Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 68 (Friday, June 26th)

Hi Folks,

Welcome to the Weekend. Hope you're ready for a nice one. We are here as we start to get close to the big July 4th holiday. It's not a big day for news but we've got the stories you need, right here.

Let's get to it.

J

SITE NEWS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SEA - OC Knapp will use a rotation at running back

Source: Clare Farnsworth, Seahawks.com

Clare Farnsworth, of Seahawks.com, reports that Seattle offensive coordinator Greg Knapp prefers a rotation at running back. Knapp said, "I'm a big believer in having two, if not three, backs involved as the season goes on."

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Julius Jones has appeared to be a great value at his low ADP to some because he was assumed to be a starter, but this development should cap his value and make folks take a longer look at TJ Duckett as a late round pick. Justin Forsett is the deep sleeper name to remember. He's undersized, but that didn't stop him from tearing up the PAC 10 at Cal. Head coach Jim Mora specifically mentioned his belief in Forsett in addition to Jones and Duckett when asked about the running backs on the roster.

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CLE - Brady Quinn holds slight edge in QB competition

Source: John Taylor, TheOBR.com

John Taylor, of TheOBR.com, reports that Brady Quinn will enter training camp with the "slightest of edges" over Derek Anderson, mainly because Quinn will continue his training regimen during the time between now and the open of camp and Anderson won't. Taylor also reports that both quarterbacks struggled enough in OTAs to raise "concerns and eyebrows".

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Taylor hints that Anderson has one backer within the organization that has a lot of clout, and that Eric Mangini wants a true competition, so don't expect a winner to emerge until a few preseason games have been played. He also said Anderson's problem is consistency, and that it is definitely not "Quinn's job to lose". No matter who wins, this offense will face an uphill battle all season, so the eventual winner should not be counted on as more than a desperation bye week/injury QB.

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SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson believes he can still be productive at 30

Source: Stephen Hawkins, The Associated Press

Stephen Hawkins, of The Associated Press, reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson said he believes he can still be productive even though he recently turned 30 years old. 'That's the one thing that I'm eager to prove, is that doesn't necessarily go for every player. Turn 30, that doesn't mean that you can't play any more. There are some guys out there that defy the odds, and I'm eager to prove that,' Tomlinson said.

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Tomlinson is healthy going into training camp for the first time in years, but one has to wonder can he stay healthy during the season? Running backs absorb a ton of punishment during their careers, and Tomlinson has been breaking down because of it in recent years. The former #1 overall fantasy pick is now falling in fantasy circles and currently has an ADP of #12 overall (RB10). Proceed with caution when considering the veteran for your team, and remember names like Darren Sproles and Gartrell Johnson later in your fantasy drafts.

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TEN - RB Chris Henry could be running out of time

Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans RB Chris J. Henry's future with the Titans is in question. He was inactive for 16 of the 17 games last season after being a second-round selection in 2007. Henry acknowledged he needs to step up, but said he cannot get caught up in everything. 'It's been tough, but I am going to do my best,' he said.

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He is currently battling for a roster spot as a backup running back, and will have to prove that he's more valuable than Javon Ringer who the Titans selected in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Unlike Ringer, Henry was never productive in college, only averaged 3.3 yards per carry for the Arizona Wildcats, and couldn't beat out Mike Bell for the starting job. He's big, and can run a fast 40 time and that's why the Titans snagged him in the 2nd round. To call his selection a reach would be the understatement of the year. Running backs like Michael Bush (4th round), LeRon McClain (4th round), and Ahmad Bradshaw (7th round) were available at the time and the Titans could have waited to get them and used that 2nd rounder on another position.

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SEA - WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh makes lofty predictions

Source: Mike Florio, of profootballtalk.com

Mike Florio, of profootballtalk.com, reports that TJ Houshmandzadeh made some lofty predictions in the latest issue of Sporting News, including a playoff appearance by the Seahawks, top five statistical seasons from him and QB Matt Hasselbeck, and a Pro Bowl appearance by both players.

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This is the same guy that called out Joey Porter and shined his shoes with a Terrible Towel back in 2006. We all know how that turned out. It's good for a player to have confidence in his abilities, but this kind of talk just get opponents fired up to face Houshmandzadeh so they can shut him up.

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DAL - WR Isaiah Stanback expected to be ready for camp

Source: Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News

Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Isaiah Stanback (knee) is expected to be ready to participate at the start of training camp.

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Stanback, the former Washington Huskies QB, could be a versatile weapon for the Cowboys and run their version of the Wildcat if only he could stay off the injury report.

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DET - QB Drew Stanton trying to progress

Source: Drew Sharp, The Detroit Free Press

Drew Sharp, of The Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Drew Stanton stuck around long after practice during a recent workout to work on his five-step-drop throwing rhythm. Stanton is trying to turn himself into a programmed pocket passer. However, with the selection of QB Matthew Stafford No. 1 overall this year, Stanton has no chance with the Lions in the future. Stanton said he feels like he has been given a fresh start, and he is doing his best to progress.

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Stanton is trying to get his game back after having his skill set torn down by former head coach Mike Martz. The mad genius changed many parts of Stanton's game and was trying to rebuild him when the quarterback was lost for the season with an injury. Martz moved on and Stanton has been trying to regain his form ever since. He'll most likely have to go to another team if he ever wants a shot to be a starter.

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PHI - WR Reggie Brown excels in OTAs

Source: Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports that a source told him WR Reggie Brown had possibly the strongest performance of any Eagles on either side of the ball in OTAs. He speculated that Brown could move up from his current place of fifth on the depth chart on the strength of his performance.

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Brown has been a fantasy-relevant receiver in the past, and he's far from over the hill, entering only his fourth season in the league. He should be picked up in all deep dynasty leagues, and possibly even shallower PPR leagues. Keep tabs on Brown's progress in training camp, because Jeremy Maclin is probably not going to be ready to make a huge contribution in his rookie year, and Brown is more talented than Jason Avant and Hank Baskett, the two receivers standing between him and the #3 spot.

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JAC - Team trades WR Dennis Northcutt for S Gerald Alexander

Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Detroit Lions have traded S Gerald Alexander to the Jacksonville Jaguars for WR Dennis Northcutt, according to multiple sources. The trade was agreed upon Friday, June 26, and is expected to be finalized next week.

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Alexander should compete with Sean Considine to start at strong safety for the Jags, and judging by how each has played with their former teams, we like Alexander to win the job. The Boise State product had some high tackle games in when he got a chance to start as a rookie in 2008, so he's a good deep sleeper to watch in IDP leagues.

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CLE - WR Joe Jurevicius sues team

Source: Mary Kay Cabot, The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports unrestricted free-agent WR Joe Jurevicius (Browns) has filed a civil suit against the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Clinic, and the team's former and current physicians for negligence and fraud that he alleges led to a staph infection that might have ended his NFL career.

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Former Browns TE Kellen Winslow also had problems with staph infections when he was in Cleveland so this isn't shocking.

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DEF - BAL - LB Terrell Suggs believes he is close to long-term deal

Source: Mike Duffy, BaltimoreRavens.com

Mike Duffy, of BaltimoreRavens.com, reports Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs said he believes he is close to agreeing to a long-term extension with the team. 'I feel like we're getting close. Negotiations are going on with the Ravens. Fans can be optimistic that I'll be [at training camp],' Suggs said.

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Suggs hasn't signed his 1-year franchise tender and has not been attending OTAs this offseason. Suggs is likely seeking a contract similar to the Indianapolis Colts' Dwight Freeney, who signed a six-year, $72 million ($30 million guaranteed) deal signed in 2007 which made him the highest paid defender in league history at the time.

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That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

J