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Email Update 7/20/02 Volume 3 Issue # 36
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Projections Posted
2. Off and Running (Atlanta RBs)
3. All Systems Go (Cincinnati Training Camp)
4. Five of Eight (Cleveland Signings)
5. Hitter takes a Back Seat (Roy Williams)
6. Texans Strike Gold
7. David Garrard Inks Deal
8. Gonzo a Goner
9. Firing the Gardener
10. Party Time (Dale Carter)
11. Graham Crackers (NE Camp)
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Projections Posted
We just updated all of our projections and you can see them here:
As always, these are completely sortable and have views by position
and by team. Be sure to check them out.
David Dodds
and now tonight's update by Greg Kellogg
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Off and Running
Clipped from the article at the Atlanta Journal Constitution
Amid the Falcons' unprecedented offseason of change, a constant has
remained: Coach Dan Reeves wants to win by running the football and
putting together a strong defense.
When the team's first training camp under new owner Arthur Blank
opens Thursday at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., that will
again be the goal. In fact, for all the offseason speculation that
the Falcons will be doomed by the combination of questions at wide
receiver and the steep learning curve facing young quarterback
Michael Vick (22), vice president Ron Hill thinks critics miss the
point.
Hill believes running backs Warrick Dunn (the team's top free agent
acquisition) and T.J. Duckett (the team's first-round draft choice)
can take a load off the passing game.
"All I know is if you can't run, you can't win," Hill said.
"Jacksonville had Mark Brunell at quarterback, and Jimmy Smith and
Keenan McCardell at wide receiver, but when [running back] Fred
Taylor got hurt, what happened?"
The Jags struggled, much as the Falcons did last year after running
back Jamal Anderson blew out a knee in the third game. Later,
Atlanta lost five of its final six games as running back Maurice
Smith played ineffectively on an injured knee.
The plan is to move the ball on the ground with Dunn, Duckett,
Smith and Vick. To that end, team officials are counting on newly
signed right tackle Todd Weiner, left tackle Bob Whitfield and the
maturation of a few interior linemen from among Kynan Forney, Todd
McClure, Roberto Garza, Travis Claridge and rookie Martin Bibla to
open running lanes.
In theory, with a modicum of success running the ball, opposing
safeties and linebackers will have to honor the run. Then, the
Falcons will try to replicate their successes of a year ago by
passing in the middle of the field to tight ends and running backs.
That, in turn, will allow outside receivers Brian Finneran, Willie
Jackson, Shawn Jefferson and others to get single coverage.
Also, by spreading the field more, especially with Dunn, coaches
believe Vick will have an easier time seeing things and making
decisions. It wasn't an easy decision to cut Chris Chandler, but
his continued presence might have led to harmful indecision.
"There's no question Chris would be ahead of [Vick], but the gap at
the end of [last] year was much closer," Reeves said.
"With that, you're going to have your own football team guessing
who should be the starter, and definitely the fans are going to be
that way, so you needed to eliminate that, put it on [Vick's]
shoulders and let him go, let him grow."
Quarterbacks coach Jack Burns knows Vick will make mistakes. As
long as he reduces his turnovers, though, the Falcons believe they
can live with them.
"Mike is much further ahead, particularly maturity-wise. He was 20
when we brought him in here last May," Burns said. "He understands
protections and things. His command of the huddle is light years
ahead; he's not coming into the huddle apologetically."
The Falcons had to apologize for their pass defense a lot last
year. Yet players are excited about new defensive coordinator Wade
Phillips' plan to convert to a 3-4, convinced that a new scheme is
what is needed for dramatic improvement.
Phillips seems excited about working with what he has, including
cornerbacks Ray Buchanan and Ashley Ambrose, inside linebacker
Keith Brooking and end-turned-linebacker Patrick Kerney.
"We have some players," Phillips said. "The team was 7-9 and I
think they're on the way up with young players. [New secondary
coach] Emmitt Thomas . . . I think will do a great job.
"At the corner position, if you're strong there you can do a lot of
things. Brooking and Kerney give me all I can get of those guys.
They play hard and they play the game the right way."
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Once again we have evidence that the Falcon's will try to get by
on ball control offense with dink and dunk passes while Michael
Vick grows into a pro QB. A couple of things to take from this:
1) Falcon's WRs will likely struggle including newly signed Willie
Jackson
2) Keith Brooking will likely struggle as he goes from the middle to
an ILM job
3) Watch for Dunn to be featured both on the ground and in the air
4) Watch for Duckett to take the short-yardage, red zone carries
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
All Systems Go
Clipped from the article at the Cincinnati Enquirer
Quarterback Akili Smith is expected to be cleared Wednesday by the
Bengals medical staff to participate fully when training camp
opens.
Trainer Paul Sparling said Friday that Smith will be examined and
should get the green light for 100 percent activity. Smith tore his
left hamstring in a December game against the Jets, his only start,
and had surgery.
"I'll be ready," Smith said earlier this week.
Once cleared, Smith is expected to be a part of a three-man
quarterback derby with Jon Kitna and newcomer Gus Frerotte,
Bengals coach Dick LeBeau said.
Two other Bengals regulars also are expected to be cleared
medically in time for camp.
Starting cornerback Artrell Hawkins, who injured a knee ligament
during May voluntary workouts, will be examined early next week.
Hawkins, who re-signed as an unrestricted free agent in the
off-season, did not need surgery.
Defensive end Reinard Wilson, who led the Bengals with nine sacks
last season, also is expected to be ready after undergoing
arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in May.
Wide receiver Danny Farmer, however, is expected to miss up to two
weeks with a recurring hamstring injury, Sparling said. Farmer hurt
his left hamstring during May workouts and then aggravated it
working out on his own.
Also Friday, a week before the first training camp practice, three
Bengals draft picks remained unsigned. There were no deals with
left tackle Levi Jones, safety Lamont Thompson or kicker Travis
Dorsch. There was no movement, either, on efforts to sign free
agent defensive tackle Sam Adams or extend the contracts of
linebackers Brian Simmons and Takeo Spikes.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Two or three years ago this might have mattered. Now Akili Smith
is just being paid until his signing bonus hit won't kill the team.
After that, it would not be too surprising to see Cincinnati wash
their hands of him. Signing Adams would have been a big deal for
both Spikes and Simmons - not because of the money he would have
taken up, but because of the blockers he would have occupied. Now
it appears that Adams will opt for less money & a shorter contract
with the Broncos or Seahawks.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Five of Eight
Clipped from the article at the Plain Dealer
The Browns signed linebacker Ben Taylor yesterday, making it five
down and three to go.
Their only rookies without contracts heading into the last weekend
before the opening of training camp are their top three picks - RB
William Green, receiver Andre Davis and center Melvin Fowler.
Taylor signed for the NFL minimum salaries for three years, plus an
undisclosed signing bonus. The fourth-round choice from Virginia
Tech will be groomed at strongside linebacker.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
The only Cleveland signing that really matters to fantasy owners
this year is that of William Green - and rumors continue to swirl
that he will be signed before training camp.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Hitter Takes a Back Seat
Clipped from the article at the Star-Telegram
Sitting somewhere in agent Tom Condon's to-do folder is the
Cowboys' initial contract offer to his client, eighth overall
pick Roy Williams.
It is likely to be sitting until at least Monday.
Condon also represents Browns first-round pick William Green and,
with Cleveland beginning training camp Monday, Condon is supposed
to fly to Cleveland this weekend to try to get the running back's
deal done in time.
Once Green signs, sources say they expect the focus to shift to
getting Williams signed before Cowboys camp begins Friday in San
Antonio.
"We've sent an offer and that's where we are," Cowboys VP Stephen
Jones said. "We'll wait to hear back."
The Cowboys' offer is for seven years with a voidable year based on
snaps played, essentially making it a six-year contract if Williams
plays 35 percent of the Cowboys' snaps in 2002. Money-wise,
Williams' deal is expected to be worth right around the $2.274
million a year and the same $4 million signing bonus that Bears
wide receiver David Terrell received as the eighth overall pick
last season.
All of the Cowboys' offers to their nine draft picks are for seven
years and contain clauses, based on playing time, which void the
contracts to three, four and six years. What the Cowboys did is
create a weighted scale: The higher the pick, the fewer the
voidable years and the more snaps required to void the extra years.
Third-round pick Derek Ross, fourth-round pick Jamar Martin,
fifth-round pick Pete Hunter and sixth-round picks Tyson Walter and
Deveren Johnson need to play only 15 percent of the Cowboys' snaps
next season to void the final four years of their minimum base
deals.
The percentages are higher for second-round picks Andre Gurode and
Antonio Bryant, with only the final three years of their deals
voiding.
Creativity with voidable years is a necessary evil because the $3.1
million signing bonus given to quarterback Chad Hutchinson stripped
roughly $500,000 from the $4.576 million allotted for teams to sign
their rookies.
None of the Cowboys' draft picks has signed, although, the team had
been hopeful of getting Hunter under contract Friday. But his agent
did not return the Cowboys' calls and any deal is likely to wait
until Monday.
A source said the holdup on some of the deals is agents are looking
for more money, in the form of likely-to-be-achieved bonuses, in
exchange for taking the risk of a nonguaranteed voidable.
"If they're worried about them not voiding, then they're worried
about their guy not playing," Jones said. "And you know what
happens to players who don't play in their first three years."
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
As mentioned above, William Green is expected to be signed in time
for camp - what was not mentioned was how his negotiations could
spill over into Roy Williams negotiations. Still, expect the new
Dallas safety to be signed in time for camp, or very close to it.
On a side note - these deals Jones is structuring could very well
be the future of the NFL. A contract that rewards the player for
hitting the field on a consistent basis and protects the team as
well.
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Texans Strike Gold
Clipped from the article at the Chronicle
Contracts for Texans' draft picks
Player Pos Contract 2002 cap number
David Carr QB 6 years, $47.25 million $2.6 million
Jabar Gaffney WR 7 years, $5.38 million $570,643
Chester Pitts OL 4 years, $2.66 million $550,000
Fred Weary OL 4 years, $2.076 million $368,200
Charles Hill DT 3 years, $1.38 million $383,333
Jonathan Wells RB 3 years, $1.255 million $341,667
Jarrod Baxter RB 3 years, $1.035 million $268,333
Ramon Walker FS 4 years, $1.51 million $262,665
DeMarcus Faggins CB 3 years, $985,000 $251,667
Howard Green DT 3 years, $969,000 $246,333
Greg White LB 3 years, $938,000 $236,000
Ahmad Miller DT 3 years, $926,000 $232,000
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Gaffney received a record signing bonues for a second round draft
pick when he got a check for $2.15 million. Now we have to hope he
can do better than other recent alumni from the University of Fla.
Also in the news for Houston was the signing of LB Keith Mitchell
today. Mitchell is a fast, hard-hitting linebacker who could
flourish in Houston?s 3-4 defense. He spent his first five seasons
in New Orleans, starting 61 of 78 career games at OLB and started
14 games last season, finishing with 97 tackles, four passes
defensed, two sacks and one fumble recovery. Oh yeah, the Texans
also opened their camp today.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Rookie QB Inks Four-year Deal
Clipped from the article at Jacksonville.com
David Garrard, the quarterback drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth
round, signed a four-year deal with a $424,000 signing bonus
yesterday.
Now all he has to do is live up to the expectations of his agent,
Albert Irby Jr.
"You'll see over time that he'll end up being the best quarterback
in this draft, including David Carr," Irby said. "He's got the most
upside potential of all the quarterbacks in this draft."
Irby said Garrard will push Mark Brunell for the starting job "down
the road in two or three years."
Garrard will go to camp as the backup to Brunell, but the Jaguars
could still bring in a veteran backup.
Irby said it was the best deal for a player drafted on the fourth
round. Besides the signing bonus, he will receive the rookie
minimums of $225,000, $300,000, $380,000 and $455,000 per year. The
player picked in front of Garrard, running back Omar Easy, got a
$318,000 signing bonus from Kansas City, but signed for only three
years.
Garrard, who played at East Carolina, was one of the Jaguars' two
fourth-round picks. The second one was tight end Chris Luzar, who
was selected 10 picks after Garrard and got a $289,500 signing
bonus in a three-year deal.
Garrard's signing leaves the Jaguars with just two unsigned draft
picks, defensive tackle John Henderson and offensive tackle Mike
Pearson, the team's top two selections.
The Jaguars hope to get both of them signed before training camp
starts on Thursday.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Okay, let's see if I got this straight - the backup QB for the Jags
is a rookie fourth-round pick. The Jags, who haven't had a decent
OL in years, now expect a fourth-round rookie to take over if Mark
Brunell goes down. This is news in that in could easily affect Jimmy
Smith's value should Brunell go down.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Gonzo a Goner
Clipped from the article at the Star
Tony Gonzalez pulled the plug on his summertime flirtation with the
NBA on Thursday morning when he walked away from the Miami Heat's
summer-league team in Long Beach, Calif.
The Heat still has two games to play in the weeklong league.
Gonzalez, who had suited up with a team of rookies and free agents
representing the Heat, did not play in games Tuesday or Wednesday
and told team officials that he wanted to begin preparation for the
opening of Chiefs training camp.
Although Gonzalez held his own in his most extensive action -- a
23-minute stint during last week's Orlando Summer League against a
team representing the Indiana Pacers -- playing time was scarce
once the Heat added players, including first-round pick Caron
Butler. Gonzalez had not played in a game since turning his ankle
last Thursday.
Heat coaches informed Gonzalez that his playing time would be
limited because they wanted to get a look at other players. In all,
Gonzalez played a total of 29 minutes in two games, scored three
points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
As of Thursday afternoon, Gonzalez reportedly was looking into
latching on with one of the summer-league squads not affiliated
with an NBA team for the remainder of the league schedule, which
runs through Sunday.
The Chiefs will report to River Falls, Wis., for the start of camp
next Thursday. Whether Gonzalez, a three-time Pro Bowler, makes it
to River Falls in time for the start of camp remains to be seen.
He has repeatedly stated that he wants to sign a lucrative
long-term contract, one that would compensate him as one of the
league's top pass catchers.
The Chiefs countered by offering to make him the league's
highest-paid tight end. If the sides can't reach a compromise,
Gonzalez could sign a one-year deal worth around $3 million, which
is the average salary of the league's five highest-paid tight ends.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Realistically you should not expect Gonzo to get a Gonzo deal any
time before camp starts - what is much more likely is that he signs
the tender offer and plays one season for $3 Million and then signs
a longer term deal during the season. But based on his experience
in the rookie league, even Tony has to admit his chances of hooking
on with an NBA franchise are not very good.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Firing the Gardener
Clipped from the article at Miami.com
The Dolphins released defensive lineman Daryl Gardener on Friday,
less than a week before the team opens training camp and only two
seasons after he signed a seven-year, $49.5 million contract.
Gardener, Miami's first-round draft pick in 1996, was released
shortly after the Dolphins found a possible replacement -- DE Jay
Williams. The team traded a fourth-round pick in 2003 and
journeyman defensive end Al Wallace to Carolina for Williams, who
was unhappy with his role last season.
The moves come after a tumultuous offseason for Gardener. Last
month, the Dolphins told him he might not qualify for a $200,000
workout bonus based on participation in the team's offseason
program.
"There are a lot of factors involved in any kind of player's
release," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "This was a decision we made
after careful evaluation with the feeling this will give our team
the best chance to compete."
Some prominent teammates had told Wannstedt they had lost faith in
Gardener. They thought Gardener was given too much leeway during
the past two years to miss offseason camps and get away with other
actions, such as a fight with then-teammate O.J. McDuffie during
last year's training camp.
Gardener, who was not in the country, was not available for
comment, according to Wannstedt.
Gardener upset Wannstedt last week by not returning messages left
with Gardener's agent, Neil Schwartz.
"Daryl knew I wanted him to talk to me," Wannstedt said.
Wannstedt made attempts this offseason to repair a fractured
relationship with Gardener. Among the things he did was invite
Gardener and his wife to his home for dinner several months ago.
But when the situation worsened, the Dolphins began to plan for
Gardener's release last week by bringing in free agent defensive
tackle Josh Evans for a visit. Evans signed with the New York Jets
on Wednesday.
Still, the news of Gardener's release left teammates at a loss for
words.
Wide receiver Oronde Gadsden stood with his mouth agape for quite
some time after being told the news. "Stunned, that's all I can
say," Gadsden said.
Said safety Arturo Freeman: "I'm shocked, but I guess it was the
better judgment of the coaches and management."
Among Gardener's personal issues is his recent separation from his
wife after six years of marriage. They have three children.
Gardener also was asked recently to take a DNA test for authorities
in Oklahoma in connection with a child. However, Gardener has been
open with family and friends about fathering the child while in
high school.
There is neither a custody battle nor a paternity suit involved in
the case because the state, not the mother, is seeking the
information.
Gardener also missed 15 games the past two years after undergoing
surgery each year to repair a fragmented disk in his lower back.
All of that overwhelmed Gardener's having been one of the team's
hardest workers and having played very well when healthy the past
two seasons. Last season, he was named to Sports Illustrated's
midseason All-Pro team and posted four sacks in eight games. His
career high was five in 1999, and he made 52 tackles in 1997 and
1999.
After the team signed defensive tackle Larry Chester this
offseason, Gardener agreed to move from tackle to left end and
restructured his contract, though he was reluctant at first.
"He did [play well]," Wannstedt said. "But things do change, and
it's my responsibility to make sure we're moving in the same
direction -- forward."
Cutting Gardener saves the Dolphins approximately $1.1 million
against the salary cap when his prorated signing bonus for this
season is subtracted from his base salary. In 2003, Gardener's
remaining prorated signing bonus will be more than $6.1 million
against the cap.
Gardener's job at left end will be filled by Williams, newcomer Rob
Burnett, David Bowens and perhaps Adewale Ogunleye. Wannstedt said
Thursday he has been impressed by Burnett.
Williams, 30, who began his career in 1995 with the St. Louis Rams
and has one year remaining on his contract at a base salary of
$1.65 million, is coming off a down year. He began last season as
the starter for Carolina at left end but was out of shape in
training camp, then lost his starting job to Mike Rucker.
Williams complained publicly and finished the season with one sack
after posting a career-high six sacks in 2000.
Schwartz, Gardener's agent, said he received calls Friday night
from six teams -- including Green Bay -- that are interested in
Gardener.
Gardener's release comes on the same day Dolphins linebacker
Derrick Rodgers posted bond after being arrested on suspicion of
three charges, including aggravated battery. "Dave just doesn't
want that kind of trouble," one source said. "This is Daryl's
fault, there's no question."
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
How hard is it to PICK UP THE DANG PHONE??? While there may be
lots of teams interested in talking to Daryl Gardener now, he will
be very unlikely to make the same kind of money as he would have
if he had stayed with the Dolphins. And how bad did it get in
Miami? Think about this - despite saving $1.1M this year, they
were willing to eat $6.1M in dead money NEXT year to get rid of
the guy.
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Party Time
Clipped from the article at the Advocate Online
New Orleans Saints cornerback Dale Carter, who was suspended for
the entire 2000 NFL season for violating the league's Substance
Abuse Policy, has been sent to the sidelines again.
This time, only Commissioner Paul Tagliabue knows how long Carter
will stay there.
Carter, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who signed a seven-year,
$26.855 million contract with the Saints on March 12, was suspended
indefinitely Friday.
Citing a league source, CBS SportsLine.com reported Thursday night
that Carter tested positive for alcohol in late March, just days
after he joined the Saints.
Under the agreement with the NFL Management Council that approved
his reinstatement last season, Carter agreed to abstain from
alcohol and was told a positive test would mean another suspension.
Carter's suspension begins immediately and he is prohibited from
participating in any team activities. The Saints report to training
camp in Thibodaux on Friday and begin practicing the next morning.
The Saints were counting on Carter, one of the top cover
cornerbacks in the league, to come in and shut down opposing team's
wide receivers.
With Carter out of the picture and the status of former starter
Kevin Mathis in doubt because of a neck injury, the cornerback
position has become more clouded.
Third-year pro Michael Hawthorne will likely go into training camp
as the starter opposite Fred Thomas, with veteran Ken Irvin and
fourth-round draft choice Keyuo Craver challenging Hawthorne.
"This is unfortunate, but right now our concern for Dale goes
beyond football," Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said. "We're
going to give him all the support that we can to make sure he gets
through this.
"Dale has expressed his desire to play again and his sorrow for not
being able to help the team at the start of training camp. With
everyone's support over the next few months, we believe Dale will
overcome this and be a productive football player again in the
future."
League rules prohibit league or team officials from commenting on
the specifics of suspensions involving the Substance Abuse Policy.
According to a statement issued by the NFL, Carter received an
indefinite suspension because he was suspended for the entire 2000
season.
"Under the terms of the program, players who violate the Substance
Abuse Policy following a one-year suspension are suspended
indefinitely," the statement said.
"The reinstatement of an indefinitely suspended player is
determined by Commissioner Tagliabue in consultation with the
program's medical experts."
Carter will not count against the team's active roster or the
salary cap while he is serving the suspension.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, the Saints and our fans for
letting them down," Carter said in a statement released by the
Saints' media relations department. "I will commit myself to
getting back on the football field to help the Saints as soon as I
can.
"I recognize the importance of the league's program and accept this
suspension and all of the conditions required for me to reapply,"
he said. "I plan on reapplying as soon as possible."
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
First let me say I am not a big fan of a player being suspended for
doing something that is perfectly legal. Granted, part of his
re-instatement to the league was an agreement to lay off the booze,
but I just don't see getting toasted legally as that big of an
issue. Still can anyone say they are surprised? Sign a big deal
and go to a party - seems normal enough to me. The only silver
lining in this for fantasy owners is that it may place the Saints
in a situation where they get into passing shootouts more often
this season.
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Training Camp Holdout
Clipped from the article at the Washington Post
Contract negotiations between the Washington Redskins and
first-round draft pick Patrick Ramsey were stalled yesterday,
increasing the possibility that the quarterback won't report to
training camp in Carlisle, Pa., on Monday as scheduled. Both sides
remained hopeful, however, of completing an agreement before Ramsey
misses a significant portion of camp.
The Redskins completed a deal yesterday with tight end Robert
Royal, a fifth-round choice, and have been close to an agreement
with their sixth-round choice, offensive tackle Reggie Coleman.
They likely will sign their seventh-round pick, long snapper Jeff
Grau, on Monday but, as of yesterday, still had work to do to sign
their second-round pick, tailback Ladell Betts, and their two
third-round selections, cornerback Rashad Bauman and wide receiver
Cliff Russell.
The team apparently will have to scramble to have Ramsey on the
field at Dickinson College on Tuesday for the opening practice of
Coach Steve Spurrier's first NFL training camp. Sources said
negotiations between the Redskins and Ramsey's Memphis-based agent,
Jimmy Sexton, were quiet yesterday and might not intensify again
until Monday.
Ramsey was not available to comment yesterday but said recently: "I
pray that it gets done in time. I want with all my heart to be
there on time and have that much more time to learn and watch and
progress. That's the reason Jimmy is working for me, to handle that
contract and let me know where we are as far as my market value and
what I'm being offered. It's a great honor to be here, and I'm very
excited about the opportunity to play for the Redskins. At the same
time, it's a deal where I could get hurt tomorrow. It's a tough
process. I think everybody understands. But I think everyone wants
me to be in camp as much as I want to be there."
Spurrier has said he does not expect Ramsey to be the team's
starter, but Ramsey says he isn't ruling himself out. The last
quarterback drafted in the first round by the Redskins, Heath
Shuler, began his unsuccessful tenure with a training-camp holdout
in 1994.
Agent Ralph Cindrich said early yesterday that no deal for Betts
appeared imminent. But Royal's representative, Rick Smith, said
that a contract will be signed on Monday. Royal apparently will
sign a three-year contract worth about $1.011 million, including a
signing bonus of just more than $106,000. He became the fourth of
the team's 10 draft selections to agree to contract terms.
The Redskins previously signed their fifth-round pick, safety Andre
Lott, and two seventh-round picks, defensive end Greg Scott and
fullback Rock Cartwright.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
"I pray that it gets done in time. I want with all my heart to be
there on time and have that much more time to learn and watch and
progress." Blah Blah Blah. It's about the money and even if you
are injured your first day in camp you will still be $2M richer
than most guys who graduated with you. I don't mind people trying
to grab all they can, but come on - have a little honesty here.
Why not say, "I'm a greedy turd that feels my first contract is
more important than anything I might miss by getting to camp late."
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Graham Crackers
Clipped from the article at espn.com
With their rookies due to begin training camp on Monday, the New
England Patriots on Saturday secured the services of their most
significant first-year player, as ESPN.com has learned the team
reached agreement with top draft choice Daniel Graham.
The former University of Colorado tight end was the 21st player
selected overall, as the Pats dealt up in the first round to grab
him, and he is just the fourth of 32 first-rounders to reach
agreement on a contract. He joins Houston quarterback David Carr,
New York Jets defensive end Bryan Thomas and Oakland linebacker
Napoleon Harris as the players in the first round who have
completed deals.
While financial details were not immediately available, it is
believed that Graham will sign a five-year contract believed to be
worth $6.8 million to $7 million. He will earn about $4.2 million
combined between his original signing bonus and a second-tier
option bonus due next spring on the contract negotiated by Jack
Mills and Tom Mills.
The addition of Graham, 23, addresses what was arguably the least
productive position for the Patriots during their 2001 Super Bowl
championship season. New England tight ends had an aggregate 20
receptions in 2001 and none had more than 14 catches. Veteran free
agent Christian Fauria, formerly of Seattle, is currently listed at
the top of the depth chart, but Graham will inevitably challenge
for the starting job.
The New England coaches and scouts were so enamored with Graham
that they moved up from the final choice in the first round to the
21st selection to ensure they got him.
A two-year starter, Graham caught 106 passes for 1,543 yards and
11 touchdowns for the Buffaloes in four years, and really came on
in his senior season, when he had 51 catches for 753 yards and six
scores. He appeared in 42 games and started 31 of them, earning
All-American honors as a junior and senior, and all-conference
citations for three years.
At 6-feet-3 1/8 and 248 pounds, Graham has terrific quickness,
clocking a 4.64 time in the 40, and he is a superb receiver. Graham
is fearless over the middle and he typically adds good yardage
after the catch. His blocking skills need some work but Graham will
get bigger as his frame fills out and, given his work ethic, he
will improve in that area.
Graham is the son of former NFL linebacker Tom Graham, who played
for the Denver Broncos (1972-74), Kansas City Chiefs (1974), San
Diego Chargers (1975-77) and the Buffalo Bills (1978).
[[[[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Good news for Patriots' fans. Pretty mundane for fantasy owners.
Despite the hype, do NOT expect monster numbers from any of this
years' rookie TEs. It is not a position that lends itself to
instant stardom.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
With the opening of training camps this week, you can expect a
lot more news. Here's hoping you have signed up with the folks
at FootballGuys.com so you can continue receiving these updates
throughout August and into the season. But for now - that's it
on Saturday.
Greg Kellogg
Komments.com
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