(9:30 PM): Chiefs get Pats' pick for vet safety ... Kansas City has received an undisclosed pick from New England in exchange for safety Jarrad Page.
(8:30 PM): Bengals, Jags exchange vet DBs ... Cincinnati has acquired FS Reggie Nelson, a former 1st round draft pick, from Jacksonville in exchange for CB David Jones. Jacksonville also reportedly gets a conditional pick as part of the deal.
(8:00 PM): Eagles get 'Hawks pick for vet OT ... Philadelphia has acquired a 7th round pick in 2011 from Seattle in exchange for veteran OT Stacy Andrews.
(6;00 PM): Roster deadline passes ... The Turk has come and gone and all NFL teams should have submitted their opening day 53-man rosters to the league. However, a lot of teams have yet to officially announce their cuts although figure that most should be heard from in the next hour or so.
(4:30 PM): Lions, Broncos complete vet trade ... Detroit has acquired CB Alfonso Smith from Denver in exchange for FB Dan Gronkowski.
(4:00 PM): Cards get down to limit ... Arizona cut LB Chris Johnson and RB Alfonso Smith, a pair of undrafted rookie free agents, to get down to today's 53-man roster limit. Even with the release of Johnson and Smith, the Cards still have 5 undrafted rookie free agents, an inordinate number, on the roster including QB Max Hall who appears to be the team's primary back-up to starter Derek Anderson.
(2:45 PM): Rams future is now .... St. Louis has announced that QB sam Bradford, the firts player selected overall at the 2010 draft, will be the team's starter to open the season.
(2:30 PM): Cards cut QB Leinart ... Arizona has reportedly released QB Matt Leinart. The Cardinals tried for almost a week to trade Leinart, the tenth player taken overall at the 2006 draft, but received little interest. Barring a trade it appears that Arizona will go with undrafted rookie free agent QB Max Hall as the primary backup to starter Derek Anderson. In fact, with just two cuts to make to get the 53-man roster limit the Cardinals still have seven undrafted rookies on the roster. Meanwhile, Seattle has reportedly released veteran WR T.J. Houshmandezah, again after failing to find a trade partner.
(1:45 PM): Redskins get Colts' pick for vet CB ... Washington has traded CB Justin Tyron to Indianapolis for an undisclosed 2011 pick.
(1:30 PM): We have a deal! Birds trade LB ... On what has been a very quiet roster cutdown day so far, Baltimore and Philadelphia got things started with a trade that sees the Ravens acquire an undisclosed 2011 pick from the Eagles in exchange for veteran OLB Antwan Barnes.
(11:00 AM); Dawgs star WR to sit out ... Georgia junior WR A.J. Green, a potential top 5-10 pick at the 2011 draft, is the latest college player to be forced to sit out because of on-going NCAA investigations into improper contact with an agent. Green will not play later today when the Bulldogs open their season against Louisiana-Lafayette.
Vikes get Giants picks for vet QB, KR … Minnesota has acquired what is being reported as a 5th round pick in 2011 and a conditioanl pick in 2012 from the New York Giants in exchange for back-up QB Sage Rosenfels and RB/KR Darius Reynaud.
Pair of top Tar Heels cleared to play ... Finally a little bit of good news for embattled North Carolina as LBs Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter have been cleared to play in today's season opener against LSU in Atlanta. On the other hand, safety Deunta Williams will not play due to the ongoing NCAA investigation into the program making it an even baker's dozen Tar Heels who will not play this evening as a result of the on-going NCAA investigations.
September 3
(6:15 PM): Cowboys send vet OT to Dolphins ... Dallas completed a second trade today, sending OT Pat McQuistan to Miami for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick.
(6:00 PM): And the prize goes to .... San Francisco became the first team to officially get down to tomorrow's 53-man roster limit. The 49ers released 22 players including veteran RB Michael Robinson, WR Jason Hill and CB Karl Paymah, along with highly rated undrafted rookie free agents QB Jarrett Brown and LB Keaton Kristick.
(5:30 PM): Browns IR #2 pick ... As expected, Cleveland has placed RB Matario Hardesty, the Browns' 2nd round pick at the 2010 draft, on IR after he tore an ACL in last night's pre-season finale.
(5:00 PM): Ole Miss gets transfer QB back ... It appears that former oregon Jeremy Masoli will get to play at Mississippi this yera after all after an NCAA Appeals committee overturned an earlier ruling which said Masoli had to sit out a year before suiting up with the Rebels. Masoli transferred to Mississippi after being kicked off Oregon's team this summer after two run-ins with police. He pleaded guilty in January to a theft at a fraternity house and was suspended for the entire 2010 season and then was cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession in June. Masoli had
already completed his undergraduate degree at Oregon and enrolled in
Ole Miss' Parks and Recreation graduate program which is not offered at Oregon. However, the NCAA ruled that Masoli
didn‘t transfer to go to graduate school but to play football.
(4:00 PM) Cowboys get late Bolts pick for WR ... San Diego has acquired WR Patrick Crayton from Dallas in exchange for a 7th round pick in 2011.
(3:00 PM): Cards get Iggles pick for vet OG ... Philadelphia has acquired veteran OG Reggie Wells from Arizona in exchange for waht is being reported as a 6th round pick at the 2011 draft.
(12:00 PM): Browns pick looks headed to IR … The preliminary news isn’t good for Cleveland RB Montario Hardesty, the team’s second round pick at the 2010 draft, who was carted off the field during alst night’s pre-season game with Chicago with what is believed to be a torn ACL, although the team is awaiting results of a MRI to confirm the early diagnosis concerns.
(11:00 AM): Dozen Heels to miss opener … North Carolina has confirmed that at least 12 players will not play in tomorrow’s much-anticipated season opener against LSU in Atlanta. DT Marvin Austin, WR Greg Little, DEs Robert Quinnand Michael McAdoo and CBs Kendric Burney and Charles Brown have formally been declared ineligible for violating school and/or NCAA rules, while 6 other players including RBs Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston and DBs Da'Norris Searcy and Jonathan Smith will be held out while the NCAA investigation of allegations of improper benefits or cointact involving agents and academic fraud continues. Meanwhile, three other top UNC prospects - OLB Bruce Carter, ILB Quan Sturdivant and FS Deunta Williams - also did not travel with the team to Atlanta this morning as the school is still working to determine their eligibility status.
(9:00 AM): Tide DE docked 2 games … Alabama Marcell Dareus, a likely first round pick at the 2011 draft, has been declared ineligible by the NCAA for two games for accepting nearly $2,000 in improper benefits during two trips to Miami this spring and summer. Alabama reportedly is appealing the decision, otherwise Dareus will be forced to miss next Saturday‘s big intersectional match-up with Penn State. The Tide open their season tomorrow against san Jose State. Meanwhile, there are reports that North Carolina WR Greg Little, arguably the top senior receiver prospect for the upcoming draft, won‘t travel with the team when they head to Atlanta to play LSU on Saturday. UNC DT Marvin Austin, who attended the same party in Miami as Dareus, has already been ruled out of the game, while the Tar Heels are awaiting word from the NCAA on a couple of suspensions before deciding whether to dress a number of other top players.
(12:01 AM): Turk back on the prowl ... With the pre-seaon now in the books, NFL teams have until Saturday afternoon to get down to their 53-man opening day rosters. Stay tuned as we'll have the cuts as they happen or at least as quickly as we can get them posted.
Cards allow QB to seek out trade … Arizona has reportedly given embattled QB Matt Leinart the right to try and seek out a trade for himself. The Cardinals reportedly have talked with several teams about Leinart, however, the former USC star is on record as saying he wants to go somewhere where he will have a chance to start. The Cardinals are also reportedly willing to trade starting OG Reggie Wells. Meanwhile, Seattle is reportedly shopping veteran WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
UNC-LSU program sales booming ... Folks watching Saturday night's college football season opener between North Carolina and LSU in Atlanta, which had been projected as draft bonanza, might want to get themselves a program as it doesn't appear that many of UNC's outstanding draft class are going to be allowed to play in the wake of several NCAA investigations. For now, here's a quick profile of who to watch just in case.
Two more SC prospects sit out season opener … In addition to TE Weslye Saunders who has been suspended indefinitely, South Carolina LT Jarriel King and CB Chris Culliver, both of whom are solid second-day prospects for the 2011 draft, were also held out of Thursday night’s season-opening win over Southern Miss. King is reportedly one of several Gamecocks’ whose housing arrangements are being investigated, however, so far no reason has been given for Culliver’s absence.
September 2
(12:01 AM): Are you ready for some football!!! ... The college football season kicks off later this evening with a half dozen or two games including several of early season interest to pro scouts. Here's a quick profile of who to watch in today's top games. For the record, we'll also have previews of Saturday's big game between North Carolina and LSU, as well as Monday's early season BCS showdown between Boise State and Virginia Tech closer to kick-off time. Also for the record, here's our ranking of the Top 20 plus draft classes for the 2011 draft.
September 1
(4:00 PM) Shoe finally drops on top UNC DT
prospect … Embattled North Carolina DT Marvin Austin has been
suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. According to head
coach Butch Davis, Austin ‘has neglected his responsibilities to the
team’ and that the suspension "is not a result of the ongoing NCAA
review into alleged improper contact with an agent. Austin has been
projected as a potential top 10-15 pick at the 2010 draft, although
this is hardly going to help his final grade.
(12:01 AM): First Top 100 posted … The
initial ranking of the top 100 prospects
for the 2011 draft.
Ravens get CB from Seahawks for pick … Baltimore
has acquired CB Josh Wilson from Seattle in exchange for what is being
reported as a 5th round at the 2011 draft. Meanwhile, Seattle has
acquired OT Tyler Polumbus from Detroit for an undisclosed conditional
pick in 2012.
August 31
(7:00 PM): First round of cuts done ...
All teams have now made their first round of
cuts to get down to today's 75-man roster limits. Of course, those
that survived today's round of cuts can't get too comfortable as the
deadline to get down the season-opening 53-man roster comes up at 4 PM
ET on Saturday.
(5;00 PM): Redskins dump newly acquired rook DE
... Just a day after acquiring him in a trade with st. louis,
Washington has released rookie DE Hall Davis. Davis was a 5th round
pick this past April and came to the Redskins in a deal that involved
FB Dennis Morgan, the 'skins' 6th round pick this year.
(4:30 PM): Bolts IR rook LB ... As
expected, San Diego has formally placed ILB Donald Butler, a 3rd round
pick at the 2010 draft, on injured.
(4:00 PM): Saints cut late pick …. New
Orleans got down to today’s 75-man roster limit by releasing two
rookies: QB Sean Canfield, a 7th round pick at the 2010 draft, and
undrafted rookie free agent WR Andy Tanner.
SC TE out first week … Suspended South Carolina
TE Weslye Saunders, one of the top 2-3 prospects at the position for
the 2011 draft, will not play in the Gamecocks' opener Thursday night
against Southern Miss. Saunders one of the players the NCAA is
investigating whether a party they attended in Florida this spring was
funded by agents. Saunders is also one of several South Carolina
players whose living arrangements have come under NCAA scrutiny.
Saunders was allowed to practice with the team early in the preseason,
but has since been suspended for reportedly lying to the coaches about
why he was late for a scrimmage.
(1:00 PM): Tide RB dinged; to miss opener …
Alabama junior RB Mark Ingram, a potential top 1-0 pick for the 2011
draft, will not play in the Crimson Tide's season-opener against San
Jose State on Saturday after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair
what is being described as a minor knee injury suffered at practice
yesterday.
(11:30 AM): More picks on IR ... Three
more players selected at the 2010 draft have been placed on injured
reserve including Jacksonville DT D'anthony Smith, a 3rd round
selection this past April, as well as Pittsburgh OT Chris Scott, a 5th
rounder, and Giants LB Adrian Tracy, a 6th round choice, as teams
continue to get down to today's 75-man roster limit.
Texans IR two picks ... HOuston got down to the
75-man rosetr limit by placing RB Ben Tate and WR/KR Trindon Holliday,
the team's 2nd and 6th round picks respective;y at the 2010 draft, on
injured reserve.
August 30
(5:00 PM): Bills cut late pick ...
Buffalo got down to tomorrow's 75-man roster limit by releasing three
players including OT Kyle Calloway, a 7th round pick at the 2010 draft.
(3:00 PM): Two more picks swapped ... For
the second time in just hours teams have taken the rather unusual step
of swapping picks rookie draft picks. Washington has acquired DE Hall
Davis, a fifth-round pick by St. Louis from the Rams in exchange for
TE/FB Dennis Morris whom the Redskins took with a 6th round pick this
past April. The Redskins reportedly also received a conditional late
round future pick to complete the deal.
(2:00 PM): Cards, Iggles swap picks...
Arizona and Philadelphia have swapped 6th round picks from the 2010
draft with the Cardinals acquiring RB Charles Scott while the Eagles
get CB Jorick Calvin.
(12:01 AM): Safeties profiled in pre-season
preview
... The
annual GBN Pre-season College Football
Draft Preview positional overviews wraps-up with a profile of the safety prospects
for the 2011 draft and beyond.
August 29
(11:00 AM): The Turk on the prowl … With
all but two NFL teams having played their Week 3 pre-season game, the
cuts have started in anticipation of Tuesday’s 4 PM deadline to get
down to this week’s 75-man roster limit. Indeed, both Philadelphia and
Indianapolis having already got down their limit. As usual, we’ll have
all the cuts through Saturday’s
deadline to get down the season-opening 53-man roster.
Scary moments for rooks … Cincinnati rookie CB
Brandon Ghee, a 3rd round pick at the 2010 draft, took a hit to the
head in last night’s pre-season game against Buffalo and remained
motionless on the ground for over five minutes before ultimately
regaining consciousness and sitting up. Meanwhile, Kansas City LB
Cameron Sheffield, a 5th round pick this year, has been released from
hospital after he suffered a neck injury as a result of a
helmet-to-helmet hit while making a tackle in Friday night's preseason
game against Philadelphia. Sheffield was immobilized and carried off
the field, bud did have movement in all of his extremities at the time.
August 27
(3:00 PM):Suspended Big XII back could be
facing charges ... Local authorities are reportedly mulling a
charge of sexual assualt against Missouri RB Derrick Washington, a
solid second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft, who has been suspended
indefinitely, presumably because of the laleged incident.
(11:00 AM): More woes at UNC; really ‘big’
season opener in doubt … It was supposed to have been the grand
opening for the college football season, but next Saturday’s heralded
game between LSU and North Carolina continues to lose luster as it
appears that the tar Heels will not be fielding a full deck as the NCAA
investigation into alleged improprieties has been expanded to include
rumblings about academic issues. In particular, it appears that there
have been allegations that some football players had assignments done
by tutors. All that could be a big disappointment for pro scouts who
were looking forward to seeing North Carolina’s half dozen or so top
draft propsects go against one of the SEC’s heavyweights in LSU.
Instead it appears that UNC DT Marvin Austin and WR Greg Little, who
have both been implicated in the earlier investigation of a party in
South Florida that may have involved the players receiving improper
benefits from an agent, will not play against LSU. Neither Austin,
considered to be the top prospect at the position this year and a
likely top 10-15 this coming April, nor Little, the top-rated senior
wideout to date, have worked with their respective UNC first-team units
since fall training camp opened earlier this month. It is also likely
that neither of junior DE Robert Quinn nor OLB Bruce Carter, both of
whom are also rated as the top prospects at their respective this year,
but whom have been implicated in the academic fraud investigation along
with Austin, will play until that investigation has been completed. And
the resolution of that investigation reportedly is still at least
several weeks away.
Top pick stars in first start … St. Louis rookie
QB Sam Bradford, the first player selected at the 2010 draft, didn’t
pick his spots to make his initial pro start as he completed 15 of 22
passes for 189 yards and 2 scores against no zero interceptions as he
led the Rams to a 36-35 road win over perennial NFL power New England
last night.
Top CB done for year … Michigan has pretty much
confirmed that CB Troy Woolfolk won't play this season because of an
ankle injury. Woolfolk had surgery earlier this week and is now
expected to return as a 5th-year senior in 2011.
Injured Pats rook DT clears waivers; goes on IR …
New England has placed DT Kade Weston, a 7th round pick at the 2010
draft, has been placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers.
Weston suffered an internal injury in a pre-season game against Atlanta
that required surgery.
(4:00 PM): Bucs resign top undrafted QB ...
With incumbent starting QB Josh Freeman sidelined with a thumb injury,
Tampa Bay has resigned former Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead. Snead, who
school following a disappointing junior season last fall, was signed by
the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after he wasn't selected at
the 2010 draft, but he was released just before the start of training
camp. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has also resigned DE George Johnson, another
top undrafted rookie whom wa swith the Bucs eralier in the year but was
released.
(9:00 AM): Embattled SC TE suspended …
South Carolina TE Weslye Saunders, one of the top 2-3 prospects at the
position for the 2011 draft, has been suspended indefinitely by the
team. Saunders is one of several players who has been caught up in the
on-going NCAA investigation of the possibility that the players
received improper benefits in connection with a party in Miami; he is
also one of several players who have been told to leave a local hotel
and find other living arrangements. According to Gamecocks’ head coach
Steve Spurrier, though, Saunders has been suspended ‘temporarily’ for
an undisclosed violation of team rules and not for anything to do with
the NCAA investigation. Saunders reportedly did not attend a team
meeting Saturday morning and was late for a scrimmage later that day.
August 23
(11:30 AM): Falcons get pick from Pats for
troubled OG … Atlanta has acquired an undisclosed draft pick from
New England in exchange for OG Quinn Ojinnaka. Ojinnaka will miss the
season opener after being suspended for violating the NFL's personal
conduct policy as a result of charges of domestic assault. To make room
on the roster, the Patriots released DT Kade Weston, a late 7th round
pick at the 2010 draft.
(10:00 AM): Bills place two picks on IR …
Buffalo has placed rookie 2010 draft picks WR Marcus Easley and LB
Danny Batten on injured reserve. Easley, a 4th round pick had surgery
to repair a knee injury, while Batten, a 6th-rounder, has been
sidelined since hurting his right shoulder in practice early in camp.
Huskers TE could be done for year… Nebraska TE
Dreu Young, a second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft, will undergo
back surgery and will miss at least two months, but could be out for
the season. The 6-4, 255-pound Young missed the season opener a year
ago as a result of an earlier back operation, but returned to play the
other 13 games including 9 starts.
Rams sign top UDFA wideout ... St. Louis has
signed former Missouri WR Danario Alexander, one of the higher rated
undrafted rookie free agents this past spring. The 6-5 Alexander had
113 receptions for almost 1,800 yards last fall, but wasn't able to
workout after undergoing off-season knee surgery in February.
August 22
(10:00 AM): Seahawks lose top pick for a while
... Seattle could be without OT Russell Okung, the sixth-overall
pick at the 2010 draft, for a while after he suffered what is being
reported as a high ankle sprain in a preseason game last night. A final
diagnosis won't be available until after Okung undergoes an MRI, but
the early prognosis is that Okung could miss as much as 6-8 weeks.
(12:01 AM): Falcons lose mid-rounder for year
... Atlanta WR Kerry Meier, a 5th round pick at the 2010 draft,
will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in the
team's pre-season game against New England on Thursday.
August 20
August 19
Seahawks get pick for former #1 … Seattle has
traded DE Lawrence Jackson, the Seahawks first round pick in 2008, to
Detroit for a 6th round pick at the 2011 draft. Jackson became
expendable in Seattle with the acquisition of DE Kentwan Balmer from
San Francisco earlier in the week.
August 18
(12:01 AM): 'Tis better to receive ...
The annual GBN preview of the upcoming college football season
continues with a quick overview of the
WR
prospects for the 2011 draft and beyond.
Wolverines CB likely out for year … Michigan CB
Troy Woolfolk, a second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft, sustained
what is being described as a dislocated ankle at practice this week
which could require surgery, although the latter course of action won‘t
be confirmed until the swelling in the joint has subsided. However,
whether surgery is required ort not, Woolfolk, the son of former
Giants‘ first round RB Butch Woolfolk, likely will need an extended
rehab period.
Titans release UDFA RB; IR likely … Tennessee
has released undrafted rookie free agent RB Stafon Johnson, the former
Southern California standout whose college career was ended by a
weightlifting accident that crushed his neck last fall. Johnson
dislocated his ankle and broke his fibula in the Titans' pre-season
loss at Seattle over the weekend. If Johnson clears waivers, though, he
is expected to be placed on IR. Elsewhere, Kansas City has signed
former Pitt QB Bill Stull, another undrafted rookie free agent. To make
room on the roster the Chiefs released UDFA DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald,
while Detroit has released former LSU TE/FB Richard Dickson and signed
former UCLA DE Korey Bosworth, the newphew of Brian Bosworth.
Travellin’ QB on the move again … Former Clemson
QB Willy Korn has transferred to DII North Greenville after failing to
win the starting job at Marshall. Korn, who earned his undergraduate
degree from Clemson in May, transferred to Marshall where he was hoping
to compete for the starting job, but was moved to safety last week.
August 17
(9:00 AM): Texans IR second rounder ...
As expected, Houston has placed RB Ben Tate, the team's 2nd round pick
at the 2010 draft, on injured reserve after he suffered a severe ankle
injury in the team's pre-season opener that will require surgery.
Meanwhile, with RBs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch likely sidelined
for the rest of the pre-season at least, Buffalo has signed former
Tulane RB Andre Anderson, one of the more highly rated undrafted rookie
RBs this spring who had tryouts with a couple of teams but had not yet
formally signed anywhere. Elsewhere, Philadelphia has resigned former
Miami DE Eric Moncur, while Detroit has resigned former Minnesota LB
Lee Campbell. Both were undrafted rookie free agents who had been
released earlier this year.
49ers trade no-show DT to division rivals for pick …
San Francisco has traded DT Kentwan Balmer, the 49ers’ 1st-round pick
in 2008, to Seattle for a 6th round pick in 2011. Balmer has been AWOL
from the 49ers camp since last week.
August 16
(12:01 AM): Are you ready for some football!!!!
… We start our annual preview of the upcoming college football
season with a quick overview of the QB
prospects for the 2011 draft.
BC LB out for month with foot … Boston College
LB Mark Herzlich, who is looking to come back after missing last season
while recovering from Ewing’s sarcoma, w\still hopes to be ready for
the Eagles’ season opener despite breaking his foot.
Rook backs dinged … A pair of rookie RBs
suffered serious injuries during pre-season play this past weekend.
Houston RB Ben Tate, a second round pick at the 2010 draft, for
example, will require surgery after suffering a severe ankle injury in
the Texans preseason opener in Arizona and is expected to miss the rest
of the season. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie free agent Tennessee RB
Stafon Johnson is expected to miss at least 2-3 months after he
dislocated his right ankle in the Titans‘ game with Seattle. Johnson,
of course, is no stranger to injury as he missed almost all of the 2009
season after a barbell crushed his larynx in a weight-room accident
last fall.
Still work to be done … St. Louis rookie QB Sam
Bradford, the first player selected at the 2010 draft, had a somewhat
inauspicious pro debut over the weekend as he completed just 6 of 13
pass attempts for only 57 yards and no scores in a 28-7 loss to
Minnesota. Bradford was also sacked four times, although he didn’t turn
the ball over. If there was a silver lining for the Rams it was that
despite being under intense pressure all night, Bradford did show
pretty good poise in the pocket; as well, it appears his surgically
repaired right shoulder held up okay in spite of the fact that Bradford
took a pretty good pounding.
Undrafted rooks back in the show … A couple of
highly-rated undrafted rookie free agents will get second chances to
make an NFL roster. New Orleans has resigned former LSU LB Harry
Coleman. The saints signed Coleman, the 7th rated player on our ranking of the top undrafted players
in 2010, but waived him earlier this summer. At the same time, the New
York Jets have signed former California OG Chet Teofilo, who was
originally signed and released by Dallas. Meanwhile, New England has
signed former Oklahoma OG Brian Simmons. On the other hand, Atlanta has
released former Alabama TE Colin Peek, one of the top-rated prospects
at the position even prior to the draft. Peek sprained a knee early in
camp.
Top draft site revamped ... The guys over at NFL Draft Blitz one of our
favorite draft sites, has just completed a major revamping which
includes a numbers of new features. And maybe most importantly, the
site will now be free.
August 13
(12:01 AM): ‘Bama, other college coaches talk
with commish about agents … Alabama head coach Nick Saban
reportedly organized a conference call between himself and several
other unidentified top college coaches and ADs, NFL Commissioner Roger
Goodell, as well as representatives from the NCAA, the NFL Players
Association, and several agents to discuss ways to solve the problem of
agents inducing NCAA student-athletes into rules violations. Not
surprisingly, nothing concrete came from the exchange, and it may not
be for a while, although one suggestion that was reportedly put on the
table was subjecting players who did break college rules to some kind
of suspension once they got to the NFL.
Bears IR supp pick … Chicago has placed rookie
RB Harvey Unga on injured because of a lingering hamstring problem. The
Bears selected Unga in this year’s supplemental draft, in the process
forfeiting a 7th round pick at the 2011 draft.
August 12
(10:00 AM): More troubles for UNC DT …
The chances that North Carolina DT Marvin Austin will be playing when
the Tar Heels kick off the season against LSU early less month took
another hit with the NCAA now investigating Austin’s summer workouts
last year. Austin, a potential first-round pick in 2011 who is at the
center of the NCAA‘s investigation of a party in Miami this spring,
spent the summer of 2009 in San Francisco working out with former UNC
teammates Kentwan Balmer and Cam Thomas. Balmer, a first-round pick by
the 49ers several years ago, has admitted paying Austin and Thomas’
expenses, however, the NCAA is likely investigating whether the money
came from a 3rd party.
Tide practices closed to pro scouts … Alabama
has become the second SEC power to bar pro scouts from attending fall
practice sessions in the wake the on-going issue of under-the-table
payments from agents to players which has put the eligibility of
several top college players in doubt. Included in that group is Alabama
DE Marcell Dareus, one of the players believed to have been at that
party in Miami.
More undrafted rookie comings and goings…. A
pair of undrafted rookies will get second chances to make an NFL
roster. Arizona, for example, has signed former Wyoming DE John
Fletcher, who had originally had a tryout with Baltimore but had been
released. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has signed RB Carlos Brown who signed
originally with New Orleans. At the same time, Cincinnati placed former
ole Miss RB Cordera Eason on injured reserve after he cleared waivers,
while san Francisco released former Louisville WR Scott Long, who had
been one of the higher rated undrafted players at the position this
past spring.
August 10
(12:01 AM): Bills WR pick could be done for
year … Buffalo rookie WR Marcus Easley, a 4th round pick at the
2010 draft, reportedly is out indefinitely and could miss the entire
season because of an apparent knee injury. The team reportedly will
make a final determination on the player's status within the next day.
UDFA comings and goings … For the most part, its
been a quiet day or two around the NFL, however, a number of undrafted
rookie free agents have shown up on the transaction wire in the past 24
hours or so. Minnesota, for example, released former Maryland safety
Terrell Skinner; Chicago released former USC DT Averill Spencer, who
was waived/injured, and replaced him on the roster with former Pitt DT
Mick Williams. Meanwhile, Carolina released OGs Kurtis Gregory and Noah
Franklin; Tampa Bay released DE George Johnson; while San Francisco
released DB Leroy Vann. At the same time, the New York Jets signed DE
Tim Knicky, who had originally been signed by Green Bay, while
Indianapolis signed former Harvard OT James Williams, who was in Tampa
Bay’s camp earlier this summer.
August 9
(9:00 AM): Vols DE done for year ...
Tennessee DE Ben Martin, a second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft, is
expected to miss the entire season after suffering a torn Achilles
tendon.
(12:01 AM): USC FB unsuspended over fight …
That didn’t hurt all that much. Southern California senior FB Stanley
Havili, potentially the top prospect at the position at the 2011 draft,
has had his suspension from team activities lifted after just one day.
Havili was suspended after he broke the cheekbone of a teammate during
a fight last week, but new head coach Lane Kiffin ended the suspension
after several players, including the victim of the attack, pleaded on
Havili’s behalf.
Another undrafted rook DE bites the dust … The
New York Jets have released undrafted rookie free agent DE Kevin
Basped, one of the top-rated undrafted players in the 2010 draft class.
Basped, who has had knee problems in the past, was waived/injured
because of continuing knee problems.
Rankings start to evolve … We’ll be publishing
our first positional rankings for the 2011 draft in the next week or
so. In the meantime, long-time GBN friend Paul Guillmette of Pigskin
Paul’s Place has beaten us to the punch and has posted his early
rankings.
August 8
Rookie Bolts’ DE back in fold … First-year San
Diego DE Brandon Lang, one of the top undrafted rookies from the 2010
draft class, has reportedly returned to the team after taking several
days off to resolve some family issues.
August 6
(4:00 PM): And then there were none ...
Just like that, both the last remaining unsigned picks from the 2010
draft have come to terms with their respective teams. Seattle has
signed OT Russell Okung, the 6th player taken this year, to a reported
6-year, $58-million deal that includes $29-million in guaranteed money,
while Buffalo signed RB C.J. Spiller, this years's 9th pick, to a
5-year contract worth up to $37.5-million, $20.8-million of which is
guaranteed.
(9:00 AM): Undrafted rookie notes ... A
couple or three itmes of note from around the NFL on undrafted rookies
from the 2010 draft class. Baltimore has signed former LSU CB Chris
Hawkins, one of the top-rated undrafted players (we had him aa the #39 UDFA)
from this past April's draft. Hawkins actually had signed earlier with
Jacksonville, but had been released. At the same time, Detroit has
signed former Miami DB Randy Phillips, a once-promising prospect whose
career with the Hurricanes was derailed by a series of injuries. The
Lions also had former Florida LB Ryan Stamper, another highly-rated
undrafted free agent this year, for a workout this week but didn't sign
him. Meanwhile, Green Bay has placed undrafted rookie free agent WR
Jeff Moturi on IR after he tore an ACL.
August 5
(9:00 AM): Undrafted rooks leave camp …
Undrafted rookie free agents DE Brandon Lang of San Diego and Miami CB
A.J. Wallace have reportedly left their respective teams for
undisclosed reasons. Lang, in particular, was thought to have a good
shot at making the Chargers 53-man roster. Indeed, the former Troy star
was rated as the #2 undrafted prospect overall on our list of the top undrafted rookies this
year.
(12:01 AM): Tide DE to practice … Alabama
has indicated that junior DE Marcell Dareus will be allowed to practice
when the defending national champions begin fall camp tomorrow. Dareus,
a leading prospect for the 2011 draft, is one of several players being
investigated by the NCAA for possible rules violations in connection
with that party in Miami earlier this spring. Same story for South
Carolina TE Weslye Saunders who is also practicing with the Gamecocks
while he is under investigation for the same issue.
Bolts lose rook LB to knee … San Diego rookie
MLB Donald Butler, a 3rd round choice at the 2010 draft, will miss the
season after he tore his Achilles tendon in practice.
Prospects face the music … Oklahoma State CB
David Sims, the conference’s defensive newcomer of the year last fall,
has been suspended for the Cowboys’ season opener against Northern
Illinois next month. Sims was accused of using someone else’s debit
card. Sims paid restitution of a little more than $600 to the victim
and if he stays out of a trouble for a year the incident will be
expunged from his record. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh DE Jabaal Sheard has
been reinstated to the team after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct
for a fight last month in which he threw a man through a glass door.
Sheard was ordered to pay a $300 fine and the other man's medical
bills. Shear will also face some additional disciplinary action from
the team however it has not yet been announced whether he will have to
miss any game time. Both Sims and Sheard are considered to be
second-tier prospects for the 2011 draft.
August 4
(9:00 AM): Dolphins lose rook LB for year …
Miami rookie LB A.J. Edds, a 4th round pick at the 2010 draft, will
miss the entire season after he tore an ACL at practice yesterday. To
replace Edds in the two-deep, the Dolphins have signed former Kentucky
MLB Micah Johnson, who had a brief stint with the Giants earlier this
spring.
August 3
(9:00 PM): Lions’ Suh ends hold-out …
Detroit has reportedly reached a contract agreement with Ndamukong Suh,
the second player selected at the 2010 draft. Suh, who has missed the
first four days of the Lions’ camp, reportedly signed a five-year deal
worth $68 million with $40 million guaranteed.
(9:00 AM): One rook hold-out down; 3 still
running ... Cincinnati came to an agreement with hold-out rookie
TE Jermaine Gresham overnight. Gresham, the 21st player taken at the
2010 draft, ended a 6-day holdout by signing a reported 5-year deal
worth $15.9 million with just under $10 million guaranteed. Gresham is
expected to be at practice with the Bengals later today. With the
signing of Gresham, 3 first-round picks from last April's draft remain
unsigned: Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh, Seattle OT Russell Okung and
Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller.
(12:01 AM): Seahawks cut late rounder ...
Seattle has released TE Jameson Konz, a 7th round pick at the 2010
draft. Konz has a hip injury. To replace Konz on the roster the
Seahawks signed undrafted rookie free agent OG Greg Peat who was just
released by Indianapolis.
August 2
(9:00 PM): Cards finally land big fish ... Arizone
has finally confirmed that DT Dan Williams, the
26th player drafted this year, has agreed to terms and will be at
practice tomorrow. With today's signings there are four remaining
unsigned 2010 draft picks: Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh; Seattle OT Russell
Okung; Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller and Cincinnati TE Jeramine Gresham.
(1:30 PM): Jags re-confirm top pick signs... Both
Jacksonville and the agent involved have confirmed that DE Tyson Aluala
has finally agreed to the Jaguars 5-year, $28 million deal. Aluala, the
10th player drafted this year, is expected to be at practice later this
afternoon.
(12:30 PM): Colts sign top pick ...
Indianapolis has
reportedly signed DE Jerry Hughes, the team's #1 pick at the 2010
draft, to a 5-year deal. Hughes, the 31st player chosen this past
april, missed the Colts initial practice this morning, but is expected
to be on the field at this afternoon's session. Meanwhile, there is no
confirmation of the status of either Jacksonville DE Tyson Aluala or
Arizona DT Dan Williams. The Jaguars announced late last night that
they have a deal with Aluala, the 10th player drafted this year, but
the player’s agent says he has yet to agree to the deal. At the same
time, several media reports said Williams, the 26th player selected
this past April, would be in Arizona to officially sign later this
morning, however, to date that has yet to be confirmed.
(9:00 AM): Report: Cards sign top pick …
ESPN is reporting that Arizona has reached an agreement with hold-out
first-round draft pick DT Dan Williams, however, neither the team’s
website nor local media is reporting any deal.
(12:01 AM): Are you ready for some football???
… By sometime around lunch time later this morning, all NFL teams
will have opened their training camps and held at least one practice
session. Meanwhile, college teams across the country will also be
opening their fall pre-season camps in the next day or so. And starting
next week, we’ll be previewing the upcoming college season with an eye
toward the 2011 draft - of course if its ultimately - held given the
current unsettled labor situation in the pros. For now here is a list of prospects for the upcoming draft,
although please note that players are NOT formally listed according to
grade.
Jags may or may not have signed top pick … There
appears to be some confusion as to whether Jacksonville has signed DE
Tyson Aluala, the surprise 10th player selected at the 2010 draft. The
team has made a formal announcement that Aluala has agreed to a 5-year
contract. However, Aluala’s agent is denying that the former Cal star
has agreed to accept the deal. The agent said that he recommended that
Alualu take the deal, but that Alualu and his family will think about
it before making a final decision. Stay tuned. Other than Aluala, there
a half dozen first-round picks from the 2010 draft that definitely
haven’t signed yet including Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh, the 2nd player
taken this year, Seattle OT Russell Okung (#6); Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller
(#9), Cincinnati TE Jermaine Gresham (#21), Arizona DT Dan Williams
(#26) and Indianapolis DE Jerry Hughes (#31).
August 1
(4;00 PM): Bolts sign top pick .... San
Diego has reportedly signed RB Ryan Mathews, the 12th player taken at
the 2010 draft, ending a brief holdout. Mathews reportedly agreed to a
5-year, $26.5 million deal.
(10:00 AM): One down, one to go for Seahawks ...
Seattle has reportedly come to terms with former Texas safety Earl
Thomas, one of the team's two unsigned 2010 first-round draft picks.
Thomas, the 14th player selected this past April, reportedly agreed on
a 5-year, $21 million deal. OT Russell Okung, the 6th player taken this
year, though, remains unsigned for Seattle. Meanwhile, the Jets have
reportedly come to terms with CB Kyle Wilson, their first-round pick
this year, on a 5-year, $13 million contract.
(12:01 A): More #1 picks sign; hold-outs
growing… Four more players selected in the opening round of the
2010 draft came to terms today including Cleceland CB Joe Haden, the
7th player taken this year who agreed to a reported 5-year, $50 million
deal with the Browns. At the same time, the Giants have reportedly
signed DE Jason Pierre-Paul, the 15th player selected this year, to a
5-year, $20 million deal; Tennessee has signed DE Derrick Morgan, the
16th pick this past April; while Denver signed WR Demaryius Thomas, the
22nd selection this year. However, with a dozen or so teams holding
their first full practices on Saturday, the number of first round picks
officially classified as hold-outs is up to 8 with Detroit DT Ndamukong
Suh, the 2nd player taken this year, San Diego RB Ryan Mathews (#12),
Arizona DT Dan Williams (#27), along with Seattle’s pair of
first-rounders - OT Russell Okung (#6) and safety Eral Thomas (#14) -
joining Cincinnati TE Jermaine Gresham, Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller and
Jacksonville DE Tyson Aluala among first-round rookie hold-outs. While
there is still an inordinate number of first-round holdouts, all
healthy players selected in the second round are now in the fold as the
Giants came to terms with DT Linval Joseph the final remaining unsigned
2010 second rounder other than Baltimore OLB Sergio Kindle who won’t
play for awhile after he suffered a fractured skull in a fall at home
just before the start of camp. Meanwhile, Indianapolis signed CB Kevin
Thomas, a 3rd round pick this year who could miss the season after the
former USC star suffered a knee injury during minicamp earlier this
year.
Maybe shoulda stood in school... Tampa Bay has
released former Mississippi QB Jevan Snead. Snead opted to leave Ole
Miss this winter despite the fact that the junior was coming off a very
inconsistent season and had a year of eligibility left. In the end,
Snead wasn't drafted at all and ultimately signed with the Bucs as an
undrafted free agent with a chance to make the team as the 3rd QB, but
lasted only one practice.
July 31
(1;00 PM): Another top pick in fold ....
Tampa Bay has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with DT Gerald
McCoy, the 3rd player taken at the 2010 draft.
(12:01 A): Rams sign top pick; avoid hold-out;
so do Saints … St. Louis has come to terms with former Oklahoma
QB Sam Bradford, the #1 pick at the 2010 draft. Bradford will receive
$78 million over six years which could escalate to $86 million of which
$50 million is guaranteed. For the record, that is richest contract
ever signed by a rookie in NFL history. Bradford missed two days of
training camp practices for rookies and selected veterans only, but is
expected be on the field later this afternoon for the first full-squad
practice of camp. Meanwhile, defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans
signed CB Patrick Robinson, the final player taken in this year's
opening round. Robinson missed the first part of the Saints initial
practice, but did get in some work later in the day.
Cowboys’ top pick dinged … Dallas WR Dez Bryant,
the Cowboys’ first round pick at the 2010 draft, will miss 4-6 weeks
after he suffered a high ankle sprain at training camp. The injury
comes at a tough time for Bryant who by all accounts has had a great
camp to date. As well, in addition to Bryant, the Cowboys are also
currently without LB Sean Lee and CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, their second
and 4th round picks respectively. Lee is out with a quadriceps strain,
while Owusu-Ansah has yet to practice because of a hamstring injury,
plus he’s also coming off off-season shoulder surgery.
Pick could be at play in Broncos-Eagles trade ...
Philadelphia has traded veteran LB Joe Mays to Denver for veteran RB
J.J. Arrington, who did not play in 2009 after undergoing microfracture
surgery on a knee. If Arrington does not make the team, the Eagles will
receive a sixth-round pick in 2012.
July 30
(9:00 PM): Lions sign one #1; one left ...
Detroit has signed RB Jahvid Best, the second of two players the Lions
selected in this past April's opening round. The Lions still have to
sign DT Ndamukong Suh, the 2nd player drafted this year. Meanwhile,
division-rival Minnesota also signed a top RB pick as the Vikings have
come to terms with RB Toby Gerhart, a second-round pick this year. That
leaves Giants DT Linval Joseph as the only unsigned second rounder
other than Baltimore OLB Sergio Kindle who won't be playing for awhile
anyway because of an off-field injury.
(3:00 pm): Three more #1s, one #2 picks sign …
San Francisco completed signing its 2010 draft class as OG Mike Iupati,
the 17th player selected this year, has reportedly come to terms on a
5-year, $19-million contract. Earlier in the day, the 49ers had
announced the signings of OT Anthony Davis, their other first-round
selection this year, as well second round safety Taylor Mays and third
round OLB Navarro Bowman. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has signed former
Florida C Maurkice Pouncey, taken one pick after Iupati, to a 5-year
deal, while Kansas City safety Eric Berry, the 5th player selected
overall this past April, was not on the field when the Chiefs opened
camp earlier today, however, Berry has tweeted that he has a contract
agreement and is on his way to camp. And Arizona has signed LB Daryl
Washington, another 2010 second rounder.
Undrafted D-linemen don’t make grade … A couple
of highly-regarded undrafted rookie free agent defensive linemen are on
the outs with their respective teams. In fact, Pittsburgh has released
former UConn DE Lindsey Witten to make room on the roster for their
recently signed draft picks. Witten had been considered a potential
mid-round selection this past April, but went undrafted and actually
was a late signing by the Steelers. Meanwhile, Green Bay has placed DT
Aleric Mullins, another undrafted rookie on the reserve-did not report
list when he didn’t show up for the opening of camp. Like Witten, the
320-pound Mullins was considered to be an intriguing prospect prior to
the draft, but was bypassed by most teams because of a heart murmur
discovered during the combine and may have opted to give up football as
a result of the condition.
(1:00 PM): 49ers sign picks … San
Francisco has signed three 2010 draft picks including OT Anthony Davis,
the 11th player taken this past April. Davis reportedly signed a 5-year
deal. The 49ers have also announced the signing of safety Taylor Mays
and OLB Navarro Bowman who were taken in the second and third round
respectively. The 49ers have yet to sign their other first-round pick,
OG Mike Iupati who was selected with the No. 17 pick.
(11:00 AM): Packers sign top pick … Green
bay has become the latest team to sign its 2010 first-round draft pick
as the Packers have signed OT Brian Bulaga, the 23rd player taken this
past April, to a reported 5-year, $15 million contract.
(10:00 AM): Texans sign top pick …
Houston has signed CB Kareem Jackson, the 20th player taken at the 2010
draft, to a reported 5-year deal. Houston holds its first full practice
later this morning.
Hold-out coun hits 5 ... Unofficially at this
hour, 5 first round picks from the 2010 draft are officially hold-outs
as their teams have started full workouts. The group includes
Cincinnati TE Jermaine Gresham, Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller, Kansas City
safety Eric Berry, Jacksonville DE Tyson aluala and New orleans CB
Patrick Robinson.
(9:00 AM): Redskins sign top pick …
Washington has signed OT Trent Williams, the 4th player taken at the
2010 draft, to a reported six-year, $60 million contract that includes
almost $37 million in guaranteed money. Williams’ signing ends a
one-hold-out.
Former Duck QB to rebel … Former Oregon QB
Jeremiah Masoli is expected to enrol at Mississippi. Because Masoli
will be entering a graduate program he likely will not have to sit out
a year and is expected to be eligible this season. While a good
student, Masoli had his share of off-field troubles at Oregon and was
ultimately kicked out of the program after two run-ins with the law
which included a burglary charge.
(12:01 AM): Eagles latest to sign top pick ….
Philadelphia has agreed to a 5Y contract with DE Brandon Graham, the
13th player taken at the 2010 draft. Graham is the 7th 2010 first
rounder to have come to terms to date. Meanwhile, 5 second rounders
remain unsigned including Giants DT Linval Joseph, Arizona LB Daryl
Washington, San Francisco DB Taylor Mays, Minnesota RB Toby Gerhardt
and Baltimore OLB Sergio Kindle, who is on the NFL list after
fracturing his skull in a domestic fall. Here is the signing status of first and second rounders
to date.
Giants release injured third rounder …. The
Giants became the first team to waive a 2010 draft pick when they
released S Chad Jones, a third round pick this past April. Jones
suffered a potentially career-ending injury earlier this summer when he
was involved in a one-car accident that almost cost him a leg. While
Jones has technically been released, the Giants are expected to resign
him if, as expected, he clears waivers.
July 29
(9:00 PM): Half dozen plus top picks sign ….
There was a rush of signings of top picks from the 2010 draft this
evening. In fact, Miami signed both its top two picks this past April
coming to terms with DE Jared Odrick, the Dolphins’ first rounder, and
second-round OLB Koa Misi. Meanwhile, Atlanta signed OLB Sean
Weatherspoon, the 19th player drafted this year, while second-rounders
to come to terms include Pittsburgh OLB Jason Worilds, Houston RB Ben
Tate, Minnesota DB Chris Cook and Indianapolis MLB Pat Angerer.
(7:00 PM): Broncos sign QB Tebow … Denver
has signed former Florida QB Tim Tebow to a reported 5Y, 11M contract
of which almost $9M is guaranteed. Tebow was the surprise 25th-overall
selection in last April's draft. The Broncos, whose full camp opens on
Sunday , still have some work to do though as WR Demaryius Thomas, the
team’s top pick overall, remains unsigned.
(11:00 AM): Raiders avoid first round hold out
…. Oakland has signed MLB Rolando McClain, the 8th player taken
at the 2010 draft, just hours before the start of their first
training-camp practice. McClain is just the third first-round pick to
sign a contract and the highest overall pick to do so after Dallas
signed WR Dez Bryant, the 24th pick this year, last week, while New
England signed CB Devin McCourty, the 27th player taken this year,
earlier this week. With McClain in the fold, it appears that the only
true rookie hold out to date is Cincinnati TE Jermaine Gresham who
remains unsigned with the Bengals set to take the field for their
initial practice this morning. Baltimore also holds its first practice
today and has yet to sign OLB Sergio Kindle, the Ravens’ #1 pick this
year, however, Kindle remains in hospital with a reported fractured
skull that resulted from a fall off the field so it will be awhile
before it matters whether Kindle is signed or not.
(12:01 AM): Rams sign #2 pick; Bradford still
talking … St. Louis has signed OT Rodger Saffold, the first
player selected in this year’s opening round. With Saffold in the fold,
the only remaining unsigned Rams’ pick is QB Sam Bradford, the #1
overall selection this past April. St. Louis, though has until its
first on-field practice on Sunday morning until Bradford is officially
a hold out. Meanwhile, Kansas City signed both its 2010 second rounders
as the Chiefs came to terms with CB Javier Arenas RB/WR Dexter
McCluster, while Buffalo has signed DT Torrell Troup, another second
rounder from this past April’s draft; Seattle signed WR Golden Tate,
its #2 pick this year, and Cincinnati signed second rounder DE Carlos
Dunlap. Overall by our unofficial count 21 of 32 second round picks at
the 2010 draft have signed.
Hold-out clock ticking … While St. Louis’
Bradford won’t officially be considered a hold-out, the clock is
ticking in Oakland and Cincinnati where the Raiders and Bengals hold
their first practices later today without either of first rounders LB
Rolando McClain (Oakland) or TE Jermaine Gresham (Cincinnati) under
contract.
Weight off Ravens’ mind!!! On his third try,
rookie Baltimore NT Terrence Cody, the Ravens’ second rounder this past
April, passed his conditioning physical and will be allowed to join the
rest of his teammates. In addition to Cody, undrafted rookie free agent
CB Prince Miller also finally passed his conditioning test yesterday
and was also allowed to practice. Both had been on the PUP list.
July 28
(11:00 AM): Pats come to terms with #1 pick …
New England has perortedly come to terms with CB Devin McCourty, the
Patriots’ first round pick at the 2010 draft.McCourty, taken 27th
overall, is the last of the Patriots’ picks to sign and should be on
the field when the team has its first practice of the season tomorrow.
McCourty is also only the second first-rounder to have signed
league-wide to date with Dallas WR Dez Bryant the other. At the same
time, roughly half - by our unofficial count 15 - second rounders have
signed so far.
(9:00 AM): Panthers sign #2 QB … Carolina
became the second NFL team to ensure that it will open camp with a full
complement of 2010 draft picks in tow when the Panthers signed former
Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen to a four-year contract that includes $2.5M
in guarantees. Clausen was a second round pick this past April for the
Panthers who did not have a first round selection. The Panthers open
camp today with the first actual practice slated for tomorrow. Other
teams to open camps today include Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England
and Oakland.
Dawg LB out for several weeks … Georgia senior
OLB Akeem Dent, a decent second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft, is
expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after undergoing surgery
to repair a toe injury. The 6-2, 235-pound Dent will miss preseason
practice and is questionable for the Dawgs’ season opener against
Louisiana-Lafayette on September 4th.
(12:01 AM): Pack of #2 picks sign … NFL
teams continue to sign players selected in the second round of the 2010
draft, but with training camps around the league set to start opening
in numbers over the next few days, only one first rounder has signed to
date. Philadelphia has signed FS Nate Allen, the Eagles’ second-round
pick in 2010 to a four-year contract. That leaves first round DE
Brandon Graham as the Eagles' only unsigned draft pick. Meanwhile,
Tampa Bay has signed WR Arrelious Benn, the second of the Bucs’ two #2
picks this year. DT Brian Price, Tampa Bay’s other second rounder
signed earlier this summer. The Buccaneers have still to sign DT Gerald
McCoy, the 3rd player taken this spring. McCoy, though, has said he
won’t sign until QB Sam Bradford, the first player selected this year,
comes to terms with St. Louis. There are reports, though, that Bradford
could be signed by the time the Rams’ training camp opens Thursday,
although St. Louis veterans do not have to until the weekend. And
Cleveland has signed safety T.J. Ward, the 38th player taken at this
year’s draft, while Denver has signed OG Zane Beadles.
Bengals sign T.O. … For those who have not heard,
things just a whole lot more interesting in Cincinnati where the
Bengals have signed enigmatic veteran WR Terrell Owens who likely will
line up opposite the equally enigmatic Chad Ochocinco. Owens reportedly
agreed to a 2-year, $2M deal that includes another $2 million in
incentives.
Big XII CB arrested … Iowa State senior CB David
Sims, a decent second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft, has been
charged with unauthorized use of a credit card. Sims, the conference’s
defensive newcomer of the year last fall when he picked off 5 passes,
has a court date next week; he will also likely face some additional
disciplinary action from the team.
Pats put late DT on PUP … New England has placed
DT Kade Weston, a 7th round pick at the 2010 draft on the
physically-unable-to-perform list.
July 27
(4:00 AM): Ravens rook DT on PUP ...
Baltimore rookie NT Terrence 'Mount' Cody, the Ravens' second round
pick at the 2010 draft who just signed yesterday, is one of 10 players
the team placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list because
he failed the Ravens' conditioning test. Cody, the 57th player taken
this past April, is listed at 349 pounds and has battled weight issues
throughout his career.
(12:01 AM): Ravens rook out for awhile
Updating the conditon of Baltimore OLB Sergio Kindle, the Ravens’ first
pick at the 2010 draft, who has been in hospital since he suffered a
head injury after reportedly falling down two flights of stairs at a
home he was visiting in Austin on Thursday. Kindle has a fractured
skull and likely will be sidelined for an extended period. Kindle, a
second-round pick this past April, has also yet to sign.
Four #2s come to terms ... With the opening of
training camps around the NFL looming, four more second round picks
from the 2010 draft came to terms with their respective clubs over the
past 24 hours or so. New England has signed LB Brandon Spikes, while
Cleveland signed RB Mario Hardesty, New Orleans signed OT Charles Brown
and Oakland inked DT Lamarr Houston.
Pats sign second round pair … New England has
reportedly signed TE Rob Gronkowski and DE Jermaine Cunningham, two of
the Patriots three second-round picks at the 2010 draft. Gronkowski was
selected with the 42nd pick overall, while Cunningham went 53rd. New
England opens training camp on Thursday, but still has to sign CB Devin
McCourty, the team’s first-round choice this year, as well as LB
Brandon Spikes, the Patriots’ remaining unsigned second rounder.
July 23
(2:00 PM): Cowboys get final pick signed ...
There will be no rookie holdouts when Dallas opens its training camp
tomorrow as the Cowboys have come to terms with LB Sean Lee, the team's
second round pick this past April and only remaining unsigned 2010
selection. Dallas had earlier come to terms with WR Dez Bryant, the
Cowboys opening round pick at the 2010 draft, on a 5-year, $11.8M
contract of which $8.5 is guaranteed. In the process, Bryant, the 24th
player taken this past April, became the first #1 pick to sign this
year; and with the signing of Lee the Cowboys are also the first and
only team to have signed its full complement of 2010 picks. In fact,
Lee is only the third second rounder to have signed to date as only two
other players selected in this year’s second round - DT Brian Price
taken 39th overall by Tampa Bay, and OT Vlad Ducasse, the 61st pick by
the Jets - have signed to date amid concerns about the ongoing labor
uncertainty around the NFL. For the record, though, most teams still
have some time to get their top picks signed as other than Dallas all
other teams open camps between July 28th and August 1st.
July 22
(12:01 AM): This could get ugly … Another
day and another batch of potential top prospects for the 2011 draft are
possibly in some trouble with the NCAA in college football’s emerging
‘agent-gate’. The Alabama compliance department, for example, is
reportedly investigating DE Marcell Dareus, while Georgia is reportedly
investigating star junior WR A.J. Green. Both may have attended a party
in Miami back on Memorial Day weekend that has also ensnared North
Carolina DT Marvin Austin, and possibly other Tar Heels, and South
Carolina TE Weslye Saunders. In fact, there are unconfirmed reports
that the Tide’s Dareus has already been declared ineligible, but as of
late last evening the school is saying that no decision has been made.
Meanwhile, former Florida C Maurkice Pouncey, a first round pick by
Pittsburgh this past April, is denying allegations that he accepted
$100,000 from a player agent before this past season's Allstate Sugar
Bowl. While Pouncey is in the NFL and in the clear, but there is the
possibility that his twin brother Mike who is also a potential top 50
prospect this coming April, could also be involved. Stay tuned.
July 20
(12:01 AM): Pitt DE suspended after arrest …
Pittsburgh DE Pitt Jabaal Sheard, a decent second-tier prospect for the
2011 draft, has been suspended indefinitely from the team after he was
arrested for throwing a man through a glass door during a street fight
over the weekend. The 6-4, 260-pound Sheard, who had 5 sacks in 2010,
was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal
mischief and disorderly conduct.
July 19
(12:01 AM): gamecock TE caught up in NCAA
investigation … The NCAA investigation about possible
impermissible dealings with sports agents at North Carolina reportedly
also includes South Carolina TE Weslye Saunders. Saunders, one of the
top prospects at the position for the upcoming draft, is reportedly
close friends with UNC DT Marvin Austin, who is reportedly at the
center of the UNC investigation.
NCAA officials are reportedly looking into whether agents paid for the
airfare and hotel rooms for recent trips taken by Saunders and several
North Carolina players.
July 16
(12:01 AM): NCAA checking out UNC for agent
violations … The NCAA is reportedly investigating whether any of
several top North Carolina draft prospects have had any improper
dealings with agents. According to the school, several Tar Heels’
football players were interviewed by the NCAA this week and asked
questions about agents and whether anyone had received gifts or extra
benefits. Normally a basketball power, UNC became an NFL draft player -
at least for 2011 - when as many as a half dozen Tar Heels, including
DE Robert Quinn, DT Marvin Austin, LBs Bruce Carter and Quan
Sturdivant, and DBs Kendric Burney and Deunta Williams all opted to
return to school this year rather than leaving school early and
entering the 2010 draft. Players are allowed to have contact with
sports agents after their junior season and schools even host an
on-campus events for agents, but the players cannot accept gifts, money
or other improper benefits prior to completing their eligibilty.
Players also are prohibited from making any type of commitment,
informal or otherwise, to sign with an agent until after they nhave
completed their final season. Any players found to be in violation of
the rules on dealings with agents could lose their remaining
eligibility.
July 15
(4:00 PM): Pair selected in Supp draft ...
As expected, two players were selected in today's annual summer
supplemental NFL draft. Chicago picked BYU Harvey Unga while Dallas
selected Illinois DT Josh Price-Brent. Both players were selected with
7th-round picks, meaning that both the Bears and Cowboys will forfeit
their seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft. At the same time, neither
of small-school RBs Quentin Castille of Northwestern State and Truman
State‘s Vanness Emokpae were selected in today's supp draft and are now
free to sign with any team.
July 13
(9:00 AM): Top LB charged with pot offnese ...
North Carolina MLB Quan Sturdivant, a first team all-ACC selection last
year and a top propsect for the 2011 draft, was arrested over the
weekend on a misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana. In
addition to any legal consequences, the 6-2, 235-pound Sturdivant will
likely be subjected to some kind of additional discipline from the
team. Indeed, it will be interesting to see if he is suspended from the
Tar Heels' huge season opener against LSU on September 4th.
July 6
(9:00 AM):: A little housekeeping …
Training camps will start to open around the NFL within three weeks or
so, however truth be told there isn’t much going on around the league
these days. In particular with the opening of training camps just
around the corner, not one first round pick from the 2010 has come to
terms yet. That said things should begin to really pick up in the next
couple of weeks. In the meantime, in response to several queries, we
will not be formally publishing the Great Blue North Pre-season College
Football Draft Preview this year. Sales just didn’t justify the
expenses. What we will be doing though is posting most of the material
normally contained in the report over the month of August. And while
things are rather quiet around the league, long-time GBN friend and
colleague Paul Guilmette, editor and publisher of Pigskin Paul’s Place is still
beavering away and has passed along links to the first edition of his
annual pre-season power ratings featuring the
bottom feeder 8 teams, which of course will be among the front
runners to get early picks at the 2011 draft. Paul also has some
thoughts on the
current state of affairs with the Green Bay Packers.
July 4
A very happy, stars-spangled banner type 4th to
everyone!!! Party hard but please be safe!
July 1
CFL
season kicks off … And what better way to
celebrate Canada Day (other than the start of the NFL free agent
signing period) than with a little 3-down, 12-man football as the
Canadian Football League kicks off its 2010 regular season with a
double header later today. The season gets underway with a Grey Cup
replay with the defending Canadian league champion Montreal Alouettes
playing the Roughriders in Saskatchewan at 7 PM ET this evening. Later,
Toronto will be in Calgary to play the Stampeders at 10 PM ET. Then on
Friday, Hamilton will be in Winnipeg at 8 PM ET, while BC plays at
Edmonton on Sunday at 7 PM ET. The CFL season wraps up with the 109th
edition of the Grey Cup on November 28th in Edmonton. Bring your
woolies!!! CFL rosters are split roughly evenly between Canadian and
American-born players and while its not the NFL there are still plenty
of names dotting CFL rosters that will be familiar to either U.S.
college or draft followers. BC, for example, will be lead by QBs Casey
Printers and Jarious Jackson, formerly of Florida AM and Notre Dame
respectively, while former Florida QB Chris Leak is the primary back-up
to perennial Montreal all-star QB Anthony Cavillo, while Drew Tate
(Iowa) and Cody Pickett )Washington ) back up Calgary QB Henry Burriss.
Other players of note on CFL rosters include DE Kai Ellis (Washington),
DB Lenny Walls (Boston College) and LB Rod Davis (Southern Miss) of
Edmonton; DB Brandon Browner (Oregon State), and LBs Mike Labinjo
(Michigan State) and Robert McCune (Louisville) of Calgary; QB Darian
Durant (North Carolina) and PK Louie Sakoda (Utah) of Saskatchewan; WRs
Terrence Edwards (Georgia) and Adarius Bowman (Oklahoma State), CB
Keyou Craver (Nebraska), OT Kelly Butler (Purdue), DE Phillip Hunt
(Houston), and RB Yvenson Bernard (Oregon State) of Winnipeg; FS Jason
Shivers (Arizona State), DE Garrett McIntyre (Fresno State), and WR
Maurice Mann (Nevada) of Hamilton; Toronto QB Cleo Lemon (Arkansas
State) and Montreal RB Avon Cobourne (West Virginia). Meanwhile, former
Indiana DE Greg Middleton is currently on Montreal’s practice squad.
June 28
(12:01
AM): Giants rook DB remains in stable
condition … New York Giants rookie safety Chad Jones, a third
round pick from LSU at the 2010 draft, reportedly remains in stable
condition in a Louisiana hospital after being seriously injured in a
single car crash over the weekend. Jones underwent what is being
described as successful surgery on his mangled left leg which doctors
were originally afraid might have to be amputated. Doctors also
reportedly believe that Jones likely will eventually be able to walk
normally again, however, its obvious that his pro football career is
very much in peril.
Small college QB gives up football for ministry … California-Davis
QB Greg Denham, who might have generated some free-agent interest this
coming April, has reportedly decided to quit football and pursue a
career in the ministry.
June 24
(10:00 AM): Pac-12 WR arrested, suspended
…
Arizona WR Delashaun Dean, a second-tier prospect for the 2011 draft,
has been suspended indefinitely after reportedly being arrested last
weekend on of misconduct involving weapons. Dean is scheduled to appear
in court next week. The 6-3, 210-pound Dean, a possession receiver with
4.55 type seed, had 42 receptions in 2010 but averaged under 10 yards
per catch.
June 22
(2:00 PM): Duck QB to enter supp draft …
Gil Brandt of NFL.com is reporting that former Oregon QB Jeremiah
Masoli is expected to apply for entrance in the next month’s summer
supplemental draft. Masoli was booted off the Ducks‘ squad earlier this
year after his second brush with the law in the past six months.
Earlier this month Masoli was cited for possession of one ounce or less
of marijuana and driving with a suspended California license after
being stopped for a trafiic violation. Masoli was already serving a
year’s probation after pleading guilty in March to second-degree
robbery for his role in a theft at a campus fraternity. After being
named the 2008 Holiday Bowl MVP, the athletic Masoli ran for almost 700
yards and 13 TDs last fall, while throwing for over 2,000 yards and
another 15 scores as he completed 58% of his pass attempts. Masoli will
become the 4th player to apply for this summer’s supplemental draft
which is scheduled for July 15th joining RB Harvey Unga of BYU,
Northwestern State’s Quentin Castille and Truman State’s Vaness Emokpae
in the field.
June 17
Pair apply to summer supp draft … Several
sources have confirmed that BYU RB Harvey Unga has filed paperwork with
the NFL to be included in this summer’s supplemental draft. Meanwhile,
Rob Rang of CBS Sports is reporting that Truman State RB Vanness
Emokpae has also sent in paperwork to the league be included in the
supplemental draft which is scheduled to be held on July 15.
With all the new draft picks available this year it
may
be
hard to work out this years NFL online
betting. Only time will tell, once the draft is complete and
the teams start to play the picture will be clear and choosing a team
to bet on shouldn't be a problem at all.
The
Great Blue North Draft Report
is one of the more detailed an upto date report that you can find. We
hope that you find it helpful and interesting.
It
is known that football isn't the only sport where the initial draft can
dictate the outcome of the season. Just like the NFL the NRL
(Australia's National Rugby League) has a very intense preseason
draft. Many players hope to find themselves along with their
teams at
the top of the NRL results
and in the end they hope to win the Grand Final and become the premier
team. This mostly depends on the draft, the rest is good sportsmanship
and skill.
If
you have comments or
suggestions, e-mail: The editor.
The GBN
can also be reached by phone at (613) 692-1088 or
regular mail at PO Box 5282, Merivale Depot, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada;
K2C 3H5.