Around the AFC: Camp Rumblings (stuff on Clarett and Foxworth)

[SoCalBronco]

Around the AFC: Camp rumblings


Edwards not starting? By Scout.com
Date: Jun 15, 2005

Rookie surprises have been the talk of minicamps around the AFC. And second-year players are making their ascent up the depth charts into starting roles around the conference. With training camp just over a month away, battles are already being waged across the AFC.

Baltimore Ravens – Second-round defender Dan Cody will likely play both defensive end and strong-side linebacker this season. Cody has shown excellent athleticism in coverage drills at linebacker and has good feet.

Buffalo Bills – First-year starting QB JP Losman and second-year WR Lee Evans are continuing to develop pretty good chemistry in off-season workouts. Their timing has been pretty solid and they seem to be on the same page. Losman has also impressed coaches with his work ethic and his knowledge of the playbook.

Rookie WR Roscoe Parrish has been the star in the club’s off-season workouts. So much so that he could supplant veteran WR Josh Reed for the third spot on the depth chart. In fact, according to a team source, it wouldn’t be surprising if Reed were cut before training camp is over. Parrish has been very difficult to cover out of the slot. Should backup WR Sam Aiken continue to progress, he could also make it difficult for Reed.

Cincinnati Bengals – Because veteran MLB Nate Webster’s contract was restructured recently, it almost assures that he will be given a chance to win a roster spot in training camp. While many speculated he would be cut, the team historically doesn’t like to cut players with time remaining on their contracts. Head coach Marvin Lewis is very fond of Webster but there is still concern with how Webster will respond physically after his second procedure on his torn patellar tendon.

The starting position is still up in the air, mainly between rookie Odell Thurman and second-year pro Landon Johnson. Most close to the team believe Thurman, who brings a badly needed physical presence to the position as well as to the defense, will win the job.

The coaches have switched starting DE Justin Smith from the right to the left side and second-year DE to the right side. With veteran DE Duane Clemons deciding not to attend their voluntary workouts, Geathers has gotten plenty of time with the first-team defense. Clemons doesn’t appear to be staging a holdout because he restructured his contract last year and is signed through 2006.

Cleveland Browns – While head coach Romeo Crennel said earlier this week that Antonio Bryant and Dennis Northcutt are the current starting receivers, most believe Northcutt will wind handling the No.3 role. That’s the position where he’s very dangerous working mostly in the slot. Most believe rookie WR Braylon Edwards and Bryant will wind up being the starters opening day. Third-year WR Andre Davis is seen more as a situational speed receiver who can do his damage down field.

At running back, third-year veteran Lee Suggs is expected to enter training camp at the top spot on the depth chart. Suggs gives the team badly needed speed and talent at the position while veteran RB Reuben Droughns looks to handle the power-running role, which essentially could mean short-yardage and goal-line.

Denver Broncos – Rookie RB Maurice Clarett has shown decent progress in workouts thus far but he also weighs between 240-245. Most close to the team say he’ll need to get to around 230 by the start of training camp on July 28.

The Broncos selected three cornerbacks on the first day of this year’s draft. Standing out in workouts has been Domonique Foxworth, the second of their three third-round picks. Foxworth, if he continues to progress during training camp, will compete for the nickel job.

Indianapolis Colts – The team re-signed veteran MLB Rob Morris to a one-year deal this week. Morris, however, will enter training camp No. 2 on the depth chart behind Gary Brackett. The job is essentially Brackett’s to lose.

Jacksonville Jaguars – One thing that’s noticeable in rookie WR Matt Jones’ play is that he has remarkable hands for a player who hasn’t performed at the position long. He looks like a natural also running his routes. The big test will come in pads when training camp starts on July 29.

While third-year RB LaBrandon Toefield is handling the first-team reps in off-season workouts since veteran RB Fred Taylor (knee) is on the shelf, some close to the situation say that the team will likely bring in a veteran back to compete for the backup job. Some see Toefield as more of a third-down back than a viable starting candidate.

Kansas City Chiefs – According to a league source, veteran MLB Mike Maslowski’s representative and the team are continuing to negotiate a restructured deal in order for him to remain a Chief. The source adds Maslowski (knee) is at about 90% and should be 100% by the start of training camp. As long as Maslowski can prove he’s healthy, he’s expected to start over Kawika Mitchell.

New England Patriots – While new WR David Terrell has shown some progress during off-season workouts, he also looks to be a step slow. The Patriot offense has been one based on speed so it’s unlikely he’ll have much of an impact in down field if he makes the team. His likely role will be in the red zone area where the team can take advantage of his size.

New York Jets – It remains to be seen if starting QB Chad Pennington (shoulder) will be ready for the beginning of training camp on July 29. Pennington did not participate in the club’s off-season workouts. While the team said Pennington will start to throw later this month, some close to the team question how much power he’ll have behind his throws. A big part of new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger’s offense is the deep passing game and Pennington’s surgically repaired rotator cuff will have to be at full strength if he’s to have an impact in the offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Steeler fans should keep an eye on former Carolina Panther WR Walter Young, who offers the team badly needed size at the position due to the loss of Plaxico Burress in free agency. The former seventh-round pick will compete for the final spot on the depth chart against Zamir Cobb and Sean Morey.

Young made a splash in training camp two years ago with the Panthers but was mostly a game day inactive during the regular season and was waived prior to the start of last season.

San Diego Chargers – Practice observers during the club’s off-season workouts were very impressed with rookie RB Darren Sproles. Most believed Sproles would just return kicks but by the looks of things, he could get a role as a change-of-pace runner in their regular offense. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer praised Sproles for his work on the field and justifably so. The diminutive back is already a fan favorite in San Diego.

Tennessee Titans – MLB Rocky Calmus (hamstring) has been cleared by the team’s medical staff to participate in this week’s minicamp. Calmus will likely be brought along slowly until training camp starts. Calmus and Brad Kassell will compete for the starting job.

[Ratboy]

Sweet! Awesome to see one of are corners getting some reconition. Hopefully all 3 make the team. I'm still high on Darrent Williams, Hopefully he can make a impact on Special Teams. I'm not worried too much on our Secondary, But we desperately need to get some yards on ST.

[ludo21]

thanks, i love hearing reports like this

[SoCalBronco]

Im tellin ya folks, barring injury, Maurice is going to help us this year. I was encouraged by that article about how he reads things well and blew past some of our LBs in practice despite his poor 40 time. And getting him down another 10 lbs. or so is even better. He's already lost about 8-10 from where he was at 250. So far, so good Big Mo.

And im glad to see at least one of our corners drafted is showing something out there. Gotta hit on at least 1.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Sweet! Awesome to see one of are corners getting some reconition. Hopefully all 3 make the team.

Unless one flops badly, all 3 corners will make the team. They're not going to cut 2nd or 3rd round picks.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I was encouraged by that article about how he reads things well and blew past some of our LBs in practice despite his poor 40 time.

and the LB was going full speed and able to make contact during practice?

[SoCalBronco]

Unless one flops badly, all 3 corners will make the team. They're not going to cut 2nd or 3rd round picks.

I think Paymah is going to end up on the IR like LeSueur did last year.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I think Paymah is going to end up on the IR like LeSueur did last year.

So what injury does he have?

[Ratboy]

Im tellin ya folks, barring injury, Maurice is going to help us this year. I was encouraged by that article about how he reads things well and blew past some of our LBs in practice despite his poor 40 time. And getting him down another 10 lbs. or so is even better. He's already lost about 8-10 from where he was at 250. So far, so good Big Mo.

And im glad to see at least one of our corners drafted is showing something out there. Gotta hit on at least 1.

I'm not expecting too much from Moca (Maurice Clarett), If Tatum Bell stays healthy, that man is going to have 1600-1800 yards. My expectations are VERY high on Tatum, Hopefully i am not disappointed. Darius Watts and Ashley are another young guys i'm expecting alot from. Hopefully these team clicks this year, It seems like a good set of guys.

[SoCalBronco]

and the LB was going full speed and able to make contact during practice?

it didnt say Herc, however, its still better than nothing...at least from Maurice's perspective. I dont think contact is really relevant though in that context anyway....full speed is probably the more relevant thing and if guys are sorta loafing around out there im sure Coyer would call them out so i dont think they were loafing around.

[SoCalBronco]

I'm not expecting too much from Moca (Maurice Clarett), If Tatum Bell stays healthy, that man is going to have 1600-1800 yards. My expectations are VERY high on Tatum, Hopefully i am not disappointed. Darius Watts and Ashley are another young guys i'm expecting alot from. Hopefully these team clicks this year, It seems like a good set of guys.

Yeah I am excited about what Tatum could do for us this year. DJ said he was very impressed with Tatum in the workouts. We have some good young players who we need breakout years from this year.

[Ratboy]

What's the news on Brandon Browner? Any news?

[Hercules Rockefeller]

it didnt say Herc, however, its still better than nothing...at least from Maurice's perspective. I dont think contact is really relevant though in that context anyway....full speed is probably the more relevant thing and if guys are sorta loafing around out there im sure Coyer would call them out so i dont think they were loafing around.

There's no way Clarett blew by any starting Denver LB unless the LB took a bad angle or got caught out of position.

and there's no contact at this point, when there's hitting, then this might be a big deal.

[ludo21]

it didnt say Herc, however, its still better than nothing...at least from Maurice's perspective. I dont think contact is really relevant though in that context anyway....full speed is probably the more relevant thing and if guys are sorta loafing around out there im sure Coyer would call them out so i dont think they were loafing around.

contact in football is everything, till TC i wont believe anything on these guys.

[SoCalBronco]

What's the news on Brandon Browner? Any news?

Wabbit has said some good things about Browner. They are putting him at FS and Wabbit just said recently something to the effect of the coaches have liked what they have seen from him.

[SoCalBronco]

contact in football is everything, till TC i wont believe anything on these guys.

contact is important to be sure, but contact isnt really an issue when the question is whether A ran past B. Herc is correct, someone may have taken a bad angle, but that doesnt go to contact. Either way, i am pleased with that article's report on Maurice's good reads and speed. I dont want to get into a big debate though, we will see who shines in the training camp.

[Ratboy]

Wabbit has said some good things about Browner. They are putting him at FS and Wabbit just said recently something to the effect of the coaches have liked what they have seen from him.

Thanks. I still can't believe he was undrafted.

[Kaylore]

Thanks a bunch SoCal. Foxworth was the most impressive of the rookies at the rookie Q&A at the Fan Fare. He was very intelligent and answered all his questions professionally. He is on the taller end of 5'10". He talks like a pro - lets hope he'll play like one.

[Bronco LB 59]

I think Paymah is going to end up on the IR like LeSueur did last year.

I actually like Paymah a lot. He has good bump-and-run technique. I think his style suits Coyer's coverage schemes. He also ran better times than the scouts expected.

[ludo21]

i expect all 2 of the 3 we drafted to be on the active roster when the season starts

[SoCalBronco]

I actually like Paymah a lot. He has good bump-and-run technique. I think his style suits Coyer's coverage schemes. He also ran better times than the scouts expected.

I will defer to you on Paymah as you are very familiar with the Pac 10. I dunno if we have room to keep all of them though within the confines of the roster. I think because of his injuries and because he was even lower than Roc on the depth chart last year, Shoate will be put on the PS, although i liked what i saw from Shoate in the run support area in the preseason last year. He was blowing stuff up against the Bills. Alot depends on whether this stuff about Willie getting outright cut comes about. If so, than they will prolly keep another corner or two.

[Atlas]

Sweet! Awesome to see one of are corners getting some reconition. Hopefully all 3 make the team. I'm still high on Darrent Williams, Hopefully he can make a impact on Special Teams. I'm not worried too much on our Secondary, But we desperately need to get some yards on ST.

Williams was drafted for his special teams. He will have his hands full with both punt and kickoff duties along with being on the kickoff team. Foxworth will have more playing time with the defense. He has good size and coaches have been impressed with him.

[Arkie]

The Broncos selected three cornerbacks on the first day of this year’s draft. Standing out in workouts has been Domonique Foxworth, the second of their three third-round picks. Foxworth, if he continues to progress during training camp, will compete for the nickel job.

Actually, Foxworth was the third of our three third-round picks.

edit: I was confused. :dummy:

[Atlas]

Im tellin ya folks, barring injury, Maurice is going to help us this year. I was encouraged by that article about how he reads things well and blew past some of our LBs in practice despite his poor 40 time. .

Yeah I am excited about what Tatum could do for us this year. DJ said he was very impressed with Tatum in the workouts. We have some good young players who we need breakout years from this year.

Wabbit has said some good things about Browner. They are putting him at FS and Wabbit just said recently something to the effect of the coaches have liked what they have seen from him.


Socal you know your one of my favorite guys here. BUT

I am going to have to remind you 2 weeks into free agency you were saying this was the worst offseason you have ever seen.

nice to see you coming around!!!

[Kaylore]

Socal you know your one of my favorite guys here. BUT

I am going to have to remind you 2 weeks into free agency you were saying this was the worst offseason you have ever seen.

nice to see you coming around!!!
:giggle: Try two days.

[SoCalBronco]

Socal you know your one of my favorite guys here. BUT

I am going to have to remind you 2 weeks into free agency you were saying this was the worst offseason you have ever seen.

nice to see you coming around!!!

Ah my friend i still havent said its a great offseason or even a good one. Still a mixed bag but there are some things i like. I am really liking Warren, ofcourse Maurice, i homered Myers up, happy to hear Browner and Foxworth doing well. Still hate Ian with a passion and still worried about the middle of the OLine and the safeties against the pass. Mixed bag offseason, but im starting to go homer a little here and there. :)

[wabbit]

Domonique Foxworth has been the best pure CB in position camps so far according to Pat Saunders, but there is very little talk about Karl Paymah...which isn't the best news considering he was the first guy taken in the 3rd round.

I've read and heard that Paymah might be converted to Safety right away and I have mixed feelings about that. I mean, if you want a Safety...draft a God d*mned Safety. It's one the items that really frustrate me about Mike Shanahan & his drafting strategy despite the fact that he's such an excellent X's & O's guy.

I've always felt...well, since the draft anyway...that Maurice Clarett is just an insurance policy...one the team buys every year in one form or another.

He'll get his chances one way or another.

Lucky for the Broncos, they've always found a use for these guys....Gary, Anderson et al. It's redundant to say that RB is a risky position, but if you don't have more than one capable of producing, you're risking your season...and I think that's Mike Shanahan's philosophy.

I will bet somebody that the best, long term player taken from this group will be Chris Myers. He's already impressed scouts & coaches with his agility & athleticism & just has that 'look' of a Bronco lineman.

[Atlas]

I've read and heard that Paymah might be converted to Safety right away and I have mixed feelings about that. I mean, if you want a Safety...draft a God d*mned Safety. It's one the items that really frustrate me about Mike Shanahan & his drafting strategy despite the fact that he's such an excellent X's & O's guy.
.

I kind of disagree with that. With the NFL cracking down on any kind of hard hit on WRs I think drafting good tackling athletic CBs to play S is a smart move. Get a guy that can tackle but more importantly can cover a lot of ground and get some picks.

[fontaine]

I kind of disagree with that. With the NFL cracking down on any kind of hard hit on WRs I think drafting good tackling athletic CBs to play S is a smart move. Get a guy that can tackle but more importantly can cover a lot of ground and get some picks.

That's nice in theory but Denver sucks at not just drafting DBs but also converting CBs to Safeties. Walls, Middlebrooks, were also talked up as possibly converting to safety, same with Leseur and now there's talk of Paymah switching over.

What the hell is it with these idiots in Denver who love drafting CBs? They can spot a DB bust almost immediately but only after they draft them. I wash my hands of Leseur, Shoate, Paymah, Brandon, Foxworth, Williams, Middlebrooks etc etc.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I will bet somebody that the best, long term player taken from this group will be Chris Myers. He's already impressed scouts & coaches with his agility & athleticism & just has that 'look' of a Bronco lineman.


That's great news.

[Rohirrim]

If you want a safety, why not invite Schulters out here from Tenn? He just got released by the Titans.

[fontaine]

If you want a safety, why not invite Schulters out here from Tenn? He just got released by the Titans.

Great idea. He would immediately upgrade that area. He's a sure tackler with solid cover skills.

[Ray Finkle]

If you want a safety, why not invite Schulters out here from Tenn? He just got released by the Titans.


because everyone is going to be after him and can pay him more $$....he has dropped off a lot in the past 2 seasons...

[fontaine]

because everyone is going to be after him and can pay him more $$....he has dropped off a lot in the past 2 seasons...

Those are two contradictory statements.

Nnyah!

Which one is it? Do many teams view him as a high $$ investment,

or

has his play dropped off a lot in the past two seasons?

By the way, how does one's play "drop off" the past two seasons, when they only actually played 2-3 games last season due to injury?
:cuss:

[Ray Finkle]

Those are two contradictory statements.

Nnyah!

Which one is it? Do many teams view him as a high $$ investment,

or

has his play dropped off a lot in the past two seasons?

By the way, how does one's play "drop off" the past two seasons, when they only actually played 2-3 games last season due to injury?
:cuss:



He is overrated based on his earlier seasons. Teams are going to have to pay him based on that. The games I have watched that past couple of years (even the few he played in) he does not look like the same player....he looks a lot, lot, lot slower....

[fontaine]

He is overrated based on his earlier seasons. Teams are going to have to pay him based on that. The games I have watched that past couple of years (even the few he played in) he does not look like the same player....he looks a lot, lot, lot slower....

Yes he is slower, though he was injured on and off during the offseason so that might have had something to do with it.

I'm not saying he's an all world player, but he's better than what we got at FS and I don't think he'll be overpaid. Safeties cut this late really have few options and even fewer salary cap dollars to play around with.

If it means we have to cut Brandon, Hope, and the other glut of DBs/DL we have that won't make the roster to get some cap space then do it and sign this guy.

[Ray Finkle]

I really would like to see what Browner does....

[fontaine]

I really would like to see what Browner does....

So would I, but not until 2006 when he actually has half an idea of what he's supposed to be doing.

[Ray Finkle]

So would I, but not until 2006 when he actually has half an idea of what he's supposed to be doing.


touche...

[Ballhawk]

Would it really be so bad if between Paymah, Lesuer, and Browner we found Fergy and Lynch's replacements next year or the year after? I have been dreaming of having to excellent cover Safties ever since...well Indy last year.

[Atlas]

That's nice in theory but Denver sucks at not just drafting DBs but also converting CBs to Safeties. Walls, Middlebrooks, were also talked up as possibly converting to safety, same with Leseur and now there's talk of Paymah switching over.
.

The ultimate pessimist post.

What are you talking about. Denver hasn't converted one CB to S yet. It's just been talk. How can you say they have failed when they have never even tried?

When a CB is moved to saftey and he fails then you can say he has failed. Until then it hasn't happened.

[TheReverend]

I will defer to you on Paymah as you are very familiar with the Pac 10. I dunno if we have room to keep all of them though within the confines of the roster. I think because of his injuries and because he was even lower than Roc on the depth chart last year, Shoate will be put on the PS, although i liked what i saw from Shoate in the run support area in the preseason last year. He was blowing stuff up against the Bills. Alot depends on whether this stuff about Willie getting outright cut comes about. If so, than they will prolly keep another corner or two.

Willie wont get cut. Not with the Reverend's personal stamp of approval.

Its nice hearing something positive about Foxworth. I have to defer to the reports because I cant go watch the practices and sadly, dont watch enough college ball to even pretend i know the difference between him and Paymah. Going to try and remedy that this year... watch more than just PSU games and getting annihilated.

I dont like Shoate though. I think hes done.

About the Clarrett vs. LB debate... if hes got the speed burst to hit that corner, its over. Football isnt 40 times. Especially from someone who went high 4.7s to 4.61 in a couple weeks. With the drop of another 10 lbs he could be 4.5 by now and who knows going into training camp... point is, it doesnt matter all that much. Elusive speed. Game speed. Foot speed. That matters.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

The ultimate pessimist post.

What are you talking about. Denver hasn't converted one CB to S yet. It's just been talk. How can you say they have failed when they have never even tried?

When a CB is moved to saftey and he fails then you can say he has failed. Until then it hasn't happened.


Seems to me it worked pretty well with Tyrone (Chicken) Braxton.

[Arkie]

Jacksonville Jaguars – One thing that’s noticeable in rookie WR Matt Jones’ play is that he has remarkable hands for a player who hasn’t performed at the position long. He looks like a natural also running his routes. The big test will come in pads when training camp starts on July 29.

Nobody wants to admit that Matt Jones is the best. Everytime he proves the critics wrong, they just come up with more excuses. Remember when hands and route running were supposed to be his weaknesses?

[TheReverend]

Would it really be so bad if between Paymah, Lesuer, and Browner we found Fergy and Lynch's replacements next year or the year after? I have been dreaming of having to excellent cover Safties ever since...well Indy last year.

The FO claims to be real high on Chris Young too... if they're so high on him why are they switching so many potential CBs to potential Ss? Oh well, makes for a more interesting pre-season.

[Ray Finkle]

Nobody wants to admit that Matt Jones is the best. Everytime he proves the critics wrong, they just come up with more excuses. Remember when hands and route running were supposed to be his weaknesses?


you can have the best hands in the world but when you can't get off the LOS,you are Desmond Howard....

[Atlas]

you can have the best hands in the world but when you can't get off the LOS,you are Desmond Howard....

I agree but Jones is 6'3" and 235 lbs. I don't think him getting off the LOS will be a problem

[TheReverend]

I dont like Kylas face in that picture... why not bring Ms. Zemanova into play?

[Arkie]

:yep: MJ explodes off the snap at 6'6", 242.

[Ray Finkle]

:yep: MJ explodes off the snap at 6'6", 242.


Just because Jones is big doesn't mean it is a lock that he will be able to get off the LOS.....look at players like R. Jay Soward, Stallworth, and other TO/Moss like WR's that have been drafted in the last few years that couldn't do it....

I am not saying he will not be able to but I think Edwards is the real deal in this past draft.

[sevenis7]

The FO claims to be real high on Chris Young too... if they're so high on him why are they switching so many potential CBs to potential Ss? Oh well, makes for a more interesting pre-season.

I think Young is supposed to be Lynch's replacement at SS. The converted CBs are trying to be Ferguson's replacement at FS.

[Old Dude]

... Foxworth was the most impressive of the rookies at the rookie Q&A at the Fan Fare. He was very intelligent and answered all his questions professionally. He is on the taller end of 5'10". He talks like a pro - lets hope he'll play like one.

It doesn't surprise me that Foxworth is a step ahead of the others at this point. He was a four-year starter, and I kind of expected him to come in with an edge. The big question is how he'll progress. So far, so good.

[labronx]

Great idea. He would immediately upgrade that area. He's a sure tackler with solid cover skills.

The Lance Shulters thing is really starting to get on my nerves. He is better thany any of the people playing S we have.

These kind of non-moves are the ones that really piss me off about MS.

uugggh :flush:

[stoxman]

Brandon Browner.....that is all :approve:

[Quagmire]

Yeah I love our defense, we have a great mix of Veterans and Young ones. Most people are right but Im more interested in Brandon Browner because looks like he will be a playmaker in the future.

[Atlas]

I dont like Kylas face in that picture... why not bring Ms. Zemanova into play?

She is next

[Atlas]

The Lance Shulters thing is really starting to get on my nerves. He is better thany any of the people playing S we have.

These kind of non-moves are the ones that really piss me off about MS.

uugggh :flush:

You are totally unreallistic. You do realize there are at this moment at least 5 teams wanting Shulters. You act like Denver could just call him on the phone and get a deal done. The fact is that if they did sign him it would be at the expense of serious salary cap space and Denver already has Fergy an 8 year vet and Lynch a 12 year vet. So I guess Denver is supposed to let one of them go and have more dead cap space. Schultz is on the downside of his career and Denver has 10 young hungery defensive backs on the roster fighting for positions. For you to be pissed off because Denver doesn't go after this guy is redicules. You want reason to be unhappy that's all it is.