NFL RUMORS: April 2008

Jags Look To Add Sheppard

According to a source, the Jacksonville Jaguars are beginning to talk to the Eagles about a possible trade for CB Lito Sheppard. The Jags, who are trying to make their defense as Peyton Manning-proof as possible, were interested in Sheppard before the draft. But their first-round trade-up with Baltimore to get defensive end Derrick Harvey cost them two third-round picks and a fourth-round selection, leaving them with just two picks in the first four rounds. Because of that, they weren't willing to part with their second-round pick, which they spent on another defensive end, Auburn's Quentin Groves, in a deal for Sheppard. If the Jags do manage to get this trade done before the season begins, they could be a favorite to win the AFC title this year.

Bills To Play In Toronto

The Buffalo Bills will receive $78 million—more than double their calculated 2006 operating income—to play eight games in Toronto over the next five years. The payment to the Bills was disclosed for the first time in Rogers Communications’ 2008 first-quarter report released Tuesday. The Toronto-based company is part of a consortium that negotiated a deal with the Bills to have them play five regular-season and three preseason games, starting this year, at the downtown Rogers Centre. In becoming the NFL’s first team to play annual games outside the United States, the Bills are scheduled to host Pittsburgh in a preseason match at Toronto on Aug. 14, followed by a regular-season game against Miami on Dec. 7.

Draft Is Over...What's Next?

Well now that the draft is over we can finally start discussing/previewing each team. We'll finish off April with team draft grades by division, and starting in May we'll discuss the futures of these teams....so here's what you can look forward to this summer...

Off-Season review
Team-By-Team grades
Player Predictions
Team Predictions
Award Predictions
Pre-season coverage
Contests, and more!

Ravens Trade For Washington, Release Rhodes

The Baltimore Ravens addressed their need at cornerback Sunday, but it didn't come in the draft. Instead, the Ravens traded a fourth-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Fabian Washington. A first-round pick in 2005, Washington was expendable after the Raiders had traded for DeAngelo Hall. In three seasons with Oakland, Washington had 112 tackles and five interceptions. He was a starter his first two seasons before losing his job early last year. Even if Washington is unable to crack the Ravens' starting lineup, he will be a valuable nickel back, especially because so many AFC North teams use three receivers. "Guys know about our defense," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Their play gets elevated when they come to Baltimore. They realize they have to take their play to another level." Also, the Raiders released RB Dominic Rhodes today, after he was suspended half of last season for breaking the league's substance-abuse policy. The Raiders now have Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden as their runningbacks.

Packers Will Look To Sign Culpepper Before Draft

Daunte Culpepper, one of the Green Bay Packers' chief rivals from his days with the Minnesota Vikings, could be a Packer very soon...The 31-year-old veteran quarterback visited the Packers Wednesday, and the two sides could strike a deal before this weekend's draft. Culpepper arrived in Green Bay on Tuesday evening and spent most of today at the team's facility. "We had him in for a visit, and it was a good visit," General Manager Ted Thompson said late this afternoon. "We wanted to kind of introduce ourselves to him and he to us, so it went fine." Source: Green Bay Press Gazette

KW's Sites

If any of you are big college football fans, or just big football fans in general, you might like these two sites created by a sports blogger named KW. KW is just starting up two brand new sites called KW's College Football Rumors, and UNFL101. The college football blog looks very similar to mine, and will be updated 24/7 by KW, with a little help from me. The UNFL blog is a very unique, and creative blog about the new "minor" league being created called the United National Football League. It's the only blog on the web right now about the site, so if you want to find out about it go to it! As a special guest blogger, KW made his mock draft for the site...it's a little rushed, but it's still good. Click here for the mock draft

-Bam

Links:
KW's College Football Rumors
UNFL 101

Breaking News: Pacman Jones Traded

The Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans have agreed in principle on a trade for suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Dallas will send its fourth-round pick in Saturday's draft to the Titans for Jones. There are also conditions attached to the trade related to Jones being reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and how much he plays for the Cowboys. If he plays a significant amount of time in 2008, the Titans will get an additional pick from the Cowboys in 2009. If he doesn't get reinstated by the NFL, the Titans will send an undisclosed 2009 draft pick back to the Cowboys. Also, Pacman has reached a financial settlement with the Titans regarding his contract situation. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Jones must pay $500,000 to a charity chosen by the Titans sometime in the next two years. He will receive a new contract from the Cowboys.

Chiefs Trade Allen To Vikings

All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen was traded from Kansas City to Minnesota in a blockbuster deal, making the Chiefs one of the major players in this weekend’s NFL draft and the Vikings a serious contender in the NFC. Kansas City gets Minnesota’s first-round pick, No. 17 overall, and both of the Vikings’ third-round selections. The teams also swapped sixth-rounders in the deal announced Wednesday. Allen, who had an NFL-best 15 1/2 sacks last season despite being suspended the first two games, agreed to terms on a six-year deal that includes $31 million in guaranteed money. It could be worth more than $74 million if he reaches certain incentives, according to a person familiar with the deal. The contract will make Allen the highest paid defensive player in the league.

New Contest!

This contest is for the NFL Draft! Here's what you need to do..

-Write down what you believe the top 10 picks will be in the draft (in order)
-You can either post it as a comment, or email it to me at bam@nflrumorz.com
-Make sure you include your name, and email address!

-The Grand Prize is a customized authentic jersey of your choice!
-The second two winners will win a brand new playstation2 Oakland Raiders controller
-The next three winners will receive a free bar of the new Degree Men's deoderant

*This contest is sponsored by Degree and "Rookie Day 3 Extraction" (see side ad).
*Ties will be decided by a coin flip

Good luck!

Breaking News: Shaun Alexander Released

Running back Shaun Alexander was released by the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday. The move comes just 26 months after the 2005 league MVP signed a $62 million contract. Shaun Alexander has lost a step the past two seasons. The running back's numbers are down considerably from his MVP season in 2005. Before his release, Alexander had to take a procedural physical in order to facilitate the termination of his contract. He took that physical Tuesday afternoon. He's recovering from wrist surgery and has been waiting for his left wrist to heal before he can start visiting teams that might be interested in signing him. The Seahawks were waiting for Alexander's broken left wrist to heal before releasing him. He played the final 15 games of the regular season plus January's playoffs wearing a cast on that. Tuesday morning doctors declared the 19th overall draft choice in 2000 fully healthy to participate in minicamps this spring. Alexander leaves Seattle on good terms after being the team's all-time leading rusher. Two years of injuries plus the fact he's 30 years old led to Alexander's exit. General manager Tim Ruskell, a big supporter of Alexander, signed Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to replace him. The only holdup in Alexander's release was his wrist, which plagued him most of the 2007 season.

Dolphins Agree To Terms To Draft Jake Long #1

The Miami Dolphins will select Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long with the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft, according to multiple reports. The Dolphins will announce Tuesday afternoon that they have agreed to terms with Long on a contract. The NFL Network reported that Long received a five-year deal worth $57.5 million, including $30 million in guaranteed money. The Dolphins have not commented on the report but have confirmed the news conference, which is scheduled for 1:45 pm EDT. The 6-7, 313-pound Long started his final 26 games for the Wolverines at left tackle and earned all-American honors in his junior and senior seasons. The Dolphins are coming off 1-15 season and need to significantly upgrade their offensive line.

NFL Re-Instates Thurman

Linebacker Odell Thurman was reinstated from an NFL suspension after sitting out the last two seasons. The Cincinnati Bengals said Monday they were informed by commissioner Roger Goodell that Thurman is eligible to play. He was suspended the last two seasons because of violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He had been cleared in January by the NFL to resume working out with the Bengals pending word on his status. A second-round draft pick from Georgia in 2005, Thurman started 15 games at middle linebacker, led the team in tackles and tied the team rookie record with five interceptions. He was suspended for the first four games of the 2006 season after missing a drug test, and the suspension was extended to the full season after he was arrested for drunken driving. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to six days in a treatment center.

Cowboys To Draft McFadden?

The Dallas Cowboys own the 22d and 28th selections in the first round, and some have speculated they might be willing to part with both if Arkansas running back Darren McFadden slips down the draft board (perhaps to the Jets at 6, or the Patriots at 7) according to the Boston Globe. After exchanging contract proposals with starting running back Marion Barber last week, the Cowboys might be more inclined to make such a move. According to published reports in Dallas, the Cowboys are offering a five-year deal with a total value of $30 million, while Barber is seeking a deal worth $40 million. Barber becomes a free agent after the season. Source: Boston Globe

Vikings To Los Angeles?

One report that caught my eye today is the possibility of the Minnesota Vikings moving to Los Angeles. The Vikings' lease with the metrodome ends in 2011, which means that the Vikings would be free to move to any city they want. L.A. has been looking for a team, and will make a big push to try to lure the Vikings over. Check the right sidebar for the newest poll question: "What city would you like to see get an NFL franchise?"

Chiefs Shopping Allen?

People around the league say the Kansas City Chiefs are shopping defensive end Jared Allen, the league's sack leader last season according to the Washington Post. The Chiefs placed their franchise player tag on Allen in February but that doesn't mean they can't trade him. The Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are said to be in pursuit. Source: Washington Post

Steve McNair Retires

Steve McNair intended to complete the final three years of his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He worked hard during the offseason and arrived at minicamp ready to assume his role as the starting quarterback. His body had other plans. McNair announced his retirement Thursday, ending a 13-year career in which he was selected co-MVP, led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl and orchestrated the most successful regular season in the Ravens history. He received a standing ovation from his teammates after revealing his decision, then contained his emotions during a hastily arranged news conference. “Coming out and making this decision, it was hard,” he said. “In your mind, you feel like you can play, that you can still compete. But when your mind and your body are not in accord, it’s not going to work in the National Football League. “My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn’t do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game.” The 35-year-old McNair guided the Ravens to a franchise-best 13-3 record in 2006, his first season in Baltimore. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls. McNair developed back and shoulder injuries and played in only six games in 2007. He threw only two touchdown passes, was intercepted four times and lost seven fumbles before being placed on injured reserve in December, ending his most frustrating season in the NFL. Source: Associated Press

Chad Johnson Demands Trade

According to ESPN, Chad Johnson has reportedly demanded the Cincinnati Bengals to trade him before the NFL draft. Johnson wants to know what team he's going to play for soon, and he is finally done waiting for the Bengals to offer him what he believes to be a 'fair' contract. There are a bunch teams that might be interested/have displayed interest in Johnson...they are

-Chicago Bears

-Buffalo Bills

-Dallas Cowboys

-San Francisco 49ers

-Jacksonville Jaguars

-Miami Dolphins

-Philidelphia Eagles

My guess is that the Jaguars will make a big push for Johnson, the Jaguars would be a deadly team with the Garrard-Johnson combo, and they are a playoff calibar team.

Full Team-By-Team Schedules Released

Well today was the big day, the team-by-team game schedules were released. Click Here for the full schedule, Click Here for the strength of schedule ranks, or Click here for your particular team's schedule.

Broncos Intested In Jackson, Parker?

The Denver Broncos are close to signing former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Samie Parker and are deep in discussions with Darrell Jackson, the former No. 1 pass-catching threat for the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple NFL sources. Parker, 27, was the Chiefs' No. 2 receiver in 2005-06, averaging 38.5 catches and 547 yards. He and the Broncos could finalize an agreement soon according to the Denver Post. Few receivers have a more impressive resume than Jackson, who was released by San Francisco after last season largely to avoid paying $4 million in salary and bonus. He has averaged 61 receptions in his eight NFL seasons and has three seasons of at least 1,000 yards. He caught 10 TD passes in 2006. Source: Denver Post

The Giants Should Trade Shockey

Jeremy Shockey should be traded from the Giants, it's as simple as that...here's a few reasons why...

1) The Giants won the superbowl without him- The Giants played better without him, and made their playoff push with Shockey on injured reserve.

2) Shockey makes it more difficult for Eli Manning- Shockey is constantly making a scene by saying that he doesn't get the ball enough, it's funny that as soon as he went down Manning started playing much, much better.

3) Shockey is an injury liability- Shockey takes up a large portion of the Giants' salary cap, he also is a major injury liability, coming off of a leg injury that ended his season early, the Giants might want to trade him to make some cap room.

4) Shockey could fetch some quality draft picks if traded now- If traded soon, Shockey could get the Giants a high draft pick. He is one of the best tight ends while healthy, and there would definetly be a team that would be willing to trade a pick or two for him.

5) There are teams that have expressed interest in Shockey- Here's a list of possible teams that Shockey could go to...

-New Orleans Saints
-New England Patriots
-Oakland Raiders
-Buffalo Bills
-Green Bay Packers

Jets Close To Sending Robertson To Broncos

According to yahoo sports, the New York Jets are extremely close to sending defensive lineman Dewayne Robertson to the Denver Broncos could be finalized on draft weekend. The Jets would sent Robertson to Denver for a second-day selection in the upcoming draft. The Jets want to move Robertson to free up some cash to sign draft choices. According to the report, Robertson and the Broncos already have a new contract in place for just such an occasion.

Bryant Gumbel Leaves NFL Network

I know this isn't news or a rumor about the NFL, this is pretty exciting news for those of you who, like me, absolutely hate Bryant Gumbel. Gumbel has decided to leave his job as the play-by-play announcer for the NFL network after only two seasons. Personally, I just can't stand Gumbel, and am happy to see him go. The NFL network is still searching for a replacement announcer to work along side with Chris Collinsworth. For all of you Gumbel fans, you can send all of your hate mail to bam@nflrumorz.com

Jets Extend Rhodes' Contract

The Jets and safety Kerry Rhodes agreed to a contract extension Wednesday that will keep one of the playmakers in their secondary for five more years. According to various media reports, citing anonymous sources, the extension is for $33.5 million, including $20 million guaranteed—making Rhodes one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties. The Jets confirmed the signing on Thursday. Rhodes, entering his fourth season, had a year left on his rookie contract and would have become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He has 270 tackles, eight sacks and 10 interceptions in three seasons and has been a starter since being drafted in the fourth round out of Louisville in 2005.

Dolphins To Draft OT Long?

The Miami Dolphins began preliminary talks Tuesday with a representative of Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long on a contract to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, according to two sources close to the discussions. However, Miami’s early move could be used as leverage to put pressure on Long or one of the other top prospects to get a deal done before the draft. What do you think the Dolphins are going to do? email me at bam@nflrumorz.com and i'll post your comments.

NFL Rumors- Site Update

For those of you who visit the site day after day, you have probably noticed that comments are no longer available, and the team-by-team needs have stopped. There have been a few problems due to a virus one commentor posted, and the consistant spamming of a few posts. So until the problem is fixed by google/blogger, the comments will stay hidden. I expect them to be back up in about two days. The team-by-team needs will resume tomorrow, and the schedule will change accordingly. I have already put up a verification box for all comments, which I know could be really annoying but it should help stop the spamming. The site will hopefully be back to normal by next week.

Thanks for your patience, and emails,
~Bam

Favre Would Consider A Comeback?

If the Green Bay Packers are ravaged by injuries this season, Brett Favre might consider returning should the team reach out to him. “It would be hard to pass up, I guess,” he told the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald. “But three months from now, say that presents itself, I may say, you know what, I’m so glad I made that decision. I’m feel very comfortable in what I’m doing and my decision. “Yeah, I can probably be up there doing that and playing, but again, I don’t know. It’s only speculating. I think the world of that team. I had a lot of fun, not only this year, but over my career.” But if Aaron Rodgers went down with an injury? “Aaron has fallen into a great situation,” Favre said. “And if that opportunity presented itself and they did call, it would be tempting. And I very well could be enticed do it.” Favre understands the kind of challenge he would face should he opt to go back to the NFL after ending his record-setting 17-year career. And he made it clear he is not changing his mind at this time. “But to think that if they called me in October and told me, ‘Hey, we need you this week.’ That would be hard,” Favre said in a story that appeared on the paper’s Web site on Tuesday. “I’m sure mentally, I would be refreshed. I’d be away from it for a long time. But mentally versus physically, the last thing I’d want to do is go up and it’s ‘Oh this is great’ and all that stuff and me be excited and then just flop. “You just can’t show up and play.”

Garrard Gets Contract Extension

Quarterback David Garrard has signed a contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Terms of Monday’s deal were not released. But Garrard and his agent, Albert Irby, had been looking for something similar to the six-year, $67.5 million contract Dallas quarterback Tony Romo signed last season. The 30-year-old Garrard is coming off his best season. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,509 yards and 18 touchdowns despite missing three games because of an ankle injury. He threw just three interceptions and finished with the NFL’s third-highest passer rating (102.2). A longtime backup who beat out Byron Leftwich last preseason, Garrard was entering the final year of a four-year deal that paid about $2 million annually.

Team Need: Baltimore Ravens

There's a new staff in Baltimore, and this team is going to be looking for a lot of youth. This Baltimore team has a lot of age right now, with key positions in question. The Ravens will need to work hard on improving their offense, while adding depth at defense. Here's what they need...

QB- It's either Kyle Boller or Troy Smith right now, and I don't think the new staff is set on either of them. Smith did show some good skills though at the end of the season. The Ravens will most likely draft another quarterback to add to the mix.

CB- Here's where the age is going to hurt the Ravens the most. Chris McAllister is 31, and Samari Rolle is 32. The Ravens will need to draft a young cornerback or two to back these guys up, just-in-case.

LB- For the first time ever, Ray Lewis is on the final year of his contract without a new deal being done. Is this a sign of his departure? Well the Ravens can't take that chance and they need to draft a linebacker to groom to be his successor.

OT- Jonathan Ogden is most likely retiring, and has told the team to prepare as if he is retiring. The Ravens now need to draft another young tackle to replace the pro-bowler.

WR- A new target would help whoever the quarterback is this year.

There are a few more positions that people could make a case for (DE, OG, C, OLB), those would all be for depth though. This Ravens team isn't bad, and could easily rebound from a poor 2008 season. Lets see if the new staff could get it done.

Team Needs: New England Patriots

The Patriots lost their first round pick because of the spygate scandal...luckily for them they traded the 49ers for their first round pick! This team is going to be coming off of a perfect regular season, and a superbowl loss. Randy Moss and Wes Welker are back, and so is Tom Brady so the Pats should be good to go on offense. There were a few major losses though, most notably CB Asante Samuel, CB Randall Gay, and WR Donte Stallworth. So here are the Patriots needs...

CB- With Asante Samuel and Randall Gay gone, the Patriots only have Ellis Hobbs who did not have a good 3rd season, and newly signed free agents Fernando Bryant, Lewis Sanders, and Jason Webster. Cornerbacks are in high demand this draft, so the Patriots will have to invest in one early.

LB- Teddy Bruschi and Junior Seau are only getting older. The Pats will most likely spend a few picks on linebackers that they can learn under some of the best in the business.

Really the Patriots don't NEED anything else. The rest of the draft would just be for depth and the future.

Team Needs: New York Jets

The Jets were busy this offseason signing RB Jesse Chatman, G Alan Fancea, TE Bubba Franks, S Artrell Hawkins, DE Kris Jenkins, OLB Calvin Pace, FB Tony Richardson, T/G Damien Woody, and CB Andre Woolfolk. These are all good signings, but will they really help? They are still unsure if Kellen Clemens or Chad Pennington will start at quarterback, and the running game was awful last year, and they Jesse Chatman won't be the answer to that. So here's the positions they'll have to address this draft...

CB- The Jets need to add an aggressive, lockdown cornerback that would help make a great 1-2 combo with Darrelle Revis.

LB- Jonathan Vilma was traded, so the Jets will most likely draft one or two linebackers that can help stop the run. The Jets were ranked 29th in the NFL last year against the rush. They'll have to improve on that if they want to make it to the playoffs this year.

OT- I can't say that D'brick is a bust yet, but he hasn't produced like the Jets have expected him to the last two years, and Nick Mangold is another descent tackle, but the Jets might want to add one more tackle that is a great pass protector to make some competition in the position.

RB- Thomas Jones struggled last year, only reaching the end-zone once. Leo Washington is a better kick-returner than runningback, so the Jets should look to invest in a powerful runningback that can help Jones out. Remember how good Jones was when he was in the duo with Cedric Benson?

OG- The Jets will need to draft a guard that can create some space for the runningbacks to run through. This position will most likely be addressed in the 3rd or 4th round.

The Jets hope that their off-season spending spree will help make them an elite team to compete with the Patriots for the division title. With just a few positions to be addressed in the draft, this team should be a good one.

Team Needs: Kansas City Chiefs

It was a surprise to many how poorly the Chiefs performed last year, but they earned themselves the 5th overall pick in the draft this year. What will need to be solved before the season begins is who will start, Brodie Croyle or Damon Huard. Larry Johnson signed a contract extension, so he should be set to play this year. The Chiefs don't need to improve on too many positions, but they do need the youth. Here's what they need...

O-Line- The Chiefs have one of the oldest offensive lines in the NFL, and it showed last year. Larry Johnson, who the year before had the most yards gained in the NFL was limited to just 559 yards on 159 carries (3.5 avg), with only 3 touchdowns (in eight games). The Chiefs will have to spend their early picks on some good pass protector tackles, and some big guards to open up holes for Larry Johnson.

K- Dave Rayner isn't meant to be a place kicker, he is a kick-off specialist. They're going to have to bring in a rookie to give Rayner some competition. (Rayner lost a kicking battle last year to rookie Mason Crosby [Packers])

CB- Ty Law is getting older, and so is Patrick Surtain. The Chiefs will need to pick a lock-down cornerback that they can groom into the position.

WR- Dwayne Bowe proved to be a great pick last year, but the Chiefs really don't have much depth at the position. Another young, quick, receiver would be a great asset to the team...not to mention the relief he would give Bowe.

TE- Tony Gonzales is nearing the end of his career (sorry Chief fans), and they might want to spend a late pick on a quality back-up that Gonzales can mentor.

Another team that doesn't have to do that much to succeed, the Chiefs just need a few young players to help give some of the veterans some relief. This team might be able to make a quick rebound as long as LJ doesn't get hurt, and they figure out who is going to be the every day starter.

LJ Smith Signs Tender

Tight end L.J. Smith signed the one-year contract he was tendered by the Philadelphia Eagles when they placed the franchise tag on him two months ago. Smith will make $4.5 million, the average of the top five salaries at his position. “We’re glad to have L.J. back,” coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “We expect him to have a Pro Bowl-caliber season for us. I know he’s worked very hard since the 2007 campaign ended, and he will continue to do so throughout the offseason.” Smith had just 22 catches for 236 yards and one touchdown in only 10 games during an injury-plagued season last year. A second-round pick in 2003, Smith has 194 receptions for 2,227 yards and 15 TDs in five years with the Eagles. He had a career-best 61 catches in 2005.

Team Needs: Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have gone on a spending spree this offseason, acquiring DT William Joseph, WR Javon Walker, OT Kwame Harris, S Gibril Wilson, KR/WR Tim Dwight. But will these additions really help? Maybe, but the Raiders still have some questions that need to be solved in this draft. The Raiders are hoping to build a franchise around JaMarcus Rusell, and they're going to have to give him a few weapons to do so...Here are the key needs...

WR- They just signed Javon Walker, but Walker is an injury liability. The Raiders need to draft a star wide receiver that JaMarcus Rusell can have a good connection with. There aren't that many wide receivers in the draft, but there are a few quality ones early in the draft.

OT- Offensive tackles are going to be in high demand this draft, and luckily there are a bunch of good ones. If the Raiders are extremely lucky, they'll land Jake Long, but if not they'll need to draft a good zone blocker.

DL- Any rush-blocker would help the Raiders right now. The Raiders have a great pass-protection team, but they need to get a few big guys to stuff the runningbacks (maybe Chris Long if he's available). Now that Warren Sapp is retired, the Raiders are going to need to draft a durable tackle.

S- Michael Huff needs some help, and the Raiders will probably have to address the safety position in the later rounds of the draft.

CB- Another position that the Raiders will most likely address at the later rounds, a quick young cornerback would be a great assert for this injury-prone team.

Even though it might not seem like it at times, owner Al Davis is leading this Raiders team in a good direction. If JaMarcus Rusell produces like he's supposed to, this team will be one of the elite teams...very fast.

Henry Arrested Again, Released From Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry lost his job while in jail awaiting arraignment on assault charges on Thursday. The Bengals cut him after his fifth arrest since 2005. An attorney for Henry, 24, entered not guilty pleas for him after Henry was accused of punching an 18-year-old man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard set bond at $51,000 on charges of misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging. Noting Henry’s previous arrests involving drugs, guns and alcohol, the judge called Henry “a one-man crime wave.” He ordered electronic monitoring if Henry makes bail. Source: Associated Press

Team Needs: Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons' season was over before it even began, just because of the Michael Vick situation. The Falcons did not fare well in their first season without Vick, and coach Bobby Petrino ditched the team before the season was even over. They are going to try a new offensive scheme this season, without veterans Warrick Dunn, and Alge Crumpler. Hopefully, Michael Turner will be the star player that everyone thinks he could be...so here's what the Falcons need to address....

QB- The Falcons' released quarterback Joey Harrington at the beginning of the offseason, only to re-sign him again at the end. The other quarterbacks on the roster are Chris Redman, and D.J. Shockley, both who are NOT meant to be starting quarterbacks. The Falcons would hope that Matt Ryan will be available for the third pick, but if not expect them to use one of their two second round picks on a quarterback.

OT- One of the worst offensive lines in the league, the Falcons need to draft two offensive tackles to protect the quarterback. The Falcons released veteran Wayne Grady, and they are looking to draft two strong linemen.

DE- John Abraham is getting older, and the Falcons should probably draft a quick defensive end to take his place. The defense on the Falcons isn't to terrible, but this is a position that should probably be addressed in the later rounds of the draft.

LB- Another position that isn't that awful for the Falcons, but they do need to draft another young linebacker to support veteran Keith Brooking.

WR- Though many people like young receiver Roddy White, the Falcons should probably draft another wide receiver. The other receivers are Joe Horn and Michael Jenkins. Horn is getting older and is not the star he used to be, and Jenkins is too inconsistant. Drafting a talented receiver would be a big help to whoever the starting quarterback is this year.

If they are able to figure out their quarterback situation, while addressing some of the other needs, the Falcons could surprise a few people this year. Michael Turner will have to prove himself as an every down back though.

Chad Johnson Interview On ESPN

Here's a great interview with Chad Johnson that was on ESPN last night. It's pretty funny.

Team Needs: St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams were a major surprise last season, in a bad way. The defense was awful, and injuries to quarterback Marc Bulger and runningback Steven Jackson helped make this team almost as bad as the Dolphins. The Rams don't have to do that much on offense, but the defense is going to need some major work before this team becomes elite again. Here's a look at some of the key needs...

DE- The Rams need a strong, but quick pash-rusher to create some double teams for the offensive linemen. The Rams will most likely spend their first pick (2nd overall) on Chris Long, Long is an every down type of player who is almost like an Aaron Kampman type of player.

OLB- Both strong side and weak side linebackers are needed after losing linebacker Brandon Chillar to the Packers. The Rams need a strong side who can guard the rush, a weak side who can guard the tight ends, and both need to be durable. The Rams can't afford to lose any more players to injury.

WR- Torry Holt is getting older, and Issac Bruce is off the team...meaning that the Rams need to draft a young receiver who would be able to start incase either Holt or Drew Bennett get hurt. Maybe James Hardy or Mario Manningham?

OG- The Rams need to draft a big, strong, guard who can create some space for Steven Jackson to run. This is going to be a position that the Rams must address during the draft if they want to have any success on offense this season.

RT- Like the offensive guards, the right tackle position must be addressed by the Rams during this draft. The Rams need a franchise type of player who will be able to protect Marc Bulger who has become injury prone after receiving multiple concussions and other various injuries over the last few seasons.

The Rams could possibly become a descent team this season, as long as they address all of the problems on the defense, and the offensive line. The Rams have experienced players, and a few stars on the team who, if healthy, could help rebound this team after an awful season.

No Change To Playoff Seeding

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told Boston.com that NFL owners did not pass a playoff reseeding proposal that would have made it possible for a division winner to not host a first-round playoff game. Under the proposal, which was portrayed as a way to avoid some teams that have clinched playoff spots from resting their regulars in the final weeks of the season, if a wild card team finished with a better record than the division champion it was slated to play in the first round of the playoffs then that wild card team would host the game. As things stand now, the two division winners with the best record receive first-round byes and the third division winner is guaranteed to host a home playoff game even if the wild card team it is seeded against finishes with a better record. Kraft said he felt strongly about keeping the current playoff format to reward fans of the division winners.

Draft Needs: Miami Dolphins

Well, what don't the Dolphins need?! This team is being totally revamped due to new GM Bill Parcells, new coach, new owners, and a totally new look. Here's a look at the positions that the Dolphins need to fill during the draft.

QB- The Dolphins did draft John Beck last year, but Parcells might look to draft quarterback Matt Ryan this year. The quarterback position is obviously the biggest question for this Dolphins team.

CB- Another major issue on this team is the secondary, the Dolphins don't have any cornerbacks that you can call a "starting cornerback". They should either trade for another first round pick, or use their second round pick at this position.

WR- Besides 2nd year player Ted Ginn Jr. the Dolphins have no other decent wide receivers. After losing Marty Booker to free agency the Dolphins will have to draft another wide receiver. (Maybe Bill Parcells could work his magic to get Chad Johnson???)

LB- Zach Thomas went to the Cowboys, Jerry Porter is getting older, and Jason Taylor doesn't want to be on the team anymore. The Dolphins need to get a young linebacker.

DE- Chris Long might be the Dolphin's #1 pick this year, he would fit perfectly in the 3-4 defense the Dolphins have set up.

S- The Dolphin's secondary is awful, and they need a big-hitter; or someone to strike fear into the opponent. This position will most likely be addressed in the later rounds of the draft.

RB- Ronnie Brown was leading the league in all of the major rushing catagories until he got injured. Brown just can't stay healthy for a whole season. The Dolphins might want to pick up a free agent like Vernand Morency...maybe Darren McFadden wouldn't be a bad pick...

The Dolphins are just an overall weak team, but I think Bill Parcells is leading this club in the direction. The Dolphins will most likely draft Matt Ryan with the first pick, but the quarterback position isn't the only position the Dolphins will have to address this draft.

League Approves Defense Communication

Taking another technological step forward, NFL owners approved a communication device for defenses Tuesday. One defensive player will wear a helmet similar to what the quarterback is allowed on offense. Should that player leave the game, a teammate can be designated to also have the device. But only one defender with the device can be on the field at a time. The vote was 25-7 in favor—24 yes votes were required—and all seven negatives came from head coaches with offensive backgrounds.

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