Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 73 (Wednesday, July 1st)

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Hi Folks,

Good Thursday to you. The Holiday Weekend is almost here but we've got plenty of new content to keep you busy. Plus all the News and Notes you'll need to stay on top of everything. Let's get to it.

J

SITE NEWS

A. The Big Picture: 2009 Edition, version 2
Our Mike Herman updates his world beating "Big Picture" matrix. Everything you need to know about the NFL. All on one page.

B. Life of a Stud Quarterback
Our Mike Herman with a deep look at that most rare, but celebrated player: The Stud NFL QB.

C. A Different Dynasty Strategy - Year 2
Our Colin Dowling with a unique dynasty league strategy - Building for Year 2.

D. The Weekly Gut Check Vol. 158 - The Shortcut Technique
Our Matt Waldman takes a detailed look at incorporating risk into your draft.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DEN - Team taking, not making calls about WR Brandon Marshall trade

Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN

Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports that the Denver Broncos don't want to trade WR Brandon Marshall, but that they will still field calls about the disgruntled passcatcher. He speculates that a first round pick is the price for Marshall.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Trust Schefter on all things NFL, but especially trust him on matters relating to the Broncos. He covered the team for many years before getting his break with the NFL Network.

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TEN - TE Jared Cook most impressive rookie so far

Source: Jim Wyatt, The Nashville Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, of the Nashville Tennessean, reports that third round pick TE Jared Cook has been the most impressive rookie on the Titans roster in minicamp. Wyatt said "He's made some athletic catches, and he can sure run for a tight end." He does point out that he hasn't seen much of first round WR Kenny Britt, and that could be part of the reason that Cook earned the honors.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Cook is an incredible physical talent, certainly better than you'd expect from a third round pick. The rumor is that South Carolina coaches didn't have great things to say about him in the pre-draft inquiries, which caused his stock to fall despite an amazing set of combine numbers. Cook could easily become a startable fantasy TE down the line, especially if Bo Scaife is not a Titan next year.

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NYG - QB Eli Manning ready to lead offense

Source: Paul Schwartz, The New York Post

Paul Schwartz, of the New York Post, reports New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said there will be more responsibility placed on QB Eli Manning's shoulders this season, as he will have to guide a young offensive unit. 'We're going to put more of the onus on him,' Reese said. Manning said he is up to the challenge. 'I think you got a quarterback going into his sixth year and … some young receivers,' Manning said. 'It's my job to make sure those guys are on the same page and my job to be a leader and take control of the offense and the passing game. As a quarterback you're always going to be a leader, but now I'm one of the older guys on the offense.'

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The running game will be rock solid as always with Brandon Jacobs leading the way, but the passing game will look much different this season. Gone are Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, so Eli Manning will have to command a group of young receivers with little or no experience. Players like Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, and Mario Manningham will help bridge the gap for the team as they transition into a new era. Rookies like Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden give promise to the future, and if they reach their full potential the Giants will be set at the WR position for years to come.

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NFL - QB Michael Vick to work at Boys & Girls Clubs

Source: ESPN.com

ESPN.com reports free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) is leaving a job with a Virginia construction company to work with youngsters at Boys & Girls Clubs. Steven Kast, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, said Vick will be working with children on health and fitness activities at several clubs in the Hampton Roads area.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Vick needed a job to meet the conditions of his probation and had been working as a laborer. This is all part of the rehabilitation for Michael Vick's image, and we wonder if it could sway NFL commissioner Roger Goodell into making a decision about Vick's future in the league. Goodell has always said that he needs to see remorse from Vick before he is reinstated and able to play again in the NFL. Several teams have already publicly stated they have no interest in the former Falcons QB, so perhaps Vick will have to go to the UFL for a year (or more) before the NFL is ready to welcome him back.

There will be some that say his working at the Boys and Girls Club is just trying to impress the commissioner and that his intentions are not sincere. I'd ask those folks, "What would you have him do?" There are some that he'll never win with. My advice to Vick would be to forget those people that are so close minded they'll hate him no matter what he does. Focus on doing what you can.

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CLE - WR Donte Stallworth had marijuana in blood during accident

Source: David Ovalle, of the Miami Herald

David Ovalle, of the Miami Herald, reports after fatally striking a pedestrian in a March driving accident, Cleveland Browns WR Donte' Stallworth also tested positive for marijuana use, according to law enforcement sources. Miami-Dade prosecutors say Stallworth's blood alcohol level was .126, well above the legal limit, when his Bentley hit and killed Mario Reyes, 59, March 14.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Not much to say here that hasn't already been said. Obviously this news won't help his chances with the Commissioner any.

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HOU - WR Kevin Walter looking to improve on YAC this season

Source: HoustonTexans.com

HoustonTexans.com reports Houston Texans WR Kevin Walter said he has been working on his stiff arm and other moves to try to get more yards after the catch this season.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

It's good to hear that Walter is continuing to refine his skills. His impressive year-end numbers from last year are a bit deceiving because Walter ran hot and cold, most of the time finishing in the top 20 wide receivers in a given week, or outside of top 50.

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NE - K Stephen Gostkowski says things going good with new snappers

Source: Christopher L. Gasper, The Boston Globe

Christopher L. Gasper, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots PK Stephen Gostkowski said things have gone fairly smoothly working with LS Nathan Hodel and LS Jake Ingram, who are trying to replace LS Lonie Paxton who signed with the Denver Broncos.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

If you were looking for a reason that Gostkowski shouldn't be the #1 kicker drafted in every league, this isn't it

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CLE - Contract showdown with K Phil Dawson looming

Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN

Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports on his brand new Twitter feed that Browns PK Phil Dawson wants a new contract. He predicts that he will not kick for Cleveland this year based on what he's hearing.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Stay away from Dawson in early drafts, even though he could easily end up kicking for another team like Washington or Kansas City that doesn't seem to be too satisfied with their kickers right now.

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WAS - OL Chad Reinhart sheds bust label

Source: Paul Tenorio, The Washington Post

Paul Tenorio, of the Washington Post, reports that Redskins 2008 third round pick Chad Reinhart has come around after it "looked as though he may have been a complete miss" last year. When asked about the difference in Reinhart's performance, offensive line coach Joe Bugel said "Night and day. Difference between yesterday and today. He's going to be a real good football player for us."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Reinhart could be an important player if Derrick Dockery doesn't regain the form he showed in his first stint as a Redskin, the level of play that made the Buffalo Bills break the bank on him during the guard craze kicked off by the Vikings signing of Steve Hutchinson in 2006.

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STL - QB Keith Null displays strong and reasonably accurate arm

Source: Bill Coats, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Bill Coats, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports that sixth round pick QB Keith Null displayed a "strong and reasonably accurate arm" in OTAs. He goes on to say "His chances of nailing down the No. 3 job probably will rest on how well he picks up the offense in the preseason."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Null is a name to remember simply because the Rams are not developing any other young QBs right now, even though starter Marc Bulger could be at the end of his usefulness now that he's 32 and coming off two of the worst years of his career. Null could be an interesting fit in the west coast offense because he ran a similar quick strike offense at West Texas A&M, the team that was on the losing end of the basketball-paced 93-68 game vs Abilene Christian in the FCS playoffs last year.

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STL - Alex Barron likely to begin season as starting left tackle

Source: Bill Coats, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Bill Coats, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports that OT Alex Barron will begin the season as the starter at left tackle, barring injury or training camp developments. This means #2 overall pick Jason Smith will be at right tackle.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Not the greatest news for Marc Bulger, as Jason Smith is actually a very advanced pass blocker for a rookie because he played almost exclusively in a two-point stance at Baylor. Coats says the Rams will do this because they want to take a long look at Barron as a left tackle in the last year of his contract to see if he's worth keeping. One can assume that if Barron fails to protect Bulger early, the team will move Smith to left tackle, but the fragile Bulger could be hurt bad enough to miss multiple games by the time that happens.

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CIN - OT Andre Smith wants to avoid holdout

Source: Steve Wyche, NFL.com

Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals OT Andre Smith said Tuesday, June 30, that he hopes to be signed and in training camp on time because a holdout could hamper his transition from left tackle to right tackle.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

We'd be less concerned about his development as a right tackle and more worried about his conditioning. Smith has a bit of a weight problem, and we wonder if Smith would keep up his conditioning if he was away from the team for an extended period of time.

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DET - FB Terrelle Smith could start this season

Source: Tom Kowalski, Mlive.com

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions FB Terrelle Smith is expected to compete for the team's starting fullback spot in training camp. However, should he win the job, Smith would likely see limited touches and strictly serve as a blocking fullback.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Smith has the edge over second year FB Jerome Felton because he's the better lead blocker, which will be the main role of the fullback in Detroit's offense. Kowalski says the team will likely keep two fullbacks because of the amount of running they plan on doing this season.

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DEF - BUF - Jairus Byrd eventual starter at free safety

Source: Chris Brown, Buffalobills.com

Chris Brown, of Buffalobills.com, reports that he thinks rookie second round pick Jairus Byrd could become the Bills newest playmaker on defense as the starting free safety. He speculates that even if Byrd doesn't start in week one, he'll start eventually.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Byrd was a physical press corner at Oregon State and he should have plenty of opportunities to beat out Ko Simpson to start. The main determining factor will be how quickly Byrd makes the transition to the new position. His father, Gill, was a cerebral DB for the Chargers in the 80s, so Byrd has the bloodlines to make it in the NFL.

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DEF - MIA - DE Jason Taylor looking to play beyond 2009

Source: Barry Jackson, The Miami Herald

Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor said he does not want the 2009 season to be his last in the NFL. 'I'll be around until they kick me out,' Taylor said.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Taylor could have said it with tongue-in-cheek, but as long as he's performing up to an acceptable level he will stick around in the league. That being said, we can't imagine him playing beyond 1 or 2 more years.

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DEF - NE - LB Tedy Bruschi likely won't be a full-time player again in 2009

Source: Howard Ulman, The Associated Press

Howard Ulman, of The Associated Press, reports New England Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi spent less time on the field last year than in recent seasons. He often came off the field on third downs and, entering his 14th year in the league, may do much of the same during the 2009 season. Bruschi isn't thinking about life in the NFL beyond this year; he plans to reassess his future after the upcoming season. He appears healthy at this point, but his numbers were down in 2008. He recorded just 75 tackles last season and it was the first time in his NFL career he failed to record a sack.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Two talented youngsters should be poised to battle for Bruschi's spot in 2010 - Gary Guyton, who flies around the field and made an impact in his rookie year despite going undrafted, and 2009 third round pick Tyrone McKenzie, who is already on IR with a torn ACL.

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DEF - SD - CB Antonio Cromartie gives Chiefs bulletin board material

Source: C.E. Wendler, WarpaintIllustrated.com

C.E. Wendler, of WarpaintIllustrated.com, reports that Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie called out the Chiefs in recent comments during a chat on NFL.com, saying that "They never had a passing game. They don't even have Gonzalez" and "Dwayne Bowe only has two catches on me in two years, so I've never had a hard time against him".

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Cromartie also says he and Nnamdi Asomugha of the Raiders are the two best corners in the league, so the Chiefs shouldn't be too concerned about the accuracy of his statements. He left out that Bowe had 335 yards receiving in the four games against the Chargers, so Bowe clearly didn't have a hard time against the Chargers, either. We don't mind hearing this kind of trash talk from corners, they need to have a swagger because they are out on an island and have to forget their mistakes quickly.

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That'll do it for today, Folks.

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Thanks for reading and have a great Thursday. See you tomorrow with the update.

J