HEAV
04-28-2006, 07:41 AM
Texans general manager Charley Casserly won't be around to see how his '06 draft picks pan out. Casserly is expected to get his walking papers from owner Bob McNair shortly after the draft. Sources say he already has put his Houston home on the market and probably will wind up with a football operations job in the NFL office in New York. Former Broncos, Giants and Falcons coach Dan Reeves was hired by McNair last year as a consultant. He won't replace Casserly, but will have a good deal of influence into choosing his successor. The two leading candidates, sources say, are Falcons vice president of player personnel Ronnie Hill and Broncos director of pro scouting Rick Smith.
As for Thomas Jones, Bears coach Lovie Smith said he has talked to the running back since he left the voluntary off-season program. Jones, according to people who have talked to him, is tiring of looking over his shoulder at a player—the Bears' 2005 first-round pick Cedric Benson—making more money than him. The Bears have heard underwhelming offers for Jones but aren't seeking to trade the player who gained a career-high 1,335 yards last year. "We're in total agreement as to how we're handling the situation," Smith said.
The Dolphins may have to continue waiting for the services of quarterback Joey Harrington. Lions General Manager Matt Millen told Detroit media on Wednesday that he is in no rush to trade Harrington, who has publicly stated he will only play for the Dolphins in 2006. If trade negotiations between the two teams turn ugly, Detroit could wait until after that minicamp was completed to release Harrington. Getting Harrington up to speed is important in case quarterback Daunte Culpepper (knee) isn't ready to start the regular season.
Veteran defensive tackles Grady Jackson and Jason Fisk paid free-agent visits to Rams Park this week. The Rams have had contract talks with both players, and one of the two could be signed before the draft. Both players are being looked at as rotation players.
Denver also is likely to continue to shop receiver Ashley Lelie, who has asked to be traded. New Orleans receiver Donte' Stallworth and Detroit receiver Charles Rogers are likely to be available if Denver is interested.
The Packers reportedly would not settle for anything less than a first-round pick in a trade for Javon Walker. Perhaps they would consider the Saints' second-round pick, (No. 34 overall), but it also is possible the teams would discuss a combination of picks and players. The Saints reportedly have discussed the possibility of trading fifth-year receiver Donté Stallworth, who also is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. Their interest in Walker might be tied to those efforts.
Whatever interest the Eagles had in Green Bay wide receiver Javon Walker appears to be gone. According to several reports, the Eagles offered the Packers defensive tackle Hollis Thomas and a late-round draft pick.
Pittsburgh has an opening for a rookie running back. It's not necessary for them to draft a back high, but if LenDale White is available, it would be hard for a team that runs as often as the Steelers to pass him up.
Quarterback Jamie Martin, who was 3-1 as a starter for the Rams last season, has signed a two-year free-agent contract with New Orleans. Contract terms weren't immediately available. Martin also drew interest from Cincinnati, Seattle, and Miami. Martin, 36, had several stints with the Rams dating to 1993 when the team was in Los Angeles. He will back up Drew Brees.
The Dolphins have sought and received permission to negotiate a contract with Green Bay Packers receiver Javon Walker for the purpose of working out a trade for the former first-round draft pick from Florida State.
The Colts have the 30th pick in the first round and most pro football pundits see the team taking someone like former Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney or ex-UCLA all-purpose back Maurice Drew with that selection. While continuing to maintain that veteran Dominic Rhodes will be the starting running back heading into the Colts’ spring and summer workouts, Bill Polian thinks Indianapolis will be able to find a suitable replacement for multi-talented James.
According to multiple NFL insiders, it's unlikely the Jets will take Matt Leinart, even if he's available. This scenario is expected to send upset Jets fans into a frenzy.
Despite recent rumblings that the Jets' interest in Jay Cutler is strong enough to prompt them to trade their 29th overall pick to get him, most people involved in the pre-draft posturing believe they will address the quarterback position later. That means no Big Three for the Jets, who instead will be deciding among the Next Three: Alabama's Brodie Croyle, Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst and Oregon's Kellen Clemens.
The Ravens could decide to trade down in the first round of the NFL draft tomorrow, but history says otherwise. In their decade of drafting, the Ravens have only traded once in the first round -- and never while on the clock. The reason why they usually stay put is simple, team officials say. "Good players just fall to us every year," director of college scouting Eric DeCosta said. "I think someday when Ozzie [Newsome, general manager] retires, his gravestone is going to say: 'Ozzie Newsome, he got lucky in the first round.' "
Matt Leinart sees himself as a good fit with the Titans, where he would be reunited with offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who occupied the same position at USC. However, having spent his college career rubbing elbows with Hollywood types, he certainly wouldn't have any problem performing in the media glare of New York. In fact, he would look forward to it.
Vince Young, the Rose Bowl hero from Texas, also is anxious to finally know his NFL employer. "It's always in the back of your mind, trying to find out what's going to be your zip code and the color jersey you're going to be wearing," Young said. "It is good to know that it's almost over. It feels real good."
Houston, Buffalo and Pittsburgh might be interested in acquiring a second first-round pick in Saturday's NFL draft, and all have a willing trading partner in the Bears. While the Bears have targeted several players they would feel comfortable drafting at No. 26, they also wouldn't mind acquiring an extra lower-round pick in exchange for it.
The Canadian Football League is interested in suspended running back Ricky Williams. But if Williams hopes to play north of the border, he will need permission from the Dolphins. The Dolphins on Thursday clarified information they game to the media a day earlier, saying Williams can indeed play in the CFL. However, under the NFL's standard player contract, he must first gain permission.
Cardinals officials again are seriously considering selecting a quarterback in this weekend's draft, according to two NFL sources, and likely will take one with the 10th overall pick. If Vince Young of Texas or Matt Leinart of Southern California falls to No. 10, which is unlikely, the Cardinals would make the easy decision to take him. That has been the case all along. What's new is that the team apparently also would take Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler in that spot. Most experts think Cutler will be available, unless another team trades up to get him. The Cardinals' plans could change if another highly rated player, such as Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, is available.
The Saints also brought in free agent defensive tackle Jason Fisk, 6 feet 3, 300 pounds. Fisk started 14 games for the Cleveland Browns last season.
Denver also is considering veteran acquisitions. According to an NFL source, the team brought in Green Bay receiver Javon Walker on Thursday for a visit, but the Packers' demands may be too high. Detroit quarterback Joey Harrington has been on Denver's radar, but he has made it clear he wants to play in Miami.
The Chiefs have shown an interest in rushers such as North Carolina State’s Manny Lawson, Florida State’s Kamerion Wimbley, Boston College’s Mathias Kiwanuka and Penn State’s Tamba Hali, among others.
A.J. Hawk, who will watch the draft from his parents' Centerville home, will be featured in an ad for Under Armour, a growing sports performance apparel company. His agent, Mike McCartney, said lining up endorsements for the former Ohio State star has been easy. "There's no red flags with him," McCartney said. "A.J. is a throwback, both on and off the field." So many companies have wanted to align themselves with a potential star who exudes old-school values that Hawk has had to set limits on his off-field endeavors, McCartney said. Hawk has a three-year contract with Under Armour. He shot a commercial in the company's gear last month in Dallas. It debuts on Saturday's draft telecast.
"If I'm up there at No. 4, the Jets pick me, I might consider doing a little Lambeau Leap up there to where they're all at," USC quarterback Matt Leinart said yesterday.
So, might the Chiefs be looking at pass rushers when a number of good edge rushers will be available on the Chiefs' No. 20th in Saturday's first round? It's an option the Chiefs will consider when looking at possibly available defensive ends such as North Carolina State's Manny Lawson, a "tweener'' at 240 pounds who makes up in speed what he lacks in size, or a similar hybrid player in Florida State edge rusher Kamerion Wimbley, a linebacker projected to play end in the 4-3 defense the Chiefs will continue to employ under Edwards. Wimbley was an all-stater at Wichita Northwest.
Following Adam Vinatieri isn’t going to be easy for anybody, let alone an untested collegian. But there’s a chance the Patriots will open the season with a rookie working the most thankless job in America. They’re likely choosing from four names to battle veteran Martin Gramatica in camp - Ohio State’s Josh Huston, Missouri State’s Jonathan Scifres, Memphis’ Stephen Gostkowski and Virginia’s Connor Hughes. Pats special teams coach Brad Seely has worked out all four prospects.
Reports surfaced about the Pats’ expressing interested in the Packers’ disgruntled Pro Bowl receiver Jevon Walker, as well as Denver’s Ashley Lelie. New Orleans star receiver Donte Stallworth is also said to be on the block. A third-rounder for Walker, Lelie or Stallworth represents value.
A.J. Hawk. Michael Huff. Manny Lawson. Kamerion Wimbley. Those are the names that get the blood flowing. All have the tools to step right into the Patriots defense, fill a need and make an impact. It’s a lot more interesting picturing those players in a Patriots uniform than consulting value charts and computing extra picks.
Both New Orleans and Denver have their own receivers on the trading block - the Saints' Donte Stallworth and the Broncos' Ashley Lelie, each of whom was selected before Javon Walker in the 2002 NFL draft. Stallworth was selected 13th, Lelie 19th and Walker 20th in that draft. But a league source said the Packers have no interest in Lelie, despite his career average of 17.9 yards per catch and 18 receptions of 40-plus yards. Like Walker, Lelie also is unhappy with his contract and has boycotted all of the Broncos' offseason workouts. He also has had injury problems.
The Packers also have received calls from the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles about Javon Walker, but the Saints and Broncos appear to be the most interested.
Whenever a running back is taken, it pretty certain that the rest of the Colts’ draft will be devoted — once again — to improving the team’s overall depth on defense. Outside linebacker, safety and cornerback are expected to the biggest areas of need. Indianapolis will be looking to replace outside linebacker David Thornton, who signed a free-agent contract with Tennessee. “You’re always looking to improve yourself on defense,” Polian said. “Anytime that you can get a difference maker or a major contributor, that’s what we’re looking for.”
Progress slowed Thursday in contract negotiations between the Houston Texans and University of Southern California tailback Reggie Bush, but the Texans remained hopeful of completing a deal with Bush on Friday or early Saturday as a precursor to using the top overall selection in the NFL draft on him, people familiar with the talks said. The Texans have been negotiating with North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams as well, and team officials are leaving open the possibility of using the top pick on Williams if they're unable to finish a deal with Bush and his agent, Joel Segal, before the draft Saturday.
The Denver Broncos seem to keep churning out 1,000-yard running backs and the St. Louis Rams always seem to have a 1,000-yard receiver. And history has shown the San Francisco 49ers to produce an assembly line of Hall of Fame quarterbacks. But the Steelers, for all their Super Bowl MVPs and Hall of Fame inductees, have become known as a pro football factory for centers.
Marcus Vick's prospects also were hurt when he reportedly scored 11 on the Wonderlic, an intelligence test used by NFL teams. The average score by an NFL quarterback on the 12-minute, 50-question test is 24, according to Paul Zimmerman's book, "The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football."
Most NFL teams haven't shown much interest in Marcus Vick. He worked out at the NFL combine in Indianapolis and during Virginia Tech's Pro Day last month in Blacksburg, Va. But the quarterback wasn't invited for private workouts by any NFL team, although a few have asked Woodward for Vick's contact information in case he's selected this weekend. "It's been pretty good," Woodward said of NFL teams' interest in Vick. "I've been pleasantly surprised with the response we've gotten. I think Marcus did really well at the combine and he's been working out in Atlanta for several months. I expect Marcus will get drafted and will do fine."
Mario Williams says he knew from the moment he decided to skip his senior season at North Carolina State that he had a realistic chance to be the top overall pick. "I always felt like I had an opportunity to be number one," Williams said here Thursday. "Maybe it just clicked in for some other people. It wasn't a surprise to me. I always set my goals high."
As for Thomas Jones, Bears coach Lovie Smith said he has talked to the running back since he left the voluntary off-season program. Jones, according to people who have talked to him, is tiring of looking over his shoulder at a player—the Bears' 2005 first-round pick Cedric Benson—making more money than him. The Bears have heard underwhelming offers for Jones but aren't seeking to trade the player who gained a career-high 1,335 yards last year. "We're in total agreement as to how we're handling the situation," Smith said.
The Dolphins may have to continue waiting for the services of quarterback Joey Harrington. Lions General Manager Matt Millen told Detroit media on Wednesday that he is in no rush to trade Harrington, who has publicly stated he will only play for the Dolphins in 2006. If trade negotiations between the two teams turn ugly, Detroit could wait until after that minicamp was completed to release Harrington. Getting Harrington up to speed is important in case quarterback Daunte Culpepper (knee) isn't ready to start the regular season.
Veteran defensive tackles Grady Jackson and Jason Fisk paid free-agent visits to Rams Park this week. The Rams have had contract talks with both players, and one of the two could be signed before the draft. Both players are being looked at as rotation players.
Denver also is likely to continue to shop receiver Ashley Lelie, who has asked to be traded. New Orleans receiver Donte' Stallworth and Detroit receiver Charles Rogers are likely to be available if Denver is interested.
The Packers reportedly would not settle for anything less than a first-round pick in a trade for Javon Walker. Perhaps they would consider the Saints' second-round pick, (No. 34 overall), but it also is possible the teams would discuss a combination of picks and players. The Saints reportedly have discussed the possibility of trading fifth-year receiver Donté Stallworth, who also is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. Their interest in Walker might be tied to those efforts.
Whatever interest the Eagles had in Green Bay wide receiver Javon Walker appears to be gone. According to several reports, the Eagles offered the Packers defensive tackle Hollis Thomas and a late-round draft pick.
Pittsburgh has an opening for a rookie running back. It's not necessary for them to draft a back high, but if LenDale White is available, it would be hard for a team that runs as often as the Steelers to pass him up.
Quarterback Jamie Martin, who was 3-1 as a starter for the Rams last season, has signed a two-year free-agent contract with New Orleans. Contract terms weren't immediately available. Martin also drew interest from Cincinnati, Seattle, and Miami. Martin, 36, had several stints with the Rams dating to 1993 when the team was in Los Angeles. He will back up Drew Brees.
The Dolphins have sought and received permission to negotiate a contract with Green Bay Packers receiver Javon Walker for the purpose of working out a trade for the former first-round draft pick from Florida State.
The Colts have the 30th pick in the first round and most pro football pundits see the team taking someone like former Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney or ex-UCLA all-purpose back Maurice Drew with that selection. While continuing to maintain that veteran Dominic Rhodes will be the starting running back heading into the Colts’ spring and summer workouts, Bill Polian thinks Indianapolis will be able to find a suitable replacement for multi-talented James.
According to multiple NFL insiders, it's unlikely the Jets will take Matt Leinart, even if he's available. This scenario is expected to send upset Jets fans into a frenzy.
Despite recent rumblings that the Jets' interest in Jay Cutler is strong enough to prompt them to trade their 29th overall pick to get him, most people involved in the pre-draft posturing believe they will address the quarterback position later. That means no Big Three for the Jets, who instead will be deciding among the Next Three: Alabama's Brodie Croyle, Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst and Oregon's Kellen Clemens.
The Ravens could decide to trade down in the first round of the NFL draft tomorrow, but history says otherwise. In their decade of drafting, the Ravens have only traded once in the first round -- and never while on the clock. The reason why they usually stay put is simple, team officials say. "Good players just fall to us every year," director of college scouting Eric DeCosta said. "I think someday when Ozzie [Newsome, general manager] retires, his gravestone is going to say: 'Ozzie Newsome, he got lucky in the first round.' "
Matt Leinart sees himself as a good fit with the Titans, where he would be reunited with offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who occupied the same position at USC. However, having spent his college career rubbing elbows with Hollywood types, he certainly wouldn't have any problem performing in the media glare of New York. In fact, he would look forward to it.
Vince Young, the Rose Bowl hero from Texas, also is anxious to finally know his NFL employer. "It's always in the back of your mind, trying to find out what's going to be your zip code and the color jersey you're going to be wearing," Young said. "It is good to know that it's almost over. It feels real good."
Houston, Buffalo and Pittsburgh might be interested in acquiring a second first-round pick in Saturday's NFL draft, and all have a willing trading partner in the Bears. While the Bears have targeted several players they would feel comfortable drafting at No. 26, they also wouldn't mind acquiring an extra lower-round pick in exchange for it.
The Canadian Football League is interested in suspended running back Ricky Williams. But if Williams hopes to play north of the border, he will need permission from the Dolphins. The Dolphins on Thursday clarified information they game to the media a day earlier, saying Williams can indeed play in the CFL. However, under the NFL's standard player contract, he must first gain permission.
Cardinals officials again are seriously considering selecting a quarterback in this weekend's draft, according to two NFL sources, and likely will take one with the 10th overall pick. If Vince Young of Texas or Matt Leinart of Southern California falls to No. 10, which is unlikely, the Cardinals would make the easy decision to take him. That has been the case all along. What's new is that the team apparently also would take Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler in that spot. Most experts think Cutler will be available, unless another team trades up to get him. The Cardinals' plans could change if another highly rated player, such as Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, is available.
The Saints also brought in free agent defensive tackle Jason Fisk, 6 feet 3, 300 pounds. Fisk started 14 games for the Cleveland Browns last season.
Denver also is considering veteran acquisitions. According to an NFL source, the team brought in Green Bay receiver Javon Walker on Thursday for a visit, but the Packers' demands may be too high. Detroit quarterback Joey Harrington has been on Denver's radar, but he has made it clear he wants to play in Miami.
The Chiefs have shown an interest in rushers such as North Carolina State’s Manny Lawson, Florida State’s Kamerion Wimbley, Boston College’s Mathias Kiwanuka and Penn State’s Tamba Hali, among others.
A.J. Hawk, who will watch the draft from his parents' Centerville home, will be featured in an ad for Under Armour, a growing sports performance apparel company. His agent, Mike McCartney, said lining up endorsements for the former Ohio State star has been easy. "There's no red flags with him," McCartney said. "A.J. is a throwback, both on and off the field." So many companies have wanted to align themselves with a potential star who exudes old-school values that Hawk has had to set limits on his off-field endeavors, McCartney said. Hawk has a three-year contract with Under Armour. He shot a commercial in the company's gear last month in Dallas. It debuts on Saturday's draft telecast.
"If I'm up there at No. 4, the Jets pick me, I might consider doing a little Lambeau Leap up there to where they're all at," USC quarterback Matt Leinart said yesterday.
So, might the Chiefs be looking at pass rushers when a number of good edge rushers will be available on the Chiefs' No. 20th in Saturday's first round? It's an option the Chiefs will consider when looking at possibly available defensive ends such as North Carolina State's Manny Lawson, a "tweener'' at 240 pounds who makes up in speed what he lacks in size, or a similar hybrid player in Florida State edge rusher Kamerion Wimbley, a linebacker projected to play end in the 4-3 defense the Chiefs will continue to employ under Edwards. Wimbley was an all-stater at Wichita Northwest.
Following Adam Vinatieri isn’t going to be easy for anybody, let alone an untested collegian. But there’s a chance the Patriots will open the season with a rookie working the most thankless job in America. They’re likely choosing from four names to battle veteran Martin Gramatica in camp - Ohio State’s Josh Huston, Missouri State’s Jonathan Scifres, Memphis’ Stephen Gostkowski and Virginia’s Connor Hughes. Pats special teams coach Brad Seely has worked out all four prospects.
Reports surfaced about the Pats’ expressing interested in the Packers’ disgruntled Pro Bowl receiver Jevon Walker, as well as Denver’s Ashley Lelie. New Orleans star receiver Donte Stallworth is also said to be on the block. A third-rounder for Walker, Lelie or Stallworth represents value.
A.J. Hawk. Michael Huff. Manny Lawson. Kamerion Wimbley. Those are the names that get the blood flowing. All have the tools to step right into the Patriots defense, fill a need and make an impact. It’s a lot more interesting picturing those players in a Patriots uniform than consulting value charts and computing extra picks.
Both New Orleans and Denver have their own receivers on the trading block - the Saints' Donte Stallworth and the Broncos' Ashley Lelie, each of whom was selected before Javon Walker in the 2002 NFL draft. Stallworth was selected 13th, Lelie 19th and Walker 20th in that draft. But a league source said the Packers have no interest in Lelie, despite his career average of 17.9 yards per catch and 18 receptions of 40-plus yards. Like Walker, Lelie also is unhappy with his contract and has boycotted all of the Broncos' offseason workouts. He also has had injury problems.
The Packers also have received calls from the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles about Javon Walker, but the Saints and Broncos appear to be the most interested.
Whenever a running back is taken, it pretty certain that the rest of the Colts’ draft will be devoted — once again — to improving the team’s overall depth on defense. Outside linebacker, safety and cornerback are expected to the biggest areas of need. Indianapolis will be looking to replace outside linebacker David Thornton, who signed a free-agent contract with Tennessee. “You’re always looking to improve yourself on defense,” Polian said. “Anytime that you can get a difference maker or a major contributor, that’s what we’re looking for.”
Progress slowed Thursday in contract negotiations between the Houston Texans and University of Southern California tailback Reggie Bush, but the Texans remained hopeful of completing a deal with Bush on Friday or early Saturday as a precursor to using the top overall selection in the NFL draft on him, people familiar with the talks said. The Texans have been negotiating with North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams as well, and team officials are leaving open the possibility of using the top pick on Williams if they're unable to finish a deal with Bush and his agent, Joel Segal, before the draft Saturday.
The Denver Broncos seem to keep churning out 1,000-yard running backs and the St. Louis Rams always seem to have a 1,000-yard receiver. And history has shown the San Francisco 49ers to produce an assembly line of Hall of Fame quarterbacks. But the Steelers, for all their Super Bowl MVPs and Hall of Fame inductees, have become known as a pro football factory for centers.
Marcus Vick's prospects also were hurt when he reportedly scored 11 on the Wonderlic, an intelligence test used by NFL teams. The average score by an NFL quarterback on the 12-minute, 50-question test is 24, according to Paul Zimmerman's book, "The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football."
Most NFL teams haven't shown much interest in Marcus Vick. He worked out at the NFL combine in Indianapolis and during Virginia Tech's Pro Day last month in Blacksburg, Va. But the quarterback wasn't invited for private workouts by any NFL team, although a few have asked Woodward for Vick's contact information in case he's selected this weekend. "It's been pretty good," Woodward said of NFL teams' interest in Vick. "I've been pleasantly surprised with the response we've gotten. I think Marcus did really well at the combine and he's been working out in Atlanta for several months. I expect Marcus will get drafted and will do fine."
Mario Williams says he knew from the moment he decided to skip his senior season at North Carolina State that he had a realistic chance to be the top overall pick. "I always felt like I had an opportunity to be number one," Williams said here Thursday. "Maybe it just clicked in for some other people. It wasn't a surprise to me. I always set my goals high."