Nfl Report Tue.

[HEAV]

The Washington Redskins are exploring several trade scenarios regarding
their first-round pick in this weekend's NFL draft, and several league sources
indicated that one involves obtaining cornerback Phillip Buchanon from Oakland.
League sources said trade talks between Washington and Oakland are ongoing, and
the Redskins are considering a handful of other avenues as well, including
trading down. A move with the Raiders could include the Redskins swapping their
first-round pick (ninth overall) to Oakland in exchange for Buchanon, 24, and
Oakland's second-round selection (the Redskins lack a second-round pick).


The Vikings are not interested in trading for eccentric Philadelphia Eagles
wideout Terrell Owens and his $46 million, seven-year contract, to replace
eccentric wideout Randy Moss.


The Dolphins have been contacted by Minnesota about a possible trade as the
Vikings try to find a trading partner to move up from the No. 7 overall pick in
the NFL draft to get Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. A Vikings source
confirmed that the team has talked to San Francisco and Miami about a possible
move. In addition, another source said Minnesota also is talking with Cleveland
about the No. 3 pick. The Vikings have the No. 7 and No. 18 picks, and will be
looking for the cheapest trade among the top picks.


The agent for restricted free-agent defensive end Aaron Kampman wouldn’t
indicate whether the Green Bay Packers intend to match offer sheet his client
signed with the Minnesota Vikings last week. Neil Cornrich, who represents
Kampman, said Monday that he has been in communication with the Packers but
wouldn’t speculate on what the team might do. The Packers have until Wednesday
night to match the one-year offer sheet, which is believed to be worth $1.2
million. “We won’t have to wait much longer,” Cornrich said. “They only have a
couple more days.”


As good as Fred Taylor is, he isn't getting any younger. Taylor is the Jaguars'
team's all-time leading rusher, but the former University of Florida standout
also turned 29 in January, is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery and already
has carried the ball 1,637 times in his seven-year pro career. Taylor's mileage,
combined with minimal production from his backups and the anticipated move of
former Florida State standout Greg Jones to fullback, explains why the Jaguars
likely will pay close attention to running backs both big and small in this
year's NFL Draft. Texas' Cedric Benson, who some personnel executives compare --
at least in playing style -- to former Longhorn Ricky Williams, heads a list of
potentially elite runners. The Jaguars, meanwhile, reportedly have shown heavy
interest this offseason in former Ohio State standout Maurice Clarett, despite
Clarett not playing football since 2002 because of off-field controversies and
running poorly at the scouting combine.


Steelers coach Bill Cowher officially named Antwaan Randle El as a starter at
wide receiver Monday, mostly because the Steelers have to start somewhere in
their attempt to replace Plaxico Burress. But Cowher maintained that he's
committing to nothing at the position beyond the anticipation of a spirited
battle between Randle El and free-agent acquisition Cedrick Wilson. "I'm
sure (Randle) El will be out there with the first group (initially),"
Cowher said. "He just knows the offense better. Him and Cedrick will be out
there competing."


The Rams don't need any help at running back, right? Not so fast. There are
durability concerns with Steven Jackson, who couldn't finish a couple of starts
last season after banging his knee on the artificial turf at the Edward Jones
Dome. Jackson had arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason. And Marshall
Faulk, who also has had injury concerns in recent years, has only another year
or two left in his career. So it wouldn't be surprising to see the Rams take a
running back in the middle to late rounds. The team still is intrigued by former
Ohio State star Maurice Clarett, but there are several other possibilities in a
relatively deep draft pool at running back.


Could this be the year that the Green Bay Packers spend a high draft pick on the
quarterback they think can succeed Brett Favre? Probably five to seven players
will go anywhere from late in the first round to the third round. Two of them
appear to be ahead of the others: Akron’s resourceful Charlie Frye and Auburn’s
raw Jason Campbell. Both probably rate as second-round prospects, though
quarterbacks have a way of moving up on draft day because there’s such a premium
on the position. Some scouts like Campbell’s long-term potential better; others
see a special quality in Frye. “I like Jason Frye better,” said Geep Chryst, a
former NFL quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator who scouted the Senior
Bowl and NFL scouting combine this offseason.


The Lions are at their best when they don't have to think too hard. All they
have to do is sit there and wait for somebody worthwhile to drop into their lap.
And that just might be Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson -- my personal choice.
It doesn't matter that linebacker is one of the Lions' few strengths, with Boss
Bailey, Teddy Lehman and Alex Lewis and their collective three years of
professional experience. Johnson is one of those rare impact players, especially
if he lines up behind a defensive front that can create some space for the
heat-seeking missile to find his target.


The Broncos have not been in contact with defensive tackle Ellis Johnson
recently and it is unlikely he'll return unless a deal is struck closer to
training camp.


According to several NFL sources, the Broncos have talked to multiple teams to
see if they would be interested in trading up in the draft. Because a deal could
be struck anytime, most trades involving draft picks are made during the draft.


From all indications, the Jets will select the best available defensive back in
Round 1 (a cornerback or Oklahoma free safety Brodney Pool), but it would be
wise to think hard about TE Heath Miller, if he gets the OK from the medical
staff. He doesn't have deep speed, but he's a crafty receiver with outstanding
hands. Miller said he patterns himself after Gonzalez, Gates, Jeremy Shockey and
Todd Heap.


There are higher-rated linebackers in this weekend's NFL draft, but they don't
carry the weight of Louisville linebacker Robert McCune's story. The 6-foot,
245-pound native of Mobile, Ala., dreamed of playing major college football upon
graduation from LeFlore High School in 1997. He could have gone to Alabama
State, Southern U. or Grambling, but chose the Army, serving three years of
active duty — including six months in Kuwait and a year in Korea — then five
more years in the National Guard. "Coming out of high school, I didn't get
recruited by the Alabamas, the Auburns," he said. "That's where I
wanted to go. So my plan was to go into the military, travel a little bit, get a
chance to grow up, save some college money and walk-on to some Division I
school. And that's what I did." McCune fueled tanks and Humvees in Kuwait,
and was a petroleum specialist in Korea. Through it all, he clung to his NFL
dream.


The case of Vikings receiver Kelly Campbell, arrested on weapons and drug
charges Feb. 25 in Atlanta, moved one step closer to resolution Monday. A
spokesman for the Fulton County District Attorney's office said Campbell was
formally charged with receiving stolen property — a handgun — and possession of
less than an ounce of marijuana. Spokesman Erik Friedly said the case likely
would be assigned to a judge within a couple of days and an arraignment
scheduled for the next week or two. The case could be resolved at that point or
move forward to trial. Campbell's agent, Jack Reale, expressed his confidence in
a favorable outcome.


One of the most star-crossed careers in recent Bears history ended Monday when
the team released guard Rex Tucker. Tucker finished the last three seasons on
injured reserve after being voted a Pro Bowl alternate following the 2001
season, when he started every game. In the last three years, he played in 11
games, 10 of them starts. Two of Tucker's major injuries didn't even occur in
regular-season games.


The Bucs enter this weekend's draft with six projected defensive starters 30 and
older, and one who is 28 and one 29. The average age of the projected defensive
starters is 29.5, a number that would be higher if not for defensive tackles
Anthony McFarland (27) and Chris Hovan (26) and safety Jermaine Phillips (26).
Last season, the Bucs as a team were the oldest in the NFL with an average age
of 27.81. "I don't care what a player's age is," defensive coordinator
Monte Kiffin said. "If they are here, they are not too old to play. Now, if
there comes a point when they are not here, then you can say they are old."
The extent to which the Bucs address defense in the draft will depend largely on
how certain players fall in the selection process.


There is a need for the Eagles at running back, and a likely first-day selection
is highly possible. Florida's Ciatrick Fason (6-foot-1, 209 pounds), and
Oklahoma State's Vernand Morency (5-10, 212) are two names to jot down for the
second round. "We're not looking for a back to carry the ball 35 times,
because we don't run the ball 35 times," Heckert said. "We want a back
who can run, catch and block."


One of the Eagles' first three picks almost certainly will come at WR. Terrell
Owens was getting old even before his contract squabbles and Freddie Mitchell
won't wear green again, unless he's traded to the Jets or Packers. If Roddy
White of UAB falls to No. 31 (doubtful) the Eagles would have to think about it.
Second-rounders include Georgia's Reggie Brown (6-1 1/2, 195) and Texas A&M's
Terrence Murphy (6-1, 202). "It's a deep draft at receiver," Heckert
said. "It's probably the deepest (position) in the draft."


With the NFL's new TV deal, teams will be guaranteed of $118 million each per
year (if the rights figure is $3.74 billion) or $125 million (if it reaches $4
billion) Just incase you missed it. The NFL and NBC,ESPN areeded to a 6 year
deal. The deal will move Sunday Night games to NBC and Monday Night Football
will now be on ESPN starting in 2006. ESPN has anounced that Monday night games
will have an 8:30 kickoff time. ESPN will allow local ABC afilliates to show
local Monday night games. This way local fans, without expanded cable, get to
see their team.


Picking at No. 32 in the first round, the Pats could have a shot at the top
guard on the board, Virginia's Elton Brown. But it remains to be seen if Brown
(6-foot-5, 329 pounds) has the quickness the Pats like from their interior
linemen. Reports on the No. 2 prospect, Michigan's David Baas (6-5, 319), list
his mobility as a strength. At tackle, there are some big guys like N.C. State's
Chris Colmer, a 6-5, 320-pound bruiser who drew a personal visit from
Scarnecchia and also traveled to Foxboro. Iowa's Pete McMahon (6-7, 324) also
has intriguing size. Again, it remains to be seen if the Pats are looking to get
bigger. Like many teams, the Pats have to be intrigued by the bloodlines of
Tennessee tackle Michael Munoz (6-6, 315), son of Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz.
Of course, the Pats emphasize versatility, so if a prospect played both guard
and tackle in college, or played both on the left and right, then his stock will
rise.



One of the most famous stories of Andy Reid's Eagle tenure is his trip out to
UCLA to interview Freddie Mitchell before the 2001 draft. They ate at the
In-N-Out Burger and toured the Westwood campus. Mitchell - another veteran of a
college West Coast scheme - met Reid's sons. "He has the intangibles that
you look for," Reid proclaimed after taking Mitchell and leaving Reggie
Wayne on the board for the Colts at 30th overall.


Plenty of teams have been calling recently, wondering whether the Eagles would
like to move up the board in Saturday's draft, which begins at noon. The Eagles
have the 31st overall selection, the penultimate pick in the first round. They
also have the third selection - 35th overall - in the second round, thanks to
the trade that sent quarterback A.J. Feeley to Miami before last season. The
Eagles' own pick in the second round is the 63d overall. "With two in the
second, we're getting lots of calls," said Tom Heckert, the Eagles' vice
president of player personnel. "We've talked to just about everyone in the
league, and it seems as if more people are asking us if we want to move up
rather than the other way around." With no immediate need at any position
on their roster, five picks in the first three rounds, and 13 picks overall, the
Eagles are in an enviable draft position. How they handle it will greatly affect
their future. According to Heckert, a short list of players would prompt them to
make a trade allowing them to move up to the middle of the first round. It's
unlikely that they would be able to move into the top 10, even with their five
first-day picks.


According to a league source, Oklahoma offensive tackle Jammal Brown is the only
one that the Ravens want to take with the 22nd overall pick. Other teams rate
Florida State's Alex Barron as the best tackle and some mock drafts predict the
Ravens will select Washington's Khalif Barnes because of his ties with new
quarterbacks coach Rick Neuheisel. But the Ravens envision Jammal Brown as a
lineman who could press aging right tackle Orlando Brown for playing time
immediately and perhaps could shift to the left side when Jonathan Ogden decides
to retire.


Neither Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert nor coach Bill
Cowher tipped their hands Monday as to how they might pick, but Cowher readily
admitted that the Steelers could use depth along the offensive line (they lost
starters Oliver Ross and Keydrick Vincent to free agency). There is also the
need for depth at cornerback with the departure of Chad Scott, at linebacker
with the loss of Kendrell Bell and at receiver with the loss of Plaxico
Burress.


The San Francisco 49ers apparently plan to choose Utah quarterback Alex Smith
with the first selection in the NFL draft Saturday if they can agree to a
contract with him in the next few days. The 49ers intensified negotiations with
Smith's agent, Tom Condon, yesterday after informing the representatives of Cal
quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they favored Smith, a source involved in the
discussions said. The 49ers apparently are enamored of Smith's athleticism and
intelligence. He had 32 touchdown passes and only four interceptions last season
while leading Utah to an undefeated record. Some NFL talent evaluators regard
Rodgers as the more accurate passer and the more polished player, but there is
some wariness about him league-wide because none of the former quarterbacking
pupils of Cal Coach Jeff Tedford -- including Trent Dilfer, Akili Smith, David
Carr, Joey Harrington and Kyle Boller -- has emerged as an NFL star.


NFL Players Association chief Gene Upshaw said yesterday that he expects the
union and the league to agree to an extension of their collective bargaining
agreement now that the sport's new television contracts have been completed.
"I can't tell you when, but I can tell you it will be done," Upshaw
said in a telephone interview. "That's why we were able to finish this TV
deal."


The consensus league-wide seems to be that this year's group of draft-eligible
wideouts isn't quite as good as last year's. But virtually everyone in the
league covets the top two receivers in this class, Michigan's Braylon Edwards
and former Southern California standout Mike Williams. Some teams have Edwards
atop their draft boards as the best player available, and California quarterback
Aaron Rodgers named Edwards when he was asked at the late-February NFL scouting
combine in Indianapolis which player he thought, aside from himself, deserved to
be the draft's top overall selection.


The Miami Dolphins are trying to deal veteran Patrick Surtain for draft picks,
but, after an initial phone call with the Redskins, league sources said the
teams have not been in touch. Some in the league are also watching Buffalo star
Nate Clements closely; Clements, drafted by Greg Williams when he was the Bills'
head coach, has one year left on his contract, but Buffalo might deem too
expensive to re-sign. The Redskins and Bills have not discussed a Clements
trade, sources said.


Here's a look at some notable draft busts over the past two decades, not
necessarily the biggest busts, but among the more interesting, with their
overall NFL draft position in parenthesis.

QB Ryan Leaf, (No. 2, 1998, Chargers), Washington State: After debating for
months over which quarterback would be taken first, him or Peyton Manning,
Leaf's career lasted about that long, months.

OT Tony Mandarich (2, 1989, Packers) Michigan State: All 'roided up and ready to
go, this Sports Illustrated cover boy had the poor misfortune of entering the
league in the first year it dished out steroids punishment. Pack bypassed Barry
Sanders (3), Derrick Thomas (4) among others.

QB Akili Smith (3, 1999, Bengals), 1999, Oregon: Cincinnati also fanned on QB
David Klingler with the sixth pick in 1992. Carson Palmer (1, 2003) became the
third QB Bengals drafted in top six in dozen years.

LB Brian Bosworth (2, 1987, Seahawks), Oklahoma: Three seasons, 24 games, 4
sacks. The only thing his NFL career surpassed was his film career.

CB Bruce Pickens (3, 1991, Falcons), Nebraska: More like slim Pickens. Played 5
seasons, had 2 interceptions. Falcons had foresight to draft Brett Favre in the
second round that year, but then traded him to Green Bay.

RB Alonzo Highsmith (3, Miami, Oilers), RB Brent Fullwood (4, Auburn, Packers),
LB Mike Junkin (5, Duke, Browns) and QB Kelly Stouffer (6, Colorado State,
Cardinals), 1987: All four were mighty busts and the picks of Junkin and
Stouffer came unexpectedly high, which allowed the Steelers to accept Rod
Woodson as a gift at No. 10.

RB Blair Thomas (2, 1990, Jets), Penn State: 2,236 yards rushing in 8 seasons.
The first of a trio of big Nittany Lions busts at the position in the decade.
The Bengals drafted Ki-Jana Carter No. 1 in 1995 and the Bears drafted Curtis
Enis No. 5 in 1998.



As draft day approaches, Gino Guidugli has heard himself mentioned as anywhere
from a fourth-round selection to a non-drafted player who will end up in an NFL
camp as a free agent. "It's a little bit (nerve-wracking) because of the
unknown," he said. The scouts like Guidugli's toughness, but some question
his arm strength, according to Dan Shonka, of the Ourlads NFL draft guide.
Shonka also projects Guidugli as a late-round draft pick or a free agent.
"He doesn't have the arm strength for certain throws that you've got to
make," Shonka said. "His junior year was kind of shaky, but before
that he had done some good things."