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2008 Sample article.
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NFL Team Reports
(Version 3.0)
Compiled by
Staff Writer, FantasyGuru.com
Published, April 9, 2008
Previous Reports:
Version 2.0
(3/25/08) I
Version 1.0
(2/22/08)
The NFL implemented several rule changes this
off-season that are worth mentioning.
1) One defensive player from each team will be
allowed to wear a wireless communication device in his helmet.
2) The force-out rule is dead. For a receiver
to be credited with a catch, he must get both feet down in bounds.
3) The five-yard facemask penalty has been
abolished, leaving only the 15-yard variety for severe infractions
involving twisting or grabbing of the facemask.
4) Any mishandled direct snap from center that
travels backward will be treated as a fumble. The former rule stated
that such an occurrence would be deemed a false start.
5) Teams can defer the decision to kick or to
receive upon winning the coin toss.
6) Field goals can be reviewed by instant
replay.
Arizona
LB
Clark Haggans
signed a one-year contract with the Cards. His addition was a
much-needed one after Arizona lost LB
Calvin Pace,
LB
Brandon Johnson,
and LB
Darryl Blackstock
in free agency this off-season. He’ll be counted on to be a
pass-rushing force…Get ready for Arizona to target the cornerback
position in the draft, as their depth there is extremely shaky at
this point…QB
Matt Leinart,
who’s coming off a broken collarbone, has been throwing pain-free
this off-season. Still, he needs to answer some durability questions
in 2008 for the Cards to continue to treat him as their quarterback
of the future. And the recent pictures of him partying it up in his
spare time suggest he has to show more commitment to improving his
game…or at least find some hotter chicks to hang with…CB
Eric Green
and DE
Antonio Smith
signed one-year tenders to stay with the Cardinals…
DE
Darnell Dockett,
WR
Anquan Boldin,
and S
Adrian Wilson
are all seeking new, more lucrative contracts with the Cards this
off-season…RB Chris Vincent signed a one-year
contract with the Cards…
Everyone and their mother knows the Falcons
need to grab a franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft with
lackluster QBs
Chris Redman
and
Joey Harrington
as their top two signal-callers at this juncture. But the big debate
right now is if they will spend their first pick (#3 overall) on the
position or if they will wait until the second round to pull the
trigger. The latter approach might be more reasonable and profitable
since Atlanta also desperately needs help on their O-line and
D-line…With CB
Von Hutchins
currently their best cornerback and CB
DeAngelo Hall
departing for Oakland, Atlanta needs to address the need for
playmaking defensive backs in the draft…New head coach
Mike Smith
has stressed the need for communication, accountability, and
discipline in the Falcons’ locker room next season following the
Michael Vick
and Bobby Petrino debacles in 2007. Speaking of
Vick, he’s reportedly been playing football in prison to stay in
shape…
The Ravens believe that sticking with their
veteran players will pay dividends in 2008 and it’s clear from their
lack of activity in free agency that they feel that way. After
watching a lot of film, the coaching staff reportedly was convinced
that injuries, not poor play, were a major factor in their lousy
2007 campaign. Thus,
Not only does new OC Turk Schonert
plan on calling more creative passing plays for QB
Trent Edwards
in 2008, but he’s also going to allow his young gunslinger to run
audibles at the line of scrimmage. That’s good news for Buffalo’s
passing game, which has been far too conservative in recent
seasons…QB
J.P. Losman
showed up for Buffalo’s off-season workouts, but he’s expected to be
dangled as trade bait around the draft since he hasn’t shown any
improvement as a Bill…WR
Josh Reed
had off-season back surgery, but he’s currently working out on a
limited basis and expects to be ready for training camp…Head coach
Dick Jauron wants to use “more rhythm throws” in
the passing game in 2008, which will allow QB
Trent Edwards
to take short, three-step drops and get the ball out quickly. It’s a
good fit for Edwards since he has a fast release and can diagnose
the defense on the fly. Jauron also hopes that approach will allow
the Bills to incorporate their running backs and tight ends into the
air attack, which is something that
The Panthers are banking on newly acquired WR
D.J. Hackett
opening things up greatly for #1 guy WR
Steve Smith
in 2008. The coaching staff believes that Hackett can stretch the
field and draw safeties downfield, allowing Smith to make a killing
on crossing patterns, slants, and posts…The Panthers devoted much of
their attention in free agency to adding bulk, power, and strength
to their undermanned O-line. As a result, you can count on them
emphasizing a smash-mouth power-running scheme in 2008 led by RB
DeAngelo Williams…Head
coach John Fox indicated recently that the Panthers
will not trade DE
Julius Peppers
this off-season…QB
Jake Delhomme,
who’s coming off Tommy John surgery on his elbow, will begin
throwing a regulation NFL football after working with a Nerf ball in
the early part of his rehab. The Panthers believe Delhomme’s arm
could be stronger than ever in 2008…
Look for the Bears to address their woeful
offensive line in the draft, particularly after the off-season
releases of OT
Fred Miller
and G
Ruben Brown.
They haven’t made a splash in free agency and they haven’t pulled
the trigger on any trades, so they have no choice but to target some
young, inexperienced big uglies. Their weak O-line was a major cause
of their offensive struggles in 2007 and if they can’t improve it
very soon with some impact players, next season could be another
debacle. It wouldn’t hurt if they drafted a franchise QB and a solid
running back either…Speaking of running backs, RB
Cedric Benson,
who’s coming off a fractured ankle that required a metal plate and
screws to stabilize it, will have to compete for and earn the
starting gig in 2008 after a horrendous season last year, according
to GM Jerry Angelo. Chances are that Benson will
have to beat out RB
Adrian Peterson
and whoever the Bears draft in April. My oh my, it didn’t take the
soft Benson long to hit rock bottom…OC Ron Turner
believes WR
Mark Bradley
will do a lot of growing up in 2008, which will be his fourth pro
season. Said Turner, “We feel really good about what he can do and
look forward to having Mark take another step. I think Mark’s going
to step up and play well.” He needs to because the Bears said
goodbye to WR
Bernard Berrian
and WR
Muhsin Muhammad
this off-season and their best two receivers at this point are WR
Devin Hester
and WR
Marty Booker.
Bradley himself was quoted as saying he thinks he’ll be the #1
receiver next season, but those may be lofty, unrealistic
expectations. When asked recently how he’ll use his weak crew of
wideouts in 2008, Turner commented, “We’ll lean towards the guys
that are making plays, the guys who are consistently doing what we
ask them to do and making plays in the system.”…S
Brandon McGowan
signed a one-year contract to stay with the Bears…WR
Devin Hester
is making a push this off-season to be a go-to receiver in 2008. And
judging from OC Ron Turner’s comments, he seems to
think Hester can be just that eventually. Said Turner, “He’s been
studying, been working, and he is committed to making that leap and
making that step to be an every-down receiver. He’s doing so far
everything this off-season that you’d expect a guy to do. He’s got a
lot of pride and he’s got a lot of ability obviously, and I think
he’s ready to make that move. I’m excited about watching him
progress.” With that said, Hester’s fantasy stock is clearly
skyrocketing…LB
Brian Urlacher,
who’s coming off neck surgery, won’t attend off-season workouts
because he’s seeking a contract extension…Bank on TE
Desmond Clark
and TE
Greg Olsen
being a major part of the Bears’ passing game in 2008.
RB
Rudi Johnson
expects to be fully recovered in time for training camp from the
hamstring injury that limited him to just nine starts in 2007.
However, the outlook for RB
Kenny Irons
isn’t nearly as good. Irons, who tore a knee ligament in the
preseason last year, may not be able to contribute at all in 2008.
It’s worth mentioning that Johnson is putting on weight this
off-season after playing leaner last season netted him poor
results…Free-agent acquisition TE
Ben Utecht
could finally give QB
Carson Palmer
a capable, versatile tight end to target between the hash marks in
2008. He has impressive size and athleticism, so plan on
Palmer-to-Utecht becoming a frequent connection next season. After
all, TE
Reggie Kelly
is more skilled as a blocker than as a pass-catcher and everyone
knows Cincy needs to make better use of their tight ends in the
passing game. Said Utecht when asked about his role next season, “I
want to help take some pressure off the outside guys.” Keeping the
chains moving on third down probably will be another one of his
duties. His addition could also lead to a more even-keeled offensive
attack that keeps defenses off-balance since he will allow Cincy to
run and throw out of two-TE sets…Head coach Marvin Lewis
reportedly told his coaching staff that Cincy will emphasize the
power running game in 2008. He believes staying committed to the run
late in games will lead to more wins next season. Clearly, the
Bengals’ pass-happy approach just didn’t cut it last season. Said
Lewis, “We’re going to go back and play physical football and be a
physical football team.” Lewis also went public and said the Bengals
won’t hesitate to move on without WR
Chad Johnson
if he decides to sit out the 2008 season as a disgruntled
employee…Troubled WR
Chris Henry
just can’t seem to keep his nose clean. He was recently arrested and
charged with assault after he allegedly punched a man in the head
and threw a beer bottle at his car. Considering his past off-field
issues, Henry could face yet another league-imposed suspension if
found guilty. He won’t be with the Bengals in 2008 though because he
was released not long after the team learned of his latest
transgression…Henry’s release suggests WR
Antonio Chatman
could be a player to target
very late on draft day in 2008 Chatman can be a dangerous slot guy
due to his speed, so look for him to be a target of QB
Carson Palmer
on short and intermediate routes next season. Also, WR
Chad Johnson
and WR
T.J. Houshmandzadeh
not being at off-season
workouts could be viewed as a blessing for Chatman because it will
allow him to build a solid chemistry with Palmer before training
camp commences…WR
Doug Gabriel
signed a one-year contract with the Bengals after being out of
football in 2007…
Projected starting QB
Derek Anderson
has two goals in mind to
accomplish this off-season. He wants to cut down on poor decisions
and interceptions. Also, he plans on working hard to improve the
touch on his short-range passes. If he can manage to do that,
Anderson should be able to hold off QB
Brady Quinn
for another year…RB
Jamal Lewis
had a tremendous bounce-back season in 2007 and the surgery he had
to remove bone spurs in his ankles paid off in a big way. Late last
season, Lewis showed phenomenal burst, quickness, and power both
between the tackles and on the edges. However, the addition of WR
Donte Stallworth to the Browns’ offense could make
it difficult for Lewis to get his 20+ carries every week in 2008.
After all, Stallworth can contribute meaningfully as both an
underneath and downfield weapon in the passing game alongside studs
WR
Braylon Edwards
and TE
Kellen Winslow,
who will also command their fair share of looks. It’ll be
interesting to see if head coach Romeo Crennel
keeps the offense balanced with a heavy dose of Lewis or if the
passing game becomes the emphasis. We’ll know more when training
camp rolls around, but this is clearly a situation to keep an eye on
for fantasy purposes…The Browns are the only team in the league
without a draft choice in the first three rounds of the draft, as
they used their picks to acquire impact defenders DT
Corey Williams
and DT
Shaun Rogers
this off-season…RB
Jason Wright
is slated to be the top backup to RB
Jamal Lewis
in 2008, but the Browns would love tough, strong RB
Jerome Harrison
to contribute as well since his game features a dynamic playmaking
element that Wright’s game lacks…
LB
Zach Thomas,
WR
Brandon Marshall
admitted that he still has a few things to work on before becoming
an elite NFL pass-catcher.
The Lions are reportedly eyeing up running
back and offensive line talent in this year’s draft. The could use a
new right tackle to help protect QB
Jon Kitna
and a runner to compete with
RB
Tatum Bell
for the starting gig after RB
Kevin Jones
was shown the door this off-season. The more vital need at this
point appears to be at running back, as new OC Jim Colletto
plans to balance out the offense with a healthy dose of the run and
a new zone-blocking scheme in 2008…QB
Jon Kitna
just can’t seem to contain his amazement over WR
Calvin Johnson.
Kitna recently commented on Johnson’s performance in off-season
workouts by saying, “It’s kind of funny watching him run the
conditioning (drills) with everybody because he’s beating everybody
by a pretty good margin and it doesn’t even look like he’s running
very hard.” It sounds like Johnson has put those pesky back issues
from 2007 behind him and is poised to be a vicious downfield threat
in his sophomore campaign…WR
Shaun McDonald
had what’s being called a “routine clean-up” surgery on his knee
this off-season. He’s expected to be 100% for the 2008
season…Despite rampant trade rumors this off-season, WR
Roy Williams,
who’s entering the final year of his contract, has said publicly
that he’d be happy to remain a Lion in 2008…Newly acquired TE
Michael Gaines
could be a starter next season, as TE Dan Campbell’s
elbow injury remains a major concern…Given Detroit’s glaring
problems protecting the quarterback in 2007, new OC Jim
Colletto will likely call more short passing plays and ask
for less seven-step drops from slow-as-molasses QB
Jon Kitna
in 2008…
The Packers are actively seeking a veteran
gunslinger to serve as backup to new starting QB
Aaron Rodgers
in 2008. They reportedly feel more comfortable bringing in a proven
guy with experience and want to avoid drafting a young signal-caller
who will need a lot of development. Rodgers possesses a strong,
accurate arm, has improved his so-so mechanics, and knows how to get
the ball out quickly, so he should thrive next season, especially
since mobility is an asset of his. Plus, he throws a very pretty
deep ball and is a master of the fade route. Just don’t be shocked
if the Packers emphasize the run to protect him early on in the
season…It started in 2007, but 2008 should see WR
Greg Jennings
officially pass WR
Donald Driver
on the Packers’ wideout depth chart. Jennings has more speed, softer
hands, and more run-after-catch upside than Driver and his youth is
a nice bonus…WR
Ruvell Martin
signed a one-year contract to stay with the Packers…Head coach
Mike McCarthy recently said that he plans on
keeping the offensive scheme intact for new QB
Aaron Rodgers
next season. But McCarthy also hinted that he’s enamored with
Rodgers’ athleticism, so we could see the pocket move quite a bit in
2008…Head coach Mike McCarthy recently admitted
that Green Bay’s interior running game needs to improve next season
and he believes it starts with the big uglies on the inside. With
that said, look for him to shake up the guard positions and open
some competition in training camp…WR
James Jones
believes he’s capable of
posting a 1,000-yard, 10-TD season in 2008. He’s a physical, tough
receiver with reliable hands, but the cold conditions of Lambeau
late in 2007 took their toll on him. And head coach Mike
McCarthy thinks he hit the dreaded rookie wall, which
suggests he needs to condition himself better for his sophomore
campaign…Retired QB
Brett Favre
admitted recently that he’d be happy to come back and fill in for QB
Aaron Rodgers
if the Packers’ new gunslinger sustains an injury in 2008…RB
Brandon Jackson
will likely cut into RB Ryan Grant’s touches as a
change-of-pace back in 2008 because the coaching staff is enamored
with his elusiveness, power, and hands. Still,
Houston’s current trio of running backs, RB
Ahman Green,
RB
Chris Taylor,
and RB
Chris Brown,
have all proven to be prone to injury, so don’t be shocked if the
Texans draft a running back for depth in 2008. After all, they’re
hoping to emphasize their ground game and adopt a new zone-blocking
scheme next season…Backup QB
Sage Rosenfels
indicated recently that he’d like a chance to start in the NFL. He
feels like he won’t get that opportunity with the Texans, so he
could lobby for a trade before the 2008 season commences…CB
Dunta Robinson
is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL and a serious
hamstring injury, but it still looks as though the Texans could be
without him until mid-season…Head coach Gary Kubiak
indicated that the team will use the draft to fill their need for a
tackle, a cornerback, and a pass-rusher. Kubiak also admitted that
he wants his team to run the football more effectively in 2008, as
QB
Matt Schaub
could stand to take fewer hits
coming off shoulder surgery…
Considering they’re a team that absolutely
loves utilizing two-TE formations, the loss of TE
Ben Utecht
in free agency could be a big blow to Indy in 2008. It looks like
they’ll bank on relatively inexperienced TE
Bryan Fletcher
to replace Utecht’s production going forward…WR
Marvin Harrison,
who had chronic cartilage problems with his left knee during the
2007 season, needed an arthroscopic procedure to clean up his right
knee this off-season. But the feeling within the Colts’ organization
is that Marvelous will make a full recovery and return to form in
2008…WR
Roy Hall,
who missed most of the 2007 season with a shoulder injury, could see
an expanded role in 2008 as either a wideout or a pass-catching
tight end because the Colts didn’t re-sign TE
Ben Utecht
or WR
Aaron Moorehead
this off-season. Hall, at 6-3 240, has solid size, above-average
quickness, and sticky hands, so he’s a guy to keep tabs on during
training camp…
Head coach Jack Del Rio
signed a five-year contract extension with the Jags after winning
his first playoff game in 2007…QB
David Garrard
signed a seven-year million contract extension with the Jags, which
just happens to be the richest deal in franchise history. Garrard,
in his first season as the starter, compiled a 102.2 QB rating and
had a span of 230 passes without an interception…The Jags will focus
on strengthening their D-line on draft day because they experienced
some key losses in free agency…The addition of CB
Drayton Florence
to complement CB
Rashean Mathis
should give the Jags a solid cover-corner duo and allow new DC
Gregg Williams to scheme up some dangerous blitz
packages in 2008…S
Gerald Sensabaugh
signed a one-year contract with the Jags…The Jags will try to get RB
Fred Taylor
and RB
Maurice Jones-Drew
on the field at the same time more often in 2008 to create match-up
problems…TE
Marcedes Lewis
was a phenomenal blocking force last season, but the Jags want him
to be more involved as a pass-catcher in 2008 because he has the
athleticism, hands, and size to beat defenders down the seam and
he’s tough to bring down after the catch…By signing WR
Jerry Porter
and WR
Troy Williamson
this off-season, the Jags made it clear that they hope to do more
damage in the vertical passing game next season. Too often in 2007,
Newly acquired WR
Devard Darling
stands an excellent chance of emerging as a downfield threat for the
Chiefs in 2008 since their receiving corps is extremely thin behind
WR
Dwayne Bowe…The
Chiefs averaged about six missed tackles per game in 2007, which is
why they have asked DC Gunther Cunningham to assume
the role of linebackers coach in addition to his other duties in
2008…RB
Larry Johnson,
who’s coming off a broken foot, was seen running with little
difficulty (but not at full speed) at off-season workouts. The team
expects him to pick up the pace and intensify his preparations when
training camp commences…The Chiefs could have as many as three new
starters on their offensive line in 2008, so chemistry could be an
issue for their running game early in the season…WR
Jeff Webb
could emerge as the Chiefs’ #3 wideout next season due to his
precise route-running skills and his sticky hands…New OC
Chan Gailey is expected to make the power running game the
emphasis of the Chiefs’ offense in 2008…The coaching staff wants to
dial up more plays next season to showcase QB Brodie
Croyle’s mobility and ability to deliver passes on the
run…Look for physically imposing WR
Dwayne Bowe
to do more damage on underneath routes and quick-hitters in 2008, as
the coaching staff wants to put his stellar run-after-catch skills
to better use in his sophomore campaign…
S
Chris Crocker
signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins. He brings starting
experience and excellent ball skills to the table, so he may see a
lot of playing time in 2008…New head coach Tony Sparano
suggested in an interview recently that he could adopt a two-headed
monster approach at running back in 2008, allowing RB
Ricky Williams
and RB
Ronnie Brown
to share the carries, as both are coming off season-ending injuries.
Sparano noted that using two backs is a trend that has formed in the
NFL and that has benefited some teams…Sparano also mentioned that RB
Lorenzo Booker
will see his fair share of touches next season behind Brown and
Williams. Said Sparano on the young speedster, “Lorenzo is an
interesting player, obviously. He’s a guy that when you watch, he
jumps off the film a little bit. He’s interesting in that he’s a guy
that you’ve got to get touches for. You’ve got to find a way to get
Lorenzo the ball a little bit that way. I think there’s a role (for
him).” It sounds like we could be looking at one crowded backfield
when it comes to the rebuilding Dolphins…Miami is expected to make
the offensive line a major priority in this year’s draft…Head coach
Tony Sparano is reportedly very pleased with QB
John Beck’s work ethic as well as his increased
strength and muscle mass. Beck, who’s been working like a madman to
improve his side-arm throwing motion this off-season, will likely
have to earn the starting job in 2008 by beating out QB
Josh McCown
in training camp. After all, Sparano love McCown’s athleticism,
strong arm, and competitive nature and Beck has less experience…
WR Robert
TE
Ben Watson
recently underwent surgery on his left ankle, which was problematic
for him in 2007 and kept him out of several games. The operation
revealed both damaged cartilage and scar tissue, which was worse
than initially expected. Watson could miss the start of training
camp and that could force the Pats to draft a young pass-catching
tight end…The high ankle sprain that nagged QB
Tom Brady
late last season is not expected to limit him this off-season…RB
Sammy Morris
(sternum/clavicle separation) believes he’ll bounce back from what
he termed a “freak injury” and contribute meaningfully in 2008…With
the loss of CB
Asante Samuel,
CB
Randall Gay,
and S
Eugene Wilson
in free agency, look for the Pats to go after some defensive backs
in the upcoming draft…LB
Victor Hobson
signed a one-year contract
with the Patriots to bolster their geriatric linebacker corps…Look
for WR
Chad Jackson
to battle WR
Kelley Washington
for the #4 wideout job in training camp this summer. Jackson, who
just hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his first two years in the
league, has more upside and explosiveness than Washington and WR
Randy Moss
reportedly thinks Jackson can be a playmaking star in the
NFL…Considering how strongly RB
Laurence Maroney
played down the stretch in 2007, it might be prudent for the Pats to
feature a more run-friendly offense in 2008…DE
Richard Seymour
will be 100% healthy for the 2008 season after a knee injury slowed
him for much of last year and caused him to miss the Pro Bowl for
the first time in six campaigns…
QB
Drew Brees
is reportedly very happy that the team decided to keep his arsenal
of weapons intact this off-season by re-signing most of their key
free agents because he believes the Saints are very close to being
an elite offense and a Super Bowl contender…Third-year WR
Marques Colston,
whose 168 catches in his first two pro seasons is an NFL record
worth bragging about, is recuperating nicely from off-season
arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Said Colston, “Unfortunately
I’m a vet to surgeries, so I know exactly what it takes. I’ve just
got to be patient with it. I had a lot of irritation going on in
there throughout the season. Now’s the time to clean it up and get
healthy.” He anticipates being all-systems-go for training camp. In
case you haven’t noticed, Colston has some of the best hands in the
game and excels at making tricky catches over the middle and in the
red zone…DE
Will Smith
won’t be attending off-season workouts because he wants a new
contract from the Saints…DE
Charles Grant
is recovering nicely from off-season surgery that fixed a ligament
in his left ankle…CB
Aaron Glenn
signed a contract with the Saints to compete for a nickel cornerback
job in 2008…
The Giants will open the 2008 NFL season at
home against the Redskins on September 4…Rumors are floating around
that TE
Jeremy Shockey
could be traded to the Saints this off-season, as they have been in
contact with the Giants about the overrated, temperamental tight
end. TE
Kevin Boss
emerged late in 2007 and the Giants seem to believe that Shockey
brings more headaches than playmaking ability to the table, so don’t
be “shocked” if they move him for the right price. If Shockey stays,
plan on seeing a ton of two-TE formations from
Disgruntled WR
Laveranues Coles
got his wish and received a guarantee that the final two years of
his contract will pay him million. It’s just a shame that the Jets
don’t have a strong-armed gunslinger to get him the ball
downfield…According to the Jets’ GM, QB
Chad Pennington
won’t be traded this off-season, so look for him to compete with QB
Kellen Clemens
for the starting job in 2008. After all, Clemens hasn’t shown that
he can be a poised game-manager and Pennington has much more
experience…The Jets’ recent free-agent signings on the offensive
side of the ball, particularly on the O-line, point to a physical,
run-heavy approach in 2008. Plus, offensive line master Bill
Callahan was hired as an assistant head coach this
off-season to whip the Jets’ big uglies into shape. With that said,
it might be wise to invest in RB
Thomas Jones
next season…There’s been speculation that the Jets could trade their
sixth overall draft pick to acquire more choices since they need
depth at wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, and on the offensive
line…
DE
Kalimba Edwards
signed a two-year contract with the Raiders after being released by
the Lions. Edwards should boost
TE
Kris Wilson
signed a three-year contract with the Eagles. He’s expected to chip
in next season as both a blocker and a pass-catching complement to
TE
L.J. Smith…CB
Lito Sheppard,
who’s unhappy with his contract situation and who lost his #1 role
to newly acquired CB
Asante Samuel,
could be draft-day trade bait should the Eagles have a desire to
move up from their 19th overall spot. But if he’s dealt,
Philly will need to add at least a nickel cornerback for depth
purposes…The Eagles have focused primarily on addressing their
defense and special teams in free agency, which begs an important
question. Why aren’t they out there wheeling and dealing for a
big-time receiver? Their offense needs an upgrade with WR
Kevin Curtis
and WR
Reggie Brown
as their 1-2 punch…CB
Joselio Hanson
signed a one-year contract to stay with the Eagles. He will be
Philly’s third or fourth corner next season…Head coach Andy
Reid recently assured QB
Donovan McNabb
that he won’t be traded this off-season. It was rumored that McNabb
could be headed to Chicago or Baltimore, but apparently the Birds
want #5 to stay put. Reid added that he anticipates Donny Mac
returning to Pro Bowl form in 2008 because his surgically repaired
knee will be stronger and he’ll have his vintage mobility back…Head
coach Andy Reid was extremely encouraged by WR
Reggie Brown’s
strong finish in 2007, as Brown tallied 22 receptions in Philly’s
final four games. Reid felt that Brown’s lack of consistency and
shaky mental focus contributed to his slow start last
season…Franchise TE
L.J. Smith
signed his one-year tender and reported to off-season workouts.
Smith feels that the Eagles will make a championship run in 2008 and
expects to help their red zone offense get back on track next season
after he was plagued by injuries in 2007…QB
A.J. Feeley
and QB
Kevin Kolb
will battle it out in training camp for the backup gig to QB
Donovan McNabb…RB
Brian Westbrook
showed immense improvement as a between-the-tackles runner in 2007,
so don’t be surprised if pass-happy head coach Andy Reid
stays committed to the run more often next season…
RB
Willie Parker
(broken fibula) and WR
Hines Ward
(knee surgery) are both on track to be ready for training camp…The
Steelers are likely to target offensive linemen in the draft to
improve their interior run-blocking, which regressed noticeably in
2007 and took a hit with the loss of G
Alan Faneca
in free agency. Also,
Head coach Norv Turner thinks
new wide receivers coach Charlie Joiner will help
the Charger wideouts improve drastically in 2008 because he’s an
experienced guy with massive knowledge and insight from his playing
days…S
Clinton Hart
signed a five-year contract extension with the Chargers…K
Nate Kaeding,
who battled a broken leg last season, did not require off-season
surgery and expects to be at full-strength in 2008…The Chargers’
offense should feature more multiple-wideout formations and more
screen passes in 2008 since they were a major reason for San Diego’s
successful playoff run last year…
Franchise CB
Marcus Trufant
signed a six-year .2 million contract with the Seahawks. Trufant had
a career-high 7 INTs in 2007 and was elected to his first Pro Bowl
primarily because secondary coach Jim Mora urged
him to be more aggressive. His signing opens up about million of
salary cap space for Seattle…K
Olindo Mare
signed a two-year contract with the Seahawks.
Underachieving QB Alex Smith,
who’s coming off shoulder surgery, has begun to throw lightly and
expects to be ready for training camp this summer where he’ll
compete with QB Shaun Hill for the starting job. As
it stands, you have to give the edge to Hill opening the 2008 season
as the starter because of his quick release. After all, Smith hasn’t
done a damn thing since entering the league to warrant a #1 job and
his shoulder problems could hurt his velocity and accuracy in the
future…Speaking of QB Alex Smith, he’s convinced
that the bad blood between him and head coach Mike Nolan
is a thing of the past. Said Smith, “I think we’re both looking
forward to putting last year behind us. I’ve talked to him several
times and we’re both excited about it. I know I definitely am,
because I know that’s not a reflection on either of us. We’re both
better than that, and I think we’re looking forward to erasing that
and proving to people, not only in this building but everywhere,
that we’re definitely going to move on.” Smith is also excited to
work with new OC Mike Martz in 2008 even though it
will be his fourth new coordinator in four seasons. Smith noted that
being coached up by Martz will help him “gain knowledge” and learn a
lot about the position…Look for the Niners to target offensive
linemen early in the draft, as their current O-line has a few holes
in it at the guard position…At this point, WR Isaac Bruce
appears to be the only 49er wideout guaranteed a starting job in
2008 due to his familiarity with OC Mike Martz’s
wide-open offense and his uncanny ability to find daylight and gain
separation with excellent route-running. With that said, WR
Bryant Johnson, WR Arnaz
OT
Orlando Pace is getting older and he’s coming off a torn
labrum in his shoulder, so all signs seem to point to the Rams
drafting a blue-chip tackle and possible successor for him…The team
is hoping newly acquired TE Anthony Becht, who’s as
big as some offensive linemen, will improve their running game in
2008 and help RB Steven Jackson bust runs to the
outside…There’s some concern that WR Torry Holt’s
chronic knee condition could limit his explosiveness in 2008 and
force him to be more of a possession receiver after years of being a
lethal downfield threat…New OC Al Saunders will
likely ask for more motion at the line of scrimmage from the Rams’
receivers next season…
QB Chris Simms has been a
no-show for off-season workouts and with the Bucs currently carrying
five QBs on their roster, Simms could wind up being traded in the
near future. He claims he’s fully recovered from the ruptured spleen
that set him back in a big way in 2006…Don’t be surprised if the
Bucs use their first-round pick in the draft to acquire a big-time
wide receiver who can start in 2008 and make an immediate impact, as
there’s a huge drop-off on their WR depth chart behind WR
Joey Galloway. Speaking of Galloway, he could be limited in
training camp since his shoulder still isn’t 100% healthy…Newly
acquired S
Eugene Wilson
will move to cornerback in 2008, according to head coach Jon
Gruden…WR Maurice Stovall, who’s coming
off elbow surgery, should be a full participant in training camp
this summer…Head coach Jon Gruden wants to use WR
Parris Warren more often in 2008 because of his TD
potential…Judging from the off-season acquisitions of RB
Warrick Dunn and TEs Ben Troupe and
John Gilmore, Tampa Bay figures to be one run-happy
offense in 2008…QB Jeff Garcia, who’s entering the
final year of his contract, is reportedly upset that the team hasn’t
offered him a new deal after he made the Pro Bowl and guided the
Bucs to the playoffs in 2007…
G Benji Olson, who was
hampered with severe back pain in 2007, announced
his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons. Look for newly
acquired G Jake Scott to slide into his spot on the
right side in 2008…Although he’s been taking classes at Texas this
spring to earn his degree, QB Vince Young has
reportedly made progress with his footwork under new OC Mike
Heimerdinger by working with him three-four times each
week. Said head coach Jeff Fisher, “I think he’s
made significant strides to this point with his footwork.” Young
definitely needs it, as his accuracy can become really shaky when
his mechanics break down, which is the case with most mobile
quarterbacks…The Titans hope newly acquired WR Justin
McCareins will thrive as their #3 wideout in 2008 even
though he was downright awful in a Jet uniform the past three
seasons. McCareins excelled under new OC Mike Heimerdinger
in his previous go-round with Tennessee and their reunion is
expected to generate some fireworks in the Titans’ lame passing
game…Running back depth behind RB LenDale White and
RB
Chris Henry
is a problem for Tennessee, so
look for them to snatch an impact ball-carrier in the draft…The
tandem of TE Alge Crumpler and TE Bo Scaife
will likely allow QB Vince Young to move the chains
more easily and attack the middle of the field more often in 2008.
Also, their presence should open things up for the Titans’ outside
receivers, who certainly could use more room to operate…
The Redskins will open the 2008 NFL season on
the road against the Giants on September 4…TE Chris Cooley
is already foaming at the mouth for the 2008 season. He’s
been told by head coach Jim Zorn that he will be
moved around the formation a lot and will be called upon to stretch
the field more often next season. Cooley was quoted as saying that
he believes he’ll be able to make more big plays with his legs in
Zorn’s fresh west coast scheme…Head coach Jim Zorn
recently said that he wants to teach QB Jason Campbell
how to speed up his game and get the ball out of his hand more
swiftly in 2008, as quick timing patterns are a staple of Zorn’s
west coast offense. Zorn feels that Campbell must properly adjust to
the blistering speed of the NFL before taking the next step in his
development…Head coach Jim Zorn recently admitted
that the Redskins will open the 2008 season with a run-first
philosophy and gradually become more balanced offensively as their
newly installed passing game progresses…WR Jerome Mathis
signed a contract with the Redskins. He was the first free agent
acquired by