Some Things....

[Angry Pope]

Here is an article on Mario Williams...

Before they were stars: Mario Williams

By , NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Maryland defensive end Mario Williams.

Mario Williams

Position: Defensive End
College: NC State
Vitals: 6-foot-7, 290 pounds
High school: Richlands (N.C.)
Coach: Kevin Wilson

When was the first time you remember thinking Mario eventually could play in the NFL?:

I met Mario in the spring of his eighth-grade year. I talked with him and his parents about the importance of coming to our summer workout program.

I was in the second year of a rebuilding process as a new coach in a small town. We had taken a beating in the early and mid 90s in football when I took the program over. I thought one of the ways we could improve was to bring Mario in.

We hadn't had a ninth-grader invited to try out for the varsity team in quite a while. Anytime I talked to a freshman about playing varsity, I also talked with his mother. I talked to them and thought that if he came out and really dedicated himself that summer, he could start for us and really make a difference, and he did.

He had played football and really loved it. … He didn't like basketball. And I knew his mother and father were both pretty tall. He started all four years for us on both sides of the ball, including special teams. He never missed a game.

What's your fondest game memory of him?:

We were playing our big rival Southwest Onslow. Before that game, our star running back got hurt, so Mario had been moved to tailback in the I-formation. I also moved him from defensive end to middle linebacker for that game. It really helped us.

It was a defensive battle. They had one play and decided to run the ball and try to score right before halftime. It was still 0-0.

The guy ran a sweep to the offense's right and to Mario's left. He probably ran about 10-15 yards laterally, jumped over some of our players and their players. And just before the guy broke the plane, he just grabbed him and snatched him back.

When's the last time you spoke to him?:

I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago through his agent. After he worked in the Combine, he went to Raleigh (N.C.) and started working with friends and getting ready for his Pro Day at North Carolina State.

His agent, he and the people around here are very excited because a lot of the teams have been making moves and picking up experienced quarterbacks.

It looks like he's got a really good chance of being the first defensive player off the board.

What's your draft prediction for him?:

Some mock drafts have him going all the way up to second, and some have him going fifth or sixth.

His chances of making more money and going even higher in the draft have really improved in the last month because of the trades with people picking up those experienced quarterbacks.

I think (he will go) to the Packers at No. 5. Their local scout actually lives in the Raleigh area, and he came out to lunch and we had a pretty good meeting.

It was a long, drawn-out meeting discussing his character, work ethic and that type of thing.

[Angry Pope]

Ngata....

Before they were stars: Haloti Ngata

By , NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com


Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 25 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.

Haloti Ngata

Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Oregon
Vitals: 6-foot-4, 345 pounds
High school: Highland HS in Salt Lake City, UT
Coach: Larry Wilson

When was the first time you remember thinking Haloti eventually could play in the NFL?:

Probably between his ninth-grade and 10th-grader year.
He actually was struggling a little bit in school with grades and was just trying to make that transition to high school and getting serious about schoolwork.

We called a meeting with his parents. I already knew his parents because his uncle had played for me when I was coaching at the University of Utah.

I basically told him he had a bright future ahead of him, that he had some God-given talent that potentially could lead him to the next level in college and even beyond that to the NFL. But it wouldn't make any difference if he didn't do his schoolwork and didn't take care of business toward going to college. That was the first time we talked about it and actually discussed the possibility of going to the highest level.

Going into his sophomore year, he had incredible athleticism for someone his size. He was probably at that time 6-foot-2½ and 250 to 255 pounds. He had natural strength, tremendous body control and a lot of skills you see in kids who played a more athletic position. He reminded you more of a linebacker than a lineman.

What's your fondest game memory of him?:

That's really hard to say. I'm not sure there's any one game that stands out.

He had so many games where he dominated, especially on the defensive side. He played both ways (offensive guard and nose guard). He was a good offensive player who could have been a great offensive player, but his passion was on defense.

I don't think there's any one game, but possibly it's our game against Timpview in the state playoffs. We played that game down at BYU and he had a dominant performance.

Because of the magnitude of the game, that might be one that sticks out more than a regular-season game, but he had so many standout performances.

People literally ran away from him. Not too many people tried to run at the interior of our line. He was also an excellent pass rusher. He was so physical, so big, so quick that against high school kids, a lot of times it was a mismatch.

When's the last time you spoke to him?:

About a half hour ago. He's helping us coach rugby and is here training. He's been training with us ever since the Combine.

What's your draft prediction for him?:

I have no idea. I don't think anyone really knows.

A lot of guys who have been around this a lot longer than I have and who are smarter have him going at No. 8 to Buffalo, but you never know what's going to happen or what people's true needs are.

There's a lot of speculation by people outside the NFL who are trying to evaluate NFL teams and what their needs are.

I'm just going to say between eight and 15 is where I think he probably has a realistic chance of going.

[Angry Pope]

Hawk...

Before they were stars: A.J. Hawk

By – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk.

A.J. Hawk

Position: Linebacker
College: Ohio State
Vitals: 6-foot-1, 240 pounds
High school: Centerville (OH)
Coach: Ron Ullery

When was the first time you remember thinking A.J. eventually could play in the NFL?:

I don't know, probably the first time was his freshman year at Ohio State when they would come in to recruit. They would say to me, 'You might have a kid in the NFL in a few years.'
He surprised them. I think they thought he was good, but didn't realize how good till he got there.

What's your fondest game memory of him?:

He had 31 tackles in two different games in two different years. The guy who counts them is pretty tough on tackles, too.

There's also another story. His brother, Ryan, was a quarterback for us and A.J. played some halfback. It was the 10th game of the year, and Ryan ran the ball and a defensive tackle tackled him from behind and wouldn't let him up. He was trying to hurt Ryan. A.J. was the first one there to jerk the kid off his brother. A fight never broke out, and Ryan ran 25 yards for a touchdown on the next play. The first person to greet him in the end zone was A.J.

A.J. is quiet and doesn't show a lot of emotion, so that was a great show of emotion from him. He was saying, 'Don't mess with my brother.'

Anything you've read about the kid, magnify it and it's probably true.

When's the last time you spoke to him?:

In the last couple of weeks. He has been training in Columbus. He loves to work.

What's your draft prediction for him?:

I just listen to what everybody else says, Green Bay, San Fran or Oakland.

He hits me as a Green Bay or Oakland type of player, a blue-collar guy. I'll be a fan wherever he goes, even if it's the Browns (Ullery said he's a diehard Bengals fan).

He'll never stop getting better. He'll have the same work ethic in 10 years that he has now. He doesn't understand any other way.

[Angry Pope]

Brick....

Before they were stars: D'Brickashaw Ferguson

By , NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Virginia offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Position: Offensive Tackle
College: Virginia
Vitals: 6-foot-5, 289 pounds
High school: Freeport (NY)
Coach: Russ Cellan

When was the first time you remember thinking D'Brickashaw eventually could play in the NFL?:

Probably when he was a junior. He really started to dominate people.
We put him at offensive tackle in the 10th grade. He was only about 215 pounds, but he was 6-3, 6-4 with unbelievably long arms. But once he filled out he just dominated people so regularly it was ridiculous.

His father is a martial artist and very into it, and 'Brick' has done it ever since he was a kid.

I think that's where he gets such explosive power. He doesn't need a lot of room. And I think (the martial arts) help with his punch in pass protection.

What's your fondest game memory of him?:

We were playing against Farmingdale, another good team in our area.

Randy Earl, who later played defensive end at Maryland, was right across from Brick. We ran a stretch play, and Brick flatbacked him. He pushed him 5 yards and put him on his back.

It was the county championship game and we won pretty handily. We ran behind Brick the whole game.

When's the last time you spoke to him?:

Not too long ago. When he was in town before the Senior Bowl (in late January), we took him to lunch. I picked up the tab. He's got it next time.

What's your draft prediction for him?: He's gonna be rich, that's all I know.

It's always a crapshoot. Any team that gets him gets a great player and a great person.

[Angry Pope]

Leinart....

Before they were stars: Matt Leinart

By , NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart.

Matt Leinart

Position: Quarterback
College: Southern Cal
Vitals: 6-foot-5, 220 pounds
High school: Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
Coach: Bruce Rollinson

When was the first time you remember thinking Matt eventually could play in the NFL?:

I don't know if you really know you have an NFL player. As he developed I knew we had a top-of-the-line, highly recruitable Division I QB.
Sure, I thought maybe with the right set of circumstances the young man would have a chance at the pro level. He did things at the high-school level that you can't coach. He had great touch on the ball.

When he came in as a freshman he was almost 6-3, 210, and he had a tremendous pocket presence and great leadership ability. In freshman football you don't get a whole lot of pass protection and we noticed he stayed in the pocket and stood in there and it was always a well-placed football, and then he'd take a hit. And then encourage his teammates.

We took our offense to a pure passing attack with his passing ability. He made plays. He was never rattled.

What's your fondest game memory of him?:

The De La Salle game. They were the No. 1 team in the nation, and we go down 21-0 in front of about 32,000 at Angels Stadium.

I went to Matt and said there's only one way we get out of this thing. He ended up with 457 yards passing and on the final drive he takes us down and unfortunately we missed a field goal to tie things up. It was an historic performance.

When's the last time you spoke to him?:

A couple of weeks ago.

What's your draft prediction for him?:

Basically what he said was, 'Coach, I'm gonna try to do what you told me, control what I can control.' He has been training very hard. It is what it is in the draft. Some guys worry about it, I choose not to worry about it.

[CrossBones]

Great stuff.

AP, where do you find these wonderful toys (articles)? :p

[Angry Pope]

Great stuff.

AP, where do you find these wonderful toys (articles)? :p

LOL.......

[Angry Pope]

Something on Sapp....

—Defensive tackle Warren Sapp was present at the team's mini-camp but was mostly a spectator other then rehabbing a torn rotator cuff.

Sapp, who had played 15 or 16 games every season of his NFL career, missed the last six games of the 2005 season after being injured against the Washington Redskins.

The Raiders were 0-6 in the games Sapp missed. He was enjoying a strong second season with the Raiders after being miscast as an end in a 3-4 defense in 2004.

"I'm right on schedule," Sapp told the NFL Network. "Nothing's going to stop me from getting ready to go. I haven't done anything since before Thanksgiving, so I'm ready to get back on the field and bounce around a little bit."

[Angry Pope]

Sapp on something else....

Teammate Randy Moss may take exception, but Sapp told the NFL Network he considers Terrell Owens the best receiver in football even if he can't figure out T.O's behavior.

"There's no receiver that comes close to him," Sapp said. "But you try to figure out in all that he does, what's the overall big picture? What are you trying to get done? Let's go play the game."

[Angry Pope]

Another Sapp quote...

"Tony Dungy taught me a long time ago about the difference between perception and reality. The perception is I could play five more years. The reality is I have about two. That's how I'm looking at it — two more years." — Raiders DT Warren Sapp.

[Angry Pope]

It appears that the Saints don't want to move below the number five spot in the draft. They are really interested in Vernon Davis and don't want to go lower than the five spot in order to draft him or AJ Hawk.

[Angry Pope]

Odds on where McNair will play....take it for what it is worth...

Mac back?

Oddsmakers are weighing in on Steve McNair's ongoing saga with the Titans.

SportsInteraction.com has listed the veteran quarterback with 3/1 odds to return to Tennessee this fall.

The company believes the best bet is McNair will play for the Ravens. He's listed at 2/1 to play for Baltimore.

Oakland (4/1), Minnesota (8/1), Dallas (10-1) and the Jets (15-1) are also on the board.

The Titans asked McNair not to work out at Baptist Sports Park until his contract situation is sorted out. The NFL Players Association filed a grievance against the Titans on McNair's behalf, and the Titans are expected to respond soon.

[Angry Pope]

Some Mario Williams....

Sack specialist salutes Williams

Sean Jones, who piled up 113 sacks in 13 NFL seasons, says N.C. State's Mario Williams is the cream of the draft crop at his old position.

"He's worthy of being the second pick in this draft," said Jones, who reports directly to Al Davis as a member of the Oakland Raiders' pro personnel department. "But let's not get it twisted. Look at it this way: [Carolina's] Julius Peppers goes [No. 2] a few years back, and Mario Williams is not Julius Peppers."

[Angry Pope]

I forgot to mention that Denzel Washington's son is in the draft also. His name is John David Washington and he is a RB.

[Angel]

It appears that the Saints don't want to move below the number five spot in the draft. They are really interested in Vernon Davis and don't want to go lower than the five spot in order to draft him or AJ Hawk.
Yeah....the Niners are expected to take Davis if he makes it to #6, from what I hear :)

I forgot to mention that Denzel Washington's son is in the draft also. His name is John David Washington and he is a RB.

How cool is that?

[Angry Pope]

Matt Leinart coming in for a visit on Thursday April 20th.....

QB looking forward to helping loved ones

By Matt Leinart
Special to ESPN.com


It's very important for me to take care of my family.

Ever since I was little, I always told my mom I would buy her a house when I was older. Now that I have a chance to actually do it, it means a lot to my parents and me. They got me to this point. My parents had to work their butts off to take care of my brother and I. It's not like I got here on my own.

My job has always been a sport. I've been successful at that. Now for me to be able to take care of my family is awesome.

As the draft gets closer, reporters will periodically ask me if I wonder what would have happened if I entered the draft last year. I'm so much better prepared this year. I feel I'm ready mentally.

Two years ago, I didn't feel that way. I just wanted to be in college and enjoy the experience one more year. It was mainly for the enjoyment of college, being a kid, and not having to worry about the business side of it.

This is a tough business and it's a tough process to go through. You have to be ready when you decide to head to the NFL, whether it's your junior or senior year.

After I get drafted, my brother Ryan is going to move with me. He is going to live with me for the first year. It will be a big relief for me to have someone around I know. Whether I decide to get a condo, apartment, or house, Ryan will have a room there for as long as he wants to stay. It will be fun.

I'm not a material guy. I like knowing I can spend money and I no longer have to worry about how much I spend, but there is nothing I really want. I don't need to spend big on myself.

Watches and shoes are my two fetishes. They are my two favorite things. I had a pretty nice watch for a while and I just had a chance to get two more. They're called Icelink watches. I'll be wearing one at the draft. They're great watches. Look for them.

I've also always had a big sweet tooth. I have a lot of cavities. I had to go to the dentist again this week because of it.

I bought this gumball machine at Toys R Us last year. It's my favorite thing in my apartment. It's always filled. It's just bad because it rots my teeth. I felt like I had four or five cavities, but I actually had zero cavities this time. The dentist did fix part of a bottom tooth. My mouth was numb. It hurt a little bit, but it was OK. I got the laughing gas so it made me feel good.

I haven't been doing anything except working out and traveling, but when I have time I want to work on my golf game because it is terrible. I guess the first step is getting clubs and measurements. I finally did that last week. I'm getting a set of golf clubs.

I like golf, but I get frustrated because I'm not very good. I'm one of those guys who competes in everything and hates to loose. I've been known to throw a club every once in awhile. I've got to tone it down a little bit. Everyone I've talked says I've got to get good in golf. It's good for business opportunities. It's also a good leisure activity to play with your buddies and just have a good time.

I'm going to practice. I want to play so I can get good at it. We'll see. I definitely won't have time in the near future.

I am working out on Saturday and Easter Sunday this weekend. I'm taking Monday off because I'll be with the Jets and will be working out for them on Tuesday.

Wednesday morning I leave for New Orleans. Thursday morning I go from New Orleans to Oakland. The Raiders want to meet with me now. They called on Friday to schedule the workout. I leave Oakland on Friday morning to come back to L.A, then have three days before I go to New York for the draft.

Since I haven't been getting a lot of sleep because of my schedule, I'm still fighting whatever head cold I have. My sinuses are all messed up right now. It's kind of a drag, but I'm just trying to fight through it.

It's going to be a whirlwind next week, but it's going to be fun. This is just going to be a really long last week.

[Angry Pope]

Good luck Jon Ritchie....

Ex-Eagle Ritchie in the booth

The road to Europe leads through Mount Laurel, at least for former Eagles fullback Jon Ritchie.

After being released last season by the Eagles and then failing to hook up with the Cincinnati Bengals, the 31-year-old Ritchie decided to retire from the NFL and pursue other endeavors.

One of them is television work, and Ritchie has served as an analyst on two NFL Europe games for the NFL Network - while sitting in the Mount Laurel studios of NFL films.

The NFL Network is producing and televising 31 NFL Europe games, three per week plus the championship game. As a way to trim costs, one game each week has announcers in person while the other two has the announcers working off a monitor in the studios of NFL Films.

"It definitely makes things a little bit more of a challenge," Ritchie said of doing the games from a studio. "You don't have a chance to see the whole field as you would normally. You are basically seeing what cameras are showing instead of getting to see the entire situation."

Still, Ritchie is happy to be getting a chance to break into television. He was originally guaranteed just two games but recently has been assigned a third - when Amsterdam meets Rhein next Saturday in a game that will be shown on tape delay at 8 p.m.

"We want to keep seeing Jon at this point, and that is why he's doing the third game," said Bill Graff, the coordinating producer for NFL Europe telecasts. "We think there is definitely something there from a knowledge standpoint, and he truly seems to be enjoying it."

Ritchie does get to talk to players and coaches during a weekly teleconference. The rest of the time, Ritchie hones up by studying tapes of the teams. And he has also gotten to evaluate his two performances.

"One thing I'm trying to do is keep more energy," said Ritchie, who is living outside Harrisburg. "My voice tends to go in a slow monotone, and I am trying to pick it up a little."

That is one of the biggest adjustments for any new analyst, attempting to sound excited without making it appear fake.

"Jon has a great personality, and we have been able to kind of draw it out of him," Graff said. "He was a little nervous the first game out of the gate, but who wouldn't be?"

Graff said he was encouraged by the progress Ritchie showed in his second game.

"We gave him things to work on, and he did," Graff said. "He is fairly low key, and we drew that out of him."

Ritchie is concentrating most of his energies on breaking into television. He says he is enjoying being a stay-at-home father to his 14-month-old son while his wife, Marielle, prepares for a career in nursing. Ritchie says he will continue to work hard at his newest craft, the same way he did as an NFL player.

"This is more or less a proving ground, and I will have to wait and see what happens," Ritchie said. "Right now, I am just a guy who has done two games, and there are a lot of folks out there with a lot more experience and more knowledge and better wardrobes than I have.

"I don't know how it will work out. All I know is that I'm enjoying it and I want to give it my best effort."

[Angry Pope]

Remember him?....

....FB Rob Konrad retired from football last season to devote time to his Boca Raton, Fla., investment firm. But Konrad said he has received a couple of offers to return to the NFL. ''It would have to be a perfect situation, something that really jazzed me up to come back," he said. ''For a while, I was excited about Norv Turner possibly coming down here to be the offensive coordinator. Norv and I have always gotten along so well and we're on the same page on things. That would have caught my attention, but he went to San Francisco, and with a daughter and one on the way, I didn't feel it would be worth my while to uproot my family. So I'm retired, playing golf with clients, and doing some color analysis for the Dolphins radio network. I'm pretty happy."

[Angry Pope]

Here is what Randy is up to....

10,000 fans expected at Green-White Game

By Anthony Hanshew
The Herald-Dispatch


HUNTINGTON -- Next week's Green-White Game is developing into the gold standard of Marshall football scrimmages.

The 1996 Thundering Herd national championship team has scheduled a reunion around the weekend. Former team members, including NFL veterans Randy Moss and Chad Pennington, will serve as Green-White coaches.

ADVERTISEMENT

Film crews from the "We Are Marshall" movie also will be in attendance for crowd shots. Producers had hoped to film during a regular season game, but scheduling wouldn't allow, leaving the annual spring practice finale as the best opportunity for large, loud fan reactions.

Then there's the matter of the actual spring game. Marshall's first full set of spring drills under second-year coach Mark Snyder figures to be competitive, with numerous positions unsettled.

Considering the above, a crowd projection of at least 10,000 appears realistic. Admission is $5 and all proceeds benefit Marshall's Quarterback Club.

[Angry Pope]

Here is another description of Rashad Moore...


Positives: Good athlete with that natural burst and snap anticipation skills to dominate coming out of his stance … Charges with explosive quickness and power … Can neutralize and control combo blocks, uses his hands with force to disengage … Has good lateral agility, finishing well on stunts … Collides with force and shows proper wrapup tackling technique … Maintains balance and uses his hands effectively to defeat low blocks … Has the ability to plant and drive on the ball, displaying above-average quickness in long pursuit … Disruptive chasing the quarterback … Stays low and works his hips well shooting the gaps.

Negatives: Has very poor workout habits … Tends to put on considerable weight and shy away from the weight room when not monitored … Needs to drop 20 pounds in order to retain his explosion … Additional weight has robbed him of his lateral flexibility, but he does have an explosive straight-ahead burst … Gets too narrow-based due to his soft midsection, resulting in blockers getting underneath his pads to drive him off the ball … Needs to show better leverage in his anchor … His tenacity only comes in spurts … Needs to break down and wrap better as ball carriers can elude him in space … Disrupts the action in the backfield, but just can't seem to get to the quarterback … Runs out of gas too much due to poor conditioning … Has a tendency to get too high in his stance when moving laterally and lacks change-of-direction agility which leaves him exposed too much … Attitude needs to be improved, as his coaches constantly got on him about his conditioning.

[Angry Pope]

We are the awesomest and most feared....

Hit it here ..... (http://alkalineearth.com/content/CityNameSportsTeamFearIndex.html)

[Angry Pope]

Here is a mini bio (if you want to call it that) on Rich Gannon's life in video...

Hit it here... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/nflfilms/demand/s2001/uth/w07/rich_gannon_bid_300k.rm&proto=rtsp&aproto=rtsp&rbnkey=&rpcontexturl=http://www.nfl.com/fieldpass/includes/promo&rpcontextwidth=417)

[Angry Pope]

Here is a video of Marcus Allen before he hit "stardom"....

Press to play... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/nflfilms/demand/s2005/tabill/off/back_in_the_day_3_56k.rm&proto=rtsp&rbnkey=&rpcontexturl=http://www.nfl.com/fieldpass/includes/promo&rpcontextwidth=417)

[Angry Pope]

Tim Brown demonstrates some of his receiving techniques...

Touch it here.... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/nflfilms/demand/s2005/nflcom/off/tim_brown_300k.rm&proto=rtsp&aproto=rtsp&rbnkey=&rpcontexturl=http://www.nfl.com/fieldpass/includes/promo&rpcontextwidth=417)

[Angry Pope]

Here is an article when Ngata was in high school and a big game that he played...check out his nickname...

West Bests East in U.S. Army All-American Bowl

By Bill O'Connell

Major recruiters had Utah prepster Haloti Ngata booked as one of the top 25 high school players in the nation, and his performance in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl confirmed the Nebraska-bound defensive tackle as an athlete ready to step up to prime time college football.

The 6-4, 308-pound Ngata stood out at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, where he tallied 32 sacks his senior season. Playing for a West squad that defeated the East team 26-6 before 17,185 fans at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio, Ngata proved he can stand out even among a field of All-Americans.

Nicknamed "Shrek" by teammates, Ngata had a team-high seven tackles and forced a fumble while leading a West defense that held the East offense to 99 yards total offense.

"It was hard and my body's sore," Ngata joked following the West romp. Ngata said he battled headaches and backaches all week while going up against a West offensive line that featured three Notre Dame recruits. The payout was a chance to play in front of a national television audience on ESPN2.


On back-to-back plays in the first half, Ngata showed flashes of athleticism that brought Nebraska scouts to the front door of the Gatorade Player of the Year in Utah.

Ngata broke into the East backfield on the first play and ran down Florida State-bound back Thomas Clayton, a player ranked No. 8 in the nation in the 55-meter dash.

On the very next play Ngata hauled East quarterback James Banks to the artificial turf while stripping the ball from the SuperPrep All-American. In two plays Ngata dropped the East offense for minus-8 yards, and a fumble recovery by fellow defensive lineman Chris Frome gave the West the ball back.

There were other standouts from states not traditionally known as football factories. East free safety William Blackmon earned Gatorade Player of the Year in Rhode Island, then put the smallest state in the Union on the map by pouncing on two fumbles and intercepting a pass. Blackmon's stellar high school career earned him a trip to Texas for the All-American Bowl and probably a ticket to Boston College, where the three-time All-State pick has verbally committed.

"I never played against competition like that," Blackmon said. "I can say I never really had any competition in Rhode Island but I went to a lot of camps and that helps put the word out."

Not all of the prep stars in the All-American Bowl carried pedigrees from lesser-known locales to San Antonio. California running Lorenzo Booker added the Ken Hall Player of the Year Trophy to his stockpile of accolades on the heels of a high school career that included 137 touchdowns and three state championships. Booker capped his prep career with two touchdowns and 66 yards on 12 carries on a day that suggested naysayers pointing to his size (5-11,175) underestimated his hunger to play against the best.

"A lot of people asked me about the hype I was getting coming into this game. I think I did a good job of not thinking about it and coming out and playing my game. The holes the offensive line was opening weren't bad, either," said Booker, who is considering a list of schools that includes Florida State, Notre Dame, USC and Washington.

The offensive line - led by Notre Dame recruits Bob Morton, James Bonelli, Scott Raridon and Marcus Freeman - also played a big part in the success of West quarterback Vincent Young, who totaled 161 yards from scrimmage, including 90 yards through the air on 4 of 9 passing. Young was named game MVP and has yet to decide between a short list of Texas, Miami, Arkansas and Southern Mississippi.

[CrossBones]

Hehehe...Shrek....kinda perfect I'd say.

[Angry Pope]

The Chiefs Nation....

LAMAR HUNT ANNOUNCES THE BIRTH OF CHIEFS NATION

Apr 17, 2006, 12:00:01 PM



People may think that Chiefs fans only reside in the areas around Kansas City. However if you bleed Red and Gold you know that the Chiefs Universe extends far beyond metropolitan Kansas City, the grasslands of Western Kansas and the Ozark Mountains. With 48 of 50 states represented by Chiefs season ticket holders, one can truly make the statement that this is indeed a Chiefs Nation. Now, Kansas City football fans from around the globe will be officially united as Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt announces the birth of Chiefs Nation.



”With the unprecedented breadth of interest in Kansas City football we are now establishing a further Chiefs fans base opportunity for people all across America,” Hunt said on the birthday of Chiefs Nation. “Beginning today, fans may register for an opportunity to establish clear ties to the Chiefs organization which will provide each fan the opportunity to be part of the ‘Arrowhead Experience’ every year.”

This is your chance to become a founding member of the official fan group of the Kansas City Chiefs. By joining this exclusive club you’ll join Chiefs fans from all over the world who share the same passion and allegiance for everything Chiefs. As the unofficial “51st state”, residents of the Chiefs Nation will enjoy benefits unavailable to other fans.

“I’m amazed over the years at the various games how many times I bumped into some one who had traveled a long distance to attend their first Chiefs game,” Hunt added. “Chiefs Nation will provide the opportunity for such pilgrimages in the future.”

A few of the member benefits include…

Each member is sent a Chiefs Nation citizenship card. You will also receive an electronic membership confirmation with your own PIN/Account number to access your private page on our web site www.kcchiefs.com via the Chiefs Nation page.

There you will find special stories and content not available to the general public: Insider stories, bios of other fans around the world, interviews, photos, etc.

You will receive the opportunity to acquire upper level tickets to a 2006 home games; we can’t promise specific games, but we’ll do our best to help you select a date to see the Chiefs play an opponent of your choosing!
Additionally, when the Chiefs storm their way to the playoffs and capture homefield advantage, you will be offered the opportunity to acquire four upper level tickets to Arrowhead to those elite games, as well.

So join this ever-growing movement and cement your dual citizenship through the Chiefs Nation!

[Angry Pope]

Here is a story on Zack, not sure when it is from...

Player Spotlight: Zack Crockett
By Marty Gitlin

When Oakland Raiders fullback Zack Crockett imparts his wisdom during one of his many off-season football camps, it's not a lot of hot air.

Even if it is in the sweltering heat of Florida.

Crockett isn't one to sugarcoat the truth to youth. He believes it's wonderful, even inspiring, to dream of an NFL career. But he also understands that it's foolhardy to prepare for nothing else.

And he lets those kids know that in no uncertain terms.

"You have to have goals in life, but you have to have something to fall back on," says Crockett, a short-yardage and goal-line specialist for the Silver and Black. "There's no question about that. You can't put all your eggs in one basket. I tell the kids to do everything they can in life to achieve their goals. But you have to get that education."

Crockett should know. Well before he received those hard knocks from NFL defenders, he attended the school of hard knocks. Crockett had to bulldoze his way into professional football. He never even gained 1,000 yards in a season at tiny Hinds Community College before managing 822 yards in his junior and senior years combined at Florida State.

What the burly Crockett could do from his high school days in Pompano Beach, Fla., to the present is crash through the line for first downs and touchdowns. He has scored 32 of his 33 career touchdowns since latching on with Raiders four years after Indianapolis snagged him in the third round of the 1995 draft.

Crockett's running style mirrors his path to the NFL. He didn't glide on a red carpet to achieve his goals. He bulldozed through every obstacle in his way, just as he does to cross the goal line.

"I'm a firm believer that you have to really work and work for everything you achieve, both in football and life," says Crockett, who spent three years with the Colts and another with the Jacksonville Jaguars before finding a home in Oakland. "You have to put your best foot forward in everything you do. That's how I got what I have today.

"The thing is, though, I also got a college education. I tell kids that even if they do make it into the NFL, that only lasts a short time. What are they going to do after their life in football? What are they going to do if they never get to play in the pros? They have to get that good education."

Crockett would like to impart those words to any players who are considering jumping to the NFL early. Crockett is adamant that only those who complete four years of college should be allowed to cross that professional line.

"It'll never happen," he offers. "It'll never happen like it has in basketball because when it comes to kids just out of high school or with one or two years of college experience, their bodies aren't mature enough. Basketball is more of a finesse sport. Football is a power sport and those kids just aren't ready."

Anyway, Crockett believes the memories of competing at the lower levels are priceless. He recalls his times at Ely High School with particular fondness, especially the team's "Soul Bowl" rivalry against Dillard High and the likes of current St. Louis Rams star Isaac Bruce. That showdown generally attracted 10,000 or more fans.

"That was so much fun," exclaims Crockett. "There were so many future Division I and professional players who have participated in that game. It was just a matter of having fun. And that's been my driving force my whole career."

And Zack Crockett knows exactly what he's talking about.

[Angry Pope]

Here is some face recogntion software that you can play around with for NFL players....

Hit it here.... (http://www.myheritage.com/FP/Company/face_recognition.php?s=1&u=g0&lang=EN&restore&category=1)

[Angel]

The Chiefs Nation....
Hey AP......why is this in the Raiders forum? just curious!! Long live the Chiefs Nation!!! :)

[CrossBones]

Hey AP......why is this in the Raiders forum? just curious!! Long live the Chiefs Nation!!! :)Chiefs Nation > :rolleyes:

[Angry Pope]

Here is Michael Quarshie's website....

Hit it here.... (http://michaelquarshie.com/)

[Angry Pope]

This story on Quarshie is a couple of years old but we never really talked about him...

Unconventional Finn just getting started

By Jill Lieber, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Columbia defensive tackle Michael Quarshie grew up in Helsinki, Finland, but stinks at winter sports. He sang soprano in a noted European boys choir but gave football a try when his voice changed. He speaks four languages (sometimes in the same conversation), interned in sales and trading at Citigroup last summer, is doing an independent research study on Finnish poetry, will graduate in December with a degree in political science but has his sights, and his heart, set on pro football.

Michael Quarshie has a 3.6 grade-point average and an Ivy League-leading 14 tackles for a loss.
Columbia University

"All my life, I've been different," the 6-3, 287-pound Quarshie says. "I've never been one to do what everybody else is doing. I'm the guy who breaks the mold."

Today, Quarshie, 24, is trying to become the first Finn to break into the NFL. A senior tri-captain for the 0-4 Lions, he's the most dominating defensive lineman in the Ivy League. He leads the Ivy with 14 tackles for loss, double the second-place total. He had an NCAA all-division record-tying eight Sept. 18 against Fordham. He runs 40 yards in 4.8 seconds and has a 33-inch vertical leap. And he has a 3.6 grade-point average and has been named to the dean's list.

"He's one of the most mature college football players, and one of the smartest people, I've ever been around," says Lions head coach Bob Shoop, a 1988 Yale graduate with a degree in economics. "He's incredibly intelligent, driven and focused. He'll be successful at anything he does."

Quarshie was bred to excel. His mother, Tuula, who is Finnish, is a psychiatrist. His father, Emmanuel, who is Ghanian, is a dentist. Michael, the oldest of two boys, was born in Erlangen, Germany, lived in Ghana for several months when he was 6, then, a year later, the family settled in Helsinki. At 9, he auditioned for Cantores Minores, the prestigious Helsinki Cathedral boys choir, and became a first soprano.

"I didn't have an interest in sports," Quarshie says. "A lot of people make assumptions about Finns — that we're great at winter sports. Frankly, I (stink) at them."

Being one of the few dark-skinned people in a blond, blue-eyed land helped make Quarshie an independent thinker.

"Michael matured earlier in social relationships," Tuula says. "He had to think of problems other children don't have to face early on in life — who he was, why he was different. It gave him a strong sense of self."

When he was 14, while taking a sabbatical from choir as his voice was changing, Quarshie saw a football game on TV between two Finnish teams and was instantly smitten. So he signed up for flag football with the Helsinki Roosters, one of the most successful American football clubs in Finland. He hated every minute.

"You couldn't tackle anybody," he says.

But he stuck it out until he turned 15 and became old enough to play for the Roosters' 18-and-under tackle team.

"I became obsessed with American football," says Quarshie, who put himself through a crash course on the game, buying tapes over the Internet of NCAA and NFL games. Once a month, he drove two hours to train with Anna-Maija Yliluoma, a world-class powerlifter. Some seasons, he played for two Roosters teams.

"He gave his all, six days a week, in the rain and snow," his father says.

All that devotion paid off. In 1999, Quarshie led the Roosters to the Eurobowl semifinals, was named a Maple League All-Star and had a league-leading 11 sacks. After completing his mandatory Finnish military service, he reached a fork in the road: college in Europe or football in America?

Quarshie chose the road less traveled.

"There's nothing higher you can shoot for than the NFL," he says.

Defensive end Sami Porkka, the first Finn to receive an NCAA football scholarship (Northern Colorado), suggested Quarshie make a highlight tape to send to U.S. colleges. Quarshie also networked with Americans playing in the National Finnish Football League. Jeff Skinner, a former Wagner quarterback, forwarded the tape to St. Peter's College in Jersey City.

Quarshie was an instant hit there. In his first two seasons, 2000-01, he made Division I-AA midmajor All-America teams. He had a 3.86 GPA in the political science and classical civilization honors program.

Then he needed bigger challenges. So he made a new highlight tape and sent it to Ivy schools — except for Columbia, where he hand-delivered it to the football office.

To comply with NCAA transfer rules, Quarshie sat out the 2002 season. Last year he led the Lions with 12 tackles for loss and was second-team all-Ivy and academic all-Ivy. Shoop, whose brother John is quarterbacks coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, says Quarshie is "on the NFL's radar screen" and has spoken to scouts from most every NFL team. He's also is trying to get Quarshie into an all-star game.

"Michael's somebody I'd want my two sons to emulate," Shoop says.

After graduation, what will Quarshie's future hold? "Nothing has jumped out at me except football," he says. "One day I'd like to live in Asia, because it's one place I've never visited. But right now I want to play in the NFL, and I'll live anywhere I can to get the opportunity to play."

[Angry Pope]

Vince Young to visit on Wednesday and Michael Huff to visit on Tuesday per NFL Network.

[CrossBones]

Vince Young to visit on Wednesday... http://www.thenflforums.com/forums/images/smilies/0gripe.gif

Does look like the Raiders are covering all their bases...

[Angry Pope]

http://www.thenflforums.com/forums/images/smilies/0gripe.gif

Does look like the Raiders are covering all their bases...

Yes but these next two weeks will be torture until our pick comes up. That image on your post is awesome...still laughing.

[Angry Pope]

Here is the schedule...

FREQUENT FLIERS

The top prospects for next weekend's are piling up some serious frequent flier mileage this week.


Take a look at Texas quarterback Vince Young's week:

Monday -- Minnesota
Wednesday -- Oakland
Thursday -- Houston to meet with the New York Jets
Friday -- Cleveland.

Or how about USC quarterback Matt Leinart :

Monday -- New York Jets in Los Angeles
Tuesday/Wednesday -- New Orleans
Thursday/Friday -- Oakland

Clearly, the Jets and Raiders want to make sure they have the top quarterbacks in this draft thoroughly analyzed.

But it is not just the quarterbacks who are going to be spanning the globe. It's running backs and defensive players.

USC running back Reggie Bush:

Tuesday -- New York Jets in Los Angeles



North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams:

Tuesday -- New Orleans
Wednesday/Thursday -- San Francisco 49ers


Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk:


Tuesday -- New Orleans
Thursday night/Friday -- N.Y. Jets



Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata:

Monday -- Baltimore
Tuesday -- Buffalo
Wednesday -- Cleveland
Thursday -- Jets


Texas defensive back Michael Huff:

Monday -- Dallas
Tuesday -- Oakland

[Angry Pope]

Here is a highlight video of Mario Williams.....

Hit it here.... (http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=869c6922-cab0-4d00-a26a-f25043c85553&f=rss33)

[Angry Pope]

Here is a highlight video of Haloti Ngata....

Hit it here.... (http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=ec9e3d28-2714-4331-be2f-dce138092197&f=rss33)

[Angry Pope]

Here is one for Mathias Kiwanuka....

Press to play... (http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=749f5099-632b-4fea-8bf6-41433e84b844&f=rss33)

[Angry Pope]

Randy to start a scholarship fund...

MOSS SCHOLARSHIP: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss, a former Marshall player, plans to start a scholarship fund at his alma mater in the name of Marshall’s 1996 Division I-AA national championship football team.

“This is what programs are about,’’ said Marshall coach Mark Snyder. “When guys go out and start giving back to the people and the school that helped them get where they are, I think it shows great maturity.’’

It was not immediately known how much of the $100,000 scholarship Moss was paying for.

“After the weekend we should have some details,’’ Marshall athletic director Bob Marcum said Monday. “It’s a little premature to comment on it.’’

Moss and ex-teammate Chad Pennington are scheduled to serve as honorary coaches at the Green-White scrimmage on Saturday. The 1996 team is holding a reunion this week.

[Angel]

Chiefs Nation > :rolleyes:
Aw come on Bones, you gotta love it!! :p

[Angry Pope]

Another one for Timmy...

Digital Mind Corporation Announces the Appointment of Keith Erickson and Tim Brown to Its Board of Directors

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2006--Digital Mind Corporation (DMC), the California-based technology company, announced today the appointment of Keith Erickson and Tim Brown to its Board of Directors.


Mr. Erickson is a former 12-year veteran of the National Basketball Association, two time college all American under Coach John Wooden at UCLA and is a prominent Southern California business leader. He is also very active in civic projects and a number of religious and faith based organizations.

Mr. Brown recently retired from the Oakland Raiders after 17 years in the National Football League, where he was one of the top receivers in NFL history. Mr. Brown was also a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Notre Dame. He most recently entered the world of NASCAR with the creation of Tim Brown Racing. He also is very active with various civic organizations and in the religious community.

"We are very excited to have attracted directors of the caliber of Tim and Keith," stated Jim Collier, DMC's President and CEO. "We look forward to the talents and inspiration they will bring to the Board. Their close ties with the religious community will be especially beneficial in launching our Livingfaithful Project which will provide church and religious organizations free internet websites and fund raising opportunities. Our goal is to provide 1000 websites to religious groups of all denominations over the next 18 months. This is a project that we feel very strongly about and Tim and Keith will be very important in achieving this goal."

[Angry Pope]

This guy is scheduled for a pre-draft visit....


Raymond Savage, of Savage Sports Management, has confirmed to KFFL Jackson State OT Albert Stinson measured in at 6-5 1/4 and weighed 331 pounds, along with an arm length of 32 3/8 and a hand length of 10 1/8 at his team's Pro Day workout Wednesday, March 22. Stinson ran the 40-yard dash in a time of 5.20 and 5.23 seconds, 1.83 and 1.89 seconds in the 10-yard dash, had a short shuttle time of 4.70 and a 8.05 time in the three-cone drill. He also had a 26 1/2-inch vertical jump, a long jump of 8 feet and had 28 bench presses.

[Angry Pope]

Gabe Watson....

Before they were stars: Gabe Watson

By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com


Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Michigan defensive tackle Gabe Watson.

Gabe Watson

Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Michigan
Vitals: 6-foot-4, 331 pounds
High school: Southfield (Mich.)
Coach: David Reese

When was the first time you remember thinking Gabe eventually could play in the NFL?: The first time I laid eyes on him. I'd been at their rival school the year before, and he'd played tailback as a freshman while weighing 270 pounds.

I hadn't seen him. Everybody was telling me, 'Go see Gabe.' He was like a secret who already was a hero. When he showed up, everything people said about him was true. He's just a mountain of a man.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: All of his games. He was such a dominating force. And he was dominant in all those camps we sent him to.

In 7-on-7 drills, he'd play tight end at 300 pounds and would just run away from people. He was like a dancing bear. He was so agile. He was like a freak.

We went to the Indiana camp, the Minnesota camp, the Michigan camp, the Michigan State camp. He just imploded everybody.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: Up until this year, we talked quite frequently. His junior year at Michigan, he would come by every Monday and visit the school.

That's the type of kid he is. His senior year, he had so much stress with agents calling. I think I last saw him at Braylon Edwards' party before he left for (the Cleveland Browns') training camp.

What's your draft prediction for him?: I hope the first round. I've been hearing Cincinnati. He's a great kid. He's the type of kid you'd like to have marry your daughter.

Wherever he goes, he's going to reap endorsements because that's the type of kid he is. People are going to fall in love with him.

[Angry Pope]

Jimmy Williams...

Before they were stars: Jimmy Williams

By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Virginia Tech cornerback Jimmy Williams.

Jimmy Williams

Position: Cornerback
College: Virginia Tech
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 206 pounds
High school: Bethel in Hampton, VA
Coach: Tracey Parker

When was the first time you remember thinking Jimmy eventually could play in the NFL?: Jimmy was a transfer student who came to us his senior year, so we were familiar with what type of player he was and young man he was before he came to our zone. He was extremely talented and very, very athletic, very competitive. He just had a great frame and was a great athlete. He had a high football IQ. He played quarterback and in the secondary for us. He was ready to pick up audibles at the line of scrimmage and was able to understand from a defensive perspective what people were trying to do to us offensively.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: I would say our game against Chesapeake Western Branch. He had two or three touchdowns and had an interception return for a touchdown. It was a great game.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: I spoke to him this fall when they had a break. He was in town. Football was still going on, but he was looking forward to finishing up his season and preparing himself for the draft.

What's your draft prediction for him?: It varies. There are a lot of things going on now with free agency, and that has a lot to do with it. From things I've heard, he's a top-10 kid or at least top 12. We're looking forward to him being an early draft pick, and I'm sure he's looking forward to playing professionally.

[Angry Pope]

Team nutritionist....

Liz Applegate


Applegate, a nationally renowned expert on nutrition and fitness, is a senior lecturer in the nutrition department and director of sports nutrition for intercollegiate athletics at UCD.

Cummings said Applegate “is one of the most popular lecturers on campus, and was chosen as a marshal for her dedication to promoting health awareness, especially with regard to the staggering statistics surrounding our national obesity epidemic.”

Applegate, a UCD alumna, said she’s “honored and thrilled” to be a grand marshal. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 1978 and a doctorate in nutrition science in 1983.

“I’ve been to a gazillion Picnic Days,” Applegate said, calling the event “a hallmark of Davis.”

As a student, she recalls participating in a Picnic Day weight-lifting contest — and winning her weight class. Returning through the years, Applegate said she’s continually finding new events and exhibits.



“There’s something for everybody at Picnic Day,” Applegate said.

Applegate’s enthusiasm and informal style make her undergraduate nutrition classes the nation’s largest with enrollments exceeding 2,000 annually. She has received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of California, and the Associated Students of UCD Excellence in Education Award.

Applegate is the author of several books, including “Nutrition Basics for Better Health and Performance,” “Bounce Your Body Beautiful,” “Encyclopedia of Sports and Fitness Nutrition,” “Eat Smart Play Hard” and “101 Miracle Foods That Heal Your Heart.” She has written more than 300 articles for national magazines and is nutrition editor and columnist for Runner’s World magazine.

Applegate is on the editorial board of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. She is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, co-chairwoman for the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America, and a member of the Sports and Cardiovascular Nutritionists. She frequently serves as a keynote speaker at industry, athletic and scientific meetings.

Applegate appears as an expert on radio and television shows and in newspapers across the country. She consults for professional U.S. Olympic athletes and is the team nutritionist for the Oakland Raiders.

[Angry Pope]

Here is an interview that Danny Clark did with Xtreme Magazine....

Xtreme: What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning?



Danny: Thank God that I?m awake another day which allows me another opportunity to be great.


Xtreme: Growing up, did you always know that you wanted to play football?


Danny: Since 8 years old. I used to dream then and it felt so far out of reach, but I still believed it was destined for me.


Xtreme: You minored in acting during your years at the University of Illinois . What peaked your interest in acting?


Danny: The ability to take on someone else?s joys and pains, trials and tribulations seemed really cool to me. I found it very exhilarating using emotions from my personal situations to act out someone else's emotional state.


Xtreme: Have you appeared in any plays, movies, etc thus far in your career?


Danny: I appeared in two plays in college. One called the "Piano Lesson" by August Wilson, and "The Wool Gatherers".


Xtreme: When you retire, do you consider acting full time as an option or is it strictly politics?


Danny: There are so many things that I'm going to do when I retire from the NFL. Acting is one thing but not first on the list. Presently, I'm deeply involved in real estate development. I plan to continue to propel my development company. Also, I want to do television, whether it?s broadcasting or acting. Finally, I have a new-found interest in politics. I truly believe that God has blessed me with a gift to touch the masses. I've created some everlasting relationships with some extremely prominent politicians in the state of Illinois and it has given me an extreme confidence to help the people. I'm already very active in community service, so I feel like "Why not take it to the next level?"


Xtreme: You were voted Defensive Captain 2005 with the Oakland Raiders. Do you think that because you have family in Iraq and Afghanistan dealing with major unfortunate conflicts that it has had a calming/humbling effect on you and the way you deal with everyday life?


Danny: Having my brothers in the war has definitely put life into perspective. These two young men have nothing to do with the issue at hand, but yet they?re putting their lives on the line for our country. That alone humbles me in a way never imaginable. They look at me like some kind of hero, when in fact, they're my biggest heroes. I'm not sure I could of done what they've done.


Xtreme: Your first season with the Raiders you had 129 tackles. Very impressive. Did you feel pressured to perform or does the effort come naturally?


Danny: Have you ever heard of the saying ?Pressure busts pipes?? I didn't feel any pressure at all. I constantly want more. I want to be twice or three times a good as I was in 2004. My team deserves it as well as myself.


Xtreme: For those who don't know, is there any negativity attached to trading? Meaning, when a player is traded from one team to another, does he feel slighted by that coach/team that traded him?


Danny: There is only one negative that I can point out about a player being traded. Basically, it says something about the way the organization feels about the player, or how the player feels about the organization. It usually isn't a good feeling between the two. I can see a player taking that very personally.


Xtreme: You are managed by EAG Sports Management, which is very great and timely company, I might add! What is it about that sports agency that peaked your interest?



Danny: I felt EAG was the best equipped in making Danny Clark a brand name. I feel like I'm one of the most underrated players in the league, but Denise and her staff make me feel like I'm already an All Pro Linebacker. EAG has been very committed to informing the public of who I am, and what I?m about without me wearing a helmet.


Xtreme: What inspired you to create the Danny Clark 55 Foundation?


Danny: Even though NFL players accumulate millions of fans every season, I'm the biggest fan of kids. I really understand that they are our next group of important people. We all were kids once and required guidance. Kids now are no different. They need even more considering some changes in our society. So, this is an opportunity for my family, as well as myself, to give back to America's youth.


Xtreme: How can others interested in volunteering or donating get involved?


Danny: First of all, they can walk right up to me and ask. Or, they can contact me at DannyClark55.com and post a message. There's also contact info on my website.


Xtreme: Care to make any predictions for you and the Oakland Raiders for next season?


Danny: Well, in the past I've said that we?re going to win all 16 regular season games, but honestly I think that's a bit vague. On game day, I want us to be the most aggressive, most disciplined, and the team that executes the best, and I feel that we will be where we want to go in January and February.


Xtreme: What preparation advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to play a linebacker position professionally?


Danny: First, you have to be half crazy. In order for you to consistently do your job well, you are required to run into men out-weighing you by 100lbs. seriously, play more aggressive than everyone else, play smarter than everyone else, and lastly, fly around until the whistle blows.

[Angry Pope]

Denver-San Francisco trade...

Broncos deal 22nd overall pick to 49ers


ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The San Francisco 49ers now have two first-round picks in this month's NFL draft.

The Niners acquired the 22nd overall selection in the draft from the Denver Broncos on Wednesday for picks in the second round and third round.

The Broncos will receive the 37th and 68th overall picks in the deal.

The Niners own the sixth overall pick in the draft as well as No. 22 in the first round.

The New York Jets are the only other team with two first-round picks in the April 29 draft.

The Broncos now own seven picks in the first four rounds. They have the 15th overall selection after moving up from 29th in a deal with Atlanta.

Denver had acquired the 22nd overall pick from Washington in a trade last April.

[Angry Pope]

Our Raiders and Raiderettes...

Firefighters square off on the gridiron

April 19, 2006



Petaluma and Santa Rosa Firefighters square off Saturday in the second annual Fire Bowl benefit flag football team, and both teams will unabashedly use "ringers."


The Petaluma team will be fortified with players from the Oakland Raiders, while Santa Rosa will use professionals from the San Francisco 49ers.


Names of the professionals were not available at press time, but Jeff Schach, spokesperson for the Petaluma team, promises that both sides will be "beefed" up by their celebrity accomplices.


Even without the Raiders, the Petaluma team will display an abundance of athletic talent. On the local roster are Bob Cochrane, Jimmy Gloeckner, Mike Grummel, Jeff Holden, Dave Kahn, Jay Levar, Matt Martin, Jude Jeff Prokop, Schach, James Schweizer, Duncan Smith, Greg Taylor and Brent Weber.


The game will be played at Cardinal Newman High School, 4300 Old Redwood Highway in Santa Rosa. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.


Proceeds from the event will be split by the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Firefighters local unions, and be used for community projects.


The game is only the featured attraction for an entire afternoon of fun.


Also included will be a gourmet tri-tip barbecue lunch.


The Raiderettes will an appearance, and there will be a football and cheerleader clinic for kids before the game.


Tickets are priced at $15 for individuals, with a family pass for four available for $39. They are now on sale by contacting Valley Produc-tions at 795-4148.


Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the game.

[Angry Pope]

Just a one line mention of minicamp from Czar....


Despite reports to the contrary, the Oakland Raiders are not considering trading up from the seventh spot in the first round for any of the three quarterbacks. Now that they have ex-New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks and with second-year quarterback Andrew Walter throwing a better ball than Brooks in the club's first mini-camp, there is no desperate need for a quarterback.

If one falls to them, yes, they may take Vince Young, but otherwise they are focused on players like Texas safety Michael Huff while wondering if San Francisco is really going to select Maryland tight end Vernon Davis.

[Angry Pope]

For you Madden gamers...

2006 EA SPORTS Madden Bowl on ESPN Tomorrow

Press Release

Apr. 19th, 2006 4:58 pm
Madden NFL 06 (Xbox 360)


Tune in to ESPN this Thursday, April 20th at 9:30 pm EST for a special presentation of the 2006 EA SPORTS Madden Bowl, filmed on location at the Colony Club in Detroit during the week of Super Bowl XL. Hosted by Trey Wingo of ESPN, the 12th annual EA Sports Madden Bowl pits the top 8 Madden gamers in the NFL against each other in a sudden death tournament to determine the best in the league. The finale of this two-part special airs Thursday, April 27th at 9:30pm.

NFL players competing for bragging rights and the Madden Bowl trophy:

Willis McGahee (Buffalo Bills)
Marcus Trufant (Seattle Seahawks)
Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals)
Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Alex Smith (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers)
Mark Clayton (Baltimore Ravens)
Santana Moss (Washington Redskins)


Full Madden Bowl air schedule on ESPN and ESPN2 (all times EST):


ESPN THU 4/20/2006 09:30PM Episode 1

ESPN THU 4/27/2006 09:30PM Episode 2

ESPN FRI 4/28/2006 01:00PM Episode 1

ESPN FRI 4/28/2006 01:30PM Episode 2

ESPN THU 5/11/2006 01:00PM Episode 1

ESPN THU 5/18/2006 01:00PM Episode 2

ESPN2 THU 4/27/2006 10:00PM Episode 1

ESPN2 THU 4/27/2006 10:30PM Episode 2

ESPN2 FRI 4/28/2006 12:00AM Episode 1

ESPN2 FRI 4/28/2006 12:30AM Episode 2

ESPN2 SUN 4/30/2006 12:30AM Episode 1

ESPN2 SUN 4/30/2006 01:00AM Episode 2


ESPN and ESPN2 are currently re-airing the first season of Madden Nation. The air schedule on ESPN and ESPN2 (all times EST):


ESPN2 WED 4/26/2006 12:00AM

ESPN2 WED 4/26/2006 12:30AM

ESPN2 SUN 4/30/2006 01:30AM

ESPN2 SUN 4/30/2006 02:00AM

ESPN2 SUN 4/30/2006 02:30AM

ESPN2 WED 5/3/2006 12:00AM

ESPN2 WED 5/3/2006 12:30AM

ESPN THU 5/4/2006 01:00PM

ESPN2 WED 5/10/2006 12:00AM

[Angry Pope]

Here is a list of the televised preseason games...

Raiders - Eagles to Open NFL Preseason

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 29, 2006


ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The NFL preseason will open with the Oakland Raiders playing the Philadelphia Eagles in the Hall of Fame game Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio.

The prime-time game will be the first televised by NBC under the new contract that gives it the rights to Sunday night telecasts. Analyst John Madden, the former coach of the Raiders, will be inducted into the hall that weekend. Former Eagles star Reggie White, who died in 2004, also will be inducted.

Other prime-time national telecasts will be Indianapolis-St. Louis on Aug. 10; New England at Atlanta on Aug. 11; Washington at Cincinnati on Aug. 13; Oakland at Minnesota on Aug. 14 in ESPN's debut as the Monday night outlet for games; Kansas City at the New York Giants on Aug. 17; San Diego at Chicago on Aug. 18; Arizona at New England on Aug. 19; Seattle at Indianapolis on Aug. 20; Dallas vs. New Orleans at Shreveport, La., on Aug. 21; Miami at Carolina on Aug. 24; Pittsburgh at Philadelphia on Aug. 25; Tampa Bay at Jacksonville on Aug. 26; Houston at Denver on Aug. 27; and Green Bay at Cincinnati on Aug. 28.

The Cardinals-Patriots and Texans-Broncos will be shown on NFL Network, which begins live coverage of regular-season games on Thanksgiving.

The first full weekend of preseason play will be Aug. 10-14, when Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh is at Arizona and NFC champion Seattle hosts Dallas.

Geographic rivalries are featured in Week 3 of the preseason (Aug. 24-28), including the Steelers at the Eagles, the Buccaneers at the Jaguars, the Rams at the Chiefs, and the Giants at the Jets.

The Saints, scheduled to play their first game back in New Orleans on Sept. 24 against Atlanta -- the third week of the regular season -- will play their home exhibitions against the Cowboys in Shreveport and against the Colts in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 26.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a commercial advertising (skit) our game against the Buccaneers...

Press to play... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_s1vqJ-XtY)

[Angry Pope]

Space Raiders....

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POGwYHAcleo&search=raiders)

[CrossBones]

Space Raiders....

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POGwYHAcleo&search=raiders)LOL...GREAT.

[Angry Pope]

Lincoln Kennedy and friends....

Former NFL players coming to York

Seven scheduled to compete in celebrity golf tournament in June at Heritage Hills

By COLIN CHMIELEWSKI The York Dispatch



The National Football League is coming to town this summer.
No, York isn't the new training camp home for one of the NFL's 32 teams.

But fans of the Dolphins, Steelers and Raiders are in for a treat.

Guests for the second annual M.J. Anderson Loving Care, Inc., Celebrity Golf Tournament will include seven former NFL players. The event takes place on June 29 at Heritage Hills Golf Resort and will help the Anderson organization raise money to build a an assisted-living home for low-income senior citizens.

Marian Anderson, the York native who established the non-profit organization in 2004, said she sought help from her relatives when she was coming up with fund-raising ideas.

"I talked with my nephew and shared my vision with him," Anderson, 48, said. "He told me that golf tournaments are usually pretty suc-
cessful. He also said he'd ask his friends to come."

It also helped that Anderson's nephew was former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy and his "friends" happened to be former NFL players. Kennedy, who spent part of his childhood in York, played 11 years in the NFL (eight of those with the Oakland Raiders). He was one of three NFL celebrities that took part in the inaugural event last year, and Anderson said that he has spent the last year spreading the word to the NFL fraternity.

"This is all possible through Lincoln's networking," Anderson said.

This year, Kennedy has recruited former teammates Zack Crockett (who still plays for the Raiders) and Steve Wisniewski (a possible Hall of Famer who also played at Penn State) to attend the event. Former Miami Dolphins Troy Drayton and Woody Bennett (who participated last year) will also attend. Bennett is a York High graduate.

And for all the Pittsburgh fans in the area, former receiver Louis Lipps and Eastern High graduate Jon Witman round out the celebrity field.

Only Bennett, Drayton and Lipps will play golf during the event.

Former Harrisburg Negro League baseball player Wilbur "Willie" Fordham is also being honored, and will be signing copies of his book at the banquet.

Anderson said that she would eventually like to have 36 celebrities to pair with 36 teams of golfers. But for now, she is pleased with the growth the event has seen in just one year. Last year, there were 40 golfers and 130 attendees. This June, Anderson plans to have 128 golfers and up to 350 attendees at Heritage Hills.

For people interested in attending and rubbing elbows with the former gridiron stars, there are three options. To just attend the banquet and autograph session, tickets are $35. If miniature golf is your thing, $50 will get you a round, the banquet and the autograph session. Finally, if you want to test your game against Bennett, Lipps and Drayton, $100 includes golf, a cart, the banquet and the autograph session.

While Anderson is excited with the growing list of celebrities, most important to her is the senior citizens that get to attend the banquet and meet the players. She has been going around to various senior living centers in the York area and plans to honor 10 people (one from each home) at the event.

"I am trying to promote diversity in all the different senior homes, so I want to get one representative from each place to come out and join us," Anderson said.

The diversity topic hits close to home for Anderson, a former foster child who had to put both her parents in assisted-living homes in York. She said that when her mother was in the Autumn House in the late 1990s, she was the only African-American in the home. It's from that experience that Anderson drew her inspiration to create her non-profit organization with the hopes of building a home where senior citizens of all races and economic backgrounds could afford to be cared for.

"I've always had a passion for seniors and enjoyed helping them," she said. "I just didn't see any diversity when I was helping them, and that needs to change."

If Anderson's golf tournament keeps expanding at this pace, she will eventually have that opportunity, with a residence for 45 to 50 seniors in York. Until then, she will keep being thankful for her nephew's willingness to help and the chance to help people around York.

"Seeing all the smiles on the senior citizens' faces when they come out and meet the celebrities makes it worth it to me," Anderson said.

-- Reach Colin Chmielewski at cchmielewski@yorkdispatch.com or 505-5406. For more information on the M.J. Anderson Loving Care, Inc., Celebrity Golf Tournament, visit www.mjanderson.org or call 792-4799.

[Rupert]

Space Raiders, silly, but amusing.

[Angry Pope]

Here are a couple more who have visited...

Already, the Raiders have brought in San Diego State inside linebacker Freddy Keiaho and Jackson State offensive tackle Albert Stinson for individual visits and workouts.

[Rupert]

Hmmm, maybe Kirk Morrison had something to say about Keiaho. If nothing else we sign the kid and give him a shot. I wonder where he slots in for potential draft pick?

[Angry Pope]

Using our own footballs....


Better footballs

In its zeal for competitive fairness, the NFL went off the deep end years ago when it came to using new, shiny (and often slick) footballs on game day. Too many times, the ball would carelessly fall out of a quarterback's hand because the surface was too slick.

In a league that prides itself for athletic brilliance, quarterbacks were often viewed as totally inept when dropping the ball. Even players like Brett Favre, who has huge hands, would bring a ball back to throw and watch it slide out the back when cocking to throw.

Well, kudos to the league and the NFL competition committee for attempting to correct this silly use of footballs. Beginning next season, the visiting quarterback can bring his own bag of 12 footballs to a game for use. No longer will he have to use the game balls provided by the home team.

Of course, the footballs will still have to pass the inspection test of the game officials, because the league frowns on doctored footballs. In the old days, kickers and quarterbacks were known to use sandpaper on ends of footballs and even wet them down and toss them into a dryer to stretch the bladder of the ball, making it thicker. Every team's equipment men knew all kinds of tricks to help their players.

I always thought some of these regulations were idiotic, believing it was better for a quarterback to throw a football he preferred than to watch him throw one incompletion after another. There is nothing artistic watching a quarterback fumbling around out there or to watch a ball slide right through a receiver's gloved-hands because it's too slick. Competitive fairness actually went overboard.

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady led the charge for correcting this football situation by getting 20 other starting quarterbacks to sign a petition requesting a game-day change. Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher, co-chair of the competition committee, found no competitive advantage or disadvantage with the Manning suggestion and the proposal passed at last month's owners' meeting. It actually flew under the media radar.

"It was pretty much a no-brainer on trying to get it changed," Manning said recently. "It just makes sense. You throw your footballs at home so you ought to be able to throw the footballs you want on the road as well. Nobody wants to see a receiver wide open and the ball two-hopped to him because the ball is slick."

To prevent any sideline confusion, the dozen or so footballs will be stamped with the visiting team's name before being put into play. So when Brady visits Indianapolis, he'll be throwing a "Patriots" football.

Every home-team quarterback has prepared the game-day footballs to his liking with the help of an equipment man, ensuring that they feel comfortable to throw.

"The referees will still check them," Manning said. "You can't be throwing a flat football or an old football. They still want to see that shiny NFL logo on the ball."

[Angry Pope]

Here is another video...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P6d5HgvUGo&search=oakland%20Raiders)

[CrossBones]

Here is another video...

Hit it here... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P6d5HgvUGo&search=oakland%20Raiders)Watching that video a few of things came to mind...
The Lions vs the Christians :D
I'd like to see out defense dominate and intiminate once again
Just WinIt's been too long.

[Angry Pope]

The Broncos tried to move into the top five three times but each of the three teams said no. It appears they did have that love for Vernon Davis...

Broncos trade away 22nd pick to 49ers

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
April 20, 2006


The Denver Broncos continue to treat their highest draft picks like they're involved in a game of hot potato.

The franchise on Wednesday sent the No. 22 pick, the second of its two first-round selections, to the San Francisco 49ers for picks in the second (37th overall) and third (68th) rounds.

The move gives the Broncos four picks April 29, adding to their existing slots at Nos. 15 and 61 in the first two rounds. It also expands their overall haul to nine selections in the draft.

But to underscore the Broncos' flurry of activity in dealing their recent draft assets, consider that among their first five selections currently, which now includes the Nos. 15, 37, 61, 68 and 119 spots, only their own late second-round pick, at No. 61, didn't originate elsewhere.

All told, the Broncos have three fourth-round selections, with the 126th and 130th selections to go with the the 119th pick, as well as single selections in Rounds 5 (161) and 6 (198).

Broncos officials were unavailable for comment.

In a little more than 12 months, the Broncos three times have decided to rid themselves of one of their first-round picks to stockpile extra picks.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the blockbuster trade (Clinton Portis for Champ Bailey) with the Washington Redskins that left the Broncos without a first- round choice for the first time since 1995. The Broncos netted a third- round pick in 2005 and first- and fourth-rounders this year in exchange for the 25th pick on April 20, 2005.

Last month, the Broncos traded up from No. 29 in the first round to No. 15, throwing in a third-round pick this year and a fourth next year to Atlanta to complete the deal and, in turn, allow the Falcons to consummate a trade for New York Jets defensive end John Abraham.

On the heels of those trades comes the latest swap with the 49ers.

Denver had been rumored in recent weeks as a possible candidate to package both its first-round picks to move into the top 10 and grab one of the draft's premier talents.

The target most often cited - University of Maryland tight end Vernon Davis - also is the player most closely linked with the 49ers, who also own the No. 6 pick.

The Broncos talked with three teams above the 49ers, including the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, to try to move ahead of the 49ers and possibly land Davis but were rebuffed.

The Packers apparently appear set on Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk, and the Titans are focusing on a quarterback, either Southern California's Matt Leinart or Texas' Vince Young. The third team is unknown.

In trading with the Broncos, the 49ers can keep their attention on Davis while picking up another piece to rebuild the talent base of one of the league's worst teams last season.

"We took advantage of a great opportunity . . . " 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "We feel like we acquired more value by making the trade for this pick."

The sum total of the Broncos' moves likely reveals their true thought process, which is that value between the 22nd pick and their new, second draft slot at No. 37 perhaps is evenly divided from a talent perspective at several positions of need, such as defensive line, running back, receiver and tight end.

The trade allows them to drop 15 spots while also acquiring a pick high in the third round.

They also save money by moving down. The five-year contract signed by last year's No. 22 selection, Mark Clayton of the Baltimore Ravens, averaged $1.64 million, nearly double the $884,000 average yearly payout to 37th pick Shaun Cody of the Detroit Lions, with one fewer year included.

[Angry Pope]

Here is another list of draft videos. There is Ngata, Mario, Lawson among others...

Click here.... (http://www.twincitiesminnesotablog.com/2006/04/2006_vikings_dr.html)

[Angry Pope]

We are interested in a strong man from CFL....

Braidwood a diamond or a no-show?

By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON -- Edmonton Sun

Maciocia and his draft picks
Lions beat Esks to city lineman


The Edmonton Eskimos have just taken a major gamble in a high-stakes game.

With the first-overall pick in yesterday's CFL Canadian college draft, the club grabbed defensive end Adam Braidwood of Washington State, who could become a bona-fide star at Commonwealth Stadium.

However, the hulking six-foot-four, 270 pounder could also be drafted or signed by an NFL team in the next two weeks - and that's a very risky issue for the Green and Gold.

BRAIDWOOD A RISK

If Braidwood sticks in the NFL, the Eskimos will have completely wasted a rare No. 1 pick - but he's worth the risk, according to head coach Danny Maciocia.

"He was too good to turn down," said Maciocia.

"In the last week, it's all we have been talking about.

"Can we just bypass him, thinking he will never play in the CFL?

"We couldn't do so."

Compared to CFL sack leader Brent Johnson, Braidwood started his last two years in the ultra-competitive Pac 10 conference against some of the best college teams in the U.S., an impressive accomplishment for a Canadian.

A two-time winner of the annual Washington State Cougar strongest man competition, the 21-year-old B.C. native admits he has spoken with the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans.

The NFL draft is set for April 29-30.

"And I hear a few things, like I might get a free-agent shot (if I am not drafted)," Braidwood said.

But besides that risk with their No. 1 pick, the Eskimos couldn't have asked for a better result during yesterday's CFL draft.

The team's first four picks - Braidwood, Jason Nugent (17th overall), Dwayne Mundle (21st) and Mike Williams (25th) - were actually projected to go in the top 17, according to the Esks' mock draft board.

In fact, Maciocia ranked Nugent as the second-best prospect in the draft, meaning he might become the steal of the 2006 crop.

But he comes with baggage. The 23-year-old University of Rutgers (New Jersey) safety suffered an ACL injury last season and only played a couple of games, explaining why CFL teams shied away.

Under a cloud of secrecy, Nugent was in Edmonton on Wednesday to be checked by Eskimo doctors.

"He'll be touch-and-go as far as training camp is concerned, but we were actually debating up until last week whether he should be the first pick overall, that's how much we like him," said Maciocia.

But Braidwood will forever carry the label of being the first-overall selection and will gladly arrive at Commonwealth Stadium if his NFL aspirations die.

'I JUST WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL'

"If I don't sign (an NFL free-agent deal) the first day after the NFL draft (ends on April 30), I will sign a contract with the Eskimos," he said.

"I am the No. 1 pick and I definitely owe it to (the Esks), the city and the fans to show up and be my best.

"I'm not one of those guys who wants to hold out. I just want to play football next year."

And the Eskimos are hoping he'll play somewhere on their defensive line for the next 10 years.

[Angry Pope]

More words from Randy...

Moss, Pennington want to continue giving

By Anthony Hanshew
The Herald-Dispatch


HUNTINGTON -- The message was clear following Thursday's press conference featuring Randy Moss and Chad Pennington.

This is not a one-time deal.


Giving back to Marshall University in the long term was the theme of the media's session with Pennington and Moss at Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Following the 15-minute Q&A, the record-setting duo joined with approximately 80 players and coaches from the 1996 Division I-AA national championship football team. The banquet, also held at Big Sandy, kicked off a weekend reunion of the unbeaten '96 squad.

"This idea started with Randy and (former Marshall center) John Wade over a PlayStation game, and now it's come to fruition," Pennington said. "It's pretty exciting. We've been talking about it for a long time. We always felt like we had a magical season in 1996 and it was something we needed to reminisce about."

Pennington has been visible throughout the Tri-State in recent months, raising funds for numerous youth-based groups. Moss' presence is much more subtle, but the impact will benefit Marshall football for the foreseeable future.

Marshall's first Heisman Trophy finalist, now with the Oakland Raiders, is sponsoring the '96 reunion. Moss also has endowed an athletic scholarship on behalf of that team.

"I try to sneak in and out," Moss said. "I've seen (former Marshall) coach (Bobby) Pruett over the years. I came to see (current Herd) coach (Mark) Snyder a couple of months ago. ... I try to be low-key and give back to the people I appreciate."

Reunion organizers, including Pennington and Brian Reed, also are establishing a scholarship annuity fund that will be funded by former players.

"We've always felt that because of what Marshall did for us, not just on the football field, but for what coach Pruett did for us as young men," said Pennington, Marshall's second Heisman finalist. "We were only 18, 19, 20 years old when we were here. And we were molded by this university. And we had a lot of people that helped mold us into young men and try to be productive citizens.

"We want to come back and give to give another student-athlete -- another Randy Moss, another Chad Pennington -- that same chance. And really not that same opportunity, a better opportunity. That's what we're striving for and that's why we want to give back because we take a lot of pride in being a Marshall football player."

Marshall football in particular and Huntington in general are soaking in heavy doses of star power this month. "We Are Marshall," a Warner Bros. movie chronicling the comeback from the 1970 Marshall football plane crash, concludes filming in Huntington Saturday during the Green-White Game. Moss and Pennington will serve as team captains; "We Are Marshall" lead actor Matthew McConaughey spoke to the team following Thursday's practice.

Pennington said he looks forward to exposing Marshall's unique tradition to the nation through the film. Moss, meanwhile, clarified statements from a nine-year-old Sports Illustrated feature that suggested he didn't embrace the legacy of the plane crash.

"When I was here I caught a lot of flack for saying that I didn't really care about the tragedy that happened," Moss said. "I've said time and time again that my words might have got a little stuck when I said it.

"To come point blank I really don't remember as a kid about it happening. I don't think I was even born yet when it happened. Now that I've been educated a little bit about what happened back then that I feel (the movie) is a great thing, not just for our university but for the people making the movie to be able to come back and see what Marshall University is all about.

"What we've been through, from the plane crash and we've made a distinct fact about how far the university has come since the plane crash. That's really overwhelming to see how many NFL players have been through the league. And we still haven't forgotten about Troy Brown and Mike Bartrum (NFL veterans from Marshall's 1992 national title team), those guys that in their own way set a foundation for guys coming from Marshall University."

As for the present, Moss admittedly experienced a tough debut season with Oakland last year. The Raiders finished 4-12 and Moss was slowed late by injury.

"By moving on the other side of the country and leaving my family and friends back here on the East Coast, it was hard," Moss said. "It was a hard transition. It was a rough season. And then with my injury happening like it did it was hard to fight back from an injury.

"Really I consider it a business because my home's here on the East Coast. I'm a West Virginia native."

Pennington, meanwhile, is recovering from his second shoulder surgery in as many years. His New York Jets signed Patrick Ramsey in the offseason and the team could select another quarterback during this weekend's NFL Draft.

"This league is business," Pennington said. "It's not personal. You can't take decisions personal in this league. You have to make sure that your family is taken care of number one and number two that you want your career going in the right direction.

"If the direction for my career is to be a New York Jet for the rest of my career, that's great. If not, that's on the New York Jets as an organization. They have to make that decision. And I'm doing everything in my power to make sure their decision is to keep me.

"But if not, there are 31 other teams that would be glad to have me."

This weekend, however, is about bringing together families and friends of Division I-AA's most dominant team in history. Virtually every player and most coaches from a squad that outscored opponents by a combined 658-210 margin attended Thursday's banquet.

"It's been a collaboration of a lot of people just wanting to get together with a bunch of old friends and families and have a good time," Pennington said. "That's been our whole goal. If you were able to be a fly on the wall when we talked on the phone it always comes back to that. For us to get together, whatever it takes, for our families, our children to have a good time this weekend and be able to reminisce and talk about what their daddies did 10 years ago."

Moss nodded in agreement with his former quarterback.

"What we did 10 years ago was a nice ride, ... not just for us but for every Marshall University fan out there throughout the country and throughout the world," he said.

[Angry Pope]

Kiwanuka...

Before they were stars: Mathias Kiwanuka

By – Rivals.com


Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Boston College defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.

Mathias Kiwanuka

Position: Defensive End
College: Boston College
Vitals: 6-foot-8, 246 pounds
High school: Indianapolis Cathedral
Coach: Rick Streiff

When was the first time you remember thinking Mathias eventually could play in the NFL?: Mathias was a 6-foot-6, 200-pound defensive end/tight end as a senior in high school. Quite frankly, we were just trying to find a place for him to play college football. Professional football was so far down the road because he was so doggone skinny.

We knew he could run. That was never a question. Athleticism was never a question. People were hesitant to recruit him because they didn't know whether they could put that kind of weight on him. He really had more of a basketball body than a football body. Nobody knew.

Boston College took a chance on him because they were recruiting (offensive tackle Jeremy) Trueblood (Kiwanuka's college and high school teammate). They took a chance, and the rest is kind of history.

We had seven or eight Division I kids, and Trueblood was the most highly recruited of them all. Mathias was a kid who probably was the third- or fourth-best kid on that team.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: In the state championship game his junior year (a victory over Goshen), he had a sack on one play. Then the next play, he drops back and intercepts a pass about 25 yards downfield. That's the kind of athleticism that makes you go, "Whew." He's a pretty special player.

Every day in practice, he and Trueblood went at it tooth-and-nail. I think it made both kids better because sometimes for those guys, practice was more difficult than playing in some of the games.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: I got an e-mail from him right before they came into town for the NFL combine. I just touched base with him briefly via e-mail. It's probably been last fall since I've talked to him.

What's your draft prediction for him?: I just picked up a couple of publications, and I saw he's anywhere from 10 to 20 depending on who you look at. A couple of people have had him about the 13th or 14th pick. Everything looks to him being maybe in the top 15.

[Angry Pope]

From Corkran....

Randal Williams joined the Raiders last year as a wide receiver. A logjam at that position prompted a switch of Williams to tight end. He played well enough to help make returner Teyo Johnson expendable and for the Raiders to not re-sign Zeron Flemister. Now, Williams finds himself in a position to challenge incumbent starter Courtney Anderson for the starting spot after an impressive season making the conversion. He has had more time to put on the desired weight, hone his blocking skills and learn Oakland's offense. Also, Anderson's play was inconsistent for parts of last season, and he lost his stranglehold on the starting job. Williams is faster than most tight ends, has above-average hands and can take a hit over the middle. He's a player who can get open deep and draw coverage away from the receivers. Look for him to play a much larger role in the offense this season.

[Angry Pope]

I should have just taped thest two together :o from Corkran....

From Corkran....

STOCK RISING: CB Stanford Routt surprised some people by reaching the playing field faster than first-round draft pick Fabian Washington, also a cornerback, last season and by how well he adjusted from the college ranks. Now that Charles Woodson is gone, Routt is being groomed for a more expanded role as the nickel back. He has exceptional speed -- in the 4.25-second range -- solid instincts and is a sure tackler. He had some difficulty in coverage last season as he learned the nuances of the pro game, especially the tightened rules on pass interference and holding. All in all, though, he showed enough promise to warrant extra attention during offseason workouts this year. He has looked good and promises to have an even better season this year.

[Angry Pope]

Winston Justice...

Before they were stars: Winston Justice

By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for USC offensive tackle Winston Justice.

Winston Justice

Position: Offensive Tackle
College: Southern Cal
Vitals: 6-foot-6, 300 pounds
High school: Long Beach (Calif.) Poly
Coach: Raul Laura

When was the first time you remember thinking Winston eventually could play in the NFL?: He was our starting quarterback since his sophomore year, so there were a lot of them. The semistate game his senior year (against Indianapolis Roncalli) was one of the most fun games I watched him play. He had sprained his ankle the week before in the regional championships, so we changed our offense a little bit. We just put him back in the shotgun, where he didn't have to take a five-step or seven-step drop and do too much favoring of his ankle. We just let him gun it. He just picked a very good team apart and got us in the state championship that we won.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: Even to this day, I always show our kids his championship game against Fresno Edison. There's one play where he's trapping a tackle for Edison, and he's just demolishing the kid.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: Not too long ago. He used to come over here and work out at Poly. The last time I saw him was probably in the fall. Everyone kept asking him whether he was going to stay (in school) or not.

What's your draft prediction for him?: Being the first high school with three first-round picks would be nice (other draft prospects from Long Beach Poly include UCLA tight end Marcedes Lewis and Southern California safety Darnell Bing). Every NFL team has its needs. Everyone can have their mock (draft), but you never know what's going to happen.

[Angry Pope]

DeMeco Ryans..

Before they were stars: DeMeco Ryans

By – Rivals.com


Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Alabama linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

DeMeco Ryans

Position: Linebacker
College: Alabama
Vitals: 6-foot-2, 232 pounds
High school: Jess Lanier in Bessemer, AL
Coach: Willie T. Ford

When was the first time you remember thinking DeMeco eventually could play in the NFL?: I changed him from fullback to linebacker in the 10th grade. At that time, he showed some great potential as far as linebacker play is concerned. He had a knack for going to the football, and he was showing tremendous ability as far as being physical.

After that, in 11th and 12th grade, he learned the position really well. He was a good student of the game. He was a leader on the field as far as getting guys in position to make a play. He was just like a quarterback on the defensive side of the field. He called all the signals and got people in the right position. He'd watch his mistakes on film and never made the same mistake twice.

He was a natural-born leader. He got along with everybody on the team. He had that kind of disposition where all the guys rallied around him. He's the type of guy that his hat size never got too big.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: Our first game his senior year against Hoover. If I'm not mistaken, he had 18 tackles. He had nine solo tackles in their backfield.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: I talked to him right before the last regular-season game of his senior year. His teammates he had at Jess Lanier were really close. We all stayed in touch.

The most important thing I told DeMeco is to pray and ask the Lord to give him strength that he'd go on to do whatever he needed to do in order to get the job done. I always told him to put God first.

What's your draft prediction for him?: I'm hoping that somebody will take him in the first round. He may go a little later than the early part, but I'm pretty sure he'll go in the first round.

[Angry Pope]

Something on our scouting and a longer version of a past quote by Art...

NFL observers have long regarded Davis, with regard to the draft, as someone who believes in a team which looks good "coming off the bus."

Although the Raiders discourage their veteran scouting staff from speaking to the media, scout Jon Kingdon, in a question and answer feature on the club's website, admitted as much when he said, "We have certain size and speed requirements which eliminate a number of players right away," Kingdon said.

While it is Davis who makes the final call, he is big on soliciting input from his scouts and coaches.

"People have to understand Mr. Davis is like any other GM or personnel man — he has the final say-so," Shell said. "But I will say this — if there's somebody that I don't want, he won't take him. If I see somebody I like, I've go to sell him. I've got to sell it to the rest of the people that this guy is good for the organization."

The Raiders think of themselves as a team which will think outside the box in terms of talent. They have never belonged to a group scouting service, remaining staunchly independent.

But if it comes down to it, the Raiders will usually look at the holes on their roster and attempt to fill them rather than take the best available player who happens to play a position at which they don't need immediately help.

[Angry Pope]

Other info...

Visits often have little bearing on who the Raiders actually draft. Although Oakland has had top 10 picks such as Ricky Dudley, Darrell Russell, Charles Woodson and Robert Gallery in for visits, those taken after that have often been surprised to be taken by Oakland, saying they had little or no contact with the club heading into the draft.

[Angry Pope]

Another quote by Randy...

"When I was here, I caught a lot of flack for saying that I really didn't care about the tragedy that happened. I've said time and time again my words might have got a little stuck when I said it. To come point blank I really don't remember as a kid about it happening. I don't think I was even born when it happened. Now that I've been educated a little bit about what happened back then, I feel (the movie) is a great thing, not just for our university but for the people making the movie to be able to come back and see what Marshall University is all about." — Wide receiver Randy Moss attempting to explain remarks made nine years ago to Sports Illustrated regarding the 1970 Marshall plane crash which is the subject of an upcoming Warner Brothers film.

[Angry Pope]

The 1996 draft ten years later "re-ranked"...

Look at 1996 NFL Draft

Associated Press

NEW YORK - A look at the 1996 draft and how teams might draft if they knew what they now know.

The actual draft:

1. New York Jets: Keyshawn Johnson WR, Southern California. Ten seasons; three teams; 151 games; 744 catches for 9,756 yards; 13.1 average; 60 touchdowns. Three Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl victory (Tampa Bay 2003).

2. Jacksonville: Kevin Hardy, LB, Illinois. Nine seasons; three teams; 132 games. One Pro Bowl.

3. Arizona: Simeon Rice, DE, Illinois. Ten seasons; two teams; 119 sacks. Three Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl victory (Tampa Bay, 2003).

4. Baltimore: Jonathan Ogden, OT, UCLA. Ten seasons; one team; 152 games, all starts. Nine Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl victory (Baltimore, 2001).

5. New York Giants: Cedric Jones, DE, Oklahoma. Five seasons; 73 games; 15 sacks. One Super Bowl loss (Giants, 2001.)

6. St. Louis: Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska. Four years; four teams; 35 games; 424 carries; 1,453 yards; 3.4 average; 14 touchdowns.

7. New England: Terry Glenn, WR, Ohio State. Ten seasons; 121 games; 523 catches; 7,776 yards; 14.9 average; 38 touchdowns. One Pro Bowl. One Super Bowl loss (Patriots, 1997).

8. Carolina: Tim Biakabutuka, RB, Michigan. Six seasons; 49 games; 611 carries; 2,530 yards; 4.1 average; 14 touchdowns.

9. Oakland: Rickey Dudley, TE, Ohio State. Nine seasons; three teams; 108 games; 221 catches; 3,024 yards; 33 touchdowns. One Super Bowl victory (Tampa Bay, 2003).

10. Cincinnati Willie Anderson, OT, Auburn. Ten seasons; one team; 158 games. Three Pro Bowls.

---

A redraft based on accomplishment. Position taken in parentheses.

1. (26) Baltimore: Ray Lewis, LB, Miami. Ten seasons; one team; 132 games; 1,286 tackles; 23 sacks; 21 interceptions; one touchdown. Two defensive player of the year awards, seven Pro Bowls. one Super Bowl victory (Baltimore, 2001, game MVP).

2. (19) Indianapolis: Marvin Harrison, WR, Syracuse. Ten seasons; one team; 154 games; 927 catches; 12,331 yards; 110 touchdowns. Six Pro Bowls.

3. (89) San Francisco: Terrell Owens, WR, Tennessee-Chattanooga. Ten seasons; two teams (third pending); 142 games; 716 receptions; 10,535 yards; 14.7 average; 101 touchdowns. Five Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl loss (Philadelphia, 2005.

4. (4) Baltimore: Jonathan Ogden, OT, UCLA.

5. (86) New England: Tedy Bruschi, LB, Arizona. Ten seasons; one team; 145 games; 815 tackles; 27 sacks; 11 interceptions. One Pro Bowl, three Super Bowl victories (New England 2002, 2004, 2005), one Super Bowl loss (1997).

6. (61) Philadelphia: Brian Dawkins, S, Clemson. Ten seasons; one team; 141 games; 707 tackles; 17 sacks; 28 interceptions; two touchdowns. Four Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl loss (Philadelphia, 2005).

7. (154) Miami: Zach Thomas, LB, Texas Tech. Ten seasons; one team; 147 games; 1,412 tackles; 15 1/2 sacks; 16 interceptions; four touchdowns. Five Pro Bowls.

8. (3) Arizona: Simeon Rice, DE, Illinois.

9. (14) Tennessee: Eddie George, RB, Ohio State. Nine seasons; 142 games; 2,865 carries; 10,441 yards; 3.6 average; 68 touchdowns. Three Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl loss (Tennessee, 2000).

10. (10) Cincinnati: Willie Anderson, OT, Auburn.

[Angry Pope]

We have been nominated for an Emmy....

Raiders TV Earns Emmy Nomination

April 22, 2006


A Raiders television feature on former WR Kenndy Shedd has been nominated for a National Television Academy - Northern California Emmy award.

For the second time in four years, Silver and Black Productions has been nominated for a National Television Academy - Northern California Emmy.
The Raiders Report airs throughout the year with Behind the Shield and The Silver and Black Show airing during the season. These shows originate from The Oakland Raiders' state of the art production facility. They are televised throughout the Raiders Television Network which is made up of affiliates in California, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho and Hawaii.

"Tremendous Raider fans are spread across the globe. Our Broadcast Department is conscious of these fans while producing and distributing our three television shows," said Raiders Chief Executive Amy Trask. "Our web sites and our television network present compelling stories to our global fan base. This Emmy nomination validates the Commitment to Excellence of our Multimedia Departments."

The Emmy nomination is in the category of Sports-Feature/Segment for a story on former Raiders player Kenny Shedd which aired during the 2005 season. Here is a summary of the story:

KENNY SHEDD FEATURE



Since retiring from professional football, Kenny Shedd has served as a San Leandro police officer.

Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Kenny Shedd has gone from catching passes to catching bad guys. The streets of San Leandro, California are safer because of this. Shedd played for the Raiders from 1996 to 1999 and since his retirement from football he has taken community involvement to a new level. His passion for football is matched with his passion for law enforcement. Kenny Shedd is now a San Leandro police officer.

In 2003, Silver and Black Productions was also nominated for an Emmy in the Sports Program/Special category for an episode of Behind the Shield.

"It is such a great honor to be nominated for an Emmy," said Raiders Director of Broadcasting Chris Gargano. "Our producers, camera people, editors and hosts work very hard to bring interesting stories and insights to the Raider Nation. The Nation is such a dedicated and knowledgeable fan base that they motivate us to produce high quality television year 'round."

The Raiders Report can be seen in Northern California on Comcast Sports Net at 10 p.m. every Saturday night.

The Emmy winners will be announced at a ceremony in San Francisco on May 20.

[CrossBones]

I used to get Behind the Shield a couple of years ago on DirectTV...no more though.

It was OK, but nothing special IMO.

[Angry Pope]

I used to get Behind the Shield a couple of years ago on DirectTV...no more though.

It was OK, but nothing special IMO.

That is how I feel. I wish they would add more analysis or interviews with past players...something different.

[Angry Pope]

Broncos tried trading Lelie to the 49ers...

49ers said no to Lelie trade

By MATT MAIOCCO


SANTA CLARA - While the 49ers were in the process of making a trade this week with the Denver Broncos, they turned down a proposal that would have brought receiver Ashley Lelie to the team.


The Broncos are believed to be shopping Lelie for a second-round draft pick. The 49ers no longer have a second-round pick after sending the No. 37 overall selection to the Broncos this week, along with a third-round pick, for the No. 22 pick in the first round.

Lelie, a first-round selection in the 2002 draft, started 13 games for the Broncos last season, but now he is on the trading block. Lelie caught 42 passes for 770 yards (18.3 average) and one touchdown.

"They were asking if we had interest, so I did some more work on him," 49ers vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan said on Friday. "He does have some talent. He's more of a vertical guy, outside the numbers, and can stretch the field, but we had some issues with other things. (I'm) not saying he wouldn't fit in, but ... what kind of football player are we going to have when it's said and done?"

McCloughan said the 49ers might be interested if the Broncos' asking price comes down dramatically. "If they start backing off a little bit, we can get back in the mix," he said.

The 49ers are also rumored to be one of the teams interested in acquiring receiver Javon Walker from the Green Bay Packers. Walker, who caught 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2004, missed 15 games last season after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the opener.

"There are a lot of rumors out there," McCloughan said. "Personally, my gut tells me they don't want to lose him. He's a really talented young receiver, and 90 percent of the time those guys come back from a knee (injury) with no problem. I can see him getting back to his Pro Bowl caliber. I know (Packers general manager) Ted Thompson very well, and it would be tough for him to let a young, talented football player leave."

[Angry Pope]

The early over/under on how many games each team will win this season...

Bettors baited with early NFL win totals

By Steven Nover
Sat, Apr 22, 2006


It’s one thing to put out NFL future book odds right after the Super Bowl. It’s another thing to put out the Week 1 betting line.

Both are available for wagering at sportsbooks on the Internet and in Las Vegas.

But it’s still another thing to put out NFL regular-season over/under win totals before the draft.

That didn’t deter the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. The bookmakers there are already booking team win totals, taking up to $1,000.

“A lot of places get very conservative with it,” said Rob Akers, assistant sports book manager at the Venetian. “We don’t think the bettor has a huge advantage over us. So why not put it up?

“Let them (bettors) dictate to us what the line should be.”

Those firing away already have caused one line adjustment. The Seattle Seahawks win total opened 11 ½ and has since come down to 11. The last five Super Bowl losers failed to make the playoffs the following season.

The Indianapolis Colts have the highest over/under at 11 ½ despite no Edgerrin James. Then come the Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers each at 11, showing there is no dominant team on paper.

Of the 32 teams, 20 are between seven and 10 wins. That’s 62 percent. The lowest total is 5 on the San Francisco 49ers. The New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans and New York Jets are all at 5 ½ wins.

“Five and one-half is about as low we can go, but it’s all subject to change,” Akers said. “It’s all according to the money.”

By putting out over/unders so early, the Venetian is gambling there won’t be many changes to the NFL status quo.

A lot can happen, however, between now and September. The Green Bay Packers, for instance, are at 6 ½. What if Brett Favre comes back to Green Bay for another season, the Packers get a stud rookie picking fifth and manage to sign free agent Charles Woodson.

The Baltimore Ravens number is 7 ½. What if the Ravens are able to solve their terminal quarterback problem by trading for Steve McNair?

The Miami Dolphins are at 9. But what happens if Daunte Culpepper isn’t healthy enough to begin the season? The same question can be asked of the Cincinnati Bengals and their injured quarterback, Carson Palmer. The Bengals’ over/under is 9 ½.

This could leave the Venetian open to getting middled or sided on a team. Akers isn’t worried.

“Is it possible,” he said. “Yes, but the public also can get sided. It can work both ways. We just have to make sure to keep our eye on the information and make sure we’re on top of our game.”

What the bookmaker has going with this prop is a long time to build up interest on the wager since payoffs won’t come until January. But this prop, unlike futures bets, goes two-way although juice is factored in. The Venetian, for instance, is using a 30-cent line.

There are some sports gamblers, though, who put nearly their entire bankroll into these over/under props, believing they are the superior handicapper. One professional gambler said he bet around six figures just on baseball over/unders.

Other gamblers use this prop to scalp, looking for middles or trying to win on one side while pushing if the other side wins. These arbitragers now have a starting point for NFL over/unders.

The AFC West looks tough when you break the teams down into their respective divisions. The Denver Broncos’ over/under is 10, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs at 9, San Diego Chargers at 8 ½ and Oakland Raiders at 6 ½.

The much-improving NFC East is the only division where all four teams have an over/under of at least eight victories. The Dallas Cowboys lead the way at 9 ½. The New York Giants are at 9, followed by the Washington Redskins 8 ½ and Philadelphia Eagles at 8.

Chicago is the only NFC North Division team projected to finish above .500. The Bears are at 9, followed by the Minnesota Vikings at 8, Detroit Lions at 7 and Green Bay Packers at 6 ½.

Carolina leads the way in the NFC South Division with an over/under of 9 ½. Next is Tampa Bay at 9. Then comes Atlanta at 8 ½ followed by New Orleans at 5 ½.

In the NFC West Division, Seattle is 11 with Arizona at 8, followed by St. Louis at 7 ½ and San Francisco at 5.

The AFC East, North and South Divisions are spread out with the haves and have nots.

New England paces the AFC East with an over/under of 10. Miami is at 9, followed by Buffalo at 7 and then the Jets at 5 ½.

Jacksonville is the only team remotely close to Indy in the AFC South at 9 ½. Tennessee is 6 ½ and Houston is 5 ½.

Cleveland has the lowest total in the AFC North at 6 ½.

[Angry Pope]

Leinart writes about his visit here...

QB meets with Raiders, Saints

By Matt Leinart
Special to ESPN.com


Editor's note: Former USC QB Matt Leinart will offer ESPN.com an exclusive look into his life in the days and weeks leading up to the NFL draft (April 29-30).

It's been a long few days. I'm excited to be back home in L.A. It's been fun to meet everybody and go to the different places, but I'm definitely ready to get this over with.

As I'm writing this entry, I'm at my agent Chuck Price's house. I'm watching his two daughters dance to some Disney show. They're like the little sisters I never had. I'm kind of like their big brother.

I've been so busy traveling this week I haven't had a chance to talk to anybody.

Wednesday, I woke up at 4 a.m, and went to the airport to get on a flight to New Orleans. I had a layover in Houston. I got there and talked to the Saints' coaches. I met with the head coach Sean Payton, quarterbacks' coach Pete Carmichael, Jr. and general manager Mickey Loomis.

Coach Payton is a great guy. He'll be calling the plays in New Orleans. All the coaches I've met have been great, but coach Payton was really cool. I got along with him well.

Even though it was hot and humid in New Orleans, it was a good experience. What the city and people went through was horrible. I'm not one of those guys who would say I don't want to be with the Saints because of what happened to the city. It would be great to play for the Saints. To be there, to feel it, and talk about the community with the coaches was a very cool thing.

We had a nice BBQ dinner at my hotel after I got a tour of the Saints' facilities. It was really informal. I was there with coach Payton, offensive coordinator Doug Marrone, coach Carmichael and Mikey Loomis. We just kind of hung out and shot the breeze.

Thursday, I had an 8 a.m flight to Oakland to meet with the Raiders. After I arrived, I took a nap. I finally had a chance to catch up on some sleep.

I went out to dinner Thursday night with the quarterbacks' coach Jim McElwain. Everyone calls him "coach Mac." We went to dinner in the marina. We were right on the water. We had an awesome talk. This is his first year in the NFL. He's coming from college at Michigan State where he coached quarterbacks. He's a younger coach and very laid back.

The Raiders' facilities are right by the airport. It was really convenient. Everything was in silver and black.

After meeting with coach Shell, and watching film with offensive coordinator Tom Walsh and coach Mac, I met with Mr. Al Davis.

Mr. Davis and I met for 15 or 20 minutes in his office. I've never met him before. I told him that I've been a Raiders' fan for a long time. My brother and dad are also big fans of the Raiders.

Mr. Davis is so highly respected. He coached at USC a while ago. We talked about everything from my career to players he coached. I asked him about his quarterback situation. At USC, I was called "The Snake", which is Kenny Stabler's nickname. Stabler was his quarterback a long time ago, so it was pretty cool. Stabler was a lefty too. Mr. Davis actually said when he was watching film I reminded him of Stabler!

It was a cool experience. Mr. Davis is a legend. He's extremely smart. He's really the guy that started the NFL.

I got back to L.A on Friday. The plan for this weekend is to relax.

I played golf on Saturday with my brother Ryan, Chuck and a couple buddies. I still haven't gotten my golf clubs that I was fitted for. I had to borrow them from my attorney. As you know, I have the tendency to throw my clubs so I'm almost glad they haven't arrived. Once I start practicing, I'll be decent. I just haven't had the time.

I plan on packing this weekend for New York. I leave on Tuesday. I thought I would have more of an idea about who is going to draft me, but I still don't know. I probably won't know until draft day. It's a toss-up. That's the scary and cool part about it.

It will be great to go anywhere.

I'm excited and can't wait to get it over.

[CrossBones]

Just my opinion but I think Matt will be a Raider one way or the other.

Here's the scenario I think is very real:

Houston: Bush
New Rrleans; Mario Willaims
Tennessee: Vince Young
NY Jets: D'Brick Ferguson
Green Bay: A. J. Hawk
S.F.: Vernon Davis
Raiders: Matt Eninart

Or we might try and move up to two and take Leinart. He's out guy. I don't necessarily agree or disagree I just have the feeling he's out man.

[Rupert]

Of the 3 guys available at QB, I like Leinart the best.

He doesn't have the great arm like Cutlet (or is that Cutler?). He doesn't have killer quicks and escape-ability like Young. But when it comes to making throws in the clutch, or making the right decision in the pocket, he's the best of the bunch. Probably the best coming out this year. You cannot argue with his success. If USC had 1 more minute in the Rose Bowl, they'd have won it on Leinart's arm, guaranteed.

Let's see, my preferred selection goes something like this: 1) Mario Williams, 2) Matt Leinart, 3) A.J. Hawk, 4) Reggie Bush, 5) D'Brickshaw Ferguson, 6) Michael Huff, 7) Haloti Ngata, 8)Vernon Davis.

Now you could wonder why Bush is #4. It's simple: we've got a very good starter, we can get a decent runner later in the draft, and we don't need a starter or an upgrade at starter.

In my book, it's a dream scenario if Vince goes before our pick. It's also a dream if Cutler goes before our pick. Both of them going before us means someone nice is going to drop into our lap.

To that end, we need to invite Cutlet in for a heart to heart.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a story on Leinart...

A Leading Man, Leinart Remains Down to Earth Despite Stardom

By KAREN CROUSE

LOS ANGELES, April 20 — The black Lincoln Town Car with the Diva 96 license plate carrying Matt Leinart and three others swung out of the 20th Century Fox studio lot Tuesday night, eased onto Avenue of the Stars, turned left at Santa Monica Boulevard and pulled up to the curb of a chain restaurant that is popular with steak eaters, not celebrities.

The driver swiveled in his seat to ask Leinart, the former Southern California quarterback, where he wished to be picked up. Leinart responded with a question of his own.

"Have you eaten?" Leinart asked. "You want to come have dinner with us?" The driver thanked him but said no, he was fine. "You sure?" Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, said.

Earl Douglas, who was hired by Fox Sports to transport Leinart to and from an appearance on "The Best Damn Sports Show Period," said he had been ferrying famous people for decades.

Later, after dropping off Leinart and his passengers in front of Leinart's downtown apartment, Douglas said: "I'll tell you the truth. In the several, several years I've been doing this, he is the third person to offer me an invitation like that."

The other two? Diahann Carroll and Connie Stevens, Douglas said.

Sonny Werblin, the Jets owner responsible for signing Joe Namath in 1965, once said: "When Joe Namath walks into a room, you know he's there. When any other high-priced rookie walks in, he's just a nice-looking young man."

Leinart, 22, who could be the first quarterback taken Saturday in the N.F.L. draft, has a similar effect on people.

He can walk into Fred Segal, the clothing store on trendy Melrose Avenue, or Taco Bell, the fast-food haven for starving students, and the reaction is the same. "People want to shake his hand, get their picture taken with him," said Steve Clarkson, a private quarterbacks coach who has worked with Leinart for nine years. "It's really intriguing."

Leinart is a personality blend that is rarer than polyester in so-cool SoCal. He is a little bit couture and a little bit wash-and-wear. His circle of friends includes Paris Hilton and Brian Panique, whom he has known since fifth grade.

Leinart signed with Creative Artists Agency, a Beverly Hills talent agency with an A-list movie-industry clientele, but his closest advisers outside his family are Clarkson and Chuck Price, two football men. This city has become his V.I.P. room, but his favorite hangout is home.

When he does go out, Leinart leaves the preening and hair-care products to others. He approaches dressing as if it were a two-minute drill: he slips on a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, sneakers and a baseball cap, and is good to go. On Tuesday for his TV appearance, he dressed up his jeans with black loafers and a new blue button-down shirt that he slipped over his white undershirt, after unfolding his 6-foot-5 frame from the back seat of the car. He was fastening the last of the buttons as he walked into the studio lobby.

Stacey Garcia, a Fox Sports employee, spent a lot of time around Leinart and Reggie Bush, the Southern California running back who won the 2005 Heisman Trophy, during the Trojans' 34-game winning streak. (Leinart was 37-2 in three years as a starter.)

"The running joke is Matt takes two minutes to get ready and Reggie takes two hours," Garcia said.

She added, "Wherever Matt ends up, if it's New York or Nashville or somewhere else, whatever market it is, they're going to get the same person."

Before Leinart became football's leading man in the country's No. 2 media market, he was an overweight child who had been born cross-eyed and wore thick glasses. He eventually shed the baby fat and the glasses, and had two operations to correct his vision. What he never lost is his communion with people who, for whatever reason, are easy to ignore.

U.S.C. sits on the fringes of downtown in an area where barred windows come with the scenery. Panique said that when he visited Leinart at college, one of their usual stops was an off-campus convenience store.

"There were homeless people who hung out in front of the store," Panique, a mortgage processor, said Thursday in a telephone interview. "Matt talked to them all the time and got to know them. He invited them to football practice and they came. It was great."

Leinart was born in Santa Ana, Calif., and lived in the same house until he left for college. He never has lived more than an hour's drive from his parents, Bob and Linda, and has rarely gone a week without seeing one or both of them.

"No matter where I get drafted, it's going to be a completely different lifestyle," Leinart said. "But I'm excited. I'm completely ready for a change of pace."

Leinart's brother, Ryan, 27, will move to the city of whichever team drafts him. He will help Leinart get settled and establish his charitable foundation. They are not sure where they are going. Will it be Nashville? New York?

The Tennessee Titans and the Jets have the third and fourth overall picks. Leinart can be highly self-critical. So when he emerged Tuesday morning from his private workout for Jets officials and gave a friend a double-thumbs-up signal, it was seen as a good sign.

"If I was to end up in New York, the transition would be easier," Leinart said.

U.S.C. Coach Pete Carroll, who was on the Jets' staff from 1990 through the 1994 season, the last season as the head coach, agreed.

"For three years he's performed on the biggest stage," Carroll said. "He had all the attention, all the scrutiny, and he handled it beautifully. If Matt ends up in New York, he'll be as well prepared as anybody at this stage."

Will he be another Namath? "I don't know that anybody will ever do it better than Joe did it," Carroll said. "I don't even know that Matt desires to be seen that way."

When Werblin, a former executive of the Music Corporation of America, the talent industry giant of its day, signed Namath to a $400,000 contract, he reportedly told him, "I don't know whether you'll play on our team or make a picture for Universal."

Leinart said he did not sign with Creative Artists Agency to read movie scripts when his nose is not in his playbook, or to become the pocket-passer pitchman.

"I just felt like they probably could maximize my marketing opportunities in the future, post-football," Leinart said. "It's all about making the most of my opportunities."

One of Leinart's publicists is Sandy Friedman, whose father, Harry, once ran MCA's film division and was an associate of Werblin's. Sandy Friedman, who represented the Beach Boys for 20 years beginning in 1973, works closely with Price, who coached football at two Los Angeles high schools before deciding that his future was in marketing and management.

Price, 42, apprenticed at First Team Marketing, where he managed events involving the former Lakers superstar Magic Johnson, then branched out on his own. He met Leinart through Clarkson when Leinart was 14.

Leinart has immense regard for Price, who is certified by the National Football League Players Association but not well-connected in N.F.L. circles. Leinart chose Price as his agent in January, then added Leigh Steinberg to handle his contract negotiations to take advantage of his experience.

Steinberg's high profile was what attracted Leinart, but it quickly wore on him. The recent addition by Creative Artists of the respected N.F.L. agent Tom Condon, whose clients include quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and Chad Pennington, perhaps hastened the inevitable. Last week, Leinart fired Steinberg, who has managed the N.F.L.'s No. 1 overall pick on eight occasions.

"For what I was trying to do, what was in my best interest, it just felt like that relationship was going in another direction," said Leinart, who is more comfortable with the low-key styles of Condon and Price.

Leinart is happy with his entourage, but he is mindful that it can shield him from only so much. On the ride to the studio, Leinart was handed pictures posted on the Internet by bloggers that show him cozying up to pretty women in poorly lit bars. In none of them does Leinart have a drink in his hand. He studied the pictures, shrugged and handed them back with a weary laugh.

"People want to catch me with a drink in my hand," Leinart said. "I should be able to go out like a normal 22-year-old, which I am. But I have to be careful. I know that."

Leinart received a scare recently when he thought he was being pulled over by the police; he was grilled about soliciting a prostitute. It turned out he was the victim of a prank for "Punk'd," his friend Ashton Kutcher's show on MTV.

When the episode is broadcast, Leinart knows he will get more grief. He doesn't care.

"All the people who are saying I've gone Hollywood," he said, framing the last two words with an exaggerated motion of his fingers to signify quotation marks, "they have no idea about me."

[Angry Pope]

From Art....

"We want to add linebackers to our staff. We really do,'' Shell said. "So it's a need and it's something we'd like to add to our group. We'd like to add some more linebackers but again, we just want to add talent to our roster. We want talent. We want speed.''

[Angry Pope]

Tyrone Wheatley going back to college...

Returning to his roots and a 'second' love

Wheatley comes back to Michigan to finish his degree, help coach the track team

Sunday, April 23, 2006
BY JOHN HEUSER
News Sports Reporter

Tyrone Wheatley bid Ann Arbor farewell more than a decade ago, leaving for a productive NFL career that took him to both coasts, included nearly 5,000 rushing yards and a Super Bowl appearance with the Oakland Raiders.

But when Wheatley decided to retire last year, he and his wife Kim - who were high school sweethearts - decided to return to their Michigan roots. The couple now lives in Ann Arbor with their four children, and Wheatley has picked up at the University of Michigan right where he left off.

He's back in classes, nearly finished with his undergraduate degree in sports management. Wheatley is also involved in the school's athletics, although not with the football team for which he starred. He's helping out with his "second'' sport, track and field.

While at Michigan, Wheatley was a track All-American and a Big Ten champion hurdler in an encore to a high school track career at Dearborn Heights Robichaud, where he also was named an All-American.

On any weekday, take a late afternoon stroll past the track at Ferry Field, and Wheatley will be there. Assistant men's coach Fred LaPlante designs the workouts for the hurdlers and sprinters. Wheatley helps LaPlante as a volunteer assistant, critiquing athletes from a technical standpoint.

"It's a goofy group of guys,'' Wheatley said. "Goofy in a good sense. They keep you young. Keep you on your toes.''

Wheatley has been tapping the experience of LaPlante and head coach Ron Warhurst, learning more about the administrative aspects of coaching. From LaPlante's perspective, Wheatley's presence has added substantial value to the team.

"It's not surprising that the kids are enamored with his background,'' LaPlante said. "It's one thing for someone like me to tell a kid something; when Tyrone Wheatley tells a kid, it's something different.''

Time to retire

When Wheatley got to the NFL, as a first-round draft pick of the New York Giants, he and other younger players teased the veterans who liberally applied products such as Flexall and Icy Hot to soothe their pains.

"We used to call it old-man cologne,'' Wheatley remembered. "Those guys would bathe in it.''

Only after a while, Wheatley became one of "those guys.''

At workouts with the Raiders, Wheatley would wear his throwback cleats, a pair of old Nike high-tops that prompted teammates to question whether that was the same footwear he had laced up for Michigan's Rose Bowl appearances.

In conversations Wheatley had with older players through the years, they explained to him how the process of giving up football would go.

"When it's time, your body will tell you and then your heart,'' he said, adding. "It wasn't so much that your body is broken down dead on the side of the road, but it was the bumps and bruises. Getting hit wasn't fun for me anymore.''

When Wheatley's friend and Raiders' teammate Napoleon Kaufman retired, Wheatley paid close attention. Kaufman called him the night before a mini-camp started and told Wheatley: "I'll be out there tomorrow. If I'm not feeling it, I'm gone.''

While Wheatley sweated through the workout, Kaufman stood off to the side relaxing, a big smile on his face. His decision had been made.

"I could see that he was so happy with the thought of leaving the game,'' Wheatley said.

One year, while recovering from shoulder surgery, Wheatley experienced life without football, and concluded it wasn't so bad.

"I got used to sitting on the couch, used to seeing my sons play baseball, used to seeing them play soccer,'' he said. "(I) really got used to having no football responsibilities.''

So last summer, Wheatley decided to step away from the game.

"It was one of those deals where I beat myself up enough. Football provided for me, gave me a wonderful and joyful life,'' Wheatley said. "It was a matter of, do I really need this anymore? Do I have to?''

No looking back

Throughout his career, Wheatley kept a notebook in which he created a list - "from A to Z'' as he puts it - of things he wanted to accomplish when his playing career ended.

Most immediate - and important - were completing his education, and spending more time with his children, who range in age from 3 to 9.

"For a big chunk of their life, daddy has been gone,'' Wheatley said. "It's not like they're on your routine, you have to get on their routine.''

He told a story of how he was once sitting next to one of his sons when the boy suddenly went off in search of his mom, walking upstairs to tell Kim he wanted something to eat. It never occurred to Wheatley's son that dad could handle the job, too.

"It hit me,'' Wheatley said. "(That) I really, really have to reintroduce myself back into their life.''

Longer-term, Wheatley is working toward starting a youth center in his hardscrabble hometown of Inkster. It would be a place where kids and teenagers in need can get tutoring, a hot lunch and job counseling. He also envisions recreation opportunities, including Amateur Athletic Union teams based there in a number of sports.

"I don't want to sound too cliché,'' Wheatley said. "But I want to open that up and try to save the world back there.''

As Wheatley has discovered, however, there are roadblocks to his dream, especially the multiple layers of government bureaucracy he has begun to fight through.

"It's a huge thing, a hard thing,'' Wheatley said. "It's intimidating.''

But not enough to scare him off, he said, as he settles into a life, post-football, that's filled with possibilities.

"I always want people to remember me as a person, not as a football player,'' Wheatley said. "If I'm your friend, your contemporary, I want you to remember me for the impact I had on you personally.''

John Heuser can be reached at jheuser@annarbornews.com or 734-994-6816.

[Rupert]

I wish Wheatley all the luck in the world. He was a good player who had some bad luck in the situations he found himself in. Hopefully it doesn't repeat itself in his private life.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a story on Bo..twenty years ago he said no to Tampa Bay....

BO JACKSON

First To Worst

By IRA KAUFMAN

Published: Apr 23, 2006

TAMPA - It's been 20 years since the Bucs were spurned by a two-sport star and a first-class iconoclast.

After investigating Hugh Culverhouse's reputation, mercurial running back Bo Jackson turned his broad back on a record-setting offer from Tampa Bay's controversial owner, picking up a bat instead of a football.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 1986 draft embarked on a baseball career with the Royals, leaving a lousy team in tatters and at least one former Buc in ecstasy.

"Bo's a good guy, and I was glad he was strong enough to tell Culverhouse, 'I don't want to play for you,'" current Bucs pro personnel executive Doug Williams said. "A guy like Bo Jackson had the power to say no."

Despite a five-year, $7.6 million proposal from Culverhouse, which represented the most lucrative contract offered for an NFL rookie, Jackson stalled the Bucs and opened negotiations with the Royals through his agent, Richard Woods.

Yes, the same Richard Woods who called Williams after the draft to discuss the sorry state of the Bucs' administration.

"When you draft first overall and don't sign the player, it's a huge mistake for the franchise," said former coach Leeman Bennett, who went 4-28 in his two seasons on the Tampa Bay sideline. "Mr. Culverhouse told me, 'Don't worry, we'll get him in here.' So we draft Bo, don't sign him and the next year, I get fired."

Culverhouse's key administrator, Phil Krueger, said he had a queasy feeling the 1985 Heisman Trophy could run away from One Buc Place.

"Auburn coaches said he couldn't hit the curveball, but in my mind, I thought the baseball option would be a problem for us," Krueger said from his home in South Florida. "Mr C. was in love with that name - Bo Jackson. Culverhouse would never show his hand, but when Bo didn't sign with us, I think he was hurt and bitter by it."

That pain only intensified a year later, when Jackson went back into the NFL draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the seventh round.

Raiders owner Al Davis, who shared Jackson's maverick outlook, worked out an accommodation that allowed the former Auburn All-America to pursue both sports within a calendar year.

"When I first met him, Bo struck me as a guy who was very deliberate about what he wanted to do," former Bucs tight end Jimmie Giles said. "He absolutely loved the city of Tampa. Why didn't he sign? It was all about Doug Williams. Bo grew up in the South, and all he could see here was a Southern plantation owner mentality [in Culverhouse]."

Dissention From Within

That nasty 1983 split between the Bucs and Williams resonated with Jackson. The subject was brought up repeatedly when Jackson met with several Tampa Bay players in the spring of 1986.

"Yeah, they took him to dinner and ran up a big bill that I paid," Krueger said. "That's where some of our guys told him he'd be crazy to come to Tampa."

Jackson may have struggled against the breaking ball, but he knew how to turn on a mistake.

"I chose another route, and that's just the way it is," Jackson told The Tampa Tribune in 2000. "I wasn't comfortable coming here to play. Not only that, but at the time there were even players who said, 'Man, you don't want to come here.' So when you've got people already on the team telling you that ..."

Instead of selecting six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Leslie O'Neal or quarterback Jim Everett, who finished with 203 touchdown passes and almost 35,000 yards, the Bucs received no opening-round value as they kicked off the draft on April 29, 1986.

When Jackson was chosen by the Royals in the fourth round of the '86 amateur draft, Tampa Bay officials figured they had the leverage. Instead, Vincent Edward Jackson agreed to Kansas City's three-year deal worth $1.066 million.

After only 53 games in the minors, Jackson made his major-league debut on Sept. 2, 1986. He hit 22 home runs the next season and by 1989, he was named the MVP of the All-Star Game.

"I wasn't shocked Bo didn't sign here," former Bucs linebacker Scot Brantley said. "I never held it against him, because this guy might have been one of the top five athletes that ever lived. It's just a shame he couldn't display his football skills in Tampa Bay."

He Showed Them

Before hip problems cut his dual careers short, Jackson showed Raider Nation what he could do with a football.

He was the first NFL player to register two rushing touchdowns of 90 yards or more, and Jackson averaged a startling 5.4 yards per carry in his 515 career attempts as a part-time pro.

"I played against Bo in a preseason game [1988], and I've never seen anything like it in my life," Williams said. "I've still never seen 80 yards go by that fast."

Jackson is a family man now, living in suburban Chicago as co-owner of N'Genuity Enterprises, a company specializing in food products.

The 43-year-old entrepreneur declined to talk about his decision to reject the Bucs, but his stance spoke volumes about Tampa Bay's executive suite.

Culverhouse, the man in orange, apparently couldn't offer Jackson enough green to forget about Doug Williams.

"I fell in love with Bo, the person who loved to hunt and fish," said Brantley, who served as tour guide for Jackson's fishing trip to Pasco County in 1986. "I remember him sitting in that boat, telling me that our owner is a little different. He was handled poorly by the front office - I don't think the loyalty and sincerity was there.

"Bo was a very prideful guy who said to the organization, 'I'll show you.' That's exactly what he did."

[Angel]

Team nutritionist....
:p.....Hey!! Did you guys even notice I was gone? :(

[Angry Pope]

:p.....Hey!! Did you guys even notice I was gone? :(

I did...missed you :)

[CrossBones]

:p.....Hey!! Did you guys even notice I was gone? :(Yes we did.

Where have you been. Vacation?

[Rupert]

Of course we did. Benedict's spinning silver and black heart can't bring a smile the way your angel does. Good to see you again.

[Angry Pope]

Here is our latest salary cap situation...take it for what it is worth...

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.

[Angry Pope]

Here is one that they try to approximate on April 4th....take it for what it is worth...

For the sake of this installment, we have designated teams that are less than $5M under the cap in RED. These are teams that have little money to sign free agents and may need to make cuts or restructure salaries in order to sign all of their draft picks. Teams in BLACK, which are between $5M and $10M under the cap, are teams that look to be in pretty good shape in terms of adding more veterans and signing all of their rookies without having to take drastic measures. Teams in GREEN are teams that are well under the cap and should have plenty of room to sign free agents and rookies.

With the latest extension to the CBA, the 2006 salary cap is approximately $102 M, which represents a nice increase over last year's $85.5 M figure.

Keep in mind that these numbers remain tentative -- and are changing on a daily basis. These "unofficial" figures are approximate as of April 4, 2006.


Projected 2006 NFL Salary Cap Space for Each Team

Rank Team $ Under the Cap

1 San Diego Chargers $19.5 M

2 Green Bay Packers $19 M

3 Philadelphia Eagles $18.5 M

4 New England Patriots $18.42 M

5 Cincinnati Bengals $15.9 M

6 Jacksonville Jaguars $15.297 M

7 San Francisco 49ers $15 M

8 New Orleans Saints $14.95 M

9 NY Jets $14.535 M

10 Arizona Cardinals $14.243 M

11 Dallas Cowboys $13.168 M

12 Chicago Bears $11.89 M

13 Seattle Seahawks $11.5 M

14 Cleveland Browns $10.935 M

15 St. Louis Rams $10.785 M

16 Minnesota Vikings $10.207 M

17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers $9.775 M

18 Kansas City Chiefs $9.755 M

19 Indianapolis Colts $8.912 M

20 Denver Broncos $7.325 M

21 Baltimore Ravens $6.87 M

22 Houston Texans $5.16 M

23 Miami Dolphins $4.84 M

24 Buffalo Bills $4.8 M

25 Pittsburgh Steelers $4.8 M

26 Washington Redskins $4.355 M

27 Oakland Raiders $3.947 M

28 NY Giants $3.93 M

29 Detroit Lions $3.5 M

30 Atlanta Falcons $3.494 M

31 Carolina Panthers $3.325 M

32 Tennessee Titans $462300

[Angry Pope]

I am not sure where to put this...

McCloughans' code of silence

By MATT MAIOCCO

SANTA CLARA - Scot McCloughan said he has not spoken with his father since he called "tails" in late February.

McCloughan is the 49ers' vice president of player personnel. His father, Kent, is a long-time Raiders scout. The 49ers won the coin toss that gave the 49ers the right to pick sixth, while the Raiders select No. 7 in the first round of the NFL draft on Saturday. Both teams finished with 4-12 records with the same strength of schedule.

The proximity in their draft picks is the reason the McCloughan family has imposed a gag order within its ranks.

"It's better that way," Scot said. "I could just see us taking a player they want and Al (Davis) saying, 'Hey.' "

But McCloughan is not ruling out the possibility that the 49ers and Raiders could end up speaking on Saturday - especially if Texas quarterback Vince Young is still available when the 49ers pick at No. 6.

"If he does fall to six, we're going to field some calls, and they (the Raiders) are going to know that," McCloughan said. "If that's the guy they've pinpointed, they're not going to want to miss out on him."

The Raiders would likely have to part with their first- and fourth-round picks (No. 101 overall) to get the No. 6.

[Angry Pope]

The new sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football...

NBC formally names Andrea Kremer, after 17 years at ESPN, as its sideline reporter on Sunday night NFL games on Monday. She also will kick off NBC's coverage with reports from Saturday's NFL Draft.
Plus, she'll get to join NBC's Olympic coverage. She says ABC/ESPN's Robin Roberts told her, "You never want to cover the Olympics as a non-rights-holder, staking out people in parking lots. So that's icing on the cake."

Although widely experienced, Kremer hasn't been a sideline reporter. Kremer, whose husband, John Steinberg, is an archaeologist whose specialty is viking history, says she was attracted by the "incredible challenge" and by NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol. "I don't get Pollyannish, but in sports television there's Roone Arledge and Dick Ebersol." Plus, she's encouraged that NBC's NFL game schedule is "on paper the best schedule any network has ever gotten."

Whoa, there's some GE spirit. John Madden, NBC's NFL star, called Kremer tops in her field Friday. Which means something given that Madden was measured Friday for his bust for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he'll be inducted in August. To him, that raised a question: "Do they make a bust of what my head is now? Or take it back to like it was when I was coaching 30 years ago?" NBC's games should be interesting.

[Angel]

I missed you guys too!! No vacation Bones.....my sister and her husband split up and she's been here since Tuesday driving me totally crazy....then my computer crashed and I wasn't able to get online!! Finally got it figured out though!! :)

[Rupert]

Your sister was cruising the porn sites again. <sigh> Tell her to use her own computer. ;)

[Angry Pope]

Draft numbers...

The NFL Draft, By the Numbers

Monday, April 24, 2006; E05

Washington Post

The Washington Post gathered data from the first three rounds of the NFL draft over the past 10 years and measured each pick's average games played per season. This number is not necessarily a measure of NFL success -- a player might have played 15 games per season, albeit unproductively for a losing team. But average games played per season can comparatively measure draft success and failure, and after analyzing the data, many interesting numbers emerge.

12.31

Average games played per season among players drafted in the first three rounds. Those drafted in the first have played an average of 13.02, those in the second averaged 12.70 and players drafted in the third round played an average of 11.17 games per season.

13.47

Average games played per season of picks 11-15, the highest segment in the draft. The top five have averaged 13.18.

15.29

Average games played per season of the Houston Texans' first-round draft picks (six of them), the highest average. Dallas first-rounders (seven) are second with 15.00. The second-round picks with the highest average have been Cleveland's. Its eight picks have played 14.00 games per season. The best third-rounders have been Pittsburgh's. Its 14 picks have averaged 12.33.

6.57

Average games played per season by the Baltimore Ravens' third-round picks (five of them), the lowest average. Carolina first-rounders (nine) are the worst of the first round with 10.48. The worst second-round picks have been Detroit's. Its eight picks have played 11.00 per season.

4.24

Average games played per season by the 13 quarterbacks drafted in the third round, the lowest of any position in any of the first three rounds. The quarterbacks drafted in the first round (24 of them) have averaged 10.22 and the ones drafted in the second (seven) average 8.91.

14.06

Average games played by safeties drafted in the second round (20 of them), the highest average of any position with more than three players drafted.

65

Picks 1-65 have averaged 12.86 games played per season. Picks 66-101 have averaged 11.01. Of the first 65, 30 have averaged 13 or more games played per season. Only four of the final 56 have averaged as many.

14.75

The 19th and 35th picks have both averaged 14.75 games played per season the past 10 years, the best in the draft. 7.12

The 77th pick has averaged 7.12 games played per season the past 10 years, the worst in the first three rounds.

2.17

Difference in games played per season between skill position players (QBs, RBs, WRs, DBs) drafted in the second round (12.91) and those drafted in the third round (10.74)

45

Wide receivers taken in the first round, the most popular position picked of any in the first three rounds.

124

Wide receivers and defensive backs picked in the first three rounds, tied for the most popular position. Punter is the least popular. Only three have been drafted in the first three rounds (all in the third) in the last 10 years.

MOST SUCCESSFUL DRAFTS OVERALL

Teams

(No. of picks)
Pick's avg. games played per season

Colts (30) 13.47
Bills (30) 13.08
Jets (30) 12.97
Texans (20) 12.85
Eagles (32) 12.85


Note: Redskins are ranked 7th overall (23 picks) (12.69)

LEAST SUCCESSFUL DRAFTS OVERALL

Teams

(No. of picks)
Pick's avg. games played per season

Lions (32) 11.25
Packers (31) 11.44
Bears (32) 11.75
Browns (24) 11.83
Panthers (33) 11.86


MOST SUCCESSFUL DRAFT BY ROUND

Teams

(No. of picks)
Pick's avg. games played per season

Texans' 1st round (6) 15.29
Cowboys' 1st round (7) 15.00
Colts' 1st round (9) 14.96
Falcons' 1st round (8) 14.18
Jaguars' 1st round (11) 14.07


Note: Redskins' second round (six picks) is ranked 24th among all rounds by team, eighth among other second rounds (13.24); their first round (10 picks) is ranked 29th overall, 18th among first rounds (13.02); their third round (seven picks) is ranked 68th overall, 12th among third rounds (11.55).

LEAST SUCCESSFUL DRAFT BY ROUND

Teams

(No. of picks)
Pick's avg. games played per season

Ravens' 3rd round (5) 6.57
Rams' 3rd round (11) 9.91
Seahawks' 3rd round (12) 9.91
Broncos' 3rd round (13) 9.93
Jaguars' 3rd round (11) 10.22


TEAMS WITH MOST FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKS

Team Picks

Steelers 14
Chargers 13
Raiders 13
Rams 13
Seahawks 13


MOST SUCCESSFUL DRAFT POSITION

Pick

19 14.75
35 14.75
13 14.51
17 14.49
36 14.49


LEAST SUCCESSFUL DRAFT POSITION

Pick

77 7.12
82 8.40
86 8.42
76 9.93
81 10.18


PLAYERS SELECTED WITH THE 19TH AND 35TH PICKS , the most successful (14.75 games per season).

19s

Shaun Alexander

Alex Barron

Kyle Boller

Vernon Carey

Tarik Glenn

Casey Hampton

Marvin Harrison

Vonnie Holliday

Ashley Lelie

Luke Petitgout

35s

Mike Alstott

Reggie Brown

Alge Crumpler

Kalimba Edwards

John Engelberger

Barry Gardner

Lawyer Milloy

Igor Olshansky

Tony Parrish

Charles Tillman

[Angry Pope]

Former mayor of San Antonio who also is a former Secretary of HUD, Henry Cisneros, has a daughter, Mercedes who is married to Brad Badger....

Mercedes is married to an Oakland Raiders football player, 320-pound offensive lineman Brad Badger. Cisneros says the couple is doing especially well, thanks in part to a new two-year contract Badger recently signed with the NFL team.

[Angry Pope]

Replays of games played the week prior....



NFL Network to replay games


Associated Press

NEW YORK - NFL games will be replayed in a 90-minute format on NFL Network during the upcoming season.

In the past, the league didn't allow full rebroadcasts. But beginning Tuesday, Sept. 12, "NFL Game Re-Airs" will feature four of the best matchups from the previous weekend. Eliminated will be halftime and, according to a league announcement, "other elements not critical to the outcome."

But additional features, such as sideline and on-field sound captured during the game and postgame news conference sound bites will be interspersed within the broadcast. There also will be camera shots and angles from NFL Films that differ from those on the original telecast.

"Fans have been asking us for years about encore presentations of our games," said Charles Coplin, NFL Network's vice president of programming. "For NFL Network, these rights are as significant as securing the new Thursday-Saturday prime-time game package."

Two games will be shown each Tuesday and Wednesday night. Games shot in high definition will re-air in HD. Which games will be re-aired will be announced Mondays.

It will be the first time in league history that games from the NFL regular-season or playoffs will be shown outside their live window. The network expects to show 75 replays altogether.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a mock that is approached in a different way....

4/24/06

Writers' 2006 Mock Draft PFW

Since we can't get into the draft rooms to see every team's board, we checked with those who have a strong knowledge of each NFL team, the writers assigned to cover them. Patriots Football Weekly polled beat reporters from every NFL city and compiled a 2006 mock draft with their opinions and comments. It was published in the extensive draft preview edition of PFW published on April 5th, and now you can see it right here on Patriots.com.


Get this, and more great news on the Patriots by subscribing to Patriots Football Weekly today at 1-800-494-PATS or online at PFWonline.com and get 30 issues for just $46.95 and get a FREE copy of the official 2006 yearbook due in August. Sign up today and your first issue will be an extensive draft recap with detailed information on each Pats pick.

Pick Team Player Pos. School Writer Comment Other Needs

1 Houston Texans Reggie Bush RB USC

John McClain,
Houston Chronicle

Addressing needs in free agency allows Texans to take best player in draft.

DE, OL, LB


2. New Orleans Saints D’Brickashaw Ferguson T Virginia

Mike Triplett,
New Orleans Times- Picayune

Probably will opt to trade down but not out of the top 5.

MLB, T, DT


3. Tennessee Titans Matt Leinart QB USC

Jim Wyatt,
The Tennessean

He’s the best fit for the Titans offense.

MLB, RB, DB


4. New York Jets Mario Williams DE NC State

Rich Cimini,
New York Daily News

Loss of John Abraham leaves void and Eric Manigni will look for his Richard Seymour-type in Williams.

T, C, QB


5. Green Bay Packers A.J. Hawk LB Ohio State

Pete Dougherty,
Green Bay Press-Gazette

Next-best defensive player available and the Packers need a lot of help on defense.

Everything


6. San Francisco 49rs Vernon Davis TE Maryland

Kevin Lynch,
San Francisco Chroncicle

Niners are a little light at TE and Davis’ explosiveness gives them the offensive threat they need.

DL, LB, DB


7. Oakland Raiders Vince Young QB Texas

Bill Soliday,
Oakland Tribune

Hawk would be the pick if available but Aaron Brooks is is not the long-term solution at QB.

LB, TE


8. Buffalo Bills Michael Huff SS Texas

Allen Wilson,
Buffalo News

Haloti Ngata is a possibility but Huff’s versatility may make him more attractive.

DT, T


9. Detroit Lions Haloti Ngata DT Oregon

Mike O'Hara,
Detroit News

Dan Wilkinson may not be back and that would leave a void up front.

OL, S, DL


10. Arizona Cardinals Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt

Kent Somers,
Arizona Republic

Cardinals can’t pass up on another young quarterback after passing on Leftwich and Roethlisberger in the past.

OLB, OL, DT


11. St. Louis Rams Broderick Bunkley DT Florida State

Bill Coates,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Loss of Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis in FA leaves big void up front.

LB, TE, DL


12. Cleveland Browns Ernie Sims LB Florida State
Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal

Would love Ngata if he fell here, and Santonio Holmes is a possibility if Braylon Edwards’ return is delayed.


ILB, S, OL


13. Baltimore Ravens Winston Justice T USC

Aaron Wilson, Carroll County Times

Disappointed Bunkley, Ngata and Huff are off the board but shoring up OL for the future is a smart bet.

S, LB, DT


14. Philadelphia Eagles Chad Jackson WR Florida

Dave Spadaro,
PhildadelphiaEagles.com

Best WR in draft to help a young receiving corps.

DT, OL, LB


15. Denver Broncos Santonio Holmes (from Atalnta) WR Ohio State

Bill Williamson,
Denver Post

Holmes fills a need and is the most polished receiver in the draft.

RB, DE, S


cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd...

16. Miami Dolphins Jimmy Williams CB Virginia Tech

Jason Cole,
Miami Herald

Given what’s available, Dolphins could trade down but they like Williams’ size.

NT, CB, WR



17. Minnesota Vikings Kamerion Wimbley LB Florida State

Don Seeholzer,
Pioneer Press

Vikings have the ammunition to move up if they choose to go after the QB of the future.

QB, CB, OL


18. Dallas Cowboys Chad Greenway LB Iowa

Todd Archer,
Dallas Morning News

Would like an outside complement to Demarcus Ware and Greenway fills the bill.

S, LB, WR


19. San Diego Chargers Tye Hill CB Clemson

Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune

Fills need in the secondary with top receivers and Huff already off the board.

T, WR, CB


20. Kansas City Chiefs Johnathan Joseph CB South Carolina

Liz Merill,
Kansas City Star

Chiefs need some help in the secondary and Joseph should provide it.

CB, WR


21. New England Patriots Bobby Carpenter LB Ohio State

Patriots Football Weekly Staff

Versatile playmaker who can fit into Belichick’s 3-4 system.


DB, WR, RB


22. Denver Broncos LenDale White (from Washington) RB USC

Bill Williamson,
Denver Post

They need a big RB and his style fits Denver’s offense.

RB, DE, S


23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill T Auburn

Roy Cummings,
Tampa Tribune

Bucs need tackles and McNeill could probably step in and play right away.

CB, LB


24. Cincinnati Bengals Tamba Hali DE Penn State

Geoff Hobson,
Bengals.com

Justin Smith is entering a contract year and the Bengals are always looking for a pass rusher.

DT, TE, S, CB


25. New York Giants Manny Lawson DE/OLB NC State

Arthur Staple,
Newsday

Antonio Cromartie is a possibility because Giants need corner help badly.

DB, WR, T


26. Chicago Bears Leonard Pope TE Georgia

KC Johnson,
Chicago Tribune

They’d love a cornerback in this spot and would jump on Hill if available.

CB, WR, OL


27. Carolina Panthers DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis

Darin Garritt,
Rock Hill Herald

The Panthers would like a complement to DeShaun Foster and Williams would add another weapon.

G, T, OLB


28. Jacksonville Jaguars DeMeco Ryans LB Alabama

Vito Stellino,
Florida Times-Union

Jags need to replace the departed Akin Ayodele.

TE, WR


29. New York Jets Eric Winston (from Denver) T Miami

Rich Cimini,
New York Daily News

Jets have only one OT currently on the roster and they are badly in need of help up front.

T, C, QB


30. Indianapolis Colts Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota

Patriots Football Weekly Staff

Fills obvious need created by loss of Edgerrin James.

LB, DB, DL


31. Seattle Seahawks Darnell Bing S USC

Jose Romero,
Seattle Times

Ken Hamelin has yet to be cleared for a return and Bing fills a need.

CB, WR, G


32. Pittsburgh Steelers Donte Whitner S Ohio State

Ed Bouchette,
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steelers need some depth at safety after losing Chris Hope.

WR, RB

[Angry Pope]

Here is something on Bing...

The Oakland Raiders had a personal workout with USC S Darnell Bing Saturday, April 22. He worked out for the team for an hour and a half in Los Angeles.

[Angry Pope]

Another one..

The Oakland Raiders attended the workout of USC CB Justin Wyatt.

USC CB Justin Wyatt (groin) worked out at USC Saturday, April 22. Wyatt was clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.50 on field turf and 4.51 on the track. He posted a 4.09 20-yard short shuttle and a 6.77 three-cone drill despite a wet surface

[Angry Pope]

Information on CWood and Javon Walker from Schefter...



It's a big week for decisions


Adam Schefter



(April 24, 2006) -- Green Bay's busiest week of the offseason has arrived.

While weighing which player to take with the fifth overall selection, the team is in the process of trying to sign free-agent cornerback Charles Woodson and entertaining the idea of trading wide receiver Javon Walker.


Charles Woodson should be trying on his new uniform soon.
Woodson is expected to decide between Green Bay and Tampa Bay in the next 48 hours, and the Packers hope they have more success with the free-agent cornerback than they had with the free-agent linebacker LaVar Arrington.

Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, said he hoped to have a decision early this week, but was unsure how it would unfold, Green Bay or Tampa Bay.

Until then, Packers will wait for Woodson's word while getting word from other teams about how interested they are in Walker.

Today, the Packers began fielding telephone calls, and offers, in terms of trying to decide whether it is worth it to trade Walker. The Packers made it clear they only will trade Walker for the right price -- a high price.

Yet there are enough teams debating Green Bay's request. Teams at the top of the list include Denver and Philadelphia. But there are at least three confirmed others that weighed today. There is no shortage of suitors for Walker, meaning that it is looking more and more as if Green Bay will ship out the wide receiver who has stated he will not play again for the Packers.

However this all plays out with potential signings and trades and the draft, Green Bay's roster could have a markedly different look by this time next week.

[Angry Pope]

Here is another place to find many draft videos....

Hit it here... (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/prospects;_ylt=AoekR_VNQ1ZsgOADzgRRBJhDubYF?rank_t ype=2)

[Angel]

Your sister was cruising the porn sites again. <sigh> Tell her to use her own computer. ;)
:eek: Ahaha Rupert.....she doesn't really know much about how to use a computer!! :p

[Rupert]

An even better reason for her to stay off it. :p

[Angry Pope]

Here is our Sean Jones with comments about the DTs in the draft...

Wolfpack defensive line may hit it big

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
Cox News Service
Tuesday, April 25, 2006

ATLANTA — John McCargo's ascent up NFL draft boards means that N.C. State could have three members of its vaunted defensive line selected in the first round.

McCargo, who missed the final five games of the regular season with a stress fracture in his left foot, (fifth metatarsal), likely will hear his name called shortly after teammates Mario Williams and Manny Lawson this weekend at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

"I don't know how they lost so many games with those three guys," said Sean Jones, who works in the Oakland Raiders' personnel department and reports directly to Al Davis.

McCargo, a redshirt junior defensive tackle, recorded 28 tackles for losses and 34 quarterback hurries during his career.

"A lot of teams like that I have a quick first step off the ball, my athleticism, and some said that I use my hands well," McCargo said.

He visited Detroit (ninth pick overall), St. Louis (11th), Cleveland (12th), Baltimore (13th) and Kansas City (20th).

McCargo had to address questions about the Wolfpack's apparently underachieving defensive front.

"We had a pretty good defensive front," McCargo said. "At times, we could have played a lot better."

Williams is considered the top defensive player in the draft and could go as high as No. 2. Lawson is projected as a speed-rushing defensive end or as an outside linebacker.

Williams, at 6 feet 7 and 295 pounds, could anchor a defensive front.

"If this was a year where you didn't have a Reggie Bush or the quarterbacks, he would be No. 1," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. "At [No. 2], nobody is going to question the pick of Mario Williams."

With a league-wide emphasis on stopping the run, teams have selected an average of 7.6 defensive linemen in the first round of the past five drafts and 6.9 over the past 10. The highwater mark was in 2003 when 11 defensive linemen were taken in the first round. Only five were taken in 2004 and 1998.

McCargo is considered the third-best defensive tackle behind Oregon's Haloti Ngata and Florida State's Brodrick Bunkley.

Ngata has some detractors.

"He's a big guy who definitely has potential, but he tires easily," said Jones, the former defensive end who played 13 seasons in the NFL for the Los Angeles Raiders, Houston Oilers and Green Bay Packers.

"He spends a lot of time on the ground for a guy who can be so dominating at times."

Bunkley is considered a better pass rusher than Ngata.

"He's powerful — explosive enough to where he can get up the field," Jones said.

Another fast climber is Chris Gocong, a defensive end from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

He's from the same program that produced linebacker Jordan Beck, the Falcons' third-round pick last season.

Gocong won the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to Division I-AA top defensive player. He had 23 1/2 sacks last season and 17 1/2 sacks as a junior.

Teams looking for defensive linemen have been busy re-grading and doing background checks.

LSU's Claude Wroten, once considered a first-rounder, was arrested for drug possession, but charges were later dismissed.

Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka was rated a sure-fire top-10 pick, but turned in a subpar senior season and failed to impress at the NFL scouting combine.

Louisville's Elvis Dumervil was considered a first rounder based on his productivity, but 5-11, 257 is considered small for a defensive end.

"He's got ability," Jones said. "He can't be out there on every down."

Michigan's Gabe Watson has had to answer for his questioned work ethic, which led to him being benched as a senior.

"The kid from Michigan has first-round ability," Jones said. "He has ability, but I'm not crazy about him. I can't trust him because the only time he really started playing was when he realized 'Hey, I may be able to make some money.'"

[Angry Pope]

Here is who Mario has visited and a video interview...

Press to play... (http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/nflfilms/demand/s2006/nfln-ta/off/first_draft_mario_williams_300k.rm&rpcontexturl=http://www.nfl.com/fieldpass/includes/promo&rpcontextwidth=417)

Williams: It has all led up to this


(April 24, 2006) -- I'm going to remember all the time that was spent for interviews, as far as being at the Combine and all the interviews there; all the tests, like the physicals. Then come a couple weeks before the draft I have seven more interviews. I did a lot of flying. I flew like every day, and I'll always remember that experience.

I can't remember exact dates, but my first visit was with the Detroit Lions. Then about a week after that, which was about two weeks ago, I went to Houston on a Monday and then the Jets on Tuesday, then Buffalo on Wednesday and the Titans on Thursday. This past week on Tuesday, I went to the Saints for two days and Thursday I went to the 49ers. And even though these were different teams in different cities, the visits all seemed the same.

I went from team to team and got a chance to meet everybody, get a sense on how they play the defense and where I fit in. Some teams had me doing physicals. I did a physical for the Jets with some installments, and they had me do the most drastic stuff. Basically I just got a feel for what was offered.


All seven teams that Mario Williams visited with run a scheme he would be perfect for.

Everything is still up in the air. The way the business is, I'm not exactly sure what's going on. No one team stands out above the rest as far as a feeling goes, but with the Saints I really liked (defensive line) coach Marion (Hobby). He's a good guy and I think I would fit well into their 4-3 scheme. The one that sticks out is San Francisco. They don't typically run a 4-3. It's a mix of 4-3 and 3-4. But the technique they would have me play would work well.

I think I could do just as well in a 3-4 scheme. I saw with the 49ers that they want their linemen upfield in attack mode. There were a lot of two-gaps, so there was a hit and a shuffle down the line. That would be the biggest adjustment if I went there. At N.C. State, we got upfield and penetrated a lot just like the 49ers' linemen.

I worked out every day I wasn't visiting with teams. So the last time was this past Friday. Every day I was visiting with a team I was just doing that, visiting. I didn't work out. I'm really relaxed and laid back right now. I'm just waiting. I don't have a lot of anxiety or anything like that. Just waiting to see what happens, and that's about it.

I fly out Wednesday to go to New York. As soon as I get in, I am going to see what kind of festivities they have for us and things like that. On Draft Day, I'm just waiting to see what happens, and I'm sure I'll do a press conference with whatever team drafts me. I'm bringing my mom, dad, sister, brother, uncle, grandma -- pretty much the whole family!

[Angry Pope]

Here are some things that might happen to change the draft...take it for what it is worth...

There are a few curve balls still left


Pat Kirwan


(April 25, 2006) -- It's the week of the draft and the LaVar Arrington signing is a good reminder that there are still a few curve balls that could easily turn the top of this draft upside down. As soon as the Giants inked Arrington, it had a ripple effect on picks Nos. 26-32 in the first round.

On the assumption that the Giants would have taken an outside linebacker if it not for Arrington, that means they will take another position player and affect the talent pool for the remaining teams. It's not a bad spot to be in if your team was hoping for a quality outside linebacker, and probably a frustrating place to be if the Giants take a cornerback, running back or offensive tackle when the rest of the drafting teams were waiting for one to fall to them.


So, are there any other curve balls left out there that have a chance to affect the predictability of the first-round selections? Of course there are a few situations that could turn the best plans of teams into turmoil at draft time. Here are the situations to keep in mind as Saturday approaches, and teams may have to react to sudden changes. With so many teams having a lot of salary-cap space and some of these players softening on their stance about present value, the realistic chance of getting a deal done is real.

1. A team in the first round signs CB Ty Law. Now that Arrington's contract is a statement about the pre-draft market, and Law realizes upwards of eight corners could go in the first round, his market value is changing. For example, let's say a team like Detroit signed Law then the No. 9 pick could easily be Winston Justice, and that means a team like Arizona at No. 10 would need to go in a different direction, which would cause a following team to change.

2. A team signing CB Charles Woodson. Same scenario as Law, but let's look at a team like Kansas City inking Woodson. A guy from their division makes sense and it would mean the Chiefs could think about a defensive end like Tamba Hali or a wide receiver like Santonio Holmes. The Chiefs could upset the predictability of the bottom third of the draft with such a signing.

3. The Browns trade center Jeff Faine. That takes one team out of the Nick Mangold sweepstakes. For example, if the Eagles gave Cleveland compensation and passed on the Ohio State center, a team like Cincinnati or possibly Pittsburgh could drop what ever plans they have in the first round and grab the best center to play in years.

4. If the Packers trade WR Javon Walker to the Broncos at the No. 15 spot, then either Holmes or Chad Jackson should fall to a team like Tampa Bay down at No. 23. If the Eagles win the bidding war for Walker, then Denver might have their pick of the receivers.

5. Trading QB Joey Harrington has a very good chance of pushing a second-tier QB like Brodie Croyle, Charlie Whitehurst or even Kellen Clemens a half round deeper on selection day.


6. If San Diego actually has linebacker Donnie Edwards on the trading block, then backers like DeMeco Ryans, Chad Greenway or even Abdul Hodge will wait a few picks more than they have to under different circumstances.

7. Trading WR Ashley Lelie by the Broncos after they secure a wide receiver in this draft clearly takes one team out of the hunt for the limited talent pool in this receiver class. Lelie has not played well enough to stop a team from drafting Jackson or Holmes, but the rest of the receivers could all be bumped down a spot or two if Lelie enters the mix.

Finally, in the last few years trading draft picks, draft day trades, and last second free agent signings have become more frequent and this year sets up as an unpredictable year. Throw into the equation that most teams don't believe there are 32 players worthy of a first round selection and we have the ingredients for a wild Saturday.

[Angry Pope]

Here is another player in the draft that Clayton says we like....

Remember the name: An interesting name emerging near the top of the second round is linebacker Jon Alston. The Raiders like him. The Broncos are on him heavy, and they have the sixth pick of the second round, one ahead of Oakland. In the first or second round, the Broncos would like to add a pass-rusher either at end or linebacker. Manny Lawson of North Carolina State is a first-round consideration for the Broncos. Alston could be an interesting fallback.

[Angry Pope]

Here are all the answers you wanted to know about quarterbacks Cutler, Leinart, and Young....

50 questions for the quarterbacks


We asked the top three quarterbacks in the 2006 NFL Draft to answer some personal questions about themselves. Their responses:

Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart

1. Coke or Pepsi: Diet Coke.
2. Favorite holiday: Christmas.
3. Favorite type of ice cream: Oreo Blizzard/Cookie dough.
4. What single store would you max out your credit card at: Best Buy.
5. Favorite gadget: Cell phone.
6. Favorite reality TV show: Punk'd.
7. Favorite cartoon: Duck Tales.
8. Favorite food: Italian.
9. Hidden talent: My basketball skills.
10. Best vacation spot: Lake Shasta (Calif.) houseboat.
11. Eva Longoria or Angelina Jolie: Eva.
12. Favorite web site: espn.com
13. Favorite sports movie: Rudy.
14. Favorite non-sports movie: Wedding Crashers.
15. Favorite actor: Jim Carey.
16. Most hated chore: Cleaning up dog poop.
17. First job: Valet.
18. First pet: Dog.
19. Bowling, fishing, golf: Golf.
20. Favorite pre-game ritual: Listening to music.
21. Sports car or SUV: SUV.
22. First car: Ford Ranger 1999.
23. Beach or mountains: Beach.
24. Favorite city: New York.
25. Favorite late night snack: Ice cream.
26. Leno or Letterman: Either.
27. Boxers or briefs: Briefs.
28. One word that describes you: Determined.
29. Favorite NFL team as kid: Raiders.
30. Worst habit: I am messy.
31. Biggest pet peeve: People chewing with mouth open.
32. Electric razor or blade: Blade.
33. NFL's best receiver: Chad Johnson.
34. Favorite magazine: ESPN.
35. Neat freak or messy: Messy.
36. Couch or recliner: Couch.
37. Window seat or aisle seat: Window.
38. Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts: Starbucks.
39. Favorite fast food restaurant: In N' Out.
40. One person you'd like to have dinner with: Michael Jordan.
41. Greatest sports moment: Winning national championship.
42. Best Christmas present you ever got: Video games.
43. Biggest influence in life: My family.
44. What's in your CD player right now: Billy Joel.
45. Most treasured possession: Max, my dog.
46. Biggest fear: Failure.
47. Country music- love it or hate it: Learning to enjoy it.
48. Favorite NFL player as kid: Brett Favre.
49. First thing you'll buy with your bonus money: House.
50. What's your religion: Catholic.



Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt

1. Coke or Pepsi: Coke.
2. Favorite holiday: Christmas, of course.
3. Favorite type of ice cream: Chocolate.
4. What single store would you max out your credit card at: Best Buy.
5. Favorite gadget: Sidekick II.
6. Favorite reality TV show: Real World.
7. Favorite cartoon: Bugs Bunny.
8. Favorite food: Mexican or pizza.
9. Hidden talent: I'm a good cook.
10. Best vacation spot: Mexico.
11. Eva Longoria or Angelina Jolie: Angelina.
12. Favorite web site: espn.com
13. Favorite sports movie: Rudy.
14. Favorite non-sports movie: Wedding Crashers.
15. Favorite actor: Vince Vaughn.
16. Most hated chore: Laundry.
17. First job: Construction.
18. First pet: German Shepard (Jake).
19. Bowling, fishing, golf: Fishing.
20. Favorite pre-game ritual: Taking a nap.
21. Sports car or SUV: SUV.
22. First car: 1997 Chevy Silverado.
23. Beach or mountains: Beach.
24: Favorite city: Nashvegas.
25. Favorite late night snack: Taco Bell.
26: Leno or Letterman: Big Dave.
27. Boxers or briefs: Boxers.
28. One word that describes you: "Couldn't do it in one word.''
29. Favorite NFL team as kid: Bears.
30. Worst habit: Eating habits.
31. Biggest pet peeve: Slow drivers.
32. Electric razor or blade: Blade.
33. NFL's best receiver: Marvin Harrison.
34. Favorite magazine: Maxim.
35. Neat freak or messy: "Mix of both.''
36. Couch or recliner: Recliner.
37. Window seat or aisle seat: Window - "the drink cart lady runs me over.''
38. Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts: Starbucks ... No Dunkin' Donuts in Nashville.
39. Favorite fast food restaurant: Taco Bell.
40. One person you'd like to have dinner with: Michael Jordan.
41. Greatest sports moment: Winning state in high school or beating UT.
42. Best Christmas present you ever got: Original Nintendo.
43. Biggest influence in life: Parents.
44. What's in your CD player right now: "I have XM radio -- no need for Cds.''
45. Most treasured possession: Right arm.
46. Biggest fear: Heights.
47. Country music- love it or hate it: Like it.
48. Favorite NFL player as kid: Jerry Rice.
49. First thing you'll buy with your bonus money: Take care of my parents.
50. Religion: Presbyterian.



Texas quarterback Vince Young

1. Coke or Pepsi: Coke.
2. Favorite holiday: Christmas.
3. Favorite Ice Cream: Cookies and Cream.
4. What single store would you max out your credit card at: Adventura (shoe store in Houston).
5. Favorite gadget: Blackberry.
6. Favorite reality TV show: American Idol.
7. Favorite cartoon: Bugs Bunny.
8. Favorite food: Seafood.
9. Hidden talent: I can rap.
10. Best vacation spot: Miami.
11. Eva Longoria or Angelina Jolie: Eva Longoria.
12. Favorite web site: 10vinceyoung.com
13. Favorite sports movie: Any Given Sunday.
14. Favorite non-sports movie: Gladiator.
15. Favorite actor: Martin Lawrence.
16. Most hated chore: Washing dishes.
17. First job: Foot Locker.
18. First pet: Dog.
19. Bowling, fishing, golf: Golf.
20. Favorite pre-game ritual: Praying and listening to music.
21. Sports car or SUV: SUV.
22. First car: Lincoln Continental.
23. Beach or mountains: Beach.
24: Favorite city: Houston.
25. Favorite late night snack: Pringles.
26: Leno or Letterman: Leno.
27: Boxers or briefs: Boxers.
28. One word that describes you: Humble.
29. Favorite NFL team as kid: Miami Dolphins.
30. Worst habit: Sniffling.
31. Biggest pet peeve: Losing.
32. Electric razor or blade: Electric razor.
33. NFL's best receiver: Terrell Owens.
34. Favorite magazine: All sports magazines.
35. Neat freak or messy: Neat.
36. Couch or recliner: I like both.
37. Window seat or aisle seat: Window seat.
38. Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts: Dunkin' Donuts.
39. Favorite fast food restaurant: McDonalds.
40. One person you'd like to have dinner with: Halle Berry.
41. Greatest sports moment: Winning national championship.
42. Best Christmas present you ever got: Bike.
43. Biggest influence in life: Mom, Felicia Young.
44. What's in your CD player right now: Yolanda Adams.
45. Most treasured possession: Bible.
46. Biggest fear: None.
47. Country music- love it or hate it: I love it, especially LeAnn Rimes.
48. Favorite NFL player as kid: Steve McNair.
49. First thing you'll buy with your bonus money: Stuff for my mother and grandmother.
50. What's your religion: Baptist.

[Angry Pope]

I'm sorry Bones...can you delete the multiple posts.

[CrossBones]

Now that was incredible! :)

[Angry Pope]

Here is another writer polling various writers of each team...this one has Nancy Gay...

Writers play general manager for mock draft

Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006

by Casey Pearce

This time of year, there is no shortage of mock drafts floating around the internet. Chargers.com wanted to do something a little different. We gave NFL writers the opportunity to play general manager. We chose a reporter who covers each team and called them to see how they think things will play out in accordance with the selections their peers made. For example, the Packers writer didn’t give his pick until after seeing who the other writers had taken off the board. What transpired was quite interesting. Check it out.


Houston Texans - Reggie Bush, RB, USC – John McClain, Houston Chronicle – Unless agent Joel Segal prices his client out of the top pick, it’s going to be Reggie.

New Orleans Saints – Mario Williams, DE, NC State – Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune – The Saints would love take A.J. Hawk here, but it’s too high. If they can’t trade down a couple spots, they’ll take Williams, a difference-maker who can make an immediate impact.

Tennessee Titans – Vince Young, QB, Texas – Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean – They want a quarterback and Young reminds them so much of the guy they picked #3 in 1995 – Steve McNair.

New York Jets – D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia – Randy Lange, Bergen Record – If Matt Leinart is there, it’s going to be a tough call. I think they like him but don’t love him. There’s been speculation of moving up to two, but I don’t see it happening. Take the offensive tackle to protect the quarterback, whoever that might be.

Green Bay Packers – A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State – Dylan Tomlinson, Appleton Post-Crescent – Vernon Davis is a possibility or they could try to move down, but Hawk will bring leadership and ability to an area of desperate need.

San Francisco 49ers – Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland – Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle – This team is in desperate need of playmakers on offense. Eric Johnson can’t stay healthy and their starting receivers right now are Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle.

Oakland Raiders – Michael Huff, DB, Texas – Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle – With Vince Young gone, the Raiders address pressing needs in the secondary by taking Huff. He’s got world-class speed and is a younger, more durable replacement for Charles Woodson.

Buffalo Bills – Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State – Allen Wilson, Buffalo News – I get asked constantly if they’d take Leinart if he’s there, but they’re determined to see if J.P. Losman is a keeper or not. Bunkley is a great fit for this defense. He’s a quick-penetrating lineman and makes the most sense.

Detroit Lions - Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon – Mike O’Hara, Detroit News – I don't see how eight teams pass on Matt Leinart, but make it nine. The Lions have their hearts broken with Huff off the board. So they Huff and puff and take Ngata to strengthen their defensive tackle rotation.

Arizona Cardinals – Matt Leinart, QB, USC – Kent Somers, Arizona Republic – The Cardinals would like to take someone who could help them right away, but if Leinart is on the board, they’ll fall to their knees in gratitude. Kurt Warner is 36 so they need a quarterback of the future.

St. Louis Rams – Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State – Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post Dispatch – The Rams would really like to see Huff or Bunkley available, but they love the way Sims explodes to the ball and blows up blockers.

Cleveland Browns – Kamerion Wimbley, OLB/DE, Florida State – Tony Grossi, Cleveland Plain Dealer – Their greatest need is for a pass rusher in their 3-4 and Wimbley gives them just that.

Baltimore Ravens – Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt – Brent Jones, Baltimore Sun – With no backup quarterback on the roster, the Ravens could use one that can also be groomed for the future.

Philadelphia Eagles – Winston Justice, OT, USC – Les Bowen, Philadelphia Daily News – With Bunkley and Ngata gone, the Eagles turn to their offensive line where tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas are both over 30.

Denver Broncos – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis – Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News - Under this scenario they'd give receiver a look, but the value probably isn't there this season, so they turn to a running back or a safety. The best player on the board at this point is Williams.

Miami Dolphins – Chad Jackson, WR, Florida – Alex Marvez, South Florida Sun-Sentinel – The sentiment among most draft analysts is that the Dolphins will select a defensive back with this pick. But after signing four free-agent defensive backs, they may be too tempted by Jackson's potential to pass him up. The Dolphins don't have a bona fide starting wide receiver behind Chris Chambers and Marty Booker, plus the latter may be playing his final season in South Florida.

Minnesota Vikings – Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa – Sean Jensen, St. Paul Pioneer Press – While the Vikings don't have to stretch for any position, linebacker is the most obvious need. Adding an athletic and explosive athlete like Greenway would create great competition at training camp.

Dallas Cowboys – Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State – Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News – He’s a big, physical linebacker who will create havoc for offenses while playing opposite of DeMarcus Ware.

San Diego Chargers – Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State – Steve Schofield of the North County Times thinks the Chargers will try to trade up to take Winston Justice. His colleague Jay Paris thinks they’ll stay put and take Miami OT Eric Winston to help protect Philip Rivers’ blindside. The Associated Press’ Bernie Wilson also thinks it will be a left tackle, but says it’s Auburn’s Marcus McNeil. Jay Posner and Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune think it’s a cornerback, and both agreed on Florida State’s Antonio Cromartie. Since he was the only player that got two votes, he’s the Chargers’ choice.

Kansas City Chiefs – Manny Lawson, DE, NC State - Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star - The Chiefs need a cornerback, but they can get one of those with their next pick. They won't be able to pass on pass-rush help like this guy.

New England Patriots – Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech – Ron Borges, Boston Globe - With the top linebackers gone, they'll most likely go for a corner and Williams is the best on the board.

San Francisco 49ers – Tye Hill, CB, Clemson – Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle - The defense really needs help and Hill could help solidify their cornerback situation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Marcus McNeil, OT, Auburn - Roy Cummings, Tampa Tribune - The Bucs are happy with the tackles they have but they're not overjoyed, especially with RT Kenyatta Walker. They need upgrades and McNeil fits the bill.

Cincinnati Bengals – Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State – Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer – The Bengals are in a position to take the best player available, and they apparently have Whitner rated the highest on the draft boards of any available player at this point. They’ll look to take a tight end later.

New York Giants – Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami – Paul Schwartz, New York Post – This would have been a linebacker if the Giants hadn't signed LaVar Arrington, but with him on the roster, that’s no longer a glaring need. Defensive tackle is a consideration here but with the uncertain health of Will Peterson and only one proven veteran CB (Sam Madison), the Giants need another cover corner and historically they love players from the Miami Hurricanes.

Chicago Bears – DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama – Brad Biggs, Chicago Sun-Times – The Bears were able to fill their most glaring need in the secondary Monday when Carolina announced it would not match the offer sheet the team signed Ricky Manning Jr. to. That gives GM Jerry Angelo the chance to select an athletic linebacker like Ryans who can push Hunter Hillenmeyer for the job on the strong side and provide insurance in the event Lance Briggs cannot be re-signed long-term.

Carolina Panthers – Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota – Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Observer – DeShaun Foster will open the season as the feature back, but his history of injuries leaves the Panthers wanting a strong insurance policy.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Mercedes Lewis, TE, UCLA – Vito Stellino, Florida Times-Union – They’re looking to get Byron Leftwich another big target, and Lewis certainly fits that bill. Running back is another position they’ll take a long look at if there’s value here.

New York Jets – Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama – Dave Hutchinson, Newark Star Ledger – Having already addressed the offensive tackle situation, the Jets go for the quarterback who is slightly under the radar at this point.

Indianapolis Colts – Joseph Addai, RB, LSU – Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star – This may be a little early to take Addai, but because the need is so prevalent following the departure of Edgerrin James, they’ll go ahead and reach a bit and take him.

Seattle Seahawks – Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee – Danny O’Neil, Seattle Post-Intelligencer – President Tim Ruskell generally thinks safety isn't a position that requires a first-round pick, but Allen was expected to be a top-20 pick and if he's there at 31, the Seahawks would get a great value.

Pittsburgh Steelers – LenDale White, RB, USC – Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – The Steelers think he can be the next Bus, and with Willie Parker and Deuce Staley, they have the luxury of working him in slowly.

[Angel]

An even better reason for her to stay off it. :p
Well....she actually can't get on it cause I'm not tellin' her the password ;)

[Angry Pope]

Legends drafted from Notre Dame with a little write-up on two of our own from there...

Irish Legends: NFL Draft

By: NDJunky

Date: Apr 25, 2006

With all eyes on the NFL commissioner this weekend, Notre Dame fans hope to hear the names Stovall and Fasano called early. Experts have projected the Irish duo to go anywhere between the late first and mid-third round. Both are considered to be top 5 players at their respective positions and hope to make an immediate contribution to the team that selects them. Irish Legends takes at how Notre Dame has fared in the NFL draft, since its inception in 1936.


1930s

When the NFL held its first draft on February 8th, 1936 in the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton Hotel , it did not take long for a Notre Dame player to be selected. In fact, with the third pick in NFL history, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Notre Dame quarterback, Bill Shakespeare. Shakespeare will forever be remembered as the quarterback who threw the game winning touchdown pass against Ohio State in “The Game of the Century.” Five Notre Dame players were selected in that first draft, highlighted by 8th round selection and future NFL Hall of Famer, Wayne Millner. Millner, who played end, was selection by the Boston Redskins and went on to play seven season with the Redskins, interrupted from 1941-1944 while he served in the military.

Notre Dame would go on to have 15 total players selected during the 1930s out of a total of 551 draft picks. Shakespeare was the only first round pick in the decade, while Millner was the lone Hall of Famer. Despite having a several successful season under Coach Layden, professional football was not considered a lucrative career. Many Notre Dame players were considered risky draft picks because they could likely succeed at other careers and would not necessarily choose to play football.


1940s

Notre Dame owned the NFL draft in the 1940s. A total of 82 players were selected over the decade, thanks in large to the coaching of Frank Leahy. From 1944-1946, 41 Notre Dame players were selected including the first overall pick in the 1944 draft, Angelo Bertelli. Shortly after the Boston Yanks selected Bertelli #1, the Brooklyn Tigers selected Creighton Miller with the third overall selection.

1946 was arguably the greatest draft in school history. Notre Dame had 16 players drafted overall, with four first rounders, including NFL Hall of Famer George Connor. It is amazing to consider that four of the ten teams selected Notre Dame players with their first overall picks in the draft. Notre Dame quarterback, Frank Dancewicz was the first overall pick in the draft by the Boston Yanks. Shortly after, another Notre Dame quarterback, Johnny Lujack was taken fourth by the Chicago Bears. Connor was selected fifth by the New York Giants and Emil “Red” Sitko capped off the first round when the Los Angeles Rams selected him tenth overall.

Connor, drafted in 1946, actually did not play in the NFL until 1948. Despite being drafted, he went on to two All-American years at Notre Dame in 1946 and 1947. The Giants traded his rights to the Boston Yanks and eventually the Chicago Bears. Originally drafted as a tackle, the Bears experimented with Connor at the linebacker position. Although he continued to play tackle as well, Connor became a force at linebacker. Measuring 6’3” 240 lbs, Connor became the first of the “big, fast, and agile” linebackers in the NFL. His career was cut short due to a knee injury in 1955.

Overall, Notre Dame had 10 of the 100 first round picks selected in the 1940s.

1950s

In 1950, Leon Hart was the first player selected in the NFL draft. Hart went on to play eight season with the Lions, making one Pro-Bowl. The following year Notre Dame had two first round draft picks with QB Bob Williams going second overall to the Bears and Center Jerry Groom going sixth overall to the Chicago Cardinals.

Notre Dame would not have another first round selection until 1954. That year they had three first rounders. The Packers took Tackle Art Hunter third overall, while the Steelers selected Johnny Lattner seventh and the Eagles selected another back, Neil Wordon ninth. Three more Notre Dame players were selected in the first round in 1955, and then in 1957, Green Bay selected NFL Hall of Famer, Paul Hornung with the first overall pick.

Notre Dame had 76 players selected in the draft during the 1950s. Perhaps no pick was better than the legendary Paul Hornung. Hornung played nine season with the Green Bay Packers, leading them to two Super Bowl victories, while being elected to two Pro-Bowls. Hornung was also named Player of the Year in 1960 and 1961.

Overall Notre Dame had 11 first round picks during the 1950s.

1960s

In 1962, Notre Dame produced their first real steal of the draft. After being completely passed over in the NFL draft, Nick Buoniconti had to wait until the 13th round of the AFL draft to be selected. Despite Notre Dame coach Joe Kuharich telling scouts that Buoniconti was too small to play professional football, the Boston Patriots gave the Irish linebacker a shot. Standing at only 5’11” and 220, Buoniconti was anything but small on the field. Playing fourteen season with the Patriots and Dolphins, Buoniconti was named to 6 all-star teams, 2 pro bowls, played in 3 Super Bowls, and was named team MVP three times. In 1973, the year after the perfect season, Buoniconti recorded a team record 162 tackles from the linebacker position. His inspired play was rewarded as he was named to the all-time AFL team and inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2001. All this after being passed over 302 times in the draft.

Notre Dame had a total of 105 players selected during the 1960s. With professional football expanding first with the AFL and then with the merged NFL, more and more players were being drafted. Perhaps the only Notre Dame player, better than Buoniconti, was the fifteenth overall pick of the Vikings in the 1967 draft, Alan Page.

After leaving Notre Dame as an All-American, Page went on to dominate the NFL. Page was a regular ironman of the NFL, playing in an unheard of 236 consecutive games. In addition, Page played in four Super Bowls. Using his catlike reflexes, Page went on to nine consecutive Pro-Bowl appearances. Over the course of his career, Page had 28 blocked kicks and 173 sacks. In true Notre Dame fashion, Page excelled after football too. Page went on to practice law and was named to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Notre Dame had a total of 9 first round picks during the 1960s.

1970s

Despite a relatively low number of draft picks during the 1970s, Notre Dame still produced two Hall of Famers, neither of which were first round draft picks. The highest picks of the decade were Walt Patulski, who was taken first overall in 1972 by the Buffalo Bills, and DT Mike McCoy, who was selected 2nd behind Terry Bradshaw in the 1970 draft.

Dave Casper waited for 44 players to be selected before he was finally drafted in 1974. As the second round pick of the Oakland Raiders, Casper was a bargain. Playing eleven seasons in the NFL, seven with the Raiders, Casper is remembered most for his clutch performances. After the famous “Ghost to the Post” play, in which Casper caught a 42 yard post pattern to setup the game tying field goal, Casper then ended the game in overtime with a 10 yard touchdown reception. That performance lifted the Raiders over the Baltimore Colts in the AFC playoffs. Casper is also remembered for the “Holy Roller” play in which he slightly kicked a fumbled ball into the end zone, landing on it for the game winning touchdown. Casper was named to five Pro Bowls and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

In the 1979 draft, Joe Montana was selected 82nd overall in the third round. The Forty-Niners, actually received the pick via Seattle, who had received the pick from Dallas. Essentially the greatest quarterback of all-time had been selected with a twice-traded pick. Montana proved to be another Notre Dame steal, as he won four Super Bowls, and three Super Bowl MVPs. Some incredible numbers to consider: Montana orchestrated 31 fourth quarter comeback wins, and had 39 300 yard games in his career. Seven times he threw for over 400 yards in a game, and his career 92.3 quarterback rating is second all-time.

Overall Notre Dame had only 62 draft picks in the 1970s, 7 of which were first rounders.

cont'd....

[Angry Pope]

cont'd...

1980s

Only 43 Notre Dame players were drafted into the NFL during the 1980s. Many of the draft picks were some of the most exciting players to ever play for Notre Dame. Unfortunately college success did not always translate until NFL success.

The Irish had six players selected in the first round, the highest being Tim Brown with the sixth pick in the 1988 draft. Other prominent names included Dave Duerson, Mark Bavaro, Steve Beuerlein, and IrishEye’s own Blair Kiel. Bavaro played ten seasons in the NFL, playing with the Giants, Browns, and Eagles. He was elected to two Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls under Bill Parcells with the Giants.

Tim Brown, the 1987 Heisman Trophy winner, was selected sixth overall by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988. Some questioned whether Brown could be an NFL receiver or whether he would be a career return specialist. Brown proved all of his doubters wrong, when he finished tied for third overall in career receptions with Steve Largent, trailing only Jerry Rice and Chris Carter. Despite being named to the NFL All-90s team, and nine Pro Bowls, Brown carried out a fairly quiet career. Keeping in character, Brown left the game quietly as well. His retirement press conference was attended by a small number of media, only two Raiders’ officials and one teammate: Jerry Porter.

Overall, Notre Dame had only six first round draft picks in the 1980s: Bob Crable, Tony Hunter, Greg Bell, Eric Dorsey, Tim Brown, and Andy Heck.

1990s

As Lou Holtz brought Notre Dame football back to the top, he also produced a large number of NFL draft picks. Some NFL scouts said that Holtz’s style of play produced great college athletes, but not undersized NFL prospects. Offensively this seemed to hold true, as guys like Rocket Ismail and Reggie Brooks, could not seem to catch on to the NFL game. However, Holtz did produce a number of defensive stars as well as some pretty successful running backs and lineman.

In all 68 players were drafted into the NFL. Overall, Notre Dame had 11 players selected in the first round of the draft during the 1990s. The names include: Todd Lyght, Derek Brown, Rick Mirer, Jerome Bettis, Tom Carter, Irv Smith, Bryant Young, Aaron Taylor, Jeff Burris, Renaldo Wynn, and Luke Petitgout. Other prominent picks included Chris Zorich, Craig Hentrich, Tim Ruddy, Bobby Taylor, Lake Dawson, Paul Grasmanis, Marc Edwards, Allen Rossum, Shawn Wooden, and Bert Berry. It is amazing to think that Notre Dame did not win a national championship with all of their talent during the early and mid 90s.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the 1990s picks was Rick Mirer. Coming out of Notre Dame, the biggest question was who would the Patriots pick? Would it be Drew Bledsoe or Rick Mirer? Unfortunately for Mirer, Bledsoe turned out to be the better pick. Mirer, who was at one time Notre Dame’s “Golden Boy,” never quite made it in the NFL. Despite a promising rookie season, Mirer disappointed fans in Seattle, and was traded to the Chicago Bears. Relegated to a career backup role, Mirer bounced around to the Jets, 49ers, Packers, Raiders, and Lions.

2000s

Despite 27 players being selected in the draft, Notre Dame has been in a drought as far as the NFL draft is concerned. Littering the draft with second day picks, Notre Dame has not had the NFL difference makers that warrant high round picks. Jeff Faine, who was selected in the first round of the 2003 draft, is the only first round pick Notre Dame has had since 2000. Faine, who was a warrior at Notre Dame, is now struggling for a position in the NFL.

Simply put, there are two reasons why Notre Dame has not faired well recently. The first, which was evident of the Davie eras, was an abundance of undeveloped talent. Davie had some star power, but his coaching staff did not develop it to be NFL caliber. Many players slipped into the late rounds, only to blossom under proper tutelage from their respective NFL staffs. Prime examples of this would be David Givens, Tony Fisher and Gerome Sapp.

The second reason was a lack of talent to begin with, which was then underdeveloped. This was the Tyrone Willingham era. Willingham took guys like Julius Jones and Justin Tuck, both of whom had first round talent, and turned them into second and third round picks. Perhaps the biggest example of this has been the one-year turnaround of talents such as Maurice Stovall, Dan Stevenson, and Brady Quinn. Stovall, widely considered a bust up until this year, was groomed into a potential first round draft pick, in only one year under Weis. Stevenson, who was an average blocker at best, was invited to the combine and instead of sending out job resumes, will actually be sitting by the phone on Draft Sunday. Quinn, who will not be entering the draft until next year, could have easily left this year and been a first round pick. Prior to this season, Quinn showed flashes of brilliance, and toughness, but far too often had the deer in headlights look as defenses blitzed.

As Charlie Weis continues to prove he is the hardest working football coach in America, his results are already beginning to show. This latest commitment from Jimmy Clausen represents more than just landing the best quarterback recruit in decades. Take a look around. Weis has nearly every kid in the top 100 considering Notre Dame to some extent. Weis has brought the recruiting intensity back to level it was at in the late 80s under Holtz. He has made Notre Dame football exciting again, not only to fans and alumni, but to high school kids around the country, most significantly the potential recruits.

This excitement means that Notre Dame will have more talent. In addition, the exemplary coaching abilities of this staff dwarf the past staffs in terms of development. Not only will Notre Dame bring in talented freshman, but they will graduated even more talented seniors. The NFL scouts have taken notice. Perhaps even greater than the Holtz years, Weis prepares his players for the NFL. He has learned from the best and knows what it takes to win championships. As mentioned by Jimmy Clausen, Weis knows how to get players to the NFL.

As the draft comes and goes this weekend, remember what it feels like to have only three or four guys selected. Remember the frustration as 1-AA players go before Notre Dame guys in the later rounds. Remember it, for it will soon be a thing of the past. The wheels are in motion. Talent is pouring in, and Notre Dame is getting better and better. The fact is that better developed talent equates to higher draft picks. Likewise, higher draft picks intrigue blue chip recruits. As long as Weis continues to work as hard as he is, Notre Dame will continue to produce top NFL talent. The drought is ending and the floodgates are all set to open.

[Angry Pope]

Some words from Kingdon...

"I think our attitude has always been to get the best player available, particularly early -- or you could end up missing out on a guy," said Jon Kingdon, the Raiders' director of college scouting. "Later on in the draft you can zero in on a position you're light at. You rank them based on who's best from the top on down and cross them out as they get picked."

[Angry Pope]

Thoughts on Jimmy Williams by our own Whammy....

Deeper drop for corner?
Once thought a top-10 pick, Tech's Williams faces uncertain draft day

BY MIKE HARRIS
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, April 26, 2006


Not long before Virginia Tech played in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 2, Hokies cornerback Jimmy Williams discussed his NFL draft status.

Southern California's Reggie Bush "the President" as Williams called him would and should go first. After that?

"I know I'll go top 10," Williams said at the time. "I'm shooting for the second pick, at least the top five. I want to be the second pick. I'm not greedy, man."

That is a good thing, because all indications are that Williams has slipped out of the top 10.

A unanimous All-American in 2005, Williams is one of the biggest puzzles of the 2006 draft, which begins Saturday. He's good, no question. How good? He's volatile, as his early ejection from the Gator Bowl for contact with a referee shows. Is he too volatile?

"You either like him or you don't. You're going to get such a varied opinion with him," said Frank Coyle of www.draftinsiders.com. "He's a big kid, very versatile and he looked like a potential top 10 earlier in the year. But it is a very good year for corners, and that works against him. Some teams didn't like the Gator Bowl thing. A big game, losing your composure . . . that doesn't show well. People think there might be maturity issues. I heard an interview he did last week on the NFL Network. He wasn't bad."

Pro Football Weekly's 2006 draft review was not kind to Williams. It called him "very undisciplined on and off the field. Struggled to get players lined up at the safety position and does not possess the intelligence to play in the middle. Plays too out of control and misses a lot of tackles . . . will take a lot of risks and get beat . . . can be difficult to manage." It went on to say Williams "has boom-or-bust potential and will likely be overdrafted. Teams better see the whole picture before investing a high pick."

Coyle's site had Williams in the top 10 in a mock draft earlier this year, going eighth to Buffalo. Now Coyle has him going 20th to Kansas City. Scour the many mock drafts on the Internet, and they're all over the place. Most have Williams going between 11th-19th.

One of the mock drafts at www.cbssportsline.com had Williams going 11th and said, "Last remembered for getting kicked out of Virginia Tech's bowl game. Perfect fit in the me-first NFL brilliant athletically but still a head case at times."

A draft done by The Sporting News where correspondents from each of the NFL teams guess the player their team will pick didn't have Williams going in the first round.

"I'd be shocked" if Williams fell out of the first round, Coyle said. "That's an overreaction. He's a 6-2-plus, 215-pound corner. They're hard to get. And he's been a durable player. With all the big receivers in the game now, those 5-9, 180-pound corners are going to have a harder time.

"So many teams need corners, and he can also play safety. In some ways, he is a safe pick. There is some thought about where is he going to be most successful and how quickly is he going to absorb a system. His initial read and quickness was maybe not up to the Tye Hill's and some of the other corners in the draft. He can be physical, he can be good in run support."

Williams was not available for fresh comments. Friends say he has been working out in Arizona, preparing for his pro career.

The football man who knows him best gave Williams a ringing endorsement. Lorenzo "Whammy" Ward was Williams' position coach at Tech for four seasons. Ward left the Hokies this year to join the staff of the Oakland Raiders.

He said he would recommend Williams to his new employers "without hesitation.

"He's an NFL cornerback, and I don't have any questions," Ward said. "I coached the kid four years, and I think he's a hell of a football player.

"People form an opinion of Jimmy, they think he's a [smack] talker or whatever you want to call it. I think people misjudge him. He has to stop talking to the officials. He knows that. But he's a big kid that can run, that has a lot of intangibles.

"We never had trouble with Jimmy off the field, not one bit. The only issues he's had have been stuff on the field, and I think he's learned from that. I hate that the bowl game thing happened because he had made great strides"

[Rupert]

What Whammy's not going to like his guy? Pish posh.

[Angry Pope]

Bush almost a done deal...from Schefter..

But the other notable deal soon will be coming out of Houston. The Texans are on the verge of doing what so many college defenses could not -- bringing down running back Reggie Bush.

With significant progress having been made in negotiations for a new contract between Bush and the Texans, multiple sources believe a contract could be done well before Saturday's draft, maybe as early as Thursday.

Bush is expected to receive somewhere around a 10 percent increase over what the San Francisco 49ers gave last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Alex Smith, who landed a six-year, $49.5 million deal.

The breakthrough in the talks is said to have come Tuesday night, during long negotiating sessions between the Texans and Bush's representatives. The Texans played the situation just right, using defensive end Mario Williams as leverage against Bush.

Plus, with the looming House-Gate controversy, Bush's people knew that if he didn't go No. 1, he likely would have slid to No. 4, the spot the New York Jets currently hold. Dropping from No. 1 to No. 4 would have cost Bush millions.

One of the ironies of the whole negotiation is that Bush has turned out to be easier to sign than Mario Williams, who expressed utter indifference at the idea of becoming the No. 1 overall pick. In fact, the idea of going to New Orleans is said to have excited Williams more than the idea of going to Houston.

Williams is enamored with the New Orleans coaching staff, wants to play in the city, and was hoping he would land there. It's no cinch he does. It's still possible that the Saints could opt for Virginia offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who is expected to go in the top four picks Saturday. But multiple general managers believe Williams is the No. 1 prospect in this draft.

[Angry Pope]

Here is some "scouting" by Phil Savage at a Bowl game with Mario Williams and Manny Lawson...take it for what it is worth...

Up close with top prospects

By Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
April 27, 2006


CHARLOTTE-It's 10:15 a.m. New Year's Eve, roughly 50 minutes before the start of the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Bank of America Stadium isn't full, but it is alive. Outside the stadium, orange juice wasn't exactly the drink of choice.

Phil Savage is somewhere in this circus-like sea of humanity, sharing the pre-game sidelines with a marching band, a hundred or so security guards, cheerleaders, ball boys and cameramen. Wearing a vest, baseball hat and matching khaki pants, the Browns general manager blends in.

The player he's watching does not.

At nearly 6-foot-8 and probably 285 pounds, Mario Williams is a giant among giants. His arms are chiseled, his movements crisp. Williams and his North Carolina State defensive line mates are going through their first pre-game drills, and it's quickly clear why Williams' impending decision to enter the 2006 NFL Draft isn't exactly difficult. At 21, he's as big and physically impressive as any defensive end already in the NFL.

Williams' muscles have muscles.

"He looks like a Greek god," Savage said.

More - and more specific - observations followed.

ON THE ROAD...AGAIN

This game, pitting North Carolina State against South Florida, is the last of three bowl games Savage personally scouted. He flew out of Cleveland before 6 a.m. for the 11 a.m. kickoff and was back in Cleveland by 6 p.m., in plenty of time for the Browns' season finale against the Ravens the next day.

Savage is fairly comfortable with what he knows about the NC State prospects. He saw one game in person earlier in the season and did a complete film study on the prospects. He has a couple of longtime friends on the NC State coaching staff, and he talks with them briefly before the game.

Savage heads to his seat in the pressbox - he's one of five NFL types scouting the game - and shares his list of targets. Williams, obviously, looks like he'll be a high pick. He says the Browns project the other defensive end, 6-foot-6, 245-pound Manny Lawson, as an NFL outside linebacker. Cornerback Marcus Hudson is an intriguing athlete, and he's interested to see if junior defensive tackle John McCargo is healthy. He likes McCargo's talent but knows he's missed the last four games with a stress fracture in his foot.

This game provides Savage his first in-person look at South Florida running back Andre Hall. A short, compact back who put up big numbers and carried his offense, watching Hall against this NC State defense will provide Savage a pretty fair evaluation.

"(Hall) is probably the main guy I'm here to see," Savage said.

With the game about to start, Savage grabs his binoculars from the table in front of him and opens his notebook. He searches the sideline for McCargo, who's dressed and appears to be ready.

THE GAME

It's not the best start for Williams. He's fooled by a play-action fake, sucked in on an option play, then lunges and misses a tackle. Not surprisingly, Hall touches the ball on five of South Florida's first six plays, but the Bulls' encouraging drive ends with a missed field goal.

The next three drives end in punts, and South Florida starts on its own 41. McCargo didn't start, but he's in now. A third-down pass play breaks down, and quarterback Pat Julmiste doesn't have any open receivers. Lawson, who was neutralized in his initial rush, senses the indecision and gives chase. Lawson keeps his eyes on the quarterback and his legs moving, and he spins Julmiste down for the first sack of the day.

Lawson's persistence is noted.

On the next play Hudson comes off the edge, sprawls out and blocks the punt. Lawson catches the ball in the air but is tackled before he can make any progress. NC State again fails to get a first down, and punts again.

On a third and short play, Williams is quick off the snap and meets Hall head-on, but Hall keeps his legs pumping and picks up the first down. Two plays later Williams runs through a blocker like he wasn't even there for his first sack of the day, bringing up a third down must-pass situation. Williams jumps offsides, but it's still third and 11.

Julmiste has time to throw, but doesn't have anyone open. Hudson, backpedaling in zone coverage, reads the quarterback perfectly and awaits the throw. It comes, Hudson jumps...and he drops the interception. Everything but the finish.

No harm done, and Williams is officially in the game.

Midway through the second quarter, NC State finally creates some offense. A 9-play drive ends with a 9-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Brian Clark. The defense gets a quick stop punctuated by a sack by junior linebacker Stephen Tulloch, and the ball goes back to NC State.

Another impressive drive highlighted by a 41-yard pass to Clark gives NC State a 14-0 halftime lead.

Hall gets loose for a gain of 25 on his first carry of the second half. He showed excellent burst, a little shake and some strength. He warded off Hudson, protecting the ball when Hudson went for the strip after failing in his initial tackle attempt.

Julmiste looks to pass on the next play, but pressure from Lawson forces him to keep the ball for no gain. South Florida then tries a reverse, but Williams stays home, fights off a blocker and makes a tackle for a loss.

He played it perfectly.

Hall makes another impressive play on South Florida's next drive, showing good vision and speed in turning a screen pass into a 37-yard gain. Speaking of speed, Lawson hustles downfield to make the tackle, and Hall shakes off Lawson's attempt to strip the ball.

South Florida is now using its fullback to double team Williams on passing downs, but to no avail. Two plays later Tulloch makes a sack and a strip, and he's able to recover the fumble. Threat over.

This defense is loaded.

In a bizarre sequence, the teams then traded fumbles, with Tulloch recovering another for NC State near midfield. Clark runs a slant route and finds a hole in the defense; the play is good for 16 yards.

Savage looks to the Jumbotron for a replay, watching how Clark came out of his break on the route and how he adjusted his body to secure the catch. Savage, thinking out loud, asks how many catches Clark has on the year. It's a sign that he's seen him before.

A glance in the NC State bowl game guide shows Clark missed two games early in the year due to injury, and he had just four total catches in the final four regular season games. But Clark had 4 catches for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns against Georgia Tech - the other NC State game Savage personally scouted last fall - and a school-record 96-yard touchdown catch against Boston College. Big plays stand out.

Savage mentions that NC State hasn't been able to get the ball to number 80, tight end T.J. Williams. "He's a nice player; I know they like him," Savage said.

Almost on cue, T.J. Williams runs a curl route in the middle of the field, turns upfield with confidence and makes a tackler miss. He is finally brought down inside the 2-yard line after a gain of 36.

"He'll be a draft pick," Savage said.

cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd....

NC State didn't get in the endzone, but South Florida was left 99.9 yards away from a touchdown of its own. With Mario Williams and Lawson getting in the backfield and Tulloch all over the place, South Florida got about half a yard before punting it away.

Hall had two more noteworthy runs in the fourth quarter, but NC State's defense was too much. Williams was double-teamed and held on almost every play; he recorded another sack in the final two minutes.

Tulloch had another sack as well; he finished with 15 tackles and 3 sacks and was named the game's MVP. Hall ran for 118 yards on 19 carries and had 2 receptions for 49 yards.

WHAT HE SHARED

Later, Savage shared thoughts on some of the players he watched that day.

Mario Williams: "Super Mario. He's a genetic freak. He has rare size, speed and athletic ability. He hasn't always played to those test numbers, but he did have several games last season where he had multiple sacks. He's going to be a very high pick off numbers alone. He has a lot of potential. He could be scary."

Manny Lawson: "He's tall; he has a thinner build. His stock has really risen dramatically since that day based on what he did at the Senior Bowl and the combine. He probably helped himself the most at the combine, maybe the most of all the players there. He probably fits best for us an outside linebacker and a sub-down rusher. He needs to be more physical at the point of attack and add some strength to his frame. But from an athletic standpoint, he more than measures up to what you're looking for."

John McCargo: "A junior that declared. He's a talented player. He really has exceptional hand and foot quickness on the interior. He potentially has a chance to be really good in the NFL. In a 3-4 he fits at either defensive end position. He could probably play in a spot role at nose tackle, but I envision him as an end."

Marcus Hudson: "A corner who has safety experience. He can play in the slot. He's versatile and athletic. He doesn't have a great 40-yard dash time or knock you out with any physical characteristics, but he had a good career. He can play in the NFL. He has great instincts, and he's somebody we've tracked."

Andre Hall: "He's a very productive back. Short in stature, but big in production. He's a good back. He could potentially fit as a third down back. I project him as a mid-to-late pick."

A few weeks after the game, Tulloch and junior offensive lineman Derek Morris declared themselves eligible for the draft.

"I didn't watch Tulloch (that day)," Savage said. "He was an off the radar screen junior. The coaches I talked to before the game talked about Mario and McCargo (entering the draft), but they didn't mention Tulloch and Morris. I think that took them by surprise."

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Savage was organized and precise. He knew about the players he was watching and what he wanted to see from them. He took notes from time-to-time, but mostly he just watched.

Watching prospects in person is important, and it's something Savage does as often as possible. Before the springtime talk about the Senior Bowl studs and workout warriors even begins, he wants to know as much as he can about as many players as possible.

Succeeding in the grand scheme of the draft is about watching every step of the way and judging a player's entire body of work. It's a long, arduous process that includes a lot of travel, a lot of film, and a ton of information.

Savage spent New Year's Eve trying to find players.

The party to end his year comes Sunday night.

[Angry Pope]

Carpenter....

Before they were stars: Bobby Carpenter

By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com


Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories. We've talked to more than 30 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter.

Bobby Carpenter

Position: Linebacker
College: Ohio State
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 255 pounds
High school: Lancaster (Ohio)
Coach: Rob Carpenter (father)

When was the first time you remember thinking Bobby eventually could play in the NFL?: Mostly as a high school coach, you worry about them playing on the college level. As a high school coach, I've never really predicted too many people going to the NFL. We pretty much focus on college.

We found out he'd probably be a major college player his freshman year. He got a starting job and played strong safety. He was very smart and studied a lot of film. The next year he worked his way to linebacker. Then he played some receiver, running back and linebacker as a junior.

He focused just on middle linebacker as a senior. After his freshman year, we figured he had the work ethic and attitude necessary. He built his body up in the weight room and had decent height. I think as a freshman he was 6 feet 1, and he ended up being 6-3 by his senior year, so he had the height necessary to play at the next level.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: Every game he played. He displayed his ability every game. That's the thing about Bobby. He played hard every game.

Every game was a good game. I can't ever remember him having a bad game or, for that matter, a bad series. He may have had a couple of bad plays, but not too many.

His junior year, we were down 10 points in the fourth quarter (against Westerville North), put him in at wide receiver and threw him some deep fades. He brought us back, and we won the game in overtime. He caught two touchdown passes in the final quarter and overtime to help us win that game.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: He shows up in our high school weight room a lot. He was there last week and the week before. Since the season ended, he tries to show up at the Lancaster High weight room once every two weeks to talk to all of the players and coaches.

He had a good experience here. He realizes the strength of a team is important. He's always out here being a promoter for Lancaster High School football.

What's your draft prediction for him?: I have no idea. I know everyone from Lancaster would like to see him be a first-round pick someplace because it kind of validates success coming out of college, maybe more than being an All-American anymore.

The main thing as a coach and obviously as a parent is we just want to see him go to a team that's able to compete his rookie year, be in the playoffs and make a run at the Super Bowl. Bobby's got a really high intensity level. He wants to win really bad.

That's one of the reasons he picked Ohio State. He looked at all the talent they had and thought the team definitely had a chance to win a national championship during his four years there. That's one of the main reasons he chose the school. He doesn't get to pick an NFL team, but he wants to win. He'll do whatever he has to do to help that be accomplished.

[Angry Pope]

Per PFT...take it for what it is worth...

SKIES BRIGHTEN FOR TEAM LEINART

Our official Team Leinart source tells us that the mood is dramatically improving in and around the 2004 Heisman winner. Word is that agent Tom Condon recently has told Leinart that he'll "definitely" be off of the board within the first three picks on Saturday.

Condon, we hear, now believes that Titans G.M. Floyd Reese -- who wants Vince Young -- has been overruled by owner Bud Adams. Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow both are strongly believed to be pro-Leinart.

Condon also believes, we're told, that there's also a possibility that the Saints will still take Leinart at No. 2. Rumors are circulating that quarterback Drew Brees is behind schedule in the rehabilitation of his shoulder injury, which required surgery earlier in the offseason.

On Tuesday night, we heard that the Leinart camp was bracing for a potential fall past the ten spot. Our somewhat-educated guess is that, if Leinart should be available past No. 7, someone will try to trade up with the Bills to get him at No. 8.

[Rupert]

Interesting.

I knew there was some reason Vince Young was rumored to be Tennesee's pick, and I knew it had nothing to do with either Fisher or Chow. Both those USC homers were going to take their boy, sink or swim.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a mock draft done by Nancy Gay...take it for what it is worth...

Nancy Gay's mock draft
- Nancy Gay
Friday, April 28, 2006


1. Houston

Reggie Bush, RB, USC

The Texans can't afford to let Bush's off-field issues affect this decision - the franchise needs this dynamic all-purpose back, for instant offense and box-office appeal.

2. New Orleans
Mario Williams, DE, NC State

The Saints will stick with free-agent QB Drew Brees and take the best pass-rushing defensive lineman on the board. He's so desirable, the Saints will field multiple offers for this spot, from the Jets and possibly the Raiders.

3. Tennessee

Vince Young, QB, Texas

Titans GM Floyd Reese wins the internal battle, overruling Jeff Fisher and Norm Chow and choosing Young over QB Matt Leinart as a replacement for Steve McNair.

4. N.Y. Jets

D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

Ferguson is the best LT in the draft, period. The Jets will ignore the boos and pass on Leinart. Vandy QB Jay Cutler remains a possibility, but his 11-34 record as a starter would be a tough sell in NY.

5. Green Bay

A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State

The Packers signed CB/S Charles Woodson. Now they grab the speediest coverage LB in the draft and the greatest impact defensive player on the board, making talent-starved Green Bay very happy.

[49ers Podcast: The San Francisco 49ers have many holes to fill in the NFL draft this weekend. Kevin Lynch and Glenn Schwarz report.]

6. 49ers

Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

The 49ers need instant starters and Davis has excellent hands, size (6-3) and speed (4.38), all the tools to complement young QB Alex Smith and add impact to the offense.

[Raiders Podcast: Oakland eyes QB Vince Young, but needs defensive help in the draft. Nancy Gay and Glenn Schwarz report.]

7. Raiders

Michael Huff, S, Texas

What, no Young or Leinart? Al Davis absolutely wanted Young. Now he will resist his temptation to draft another Heisman winner, a lefty at that, and will upgrade a defense that had an NFL-low five INTs in 2005.

8. Buffalo

Brodrick Bunkley, DT, FSU

The Bills are tempted to take Cutler (have a seat, J.P. Losman) or Oregon DT Haloti Ngata, but Bunkley, a huge plugger, best fits their new defensive scheme.

9. Detroit

Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon

The Lions really want Huff, but he'll be gone. They need to plan ahead - DT Dan Wilkinson is getting up there in years and Ngata is a run-stuffing NT.

10. Arizona

Matt Leinart, USC

Finally, this marquee player is selected but oh, what a drop. Denny Green grabs a glamour SoCal player to sell tickets and star in the Cardinals' fancy new stadium.

11. St. Louis

Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa

Expect the Rams to try to move up in the order. If they stay put, they go with a big tackler in Greenway, whose stock climbed recently.

12. Cleveland

Kamerion Wimbley, DE/OLB, FSU

The Browns were 32nd in the NFL in sacks in '05, so pass rushers are on the their radar. Wimbley's versatility is a great fit for their 3-4 scheme.

13. Baltimore

Winston Justice, OT, USC

Baltimore is eying Wimbley but if he's off the board, the Ravens also need OL help. Justice protected Leinart's blind side at USC.

14. Philadelphia

Ernie Sims, OLB, FSU

The Eagles missed the playoffs in '05 in large part because of poor defensive play, up front and at LB. Coach Andy Reid has not drafted a LB in the first round but breaks rank here.

15. Denver

Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

The Broncos hope to move up and make a play for Davis, who reminds them of Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. They need big-time receiving help and Jackson fits the bill.

16. Miami

Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State

With Jackson off the board, the Dolphins go for the next best receiver in Holmes, who will add depth to a WR corps that includes Chris Chambers and Marty Booker.

17. Minnesota

Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

Cutler looks like a winner and his arm strength, competitiveness and personality will make Vikings fans forget about Daunte Culpepper.

18. Dallas

Donte Whitner, FS, Ohio State

The Cowboys signed free-agent S Marcus Coleman but need depth at the safety position and Whitner makes sense. Dallas needs a fourth-round pick and could move down.

19. San Diego

Jason Allen, CB, Tennessee

The Chargers were eying Holmes. Now they might trade down, hoping for more value in an offensive tackle. But Allen, a big corner, fills a real need for them.

20. Kansas City

Johnathan Joseph, CB, S. Carolina

The Chiefs were looking for a spectacular CB throughout the off-season. Joseph is a bit of a gamble, with only one year of D-I experience. But he's too talented for K.C. to resist.

21. New England

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis

Sure, RB Corey Dillon was on fire last season but a young back waiting in the wings is a safe bet for coach Bill Belichick, who is a methodical planner.

22. 49ers

Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, NC State

Vernon Davis fits the offensive bill, Lawson fills a pressing need for the 49ers on defense. He is a terrific pass-rushing "elephant" player who will give the defense some real bite.

23. Tampa Bay

Antonio Cromartie, CB, FSU

The Bucs made a huge play for Woodson and lost. They're looking to add punch to the secondary and Cromartie is a playmaker who scored TDs on three of his six '05 takeaways

24. Cincinnati

Jimmy Williams, CB, Va. Tech

The Bengals really wanted a tight end here. Despite the marked improvement in CB Deltha O'Neal's game in '05 (10 INTs), the Bengals would like depth at that position.

25. NY Giants

Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State

Despite the addition of free-agent LaVar Arrington, Giants GM Ernie Accorsi goes with his gut here and takes the unheralded teammate of A.J. Hawk.

26. Chicago

John McCargo, DT, NC State

The Bears might trade out of the first round and stockpile picks. McCargo has tremendous leadership qualities and is a physical player, though he's coming off a foot injury.

27. Carolina

Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA

The Panthers also could opt for a CB at this spot, but they could use some depth at RB, someone who could sub for injury-prone starter DeShaun Foster.

28. Jacksonville

LenDale White, RB, USC

The Jaguars need a power back in the wings to succeed Fred Taylor. Many teams have pulled White (hamstring tear) from the tops of their boards but the Jags might not wait.

29. NY Jets

Max-Jean Gilles, OG, Georgia

Gilles is the type of unglamorous pick who will leave the vocal Jets fans wailing. But he's the top performing guard on the board and the Jets need OL help.

30. Indianapolis

Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

Edgerrin James is gone and the Colts need a bruising replacement.

31. Seattle

Tye Hill, CB, Clemson

His lack of size (5-10) will discourage some teams, but the Seahawks are looking for depth in the secondary and Hill has 4.3 40-speed and a 41-inch vertical leap.

32. Pittsburgh

Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State

The Steelers would love to find a replacement for Jerome Bettis, but a first-round-caliber back isn't here anymore. Mangold is a nice, safe pick for the Super Bowl champs.

[Angry Pope]

Romo promoting a new product....


Posted on: Friday, April 28, 2006

Romanowski promotes 'enhancer'


Bill Romanowski, an outside linebacker who played in five Super Bowls and now owns a nutrition company, will sign autographs and discuss his new product at this weekend's 31st annual Spring New Products Show & Hawaii Boat Show at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Romanowski, who played 16 sometimes controversial seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders, said he will be available the whole weekend.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder owns Pure Romo, a nutrition company that sells Neuropath, a brain augmentor. He said he will be handing out samples.

According to its Web site, Neuropath "enhances pathways to the nervous system ... giving you improved brain-to-muscle communication. In layman's terms Neuropath will help you feel smarter, stronger, faster and more focused."

Romanowski said he got involved in trying to find ways to help improve the brain's function after he suffered three concussions over a four-week span, forcing him to retire from the NFL in 2003.

"I hired a world-renowned scientist (Thomas Incledon) to research ingredients to help my brain come back and perform at a very high level," Romanowski said by phone.

The end result is an "all-natural, FDA-approved" enhancer and a growing business.

Romanowski said the first time he took the product, "over night my brain started firing on all cylinders."

"The product will help people's memories, help focus, help attention to detail," he said. "I give it to a friend, a family member and tell 'em to take this and tell me what you think."

Romanowski calls this "one of the most incredible experiences of my life, right up there with winning Super Bowls."

He earned Super Bowl rings with the 49ers and Broncos (two each). Romanowski also had his share of controversy.

In a 60 Minutes interview, he said he took steroids for a two-year period starting in 2001. Last May, he agreed to pay a former Raiders teammate $415,000 in damages for a punch to the face during a practice drill in 2003.

[Angry Pope]

Langston to be a guest speaker....

Bishop O'Dowd hosts Career Day today

Bishop O'Dowd High School is holding Career Day today as an opportunity for O'Dowd juniors to learn more about career paths that appeal to them.

The Alumni Affairs and Counseling departments have put together a program of 41 presentations by alumni, parents and members of the community.

Speakers include 1997 alum Langston Walker, who now plays for the Oakland Raiders.

[Angry Pope]

John Madden is part owner of the Bridgeport Bluefish which I think is a minor league baseball team....

Infusing the team with funds to sell the new amenities and new players is the job of seven new owners, a group that includes high-profile members such as football broadcaster (and former Oakland Raiders coach) John Madden, Madden's agent, Sandy Montag, senior veep of the talent agency IMG, and Michael Kramer of Kramer Capital Partners. This new blood in the organization is never mentioned without words like "energy" and "ideas." Owners Peter Trager and Tom Kushner, both of New Canaan, can talk for days about their excitement in improving and re-branding the Bluefish.

[Angry Pope]

Charlie Garner...

Garner likes Broncos

The agent for running back Charlie Garner said he has talked to the Broncos about giving his client a chance to make the team in training camp. Garner, 34, sat out the 2005 season with an injury.

"Charlie loves Mike Shanahan and wants to be a Bronco," agent Brian Levy said. "He'd be a great third-down back there."

[Angry Pope]

Here is contest by our Raiders where you can win an autographed Fabian jersey...

Click here... (http://www.myprefs.com/?@2006draft&p2p=Signup)

[Angry Pope]

Broderick Bunkley....

NFL Draft: Where it started - Brodrick Bunkley

By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories in the first round. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Florida State defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley.

Brodrick Bunkley

Position: Nose Tackle
College: Florida State
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 295 pounds
High school: Tampa (Fla.) Chamberlain
Coach: Billy Turner

When was the first time you remember thinking Brodrick eventually could play in the NFL?: When he was in the ninth grade and he was 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. He played football on the JV team his freshman year and tore his knee up and missed half the season. He was still growing, so they waited about six months before operating. After surgery, he didn't consistently go to rehab, so this trainer of ours gave him some exercises to do, and he did them on his own. The summer before we played his junior year, they measured his leg and it was bigger than the other leg. We called him the bionic man. He's a specimen. He was 6-3, 265 (as a senior) and only had an ounce of fat on him. I'd always say his muscles have muscles. He's really built. They couldn't block him, and he was hurting people. He was like a man playing with boys. I've never seen a player, period, who played as hard as he did when the ball was snapped to get to the ball. There are a lot of strong guys, but he has a great intensity.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: I remember when we played King High School his senior year. Somebody threw a little short pass in the flat. He was rushing the quarterback, turned around and sprinted, got there at the same time as the cornerback and hit the guy. It was pretty phenomenal. You don't see many guys who rush the passer, then run back and tackle the guy when he catches the ball. He just dominated everybody. He was so strong. He had the greatest physique I've ever seen for a high school kid.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: He came home for our state playoff game with Lakeland. We went out and ate some chicken wings afterward. He was very mature. His stock had really grown his senior year. He had a great senior year. He was injured much of his career, always dinged up. His senior year he played hurt. I watched every game Florida State played on TV and watched him every play. He played at Florida State the way he played at Chamberlain. He was very upbeat (when they last spoke). He knew he had a chance to go really high.

What's your draft prediction for him?: Someone said they thought he'd go in the first round. I've heard people say he'd be one of the first 10 picks, but I don't know that. That's all speculation and guesswork.

[Angry Pope]

Vernon Davis....

NFL Draft: Where it started - Vernon Davis

By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Maryland tight end Vernon Davis.

Vernon Davis

Position: Tight End
College: Maryland
Vitals: 6-foot-4, 253 pounds
High school: Washington, D.C., Dunbar
Coach: Craig Jeffries

When was the first time you remember thinking Vernon eventually could play in the NFL?: He came in as a sophomore, enrolled in the school's pre-engineering program, walked into the office and already had everything he needed.

He already had the physical paperwork. He had great grades. He came in prepared. That's the first thing I noticed about him.

Then he ran with our senior group, and those guys had been working out all year and were pretty much in shape. He just blew them away running 200s. I just realized right then and there that he was special.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: He returned kicks and punts for us. We played this team Chardon from Ohio, and he returned a punt like 98 yards.

I think everybody on the team had a chance to tackle him, and he just ran through those guys at full speed. It was amazing to see him go 98 yards and run over, around and away from people.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: I spoke with him a couple of times in the last couple of weeks. I spoke with him during the University of Maryland's Pro Day.

What's your draft prediction for him?: I'm a huge football fan, but I'm not an expert in terms of teams moving up and things like that.

I don't make predictions on stuff I can't control. I'd like to see him be one of the first 10 players picked. That's what he wants, so that's my prediction.

[Angry Pope]

Eric Winston....

NFL Draft: Where it started - Eric Winston

By – Rivals.com

Once upon a time they were just kids.

They weren't yet supersized or faster than speeding bullets. They weren't yet identified as future millionaires.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson's coach remembers the offensive tackle as being only 215 pounds when he moved him to the position his sophomore year at Freeport (N.Y.) High School. Michael Huff's coach said Huff was on the JV team as a sophomore and "we moved him up to varsity because we made the playoffs."

Suffice it to say Ferguson is not 215 pounds anymore, and Huff made himself known in those playoffs with a game-tying touchdown catch. Now both are surefire first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

As part of its NFL Draft coverage, Rivals.com has ventured to find the stories behind the stories. We've talked to more than 20 high school coaches of potential first-round picks to ask where these players came from and what separates them from the rest of the crop. Don't be surprised if you find some common traits.

Today we look back at where it all began for Miami offensive tackle Eric Winston.

Eric Winston

Position: Offensive Tackle
College: Miami (Fla.)
Vitals: 6-foot-7, 312 pounds
High school: Midland (Texas) Lee
Coach: John Parchman

When was the first time you remember thinking Eric eventually could play in the NFL?: He would come to our booster club meetings with his dad when he was about in fourth or fifth grade. He was probably about a foot taller than any of his classmates then.

At the end of the booster club meetings, he'd come up, shake my hand and say hello to me. I knew he was a kind of special kid then because I don't remember any other fourth- or fifth-graders going to booster meetings and introducing themselves after the meetings. And he stood out because he was so big.

By the time he got to playing for me, it really felt like we'd already developed something of a bond. I knew then he was special. He was showing maturity even back when he was a little kid. I'm talking about when he was a young kid. I don't think he ever was a little kid.

What's your fondest game memory of him?: I can remember when he was a sophomore, we won our first state championship. He really was an offensive player stuck playing over on defense just because that's where we needed him.

I remember his unselfishness. When we realized we were going to win the championship game, I can remember him coming back and giving me a wink. I understood then that he put aside everything just for the good of the team.

With his unselfishness and his ability to play out of position just to help us win a state championship, I knew he was a special guy.

When's the last time you spoke to him?: Last week. He's fired up. We're going to have a little draft party and sit there and sweat through it together.

What's your draft prediction for him?: I guess I'm not as smart as all these guys on TV and everything. I know if I were in need of an offensive lineman, he would be the first one I would pick.

I know that he's projected somewhere toward the end of the first round or maybe the early part of the second round. I think he's worthy of being considered in those top-tier rounds, but I don't know how it all fits together.

I've got five or six players in the league (including Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson and New York Jets linebacker Brad Kassell), and he's as well qualified as any of them are.

[Angry Pope]

Randy's new agent....

MOSS DUMPS DITRAPANO

We interrupt our coverage of the draft to talk about a guy who slid down the board eight years ago.

Raiders receiver Randy Moss, who fell to the Vikings at No. 21 in 1998, has parted ways with agent Dante' di Trapano, according to multiple sources.

NFLPA records indicate that Moss has switched his official representation from di Trapano to partner Tim DiPiero.

Last month, di Trapano was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his wife and three other persons. Grossly conflicts accounts emerged. Di Trapano later was arrested for failing to appear at a court hearing in connection with the charges, and earlier this month his West Virginia home was searched by federal authorities.

Moss said he'd stand by di Trapano after word of the arrest broke. "Virtually everyone has a loved one, a family member or close friend, who finds himself or herself in trouble and needs help," Moss said. "You've got to support a friend who needs help and so I'm sticking by my friend and I'll support him and his family as he gets help battling his problem."

[Angry Pope]

A Charger with a prediction...

"LIGHTS OUT" GUARANTEES SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE

In an appearance with ESPN's Sean "My Collar Is Open This Weekend Because My Shirts No Longer Fit My Neck" Salisbury, Chargers linebacker Shawn Merriman has guaranteed that the Chargers will make an appearance in Super Bowl XLI.

What does it mean? Not much, since just about everyone these days is making sports-related "guarantees" on which they don't deliver. Indeed, the stigma of a failed "guarantee" used to make them even more rare that the triple-dog date.

But not anymore.

Still, Merriman's comments put even more pressure on the coaching staff and the front office to deliver big in 2006. Or else.