Al's Hot NFL News and Rumor Blog
March
03/30...Several NFL teams expressed their interest in Chargers backup HB Michael Turner during the NFL meetings this week according to Gm A.J. Smith...Smith declined to name the teams that inquired about Turner but the Bills and Packers are believed to be amoung that group...the Chargers are reportedly willing to part with Turner for a second round pick in the upcoming Draft...if both the Bills and Packers pass on HB's in the first round they may be involved in a race to land Turner in the second...chances are the Chargers will deal Turner to the "highest bidder" on Draft day which would make the Bills the favorites to land Turner as it stands right now ...the Bills pick 11th (#43 overall) in the second round while the Packers pick 16th (#48)...the Packers would need to trade up in the round and ahead of the Bills (or offer an additional pick) for Turner's services...the irony of all this is the Chargers could wind up taking Cal HB Marshawn Lynch with their first round pick to replace Turner as L.T.'s backup if both the Bills and Packers pass him up in the first round...stay tuned!
03/29...Dwayne Jarrett didn't dissapoint Scouts and NFL personnel in attendance at his workout on Wednesday because the times that he ran were what they expected of him...for weeks rumors persisted that Jarrett would run in the 4.6 range and that is exactly what he did clocking a 4.62 and a 4.67 in the forty...Jarrett "is what he is" which is a tall possession receiver that will provide a QB with a big red-zone target with reliable hands...will Jarrett fall out of the first round?...very likely...but I haven't had him included in My first round Mock for some time... elsewhere...I've dropped Cal HB Marshawn Lynch from my latest first round mock (for now) because I believe the Packers will pass him up with their first round pick and target TE Greg Olsen or a receiver for Brett Favre...after Lynch gets past the Packers there are only a few teams (Giants, Titans, Pats (maybe) and Colts) that need a back...the Giants have Brandon Jacobs and Rueben Droughns and numerous other needs...the Titans could really use a back like Lynch to compliment LenDale White (who reported to their offseason camp at 260+) but will the Titans take a chance and roll the dice AGAIN on a prospect that is perceived to have character issues coming into the Draft? ...keep in mind...possibly as early as next week Commissioner Goodell is going to announce a tougher player conduct policy for players that get in trouble off the field...he is also expected to announce stricter rules for NFL teams that select prospects with character issues going into the Draft...I expect the Commissioner's announcement to change the thinking and Draft strategy for NFL teams that took chances on players in the past.
03/28...Today is a big day for WR Dwayne Jarrett as he gets his chance to silence his critics and run for NFL Scouts and personnel at USC's pro day...Jarrett was considered to be the second best WR coming out in this Draft (after he declared his intentions in January) but has seen his stock fall a bit since then due to speculation that he will have a hard time running under 4.6 in his forty...Jarrett added fuel to the fire when he decided not to run at the Combine due to a groin injury...If Jarrett is able to run in the mid 4.5's or less he stands a chance to be taken somewhere late in the first round of the Draft...if Jarrett runs a 4.6 or more he's second round material at best...the faster that Jarrett runs today... the higher he goes in the Draft...I can't remember the last time a 4.6 receiver was taken in the first round of the Draft...elsewhere...rumors have been floating that the Raiders are interested in Lions QB Josh McCown and are a bit concerned with JaMarcus Russell's weight...they are also said to be enamored with WR Calvin Johnson...the possibility still exists that they will take Johnson with the first pick in the Draft...I've stated all along that Johnson is the best prospect available in this Draft...but...I don't see them passing on a QB with their first round pick for a second year in a row.
03/27...I've updated My Mock once again and contrary to what I stated in my 03/25 column... I now have Alan Branch slipping out of the Top 10...I've heard from too many good football minds that Branch is indeed slipping and could fall out of the top 10 completely...one of the teams major concerns is Branch's weight (he came to Michigan as a freshman weighing 400 lbs) and his poor showing in his workout...however...Branch was never a practice player and saved his best for game day...I've adjusted My Mock accordingly... but have him in the top 15.
03/26...In yesterdays column I noted that I think Jamaal Anderson will slip out of the top 10 in the Draft if he gets past the Falcons pick at #8...after going over the top 15 again I now think that Anderson will land in Atlanta because the Vikings (if they don't move out of the pick) may take the Falcons targeted player S LaRon Landry with their pick because their secondary needs an upgrade and Darren Sharper is getting up there in age......onto another topic...I was told by a very good source (one that can be trusted at this time of the year) yesterday that he thinks HB Marshawn Lynch will be passed up by the Packers and still be available in the bottom half of the first round...the possibility exists that Adrian Peterson could slide down to the Packers pick at #16.
03/25...In my latest Mock Update I have Jamaal Anderson slipping out of the top ten picks because he's received mixed reviews from Scouts and NFL personnel...Anderson isn't a fly off the edge type rusher that NFL teams covet and will play Left End at the next level...he slips out of the top 10 unless the Falcons take him with their pick at #8...he'd be a good fit playing opposite John Abraham and a replacement for Patrick Kerney... but I think the Falcons have their eyes set on LaRon Landry to bolster their secondary........Don't believe the latest hype that Alan Branch is slipping out of the top 10...he's a rare big man that can move and play either the Nose in a 3-4 or DT in a 4-3...he's also a high character athlete that NFL teams won't have to worry about off the field.
03/24...Quick hits...The Falcons have moved up in the Draft to land one of the prospects that they are targeting in the first round...conventional wisdsom has them taking LaRon Landry with their pick...however...the team is looking for a left defensive end to play opposite of John Abraham and replace Patrick Kerney...Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas played LDE at Arkansas and would be an ideal fit...the Falcons could also be targeting DT Amobi Okoye who played for and was recruited by Coach Petrino at Louisville...Okoye has been compared to a young Warren Sapp who by the way was drafted in Tampa by the Falcons current GM Rich McKay......the Dolphins will have Chiefs QB Trent Green on their roster by early next week and have a promising young QB in Cleo Lemon on their roster...Lemon has the ability to become the teams starter and played for Cam Cameron in San Diego which could leave Daunte Culpepper out in the cold...the Dolphins would actually save Salary cap space by releasing Culpepper which could be a reality sooner than later...if Culpepper is released... don't be surprised if the Raiders give him a shot especially if the team decides to take Calvin Johnson with their pick...Culpepper would be very attractive to the Raiders because he can throw the deep ball and would be reunited with Randy Moss.
03/23...UNLV Cornerback Eric Wright is a Draft prospect that is gaining momentum in the days leading up to the Draft...Wright was heavily recruited coming out of high school and signed with USC in 2003...after redshirting his first year due to a hamstring injury, Wright played in 13 games for the Trojans as a freshman and was considered one of the best young CB's in the country...however...Wright ran into some off the field problems involving a woman and left the Trojans for UNLV... after sitting out a year (an NCAA requirement) Wright started 6 games at CB for the Rebels this past season missing 3 games in mid-season due to a knee sprain...after the season Wright declared for the Draft and was invited to the Combine...Wright was measured at 5-10.5 192 and ran a 4.36 forty in Indy which caught everyones attention...he also ran a 4.23 short shuttle...6.63 cone...10-3" broad and did 17 reps at 225 on the bench...at his pro day (with numerous NFL teams represented) Wright stood on his Combine numbers but performed the field drills and looked smooth and explosive...Wright is also an accomplished kick returner and was asked to field punts in his workout...unlike some DB's, Wright has soft hands...all in all...Wright is a very talented CB and a return specialist, who might have made his way into the second round of the Draft... but would have likely carried a first round grade had it not been for his off the field incident.
o3/22...Michigan State QB Drew Stanton is drawing interest from several teams including the Lions and Ravens and will likely be taken somewhere in the second round of the upcoming Draft because of the interest being drawn his way...The Lions currently have one pick in the second round (pick #34) but that could change if they trade down and out of their first round pick and acquire more picks...the Ravens want to find a QB in this Draft that they can groom behind Steve McNair and will likely pass up Stanton with their pick in the first round... but could be targeting him with their second round pick (pick #61)...if the Lions are serious about Stanton they may need to use a second round pick on him or risk the chance of losing him to the Ravens... the Lions have other options though because they also like QB Trent Edwards of Stanford and could land him with their pick in the third round.
03/21...The Atlanta Falcons dealt backup QB Matt Schaub to the Texans on Wednesday and came away smelling like roses in the deal...everyone on this planet knew that the Falcons had to deal Schaub this year or risk the chance of losing him without compensation after his contract was up following the 2007 season...but the Falcons were still able to pry two second round Draft picks and move up in this years Draft by switching places with the Texans in the first round for Schaub's services...this is just my opinion...but...this was a one sided deal tilted in favor of the Falcons...Schaub was highly regarded around the league...but he's been a backup QB who has posted poor numbers (0-2 record as a starter with a .467 completion percentage) when he got the chance to start for the Falcons team...Schaub has 6 career TD passes...but 6 career interceptions as well...I might be wrong in my evaluation of Schaub (and I am in the minority on this subject) but I just feel the Texans are taking a big chance on a Qb that has yet to prove that he's a capable starter in this league...the Falcons on the other hand were able to move up in the Draft and position themselves to land either S LaRon Landry...OT Levi Brown or DE Jamaal Anderson with the pick they acquired from the Texans...they also have other options and ammunition in case they want to make a run at WR Calvin Johnson...owning the 8th pick in the Draft and having two early second round picks is less than 100 points away from being able to offer the Lions a package of picks for the second overall pick in the Draft...there have also been rumors that the Falcons have some interest in Michael Turner...the Chargers just recently have been rumored to be willing to accept a high second round 2007 pick (and future considerations) as compensation for Turner...the Falcons now have an extra second round pick and could be players for Michael Turner if they choose to go that route...all in all...the Falcons now have Draft ammunition and options... while the Texans have backup QB Matt Schaub who they are pinning their hopes on for their future.
03/19...Quick hits...The Minnesota Vikings are rumored to be interested in Chiefs QB Trent Green and would be willing to part with a second day Draft pick to acquire the veteran QB...the Denver Broncos are interested in moving up in the Draft and into one of the top 6 picks overall...the Broncos talked to the Lions about acquiring the second overall pick in the Draft but the Lions asking price was too steep for the Broncos taste...Denver has also talked to the Redskins about moving up to the sixth pick overall...the Redskins may be willing to part with the pick and move down to the Broncos twenty first pick to acquire a package of picks since the Redskins have only two picks in the entire 2007 Draft...the Broncos have a big need for a DE that can rush the passer and would like to position themselves so that they could take either Gaines Adams of Clemson or Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas
...if the Broncos were to move up to the Lions second overall pick they would then be in position to land their choice of DE or bolster their receiving core and add a target for Jay Cutler by taking WR Calvin Johnson...their are also rumors floating that the Redskins are interested in moving up to the Lions second pick as well, but they lack the type of ammunition (draft picks) in this Draft to swing a deal...unless...they include their first round pick in 2008 as part of a deal...the Redskins had six staff members at Calvin Johnson's Pro Day workout last week.
03/18...The Lions have made it known that they want to move down in the Draft and their second overall pick is available...the Lions reasoning is they just paid LT Jeff Backus big money last season and acquired RT George Foster from the Broncos which just about rules out OT Joe Thomas with their pick...they don't want to use the pick on a QB like Brady Quinn because Mike Martz has had success with QB's that were taken later in the Draft (Marc Bulger 6th round 2000 Draft) and given their recent history of taking WR's with their first round pick, the Lions are poised to pass on the Draft's Best Prospect Calvin Johnson...Mike Martz has always used WR's in his offense that were smaller, quicker types that got in and out of their breaks quickly... they just signed a WR that fits that mold in former Ram Shaun McDonald after being left at the alter by another former Ram Kevin Curtis...
if the Lions are successful in their attempt to move down, I expect the following players to be on their radar screen depending on how far they move...DE Gaines Adams (the speedy edge-rusher that Maranelli wants on his Defense)...DT Amobi Okoye (a perfect fit at Dt in the Lions scheme)...LB Pat Willis (an athletic LB that can play Inside or Out and a good fit for their defense)......I updated My Mock once again today with several changes.
03/16...There have been several reports that the Raiders are on the verge of trading WR Randy Moss to the Packers in return for QB Aaron Rodgers...if the trade does go down...the Raiders will be making a colossal mistake...not that they are trading Randy Moss (because he has worn out his welcome in Oakland) but that they'd be receiving Aaron Rodgers in return...if you look at the deal and it's timing...it just doesn't make sence!...the Raiders hold all the cards going into the Draft... and showing their hand by acquiring Rodgers from the Packers would be all but saying that their intention in the Draft is to either take WR Calvin Johnson or trade out of the pick altogether...if they did make the trade and decide to take Russell number one anyway...they would have three high Draft choices ( Russell, Rodgers and Walter) at the QB position heading into Mini Camp...a luxury the Raiders can't afford.......In My latest Mock I have Oklahoma HB Adrian Peterson slipping to the Falcons at pick #10...the possibility exists that Peterson could slip out of the top 10 of the Draft completely if he gets past the Browns pick at #3 because none of the teams picking after Cleveland have an urgent need for a HB in the Draft...the other reason is Peterson didn't perform well in the 20 yd short shuttle drill (a drill that determines a players ability to change direction) at the Combine...he was timed at 4.40 and 4.42 in the drill which is way below average for a back...however...Peterson had company because HB Marshawn Lynch of Cal turned in a horrible 4.55...Peterson's stock could also slip a bit due to injury concerns.
03/15...JaMarcus Russell passed his first test on Wednesday at LSU's Pro Day when he weighed in at 256 pounds which was 9 pounds less than he weighed at the Combine...he then participated in a scripted drill in which he threw the ball with authority and displayed the cannon-type arm that has Scouts enamored...I watched Russell's entire workout Live on streaming video on Wednesday and I have to admit that he has one of the strongest arms that I have ever seen...however...he wasn't perfect and had several misses that I have detailed here...I came away impressed with his size and arm speed but I wasn't as impressed as some of the national media mainly because I expected him to have a flawless performance...he didn't...Is he worth the first overall pick in the Draft?...yes... because he's a rare prospect with size and a cannon-like arm..am I convinced that he's a "can't miss prospect"? ...NO...mainly because I have seen too many NFL teams over the years get enamored with prospects with cannon-like arms that look the part but don't have the mental makeup to thrive in the league after they receive their first paycheck...I remember when Jeff George came into the league and had one of the best workouts for Scouts ever...George had a terrific arm...but he lacked the intangibles to be successful at the next level...being a successful QB in the league isn't all about the arm...just ask Andre Ware or David Klingler or Akili Smith or Tim Couch etc...etc...I know Russell has the physical makeup to be special at the next level...but he needs a good support system around him to enhance his development...if only the Patriots needed a QB and owned the first pick in the Draft.
03/14...Today is a big day for LSU QB JaMarcus Russell because he gets to display his talents in front of over 100 NFL personnel evaluators...Russell's stock shot to the top of the board after leading LSU to victory over Brady Quinn's Notre Dame squad in the Sugar Bowl...but Russell declined to workout at the Combine and showed up ten pounds heavier than his playing weight at LSU which has some NFL Scouts and personnel questioning his work ethic in what should be the most important time period of his life...on the other hand...Brady Quinn reported to Indy in possibly the best shape of his life and had a solid overall workout at his Pro Day which helped his cause and narrowed the gap between him and Russell...NFL teams have grown weary of taking risks near the top of the Draft and want players that are hungry and have a "want to be the best player possible" attitude...all in all... Russell has a chance today to put all the talk and speculation to rest by showing up in shape and performing at a high level in his workout...we will all know by the end of today if Russell is worthy of the number one overall pick in the upcoming Draft. For Results from LSU's Pro Day click here
03/11...One NFL Prospect to keep an eye on is Tennessee State's Mike Mason...Mason played 3 season at North Carolina before transferring after he was kicked off the team for being convicted of driving without a license...
Mason isn't considered a polished receiver at this time and needs to work on his ball skills...but he's a player who can help out on special teams because he's a very good return man...Mason was invited to the Combine and was measured at 5-11.5 190...he was a standout in several of the drills in which he posted a 39.5" vertical...10-9 broad jump and an eye popping 4.08 short shuttle...when he worked out at his Pro Day this week he improved his forty time by posting a 4.31 and a 4.35 and recorded a 10-10 broad jump...Mason carried a late round to free agent grade before his Combine and Pro Day workout but has improved his stock...Mason is a raw un-polished receiver who won't be taken any earlier than the 6th round of the Draft...but...he has the intangibles (speed and athleticism) that NFL coaches love to work with.
03/10...Ohio State is holding their Pro Day today and it's a big day for QB Troy Smith because he chose not to workout at the Indy Combine...Smith's stock has slipped recently but if he wows the Scouts and NFL personnel in attendance today he has a chance to move back up into the first day of the Draft...Smith carries a 4th round grade (in my book) going into his workout today.
03/09...The Cleveland Browns signed Ravens HB Jamal Lewis on Wednesday which sent hundreds of NFL Mock Draft writers scrambling to change their pick for the Browns if they had Adrian Peterson penciled in at their pick...however...Lewis is much like an old car that has turned it's odometer over a couple times = he's a high mileage back who was signed to a one year contract...my feeling is it won't affect what the Browns do with their pick or change their minds if they were considering Peterson in the first place...this is a critical year for the Browns organization under GM Phil Savage and Head Coach Romeo Crennel because (much like the Lewis signing) the team has recently signed older veteran players (Willie McGinest, Ted Washington) in free agency who would have been a better fit for a team that was on the brink of playing in the Super Bowl...Quick hits...the Browns are shopping HB Rueben Droughns and will settle for a second day pick in return...the Lions would be willing to part with Tatum Bell if they can get a 2nd round pick in return....speaking of the Lions...after all the mistakes the team has made recently by taking a receiver in the first round of the Draft...this is the year that they should take one because Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson will be the top-rated player on most teams boards when the process is all finished... and...he's the safest bet in this years Draft.
03/07...I mentioned in my 03/04 writing that several NFL teams are interested in moving up in this years Draft
...low and behold a report out of Washington yesterday has the Broncos interested in moving into the Redskins 6th overall pick in the Draft...if the Broncos do make an attempt to move that high it will be because they want to get into position to land one of the top two DE's (Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson) in the Draft...there are several other DE's (Adam Carricker, Jarvis Moss, Anthony Spencer etc. ) that carry a "make it grade" in this Draft but none are sure things...Carricker (who I really like) isn't that "quick-twitch" type of athlete that can fly off the edge...he's a solid DE and is very versatile but I think he's more of a fit as an End in a 3-4 scheme...not that he can't or won't fit in a 4-3 because he can...but he isn't what the Broncos are looking for...as for Jarvis Moss...I think he's a "quick-twitch" type of athlete that the Broncos are looking for but I was told by a source that he didn't impress him in some of the drills he did at Indy and was repremanded more than once for pulling up at the end and not finishing a drill...NFL teams are looking for players that give it their all and play till the whistle.
03/06...The Jets-Bears trade involving Thomas Jones seems to be clearly one-sided in favor of the Jets at first glance since the teams only switched places in the second round of the Draft...the Bears moved up in the second round from pick #63 to pick #37 the Redskins pick which was property of the Jets from a previous trade... however... if you reference the trade value chart the Bears moved up around 260 points which is equivelant to the third overall pick in the third round of the Draft...in essence...the Jets traded a high third round pick (pointwise) to the Bears for Jones according to the chart...the trade isn't as one sided as it really seems other than the fact that Jones was a team leader and the best back on the Bears squad...the Bears are gambling that the Cedric Benson/Adrian Peterson duo will get the job done in 2007...the Jets on the other hand landed a talented back that can carry the load and the team still has 4 picks in the top 100 of the Draft...all in all...the Jets didn't steal Thomas Jones...but they did get the better part of the deal.
03/04...This years Draft will be much different from the '06 Draft in which none of the NFL teams were interested in moving up and into one of the top ten picks...this year several NFL teams are believed to be interested in moving up including Houston, Atlanta and Carolina for starters...both Houston and Atlanta own picks in the top ten of the Draft but are reportedly interested in moving higher to land one of the top five picks... ...Carolina owns the 14th overall pick and is reportedly interested in positioning themselves to land Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn...I believe several Pre-Draft or Draft day deals will be struck because several teams (Detroit,
Cleveland, Arizona, and Washington) that are picking at the top of the Draft could be interested in moving down.
03/03...(11:00am est)...One rumor floating around the league has the Houston Texans trading QB David Carr and their first round pick (#8 overall) to the Cleveland Browns for the third overall pick in the Draft...it's believed the Texans would either take Oklahoma HB Adrian Peterson or Georgia Tech Wr Calvin Johnson with that pick.
03/03...The news of the day on Friday was the San Francisco 49'ers laying out big bucks for Bills CB Nate Clements and making him the highest paid player in NFL history!!!...I've seen Clements play numerous times both live and on the tube and I'm sorry but he's not worth the type of money that the Niners paid for him ...Clements is one of the best run stopping CB's in the game... but...He has struggled over the past few years and has been torched by receivers with speed..In my mind he's no longer a "Shutdown Corner" which the Niners believe they are getting...It's just my opinion...but we will see come this fall....I've updated My Mock once again and have one trade projected (NE trading pick #28 to Arizona) in the first round...I don't have any "inside information" but I projected the trade because I feel the prospects that the Patriots may be targeting in the Draft carry second and third round grades...if the Draft falls the way I have it in My Mock...the Pats could move out of their second of two first round picks for extra picks in the upcoming Draft........I will be adding a few more Sleeper Prospects to My Prospects Watch List over the next several days and don't forget to check back with us during this weekend for all the latest Free Agent signigs as they happen at the top of this page.
o3/01...(2:00pm est)...I was just passed the news that the Lions and Broncos were involved in a trade involving three players...The Broncos acquired CB Dre Bly (a great move for the team) and sent HB Tatum Bell and ROT George Foster to the Lions in exchange for Bly...it's very unlikely that the Lions have any intention of taking Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas with the second pick overall now that they have acquired Foster...as I wrote in my earlier writing I feel the Lions could take Clemson DE Gaines Adams with their pick, trade out of the second spot, or take a QB with the pick...IF the Randy Moss to Green Bay for QB Aaron Rodgers rumors become reality, I feel the Raiders would then take WR Calvin Johnson with the first overall pick in the Draft which would leave QB Jamarcus Russell on the board for the Lions at #2....all in all...the next several weeks leading up to the Draft should be very interesting.
03/01...The Detroit Lions own the second overall pick in the upcoming Draft and just about every Mock Draft on the Web today (including My own) has the Lions taking OT Joe Thomas with the second pick...however...after sifting through everything that happened at the Combine over the last six days I have a feeling that Thomas may be heading elsewhere...it's not that Thomas had a poor showing in Indy (because he didn't) but Lions Coach Rod Maranelli's top priority in the offseason is to improve their overall team speed...now...the Lions have already stated that they will explore the possibility of trading down and Rod Maranelli is a defensive coach...the Lions situation at the DE position right now isn't very good...their LDE Cory Redding was moved inside to Tackle and their RDE James Hall has been given permission to seek a trade....the bottom line is the Lions need to address the DE position in the Draft or in free agency...well it just so happens that Clemson's Gaines Adams (the top rated DE in the Draft) put on a clinic at the Combine this weekend which didn't go unnoticed by the Lions staff...keep in mind that pass-rushers that are athletic and can fly off the edge don't fall off trees...and by the way...the Lions have a big need at DE and Adams would make the Lions a much faster Defense which is Rod Maranelli's top offseason priority......over the next several weeks I will be adding several sleeper prospects to My Prospect Watch Draft page.... and don't forget we will be posting all the latest free agent signings as they happen at the top of this page.
