Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 5 (Thursday, April 9th)
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Hi Folks,
Hope you've had a great week as we roll towards the Holiday Weekend. March Madness is in the books, Baseball has kicked off, and we're right here making sure you're covered on everything you need to know when it comes to your Fantasy Football needs. Before we jump to the news and notes for this week, a quick shoutout to my Buddy and Footballguys partner David Dodds and a request from me for some feedback. First David. If you're near the Bay Area this Sunday, check out David in the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Downhill Race. Should be epic. To see the thread about it on our message boards, click here. And while you're at it, yell at him to make sure he wears a helmet. The other non football item today is I need some feedback from you. After NFL Football, my second passion is great food. Specifically BBQ and Comfort Food. I've been toying with the idea of a restaurant for some time but the first step is a trailerable kitchen that my Dad and I are building from scratch. It's turned into quite a project. If you want to see pictures of this thing as we're building it, you can see the photo album by clicking here. (And for your Facebook folks, please feel free to add me as a friend if you so like. I'm hoping to use that this season as a way to stay more closely connected with Footballguys readers) Back to the BBQ trailer - We help with the shelter in downtown Knoxville and I'll start by cooking for those folks with it. If the shelter stuff goes well, we'll branch out to some catering gigs. If that goes well, it may lead to a restaurant. But right this second, I'm trying to settle on a name for this venture. Thought I'd ask you folks for your opinion on a few possible names. If you've got a spare minute, I'd really appreciate your feedback here. The survey is like 5 questions long. I really do need your help on naming this thing. To see the survey, click here. And if you've got another idea for a name, send it along to me to bryant@footballguys.com. Thanks a ton for the help. Sheesh. Enough rambling - let's get to FOOTBALL. Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for the help on this one. Have a great weekend. JSITE NEWS
A.
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Draftguys TV
Have you been watching Draftguys TV online and wishing you could see it on the big screen at home? Well, now you can! Season two is now available on DVD - Go to draftguys.com to order the two DVD set. Draftguys TV is the ONLY show anywhere devoted to film breakdown and interviews with the best overlooked prospects in the draft. By breaking down exclusive HD footage of a player's strengths and areasfor improvement, Draftguys TV gives you our opinion and lets you form your own from the tape at the same time.
We're almost done with our class of 2009. New must-see profiles include Arizona WR Mike Thomas , who reminds us of Steve Smith, this year's #1 tight end, Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew , and a RB/FB tweener who could be this year's Peyton Hillis, Pittsburgh's Conredge Collins .
Go to Draftguys.com to check out all of our profiles, directed and produced by Footballguys own Marc Faletti, and articles from Footballguys own Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. BUF - RB Lynch Reportedly Suspended for 3 Games2. NYG - WR Burress Released
3. SEA - QB Hasselbeck Practicing Again, Appears Healthy
4. KC - Chiefs Win Salary Arbitration Over RB Johnson
5. MIA - GM Ireland Says WR Ginn Needs to Impress During 2009
6. JAX - RB Jones-Drew Skips Conditioning Sessions
7. DEN - WR Marshall Spotted on Crutch, Reports He Feels Great
8. TEN - QB Ramsey Gunning for #2 Slot, Challenging Young
9. DEN - QBs Orton, Simms Will Compete for Top Job with Broncos
10. STL - WR Robinson Arrives from ATL Via Trade
11. TB - TE Winslow Becomes Highest Paid TE in History
12. PHI - RB Westbrook Has Knee Surgery; Now Pain Free
13. OAK - QB Garcia to Back Up Russell
14. BUF - WR Owens Intends to Attend All Mini-camps
15. BAL - QB Bouman Re-signed to Backup Role
16. FA - WR Williams Busted with Cocaine, Charged with Felony
17. STL - QB Boller Signs as Backup
18. DEF - CIN Starting CB Hall Arrested for DUI
19. DEF - MIN DT Williams Has Off-Season Surgery
20. DEF - DET Upsizing Their DL
21. DEF - NE DE Warren Recovering From Double-Groin Surgery
22. NFL - Best and Worst Drafting NFL Teams
BUF - RB Lynch Reportedly Suspended for 3 Games
Source: Michael Smith, ESPN.com
Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch for the first three games of the 2009 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, according to sources.
Lynch is expected to appeal the suspension. Lynch will lose approximately $112,000 of his $635,000 base salary for 2009 during the suspension. Lynch was arrested near Los Angeles Feb. 11 and later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge. In searching a parked car carrying Lynch, Culver City police found a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun inside a backpack in the trunk. Prosecutors said the backpack contained other items belonging to Lynch. Police said they also found four marijuana cigarettes in the car, but no drug charges were filed. After pleading guilty to having a concealed firearm in a vehicle, Lynch was sentenced last month to 80 hours of community service and three years' probation. The Bills' 2007 first-round draft pick also issued an apology. "I am embarrassed by my recent arrest and conviction," Lynch said. "I deeply regret that I placed myself in this situation."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Couple of things - remember that the three games aren't set in stone. We saw last year that Goodell was willing to reconsider and lessen a suspension. That surprised me then but it could obviously happen again here. If the suspension is upheld, one has to accept that 3 games is a pretty big chunk of time to miss. Especially when you consider that most fantasy league regular seasons are just 14 games long. He'll drop down draft boards as a result - you'll need to handcuff Fred Jackson to Lynch if you decide to make a play for the starting RB in Buffalo. On the upside, we all saw how motivated Brandon Marshall was coming back from his suspension last year. Can Lynch return on fire like Marshall did? Probably not likely but it's certainly possible. Bottom line is be wary, understand how big a chunk of time this really is, and be ready to grab Lynch at a bargain if he falls far enough.
Source: Mike Garafalo, The Star-Ledger
Plaxico Burress' legal situation might not be resolved, but his time with the Giants has reached an end.
The Giants announced Friday afternoon that they have released the veteran wide receiver, who spent the past four seasons with the team. The status of Burress, 31, has been the subject of much conjecture since Nov. 29, when he was wounded in an accidental shooting in a Manhattan nightclub. He was inactive for the Giants' victory in Washington the following day, then placed on the reserve/non-football injury list for the remainder of the season. The team also fined Burress and suspended him for four games for conduct detrimental to the team. "I am an optimist, and I believe most situations can be worked out," general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement released by the team. "We hung in there as long as we could in hopes that there could be a resolution to this situation other than the decision we made today to release Plaxico. It wasn't to be, so now we have to move on. Like everybody else here, we want nothing but the best for Plaxico, and we are appreciative of the contributions he made to this franchise."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Apparently, Burress turned down $30 million to remain a Giant To see the story, click here. With his departure, there will now be increased opportunities for Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Sinorice Moss to make a splash as fantasy receivers. Stay tuned to see which players take over as the starters in New York. Hixon is the guy I'm most interested in. He seemed too up and down last year showing great flashes then coming up small on other plays. He'll be out of the shadow of Burress finally and this will be his opportunity to shine. Eli Manning takes a hit as whether you liked Burress or hated him, it's hard to deny he was a very productive target for Manning.
SEA - QB Hasselbeck Practicing Again, Appears Healthy
Source: Eric D. Williams, The News-Tribune
Matt Hasselbeck says he's healthy. Now he'll get a chance to prove it.
After missing nine games in 2008 because of a bulging disk in his back that caused a weakness in his right leg, Seattle's veteran quarterback says his offseason weight-training regimen has been successful to the point that he's ready to open the team's minicamp today on the field. A healthy Hasselbeck, who turns 34 in September, is a key to the Seahawks turning things around after a dismal 4-12 campaign in 2008. New coach Jim Mora understands that, if the Seahawks are to get back to their winning ways, Hasselbeck's steadying influence behind center is needed. "If Matt Hasselbeck is healthy for 16 weeks, this team has a chance to do some special things because he's an outstanding player," Mora said. "And we'd love to see that happen. And right now all indications are that he's going to be fine."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Obviously, this is great news for the Seahawks. We'll see how durable Hasselbeck is once the pads go on and serious hitting starts, but he's getting off on the right foot to open 2009.
KC - Chiefs Win Salary Arbitration Over RB Johnson
Source: Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star
A special master's ruling Monday made it far less expensive for the Chiefs to release running back Larry Johnson, if they so choose.
The Chiefs prevailed in their grievance case against Johnson when a special master ruled that $3.75 million of his salary in 2009 and 2010 was no longer guaranteed. If the Chiefs decide to release or trade Johnson, the decision makes that move much easier on the Chiefs. His contract calls for $3.5 million of Johnson's 2009 salary and $250,000 of his 2010 salary to be guaranteed regardless of whether he plays for them or not. The special master ruled that Johnson forfeited his right to the guaranteed payments when he was suspended last year for one game by the NFL for a violation of the league's personal-conduct policy. Johnson would still receive his full 2009 salary of $4.55 million if he plays the season for the Chiefs. If he's released before the start of the regular season, the Chiefs are no longer obligated to pay him the $3.5 million, as they would have been before the special master's ruling. Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, said the running back, contrary to the comments he made early in the offseason, wants to play for the Chiefs. "He's excited about the direction the team is going in," Schaffer said. "What happened today has no bearing on Larry's desire to play for the Chiefs. "Larry Johnson's entire focus is to prepare for the 2009 season. He's a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and wants to help them win a Super Bowl. He didn't even attend the hearing last week. He was actually at the Chiefs' practice facility when it was going on. He didn't even ask about it." The Chiefs had no comment.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Shortly, we'll see how "excited" the Chiefs are to include Johnson in their future plans. Johnson has embarrassed the organization with his behavior and is on thin ice with K.C. right now. Stay tuned...
MIA - GM Ireland Says WR Ginn Needs to Impress During 2009
Source: Staff, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Miami Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland says Ted Ginn Jr. and Greg Camarillo are the Dolphins' top two receivers, but he still wants to add depth and upgrading that unit is a priority.
"Teddy is going into his third year and I think it's time for him to really show what he was drafted here to do," Ireland said of Ginn, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2007 draft. Ireland, in a wide-ranging interview Friday, also labeled second-year receivers Davone Bess and Brandon London "ascending" players that intrigue management. "This time last year, we didn't have Bess. We really didn't know about Camarillo. We brought Earnest [Wilford] onto the team. Obviously, Earnest didn't get a lot of playing time for specific reasons. I think that it is a position we have to look at. "There are some really good players there. I think there are some guys that can ascend. I think Brandon London is a guy you look at. He is 6-4, 215, he runs good and plays his tail off on special teams. You look at him as a guy that can compete. "Camarillo is coming off an ACL [injury], so we are trying to see what he can do. Earnest is going to have a chance this year and we are going to try and get him going. I think the position as a whole has some really good players there, but they need to come out of their shell a little bit and show what they can do."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It sounds like the Dolphins intend to crank up the pressure on the entire WR corps. It'll be interesting to see who "ascends" and who "descends" the depth chart in training camp - it looks like there are no sure bets among the Miami WR corps as of April. I was a guy that was really down on Ginn but he clearly showed flashes last year why the team drafted him so highly. Seems pretty clear though that the expectations in Miami are for him to build on that and continue to shine.
JAX - RB Jones-Drew Skips Conditioning Sessions
Source: Michael C. Wright, Jacksonville.com
The Jaguars began their offseason conditioning program on Monday, but running back Maurice Jones-Drew didn't attend the opening session, which wasn't mandatory.
While it's unclear why Jones-Drew didn't participate, his absence appears to clash with coach Jack Del Rio's new stance on offseason conditioning. In the past, Del Rio allowed some players to train off site on their own, instead of with the team. But in the aftermath of a disastrous 5-11 campaign in 2008, Del Rio took a decidedly different position. "Everybody who wants to be a Jaguar will be in Jacksonville working out with the team," Del Rio said in a Dec. 30 news conference. Asked about Jones-Drew's absence Monday, Del Rio offered little in terms of an explanation, saying in a text message that, "Everyone was accounted for." That could mean Jones-Drew had already informed the club that he planned to miss Monday's session that included running backs, tight ends, linebackers and specialists. Jones-Drew's agent, Adisa Bakari, didn't return calls or text messages seeking comment.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's not clear if Jones-Drew's absence was related to contract negotiations, or if he simply had other obligations and was excused. With Fred Taylor out of town, Jones is rumored to be seeking an extension of his rookie contract (to the tune of $8 million a year, guaranteed) similar to the deal that Steven Jackson got in St. Louis last year. We're not panicking right now as veterans often miss spring workouts, but this is a situation to keep your eye on was we move towards training camp.
DEN - WR Marshall Spotted on Crutch, Reports He Feels Great
Source: Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
Wearing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles jacket and walking with a crutch attached to his right wrist, Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall made an appearance at the Nuggets game Wednesday, speaking freely about his new quarterback and coyly about his hip surgery.
Marshall said he spoke to quarterback Kyle Orton on the phone, and, "We're excited to have him and it will be fun playing with him. He said he's happy to play with all of us - Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham, Selvin Young - he named all of us." Asked about his March 31 hip surgery, Marshall said: "I'm going to take my time. But I feel great." It was previously reported the 25-year-old Pro Bowler should be back on the field by mid-July. Marshall also said that he hasn't spoken to Jay Cutler since the quarterback was traded to the Chicago Bears, "But I'm pretty sure he's excited about playing for the team he grew up watching. So good luck to him."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hopefully, Marshall will recover fully from his surgery - initial indications look good. He might be the most talented and most frustrating player in the league. We'll keep an eye on his progress as the spring goes along.
TEN - QB Ramsey Gunning for #2 Slot, Challenging Young
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
Patrick Ramsey was fishing with friends in Louisiana on Friday when he got the call from his agent, who informed him a deal had been reached with the Titans.
So the journeyman quarterback cut his trip a day short and on Monday wrapped up an eight-hour drive to Nashville, ready to join his new team. "And I heard, they hammered (the fish) on Sunday," Ramsey said. "I don't regret leaving, but at the same time I wish I could've been a part of it. Oh well... " Ramsey's role with the Titans is to be determined. The former first-round pick could be a threat to beat out Vince Young and take over the No. 2 quarterback job behind starter Kerry Collins. Or he could be another arm, the traditional role for a No. 3 quarterback. At the least, Ramsey is insurance in the event Young has a disappointing offseason and training camp. His goal, however, is to unseat Young. "They just told me to come in there and compete, and my idea is just to go in there and play the best football that I can and let the chips fall where they may,'' said Ramsey, who's heading into his eighth season. "Obviously they have an investment in each quarterback on the roster but at the same time I feel if I play well, good things can happen. ... "It is a good goal to go in there and win the second-team job. It's a great opportunity for me there, in an offense I'm familiar with. Hopefully I can fit in well.''[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As the article goes on to note, it appears that Young may be in danger of falling to #3 on the depth chart - Ramsey is gunning for the backup job and Young didn't impress anybody during 2008. We'll see how the contest works out as training camp progresses - Kerry Collins is no spring chicken, which means the backup QB in Tennessee could potentially see some action during 2009.
DEN - QBs Orton, Simms Will Compete for Top Job with Broncos
Source: ESPN.com, AP reports
Kyle Orton and Chris Simms have been told they have to earn the right to replace Jay Cutler, who was traded to Chicago last weekend, ending a six-week soap opera that began when the Pro Bowl passer decided he didn't want to play for new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.
On Monday, Orton, acquired from the Bears, and Simms, a free agent signing, met with the Denver media for the first time. They each said all the right things after a winter in which Cutler said all the wrong things -- or in the case of not returning the Broncos' phone calls, nothing at all. Orton and Simms said it was a thrill to work for the man who helped Tom Brady and Matt Cassel thrive in New England. They professed indifference to the fact McDaniels might draft a quarterback later this month. And they welcomed the competition for the starting job. "That's the only thing I've ever asked for in my career," said Orton, a veteran of so many dueling quarterback dramas with Rex Grossman in Chicago. "If you get that, that's all you can really hope for. Chris is a good quarterback, smart player, he's won a lot of football games himself. "So, we'll have a good quarterback on the field." Simms said the notion he might also be vying for the starting job with a rookie who's not even on the roster yet doesn't bother him. "To be a quarterback in this league, you've got to have thick skin and be able to let things roll off your shoulders," Simms suggested.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Right now, we think that Orton is the favorite to lead Denvers' attack during 2009. It's been really interesting to observe how people are responding to Orton's chances in Denver. Even among our own Footballguys Staff, we've got guys that think Orton will do well with a much improved receiving corps compared to what he had last year. And we've got guys who can't believe Orton's seeing any love at all. I lean more toward Orton being fine in Denver. He's not Jay Cutler. And he won't put up 2008 Cutler numbers. But I think we'll see an improvement for him as he's in a more prolific offense. We'll see what the NFL draft brings along - it's quite a while until September.
STL - WR Robinson Arrives from ATL Via Trade
Source: NFL.com Wire Reports
The Atlanta Falcons improved their draft position on Monday, trading wide receiver Laurent Robinson to St. Louis and swapping fifth- and sixth-round picks with the Rams in this month's NFL draft.
Along with Robinson, a two-year veteran, the Falcons gave the Rams their fifth round (160th overall) and sixth round (196th overall) draft choices. In return, the Rams gave the Falcons their fifth round (138th overall) and sixth round (176th overall) selections. With the trade, the Falcons move up 22 spots in the fifth round and 20 spots in the sixth round. Atlanta has seven picks in next month's draft. Robinson saw action in 21 games over two season in Atlanta, catching 42 passes for 489 yards and one touchdown.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Robinson never caught fire with the Falcons, but given how wide open the competition in St. Louis at WR is likely to be with Torry Holt moving on, he may end up in the starting lineup. Keep your eye on the situation in St. Louis as the spring goes by - we certainly will.
TB - TE Winslow Becomes Highest Paid TE in History
Source: NFL.com Wire Reports
Kellen Winslow and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a six-year, $36.1 million contract extension on Monday. It will make the one-time Pro Bowl selection the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said the deal includes $20.1 million guaranteed, a record for a tight end. With incentives, it could be worth up to $42.1 million.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
I like Winslow, but "wow". He'll be pulling in huge dollars, but it remains to be seen if Luke McCown, Brian Griese or Josh Johnson will be able to make him a fantasy star. If things go well for Winslow and the Bucs, he could be among the top 3 or 4 TEs in the NFL - we'll see how the QB derby shakes out in July and August.
PHI - RB Westbrook Has Knee Surgery; Now Pain Free
Source: Andre D. Williams, The Morning Call
At Wednesday's Gatorade Replay event, Eagles running back Brian Westbrook talked about his recent arthroscopic knee surgery and how it helped erase the pain he suffered in his left knee last season.
"I'm excited about it. I've had pain in my knee a few years now, so I'm excited to be able to play football now pain-free," he said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Westbrook is perhaps the best rushing-and-receiving back in the NFL right now - it is good news that he is entering 2009 in better shape than he exited 2008.
OAK - QB Garcia to Back Up Russell
Source: Jerry McDonald, ContraCostaTimes.com
NBC Bay Area, which broke the original story of Jeff Garcia signing with the Raiders, managed to get a few questions in to the club's newest quarterback at the security gate before he went into seclusion:
Jeff Garcia: It's great to be back in the Bay Area, to be back close to home and obviously, having been a fan of Bay Area sports ever since I was a little kid, just to be back and have a chance to maybe finish off my career here in Oakland would be the ideal thing for me. Today was just a lot of getting back to football related issues and getting to meet my teammates for the first time, and getting to meet with the coaches, and do those necessary things in order to hopefully help this team win football games. Q: Before heading to Tampa Bay, talk that you might come to Oakland. What wasn't right about it at the time, what is right about it now? Garcia: At the time it wasn't right because I just had feelings that they were going to go after a quarterback in the first round, which is what they did, and I felt like at the time, Tampa Bay was just a better fit for me as far as where I was as a player and what I could do for that team, basically having been given the starting spot by signing there. Me coming back , I know that I'm somewhat at the latter part of my career. I still feel like I still have a lot to offer, still have a lot to bring to a team. But it's really about my family now. My family, personally, is getting bigger. We live in California. We didn't want to have to pack up and move across the country again. It's great to be close to home. It's great to be playing for a team I grew up being a big fan of. I was a huge fan of so many of the former Raiders, the Ken Stablers, the Jim Plunketts, the Mark vanEeghens, so many of the historical names that are associated with this team, and now to be associated with that is a very positive thing for me. Q: Status behind Russell... Garcia: I realize that JaMarcus right now is the anointed starter. I'm going to support him and help him any way that I can. Part of helping him is by pushing him and showing him what I'm capable of as a player also.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Garcia is a cagey veteran - if something goes wrong with Russell during 2009, the Raiders have a quality plan "B" now. And understand we're dealing with Al Davis here. That means that ANYTHING can happen. I've just not been convinced that Russell is seeing the field anywhere near clearly enough to be effective at this level. His physical skills are undeniable. But it takes more than that.
BUF - WR Owens Intends to Attend All Mini-camps
Source: John Wawrow, lowellsun.com
Terrell Owens can't understand why everyone made such a big deal out of him missing the start of the Bills voluntary workout program last month.
He's here now, and intends to take part in all of the team's voluntary minicamps once they open next month. "What I find so unfair is that I'm not the only guy out of 32 teams that didn't show up," Owens said Thursday. "That's what's so frustrating about the whole thing." Acquired in free agency last month, the Bills receiver took part in several workouts this week, saying it was important for him to start meeting his new teammates. Owens also had message for anyone questioning whether he'll be a disruption. Breaking into a smile, Owens said: "No worries."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's good news that Owens intends to participate in the "voluntary" minicamps this spring. He needs to get up to speed in the Bills' system - even veterans need reps when learning a new playbook.
BAL - QB Bouman Re-signed to Backup Role
Source: ESPN.com News Reports
[Baltimore] Re-signed cornerback Samari Rolle to a four-year contract and re-signed quarterback Todd Bouman to a one-year contract.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bouman is likely to be a clip-board holder during 2009, but if a nightmare injury situation strikes the Ravens' QBs, he might see some time. It's worth knowing who is backing up Joe Flacco and Troy Smith.
FA - WR Williams Busted with Cocaine, Charged with Felony
Source: Alex Marvez, FoxSports.com
Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Reggie Williams was arrested Sunday night on a felony drug charge in Houston.
Williams - a 2004 first-round draft choice who played the past five seasons in Jacksonville - was charged with possession of a controlled substance that police believe is cocaine following an altercation at a Houston nightclub. Police spokesman Victor Senties said Williams was tasered during a confrontation with two off-duty officers working security at the Open City Bar and Lounge. "Mr. Williams was at the front door area causing some sort of altercation," Senties said. "A witness alerted one of the officers to it. The officer went over and asked Mr. Williams several times to leave. He refused. At one point, the officer attempted to escort him out of club. Mr. Williams pushed the officer and almost knocked him down. At that point, the other officer came over to try and assist. Again, Mr. Williams was very combative. One (officer) had to deploy a (taser) to get into custody." Senties said the drug charges stem from a "little baggy" that was in Williams' possession when he was being booked into jail. Agent Doug Hendrickson was aware of the arrest but had no comment. This wasn't Williams' first scrape with the law this offseason. Williams, 25, was arrested in late February on charges of DWI and marijuana possession in Houston. Both charges were later dropped.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Williams is on your dynasty league roster, it's probably time to consider other options. He's apparently in a downwards spiral given his behavior this off-season. As we head towards the end of April, the words "first round draft choice" linked to stories like are enough to make any GM nervous.
STL - QB Boller Signs as Backup
Source: ESPN.com AP report
The St. Louis Rams signed Kyle Boller on Saturday to be the backup to starting quarterback Marc Bulger.
The 27-year-old Boller spent all of last season, his sixth with the Baltimore Ravens, on injured reserve with a shoulder injury sustained in the preseason. He was Baltimore's first-round pick in the 2003 draft. "We are happy to add Kyle to our roster," new coach Steve Spagnuolo said in a statement. "We feel that he'll be a valuable addition to our team." Boller is 10 years younger than Gus Frerotte, the player the Rams had been negotiating with to return as a backup. Frerotte was released with a year to go on a three-year contract before last season, then went 8-3 as the starter with Minnesota. Boller started 42 games with the Ravens and holds the franchise record with 7,846 yards with 45 touchdown passes and 44 interceptions. But his inconsistent play led to the Ravens taking Joe Flacco in the first round last year. Boller's best season was 2004, when he started every game and passed for 2,559 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As we've noted before, Bulger isn't the most durable starting QB in the NFL. However, the team is likely crossing their fingers that Bulger stays healthy during 2009 - Boller isn't the most explosive QB in league history, to say the least. And from a purely selfish angle, Bulger / Boller has "typo" written all over it...
DEF - CIN Starting CB Hall Arrested for DUI
Source: NFL.com AP report
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall was arrested in southwest Ohio and charged with drunken driving.
According to a police report, a state trooper stopped Hall's 2007 Mercedes Benz just after 3 a.m. Sunday in Clermont County, west of Cincinnati. Hall, 24, acknowledged that he had been drinking and took a breath test that showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.149. The legal limit in Ohio is 0.08. Hall, a first-round draft pick by Cincinnati in 2007, is the first Bengals player to face criminal charges in nearly a year. He's scheduled to be arraigned in Clermont County Municipal Court on Friday. Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan referred to the team's "standard policy that we refrain from commenting on legal matters that are unresolved."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
You'd think that Donte Stallworth's situation would scare some sense into other NFL players, but in Hall's case it appears he chose to drive after drinking heavily. We'll see how the legal situation works out but IDP owners will want to drop Hall down their draft boards significantly.
DEF - MIN DT Williams Has Off-Season Surgery
Source: Judd Zulgad, StarTribune.com
Defensive tackle Pat Williams, who suffered a broken shoulder late in the season, had minor offseason surgery on his knee, according to what coach Brad Childress told our own Sid Hartman. Childress said last week that a few players had offseason procedures but this is the first time he has mentioned Williams. Williams was slowed last offseason after having surgery on his left elbow.
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Hopefully, Williams won't have any complications from the surgery, but it's worth noting that his knee required surgical intervention. IDP owners should keep that nugget of information in mind when ranking DTs this spring.
Source: John Niyo, The Detroit News
"I love 'em, just because I get to eat more: Me and Dell are having a good time when I'm in the cafeteria and I get to pile my plate high," Cohen said with a laugh, referring to chef Wendell Williams at the team's practice facility.
Of course, the menu is hardly the only thing that has changed. By design, none of the Lions' defensive lineman weighed 300 pounds last season, with coach Rod Marinelli stressing speed over size. The new edict from coach Jim Schwartz raises not just the calorie intake, but also questions about the future of those drafted to fit the old profile. "Our emphasis is on, 'Hey, let's get them big and strong -- as strong as you can,' " Schwartz said. That includes defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis, who hasn't lived up to his status as a 2007 second-round pick. He played last season at 270-275 pounds but was as heavy as 295 in college. "So it's not a big deal for me to put on size," he said. Cohen, a seventh-round pick last spring, plans to play at 300 next season, 10 pounds heavier than his rookie year. Andre Fluellen played at 285 after shifting from tackle to end because of injuries last fall -- 15-20 pounds below where he expects to be this year. "I don't need to be 330 or 340, but (the idea) is adding more weight with the emphasis on stopping the run this year," Fluellen said. That explains the free-agent signing of Grady Jackson, though at 36, the 350-pound tackle isn't an every-down player. Ditto Chuck Darby, another veteran tackle.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions were dead last in the NFL during 2008 in the following defensive categories: Points allowed (517); yards allowed (6470); first downs allowed (350); interceptions generated (4); Net yards allowed per passing attempt (7.9); rushing yards allowed (2754); rushing yards allowed per attempt (5.1); rushing TDs allowed (31).
Obviously, they need to try something different - the Jumbo-sizing of the DL is just one of many steps the new coaches will take to try and address the abysmal defensive performance seen during the 0-16 season last year.DEF - NE DE Warren Recovering From Double-Groin Surgery
Source: Christopher L. Gasper, Boston Globe
Patriots defensive end Ty Warren said today that he expects to be ready for the start of training camp in July after he had double groin surgery this off-season.
Warren went under the knife in January to repair a torn groin muscle on his left side and also had repair work done to the groin on his right side, as well as a procedure to fix a sports hernia injury. "I'm approaching it like I'm going to be ready, and I think I will be," said Warren, who missed three games with the left groin injury last year and was able to gut out four other games, including the final three of the season, at substantially less than 100 percent. "I can't really tell you anything outside of what's going to happen today, but I would say so. I'm taking the approach that I'll be able to do some things in mini-camp [in June]. Hopefully, I'm doing something then. Now, to what extent they allow me to do it and say I need to do something that I don't know, but I'm taking that approach. That's just how I feel, that's my thoughts from my mouth. You heard it from the horse's mouth." The 28-year-old Warren also revealed that in addition to the groin surgeries and the sports hernia he also had a procedure to clean up his right knee in February. The jovial defensive end, who is entering his seventh NFL season, joked that he felt like a car getting a 60,000-mile tune-up with all the work he had done this off-season.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Warren has a lot of recovery and rehab to go through between now and September. IDP owners should be wary until we get a better idea of how well Warren has bounced back from the flurry of surgeries.
NFL - Best and Worst Drafting NFL Teams
Source: Monte Burke, Forbes.com
What's almost as anticipated as the Super Bowl? The annual National Football League Draft.
This year, it will be held April 25-26 at New York's Radio City Music Hall. That's when all 32 professional teams will select newly eligible players for their rosters. The event has become, in effect, a second season for football fans, who obsess over which teams drafted the best players. Here's a thought: Instead of looking at how many draftees make the team's active roster, a better barometer of success might be a survey of the last three years of drafts for all 32 NFL teams. To judge them, we looked at the percentage of players from those three draft classes who were still listed as active members of the team. The results were surprising.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
An interesting article detailing the strongest (and weakest) drafting teams in the NFL. Speaking of the Draft, Footballguys.com is geared up for the annual event, with Matt Waldman's 624 page rookie scouting portfolio To see, click here.
and also Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Blooms extensive coverage by position at Draftguys.com To see, click here.That'll do it for this one, Folks. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great weekend.
J