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The Broncos are quietly very pleased with Javon Walker taking on more of a leadership role in his second season in Denver, especially with Rod Smith nearing the end of his career and plenty of youth in the rest of the WR corps.
As if they didn’t have enough potent offensive weapons already, we hear the Colts continue to be very impressed with ‘07 fifth-round pick WR Roy Hall, whose size (6-foot-3), speed (4.35 40-time) and strength (240 chiseled pounds) offer some very intriguing options. Sounds like someone to keep an eye on.
The Cowboys have worked very hard this summer with QB Tony Romo on sharpening his mechanics, especially his release point, which tended to sink to almost three-quarters late in games as the season wore on. He had passes batted down at the line, and the fact that he’s barely 6-foot-2 doesn’t help. The coaches have stressed that he must keep his shoulder up higher unless a specific throw warrants it being dropped. Maybe good advice for Troy Smith too?
The Giants haven’t ruled out moving SLB Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end — after this season. DE Michael Strahan has hinted at retirement at season’s end, and Kiwanuka could go back to putting his hand on the ground. But team sources highly doubt that he’ll be a defensive end this season unless his LB experiment is a total disaster.
DE Jared Allen saw his suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy reduced from four to two games by the league recently, which is huge for a Chiefs defense that has seen him rise up the ranks among the league’s top pass rushers, especially when it comes to forcing turnovers. “He charges hard, works creatively to get off blocks and has a knack for making the big play,” one league scout told PFW of Allen. “While not a stout run defender, he has really improved in holding the point and finding the ballcarrier. He’s not a true gap-plugger. I wouldn’t say it’s a strength, but it’s no longer a weakness.”
Although it’s not certain how the recent addition of former Jaguars SS Donovin Darius fits into Oakland’s plans, if he’s healthy, he’ll definitely provide an improvement against the run, where an otherwise solid Raiders defense struggled at times last season. However, the Raiders have a lot of time invested in starting safeties Stuart Schweigert and Michael Huff and have reason to believe they have a bright future together.
WR Vincent Jackson has really improved his route-running and is targeted as a potential breakout player in San Diego, but there is no question the Chargers could use the excellent speed of first-round pick Craig Davis to help keep defenses honest vs. LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. Davis will compete with Malcom Floyd and Eric Parker for playing time. Another guy to keep an eye on. I think he could easily become a prominent player considering the lack of established WR's in S.D.
Don’t expect to see WR Rod Smith during Denver’s preseason schedule. Though he’s on pace to be ready for the regular season, the coaching staff isn’t about to rush the 13-year veteran back from offseason hip surgery that has required a lot of tedious rehab work in a pool. New WR Brandon Stokley, meanwhile, remains ahead of schedule in his bid to return from an Achilles injury that cost him most of last season. Stokely could be a nice pick if Smith is alow to get back.
One interesting story line that insiders will be keeping a close eye on in Chargers camp is whether new defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell will match the departed Wade Phillips’ aggressiveness, and if not, how it will affect one of the league’s best pass-rushing teams.
This is a key season for Browns S Brodney Pool, who replaces the departed Brian Russell as Cleveland’s starting free safety. Pool has the athleticism to play either safety spot, and the Browns have had high hopes for him since they chose him in Round Two of the ’05 draft. We’re hearing it’s Pool’s job to lose; now it’s up to him to live up to his promise.
Keep an eye on the Bengals’ special-teams coverage units, which no longer have the services of TE Tony Stewart, S Kevin Kaesviharn and LB Marcus Wilkins, all steady veteran backups who also helped in the kicking game.
The way we hear it, an undrafted free agent who could make a run at sticking with the Steelers is WR Eric Fowler, the former Grand Valley State star whose excellent hands impressed coaches in offseason workouts.
Don’t be surprised if Texans ORT Eric Winston gets some work at left tackle in training camp, especially if fellow second-year player Charles Spencer struggles as he tries to come back from a knee injury.
The Ravens were willing to select Maryland OT Jared Gaither in the supplemental draft for several reasons. The price was right (a 2008 fifth-round pick), and they expect to receive a compensatory draft pick next spring after losing ORT Tony Pashos and FB Ovie Mughelli in free agency. What’s more, we hear the Ravens are also unsure as to whether Adam Terry can be an adequate replacement for Jonathan Ogden once the Ravens’ longtime starting left tackle decides to retire. Even if Gaither doesn’t become Ogden’s replacement, he bolsters the team’s OT depth, and that had been something of a concern to the club. Finally, the Ravens did their homework on Gaither and were satisfied that they were not taking an undue risk in adding him to a line with strong veteran fixtures in Ogden and C Mike Flynn.
Don’t be surprised if WR Calvin Johnson isn’t in Lions camp on time. Detroit has a good track record in such situations — and Johnson is by all accounts a team-first guy — but negotiations between the Raiders and top pick JaMarcus Russell may hold up Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick. Detroit opens camp two days before Oakland, which could be hard-pressed to have its QB of the future locked up for the start of training camp.
The Lions did kick the tires on free-agent LB Shelton Quarles, whom they know well, but they’re unlikely to sign the former Buccaneer.
Lions OG Damien Woody’s future hinges on where his weight is and how he moves in training camp. Starting the season at left guard is not out of the question, but a ticket out of town isn’t, either.
Recently released QB Daunte Culpepper is not likely to resurface in Green Bay or return to Minnesota, sources close to both teams tell us. The Packers remain committed to backup QB Aaron Rodgers as their future at the position, at least publicly.
With so many recent draft picks in camp, quite a few Packers veterans will have to fight for their jobs, including WR Robert Fergsuon, RB Noah Herron, P Jon Ryan, PK Dave Rayner, DE Mike Montgomery and DT Colin Cole.
The deal struck by Lions DT Cory Redding will make re-signing Vikings DT Pat Williams a much bigger challenge. Redding is considerably younger, but Williams is far more established. We’re told Williams is anxiously seeking a four-year deal and the respect he never received in Buffalo, but that he will not be a problem in camp or during the season. Entering the final year of his contract, he has arrived at the team’s Winter Park headquarters in exquisite condition.
With a long-term contract no longer a possibility this season for LB Lance Briggs, we’re told there’s very little upside to a prolonged holdout that extends into the season.
You can count on a few Bears veterans to be given regular time off from two-a-days in camp this summer. Veteran O-linemen Ruben Brown, John Tait and Fred Miller won’t be overextended, nor will recovering defenders Mike Brown (foot) and Charles Tillman (back).
We hear it is very unlikely that QB Daunte Culpepper, who was released by the Dolphins on July 17, will leave the state of Florida. Sources tell us the Jaguars remain the front-runners to sign Culpepper, but the Buccaneers have also shown interest — Culpepper met with Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen on July 19.
We hear Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden is hoping Dan Buenning, who was unable to participate in team drills in the offseason while recovering from knee surgery, will be healthy enough to compete for the starting center job in training camp. Buenning has never played center in his career, but we hear Gruden is excited about his potential because Buenning is bigger, stronger and nastier than returning starter John Wade, whose play has deteriorated in recent years.
Word out of New Orleans is first-round pick WR Robert Meachem should get his contract signed in time for the start of training camp. We hear Meachem doesn’t want to miss any practice time in camp because he is already behind the learning curve after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery that sidelined him for part of organized team activities.
Saints DT Brian Young will miss the first few weeks of training camp after suffering a broken foot that required a screw to be inserted. We hear Young doesn’t have to worry about losing his starting spot to free-agent addition DT Kendrick Clancy, who is expected to serve as Hollis Thomas’ backup.
We’re told undrafted rookie Tony Taylor is really pushing 2005 third-round pick Jordan Beck for the backup MLB job in Atlanta. Working in Taylor’s favor is that Falcons LB coach Brian VanGorder was his position coach in college for two years at Georgia.
Saints QB Drew Brees is excited about the addition of ex-49ers TE Eric Johnson to the league’s No. 1 passing attack: “Eric Johnson is a great route runner, he’s got great hands, he’s very crafty,” Brees told PFW. “I know he’s been kind of banged up the past two years, so I know he’s ready to explode and have a big year. I’m looking forward to working with him.” Eric might be a nice late round TE find.
While we’re told Niners first-round OT Joe Staley has a decent shot at becoming the starting right tackle right away, the team has two major concerns regarding the ‘07 draft’s 28th overall pick: (1) Staley’s slender lower body, which some people close to the team believe could be overpowered at the pro level, and (2) the fact he will be making a transition from the Mid-American Conference (Central Michigan), which could prove to be more than a little daunting.
The odds are pretty strong that the Cardinals will have to wait until the players drafted just ahead and behind OT Levi Brown — Buccaneers DE Gaines Adams and Redskins S LaRon Landry, respectively — are signed, sealed and delivered before reaching terms with their first-round pick. Brown’s agent, Joel Segal, is known for waiting to see what the players drafted ahead and behind his clients receive before getting his guys signed.
Keep a close eye on Seahawks second-year FB Leonard Weaver. We hear the converted tight end is believed to have the best hands in the backfield and could prove to be quite useful as a swing man between fullback, where he really could push veteran Mack Strong for playing time, and a third-down RB role. In addition to having enough quickness to get to the edge, Weaver has impressive power — with a pretty nasty stiff-arm when needed. Good news for Alexander?
It appears the Cowboys will use a fullback in their base offense at coordinator Jason Garrett’s preference. The team dropped the fullback early last season before scrapping the base two-TE offense and going back to one. It’s a three-way battle for fullback between Oliver Hoyte, Lousaka Polite and rookie Deon Anderson.
The Redskins are expecting more out of second-year DT Anthony Montgomery, who has more physical ability than most of the team’s D-linemen but struggled with maturity and work ethic as a rookie. He might not start to begin the season, but there are many who think Montgomery can carve out a regular role in a rotation.
Redskins sources say it would not be a big upset if NFL Europa star Casey Bramlet wins the third QB job in camp, but his biggest obstacle could be to convince Al Saunders to keep him over Todd Collins — a Saunders favorite. There are others on the staff who think the team should develop a young QB to be Jason Campbell’s future backup.
Titans DT Rien Long has only a few practices under his belt this summer following rehab for an Achilles injury that wiped out his 2006 season, but if he’s anywhere close to where he was entering last training camp, there are many who believe he could snag a starting spot from Randy Starks.
As if they didn’t have enough potent offensive weapons already, we hear the Colts continue to be very impressed with ‘07 fifth-round pick WR Roy Hall, whose size (6-foot-3), speed (4.35 40-time) and strength (240 chiseled pounds) offer some very intriguing options. Sounds like someone to keep an eye on.
The Cowboys have worked very hard this summer with QB Tony Romo on sharpening his mechanics, especially his release point, which tended to sink to almost three-quarters late in games as the season wore on. He had passes batted down at the line, and the fact that he’s barely 6-foot-2 doesn’t help. The coaches have stressed that he must keep his shoulder up higher unless a specific throw warrants it being dropped. Maybe good advice for Troy Smith too?
The Giants haven’t ruled out moving SLB Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end — after this season. DE Michael Strahan has hinted at retirement at season’s end, and Kiwanuka could go back to putting his hand on the ground. But team sources highly doubt that he’ll be a defensive end this season unless his LB experiment is a total disaster.
DE Jared Allen saw his suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy reduced from four to two games by the league recently, which is huge for a Chiefs defense that has seen him rise up the ranks among the league’s top pass rushers, especially when it comes to forcing turnovers. “He charges hard, works creatively to get off blocks and has a knack for making the big play,” one league scout told PFW of Allen. “While not a stout run defender, he has really improved in holding the point and finding the ballcarrier. He’s not a true gap-plugger. I wouldn’t say it’s a strength, but it’s no longer a weakness.”
Although it’s not certain how the recent addition of former Jaguars SS Donovin Darius fits into Oakland’s plans, if he’s healthy, he’ll definitely provide an improvement against the run, where an otherwise solid Raiders defense struggled at times last season. However, the Raiders have a lot of time invested in starting safeties Stuart Schweigert and Michael Huff and have reason to believe they have a bright future together.
WR Vincent Jackson has really improved his route-running and is targeted as a potential breakout player in San Diego, but there is no question the Chargers could use the excellent speed of first-round pick Craig Davis to help keep defenses honest vs. LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. Davis will compete with Malcom Floyd and Eric Parker for playing time. Another guy to keep an eye on. I think he could easily become a prominent player considering the lack of established WR's in S.D.
Don’t expect to see WR Rod Smith during Denver’s preseason schedule. Though he’s on pace to be ready for the regular season, the coaching staff isn’t about to rush the 13-year veteran back from offseason hip surgery that has required a lot of tedious rehab work in a pool. New WR Brandon Stokley, meanwhile, remains ahead of schedule in his bid to return from an Achilles injury that cost him most of last season. Stokely could be a nice pick if Smith is alow to get back.
One interesting story line that insiders will be keeping a close eye on in Chargers camp is whether new defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell will match the departed Wade Phillips’ aggressiveness, and if not, how it will affect one of the league’s best pass-rushing teams.
This is a key season for Browns S Brodney Pool, who replaces the departed Brian Russell as Cleveland’s starting free safety. Pool has the athleticism to play either safety spot, and the Browns have had high hopes for him since they chose him in Round Two of the ’05 draft. We’re hearing it’s Pool’s job to lose; now it’s up to him to live up to his promise.
Keep an eye on the Bengals’ special-teams coverage units, which no longer have the services of TE Tony Stewart, S Kevin Kaesviharn and LB Marcus Wilkins, all steady veteran backups who also helped in the kicking game.
The way we hear it, an undrafted free agent who could make a run at sticking with the Steelers is WR Eric Fowler, the former Grand Valley State star whose excellent hands impressed coaches in offseason workouts.
Don’t be surprised if Texans ORT Eric Winston gets some work at left tackle in training camp, especially if fellow second-year player Charles Spencer struggles as he tries to come back from a knee injury.
The Ravens were willing to select Maryland OT Jared Gaither in the supplemental draft for several reasons. The price was right (a 2008 fifth-round pick), and they expect to receive a compensatory draft pick next spring after losing ORT Tony Pashos and FB Ovie Mughelli in free agency. What’s more, we hear the Ravens are also unsure as to whether Adam Terry can be an adequate replacement for Jonathan Ogden once the Ravens’ longtime starting left tackle decides to retire. Even if Gaither doesn’t become Ogden’s replacement, he bolsters the team’s OT depth, and that had been something of a concern to the club. Finally, the Ravens did their homework on Gaither and were satisfied that they were not taking an undue risk in adding him to a line with strong veteran fixtures in Ogden and C Mike Flynn.
Don’t be surprised if WR Calvin Johnson isn’t in Lions camp on time. Detroit has a good track record in such situations — and Johnson is by all accounts a team-first guy — but negotiations between the Raiders and top pick JaMarcus Russell may hold up Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick. Detroit opens camp two days before Oakland, which could be hard-pressed to have its QB of the future locked up for the start of training camp.
The Lions did kick the tires on free-agent LB Shelton Quarles, whom they know well, but they’re unlikely to sign the former Buccaneer.
Lions OG Damien Woody’s future hinges on where his weight is and how he moves in training camp. Starting the season at left guard is not out of the question, but a ticket out of town isn’t, either.
Recently released QB Daunte Culpepper is not likely to resurface in Green Bay or return to Minnesota, sources close to both teams tell us. The Packers remain committed to backup QB Aaron Rodgers as their future at the position, at least publicly.
With so many recent draft picks in camp, quite a few Packers veterans will have to fight for their jobs, including WR Robert Fergsuon, RB Noah Herron, P Jon Ryan, PK Dave Rayner, DE Mike Montgomery and DT Colin Cole.
The deal struck by Lions DT Cory Redding will make re-signing Vikings DT Pat Williams a much bigger challenge. Redding is considerably younger, but Williams is far more established. We’re told Williams is anxiously seeking a four-year deal and the respect he never received in Buffalo, but that he will not be a problem in camp or during the season. Entering the final year of his contract, he has arrived at the team’s Winter Park headquarters in exquisite condition.
With a long-term contract no longer a possibility this season for LB Lance Briggs, we’re told there’s very little upside to a prolonged holdout that extends into the season.
You can count on a few Bears veterans to be given regular time off from two-a-days in camp this summer. Veteran O-linemen Ruben Brown, John Tait and Fred Miller won’t be overextended, nor will recovering defenders Mike Brown (foot) and Charles Tillman (back).
We hear it is very unlikely that QB Daunte Culpepper, who was released by the Dolphins on July 17, will leave the state of Florida. Sources tell us the Jaguars remain the front-runners to sign Culpepper, but the Buccaneers have also shown interest — Culpepper met with Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen on July 19.
We hear Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden is hoping Dan Buenning, who was unable to participate in team drills in the offseason while recovering from knee surgery, will be healthy enough to compete for the starting center job in training camp. Buenning has never played center in his career, but we hear Gruden is excited about his potential because Buenning is bigger, stronger and nastier than returning starter John Wade, whose play has deteriorated in recent years.
Word out of New Orleans is first-round pick WR Robert Meachem should get his contract signed in time for the start of training camp. We hear Meachem doesn’t want to miss any practice time in camp because he is already behind the learning curve after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery that sidelined him for part of organized team activities.
Saints DT Brian Young will miss the first few weeks of training camp after suffering a broken foot that required a screw to be inserted. We hear Young doesn’t have to worry about losing his starting spot to free-agent addition DT Kendrick Clancy, who is expected to serve as Hollis Thomas’ backup.
We’re told undrafted rookie Tony Taylor is really pushing 2005 third-round pick Jordan Beck for the backup MLB job in Atlanta. Working in Taylor’s favor is that Falcons LB coach Brian VanGorder was his position coach in college for two years at Georgia.
Saints QB Drew Brees is excited about the addition of ex-49ers TE Eric Johnson to the league’s No. 1 passing attack: “Eric Johnson is a great route runner, he’s got great hands, he’s very crafty,” Brees told PFW. “I know he’s been kind of banged up the past two years, so I know he’s ready to explode and have a big year. I’m looking forward to working with him.” Eric might be a nice late round TE find.
While we’re told Niners first-round OT Joe Staley has a decent shot at becoming the starting right tackle right away, the team has two major concerns regarding the ‘07 draft’s 28th overall pick: (1) Staley’s slender lower body, which some people close to the team believe could be overpowered at the pro level, and (2) the fact he will be making a transition from the Mid-American Conference (Central Michigan), which could prove to be more than a little daunting.
The odds are pretty strong that the Cardinals will have to wait until the players drafted just ahead and behind OT Levi Brown — Buccaneers DE Gaines Adams and Redskins S LaRon Landry, respectively — are signed, sealed and delivered before reaching terms with their first-round pick. Brown’s agent, Joel Segal, is known for waiting to see what the players drafted ahead and behind his clients receive before getting his guys signed.
Keep a close eye on Seahawks second-year FB Leonard Weaver. We hear the converted tight end is believed to have the best hands in the backfield and could prove to be quite useful as a swing man between fullback, where he really could push veteran Mack Strong for playing time, and a third-down RB role. In addition to having enough quickness to get to the edge, Weaver has impressive power — with a pretty nasty stiff-arm when needed. Good news for Alexander?
It appears the Cowboys will use a fullback in their base offense at coordinator Jason Garrett’s preference. The team dropped the fullback early last season before scrapping the base two-TE offense and going back to one. It’s a three-way battle for fullback between Oliver Hoyte, Lousaka Polite and rookie Deon Anderson.
The Redskins are expecting more out of second-year DT Anthony Montgomery, who has more physical ability than most of the team’s D-linemen but struggled with maturity and work ethic as a rookie. He might not start to begin the season, but there are many who think Montgomery can carve out a regular role in a rotation.
Redskins sources say it would not be a big upset if NFL Europa star Casey Bramlet wins the third QB job in camp, but his biggest obstacle could be to convince Al Saunders to keep him over Todd Collins — a Saunders favorite. There are others on the staff who think the team should develop a young QB to be Jason Campbell’s future backup.
Titans DT Rien Long has only a few practices under his belt this summer following rehab for an Achilles injury that wiped out his 2006 season, but if he’s anywhere close to where he was entering last training camp, there are many who believe he could snag a starting spot from Randy Starks.
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