Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 69 (Saturday, June 27th)

Hi Folks,

Welcome to Sunday. Hope you're having a nice weekend so far. It's been pretty smooth here as we're cruising along entering that somewhat dry period for news as players scatter before training camps. Won't be long though. And you know we'll keep you current on everything that you need to know. Thanks for reading.

J

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CIN - QB Carson Palmer admits arm strength needs some work

Source: Carlos Holmes, The Dayton Daily News

Carlos Holmes, of the Dayton Daily News, reports QB Carson Palmer admits his arm strength needs more work before the start of the regular season.

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Palmer said the path to a stronger arm is a fairly simple one. "Throw," Palmer said. "Its just like when a track guy needs to get faster. You don't do 5,000 squats, you run and run some more. To get your arm in shape you throw and continue to throw. So I will be throwing all summer long as well as in training camp." Palmer's current ADP 77 overall (QB12), which makes him a fantastic value in fantasy leagues - if he can regain his form in 2009.

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TEN - RB Chris Johnson says he's just an 'entertaining guy'

Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson said he knows people are saying he is not a 'team guy' based off his recent comments about wanting to be known as 'Every Coach's Dream.'

"I know people are saying I want to be an individual, that I'm not a team guy,'' Johnson said Friday. "All I want is a new nickname, and it's in fun. I am an entertaining guy. I like guys like Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) and the entertainment they bring to the game. And it's not that LenDale and I don't like each other anymore either. We love playing with each other. We're friends.

"I think people have gotten the wrong idea about it. People just can't get sensitive off a nickname. They say you can't give your own self a nickname, but we gave ourselves Smash and Dash.''

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Johnson said he is an entertaining guy and people have the wrong opinion about him after the comments. I'd agree. It's also one of those cases where there isn't much "real news" happening so people latch onto goofy things players say. Not a lot to see here.

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NFL - Agent says RB Edgerrin James received offer

Source: Tom Curran, ProFootballTalk.com

Tom Curran, of ProFootballTalk.com, reports the agent for free-agent RB Edgerrin James (Cardinals), Drew Rosenhaus, said James did receive an offer earlier this offseason but turned it down. 'We will be selective. We want to make sure for Edge that he goes to a good situation. He would like an opportunity to have a significant role and a great opportunity for playing time,' Rosenhaus said. 'We may wait until right before camp and see what teams have the greatest need. We may wait until during or after camps when teams are dealing with injuries.'

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It's Drew Rosenhaus. So take whatever is said with a large grain of salt. James will latch on easily enough. I mean, Rosenhaus landed Rex Grossman a job...

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TEN - Titans will bring along WR Kenny Britt slowly

Source: Gary Estwick, The Nashville Tennesseean

Gary Estwick, from the Nashville Tennessean, reports the Titans will bring 1st round rookie WR Kenny Britt along slowly as he gets used to the speed of the game.

"Kenny can come in, relax and learn the offense," receivers coach Fred Graves said. "And at some point and time, learn what his role is."

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Britt is taking mental notes from veteran starters Justin Gage and Nate Washington and receives guidance from former Titans receiver Kevin Dyson, who is participating as an intern/coach with the team.

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MIN - WR Jaymar Johnson an offseason standout

Source: Vikingupdate.com

Vikingupdate.com reports WR Jaymar Johnson, a sixth-round pick in 2008 who spent the season on the practice squad, has added about 17 pounds to his 6-foot frame and looks far more prepared for the NFL this season. Johnson will be in a tough competition for a roster spot, but considering the confidence he displayed during offseason workouts it appears he is prepared to take the next step.

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Coming out of Jackson State, Johnson was known for cat-like quickness, fantastic footwork, and solid route running ability. Adding 17 pounds is very important to his pro prospects because he was so small he could be off his routes by physical cornerbacks. Johnson is so quick that even with good coverage he can gain separation and get open. He is also so fast that he quickly eats up any cushion a DB gives him. He could create mismatches against nickel cornerbacks and be very valuable for the passing game. However, he is currently 8th on the depth chart and will have to be a preseason standout to have a shot at making the final roster.

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JAC - Jaguars traded WR Northcutt because of other receivers

Source: Michael C. Wright, The Florida Times-Union

Michael C. Wright, of The Florida Times-Union, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to trade WR Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions because the coaching staff did not believe he was a significant upgrade over the team's current rookie receivers to justify paying his $2.75 million salary this season, according to team sources.

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The Jags will be looking to a couple of young receivers to produce in 2009. Rookies Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard are expected to pick up the slack now that Northcutt is gone, and coaches like rookie Tiquan Underwood as well. Thomas is a smaller receiver that turns into a RB after the catch and reminds some of Carolina's Steve Smith. Dillard is super athletic, has a great vertical leap and glue for hands. Underwood is a tall and wiry receiver that has good build up speed and knows how to use his body to shield defenders away from the ball. We think Thomas makes the perfect slot receiver, but Dillard could also play a role - especially if Mike Walker continues to struggle with injuries in 2009.

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BAL - Marcus Smith is the favorite to be the 4th receiver this year

Source: Mike Duffy, BaltimoreRavens.com

Mike Duffy, from BaltimoreRavens.com, reports that 2nd-year WR Marcus Smith is in line to be the 4th-string WR for the team - if they don't add a veteran receiver.

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Smith plays like a poor man's Anquan Boldin, but he does flash the ability to make big plays. While at New Mexico Smith switched from RB to WR (in 2006) and is still learning the intricacies of the position. He doesn't try hard on every play, but has the type of run after the catch ability that could take defenses by surprise. He runs good routes and has soft hands, so if Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams have problems staying healthy in '09 we could see Smith play - and succeed in - a bigger role.

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DET - OT Jon Jansen willing to play anywhere on the line

Source: Tom Kowalski, MLive.com

Tom Kowalski, from MLive.com, reports veteran OT Jon Jansen is willing to play anywhere on the line of scrimmage - even center. "I was in a position there where they were checking out different people at right tackle, and I figured if I'm going to have to start looking around somewhere for a job, I want to make myself as marketable as possible," Jansen said. "You've got to play all five spots if you're going to be a backup."

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For 10 seasons Jansen locked down the right tackle spot for the Redskins, but since he was released in May he realized he must be versatile if he wants to stay in the league and contribute.

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DEF - SEA - LB Aaron Curry as good as advertised

Source: Dan Arkush, Pro Football Weekly

Dan Arkush, of Pro Football Weekly, reports that Seahawks first round pick LB Aaron Curry has impressed the team with his pass rush ability, work ethic, and the way he has composed himself in meetings.

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Don't let Curry's initial designation as a strong side linebacker fool you when it comes time to invest in a linebacker in your rookie draft or redraft IDP league. Curry is ready for prime time now, and he should still produce like a quality LB3 or LB4 despite the limitations of his position.

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DEF - CAR - Veterans eager to see DE Julius Peppers back on the field

Source: David Scott, The Charlotte Observer

David Scott, from the Charlotte Observer, reports several veterans have declared their excitement for the return of Julius Peppers to the practice field.

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Jake Delhomme texted the Observer, "All of us will be elated he will be present on the first day of camp." Jon Beason commented on his blog, "We're glad to have JP back and I think he's happy, too." Training camp doesn't begin until the beginning of August, but clearly the veterans know how important Peppers is to their success in the upcoming season. Not only will Peppers continue to be one of the best pass rushers in the game, but he will also be a great mentor to rookie DE Everette Brown.

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That'll do it for today, Folks.

Hope you have a great Sunday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

J