HEAV
04-22-2005, 03:11 PM
The agent for former Seattle linebacker Chad Brown said the Green Bay
Packers were one of the teams his client is interested in and he expects to talk
to general manager Ted Thompson before the draft this weekend. Peter Schaffer
said he talked to Thompson on Thursday morning to let him know Brown was about
to be cut by the Seahawks for salary-cap purposes and was told to keep the
Packers informed about Brown's plans. Whether that indicates a strong interest
in the pass-rushing linebacker isn't clear, but Schaffer said the Packers
definitely appealed to Brown.
While it's conceivable the Indianapolis Colts would trade career rushing leader
Edgerrin James during this weekend's NFL draft, team president Bill Polian
called that scenario "far-fetched" and "absurd." "You
wouldn't do that," Polian said. "Who would you trade him for?"
James was named the Colts' "franchise player" in February, giving him
a brief window to test his value on the NFL's veteran free agent market with
certain restrictions. Polian said at the time the team would at least explore
trade opportunities. But when James signed the $8.1 million contract in
mid-March, guaranteeing its value, he again became exclusive property of the
team. "We could trade his contract . . . but we're not going to, absent
somebody offering me half of Circle Centre mall," Polian said. "And
even then I'm not sure we'd do it."
What Dolphins coach Nick Saban would like to do is complete the trade of
cornerback Patrick Surtain to the Chiefs. Kansas City President Carl Peterson
wants to finalize the trade early today. Otherwise, he may be content to
postpone discussions until after the draft. The Chiefs are known for conducting
rigorous physical examinations and would want to take a close look at Surtain's
knees, which have been operated on, before making a deal official. Also, while
Surtain's representatives and the Chiefs have agreed to contractual principles,
details still would have to be worked through.
The Jets do have a valuable bargaining chip in disgruntled pass rusher John
Abraham, but they haven't received any offers and won't include him in any
draft-day trades, Bradway said. Abraham's agent, Tony Agnone, confirmed that
"nothing is going on" in terms of serious interest from other teams.
Most of the draft-day trade talk surrounding the Cowboys has been about moving
down to acquire more picks, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones is not
against moving up. "Wouldn't dismiss it," said Jones, speaking at the
Stars of Texas fund-raiser for the American Diabetes Association at Lone Star
Park on Thursday. "We've gone through some scenarios where we might move up
a little bit with that 20th pick ... and that first [11th] pick." Jones,
however, acknowledged that moving into the top 10 would mean a more substantial
financial commitment. The Cowboys could position themselves by moving up a few
spots from No. 20. The Cowboys have visited with Maryland linebacker/defensive
end Shawne Merriman and also have interest in Troy defensive end DeMarcus Ware.
Eagles iron man Jon Runyan, the ultimate team guy, quietly has agreed to a
restructured contract with a modest reduction in pay. At the end of this year,
the last on a six-year pact, Runyan will have pocketed $4.9 million instead of
the $5.5 million in base pay due from the original $30.5 million deal, according
to reliable sources. The initial contract, struck in 2000, included $9.5 million
in signing and roster bonuses.
With two cornerbacks over 30, Donnie Abraham (mulling retirement) and Ray
Mickens (coming back from knee surgery), the Jets could opt to pursue another
veteran free agent. The only attractive option is former Patriot Ty Law, but
he's a question mark because of a broken foot that may take at least another
month to heal. The Jets are monitoring Law's progress.
Trades and talk of other deals have shaken the NFL draft from top to bottom, and
the Lions are feeling the tremors -- with the prospect of more. That could
influence the Lions, who are prepared to deal if they get the right offer.
"When you pick at 10, there are a lot of variables," coach Steve
Mariucci said Thursday. "We don't seem to have as many holes to fill as we
had the last couple of years." The Lions' first pick is likely to come from
solid core of defensive players. Outside linebacker Derrick Johnson has been
projected by many to be the Lions' choice.
Eli Manning said nothing - not even all the struggles he had in New York as
rookie, while the Chargers were enjoying a 12-4 season - has ever made him
regret what happened at the draft last year. "I still think I made the
right decision," he said. "I said when I made the decision I'm not
going to look back from this. This is what I feel is the right thing to do, so
I'm going to go with it. Some people say it was the wrong thing to do. But it's
something I felt strongly about and I had the hand to do it."
Jets WR Wayne Chrebet, who made an appearance yesterday in Manhattan, confirmed
that he is planning to return for an 11th season. "I'm back," said
Chrebet, who has battled concussions. "Barring any unforeseen tragedies,
I'll be suiting up this season ... I'm not ready to give it up yet."
Cedric Benson, the Texas running back, is a big favorite of Vikings owner Red
McCombs, who is a great supporter of the University of Texas. He has given it a
lot of money and played a big part in Mack Brown being named the Texas coach in
1998. Red will be in the Vikings' draft room when that choice is made, so if
Benson is the Vikings' top choice, you will know that McCombs had something to
do with the selection.
After talking to several teams in the offseason without receiving a commitment
to make him a starter, David Garrard gave up his shot at free agency next year
to stay in Jacksonville as a backup in return for a $2 million signing bonus.
Garrard signed a three-year extension Thursday that binds him to the Jaguars
through the 2008 season. There are also incentives and escalators in the deal in
case Byron Leftwich is injured and Garrard becomes the starter. He said that he
and his family like Jacksonville and he has a good relationship with Leftwich,
which also played into his decision. Another factor was none of the teams
Garrard talked to, including Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Green Bay, Miami, San
Francisco and Tampa Bay, were willing to commit to him as a starter or meet the
Jaguars' demand of a first-rounder for him.
Ravens safety Ed Reed has two years remaining on his contract. Reed, who is
expected to make $581,250 this season, was the NFL's Defensive Player of the
Year in 2004. According to team sources, he has privately let team officials
know he wants a new deal and has let it be known that he might not show up at
training camp on time if he doesn't get one.
Buffalo GM Tom Donahoe wasn't ruffled by deposed starting running back Travis
Henry's threat to sit out the season. Instead, he fired back with harsh words of
his own. "If we get fair value, we will make the trade," Donahoe said
of a long-rumored deal with Arizona for offensive tackle L.J. Shelton that
hasn't occurred because the Cardinals have been seeking more than just Henry in
return. "Travis is a football player, and he is not going to sit out the
year if he doesn't get a trade. I have heard every threat that there is. It's
that time of year where people posture and people say a lot of things. A player
going into the last year of his contract, to take the year off, that's
professional suicide."
The Ravens are in the situation of having to draft a quarterback after Josh
Harris, whom the team took in the sixth round last year, was signed off the
practice squad by the Browns. Kordell Stewart is likely to sign elsewhere,
leaving Anthony Wright and Kyle Boller under contract. But with the quality of
depth at quarterback, drafting out of need isn't a bad position to be in.
Vikings coach Mike Tice, who is expected to be fined by the NFL for scalping
tickets to last season's Super Bowl, joking about Saturday's NFL draft party at
the Winter Park fieldhouse: "If anyone wants tickets to the draft party, I
think they're all sold out."
If one of the running backs rated in the top three for Saturday's NFL draft —
Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams of Auburn, or Cedric Benson of Texas — is
available when the Vikings pick at No. 7, they might wait until No. 18 to take a
wide receiver to succeed Randy Moss. He might be Oklahoma's Mark Clayton.
Considering the fondness Vikings owner Red McCombs has for Texas, he could be a
subtle influence on behalf of Benson, if the Chicago Bears don't choose him at
No. 4.
Star-Ledger NFL Mock Draft:
1. 49ers;;QB Alex Smith;;Utah;;The Niners need their quarterback. The contract
will get done eventually.
2. Dolphins;;QB Aaron Rodgers;;California;;Nick Saban will not be able to sleep
with A.J. Feeley or Gus Frerotte under center.
3. Browns;;WR Braylon Edwards;;Michigan;;He will be a nice complement to tight
end Kellen Winslow.
4. Bears;;RB Ronnie Brown;;Auburn;;Can run over a defender or beat him to the
corner. Ideal for the Bears' power scheme.
5. Buccaneers;;RB Carnell Williams;;Auburn;;The versatile threat Bucs coach Jon
Gruden has been missing.
ESPN Senior coordinating producer Jay Rothman said 31,402,000 viewers watched
all or part of last year's NFL Draft coverage, an increase of 8 percent over
2003. ESPN did such a good job of "growing" the draft, it is now part
of the NFL's television rights package.
On special teams, there is an outside chance the Pats will draft a place kicker
because Adam Vinatieri is currently signed under the franchise tag, which means
he's set to play under a one-year deal. The top names on the board include Ohio
State's Mike Nugent and Oregon's Jared Siegel.
The Lions will be the only NFL team to wear four jerseys this season. They added
a black jersey, that they will where once this seson, along with their home and
away and their throwback uniform worn on Thanksgiving.
From Bob Glauber in Newsday... Here are 10 reasons to stay interested beyond the
top of the board:
1. Matt Jones. He played quarterback at Arkansas but knew he didn't have a
future as an NFL passer, so he decided to switch to receiver. At 6-6, 243
pounds, he is an awesome physical specimen. When he clocked a 4.37 in the
40-yard dash at the scouting combine, personnel men couldn't believe their
stopwatches. The Eagles are so interested in Jones that they sent an entire
contingent to Arkansas last Friday to scout him. Jones probably wouldn't have
been drafted as a quarterback, but he's got a chance to be a first-round pick
tomorrow. One more thing: Jones not only is switching to receiver but is willing
to be a part-time pass rusher as a defensive end. Really.
2. Adrian McPherson. Remember him? The former Florida State quarterback was one
of the most gifted athletes ever. But he was kicked out of school for alleged
involvement in gambling, and no other school would touch him. So McPherson
kicked around in the Arena League the last two years, keeping his nose clean and
getting ready for the draft. Look for him to go early, maybe by the second
round. Bucs coach Jon Gruden might take a shot.
3. Robert McCune. When he came out of high school eight years ago, he couldn't
get a sniff at a scholarship to a Division I school. So McCune enlisted in the
U.S. Army National Guard, hoping to earn enough money to attend a big-time
school and try out as a walk-on. After a three-year stint during which he spent
six months in Kuwait and a year in Korea, McCune enrolled at Louisville in 2000.
The last two seasons, McCune led the Cardinals in tackles. Now 26, he's regarded
as a solid NFL prospect at middle linebacker, although his age might work
against him.
4. Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs won a scholarship to Auburn, but the team wanted him
to play linebacker because they already had running backs Brown and Williams,
almost certain top 10 picks this weekend. Jacobs had the size for a linebacker
(6-4, 265) but still wanted to be a running back. So he transferred to Southern
Illinois, where he had a terrific career. After running a 4.44 at the combine,
he could be a sleeper.
5. Ben Dougherty. When Dougherty went to high school in Washington, there was
only one black student in the school. When he transferred to Florida A & M, he
was the school's only white student. Dougherty transferred from Iowa State to
the historically all-black college because it was the only place he thought he
could get ample playing time to prepare for the NFL. The experience has left him
a better man, although he certainly got his share of strange looks and comments.
Such as the time he had to leave a game for one play and then came back in. An
opponent said, "Welcome back, snowflake." Another opponent once said,
"Here's affirmative action."
Since 1946, there have been just six drafts when a quarterback wasn't taken in
the first round. The last occasion was 1996. The latest a QB ever was taken was
in the '88 draft when Chris Chandler was selected by the Colts with the 21st
pick in the third round (76th overall).
Stanford cornerback Stanley Wilson, who is expected to be a first-day pick in
the draft, is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals running back Stanley Wilson
Sr. The father is 6 years into a 22-year jail sentence for burglarizing a
Beverly Hills home to fund his drug habit. He was on the Bengals' Super Bowl
XXIII team, but didn't play in the game after an assistant coach found him
passed out on the floor of his hotel bathroom the night before the game with
drug paraphernalia next to him.
Six of the last seven No. 1 overall picks have been quarterbacks. The lone
exception was Penn State defensive end Courtney Brown in 2000 (Cleveland).
The Eagles worked out Arkansas quarterback/wide receiver/tight end Matt Jones
late last week. Assistant head coach Marty Mornhinweg and wide receivers coach
David Culley were among those in attendance at his workout. The Eagles also
worked out Virginia guard Elton Brown, a projected second-round pick.
The Ravens are expected to fill their third-string quarterback void on the
second day of the draft, a move the team hopes will still net a first-rate
passer. One the Ravens have targeted, Harvard's Ryan Fitzpatrick, did not play
in front of 80,000-plus crowds or against Southeastern Conference-like
competition, but that matters little at this time of year. Ravens officials see
a player with good mobility, a live arm and, of course, smarts. Fitzpatrick led
Harvard to an unbeaten season, completing 57.2 percent of his passes with 13
touchdowns and six interceptions, and winning Ivy League Player of the Year
honors.
If the Eagles were to trade Corey Simon, which they almost did earlier this
month, they would be left with Hollis Thomas, Darwin Walker, Sam Rayburn and
Paul Grasmanis at defensive tackle. All four have performed well for the Eagles
at different times during their careers, but each player in that quartet also
has a question mark attached. Even if Simon remains with the Eagles through this
season, it's clear the Eagles need to start thinking about the future at
defensive tackle. If they decide they want to address the issue early in this
draft, it appears as if only two players are likely to be taken in the first
round.
No defensive lineman is likely to be selected in the top 10 for the second
straight year, something that hasn't happened since the draft grew in size with
the advent of the AFL in 1960. Since 1997, just 21 of the 56 players taken in
the top eight have been defensive players.
The Jets had targeted Doug Jolley as far back as a year ago, Bradway said,
adding that his name had come up in earlier trade discussions with the Raiders;
although Bradway did not identify which Jet was being discussed then, it most
likely was running back LaMont Jordan, who signed a free-agent contract with
Oakland last month. Jolley, 26, had 27 receptions for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns
last season. An impressive receiver, he is not known as a particularly stout run
blocker. Bradway said the Jets had no plans to add tight ends who are more
established blockers.
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey may not show up until June 1 for the start of a
voluntary three-day veteran mini-camp. Might he stay around afterward to get
some additional practice reps with Eli Manning? "He'll do what he wants to
do," Manning said.
Packers were one of the teams his client is interested in and he expects to talk
to general manager Ted Thompson before the draft this weekend. Peter Schaffer
said he talked to Thompson on Thursday morning to let him know Brown was about
to be cut by the Seahawks for salary-cap purposes and was told to keep the
Packers informed about Brown's plans. Whether that indicates a strong interest
in the pass-rushing linebacker isn't clear, but Schaffer said the Packers
definitely appealed to Brown.
While it's conceivable the Indianapolis Colts would trade career rushing leader
Edgerrin James during this weekend's NFL draft, team president Bill Polian
called that scenario "far-fetched" and "absurd." "You
wouldn't do that," Polian said. "Who would you trade him for?"
James was named the Colts' "franchise player" in February, giving him
a brief window to test his value on the NFL's veteran free agent market with
certain restrictions. Polian said at the time the team would at least explore
trade opportunities. But when James signed the $8.1 million contract in
mid-March, guaranteeing its value, he again became exclusive property of the
team. "We could trade his contract . . . but we're not going to, absent
somebody offering me half of Circle Centre mall," Polian said. "And
even then I'm not sure we'd do it."
What Dolphins coach Nick Saban would like to do is complete the trade of
cornerback Patrick Surtain to the Chiefs. Kansas City President Carl Peterson
wants to finalize the trade early today. Otherwise, he may be content to
postpone discussions until after the draft. The Chiefs are known for conducting
rigorous physical examinations and would want to take a close look at Surtain's
knees, which have been operated on, before making a deal official. Also, while
Surtain's representatives and the Chiefs have agreed to contractual principles,
details still would have to be worked through.
The Jets do have a valuable bargaining chip in disgruntled pass rusher John
Abraham, but they haven't received any offers and won't include him in any
draft-day trades, Bradway said. Abraham's agent, Tony Agnone, confirmed that
"nothing is going on" in terms of serious interest from other teams.
Most of the draft-day trade talk surrounding the Cowboys has been about moving
down to acquire more picks, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones is not
against moving up. "Wouldn't dismiss it," said Jones, speaking at the
Stars of Texas fund-raiser for the American Diabetes Association at Lone Star
Park on Thursday. "We've gone through some scenarios where we might move up
a little bit with that 20th pick ... and that first [11th] pick." Jones,
however, acknowledged that moving into the top 10 would mean a more substantial
financial commitment. The Cowboys could position themselves by moving up a few
spots from No. 20. The Cowboys have visited with Maryland linebacker/defensive
end Shawne Merriman and also have interest in Troy defensive end DeMarcus Ware.
Eagles iron man Jon Runyan, the ultimate team guy, quietly has agreed to a
restructured contract with a modest reduction in pay. At the end of this year,
the last on a six-year pact, Runyan will have pocketed $4.9 million instead of
the $5.5 million in base pay due from the original $30.5 million deal, according
to reliable sources. The initial contract, struck in 2000, included $9.5 million
in signing and roster bonuses.
With two cornerbacks over 30, Donnie Abraham (mulling retirement) and Ray
Mickens (coming back from knee surgery), the Jets could opt to pursue another
veteran free agent. The only attractive option is former Patriot Ty Law, but
he's a question mark because of a broken foot that may take at least another
month to heal. The Jets are monitoring Law's progress.
Trades and talk of other deals have shaken the NFL draft from top to bottom, and
the Lions are feeling the tremors -- with the prospect of more. That could
influence the Lions, who are prepared to deal if they get the right offer.
"When you pick at 10, there are a lot of variables," coach Steve
Mariucci said Thursday. "We don't seem to have as many holes to fill as we
had the last couple of years." The Lions' first pick is likely to come from
solid core of defensive players. Outside linebacker Derrick Johnson has been
projected by many to be the Lions' choice.
Eli Manning said nothing - not even all the struggles he had in New York as
rookie, while the Chargers were enjoying a 12-4 season - has ever made him
regret what happened at the draft last year. "I still think I made the
right decision," he said. "I said when I made the decision I'm not
going to look back from this. This is what I feel is the right thing to do, so
I'm going to go with it. Some people say it was the wrong thing to do. But it's
something I felt strongly about and I had the hand to do it."
Jets WR Wayne Chrebet, who made an appearance yesterday in Manhattan, confirmed
that he is planning to return for an 11th season. "I'm back," said
Chrebet, who has battled concussions. "Barring any unforeseen tragedies,
I'll be suiting up this season ... I'm not ready to give it up yet."
Cedric Benson, the Texas running back, is a big favorite of Vikings owner Red
McCombs, who is a great supporter of the University of Texas. He has given it a
lot of money and played a big part in Mack Brown being named the Texas coach in
1998. Red will be in the Vikings' draft room when that choice is made, so if
Benson is the Vikings' top choice, you will know that McCombs had something to
do with the selection.
After talking to several teams in the offseason without receiving a commitment
to make him a starter, David Garrard gave up his shot at free agency next year
to stay in Jacksonville as a backup in return for a $2 million signing bonus.
Garrard signed a three-year extension Thursday that binds him to the Jaguars
through the 2008 season. There are also incentives and escalators in the deal in
case Byron Leftwich is injured and Garrard becomes the starter. He said that he
and his family like Jacksonville and he has a good relationship with Leftwich,
which also played into his decision. Another factor was none of the teams
Garrard talked to, including Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Green Bay, Miami, San
Francisco and Tampa Bay, were willing to commit to him as a starter or meet the
Jaguars' demand of a first-rounder for him.
Ravens safety Ed Reed has two years remaining on his contract. Reed, who is
expected to make $581,250 this season, was the NFL's Defensive Player of the
Year in 2004. According to team sources, he has privately let team officials
know he wants a new deal and has let it be known that he might not show up at
training camp on time if he doesn't get one.
Buffalo GM Tom Donahoe wasn't ruffled by deposed starting running back Travis
Henry's threat to sit out the season. Instead, he fired back with harsh words of
his own. "If we get fair value, we will make the trade," Donahoe said
of a long-rumored deal with Arizona for offensive tackle L.J. Shelton that
hasn't occurred because the Cardinals have been seeking more than just Henry in
return. "Travis is a football player, and he is not going to sit out the
year if he doesn't get a trade. I have heard every threat that there is. It's
that time of year where people posture and people say a lot of things. A player
going into the last year of his contract, to take the year off, that's
professional suicide."
The Ravens are in the situation of having to draft a quarterback after Josh
Harris, whom the team took in the sixth round last year, was signed off the
practice squad by the Browns. Kordell Stewart is likely to sign elsewhere,
leaving Anthony Wright and Kyle Boller under contract. But with the quality of
depth at quarterback, drafting out of need isn't a bad position to be in.
Vikings coach Mike Tice, who is expected to be fined by the NFL for scalping
tickets to last season's Super Bowl, joking about Saturday's NFL draft party at
the Winter Park fieldhouse: "If anyone wants tickets to the draft party, I
think they're all sold out."
If one of the running backs rated in the top three for Saturday's NFL draft —
Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams of Auburn, or Cedric Benson of Texas — is
available when the Vikings pick at No. 7, they might wait until No. 18 to take a
wide receiver to succeed Randy Moss. He might be Oklahoma's Mark Clayton.
Considering the fondness Vikings owner Red McCombs has for Texas, he could be a
subtle influence on behalf of Benson, if the Chicago Bears don't choose him at
No. 4.
Star-Ledger NFL Mock Draft:
1. 49ers;;QB Alex Smith;;Utah;;The Niners need their quarterback. The contract
will get done eventually.
2. Dolphins;;QB Aaron Rodgers;;California;;Nick Saban will not be able to sleep
with A.J. Feeley or Gus Frerotte under center.
3. Browns;;WR Braylon Edwards;;Michigan;;He will be a nice complement to tight
end Kellen Winslow.
4. Bears;;RB Ronnie Brown;;Auburn;;Can run over a defender or beat him to the
corner. Ideal for the Bears' power scheme.
5. Buccaneers;;RB Carnell Williams;;Auburn;;The versatile threat Bucs coach Jon
Gruden has been missing.
ESPN Senior coordinating producer Jay Rothman said 31,402,000 viewers watched
all or part of last year's NFL Draft coverage, an increase of 8 percent over
2003. ESPN did such a good job of "growing" the draft, it is now part
of the NFL's television rights package.
On special teams, there is an outside chance the Pats will draft a place kicker
because Adam Vinatieri is currently signed under the franchise tag, which means
he's set to play under a one-year deal. The top names on the board include Ohio
State's Mike Nugent and Oregon's Jared Siegel.
The Lions will be the only NFL team to wear four jerseys this season. They added
a black jersey, that they will where once this seson, along with their home and
away and their throwback uniform worn on Thanksgiving.
From Bob Glauber in Newsday... Here are 10 reasons to stay interested beyond the
top of the board:
1. Matt Jones. He played quarterback at Arkansas but knew he didn't have a
future as an NFL passer, so he decided to switch to receiver. At 6-6, 243
pounds, he is an awesome physical specimen. When he clocked a 4.37 in the
40-yard dash at the scouting combine, personnel men couldn't believe their
stopwatches. The Eagles are so interested in Jones that they sent an entire
contingent to Arkansas last Friday to scout him. Jones probably wouldn't have
been drafted as a quarterback, but he's got a chance to be a first-round pick
tomorrow. One more thing: Jones not only is switching to receiver but is willing
to be a part-time pass rusher as a defensive end. Really.
2. Adrian McPherson. Remember him? The former Florida State quarterback was one
of the most gifted athletes ever. But he was kicked out of school for alleged
involvement in gambling, and no other school would touch him. So McPherson
kicked around in the Arena League the last two years, keeping his nose clean and
getting ready for the draft. Look for him to go early, maybe by the second
round. Bucs coach Jon Gruden might take a shot.
3. Robert McCune. When he came out of high school eight years ago, he couldn't
get a sniff at a scholarship to a Division I school. So McCune enlisted in the
U.S. Army National Guard, hoping to earn enough money to attend a big-time
school and try out as a walk-on. After a three-year stint during which he spent
six months in Kuwait and a year in Korea, McCune enrolled at Louisville in 2000.
The last two seasons, McCune led the Cardinals in tackles. Now 26, he's regarded
as a solid NFL prospect at middle linebacker, although his age might work
against him.
4. Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs won a scholarship to Auburn, but the team wanted him
to play linebacker because they already had running backs Brown and Williams,
almost certain top 10 picks this weekend. Jacobs had the size for a linebacker
(6-4, 265) but still wanted to be a running back. So he transferred to Southern
Illinois, where he had a terrific career. After running a 4.44 at the combine,
he could be a sleeper.
5. Ben Dougherty. When Dougherty went to high school in Washington, there was
only one black student in the school. When he transferred to Florida A & M, he
was the school's only white student. Dougherty transferred from Iowa State to
the historically all-black college because it was the only place he thought he
could get ample playing time to prepare for the NFL. The experience has left him
a better man, although he certainly got his share of strange looks and comments.
Such as the time he had to leave a game for one play and then came back in. An
opponent said, "Welcome back, snowflake." Another opponent once said,
"Here's affirmative action."
Since 1946, there have been just six drafts when a quarterback wasn't taken in
the first round. The last occasion was 1996. The latest a QB ever was taken was
in the '88 draft when Chris Chandler was selected by the Colts with the 21st
pick in the third round (76th overall).
Stanford cornerback Stanley Wilson, who is expected to be a first-day pick in
the draft, is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals running back Stanley Wilson
Sr. The father is 6 years into a 22-year jail sentence for burglarizing a
Beverly Hills home to fund his drug habit. He was on the Bengals' Super Bowl
XXIII team, but didn't play in the game after an assistant coach found him
passed out on the floor of his hotel bathroom the night before the game with
drug paraphernalia next to him.
Six of the last seven No. 1 overall picks have been quarterbacks. The lone
exception was Penn State defensive end Courtney Brown in 2000 (Cleveland).
The Eagles worked out Arkansas quarterback/wide receiver/tight end Matt Jones
late last week. Assistant head coach Marty Mornhinweg and wide receivers coach
David Culley were among those in attendance at his workout. The Eagles also
worked out Virginia guard Elton Brown, a projected second-round pick.
The Ravens are expected to fill their third-string quarterback void on the
second day of the draft, a move the team hopes will still net a first-rate
passer. One the Ravens have targeted, Harvard's Ryan Fitzpatrick, did not play
in front of 80,000-plus crowds or against Southeastern Conference-like
competition, but that matters little at this time of year. Ravens officials see
a player with good mobility, a live arm and, of course, smarts. Fitzpatrick led
Harvard to an unbeaten season, completing 57.2 percent of his passes with 13
touchdowns and six interceptions, and winning Ivy League Player of the Year
honors.
If the Eagles were to trade Corey Simon, which they almost did earlier this
month, they would be left with Hollis Thomas, Darwin Walker, Sam Rayburn and
Paul Grasmanis at defensive tackle. All four have performed well for the Eagles
at different times during their careers, but each player in that quartet also
has a question mark attached. Even if Simon remains with the Eagles through this
season, it's clear the Eagles need to start thinking about the future at
defensive tackle. If they decide they want to address the issue early in this
draft, it appears as if only two players are likely to be taken in the first
round.
No defensive lineman is likely to be selected in the top 10 for the second
straight year, something that hasn't happened since the draft grew in size with
the advent of the AFL in 1960. Since 1997, just 21 of the 56 players taken in
the top eight have been defensive players.
The Jets had targeted Doug Jolley as far back as a year ago, Bradway said,
adding that his name had come up in earlier trade discussions with the Raiders;
although Bradway did not identify which Jet was being discussed then, it most
likely was running back LaMont Jordan, who signed a free-agent contract with
Oakland last month. Jolley, 26, had 27 receptions for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns
last season. An impressive receiver, he is not known as a particularly stout run
blocker. Bradway said the Jets had no plans to add tight ends who are more
established blockers.
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey may not show up until June 1 for the start of a
voluntary three-day veteran mini-camp. Might he stay around afterward to get
some additional practice reps with Eli Manning? "He'll do what he wants to
do," Manning said.