offensive linemen watching intently from the sideline.
"There were some interested guys watching the session," coach Norv Turner said. "All those linemen wanted to come out and see Ryan."
Mathews wore a No. 24 jersey, which will be his number this season. He wore No. 21 at Fresno State as homage to Tomlinson, but that number wasn't available.
"Coach Turner gave me a sheet of available numbers, and No. 24 was close to No. 21," Mathews said. "That was important, and I thought it looked good."
Rookie RB Mathews already in spotlight with Chargers
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO -- Ryan Mathews had a busy first day on the job.
The running back, selected 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the NFL draft, was the focal point of the team's rookie orientation, which started Friday and includes four sessions through Saturday afternoon.
Mathews was already the workhorse the Chargers expect him to be during the regular season, their first without LaDainian Tomlinson since 2000. He took a lot of reps during his first official practice as a Charger, and admits that everything didn't come easy.
"I knew it was going to be fast paced and I knew there was going to be a lot of reps and mental work," Mathews said. "It's hard work and it's going to take some getting used to, but it's all part of the process. I'm going to take as much as I can from these sessions and use it to prepare for minicamp and the rest of the offseason."
The former Fresno State star was the center of attention for the coaching staff, general manager A.J. Smith and a group of veteran offensive linemen watching intently from the sideline.
"There were some interested guys watching the session," coach Norv Turner said. "All those linemen wanted to come out and see Ryan."
Mathews wore a No. 24 jersey, which will be his number this season. He wore No. 21 at Fresno State as homage to Tomlinson, but that number wasn't available.
"Coach Turner gave me a sheet of available numbers, and No. 24 was close to No. 21," Mathews said. "That was important, and I thought it looked good."
gianmarco
Footballguy
benson_will_lead_the_way
Footballguy
I've always been down on this kid after his poor workout numbers. However, he could surprise with that great opportunity he has in Philly.
