Move that could shake up top of the draft not on the table, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Rumors persist that Packers backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the trading block in a possible deal for Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss. General Manager Ted Thompson, who should know better than anyone, doesn't put a lot of stock in such speculation.
"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," said Thompson when asked about a possible Rodgers trade.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Keep Waiting for Millen to Make Up His Mind - IF He Has One
Writes Mike O'Hara in the Detroit News: Does Lions president Matt Millen keep the second pick overall or trade it? Don’t expect an immediate answer. Speculation won’t end until Millen makes a move.
History indicates that Millen will decide later — much, much later — rather than sooner. The first pick overall has been traded twice since 2001, both times by the San Diego Chargers. In 2001, they traded rights to the first pick to Atlanta on the day before the draft. The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Vick. And in 2004, the Chargers actually drafted Eli Manning first overall. Some 45 minutes later, they traded the rights to Manning to the Giants.
History indicates that Millen will decide later — much, much later — rather than sooner. The first pick overall has been traded twice since 2001, both times by the San Diego Chargers. In 2001, they traded rights to the first pick to Atlanta on the day before the draft. The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Vick. And in 2004, the Chargers actually drafted Eli Manning first overall. Some 45 minutes later, they traded the rights to Manning to the Giants.
Florio says/asks/theorizes/blows smoke for his agent friends with - RAIDERS FOCUSED ON JOHNSON?
There's increasing talk in league circles that the Oakland Raiders are planning to select receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Johnson is the best prospect that we've ever seen. He's big, he's strong, he can jump, he's blazing fast, he has soft hands, and he's not a butthole.
Beyond the fact that Calvin is everything that Randy Moss ever was, and at least one key thing Moss isn't, the simple reality is that the Raiders surely want to turn it around sooner rather than later, given the advancing age and declining health of owner Al Davis.
And Johnson is in a much better position to make an instant impact than quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Of course, Johnson can't be added until Moss is long gone. And, preferably, Jerry Porter, too. Why risk letting either of these malcontents infect a guy who is, for now, the rare exception to
the rule that receivers generally are pains in ass.
There's increasing talk in league circles that the Oakland Raiders are planning to select receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Johnson is the best prospect that we've ever seen. He's big, he's strong, he can jump, he's blazing fast, he has soft hands, and he's not a butthole.
Beyond the fact that Calvin is everything that Randy Moss ever was, and at least one key thing Moss isn't, the simple reality is that the Raiders surely want to turn it around sooner rather than later, given the advancing age and declining health of owner Al Davis.
And Johnson is in a much better position to make an instant impact than quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Of course, Johnson can't be added until Moss is long gone. And, preferably, Jerry Porter, too. Why risk letting either of these malcontents infect a guy who is, for now, the rare exception to
the rule that receivers generally are pains in ass.
Shopping Season: With 7 Signed, Browns tied with Tampa for Most
Writes the ABJ's PacMac: In a market considered mediocre, the Browns have added two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a running back, a linebacker and a cornerback.
This activity continues a trend in the Phil Savage era. The Browns have spent and spent and spent on players from other teams in a frantic attempt to patch holes and to improve.
The spending has reached hefty proportions -- especially in terms of signing bonuses and guaranteed money.
This activity continues a trend in the Phil Savage era. The Browns have spent and spent and spent on players from other teams in a frantic attempt to patch holes and to improve.
The spending has reached hefty proportions -- especially in terms of signing bonuses and guaranteed money.
Smoke, Trade Down Scenarios Highlight Silly Season
In his weekly column, Tony Grossi checks out the Adam Schefter Rumors, talks about double-dipping and names a possible back up QB for Cleveland.
...But if Russell and Quinn go 1-2 and the Browns don't make an effort to move up for one, they will have interesting options at No. 3.
The most desirable players left for them would be Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Peterson.
Tampa Bay (No. 4) and Minnesota (No. 7) are said to be salivating over Johnson, Arizona (No. 5) is considered desirous of Thomas and Houston (No. 8) has eyes for, reportedly, Peterson.
Double dipping:
The act of signing a player in free agency away from a division rival was termed "double dipping" by former Browns President Carmen Policy. This year, no team has double dipped more than the Browns.
They have signed three players from division rivals - left guard Eric Steinbach and nose tackle Shaun Smith from Cincinnati, and running back Jamal Lewis from Baltimore.
Anthony Wright:
If the Browns do add a veteran quarterback in free agency, a name to keep in mind is Anthony Wright. He broke into the league with Pittsburgh, played five years in Baltimore and ended last season with Cincinnati. The Browns are the only team in the AFC North for which Wright has not played.
...But if Russell and Quinn go 1-2 and the Browns don't make an effort to move up for one, they will have interesting options at No. 3.
The most desirable players left for them would be Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Peterson.
Tampa Bay (No. 4) and Minnesota (No. 7) are said to be salivating over Johnson, Arizona (No. 5) is considered desirous of Thomas and Houston (No. 8) has eyes for, reportedly, Peterson.
Double dipping:
The act of signing a player in free agency away from a division rival was termed "double dipping" by former Browns President Carmen Policy. This year, no team has double dipped more than the Browns.
They have signed three players from division rivals - left guard Eric Steinbach and nose tackle Shaun Smith from Cincinnati, and running back Jamal Lewis from Baltimore.
Anthony Wright:
If the Browns do add a veteran quarterback in free agency, a name to keep in mind is Anthony Wright. He broke into the league with Pittsburgh, played five years in Baltimore and ended last season with Cincinnati. The Browns are the only team in the AFC North for which Wright has not played.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Millen Wants to Trade Down and Down and Down....
Lions looking at a complete rebuild...
MLive.com's Tom Kowalski reports: Lions are looking to trade right now -- and then again later
The Lions are being flooded with trade offers and there's been some speculation out there that president Matt Millen is going to be patient because the price can only go up. But that's not true.
According to my sources, the Lions already know what they want out of that No. 2 pick and, if a team steps up to the plate right now, the Lions will pull the trigger.What's interesting is that there are believed to be several different targets for that No. 2 pick, from Calvin Johnson to JaMarcus Russell to Adrian Peterson to Joe Thomas. The Lions don't have a pressing need for any of those positions so they're willing to drop down.
And here's the kicker: the Lions, depending on how far they fall, will be willing to trade down again.The Lions would like to land Clemson DE Gaines Adams but if they can continue to stockpile picks, they'd be just as happy to fall a little lower and fill some desperate needs like middle linebacker and the secondary.The point is this: Millen plans on wheeling and dealing for the next six weeks and the ultimate goal is to fill as many needs with as many "Marinelli types'' as possible.
A few weeks ago, I said the Lions roster could see a 40 percent turnover going into next season. I now believe -- especially if Millen pulls the trigger on a trade or two -- that that number could exceed 50 percent.
MLive.com's Tom Kowalski reports: Lions are looking to trade right now -- and then again later
The Lions are being flooded with trade offers and there's been some speculation out there that president Matt Millen is going to be patient because the price can only go up. But that's not true.
According to my sources, the Lions already know what they want out of that No. 2 pick and, if a team steps up to the plate right now, the Lions will pull the trigger.What's interesting is that there are believed to be several different targets for that No. 2 pick, from Calvin Johnson to JaMarcus Russell to Adrian Peterson to Joe Thomas. The Lions don't have a pressing need for any of those positions so they're willing to drop down.
And here's the kicker: the Lions, depending on how far they fall, will be willing to trade down again.The Lions would like to land Clemson DE Gaines Adams but if they can continue to stockpile picks, they'd be just as happy to fall a little lower and fill some desperate needs like middle linebacker and the secondary.The point is this: Millen plans on wheeling and dealing for the next six weeks and the ultimate goal is to fill as many needs with as many "Marinelli types'' as possible.
A few weeks ago, I said the Lions roster could see a 40 percent turnover going into next season. I now believe -- especially if Millen pulls the trigger on a trade or two -- that that number could exceed 50 percent.
Mare Wants the Boot
Unhappy Dolphins kicker asks to be released or traded - Cleveland in the running.
From the Miami Herald - The problem for Miami is that it plans a mini-camp before the draft in April and doesn't want Mare there along with Jay Feely, who was signed to take Mare's place. The Dolphins also don't want to risk having Mare injure himself during the camp.
That could lead the team to ask Mare not to attend the camp, which might cause the NFL Player's Association to become involved on Mare's behalf. So the Dolphins almost certainly will either trade or release Mare by the time that camp begins.
The team last week paid Mare a $250,000 roster bonus so it could have more time to trade him.
Coach Cam Cameron has met with outgoing kicker Olindo Mare to explain why the Dolphins are trying to trade him.
But despite the efforts to appease Mare, a 10-year pro, Mare is said to be unhappy that he has not been either traded or released. The longer the Dolphins hold on to Mare, the less likely he is of landing with a team that will redo his contract.
From the Miami Herald - The problem for Miami is that it plans a mini-camp before the draft in April and doesn't want Mare there along with Jay Feely, who was signed to take Mare's place. The Dolphins also don't want to risk having Mare injure himself during the camp.
That could lead the team to ask Mare not to attend the camp, which might cause the NFL Player's Association to become involved on Mare's behalf. So the Dolphins almost certainly will either trade or release Mare by the time that camp begins.
The team last week paid Mare a $250,000 roster bonus so it could have more time to trade him.
Coach Cam Cameron has met with outgoing kicker Olindo Mare to explain why the Dolphins are trying to trade him.
But despite the efforts to appease Mare, a 10-year pro, Mare is said to be unhappy that he has not been either traded or released. The longer the Dolphins hold on to Mare, the less likely he is of landing with a team that will redo his contract.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Next Man Up: Bengals Won't Match Shaun Smith's Offer
Hey, who's to argue when the Bengals official site reports: "It sure looks like the Bengals and Browns are about to complete their first-ever transaction when Cincinnati figures to do what everybody else in the NFL thinks they’re going to do Friday and not match Cleveland’s $8 million plus offer sheet on backup defensive tackle Shaun Smith."
Thursday, March 15, 2007
CJ's Turn - The #1 Athlete has His Pro Day
Can a team burned so many times pass on the safest bet?
From ESPN: Johnson dazzles during awesome pro day display
ATLANTA -- He still isn't likely to be the first player selected overall, but Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson did nothing here Thursday during his "pro day" workout to dispel the notion that he is the premier prospect in this year's NFL draft class.
Calvin Johnson did nothing to depreciate his draft value at the Georgia Tech pro day Thursday.
Auditioning in front of about 75 league scouts and coaches assembled on the Georgia Tech campus, a group that included head coaches Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins' Joe Gibbs, Johnson dazzled the crowd with a rare combination of raw athleticism and polished receiving skills.
"Whatever they wanted to see," said Johnson, "I think I showed them."
From ESPN: Johnson dazzles during awesome pro day display
ATLANTA -- He still isn't likely to be the first player selected overall, but Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson did nothing here Thursday during his "pro day" workout to dispel the notion that he is the premier prospect in this year's NFL draft class.
Calvin Johnson did nothing to depreciate his draft value at the Georgia Tech pro day Thursday.
Auditioning in front of about 75 league scouts and coaches assembled on the Georgia Tech campus, a group that included head coaches Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins' Joe Gibbs, Johnson dazzled the crowd with a rare combination of raw athleticism and polished receiving skills.
"Whatever they wanted to see," said Johnson, "I think I showed them."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
No Surpise: Savage Impressed
GM travels from AP's workout to watch JR today.
"I don't think what he did was very surprising to those of us who've really studied him and have watched him," Sav told NFL Total Access. "The expectation is that he was going to throw the ball extremely well and he did that. I smile because I've known JaMarcus for a long time and what he did today came as no surprise."
"I don't think what he did was very surprising to those of us who've really studied him and have watched him," Sav told NFL Total Access. "The expectation is that he was going to throw the ball extremely well and he did that. I smile because I've known JaMarcus for a long time and what he did today came as no surprise."
Titans DE Robaire Smith Signed

Browns, Smith Reach Contract Agreement
Adam Caplan, reporting for Scout.com, has informed the OBR that Robaire Smith has reach an agreement for a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Ranked #13, Smith is the third of ESPN's Top 20 Free Agents to be signed by the Browns so far. The others are Jamal Lewis, #19, and Eric Steinbach, #3.
McShay: JR's Passing Best He's Ever Seen
JR Pro Day Video Here
Ya gotta wonder, are we all to young to remember Jeff George?
Says ESPN's Todd McShay:
"His passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I've been to," McShay said. "His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks and when he's rolling out and throwing on the run.
We all knew coming in that his arm strength is extraordinary. The ball just explodes out of his hands. His 73rd, 74th and 75th throws, he was flicking the ball 60 yards with his wrist and putting it right on the numbers."
Other notable measurements for Russell were his arm length of 34½ inches -- "Left tackle size," McShay said -- and his hand size of 9½ inches -- "Big, but not the biggest," McShay said. "Just above the average for a quarterback."
Ya gotta wonder, are we all to young to remember Jeff George?
Says ESPN's Todd McShay:
"His passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I've been to," McShay said. "His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks and when he's rolling out and throwing on the run.
We all knew coming in that his arm strength is extraordinary. The ball just explodes out of his hands. His 73rd, 74th and 75th throws, he was flicking the ball 60 yards with his wrist and putting it right on the numbers."
Other notable measurements for Russell were his arm length of 34½ inches -- "Left tackle size," McShay said -- and his hand size of 9½ inches -- "Big, but not the biggest," McShay said. "Just above the average for a quarterback."
OBR: McKinney Signed, Terrelle Smith Gone

McKinney, a five-year veteran, missed all of last season due to a back injury. Prior to last season, the Texas A&M graduate played in 61 games for the Dolphins, starting 34 of those.
While he’s listed as a center, McKinney can also play the guard position.
Additionally, the Browns today announced the release of fullback Terrelle Smith, a move that was as unexpected and surprising as a boy-bander outing himself in a national magazine.
Smoke from CH. 212 - Lerner Tells Savage: Draft a Quarterback First
This is either the biggest Browns story - or smokescreen - I've heard so far about this draft:
Acording to NFL Network's Adam Schefter:
As one general manager with a top-10 pick emailed Wednesday: "Cleveland's owner told (the Browns) to draft a QB. … The Lions want it known that they have the pick for Quinn. Minnesota and Houston will have to react. All this Quinn dropping talk is from people who have no clue about the draft."
I don't know where he gets the pulse of Browns fans, but Adam Schefter said tonight on NFL's Total Access Cleveland will be as happy with Quinn as they were the day Bernie Kosar was drafted. I have to completely disagree. He may be from Ohio, but Buckeye fans are far from dying to draft a Notre Dame guy. He must only mean the team's front office.
Schefter said the Raiders are talking to several teams about trading down and the Lions are threatening the Browns and letting it be known they'll have to trade up to No. 2 to draft Quinn.
Writes Schefter: "This all leaves the Cleveland Browns in a precarious position. Multiple NFL sources said Browns upper management is urging the team to draft a quarterback, with Russell being the top choice, and Quinn being a logical second.
Some within the Browns organization do not want the teams to hold the No. 3 pick and not come away with a potential franchise quarterback.
The Lions know this and it is one reason they are engaged in as many discussions as they are. To ensure themselves a quarterback, the Browns will have to trade up to No. 1 or No. 2 to get him."
Acording to NFL Network's Adam Schefter:
As one general manager with a top-10 pick emailed Wednesday: "Cleveland's owner told (the Browns) to draft a QB. … The Lions want it known that they have the pick for Quinn. Minnesota and Houston will have to react. All this Quinn dropping talk is from people who have no clue about the draft."

Schefter said the Raiders are talking to several teams about trading down and the Lions are threatening the Browns and letting it be known they'll have to trade up to No. 2 to draft Quinn.
Writes Schefter: "This all leaves the Cleveland Browns in a precarious position. Multiple NFL sources said Browns upper management is urging the team to draft a quarterback, with Russell being the top choice, and Quinn being a logical second.
Some within the Browns organization do not want the teams to hold the No. 3 pick and not come away with a potential franchise quarterback.
The Lions know this and it is one reason they are engaged in as many discussions as they are. To ensure themselves a quarterback, the Browns will have to trade up to No. 1 or No. 2 to get him."
NFL Network: JR #1
The NFL's pom-poms were out in Cajun country today. Anyone who watched the League's official network was told JaMarcus Russell will be drafted No. 1 next month, probably by Oakland or possibly to a team - Cleveland was mentioned - that trades up for him. A non-NFL employee, Raider beat reporter Jerry McDonald, had a more realistic take on his blog.
LSU Pro Day photo album here
CH. 212 Draft Guru Mike Mayock said today was a "great day for LSU QB JaMarcus Russell. After being ribbed for being a little chubby at the combine, Mayock said thanks to a fish diet, he's lost nine pounds - Russell ran a 4.83 40 today and weighed in at 256. And speaking of food, JR had dinner w/ the Raiders last night.
"It was a great day for him, said new Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. "There's no doubt he has a great future in this league." While they decide on JR as their No. 1 pick, Kiffin told NFL Network they are checking his background "back to his high school days" and plan on bringing him to Oakland for a sit down before the draft.
When asked if there was one word to describe JR, he said it was "professional."
NFL Network co-host Marshall Faulk said JR was an "easy pick" to go No. 1 to Oakland.
Mayock mentioned that JR's "footwork has gotten cleaner and more efficient" since the Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame. The former NFL safety said Russell has the "best arm of any qb" he's "ever seen" and you can "hear his ball" when it's fired through the air.
If they stay at No. 1 and don't trade down, NFLN's Adam Schefter said Oakland is "enamored" with the LSU QB and will draft him.

CH. 212 Draft Guru Mike Mayock said today was a "great day for LSU QB JaMarcus Russell. After being ribbed for being a little chubby at the combine, Mayock said thanks to a fish diet, he's lost nine pounds - Russell ran a 4.83 40 today and weighed in at 256. And speaking of food, JR had dinner w/ the Raiders last night.
"It was a great day for him, said new Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. "There's no doubt he has a great future in this league." While they decide on JR as their No. 1 pick, Kiffin told NFL Network they are checking his background "back to his high school days" and plan on bringing him to Oakland for a sit down before the draft.
When asked if there was one word to describe JR, he said it was "professional."
NFL Network co-host Marshall Faulk said JR was an "easy pick" to go No. 1 to Oakland.
Mayock mentioned that JR's "footwork has gotten cleaner and more efficient" since the Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame. The former NFL safety said Russell has the "best arm of any qb" he's "ever seen" and you can "hear his ball" when it's fired through the air.
If they stay at No. 1 and don't trade down, NFLN's Adam Schefter said Oakland is "enamored" with the LSU QB and will draft him.
Team Hires Someone Hopefully Nothing Like John Collins
Ex-IMG CEO Bob Kain will lead sales and marketing - most importantly, he'll stay away from Sav!
From the PD: Lerner said in a statement, "My professional relationship with Bob has evolved over the last several years, and he has been a valuable resource to me and our organization. I believe a more formal role of vice chairman will strengthen his commitment to our business and allow him to have a flexible schedule to do philanthropic work and spend time with his family while also staying immersed in professional sports."
From the PD: Lerner said in a statement, "My professional relationship with Bob has evolved over the last several years, and he has been a valuable resource to me and our organization. I believe a more formal role of vice chairman will strengthen his commitment to our business and allow him to have a flexible schedule to do philanthropic work and spend time with his family while also staying immersed in professional sports."
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
OBR RUMOR ALERT - Bentley Back by October - THIS YEAR!

...according "Oasis," a frequent poster on the OBR, Supposedly, he's telling Phil NOT to place him on the IR. His goal is to be back THIS YEAR.
Per my source. He's rehabilitating in Arizona and will be back in Cleveland shortly. He feels that he'll be ready to play in OCTOBER!!!I reported he was done for good, but his own words have completely contradicted that. He (LCB) feels the 2nd surgery isn't warranted or needed.Guys, when I "broke" this I had full assurances that he was done. I feel compelled to report that it isn't the case. - Oasis
JR Ready for Pro Day Wednesday
Adam Schefter reads the Raiders' minds:
Oakland dealt with enough misery last season. Wednesday represents the hope.
In front of a contingent of Raiders officials, LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will work out at the school's Pro Day and demonstrate the talents that already have Oakland salivating.
The Raiders are enamored not just with Russell's ability to throw the long ball, but to make every type of throw -- short ones, midrange ones and especially the deep ones.
But the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Russell is about more than just his arm.
He is considered remarkably strong for a quarterback, with great balance, quickness, nimbleness -- all the skills that make him the overwhelming favorite and near cinch to the first overall pick on in the draft.
Now, the suspense is not over whether Russell will go No. 1. The suspense is over whether Oakland wide receiver Randy Moss will play with him there.
Oakland dealt with enough misery last season. Wednesday represents the hope.
In front of a contingent of Raiders officials, LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will work out at the school's Pro Day and demonstrate the talents that already have Oakland salivating.
The Raiders are enamored not just with Russell's ability to throw the long ball, but to make every type of throw -- short ones, midrange ones and especially the deep ones.
But the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Russell is about more than just his arm.
He is considered remarkably strong for a quarterback, with great balance, quickness, nimbleness -- all the skills that make him the overwhelming favorite and near cinch to the first overall pick on in the draft.
Now, the suspense is not over whether Russell will go No. 1. The suspense is over whether Oakland wide receiver Randy Moss will play with him there.
Sav: AP a "Terrific Talent"
OK's official site cover's today's workout in Norman.
VIDEO HERE
Cleveland Browns scout Phil Savage was impressed. “Adrian is a terrific talent,” he said. “He caught the ball well today and showed some versatility. At the combine, he double-caught some balls. It put some people’s minds at ease that he caught it better today.”
OU head coach Bob Stoops also liked Peterson’s workout. “I was real impressed,” he said. “He even caught a few on his back shoulder. He did real well, but that didn’t surprise me.” Peterson said the pressure of displaying talents for scouts is different than game pressure.
“It’s totally different,” said the No. 3 career rusher at OU. “Out here you’re just performing in drills and you’ve got coaches watching you. You try not to think about any of that.” Peterson said he is concentrating on his receiving abilities for now and is thankful for the preparation he received at OU, especially under the tutelage of sports enhancement director Jerry Schmidt.
“The experience here helped,” he said. “Being with Schmidty for three years, I got a lot out of that. He makes you work hard.”
VIDEO HERE
Cleveland Browns scout Phil Savage was impressed. “Adrian is a terrific talent,” he said. “He caught the ball well today and showed some versatility. At the combine, he double-caught some balls. It put some people’s minds at ease that he caught it better today.”
OU head coach Bob Stoops also liked Peterson’s workout. “I was real impressed,” he said. “He even caught a few on his back shoulder. He did real well, but that didn’t surprise me.” Peterson said the pressure of displaying talents for scouts is different than game pressure.
“It’s totally different,” said the No. 3 career rusher at OU. “Out here you’re just performing in drills and you’ve got coaches watching you. You try not to think about any of that.” Peterson said he is concentrating on his receiving abilities for now and is thankful for the preparation he received at OU, especially under the tutelage of sports enhancement director Jerry Schmidt.
“The experience here helped,” he said. “Being with Schmidty for three years, I got a lot out of that. He makes you work hard.”
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