Raiders FA comings and goings...(Please Read) [Archive] - Page 2

Rupert

04-21-2006, 02:05 PM

Ah bull.

IMO Gallery was given too much too soon to think about and it screwed him up. Now the repair process starts. I hope he can come around and be a pro bowl tackle within the next two years!

I understand what you're saying Rupert but changing to a scheme that requires more precision and asking young inexperienced players to accept a new unfamiliar postion plus a complicated blocking scheme and add the musical chairs -- that dog won't hunt. JMO. :)

Or is it just possible Gallery and Grove aren't the players we thought they were? Yep that's a possiblity. :o
Whaddayamean "bull"? You agree with everything I said, but you think the unfamiliar position was part of the problem. To THAT I say bull. When I saw Gallery in 2004 at RT he rarely ever took a false first step. I don't see how he can take a wrong angle at a guy after setting up because he's used to seeing guys on the left side. How's that work? Setting up wrong is the most commonly used excuse of guys flipping sides of the line or changing from tackle to guard or vice versa. Gallery rarely set up wrong, and did it less frequently as the season wore on.

The biggest problem I see with Gallery is his lack of agression, and I think that's something Art wants to correct. Gallery has discovered there's greater speed and strength in the NFL, and guys have better technique and more moves, so he's gotten tentative. Some of his negative press was that he's soft. That seems to be correct.

I can accept Grove being given too much too soon. Having to take over as QB of the OL under a new scheme where no-one knows the scheme? Yeah, I can see how that overwhelmed him. He would have been in deep QB-ing the man scheme. I don't think his stint as a guard in 2004 hurt him at all though.

gst8

04-21-2006, 02:06 PM

Anyone who's been around me long enough knows I hate the "natural position" B.S. It's an absolute crock of shit. If you're an athlete you should be able to play anywhere on the line. Period. If you can't then you're nothing more than someone playing out of habit.

What if a player wasn't asked to play certain techniques in college? Are we going to have zone blockers and man blockers now? So-and-so is a zone left guard, don't draft him if you use a man scheme and need him on the right side? Jeezus H my friends.

I don't know why we've forgotten how our OL got screwed so quickly. We went from a man scheme to a zone scheme. The zone scheme requires quite a bit more precision from the line as a whole. It requires more reading and reacting than the traditional man scheme. It's a lateral scheme that requires bucket/drop steps.

The scheme can be overloaded against inexperienced lines, and teams did that to us frequently last season. In fact, I didn't see defenses trying to overload veteran zone teams as often as they tried against us for one simple reason. The vets knew how to handle the overload often only letting one guy loose. Overloading the Raiders often resulted in jailbreaks on the overloaded side. Teams were just doing what worked.

Rupert: I hope you noted the sarcasm in my reference to the natural position.

Anyways...

I still think Justice is a decent option at seven. Regardless of scheme, we don't have the pieces to field a decent line any longer IMO.

Actually... we don't even have the pieces to field a decent team so I guess just about anyone is a decent option. Just get it over with!

Rupert

04-21-2006, 03:55 PM

Rupert: I hope you noted the sarcasm in my reference to the natural position.

Anyways...

I still think Justice is a decent option at seven. Regardless of scheme, we don't have the pieces to field a decent line any longer IMO.

Actually... we don't even have the pieces to field a decent team so I guess just about anyone is a decent option. Just get it over with!
Nope, missed the sarcasm. Ooops.

You know, I think we have the pieces to field both a decent line and a decent team. However, I don't think decent gets you too far these days. You might make the playoffs with decent, but one and done is like kissing your cousin, unless she's really hot and you're from the hills.

I think last season was the natural progression of the Turner regime, into chaos from order. I thought the change of scheme would have been further along than it was. Horribly executed change.

RaiderIVlife

04-21-2006, 05:04 PM

Rupert - But what if she's your 2nd cousin and Super Hot ?!?!?!?!?!

Are Langston Walker and Chad Slaughter the front runners for the RT job?

Winston Justice? We could do worse IMO.

Angry Pope

04-22-2006, 12:54 AM

From April 2004 on Garmon...

Garmon should give Browns attitude

BEREA - What Cleveland Browns fans remember is San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson breaking loose for 200 yards in a win at Cleveland during the 2003 season.

What they might not recall is the lineman who kept springing Tomlinson into the Browns’ secondary by opening gaping holes in the trenches. New Cleveland guard Kelvin Garmon would like to be remembered as that blocker.

Garmon, who started all 16 games for the Chargers last season, was signed by the Browns on March 23 to shore up what has been a historically shoddy offensive line. He was brought in to give a boost to Cleveland’s running game, hopefully enabling running backs Lee Suggs and William Green to have more games like Tomlinson had against the Browns last year.

“(The Browns) wanted to solidify their attack up front and get more of a push,” Garmon said in Berea yesterday. “They want to get a better running game.

“My mentality on Sundays is pretty nasty, and that’s the thing I want to bring to this team. We’re going to be more aggressive as an offensive line.”

Cleveland was interested in Garmon for more than just his demeanor.

At 6-foot-2 and 345 pounds, Garmon fits coach Butch Davis’ blueprint of huge linemen who can manhandle the opposition. He also offers the Browns an option as a pulling guard who can clear the way for the ball carrier on the outside, something the team didn’t have last year.

“They wanted to get back to a pulling guard,” Garmon said. “(Cleveland defensive line) Coach (Andre) Patterson called me everyday this offseason to tell me this system’s for me. The way it’s built, a pulling guard could be a star.”

Patterson and Browns defensive coordinator Dave Campo were both instrumental in getting Garmon to sign with Cleveland. Campo was the head coach and Patterson was an assistant for Dallas when Garmon played for the Cowboys from 2000 through part of the 2002 campaign (he was traded after five games to San Diego), and preached of his abilities to Davis when he became available after last season.

Garmon’s time in Dallas also allowed for him to befriend All-Pro guard Larry Allen, who has since taken Garmon under his wing to help him develop his skills.

“He’s my mentor,” Garmon said of his former teammate. “We watch film together in the offseason and he helps me see things to make me better.”

One thing Garmon’s critics insist he improve on is his pass-blocking skills. While he’s known as a productive force in the running game, he has also developed a reputation as someone with plenty to be desired as a pass blocker.

Garmon, who’s expected to start at one of Cleveland’s guard spots this year, admits he needs to work on his skills against the pass rush, but also believes some of the criticism he’s received is misguided.

“A lot of times I was never one-on-one with anybody,” he said. “So when stunts would come it looked like I was chasing people, but really I was trying save other people.

“I have to work to be a better pass blocker, but I’m not horrible at it or anything.”

Before Garmon works on any part of his game, he will get married next week to his fiancee Megan Peterson in Dallas. After that, the two will begin a new life together in Cleveland.

“We both wanted to get a fresh start,” Garmon said. “So far, Cleveland has embraced me.”

Angry Pope

04-22-2006, 01:10 AM

Here is an article on Mighty Joe from 1999 that mentions Jarod Cooper and trying to tackle Hall...

Friday, Oct. 15, 1999

K-State running back Joe Hall makes his way upfield as Kansas defenders try to stop him Oct. 9 at KSU Stadium. (http://www.kstatecollegian.com/issues/v104/fa/n039/pix/hall.jpg)

Mighty Joe Hall

287 pounds of bone-crushing prowess makes No. 30

Richard Smith
Kansas State Collegian

They call him 'Little Joe.' The accuracy of that nickname is somewhat debatable, though.

They call him 'Little Joe.' The accuracy of that nickname is somewhat debatable, though. On one hand, "little" is, of course, a relative term. On the other, at 287 pounds, K-State running back Joe Hall is a fifth-grader heavier than any other Wildcat at his position. Most people would say he's only "little" relative to oh, Rhode Island, perhaps.

Though the nickname might lack in its physical description, it is surprisingly true of his playing style. Hall plays more like Emmitt Smith than "Refrigerator" Perry. He is capable of covering 40 yards in 4.6 seconds and possesses the quickness and agility of a much smaller man. Nonetheless, Hall has spent his entire football career staving off football coaches who envisioned him as a bulldozer and not as a Ferrari.

"When I first got to high school, the coach looked at me and gave me all kinds of offensive and defensive line equipment because of my size," he said. "My father was like, 'First day of practice, just go out there and show them that you can run.'"

And show them he did. At first, Hall used only his size to overpower defenses. As he learned more tricks of the trade, Hall said he eventually tired of bowling over overmatched tacklers, electing for the sake of a challenge to use his feet instead.

Hall scored 30 touchdowns as a high school senior, and had Colorado, Texas and several Pac-10 schools knocking at his door. Academic issues, however, forced him to Palomar Community College in California.

When he emerged two years and 2,593 rushing yards later, only one potential suitor, K-State head coach Bill Snyder, recruited him to tote the football as atailback, rather than to block from the fullback slot.

Though he understands the big and slow stereotypes that Hall's girth invites, Snyder saw more athletic ability in Hall than met most eyes.

"I think you get a misperception of him ... that he's one of those guys who you just hand the ball to and because he weighs a couple thousand pounds that he's just going to knock everyone out of the way," Snyder said. "That's not his thing. His thing is he runs like a running back."

Having seen Hall in action, junior fullback Johnno Lazetich doesn't doubt the wisdom of Snyder's decision to play the hefty Hall at a position usually defined by speed and agility.

"Joe's probably one of the best overall athletes I've ever seen," Lazetich said. "For a man weighing near 300 pounds, the way he moves his feet and carries the ball, definitely I can understand why they brought him here as a running back."

On his arrival in Manhattan, however, a glut of talent at tailback and an injury to Lazetich nonetheless forced Hall to learn the finer points of lead blocking. He showed off his power running ability during his stint at fullback, bruising his way to 73 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries while platooning with Lazetich in the first four games of the season.

It wasn't until the second half of last week's game against KU that injuries to Frank Murphy and David Allen finally opened the door for Hall at tailback. He promptly barged through, rumbling for 64 yards and a score at the robust pace of 5.8 yards per carry.

With Murphy out indefinitely due to injury, Hall's workload at tailback figures to increase drastically. It's a prospect he couldn't be happier about.

"This is what I came here for," he said. "This is my chance."

Hall's chance to showcase all of his athletic gifts is a thought that could have defenders across the Big 12 cringing. No less a player than K-State's hard-hitting, All-Big 12 strong safety Jarrod Cooper winces at the thought of trying to bring down Little Joe.

"I never try to tackle someone head-up who weighs 270, for my own personal physical reasons," Cooper said. "It's like a lineman coming at you with the ball. I'm not going to try to tackle him. I'm going to cut him."

Between the fear Hall inspires in defenders and the multiple talents he brings into the backfield, offensive coordinator Ron Hudson said he is glad to have Joe at his disposal - little, big or anything in between.

"He's a nice little weapon - no, no - a nice big weapon to have," Hudson said. "That's probably the way I should say that."

Raiders_Rock

04-22-2006, 04:58 PM

CrossBones

04-22-2006, 05:42 PM

Rupert

04-22-2006, 06:26 PM

Can someone tell me why we're so keen on signing banged up players?

Kelvin Garmon - 0 games played in 05
Cameron Spikes - 0 games played in 05
Rashad Moore - 0 games played in 05
Tyrone Poole - 1 game played in 05
Derrick Gibson - 6 games played in 05
Duane Starks - 7 games played in 05

makes me fucking sick
This says the starters are already here and we're looking at depth. I think we've got a decent team already here. 1 or 2 starters and another contributor or 2 from the draft and we'll be slightly upgraded. I think the right scheme and the new players will mean about 8 wins. With contracts ending and some good free agent acquisitions next off season the rebuilding will be complete. We'll be contenders again in 2007 for at least 3 seasons with the youth movement in full swing and solid veterans (hopefully) brought in.

Raiders_Rock

04-23-2006, 07:26 PM

Raiders | Team is $1.4 million under salary cap
Sun, 23 Apr 2006 16:13:26 -0700

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Oakland Raiders are $1.4 million under the salary cap, according to a source with NFL contractual data.

I thought we had alot more

Angel

04-24-2006, 01:57 AM

Rupert

04-24-2006, 08:14 AM

Dead contracts still weighing us down.

Plunkett16

04-24-2006, 05:59 PM

http://www.nfldrafthits.com/

Draft News and Notes
4/24/06(3:20 PM) It looks like this trade is very close to being done. The final deal goes as followed...
Titans get Jerry Porter, #7 in 2006 draft, Raiders 2nd and 4/5th rounders in 2007 draft.
Raiders get #3 pick which will be used to draft Leinart
There's still a bit for Oakland to consider, such as trading all that for Leinart or staying at 7 and taking Young. If this happens, there's a chance that New Orleans drafts Leinart and forces the Raiders to make another deal for him.

(8:08 AM) Once again we have a new development, but this one is a lot less confusing. The Saints and Jets are now pretty much out of the trade. It's between the Raiders and Titans, with the Raiders giving up #7, #69 and Jerry Porter for the #3 pick which would be used to select Matt Leinart. New Orleans and New York felt the deal would have been far too complicated and that there was a chance neither team would get who they wanted, so they called that off. Condon is still trying to get Leinart top-money, and the Raiders are still trying to get Leinart. Tennessee value's Cutler, Young and Leinart all the same, but would take Leinart at 3 due to his ties with the offense and Norm Chow. So if they move down to 7, they can still pick up Porter, pick #69 and get either Young or Cutler. There's been a lot of stuff swirling around with this trade, but now it's simpler and as of now looks likely.

(1:04 AM) Well, we've got some more info on that trade, but there's a lot of possibilities. For one, there are players names being thrown around now, those names are Jerry Porter, Dewayne Robinson and maybe Steve McNair. The thing with this trade is that's it's only going to be a three team deal, with either the Titans or Jets not being involved. Which ever team is left out will receive compensation for not picking the guy the teams involved want. What this boils down to is that Tom Condon is the catalyst of this deal, but he has to make sure that Green Bay and San Francisco don't take the guy that the team who moves down to 7 wants. Because this deal will not go through unless the team who moves down to 7 is sure they will get their guy. Condon is apparently close with most front offices and he knows what he's doing. For this deal to go through there may have to be a player going to GB and SF to make sure they don't take the player the team at 7 wants. Whether the trade works out exactly as planned or not, expect a trade in the top 5.

CrossBones

04-24-2006, 06:10 PM

Plunkett16

04-24-2006, 06:12 PM

Raiders_Rock

04-24-2006, 08:13 PM

In the scenario that we trade up to 3 and New Orleans takes Leinart, I'd be happy if we drafted Mario Williams

Rupert

04-24-2006, 08:42 PM

Now this is some hot shit! If the choice is between Leinart and Williams, I'm happy with either.

Angel

04-25-2006, 06:49 AM

OK.....I thought you guys didn't want to draft another QB at all :confused:

Rupert

04-25-2006, 08:32 AM

I don't want Vince Young. We don't NEED another starting QB, but history has proven that a great team without a solid backup QB will fail. And you see what I've said, I'd rather have Williams, but I won't complain if we draft Leinart.

Plunkett16

04-25-2006, 09:53 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raiders | Brooks is not the answer
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 09:27:45 -0700

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders do not see QB Aaron Brooks as a long-term solution at quarterback. They will probably take a quarterback in the upcoming draft, perhaps as early as the first round.

_________________

doesn't look like the raiders are hofeful of brooks.

Rupert

04-25-2006, 10:58 AM

Well, it doesn't take a genius to come to that conclusion. Brooks's contract is essentially a 1-year starter deal. His second year drops off to $ 750,000 from $ 2 mil this season.

Now, that doesn't preclude him from surprising the Raiders and proving himself worth retaining and signing to a long-term contract.

That said, the contract terms give a clear indication that the Raiders think he's: 1) a backup next season, 2) earns a new contract, or 3) is gone entirely.

The fact he only got a 2-year contract says they don't have long-term plans for him yet (if ever). Several conclusions can be drawn from that though: 1) the free agent market will be better next year, 2) the Raiders believe next year's starter is already on the roster, or 3) the Raiders are going to draft someone to be at least a backup next season.

Here's what happens after this season though:

1) Brooks will want a new contract. Period. If he plays well this year, we have him under contract and will be in position to retain his services since he is under contract. If he plays poorly, we'll have the leverage to retain him as a backup whether he likes it or not. If he's a backup this season, he'll want to try to get back into a starter's role next season (or he's a whipped puppy).

2) Tui will be gone. This is the last year of his contract. We might be able to retain him, but he'll probably want the chance to start somewhere. It's probably an urealistic expectation on his part, but he'd be a whipped puppy not to try.

What sense does drafting a QB make?

1) With Tui most likely gone we'll need a developmental guy anyway. Since Tui was a WCO kind of guy, it makes more sense to develop a pocket passer with a deep arm.

2) With Brooks on the fence next season, and probably wanting out, drafting a QB gives us a backup that's already been learning the system for a year. Because, seriously, who wants two FA's (or a FA and a rook) learning the system? No-one.

3) Drafting a potential starter gives us the ability to push Walter without fear of injury or setback this season or next.

4) Drafting a backup (long-term developmental guy) puts more pressure on Walter and might require us to spend the money to keep Brooks.

What sense does NOT drafting a QB make? Umm, well, little in my book. Let's assume Walter is the starter next season. Brooks will want out, and Tui will be a FA. So the choice is either to bring in TWO FA's who'd have to learn the system and hope Walter doesn't have a sophomore setback, or acquire a possible starter and draft a rookie then. Will the rookie QB crop be better next season? Maybe, but you'd still have the problem of his needing to learn the system.

So does this mean we don't like Brooks and only got him because we were planning to draft a QB all along? No. I think acquiring Brooks was both cap- and Walter-related. Drafting a "franchise" QB this year is an independent issue. Drafting a QB was almost a necessity, since un-drafted QB's are very unlikely to ever be worth much as starters (Jake Delhomme aside - and even he spent 5-years as a backup before becoming the starter in Carolina - his 2nd team). Even if we believe firmly in Walter, he'll need a backup. And even though Al Davis likes having a veteran backup on the squad, he also likes a kid developing on the bench. If Walter is starting, he ain't the kid developing, and Tui sure as hell ain't a kid anymore (and he sure as hell isn't developing either).

Crow

04-26-2006, 02:11 PM

I'm not confortable with this trade because New Orleans can screw us. I assume the trade wouldn't go donw until the Titans were on the clock but still...

Very interesting though. I still feel Al wants the USC signal caller...one way or the other.

A deal for a franchise QB and we give them Jerry "Mr. Inconsistent" Porter? Works for me.

"Franchise QBs". :rolleyes:

Before Roethlisberger, whan was the last time a 1st round QB won a Superbowl with the team that drafted him?

Ridiculously overrated concept. If we did something this stupid, I'd probably shoot myself in the eyes simply because icouldn't stand to watch anymore.

We pass on Rivers and Roethlisberger, but would give up that much for Leinart? He's good, but there's nothing that special about the guy. What makes him any better than the hundred other QBs we've passed on?

Angry Pope

04-26-2006, 03:47 PM

Take care Charles...

WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2006, 4:56 p.m.
By Tom Silverstein

Woodson agrees to terms with Packers

The Green Bay Packers have agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Charles Woodson on a seven-year, $52 million contract, agent Carl Poston said this afternoon.

The Packers were in a heated battle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Woodson's services and had been in discussions with Poston over the past several weeks. Talks picked up the past couple of days and Woodson apparently was both encouraged by the money the Packers were offering and the return of quarterback Brett Favre.

The structure of the contract is unknown and it's unclear how much guaranteed money Woodson will earn, but the Packers apparently made a significant financial committment to the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback who was a first-round draft choice of the Oakland Raiders.

As Oakland's franchise designation the past two seasons, Woodson was paid base salaries of $8.78 million in 2004 and $10.53 million in '05, but after an injury-filled season the Raiders decided to let him go.

Regardless of the Raiders' disinterest, there are plenty of people around the National Football League who think the 6-1, 200-pound Woodson can still be an effective player despite missing 21 games over the past four seasons due to injury, including 10 with a broken right leg last year. Some think his days as classic cover corner are behind him, but even if they are many believe he can be moved to a safety position where he can use his strong tackling and blitzing skills to be effective.

Last year, the Raiders played him all over the field, moving him from corner, to the slot, to inside the box, to deep safety. He had 30 tackles and one interception when in the seventh game of the year he suffered a broken right leg making a tackle at the line of scrimmage. He was lost for the season.

The Packers figure Woodson can team with Al Harris to form a solid cornerback tandem, while also stepping out into a safety or slot position to cover up newly signed safety Marquand Manuel's coverage liabilities. Woodson would be a major upgrade over starter Ahmad Carroll, whose job would have been challenged even if the Raiders veteran is added.

Rupert

04-26-2006, 03:55 PM

Ya know. I wish Charles health, but I wish Green Bay the injury problems we suffered. Is that possible?

Angry Pope

04-26-2006, 04:05 PM

Ya know. I wish Charles health, but I wish Green Bay the injury problems we suffered. Is that possible?

I know what you mean :)

Angry Pope

04-26-2006, 04:06 PM

Here is some information on his contract...

Packers, Woodson agree to terms

Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com
Posted: 39 minutes ago

Brett Favre wanted the Packers to make some moves in free agency before he made a decision to come back. One day after Favre informed Green Bay he was returning, the Packers made their most significant free agent pickup this year.

FOXSports.com has learned that the Packers have agreed to terms on a seven-year deal in the $45 million range for Raiders Pro Bowl defensive back Charles Woodson. Woodson, however, has not yet signed the deal. The deal also includes a total of $10.5 million in the first year, between salary and bonuses. The deal is also likely structured much in the way LaVar Arrington's incentives-laden deal was with the Giants.

Woodson had been talking to the Bucs about joining their secondary, likely as a safety, but opted for the money that the Packers were offering instead. Woodson played in just six games last year before injury cut his season short. He has 17 career interceptions but in the last five years has only had one season with more than one pick.

Woodson ended the 2004 season on IR with a hip injury and then last year broke his leg on October 25 in a win over the Bills.

As Oakland's franchise player last year the former Heisman Trophy winner earned more than $10 million in salary a year ago.

Rupert

04-26-2006, 04:24 PM

Well, the structure makes sense since I thought the Packers were a little tight in the pockets. Incentives allows them to push much of this year's contract money onto next season.

Angry Pope

04-26-2006, 04:27 PM

A little more on his contract....

Packers reach agreement with Charles Woodson

Len Pasquarelli

Cornerback Charles Woodson, one of the last premium players remaining in the free agent market, reached a contract agreement on Wednesday evening with the Green Bay Packers, league sources confirmed. Woodson chose the Packers over the Tampa Bay Bucs, essentially the only other team that demonstrated legitimate interest in him.

The contract is a seven-year deal worth $52 million, ESPN.com's Michael Smith reports. Woodson will make $10.5 million in the first year of the deal and $18 million over the first three years. Woodson will also receive a $3 million bonus if he is selected to the Pro Bowl in two of the first three years of the contract.

Woodson, 29, had played his entire eight-year career with the Oakland Raiders, who chose him in the first round of the 1998 draft.

The four-time Pro Bowl performer was designated by the Raiders as a franchise player each of the last two seasons, but suffered injuries in each of those years, and his played declined.

Tampa Bay had planned to use Woodson at safety had the Bucs landed him. It is believed he will remain at cornerback with the Packers.

Woodson's signing comes a day after quarterback Brett Favre told the team he would return to play the 2006 season. Favre previously urged the team to make a "statement" in free agency, similar to the signing of Reggie White in 1993.

Raiders_Rock

04-26-2006, 04:39 PM

CrossBones

04-26-2006, 04:45 PM

thank you Charles Woodson for fucking us out of $19 million to play 19 games you stupid fucking piece of shit - you made it obvious that you had no intention of signing long term with us and that you didn't want to play for us. FUCK YOU BITCH - FUCK YOUI'm confused RR...what is it you're saying! Hehehe. :p

I'm actaully gonna miss Charles. He wa the one player you really associated with the Raiders the last 5-6 years. Now he's gone. Good luck to 'ya Charles. As they say, "break a leg"...:eek: (That's kind of an old school saying -- they used to say that when my Dad was a kid.)

CrossBones

04-26-2006, 04:56 PM

"Franchise QBs". :rolleyes: Shut up.

"Before Roethlisberger, whan was the last time a 1st round QB won a Superbowl with the team that drafted him?

Ridiculously overrated concept.Actually I agree with you. That term is widely overused. My bad. And yes, if you look at the stats there aren't very many "franchise QB's" who have led their team to the Super Bowl -- except Roethlisberger... not even the NFL poster boy Peyton Manning.

"If we did something this stupid, I'd probably shoot myself in the eyes simply because icouldn't stand to watch anymore.Calm down man. Don't do it.

"We pass on Rivers and Roethlisberger, but would give up that much for Leinart? He's good, but there's nothing that special about the guy. What makes him any better than the hundred other QBs we've passed on?Yes, it's possible. But maybe Al is throwing people off the trail to think he's gonna take Leinart @ #2 and then fucks somebody by taking Mario. That would be too funny. I agree though I think Al wants to make a big splash on draft day...

Tick, tick, tick...

Crow

04-26-2006, 06:17 PM

That's my hope. I like Leinart for the most part...although in interviews, he seems a little flakey. But there's not a QB in this class worth mortgaging your draft to get. Mario, on the other hand, now there's a guy I'd break the bank to get.

Angry Pope

04-26-2006, 07:47 PM

More on Woodson from PFT...take it for what it is worth...

NO SIGNING BONUS FOR WOODSON

A league source tells us that cornerback Charles Woodson's contract with the Packers includes a signing bonus of . . . zero dollars, zero cents.

The reason for the team's decision not to pay Woodson has less to do with his skill and more to do with the fact that the Packers have plenty of cap room for 2006. By funding Woodson's first-year pay through a roster bonus and base salary, $10.5 million can be handed to him with no proration in future years.

As a practical matter, this makes it easier for the Packers to cut ties with Woodson in any future season, since there would be no acceleration due to the portion of the signing bonus that applies to future years.

We're also told that, although the deal is being characterized as a seven-year, $52 million arrangement, it is as a practical matter a three-year, $18 million package. Depending on Woodson's performance, he could be gone by 2007 or 2008.

Not a huge deal, but not bad for an aging, injury-prone cover man as to whom only one other team expressed serious interest.

Plunkett16

04-27-2006, 08:31 AM

angry pope, he is guaranteed 30mill first three years according to espn.

gst8

04-27-2006, 12:16 PM

angry pope, he is guaranteed 30mill first three years according to espn.

With no signing bonus... he is guaranteed nothing after this season.

It's virtually the same type of deal he received as a Franchise Player.

Angry Pope

04-27-2006, 12:35 PM

That is right. I think they structured it as roster bonuses which are fully counted in the year they are given. Since Green Bay has so much cap room, they could afford to do it. Also, without a signing bonus, the Packers don't have to worry about having dead cap money in the future thus screwing their salary cap up.

Angry Pope

04-27-2006, 11:24 PM

We re-signed Foschi....

The Oakland Raiders have re-signed exclusive-rights free agent TE John Paul Foschi (Raiders) to his one-year, $350,000 tender offer.

Angry Pope

05-05-2006, 05:59 PM

We signed Reshard Lee...

Reshard Lee has been in the league three years....

RESHARD LEE

Position: HB
Class: Underclassman
School: Mid. Tenn. St.
Conference: Sun Belt
Ht., Wt.: 5'10½, 220
40 Time: 4.56
Grade: 3.24

BIO: Junior entry who leaves college with two seasons of eligibility remaining. Second on the team in rushing last season carrying the ball 110 times for 642 yards with six scores. Also caught 12 passes for 78 yards. Totals the preceding year were 108-790-4 on the ground, with 9-27-0 as a pass catcher. Academically ineligible to play as a true freshman.

POSITIVES: Hard working interior runner who would have been better off staying in college. Keeps his feet driving up the field, displays a powerful lower body and picks up yardage off initial contact. Aggressive running the ball and puts his shoulders into opponents. Blocks with solid technique.

NEGATIVES: Straight line back with an upright style and minimal skills outside tackle. Cannot create or quickly cut it back against the grain and more of a plodder than fluid ball carrier.

ANALYSIS: Would have had the opportunity to be the team's feature back next season with the graduation of Dwone Hicks and jumped the gun early by announcing his eligibility.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Angry Pope

05-05-2006, 11:34 PM

We also signed Rod Smart "He Hate Me", linebacker Robert Thomas, and Marcellus Rivers.

CrossBones

05-06-2006, 08:02 AM

We also signed Rod Smart "He Hate Me", linebacker Robert Thomas, and Marcellus Rivers.The XFL lives!!!!

This guy is suppose to be a good special teams player. God knows we can use help on ST too!

Angry Pope

05-06-2006, 04:37 PM

Here is a draft profile for Robert Thomas (2001)...

Robert Thomas

Position: Inside Linebacker
College: UCLA
Height: 6-0
Weight: 239
Hometown: Imperial, Calif.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Shows proper use of hands to separate and shed low blocks … Chases hard to track down the outside run … Intense hitter who comes down the line hard in backside pursuit … Keeps his balance while showing the ability to drop and play in space … Strong inside blitzer who gets good separation when engaging the blocker … Recognizes the plays quickly and has the leg drive to close on the ball … Works well in the open, needing room to roam in order to make the tackles.

Negatives: Needs better weight-room dedication, as his body appears soft and lacking lean muscle development … Goes low in his stance too much, which prevents him from keeping balance vs. the inside run … Will take strong arm swipes, but generally will not use his hands much to jam the tight ends … A bit stiff in his pass drops, appearing too narrow in the legs to get fluidness in transition … While strong, he does not always show physical power behind his tackles, as he will take on the wrong shoulder when engaging the lead blocker … More of a wait-and-catch type of tackler than one who initiates contact … Lacks the hip flexibility and quickness to be effective in man coverage … Shows a marginal break on the ball and is slow to react to the receiver in the zone … Adequate blitzer who needs to show more explosion penetrating the backfield … Tends to run around blockers rather than engaging them head-on … Does not have ideal size for this position to effectively play over the tight end … His minimal burst and smallish size limits him to a one-gap system.

CAREER NOTES

Demonstrated that he is one of the best linebackers in the nation … A semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award the last two seasons, presented to the nation’s top linebacker, he possesses all of the tools one looks for in a great player … His attributes include great speed, explosiveness and quickness … Thomas shows the ability to fill the hole to stop the run, roam from sideline to sideline and cover receivers … His experience and leadership were a great asset to the defensive unit … The three-year starter finished his career with 293 tackles (198 solos), eight sacks for minus-44 yards and 41 stops for losses of 124 yards … His 293 tackles rank 12th on the school’s all-time record list … His 41 stops behind the line of scrimmage are topped only by Carnell Lake (45.5, 1985-88) in Bruins annals.

Angry Pope

05-06-2006, 04:43 PM

Here is a draft profile for Huntley (2005)...

Kevin Huntley

Position: DE
Class: Jr
School: Kansas St.
Conference: Big 12
Ht., Wt.: 6-6.5, 267
40 Time: 4.92

BIO: Moved into the starting role as a senior and posted 31/4/3 in nine games before a leg injury ended his year. Started five of 15 games the prior year posting 25/6/6.

POSITIVES: Athletic prospect with good pass rushing skills. Breaks down well playing with balance, rarely off his feet and immediately alters his angle of attack. Quickly gets off the snap, stretches plays to the flanks and pursues from the backside. Rushes the edge with speed displaying explosion and easily redirects to the action.

NEGATIVES: Must develop more moves to stay off blocks. Easily turned off the line on running downs. Takes wide angles around blockers rather than trying to defeat them head on. Does not play with a sense of urgency.

ANALYSIS: Huntley has gotten by on natural talent the past two seasons and displays game-impacting abilities on occasion. Coming off a knee injury, he must now focus on the task at hand to have any chance of making it in the NFL.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Angry Pope

05-06-2006, 04:50 PM

Here is a draft profile for Rivers (2001)...

MARCELLUS RIVERS, Tight End

School: Oklahoma State University Cowboys. Height: 6:04.1. Weight: 231. Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

ANALYSIS

Positives...Emerging receiver with effective acceleration to gain advantage coming off the snap... Has fluid change-of-direction agility and can escape tacklers in tight quarters...His leg drive and upfield speed allows him to consistently beat the linebackers on deep routes...Very effective when used on underneath routes...Runs over the middle with authority and shows the flexibility in his hands and arms extending to catch outside of the framework...Maintains concentration on the ball going through traffic and will jump and grab at the off-target tosses.

Negatives...Shows major liabilities as a blocker due to a soft frame that does not display much muscle or strength...Does not go after the linebackers on a regular basis when called upon to block upfield for the ground game...Will try to wall and screen off the defenders, but with no success as his lack of power prevents him from gaining advantage coming off the ball...Needs to show more intensity in his game as he tends to “slack off” at times, especially when the game is out of reach...Suspended in 1999 for his involvement with three other teammates in an alleged assault of a female (no charges were ever filed).

CAREER NOTES

Three-year letter-winner who has shared starting time with fellow tight ends Khari Jackson and Bryan Blackwood the last two seasons...Used mostly in the passing attack, he hauled in 68 passes for 963 yards (14.2 avg) and ten touchdowns.

2000 SEASON

Played in every game, sharing tight end duties with Bryan Blackwood and Khari Jackson...Saw most of his action in obvious passing downs, finishing fifth on the team with 19 receptions for 292 yards (15.4 avg) and a pair of touchdowns.

Tulsa...Began the year with 4 catches for 47 yards and a 9-yard touchdown.

Southwest Texas...Followed with a 32-yarder that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by QB Tony Lindsay.

Texas...Snatched 2 passes for 41 yards.

Missouri...Followed with 28 yards on a pair of catches.

Iowa State...Hauled in 3 passes for 48 yards and a 25-yard touchdown...Also made a key block to spring QB Aso Pogi for a 6-yard scoring run.

Texas Tech...Made 2 catches for 23 yards.

Baylor...Had 3 receptions for 58 yards.

1999 SEASON

All-Big Twelve Conference second-team selection by the league’s coaches and the Associated Press...Played in ten contests, starting as the second tight end vs. Kansas State, Texas A&M and Kansas...Ranked second on the team with a career-high 27 receptions for 336 yards (12.4 avg) and four touchdowns.

Louisiana-Lafayette...Snatched 3 passes for 30 yards in the season opener.

Tulsa...Followed with 4 receptions for 40 yards with touchdowns of 3 & 4 yards.

Nebraska...Battled linebacker Carlos Polk, dragging the Husker into the end zone on a 6-yard scoring grab.

Texas A&M...Made 3 catches for 30 yards.

Texas...Hauled in 6 passes for 99 yards and a 24-yard touchdown.

Baylor...Gained 68 yards on 4 catches.

Oklahoma...Suspended by the coaching staff due to an off-field campus incident (see analysis).

1998 SEASON
Played in every game during his first year with the team, starting vs. Tulsa, Southwestern Louisiana, Texas and Baylor...Ranked second on the team with 22 receptions for 335 yards (15.2 avg) and four touchdowns.

Tulsa...Scored his first career touchdown on a 20-yard grab.

Kansas State...Gained 47 yards on 5 catches with a 6-yard score.

Oklahoma...Added 4 receptions for 57 yards and a 20-yard touchdown.

Texas...Caught 3 passes for a career-high 104 yards, including a career-long 78-yard touchdown.

Southwestern Louisiana...Grabbed 3 passes for 31 yards.

Baylor...Snatched 3 passes for 52 yards.

1997 SEASON

Did not play under NCAA Proposition 48 rules.

AGILITY TESTS

4.79 in the 40-yard dash...29.5-inch vertical jump...9' 1" broad jump...265-pound bench press... 380-pound squat...33 3/8-inch arm length...9 3/8-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL

Named All-State by the Daily Oklahoman, All-Big City, All-District and Top 20 list choice as a senior at Douglass (Oklahoma City, Okla.) High...Had 27 receptions for 625 yards and six touch-downs as a tight end and recorded 91 tackles and 13 sacks as a linebacker in his final season... Caught 49 passes for 771 yards (15.7 avg) and eight touchdowns during his career.

PERSONAL

Sociology major...Son of Deborah Irving and James Rivers...Born 10/26/78...Resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

CrossBones

05-06-2006, 04:52 PM

AP...I continue to be amazed at the wealth of information you find (and post).

Thanks.

Angry Pope

05-07-2006, 11:10 AM

Raiders add depth at linebacker, sign Thomas

Len Pasquarelli

Demonstrating their typical interest in former first-round draft choices whose careers might still be salvaged, the Oakland Raiders have signed free agent linebacker Robert Thomas, the top pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2002 draft.

A four-year veteran whose resume includes 41 starts, Thomas was released last week by Green Bay after a draft in which the Packers selected linebackers A.J. Hawk in the first round and Abdul Hodge in the third stanza. Thomas was acquired by the Packers from the Rams in a September 2005 trade.

In 52 career appearances, Thomas has registered 272 tackles, two sacks, one interception, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one recovery. He started in nine of 10 appearances for Green Bay last season, but his campaign was cut short by a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for six of the last seven games and subsequently forced him onto the injured reserve list.

Despite being in the league for four seasons, Thomas is only 25 years old, and the former UCLA standout has been a steady defender when healthy. Thomas has started at both the strongside and weakside spots in the past and his versatility could be valuable to a Raiders team seeking depth and experience.

Second-year veteran Kirk Morrison, a standout during his rookie season in which he started 15 games and posted 116 tackles, seems to have a lock on the weakside position. But in the team's weekend mini-camp, the strongside position was manned by Sam Williams, who missed all of 2005 while rehabilitating from surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and who has made just 10 appearances in his first three years in the league because of injuries.

Oakland did draft linebacker Thomas Howard of Texas-El Paso in the second round. The Raiders chose Southern California safety Darnell Bing in the fourth round and may move him to linebacker. Thomas, a very quick linebacker who plays bigger than his size, could be a candidate to start and at worst provides an experienced backup who can play multiple positions.

His best season was in 2003 when, despite starting just 11 games, Thomas recorded 102 tackles and a pair of sacks. One notable negative is that, because of injuries, Thomas has not played a full 16-game season since his 2002 rookie campaign.

The Raiders have also signed free agent tailback Rod Smart, who gained famed by wearing "He Hate Me" across the back of his uniform jersey while playing in the short-lived XFL. Smart, 29, has played five years in the NFL, the last four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, and has been a special teams standout.

Smart has appeared in 53 games. He has 78 kickoff returns for an average of 22.2 yards and a touchdown, but his bigger contributions have come on coverage units, where he has 53 career tackles.

Contract details for the deals signed by Thomas and Smart were not yet available.

Rupert

05-07-2006, 01:12 PM

We have so much depth at backer this year, I wonder who the hell was organizing the roster last year.

Crow

05-07-2006, 06:34 PM

Angry Pope

05-09-2006, 11:29 PM

The RB we signed...

32 Walter Williams

Position: Running back

Height: 6-1

Weight: 206

Age: 26

Experience: 2

College: Grambling

Acquired: Free agent, 2004.

Last season: Was in training camp with Saints, but was cut before season and was out of football after that. Played for Rhein Fire in NFL Europe this spring. Missed six games with broken left hand, then played in last four games. Had 53 carries for 203 yards, second-best on the team, and two catches for 12 yards.

Did you know? His cousin, Kevin Faulk, is a running back for the Patriots.

Angry Pope

05-09-2006, 11:31 PM

Williams......

Walter Williams, who spent Weeks 2-10 on the practice squad, was activated at Houston in Week 11 when injuries left the Packers shorthanded. He ran six times for 42 yards that night, including a 28- yard burst on a strong-side counter.

But Williams suffered a high ankle sprain and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve. Still, the undrafted free agent might have a future in Green Bay, especially if Davenport doesn't return.

"He showed us a lot," Roland said of Williams. "He was a guy our defense had a really hard time handling in practice."

Rupert

05-10-2006, 08:23 AM

I think having to watch Brayton, Irons, etc dropping back into coverage finally woke the old man up to the fact that LBs really are a necessity. If our rookies can shake their dummy labels, we'll be in pretty good shape.
You know, the odd thing is, we've gone through phases of keeping VERY few real backers on the roster. Some of those years we didn't even have converted DE's playing the part.

Angry Pope

05-10-2006, 11:53 PM

Info on Walter Williams...

Walter Williams, Grambling -- One of the true sleepers in the draft, Williams played football just his senior year at the prep level and saw action for just the '99 season at Grambling when he hauled in 36 receptions and six TDs. He also worked at running back while seeing action on special teams as well. After working all summer to improve his skills as a wide receiver, Williams found out just before the start of the 2000 season that he had no eligibility remaining. With his size (6-1, 203), strength (did 27 reps during a recent workout) and athleticism (44-inch vertical jump), there is a possibility he could land in the defensive secondary at a safety spot. Whether it be receiver or defensive back, Williams definitely has to be regarded as one of the more intriguing later-round prospects in the draft. By the way, he also worked as a kickoff returner at Grambling in '99 and saw action on the punt/kick-coverage units.

Angry Pope

05-11-2006, 12:20 AM

Here is Thomas in a locker room interview after a game as a member of the Packers...FWIW....

Hit it here.... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/packers/demand/Locker_Room/051202thomas_56.rm&proto=rtsp)

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:39 AM

We signed this UDFA...

Burl Toler

Class:
Senior

Hometown:
El Sobrante, CA

High School:
Bishop O'Dowd

Height / Weight:
6-2 / 190

Position:
WR

Birthdate:
04/07/1983

Experience:
3V

A former walk-on wide receiver who proved to be invaluable last season, stepping in for the injured Jonathan Makonnen (the team's 2002 leading receiver) and providing consistency on the opposite side of All-America wideout Geoff McArthur . yanked down 48 passes for 609 yards and three touchdowns as Cal's second-leading receiver . also has been a contributor to special teams . father, Burl Jr., was also a walk-on at Cal who became a two-year starting linebacker in the mid-1970s, and grandfather, Burl Toler, was an All-America football player at USF in 1951 and later became the first African-American game official in NFL history . 2003 . started 10 of 14 games last fall . came up big in the Bears' 52-49 Insight Bowl win over Virginia Tech, with a team-high six receptions for 84 yards in the absence of both Makonnen and McArthur (both injured) . snagged 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns during one five-game stretch from Oct. 18-Nov. 15, including a dazzling seven-catch, 104-yard, one-TD performance in the Bears' 23-20 overtime loss at UCLA . his 37-yard reception in the first quarter at Arizona State is the longest of his three-year career . sparkled in the Utah game with three catches for 75 yards . 2002 ... saw action in 11 of 12 games, mostly on special teams ... had one reception during the year, a 12-yarder vs. Baylor in the season opener ... 2001 ... caught 12 balls for 174 yards (14.5 ypr) as a true freshman ... played in 10 of 11 games during the season ... had breakout game against Oregon with three grabs for 37 yards ... led Cal in receiving at UCLA, shredding the Bruins secondary for 64 yards on four catches ... in the two games he started (Arizona and USC), recorded a combined four catches for 46 yards.

High School/Personal: Three-year starter for Bishop O'Dowd HS ... team won league title his sophomore and junior years and captured the NCS championship during his sophomore campaign ... earned first team all-league on offense and defense during his senior year in 2000 ... lettered in track four years and attended the League of Champions meet his final three years ... comes from a long line of Cal alumni, including his parents, Burl Toler Jr. and Susan Tamayo-Toler . father walked on and started three years at outside linebacker for Cal from 1974-77 . born April 7, 1983 in Berkeley, CA . social welfare major.

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:43 AM

From 2004....

Cal receiver is wide open to life’s possibilities

His grandfather is a USF legend. His father was a Golden Bear. Now Burl Toler III looks to Saturday’s Big Game — and beyond

By Barry Bergman, Public Affairs | 17 November 2004

Cal’s Burl Toler, 21, has found that the lessons of a college-football heritage — such as the importance of determination and perspective — come into play off the field, too. (Michael Pimentel photo)
For Bears wide receiver Burl Toler, a senior with his eye on a likely bowl berth and a possible pro career, this year’s Big Game promises to be the biggest yet.

For Toler, though, a remarkable pigskin pedigree — his grandfather was a star on a standout college team, his father a Cal linebacker — has yielded a Big Picture outlook. Football is serious business, especially at the heady altitude of No. 2 in the Pac-10 and fourth nationwide. But it’s not the only game in town.

“I see a lot of things a little differently,” says Toler, a 21-year-old Bay Area native whose perspective has its roots in the Jim Crow days of the Deep South. In 1951, his grandfather (and namesake) led the USF Dons to a flawless 9-0 record, only to be denied a trip to a major bowl game — traditionally held south of the Mason-Dixon line — because the team had two African American players, Toler and future NFL great Ollie Matson. To its everlasting credit, the team turned down the chance to play in another postseason game when the invitation came with strings: Toler and Matson would have to stay home.

“It was just a tribute to them,” says the younger Toler of the Dons’ refusal to play ball with segregationists. (His grandfather, he says, talks about the experience “a little bit, but not too much.”) It’s hard for this generation of student athletes to appreciate how many barriers have been shattered — or what it took to shatter them, Toler observes. “I think people nowadays kind of take it for granted,” he says. “For us, it seems far-fetched to have that kind of intense racism. We can’t even relate to that.”

But he does relate to the examples set by his grandfather and then his father, both of whom found success on and off the gridiron.

Soon after graduating and being drafted by the Cleveland Browns, the elder Toler suffered a career-ending knee injury during an all-star game. One dream dashed, Toler simply ran a different pattern. He became a middle-school teacher, the first black secondary-school principal in the San Francisco school district, and, in 1965, the first black referee in NFL history.

His son, Burl Toler Jr., a walk-on who blossomed into a starter at Cal in the mid-1970s, walked away from a shot with the San Diego Chargers for a career as an architect.

And now Burl III, a social welfare major, is weighing his post-college options — either mentoring kids, “traveling the world,” or heading to the NFL scouting combines in advance of next April’s pro-football draft.

“Seeing my grandfather and my dad doing other things steered me away from just doing football my whole life,” he explains. More generally, his strong family ties — he has four siblings, including a younger brother, Cameron, who’s now a Cal Bear freshman — have influenced his ambitions. “I see myself working with kids,” he says.

Toler will have lessons of his own to impart. A star athlete at Bishop O’Dowd High School, he hoped to be recruited by Cal. Although he failed to get a scholarship offer — a major disappointment — he did earn admission to Berkeley and, like his father, joined the Bears as a walk-on. He emulated his father in another way as well: He played in 10 of 11 games in 2001 as a true freshman, and 11 of 12 in 2002. Last season he stepped in for the injured Jonathan Makonnen, the Bears’ top receiver in 2002, to become the team’s second-leading receiver with 48 catches and 609 yards.

“My dad said I should never give up, good things can still happen,” Toler recalls. “Making the team was a testament to what my dad had been telling me.”

Injuries, however, have taken their toll on Toler. He’s suffered from tendinitis in both knees “on and off for three years,” and the condition has grown progressively worse, forcing him to sit out the past four games. For a player who hates missing practice, much less actual games, the bench is the worst seat in the house.

“It’s hard no matter what,” he says of watching from the sidelines. “If we’re blowing a team out or if we’re losing, it’s hard.”

He’s still day-to-day, but Toler has improved enough to start practicing again, and expects to be ready for the Big Game. That will be good news not only for the Bears — who struggled against Oregon earlier this month with three injured receivers — but for Toler’s large extended family, many of whom can be found at Memorial Stadium when the team’s at home. Naturally, that includes his grandfather.

“My whole family’s excited about this season,” Toler says. “I have so many people at every game. I just love playing in front of them.”

With luck, he’ll get the chance this weekend, and just might go to the Rose Bowl, too — a trip Cal hasn’t made since 1959. Whatever his football fortunes, though, the big treasure is the legacy passed down by his father and grandfather.

“They let me know I can do anything I want to do, and they’d be behind me 100 percent,” Toler says. “And I learned never to give up.”

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:47 AM

It appears that we also signed....

Raymond Washington

Fresno State CB 6-0 210

Ideally, given his size, Washington would move to safety, but he has not shown that he can be physical enough to fill that spot either. His best chance of getting a shot at the pros depends on whether he can bulk up and convince scouts that he can be a more aggressive, tougher player than he was in college.

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:49 AM

Raymond Washington

Position: CB
Class: 5Sr
School: Fresno State
Conference: Western Athletic
Ht., Wt.: 6-0, 215
40 Time: 4.64

BIO: Top reserve who posted 27 tackles as a senior after 13 tackles the prior year.

POSITIVES: Nice-sized defensive back with limited production in college. Effective facing the quarterback in zone, displays a burst of closing speed and aggressively comes up the field in run support. Stays with assignments and displays a good move to the pass.

NEGATIVES: Has difficulty in man-coverage, slowly reacting to receivers. moves, and does a lot of trailing.

ANALYSIS: Marginally productive on the college level, Washington possesses the size/speed numbers to be a nickel back at the next level. Must quickly increase his production and level of play.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:53 AM

Raymond Washington

Class:
Senior

Hometown:
Long Beach, Calif.

High School:
Long Beach Poly

Height / Weight:
6-0 / 210

Position:
CB

Fresno State: Very solid cover man who offers the team great depth at cornerback ... has at times served as the team's jumper on kicks ... very athletic player ... missed the end of the 2003 season and part of 2004 with injuries ... expects to figure significantly in the team's ability to shut down the vertical passing game this year ... although he enters 2005 as a backup, he's the type of player who can step right in and make plays. (2004) Started the first two games of the season, but played sparingly after suffering an injury against Kansas State ... had 13 tackles and one pass deflection ... played on special teams and is a hard hitter. (2003) Played in eight games, making six starts ... made 36 tackles, 27 of them solo ... notched two interceptions during the regular season, one against Oregon State and the other vs. Portland State ... registered one tackle for a loss and four pass breakups ... missed the final six games of the season with a hand injury suffered against Rice. (2002) Played off the bench in 12 games and started the Silicon Valley Football Classic win over Georgia Tech ... provided one of the snapshot moments of the season when he blocked a shot San Diego State field goal try as time expired, preserving a Bulldog victory ... made 16 tackles and had one pass breakup. (2001) Redshirted.

High School: Played on the USA Today's No. 2-ranked team that finished 14-0 ... a first-team All-CIF and all-league selection ... comes from the same high school that produced former Fresno State great Omar Stoutmire, now of the New York Giants, and former Bulldog tight end Jeremy Johnson, a Freshman All-American in 2000.

Personal: Born June 2, 1983 ... mother's name is Melissa Miller and father's name is Raymond Washington ... has a brother, Travon, and three sisters, Erica, Zakey and Raven ... favorite athlete is Deion Sanders ... lists his biggest athletics thrill as the first time he returned an interception for a touchdown.

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:57 AM

It appears that we signed this player too...

Dennis Davis

Position: CB
Class: Sr
School: Georgia Tech
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Ht., Wt.: 5-11, 186
40 Time: 4.45

BIO: Full-time starter as a senior, producing career-best numbers of 31/3/5. Started the first three games of the .04 campaign before being sidelined with injury.

POSITIVES: Improving cornerback coming off a solid senior campaign. Fluid backpedaling off the line, smooth transitioning to run with opponents and possesses solid instincts. Effective in zone facing the quarterback yet also does a good job making plays in man coverage. Has a burst to the play and a decisive move defending passes.

NEGATIVES: Does not consistently play to his size and struggles against larger opponents. Does not play to his listed speed.

ANALYSIS: A sprinter on Georgia Tech.s track team, Davis displayed skills last season. Comes with injury concerns but potentially a solid dime back.

PROJECTION: Mid Seventh Round

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 08:58 AM

Davis.......

Dennis Davis

Georgia Tech CB 6-0 185

Davis is a hard prospect to evaluate with only two legitimate seasons at cornerback under his belt. His speed is excellent, but his ability is only marginal. He lacks instincts, physicality, and aggressiveness. He has made an impact thus far with his sheer athleticism, but will need to learn how to play the position (or shift to another position) if he hopes to land a spot on a pro roster.

Angry Pope

05-12-2006, 09:03 AM

Dennis Davis

Hometown:
Sicklerville, N.J.

High School:
Edgewood

Height / Weight:
6-0 / 185

Position:
Cornerback

Birthdate:
11/24/1982

AT TECH: AT TECH: Starting cornerback who is one of the Jackets' fastest players . . . Returned to the lineup in 2005 following season-ending shoulder surgery after the third game of last season . . . Granted a medical hardship so he could return for a fifth season . . . Has had surgery on both shoulders in the past 18 months . . . Earned all-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a member of the Tech track team . . . Has five career interceptions, along with nine pass breakups and 72 tackles.

2005: Started every game at cornerback for a Tech defense that ranks in the Top 25 nationally in total defense (22nd), rushing defense (13th), pass efficiency defense (23rd), scoring defense (23rd), interceptions (6th), turnover margin (T16th) and takeaways (T-16th) . . . Had three interceptions on the season and two of them were potential game-savers . . . Made 31 tackles, with 2.5 tackles for loss including one half sack, and five pass breakups . . .

His interception in the win at third-ranked Miami was one of the biggest plays of Tech's season . . . With the Jackets holding a 14-10 lead and less than two minutes to play, Miami had a first down at the Tech 27 when Davis intercepted Kyle Wright's pass, intended for Greg Olsen, at the Tech three-yard line to preserve the win . . . Had two other pass breakups in the game . . .

Also had a pivotal interception in Tech's win over North Carolina . . . With the Jackets holding a six-point lead but UNC at the Tech 46-yard line with two minutes left, Davis grabbed the interception at the two-yard line and returned it 33 yards to preserve the Tech win . . . Capped his career with an interception against Utah in the Emerald Bowl.

2003: Nickel back who had two interceptions and four pass breakups . . . Totalled 23 tackles with two tackles for loss . . . Helped seal Tech's victory over 17th-ranked Auburn with a fourth-quarter interception at the Tech 11-yard line, which he returned 52 yards . . . Grabbed an interception against Clemson and broke up another pass . . . Had a career-best six tackles, including one tackle for an eight-yard loss, in Tech's win over NC State, in which he started as a fifth defensive back . . . Broke up a pass and caused a fumble against Maryland.

2002: Credited with nine tackles in 2002, primarily on special teams . . . Made three tackles against Vanderbilt . . . Saw limited action as a reserve and on special teams as a true freshman in 2001, when he played in four games and made three tackles . . . Had two tackles against the Citadel and one versus Navy.

TRACK: Placed second in the 200 meters (21.84) at the 2003 ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships to earn all-conference honors . . . Finished fifth in the 60 meters (6.85) . . . Also placed fifth in the 60-meter dash at the 2002 Indoor Championships . . . In the 2002 outdoor season, he posted top times of 10.73 in the 100 meters and 21.91 in the 200 meters . . . Did not compete in the 2003 outdoor season or the 2004 indoor season.

HIGH SCHOOL: All-state cornerback who was named South Jersey Defensive Player of the Year by the Newark Star Ledger and Philadelphia Inquirer . . . Two-time all-South Jersey and three-time all-conference selection . . . Rated the No. 14 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com and one of the nation's Top 25 receivers by Tom Lemming . . . One of SuperPreps' Top 285 prospects in the nation . . . Named All-Eastern Region Super 30 by Prep Star . . . Led South Jersey and was fifth in the state in scoring with 24 touchdowns (17 rushing and seven receiving) . . . Totalled 1,400 all-purpose yards as a running back, receiver and kick returner . . . Had six interceptions and six pass breakups . . . Coached by Derryk Sellers at Edgewood Regional High . . . 1999 state champion in the 100 meters . . . Anchored the top U.S. 4x100-meter relay team at the 2000 Penn Relays . . . Two-time South Jersey Sprinter of the Year.

PERSONAL: Full name is Dennis Lamont Davis, Jr. . . . Son of Dennis, Sr., and Carolyn Davis . . . Born November 24, 1982 . . . Majoring in Management . . . Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for 2001-02 . . . Graduated December 17, 2005.

Angry Pope

05-16-2006, 07:40 PM

Tim Johnson....

Ravens sign T.Johnson

By: Aaron Wilson
Staff Writer
Date: May 16, 2006

OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens signed former Oakland Raiders linebacker Tim Johnson, according to a league source.

Johnson is a five-year veteran who attended Youngstown State. He initially tried out for the Ravens in 2001 at training camp following their Super Bowl title.

The 6-foot, 245-pounder tried out for the team at its rookie minicamp, standing out with an interception. In 50 career games, he has 110 tackles and one interception.

Rupert

05-16-2006, 09:35 PM

Well, I always said Johnson didn't get a shot at starting because of his size. 6-0 is too small for a Raiders linebacker. He was never going to be more than a special teamer and fill-in here. I wish him well.

RaiderIVlife

05-18-2006, 02:01 PM

I wish him well too. I always liked his energy. I suppose giving yet another first round bust (Tyler Brayton) a shot a LB'er was important than giving a lunch pail guy like TJ a shot to play (shrug)

Rupert

05-18-2006, 03:16 PM

RIVL: Johnson never intimidated just by stepping on the field.

Anyone looking at Brayton would have been intimidated, until they realized they didn't need to juke to escape him, just make a soft cut and accelerate. He went on the field without a jock because he knew he'd get faked out of it on the first play in his direction. He wanted to save time and embarrassment.

Angry Pope

05-23-2006, 07:43 PM

We signed Santiago...

Raiders Sign Santiago

May 23, 2006

The Oakland Raiders have signed veteran free agent tight end O.J. Santiago, the team announced. The seven-year veteran played for the Silver and Black during the 2003 season, playing in 12 games, with seven starts at tight end, and caught five passes for 69 yards. He also blocked two punts as a member of the Raiders' special teams unit.
The 6'7", 265-pound Kent State product began his NFL career with Atlanta and played in 41 games for the Falcons from 1997-99. During his time in Atlanta, he caught 59 passes for 819 yards and seven touchdowns.

Santiago was a member of the Cleveland Browns from 2000-2002, and played in 25 games. He caught 17 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns for the Browns.

In all, Santiago has played in 78 League games with 60 starts. He has 81 career receptions for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns.

Angry Pope

05-23-2006, 07:43 PM

This play resulted in a safety...

Hit it here... (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2003/12/01/sp_raiders11.jpg)

Angry Pope

05-24-2006, 11:26 PM

Here is a connection of sorts...

Froots™ Franchise Awards Two NFL Players Florida Smoothies Franchise

Froots Franchise Company has recently awarded Henri Crockett and O.J. Santiago the first South Florida franchise opportunity. The franchise will be located in the Shops of Arrowhead in Davie, FL. Grand opening festivities have been slated for July 2004.

Froots Franchising Companies has recently awarded Henri Crockett and O.J. Santiago the first South Florida franchise opportunity. The franchise will be located in the Shops of Arrowhead in Davie, FL. Grand opening festivities have been slated for July 2004.

Recently, Henri Crockett stated, "I am excited about opening the first Froots franchise business opportunity in South Florida. Froots offers a healthy and upscale dining experience. It is a relaxed environment that the entire family can enjoy. Our intention is that this store will be the first of many locations in S. Florida!"

Froots offers an exciting business opportunity for individuals to own a franchise unit in this fast growing smoothie and juice bar industry. Customers of all Froots locations enjoy a deliciously sweet and tangy menu including salads and wraps provided by an experienced customer friendly company with an outstanding business system. Froots has two business models to choose from an In-line store or Kiosks operations.

For any additional information or to take advantage of the Froots franchising system, call.

Angry Pope

05-24-2006, 11:42 PM

Here is an old but nice story on Santiago....

Sunday, January 24, 1999

This bird has flown
O.J. Santiago always knew where he was going. Now, he has arrived.

By MIKE ZEISBERGER -- Toronto Sun

WHITBY -- The stringbean from Whitby was wearing his pads backward.

Otis Jason Santiago could be forgiven for the faux pas. As a skinny 16-year-old teenager, he had never played organized football.

On that late summer evening eight years ago, Santiago and the other kids who were trying out for the Oshawa Hawkeyes were inside Oshawa Civic Stadium, suiting up for the first time, when the lights went out. Seems someone forgot the Hawkeyes had booked the time for practice.

When the lights came back on after a few minutes, Hawkeyes coach Gord Carey noticed that Santiago, like some of the others in the room, was having problems with his equipment.

"Hey, it's an easy thing to put your shoulder pads on backward when you've never put football equipment on before," Carey said. "I remember it was mass hysteria when the lights went out. There were parents everywhere with screwdrivers, trying to put helmets together."

Carey chuckles when he recalls the incident. At that point, the furthest thing from most people's minds was that this 6-foot-4 beanpole one day would play in a Super Bowl.

Yet Carey sensed there was something special about Santiago. Despite his lack of gridiron experience, Santiago possessed a package of athletic skills Carey had never seen firsthand before.

During a set of five tests -- for vertical leap, the 40-yard dash, a flexibility workout, a strength exercise and a standing broad-jump drill -- Santiago excelled beyond any of the other players. The football sense, well, that would come with each game he played.

Midway through the season, Carey was sitting on a hill when Santiago approached.

"I said to him that night, 'You are going to play in the NFL one day,' " Carey said.

Prophetic words, to be sure.

Almost a decade later, putting his equipment on is no longer a struggle for 24-year-old O.J. Santiago. As the starting tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, he's on the verge of living a dream as his club prepares to take on the Denver Broncos next Sunday in Super Bowl XXXIII at Miami's Pro Player Stadium.

For Santiago, who some insiders feel has the potential to be the best Canadian player to lace up a pair of cleats in the NFL, the hype already has started.

His phone has been ringing off the hook this week courtesy of friends, family, well-wishers and even hangers on. Interview requests, especially from Canada, have skyrocketed. One TV network wants Santiago to carry around a camcorder to videotape Super Bowl week.

Yet through it all, Carey's words remained etched in the forefront of Santiago's mind. Not even his new-found celebrity status will change that.
"I'll never forget it," Santiago said. "Gord was the first person to tell me I was going to play in the NFL. Even back then, he saw something in me.
"How can you not remember something like that?"

Santiago has come a long way from those days with the Hawkeyes. Through both the natural growth process and some intense weight training, the onetime skinny tight end sports the prototypical football physique.

No wonder scouts drool when they see this 6-foot-7, 267-pound package of size and speed. Should he continue to improve, the sky's the limit.
Even opposing players stand and take notice when Santiago steps on to the field.

On Sept. 21, 1997, San Francisco 49ers safety Tim McDonald was stretching during warmups prior to a game against Atlanta at 3Com Park when the Falcons' rookie tight end caught his eye.

"What did they do, hijack the Golden State Warriors team bus or something?" said McDonald, obviously impressed by Santiago's size.

Oakland Raiders defensive back Eric Turner offered a more detailed analysis.
"For a guy that big, he's very fluid," Turner said. "If you let him get an easy release (off the line), it's going to be a problem because then he's just such a huge target running unchecked through the secondary.

"Sort of like a runaway giraffe"

For the record, this runaway giraffe has only 9% body fat and has a vertical leap of 38 inches.

But Santiago's road to the NFL hardly was achieved by talent alone. You would be hard pressed to find an athlete who values dedication and determination more than this guy.

That was never more evident than a year ago during his rookie season. After making 17 receptions for 217 yards, Santiago suffered a broken left fibula against the St. Louis Rams in the 11th game of the season.

Instead of sulking about being lost for the remainder of the year, Santiago tackled rehabilitation with a vengeance. By the time the season had ended, he was well enough to play with the Falcons' off-season basketball team.

The 1998 campaign saw further improvement. He boosted his stats by grabbing 27 passes for 458 yards and five touchdowns as he became a safety valve for quarterback Chris Chandler.

But football is more than a game of numbers. It is a sport in which those who have the character and grit to rebound from a solid smash in the mouth usually succeed.

To that end, Santiago's mettle was tested during last Sunday's NFC championship game in Minneapolis when he lost a key first half fumble. Sitting up in the Metrodome stands, his family -- father Winston, mother Marion, older brother Roger and younger sister Pennie -- only hoped that O.J. could compose himself and rebound.

"I was concerned," Winston admitted. "O.J. gets so upset at himself sometimes, it gets him off his game. I can tell if it is affecting him or not.
"I just kept saying, 'Please get back to him.' "

Chandler would not heed those words until overtime. Then, with the score tied 27-27, Chandler twice hooked up with Santiago on the drive that ended with Morten Andersen's game-winning field goal.

The key play was a 26-yard hookup in which Santiago beat a Vikings linebacker and brought the ball into Minnesota territory. Santiago accounted for 41 of the Falcons' 70 yards on that drive, which gave Atlanta a stunning 30-27 victory and a berth in the Super Bowl.

"When he made those catches, there was such a sense of relief," Winston said.

"I just wanted a chance to redeem myself," O.J. said.

Winston Santiago always was confident that O.J. could become a world-class athlete. The question was: Which sport would he pursue?

cont'd....

Angry Pope

05-24-2006, 11:43 PM

cont'd....

O.J. Santiago, who was born April 4, 1974 in North York, grew up in the Whitby area and excelled at almost every sport he tried, including basketball and baseball. But it soon was obvious that track and field was his forte.

How good was he? Competing for the Oshawa Legion club at one Ontario minor track & field association championship meet, Santiago won gold medals in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 metres, and added a fifth in the long jump.

"At one stage, I thought he would represent Canada in the Olympics one day because he was so good," Winston Santiago said. "I thought by 18, he'd be there in the 400 metres.

"But his body began to fill out in his teens. As his size increased, he slowed down a bit."

It was at this time that one of O.J.'s buddies, Sean Weathers, convinced him to try football.

"He was a guy I went to grade school with," Santiago said. "I could beat him in track, but he would keep talking football. He's the guy that got me into the whole football thing.

"I'd always liked football since I was really young. I used to watch the Argos and Conredge Holloway. I just never really had time to play it."

Weathers brought Santiago to the Hawkeyes, where coach Carey designed a special play for his towering tight end.

"We'd just have the quarterbacks throw the ball straight up in the air,"Carey said. "With O.J.'s athletic ability, no one could stop him from going up and getting it."

Santiago spent one season with the Hawkeyes. All the while, he was eyeing a career in basketball.

While attending a basketball camp, it was suggested to Santiago that his hoops skills could best be honed at St. Michael's High School in Toronto. Winston agreed.

One day while he was walking down the hallway at St. Mike's, someone told him to stop. It was football coach Paul Forbes.

"He asked me whether I played football," O.J. recalled. "I said no, I play basketball. He told me I should try out. I scored two touchdowns in my first scrimmage.

"I remember coach Forbes telling me I was holding the ball like a loaf of bread. He told me to practise holding the ball even when I was watching TV. So I did."

Said Forbes: "Catching a football was not a natural thing for him. During the summer, he would catch 75 to 100 balls a day. He wouldn't always handle the routine catches but he could make the spectacular grabs because of his athleticism.

"He made himself a football player through hard work."

Santiago helped lead St. Mike's to a pair of district titles. Along the way, he was selected to The Toronto Sun's high school all-star team.

"When he left here, he said he would be in the NFL," Forbes said. "That was a bold statement. But I'm a believer."

The U.S. colleges believed, too, and came calling. There were trips to Michigan, Hawaii and Wisconsin. In the end, Santiago decided on Wisconsin because the Badgers had a strong team and could offer playing time.

But disaster loomed. After he had told suitors such as Maryland that he was Wisconsin bound, he received a call from the Badgers.

"It was one of the lowest points of my life," Santiago said. "They told me they didn't have enough scholarships.

"I had already committed to them. I had two huge folders of information from different teams who had been interested. I thought I was going to Wisconsin, and now it was too late to get into another of the big schools."

Santiago settled on Kent State, where former Argos defensive lineman Jim Corrigall helped him hone his skills. In four years, he caught 62 passes for 730 yards.

Any concerns about being overlooked at such a small football school were nixed when the Falcons selected him in the third round (70th overall) in the 1997 draft. The rest is history.

"Am I surprised to be where I am now? Not at all," Santiago said. "I always believed I could be a pro athlete.

"I remember a recruiting trip where my dad and I were standing on the sidelines in Ann Arbor watching the Wolverines play. Someone told me that Michigan's tight end, Tony McGee, would be a high NFL draft pick. After watching him play, I turned to dad and said, 'I can do that. Just give me a chance.'

"At that point, I knew I could do it."

Heading into Super Bowl XXXIII, so does the rest of the football world.

RaiderIVlife

05-25-2006, 02:55 PM

AP - Thanks for the links, but I'm guessing that Santiago is on the outside looking in for a job. At best he will get the 3rd string job. The team appears fairly "set" with Courtney Anderson and the two converted WR's.

Then again, he's a solid Special Teamer from what I can remember.

CrossBones

05-25-2006, 03:10 PM

I think it will be hard for O.K. to make the team, however, I say that with a caveat...O.J. can block. With Art's desire to run the ball there could be a place for him if one of the before mentioned TE's just can't get the job done.

Angry Pope

06-26-2006, 11:42 PM

No surprise...

The Oakland Raiders have re-signed exclusive-rights free agent WR James Adkisson to his one-year, $275,000 tender offer.

Rupert

06-27-2006, 08:40 AM

RaiderIVlife

06-27-2006, 11:33 AM

Apparently Grady Jackson is going to visist the Raiders. Frankly, I'd expect a signing here. He would provide solid veteran support to Turdell Sands and Rashad Moore IMO. Probably 15-20 snaps per game?

With Sapp and Hawthorne as the penetrating DT (one gap, thanks for that Rupert !!!), a troika of Jackson/Sands/Moore should be able to nail down the NT job.

More importantly, this would allow Tommy Kelly to concentrate on DE opposite the smallish Derrick Burgess.

Rupert

06-27-2006, 11:46 AM

I'm just wondering how much Art will like having an overweight Jackson at the facility. He already sent guys packing before they got a contract offer because they didn't pass the look-test. Art ain't managing extra-wide loads.

Kelly will get work at DE because Ryan wants to run some 3-4 and we've got to solidify the run defense.

We all know Gravy can do that, but the question is whether he gets past the Shellinator.

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 03:15 PM

We signed Donnell Washington...per our homesite.

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 03:19 PM

Here is a profile on him...

Donnell Washington
Defensive Tackle
Clemson
6'6" - 323 OVERVIEW

Two-year starter with an excellent blend of size, strength and quickness ... Dominating run stuffer who shows a relentless nature in pursuit ... Compared to former Clemson great Chester McGlockton, for his ability to instantly plug the rush lanes and explosive burst into the backfield ... Started 26 of 38 games during his career, registering 155 tackles (96 solos) with nine sacks for minus-52 yards, 23 stops for losses of 86 yards, 52 quarterback pressures and two pass deflections while participating in 1,653 plays.

ANALYSIS

Has a thick, massive frame, showing good balance and foot agility ... Has well-developed arms, a wide waist and thick legs ... Has a very aggressive nature, using his hands with force to split double teams ... Effective staying low in his pads and generating an explosive initial burst to defeat combo blocks ... Will shock blockers on the rise with his hand jolt ... Sets with a heavy anchor and a wide leg base, holding ground firmly at the point of attack ... His hand usage prevents blockers from locking on, as he uses his long arm reach to stave off his man ... Very nimble when redirecting, keeping his feet as he slides down the line ... Agile on the lateral move and has enough speed to deliver tackles on the edge ... Can break down and stuff the running backs when working in space ... Good wrap-up tackler who is very effective collapsing the pocket as he utilizes his speed to immediately penetrate the gaps ... More effective working in the 3-technique, as he can sink his hips, keep his pad level low and provide a heavy anchor coming over the guard's head ... Easily defeats blockers across their face, using powerful rip and swim moves to escape.

AGILITY TESTS

5.13 in the 40-yard dash ... 510-pound bench press ... Bench presses 225 pounds 32 times ... 370-pound push jerk ... 365-pound power clean ... 380-pound hang clean ... 32-inch vertical jump.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Battery Creek (Hilton Head, S.C.) High, playing football for coach Fred Hamilton ... Super Prep All-America selection who ranked among the top defensive linemen in the country ... All-region selection by Tom Lemming; he was ranked as the 13th-best player in the Mid-Atlantic Coast region as a senior ... Two-way lineman who was a dominating blocker on the offensive line in addition to his outstanding defensive attributes ... Ranked No. 22 in the country among defensive linemen and was a member of the Rivals100.com All-America team ... Ranked as the top defensive lineman in the southeast by the same media outlet ... Ranked as the third-best defensive lineman in the state of South Carolina by The State, including the 25th-best player overall ... Ranked as the 17th-best player in state of South Carolina by Super Prep ... High School Sports Report all-state selection who had 16 sacks and 75 tackles as a senior ... All-region choice as a junior and senior ... Class AAAA all-state choice during his junior and senior seasons ... Named the team's defensive MVP and was all-conference for three straight seasons ... Lettered four times in football and twice in both basketball and track.

PERSONAL

Human Resource Development major ... Born Donnell M. Washington on Feb. 6, 1981 ... Resides in Hilton Head, S.C.

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 03:24 PM

He was with the Packers the last two seasons....missing the 2004 season with a foot injury.

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 03:29 PM

An article from last month....

May 20, 2006

‘It’s do or die’ as slimmer Washington fights for job

By Dylan B. Tomlinson

Two years ago, Donnell Washington arrived at minicamp with high expectations after being one of the Green Bay Packers’ third-round draft picks.

Two weeks ago, an out-of-shape Washington was told to stay off the minicamp practice field and work with strength and conditioning coach Rock Gullickson.

On Friday, Washington was back, and this time he practiced.

“I was shocked,” Washington said of what transpired two weeks ago. “It’s do or die for me right now.”

Washington weighed 318 pounds as a rookie but showed up at 345 for the first minicamp. Since, he’s lost seven pounds, and coach Mike McCarthy said he’s happy with Washington’s progress.

“He’s had an excellent two weeks,” McCarthy said. “He’s hit the markers he needs to hit in conditioning, and according to all reports, he had a good day.”

Washington said the reason he was out of shape wasn’t as simple as being lazy. He spent his rookie season on injured reserve with a foot injury, and was inactive for 15 of 16 games last season. The one game in which Washington dressed, at Atlanta, he didn’t play.

“Last season, I felt that my strength wasn’t where it needed to be, and I could tell by the way it affected me out there on the field playing,” Washington said. “This offseason, I was thinking about trying to play a little bit heavier so I can be a little more productive on the field. I tried to take that approach. Yes, I did put on some muscle mass, but from a conditioning standpoint, my conditioning wasn’t really where it needed to be.”

McCarthy said part of the issue with Washington was he had put on the wrong kind of weight.

“There’s a philosophical belief that weight is of importance in that area. But Rock Gullickson and what we’ve put in place here, we’re going to operate more off body fat,” McCarthy said. “So that’s why we have a number of guys making the transition. We’ve talked, and I think he’s responded. I’ve heard very positive reports.

A big reason why Washington failed to make the transition is because of his lackluster participation in the team’s offseason conditioning program, which began in March.

“I was here, but not consistently,” Washington said. “I was having some family issues. I was back with my family in Beaufort, S.C. Certain things came up. At times, I just wasn’t able to be here.”

Despite words of encouragement from McCarthy, the last few weeks — and the last two seasons — have taken a toll. As Washington sat at his locker on Friday, he appeared discouraged. At this point two years ago, Washington would have expected to be in the starting lineup. Instead, he’s waiting to play in his first regular-season game.

“I just feel like I have to work even harder now,” Washington said. “There’s a new coaching staff. Everybody has their opinions about certain players and things like that. All I can do is go out there and work.”

Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said he’s been pleased with Washington’s progress, and is optimistic he can reach his potential.

“He’s worked extremely hard, and he’s getting better and better,” Sanders said. “We want to get the best out of him, because there’s no question he has a lot of talent.”

Washington said he knows the first impression he made on McCarthy and his staff was not positive, but he said there’s time to change their minds.

“I took a bad step from the beginning, and I have to dig my way out of the hole again,” Washington said. “I just have to get back in shape, that’s all I can do.”

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 03:38 PM

From December...

Washington sits, patiently waits his turn
Tackle learns, works, watches

By RICK BRAUN

Posted: Dec. 28, 2005

Green Bay - When Donnell Washington became a third-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers 20 months ago, he showed up the next week for the post-draft minicamp in excellent shape and appeared to be a physical specimen who would push for playing time quickly at defensive tackle.

Fast forward to the present, and the nose tackle out of Clemson has yet to play his first down. He's not even been on the field for a single special teams play.

Simply put, the only tangible thing Washington has to show for his National Football League career is check stubs.

A foot injury in training camp of 2004 kept him off the field for all of camp, and the Packers opted to put him on injured reserve.

He spent all of his rookie season in the weight room, unable by rule to take part in any on-field practices with the team. When 2005 rolled around, the new defensive coaching staff had some high hopes for Washington during the two minicamps.

But when training camp rolled around, Washington wasn't making plays. He wasn't using his size, strength and quickness to hold the point of attack or collapse the pocket. He wasn't getting to the ball.

So it was somewhat of a surprise that Washington was still with the Packers when they made their final roster cut to 53 back on Sept. 3.

"We think that Donnell Washington has a future," Packer general manager Ted Thompson said on that day. "There's an investment in Donnell Washington here, and he's the kind of big guy with athleticism that can run that you look for. We would like to see him play a little better, but we have hopes for Donnell Washington."

So far, the hopes haven't materialized. Washington has been treated more like a future project than a player for the present.

Of the Packers' 15 games, he's been on the game-day roster once and on the inactive list 14 times. He was put on the game-day roster for the Nov. 13 game at Atlanta after Corey Williams suffered a torn calf muscle a week earlier.

In that one game, Washington got to dress in his uniform but he did not get onto the field.

Since then, he's been back to his usual status of game-day inactive.

"It's kind of tough mentally," Washington said of knowing he won't be on the active roster on Sundays. "You have to keep going week to week knowing that you can't get out there and actually play. But that's a decision that's being made upstairs, so I'm going to live with that. When the opportunity comes, I'll be ready."

For now, Washington looks at the practice week of Wednesday through Friday as his game days.

"That's it," he said. "Every day you have to approach it as, 'I'm working on my game.' I'm trying to fully develop into a premier defensive tackle in the National Football League."

At least he's setting his sights high. Of course, that also means he'll have to improve significantly in the near future.

"He has shown improvement," said defensive line coach Robert Nunn, who focuses on tackles. "He was active the one game. We were hoping to get him in there but we never really felt like the opportunity was right to put him in there. But he's continued to show improvement and he's done exactly what we've asked him to do. He's done extra during the week and he continues to show improvement."

At 6-6, 328 pounds, Washington has size that a lot of coaches are looking for in the middle. But the height also creates a problem for a potential nose tackle.

To anchor against the run, tackles need to get leverage. That means getting low and rooting out centers and guards. The problem is, getting low is a tough chore at 6-6.

Toward that end, Washington has gone to the film room.

"This past season, what I've been doing is I've been watching the tackles around the league that have my stature," he said. "I watch them and critique them and see what they do. I've been getting better as the season has gone on and all the coaches have seen my improvement. I'm just going to keep doing that and in this off-season I will talk to a few of the veteran guys around the league, get in contact with them, and see what their niche is for them to be successful."

While Washington continues to study successful tackles of his height, Nunn also believes Washington should be able to use some of his other attributes that will enable him to get by with just a little bit less leverage.

"Some guys use their explosiveness and quickness so they don't have to have as much leverage," Nunn said. "We're hoping that he continues to work on his technique, which he has, and work on his footwork and his hand speed, playing fast. If he does that, he'll have a shot. We've been able to keep him in that position, we just had an injury to be able to slide him up, a timely situation where he would just be able to go in and play."

There's one week left to possibly do that. If it doesn't happen Sunday against Seattle, Washington will simply file the season away as a red-shirt year, a sort of apprenticeship.

"Just take it day by day," Washington said. "All you can do is stay positive, stay on top of my game, stay in the playbook and try to live your life from the mental aspect. That's all you can do is take your mental reps. So that's what I do to stay on top of that."

Washington hasn't gotten to take a live snap thus far, but it would seem the Packers believe in his potential.

"There's definitely something there," Nunn said. "He shows a lot of quickness; everybody can see how big he is; he's got some explosiveness off the ball. He's just got to continue to work on his consistency and we feel that he has shown that in practice. We just haven't been able to get him into a game."

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 03:38 PM

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 11:14 PM

Raiders take gamble on defensive tackle Washington

Hoping to demonstrate again that one franchise's draft bust might become an Oakland bonanza, the Raiders on Tuesday signed free agent defensive tackle Donnell Washington, a two-year veteran released by the Green Bay Packers on June 9.

Washington, 25, was Green Bay's third-round choice in the 2004 draft, but he never played a single snap in a Packers uniform in two seasons with the team. Two different staffs grew frustrated at his chronic weight problems and apparent lack of motivation, and first-year coach Mike McCarthy finally decided to cut ties with the former Clemson star after a minicamp earlier this month.

Details of the contract that Washington signed with Oakland were not available. But it is expected to be a modest deal and, if that is the case, the gamble by Raiders officials might not be a bad one. Oakland lacks depth at defensive tackle behind projected starters Warren Sapp and Tommy Kelly and, should Washington ever play up to his enormous potential, the Raiders may have added a good player at a reasonable price.

The Raiders' history is full of examples of players who succeeded after Oakland officials granted them a second chance.

Oakland is also scheduled to meet with unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson, a nine-year veteran coming off a season with the Packers in which he registered a career-best 72 tackles, sometime this week. Defensive tackle remains, for most teams, one of the most difficult positions at which to create depth.

In addition to a third-round choice, the Packers invested $1.245 million in bonuses and base salaries in Washington. And for that, they got absolutely nothing, as Washington never appeared in a regular-season game.

For Washington to be effective and for him to salvage a once-promising career, the Raiders' coaches are going to have to find a way to light a fire under him and to get his weight to a manageable level. Despite their repeated efforts, the Packers could do neither.

So ardently did former Green Bay coach Mike Sherman covet Washington that he traded third- and fourth-round choices in the 2004 draft to move up 14 spots to select him. Washington missed his rookie season with a foot injury, however, and then did little in training camp last summer to justify his draft status. He was inactive for all 16 games in 2005.

He reported to an early spring mincamp at 345 pounds, at least 10 pounds more than the target the Green Bay staff had given him, and McCarthy forbade him from practicing at the time. His weight was better at a second minicamp, and Washington participated in that three-day session and in some ensuing organized team activities.

But apparently, Washington did not impress the Packers coaches and could not convince them he should compete for a roster spot. At 6-feet-5½, Washington has a prototype frame for a defensive tackle and his strength is terrific, with a career-best bench press of nearly 500 pounds. His time in the 40, slightly more than five seconds, is also impressive.

Angry Pope

06-27-2006, 11:18 PM

WHAT!?!? You mean no-one else wanted a too slow big WR or a fast too light TE? Gosh, that's just astounding.

We're great for project players, and other teams have their projects too, but there's a reason project players don't get taken by other teams. It's because they're usually somewhere in the middle of a position change. If they grab them at all it's AFTER the change and success has followed. Otherwise, they stick to their own projects.

Actually, Adkisson is fast WR. He ran a 4.34/40 in college and was on the track team. His hands are not bad either. If he could pick up the blocking, I see him having a Curry-like transformation.

Rupert

06-28-2006, 08:30 AM

Ahhh, so Adkisson is fast, but that doesn't explain moving him to WR. The key has to be his ability to change directions. So does he lose speed when he changes directions and can't get separation from DB's? You said he doesn't have suspect hands? I really want to know why we want to change a lightning fast WR into a TE? With that 40 time he's faster than Curry, Porter, Gabriel, and Morant, and essentially as fast as the 5-10 (at best) Francis. There's got to be a reason they moved him to TE. And my bet is that if it isn't his straight-line speed, it's because he doesn't hold speed when he changes directions or does soft S routes and can't separate from slower DB's except on a vertical route.

I'd love to see him make the transition, but there's a reason we're making him a TE and no-one else wanted him as a WR. You're right! It's not his track time.

Angry Pope

06-28-2006, 09:08 AM

Well, he is basically a rookie..having played in NFL Europe in 2004. In 2005, he had a hurt hamstring through training camp and didn't play hardily at all. We then hid him on our practice squad. When our practice squad started being picked over by other teams later in the year, we immediately put him on our 53 man squad to protect him.

Adkisson only played one year of high school football (he played basketball as well). He ran track as well in college. In college, he was hurt a lot of the time and missed a lot of games. So he was virtually an unknowned as he still is today.

He is a tall kid and maybe they see as the mold of the new TEs of the league. I don't know. His being an unknown and his being an Exclusive Rights free agent, the other teams really couldn't touch him. We offered him the one year tender so other teams couldn't negotiate with him.

Rupert

06-28-2006, 10:47 AM

Well, Duh! I missed the exclusive rights thing. After reading all the other stuff you posted and the injury issues, I understand why he's not a "hot" commodity.

But actually, I believe the tender offer we gave him only gives us the right of 1st refusal. Anyone could have signed him and we'd have been able to match or get compensation. At that tender level we'd have gotten a 7th. Whoopie! Regardless, from all I read I like him and hope he makes the transition. At 6-5 250 I already like him better than Randall Williams, and Williams did pretty well last year (except for blocking).

Angry Pope

06-28-2006, 11:21 AM

Those TEs spots are going to be hard to pick. Who do you think makes the opening day roster at the TE position?

Angry Pope

06-28-2006, 11:30 AM

Here are some audio interviews with Donnell Washington (while with the Packers)....

Hit it here.... (http://packers.com/audio/2005/050816washington.ram)

Hit it here... (http://packers.com/audio/2004/040730washington_L.ram)

Hit it here.... (http://packers.com/audio/2004/040424washington.ram)

Hit it here.... (http://packers.com/audio/2004/040430washington.ram)

Rupert

06-28-2006, 02:36 PM

Those TEs spots are going to be hard to pick. Who do you think makes the opening day roster at the TE position?
Well, if reports out of the OTA's concerning the offensive philosophy are to be believed, we'll end up with Anderson, Adkisson, and Williams.

I'm really interested in what we do at the FB spot. I would think Foschi stays there. He's huge at 6-4 270. Crockett will be on the roster, but as what? HB? He's merely an average FB with average hands and route abilities to go along with average blocking skills. So does Zack Tui stick around? What about huge Joe Hall at 6-2 290?

Foschi has some potential since he can be a blocking TE, and I would guess he does some blocking on kick returns. So he's valuable.

It really comes down to how Art and Tom plan to use the positions. Steve Smith was only used occassionally as a receiver. Actually more often as a ball carrier than a receiver under Shell.

Angry Pope

06-29-2006, 09:56 AM

This one doesn't really say anything new...

Washington signs with Raiders

Donnell Washington

By: Todd Korth

It only seems fitting that Donnell Washington would land in Oakland, where most castoffs in the National Football League usually do. The Raiders signed Washington to a free agent contract on Tuesday after he was discarded earlier this month by the Green Bay Packers.

Washington, who reported to Green Bay's post-draft mini-camp out of shape, was released by the Packers on June 9. The defensive tackle was not allowed to participate in the post-draft mini-camp by coach Mike McCarthy because he weighed far more than his listed weight of 328 pounds. Washington took part in the May 19-21 mini-camp and some of the Organized Team Activities practices before he was released.

Washington, 25, never played in a game for the Packers since he was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by Green Bay in 2004. Then-general manager and coach Mike Sherman actually traded third- and fourth-round choices in the the draft to move up 14 spots to select Washington. But Washington was sidelined for the season as a rookie with a foot/arch injury. He suited up for just one game, Nov. 13 at Atlanta, last year but did not play.

Washington reportedly earned $1.245 million in bonuses and base salaries during his two seasons in Green Bay.