| Jerod Mayo, LB, New England Patriots | Wednesday 4/9, 7:49 PM CT |
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| Jerod Mayo has been climbing the big boards of most NFL organizations, according to RotoTimes sources. The team in the most favorable position to draft the Volunteer linebacker is Denver, who is in need of a athletic tackling machine. The Broncos front seven was dismal against the run in 2007, and Mayo can step right in and start for the defense. |
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| Branden Albert's stock has skyrocketed in recent weeks. The offensive lineman is being touted as a top-10 pick and the Chiefs, who are in desperate need of help in the trenches, are reportedly interested. |
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| Easily seen as the top running back prospect, and arguably the best player in the draft, Darren McFadden didn't hurt his stock any with an over-the-top performance at the NFL Combine. The tailback ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. Standing alone, this kind of speed is good enough to get a player drafted as a Top-10 pick, but the Arkansas running back is expected to be taken by either Miami as the first overall, or Atlanta who sits in the third spot. |
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| Kerry Rhodes and the Jets have come to terms on a long-term contract agreement, according to NFL.com. Rhodes has reportedly signed a five-year agreement worth $33.5 million, including $20 million in guaranteed money. Rhodes has been a stellar addition to the Jets’ defensive backfield since joining the club as a 4th-round draft pick in 2005 and now he can concentrate on his continued progress towards the top ranks of his position. |
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| Jake Long, OT, Miami Dolphins | Wednesday 4/9, 6:34 PM CT |
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| The agents for former University of Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long were seen in Miami on Tuesday entering the Dolphins’ training complex and are in the midst of preliminary contract negotiations, according to NFL.com. The Fins possess the first overall pick in the NFL Draft and much has been made of their potential move at that spot. Having Bill Parcells on hand and making those decisions, it is difficult to determine exactly what they will do, but this report seems to indicate the Fins may have their man caught in the sights and are looking to get the pick solidified now. However, NFL.com’s Adam Schefter reports the Fins are also interested in meeting with the agents of defensive end Chris Long and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, so don’t jump to quick conclusions just yet. |
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| Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans | Wednesday 4/9, 6:27 PM CT |
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| The Titans expect their offensive leader, QB Vince Young , to report to offseason workouts on Thursday, according to The Tennessean. Young has been spending time at the University of Texas, his alma mater, working on his education in an attempt to earn his degree. Meanwhile, the young and inexperienced receiving corps for the Titans are in Tennessee, are working hard, and are hoping to get their first shot on the field with Young later this week. For a group this young (not to mention an offensive line that may need to consider the effects of the loss of offensive lineman Benji Olson, having retired this year), it is important to get this early work going to develop chemistry and communication. Getting Young on the field will get that process moving forward. |
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| Matt McCoy, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Wednesday 4/9, 1:55 PM CT |
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| Matt Mccoy has reportedly injured his hand in a team workout session today, according to the St. Petersburg Times. There were no further details on the extent of the injury, or the newly acquired linebacker's status for the two remaining practices this week.
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| Maurice Stovall practiced well at the team's OTA today, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He didn't seem affected by his injury (broken arm) that he sustained in Week 16 of last season. This is good news for him and he could play a larger role in the Buccaneers' aerial attack this season, if he continues to progress well. |
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| Sabby Piscitelli is reportedly full recovered from the foot injury that cost him most of the 2007 season, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He reportedly looked good today at the team's OTA, and he could challenge for a solid role this season, if he continues to progress favorably. |
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| Tommie Harris does not have a degenerative condition in the knee, according to the Sun Times. There are concerns for the Bears as they consider how long Harris can remain a top performer, after playing on a bad left knee last season. But he did not miss a game, and Dr. James Andrews certified to the team after arthroscopic surgery in January that Harris does not have a degenerative condition in the knee. He notably had major surgery to repair his left hamstring in 2006. Harris is currently in the middle of a contract negotiation with the team, and he memorably registered a career high eight sacks in 2007.
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| The Lions offense' suits Tatum Bell as the team is going to adopt the Broncos zone running scheme, according to the Detroit Free Press. This is good news for Bell and lineman Dom Raiola noted, "We just need backs back there with good vision. I don’t think it matters. If you look at the Denver system, it doesn’t matter who’s back there. Any running back who comes in this league is going to have that. It’s going to give him a good chance in this offense." Bell is currently number one on the Lions depth chart at running back.
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| The marijuana charge against Mike Patterson has been dropped, according to the Deleware County Times. Evesham Municipal County Court Judge Karen J. Caplan dismissed charges of driving while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) against Patterson, but he was fined $189 for careless driving. He beat the more serious charge, and the Eagles did not make a statement. |
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| Carlos Rogers could start the season on the PUP list, according to the Washington Post. He has made great strides in his recovery from his torn ACL and MCL, but won't likely be healthy at the start of the season. Lito Sheppard's name came up, but the team is concerned about his health. |
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| Jeff Garcia, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Wednesday 4/9, 7:12 AM CT |
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| Jeff Garcia wants a new contract, according to the Tampa Tribune. Garcia stated on Tuesday that he is disappointed the team hasn't been willing to reward him with a new contract that would enable him to finish his career with the Buccaneers. He added, "At this point in my career, I'm no longer 24 or 25 saying, 'I'm going to prove to you I deserve this.' I feel like I've proved throughout my career. And I feel like at this time, it's time to just work with me, and you know what I bring to the team. You know what I've done for the team, and you know how much more I can do. And now I have a year under my system." Garcia maintained a solid 94.6 efficiency rating in 2007, but is nearing the end of his career.
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