Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 72 (Tuesday, June 30th)

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Hi Folks,

Good Wednesday to you. It's a little quiet out there but you know we're turning over every rock to bring you the NFL News and Notes you need to know. Let's get to it.

J

SITE NEWS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DEN - WR Brandon Marshall said he wanted to be traded during 2007 arrest

Source: Arthur Kane and Tony Kovaleski, TheDenverChannel.com

Arthur Kane and Tony Kovaleski, of TheDenverChannel.com, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall said he wanted to be traded by the Broncos and verbally attacked the city of Denver during his arrest for driving under the influence Oct. 22, 2007, according to police documents.

According to the police report, Marshall said, "I hate Denver. I hope I get traded. I hate this f******* city."

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People say stupid stuff when they drink. But one has to wonder how much slack Marshall will be cut by fans. Many of whom don't hate their city. We'll see.

On a side note, if you'd like to see stories like this from us earlier, sign up for our Twitter and Facebook Page. I wrote about this Tuesday afternoon there. It's not the kind of story that's important enough to send to everyone by email, but it's something I thought was interesting so I wrote about it on Twitter and Facebook.

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JAC - DET - S Gerald Alexander-WR Dennis Northcutt deal finalized

Source: Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports that the deal sending S Gerald Alexander to the Jacksonville Jaguars and WR Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions has been finalized.

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Alexander started as a rookie, but he became expendable after the Lions drafted Louis Delmas with the first pick of the second round. He could have IDP value if he can beat out Sean Considine to start at strong safety. Considine wasn't that good during his time with the Eagles, so it's not a stretch to see Alexander winning that job. Northcutt will likely compete with Ronald Curry to be the Lions slot receiver, but he could break into the starting lineup if Bryant Johnson's injury woes continue. Northcutt found the fountain of youth in December last year, and if he plays that way again this year, he could be marginally relevant in start 3 WR PPR leagues.

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PIT - WR Santonio Holmes has bulked up

Source: John Harris, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

John Harris, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes said he has bulked up to 201 pounds this offseason. Holmes played in the 190-pound range last season and joined the league weighing considerably less.

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Holmes has been working with renowned strength and conditioning coach Tom Shaw and adding bulk to his upper body will help him be a more physical receiver. "I look at it as if I have to be a complete receiver," said Holmes, "I've go to be physical, I've got to still continue with my speed, I've got to have the great conditioning to last 16 games, play throughout the playoffs and be able to put in about 60-70 plays every week. I come here with great intentions of putting on weight." Holmes also added that he needs to cut down on the bulk a little bit, and he expects to play at 195 pounds during the regular season.

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NFL - Former HC Dennis Green believes Michael Vick will sign with MIA

Source: Tim Graham, ESPN.com

Tim Graham, of ESPN.com, reports former NFL head coach Dennis Green said during a radio interview that he believes the Miami Dolphins will eventually sign free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons). 'I have a hard time believing that Michael Vick is not going to wind up with Bill Parcells, simply because he has that creativeness that says that no matter what it takes, he's going to find a way to get Michael Vick,' Green said. 'Now, whether it means convincing the commissioner or whatever it takes, Michael Vick is probably going to wind up at Miami because of the fact that Bill Parcells is Bill Parcells.'

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Oh that crazy Dennis Green! The Dolphins are certainly a possibility, as we think Michael Vick will have to go to a team with a strong front office/head coach/general manager. The real question remains when does NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstate Vick? Also, how would the Dolphins make room for Vick because they already have 3 quarterbacks (Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, and Pat White) that seem to be locked in on the depth chart. Vick wants a chance to be a starter again in the NFL, but it doesn't seem like Miami would be a place where he could challenge for the starting job right away.

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MIA - RB Ronnie Brown in great shape

Source: David J. Neal, The Miami Herald

David J. Neal, of The Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is in great shape and has looked explosive during offseason workouts. 'As far as shape goes, he's outstanding right now,' head coach Tony Sparano said. 'That sounds like a company line, but I mean it. In the weight room the guy is super right now. He weighs 230 pounds, he's running better, he is stronger, so all of those things from a progress standpoint I see as positives.'

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Ronnie Brown will have to stay healthy and produce on the field if he wants a new contract with the Miami Dolphins. At the very least he could use this season as an audition for the other 31 teams in the NFL. The Dolphins will rely heavily on Ronnie Brown as a runner and receiver because Ricky Williams' best days are far behind him.

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TEN - QB Kerry Collins hopes passing game will be improved

Source: Terry McCormick, The Nashville City Paper

Terry McCormick, of The City Paper, reports Tennessee Titans QB Kerry Collins believes the team's passing game will be improved in 2009, thanks to an upgrade in personnel. 'I thought we made good strides this offseason. Offensively, we built on things that we did well last year. We implemented some things that are going to help us and from a personnel standpoint we've gotten better. I'm excited about it,' Collins said. 'I just think overall as far as the passing game, I'd like to be more productive, score more, and I'd like to throw more than 12 touchdowns. If we can just step it up a little bit and be more prolific from a passing standpoint. I think that should be a goal of ours.'

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The upgrade in personnel includes players like free agent Nate Washington who came over from the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers, rookie WR Kenny Britt, and rookie TE Jared Cook. Washington was a big play threat for Ben Roethlisberger and hopes to be more productive in an expanded role, Britt is a big target that has good downfield speed, and Cook is the ultra-athletic TE who creates mismatches for both linebackers and safeties. The Titans may have to pass more this season because their defense lost Albert Haynesworth, and they could have to play catchup in more games because of it.

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DEN - Team expects WR Brandon Marshall to show up for camp

Source: Bill Williamson, ESPN.com

Bill Williamson, of ESPN.com, reports the Denver Broncos still have no plans to trade WR Brandon Marshall and expect him to show up for training camp. If Marshall doesn't report for the beginning of camp, the team still expects Marshall to eventually show up.

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The Broncos know they hold all the cards. If Marshall doesn't show up in 2009, he won't be paid. A prospective free agent in 2010, there is little chance Marshall will risk missing an entire season. Unless a team presents the Broncos with a deal that knocks their socks off the chances of trading Brandon Marshall are non-existent.

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TEN - RB LenDale White says vows to stick to diet

Source: Jim Wyatt, The Nashville Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, of The Nashville Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans RB LenDale White said he will stick with his strict diet during his time off before training camp. 'I am not going to let it all go to waste, not the way I feel. My body feels good - my knees, my ankles, everything feels great out there. And I am trying to keep it that same exact way. So whatever I have to do, I am going to maintain. And when I check into camp (my weight) won't be nothing over 230,' White said.

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Training camp doesn't begin until July 31st so their will be plenty of opportunity for LenDale White to go on a Tommy Boy-like eating spree.

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CLE - RB Jerome Harrison having a breakout offseason

Source: Lane Adkins, theOBR.com

Lane Adkins, of theOBR.com, reports that Browns RB Jerome Harrison has picked up the new offense and "displayed an understanding of what's being asked of him, coupled with excellent vision, strength and quickness" during minicamp. Adkins says Harrison "is quickly proving to the coaching staff he is a talent that needs to be tapped."

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Harrison has always looked good when he has gotten to touch the ball, but the times that has happened have been strangely infrequent during his first three years in the league. It sounds like he is doing what he needs to stay out of the doghouse (where he seemed to be a lot during the Crennel era), and he's an excellent last round flier in redraft leagues. Try to buy him low in deep dynasty leagues before his excellent offseason becomes common knowledge.

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MIA - WR Patrick Turner signed

Source: Edgar Thompson, The Palm Beach Post

Edgar Thompson, of the Palm Beach Post, reports the Miami Dolphins have signed third-round draft choice WR Patrick Turner to a four-year deal worth around $2.3 million, which includes a signing bonus of more than $700,000, according to a league source.

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Patrick Turner is a big WR with long arms and big hands. He is a consistent hands catcher, and has good ball tracking ability on deep passes. Turner has good footwork, but does not get off the line quickly and relies on build up speed. He needs to develop as a receiver and learn how to use his big frame better. So far in minicamp Turner has been impressing coaches with his consistency and playmaking ability.

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IND - QB Curtis Painter hopes to make roster

Source: Mike Carmin, The Lafayette Journal & Courier

Mike Carmin, of the Lafayette Journal & Courier, reports Indianapolis Colts QB Curtis Painter said he hopes to make the final roster and possibly compete for the No. 2 quarterback job.

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Painter will have to beat out Jim Sorgi for the backup job behind Peyton Manning. He was a star at Purdue, where he got some tips from former Boilermaker QBs Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. "Curtis should be very grateful and feel like he has a tremendous opportunity in Indianapolis to work behind a guy like Peyton Manning, one of the best in the game and of all time," Brees said. Painter makes quick decisions with the football, has a quick release and a fairly accurate arm. Painter's production goes down when he feels pressure, and he struggles to throw on the run, but he can do some damage downfield when he's in the pocket.

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NFL - QB Michael Vick's lawyer submits revised bankruptcy plan

Source: Associated Press

The Associated Press reports free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) would give up more of his future income under a revised bankruptcy plan. Vick's lawyer, Paul Campsen, disclosed the basic outline of the new plan Tuesday, June 30, in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Norfolk, Va.

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The full plan is still being finished. It's due to be filed by Thursday, July 2. Under the new plan, Campsen said 10 percent of the first $750,000 Vick earns would go to creditors. Under the old plan, Vick would have kept the entire amount up to $750,000. The new plan also increases the amount it would pay creditors on income over $750,000.

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CLE - TE Martin Rucker showing more polish, poise

Source: Lane Adkins, theOBR.com

Lane Adkins, of theOBR.com, reports that second year TE Martin Rucker has improved greatly from his rookie year during OTAs. He has displayed length, quickness, and the ability to go after the ball in the air while getting increased reps in place of Steve Heiden, who is recovering from knee surgery. Adkins speculates that Rucker's size could make him an option in the red zone and short-yardage passing situations.

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Rucker was drafted by the previous regime to be a receiving TE, and he seemed to have proved that he belongs to the new regime, so he should definitely be on your radar in deep dynasty leagues. He could be a marginal bye week/injury fill-in this year because starter Robert Royal is mainly a blocking TE.

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MIA - Jets QB Mark Sanchez believes MIA WR Patrick Turner can be special

Source: Tim Graham, ESPN.com

Tim Graham, of ESPN.com, reports New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez said he believes former college teammate Miami Dolphins WR Patrick Turner could turn into a special player. 'He's really starting to come into his own and be a dominant receiver, somebody who plays with a lot of effort and intensity,' Sanchez said. 'He's only going to get better. You haven't seen his peak yet.'

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Patrick Turner never reached his full potential in college, but has so far been impressing coaches at Dolphins minicamp. He is a huge target with good hands, but he is not quick off the line and is still developing as a route runner. When people think big USC receiver they instantly think of Dwayne Jarrett or Mike Williams. Turner has quick feet for his size, but needs to learn how to use his size better to shield defenders away from the ball.

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DEF - SF LB Scott McKillop made team officials happier than any other draft pick

Source: Matt Barrows, The Sacramento Bee

Matt Barrows, of the Sacramento Bee, reports that the 49ers brass was "most jazzed" about fifth round linebacker Scott McKillop of all the team's draft picks. He expects McKillop to eventually start next to Patrick Willis at "Ted" linebacker.

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McKillop is a classic overachiever who has the grit and guile to overcome a lack of elite physical tools. Takeo Spikes was a decent LB3 in the position last year, so McKillop has enough expected future value to be carried in deep dynasty IDP leagues.

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DEF - DAL - CB Mike Jenkins says he will start camp as starter

Source: Scott Noll, The Dallas Morning News

Scott Noll, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins said on his blog that he will enter training camp as the starter at right cornerback, and it will be his job to lose.

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Jenkins will battle Orlando Scandrick for the starting cornerback job opposite Terrance Newman. Coming out of South Florida last year Jenkins was considered by many in the scouting community as the best cornerback in his draft class. He can stay with receivers in man to man coverage, and has the ability to make tough interceptions. He should beat out Scandrick, but nothing is official yet.

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DEF - NE - LB Tedy Bruschi could coach after playing career

Source: Christopher L. Gasper, The Boston Globe

Christopher L. Gasper, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi could become a coach when he is done with his playing career. 'I know I can coach. I know I can coach. I know the game. I've been in it so long. It's just going to be a matter of what I do when I'm done. I don't know. It's a passion of mine. I know I love football. I know I want to be in it. Let's just see what I'll be doing,' Bruschi said.

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Bruschi is like a coach on the field so this report isn't surprising to us. It probably won't be long before the next coach in the Belichick coaching tree used to be a former player.

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That'll do it for today Folks.

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Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

J