04/06...Denver Broncos...The Broncos hope to use one of their late-round picks to acquire Jets DT Dewayne Robertson.

Kenny Wright...Cleveland Browns CB Kenny Wright was released from jail after posting $5,000 bail following a foot chase and arrest for a disturbance outside a police station. Link

04/05...Quenton Groves...Auburn DE Quenton Groves told Sirius NFL Radio that he has a visit scheduled with the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow, and visits scheduled with the Bengals, Dolphins, and 49'ers next week.

Ogden To Retire...Former Baltimore Raven defensive end and member of their broadcast crew Rob Burnett told Sirius NFL Radio that Ravens OT Jonathan Ogden will call it a career and retire from football...Burnett stated that Ogden told him earlier this week that his toe injury wasn't responding to treatment, and he would retire from the game.

Carr a Titan...It's Official...The Tennessee Titans have added CB/RS Chris Carr to their roster, as Oakland failed to match the offer sheet he signed with Tennessee last week. Link

New England Patriots...Pro Football Weekly is reporting the Patriots have legitimate interest in Eagles CB Lito Sheppard, despite the fact that the Eagles have stated publicly that they’re not interested in trading him.  Nevertheless , there’s a good chance of Sheppard being dealt on draft weekend, and the Pats are at or near the top of the list of suitors. The Patriots have signed a slew of corners this offseason, but none approaches the athleticism of the one-time Philly star, when healthy. Link

Jeremy Shockey...Rumors are circulating throughout the league that Giants TE Jeremy Shockey would like to play for the Miami Dolphins...Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel reports Shockey may be trying to get a new contract out of the Giants...but..."I'm told by my UM sources he really wants OUT, and feels the Dolphins would be a good fit since it's home". The Giants can not get over the fact he doesn't want to train with them in the offseason. Link

Bears Visits...Chicago Bears running backs coach Tim Spencer met with Tulane HB Matt Forte on Thursday in New Orleans, a day after putting Texas' Jamaal Charles through a private workout in Austin...the Bears also sent Southwest scout Chris Ballard to New Orleans a week earlier to meet with Forte, and they interviewed him at the combine...No. Dakota State Punter Mike Dragosavich will work out for the Bears next Friday. Link

Tennessee Titans...The Titans were expecting to add Raiders CB Chris Carr to their roster on Friday, but were still awaiting word from the NFL...the Raiders had until 11 p.m. Friday, according to the Titans, to notify the NFL if they were going to match the offer sheet Carr signed with the Titans last Friday. Link

Titans Visits...Purdue LB Stanford Keglar is scheduled to have a pre-draft visit with the Titans next week.

Patriots Visits...Eastern Michigan DE/OLB Jason Jones, CB Antoine Cason (Arizona), CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa), CB Terrell Thomas (USC), HB Darren McFadden (Arkansas), LB Keith Rivers (USC), and DE/LB Darrell Robertson (Georgia Tech) are among those scheduled to have pre-draft visits with the Patriots. Link

Cleveland Browns...Linebackers Jerod Mayo of Tennessee and Beau Bell of UNLV made pre-draft visits to the Browns on Friday...the Browns would have to trade up to get Mayo, but could land Bell with their 4th round pick. Link

Pacman...To facilitate a trade to Dallas, Pacman Jones has offered to forego the $1.2 million performance bonus he earned for playing at least 25 percent of the Titans' defensive plays in an attempt to offset the $1.275 million signing bonus the Titans are currently demanding he repay before completing any trade. Link

Brett Favre...Brett Favre's agent, Bus Cook is reportedly responsible for spreading rumors about his client possibly coming out of retirement. Link

Quick Hits...The Washington Redskins signed former Texans WR Jerome Mathis...the Arizona Cardinals signed G Scott Peters to a one year contract.

04/04...Colt Brennen...Hawaii QB Colt Brennen will undergo minor hip surgery on Monday April the 7th.

Brian Brohm...Louisville QB Brian Brohm told Sirius NFL Radio that he worked out for the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, and will be working out for the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday...Brohm also stated that he has a workout and visit scheduled with the Baltimore Ravens next week.

Pro Day Attendance...Gil Brandt of NFL.com is reporting there were 90 NFL people from 29 NFL teams on hand at USC's Pro Day on Wednesday...Green Bay's Ted Thompson was the only GM in attendance and there were no head coaches, but plenty of coordinators were there to see 25 Trojans work out (19 from the 2007 USC squad, six from previous years)... Prospects ran the 40-yard dash and did position drills on the outdoor, grass surface… USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian led the drills for QB, RB, WR, and TE positions...Bengals LB coach Jeff FitzGerald led the LB drills... Speaking of the Bengals, Cincinnati TE coach Jonathan Hayes spent some extra time after the session with USC tight ends Fred Davis and Dale Thompson...Hayes has spent extra time at various pro days...so it's a safe guess that Cincinnati will draft a TE somewhere.  Link   USC Pro Day Photos

Stock Watch...Al Fronczak has posted a list of draft prospects whose stock is rising and falling. Link

Brett Favre...Peter King of SI.com is reporting Brett Favre told him he's not considering coming out of retirement..."That's the last thing I'm thinking about,'' Favre told SI.com. "I have no idea where that came from, but it certainly didn't come from me. I'm happy about my decision and I haven't once said, 'I wonder if I made the wrong decision.' I know it's the right one.'' Link

Lawrence Jackson...USC DE Lawrence Jackson told Sirius NFL Radio that he has upcoming visits scheduled with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Washington Redskins.

Rashard Mendenhall...Illinois HB Rashard Mendenhall told Sirius NFL Radio that he has upcoming visits scheduled with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.

Dennis Dixon...Oregon QB Dennis Dixon worked out for NFL teams on Thursday in front of representatives from nine NFL teams including Atlanta Falcons QB coach Bill Musgrave...Dixon commented on his workout afterwards...
“I thought I threw the ball pretty well today. There were a couple passes that I would like to have back, but I’m a perfectionist and I wanted to complete every pass I threw. I did some agility drills to show everyone how well I’m moving and how quickly that I am healing. The knee feels great. I didn’t even think about it during the workout. I believe that I'll be 100% in another month. There’s no doubt that I’ll be ready for NFL camp in July.”  Workout Video

Buffalo Bills...The Bills have altered their offensive strategy for the 2008 season...the Bills want to get the ball out of the quarterbacks hands quicker, and will be using 3 step drops instead of the 5 and 7 step drops that the Bills used last season...in this type of offense, the Bills need a big tight end to work in a short area according to Bills' coach Dick Jauron...the Bills have Robert Royal listed as the starter at the tight end position, but will be looking to address the need in the draft...the tight ends that fit the Bills requirements the best are John Carlson (Notre Dame), Kellen Davis (Michigan State), Brad Cottam (Tennessee), Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M) and Gary Barnridge (Louisville).

Fred Davis...Sirius NFL Radio's Pat Kirwan is reporting the 4.60 forty that USC TE Fred Davis ran at his pro day on Wednesday was electronic timed, which disputes the 4.7 hand held times that Davis was clocked at on Wednesday.

Browns CB Arrested...Cleveland Browns CB Kenny Wright was arrested on Thursday after an altercation with police....at approximately 11:33 a.m., officers were investigating a disturbance in a parking lot of the Pearland Police Department, according to a press release...a suspect involved in the disturbance fled when police arrived, leading officers on a chase....the suspect, later identified as Kenneth Dewayne Wright, of Pearland, was caught a shortly after in a nearby subdivision...Wright, 30, is being charged with Unlawful Restraint, Evading Arrest Fleeing and Possession of Marijuana...Wright had 1.875 ounces of marijuana in his vehicle, according to the press release. Link

Cincinnati Bengals Trouble...Chris Henry, Chris Perry and Domata Peko were escorted out from a club by police on Sunday night when the club closed, and a police officer working security around 1 a.m. said the players had become unruly..."They're destroying a ceiling in the back room here, and they're all highly intoxicated," the officer said in a recording obtained by News 5. "The bar owner wants them ejected from the bar, so we're going to try and eject them now, but they've been kind of rowdy all night."...Multiple sources stated that Henry was smoking a marijuana cigar inside the club and some of the players hung from a chandelier, ripping it from the ceiling. Link

Quick Hits...Arizona Cardinals CB Eric Green signed his one year tender sheet...the Bengals released P Danny Baugher... the Packers re-signed HB Vernand Morency to a one year, $927,000 contract.

04/03...Brett Favre Comeback?...Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre, who announced his retirement last month after 17 seasons, could be weighing a comeback with another team...according to NFL sources, Favre's agent has quietly inquired with teams about their interest in trading for the three-time NFL most valuable player....League sources say his representative has put out feelers that the former Green Bay Packers superstar, who has not yet turned his retirement papers into the league, may want to keep playing. Link  (Brett Favre's agent has reportedly denied this report.)

James Hardy...Indiana WR James Hardy told Sirius NFL Radio that his agent has been in contact with several NFL teams with the Steelers, Buccaneers, Ravens, Rams, and the Bengals being the teams that have shown the most interested in him, up to this point of the scouting process.

Jack Del Rio...The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed head coach Jack Del Rio to a contract extension.

BREAKING NEWS...The Bengals have waived WR Chris Henry...Bengals president Mike Brown issued the following statement: "Chris Henry has forfeited his opportunity to pursue a career with the Bengals. His conduct can no longer be tolerated..."The Bengals tried for an extended period of time to support Chris and his potentially bright career. We had hoped to guide him toward an appropriate standard of personal responsibility that this community would support and that would allow him to play in the NFL. We acknowledge those fans who had concerns about Chris; at the same time we tried to help a young man..."But those efforts end today, as we move on with what is best for our team."  Link

BREAKING NEWS...The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly released troubled wide receiver Chris Henry.

Al's Draft Scoop...I updated my first round mock this morning, and have several changes in the first round.  I have Virginia OT Branden Albert penciled in to the Chiefs pick at number five for now because he's going to be the second rated OT on several teams board when they set their final board within the next few weeks.  The Chiefs would be better served to trade down a bit, and then take the best offensive tackle (their greatest need) available on their board.  I also have the Saints trading with the Patriots and moving up and ahead of the Bengals for DT Sedric Ellis.  As for Boston College QB Matt Ryan, I have him slipping out of the top 10 picks of the draft and landing in Tampa with QB collector Jon Gruden.  I just have a feeling that Ryan could be in for a free-fall much like Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers fell in the first round, if he gets past the Ravens pick in the first round.  Carolina could be a landing spot for Ryan, but the Panthers are in "win now mode" with John Fox being in his last year of his contract, and the Bears picking at #14 are looking for a strong armed QB for the windy city, and are very high on Michigan QB Chad Henne. Link

Bo Scaife...Tennessee Titans restricted free agent TE Bo Scaife will sign his one-year tender offer of $1.47 million on Thursday, according to his agent, Kevin Robinson. Link

Jason Taylor...Jason Taylor appears likely to remain in Miami because the trade offers for a player who will turn 34 this year are not likely to be very high...During the owners meetings, several executives estimated that Taylor might not draw much more than a 3rd round pick, even the Jaguars,who appear to be the team with the most interest in Taylor, are believed to be willing to give up only a 3rd round pick. Link

San Diego Chargers...The San Diego Chargers have re-signed OLB Marques Harris and CB Cletis Gordon.

Chris Henry...Bengals WR Chris Henry is in trouble with the Law again...the wide receiver is charged with assault and criminal damaging out of Hamilton County...According to the police report, Henry was involved in a fight on Ohio Avenue in Clifton Heights Monday...Gregory Meyer, 18, claims Henry threw a bottle, shattering his car window and punched him in the face outside his apartment complex...Henry has reportedly told police this is a case of mistaken identity...Police say they were talking to Henry's attorney Wednesday night in hopes he would turn himself in soon. Link

04/02...Washington Redskins...The Washington Post is reporting the Redskins have re-signed FB Nehemiah Broughton.

Jake Long...Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting Michigan OT Jake Long has a visit scheduled with the Oakland Raiders sometime in April.

Donovan McNabb...Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting Eagles coach Andy Reid told him the Eagles will not be trading Donovan McNabb, and none of the NFL teams have inquired about McNabb's status.

Fred Davis...The NFL Network is reporting USC TE Fred Davis ran a 4.71 and 4.72 forty times today which is slower than an earlier report from Sirius NFL Radio that had Davis pegged at 4.60 for his forty time.

Chauncey Washington...USC HB Chauncey Washington ran a 4.35 and a 4.40 forty at 218 pounds at his pro day today.

Sedric Ellis...The NFL Network is reporting that USC DT Sedric Ellis weighed 298 pounds at his pro day today and had a 30" vertical jump.

Dan Connor...Penn State LB Dan Connor told Sirius NFL Radio that he has upcoming visits scheduled with the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons.

Adarius Bowman...Oklahoma State WR Adarius Bowman was arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana on Tuesday night...Bowman was released after posting bond.

Chad Johnson...Chuck Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News believes that Bengals WR Chad Johnson will get traded before or during the 2008 NFL Draft. Link

USC Pro Day...Pat Kirwan of Sirius NFL Radio is reporting that USC DT Sedric Ellis ran a 5.05 forty yard dash and did 36 reps at 225 on the bench...OLB Keith Rivers ran a 4.51 forty time and had a 42" vertical jump...TE Fred Davis ran a 4.60 forty time and did 33 reps at 225 on the bench...OT Sam Baker ran a 5.40 forty time and did 29 reps at 225 on the bench...CB Terrell Thomas ran a 4.58 forty and had a 36" vertical jump...DE Lawrence Jackson didn't run or participate in the bench press.

Pacman Trade...Ed Werder of ESPN is reporting that the trade that would send Titans CB Pacman Jones to the Dallas Cowboys is in jeopardy according to a Cowboys source...the Cowboys are refusing to give the Titans a 4th round pick in this year's draft and an additional pick in 2009.

USC Pro Day...Todd McShay of ESPN is reporting that USC OLB Keith Rivers ran a 4.51 forty yard dash today and TE Fred Davis ran a 4.60 forty and reportedly had a very good workout...All 32 NFL teams were present today.

Arizona Cardinals..The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to re-sign CB Ralph Brown to a one-year undisclosed deal.

Jake Plummer..."He's retired," Jon Gruden said on the final day of the NFL's owners meetings in Palm Beach. "They say I collect quarterbacks. One of them hasn't played in two years (Chris Simms) and one of them retired. Link

Donnie Avery...Houston WR Donnie Avery ran a 4.34 and a 4.35 forty time, recorded a 37 ½" vertical jump, a 3.91 (20 yard) short shuttle, a 10'6" long jump, and a 6.30 3-cone drill at his pro day workout on Monday...Avery's performance in the position drills was reportedly outstanding...18 NFL teams were present at the workout, including representatives from the Niners, Cowboys, Texans, Saints and Titans.

L.J. Smith...Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting the Philadelphia Eagles have signed TE L.J. Smith to a one year, $4.522 million dollar contract.

Cleveland Browns...Browns GM Phil Savage said he has written off the first day of the draft (first two rounds). "I have no thoughts in my mind that we have the wherewithal to (move up)," he said. "I think any move up we're able to make would be to move a couple spots higher in the fourth round." Link

Gus Frerotte...The Minnesota Vikings have reached an agreement in principle with former Rams QB Gus Frerotte.

Kentwan Balmer...Carolina Panthers defensive line coach Sal Sunseri ran the workout for North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer on Tuesday...Balmer appeared to be in the best shape of his life and moved with good quickness and burst in his drills and displayed superior hand speed...the only negative was during his second attempt at the 40, when he pulled up short, citing his nagging hamstring. Link

Mock Draft...Al Fronczak has updated his first round mock once again today, with several changes in the top ten picks of the draft and one projected trade. Link

Quick Hits...The Dallas Cowboys are closing in on a long-term deal with Safety Kenny Hamlin...the San Diego Chargers are reportedly shopping QB Charlie Whitehurst.

Brad Cottam...Tennessee Volunteer draft prospect TE Brad Cottam has visits scheduled with the Tennessee Titans and St.Louis Rams in the coming weeks.

USC Pro Day...The University of Southern California will be holding their pro timing day today...we will post the results as soon as we get them.

Miami Dolphins...Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano appears to be a believer in a two-back system, which means Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will be asked to share carries this season. Link

Green Bay Packers...On Tuesday, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that rather than bring in an aging veteran to backup Aaron Rodgers, he could acquire his backup through the NFL Draft. Link

Quick Hits...Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen stated that the Bucs aren't planning on trading QB Chris Simms and he's still hoping to have QB Jake Plummer in camp for the upcoming season...the Philadelphia Eagles re-signed CB Joselio Hanson...the Chicago Bears re-signed S Brandon McGowan.

Derek Anderson...Browns GM Phil Savage upped the Browns' contract offer to QB Derek Anderson after the free-agency period began because he feared Dallas would sign the quarterback and trade him to Miami....Dallas would have signed Anderson to a big contract and included a poison pill, making it impossible for the Browns to match the offer...Dallas would have compensated the Browns with 1st and 3rd round picks (28th overall in both rounds)...Dallas would have then traded Anderson and their other 1st (#22) to Miami for the first overall pick in the draft...the Cowboys then would select Arkansas HB Darren McFadden with that pick. Link

04/01...Kentwan Balmer...The NFL Network is reporting that North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer ran under 5.10 and was very impressive in his position drills at his pro day workout today.

Leinart Disappoints...Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday that he was “disappointed” in QB Matt Leinart after Internet photos surfaced of Leinart partying at his Chandler-area home over the weekend....one of the photos showed Leinart holding a beer bong while a woman drank from the other end. Link with pictures

Colt Brennan Out...Hawaii QB Colt Brennen will undergo hip surgery on April 7th to repair a torn labrum in his right hip and will be sidelined for 8 to 12 weeks....the announcement was made to NFL scouts at Hawaii's pro-day. Link

Lane Kiffin...Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin said he is not on the outs with the team, as widely speculated.

Raiders Notes...Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin said the team likely won't pursue Arkansas HB Darren McFadden...Kiffin also noted that the Raiders will look at the possibility of trading down in the Draft...Kiffin also said he is fine with QB JaMarcus Russell playing in the 275-pound range and noted if Russell trimmed down to 260 pounds he wouldn't be as effective because of his body frame. Link

Vikings/Frerotte...The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly nearing an agreement with free agent QB Gus Frerotte. Link

Bills/Kelly...Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron said today he has no problem with the health of Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly...Kelly's knees have become a question mark heading into the draft. Link

Trade Rumors...Among the rumors circulating at the NFL owners meetings is the Packers' apparent interest in veteran QB's A.J. Feeley of the Eagles and J.P. Losman of the Bills....the Packers are reportedly interested in a veteran backup for first-year starter Aaron Rodgers. Link

Cincinnati Bengals...Bengals coach Marvin Lewis remains firm on his stance that the Bengals won't trade disgruntled WR Chad Johnson. Link

Sleeper Prospects...Al Fronczak has posted the 2008 Draft Sleepers that are rising up the NFL team's boards. Link

Dallas Cowboys...Rich Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News is reporting that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted that the Cowboys could trade one of their two first round picks for a veteran WR like Chad Johnson, Roy Williams or Anquan Boldin...Jones was quoted as saying "What if someone wants to give us a hell of a player that really fit and improved our offense? That's the kind of universe I can conjure up. "We could set up here and get a premium receiver on the other side of Terrell and have a tandem."  Link

Lito Shepard...The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly asked at least one NFL team for a first-round draft choice in exchange for CB Lito Sheppard...an Eagles source said that 2nd and 5th round picks would be the least the Eagles are expecting in return for Sheppard...it remains likely the team will trade the cornerback. Link

Pro Days...Two schools will be holding their pro timing day today...DT Kentwan Balmer will be showcased at North Carolina's Pro Day, while QB Colt Brennen will be in the spotlight at Hawaii's Pro Day.

Arkansas St. Pro Day...Ten NFL teams were present at Arkansas State's Pro Day on Monday to scout SS Tyrell Johnson...the 10 teams that made the trip were:...Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears. Link



March Hot News and Rumor Archives

February Hot News and Rumor Archives

January Hot News and Rumor Archives

Highlights from Al's 2007 Hot News and Draft Rumors

2008 Draft Home

04/15...Stephen Cooper...San Diego Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper faces a four-game suspension because of a positive drug test according to SignonSanDiego.com..neither Cooper nor his agent was immediately available for comment, but several sources said Cooper tested positive for illicit drugs...the drugs weren't performance-enhancing. Link

Denver Broncos...The Denver Broncos signed Bengals unrestricted free agent punter Danny Baugher today.

Gabe Watson...Arizona Cardianals nose tackle Gabe Watson suffered a fractured kneecap last week in a treadmill mishap and won't be able to participate in the teams off-season practices. Link

Denver Broncos...The Denver Broncos waived WR Derrick Hamilton and TE Chad Upshaw today.

Jake Long...John Czarnecki of Foxsports.com reports the word on the street is that Michigan OT Jake Long doesn't want to play for the Miami Dolphins, who continue to negotiate with him as the first overall draft choice. Link

Bills/Dolphins in Toronto...The Buffalo Bills will play the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 7, in Toronto.

NFL Schedule...The 2008 NFL schedule has been officially released.   Link

Monday Night Football...The Chicago Sun Times reports when the full 2008 schedule is released today, it will include a December meeting between the Bears and Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football....the NFL previously announced that the Bears will open the season Sept. 7 at Indianapolis in a nationally televised night game on NBC. Link

Mock Update...Al Fronczak updated his first round mock for the 2008 draft today, and has several changes and three trades between the Lions and Eagles, Bills and Vikings, and the Falcons and Chargers. Link

St. Louis Rams...Bryan Burwell of STLtoday.com reports the Rams have received more than enough medical confirmation that Glenn Dorsey has a clean bill of health....Dorsey will visit Rams Park today and when he arrives at Dorsey will have one more extensive battery of tests, just to make sure...Billy Devaney said that "we have reason to believe there could be some movement with our pick" from multiple teams interested in improving their draft position.Link

Duece McAlister...SI.com reports Saints HB Deuce McAllister, coming off the second knee surgery of his career, will remain with New Orleans for at least one more season....A member of the team with knowledge of the contract negotiations confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on Monday night...the source did not want to be named because the team hasn't made an official announcement. Link

Adarius Bowman...Oklahoma State WR Adarius Bowman pleaded guilty to simple possession of marijuana in McMinn General Sessions Court....the plea was made on April 11. Link

Denver Broncos...The Broncos reached a contract agreement with former Kansas City WR Samie Parker on Monday, and are expected to announce the signing of former 49ers and Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson today.

04/14...Kendall Langford...Hampton DE Kendall Langford told Sirius NFL Radio that he will be visiting with the New York Jets on Tuesday and was in Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Detroit for previous visits.

Quick Hits...The Falcons signed DE Chauncey Davis and P Michael Koenen to one-year deals...the Seahawks signed P Reggie Hodges...the Chiefs signed FB Chris Manderino to a two-year contract.

NFL Schedule...The National Football League will release the 2008 NFL Schedule at 2:00 pm (est) on Tuesday.

Quick Hits...The San Francisco 49'ers waived WR C.J. Brewer...the Detroit Lions waived DB Patrick Body.

Mario Manningham...Michigan WR Mario Manningham told Sirius NFL Radio that he enjoyed his visit with the Indianapolis Colts last week and will be leaving at 2:30 this afternoon to visit with the New York Giants...Manningham also stated that he previously worked out for the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.

Broncos Kickers...The Denver Broncos will work out kicker Mike Vanderjagt and former Arizona Cardinal punter
Mitch Berger today at the team's headquarters. Link

Mock Draft Update...Al Fronczak updated his first round mock draft once again today and has Matt Ryan slipping out of the top ten picks in the draft. Link

Jake Long...Peter King of SI.com is reporting the Miami Dolphins are negotiating with one player right now, Michigan OT Jake Long...there reportedly is a deadline for Long to agree to a deal, or Parcells and the Dolphins will move on to the next prospect on his list, which appears to be Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston. Link

Poor QB Crop...Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com is reporting one veteran NFL offensive coordinator said this is the worst crop of college quarterbacks he’s seen in years. Link

Denver Broncos...The Denver Broncos are reportedly close to signing former Kansas City Chiefs WR Samie Parker and are in deep discussions with former Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson. Link

Chris Williams...Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams was in Denver on Sunday visiting with the Broncos.

Atlanta Falcons...The Atlanta Falcons will hold an offseason camp this week...it's a non-contact session, but it will help the team decide how they will use their 11 picks in the upcoming draft. Link

Tampa Visit...Florida Gators WR Andre Caldwell has a visit scheduled with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday.

Joe Flacco...Deleware QB Joe Flacco has a two day visit scheduled with the Baltimore Ravens starting today.

04/13...Eddie Royal...Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal told Sirius NFL Radio that he has an upcoming visit scheduled with the New York Giants on Monday and met with the Atlanta Falcons just yesterday...Royal also disclosed that he has had previous visits with the Vikings, Bears, and Titans, and has upcoming visits scheduled with the Steelers and Jaguars.

Pacman Trade...The NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting trade talks between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans involving Pacman Jones have resumed...Schefter says a deal could be finalized as early as Tuesday.

Al's Draft Scoop...Super Sleeper...Liberty DE/OLB Vincent Redd is flying under the radar on the internet, but not on some NFL teams boards...Redd signed with Virginia coming out of high school, but transfered to Liberty after playing in just 10 games for the Cavaliers...Redd dominated his competition at Liberty and posted 63 tackles and 13.5 sacks this past season playing as a rush linebacker in Liberty's 3-4 scheme...Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage was among representatives from nine NFL teams that attended his pro day workout and came away impressed, as Redd ran his forty in 4.54 and 4.63, recorded a 39.5 inch vertical jump, a 9-10 long jump, and did 13 reps at 225 on the bench ...Redd was measured at 6-5.4 and 263...Redd is a bit of a project at this time, but has the size and athleticism that coaches love to work with and develop...Teams that play a 3-4 scheme and are looking for a rush linebacker will be targeting this prospect, possibly as early as the fourth round of the upcoming draft.

Detroit Lions...Tom Kowalski of MLive.com in Detroit reports the Lions could reach for Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo with their first round pick...Rod Marinelli was recently quoted as saying "This is where it gets tough, I think,'' Marinelli said. "You see a guy that you really like, and you know he's your type of guy, and you know he's going to come in and play, and the only way you can get him is to draft too high to get him...."And that's where you have to feel comfortable with what you have to compete with. 'Oh, man, they went way too high to get that guy.' But two years from now, if he's a starter and a good player, it's not. But you have to hit. You've got to get it right..."The worst thing is, that's the guy you like, and you're not willing to take him early, and somebody else takes him. Now, the guy that's left there, do you like him as much?'' Link

Draft Ratings..Al Fronczak has updated his ratings for the quarterbacks, halfbacks, and wide receivers for the Draft. Link

Draft Moving?...This is the last year of the NFL's contract with Radio City Music Hall in New York. The league is interested in keeping the draft there, but will also explore other options, including taking the show on the road. Link

04/12...Aqib Talib...Kansas CB Aqib Talib was unable to attend the Dallas Cowboys' Dallas Day workout because of a scheduling problem with his other visits...the workout is designed for invited local-college or high school products... Talib, is regarded as one of the top five CB's in the draft and of high interest to the Cowboys, but wasn't invited for one of the Cowboys pre-draft visits next week. Link

Antoine Cason...Arizona CB Antoine Cason told Sirius NFL Radio that the New England Patriots are the only NFL team that has worked him out since the combine...Cason also stated that he had a previous visit with the Ravens and has future visits scheduled with the Rams and Cowboys.

Taveres Gooden...Miami of Florida LB Taveres Gooden told Sirius NFL Radio that representatives from the Colts, Ravens, and Packers are coming to work him out on Sunday...Gooden also stated that he had previous workouts with the Steelers, Bears and Dolphins.

Quentin Groves...Auburn DE Quenton Groves told Sirius NFL Radio he has upcoming visits scheduled with the New York Jets, New York Giants, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49'ers.

New Orleans Saints...Pro Football Weekly is reporting there’s a battle brewing between WRs Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson to become the Saints’ #3 wide receiver...the loser of the bout could find himself out of a job after training camp. Link

Steelers Visits...Four Draft prospects were in Pittsburgh yesterday visiting the Steelers...OG/OT Branden Albert of Virginia, WR Malcolm Kelly of Oklahoma, WR James Hardy of Indiana and CB Charles Godfrey of Iowa were the four.

Luis Sharpe...Former NFL lineman Luis Sharpe faces up to six years in prison after pleading guilty to four drug charges on Friday....Sharpe, 47, played for the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals from 1982-94...He has been plagued by drug problems since 1995 and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in 2004 on other drug charges...Sharpe pleaded guilty Thursdayto charges stemming from separate arrests for possessing crack cocaine in July and November of 2007 and February 2008....Sharpe is scheduled to be sentenced May 9 and faces a maximum of six years in prison. Link

Dallas Cowboys...Dallas Cowboys TE Tony Curtis has signed his exclusive rights tender.

Pacman Jones...Suspended Tennessee Titans DB Adam "Pacman" Jones will apply for reinstatement to the league on Tuesday. Link

Antuan Molden...Eastern Kentucky CB Antuan Molden has a visit scheduled with the New York Giants today and will meet with the Patriots, Jaguars, and Bengals next week...Molden also met with the Eagles and Steelers this week.

04/11...NFL Network...Bryant Gumbel has decided to give up his duties as the play-by-play voice for the NFL Network’s package of NFL games, NFL Network announced Friday. Link

Quick Hits...The Detroit Lions signed free agent CB Stanley Wilson to a one-year contract and re-signed DBs Greg Blue, Patrick Body, LaMarcus Hicks and K Paul Ernster...the Arizona Cardinals signed former Bengals DT/DE Bryan Robinson... the Indianapolis Colts re-signed S Matt Giordano to a one year contract.

Kelly to Run April 16...Pro Football Talk is reporting Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly will run on April 16...Agent Chad Speck says the report that receiver Malcolm Kelly will run the 40-yard dash in Atlanta on Sunday without scouts present is flat-out wrong....Instead, Speck says that Kelly will run again, for scouts, on April 16 in Oklahoma. Link

Dolphins Arrest...Miami Dolphins FB Reagan Mauia was arrested early Friday morning by the Broward Sheriff's Office on a charge of misdemeanor battery. Link

Cincinnati Bengals...The Cincinnati Bengals waived DE Jimmy Verdon.

Cleveland Browns...The Associated Press is reporting Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage stated during an interview on Thursday, that it was unlikely he would trade QB Derek Anderson or any other players to move up in the NFL Draft.... "To go up and try to get into the first day, it would have to be a player who would be very attractive to us, I don't think it would involve certainly any players we have on our current roster. It would probably involve more picks for next year, something in the future."

Dwayne Jarrett...Carolina Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett entered a not guilty plea through his attorney today on charges of driving while impaired.... Jarrett did not appear in court....His trial date was set for June 23. Link

Draft Day Invites...LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, OSU DE Vernon Gholston, Virginia DE Chris Long, Michigan OT Jake Long, Arkansas HB Darren McFadden and Boston College QB Matt Ryan have all been extended invitations to come to New York to sit in the Green Room on Draft Day at Radio City Music Hall.

49'ers visits...The San Francisco 49ers have scheduled some visits with prospects in the weeks leading up to the draft...among those scheduled to meet with the 49ers at their Santa Clara practice facility are WR Malcom Kelly (Oklahoma), DE Derrick Harvey (Florida), DE Phillip Merling (Clemson), LB Shane Simmons (Western Washington) and C Ryan Wendell (Fresno State), DE/OLB Quentin Groves (Auburn), WR DeSean Jackson (Cal), QB Dennis Dixon (Oregon), WR Cameron Colvin (Oregon) and CB Dwight Lowery (San Jose State). Link

Kevin Smith...The Florida Sun Sentinal is reporting Central Florida HB Kevin Smith will work out for the Dolphins today and  is holding onto a few secrets he's not sharing....Smith has had a couple of private workouts with NFL teams, but he's been sworn to secrecy about their identities. Link

Dennis Dixon...Oregon QB Dennis Dixon told SIRIUS NFL Radio the knee he had surgery on is about 85% healed and he will be ready to in time for an NFL training camp in August.

04/10...Malcolm Kelly...KTBB Sports is reporting Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly will hold another workout on Sunday, April 13th, in Atlanta, under the direction of former Green Bay Packers receiver Boyd Dowler....Apparently Pro Scouts will not be able to attend, but Dowler will be sending the video information to all 32 NFL teams and various media outlets. Link

Quentin Groves...NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting Auburn DE Quentin Groves recently underwent minor heart surgery to repair a valve in his heart...Groves sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams informing them about his condition.

Indianapolis Colts...NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting the Colts recently visited with LSU WR Early Doucet and Michigan WR Mario Manningham...Marvin Harrison will be 36 this year and is coming off of knee surgery.

Quick Hits...The Seattle Seahawks waived QB Travis Lulay and LB Cameron Jensen....the New York Giants waived DT Manny Wright...Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards has added 10 pounds of muscle since the end of last season.

Jeff Otah...Gil Brandt of NFL.com is reporting 13 NFL teams sent representatives to Pittsburgh to see the private workout for Jeffrey Otah and Mike McGlynn...both the Panthers and Steelers had their head coach and GM in attendance, along with Line coaches from Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Chicago, and the Giants...Jeff Otah ran his 40 in 5.28 and 5.31, did 25 reps on the bench (down from the  29 reps he did at the combine), ran position drills and kept his other numbers from the combine...Mike McGlynn looked very good in the position drills and stood on his timing numbers. Link

Titans Visits...Draft prospects that are scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans as they host draft prospects include East Carolina HB Chris Johnson, Eastern Michigan DE Jason Jones, Purdue DE/OLB Cliff Avril, Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers and Arkansas State SS Tyrell Johnson. Link

New York Jets...The New York Jets are reportedly interested in Deleware QB Joe Flacco as a possible second round pick, but would like to trade into the 8-13 range of the first round for one of the top CB's Leodis McKelvin or Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. Link

Quick Hits...The Atlanta Falcons signed free agent OLB Michael Boley to a one-year contract...the Bills re-structured DT Marcus Stroud's contract after acquiring him from the Jaguars.

Broncos/Jets...Newsday's Tom Rock reports a deal that would send Dwayne Robertson to the Broncos will likely happen on the weekend of the draft, probably for a second-day pick...Rock has been been told that Robertson and the Broncos already have a new contract in place for just such an occasion. Link

Patriots/Pacman....The New England Patriots have reportedly contacted the Titans about Pacman Jones behind the scenes, but have yet to enter into any formal negotiations. That is something that could materialize near draft time, depending on what happens with talks with the Cowboys. Link

Buffalo Bills...Gil Brandt of NFL.com told Sirius NFL Radio that the Buffalo Bills sent three representatives to see Malcolm Kelly and Reggie Smith's workout...Director of scouting Tom Modrak and wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert were two of the three Bills representatives present at Wednesday's workout.

Al's Draft Scoop...Malcolm Kelly's poor pro day performance has not only dropped him out of the first round of the draft, but Kelly will likely slide past the second round as well.  Kelly's numbers were worse than USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett's numbers from last year, and Jarrett fell to the 45th overall pick in the 2007 Draft and was chosen by the Panthers.  Jarrett's forty time of 4.62 was better than Jarrett's pair of 4.68 and 4.75 times, as was his vertical jump of 36.5" compared to Kelly's 32", along with his 4.20 short shuttle compared to Kelly's 4.24 shuttle time.  Kelly will also be downgraded for throwing his school and their medical staff under the bus after his workout.  Kelly was graded as a second round pick by the NFL's advisory board committee when he applied for the draft back in January, but that was under the assumption that Kelly would run faster than his poor forty times on Wednesday.  In my opinion, unless Kelly runs a much better forty time for an NFL team within the next two weeks, he won't come off the board any earlier than the early stages of the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Dolphins/Rams...St. Louis coach Scott Linehan said the Rams were preparing for the prospect of Miami passing with the top pick, though Linehan acknowledged that was only the slimmest of possibilities. Link

Prospect Ratings...Al Fronczak has updated his top 10 skill position players for the 2008 NFL Draft. Link

Quick Hits...The New York Jets agreed to terms with S Kerry Rhodes on a five-year $33.5 million dollar contract extension....the Kansas City Chiefs signed Ravens RS B.J. Sams to a one-year contract...and the Baltimore Ravens re-signed free agent LB Robert McCune.

04/09...Vernon Gholston...Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston spent today in New England visiting with the Patriots and will fly cross-country to visit the Oakland Raiders on Thursday and Friday.

Calias Campbell...Miami-Florida DE Calias Campbell told Sirius NFL Radio the Panthers, Redskins, and Jaguars have show the most interest in him in the pre-draft scouting process.

Jake Long...The Dolphins have reportedly begun contract discussions with Michigan OT Jake Long according to his agent Tom Condon. Link

Malcolm Kelly...Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly ran a pair of dissapointing 40 times this morning, but performed well in the other drills ...Kelly ran a 4.68 and a 4.75 forty, recorded a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9'9" long jump, a 4.24 short shuttle, and a 7.00 cone drill...Kelly weighed in at 227 for his workout.

Reggie Smith...Oklahoma CB Reggie Smith ran a 4.61 and a 4.65 forty, had a 39 ½-inch vertical jump, a 10'10" long jump, a 4.03 short shuttle and a 6.70 cone drill at his personal workout this morning.

Arizona Cardinals...The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed S Oliver Celestin to a one-year contract.

Mario Haggan...Buffalo Bills unrestricted free agent LB'er Mario Haggan was suspended for the first four games of the 2008 season for violating the league's banned substance policy. Link

Carl Eller...There are reports this morning that former Minnesota Vikings tackle Carl Eller was arrested in Minneapolis overnight....FOX 9 news and WCCO radio are reporting that Eller was spotted driving erratically and was pulled over by police. He is said to have refused a breathalyzer test and may have injured one of the arresting officers in a scuffle. Link

Chris Johnson...East Carolina HB Chris Johnson is in Philadelphia today visting with the Eagles...Johnson is also scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow and the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.

Brian Brohm...Peter King of SI.com believes a team like the Ravens, Falcons or Chiefs will make an attempt to trade up into the latter stages of the first round (from their high pick in the second round) to take Louisville QB Brian Brohm...the team with the most ammunition to move up is Atlanta, with six picks between 34 and 103...Plus, Brohm has impressed the Falcons in predraft film study...offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, is said to be a Brohm fan. Link

04/08...Brett Favre...As we reported in yesterday's 04/07 news, recent media reports have suggested former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre may not be retiring after all. Link

Quick Hits...The Cincinnati Bengals signed former Raiders WR Doug Gabriel...Jacksonville Jaguars S Gerald Sensabaugh signed his one-year tender on Tuesday....the Minnesota Vikings signed Rams QB Gus Frerotte.

Gene Upshaw...An effort to oust Gene Upshaw as the NFL Players Association Executive Director became evident Monday, when veteran Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover e-mailed a plan to fellow player representatives to have a new union boss in place by March 2009. Link