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Footballguy
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Word is the most impressive Niners rookie so far this offseason has been fourth-round pick Michael Robinson, who’s being thought of initially as a third-down back but could end up filling a number of roles. Robinson’s running style reminds longtime Niners watchers of a much bigger Charlie Garner in that he always seems to move forward when carrying the ball. In addition, the former Penn State quarterback appears to be a very natural, fluid receiver.
We hear QB Matt Leinart made noticeable progress from the minicamp a week after the draft to the Cardinals’ May rookie camp, both in his throwing and his grasp of the playbook. We’re also told that, while the team’s high-profile first-round pick has answered every question thrown his way, Leinart has not exactly gone out of his way to connect yet with the local media. That said, ex-Cardinals QB Josh McCown acted the same way initially before opening up considerably.
After being a nonfactor last season when an intestinal disorder shelved him early on, Seahawks TE Itula Mili will likely be a major contributor in two-TE sets this season, with an outside shot at recapturing the starting job if Jerramy Stevens is slow to recover from offseason knee surgery.
This is something to keep an eye on if Stevens falters in any way.
If you are looking for a super-sleeper candidate on the Cowboys, consider second-year WR Jamaica Rector. The extremely confident wideout shone during the team’s first minicamp, catching nearly everything in sight and earning the distinction of being the team’s strongest player “pound for pound,” according to Bill Parcells. The No. 4 WR job is up for grabs.
We hear rookie RB Jerious Norwood is as fast as advertised — his 4.33 40-time at the Combine was tops among running backs — and his fleet feet reminded some observers at the Falcons’ minicamp of a young Eric Dickerson. Even more impressive than Norwood’s speed are his hands — he did not fumble during his senior season at Mississippi State. We’re told Norwood holds the ball high and tight against his body like Giants RB Tiki Barber, and that has a lot to do with his low fumble total.
This guy is worth getting in your dynasty leagues. He's in a great situation to take over in 2-3 years or sooner.
Sources close to the Falcons tell us that rookie QB D.J. Shockley was impressive at minicamp and that he has a leg up on second-year QB Bryan Randall for the third-string QB job because he’s a better athlete than Randall.
Sources tell us Panthers head coach John Fox prefers using veteran players at running back, so don’t believe the hype surrounding first-round pick DeAngelo Williams having a chance to beat out DeShaun Foster for the starter’s job. Fox has been a strong supporter of Foster since Foster dazzled the team as a rookie in 2002, but Fox stuck with the aging Stephen Davis as his starter ahead of Foster last year even when Davis faltered.
Not what Williams owners want to hear. But don't get to sad because Foster is a high risk high reward player that been mostly risk to date.
With TE Daniel Graham entering the final year of his contract, and the Patriots having drafted TEs David Thomas and Garrett Mills, word is the team has positioned itself to let Graham become a free agent following this season. We also hear Graham, considered by many in the league to be the best blocker at his position, would likely command a higher price in free agency than the Patriots are willing to pay.
Word from New England is that WR Bethel Johnson is in an uphill fight to keep his roster spot for 2006.
Update-he was traded today to the Saints. Watchout Stallworth! LOL
We’re told the Bears might consider signing WR David Patten to a one-year contract if he’s released by the Redskins, as expected, this month. The diminuitive Patten is a speed receiver with experience. However, Chicago might first give unproven wideouts Bernard Berrian, Justin Gage, Mark Bradley, Airese Currie and Rashied Davis a chance to show they can get the job done. Another option, we’re told, could be Az-Zahir Hakim, because he’s a more natural fit in the slot.
The newest member of the Lions, OG Ross Verba, was the fifth offensive lineman to sign with Detroit since free agency began in March. Verba didn’t play last season — he was released June 9, 2005, after a contract-related falling-out with the Browns — but we’re told he reported to minicamp in very good shape. Lions OL coach Larry Beightol pushed for the signing. He coached Verba in 1999 and 2000 with the Packers. Verba was already working with the first-team offense at left guard during the team’s first practice session.
It goes without saying that the Lions line is needs improved. But the Verba signing reeks of a desparation move. It'll be interesting to see how this line performs in 2006. Jone's numbers will depend on a successful upgrade during the offseason.
To simplify the game as much as possible early in his career, the Colts are providing RB Joseph Addai limited sections of the playbook. The Colts want Addai to find a comfort zone with a portion of the play list rather than force-feeding him a huge amount of homework before August. We’re told the Colts are considering a rotation of Addai and Dominic Rhodes every few downs rather than playing each back one full series at a time.
Well I've been saying all along that they didn't invest a first round pick to have him on the bench. Clearly they want him to be a big part of the offense early on and if he can learn well then expect to see him as the main back. Keep in mind they knew what they had in Rhodes and if they felt he was the man they likely wouldn't of invested a 1st round pick on someone else.
The Packers can’t hide their disappointment after CB Will Blackmon suffered a foot injury in minicamp. The injury could linger into the regular season and keeps Blackmon, who’s bigger and taller than Ahmad Carroll, from competing for a prominent role through the summer. But Mike Hawkins, after reporting 10 pounds heavier, could still present a challenge to the disappointing Carroll.
For those that follow how a defensive performance impacts guys like the QB and RB have to consider this as possible bad news for the running game. If teams can go deep on them again in '06 then the Pack might be forced to abandon the running game sooner than they like. Of course Favre and Driver fans might like hearing that.
While the Jaguars are irked by Fred Taylor’s decision to work out in Miami this offseason, as he skips the team program in Jacksonville, there is little the coaching staff can do about his absence from non-mandatory sessions. We do continue to hear that the team expects a heated competition for playing time at the position. However, per NCAA rules, rookie Maurice Drew cannot join the team until late June after UCLA classes end.
While they might be mad they will gladly welcome a healthy Taylor to run 20+ times a game. Drew won't be much of a factor unless Taylor is ailing. While he's getting up there in age he doesn't have a lot of miles for the age due to time missed from his injurious past.
Although scouts indicated that Robert Gallery struggled at times last year at right tackle, Raiders head coach Art Shell decided the time was right to move him to the left side entering his third pro season. OLG Langston Walker, a tackle in college, will be shifting out to right tackle, and Barry Sims will slide inside to left guard after manning the OLT spot for several years. “What we’re trying to do is get a good fit for each individual to feel comfortable and have an opportunity to excel,” Shell told PFW. “We’re going to put the five best guys out on the football field that give us the best chance to win.” Shell said Sims was “kinda moody for a few days” after the decision was announced and still believes he is best at left tackle, but assured his new coach he would do what is best for the club.
One rookie who is opening eyes thus far in Denver is fourth-round WR Brandon Marshall out of Central Florida, who has earned some sparkling reviews from the likes of Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey.
Alright how many of you have this guy on your radar and feeling like he might be the future in 2-3 years after Rod retires and Lelie is on the wrong end of a funny internet joke? I thought so. lol
WR Ronald Curry is progressing nicely from an Achilles injury that landed him on injured reserve last season and said he was ready to go in a May minicamp, but the Raiders are being careful with his workload prior to training camp. “We’re not rushing him,” head coach Art Shell told PFW. “There’s no need to. The poor kid’s been through so much the last couple years. He was developing into an outstanding wide receiver. We’re just going to take our time with him, as we will with Warren Sapp (shoulder) and others. We’ve got time.”
Curry is one of the best athletic WR talents I've ever seen. I hope he is able to return but it's tough to recover form 1 of these let alone 2.
The Chargers will be looking for much more from WR Vincent Jackson, a physical marvel, in his second year. With Reche Caldwell now in New England, the No. 3 WR job is open for Jackson, who was brought along slowly as a rookie, in part due to a nagging calf injury. Jackson’s size and athleticism are intriguing for a team in need of a playmaker downfield.
At presstime, the Ravens were said to be quite confident about the prospects of landing Titans QB Steve McNair because of the strength of the financial package they would offer him if he hits the open market. Meanwhile, we hear there is a sentiment that Ravens QB Kyle Boller understands he could benefit from time on the sideline watching McNair, should the Ravens complete a deal with the veteran. Yet Boller is very competitive, and he still wants to start.
Why am I not surprised that Boller is willing to "accept" his role as a backup?
Word is the most impressive Niners rookie so far this offseason has been fourth-round pick Michael Robinson, who’s being thought of initially as a third-down back but could end up filling a number of roles. Robinson’s running style reminds longtime Niners watchers of a much bigger Charlie Garner in that he always seems to move forward when carrying the ball. In addition, the former Penn State quarterback appears to be a very natural, fluid receiver.
We hear QB Matt Leinart made noticeable progress from the minicamp a week after the draft to the Cardinals’ May rookie camp, both in his throwing and his grasp of the playbook. We’re also told that, while the team’s high-profile first-round pick has answered every question thrown his way, Leinart has not exactly gone out of his way to connect yet with the local media. That said, ex-Cardinals QB Josh McCown acted the same way initially before opening up considerably.
After being a nonfactor last season when an intestinal disorder shelved him early on, Seahawks TE Itula Mili will likely be a major contributor in two-TE sets this season, with an outside shot at recapturing the starting job if Jerramy Stevens is slow to recover from offseason knee surgery.
This is something to keep an eye on if Stevens falters in any way.
If you are looking for a super-sleeper candidate on the Cowboys, consider second-year WR Jamaica Rector. The extremely confident wideout shone during the team’s first minicamp, catching nearly everything in sight and earning the distinction of being the team’s strongest player “pound for pound,” according to Bill Parcells. The No. 4 WR job is up for grabs.
We hear rookie RB Jerious Norwood is as fast as advertised — his 4.33 40-time at the Combine was tops among running backs — and his fleet feet reminded some observers at the Falcons’ minicamp of a young Eric Dickerson. Even more impressive than Norwood’s speed are his hands — he did not fumble during his senior season at Mississippi State. We’re told Norwood holds the ball high and tight against his body like Giants RB Tiki Barber, and that has a lot to do with his low fumble total.
This guy is worth getting in your dynasty leagues. He's in a great situation to take over in 2-3 years or sooner.
Sources close to the Falcons tell us that rookie QB D.J. Shockley was impressive at minicamp and that he has a leg up on second-year QB Bryan Randall for the third-string QB job because he’s a better athlete than Randall.
Sources tell us Panthers head coach John Fox prefers using veteran players at running back, so don’t believe the hype surrounding first-round pick DeAngelo Williams having a chance to beat out DeShaun Foster for the starter’s job. Fox has been a strong supporter of Foster since Foster dazzled the team as a rookie in 2002, but Fox stuck with the aging Stephen Davis as his starter ahead of Foster last year even when Davis faltered.
Not what Williams owners want to hear. But don't get to sad because Foster is a high risk high reward player that been mostly risk to date.
With TE Daniel Graham entering the final year of his contract, and the Patriots having drafted TEs David Thomas and Garrett Mills, word is the team has positioned itself to let Graham become a free agent following this season. We also hear Graham, considered by many in the league to be the best blocker at his position, would likely command a higher price in free agency than the Patriots are willing to pay.
Word from New England is that WR Bethel Johnson is in an uphill fight to keep his roster spot for 2006.
Update-he was traded today to the Saints. Watchout Stallworth! LOL
We’re told the Bears might consider signing WR David Patten to a one-year contract if he’s released by the Redskins, as expected, this month. The diminuitive Patten is a speed receiver with experience. However, Chicago might first give unproven wideouts Bernard Berrian, Justin Gage, Mark Bradley, Airese Currie and Rashied Davis a chance to show they can get the job done. Another option, we’re told, could be Az-Zahir Hakim, because he’s a more natural fit in the slot.
The newest member of the Lions, OG Ross Verba, was the fifth offensive lineman to sign with Detroit since free agency began in March. Verba didn’t play last season — he was released June 9, 2005, after a contract-related falling-out with the Browns — but we’re told he reported to minicamp in very good shape. Lions OL coach Larry Beightol pushed for the signing. He coached Verba in 1999 and 2000 with the Packers. Verba was already working with the first-team offense at left guard during the team’s first practice session.
It goes without saying that the Lions line is needs improved. But the Verba signing reeks of a desparation move. It'll be interesting to see how this line performs in 2006. Jone's numbers will depend on a successful upgrade during the offseason.
To simplify the game as much as possible early in his career, the Colts are providing RB Joseph Addai limited sections of the playbook. The Colts want Addai to find a comfort zone with a portion of the play list rather than force-feeding him a huge amount of homework before August. We’re told the Colts are considering a rotation of Addai and Dominic Rhodes every few downs rather than playing each back one full series at a time.
Well I've been saying all along that they didn't invest a first round pick to have him on the bench. Clearly they want him to be a big part of the offense early on and if he can learn well then expect to see him as the main back. Keep in mind they knew what they had in Rhodes and if they felt he was the man they likely wouldn't of invested a 1st round pick on someone else.
The Packers can’t hide their disappointment after CB Will Blackmon suffered a foot injury in minicamp. The injury could linger into the regular season and keeps Blackmon, who’s bigger and taller than Ahmad Carroll, from competing for a prominent role through the summer. But Mike Hawkins, after reporting 10 pounds heavier, could still present a challenge to the disappointing Carroll.
For those that follow how a defensive performance impacts guys like the QB and RB have to consider this as possible bad news for the running game. If teams can go deep on them again in '06 then the Pack might be forced to abandon the running game sooner than they like. Of course Favre and Driver fans might like hearing that.
While the Jaguars are irked by Fred Taylor’s decision to work out in Miami this offseason, as he skips the team program in Jacksonville, there is little the coaching staff can do about his absence from non-mandatory sessions. We do continue to hear that the team expects a heated competition for playing time at the position. However, per NCAA rules, rookie Maurice Drew cannot join the team until late June after UCLA classes end.
While they might be mad they will gladly welcome a healthy Taylor to run 20+ times a game. Drew won't be much of a factor unless Taylor is ailing. While he's getting up there in age he doesn't have a lot of miles for the age due to time missed from his injurious past.
Although scouts indicated that Robert Gallery struggled at times last year at right tackle, Raiders head coach Art Shell decided the time was right to move him to the left side entering his third pro season. OLG Langston Walker, a tackle in college, will be shifting out to right tackle, and Barry Sims will slide inside to left guard after manning the OLT spot for several years. “What we’re trying to do is get a good fit for each individual to feel comfortable and have an opportunity to excel,” Shell told PFW. “We’re going to put the five best guys out on the football field that give us the best chance to win.” Shell said Sims was “kinda moody for a few days” after the decision was announced and still believes he is best at left tackle, but assured his new coach he would do what is best for the club.
One rookie who is opening eyes thus far in Denver is fourth-round WR Brandon Marshall out of Central Florida, who has earned some sparkling reviews from the likes of Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey.
Alright how many of you have this guy on your radar and feeling like he might be the future in 2-3 years after Rod retires and Lelie is on the wrong end of a funny internet joke? I thought so. lol
WR Ronald Curry is progressing nicely from an Achilles injury that landed him on injured reserve last season and said he was ready to go in a May minicamp, but the Raiders are being careful with his workload prior to training camp. “We’re not rushing him,” head coach Art Shell told PFW. “There’s no need to. The poor kid’s been through so much the last couple years. He was developing into an outstanding wide receiver. We’re just going to take our time with him, as we will with Warren Sapp (shoulder) and others. We’ve got time.”
Curry is one of the best athletic WR talents I've ever seen. I hope he is able to return but it's tough to recover form 1 of these let alone 2.
The Chargers will be looking for much more from WR Vincent Jackson, a physical marvel, in his second year. With Reche Caldwell now in New England, the No. 3 WR job is open for Jackson, who was brought along slowly as a rookie, in part due to a nagging calf injury. Jackson’s size and athleticism are intriguing for a team in need of a playmaker downfield.
At presstime, the Ravens were said to be quite confident about the prospects of landing Titans QB Steve McNair because of the strength of the financial package they would offer him if he hits the open market. Meanwhile, we hear there is a sentiment that Ravens QB Kyle Boller understands he could benefit from time on the sideline watching McNair, should the Ravens complete a deal with the veteran. Yet Boller is very competitive, and he still wants to start.
Why am I not surprised that Boller is willing to "accept" his role as a backup?
