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DraftSharks Invitational League 2 News Articles |
| # | Headline | Summary | Published | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Arians: LT Levi Brown 'very rusty' | (Rotoworld) Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says LT Levi Brown (triceps) was "very rusty" in minicamp, but that his "skills are still there." Analysis: That implies Brown's skills were there before he missed all of 2012 with a torn triceps, but we digress. Arians added that he was "extremely high" on second-year pro Nate Potter, so perhaps blindside duties won't be gifted to Brown after all. Brown hasn't been an effective player through his first 77 career games. | 1 hour |
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| 2. | Aaron Hernandez | (RotoWire) Hernandez (shoulder) was reportedly questioned by police Tuesday with regards to a homicide investigation for which he is not believed to be a murder suspect, ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The report adds that police are thought to be looking into a vehicle allegedly rented in Hernandez's name that could have a connection to the body of a 27-year-old man found earlier this week in North Attleboro, Mass. | 2 hours | |
| 3. | Jason Smith a 'sleeper' for left tackle ... | (Rotoworld) The New Orleans Times-Picayune considers Jason Smith a "sleeper" for the Saints' left tackle job. Analysis: We'll call him a deep sleeper. A deep, deep, deep one. Smith is "competing" with Charles Brown and third-rounder Terron Armstead, but is a distant third. Smith did get some first-team reps in OTAs, but he isn't even a lock for a roster spot. The Saints will be in trouble if they need Smith to start games this season. | 3 hours | |
| 4. | Rob Gronkowski | (RotoWire) Gronkowski's back surgery is complete and said to have gone well, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Analysis: Given that a 12-week recovery has been estimated for Gronkowski, his Week 1 availability is cloudy at this point, given that the Patriots' regular season opener is on September 8. A best-case scenario would result in Gronkowski not missing any games, but a cautious approach is likely here, with some speculation already having surfaced that the tight end may start the season on the PUP list. | 3 hours | |
| 5. | Patriots 'holding out hope' on Gronkowsk... | (Rotoworld) NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Patriots are "holding out hope" Rob Gronkowski (back surgery, arm surgery) will be ready for Week 1. Analysis: As to be expected. At this point, there's no reason to unilaterally assume Gronk won't be ready for Week 1 - two and a half months is a long time - but there's still far more reason to believe he won't be ready than will be ready. We're unlikely to get a good read on Gronk's regular season status before mid-August. All we know for now is that he'll start camp on the active/PUP list. | 3 hours | |
| 6. | Report: Pats believe Hernandez is innoce... | (Rotoworld) According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the "belief" inside Patriots headquarters is that Aaron Hernandez was "not involved" with the murder police are investigating in Attleboro, Mass. Analysis: The facts are changing quickly, but here's what we think we know: Hernandez is simply being questioned, and is not a suspect. 2. A car rented in Hernandez's name is a "key piece of evidence." 3. Hernandez's home is being searched Tuesday evening. The story will likely continue to evolve quickly, but for now there's no reason to assume anything other than Hernandez is... (More) | 3 hours | |
| 7. | Robert Lester | (RotoWire) Lester is making a strong impression during offseason practices, the Charlotte Observer reports. Analysis: Lester was signed by the Panthers as an undrafted rookie this summer and by all accounts has made the most of his opportunity with the team. At 6-1, 215 pounds, Lester possesses good size for a strong safety and given the uncertainty surrounding Carolina's secondary, the chance for him to claim a starting spot and boost his fantasy value is there. | 3 hours | |
| 8. | Josh Norman | (RotoWire) Norman has frequently practiced with the first-team defense this offseason, the Charlotte Observer reports. Analysis: Norman started 12 games during his rookie campaign last season, registering an admirable 73 tackles (52 solo), but was benched late in the year due to inconsistent play. The Coastal Carolina product has reportedly entered this season more disciplined, which bodes well for his chances of securing one of the Panthers' starting cornerback jobs. | 3 hours | |
| 9. | Patriots | Optimism surrounding Rob Gronkowski | (KFFL) New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (back, forearm), who underwent surgery to fix a spinal issue in his back Tuesday, June 18, has hopes of returning to action late in August, during the preseason. However, Gronkowski isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. He's likely to begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list but will be eligible to come off at any point before Week 1. | 3 hours | |
| 10. | Armanti Edwards | (RotoWire) Edwards has improved his play this offseason, the Charlotte Observer reports. Analysis: Edwards, through his first three professional seasons, has experienced difficulty making the transition from college quarterback to NFL receiver, but appears to have made progress during practice this summer. With Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn on Carolina's roster, Edwards certainly faces stiff competition for the team's No. 3 receiving position, but he seems to be putting his best foot forward for the time being. | 4 hours | |
| 11. | Patriots | Aaron Hernandez questioned by police | (KFFL) New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez was questioned by police investigating a possible homicide in a town 40 miles south of Boston Tuesday, June 18. The police were interested in possibly searching Hernandez's home. He's not believed to be a murder suspect, though, but a vehicle that was rented in his name has become a key piece of evidence. The police are hoping to analyze the vehicle for fingerprints. A body was found Monday, June 17, less than a mile from Hernandez's home. | 4 hours | |
| 12. | Stephen Nicholas | (RotoWire) Nicolas (hernia) participated in Atlanta's minicamp on Tuesday, the Falcons' official site reports. Analysis: Both Nicholas and fellow linebacker Sean Weatherspoon were able to rejoin their teammates at minicamp after sitting out OTAs. Nicholas underwent a minor operation to address a sports hernia during the offseason, but he was expected to be healthy enough to participate in minicamp. It appears his rehab is right on schedule. | 4 hours | |
| 13. | Sean Weatherspoon | (RotoWire) Weatherspoon (knee) participated in Atlanta's minicamp on Tuesday, the Falcons' official site reports. Analysis: This is encouraging news for Weatherspoon, who was forced to sit out OTAs while he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery. It appears that his knee is healthy enough to practice on, but we'll keep an eye on his health as minicamp progresses. He's a tackle machine when he's on the field. | 4 hours | |
| 14. | Kendall Wright | (RotoWire) Wright, who missed last Monday's practice due to a sore back, was back on the field during Tuesday's mini-camp workout, the Tennessean reports. Analysis: Wright, who beat rookie cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson on a deep ball during Tuesday's practice, is evidently okay and he'll look to build on a rookie season that saw him catch a team-high 64 passes (in 15 games) for 626 yards and four touchdowns. An uptick in production on his part would no doubt be aided by the continued development of QB Jake Locker, but either way, Wright is bound to be have a major role in the Titans' offense in his second year as a pro, while working in tan... (More) | 5 hours | |
| 15. | Armanti Edwards likely to keep roster sp... | (Rotoworld) The Charlotte Observer believes Armanti Edwards is "beginning to look like an NFL receiver," and expects him to keep his roster spot. Analysis: Better late than never? Edwards has done absolutely nothing through his first three NFL seasons, but is apparently "running fluid routes and catching the ball in traffic." That's all good and well, but pad-less practices have always been when Edwards shines. We're highly skeptical he'll suddenly be a productive player in 2013, and don't consider his roster spot cinched up. | 5 hours | |
| 16. | WR Walter (back) not taking part in mini... | (Rotoworld) Kevin Walter (back) will be sidelined until training camp. Analysis: Walter has barely practiced since signing in April, and is starting to hurt his roster chances. At this point, Walter might need Tennessee to renege on its promise of keeping Nate Washington to have a real shot at making the 53-man roster. | 5 hours | |
| 17. | Patriots | Rob Gronkowski injury update | (KFFL) New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, back) underwent back surgery Tuesday, June 18. It is believed the surgery was successful. | 5 hours | |
| 18. | Titans coordinator praises tight end gro... | (Rotoworld) OC Dowell Loggains believes the Titans have their best tight end corps since "Alge (Crumpler) and Bo Scaife." | 5 hours | |
| 19. | Report: Falcons, Ryan in 'casual' talks | (Rotoworld) A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk the Falcons and Matt Ryan are engaged in "casual" extension talks, and that negotiations are expected to intensify after July 4. | 6 hours | |
| 20. | Kevin Walter | (RotoWire) Walter (back) won't practice until training camp, Tennessean writer Jim Wyatt reports. Analysis: With the likes of Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Kendall Wright, Damian Williams and Justin Hunter also in the Titans' wideout mix, Walter -- who caught 41 passes for 518 yards with two TDs for Houston last year -- will need a break or two in his favor to have any sort of shot at helping out fantasy owners this coming season. | 6 hours | |
| 21. | Ponder may have shaky in-season job secu... | (Rotoworld) ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested on NFL Live that Christian Ponder will be in danger of losing his job this season if the Vikings begin to struggle. Analysis: "There are enough people around the league that believe Matt Cassel is good enough to challenge Ponder," stated Schefter, adding that Cassel "could unseat Ponder at some point this season." Although Schefter confirmed Ponder won't lose his job before Week 1, he called it a "situation that bears watching." Ponder endured a brutal nine-game stretch last season (Weeks 7-16) where he completed 140-of-... (More) | 6 hours | |
| 22. | Cards' site projects CB Powers as starte... | (Rotoworld) AzCardinals.com expects Jerraud Powers to start over Antoine Cason opposite Patrick Peterson. Analysis: Reporter Darren Urban "wouldn't be shocked" if Cason beat out Powers in camp, however. Urban believes Powers' experience playing for Cardinals coach Bruce Arians last season gives him a leg up. Cason has been a starter each of the past three years, but played poorly in 2012. He's also making less than Powers. In other words, Powers is the better bet to start. | 6 hours | |
| 23. | Vernon Davis | (RotoWire) There is growing speculation that Davis may get more work at wide receiver this season after spending most of his time in mini-camp working with the receivers, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports. Analysis: With the loss of Michael Crabtree and the departure of Randy Moss, the 49ers are in need of an outside receiver who is capable of stretching the field. Newly-acquired Anquan Boldin is more effective as a slot receiver and Davis seems to be the only one with experience running deep routes. It's very possible that the 49ers do experiment with Davis lining up as a wide receiver which could help increase his value, but the team ... (More) | 6 hours | |
| 24. | Dolphins | Randy Starks contract update | (KFFL) The Miami Dolphins and DL Randy Starks are not close on a long-term contract extension. It is expected that Starks will play out the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season. | 6 hours | |
| 25. | Gronkowski expected to open camp on PUP ... | (Rotoworld) ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed on NFL Live that Rob Gronkowski (back surgery) will open training camp on the active/PUP list. Analysis: "I think the one thing that does seem certain at this time is, he is expected to open training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list," stated Schefter. Schefter added that the Patriots anticipated Gronk needing back surgery all offseason, but the procedure was repeatedly delayed due to his four forearm procedures. Because Gronkowski will open camp on PUP, he'll be a candidate to open the regular season on the reserve/PUP list, cos... (More) | 6 hours | |
| 26. | Falcons | Two participating in practice | (KFFL) Atlanta Falcons LB Sean Weatherspoon (knee) and Stephen Nicholas (hernia) both participated in minicamp practice Thursday, June 18. | 6 hours | |
| 27. | 'Spoon, Nicholas participating in minica... | (Rotoworld) Falcons WLB Sean Weatherspoon (knee scope) and OLB Stephen Nicholas (sports-hernia surgery) are participating in minicamp. Analysis: It's unclear if they're taking part in team drills, but it's a sign both remain on track for training camp. Weatherspoon notched 95 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and one interception despite appearing in just 13 games last season. | 7 hours | |
| 28. | Report: Jags 'exploring' Desmond Bishop | (Rotoworld) The Florida Times Union reports the Jaguars are "exploring" free agent ILB Desmond Bishop, but have yet to schedule a visit. Analysis: Bishop is meeting with the Vikings on Tuesday and Chiefs on Tuesday, so it's quite possible he'll never make it to Jacksonville. Bishop would be a nice fit for a lot of teams, but particularly the Jaguars, who need to stockpile as much talent as possible as they begin the arduous task of remaking ex-GM Gene Smith's broken roster. | 7 hours | |
| 29. | Cowboys | Anthony Spencer contract update | (KFFL) The Dallas Cowboys could reach a contract extension by the end of next month with LB Anthony Spencer. The sides are not close now, but there has been enough momentum that it could get done before the deadline to sign franchised players to extensions. | 7 hours | |
| 30. | Cunningham pleased with Ansah's progress | (Rotoworld) Lions DC Gunther Cunningham is pleased with the pace of first-round DE Ziggy Ansah's development. Analysis: "He's got a good feel for the game," Cunningham said. "He has unique ability to slip gaps and show up. The tough thing right now is we (didn't) have pads on. That's when the real thing's going to be in front of him." Ansah has drawn frequent praise from his new coaches and teammates, but as Cunningham said, the real test will be how he fares in pads. We wouldn't be surprised if the relative football neophyte had a trying rookie year. | 7 hours | |
| 31. | Titans | Kevin Walter to miss minicamp | (KFFL) Tennessee Titans WR Kevin Walter (soreness) will not practice again until training camp begins, according to head coach Mike Munchak. | 7 hours | |
| 32. | Levitre limited to ind. drills in minica... | (Rotoworld) Titans LG Andy Levitre (knee soreness) will be limited to individual drills in minicamp. Analysis: As will RT David Stewart (broken leg). The Titans' meal ticket road paver hasn't gotten in any team reps since signing his six-year, $46.8 million deal, and is questionable for the beginning of training camp. The Titans' entire offseason "plan" will go up in smoke if Levitre isn't ready for Week 1, but there's been nothing to suggest that will be the case. | 7 hours | |
| 33. | Giants | Victor Cruz contract update | (KFFL) It is believed the New York Giants and WR Victor Cruz are separated by $3 million in guaranteed money. The Giants are believed to be offering $12-15 million in guaranteed money and Cruz is seeking $15-18 million in guaranteed money. | 7 hours | |
| 34. | Justin Hunter (hamstring) still not clea... | (Rotoworld) Second-round WR Justin Hunter (hamstring) isn't participating in Titans minicamp. | 7 hours | |
| 35. | Titans | Markelle Martin to miss minicamp | (KFFL) Tennessee Titans FS Markelle Martin (groin) will miss all of the team's minicamp. Head coach Mike Munchak said he hopes Martin will be back for training camp. | 7 hours | |
| 36. | Vincent Brown Has Been Offseason Standout For Chargers | (FFChamps) According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers receiver Vincent Brown has stood out this spring. Analysis: "He is not quite 6 feet tall, not quite 200 pounds, not a guy who would win a foot race against almost any cornerback," according to Union-Tribune beat writers. "But he plays tall, plays big, plays fast." Brown was impressive last preseason before breaking his ankle and missing the entire year. He could have a big year in coach Mike McCoy's short-passing offense. | 7 hours | |
| 37. | No 'sense of urgency' between Bears, Mel... | (Rotoworld) CBS' Jason La Canfora reports there hasn't been a "sense of urgency" between the Bears and franchise player DT Henry Melton in long-term talks. Analysis: The sides have done very little negotiating, but there haven't been reports of an impasse. Talks between the Bears and franchise player Matt Forte progressed very slowly last summer before the sides hammered out a deal at the 11th hour. Considering the current team-friendly state of defensive linemen contracts, the time for the Bears to lock Melton up is now. | 7 hours | |
| 38. | Chargers Going To Change To Short-Passing Scheme | (FFChamps) The Chargers are expected to scrap the vertical-oriented attack of the past few years in favor of a short-passing scheme, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Analysis: New Chargers coach Mike McCoy, who was the offensive coordinator in Denver last season, wants to get the ball out of Phiip Rivers' hand quicker. Rivers has been one of the NFL's top deep passers since 2008, but he was sacked 49 times last season and has turned the ball over 47 times over the last two years. Change is necessary to cope with San Diego's terrible offensive line. | 8 hours | |
| 39. | Deal between Starks, Dolphins unlikely | (Rotoworld) CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora doesn't expect the Dolphins and franchise player DT Randy Starks to agree to a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline. Analysis: Starks desperately wants a multi-year deal, but lost what little leverage he had when he signed his $8.5 million tender on March 19. With Starks going on 30 and the Dolphins already having a number of big-money contracts on the books, Starks is going to have to be content playing on a one-year deal. | 8 hours | |
| 40. | Maurice Jones-Drew Optimistic About Recovery | (FFChamps) Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is optimistic about his progress in his recovery from Lisfranc surgery, according to Jaguars.NFL.com. Analysis: Jones-Drew's foot is fully healed, so he can now focus on strengthening his ankle. Jags GM David Caldwell said last week that the plan is for Jones-Drew to be 100 percent when camp opens July 26. Jones-Drew is confident that he'll lose weight and get in shape now that he can run. "The weight is going to come off as I work out," Jones-Drew said. "All I could do (after surgery) was eat. With this injury, you don't want to... (More) | 8 hours | |
| 41. | David Reed | (RotoWire) Reed is among the players competing for playing time at wide receiver, the Ravens' official website reports. Analysis: Torrey Smith is locked in as the No. 1 and Jacoby Jones is probably locked in as either the No. 2 or No. 3, but everything else seems to be wide open in the Baltimore receiving corps, and the team would probably prefer to use Jones as a third receiver. As a result, youngsters like Reed, Tandon Doss, Deonte Thompson, Tommy Streeter, and LaQuan Williams will all be given a chance to win a starting job. Reed has shown explosive athleticism as a return man and likely offers the best run-after-catch skills of the bunc... (More) | 8 hours | |
| 42. | David Wilson Has Improved in Pass Protection | (FFChamps) According to ESPN New York, Giants running backs coach Jerald Ingram said David Wilson has improved with his pass protection, but he wants to see how Wilson does in full pads once training camp starts. | 8 hours | |
| 43. | LaQuan Williams | (RotoWire) Williams is competing for playing time at wide receiver, the Ravens' official website reports. Analysis: Things are wide open in the Baltimore receiving corps behind No. 1 wide receiver Torrey Smith. That being said, Williams is a special teamer who would seem to have little chance at earning significant playing time on offense. Tandon Doss, Deonte Thompson, David Reed, and Tommy Streeter are all probably more likely to make an impact this season, although Williams could potentially make the final roster based on his special teams acumen. | 8 hours | |
| 44. | Deonte Thompson | (RotoWire) Thompson made an impression at OTAs and minicamp, the Ravens' official website reports. Analysis: Thompson is one of a number of players competing for the No. 2 and No. 3 receiver spots in Baltimore, and while he's relatively unknown around the league, it sounds like he has a legitimate chance to compete for a starting job. Thompson made the team as an undrafted free agent last season and caught five of the six passes thrown his way in limited action as the Ravens' No. 5 receiver. He still has a long way to go, but is clearly in the mix for playing time along with Tandon Doss, David Reed, Tommy Streeter, and LaQuan Williams. Thom... (More) | 8 hours | |
| 45. | Tandon Doss | (RotoWire) Doss spent a significant amount of time running with the starters during OTAs and minicamp, the Ravens' official website reports. Analysis: There will be quite a bit of competition at the wide receiver position in Baltimore, and at the moment it doesn't sound like the team plans on adding a notable veteran body to the mix. Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones would be the starters if the season started now, but the Ravens would ideally like to see another player step up and push Jones back to the No. 3 receiver role. Doss and Deonte Thompson are apparently at the front of the pack so far, though it's still too soon to rule out the likes... (More) | 8 hours | |
| 46. | Maurice Jones-Drew | (RotoWire) Jones-Drew (foot) says he's optimistic that he'll be 100 percent when the season opens as he comes back from foot surgery. Analysis: General Manager David Caldwell said the plan is for MJD to be ready to go in time for training camp on July 26. MJD says his foot is healed, which allows him to run and condition, and lose the weight he put on following surgery. Jones-Drew said his primary focus is to strengthen his ankle. | 8 hours | |
| 47. | Michael Johnson a 'goner' from Cincy in ... | (Rotoworld) CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora believes franchise player RE Michael Johnson will be a "goner" from the Bengals next offseason. Analysis: La Canfora reports there "doesn't seem to be much optimism" regarding a long-term deal. That would almost certainly thrust Johnson onto the open market in 2014, as the Bengals are going to have to franchise DT Geno Atkins. Still only 26 and coming off a breakout season, Johnson could position himself for a monster contract with another double-digit sack campaign. | 8 hours | |
| 48. | Cowboys get third-round WR Williams sign... | (Rotoworld) Cowboys signed No. 74 overall pick WR Terrance Williams to a four-year contract. | 8 hours | |
| 49. | Report: 'Chasm' exists in Cicny/Atkins t... | (Rotoworld) CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports there's already a "chasm" in long-term talks between the Bengals and DT Geno Atkins. Analysis: The sides haven't done much negotiating heading into the final year of Atkins' rookie contract, but sound like they're miles apart in the early going. It's not exactly a surprise, as Atkins is one of the top defensive linemen in the league, while the Bengals remain its thriftiest club. Atkins would almost certainly be franchise tagged next offseason absent a new deal. | 8 hours | |
| 50. | 'Some sense' Clady, Broncos will strike ... | (Rotoworld) CBS' Jason La Canfora reports there is "some sense" the Broncos and unsigned franchise player LT Ryan Clady will hammer out a long-term deal before next month's deadline. Analysis: La Canfora expects talks to come down to the July 15 deadline, but believes the Broncos are "edging closer to reality on what the cost will be." Clady is believed to be seeking Joe Thomas or Jason Peters money, which would put him in the neighborhood of $35-$45 million guaranteed. The Broncos would be wise not to upset the man tasked with protecting Peyton Manning's blindside. | 8 hours | |
| 51. | No 'real movement' between Bills, S Byrd | (Rotoworld) Sources tell CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora there hasn't been "any real movement" in long-term talks between the Bills and unsigned franchise player Jairus Byrd. Analysis: Byrd has made it clear he won't be taking a hometown discount by skipping the Bills' entire offseason program. The sides are believed to be $2 million apart annually, a sizable sum. They have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement. Aside from avoiding injury, Byrd would have nothing to gain by holding out of training camp. | 9 hours | |
| 52. | Spencer talks 'cordial and productive' | (Rotoworld) CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports long-term talks between the Cowboys and franchise player LE Anthony Spencer have been "cordial and productive," and that a deal is possible before next month's deadline. Analysis: Per La Canfora, the sides have been "exchanging proposals for quite some time." Owner Jerry Jones rarely lets his own players get away, and is likely even more desperate than usual to lock Spencer up after franchising him in back-to-back years. There's a good chance Spencer will be reporting to camp with a fresh new extension. | 9 hours | |
| 53. | Jets | Still paying for Tim Tebow | (KFFL) The New York Jets are paying the Denver Broncos $1.53 million in 2013 as part of their trade agreement for QB Tim Tebow. Tebow signed a two-year, $1.36 million deal with the New England Patriots recently. | 9 hours | |
| 54. | NFL | Mike Tice hopes to coach again | (KFFL) Free-agent NFL coach Mike Tice (Bears) hopes to become a coach again. Tice is taking the year off but has his eyes on coaching in 2014. "There were a few things that came up but those jobs got filled up by other coaches, most notably younger coaches. I joined the Y. I'm trying to look young. I'm not sure they can help with my hair loss," Tice joked. | 9 hours | |
| 55. | Armon Binns | (RotoWire) Binns has made a good impression during the Dolphins' offseason practices, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun-Sentinel. Analysis: Though Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline continue to top the Dolphins' wideout depth chart, the report suggests that Binns could push free agent signee Brandon Gibson for the team's slot role vacated by the departure of Davone Bess. | 9 hours | |
| 56. | Williams, Tolbert taking on extra reps | (TheHuddle) Carolina Panthers RBs DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert received plenty of repetitions in OTAs with RB Jonathan Stewart (ankles) on the mend. Analysis: What else have we come to expect from the Carolina RB situation as it's shaping up to be yet another year, another committee effort producing numbers on the ground. | 9 hours | |
| 57. | Pats' Mallett continuing to impress | (TheHuddle) New England Patriots QB Ryan Mallett continues to draw rave reviews at practice. 'He's got arm strength like I've never seen. Ever,' RB Shane Vereen said. 'He uses that really well. He's got tremendous leadership ability. He just needs his opportunity, I think.' Analysis: It appeared as if that opportunity might come earlier this offseason with the Browns, among other teams, rumored to be in hot pursuit, but the Pats are in no hurry as Mallett's value should continue to trend upward the longer he sits behind Tom Brady. | 9 hours | |
| 58. | Panthers' Olsen showing rapport with Newton | (TheHuddle) Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen is showing great timing with QB Cam Newton during offseason workouts. Analysis: Olsen had a career year in 2012 in terms of receptions (69) and yards (843) and even more could be in store this season with questions still surrounding the Panthers' WR situation outside of veteran Steve Smith. | 9 hours | |
| 59. | NFL | Chad Johnson comments after release from jail | (KFFL) Free-agent WR Chad Johnson (Dolphins) was released from jail after serving seven days of a 30-day sentence in relation to violating probation of his domestic violence conviction. Johnson expressed that he learned his lesson. "I think that Judge McHugh was able to get me do something many people have tried to get me to do for a long time: slow down, just at life in general," Johnson said. "She was able to get me to do that, maybe not in the best circumstances for those on the outside but I see being able to sit down and think about life and where I'm going from this point was ... (More) | 9 hours | |
| 60. | Brad Jones | (RotoWire) Jones is on pace to open the season as a starting middle linebacker following the release of Desmond Bishop on Monday. Analysis: Bishop's pending return would have led to a training camp competition for the two starting middle linebacker spots between he, Jones, and A.J. Hawk, but with Bishop no longer part of the mix, Jones is a lock to open the season as a starter if healthy. Jones averaged over eight tackles in his last nine games in 2012, so consider him an IDP sleeper with the starting job in hand. | 9 hours | |
| 61. | Desmond Bishop | (RotoWire) Bishop (hamstring) is slated to visit the Chiefs on Thursday, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports. Analysis: Bishop, who was released by the Packers on Monday, has already drawn interest from the Vikings. Bishop missed the entire 2012 season with a torn hamstring, but when healthy -- which Bishop says he will be for training camp -- he can be a productive IDP. He recorded a career-high 115 tackles to go along with five sacks in 13 games for Green Bay in 2011. | 9 hours | |
| 62. | MJD ready for training camp? | (FFToday) There understandably has been some teeth-gnashing among fans and observers over whether Maurice Jones-Drew's foot, weight or both will remain an issue come the regular season. Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell said last week the plan is for Jones-Drew to be 100 percent when camp opens July 26. Analysis: On top of the rehab is MJD's off-field incident which has yet to be resolved. Sticking to the field, it's worrisome to fantasy owners that MJD hasn't been able to do much conditioning after foot surgery. For what it's worth, MJD had microfracture surgery and came bac... (More) | 9 hours | |
| 63. | Colin Cloherty | (RotoWire) The Falcons have signed Cloherty to a two-year contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Analysis: With just five catches for 59 yards under his belt in eight games over four NFL seasons, Cloherty is strictly a depth guy at tight end for the Falcons. | 9 hours | |
| 64. | Ingram says Wilson has improved in pass ... | (Rotoworld) Running backs coach Jerald Ingram said David Wilson's pass protection has improved. Analysis: As a rookie, Wilson's fumbles and struggles as a blocker led to just 75 touches from scrimmage. "He's definitely on a better track than he was a year ago in understanding our protections and doing those kinds of things," Ingram said. As long as Wilson's fundamentals are solid, he's going to see a massive boost in touches as the starter ahead of power back Andre Brown. When Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs formed a "thunder and lightning" committee in 2010, Bradshaw stil... (More) | 9 hours | |
| 65. | Cowboys believe in rookie RB Randle | (TheHuddle) The Dallas Cowboys believe rookie RB Joseph Randle can be a full-time running back if something happened to RB DeMarco Murray. Randle will have to compete with RBs Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner for the No. 2 running back job during training camp. Analysis: It's more like "when" -- not "if" -- something happens to Murray, who's missed a combined 9 games over his first 2 seasons in Big D. Randle isn't the biggest of backs (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), though, and there definitely be some doubts should the 5th-round pick step in as the No. 1 back for any length of time. | 9 hours | |
| 66. | Release motivates LB Bishop | (TheHuddle) Free-agent LB Desmond Bishop (Packers) said he is motivated as a result of his release Monday, June 17. "There's something about being released that's definitely going to add another chip to my shoulders,' Bishop said. 'It's motivation. It's nothing negative about this whole situation. I think it's all part of the plan, and I have to keep playing it out. I think it's going to be good. I think all that is going to help me reach my goal." Analysis: The Vikings and Chiefs reportedly are already interested in the 28-year-old Bishop, who led the Pack in tackles and finish... (More) | 9 hours | |
| 67. | Leach prefers return to Texans | (TheHuddle) Free-agent RB Vonta Leach (Ravens) said he'll decide on a new team within two weeks, but he prefers to sign with the Houston Texans. Analysis: Leach had a productive 4-plus-year run with the Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2011, but Houston reportedly likes what it has in new FB signee Greg Jones so we'll have to see if there's room for Leach on the roster. | 9 hours | |
| 68. | Desmond Bishop | (RotoWire) Bishop (hamstring) will visit with Minnesota after his release from the Packers, the ESPN Wisconsin reports. Analysis: The Vikings have a need for a veteran linebacker with Jasper Brinkley leaving via free agency and no clear starter to replace him. Bishop missed last season with a hamstring injury and hasn't practiced this spring, but he says he's fully healthy. He could win a starting job with a team this summer if he's back to full strength. | 10 hours | |
| 69. | Packers | Aaron Rodgers thinks team is under the radar | (KFFL) Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is enjoying his team flying under the radar heading into the 2013 season. "I love it. I love being under the radar," Rodgers said. "For sure, we're a contender. For sure. I mean, we're going to put ourselves in position to win a lot of games. Our goal is to win our division and get to the playoffs. And anything can happen. And then hopefully we can take care of business like we did in 2010 when we get back there." | 10 hours | |
| 70. | Pat Angerer | (RotoWire) Angerer (foot) was held out of all of Indy's offseason work, including last week's mini camp, as he recovers from surgery in January to help repair a broken foot, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: It's thought he'll be ready for the start of training camp. If healthy, he should start at an inside linebacker spot, but could face competition from Kavell Conner and Kelvin Sheppard. | 10 hours | |
| 71. | Brandon McKinney | (RotoWire) McKinney (knee) practiced as a reserve defensive lineman in Indy's recent mini camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: McKinney missed the 2012 season after tearing an ACL in his knee. It looks like he'll be ready to compete for playing time at nose tackle this summer. He could be a productive run stuffer in the 3-4 defense. | 10 hours | |
| 72. | Chiefs | Desmond Bishop to visit | (KFFL) Free-agent LB Desmond Bishop (Packers) will visit with the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, June 20. | 10 hours | |
| 73. | Chiefs | Have shown interest in Vonta Leach | (KFFL) The Kansas City Chiefs have shown interested in signing free-agent FB Vonta Leach (Ravens). | 10 hours | |
| 74. | Broncos | Ronnie Hillman thinks he can carry the load | (KFFL) Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman is confident that he can carry the load as the team's featured back this season, despite his size. "You get that when you're a smaller guy," Hillman said. "You can't take the pounding, but I just brush it off. Of course you hear things. I'm not going to sit here and say I don't hear what they say, but you just got to let it go." Hillman put on 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, but the team has told him they'd like him to play around 190 to 195 pounds. | 10 hours | |
| 75. | Dwayne Gratz signs his rookie contract | (Rotoworld) Jaguars signed third-round CB Dwayne Gratz to a four-year contract. Analysis: The Jags are desperate for the top part of their draft class to make an instant impact, and Gratz is no different. He'll step right in as a Week 1 starter and will be expected to deal with some of the game's No. 1 wideouts. The Jags' only other options are Alan Ball and Marcus Trufant. It's going to be a secondary worth attacking in fantasy matchups. | 10 hours | |
| 76. | Cassius Vaughn | (RotoWire) Vaughn practiced as a reserve cornerback during Indy's recent mini camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: Vaughn and Darius Butler were the third and fourth corners behind Greg Toler and Vontae Davis. It's possible Vaughn or Butler could win a starting role during training camp, and both players will likely get significant snaps in nickel and dime packages. | 10 hours | |
| 77. | Johnathan Cyprien signs his rookie contr... | (Rotoworld) Jaguars signed second-round SS Johnathan Cyprien to a four-year contract. Analysis: Along with No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel, the Jags are counting on Cyprien to step right in as a starter and make a big impact. He was reportedly the MVP of OTAs and minicamps and figures to be even better once the pads come on. Cyprien couples excellent range with the toughness of an in-the-box safety. | 10 hours | |
| 78. | Darius Butler | (RotoWire) Butler practiced as a reserve cornerback during Indy's recent mini camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: Greg Toler was a starter ahead of Butler next to Vontae Davis. Butler should get significant playing time in nickel and dime packages if he's coming off the bench. He could still win a starting job in training camp, however. | 10 hours | |
| 79. | Greg Toler | (RotoWire) Toler practiced as a starting cornerback during Indy's recent mini camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: It looks like Toler will have the lead on a starting job over Darius Butler when training camp begins in July. | 10 hours | |
| 80. | Jamoris Slaughter cleared for all activi... | (Rotoworld) Browns sixth-round S Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles') has been cleared for all activity. Analysis: Slaughter tore his ACL in September of his senior year at Notre Dame. He insists he won't be limited when training camp begins as he battles for reps at free safety and on special teams. | 10 hours | |
| 81. | Bjoern Werner | (RotoWire) Werner was used at both outside linebacker spots during Indy's recent mini camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: It's not clear how exactly Indy's first-round draft pick will be used as he may be more involved in stopping the run than Dwight Freeney was last season which may mean he's not going to produce big sack totals right away. | 10 hours | |
| 82. | Robert Mathis | (RotoWire) Mathis was practicing in Dwight Freeney's vacated "rush" linebacker spot during Indy's recent mini camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. Analysis: It looks like Mathis will be standing more in a spot to rush the passer while first-round draft pick Bjoern Werner will be used at both outside linebacker spots. This could help Mathis' sack totals, but he may be moved around the field to look for the best matchups in the 3-4 defense. | 10 hours | |
| 83. | Miles Austin | (RotoWire) The Cowboys are exercising caution with Austin as the offseason progresses, keeping in mind that the wideout has been slowed by a hamstring issue each of the past two seasons, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Analysis: To that end, the Cowboys gave Austin a day off during the team's minicamp last week, plus earlier he sat out some of the squad's OTA practices. Austin missed part of training camp last year because of hamstring issues, which is something the team is trying to avoid. For his part, with reference to his health, the wideout, who managed to play all 16 games in 2012 after missing six games in 2011, says "I feel g... (More) | 10 hours | |
| 84. | Desmond Bishop to visit Chiefs after Vik... | (Rotoworld) Free agent ILB Desmond Bishop is scheduled to visit with the Chiefs Thursday. Analysis: Bishop is meeting with the Vikings on Tuesday. By arranging a visit with another suitor, his agent exerts some leverage over Minnesota. If they want him to help fill their gaping need at inside linebacker, they better get a deal done before he leaves town. Bishop would provide the Chiefs with a significant upgrade over Akeem Jordan at the inside 'backer spot next to Derrick Johnson. | 10 hours | |
| 85. | Colin Cloherty signs on with Falcons | (Rotoworld) Falcons signed TE Colin Cloherty to a two-year contract. Analysis: A 2009 undrafted free agent out of Brown, Cloherty has spent the majority of his NFL time on the practice squads of the Colts, 49ers and Jaguars. He has five career regular-season catches. | 10 hours | |
| 86. | Falcons | Colin Cloherty signs | (KFFL) The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent TE Colin Cloherty (Jaguars) to a two-year deal. | 10 hours | |
| 87. | Josh Freeman, wideouts on same page | (Rotoworld) Mike Williams says Josh Freeman wasn't on the same page with the wideouts in terms of route adjustments last season. Analysis: The Bucs were breaking in new OC Mike Sullivan's offense. "The big problem last year was we couldn't get on the same page, knowing when to break our routes off," Williams said. Now entering their second year in the scheme, the entire organization is expecting Freeman to take a step forward in terms of efficiency. "We know this offense," Williams said. "It's a knowing instead of reacting to something." | 10 hours | |
| 88. | Richard Seymour in no rush to sign | (Rotoworld) ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested on SportsCenter Tuesday that free agent DL Richard Seymour may not sign with a team until during or late in training camp. Analysis: Schefter noted that Seymour -- going on age 34 -- may not want to go through the rigors of two-a-days, which would be very understandable at this stage of his career. Schefter also indicated Seymour has a contract number in mind and won't budge: "He's only gonna play if the money is absolutely right." Perhaps the Falcons will revisit the Seymour idea after extending Matt Ryan. | 11 hours | |
| 89. | Schefter expects Tebow to be inactive of... | (Rotoworld) ESPN's Adam Schefter expects Tim Tebow to be the Patriots No. 3 quarterback and inactive for most games this season. Analysis: Schefter senses that Tebow will make the final roster, but he describes a developmental quarterback role. We'll probably have to wait until preseason games to find out exactly what Bill Belichick has in mind. For now, there's no tangible evidence that Tebow will be asked to help at tight end. | 11 hours | |
| 90. | Chargers implementing quicker pass offen... | (Rotoworld) The Chargers are implementing a shorter passing offense designed to get the ball out of Philip Rivers' hands more quickly. Analysis: It's a smart idea due to pass-protection woes, and both Mike McCoy (Peyton Manning offense) and OC Ken Whisenhunt (Kurt Warner offense) have experience in systems that emphasize shorter drops and getting the ball out quick. Rivers, on the other hand, has never played in an offense like this and it'll be interesting to see the transition. Norv Turner and Cam Cameron's schemes were of the "Air Coryell" variety, constantly pushing the ball down... (More) | 11 hours | |
| 91. | Maurice Jones-Drew says foot is healed | (Rotoworld) Maurice Jones-Drew (Lisfranc surgery) said his foot is now healed and he's concentrating on strengthening his ankle. Analysis: The Lisfranc surgery is so brutal because players can't even run for months after it. Jones-Drew is finally able to exercise fully now. "The weight's going to come off as I work out," he said. "All I could do (after surgery) was eat. With this injury, you don't want to break the screws and have to get the surgery over again. I couldn't move." MJD remains questionable for the start of training camp. | 11 hours | |
| 92. | Pete Carroll says Thomas just hitting pr... | (Rotoworld) Coach Pete Carroll said FS Earl Thomas is just hitting his prime now. Analysis: Thomas, who turned 24 last month, has been in the NFL for three seasons. He's been to two Pro Bowls, was a first-team All-Pro last year and has never missed a game. "There's no end to the potential Earl has," Carroll said, "because he's so fast and he's so tough, but more than that, he's just so driven to be great." | 11 hours | |
| 93. | Robert Griffin has no limp when brace-fr... | (Rotoworld) When Robert Griffin III (ACL, LCL surgery) walks without a brace, he does not limp. Analysis: RG3 was spotted limping slightly after some minicamp practices, but it appears that was due to a bulky brace. He raced rookie tight end Jordan Reed last week and won, confirming his long speed has returned. Reed ran a respectable 4.72 forty at the Combine. By all accounts, Griffin is ahead of schedule in his rehab. | 12 hours | |
| 94. | Buccaneers | Vincent Jackson praises QB | (KFFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson said QB Josh Freeman has returned a far more comfortable and confident quarterback in the second year in offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan's system. | 12 hours | |
| 95. | Brandon Myers can get vertical for NYG? | (Rotoworld) Tight ends coach Mike Pope said there will be chances for Brandon Myers to get vertical in the passing game. Analysis: Myers was mostly a safety valve during his breakout campaign in Oakland last year, averaging just 10.2 YPC. "Our passing game does allow the tight end to get more vertically down the field -- flag routes, double seam routes, post routes," Pope said. "And he appears to have the skills to get those balls. He has a little bit of a jet that can accelerate and go get a ball that is a little deeper." We'll believe the plodding Myers can make plays down ... (More) | 12 hours | |
| 96. | Cruz, Giants are $3M apart in guarantees | (Rotoworld) Victor Cruz is reportedly seeking $15-18 million in guaranteed money on a long-term deal. Analysis: Per the New York Post, the Giants are believed to be offering something between $12 and $15 million in guarantees. Note that Percy Harvin got $25.5 million guaranteed in his new deal with the Seahawks, Mike Wallace squeezed $30 million guaranteed out of the Dolphins and Dwayne Bowe pocketed $26 million. Regardless, Cruz has given up all his leverage by signing his RFA tender. The Giants can fine him if he skips any training camp practices. He's not expected to. | 12 hours | |
| 97. | Tandon Doss stood out during offseason | (Rotoworld) The Carroll County Times calls Tandon Doss one of the standouts of the Ravens' offseason. Analysis: Doss has been a bust through his two NFL seasons, struggling in limited playing time and catching just seven balls. But with a massive hole opposite Torrey Smith staring the Ravens in the face, no one can be counted out. Doss will battle burner Jacoby Jones, 2012 sixth-rounder Tommy Streeter and others for reps in training camp. No matter who wins out, we expect tight end Dennis Pitta to be Joe Flacco's No. 2 target. | 12 hours | |
| 98. | Ed Dickson shows well in offseason | (Rotoworld) Ed Dickson was targeted heavily during OTAs and minicamp. Analysis: With Anquan Boldin gone and no real No. 2 wideout on the roster, the Ravens are expected to expand the roles of their tight ends in the passing game. Dickson will be the in-line tight end, running shorter routes near the line of scrimmage. Dennis Pitta will be play the F spot, using his superior athleticism and ball skills to get up the field. Although the Carroll County Times says Dickson was one of the most impressive Ravens during the offseason, we still prefer Pitta by a wide margin for fantasy purposes. | 12 hours | |
| 99. | Vincent Brown 'spectacular' during offse... | (Rotoworld) The Union-Tribune says Vincent Brown was "just plain spectacular" during OTAs and minicamp. Analysis: We can now safely say that the broken ankle that ruined Brown's 2012 season is water under the bridge. And since the Chargers are installing a more precise offense that de-emphasizes the deep ball, Brown has a realistic shot to beat out Malcom Floyd for the starting Z receiver spot. He's a far superior route-runner. Brown has plenty of sleeper appeal in upcoming fantasy drafts. | 13 hours | |
| 100. | Malcom Floyd learning to run new routes | (Rotoworld) Malcom Floyd is being asked to run completely different routes this season. Analysis: The Chargers are ditching their vertically-oriented passing scheme in favor a plan that emphasizes getting the ball out quickly. It's a no-brainer move as the declining Philip Rivers operates behind one of the league's worst offensive lines. The problem for Floyd is that he's previously only been asked to go deep and use his 6-foot-5 frame to make acrobatic catches. The short routes are not his forte, and he's going to be pushed by Vincent Brown in training camp. Floyd will be overdrafted in most fa... (More) | 13 hours |