NFL News

[Ranma4699]

Is it a good idea to change the playoff structure?

A small bit of news about the possibility of shaking up the NFL playoffs was buried, somewhat ironically, by the awesomeness of the playoffs themselves. To me, that suggests that the playoffs don't need changed, but what the hell, I'm open to new ideas.

Roger Goodell wants to make it so that in the first round of the playoffs, division winners wouldn't automatically have a home game. If they played a wildcard team that had a better record, the wild card team would get the game in their own crib.

The idea is that it gives teams more incentive to play hard throughout the end of the regular season, so we don't end up seeing something like a Charlie Batch vs. Jim Sorgi matchup in Week 17.

For example, this year, the Bucs couldn't have sat on their hands in weeks 16 and 17, knowing they had their division sewn up. If they wanted to play a home game in the first round, they'd have had to take the field in Week 17 with a line-up a with a little more firepower than was brought to the table by Luke McCown, Michael Bennett, and Chad Lucas.

I'm not opposed to this idea, necessarily. It makes perfect sense, and a team with a better record probably deserves a home game.

However, if it was put to a vote, I'd vote no, and here's why: If there's a coach out there who saw the Colts and Bucs tank the end of this season, and saw the Giants put forth a gargantuan effort with nothing to play for in Week 17, and then saw what happened in the playoffs, and that coach is still dumb enough to be letting his players collect rust over the last two weeks of the season, then I'm opposed to the league stepping in and saving this coach from his own idiocy.

If this year's postseason didn't hammer home the "tanking is bad" message for a coach, then he deserves a savage beatdown in the playoffs next year.

[Ranma4699]

Looming offseason questions of '08

Randy Moss hopes to stay with the New England Patriots. So does Asante Samuel. But hoping for something and realizing it – well, do we really have to explain how far apart those two things are after seeing what happened in Super Bowl XLII?

That's why free agency is just one of the things worth watching this offseason. While the 2007 season has officially been put to bed, it only signals the birth of the 2008 league calendar, which starts in earnest with preparation for free agency and the NFL draft.

With that in mind, here are 10 things worth keeping an eye on the next six-plus months before training camp opens …


1. Spygate

This story is here to stay, folks. With the buzz over the alleged pre-Super Bowl taping of a St. Louis Rams walk-through in 2002, this story just grew legs. We thought it was dead months ago when the league handed down a massive fine to New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and stripped the franchise of a first-round draft pick as punishment for the incident in the '07 season opener against the New York Jets. But Sen. Arlen Specter has lit the pilot light once again, and with former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh hinting at some significant impropriety, the newshounds have officially been released. Mark it down: If a video surfaces showing illegal taping prior to the Jets incident, all hell is going to break loose. How bad could it get? Think along the lines of the mushroom clouds in those Cold War era "duck and cover" films.

2. The collective bargaining agreement


It feels like we just sat through this whole labor fiasco a couple of months ago, doesn't it? Well, the league is basically back to square one, with the owners in a tizzy about how much the CBA extension is costing them in shared revenue and profit percentage points given to the players and blah, blah, blah. Bottom line: The owners signed a deal they didn't like and we're right back to them opting out of this deal next November, which means no salary cap in 2010. So keep up on all the offseason meetings because commissioner Roger Goodell is going to have to make some hay with getting the owners turned around on this issue. Or else, well, go back and read the mushroom cloud scenario from No. 1.

3. Player conduct


Last offseason was a doozy and the league as a whole would like nothing more than a serene and uneventful offseason. But considering the knifing of New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant over Super Bowl weekend, the pessimists are already lining up. Almost nothing could be more embarrassing than last year's Michael Vick disaster. But just when you think that way, well, who can say anymore? The reality is: now we get a chance to see how effective all this personal conduct posturing has been. Goodell and the league have become hardliners in some respects, but will it matter? The proof should present itself in the next six months.

4. Free agency


Normally, this is at the top of the offseason agenda and considering the production of some of the quality signings of last season (Patrick Kerney, Eric Steinbach and Adalius Thomas, to name a few), free agency still packs a major punch. Once again, teams will have plenty of salary cap room with which to operate. A prominent NFLPA source told Yahoo! Sports this weekend that there should be well over $500 million in salary cap space league-wide once overpriced veterans are cut. That's a lot of coin floating around for teams that are looking for an upper-tier corner (Samuel), a top-of-the-line pursuit linebacker (Lance Briggs), a potential franchise running back (Michael Turner, Jamal Lewis or Julius Jones), a supremely talented offensive lineman (Alan Faneca or Jordan Gross), a stud defensive lineman (Albert Haynesworth, Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs) … or heaven forbid, a talented wide receiver with a reconditioned reputation (Moss).

5. Another robust trade market


The trade market continues to get more beefy as teams leave themselves with cap space to maneuver. Obviously, Moss and Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee headlined 2007 as trades that moved the needle in a big way. But there were a litany of other players who were dealt in 2007 and ended up paying huge dividends: Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant, San Diego Chargers wideout Chris Chambers, Washington Redskins guard Pete Kendall and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Takeo Spikes. And you can bank on there being big stars being dangled this offseason (Cincinnati Bengals wideout Chad Johnson and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers) to go along with some second-tier guys who could surface as difference makers in 2008.

6. Sorting out the NFL draft


It's still early, but nobody can really agree on how the top of the upcoming draft will fall. That suggests it's not a class with many mind-blowing stars. Then again, nobody has had time to fall in love with the next generation just yet. Bank on this: Between now and the draft in April, five players will all be shuffled atop the draft board: Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long, Virginia defensive end Chris Long, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Maybe the bigger question will be which player will come out of nowhere and absolutely wow scouts with his "measurables," rocketing up the draft board? Here's an early guess: Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. And yes, he comes from the same family tree as San Diego superfreak Antonio Cromartie.

7. How will the Patriots respond?


Everyone outside of the northeast is kind of sick of talking about the Patriots, particularly after they teased history and didn't deliver in the end. But it will be intriguing to see how the New England braintrust reacts to the near miss. The Patriots will have to pay through the nose to keep Samuel, and that seems unlikely given their history of not paying cornerbacks. And they will have to give Moss a healthy deal to return, even if there isn't a huge market for him in free agency. But what to do with the middle of the defense, where linebackers Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi just didn't seem to have enough gas as every-down players? Having the San Francisco 49ers' No. 7 overall pick in the draft should provide a huge chip to either use or dangle in the trade market. No matter what happens, New England should remain a dominant team in the AFC, but they do need to make the right moves to replenish that defense with youth.

8. Where do the New York Giants go from here?


An interesting thing happened after the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl following the '05 season. Some of their key young players – paging Ike Taylor – stopped working hard and fell flat on their faces the following season. It's dangerous to assume that this unexpected title kicks open an era of dominance for the Giants. They have a lot of young players who could easily let this first title go straight to their heads, particularly in a city like New York where they will practically be treated as messianic figures in the offseason. Coach Tom Coughlin, who will be busy working on a contract extension, will have his work cut out for him as he tries to keep this team focused. Don't just assume that one unexpected championship run translates into a great encore performance. Just ask the '06 Steelers and '01 Ravens.

9. What happens with Brett Favre and Michael Strahan?


Either player could walk into the sunset after experiencing some gratifying seasons so late in their careers. But it's hard to believe that either player will walk away this offseason. Favre looked totally revitalized this past season, and the Packers have a lot going for them heading into 2008. As for Strahan, well, we know he needs the money (think: divorce) and he's still playing at a very high level. And having him remain as a starter allows this defense to keep a key wrinkle in place with Justin Tuck at a tackle spot on passing downs. One more season makes sense for both players. Anything else would be a mild shocker.

10. Will Pacman Jones ever play again?


Maybe a better question is: "Does anyone care if Pacman Jones ever plays again?" But since I think we already know what the answer to that is, we'll stick to whether the league is going to allow him back on the field. Jones is up for reinstatement later this month, now that it appears all of his pending legal entanglements with the authorities have been settled. But that doesn't guarantee anything, particularly with all the recent buzz about Jones still frequenting strip clubs. A best guess at this point? Jones will wait several months and eventually get reinstated, just in time for the Titans to dump him to onto the free-agent market. On the outside chance that he does return to the Titans, Yahoo! Sports has heard from at least two veterans on the team that he's one dirty look from getting his rear end kicked by a number of Tennessee players.

[Ranma4699]

NFL commissioner unsure there is more Spygate information

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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is willing to pursue any believable information in the Spygate case.

Goodell said Wednesday the league has been in touch with representatives of former New England Patriots assistant coach Matt Walsh, now a golf pro in Maui. Walsh, who did video work for the Patriots when they won their first Super Bowl after the 2001 season, was not interviewed as part of the NFL's investigation into New England illegally taping opposing coaches in the last two years.

"If there is new information that is credible, new material that could be credible that would help us," Goodell said, "yes, we'll look at it.

"We've had people come to us over the last six months with material that we pursued and it didn't lead to anything."

Goodell said he didn't know if there might be more information available.

Sen. Arlen Specter, with whom Goodell said he expects to meet in the next week or so, questioned the thoroughness of the NFL's investigation that led to a $500,000 fine for coach Bill Belichick, a $250,000 fine for the Patriots organization, and the loss of this year's first-round draft pick. Specter also wondered why Goodell had the six tapes turned over by the Patriots destroyed, along with notes the team gave Goodell.

Walsh, who did not return phone messages and an e-mail from The Associated Press, reportedly videotaped the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough the day before the February 2002 Super Bowl against New England.

"We were aware of this before," Goodell said. "We pursued it and weren't able to get any information that was credible. We were aware of some of the rumors and we pursued some of them and we continue that. From Day 1, I said if we feel there is new information that's inconsistent with what we've been told (by the Patriots), I reserve the right to reopen it.

"The staffs are talking about making sure (Walsh) has the ability to talk and what information he might have."

Goodell spoke during the AFC team practice for the Pro Bowl. He was asked if the league received any information about other teams taping opposing coaches' signals.

"We had and pursued it and found nothing credible," Goodell said.

Asked why the Patriots turned over six tapes, he replied: "That's what they had. My guess is they taped over some of those from time to time ... their notes were reflective of that."

Taping over previous video is not unusual for NFL teams.

"We asked for all the tapes and anything that could've been done that was inconsistent with our policy," he added.

He also mentioned a possible rotation of sites for the Pro Bowl. Honolulu has it on Sunday and again next February. After that, the NFL has no agreements with any venue.

"I think that's viable," he said of a rotation, "and that's an alternative, obviously. Hawaii is important to us and has been great to us."

He also said staging the Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl -- without Super Bowl participants, of course -- was a consideration. Any such change would require approval from the NFL Players Association.

Goodell also mingled with several players, spending about 10 minutes talking to Ravens safety Ed Reed, then chatting with Peyton Manning and Derek Anderson before heading back to league headquarters in New York.

[Ranma4699]

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HONOLULU – Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning did some recruiting this week at the Pro Bowl.

Really, though, it was more "anti-recruiting."

"I kept telling (New England cornerback) Asante (Samuel), 'Yeah, come play for us,' " Manning said, jokingly, after the NFC defeated the AFC 42-30 in the annual all-star game Sunday at Aloha Stadium. "But I told him if he doesn't sign with us, he needs to go to the NFC."

A year ago at this time, the Patriots coaching staff used the Pro Bowl week to get acquainted with linebacker Adalius Thomas, who the team signed at the beginning of free agency. This year, it's Manning's turn to throw in his two cents, particularly for a player who might change the pay scale for cornerbacks this year.

"Yeah, that would be nice if the Colts were in it, but I don't think they have the money," Samuel said with a sly grin. On Samuel's left shoulder are tattooed the words, "Get Rich To This."

"It's about whatever it is you do to get rich," Samuel said. "If you're a writer, that's what you do to get this. If you're a player, whatever it is."

Under the terms of the one-year tender contract Samuel agreed to before last season, the Patriots can't put the "franchise" tag on him again this year, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

That fact was of keen interest to a number of players in action Sunday. The Denver Broncos' Champ Bailey, once the highest paid cornerback in the league, wants to see what Samuel is offered and accepts. Cornerback Marcus Trufant, who is likely to be franchised by the Seattle Seahawks this month, is interested. Finally, budding star Antonio Cromartie of San Diego, who has the size, speed and skill to be the best of all of them, could be talking to the Chargers about an extension in the next couple of years.

Cromartie, a second-year player who went from backup to leading the NFL with 10 interceptions this season, was the best of the bunch on Sunday. In his first Pro Bowl appearance, he tied a game record with two interceptions. Both came on tipped passes, including one where Cromartie quickly adjusted his hands after St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt bobbled a throw.

"He's everything they advertise," said Manning, who was intercepted by the 6-foot-2 Cromartie four times last season (three in a regular season loss and once more in a playoff loss). "You see a guy that big with that wingspan and his ability to adjust. He has great ball skills."

As for Trufant, he helped secure the NFC's win by slowing Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards on a deep pass in the final minute of the game, the ball falling incomplete.

"Marcus does a lot of things for us and a lot of things that don't show up in the stats," Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said. "A lot of teams just didn't throw at him this season and that allowed other guys to get chances."

When asked if the chance of losing Trufant would be about the same as losing left guard Steve Hutchinson in free agency two years ago, Tatupu gave a worried look that said it all.

"You can tell by my face, I don't have to say anything," Tatupu said.

Still, what happens to Samuel could have a ripple effect on the NFL. A tsunami-like ripple effect.

"I hope those guys set the bar real high," Bailey enthusiastically said. Bailey, 29, has three years left on his contract.

"But no one ever plays out a seven-year deal," he said, obviously hinting at a new deal at some point. "I think Asante and (Trufant), those guys should definitely get $100 million (contracts), probably more. Every team needs premier cornerbacks in this league. They're worth it."

While all this talk about money in the aftermath of a game feels a bit calculated, welcome to the offseason in the NFL. As many people in and around the league will tell you, the offseason is about money. Between free agency, the NFL draft and any other event, everyone is posturing on who and how much should go around.

Like last offseason, when record contracts such as the reported eight-year, $80 million deal the San Francisco 49ers gave Nate Clements or the series of $7 million-per-year deals that went to guards, this year figures to be another spendfest.

During the week, players even joked about it. On Thursday while the AFC practiced, Denver veteran safety John Lynch joked loudly that Samuel was about to get $100 million on his new deal.

On Sunday, Samuel danced the line between playing hard to show off his skills and not getting hurt. On a quick hitch throw by Seattle’s Matt Hasselbeck to Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Samuel closed quickly to break up the throw and jostled Fitzgerald. The play was impressive because Samuel, who was forced to play soft coverage because Pro Bowl rules don't allow for bump coverage, closed so fast on the play despite being on the opposite side of where he normally plays.

The other part was that the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Samuel didn't shy from contact against the 6-foot-3, 226-pound Fitzgerald. Samuel could have easily rattled Fitzgerald's cage much harder.

"I kind of eased up on that," Samuel said, following the unwritten creed of the Pro Bowl.

But again, the real show that Samuel and his cornerback brethren are waiting to see is what happens when free agency begins on Feb. 29.

"I don't know how exactly it's going to effect me right now," said Trufant, who said he and the Seahawks are in talks. "But if he gets paid, it's going to help everybody. I don't have a lot of control over what's going to happen right now. That's the business part of it. I'd really like to stay in Seattle, but it's about business."

Said Samuel: "If it's time for me to move on from New England, then it's time to move on."

[USO36]

1. Matt Ryan - QB - 6'4" 220 lbs. - Boston College
This smart pocket passer ranks as the top overall prospect in this talented draft class.
2. Glenn Dorsey - DT - 6'2" 300 lbs. - LSU
Dorsey is an explosive tackle who will give his club a dominant and versatile inside presence.
3. Chris Long - DE - 6'5" 285 lbs. - Virginia
A relentless defender, Long is a safe pick because there are no holes in his game.
4. Sedrick Ellis - DT - 6'2" 295 lbs. - USC
Ellis is a relentless inside force who continues to move up the charts.
5. * Kenny Phillips - FS - 6'1" 205 lbs. - Miami
Phillips is an athletic safety who is well developed skill-wise. He is ready for the NFL game.
6. Jake Long - OT - 6'7" 320 lbs. - Michigan
Long is a physical left tackle. He has the skills and college experience to start at either outside position as a pro.
7. *Darren McFadden - RB - 6'1" 220 lbs. - Arkansas
This fast junior running back has the all-around skills to be an impact player early is his career.
8. Brian Brohm - QB - 6'4" 225 lbs. - Louisville
This pocket passer is looking to have a strong NFL Combine effort after missing Senior Bowl week.
9. * Vernon Gholston - DE - 6'4" 260 lbs. - Ohio St.
This athletic end is a force on the outside. He has the burst off the edge to be a top-flight NFL sack artist.
10. Keith Rivers - LB - 6'3" 220 lbs. - USC
Rivers is an athletic outside linebacker who has the speed, instincts and skills to start early in his pro career.
11. * Jonathan Stewart - RB - 5'11" 235 lbs. - Oregon
This underclassman has the size to be a powerful inside runner with the speed to break the big play.
12. * Ryan Clady - OT - 6'5" 320 lbs. - Boise St
Clady is a nimble left tackle who is prepping for a strong Combine effort after a dominant WAC career.
13. * Rashard Mendenhall - RB - 5'11" 215 lbs. - Illinois
Mendenhall is a rugged back who has the ability to be a workhorse in the NFL.
14. * Reggie Smith - CB - 6' 200 lbs. - Oklahoma
This early-entrant has fine triangle numbers (height, weight, speed) and big-play ability. He should develop into a shutdown pro defender.
15. * Calais Campbell - DE - 6'7" 280 lbs. - Miami
This huge defensive end has the ability to become an elite NFL player. He could move into the top 10 with a strong workout.
16. Mike Jenkins - CB - 6' 200 lbs. - South Florida
This athletic corner had an impressive final season and hopes to shine at the NFL Combine.
17. * Malcolm Kelly - WR - 6'3" 210 lbs. - Oklahoma
This big, athletic prospect flashed playmaking ability over his career. He could become a No. 1 option in an NFL offense.
18. Jeff Otah - OT - 6'6" 320 lbs. - Pittsburgh
Otah is a huge prospect who has very good footwork and the triangle numbers (height, weight, speed) to impress scouts.
19. * DeSean Jackson - WR - 5'11" 170 lbs. - California
Jackson is an all-purpose playmaker. He can be an impact performer as a receiver or return spe******t.
20. * Derrick Harvey - DE - 6'4" 245 lbs. - Florida
Harvey is an explosive edge pass rusher. He has the burst to make game-changing plays from the outside.
21 . Leodis McKelvin - CB - 5'11" 185 lbs. - Troy
McKelvin is a quick cover man and return spe******t. He hopes to display his fine athleticism at the NFL Combine to hold this ranking.
22. Chris Williams - OT - 6'5" 310 lbs. - Vanderbilt
Williams is a big, mobile left tackle who has developed nicely and graded out high against top SEC talent.
23. Kentwan Balmer - DT - 6'5" 290 lbs. - North Carolina
Balmer has shown fine production for the Tar Heels. He has the triangle numbers (height, weight, speed) to impress further in the postseason and solidify his first-round grade.
24. * Felix Jones - RB - 5'11" 200 lbs. - Arkansas
This fast all-purpose performer looks to wow scouts in Combine workouts to guarantee a first-round selection.
25. Early Doucet - WR - 6' 200 lbs. - LSU
National championship winner is looking for another big week at NFL Combine after a solid effort during Senior Bowl week.
26. * Aqib Talib - CB - 6'1" 180 lbs. - Kansas
With some development, this ball-hawking corner has the talent to become a shutdown cover man in the NFL.
27. Lawrence Jackson - DE - 6'5" 270 lbs. - USC
Jackson is an athletic player who had a strong finish to his career. He impressed at the Senior Bowl, and hopes to do the same at the Combine.
28. * Earl Bennett - WR - 6'1" 200 lbs. - Vanderbilt
This underclassman completed a tremendous career in the SEC. We think he will impress NFL personnel at the Combine.
29. Antoine Cason -CB - 6'1" 185 lbs.- Arizona
This rugged corner has good coverage skills and ball skills. However, he faces some questions about his speed.
30. * Curtis Lofton - LB - 6' 240 lbs. - Oklahoma
This explosive junior linebacker was a dominant performer in the Big 12 this season. With some development, he could be a premier pro prospect.
31. * Brandon Flowers - CB - 5'9" 190 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Flowers is a quick, tough corner who has good coverage skills. He has the technique and playmaking ability to match up with the best receivers.
32. * Phillip Merling - DE - 6'5" 270 lbs.- Clemson
This early entrant has been a force in the ACC over the past three seasons. He looks to improve his ranking with a strong NFL Combine.
33. * Branden Albert - OG - 6'6" 335 lbs. - Virginia
This huge junior guard has the talent to play well on the inside. He is quickly moving up several draft boards.
34. * Mario Manningham - WR - 5'11" 180 lbs. - Michigan
Manningham has been a fine playmaker during his Big Ten career, and he is physically ready for the NFL game.
35. Quentin Groves - DE - 6'4" 255 lbs. - Auburn
This athletic outside pass rusher struggled with injuries in 2007 after a strong junior season. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine to move into the first round.
36. Gosder Cherilus - OT - 6'6" 320 lbs. - Boston College
Cherilus is a massive yet athletic left tackle. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, and ranks as a first-round bubble prospect.
37. Dan Connor - LB - 6'2" 235 lbs. - Penn St
This rugged inside linebacker has the physical talent, intangibles and production to become a fine NFL starter.
38. * James Hardy - WR - 6'6" 220 lbs. - Indiana
Hardy is a tall receiver who was a force for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. He had a great 2007 season and can be a big-time playmaker.
39. * Erin Henderson - LB - 6'2" 235 lbs. - Maryland
Speedy underclassman is a fine athlete with big-play ability. He has the talent and toughness to be an early NFL starter.
40. Chad Henne - QB - 6'2" 230 lbs. - Michigan
Henne is a classic pocket passer. He battled through injuries in 2007, and his strong performance at the Senior Bowl answered many questions about his health.
41. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - 6'1" 185 lbs. - Tennessee St
This athletic corner has been a shutdown cover man, but against lesser competition. He answered questions about his ability when he starred during Senior Bowl week.
42. * Letroy Guion - DT - 6'4" 285 lbs. - Florida St
This athletic junior had a better season than teammate Andre Fluellen. Guion is rising fast, and we think he'll have a strong effort in drills at the NFL Combine.
43. Andre' Woodson - QB - 6'5" 230 lbs. - Kentucky
Woodson has great size, but needs to impress at the NFL Combine after an average week at the Senior Bowl.
44. * Steve Slaton - RB - 5'9" 200 lbs. - West Virginia
This fast all-purpose back is an explosive performer who needs to prove durable as a pro.
45. Adarius Bowman - WR - 6'4" 220 lbs.- Oklahoma St
Bowman is a physically talented receiver who should impress at the NFL Combine after an average Senior Bowl showing.
46. * Jamaal Charles - RB - 6' 200 lbs. -Texas
The Longhorns standout decided to join the pro ranks after a big finish to the 2007 season. He is another talent in a very deep running back class.
47. Sam Baker - OT - 6'4" 310 lbs. - USC
This mobile left tackle had an injury-marred final season. Baker had a decent week at the Senior Bowl, but wasn't good enough to grade him a first-round talent.
48. Limas Sweed - WR - 6'4" 220 lbs. - Texas
This physical wideout is still recovering from a 2007 wrist injury that ended his week at the Senior Bowl.
49. Fred Davis - TE - 6'4" 255 lbs. - USC
Davis is a mobile and athletic tight end who has shown fine receiving skills and improved blocking ability. He should be an early NFL starter.
50. Ali Highsmith - LB - 6'1" 225 lbs. - LSU
Highsmith is a savvy, quick outside linebacker. He has the speed and instincts to become an every-down player in the NFL.
51. * Kevin Smith - RB - 6'1" 215 lbs. - Central Florida
Smith is a natural runner who has received a ton of carries at the college level. He has good skills and has an early pro starting grade.
52. Xavier Adibi - LB - 6'1" 225 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Adibi is a mobile outside backer who has fine speed, quickness and instincts. He proved very productive over his college career.
53. * Justin King - CB - 5'11"185 lbs. - Penn St
This agile corner is a very good athlete. He could solidify a top-50 grade if he performs well this postseason.
54. * Ray Rice - RB - 5'9" 200 lbs. - Rutgers
This strong, compact junior tailback has natural skills and is another fine addition to this very strong running back class.
55. Chevis Jackson - CB - 5'11" 190 lbs. - LSU
Big, athletic corner has performed well against top receivers and looks to move up with a big NFL Combine effort.
56. * Devin Thomas - WR - 6'1" 210 lbs. - Michigan St.
This fast junior receiver has come on nicely this season, showing big-play ability as both a receiver and returner.
57. Martellus Bennett - TE - 6'6" 255 lbs. - Texas A&M
This big, physical tight end has the talent and skills to become an NFL star, but he had a frustrating 2007 season.
58. Terrell Thomas - CB - 6' 200 lbs. - USC
Strong senior cornerback impressed against top receivers at the Senior Bowl. He elevated his rating after an inconsistent final season.
59. Andre Caldwell - WR - 6' 200 lbs. - Florida
Caldwell is an agile receiver who has sure hands and a good understanding of the passing game.
60. Jason Jones - DE - 6'5" 270 lbs. - Eastern Michigan
This intriguing and athletic lineman showcased his fine talent at the Senior Bowl with an impressive week. His name may not sound familiar to fans, but scouts know him well.
61. Joe Flacco - QB - 6'6" 230 lbs. - Delaware
This I-AA passer has a very strong arm. He moved up significantly after an impressive final season, and continues to rise after a strong week at the Senior Bowl.
62. John Carlson -TE - 6'5" 255 lbs. - Notre Dame
Carlson is a sure-handed tight end who was a bit lost in the horrible season for the Irish. He needs to impress at the NFL Combine after missing Senior Bowl week.
63. Philip Wheeler - LB - 6'2" 245 lbs. - Georgia Tech
This quick senior linebacker has the versatility to blitz, cover and support the run.
64. Keenan Burton - WR - 6'1" 205 lbs. - Kentucky
Talented receiver/return spe******t has shown big-play ability in both roles, but must prove that he has recovered from late-season knee problems to rank higher.
65. * DaJuan Morgan - SS - 6'1" 205 lbs. - North Carolina St
This tough underclassman is coming off an impressive 2007 campaign for the Wolfpack. He has proven to be effective in run support and pass coverage.
66. Donnie Avery - WR - 5'11" 190 lbs. - Houston
The very fast senior wideout had a good week at the Senior Bowl and is ready to burn up the course at the NFL Combine.
67. Chris Johnson - RB - 5'11" 200 lbs. - East Carolina
This fast back displayed big-play ability as a runner, receiver and return spe******t in his college career.
68. * Anthony Collins - OT - 6'5" 310 lbs. - Kansas
Collins is a big and nimble left tackle. He developed nicely over the 2007 season and has the tools to be a fine pro.
69. Cliff Avril - DE - 6'3" 255 lbs. - Purdue
Avril is an athletic 'tweener type. He will be highly coveted by teams who run the 3-4 scheme on defense.
70. Quintin Demps - FS - 6' 205 lbs. - UTEP
This athletic free safety displays a combination of speed, quick reactions, instincts and tackling ability. He is one of the top defensive backs in the class.
71. DJ Hall - WR - 6'2" 190 lbs. - Alabama
Hall has good height, weight and speed, and he impressed scouts with a nice Senior Bowl showing against pro-caliber cornerbacks.
72. Jonathan Hefney - FS - 5'9" 185 lbs. - Tennessee
This athletic senior safety has the speed, quickness and instincts to match up in coverage and the ability to come up and support the run.
73. DeJuan Tribble - CB - 5'9" 190 lbs. - Boston College
Tribble is tough, smallish cornerback who struggled through a tough week at the Senior Bowl practices - which has him falling in the rankings a bit.
74. * Pat Sims - DT - 6'1" 320 lbs. - Auburn
Sims is a wide-bodied defender who can stack the middle. He can collapse the pocket and has the explosiveness to make plays along the line.
75. Chris Ellis - DE - 6'4" 260 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Ellis is a quick edge rusher who has shown the burst from the outside to get to - and sack - the quarterback.
76. John Greco - OT - 6'5" 320 lbs. - Toledo
Greco is a physical left tackle who has displayed a fine combination of power, technique and quickness.
77. Mike Hart - RB - 5'9" 200 lbs. - Michigan
This compact tailback has been a consistently productive runner at a high level, but he must show better pass-catching ability to move up the charts.
78. Shawn Crable - LB - 6'5" 245 lbs. - Michigan
Crable is a rangy linebacker with big-play ability off the edge, but he needs to be in the right scheme.
79. John David Booty - QB - 6'2" 210 lbs. - USC
Booty is an efficient passer who recovered from a broken finger to impress at the Senior Bowl.
80. Tracy Porter - CB - 5'10" 185 lbs. - Indiana
Athletic senior cornerback performed well at the Senior Bowl and looks to finish with a strong NFL Combine.
81. Martin Rucker - TE - 6'5" 250 lbs. - Missouri
This pass-catching tight end is athletic and skilled enough to fill all the roles necessary to play the position.
82. Pat Lee - CB - 6' 200 lbs - Auburn
The fast cover man has the athletic ability to become a fine pro after a big final season in the always-tough SEC.
83. Jerod Mayo - LB - 6'2" 230 lbs. - Tennessee
This underclassman showed sideline-to-sideline speed. He has the instincts and tackling ability to finish plays.
84. Charles Godfrey - CB - 6' 205 lbs. - Iowa
This veteran corner had a solid career against NFL-caliber receivers, and displayed that again at the Senior Bowl.
85. Tony Hills - OT - 6'5" 310 lbs. - Texas
This mobile left tackle has recovered nicely from a leg injury and hopes to work out for teams this offseason.
86. Marcus Harrison - DT - 6'3" 310 lbs. - Arkansas
This powerful and athletic tackle was very productive in the SEC. He gave a consistently good effort at the Senior Bowl.
87. Marcus Griffin - S - 5'10" 190 lbs. - Texas
This savvy defensive back hopes to earn NFL starting status like several other recent Texas defenders.
88. Red Bryant - DT - 6'5" 325 lbs. - Texas A&M
Massive defensive tackle flashes big play ability but has been inconsistent. He combines power, agility and quickness between the tackles.
89. Allen Patrick - RB - 5'11" 195 lbs. - Oklahoma
Patrick is a quick tailback who has shown a fine burst to the hole and has the natural running skills to get to the second level. However, he needs to prove that he is healthy after a knee injury.
90. Simeon Castille - CB - 6' 190 lbs. - Alabama
This Tough instinctive prospect has good ball skills and tackling skills, which may warrant a switch to free safety.
91. * Geno Hayes- LB - 6'1" 230 lbs. - Florida St.
This fast linebacker could be the next Seminole defender to impress as a pro. He combines speed, instincts and tackling ability that will earn early playing time.
92. Tashard Choice - RB - 5'11" 210 lbs. - Georgia Tech
Choice is a slashing-type running back who made a fine comeback from a knee injury. He had a solid performance during Senior Bowl week.
93. Vince Hall - LB - 5'11" 240 lbs. - Virginia Tech
Aggressive middle linebacker was a sideline-to-sideline tackler for the Hokies. Hall has good instincts and has shown the necessary ability to finish a play.
94. Dustin Keller - TE - 6'3" 230 lbs. - Purdue
This receiving tight end has been very productive over his Big Ten career. He can give the right offense an added dimension.
95. Matt Forte' - RB - 6'1" 220 lbs. - Tulane
Forte is a big, strong workhorse back who had a dominant 2000-yard rushing performance in 2007. He is eager to show at the Combine that his season wasn't a result of poor competition.
96. Frank Okam - DT - 6'5" 320 lbs. - Texas
Rugged defender is a fine inside run-stuffer with the ability to push the pocket. He needs a fine postseason to make up for an average 2007 season.
97. Tom Zbikowski - SS - 5'11" 210 lbs. - Notre Dame
This tough safety/return spe******t had a fine 2007 season for a bad team. He needs to showcase his athletic skills at the NFL Combine to rank higher.
98. DeMario Pressley - DT - 6'3" 300 lbs. - North Carolina St
This quick defensive tackle can be explosive on the snap, and he has shown the power and agility to make plays.
99. Beau Bell - LB - 6'1" 245 lbs. - UNLV
Bell is a versatile and athletic player who needs to light it up at the NFL Combine to move up further on this list.
100. Colt Brennan - QB - 6'2" 190 lbs.- Hawaii
This record-setting passer hopes to recover from a weak showing at the Senior Bowl that has him falling like a rock. It will take a big workout to keep him in the top 150 after the Combine.

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NFL Combine: Sunday’s top performers

QUARTERBACKS
40-yard dash
Josh Johnson: 4.55
Kevin O’Connell: 4.61
Bernard Morris: 4.68
Adam Tafralis: 4.78
Matt Flynn: 4.79
John David Booty: 4.82
Brian Brohm: 4.83
Kyle Wright: 4.85

Bench press reps
Bernard Morris: 18

Vertical jump
Josh Johnson: 33.5
Adam Tafralis: 32
Kevin O’Connell: 31
Brian Brohm: 30
Joe Flacco: 28.5
Alex Brink: 28
Matt Flynn: 28
Anthony Morelli: 26.5
Paul Smith: 26.5

RUNNING BACKS
40-yard dash
Chris Johnson: 4.24
Darren McFadden: 4.33
Anthony Alridge: 4.36
Jamaal Charles: 4.38
Chad Simpson: 4.42
Rashard Mendenhall: 4.45
Matt Forte: 4.46
Felix Jones: 4.47
Jalen Parmele: 4.47
Jonathan Stewart: 4.48

Bench press reps
Carl Stewart: 30
Jerome Felton: 30
Jonathan Stewart: 28
Justin Forsett: 26
Peyton Hillis: 26
Rashard Mendenhall: 26
Owen Schmitt: 26
Cory Boyd: 25
Thomas Brown: 25
BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 24

WIDE RECEIVERS
40-yard dash
DeSean Jackson: 4.35
Andre Caldwell: 4.37
Will Franklin: 4.37
Dexter Jackson: 4.37
Eddie Royal: 4.39
Devin Thomas: 4.40
Arman Shields: 4.44
Brandon Breazell: 4.47
Jerome Simpson: 4.47
Earl Bennett: 4.48
Pierre Garcon: 4.48

Bench press reps
Eddie Royal: 24
Lorne Sam: 23
Darius Reynaud: 20
Pierre Garcon: 20
Joe West: 20
Marcus Smith: 20
Mark Bradford: 19
Arman Shields: 19
James Hardy: 18
Ryan Grice-Mullen: 17

Vertical jump
Keenan Burton: 38.5
Arman Shields: 37.5
Jerome Simpson: 37.5
Mark Bradford: 36.5
Pierre Garcon: 36.5
Eddie Royal: 36.0
Taj Smith: 35.0
Limas Sweed: 35.0
Will Franklin: 34.5
Marcus Monk: 34.5
Darius Reynaud: 34.5

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McNair: ‘Physically, I couldn’t do it anymore’

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)—The litany of injuries that defined Steve McNair’s heroic career finally caught up to the gritty quarterback, whose ailing body simply would not allow him to return for a 14th NFL season.

McNair announced his retirement Thursday, ending a 13-year run in which he was selected co-MVP, led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl and orchestrated the most successful regular season in the history of the Baltimore Ravens.

The 35-year-old McNair did not force back tears, nor did he express any measure of doubt during a news conference at the Ravens training complex. McNair seemed content with a decision that first took root months ago, not long after he had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.

He tried to come back, but decided during minicamp this week that he was physically unable to make that kind of commitment for another year—especially after a horrid 2007 season in which he battled groin, back and shoulder injuries.

“I’m not going to put my team in harm’s way, nor myself, because I don’t have the physical tools anymore to play this game at a high level,” he said. “… My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn’t do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game.”

For years, McNair played in pain and never complained. His teammates marveled at how he could play 60 grueling minutes on Sunday after spending most of the week in the training room. Sometimes, he was too hurt to even practice.

The highlight of McNair’s career might be a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season in which he was banged up so much he could not practice. McNair started all five games and won them all, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons.

“You name the injury and Steve had it and he still showed up. Not only did he show up, but he showed up and played extremely well,” said Eddie George, who played running back behind George in Houston and Tennessee. “For most of his days in Tennessee he played like that. In his MVP year (in 2003) he played most of the year hurt. It is a testament to his willingness to win and how he sacrificed his body for the team.”

McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a franchise-best 13-3 record. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls.

McNair played in only six games. He threw two touchdown passes, was intercepted four times and lost seven fumbles before being placed on injured reserve in December, ending his most frustrating season in the NFL.

He spent much of the past three months getting ready for his 14th NFL season, but through it all, McNair had an inkling that all the running and weightlifting might be for naught.

“My mind was telling me, ‘Yes,’ and my body was like, ‘No, what are you doing?’ I came up with (the idea of retiring) two or three days ago, but it’s been lingering ever since December.”

The news stunned his teammates, who expected McNair to return—if only to prove last season was fluke.

“I thought I was going to get at least one more year, because I know Steve has a big chip on his shoulder,” said receiver Derrick Mason, who also played with McNair on the Titans.

The Ravens now have two quarterbacks: Kyle Boller and Troy Smith. First-year coach John Harbaugh said the competition for the starting job would be “wide open,” and general manager Ozzie Newsome insisted the loss of McNair would have “no impact” on the team’s direction in the NFL draft later this month.

“It hasn’t changed not one thought in my mind as to how we’re going to prepare,” Newsome said. “I had the opportunity to speak to my staff and echoed that to them and they felt the same way.”

McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Tennessee Titans. He led the team to four playoff appearances, including the Super Bowl after the 1999 season. He was chosen co-MVP of the league in 2003, sharing the award with Peyton Manning, after throwing for 3,215 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.

McNair fought injuries during the latter part of his career with Tennessee and was dealt to the Ravens in June 2006 for a fourth-round draft pick. He had every intention of completing the five-year contract he signed with Baltimore, but those old wounds finally caught up to him.

“I have to say, honestly, that I’m disappointed,” Harbaugh said. “It was going to be an opportunity to be involved with one of the greatest warriors in the history of the game.”

Tennessee’s Jeff Fisher, his coach for most of his career, said, “Steve was the face of this franchise when we arrived here. And I think in a lot of ways will always be one of the faces of this franchise.”

McNair will trade the label “NFL quarterback” for the tag “family man.”

“It’s been a great ride,” he said. “It’s a sad, emotional day for me. I’m trying to do the best I can to hold it in. But at the same time, I’m opening up a lot more doors for the future. I can become now the father I need to be to my kids.”

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Long, Dolphins close to finalizing deal


The Miami Dolphins flirtations with Michigan tackle Jake Long over the past few weeks have been well-publicized but this morning, with six days to go before the draft, a league source is indicating that a contract agreement is nearly in place according to NBCsports.com.

Word that Miami initiated talks with Long's agent, Tom Condon, surfaced almost two weeks ago. Condon actually was in South Florida to meet with Dolphins officials. Miami's also made overtures toward Vernon Gholston but little other progress has been mentioned.

Meanwhile, with Jake Long off the board, the St. Louis Rams are a lock to go with defense at No. 2 and, according to the same league source, the camp of Virginia defensive end Chris Long is very confident that's where he'll be headed

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Union against more structuring of rookie deals

Gene Upshaw hears the complaints like clockwork.

“Every year at this time, I hear it again. They don’t like how the rookies are paid,” the executive director of the NFL Players Association said of owners and front-office personnel. “ ‘They need some kind of pay scale.’ Well, I’m not going to limit how the rookies are paid because it has a huge impact on veterans. I’m not going to agree to it.”

With the NFL salary cap continually growing, the pay scale for rookies drafted in the first few picks is increasing as well – at a pace seemingly uncomfortable for a number of franchises.

Last year, quarterback JaMarcus Russell eventually got a record $29 million in guarantees from the Oakland Raiders after being taken No. 1 overall. In order to keep from matching or surpassing that total this year, the Miami Dolphins have already begun negotiations with at least two prospects (offensive tackle Jake Long from Michigan and defensive end Vernon Gholston from Ohio State) and reportedly are close to inking a deal with Long.

In a year when there is no clear-cut best prospect, the thought of spending $30 million or more in guaranteed money for an unproven player is troublesome to many NFL executives.

“We’re not paying based on the real talent level, but based on the fact that somebody just happens to have to go first or second and whatever,” Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian said in February.

That comment echoes previous statements made by Polian.

“The system is a mess. It’s broken and we have to fix it,” Polian said in the fall.

One thought has been the implementation of a rookie scale. The NBA has a system where rookie contracts are essentially predetermined. However, the key differences between the NBA and the NFL are that NBA players can get to free agency after three years and the career for a basketball player is potentially much longer than in football. Furthermore, because NBA contracts are fully guaranteed, veteran players don’t run the same risk of being cut when younger players enter the league.

Upshaw is against additional structuring because the union has already given teams a rookie cap within the overall salary cap, effectively putting limits on how much guaranteed money goes to rookie players. He noted that while the amount of guaranteed money has increased for the top five and 10 overall picks, the amount guaranteed in the second round has decreased. Much of that is because players selected after the first round can only sign four-year maximum contracts.

Ultimately, Upshaw is concerned that keeping rookie salaries too cheap could price veterans out of jobs, especially those who make one of the varying minimum salaries. That has been an issue before in the salary-cap era.

In the late 1990s, for instance, the veteran minimum wage was growing at a higher aggregate rate than rookies’. What that eventually meant for teams is that keeping rookies was more cost effective than keeping veterans. For instance, teams could almost keep two or three rookies for the cost of keeping one veteran. The league and the union eventually addressed that issue with a somewhat complex formula for rookie and veteran salaries, making sure the salaries stayed in some proportion.

“We have to have a system where every player has an equal chance to get a job,” Upshaw said. “We don’t want to get into a position where the league is keeping four or five rookies because it’s cheaper than keeping one or two veterans.”

That’s part of a two-fold impact that rookie salaries have on veterans, Upshaw explained. Upshaw is of the belief that the high salaries for rookies help raise the scale for signing bonuses and other guaranteed money.

“If you have a rookie player who gets $10 million, $20 million, maybe even $30 million in guaranteed money, what do you think that means for a veteran player? That means he can ask for that or more,” Upshaw said.

To that point, agent Chad Speck, who represents Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, said in February that he’s interested to see what type of contract LSU’s Glenn Dorsey gets as a first-round pick.

Such an example is perhaps further proof why Polian has endorsed a stricter cap on rookie earnings. He said in February that the NFLPA needs to agree to that as part of a new collective bargaining agreement.

Baltimore Ravens president Ozzie Newsome, a Hall of Fame player who has drafted the likes of Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed as an executive, has a simpler solution.

“Give them all two-year contracts,” Newsome said as he threw his hands in the air to emphasize his point. “I can decide in two years whether someone is a good football player or not.”

That type of short-term approach might be the only real solution to a growing problem that has wide-ranging impact for clubs.

Russell eventually got the hefty contract he sought last year, but it came at a huge price for both the player and franchise. Russell missed all of training camp, therefore falling far behind in learning the Raiders’ playbook. Yet, while rookies holding out have long been a part of the game, the salary aspect becomes just one issue teams have to consider.

If teams decide to trade out of a high draft spot for whatever reason, they have to get the appropriate compensation in return. Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells has already told the New York Post that there isn’t much of a market for the No. 1 pick. The last trade involving top five selections was in 2004, when the San Diego Chargers took Eli Manning No. 1 and then dealt him to the New York Giants for a package that included No. 4 overall pick Philip Rivers.

“We’re at the point that trading up isn’t worth the price, not just (from) what you have to give up, but in the salary you pay for that pick,” said Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Bruce Allen, whose team resisted the temptation to trade up from No. 4 last year to select wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson was the No. 2 overall pick.

This year, a handful of players – Gholston, Jake Long, Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Dorsey, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan – are all arguably worth taking at No. 1 overall, depending on who you’re talking to at a given moment. If that’s the case, why should one of them make $12 million, $14 million or even $16 million more than another? That’s the approximate difference that could end up between being the No. 1 and No. 6 overall pick depending upon how the contracts are structured.

Upshaw believes that all of the fuss over money is a cover-up for sometimes faulty decision-making.

“What the teams want is for us to make them bulletproof from their own mistakes,” Upshaw said. “I hear Bill Polian talking about how he’s so worried about the cost of signing a No. 1 pick, but I don’t hear him talk about how happy he is he took Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf. What teams need to do is spend more money on their scouting and player evaluation to make sure they don’t make mistakes.”

To Upshaw, the bottom line is that nothing management has talked about to this point makes sense to him and, frankly, he’s suspect of anything they might suggest.

“We’re not willing to adjust our thinking right now because we’re in a situation that we think works for all the players,” Upshaw said. “We went through this before with the owners in 1987. They wanted to put restrictions on the rookies that were just ridiculous … Then they keep saying to the veterans, ‘This will allow us to give more money to the veteran players.’ But that doesn’t happen and I don’t trust them.”

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Jake Long signs with Dolphins, will be top pick in NFL draft

DAVIE, Fla. (AP)—Jake Long seemed at ease in his new role as the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick, leaning into a news conference microphone to talk about his mean streak while his mother sat in the corner, nodding as she smiled.

The Miami Dolphins were grinning Tuesday, too. They signed the Michigan left tackle to a five-year contract with $30 million guaranteed, and they’ll select him with the top pick in the draft Saturday.

The deal allows the Dolphins and Long to avoid a possible holdout.

“It’s really important for us to know Jake is going to be on the field for us on time when training camp begins in July,” coach Tony Sparano said. “That was critical.”

Long’s total contract package is for $57.75 million, said a person familiar with the negotiations who didn’t want to be identified because the Dolphins declined to reveal terms. Last year’s top pick, JaMarcus Russell, signed for $61 million with the Oakland Raiders but missed all of training camp before reaching a deal.

Long becomes the highest-paid lineman in the NFL and a 6-foot-7, 315-pound cornerstone in a rebuilding project for the new Dolphins regime led by Bill Parcells. Last season Miami went 1-15, and the offensive line has been a chronic problem in recent years.

“Jake was our guy from the beginning,” general manager Jeff Ireland said. “Jake Long was on the top of our board for a long time. There wasn’t a whole lot of debate. We thought it was a very good fit with the Miami Dolphins.”

With many other needs as well, the Dolphins were interested in trading the top pick for multiple lower choices. When no suitors surfaced, they began negotiations last week with Long’s agent, Tom Condon.

“It’s such a great honor to be the No. 1 pick,” Long said. “I don’t think it has sunk in yet. It’s something every kid dreams about. I’m just real excited that it happened. Now I’m coming to a great place.”

Long flew to South Florida with his parents Tuesday morning for the news conference. The Dolphins said they didn’t conduct contract talks with any other potential picks.

“It was a very straightforward negotiation,” Condon said. “They didn’t leverage us with other players, and we didn’t tell them we wanted to be on some different team or any of those kinds of things.”

Reaching a contract agreement before the draft isn’t unprecedented. The Houston Texans signed defensive end Mario Williams as their No. 1 pick on the eve of the 2006 draft.

Condon, who represents several top prospects, said there’s enough time for the Rams to reach a deal with a player before they make the second pick Saturday.

“My understanding is St. Louis is on the clock,” Condon said with a smile.

The only other offensive lineman taken with the No. 1 choice since 1970 was Ohio State tackle Orlando Pace, who made the Pro Bowl seven consecutive times after joining the Rams in 1997. The Dolphins would be thrilled with a comparable achievement by Long.

“Jake has all the qualities we’re looking for in our linemen,” said Sparano, who coached the offensive line with the Dallas Cowboys. “He’s very tough, smart and disciplined. Those are the people we want to surround ourselves with here.”

Long said he’s glad he’ll be reporting to training camp on time, because he’ll need to adjust to the faster speed of the NFL game.

Temperament won’t be an issue, he said.

“I’m mean on the field,” he said. “I’m a very nice guy off the field. When I buckle up that helmet, I change. It’s football mode. I go out there and try to bury the guy and make sure they don’t touch the quarterback or running back.”

Long started 40 games at Michigan and was Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2006 and 2007. He finished second to LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey in balloting last season for the Lombardi and Outland trophies.

Lloyd Carr, who coached Long at Michigan, said he had several conversations with Parcells in recent weeks.

“I know this: Jake Long is his type of player,” Carr said. “Jake is passionate about the game, and I don’t think there is anything that he lacks.”

The Dolphins decided to use the top pick on offense rather than take Dorsey, Virginia defensive end Chris Long or Ohio State linebacker Vernon Gholston. It turns out Ireland’s comment last week about drafting “a pillar of your defense” was a slip of the tongue—or a smoke screen.

“That’s for me to know, and you to guess about,” Ireland said with a smile.

The drama may be missing, but Long still plans to fly to New York on Wednesday and attend the draft. The Dolphins have eight other picks and four of the first 64, and they remain in the market for more offensive linemen, a quarterback, a receiver, a tight end, cornerbacks, defensive linemen and linebackers.

At left tackle, they’re set.

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Seahawks cut Shaun Alexander

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP)—From MVP to vilified to unemployed in a little more than two years.

Shaun Alexander’s free fall in Seattle was completed Tuesday when the Seahawks cut the running back who led them to their only Super Bowl appearance in 2006 and was rewarded soon after with a $62 million contract.

For Alexander, the two seasons since he received that eight-year deal have been filled with injuries, ineffectiveness and incessant boos.

“Yeah, it’s sad, really,” Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said while announcing the defending four-time NFC West champions released Alexander unconditionally, hours after the running back passed a physical.

Ruskell could’ve been talking about the Seattle fan’s relationship with the always-smiling star, who earned a reputation for being a bit passive.

The 30-year-old Alexander went to three Pro Bowls, but was never the most beloved player on the Seahawks.

Sure, everyone loved Alexander during the 2005 season, when he set an NFL record with 28 touchdowns and a franchise mark of 1,880 yards rushing while leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl and becoming the franchise’s first MVP.

The Seahawks showed how fond they were of Alexander, giving him a $62 million, eight-year contract with $15.1 million guaranteed that agent Jim Steiner then said was the largest for a running back in league history.

Alexander was scheduled to earn $4,475,000 this season on a deal that many around the league questioned at the time it was signed because 30 is an age at which NFL running backs often become shadows of their former great selves.

“The contract was set up that you wanted to get at least three years,” Ruskell said. “So we didn’t get there. That part is disappointing.

“I thought because Shaun had not been injured through his career, playing the odds I said … ‘If you are going to bet on a guy, bet on a guy who’s not been hurt or had that propensity.’ That was the case with Shaun.”

But then he severely bruised his left foot while getting tackled in 2006 opener. He kept playing on it and soon broke it, the first major injury of his football career, and missed six games. Last season, he broke his left wrist in Week 1. In November, he missed three games with a sprained left knee.

The cutback lanes he used to create began closing on him faster than he could run. His trademark hesitation, which used to deftly set up blocks, suddenly just invited defenders to swarm him—and his home fans to boo. Coach Mike Holmgren said the injuries and having nowhere to run were the reasons for Alexander’s his steep decline.

Even through his inglorious end in Seattle, Alexander kept the appearance that all was just fine—that this, too, didn’t matter much in the larger context of his life.

“I want to thank the Seahawks and Holmgren for all they have done for me and my family over the years,” Alexander said. “I have nothing but respect and affection for the Seahawks staff, my teammates and the organization. I wish them the best.”

Then he fawned over the same fans who last season cheered as he jogged off the home field while getting replaced.

“I especially want to thank the Seahawks fans,” he said. “You made me feel proud every time I stepped on the field as a member of the Seahawks. I look forward to hopefully returning to Qwest Field one day to play against the Seahawks.

“We have made far too many wonderful friends to say goodbye. My family will remain in the Seattle area, and when my days in the NFL do eventually come to an end, I plan to retire here. Our hearts are woven into the fabric of this community, we are blessed to be part of it, and we enjoy contributing to it in every way we can.”

“Thank you Seattle.”

Alexander called Ruskell constantly this offseason to discuss his status once the Seahawks signed free agent running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett — the offseason moves that essentially sealed Alexander’s Seattle fate.

He also called constantly to discuss doctors’ reports on his surgically repaired left wrist from January, so Alexander and the team could stay up to date.

“It’s been unique, really,” Ruskell said, chuckling. “Every step of the way we’ve kept him informed … we’ve been lockstep with Shaun all along.”

Now, for the first time since they drafted him out of Alabama 19th overall in 2000, the Seahawks and Alexander going separate ways.

“It shows you how tough this game is, how ever-changing it is, how you can’t play forever,” Ruskell said. “You just can’t do it.”

Even though his last two seasons have been his worst, Alexander said he is not retiring.

“I will be playing for another NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute,” said Alexander, who ran for 716 yards in 13 games last season—his lowest total as a full-time starter.

“I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career.”

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Trades highlight Day One of draft

By Tom Torrisi
PA SportsTicker Pro Football Editor

Time is not of the essence when it comes to making trades on draft day in the NFL.

Despite the league lopping off five minutes - from 15 to 10 - between draft selections in the first round, it did not provide a hindrance to the wheeling and dealing in Saturday’s first round.

Eight trades were made in the first round and 13 overall during a frenzied first day that featured just two rounds instead of the customary three.

None of the deals were of the blockbuster variety, although the Jacksonville Jaguars made the most dramatic move of the day, trading up 18 spots to snare pass-rushing spe******t Derrick Harvey at No. 8 overall.

It was a costly move for Jacksonville, which shipped its first-round pick (No. 26), a pair of third-round selections (Nos. 71 and 89) and a fourth-round selection (125) to the Baltimore Ravens for the chance to get Harvey.

“This is a player we, in our evaluation, really had a high grade on, had a big appreciation for, would love the thought of being able to add him,” Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said.

“We really didn’t think it was realistic and we were able to get up there and still keep our second-round, still have three in the fifth and be able to acquire a player like that. We’re really excited about that.”

Baltimore, in turn, packaged that No. 89 pick along with a sixth-rounder (No. 173) to the Houston Texans, moving up to No. 18 to get quarterback Joe Flacco.

Desperate for a quarterback with the recent retirement of Steve McNair, the Ravens were hoping to see Matt Ryan fall into their lap at No. 8.

Instead, Ryan went to Atlanta with the third pick, and Baltimore set its sights on Flacco, making him just the third player from Division I-AA to be drafted in the top 30 in the past 10 years.

“I can honestly say that we got one of the better players on our board,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.

Flacco, a 6-6, 236-pounder, has been compared to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger. He has the strongest arm of any quarterback in the draft, but the level of competition at the collegiate level remains a huge question mark.

“He has a rocket arm, he’s smart, he’s a big kid, he’s played in bad weather, which we like,” said Eric DeCosta, the Ravens’ director of college scouting.

Baltimore’s initial deal with Jacksonville came one slot after the New England Patriots kicked off the flurry of deals by swapping picks with the New Orleans Saints.

Eager to move up to grab Louisiana State’s Glenn Dorsey, the Saints instead moved up from 10th to No. 7 to nab defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis - the first of seven picks from Southern California on Saturday, including four in the opening round.

The Patriots were content to take versatile linebacker Jerod Mayo, who can play inside or out and should boost their thirty-something unit at the position.

The Kansas City Chiefs, who acquired a second first-round pick (No. 17) in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the week, swapped picks with the Detroit Lions to move up to No. 15 and snare highly regarded offensive lineman Branden Albert.

In similar fashion, the Dallas Cowboys swapped picks (No. 28 for No. 25) to climb up and pluck cornerback Mike Jenkins.

The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons both swung deals to get a second pick in the first round.

The Panthers, who had selected running back Jonathan Stewart at No. 13, sent their second- and fourth-round choices as well as their first-round pick in 2009 to the Philadelphia Eagles to select offensive tackle Jeff Otah.

Atlanta sent a pair of second-rounders (Nos. 34 and 48) and a fourth-rounder to the Washington Redskins to vault up to No. 21 and nab USC’s Sam Baker, who is expected to protect Ryan.

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NFL Draft First-Round Selections

The first-round picks in Saturday NFL draft:

1) Miami Dolphins—JAKE LONG, 6-7, 315, Michigan, OT: Bulldozer of a tackle in the run game who can also be a solid insurance policy for any franchise QB. Has the strength to move the pile and aggressiveness and smarts to clear out second-level blockers. Lacks the nimbleness of the truly great LTs, as he’ll occasionally get beat by quick edge rushers or a strong second move. Could be the first overall pick.

2) St. Louis Rams—CHRIS LONG, 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, Virginia, DE: A versatile prospect at the position who could be a three-down player due to his array of pass-rush moves and nose for the football. Strong and athletic enough to fight off blocks, his one weak spot is a lack of edge-rush speed. Still, his quickness and anticipation usually are enough for him to overwhelm all but the most massive OLs.

3) Atlanta Falcons—MATT RYAN, 6-foot-5, 224 pounds, Boston College, QB: Has all the tools to succeed in the modern NFL. Is tall enough to see over defenses, quick to check down through receivers, and can avoid the rush and throw on the run. His one weakness is the deep ball. Calm under pressure. Showed toughness when dealing with left foot injuries in junior year, but had surgery in January 2007 and a successful senior year.

4) Oakland Raiders—DARREN McFADDEN, 6-2, 210, junior, Arkansas, RB: Has the speed and acceleration to make defenders look foolish, as well as the strength to defeat tacklers and make a strong second effort. Good vision and can run between the tackles or outside them. Excellent skills receiving—and throwing—the ball. Has developed a nice cut move for blitz pickups, but will need to improve stand-up blocks. Possible contributor on special teams, though ball-security was an issue there in college.

5) Kansas City Chiefs—GLENN DORSEY, 6-2, 316, LSU, DT: Explosive and violent, he makes up for lack of size with his strength and energy. Astonishingly quick off the ball, and strong. Quick to diagnose plays and find the ball. Demands attention from blockers, but production could be limited. Also some durability issues.

6) New York Jets—VERNON GHOLSTON, 6-4, 258, junior, Ohio State, LB: Has the speed to get upfield and past blockers in a hurry, but is less effective against the run. Raw, with plenty of potential to become a top speed rusher or linebacker.

7) New Orleans Saints—SEDRICK ELLIS, 6-1, 305, Southern Cal, DT: Sudden off the ball, he can disrupt plays before they develop. Good at sniffing out the ball and pursuing. Probably not ideal for a two-gap scheme.

8) Jacksonville Jaguars—DERRICK HARVEY, 6-5, 252, junior, Florida, DE: Quick to read and react, he could be a linebacker project. Either way, he shows excellent acceleration and speed, as well as football IQ.

9) Cincinnati Bengals—KEITH RIVERS, 6-3, 235, Southern California, LB: Excellent athletic ability, but sometimes can get neutralized, especially in traffic. Persistent effort. Shows promise in pass coverage.

10) New England Patriots—JEROD MAYO, 6-1, 242, Tennessee, LB: Smart and agile athlete who shows good ability to change direction and stay with RBs and TEs in coverage, as well as avoid blockers. Not great in tight spaces, so his blitzing ability is limited to edge rushes.

11) Buffalo Bills—LEODIS MCKELVIN, 5-11, 190, Troy, CB: Elite returner, who shows willingness, if not ability, in run support. Agile and quick. Standout kick returner.

12) Denver Broncos—RYAN CLADY, 6-6, 316, junior, Boise State, OT: This tackle’s strengths are mostly the opposite of Long’s. Clady is quick and nimble, but not a great drive blocker. Long arms, intelligence also pluses.

13) Carolina Panthers—JONATHAN STEWART, 5-11, 235, Oregon, RB: Compact, agile bowling ball of a back who doesn’t fear contact and doesn’t get brought down easily. Decent speed, but not going to blow people away. Struggled with nagging injuries.

14) Chicago Bears—CHRIS WILLIAMS, 6-6, 315, Vanderbilt, OT: Nimble feet help tackle in pass protection, but needs to get more aggressive and physical in running game. Smart player who uses good technique.

15) Kansas City Chiefs (from Detroit)—BRANDEN ALBERT, 6-6, 309, junior, Virginia, G: Strong in the upper body but needs to add leg strength to be at his best. Skilled at trap-blocking, but struggles to get out to the second level. Could wind up at tackle.

16) Arizona Cardinals—DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE, 6-2, 182, Tennessee State, DB: Hard worker with good game instincts and the athletic ability to stick with WRs or close on the ball. Technique is raw.

17) Detroit Lions (from Minnesota through Kansas City)—GOSDER CHERILUS, 6-7, 315, Boston College, OT: Four-year starter at tackle (first three on the right side) who is better in the running game. Huge arms and hands. Needs coaching to fix poor technique in pass protection.

18) Baltimore Ravens (from Houston)—JOE FLACCO, 6-7, 236, Delaware, QB: Raw ability is there, but footwork and mechanics need improvement. Comes from shotgun system (after transferring from Pittsburgh). Elite arm strength, and improving vision moved him up boards at workouts and postseason games.

19) Carolina Panthers (from Philadelphia)—JEFF OTAH, 6-6, 340, Pittsburgh, OT: Bulk and lack of athleticism point to his future as a right tackle for a run-heavy team. Raw, but has the tools (including nearly 3-foot long arms) to become a nice choice.

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers—AQIB TALIB, 6-1, 202, Kansas, DB: Great athleticism and ball skills, he has the ability to see time at WR, not to mention in the return game. Needs to improve footwork and technique. Has some off-field issues.

21) Atlanta Falcons (from Washington)—SAM BAKER, 6-5, 312, Southern California, OT: Big and can get bigger. Plays technically sound, with good pop off the ball. Struggles when asked to pull and trap, and getting out to the second level.

22) Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland)—FELIX JONES, 6-0, 200, junior, Arkansas, RB: If he didn’t play on the same team as McFadden, he’d be much more known. As it is, he’s an explosive, shifty back who does his best work in open space. Needs to run with a lower pad level, gain strength to shake initial tacklers. Could be factor on kick returns.

23) Pittsburgh Steelers—RASHARD MENDENHALL, 5-11, 210, junior, Illinois, RB: A load who relies on superb vision more than quick cutting or outright speed. Downhill, one-cut style runner, but not totally a runaway truck type.

24) Tennessee Titans—CHRIS JOHNSON, 5-11, 195, East Carolina, RB: Explosive outside runner with natural hands and plenty of experience running routes; he even lined up at WR some. Could be a nice weapon in the right scheme and on kick returns.

25) Dallas Cowboys (from Seattle)—MIKE JENKINS, 6-0, 200, South Florida, DB: Has the speed to stay with anyone and the strength to play good press coverage. He’s the top CB in the draft, though he needs to improve tackling, especially in run support, as well as ability to read routes.

26) Houston Texans (from Jacksonville through Baltimore)—DUANE BROWN, 6-4, 315, Virginia Tech, OT: Raw, but nimble and athletic, he knows how to use his body to keep defenders at bay. Coaching to improve his technique and motivation is almost a must.

27) San Diego Chargers—ANTOINE CASON, 6-0, 190, Arizona, DB: Quick, but not necessarily fast. Good ability to leap for interceptions and batted balls, as well as a good eye for the game. Hard worker; needs to add some size.

28) Seattle Seahawks (from Dallas)—LAWRENCE JACKSON, 6-5, 268, Southern California, DE: Strong, hard-working player who will put in the extra hours to be a menace on the edge. More of an interior player, he could even bulk up and shift to DT.

29) San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis)—KENTWAN BALMER, 6-5, 298, DT: Good off the snap, and shows impressive ability when the effort is there. Possible underachiever, though, or could just be a project.

30) New York Jets (from Green Bay)—DUSTIN KELLER, 6-3, 242, Purdue, TE: Can develop into a productive receiver with more reps. Hands, speed and athletic ability are there. Some durability concerns.

31) New York Giants—KENNY PHILLIPS, 6-2, 208, junior, Miami, DB: Good speed and ability to read plays. Effective in the running game and in coverage, though isn’t great in man coverage. A playmaker.

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Given that there wasn’t a lot of great offensive talent at skill positions available this year, most teams in the AFC focused on upgrading their defenses in hopes of chasing down top quarterbacks Tom Brady of New England and Peyton Manning of Indianapolis. Either that or they spent high picks on offensive linemen in hopes of having the type of running attacks to keep the ball away from those quarterbacks.


In that vein, New York added pass rusher Vernon Gholston, an amazing physical specimen from Ohio State, while Jacksonville made two trades up to nab defensive ends Derrick Harvey of Florida and Quentin Groves of Auburn.


Not surprisingly, Miami and Kansas City took big strides toward rebuilding their depleted offensive and defensive lines. New England made key moves to improve their aging linebacking corps and Indianapolis made picks with an eye toward the future.

But the biggest move of the draft was Oakland taking Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the most obvious game-changing talent in the draft. The Raiders continued one of the most aggressive offseasons in the NFL, going neck-and-neck with the Jets.


That helped give the Raiders a good grade in the draft. We’ll see how it helps during the season

AFC EAST




Buffalo Bills
Picks: CB Leodis McKelvin, WR James Hardy, DE Chris Ellis, CB Reggie Corner, TE Derek Fine, LB Alvin Bowen, RB Xavier Omon, OT Demetrius Bell, WR Steve Johnson, DB Kennard Cox
Positives: McKelvin and Hardy
Negatives: Ellis
Bottom line: B+. Patience paid off for the Bills as the early run on defensive linemen allowed McKelvin to slip to No. 11 overall. The Bills got the best cornerback in the draft and didn’t have to move up to get him. Hardy is an interesting prospect. His 6-foot-6 height should give the Bills a nice red zone receiver. Ellis isn’t a bad pick for the third round, but he’s not the most disciplined kid. The Bills continued to look for help at CB with Corner. Not the sexiest draft, but it should be effective.



Miami Dolphins
Picks: OT Jake Long, DE Phillip Merling, QB Chad Henne, DE Kendall Langford, G Shawn Murphy, RB Jalen Parmele, G Donald Thomas, RB Lex Hilliard, NT Lionel Dotson
Positives: Long, Henne and Langford
Negatives: Merling and Thomas
Bottom line: B+. Anybody who wants to understand the Bill Parcells blueprint should study this draft. Rebuild the lines first and get a drop-back quarterback. Long immediately steps into the left tackle spot while Merling and Langford give the team a much-needed infusion of talent on the defensive line. However, Merling is a bit of a reach because he doesn’t fit a 3-4 defense perfectly. The best move for the Dolphins was not overreacting to the hype regarding Henne after Baltimore made an early move to nab Joe Flacco. Instead of creating a run on quarterbacks, the Dolphins patiently waited for him at the end of the second round.



New England Patriots
Picks: LB Jerod Mayo, CB Terrence Wheatley, LB Shawn Crable, QB Kevin O’Connell, CB Jonathan Wilhite, WR Matt Slater and LB Bo Ruud
Positives: Mayo, Wheatley and Crable
Negatives: O’Connell
Bottom line: A-. Indy’s Bill Polian is the best drafter, but no team in the NFL works the draft better than the Patriots and they again showed it this year. They moved out of the No. 7 spot and got yet another pick after not getting a shot at one of the premier defenders in the draft. The Pats now can begin the transition from the paleo-linebacking corps they’ve had the past two years to a more modern group. Likewise, they hope the likes of Wheatley and Wilhite will fill the shoes of departed CBs Asante Samuel and Randall Gay.



New York Jets
Picks: LB/DE Vernon Gholston, TE Dustin Keller, CB Dwight Lowery, QB Erik Ainge, WR Marcus Henry, OT Nate Garner
Positives: Keller and Lowery
Negatives: Gholston and Ainge
Bottom line: C. Jets fans at the draft were thrilled when their team grabbed Gholston to give them another outside pass rusher, another piece in an aggressive offseason. But there are plenty of people around the NFL who contend that Gholston is the biggest potential bust of the first round. There are concerns about whether he really likes the game. That’s not good. Keller gives the team a more dynamic receiver for the middle of the field and a stopgap if starting TE Chris Baker doesn’t play for the Jets this season. Lowery gives them depth at a weak spot. Ainge is a waste of a pick.


AFC NORTH




Baltimore Ravens
Picks: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, LB Tavares Gooden, S Tom Zbikowski, G Oniel Cousins, WR Marcus Smith, OT David Hale, S Haruki Nakamura, WR Justin Harper, RB Allen Patrick
Positives: Rice, Gooden and Zbikowski
Negatives: Flacco
Bottom line: C. There’s a lot of excitement about Flacco, who has a cannon arm. But look at the history of the league: QBs who are taller than 6-5 generally aren’t very good. They can’t move fast enough to avoid hits. Flacco lumbers when he moves and he’s making a big jump from Delaware. Good luck. Rice is a very good backup to Willis McGahee, and Gooden is a much better player than he showed at Miami.



Cincinnati Bengals
Picks: LB Keith Rivers, WR Jerome Simpson, DT Pat Sims, WR Andre Caldwell, OT Anthony Collins, DT Jason Shirley, S Corey Lynch, TE Matt Sherry, DE Angelo Craig and WR Mario Urritia
Positives: Rivers, Sims and Caldwell
Negatives: Simpson and Shirley
Bottom line: D-. Rivers and Sims are immediate starters, but that’s almost by default. The Bengals wanted to get USC DT Sedrick Ellis in the first round, but got jumped by the Saints, who telegraphed their move for four days. The Bengals should have done something to counter New Orleans, but as is typical with Cincy, the Bengals let someone else determine their fate. Calling Simpson a “negative” is a little strong, but he’s just a reminder of how bad the situation is there between the dismissal of Chris Henry and the mouthing off by Chad Johnson. Where the grade really takes a hit is with Shirley, a guy who was in and out of trouble last season. The Bengals never learn.



Cleveland Browns
Picks: LB Beau Bell, TE Martin Rucker, DT Ahtyba Rubin, WR Paul Hubbard and DE Alex Hall
Positives: Rucker
Negatives: Bell
Bottom line: C. Rucker is a good backup to have for TE Kellen Winslow. This is a really difficult draft to analyze because the Browns traded away their first day of the draft. The first-round pick was dealt last year for Brady Quinn. Then they dealt the other picks for the likes of DTs Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. The Quinn deal has yet to pan out but it could be great. Rogers and Williams were both huge needs, a sign that the Browns are playing for today. This is the type of draft where they could have problems down the road if the roster gets old in a hurry. Bell is a decent interior LB prospect, but he has been hurt.



Pittsburgh Steelers
Picks: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Limas Sweed, DE Bruce Davis, OT Tony Hills, QB Dennis Dixon, LB Mike Humpal, S Ryan Mundy
Positives: Mendenhall, Sweed, Davis and Dixon
Negatives: Hills
Bottom line: A. This is a truly great draft, although it’s unlikely Dixon will get a chance to develop as a passer with Ben Roethlisberger entrenched. A month ago, there was a debate about who the second-best back in the draft was after Darren McFadden and many people thought it was Mendenhall. Then he fell behind Jonathan Stewart and Felix Jones. The Steelers nabbed a falling value, a great move in drafting. Sweed has awesome talent and Davis will convert to an OLB and has the quickness to be another great pass rusher in the Steelers’ 3-4 system. The injured Dixon was a great value in the fifth round.


AFC SOUTH



Houston Texans
Picks: OT Duane Brown, CB Antwaun Molden, RB Steve Slaton, LB Xavier Adibi, DT Frank Okam, S Dominique Barber, QB Alex Brink
Positives: Brown, Slaton and Okam
Negatives: Molden
Bottom line: B. Give Houston a lot of credit for maneuvering around the draft, particularly after a mid-first round run on offensive linemen left the Texans without great choices at the No. 18 spot. They slid back to get Brown at No. 26, nabbing a need player at a better value spot. You also have to love the speed of Slaton, who can change a game in a hurry. However, Molden is too raw and the downside of Slaton is that he doesn’t like contact, making him a predictable runner. Okam, a former defensive tackle, is likely to shift to guard, a clever move by teams that realize that non-athletic DTs can make for cheap, athletic G’s.



Indianapolis Colts
Picks: OT Mike Pollak, LB Philip Wheeler, TE Jacob Tamme, LB Marcus Howard, TE Tom Santi, C Steve Justice, RB Mike Hart, WR Pierre Garcon, G Jamey Richard
Positives: Pollak, Tamme and Howard
Negatives: Wheeler
Bottom line: B. OK, any criticism of this draft is a matter of being pretty picky. Colts president Bill Polian is always a step or two ahead of the pack. Last year, he traded away his first pick to get Tony Ugoh, a starting left tackle. This year, he’s looking ahead to keeping the line solid with Pollak, a guy who fits the Colts’ system perfectly. Likewise, Tamme gives the Colts another receiving tight end to work the middle of the field. Wheeler is a little stiff for what the Colts do on defense, but he’s still a solid player. Howard is a great experiment at either LB or DE.



Jacksonville Jaguars
Picks: DE Derrick Harvey, DE Quentin Groves, LB Thomas Williams, CB Trae Williams, RB Chauncey Washington
Positives: Harvey and Groves
Negatives: Gave away took many draft picks.
Bottom line: C+. This is not a criticism of the players the Jaguars took. Harvey is one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the draft, capable of playing both outside and inside. He’s going to be a force. Groves is only a step or two behind. However, how quickly will these guys make it? The Jags are in position to compete for a title and there’s a good argument that they could have nabbed Dolphins DE Jason Taylor with some of those picks. It’s a pretty good bet that Taylor will have more sacks over the next two years than either Harvey or Groves. Maybe more than them combined.



Tennessee Titans
Picks: RB Chris Johnson, DE Jason Jones, TE Craig Stevens, DL William Hayes, WR Lavelle Hawkins, LB Stanford Keglar, DB Cary Williams
Positives: Jones and Hawkins
Negatives: Johnson, Stevens and Hayes
Bottom line: D. This not a shot at Johnson, who is one of the fastest players in the draft, but this is the third consecutive year the Titans have spent a first- or second-round pick on a running back. They desperately need receiving help. Jones fills in for the loss of Antwan Odom. Hayes will get a shot at that job as well, but he was more of reach. Hawkins is a really nice pickup in the fourth round, but the Titans needed to get another one earlier.


AFC WEST



Denver Broncos
Picks: OT Ryan Clady, WR Eddie Royal, G Kory Lichtensteiger, CB Jack Williams, RB Ryan Torain, DT Carlton Powell, LB Spencer Larsen, DB Josh Barrett and RB Peyton Hillis
Positives: Clady, Royal and Williams
Negatives: Lichtensteiger and Torain
Bottom line: B. The Broncos nabbed the second-best left tackle in the draft after Jake Long and an immediate replacement to Matt Lepsis, who retired. The Broncos addressed their constant need for a return man with Royal, who could be really interesting in the offense as well. Lichtensteiger is a solid player, but guys with short arms have problems in this league. So much of line play, both offensively and defensively, is dependent upon leverage. Like Royal, Williams is a speed guy the Broncos needed.



Kansas City Chiefs
Picks: DT Glenn Dorsey, G Branden Albert, CB Brandon Flowers, RB Jamaal Charles, TE Brad Cottam, S DaJuan Morgan, WR Will Franklin, CB Brandon Carr, OT Barry Richardson, WR Kevin Robinson, DE Brian Johnston and TE Michael Merritt
Positives: Dorsey, Albert, Flowers and Charles
Negatives: Cottam and Franklin
Bottom line: A. Losing DE Jared Allen to get a bunch of picks still hurts, but that relationship was broken beyond repair. The Chiefs resisted all temptations to move either up or down, stood pat and got perhaps the most dynamic defensive player in the draft in Dorsey and a terrific talent on the offensive line in Albert. Both are great building blocks for the future. Flowers gives the Chiefs a much-needed infusion of youth since veteran Patrick Surtain might be close to the end. Charles provides some speed at running back and he could be a possible successor to Larry Johnson.



Oakland Raiders
Picks: RB Darren McFadden, CB Tyvon Branch, WR Arman Shields, DE Trevor Scott and WR Chaz Schilens
Positives: McFadden, McFadden and McFadden
Negatives: Branch and Shields
Bottom line: A-. The McFadden pick is a great gamble, although there’s a legit concern about whether the Raiders will give him the personal help he needs to succeed. Like the Jets (Gholston) and Atlanta (Matt Ryan), the Raiders took a player with huge boom and bust potential. However, McFadden has the biggest upside of all three. In fact, he has the biggest upside of any player in the draft and he could be a huge help to second-year QB JaMarcus Russell. Branch and Shields are desperate attempts to fill needs, but should make the team.



San Diego Chargers
Picks: CB Antoine Cason, FB Jacob Hester, RB Marcus Thomas, CB DeJuan Tribble and OT Corey Clark
Positives: Cason
Negatives: Hester
Bottom line: C. This is a much more clever draft than this grade indicates. Instead of grabbing a lot of players who won’t make the roster, the Chargers wisely took only five players. This is a dynamic that many teams don’t understand when they’re building a roster. Sometimes, having a lot of picks is a waste of time. Cason fills the job of departed CB Drayton Florence. Hester is a bit of a reach, but he is a quality player and a better running back than most people think. He fits well as a replacement for Michael Turner and will be great on special teams.

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NFL owners opt out of labor agreement

ATLANTA (AP)—The NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their agreement with the players’ union in 2011, two years before the deal was to expire.

The league, however, emphasized that it will keep negotiating with the NFL Players Association and said games will be played “without threat of interruption for at least the next three seasons.”

The owners had until Nov. 8 to opt out of the agreement, a provision written into the deal when it was signed in March 2006. They decided to act early, partly because they didn’t want to do so while the 2008 season had begun.

Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA, said on Sirius NFL Radio he learned of the owners’ decision by e-mail from commissioner Roger Goodell.

“My response to his e-mail was very simple: ‘What a surprise,”’ Upshaw said sarcastically.

Upshaw has been predicting this the last few months and last weekend referred to the owners as “greedy.”

Essentially, the deadline for a new contract is March 2009, an agreement that would avoid a 2010 without a salary cap. The original contract, signed in 1993, specified that the final year of the deal be without a cap.

“As they say during the draft, we’re on the clock,” Upshaw said. “That’s basically what it means.”

The owners noted in their statement that they are paying $4.5 billion to players this year, just under 60 percent of their total revenues as specified in the 2006 agreement.

They acknowledge that before the 1996 agreement the pendulum had swung toward them. Now, they contend, the new deal combined with a decline in the economy has made the agreement more favorable to players.

Negotiations already have started and will continue with no immediate threat to the order of business. In fact, the deal, originally scheduled to end in 2013, had the opt-out built in.

“When we negotiated this deal we had two stop points that you could decide to terminate, either side,” Upshaw said. “Obviously, the owners have decided to take this termination early. We expected it. But it means that there is football through 2010, not through 2012.”