Other Stuff 02.25.06...

[Angry Pope]

Norv is in the news again....

Aikman's request honors Turner


01:22 AM CST on Saturday, February 25, 2006



Aikman's request has put pressure on Turner

INDIANAPOLIS – When Troy Aikman asked Norv Turner to introduce him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, to be held in August, Turner was speechless for a second, then gladly accepted.

"It was pretty incredible, to be honest with you," said Turner, who is San Francisco's offensive coordinator after he was fired as Oakland's head coach.

"That's similar to coaching Troy," said Turner, who was the Cowboys' offensive coordinator for three of Aikman's seasons. "There's pressure every day in terms of coaching him, so I think I'll be all right."

[Angry Pope]

If you wondered where the team names came from...

CHICAGO BEARS

George Halas moved the Decatur Staleys to Chicago in 1921. The Staleys played at Wrigley Field, the home of baseball’s Cubs. Halas determined that if the baseball tenants were Cubs, then his more rugged gridiron combatants should be known as the Bears.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Paul Brown chose this nickname for Cincinnati’s 1968 AFL expansion team because there had been earlier football teams in the city called the Bengals. The elder Bengals were members of the AFL in 1937, competed as an independent club in 1938, then played in a new AFL from 1939-41 before the league again folded.

BUFFALO BILLS

The nickname refers to William F. Cody, who was known as "Buffalo Bill." Buffalo had a football team called the Bisons, but the city’s minor league baseball and hockey teams had the same name. The football team held a contest to select a new nickname following the 1946 season. More than 4,500 entries were submitted and Bills beat out Bullets, Nickels and Blue Devils.

DENVER BRONCOS

This nickname was also selected through a contest in January of 1960. Broncos was the winner, referring to Denver’s Wild West heritage. Denver’s 1921 entry in the Midwest Baseball League team was also named the Broncos.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Cleveland’s All-American Football Conference entry was founded in 1946. Paul Brown was named the team’s first coach and general manager. The Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996, but the team’s history remained, paving the way for the Browns to be resurrected as an expansion team in 1999.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

This name defeated more than 400 entries in a radio-sponsored competition, held one month after Tampa was awarded the first of two expansion franchises on April 24, 1974. Buccaneers was the winner, beating out such noble competitors as Buzzards, Sea Horses and (yes) Mafia.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

A football club on the southwest side of Chicago was formed in 1898. The team was known as the Normals until 1901, when founder Chris O’Brien secured some hand-me-down jerseys from the University of Chicago. The jerseys were actually maroon, but the colour had faded, striking O’Brien as more of a cardinal tint. The team became the Racine Cardinals, keeping the nickname as the club moved from Chicago (1922) to St. Louis (1960) and, finally, to Phoenix (1988).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The Los Angeles AFL franchise held a contest in 1960. Hollywood resident Gerald Courtney was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Mexico City and Acapulco after submitting Chargers. Three reasons for choosing Chargers have been offered - it sounded dynamic; the club’s new stationary featured a horse; and owner Baron Hilton had recently instituted the Carte Blanche card. The team kept the name when it moved to San Diego the following year.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

This original AFL franchise was originally the Dallas Texans but relocated to Kansas City. Owner Lamar Hunt picked Chiefs as a nickname to honour Kansas City mayor Roe "The Chief" Bartle for his efforts in securing the team. Bartle promised to enlarge Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium and guaranteed Hunt three times as many season ticket sales as his club had in Dallas.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

In 1946, the Miami Seahawks of the All-American Football Conference were relocated to Baltimore. Charles Evans of Middle River, MD., won a name contest by submitting Colts. His reasoning? "Colts are the youngest entry in the league, Maryland is famous for its race horses and it is short, easily pronounced and fits well in newspaper headlines." The franchise kept the name when it moved to Indianapolis in 1984.

DALLAS COWBOYS

This name might seem like an easy choice in Dallas, but Rangers was actually the first name suggested. The club went with Cowboys since Rangers might cause confusion with a local minor-league team of the same name.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

After Miami was awarded an AFL expansion franchise in 1965, a contest was held to determine the name. A dozen names were forwarded to a seven-member screening committee of local media and Dolphins was the runaway winner. Although 622 entrants submitted Dolphins, Mrs. Robert Swanson of Miami won the two lifetime passes to Dolphins games. The tiebreaker was picking the winner and score of a 1965 tilt between Notre Dame and the University of Miami. The game ended in a scoreless tie.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The NFL’s Frankford Yellowjackets were awarded to a syndicate headed by Bert Bell and Lud Wray in 1933. Bell named the new Philadelphia team Eagles in honour of the symbol of the New Deal’s National Recovery Act.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Atlanta held a contest in 1965 and many chose Falcons for the NFL’s newest team. The best argument was submitted by Julia Elliot, a teacher from Griffin, Ga. - "the Falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops its prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition."

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Owner Anthony J. Morabito chose 49ers for his All-America Football Conference squad because it reflected San Francisco’s link to the California Gold Rush. The 49ers kept the name when they joined the NFL in 1950.

cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd...

NEW YORK GIANTS

In 1925, Tim Mara purchased New York’s first professional football team for a reported $500. Mara decided on Giants because his team would play at the Polo Grounds, the home of baseball’s New York Giants. The original Giants derived their name from the city’s giant buildings.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jacksonville held a contest in 1991, two years before the city was awarded the NFL’s 30th franchise. Jaguars claimed the majority of votes, besting a group that included Sharks, Stingrays and (ironically) Panthers.

NEW YORK JETS

New York’s AFL squad was originally the Titans. In 1963, after three seasons, a five-man syndicate bought the franchise. On the same day they hired Weeb Ewbank, the owners announced that they were changing the team’s name to Jets. It sounded like New York’s baseball Mets and LaGuardia Airport was nearby.

DETROIT LIONS

Detroit radio executive George Richards purchased the NFL’s Portsmouth Spartans and moved them to the Motor City in 1934. Richards chose Lions. Felines were already prevalent in Detroit. Baseball could claim the Tigers and a Detroit football team called the Panthers had folded after two years in 1927.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

In 1919, Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Calhoun pieced together a group in the Green Bay Press-Gazette editorial room with the notion of starting a football team. Lambeau’s employer at the Indian Packing Company - Frank Peck - provided jerseys, equipment and use of its athletic field for practice. Early on, the club was identified as a project of the company, hence Packers became a natural fit.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The nickname for Carolina’s 1995 expansion team was selected by team president Mark Richardson, the son of owner Jerry Richardson. The younger Richardson also chose the Panthers’ colours of Panther blue, silver and black.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

A group of New England sportswriters picked Patriots as a tribute to Patriot Day, which celebrates Paul Revere’s ride.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

In 1960, Oakland held a contest to pick a name for its AFL team. The fans chose Senors, but Oakland management opted for Raiders.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

In 1936, Cleveland’s new AFL franchise decided to take its name from one of the top collegiate teams of the era, the Fordham Rams. The Rams name stuck with eventual moves to Los Angeles (1946) and St. Louis (1995).

BALTIMORE RAVENS

After a 12-year void, Baltimore again acquired an NFL team in 1996 when the Cleveland Browns relocated. Owner Art Modell allowed the Browns’ name, colors and history to remain in Cleveland. Baltimore then set up focus groups and fan polls to help secure a new name. Ravens won out over Americans and Marauders. The name refers to the mythical bird in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” Poe lived and died in Baltimore.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

George Marshall headed a syndicate that purchased a NFL team for Boston in 1933. The team would play at the home of baseball’s Boston Braves so it adopted the same name. The following year, the Braves moved to Fenway Park and changed their name to the Redskins. The name remained when the team moved to Washington in 1937.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The New Orleans NFL franchise was awarded on All Saints Day (Nov. 1) in 1966. Plus, the song "When the Saints Go Marchin’ In" in often associated with the city of New Orleans.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

In a 1975 contest, Seattle’s expansion franchise received 20,365 entries, extolling 1,741 different names. Seahawks, a name denoting the city’s link to the sea, was on 151 ballots.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pittsburgh’s professional football team (founded in 1933) was, like its baseball neighbours, initially dubbed the Pirates. In 1940, owner Art Rooney changed the name to Steelers, reflecting the city’s ties to the steel industry. The name was allegedly suggested by the wife of the team’s ticket manager.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Houston’s expansion team was christened the Texans on September 6, 2000.

TENNESSEE TITANS

The Houston Oilers, who played at the Astrodome from 1960-96, moved to Nashville for the 1997 season. After two seasons as the Tennessee Oilers, owner Bud Adams announces the team will change its nickname to the Titans. "Titans come from early Greek mythology and the fact that Nashville is known as the ‘Athens of the South’ makes the Titans name very appropriate," Adams said.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

General manager Bert Rose recommended Vikings to Minnesota’s Board of Directors in 1960. The name represents both an aggressive person and the Nordic tradition inherent in the region.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a mention of Lorenzo Ward...mentions further interviews although didn't mention our Raiders...

Beamer may yet have to find one more coach.

Defensive backs coach Lorenzo Ward is expected to have further job discussions with NFL clubs at this week's NFL combine in Indianapolis. Ward has been on Beamer's staff since 1999.

[Angry Pope]

Questions asked Vikings HC about Culpepper....

Childress deftly fields inquiries about Culpepper

By LES BOWENbowen

INDIANAPOLIS - Brad Childress got a good taste yesterday of what it's like to be an NFL coach in the middle of a big controversy.

The former Eagles offensive coordinator, hired last month to coach the Minnesota Vikings, appeared on a podium before reporters at the NFL scouting combine, the sort of session usually held for new head coaches. The first several questions all dealt with the status of injured quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

Childress has been around firestorms before - remember, he was the guy Terrell Owens objected to being greeted by in training camp. But Childress has never had to be the guy out front before, asked to explain apparently contradictory information coming from various parties. Yesterday he handled questions smoothly, even if few of the mysteries of the Vikings' relationship with Culpepper were resolved.

Childress said his focus is getting Culpepper "to where he was in 2004," when Childress reckoned Culpepper might have been the league MVP except for the record-setting year recorded by Peyton Manning. (Some guy named McNabb might have been pretty good that year, too, leading a team to the Super Bowl, something neither Culpepper nor Manning has done, but Childress didn't mention him.)

Asked about a Miami Herald report yesterday that the Dolphins expect the Vikings to cut Culpepper before a $6 million roster bonus is due, Childress issued a nondenial.

"Never say never at this time of year," Childress said. "Never and always are two long periods of time."

Culpepper has been quoted this week in the St. Paul Pioneer Press as saying that Vikings owner Zygi Wilf told him the Vikings hadn't talked to other teams about trading him. Presumably, Culpepper didn't ask Wilf about being released.
Childress deftly painted a picture of the Vikings being asked about trading Culpepper by other teams, rather than of Minnesota actively shopping the 1999 first-round draft choice, who is recovering from extensive knee surgery that ended a disaster of a 2005 season.

"The phone rings both ways," Childress said. "You don't not talk to people when they call."

It is unclear whether Culpepper will be able to play at the start of the 2006 season, though Childress said he was encouraged by new Vikings trainer (and former Eagles assistant trainer) Eric Sugarman's recent evaluation of Culpepper's progress.

"He's a quick healer," Childress said.

Childress said the Vikings "have no recourse" than to pay the bonus March 17, though Culpepper this week offered to adjust the bonus to help the team.
This seems to be one of those situations, not unlike T.O. and the Eagles, where reading between the lines is required. Culpepper's conciliatory remarks this week follow weeks of intrigue that began with him apparently asking for a raise. Childress seemed to suggest that Culpepper could show more good will by coming to Minnesota and start to learn the West Coast offense.

"I'd like to see him get up [there] and kind of immerse himself offensively in this thing," Childress said.

Childress, by the way, said he hasn't been asked an opinion by any teams that might be looking to add Owens. He was asked, jokingly, if T.O. figured into the Vikings' plans.

"We're in pretty good shape, receiverwise," he said, cracking only the barest hint of a smile.

[Angry Pope]

Jackie Slater's son is playing football at UCLA...

Junior Matthew Slater, son of former NFL offensive lineman Jackie Slater, has been switched to cornerback from wide receiver

[Angry Pope]

Randy tried to bring the team together...

[QUOTE]Moss speaks

Randy Moss didn't speak with local media for most of his first season in Oakland but had some things to say in an interview with Fox Sports Radio on Wednesday while also promoting his clothing line.
He said he wasn't familiar with Shell as a head coach but hoped he would bring the "leadership and guidance that the team needs."

Teammates said during the season that Moss was a good teammate. Moss said he tried to do things to bring the team together but found that difficult as losses piled up.

Moss, who battled injuries much of the season, said the team needs someone who would "put their foot down when needed to" when it comes to addressing discipline on the team.

[Angry Pope]

Al is not at the Combine...

Al Davis missing from combine

Nancy Gay, Chronicle Staff Writer

Saturday, February 25, 2006



Indianapolis -- The NFL's scouting combine has been Al Davis' idea of heaven, a place where he could sit in the stands of the RCA Dome alongside confidants such as Bill Parcells and dissect the incoming rookies as they run the 40-yard dash and perform the vertical leap.

This year, the Raiders' owner has been conspicuously absent from the proceedings. Workouts begin today, and anyone watching the nonstop coverage on the NFL Network won't get the obligatory candid shots of Davis on the lookout for the next Fabian Washington.

For now, he is in Alameda, leaving the scouting to his scouting department. And watching the workouts on television like a regular guy.

Davis, 76, has had a leg problem and has been using a walker to aid his mobility since last year. That has prompted NFL types to speculate on the state of his health and why he isn't here.

"Al may still go back to Indy for a day or two,'' Raiders chief executive Amy Trask said. "Right now, he's working out and strengthening his leg."

[Angry Pope]

Another Raider fan...

Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams was proud to receive an off-season letter of congratulations from Al Davis, managing partner of the Oakland Raiders. Williams grew up in the Bay Area and is a loyal Raiders fan. Davis, owner of three Super Bowl trophies, expressed his appreciation to Williams for being a Raiders fan.

[Angry Pope]

Richardson to become a free agent...

Chiefs Fullback prepared to become free agent
ADAM TEICHER
2/25/2006


Fullback Tony Richardson for years had the look of someone who would finish his career with the Chiefs.

He arrived in 1995, making Richardson second in terms of seniority among active Chiefs behind Will Shields. He quickly became ingrained in the community with his involvement in charity and civic endeavors. That, along with his two Pro Bowl appearances, made him one of the Chiefs’ most popular players.

But Richardson’s contract expires next week, and it’s looking as if he will finish his career playing against the Chiefs rather than for them. He certainly sounds like a man preparing for that eventuality.

“I definitely will become a free agent,” Richardson said. “This organization has been great to me. It’s allowed me to grow as a man and as a football player. I’ve got a lot going on in the community. But I’m open to playing somewhere else if I can’t work something out here.

“It could become a reality. It’s a business, and it’s about what the organization wants to do. You have to be realistic about the situation.”

Richardson heads a short list of Chiefs players who would become unrestricted free agents on Friday. The only other regular is defensive tackle Lional Dalton.

Richardson indicated his preference was to remain with the Chiefs and didn’t rule out the possibility he would eventually re-sign. He said he recently spoke at length with new Chiefs coach Herm Edwards but wouldn’t reveal whether he was told he was no longer part of their plans.

The facts seem to speak against his return. He was used on roughly one-third of the plays last season, and it’s difficult to see how a team like the Chiefs facing a salary-cap overage of more than $20 million can dig deep into its pockets for a part-time player.

Richardson is also 34, another fact working against him. In a recent video interview on the Chiefs’ Web site, Edwards indicated the need for the Chiefs to find more youth.

“When we arrived at the Jets, we were the second-oldest team in pro football,” Edwards said. “The Raiders were first, and we were second. Eventually, we started to turn the roster a little bit, and that will happen here. It will happen in the next couple of years where the roster will become younger.

“I’m not saying I’m trying to run veteran guys out of here, because I’m not. I’m trying to make sure we have young players that are learning how to play early so that when we make the transition and that happens, they’ll have experience.”

Fullback is one of those spots where the Chiefs might opt for a younger player at a lower salary than the $1.25 million Richardson made last season. They have often preferred to use a second tight end or a third wide receiver rather than a fullback, so that’s one position where youth might not cost them as much.

The Chiefs’ only other fullback with regular-season NFL experience is Ronnie Cruz, a first-year player last year. Cruz played rarely other than on special teams.

None of that is lost on Richardson, who acknowledged that he would miss being a part of the Chiefs’ high-scoring offense if he leaves. But as the son of a military man who moved often while Richardson was a youngster, he is used to pulling up roots.

Richardson faces an uncertain market. Fullbacks rarely get top money. Neither do most 34-year-olds.

“It’s kind of hard to say what’s out there,” he said. “I have some positives, and I have some things working against me.

“That’s part of the fun. I’ve never been a free agent before.”

Richardson is a versatile fullback who can run and catch, but his strength is as a lead blocker and pass protector. He was a major factor in the touchdown record Priest Holmes set in 2003 and Larry Johnson’s phenomenal season last year.

He can only hope those achievements weigh heavier than his age.

“Teams will put a value on what you can do and not how old you are,” Richardson said. “Everyone wears down eventually, but I still believe I can play at a high level. I feel like I’m a young 34. I’m durable. I lined up all 16 games last year, played in pain like everybody does and got the job done.”

[Rupert]

Jackie Slater's son is playing football at UCLA...
I watched the kid run the 100 yard dash in the CIF regional track meet. He was quite unorthodox, but fast. He ran in a different heat than the young man I coached. Jackie Slater was in the stands and the father of the young man running and I went up to say hello to him. I doubt he'd remember me.

[Angry Pope]

That is a nice story, Rupert.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders Team Report
2/24/2006

By Steve Corkran
Contra Costa Times


CAP SPACE: The Raiders are about $18 million over the cap. They can get under by re-signing several free agents to cap-friendly deals or by not bringing back any of their free-agent group. Look for them to make a few eye-opening moves, as they always do, but probably nothing as big as the 2005 signing of RB LaMont Jordan.

MOVING ON: The Raiders are apt to lose CB Charles Woodson and reserve DT Ed Jasper. Woodson's departure would create a lot more cap space. The team drafted Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt last year as insurance against Woodson leaving. Both are fast and not afraid to challenge receivers. Their shortcomings can be overcome with experience. Tommy Kelly, the logical replacement for Jasper, is strong and energetic and regularly makes big plays.

TARGETS: The team first hopes to re-sign some of its own free agents, in particular S Jarrod Cooper, OT Chad Slaughter, DB Renaldo Hill and DT Terdell Sands. Cooper can change games with his reckless abandon. Slaughter is a candidate for the right tackle job if the team moves RT Robert Gallery to the left side and either drops LT Barry Sims or moves him inside. The team also wants to re-sign TEs Randal Williams and Zeron Flemister. As for outside free agents, look for the Raiders to add a linebacker such as Rocky Calmus (Colts) or Julian Peterson (49ers) and perhaps a quarterback such as Jon Kitna (Bengals) or Josh McCown (Cardinals) to succeed Kerry Collins either this season or next.

[CrossBones]

As for outside free agents, look for the Raiders to add a linebacker such as Rocky Calmus (Colts) or Julian Peterson (49ers) and perhaps a quarterback such as Jon Kitna (Bengals) or Josh McCown (Cardinals) to succeed Kerry Collins either this season or next.I hope this isn't correct. I don't understand it at all. Why did we draft Andrew Walter with our third round selection last year? Why dide we draft Tui with a second round pick? Are we ever going to give these kids the ball and say "go get 'em"? It's maddening. Either make a commitment to a young QB or stop wasting day one draft picks on them. :mad:

[Angry Pope]

Top 50 players

Posted: Feb. 25, 2006

Indianapolis - With the NFL draft nine weeks away, here is a brief look at 50 of the top players. Players are listed by value at each position.


WIDE RECEIVERS (2)

Santonio Holmes, Ohio State: 5 feet 10 1/2 inches, 198 pounds. Generally regarded by scouts as the only wide receiver worthy of a first-round selection. "He's not a Terry Glenn and he's not a Joey Galloway, by any means," one scout said. "He's not a very tough guy. He's got to be an outside receiver. He has good, not great speed." Junior with 29 starts in 36 games. Had 140 receptions for 2,295 yards (16.4-yard average) and 25 touchdowns. Some scouts question his character.

Chad Jackson, Florida: 6-0, 213. Another junior. Had 88 catches as a senior but for only 900 yards (10.3) after averaging 22.3 as a part-time player in '04. "As a junior in the Urban Meyer offense all he did was run underneath stuff," one scout said. "If he comes in and has a big workout and runs well, he could go above Santonio. He's a bigger guy with good hands. Tough guy."




TIGHT ENDS (4)



Vernon Davis, Maryland: 6-3, 254. Junior. "He's the closest thing to Keith Jackson I've seen in a long time," one scout said. "He is a freak. He's an aggressive blocker and has run 4.41 at 260." Led the ACC in yards per catch in '05 at 17.1. On the short side. "He can block, he can catch and he can run with the ball," another scout said. "But he's not as good as Heath Miller last year." Started just 17 games in three-year career.

Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado: 6-5 1/2, 245. Three-year starter. "He's sure-handed," one scout said. "He's a little tight in the midsection. He's not the most fluid athlete. Guys are trying to compare him to Todd Heap. He's not Todd Heap, he's Mark Chmura. He's tough." Had 33 catches in each of last two seasons. Beat linebacker Thomas Howard for 15-yard touchdown in Senior Bowl on an impressive wheel route.

Mercedes Lewis, UCLA: 6-5 1/2, 255. Tremendous athlete who had multiple Division I basketball offers out of high school. "He's a gifted receiving tight end who still needs a lot of work on his routes," one scout said. "He's got run after the catch, he does have hands and he does have body control. He needs an inordinate amount of work on his in-line blocking." Agent is Shaun Howard, a scout for Green Bay in the early 2000s who now represents players on the West Coast in association with James "Bus" Cook.

Leonard Pope, Georgia: 6-6, 250. Junior. "A lot of people like him because he can be an on the line of scrimmage guy," one scout said. "It's really a mismatch because of his size and strength. He's a good athlete, too." Two-year starter who averaged 19.3 in 2004 and 13.9 in '05. "Little inconsistent catching the ball," another scout said. "He can block but he doesn't do it all the time."



OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)


D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, Virginia: 6-6, 312. A solid top-five pick and easily the finest blocker in the draft. "He's as sure of a bet as anybody," one scout said. "He's an athlete and he's smart. He wants to get better. He was as impressive as any kid that I met this year. He asks the right questions." Had an average score (18) on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test but stunned his coaches at the Senior Bowl with his attention to detail and desire to learn. "He's better than (Robert) Gallery," another scout said, referring to the Iowa left tackle selected with the second pick in the '04 draft. Showed up 15 pounds heavier at the combine than he was in Mobile, something scouts were pleased to see.

Winston Justice, T, Southern California: 6-5, 300. Started in 2002, '03 and '05. Missed all of '04 after being suspended for pulling a replica gun on a student. "Winston has first-round talent and may get drafted there, but he would scare me," one scout said. "The off-field stuff ain't no big deal. But I don't think he's a real physical guy." Played the right side but probably has the ability to play the left. "He's needs all levels of strength but he plays the game really with good effort," another scout said.

Eric Winston, T, Miami: 6-6 1/2, 310. Underwent reconstructive knee surgery in October 2004 and struggled in '05 trying to regain previous form. "He played left tackle but probably should be a right tackle or maybe a guard," one scout said. "He played a little tentative this year because he was coming off an ACL. He's a big, physical and aggressive guy."

Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State: 6-3 1/2, 300. Three-year starter. "I don't know if he's as good as LeCharles Bentley but he's close," one scout said. "He does a lot of good things but he's just not a real big, big guy." Doesn't have the most defined body and isn't a gifted athlete. "Not first round but he's a really good football player," another scout said. "There's nothing not to like about him."

David Joseph, G, Oklahoma: 6-2 1/2, 311. Started at guard in 2003 and '04. Struggled somewhat when forced to play left tackle in '05 for a depleted line. "He did a great job at the Senior Bowl and very well could get in the first (round)," one scout said. Hard worker. "He's a little short but he's a pretty good athlete," another scout said.

Marcus McNeill, T, Auburn: 6-7 1/2, 336. Massive size is his distinguishing characteristic. Played the left side but probably better-suited for the right. Some teams won't even consider him because of a back condition that has gotten worse over the years. "Got a lot of talent," one scout said. "He's a big-time waist-bender because of his back. I wouldn't take him in the first round but he's a first-day guy."

Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia: 6-4, 358. Might be as physical as any lineman in the draft. Really went after people at the Senior Bowl and could be a late first-round pick. "He could go ahead of Joseph," one scout said. "He's a big, strong guy." Scored just 12 on the Wonderlic test and has been overweight for years. "Big guys that have weight problems will always have a weight problem" another scout said. "Can he grab and hold guys? Absolutely. If you ask him to zone block he'll be OK."

Chris Chester, C, Oklahoma: 6-3, 295. Backup tight end until 2004, when he moved to guard and saw limited action. Started eight games at center in '05, missing a month with a broken hand. "Very intriguing prospect," one scout said. "He can get to the second level faster than probably anybody in this draft. His biggest asset is his quickness."

Daryn Colledge, Boise State: 6-4 1/2, 300. Four-year starter at left tackle. Hails from North Pole, Alaska, which is just outside Fairbanks. Compared by one scout athletically to Mike Wahle. "He came to school at like 220, he's now 300 and he has tremendous strength," the scout said. "He will be tried at left tackle but his best position will be left guard."




QUARTERBACKS (3)

Matt Leinart, USC: 6-5, 223. One of the most productive passers in college football history, finishing with 99 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. "He hardly ever gets rattled, he's got vision and he's smart," one scout said. "He's not a gifted foot athlete." Has had two operations on his left (throwing) shoulder. "I really worry about his arm strength, being able to drive the ball," another scout said. "Most of his balls are touch passes with a lot of air. He's been a winner but I don't know how good he really is." Said a third scout: "Leinart was in a great system with a bunch of great players around him. He's awful stiff and doesn't get the ball out of there real quick. I don't think he's like (Peyton) Manning or (Ben) Roethlisberger."

Vince Young, Texas: 6-4 1/2, 229. Declared a year early after leading Longhorns to national title with his arm and feet. "He's big, strong and has effortless throwing action, similar in some ways to Michael Vick," one scout said. "As a runner, he's a long, fluid strider with a little shake." Started 32 games from 2003-'05, finishing with 44 touchdown passes and 28 interceptions. "I think he can read coverages a little better than Michael Vick can," another scout said. "I have my reservations." Said a third scout: "He will be absolute dead accurate and nail it, then he will throw it in the nickel seats. But he just wins. His accuracy issues are all in his feet. He'd be a worthwhile project."

Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: 6-3, 226. Started every game for the last four seasons. "He's a big, stiff kid," one scout said. "I didn't like him at all. Not mobile. Not accurate." Finished with 59 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions. "Arm, toughness, accuracy, smarts (26 on the Wonderlic), competitive. . . he's got it," said another scout. "Go watch the Tennessee and Florida games. There's a reason why he was the SEC player of the year." Added a third scout: "I like him a lot but I think people talking about him as a top-five pick is a little bit of a reach. Like Brett Favre, he's a little bit of a gunslinger. If you want a ball-control offense he's not your guy. If you want a guy to throw it around the field and be tough in the pocket and be an athlete, he is your guy."




cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd....

RUNNING BACKS (6)


Reggie Bush, USC: 5-11, 201. Gave up final year of eligibility. "He's better than (Marshall) Faulk," one scout said. "Boy, what a great kid. You can call him a utility back, a wide receiver, a returner. But he's just in a class by himself." Rushed for 1,740 yards in '05 (8.7), caught 37 passes and sizzled on returns. "People are trying to find flaws on him," another scout said. "He's not the biggest guy but he will lower his shoulder. Possesses almost Barry Sanders-like change of direction.

LenDale White, USC: 6-1, 238. Rotated with Bush for three seasons, then declared a year early. "He's like Steven Jackson of the Rams," one scout said. "He's a big, strong pounder. He's a move the chains, control the game guy." Surpassed 1,000 yards in both 2004 and '05. Revealed on Friday that he finished his final season weighing 253 pounds. "He's got some off the field stuff he has to clean up," another scout said. "Just hanging out with the wrong guys. He needs to be more of a professional. He's pretty close to being as talented as Natrone Means. Square runner."

Laurence Maroney, Minnesota: 5-11, 217. Came out a year early after gaining 3,933 yards (6.0) in three seasons and scoring 32 touchdowns. "He's a big-play guy with top-end speed," one scout said. Used sparingly in the passing game, finishing with 21 receptions. "He's like a 400-meter guy," another scout said. "The longer he goes, the faster he gets. He has no issues off the field. He's going to have to work on his blocking."

DeAngelo Williams, Memphis: 5-9, 214. Established an NCAA record with 34 100-yard games. "He's as good as any of the backs with the exception of the two kids from SC," one scout said. "And he's probably a better runner than LenDale. He's made a lot of long runs." Found a way to rush for 1,964 yards in '05 despite the fact Memphis had to play its No. 3 quarterback after the third game because the top two suffered broken legs. "I know there's a lot of mixed reviews on him but he's a pretty good player and will run real fast," another scout said. "He's been highly productive against good people."

Joseph Addai, Louisiana State: 5-11, 214. Not a big back but can do a lot of things and is extremely coachable. "We have fast times on him," one scout said. "Sometimes he's jitter-bugging too much. But he's another good back." Didn't start until his senior year. Blocks well and will maximize his ability.

Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin: 5-9, 201. Started 11 of 26 games at Colorado in 2002-'03, put on 15 pounds sitting out '04 and led the nation in carries last year with 348. "People will knock him on his size, and rightfully so," one scout said. "His weakness is his height and his inability to block. He's OK in the receiving game. But he's got more movement than Clinton Portis and I'm really impressed with him as a person." Declared a year early. "I think he's courageous but he's just small," another scout said. "When you take guys that high you expect them to play three downs. I think he does a lot of things for a team. He doesn't return, not that he couldn't." Added a third scout: "Boy, can he put up the numbers. He's got everything. Feet. Quickness. He's got good speed and hands. He's just on the small side."


DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (10)

Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina State: 6-7, 295. Posted just one sack in first five games of '05 when opponents kept cut-blocking him. After learning how to cope, he put up 13 1/2 sacks in last seven games, including four against Southern Mississippi and Maryland and three against Wake Forest. "The big question will be, why did he underachieve the first half of the season?" one scout said. "Now in the second half the majority of those sacks came against bad players. Let's don't underestimate that." Not only possesses great size and speed but also handles the run. "He's quick, relentless and can run," another scout said. "He has moves. He can power rush. His arms look long. He can play the run, too."

Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon: 6-4, 340. Three-year starter who blew out a knee in the '03 opener. "He's got to go somewhere where they want their defensive tackles just to take up space," one scout said. "Kind of like Sam Adams has always done and (Tony) Siragusa." Played in a more of a two-gap system in '05 and wasn't as productive. "I think he gets bored," another scout said. "The motor is not always going. He tends to take some stuff off. But gosh, can he hold the point. And he moves well for a 340 guy."

Kamerion Wimbley, DE-OLB, Florida State: 6-3 1/2, 248. Had just 4 1/2 sacks in first three seasons, all as a backup. Started in '05 and had 7 1/2 sacks. "He's better than Jamal Reynolds as a person," one scout said. "He's not like a typical Florida State kid. He has passion. Football is everything to him." Compared by one scout to the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware. "As long as he doesn't have to play the run all the time he's fine," another scout said. "He's an undersized 4-3 end but he is tough."

Brodrick Bunkley, NT, Florida State: 6-2, 286. A player admired by many scouts. "He's 285 and as maxed out as you can be," said one. "He's tough as nails. Can hold the point. He doesn't play square on the line like he should all the time." Fits as a nose tackle in some systems and a three-technique in others. "Solid football player," another scout said. "Strong."

Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College: 6-5, 265. Started last three seasons and finished with 33 sacks. "He's a hard study," one scout said. "Guys will love him or hate him. He's got some length. He can rush the passer. He's still learning the position." Has battled injuries much of his career and didn't look good at the Senior Bowl. "He could end up late in the first if somebody just was in dire need of a pass rusher," another scout said. "But I think you're stretching there."

Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State: 6-2, 267. Converted defensive tackle who still plays a highly physical game outside. "He just keeps working," one scout said. "He's got a motor. He's been very, very productive." Posted just three sacks in 2003-'04 as a starter before exploding for 11 as a senior, including four against Wisconsin. "He's a tremendous football player," another scout said. "He reminds me of (the Saints') Will Smith. Their measurables are the same and he plays the game just like Will Smith."

Claude Wroten, DT, LSU: 6-1 1/2, 295. Junior-college transfer compared by some to Chicago's Tommie Harris. "Three-technique all the way," one scout said. "He's an Indianapolis and Tampa Bay kind of tackle. He beats you with his feet." Senior Bowl officials told him to take a hike after his arrest Jan. 4 for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. However, officials in Louisiana later threw out the charges. "He needs to be on the move because he's a little bit undersized," another scout said.

John McCargo, North Carolina State: 6-2, 300. Junior. Three-year starter on the same line as Mario Williams. "One of his coaches there told me he's a Warren Sapp," one scout said. "He said if he would have come back for his senior season you would have seen it." Started for 2 1/2 seasons before missing second half of '05 with stress fracture in foot. "He's one of those guys that knows how to get off a block," another scout said. "He's not really physically impressive when you look at him at first but he plays the game good. He's knock-kneed."

Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan: 6-3, 341. Classic boom-or-bust pick. "Talent-wise, he'd be the No. 3 DT," one scout said. "But he's going to be one of those always going to disappoint you guys. He's a Chester McGlockton kind of guy. There were days at the Senior Bowl he was unblockable. Then there were days he disappeared and was just a guy." Benched early in '05. Started 19 of 45 games and had four sacks. Always overweight. "We don't take players like that," another scout said. "He might get drafted in the first round but I wouldn't touch him."

Orien Harris, DT, Miami: 6-3, 302. Three-year starter with 10 sacks. "There's a lot of (short) defensive tackles this year," one scout said. "He has late first-round ability. Plays nose or three-technique. Very good player." His brother, Kwame, has been a disappointment as the 26th player taken in '03 by San Francisco. Some of the same scouts who questioned Kwame's desire and toughness have similar reservations about Orien.




cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd...

LINEBACKERS (7)

A.J. Hawk, Ohio State: 6-1, 243. "He's just an all-around great player," one scout said. Three-year starter with ability to play all three positions. "I think his best position is 'Will' (weak side)," one scout said. "He will run 4.52." Posted 9 1/2 sacks in '05 and seven interceptions in career. "He does everything," another scout said. "He can play the point. He can run to the ball. He can play in pass coverage. He's very consistent. He can play strong side, he'd be a great 'Will' because he'd have more freedom to run and he can be a middle. He's the real deal."

Chad Greenway, Iowa: 6-2, 243. Figures to be drafted shortly after Hawk, perhaps among the top 15. "He's a little bit better athlete than Hawk," one scout said. "But he's more of an outside player." Three-year starter with four interceptions and seven sacks. "He kind of grows on you," another scout said. "He's going to be a really good professional and play a really long time. He has great football smarts. The people at Iowa say you can't go wrong with this kid."

Ernie Sims, Florida State: 5-11, 225. Third-year junior. "There's a lot to like about him," one scout said. "But the magic word is 'little.' " A rugged hitter who started 30 of 38 games. "He will work out and run extremely well," another scout said. "He's a little too undersized to cover the tight ends in the league. He's got to be a 'Will.' Good athlete. Very fast. Great hitter. He's got explosion and power. He's just a little short. He's got a chance to go late in the first."

DeMeco Ryans, Alabama: 6-1, 236. Started three years. "Typical Alabama linebacker," one scout said. "Very athletic. Fast. I think he can play all three positions." High character individual who grades highly on intangibles. "He's a pretty good football player," another scout said. "Plus, he's a good kid. The personality and the play will help him."

D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland: 6-0 1/2, 227. Steelers vice president Kevin Colbert said the crop of inside linebackers from top to bottom might be the best in 20 years, and Jackson is near the top. "He's instinctive and gets to the ball really well," one scout said. "His big question is how fast he is." A three-year starter with eight interceptions and 10 1/2 sacks. Scored only 12 on the Wonderlic. "The big question on him is if he can handle the mental part of the game," another scout said.

Rocky McIntosh, Miami: 6-2, 235. A mature player with terrific speed. "He's a good athlete, he's going to run (fast) and Miami linebackers always come in the league and play," one scout said. "His problem is he's been dinged up a lot in his career. He could fail some physicals." Has had all kinds of nagging leg and back injuries.

Thomas Howard, Texas-El Paso: 6-2 1/2, 231. Began as a strong safety before moving to outside linebacker. "He may be the most gifted athlete of the bunch," one scout said. "This kid is a former walk-on. He will run 4.3. He covers a lot of ground and won't have to leave the field." His father, Tom, played linebacker for Kansas City and St. Louis from 1977-'85. Much better chasing the ball than dropping into coverage.



DEFENSIVE BACKS (9)


Michael Huff, CB-S, Texas: 6-0, 198. Started 50 games in a premier program. "He played safety but they played teams like Texas Tech so you saw him line up in the slot," one scout said. "He's got great speed and he's tough enough. There's a good chance he'll be the first DB selected." Finished with seven interceptions, six forced fumbles and four recovered fumbles. "Very good player and a good person," another scout said. "He can do anything you want."

Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech: 6-2, 205. "He's got a million-dollar body with a 10-cent head," one scout said. "He makes a lot of bad decisions on and off the field. But he can do anything he wants. He's big and tall and fast." Three-year starter with nine interceptions. "I can't wait to talk to him at the combine," another scout said. "They say he has a lot of Terrell Owens in him. He's a talented, gifted athlete who's cocky."

Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State: 6-2 1/2, 210. Seminoles coaches say Cromartie is one of the best athletes at the school since Deion Sanders. "He's big and runs 4.3," one scout said. "A lot of coaches feel you can throw an athlete like that out there and let him do it. I don't adhere to that." Played off the bench in 2003 and '04, then blew out his ACL before '05 practices began. Still, he declared a year early, and some teams might be thinking about taking him in the first round. "He's started one game in his life," another scout said. "He's a big tall guy with good ball skills and good hands. He played on cover teams and can play corner."

Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami: 5-10½, 177. "Miami and Florida State corners are taught so well," one scout said. "They come in the league ready to play and start as rookies. He's not a superstar. He'll just be a solid corner for a long time. He's a little undersized but he can run and he's smart." Started for 3 1/2 seasons and intercepted six passes. "He's a small-boned guy," another scout said. "He's one of those kids that once you draft him the coaches will fall in love with him because he'll know everything."

Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State: 5-10 1/2, 205. Junior who didn't move into the starting lineup until mid-2004. "He's a short in the box type safety," one scout said. "He's tough as hell. He doesn't have great range." Had five interceptions. "He's like Mike Doss, the safeties that have come out of there," another scout said. "They're good enough athletes to play multiple positions but they are better in the box. He can play the run."

Tye Hill, CB, Clemson: 5-9 1/2, 179. Expects to run 40 yards under 4.4 at the combine. "Good player, just small," one scout said. "I really have a problem with small corners. He's been durable. You fall in love with a guy like that. I have. He could be a late first." Three-year starter with five interceptions. "He learned at the Senior Bowl to use his speed," another scout said. "That week helped him. His speed could elevate him above Kelly Jennings."

Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State: 6-0 1/2, 190. Another junior who departed early from the Buckeyes' secondary. "He's a smart guy," one scout said. "Very instinctive. I don't know if he runs real fast. Tough enough." Started 22 of 37 games and had five interceptions.

Ko Simpson, FS, South Carolina: 6-0, 200. Redshirted in 2003, started two seasons and gave up final two years of eligibility. Had six interceptions in '04 and one in '05. "He was productive as a freshman, pretty good as a sophomore," one scout said. "He's a second-rounder for sure." Added another scout: "I worry about his quickness and agility. He's leggy. He's not the smoothest athlete. He's a run-and-chase tackler. I thought he took bad angles."

Daniel Bullocks, SS, Nebraska: 6-0, 205. Three-year starter with eight interceptions. "Not a bad player," one scout said. "His brother was better." Last year, New Orleans drafted Nebraska's Josh Bullocks in the second round (No. 40 pick) and started him at free safety in the last 13 games.

[Angry Pope]

It appears the salary cap amount this year will go up a bit more and an extension of the CBA may be near....

Breaking News: Agreement on CBA on the Way?

TFY Draft Preview - Scout.com
February 25, 2006 at 10:09pm ET

Breaking news about the CBA and the 2006 salary cap!

An NFL source has told Scout.com that the 2006 salary cap will be announced on Monday, February 27. 2006's cap, according to this source, will be $95 million. This is on the high end of what was expected - most estimates were anywhere from $92 to $95 million.

Atlanta Falcons GM Rich McKay, who co-chairs the Competition Committee and has long been a major player in league matters, talked to the media on Saturday about the possible extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement that would greatly affect how cap money is spent.


McKay said that the teams remain hopeful that there will be an extension, despite Player's Association head Gene Upshaw's recent comments that agents should negotiate as if there will be no extension. McKay also said that without a new deal, the March 3 free agency deadline will not be pushed back.

McKay said that it would be "extremely difficult" to operate without an extension.

Without a cap, McKay said that the "tricks of the trade" will all drop into this year's cap, affecting cap room. Contracts would only be able to be four years long and he thinks trades will be less likely because of accelerated bonuses. He also expects free agency would be slower.

But in late-breaking news on this matter, Seahawks.NET has been informed by our Scout.com source at the Combine that members of one NFL organization are telling their staff that there is a very strong chance that the CBA will be extended by the deadline. Significant recent progress has been made, according to our source.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a story on Brayton....

Brayton charges in bracket




The Oakland Raiders lost the coin flip this week, but Tyler Brayton keeps winning.

The Raiders linebacker picked up his second class victory at Infineon Raceway during the Summit ET Drag Racing Series on Monday. Brayton powered his '64 Chevelle past close friend Scott Sterley in the finals of the non-electronics Sportsman Class. Sterley jumped the gun with his '71 Camaro and fouled out, but he would have had a hard time getting past Brayton anyway. Brayton took off when the Christmas tree hit green with 0.037-second reaction time and ran just 0.04 seconds under his 12.15-second dial-in at 107.81 mph.

Brayton faced a difficult draw throughout the day, but beat top contenders Mike Robertson, Willie Woo, Melissa Wright, Phillip Topping and Mario Mendez to reach the finals.

Sterley got past Doug McCay, Clayton Nickels, Steve Romans and Bob Beals to reach the finals.

Carl Hagen was right on target with his 2000 Dodge Avenger, nailing his 10.90-second dial-in at 145.61 mph, to beat Rohnert Park's Kevin McClelland and his street roadster in the finals of the Super Pro Class.

Hagen was nearly flawless in early-round victories over Matt Melendez, Mickey Curry, Joe Brown and Dennis Paz.

McClelland beat Ed Dorman, Mike Souza, Eric Reyes and Steve Casner en route to the finals.

Richmond's Steve Parrish earned a free ride to the Pro ET title in his '55 Chevy Wagon when Santa Rosa' Mark Scheuer fouled in the finals. Parrish knocked out Marty Franklin, Brett Beard, Robin Hill, Russ Webber and Gene Bradwell to reach the finals.

Scheuer posted earlier victories over Bryan Franks, Reno Phillips, Mark Warmouth, Judy Garvey and John Cutright.

Citrus Heights ace Phillip Nasca took home the Motorcycle Class trophy after beating Rohnert Park's Steve Starr in an all-Suzuki finals. Nasca got the jump on Starr with a 0.039 RT to Starr's 0.138. Santa Rosa's Jeff Konoff rode his 2002 Harley-Davidson into the semis to earn a paycheck.

Benicia's Chad Hammer beat Manteca's Rich Pedraza in the Trophy Class finals. Alden Conway of Martinez took home a trophy for his semifinal run.

Alameda's Steve Skarry took top honors in the ICRA Club competition with his '64 Pontiac Tempest, beating Brentwood's Jack Clark in the finals.

John Murphy's '61 Corvette in the Super Pro Class and Mark Simonian's '69 Camaro in the Pro ET Class earned $100 checks for best package in their runs. The checks were presented by John Ledford of Vacaville's Vault Security Systems.

[Angry Pope]

We are everywhere....

Bang it here... (http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/707/a00193ka.jpg)

[Angry Pope]

Here is a Raiders song by the guy in the above picture...

Click to play.... (http://www.roxie77.com/blackout/MP3/CmonRaidersStadiumRe-mix.mp3)

Words & Music: RYAN ROXIE
DECEMBER CAT SONGS (BMI) © 2002

C'mon Raiders, C'mon Raiders
C'mon Raiders....Let's Go!!! 2X

You wear the Silver and Black
Always attack, put 'em on their back for me!

You've got the team
Now make the dream
A Raider reality...

Just win, Baaaaaaby!

C'mon Raiders, C'mon Raiders
C'mon Raiders....Let's Go!!! 2X

I've got a commitment to
The animals at the Oakland Zoo
I've got a commitment to
Excellence......

(solo) Oi, Oi, Oi

I've got a commitment to
The animals at the Oakland Zoo
I've got a commitment to
Excellence......
Hey Raiders! You a fan?
Ya Better be...

Cause they're the team the world loves to hate
You represent, the California State!

Now that you're out of the Big Black Hole
The next stop is the Super Bowl

And you're all Super......Raiders #1

C'mon Raiders, C'mon Raiders
C'mon Raiders....Let's Go!!! 4X

Raiders...


His website.... (http://www.roxie77.com/blackout/MP3.html)

[Angry Pope]

Tim chimes in...

"Al (Davis) is going to have is input here and here. That's part of it. But when Jon Gruden came in he was able to change things, and you know when he spoke, he was speaking from himself and not from Al Davis. I don't think any other Raiders coach has done that except Art." — Former Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown on Art Shell's ability to have influence in the locker room.

[Angry Pope]

More on Young...

Young could drop to Raiders at No. 7

John Czarnecki / FOXSports.com




What if the Oakland Raiders are in position to draft Texas quarterback Vince Young, the hero of this season's national championship game?

It may sound ludicrous, considering Oakland picks seventh in the first round, but it's not a far-fetched scenario, primarily if Tennessee and the New York Jets pass on the talented Texan.

If that happens, Young could easily slip to the Raiders because it doesn't make sense that the Packers and 49ers would draft a quarterback, either. Well, the Jets are looking at drafting a quarterback, considering their pending divorce with good-guy, bad-shoulder Chad Pennington, but they apparently are eying Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler, who is described by many as the next coming of Brett Favre.

Cutler wowed the scouts by bench-pressing 225 pounds 28 times here at the scouting combine and won many admirers by basically challenging Young and Matt Leinart to come out and throw with him. They declined, of course.

Here's how Young could end up being available to the Raiders. Houston takes Reggie Bush with the first pick and New Orleans, desperate for a franchise quarterback, selects 2004 Heisman winner Leinart of USC, with the second choice. No drama there.

The Titans own the third pick and seem to be in need of a new franchise quarterback, plus Young and Steve McNair have become good friends. Young said he would love the opportunity to play and learn under McNair's wing. But the Titans aren't totally sold on Young right now. They could be in another month or so, but they claim to have plenty of work to do on big right-hander.


Vince Young and Al Davis? That would be quite the pairing. (Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images)

The Titans are worried that Young has taken as few as eight snaps a season from under center. He has excelled in a shotgun offense with a running back positioned next to him. Young's game has been almost as much running as it has been throwing. And this week he has made it clear that he has won enough, played well enough at Texas, that he doesn't see why any NFL team would change his shotgun style and his unorthodox throwing motion.

The other word is that Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow also has serious reservations about Young's ability to run his system. There also are rumblings about a low Wonderlic test grade.

The Titans could opt for Cutler, too, considering he's the hometown kid having played his college ball in Nashville.

Still, it sounds strange that someone like Young could slip that far, but then Daunte Culpepper was the 11th overall choice in the 1999 draft and three quarterbacks were drafted before him, including Tim Couch (first overall by Cleveland) and Akili Smith (third overall by Cincinnati) who are no longer in the league.

Obviously, stranger things have definitely happened. Yes, despite all the months of scouting and interviewing, NFL teams are prone to making huge personnel blunders. Everyone is human.

This being said, it isn't a slam dunk that the Raiders would even pick Young, those are the concerns about his deep-ball accuracy (an Al Davis demand) and his penchant for simply running (although quite effectively) too much.

The Raiders, like the Dolphins and some others, are keeping an ear to the rumor mill here that both Drew Brees and Culpepper will be available very soon because of their contractual demands. The Chargers continue to talk to Brees, who recently had a torn labrum repaired in his throwing shoulder, but don't sound confident that they can convince him to take a contract with little guaranteed money. The Chargers are also convinced that the Vikings won't pay Culpepper a $6 million roster bonus on March 6, thus allowing him to shop his talents anywhere without any compensation to Zygi Wilf's franchise.

"Who would have ever thought that the Vikings would deal Randy Moss one year and then get rid of Culpepper the next?" said a Charger executive on Sunday.

[Angry Pope]

Thoughts on Wood....

The Raiders believe that Bucs GM Bruce Allen will make a hard run at unemployed CB Charles Woodson, although Tampa Bay doesn't have the money right now to make a splashy offer when free agency begins. ...

[Angry Pope]

Here is a story on Mario...

The total defensive package

By Charles Robinson,

February 26, 2006




INDIANAPOLIS – He'd never seen tape on the kid, but less than 48 hours into this week's NFL scouting combine, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was already on a first-name basis with Mario Williams' reputation.

Super Mario. Big, fast and destructive – like a heat-seeking missile.

"I've been hearing all the buzz from (coaches and scouts) about him," Rivera said of the North Carolina State standout. "With the kind of size he has – (and) the kind of speed and agility – he's going to be a good rush end for somebody. (Carolina Panthers defensive end) Julius Peppers is a strong comparison. … With the speed, maybe he is a Peppers."

At the very least, Williams is bringing a total package the NFL hasn't seen in a defensive end since Peppers came into the league four years ago.

Williams is big and agile enough to play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, yet fast enough to drop into coverage or stand up at outside linebacker. While other ends like Penn State's Tamba Hali and Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka bring pass-rushing skills, Williams might be the only player in this year's draft who has the size and athleticism to line up anywhere in the front seven.


Barring a setback in combine drills, Williams is expected to be the first defensive player off the board – possibly to the Green Bay Packers at No. 5.

"He has had some up-and-down games, as most people do, but he's a tremendously talented kid," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said of Williams. "… He looks like what you draw up. You want him to get off the bus first."

Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in this week at 295 pounds, Williams is absurdly sculpted – like someone split open a block of limestone and found him at the center. It's a body that reigned terror in the ACC last season, when Williams finished with 14½ sacks and 24 tackles for a loss.

The numbers could have been far more astronomical had Williams found his groove earlier in his junior year. After consistently defeating double teams in his first two seasons, opponents adjusted their schemes against him, employing cut blocks to take away his speed rush. That translated into one sack in his first six games and led to an eventual shift in his style that drew him closer to blockers. The way Williams figured it, opponents couldn't cut him if he was able to get his hands on them first.

The adjustment was so sound that he notched 13½ sacks in his last six games, including 3½ sacks against Mississippi State, a four-sack performance against Maryland and a dominating bowl win over South Florida despite constant double-teaming (four tackles for a loss and 1½ sacks).

Declared South Florida running back (and fellow combine participant) Andre Hall: "That Mario guy is an animal. He was a man among boys that day."

Despite declaring for the draft as a junior, Williams' three-year totals were impressive: In 36 games, he recorded 175 tackles, 25½ sacks, 52 tackles for a loss and 41 quarterback pressures. While Williams truly exploded as a pass rusher for N.C. State in 2005, he has consistently been one of the Wolfpack's best players since arriving as one of the nation's top defensive recruits out of Richlands High in North Carolina.

Williams started from Day 1 and was named a freshman All-American by almost every voting body in college football. A year later, he improved in every statistical category despite playing two fewer games, setting up monster expectations as a junior. Even though his college stats don't quite stack up to what Peppers notched at North Carolina, many thought Williams would return to N.C. State as a senior to challenge for college football's Defensive Player of the Year award.

"I had a pretty good run there at the end and (felt) that my opportunity for the next level was pretty good right now," Williams said of his decision to leave school a year early. "I just didn't want to maybe (have) something happen next year, whether it was on the field or off the field that might mess up my chances."

Only a bad string of workouts could prevent Williams from becoming the draft's top defensive prospect. But he expects to perform well, including a solid 40-yard dash time.

"(My last 40 time) was fast enough. I don't want to spoil it right now," said Williams, adding that he plans to do the full slate of workouts at the combine. "… It'll be faster than a 4.8, put it that way."

For a player as big as Williams, anything in the realm of 4.6 to 4.7 seconds would be eye-popping, but most teams will pay more attention to his 10-yard splits and agility times. Even then, the numbers don't equate to his total value. His size and versatility – in a league that loves to be able to move impact defensive players around – weighs just as heavily in Williams' final grade.

"His combination is rare," Rivera said. "He could play end in a 3-4 with his size, but he's fast enough that he doesn't have to. Defensive ends that big, with speed, are so rare. That means a 4-3 suits him just as well."

"I played defensive tackle, outside linebacker and defensive end this year," Williams said of his flexibility to fit any scheme. "And I moved up and down the line, so sometimes I had to put my left hand down, and sometimes my right hand.

"(The versatility) is why I wanted to show that I can weigh 295, and you'll see the (drill) times Monday. I can do whatever. I can play the 3-4. I can play the 4-3. If you want me back at linebacker I can do that coming off the edge. My main goal coming into this was to be versatile and let the teams put me where they want to.

"It's all about the team. Put me where I fit it."

It may only be February, but a top-five slot seems just about right.

[Angry Pope]

Rumor that the Jets want the number one pick overall...

Vic Carucci, of NFL.com, reports one rumor making the rounds at the NFL Combine was the New York Jets trading with the Houston Texans to acquire the No. 1 pick so they can select a quarterback to replace QB Chad Pennington. As the rumor goes, the Jets supposedly covet former USC QB Matt Leinart.

[Angry Pope]

Lawrence was with us in 1974 and 1975....

Gift of life multiplied many times
BY JUANA M. GYEK, SUN STAFF WRITER
Feb 26, 2006



Larry Lawrence has a special gift from a 22-year-old beating inside him that pumps blood from strangers through his veins.

Lawrence, a former NFL Oakland Raiders quarterback, was 54 years old when he suffered his fourth heart attack, which left his heart weak and damaged.

Lawrence needed a heart transplant.

People wait years in long lists for organs and his named was added to that list.

"You can't bring yourself to pray for someone's death," he said, even though he knew that was something that needed to happen in order to save his life.

During and after the transplant, he also received 40 units of type O positive blood.

Lawrence, now healthy, recently traveled from Iowa to encourage Yumans to become organ and blood donors. His biggest message, he said, is that people need to talk to family members about organ donations at a time when they're not grief stricken.

As for blood donations, people can save lives by giving the gift of life without having to sacrifice themselves, he said.

Before his transplant, doctors performed open heart surgery to place an external pump, he said.

A month later, a woman gave Lawrence the most valuable gift he could ever receive. Without hesitation, she decided to donate the heart of her only son, who had died of an aneurysm.

Lawrence recently met his donor's mother for the first time in Texas.

When she saw Lawrence, she wanted to place her ear on his chest to hear her son's heart beat.

This made her feel like her son was still alive, said Lawrence.

"I have the responsibility to take care of this gift," he said.

And without the blood transfusions, the transplant wouldn't have been successful, he said.

When Lawrence's brother was killed by a drunk driver, also at the age of 22, his parents decided to donate his organs. It wasn't until later that Lawrence realized and thought about the coincidence.

Lawrence stresses the importance of communication among family members so that when a decision time arises, the person's wishes are known and no assumptions will be made.

For more information about organ donation, visit www.donatelife.org.

---
Juana M. Gyek can be reached at jgyek@yumasun.com or 539-6872.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a picture of Al and company...

here.... (http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/3200/artshelldavislombardi6qm.jpg)

[Angry Pope]

Here are some thoughts by Mario Williams...

This is one of those memorable moments



INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 25, 2006) -- For one thing, it's cold here. But it's not that bad. It's more about me being excited to be here and coming to Indy, being around all these coaches, great players. It's a lot of excitement. I really can't explain it.

I wasn't nervous at first. It was more about me being uptight about coming here, but as time progressed and the time went by, I really, really relaxed and was ready to lift weights. However, I didn't because I had to get an MRI. So I have to do that Sunday. But overall I'm feeling a lot more confident.

There's a routine they have to pull on you. Everyone's pulling and tugging and hoping you're hurt, basically. I had only one guy say I need an MRI because of something tiny that happened to my shoulder two years ago. It wasn't even anything. But I couldn't lift yet and have to get an MRI because of one guy.

I got in Friday around 2:30 and then I leave Monday night. I'm in the last group of the D-line and we don't finish up until around 5 p.m. on that day. All running and position drills come Monday. I can't wait to get out there and run around a little bit.

Sunday we have a lot of psychological tests and I do my bench in the morning. What I was told was to bring myself, my regular workout stuff and my sweatsuit. I was going to wear a suit and tie for the interviews (like D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Jonathan Scott), but I didn't once my agent told me I didn't have to I didn't bring anything.

The thing I am really going to remember is being here around all the other players and talking with them and the coaches. Today I went on stage for my body weight and I heard a lot of "ooohs" and "ahhhs" about my physique. That was a pretty good feeling to have. I'll always remember that, the expressions on people's faces.


Mario Williams isn't going to be the fastest D-lineman running, but his technique is tops.
I think I stack up pretty well because I'm the biggest D-lineman of the bunch. They're all small, but that's just the way I see it. For speed I think I stack up right with them. I think I have an advantage just because of my size.

This is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm glad to be a part of it. To be amongst everyone here is something that I can't explain. It feels like I am about to run out of the tunnel and play a football game. A lot of excitement, a lot of enthusiasm.

After the Combine I'm going to train back at N.C. State, run and do position work. Get bigger.


Goody bags

They have a lot of products that are coming out in the Reebok room. And it's a pretty big room. I was looking at the shoes and gloves. It's neat that you get to see and feel everything -- all the shoes and apparel. There's a football with my name printed on it, and that's nice. I actually haven't looked at it because I haven't had a chance to yet. That's just cool. They printed my name on a football.

[Angry Pope]

Millen worried about Al....

Millen worried about Davis' absence

By MATT MAIOCCO




INDIANAPOLIS - Raiders owner Al Davis is conspicuously absent from the NFL scouting combine, causing concern from one of his most loyal supporters.


Davis, 76, and the Raiders have kept details of his physical condition a closely guarded secret. He reportedly has a leg-circulation problem. He was first seen using a walker when training camp opened in July.

"I talked with Al maybe about three weeks ago," Detroit president Matt Millen said. "It bothers me that he's not here. First of all, to me, Al's a big part of the National Football League. The second thing is for him not to be here, that means something's wrong, and that's not good."

For Davis to miss time at the combine is considered a big deal in league circles.

"Maybe I have a little different view of Al Davis than the rest of the league," said Millen, who spent nine of his 12 NFL years with the Raiders. "I'm a big Al Davis fan."

Raiders personnel executive Michael Lombardi declined to comment.



NOTHING LIKE IT

Boston College defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka and his interviewer had a miscommunication Saturday that led to some hilarity at a press conference.

While talking to Kiwanuka, the New England reporter was quoting Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, who has said how much he loves sacks.

Reporter: "He (Colvin) said on the field it's all he cares about. 'I want sacks. I don't want tackles or interceptions, I want sacks.' Do you have that kind of feeling on the field?"

Kiwanuka: "Do I think of sex on the field?"

Reporter: "No! Sacks ... SACKS! I was wondering why you were smiling so much."

Kiwanuka (laughing): "I was wondering where you were going with that."

Reporter: "Sorry, Boston accent."



EXTRA POINTS

There were unconfirmed reports, including by profootballtalk.com, that Texas quarterback Vince Young scored a meager six out of 50 on the Wonderlic intelligence test. Most teams consider a score of 13 or 14 as low as they will go for a quarterback. Alex Smith scored 40 last year. If the report proves true, Young's draft status could be severely affected. Young was expected to be one of the top three players selected, along with USC running back Reggie Bush and USC quarterback Matt Leinart.

Among the players the Raiders have interviewed is Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who measured at 6-foot-4, 338 pounds. The Raiders own the seventh overall pick after losing a coin toss Friday against the 49ers to determine draft order.

UCLA running back Maurice Drew registered the fastest time among running backs in the 40-yard dash . Drew clocked a 4.39. USC back Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy winner and possible No.1 overall draft selection, chose not to run.

Guard Chris Chester of Oklahoma ran a 4.88, tops in his group. Miami's Eric Winston clocked a 4.94 to lead the tackles.

[Angry Pope]

Here is more...

Jerry Jones: Deal with players 'likely'

11:24 AM CST on Monday, February 27, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News



INDIANAPOLIS -- Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Monday that progress has been made between the league and NFL Players Association regarding a new collective bargaining agreement.

“I feel that we’ll likely have a deal,” Jones said.

When a deal would be finalized is in question because the league year is expected to begin Friday. Because of all the particulars of the CBA, the owners and the union could need more time to finalize an agreement.

Houston general manager Charley Casserly said Sunday it’s possible the league year could be pushed back a week or two.

NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabaue and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw are expected to meet Monday in Washington. The league’s management council will meet in New York on Wednesday and Thursday. The full ownership group is expected to meet Monday in Dallas.

“We have a pretty tight timeframe here with the [league] year,” Jones said.

If a deal is not reached, then 2007 will be an uncapped year and a potential lockout would loom following the 2008 season. Without a deal, the 2006 salary cap will be between $92 million and $95 million. With a deal, it could be between $102 million and $104 million.

The NFL's landscape also could change forever. Upshaw has said the union will move toward decertifying, which it believes would affect the league's antitrust exemption, making the salary cap gone for good.

In 2007, there would be no salary cap, which means teams could spend as much or as little as they want on players. Players would not become unrestricted free agents until their sixth season (it is now after their fourth), and they would have to pay for their own benefits.

[Angry Pope]

Way to go, Villapiano...

Not so comfortably numb

Beachgoers make Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/27/06
BY MATT PORIO
TOMS RIVER BUREAU

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — With noon approaching on the Jenkinson's Boardwalk beach Sunday, the wind chill made the day's 31-degree temperature feel like 10 degrees to exposed human flesh.

And as participants — clad in bikinis and various styles of swim trunks, their skin covered in goose bumps and their teeth chattering — waited to charge into the 39-degree water in the 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge, there was no shortage of flesh exposed to the frigid air.

"This is majorly cold," said Mary Santiago, wearing a bikini and participating for the second time. "My adrenaline is frozen. I can't even say it's pumping."

John Lear of Nazareth, Pa., is a nine-year veteran of the event. But, "It's cold this year," he said, shivering in a towel as he waited for go-time. "It's for a good cause, though."

The event, which drew about 2,500 participants, raises money for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Last year it raised $540,000, increasing the 12-year total to $3.5 million.

This year, participants earned every cent they raised.

Santiago and her husband, Julio Santiago Jr., 41, of Julio's Barber Shop in New Egypt, received $2,535 in pledges from friends, patrons and fellow business owners.

In just his swim trunks, Julio readied for his first-ever plunge, shielded only by the red, white and blue paint covering his torso and the white paint covering his head — a walking, swimming barber pole.

"I'm gonna run so fast, I'm gonna walk on water," he said. "I can already feel myself numbing."

Which was probably a good thing. A few minutes later, with the rest of the mob on the beach, he raced through the cold, wet sand and into the frigid, breaking waves.

Within seconds, most of the participants kicked up sand in the opposite direction, desperately searching for towels. (Not Julio Santiago, however, who triumphantly splashed in the waves with a few other brave souls for several minutes after the initial plunge.)

Back on the beach, after the race, former NFL star Phil Villapiano, who played for the Oakland Raiders and was on the team that won Super Bowl XI in 1977, was glad to be out of the water.

"I'd rather play against the Chiefs again than get back in that water," said Villapiano, 57, a Rumson resident.

But Jason Donkersloot, 28, of Hawthorne, seemed ready to get back in. He lasted several minutes in the water, he said.

"I'd rather be in the water," he said. "It's colder out here."

Point Pleasant First Aid Squad Dive Team Chief Diver Chet Nesley — who supervised the event with other divers from in the water — said the air temperature was chilly compared with other years, but he remembers worse.

There was the time a few years ago when it was sleeting with 50-mph winds, he said.

And despite the frigid temperatures this year, the dive team reported no injuries or other problems.

"A good time was had by all," Nesley said. "It went really, really well."

[Angry Pope]

From Indianapolis....


Shell eager to mold better offense
Raiders' former/current coach will rely on his former/current coordinator

By MATT MAIOCCO
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT



INDIANAPOLIS - Art Shell might not know who will be his starting quarterback this year, but he has his offensive philosophy all figured out.

But, of course, the Raiders' new coach wasn't going to unveil all his secrets Sunday at the NFL scouting combine.

"I've been away for a while, so people won't know what to expect," said Shell, who was hired earlier this month to return as Raiders coach after being fired following the 1994 season.

"So you never know what I might do. It might be a spread team, a West Coast team, you never know," Shell added.

He said he has complete trust in offensive coordinator Tom Walsh, who has not worked in the NFL since he was fired along with Shell after the club played its final game in Los Angeles. Walsh was the Raiders' offensive coordinator from 1982 to '94.

"He knows exactly what I want and exactly how I want things done," Shell said of Walsh. "I know we're pretty sharp on defense, so I feel good about that. We just have to put in a system that's going to be conducive to what we want to do offensively."

And everybody knows what that means.

"We will throw the ball down the field, that's for sure," Shell said. "That's a big part of what we were. And don't think 'vertical' means bombs away. It's never bombs away. It's taking your shots when they're there and creating shots.

"You have to be able to run the football. Who played in the Super Bowl? Two teams (Pittsburgh and Seattle) that ran the ball and ran the ball well. They are capable of throwing the ball down the field and playing tough defense.

"That has been Raider football. That's what we've done in the past , and that's what I expect us to get back to. We have to get our players to understand exactly what we want to get done and how we're going to get there."

The big question as free agency is set to begin Friday is whether quarterback Kerry Collins will remain with the club. He is scheduled to earn $8.5 million in salary as part of a $12.6 million salary-cap figure.

Collins completed 53.5 percent of his passes last season with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His passer rating was a less-than-stellar 77.3. Moreover, he failed to take full advantage of receiver Randy Moss' vast skills. Moss caught 60 passes for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Raiders have to shave more than $20 million in cap room before the start of the season.

Collins' future with the club appears to be in serious doubt.

" We've just got to look at our personnel and see where we are ," Shell said. "Kerry may be a part of that. I haven't really had time to get involved in all of that. I'm trying to put a staff together, but I'm aware of where we are with Kerry Collins a little bit. Hopefully, things will work out and we can all work together."

Shell said he has split his time at the combine evaluating the draft-eligible talent and looking for assistant coaches.

"We're always looking for good players," Shell said. "We have to find football players. There are a lot of good kids here, and I'm looking forward to getting our share of them."

One thing that has made this trip to the combine different is the absence of Al Davis. The Raiders' owner did not travel to Indianapolis because of a reported leg problem.

"Al's here in spirit," Shell said. "He didn't feel he has to be here all the time because he's watching it on the NFL Network. All this stuff is on the NFL Network, but he's fine."

[Angry Pope]

From 2002 about the draft....

ART SHELL DESCRIBES WAR ROOM INTENSITY

Monday, April 15, 2002
By Art Shell - Special to NFL.com

(Editor's note: Art Shell sat through many NFL Drafts since the Raiders made him a third-round pick out of tiny Maryland State College in 1968. The Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle served as the Raiders' head coach from 1989-94 and later as an assistant coach with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons. Shell shares his experience in the first of his exclusive columns for NFL.com).

I don't think free agency will ever be as important as the draft. You have to build from within. You need to have players who can develop over time in your system. And when you pick prospects, you have to make good projections as to how they'll develop. These days, draftees have to be able to play quicker, but if you've made smart projections, they should fit well with what you want to do.

We had a lot of fun with the draft during my time with the Raiders. Mr. (Al) Davis was the general manager and he ran the draft. He orchestrated everything and worked hard at getting people to speak up. Sometimes he had to pull information out of people -- to say exactly what they meant.

The best thing to do was to speak honestly to Mr. Davis. That didn't mean he was going to agree with you, but your information or perception of a particular player was important and he was going to listen to you. Those who said just what Mr. Davis wanted to hear often got caught out on the end of the plank, and the plank got sawed off.

With the Raiders, all the coaches were involved in the draft in the sense that when the draft meetings began -- about two weeks before the draft -- all the coaches were in the meeting room every single day. A lot of other teams will bring the defensive coordinator in one day, the defensive line coach on another day, or the linebacker coach the next day. After the defense was taken care of, the offensive coaches would be brought in one at a time. The only ones in the draft room all the time were the head coach and the personnel department.

Based on what's happening in the football world, I think bringing coaches in one at a time fits more with today's schedule. There are so many demands on the coaches' time and this way, they can continue to accomplish their other tasks -- such as dealing with current players or special projects -- without being focused solely on the draft. That said, I prefer the Raiders' way, because I got a chance to learn exactly what the other coaches were saying about players they wanted. It helped us work better as a team. An offensive coach might have good information he could share with the defensive side and vice versa. The Raiders' way might be more antiquated, but I don't think it has hurt them.

Draft day is the most intense time in player evaluation because so much is going on. Trade talks with other teams begin early in the morning and don't stop. The phones are constantly busy because someone is always looking to trade up or down or is interested in a player you might have. There are so many scenarios going on. Sometimes it comes down to the last seconds of your time as to whether a deal is made. Other times, you do more talking than anything else. The price to move up or down to get a player is usually based upon what happened the previous year. If we wanted to move from, say, the 20th position to No. 8, we would see from previous years what it cost to make a similar move.

The only time you took a bathroom break was if you wanted another team to sweat out a deal or if you didn't want to commit to one.

Things didn't get too intense between our staff members. Someone might not like what was being said or the direction the draft was going, but with the Raiders it was more of the coaches continuously feeding information to the scouts and Mr. Davis. They would listen and set the board up based on all the information. We almost always had a consensus on each pick we made.

We never felt bad about how we drafted. Leading up to the draft, we had an idea of what players we wanted to add to our team. We would have an idea where each player would be selected in the draft, and the price that each player was worth. For instance, let's say you need an offensive tackle, but there isn't one available that is worth your pick. You must decide between selecting the best player available or to trade down and take the tackle when the value is there. The majority of the time, you take the best player on the board if there isn't a player good enough at that spot that meets a need. You can't afford to pass on a player who could have an impact on your roster just because he doesn't fit a need. Even if you're strong at a position, you can't pass up an impact player.

I remember our draft in 1988 and we didn't think Tim Brown would be available when we picked (sixth). We needed a left tackle and thought Paul Gruber would be available.

However, the Buccaneers took Gruber (fourth), before our pick. There was Brown, the Heisman Trophy winner, staring us in the face, and you don't pass up a great player like that. We wanted a tackle, but there wasn't a tackle there who was worthy of that spot. We felt Brown was more than worthy it. During draft week, the staff always gained weight. We were at the office almost around the clock and there never was a shortage of catered food. Those were really long days, and being on the West coast, we had to be at the office early enough (5 a.m.) to be in touch with teams on the East coast. Because I came from a small school, I was always a little partial to those players. There is a lot of talent at small schools, you just need to have good enough scouts who are able to find them.

--As told to Brian Peterson

[Angry Pope]

This is an updated list of free agents ranked by what they believe their signing bonuses will be....

PFT 2006 FREE AGENCY RANKINGS



POSTED: February 23, 2006



Anyone can list free agents, or apply a letter grade or a number score to each of them. In the modern NFL, however, money talks and bullsh-t walks (it smells really, really bad, too).



So we'll list the 2006 free agents based on one and only one factor -- the signing bonus that the player is expected to receive.



Scientific? Hardly. Accurate? Perhaps. We had Reggie Wayne pegged at a signing bonus of $12.5 million -- and the contract he agreed to on Wednesday included a $13.5 million.



For players wearing the franchise or transition tag, there's a possibility that they will play under the one-year tender.



Here we go . . . .



John Abraham, DE (franchise tag): $14.0 million.



Steve Hutchinson, OG (transition tag): $13.0 million.



LeCharles Bentley, C: $12.5 million.



Shaun Alexander, RB: $12.5 million.



Nate Clements, CB (franchise tag): $12.0 million.



Julian Peterson, LB: $10.0 million.



Edgerrin James, RB: $10.0 million.



Darren Howard, DE: $9.5 million.



Matt Lepsis, OT: $9.0 million.



Gerard Warren, DT: $8.5 million.



Jeff Backus, OG (franchise tag): $8.5 million.



Antonio Bryant, WR: $8.5 million.



Drew Brees, QB: $8.0 million.



Charles Woodson, CB: $8.0 million.



Larry Tripplett, DT: $8.0 million.



Rocky Bernard, DT: $7.5 million.



Will Witherspoon, LB: $7.0 million.



David Thornton, LB: $7.0 million.



Brian Williams, CB (transition tag): $7.0 million.



Antwaan Randle El, WR: $6.5 million.



Will Allen, CB: $6.0 million.



Kevin Shaffer, OT: $5.0 million.



Anthony Weaver, DE: $5.0 million.



Jamal Lewis, RB: $5.0 million.



DeShaun Foster, RB: $5.0 million.



Aaron Kampman, DE: $4.5 million.



David Givens, WR: $4.5 million.



Toniu Fonoti, OG: $4.5 million.



Jon Kitna, QB: $4.5 million.



DeShea Townsend, CB: $4.0 million.



Koren Robinson, WR: $4.0 million.



Adam Vinatieri, K: $3.5 million.



Chris Hope, S: $3.0 million.



Ahman Green, RB: $3.0 million.



Justin Hartwig, C: $3.0 million.



Nick Greisen, LB: $3.0 million.



Adam Archuleta, S: $3.0 million.



Dexter Jackson, S: $2.5 million.



Chester Taylor, RB: $2.5 million.



Joe Jurevicius, WR: $2.5 million.



Ben Leber, LB: $2.5 million.



Ty Law, CB: $2.5 million.



Michael Bennett, RB: $2.5 million.



L.J. Shelton, OT: $2.5 million.



Chris Hovan, DT: $2.5 million.



Corey Chavous, S: $2.0 million.



Tommy Polley, LB: $2.0 million.



David Boston, WR: $2.0 million.



Chris Weinke, QB: $2.0 million.



R.W. McQuarters, CB: $2.0 million.



Kendrick Clancy, DT: $1.75 million.



Najeh Davenport, RB: $1.5 million.

[Angry Pope]

Packers may go QB...

The Packers have no timetable for Brett Favre to indicate whether he will play next season or not. Head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson both have talked at length with Favre, agent Bus Cook and members of Favre’s extended family. McCarthy remains “optimistic” that Favre will play in 2006. With or without him, the Packers will consider drafting another quarterback with the fifth overall pick, Thompson said, reinforcing a promise that he intends to stick to his own philosophy to draft the best athlete available, regardless of the position.

[CrossBones]

I liked this part:

The best thing to do was to speak honestly to Mr. Davis. That didn't mean he was going to agree with you, but your information or perception of a particular player was important and he was going to listen to you. Those who said just what Mr. Davis wanted to hear often got caught out on the end of the plank, and the plank got sawed off.

[Rupert]

You know, I've always found those little vignettes in storys about the Raiders. They crop up as background info, and I'm certain most people gloss over them. But those little things are part of the overall picture that is Al Davis. There's another reason to prepare for the draft the Raiders' way: If the offense is lobbying hard for a particular player, I'd ask the defensive people how I'd defend that person against our offense, pick teams that play us well and ask, "How will Denver defend us if we add so-and-so? San Diego? Will this guy make that much of an impact?" Without the defensive staff, I'd only have the offensive guys' positive input. And vice-versa.