NFL Jabber 6/7/07

Robert Meachem is not off to a great start as the Saints first round pick. He showed up overweight, sprained his ankle, and now has had knee surgery...all within a little over a month of being drafted. He is expected to be back by training camp.

"I kind of feel discouraged a little bit because I want to show the coaches what I can do and you can't show them what you can do when you're hurt," Meachem said Wednesday. "For me, it's going to be a time I've got to keep praying and just stay focused -- don't let the knee injury get to me."

The Culpepper to Raiders talk is starting. Cam Inman of contracostatimes.com Is getting the debate fired up.

"What do the Raiders have to lose? It's not as if they're married to McCown, whom they took from Detroit in the offseason for a fourth-round draft pick. As for Walter, we learned Wednesday he recently underwent knee surgery, further lowering his stock."

Former Steeler, Jerome Bettis, has opened "Grill 36" a few hundred yards from Heinz Field. That isn't the story here, it's a lead up to me letting you know Kordell Stewert is still alive as he was one of the guests on Tuesday.

Chad Greenway is pumped about getting on the field for real.

"It's just about learning your position and learning the ins-and-outs and when you can maybe jump a route," Greenway said Wednesday after the Vikings had wrapped up another practice during a week of organized team activities. "Just kind of learn that process. ... Those first couple games I'm going to be out there flying around trying to make plays. As the season goes on, I'll be able to become a smarter player by listening to what E.J. says, what the coaches say. Just kind of learn from my own experiences."

Technorati : bettis, culpepper, football, greenway, meachem, nfl, raiders, saints, sports, steelers, vkikings
Ice Rocket : bettis, culpepper, football, greenway, meachem, nfl, raiders, saints, sports, steelers, vkikings

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NFL Jabber 6/4/07

What a crappy QB battle in Kansas City. I feel for the fans. You have Trent Green, who is just taking up space right now, waiting for a call from another team. He is taking away reps from...Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. And at this point they have no idea who is going to win this nail biter (I'm guessing not Green as he keeps looking at his watch and then at the phone).

Not all Redskin fans are convinced that Jason Campell is the answer.

Lorenzo Booker is going a little nuts in the temp housing. Perfect for a Dolphins RB.

''I can't take it, man,'' said Booker, currently lodged at the local spot in Davie where rookies typically stay until they find more permanent housing. ``One week in this place is enough. I need to find a house as soon as possible.''

As the Saints wrap minicamp, rookie WR, Robert Meachum, wraps his leg and sits out. He wouldn't speak to reporters but Drew Brees commented on him.

"I like him," Brees said. "I think he's been real hampered by his ankle and that sort of thing, but I think he's got a lot of talent. I really like the way he catches the ball. He attacks it, and I think he's going to be a big run-after-catch kind of guy. He's going to be big and physical, kind of hard to bring down, kind of like a (Marques) Colston. So I think he'll add a nice dimension to our offense."

Tarvaris Jackson is doing well in practice...until they have people coming at him.

The Bengals minicamp will be featured on the NFL Network today.

It appears that Curtis Martin's retirement is not set in stone...or is it?

Technorati : battle, bengals, brodie croyle, camp, chiefs, curtis martin, damon, dolphins, football, huard, jason campell, jets, lorenzo booker, meachum, mini, network, nfl, redskins, saints, sports, tarvaris, trent green, vikings
Ice Rocket : battle, bengals, brodie croyle, camp, chiefs, curtis martin, damon, dolphins, football, huard, jason campell, jets, lorenzo booker, meachum, mini, network, nfl, redskins, saints, sports, tarvaris, trent green, vikings

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More NFL Jabber 6/1/07

Pete Prisco does a rundown of the most overrated and underrated players in the NFL.

The Tom Brady to Randy Moss era has begun.

The Saints start minicamp today. Coach Payton is very pleased with the turnout this season.

"Hopefully, (this minicamp is) going to translate into an easier training camp from a transition standpoint and a learning standpoint," Payton said. "That first game will be on us quick in training camp because we're playing in the Hall of Fame Game."

The mandatory part is one of the few, if any, differences with this weekend's sessions.

"The biggest difference between the minicamp and the OTAs when you start defining them is one is voluntary per league rule and the other is mandatory," Payton said. "From a time constraint in the OTAs, you go once a day and it's a little quicker - the time on the field - and you don't have them here as long."

Antoine Winfield has decided to show up for work.

Technorati : nfl, patriots, randy moss, saints, sean payton, tom brady, vikings
Ice Rocket : nfl, patriots, randy moss, saints, sean payton, tom brady, vikings

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NFL Jabber 5/26/07

Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson is now declining comment on Chris Henry. I think calling him a "lowlife" earlier this week may have been enough said.

Edmondson said he has "nothing else to say about the case, and don't call anyone else in this office, because they're not talking either."

Asked which one of his former teammates should try Mixed Martial Arts as well, former NFL WR, Johnie Morton says Priest Holmes.

So Tank Johnson doesn't have to worry about getting his spanking this weekend since the Commish office is closed. A suspension is expected...stay tuned.

Everyone knows that Michael Bush MIGHT be a steal where he was drafted. We likely won't know until next season. For now Bush is happy to be where he is at.

"I was a little disappointed by the draft, but that's OK," Bush said after a recent team practice he watched from the sideline. "Oakland's my home. Now I just come out here and show the guys that they missed out on something good. Right now, I'm just glad to be in this situation."

Long time Saint, Fred McAfee has taken a job as the teams babysitter.

One year NFL Vet, Marques Colston, is playing mentor to rookie WR Rober Meachum.

Daunte Culpepper has given a glowing endorsement for the Dolphins telling Trent Green, ''it's not going to be a cakewalk'' for him or anyone else that goes to the Dolphins.

With all the names that the Niners brought in this year, Darrell Jackson is looked at as the key.

The Niners are saying they will take the heat on the new stadium proposal.

Adrian Peterson has done well impressing Brad Childress in workouts.

"He's done a great job, particularly in drills, with all the pass stuff," Childress said. "The run stuff comes very easy to him as well as you would think, but you get drilled with the nuances of the pass game."

Starting to think Mike Ditka doesn't care for Gene Upshaw.

"They're the people who are irresponsible," Ditka said of Upshaw and his fellow union leaders. "Nobody is less deserving of his position because he has no comprehension of what it means to give back to the game. He's a fraud."

Technorati : 49'ers, bears, bengals, bush, colston, ditka, edmondson, football, henry, jackson, johnson, mcafee, meachum, nfl, nflpa, peterson, raiders, saints, sports, vikings

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NFL Jabber 5/24/07

A small Seattle soda company has beaten out Coke to be served at Seahawk games.

The Saints discovered one draft pick in a bar having beers.

Drew Rosenhaus wants to remind everyone that Kris Jenkins may be available in a trade.

"I don't have any insight on it, but what I've heard is he's definitely still on the market and for the right price, they would trade him," Rosenhaus said before speaking at a Charlotte Touchdown Club luncheon. "So it'll be interesting to see what happens."

Chad Greenway is ready to go for the Vikings this season.

"It's great to be back out here just running around and playing again," Greenway said Wednesday. "These first two (days) have really actually been pretty good considering I've been out for eight months."

I could not find the article they are using as a source but KFFL reports that Cory Dillion has not yet filed his retirement papers.

NFL | Dillon has not filed papers yet

Karen Guregian, of the Boston Globe, reports unrestricted free-agent RB Corey Dillon (Patriots) has not filed his retirement papers with the league yet. Dillon's agent said he is leaning toward retirement, but would like to wait until summer to make a decision.

Braylon Edwards has made it to workout with the Browns.

Mike Ditka is not impressed with the NFL's effort to help retirees.

"I say this honestly, I don't know if 'a committee to explore' is going to cut it," Ditka said.

tag: nfl, football, sports, seahawks, saints, panthers, vikings, browns, patriots, ditka, braylon, cory dillon, chad greenway, kris jenkins, rosenhaus, coke

NFL Jabber 5/17/07

Let's hear it for the king! Commish Goodell may suggest shorter time limits for the draft selections.

Braylon Edwards is in a giving mood...$1 Million worth of giving in scholorships.

The Oct. 28th game between the Dolphins and Giants sold 40,000 tickets in 90 minutes showing that they are tired of NFL Europe too.

The media is going to have to become more creative when talking about Adrian Peterson's durability. The Dr.'s have said his collarbone is fine.

Jerramy Stevens is grateful for the job the Bucs have given him.

"It's a new start, a fresh start," Stevens said after Wednesday's voluntary workout at One Buc Place. "That's why it would be a mistake for me to dwell on [the past]. That's why my focus is on going forward."

New Bronco MLB, D.J. Williams is getting jiggy with it in mini-camp...

Lord Favre will indeed attend mini-camp afterall.

tag: nfl, sports, football, buccaneers, broncos, packers, vikings, browns, dolphins, giants, Jerramy Stevens, roger goodell, commissioner, braylon edwards, adrian peterson, brett favre, d.j. williams

NFL Jabber 5/5/07

The NFL is considering going Prime Time with the NFL Draft. Thoughts have it starting on Friday night with the first round and the remaining six rounds going over the weekend.

Jimmy Johnson got out of jury duty because he had Bill Parcells over for a slumber party.

The media is still focused on Adrian Peterson's collarbone, giving praise for him making it through the first day of minicamp.

Kevan Barlow has made a drop in on the Steelers.

The Bears appear to be drafting from Pop-Warner.


It's actually Bears new 5'7" RB Garrett Wolfe.

tag: nfl, draft, football, sports, steelers, vikings, bears, adrian peterson, jimmy johnson, parcells, kevan barlow, garrett wolfe

NFL Jabber 4/28/07-Draft Day

The best move for the Lions could be to grab Calvin Johnson if he is there at #2 and look for teams to make offers that want him. Worst thing that could happen is they end up with the best player in the draft.

It's reported the 49'ers are close to a deal for Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson.

The Titans are kicking up the effort to snag Chargers RB Michael Turner today.

"On Friday the Titans and Chargers discussed scenarios including a swap of first-round picks today, with the Titans also giving up a fourth-round pick. The Titans are scheduled to pick 19th overall, the Chargers 30th.

But the Titans might have competition for Turner. ESPN reported an unidentified team offered San Diego a first-round pick in the 2008 draft, and that the Chargers thought it was an acceptable offer."

Unless that trade for Lance Briggs goes through, the Redskins are expected to stay where they are at #6, which is a pretty good spot to be in considering their needs.

The Cowboys seem content where they are but are in a good position to make a move up or down.

The Seahawks are looking at going "Best Player Available" today. "

How he plays on Saturdays, how he performs in big games, how he performs against higher-level competition, that is really what matters most," vice president of player personnel Ruston Webster said this week. "The guy's résumé is the film."

The trade talks of Kris Jenkins going from the Panthers to the Rams looks like it will come down to the wire if it happens on draft day.

The Lions are in a great position to stay where they are or move back. either way, they will get a player that can make an immediate impact.

Dolphins GM Randy Mueller will move up to get Brady Quinn or back if he is gone according to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald.

The Vikings are picking at #7 for the fourth time in six years.

Because of the breakout season by Saints WR Marques Colston, the later rounds may be found more interesting for some people this weekend. Common headlines this year have included "Small School Sleepers."

The Texans are looking for immediate help and shouldn't have a problem getting it where they sit.

tag: nfl, draft, trade, football, vikings, saints, texans, dolphins, panthers, rams, lions, seahawks, cowboys, redskins, bears, chargers, titans, 49'ers, calvin johnson, michael turner, darrell jackson, lance briggs, kris jenkins, brady quinn, marques colston

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 4/16/07

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

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 3/25/07

The Rams have a one-year deal with CB Lenny Walls.

Willis McGahee is impressing people already just by being in the US in March.

Kevin Seifert and Judd Zulgad of The Star Tribune report that Viking fans are getting a little pissy with how the organization is moving. Bob Lurtsema is getting it from all angles.

"I have never seen so much discontent from Minnesota Vikings fans," said Lurtsema, who joined the team in 1972 and has been the team's unofficial ambassador for some 30 years."So many people are telling me they have no confidence in what the organization is doing," Lurtsema added. "They're saying, 'I give up. I'm not renewing my season tickets. I don't know if I can support this team anymore."

Bill Belichick would be for a rule change when overtime is the question.

"Football is a game that is played to the final gun,"said Belichick.

"There is a lot of strategy at the end of the game -- you're protecting a lead, conserving time to get the ball back, and that all gets eliminated from the game in overtime. The way it is now, you're playing for field position and the score, and you lose that end-of-game strategy. I think that strategy is part of the intrigue that football brings."

TINO's Bloghouse
tag: nfl, free agency, football, ravens, rams, vikings, patriots, overtime, rules, willis mcgahee, lenny walls, bill belichick,

Draft Focus/Brady Quinn

Brady Quinn
QB, Notre Dame
6-3 3/4-232
40-Did not run at combine...4.82 and 4.73 at Pro Day 3/22/07


Brady Quinn had a 57.8% completion percentage, 95 TD's to 39 INT's as a four -year starter at Notre Dame. He holds countless passing records at the school as he heads into the NFL draft. Going into the 2006 season he was touted as the Golden Boy of college football. The Irish were ranked #3 in the preseason by USA today and the A.P. poll. Quinn was one of the favorites for the Heisman. The season ended with critics wondering if Quinn could win "The Big Game" with back to back loses to rival USC and to LSU in the Sugar Bowl (where Quinn was shown up by draft rival JaMarcus Russell). Quinn had his worst showing of the season in the game going 15 of 35 for 149 yards, 2 each on picks and TD's. The Irish were called the most overrated team in college football and many questioned if they should have even been in a BCS game.

Quinn has been labeled as this years QB that is most ready for the Pro's, this years version of Matt Leinhart. His experience in the Pro system used at Notre Dame is a big plus. He has prototypical QB size for the NFL and his strength makes him hard to bring down. Intelligent and durable. Quinn has shown that he can scramble as needed. he does not have the freak speed or arm you see in the QB's that get talked up but is going to be a top pro QB.

Accuracy has been an issue at times but has improved over the years. Some fear that he may have been a product of the system the Irish use. he did not live up to the hype of his senior season. going 0-4 against rival USC will haunt him for years.

Quinn is compared to Tom Brady. Could be because of the Weis system.


His first Pro Day he did not run because of his knee. He did however throw up 225 lbs on the bench press for 24 reps.

"We threw everything people wanted to see," Irish coach
Charlie Weis said. "We put him through every throw that any NFL
organization would want to see -- from moving in the pocket, to
moving from the pocket, to three-step, to five-step to seven-step.
I think now they have enough information to make a critical
evaluation, if they didn't have enough on tape already."

Vikings Coach Brad Chidress was one of the spectators.

"Really, he made more throws here than you'd think about making
at the combine," Childress said. "I think he threw about 60 balls
here today and it takes a little bit of endurance to be able to do
that and he did it pretty rapid-fire succession."

Who wants Brady Quinn? Quinn is all over the board bu should not fall far. That was likely said about Matt Leinhart last year as well though. The Raiders are at #1 and although all signs point to JaMarcus Russell or Calvin Johnson, you never know. Most speculation points to the Lions at #2. Then there is the Browns and Vikings. There may be some movement up the ladder in however wants him the most. The Dolphins have been in the mix of rumors as well but appear now to be focused on Trent Green and David Carr.

Fantasy Outlook: Quinn can have an immediate fantasy impact if he goes anywhere other than Oakland. He will likely fly off the board in the first 4-5 picks in Dynasty drafts. In re-draft leagues he will make a nice bye week filler or injury replacement if he is his teams starter. Could prove to be quite the sleeper mid to late season.

TINO's Bloghouse
tag: nfl, draft, sports, football, notre dame, lions, raiders, browns, vikings, ncaa, college, pro day, Brady Quinn

What do I have to do to put you in this Carr today?

Reports are that Texans GM, Rick Smith (not really him above) is trying to move his lemon ASAP. The Vikings, Dolphins, and the Raiders are possibilities. Sounds like he gets a great commission if he gets him off the lot today. Could be a great deal for one of these shoppers.

TINO's Bloghouse
tag: nfl, trade, football, sports, texans, dolphins, vikings, raiders, david carr, rick smith

Draft Focus/JaMarcus Russell

JaMarcus Russell
QB, LSU
6-6, 263 (varies on where you see it)
40-Did not run at the combine. 4.8 at LSU Pro Day



JaMarcus Russell is a huge QB that has shined since getting the starting job at LSU. 25-4 record as a starter. He has a 61.9% completion percentage with 52 TD's to 21 INT's. In the 2007 Sugar Bowl he led the Tigers to a 41-14 win over Notre Dame and his draft nemesis Brady Quinn. His performance made him the Sugar Bowl MVP. Russell could have set his draft fate in stone with his dominating Pro Day performance.

Russell is what you can call a beast. He is big, strong and hard to bring down. He can take a hit and still make the throw. Has great body control. He is athletic and can run as needed. Even on the move he is looking down field for the big play and will go underneath if the play is there rather than run. He is very intelligent and has shown he can be a leader in tight situations. Can rocket the ball down field with a flick of the wrist. Russell could have set his draft fate in stone with his dominating Pro Day performance. He dropped nine pounds from his combine weight to his Pro Day scale hop. Character issues are not a problem, in fact he made national news helping after Hurricane Katrina.

Weight seems to be a cause for concern for some scouts. He is still considered a bit raw. His accuracy can use improvement and he tends to force the ball with over confidence. Work ethic and the will to win have been questioned.

The biggest comparison is to Daunte Culpepper. Some think that Randy Moss made Culpepper as a QB and he may just get to have the chance to help Russell shine. At this point the magic 8 ball would say, "All signs point to yes," as far as if the Raiders are going to take Russell with the #1 overall next month. It certainly is not a slam dunk though as WR Calvin Johnson's stock is rising rapidly.

Some quotes from Raiders Coach, Lane Kiffin after his Pro Day workout.

"Being away from these receivers and to come back and throw as well as he did shows who he is," Kiffin said."He was 265 at the combine," Kiffin said. "Dropping nine pounds knowingthis was a big day shows his commitment and shows that his mind's in the right place."

On Russell saying he could have done better in some spots...

"Obviously, there's always a lot of room for improvement," Kiffin said. "That's what you want to hear a quarterback say, too."

If the Raiders did by chance take a pass on him, there are plenty of other teams that would love to have him. The Lions, Dolphins, Vikings, and Browns are said to be in the market for a franchise QB if the right guy is there at their pick.

Fantasy Outlook: For 2007 things are bleak if he lands with the Raiders. At the most he may be a bye week filler or injury replacement. Will likely go late or undrafted in re-draft leagues. In Dynasty and Keeper Leagues Russell will be sought after. Depending on where he lands will determine how soon and how much he will produce.

TINO's Bloghouse
tag: nfl, draft, sports, football, ncaa, lsu, raiders, lions, browns, vikings, fantasy football, jamarcus russell

Schaub to the Texans

Well, no more denying your trying to deal David Carr there in Houston. It was eventually going to happen that Schaub ended up on another team. Houston has been making alot of moves to rebuild that team this year and a fresh start at QB is a logical move.

I'm not sold on the fact that David Carr can't make it in this league yet, in fact I think a fresh start is what is needed for him as well. Everybody wins, right? We'll see...

This can cause quite the ripple effect around the league and draft. The Texans are now open to move Carr more so than they were. One interesting scenario would be for the Raiders to make a deal for Carr and then draft Calvin Johnson. I'm already not totally convinced that the Raiders are set on JaMarcus Russell. I suspect the possibility of them taking Johnson first and then Drew Henson in the 2nd, filling two needs if Moss or Porter go (like the Chargers did with Tomlinson and Brees).

Of course you have the Lions, Browns, Vikings, and Dolphins that are looking. The Vikings or Browns may be the most logical landing spot while they are grooming or waiting to see if their young QB's are for real. Acquiring Carr may not stop one of these teams from drafting one of the top QB's but could make a difference. Or Carr could just be floating for a while waiting for a home.


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tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, falcons, texans, draft, matt schaub, raiders, dolphins, browns, lions, vikings

clipped from cbs.sportsline.com Texans close in on acquiring quarterback Schaub from Falcons March 21, 2007 CBS SportsLine.com wire reports The Houston Texans are close to acquiring Matt Schaub from the Atlanta Falcons. A trade for the highly regarded backup quarterback was expected to be announced Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who requested anonymity because the deal hadn't been completed. The person did not disclose the details of the trade. The Houston Chronicle and the NFL Network said the Falcons will get second-round picks in 2007 and 2008 and that the teams will swap first-round picks this year, with Atlanta moving from 10th to eighth. "Matt's a restricted free agent," McKay, chairman of the NFL's competition committee, said during a conference call with national reporters in preparation for next week's league meetings. "He's clearly entitled to visit every team. We've talked to a number of teams that have interest in Matt. That's all I'm going to say."

NFL Jabber 3/19/07

Had the Giants not used the "buy-back" option on Eli, he would have been a free agent after 2007.

Bobby Petrino gets to have a look at his first Pro Team today.

Rumor has it the Vikings are interested in Trent Green.

Michael Felger at The Boston Herald thinks that Troy Brown should be brought back. TINO thinks that WR corps is getting a little crowded for that to happen.

There are still plenty of Free Agents left out there. Here is a sample of some of the top names still available.

Offense
Quarterback
Matt Schaub/RFA
Drew Bledsoe/UFA
Aaron Brooks/UFA

Running Back
Michael Turner,/RFA
Corey Dillon/UFA
Chris Brown/UFA

Wide Receiver
D.J. Hackett/RFA
Eric Moulds/UFA
Antonio Bryant/UFA

Tight End
Jerramy Stevens/UFA
Erron Kinney/UFA
Marcus Pollard/UFA

Center
Trey Teague/UFA
Nick Leckey/RFA
Grey Ruegamer/UFA

Guard
Zach Piller/UFA
Ruben Brown/UFA
Cooper Carlisle/UFA

Offensive Tackle
Sean Locklear/RFA
Jacob Bell/RFA
Max Starks/RFA


Defense
Defensive End
Jared Allen/RFA
Grant Wistrom/UFA
Bobby McCray/RFA

Defensive Tackle
Ian Scott/UFA
Montae Reagor/UFA
James Reed/UFA

Inside/Middle Linebacker
Kawika Mitchell/UFA
Ed Hartwell/UFA
Peter Sirmon/UFA

Outside Linebacker
Lance Briggs/UFA (franchise player)
Demorrio Williams/RFA
Tommy Polley/UFA

Safety
Gibril Wilson/RFA
Ken Hamlin/UFA
Shaun Williams/UFA

Cornerback
Tory James/UFA
David Macklin/UFA
Lenny Walls/UFA

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tag: nfl, free agency, falcons, vikings, giants, patriots, Matt Schaub, Drew Bledsoe, Aaron Brooks, Michael Turner, Corey Dillon, Chris Brown, D.J. Hackett, Eric Moulds, Antonio Bryant, Jerramy Stevens, Erron Kinney, Marcus Pollard, Trey Teague, Nick Leckey, Grey Ruegamer, Zach Piller, Ruben Brown, Cooper Carlisle, Sean Locklear, Jacob Bell, Max Starks, Jared Allen, Grant Wistrom, Bobby McCray, Ian Scott, Montae Reagor, James Reed, Kawika Mitchell, Ed Hartwell, Peter Sirmon, Lance Briggs, Demorrio Williams, Tommy Polley, Gibril Wilson, Ken Hamlin, Shaun Williams, Tory James, David Macklin, Lenny Walls, eli manning, bobby petrino, troy brown, chiefs, trent green