NFL Jabber 5/4/07

With Matt Hasselbeck still on the mend, Seneca Wallace and David Green will get the reps in minicamp.

The Titans first rounder, Michael Griffen, will be moving from Safety to CB.

After what some think the best draft in the league, the Browns stay at work with rookie free agents. They are bringing in nine of them.

The Cards could top that as they look to bring in 20.

The Bengals will have 14 at minicamp.

Greg Ellis isn't a fan of the 1st round pick of the Cowboys.

"This was not some generic thing -- the guy came to my house," the Cowboys linebacker said. "It's the next step. Everybody's assuming I'm gone."

As hard as the Chiefs try to replace him, Eddie Kennison just won't go away.

Cam Inman of the Contra Costa Times has some sour grapes about Randy Moss. He thinks it won't be such a steal for the Pats come playoff time...at elast they will have to worry about playoff time, right?

Yes folks, Curtis Martin is still in the league...

Roy Williams and Mike Furrey went to bat telling the Lions they wanted Calvin Johnson.

The Packers are one of the teams looking into Keyshawn Johnson.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, football, packers, lions, raiders, patriots, jets, cowboys, bengals, cardinals, browns, titans, seahawks, matt hasselbeck, seneca wallace, david green, michael griffen, greg ellis, eddie kennison, randy moss, curtis martin, calvin johnson, keyshawn johnson

NFL Jabber 4/28/07

ESPN has a big ass ad on it's NFL page trying to get you to pay for their NFL draft info at the "impulse buy" section of the checkout counter.

Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post reports that talks have resumed with the Bears and Redskins over LB Lance Briggs. Doesn't 50% translate to might or might not?

"While a deal was not a certainty, one source with knowledge of the situation said there was a "50-50" chance a trade would be completed before Washington makes its first selection in the NFL draft tomorrow. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was possible the teams also would swap their first-round draft picks, with the Bears receiving Washington's sixth overall selection in return for Chicago's 31st pick."

Some mock drafts that we have seen have the Bengals taking Miami TE, Greg Olsen in the first round. How often do the Bengals use a TE? Marvin Lewis weighs in with a "might or might not" of his own leaving it as a 50% chance?


The Titans have many needs to fill this season. Given the current situation they can kill two birds with one stone by taking Ted Ginn Jr. if he is there for them. The fashion of the year is to have a stud returner. Ginn could provide them with that and help at WR where they lost players to free agency.

A year after the biggest day in his life, Reggie Bush returns to New York with the less stressful job of peddling Schutt Sports gear.

"It's definitely a year later," Bush said at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, where he met with a handful of area high school football players and coaches to introduce a new line of gear for Schutt Sports. "(I'm) able to come to New York and in a sense enjoy this trip without the stress of all that outside stuff."

The Chiefs are saying the trade rumors about Larry Johnson are untrue (but when Larry goes in the other room we can talk...).

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, redskins, bears, bengals, titans, saints,chiefs, larry johnson, reggie bush, ted ginn jr., greg olsen, lance briggs, espn

NFL Jabber 4/26/07

Vince Young can't do it alone although he makes it appear that way at times. This is the perfect time to start building around this franchise QB the Titans drafted last year.

"Superman can only climb so many buildings. He can't do it all,'' said Gil Brandt, former vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys. "Vince is certainly a great player. And if you are Vince, what do you do for an encore? Knowing Vince, I'm sure he wants to make last year look miniscule.

"But he's going to need some help. They've lost some key players in Tennessee, and they need to get some guys in place to make some plays for him. You can't count on him for everything.''

Although it may appear that it is time for the Eagles to begin looking at bringing in another young QB, they are not in a very good spot for it. With the 26th pick they may be reaching if they took one of the second tier QB's on Saturday.

The Saints draft is still in the hands of the Colts as they wait to see if Indy matches the offer sheet given to CB Jason David.

ESPN has an interesting article on the Best Drafts Ever.

Don Banks is trying to remind everyone (article titled " Damaged Goods") that Adrian Peterson broke his collar bone. Disguised as information (which everyone already knows) is likely being put out there so if he gets hurt in the NFL Banks has the "I told you so" card.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, football, saints, colts, eagles, titans, vince young, adrian peterson, jason david, espn, don banks

Peterson could make 1/2 of scary duo

Last season the Saints had no choice but to take Reggie Bush when he fell to the #2 spot the night before the draft. Bush made the perfect sidekick to Deuce McAllister in the new Saints offense. The pairing worked perfectly because Bush did not take away from the bread and butter running of Deuce. He was used more to spell McAllister, decoy, and in the passing game.

This season a team that seems to have their #1 running back could face a decision if Adrian Peterson falls to them. Peterson is a different type of RB but teams are leaning more toward the running back by committee approach. Peterson has been projected to go anywhere from 3# to the Browns all the way to #12 with the Bills. The reason for the big gap is that many of those teams appear to be set, or at least manageable at the RB position. Let's have a look at what kind of pairings could develop if someone did pull the trigger. (No, I'm not always addressing teams needs, I'm talking about if it were to happen.)

Raiders
With the glaring needs in other positions it won't happen. Beyond the other needs, the signing of Dominic Rhoads and the current starter LaMont Jordan would make it too crowded.

Lions
It could have happened here but the Lions went out and got T.J. Duckett and Tatum Bell to carry the rock while Kevin Jones is recovering.

Browns
Easily the first place it could happen. Don't let the Jamal Lewis signing fool you. He is not the long term, or possibly even the short term answer. It may be the perfect situation for Peterson to share the load with Lewis in his first season. Many rookie RB's run out of gas toward the end of their first season.

Bucs
This would be a long shot since the Bucs have Caddy Williams on the squad and he was picked just two years ago. Granted, he had somewhat of a bomb of a season last year but two top 5 RB's in three drafts isn't likely. It could make for a nice pairing though.

Cardinals
The Edge would not be happy but this is a tasty scenerio as well. James is getting older but thinks he is going to play forever so it wouldn't make for a pretty locker room. If they got past that though you could have another reason to think this will be the breakout year for the Cards offense.

Redskins
Another crowded backfield. The Skins like Ladell Betts but could move him on draft day if they wanted to make room for Peterson. Don't think it will happen but Peterson and Portis would make a nice pairing.

Vikings
This is actually another projected spot for Peterson to fall. Chester Taylor had a decent season but he isn't the home run hitting franchise back that Peterson will be. The Vikings have not had THE guy since Robert Smith retired.

Falcons
Jerious Norwood had a decent rookie campaign last season. Peterson coming to Atlanta would give them the significant threat at the position though. They say they want to pound the ball and this could do it.

Dolphins
Like the Bucs, you don't take two RB's in the top 10 in three years. Pairing Peterson with Ronnie Brown could be interesting. Ricky Williams coming back could make for a crowded backfield but trading him away could make room for Peterson. Longest shot since the raiders in my eyes.

Texans
Another landing spot for Peterson on many mock drafts. Like the Browns, the Texans went out and got an RB in free agency in Ahman Green. Call me crazy but I think that Kubiak guy has been know to use more than one RB in Denver. I would love to see this be the place for Peterson to fall and that is because I want to see the Texans succeed.

49'ers
Frank Gore came out like a warrior last season. Not a logical choice at all but what a scary duo it would make .

Bills
No team needs Peterson more than the Bills. McGahee is gone and Anthony Thomas has not been the answer since his rookie season. The Bills would be blessed if Peterson somehow fell this far.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, football, trade, sports, saints, raiders, lions, buccaneers, browns, cardinals, redskins, vikings, falcons, dolphins, texans, 49'ers, bills, adrian peterson, thomas, gore, ahman green, ricky williams, ronnie brown, cadilac williams, norwood, chester taylor, ladell betts, portis, edgerin james, jamal lewis, duckett, tatum bell, rhoads, jordan

NFL Jabber 4/22/07

With no picks in the 2nd, 3rd,or 4th round, we could see the Redskins trading down. Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post thinks that a trade up for Calvin Johnson could swing as well.

Character is likely going to be a big part of this years draft given the actions of the new sheriff in town.

"We've always had the information," said an NFL team scout, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "It's a matter now of the weight we give it; do you accept or decline a guy because of his background?"

Greg Olsen would love to be taken by the Jets next weekend.

"That would be unbelievable," Olsen told the Daily News. "You couldn't ask for anything better than that. My family would have to drive only 20 minutes to see my home games."

The Saints could have to wait until Friday to plan a direct draft strategy. They are waiting on the Colts to match or not on CB Jason David.

Four NFL related guys land on the 100 Unsexiest Men list of The Phoenix, Michael David Smith posted at The Fanhouse...

"The Phoenix has revealed its annual list of the 100 Unsexiest Men, and four guys from the NFL world made the cut: Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Titans cornerback Pacman Jones, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Monday Night Football commentator Tony Kornheiser."

Buying Disability Insurance is the new "In" thing to do on campus.

Not much going on in Denver. Headlines of Punter Todd Sauerbrun have dominated the Rocky Mountain News.

Rumors of Marshawn Lynch's back problems doesn't scare the Packers.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, sports, football, trade, packers, broncos, titans, colts, saints, patriots, jets, redskins, la canfora, washington post, greg olsen, calvin johnson, jason david, peyton manning, pacman jones, kornheiser, belichick, marshawn lynch

NFL Jabber 4/20/07

Picture this...Your tired on defense, it's the 4th quarter. The Rams decide to spell Steven Jackson a little bit...in comes a fresh Ricky Williams for you to slow down. If Scott Linehan got his way that may just be what teams face this season.

"I would have to look into it a little bit more,'' Linehan said during a pre-draft news conference with St. Louis reporters. ``But based on how he played and the kind of person he was to be around, I would certainly consider it, and I'd fight for him.''

Rams Coach, Scott Linehan, thinks that Ted Ginn Jr. can make the defense better in St. Louis.

"I promise you, if a player like Ted Ginn or any other player creates field position, or changes the scoreboard and makes it a 14-point lead for the Rams, our run defense is going to get a lot better," he said. "Because the team we're playing is going to be throwing. To me that's a logical way of looking at it."

Causing speculation, the Chiefs are interviewing RB prospects for next weeks draft.

The Saints can blow their draft options wide open if the Colts don't match the offer sheet given to CB Jason David.

The Saints added another LB via free agency this week as well, sighing Trev Faulk.

With no teams beating down his door, Corey Dillon is looking at retirement again.

Mel Kiper thinks the Falcons could make the move of the draft by going to #2 to get Calvin Johnson. "The Atlanta Falcons have an option," Kiper said.

"They are eighth. Do they move up to No. 2 to try to get Calvin Johnson? If Atlanta could get him, it would be one of the coups of the draft."

"Michael Vick on third down, he's errant with his throws or he has throws dropped," Kiper said. "Either way, it's a drive-killer. ... If they had Calvin Johnson, a big target with the hands and the skill level, all of sudden that would help out that offense dramatically for [coach] Bobby Petrino."

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, falcons, saints, colts, rams, chiefs, ricky williams, scott linehan, ted ginn, jason david, calvin johnson, mel kiper jr,

NFL Jabber 4/18/07

Joe Thomas is going to be skipping the Draft Day invite to New York. Instead he will continue a family tradition fishing with his father on Lake Michigan that lands on that weekend.

Smokescreen a rising in Baltimore... Ozzie Newsome hinted that the Ravens could take a QB late in the first round.

The Pats continue to add free agents. This weeks edition has then signing CB Tory James.

"I think Tory was really impressed with how in-depth Coach Belichick went, expressing how he visualized using him and the feel he had for his game, his techniques, and his strengths," said Mark Bartelstein, James's agent.

Brady Quinn has made his stop in Oakland.

SI.com's Don Banks lists his top five players in the draft to make an immediate impact in 2007. Marshawn Lynch tops his list.


Jacksonville.com has a cool rundown of the history of the draft being televised. The annual show that almost never was...

tag: nfl, draft, football, free agency, raiders, ravens, patriots, joe thomas, ozzie newsome, tory james, brady quinn, marshawn lynch

NFL Jabber 4/16/07

Jim Thomas of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch goes out on a limb today and says that either Brady Quinn or JaMarcus Russell will be the first QB taken. Seriously! Is this guy nuts? Is he not aware of University of Dubuque Jr. Jermar Jackson? I'll go out on a limb and say that Joe Thomas will be one of the first O-Linemen taken...see, I could work for the Post-Dispatch.

The Chiefs are in a position they have not been in for 14 years...looking for a Guard on the right side. Will Shields is hanging them up.

Talks are STILL dragging on regarding a trade for Trent Green to the Dolphins. Guys he is getting older everyday...

Cedric Griffen was arrested for not bringing enough candy for the whole class (or something like that) at the "Spin" club in Minneapolis early this morning...

What would have been if the Eagles would have called tails and picked Akli Smith instead of Donavan McNabb? Michael David Smith takes a look at that gem of a QB class in 1999.

The Washington Post continues to take up valuable web space with a Ravens section that has been updated twice since March 10th.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, chiefs, vikings, dolphins, eagles, ravens, jim thomas, will shields, cedric griffen, trent green, donavan mcnabb, akili smith, brady quinn, jamarcus russell, jermar jackson, university of dubuque

NFL Jabber 4/15/07

Saints fans can be grateful that Marques Colston realized he had to work to make the team. Who knows what would have happened had he had the sense of entitlement that some players have. This guy is one that I want on my team.

"I was working out a little bit. . . . Obviously, not as much as I should have been," said Colston, who admits he was in poor physical shape when he arrived for his first minicamp in New Orleans, two weeks after being selected with the 252nd pick in the draft. "When I survived the first rookie minicamp, I realized something had to change. I had to come back in much better shape," said Colston, who indeed made an incredible transformation over the summer.

Anquan Boldin would like to take some of the rushing attempts for the Cardinals this season.

"I don't have to throw the ball, just put me in the backfield a couple of times and let me run it, I'll be OK," Boldin said with a smile.

Reports are that the Bengals are looking into the Bucs Tim Rattey for the backup QB job.

Mike O'Hare at detnews.com is calling for the head of Mike Williams.

At 33, Olindo Mare reminds John Carney how old he is.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for John,” said Mare, who will turn 34, nine years younger than Carney, before training camp. “He’s one of the best. He’s one of the guys that all us young guys, compared to John, I guess, want to be. Who doesn’t want to do what John has done in this league?”

There is a debate starting already less than a week into Drew Bledsoe's retirement...Hall of Fame? Playing a long time and racking up numbers are not enough unless your Dan Marino. Despite one Super Bowl appearance (not counting the Super Bowl on the bench)in an embarrassing loss to Green Bay, many are going to say Bledsoe didn't do enough in his career. Adam Schien of NFL Radio and FoxSports.com is one of those guys.

tag: nfl, free agency, draft, trade, football, sports, saints, cardinals, bengals, buccaneers, drew bledsoe, marques colston, olindo mare, john carney, mike o'hare, mike williams, tim rattey, adam schien

NFL Jabber 4/14/07

Al Wilson has been cut loose in Denver. Shame.

"My time is up as a Bronco," the eight-year veteran said. "It's time to move forward and try something else. You have to do what's best for your organization, just like a Fortune 500 company. Sometimes you have to let good employees go."

A sense of humor can go a long way in any field. Ken Whisenhunt cracked me up with a comment after the first practices in AZ.

"I don't know where to stand on the field," Whisenhunt said of the first of two practices Friday. "It's exciting, but it's different."

As practices start for Miami, the time is now for Daunte Culpepper to get a head start on the QB job. He however is not participating in mini-camp since his latest surgery.

Anthony Wright is the newest New York Giant. Wright agreed to a two-year deal.

David Carr has drive again in Charlotte. I really hope this guy gets his chance to show he can play on a different team.

"Honestly in the last five years we haven't had much spark. If we were stuck in the forest it would be hard to light a fire with what we had going on.'' "It's funny, the day I was signed by Carolina, I was throwing balls the next day. I've never done that before,'' Carr said. "I was out there throwing a ball for two or three hours and I couldn't really explain it except I was excited to get a new opportunity and a chance to show what I can do.''

The Texans are looking in their backyard for a backup QB. University of Houston Alum Kevin Kolb will meet with the team before the draft.

Keith Brooking has said before that he isn't a MLB...the Falcons tell him he is.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, football, sports, falcons, texans, panthers, giants, dolphins, cardinals, broncos, al wilson, whisenhunt, culpepper, wright, carr, kolb, houston, brooking

NFL Jabber 4/13/07

Charlie Weis is campaigning for Brady Quinn to be in Cleveland."It's a match made in heaven," Weis said Thursday by phone.

"What more can you ask for? It seems to me to make too much sense. Hopefully, common sense will prevail and they'll draft him."

"You can't pick a guy just because he's always rooted for your team, but Brady has everything it takes to be a franchise quarterback for a long time -- and he loves the Browns," said Weis. "He's as passionate about the team as the fans are -- and I've experienced the Dawg Pound, so I know."

Michael Silver at SI.com has a "Ultimate Mock Draft" up. The clever idea has what he thinks each team in the draft would do if they could pick from any NFL player. I have heard of things like this before but they were called "Fantasy Mock Drafts."

Speaking of Fantasy Football, John Juhasz at Foxsports.com goes out on a limb to say that best rookie RB's in the draft to make a fantasy impact are Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch.

Tom Curran at NBCSports.com runs down his thoughts on the top ILB's in the draft.

The Texans continue with offseason moves signing Andre' Davis at WR.

The Saints have signed David Patton. Given the team effort they look for rather than the big name, he could be a good fit in the New Orleans offense.

If you judge by snaps at practice, Chris Simms is the starting QB in Tampa...for now.

"As far as who's starting, I'm not worried about it. It's a competition with myself just to see how good I can be," Simms said. "[But] I have been getting a good amount of the first-team reps."

tag: nfl, free agency, football, sports, draft, browns, texans, saints, buccaneers, david patton, chris simms, tom curran, john juhasz, michael silver, charlie weis, brady quinn, adrian peterson, marshawn lynch, mock draft

NFL Jabber 4/12/07

Drew Bledsoe hangs up the cleats. Knowing when to say when is a good thing. It's too bad he had to go out riding the bench. Cheers to a career Drew!

"I feel so fortunate, so honored, to have played this game that I love
for so long, with so many great players, and in front of so many
wonderful fans," he said. "I fulfilled a childhood dream the first time
I stepped on an NFL field, and the league did not let me down one time.
I retire with a smile on my face, in good health, and ready to spend
autumns at my kids' games instead of my own. I'm excited to start the
next chapter of my life."

Despite a gimp foot, Ted Ginn Jr. impressed the Rams. Sounds like they may have some of the Devin Hester fever if they look to draft a return guy that high.

JaMarcus Russell made a trip to visit the Skins. I wouldn't look to far into it. Teams often will interview recruits even if they don't intend to take them (or they likely won't fall to them) just to cover all the bases. You just never know who is going to fall though...(Matt Leinhart).

Mike O'Hara at detnews.com is takings tokes off whatever Jon Kitna is smoking. He thinks the Lions can go 10-6 as well.

Jon Kitna is drinking the Calvin Johnson Kool-Aid...could part of the campaign be because that means the Lions don't take a QB?

"Is he still the best player in this draft?" Kitna said Tuesday, smiling. "Yeah, I'm on that bandwagon."

Coach Rod Marinelli laughed at Kitna's comment.

"Him? He's a draft expert," Marinelli said, smiling. "He's got it all."

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, football, sportscowboys, lions, rams, redskins, jamarcus russell, ted ginn jr., calvin johnson, jon kitna, drew bledsoe, mike o'hara

Jabber 4/11/07

The NFL is set to release it's schedule today...finally!

"On Wednesday at 1 p.m. Eastern, everything about the 2007 NFL schedule will be revealed. The schedule release day is becoming more and more like an unofficial holiday every spring. ESPN and The NFL Network each have two-hour specials. Fans have opportunities to study their schedule and map out their falls, particularly if they plan to travel to a few road games of their favorite teams."

Rick Maese of The Baltimore Sun plays a game of "what if" regarding the new Commish's hard hand on the bad boys. Maese goes back to the Ray Lewis starring on Court T.V. days and ponders what may have been had Lewis got the wrath that Pacman and Henry did from the league.

Mike Williams and Josh McCown played hooky from the voluntary mini-camp. Both players have been rumored to be in trade talks.

The Vikings had 25 players in for pre-draft visits yesterday.

Is it Johnson...is it Russell? Only Kiffen and his staff know. "

It's a great situation, obviously," Kiffin said of owning the rights to the top overall pick. "We're the only ones that control our own destiny. Obviously, we're looking at a number of options with players and also with trades."

Tony Dungy gives the commish a "Give'em hell Rodg."

"I applaud him," the Indianapolis Colts coach said Tuesday. "He is trying to put his stamp on things and let our whole industry know that we're going to be held to a higher standard.''

John Murphy at Yahoo! Sports gives his top five "falling" draft prospects, Marshawn Lynch included. Michigan's Alan Branch tops the list.

Packers LB Nick Barnett gives props to the team for taking care of it's own (him) instead of shopping for free agents.

"I think that's normal," Ted Thompson said of investing mostly in his own. "A lot of teams try to do that. From a timing standpoint, this was just a good time. It was good for the player and good for the club."

The Washington Post has a section on the Ravens but has had the same story for the headlines since March 10th when Willis McGahee made his first public appearance.

Deuce McAllister wants more in 2007. I would say that 1000 yards is decent when having to share the load with a #2 pick. Deuce isn't complaining about that though, he wants more out of himself.

"There were some things I knew I could do well, and sometimes some things that didn't feel as good," McAllister said Tuesday during a break from the team's offseason conditioning program. "The doctors and trainers did a great job. But probably the thing that I wanted, probably more personal than anything, I just want some of those 60- and 70-yard runs again. That's the ultimate goal."

Houston is the new Gothem City with Ahman Green in town.

"They see me out here running, so they know I am Batman, but I am human," said Green, who earned his nickname because of his lifelong infatuation with the comic book hero. "I can get broken down, and the first day of running definitely did that. But that's what we work hard for, and that's what our goal is: to work hard and be contenders in the AFC South."

Pacman and Henry got theirs...what about Tank Johnson? He may have to wait until he is out of jail to get his.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, sports, football, bears, texans, saints, ravens, packers, colts, raiders, vikings, schedule, goodell, rick maese, ray lewis, mike williams, josh mccown, calvin johnson, jamarcus russell, john murphy, deuce mcallister, ahman green, tank johnson, nick barnett

NFL Jabber 4/10/07

The is a good article at The Washington Post on London Fletcher and the obstacles overcome. I love these stories. I get sick of hearing about the Pacman's.

"It slaps us in the face," said Gregg Williams, the Redskins' assistant head coach-defense. "He's had just horrible tragedy," added Dick Vermeil, Fletcher's first head coach in professional football. Only Fletcher will not frown along with them, his voice will not harden. Everything he has become is because of where he had been and the fact he had been able to break away when others never could.

"I think of my story as inspirational," he said. "If I can help one kid who may be going through the same things I did, then it is worth telling."

The Rams have 29 players set for pre-draft visits.

"To be honest, some of these (visiting players), we really, really like," Linehan said. "The rest of the them are a mixed bag. There's medical re-checks that we need on some players. And there were pro-day conflicts with some where we're really just getting more information on players."

Peter Sirmon has a one-year offer on the table from the Cardinals.

Mike Shanahan has signed a three-year extension with the Broncos. This guys has only had one losing season with the team.

The Colts are looking for another RB to replace Dominic Rhoads. Kevin Barlow is on the list of "talked to."

David Carr says he is okay with the backup job in Charlotte.

"I'm excited about the opportunity in Carolina," he said. "They've got a great team -- good offensive line, good receiving corps, solid defense ... Pat Hill (Carr's coach at Fresno State) and (Panthers coach) John Fox have been friends for a long time, and I know he's a great coach."

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, redskins, cardinals, colts, broncos, panthers, texans, rams, london fletcher, peter sirmon, mike shanahan, kevan barlow, david carr,

NFL Jabber 4/9/07

Former Browns offensive threat, Greg Pruitt, has a Jr. that will be working out in Cleveland next weekend.

"I think he's just as good as I was at this point," said the elder Pruitt, 55. "I was 5-9¾ and 175 pounds when I came to the Browns," Pruitt said. "I guess the heaviest I ever played was 192 - before the game. After the game, I was like 180. My son is 5-9 and 210."

Joey Harrington will back up Michael Vick in Atlanta.

Funny quote on "falcons vent" on AJC.

"I think Richard Simmons would have more fun at a strip joint than Calvin would have being Vick's reciever."

John Murphy at Yahoo! Sports gives his list of the top five rising stocks in this months draft. On top of the list is Stanford QB Trent Edwards.

1. Stanford senior quarterback Trent Edwards
The 6-foot-4, 224-pound athletic passer rebounded from a season-ending right foot injury to post 40-yard times in the 4.75 range. He then wowed scouts and quarterback coaches with his quick, compact delivery; overall accuracy; and deep ball during workouts. In fact, even some of the all-time best talent evaluators of this position weighed in following his pro day.

Adrian Peterson knows it's a good thing to be compared to Eric Dickerson.

“Man, being compared to Eric Dickerson, that’s crazy,” Peterson said at the combine. “He’s one of the greatest running backs. It’s an honor to be compared to him.”

tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, draft, browns, falcons, greg pruitt, joey harrington, michael vick, calvin johnson, john murphy, yahoo!, stanford, trent edwards, adrian peterson

NFL Jabber 4/8/07

Go figure. Barry Sanders says that you need to build a team with the O-Line. Maybe if that advice was taken years ago he would have kept playing.

"I don't know that much about who we have right now," Sanders said in a telephone interview the other day. "I've always liked just football players -- guys who are football; players with overwhelming physical talent, in most cases.

"Obviously, there are some exceptions. The game, it's not an easy game, but I think some of the concepts are pretty obvious, especially on the professional level. You have to have some kind of protection. The guys on defense up front are just too fast and too strong and too good not to have a good, solid offensive line.

"I think, every year, when you look in the playoffs and Super Bowl, that fact is made even more obvious. You always have to shore up your line of scrimmage."

Lincoln Kennedy is using the Arena Football League to gear up for a potential NFL comeback. I have wondered what his motive was for going to the AFL rather than shooting straight to the NFL.

"When I put my mind toward something, I like to see it through," Kennedy said in a phone interview Thursday. "When I came into the league, my goal was to play 12 years. I burned out after my 11th year. Staying near the game in the media helped me stay surrounded by the sport, and when my body started feeling better, I decided I wanted to go back and get that 12th year."

Jon Akerman of NBCsports.com feels that the #11 pick is the best to land a star player. He pegs the worst spot as #6.

So apparently the Raiders are in talks with the Lions about a trade for Josh McCown.

tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, lions, raiders, barry sanders, lincoln kennedy, josh mccown, arena, afl

NFL Jabber 4/7/07

The Dolphins are expected to go after Trent Green again now that David Carr has signed with the Panthers.

Ricky Williams agent, Leigh Steinberg, says he is ready to return to the NFL. Williams has applied for reinstatement this week.

Pacman could lose $182K per game with a suspension.

The Panthers are offering up DT Kris Jenkins as trade bait.

The Falcons are considering Joey Harrington for their backup QB spot. This would ensure that Michael Vick can do nothing to lose the QB job in Atlanta.

tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, falcons, dolphins, chiefs, panthers, titans, ricky williams, michael vick, kris jenkins, joey harringon, trent green

Browns and Green make gold?

The Browns have to be driving Mock Drafters crazy. Everyone was sure that Adrian Peterson would be their pick and then they signed Jamal Lewis. That moved Brady Quinn into the number three spot in many mocks. Now it appears after all the rumors that the Browns are going to make a strong run at Trent Green. Even if they did sign Green it does not eliminate either of those picks as Green and Lewis both have their better days behind them.

Mary Kay Cabot at The Plain Dealer reports that GM Phil Savage and the Browns are ready to throw a "ballpark" offer at Green to tempt him to head to Cleveland.

"The attraction for us would be we're gonna run a similar offense to where he has been," Savage said.

The Browns can have some stiff competition from the Dolphins now that David Carr has agreed with the Panthers.

This could surely shake things up for the draft. The Browns have had JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn and Adrian Peterson in for visits already. Other names mentioned for their pick are Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas, although they are not scheduled for visits both are tempting.

So let's look at the scenarios if Green is signed. One is that they still go with the plan to get Russell or Quinn. This depends on if they have given up on Charlie Fry yet or not. It's possible that they still believe in Fry and thought it was too soon for him to go in. They could go another route and still grab a Drew Henson in the second round.

If Fry is still the guy they want in the long run you have the option of taking a franchise RB in Adrian Peterson. Working him in with Lewis could be a perfect combination. Lewis is not the long term answer and the Browns hope to not be picking this early in the next couple of years. Another option at RB is to try and get a Kenny Irons in the second.

With Green under center you better be able to protect him. Joe Thomas could be a staple on the O-Line for years to come.

One move that could give the Browns instant excitement hype on offense is to draft WR Calvin Johnson. Pairing Johnson with Braylon Edwards and then having that Winslow guy at TE gives Green more targets than he has had since his short stint as starter in St. Louis.

I love this time of year. I really cannot wait to see how this plays out. There has not been so much excitement surrounding the Browns in sometime.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, browns, chiefs, dolphins, trent green, jamarcus russell, brady quinn, adrian peterson, joe thomas, calvin johnson, jamal lewis, charlie fry, drew henson, kenny irons, cleveland

NFL Jabber 4/6/07

David Carr has agreed to be the backup in Carolina. Some may wonder how long the word "backup" will be used though as it has been said they wanted someone to push Jake D. for the job.

Pats tagged CB, Asante Samuel may ask to be traded.

“This is to let everybody know that I’m not happy anymore and things are not going well,” Samuel said. “At first I thought it was going well, but it’s not. We have a difference of opinion in my value. They think I’m worth one price and the other teams think I’m worth a lot more. If a long-term deal can’t be done at fair numbers for me and New England, then I want to be traded.”

Jeff Fisher will have four guys ducking it out for one safety spot this spring. Lamont Thompson, Calvin Lowry, Vincent Fuller and Bryan Scott will all be trying to get the starting SS position next to Chris Hope.

"What we want to do is bring experience and depth to the position and open it up for competition," Fisher said. "One would assume it's going to be difficult to unseat Chris. Chris returns as the starter. But as far as the other position, we will open it up and see what happens."

Patrick Crayton is looking to stay with the cowboys, signing a $1.3 Million contract. Seems like such a small number doesn't it? What this mere mortal would give for that though...

Barry Sanders will face off with Jim Brown in a charity golf tournament.

The Colts are making their trip to the White House on April 23.

Champ Bailey thinks with the addition of Bly the Broncos have the best CB tandem in the league.

tag: nfl, free agency, football, trade, sports, broncos, lions, colts, cowboys, titans, patriots, panthers, texans, david carr, asante samuel, jeff fisher, bryan scott, calvin lowry, lamont thompson, vincent fuller, patrick crayton, barry sanders, jim brown, champ bailey