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| The Chicago Sun-Times reports that three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension that will keep him a Bear through 2012. |
Our View: Harris is a one of a king interior lineman and the Bears defense depends on their defensive tackles to make their scheme work. A great signing for Chicago and the Bear fans.
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| Packers GM Ted Thompson brought in three veterans for offseason physicals and interviews as potential backups for starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers this past offseason, this according to PackersNews.com. The three candidates were Gus Frerotte, Quinn Gray and Daunte Culpepper .
According to a report Thompson offered a contract to only Culpepper, who in the spring turned down a one-year deal worth about $1 million. |
Our View: The team in turn drafted Brian Brohm in the second round, with the 56 overall pick, and he will be the backup to starter Aaron Rodgers heading into Training Camp in late July.
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| The Falcons signed free agent Michael Turner to take over the lead role in the running game, and while the former backup to LaDainian Tomlinson is expected to start, the team wants to get Jerious Norwood 15 to 20 touches a game. |
Our View: Norwood isn't physical enough to pound the ball between the tackles like Turner, but he is a terrific change of pace option and he'll cut into the free agents touches.
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| Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to spend some of the next 30-days, a break for the Packers before Training Camp begins, working with some of his receivers, this according to PackerNews.com. James Jones said he’ll spend about a week in San Diego with the starting signal caller, seventh-round draft pick Brett Swain is from the area and Greg Jennings has talked about visiting as well. |
Our View: Currently Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones are expected to serve as the primary wide outs when the offense goes to three-receivers sets.
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| USA Today reports that Kevin Jones is running straight, sideways and doing everything a healthy running back is supposed to.
"That is what teams can't believe I can do," Jones said Thursday morning after doing a shuttle run in 4.3 seconds.
Soon, NFL teams will get a chance to witness what seems like a remarkable comeback from ACL surgery.
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Our View: Jones has a workout scheduled for scouts on June 28, and several organization are expected to attend.
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| Josh Morgan signed a four-year deal on Thursday afternoon following the final day of OTA practices, this according to the Sacramento Bee.
The report noted that Morgan looked good in the May minicamp and in recent practices, showing a nice combination of size and athleticism. |
Our View: Morgan is the type of wide receiver Nolan tends to favor, big and fast. At 220 pounds, he can block and run.
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| Coach Wade Phillips commented that he does not see Anthony Henry playing safety this season or in the future, according to the Dallas Morning News. Phillips said, "He just plays corner so well. He was leading the league in interceptions when he got hurt last year. He's tremendous. He's played really well at corner, so we're going to keep him at corner as long as we can."
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Our View: Henry has only worked at safety in sub packages in the off-season, even though he has good size (6-1 210) to play the position. A move to free safety would have moved Ken Hamlin over to strong safety, and would have potentially moved Roy Williams to the bench.
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| Running back Brandon Jacobs is entering the final year of his contract and looking for a big payday. The New York Giants have a differing view on the possible compensation package, but the Newark Star-Ledger is speculating that the recent probation violation of Ahmad Bradshaw could possibly jump-start the negotiations. |
Our View: The Giants were previously utilizing Bradshaw as leverage in the contract negotiations, but the fact that he is currently sitting in jail on a probation violation, places some doubt on that insurance policy. While the Giants would like to see Jacobs make it through a full season healthy, he is clearly the best back on the roster. Stay tuned.
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| With star tight end Antonio Gates sidelined because of offseason toe surgery, the San Diego Chargers have given Scott Chandler a heavy workload during their offseason coaching sessions, according to the North County Times. "Obviously, it's not good for us to have Antonio on the sidelines," Chandler said recently. "For me personally, it's a good opportunity to get a lot of reps and to really improve." |
Our View: With Gates and blocking ace Brandon Manumaleuna on the squad, the Chargers are able to be patient with Chandler, who is working on improving his route running. Chandler is also aware that he must improve his blocking. At 6-foot-7, he's so tall that he has trouble getting down low to block defenders, so he’s focusing on this footwork and technique.
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| The tailback competition for the Denver Broncos will be one of the more interesting in training camp, but Selvin Young could make it a moot point if he has a great showing, according to USA Today. Young became the starter when Travis Henry was released, and took every snap as the top tailback during the team's final offseason camp. |
Our View: Young is defintely a "riser" in the fantasy world. Early in May, he was a mid-eighth round draft selection in 12-team mock drafts. Currently, he's being selected at the end of the fifth round, and a solid training camp performance would only increase his fantasy stock.
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| Sadia Morrison, the woman who was with Adam "Pacman" Jones during a 2007 melee at the Minxx strip club, has turned up dead in the Bronx, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. |
Our View: Morrison was arrested in connection with the fight that broke out in the Minxx in February 2007, ensnaring Jones. A shooting outside the club moments after the fight left a bouncer, Tommy Urbanski, paralyzed from the waist down. New York City police are investigating Morrison's death but are not providing many details. Her friends and family think she was thrown off an apartment building.
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| Head coach Eric Mangini noted that third-year safety Eric Smith has had a strong spring, and implied that he could challenge Abram Elam to be the starting strong safety, according to USA Today. “Smith has worked at understanding the system back there with Kerry (Rhodes). His communication is getting better," Mangini said. "I think those are all positives. I like his ball skills a lot." |
Our View: Smith seemed ready to unseat Erik Coleman as the Jets' starting strong safety last summer until being sidelined for several weeks by a hamstring injury suffered on a wet practice field. It appears he will be involved in a heated battle with Elam in training camp for the strong safety job.
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| Running back Sammy Morris was on the field for New England's veteran minicamp, well on his way to making a full recovery from a freak chest injury that landed him on injured reserve last fall, according to USA Today. |
Our View: Morris says the workouts he began last winter have him on pace to be at full strength for training camp and the regular season. He is expected to be the primary backup to Laurence Maroney this season.
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| Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has set himself aside as the team leader this offseason, and he has displayed a strong throwing arm in practices, according to ESPN. "He has a cannon," wide receiver Greg Jennings said. "We call him the Human Jugs Machine." |
Our View: Aside from the strong arm, it will be interesting to watch how Rodgers evolves as a leader of the team, while trying to fill Brett Favre’s enormous shoes. We currently have Rodgers ranked as a mid-level backup in our early fantasy rankings. But we will be tracking his progress throughout training camp and the preseason games, so that ranking could be fluid in nature.
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| Linebacker Bradie James proved he could handle coverage responsibilities, leading to him being a three-down linebacker last year, but he's not likely to be on the field as much this year, according to the Dallas Morning News. "I would like to play third down because I feel like that gives me a better chance to go for individual accolades," James said, "but I've got to make it work out without playing third down." |
Our View: During the offseason program, Kevin Burnett has handled the nickel and dime packages, while Zach Thomas, Bobby Carpenter and James are working in substitute packages. This development is obviously a negative hit on James' already questionable IDP value in 2008.
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| New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been jailed in southwest Virginia since June 15 for an undisclosed probation violation, according to USA Today. Lt. Jeannie Patrick of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail confirmed this morning that Bradshaw remains incarcerated. |
Our View: Bradshaw, 22, was sentenced to two years of probation for misdemeanor petty larceny in 2006 while a student at Marshall University. He pleaded guilty to stealing a fellow student's Play Station video game from a dorm room. No other details were immediately available.
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| Defensive tackle Dre Moore was one of the players who came to the rookie mini-camp in less than top physical condition, and head coach Jon Gruden issued a few words of warning to him, according to the Tampa Tribune. "He still has a long way to go to master playing pro football in this area of the country," Gruden said. "He's going to have stamina issues until he gets himself into great shape.” |
Our View: Moore, a fourth round pick out of Maryland, is strong, fast and plays with a mean streak in the trenches. Of course, none of this matters if he isn’t in football shape, hopefully he will start taking his professional career more seriously going forward.
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| Head coach Jeff Fisher met with receiver Brandon Jones, who faces a misdemeanor charge for unlawful possession of a handgun after trying to carry the weapon through a security checkpoint at Nashville International Airport, according to the Tennessean. "We are responsible for the choices that we make and sometimes we lose track of things," Fisher said. "He is embarrassed and will hopefully be able to put this thing behind him." |
Our View: New offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger chided Jones last month for his lack of concentration on the field, and it appears he has lapses in concentration off the field as well.
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| Newsday reporter Bob Glauber speculated on ESPN’s First Take show, that Bill Parcells could be interested in Dallas receiver Terry Glenn, if he were to be released by the Cowboys. |
Our View: Parcells has a history with Glenn, who would be utilized to mentor the Dolphins’ young wide receiver corps. This report is pure speculation at this juncture, but it makes sense if Glenn is ultimately released by Dallas.
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| In his 12 seasons in Miami, linebacker Zach Thomas made a reputation as a "team leader" that was at the forefront of anything major that was player related. But since signing as a free agent with Dallas this off-season, he has taken a low-key approach, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I’m not the voice of this team," Thomas said. "I was in Miami. I’m trying to fit in. There are plenty of guys on this team that are leaders." |
Our View: Thomas is not rejecting leadership responsibilities, but he is still in a feeling-out process while finding where he fits with the team.
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| Pro Bowl outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has been adding five pounds a season since he entered the league and is up to 263 pounds. But he isn’t losing his quickness or burst off the edge, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. |
Our View: Bad news for NFL quarterbacks, that Ware is getting bigger and faster. Last season, he posted 84 tackles (60 solo) and 14 sacks, and has set a goal of at least 15 sacks this season or one more than New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, a former teammate at Troy.
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| The Dallas Cowboys are beginning to take a closer look at cornerback Pacman Jones. And that look is coming with the first-team defense, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. During Wednesday’s mini-camp, Pacman took several repetitions with the first-team defense and played in the sub packages. His time on the field cut into the repetitions of starter Anthony Henry. |
Our View: New secondary coach Dave Campo did not acknowledge that Pacman was working with the first team and said the coaching staff is simply mixing and matching personnel. The move left Henry frustrated by the reduction in reps while Pacman took his place working alongside Terence Newman. Henry eventually could move to safety, but he is not expected to lose his starting cornerback job anytime soon.
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| With negotiations on a long-term contract going nowhere, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth's agent Chad Speck said Tuesday he'd like to reach an agreement where Haynesworth would sign his one-year tender if the Tennessee Titans would agree not to franchise him next season, according to the Tennessean. |
Our View: If the Titans agreed to Speck's request, they would have to sign Haynesworth to a long-term deal by next offseason or risk losing him to another team in free agency. Teams are allowed to place the franchise tag on a player for up to three years. Fisher said the Titans probably wouldn't give up that kind of leverage.
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| Oakland head coach Lane Kiffin continues to laud quarterback JaMarcus Russell’s preparation and work ethic, and Russell said he is working as hard mentally as he is physically, according to the Contra Costa Times. “I have everything on DVD and I watch it at home myself,” Russell said. “Everything - runs, steps or pass settings - anything that I can become good at I go home and look it over myself.” |
Our View: There have been conflicting reports regarding Russell’s conditioning, which has raised some red flags in the fantasy community. But there is no debating the fact that Russell has all of the physical tools to be an elite field general at the professional level. Dynasty leaguers should have him on their radar as a QB2 this season, as he could provide substantial dividends down the road.
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| Rookie receiver Arman Shields didn’t participate in the Oakland Raiders final organized team activities due to a hamstring pull, according to the Contra Costa Times. |
Our View: Shields, a fourth round pick, has been out since rookie mini-camps. And it has put him behind fellow rookie Chaz Schilens, a seventh-round pick of similar size who has had some solid moments.
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| Linebacker A.J. Hawk is trying to find ways to be a bigger difference-maker in the Green Bay Packers’ defense. Hawk is trying to improve his awareness so he knows which pass routes he can jump for an interception. He's also working on being a better blitzer by learning pass-rushing moves, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. |
Our View: Hawk, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2006 draft, saw his numbers decline across the board during his sophomore campaign. It’s good to hear that he’s working hard on his game, as the expectations of such a lofty draft pick are extremely high, and he needs to take a step forward in his third season.
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| Bob Glauber of Newsday reports that the contract talks between running back Ryan Grant and the Green Bay Packers are amicable, and a long-term deal could be reached within the next two weeks. |
Our View: Grant has attended team meetings and participated in the offseason-conditioning program, but he refuses to practice until a new deal is in place. Per Glauber, the Packers consider Grant their running back of the future, and hope to lock him down for five or six seasons.
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| Rookie running back Allen Patrick didn’t participate during the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie mini-camp on Wednesday because of sore left hamstring, according to the Carroll County Times. “He’s been fighting that, really, since he got here,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s going to have to work hard on that the next few weeks.” |
Our View: Definitely not a good thing when rookies miss crucial repetitions in camp, and even more problematic when you consider Patrick is a seventh round draft pick. He will need to step it up in training camp to make the final roster.
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| Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco guided the offense Wednesday during red-zone drills at the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie camp, and looked sharp on crossing patterns and a few designed rollouts, according to the Carroll County Times. “I’ve just got to stay in shape, get stronger, get faster and learn the offense better,” Flacco said. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work. It should be fun getting ready to go into the next month.” |
Our View: If the season started today, Troy Smith would be the starter according to recent media reports. However, the competition will be intense in training camp between Smith, Kyle Boller and Flacco. None of these quarterbacks will be great fantasy options.
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| Rookie running back Ray Rice spent time during the Baltimore Ravens’ mini-camp in the backfield and in the slot as a receiver, according to the Carroll County Times. |
Our View: Rice improved as a receiver during his senior year at Rutgers, where he set team records with 4,926 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns. He is expected to seize the backup role to Willis McGahee, and could be a nice handcuff for those of you in leagues with deeper rosters.
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| The Green Bay Packers have not had substantive talks with the Miami Dolphins regarding a potential trade for defensive end Jason Taylor, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. |
Our View: The Packers inquired in passing about Taylor prior to the draft, and have checked in time to time with Miami, but the Dolphins asking price is still too high. Miami reportedly wants a first round pick, while Green Bay might be willing to surrender a second rounder.
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| Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who underwent minor knee surgery in May, said he expects to be ready for training camp, according to the AP. He said, "I have no doubt that I should be ready for training camp. If this was the season, I’d probably be out there trying to get back on the field. I’d be on the field actually doing some stuff." |
Our View: KGB only notched 26 tackles in 2007, but continued to make an impact with 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The Packers have little depth beyond him at the position, and this is good news, as their pass rush would take a significant hit without him.
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| Coach Lovie Smith noted that Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton are tied in competition for the starting job at quarterback, according to NFL.com. OC Ron Turner added, "I think right now it is highly competitive. They both have done a great job doing what we ask them to do up to this point."
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Our View: The winner of the job isn't likely to break the top 20 among fantasy gunslingers, especially following the departures of deep threat Bernard Berrian and reliable vet Muhsin Muhammad.
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| Team pro personnel executive Doug Williams has commented that Antonio Bryant has looked like one of the Buccaneers' top two or three receivers during the off-season, according to the Tampa Tribune. Williams added, "He's got a great passion for the game, and he really missed it. You can see that in him. He's hungry and he's showing us that he really wants to be here and be a part of this team."
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Our View: Bryant was out of football in 2007, after a run-in with Mike Nolan in San Francisco and a DUI arrest that tarnished his rep, but Bryant is still only 27-years old and had first-round talent. He could beat out Ike Hilliard and Michael Clayton for the starting spot opposite Joey Galloway, and is worth keeping tabs on through training camp.
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| The Raiders expect Javon Walker to be ready for training camp when he recovers from his injuries sustained in a robbery over the weekend, according to the Contra Costa Times. Coach Lane Kiffin said, "The info that I have is he's going to be fine. Training camp won't be an issue. But until our guys look at him, I don't want to say the extent of Walker's injuries."
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Our View: Walker has a poor track record with durability and staying healthy, and he will remain an injury risk as a fantasy prospect.
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| The Bears noted that they are not looking for a veteran running back to compete for the starting job, and rookie Matt Forte appears to be their guy, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Coach Lovie Smith said, "We like the running backs we have right now. We don't have any plans to sign one. From Matt to Adrian Peterson to Garrett Wolfe to P.J. Pope, Matt Lawrence, we like all of our players, and those are the ones that we're going with."
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Our View: So the Bears won't likely be looking at Kevin Jones, Shaun Alexander, LaMont Jordan, or Ron Dayne. Forte cannot be counted on for a full workload over the full stretch of the season as a rookie, so Adrian Peterson should see plenty of action if he nails down the primary backup role.
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