2014-03-19



Links.

Five free agent signings that hit the mark | National Football Post
A former NFL executive identifies five integral signings from the first week of free agency.

Scout's Notebook: Finding Pass Rushers
In our newest installment of our 'Scouts Notebook' series, our group of NFL Draft analysts talk about what teams look for when they evaluate defensive edge players or pass rushers at the collegiate level, and how to project them to the NFL.

2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 - NFL - Don Banks - SI.com
It's only after the non-stop swirl of activity inspired by the first few days of free agency -- especially this year's -- that you remember how meaningless a mock draft can be when it's executed before the league's annual March meat market opens. Not every team's outlook in the first round of the draft changes due to the comings and goings in free agency, but enough of them do to create a real domino effect throughout the round.

NY Jets GM John Idzik ripped for slow pace, missing out on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - NY Daily News
DRC visited the Jets Friday and Saturday, but Idzik, whose deliberate style has drawn criticism across the league and within his own organization since the start of free agency last week, couldn’t close the deal.

2014 Pro Days: NFL flocks to Florida State workout - CBSSports.com
Loaded with talent coming off their BCS national title, the Florida State Seminoles held their pro day on Tuesday with representatives from all 32 NFL teams on hand.

Report: DeSean Jackson draws Patriots, 49ers' interest - NFL.com
The DeSean Jackson trade rumors are heating up. The San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots reportedly inquired about the receiver. What are the Philadelphia Eagles asking for in return?

Report: Eagles listening to offers for DeSean Jackson | ProFootballTalk
The Eagles apparently have "no intent" to trade DeSean Jackson.Derrick Gunn of CSNPhilly.com reports that, while the Eagles aren't actively shopping Jackson, they're listening to teams that are calling up with offers. According to Gunn, calls have come from the Patriots and the 49ers.

Golden Tate says Seattle Seahawks' contract offer was 'laughable' - ESPN
Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate, who signed a five-year, $31 million deal with Detroit last week, said the offer from Seattle was laughable and that he is disappointed in how some Seahawks fans have turned on him for leaving.

Monday NFL free agency notes: Seahawks interested in former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt - Seattle Seahawks & NFL News
The Seattle Seahawks continue to make moves as the NFL’s new year concludes its first full week. Here’s what’s going on with the defending Super Bowl champions:

Seahawks set to buck free-agency system | Larry Stone | The Seattle Times
The Seahawks appear to be fine for the foreseeable future despite a growing list of players who have opted to leave through free agency.

Ex-Seahawks player John Moffitt on his drug, battery arrest: ‘Dumb mistake’ - Seattle Seahawks & NFL News
“Dumb mistake on my part,” Moffitt wrote, “but I’m really touched by everyone and (their) support and love.”

Is there any chance Seattle trades up in the draft? | Seahawks Draft Blog
It’s not something we’ve really considered thus far. And with good reason.

Listen to podcast - Pod Player - MyNorthwest.com
Former Seahawks receiver Golden Tate tells Bob and Groz about his negotiations with Seattle and his decision to sign with Detroit. Tate also discusses what he'll miss most about playing for the Seahawks.

NFL.com’s ‘Bracketology’ includes Russell Wilson
NFL.com is asking fans to determine the greatest NFL quarterback of all-time. The voting in the bracket-style competition starts Thursday and includes Russell Wilson versus Peyton Manning in the opening round.

Hauschka: 'I'm so excited to be back' with Seahawks - 710sports.com
A fun fact about Steven Hauschka is that he comes from a family of dentists and once figured that would be his eventual profession.

Is Jermichael Finley still in play for the Seahawks? - 710sports.com
Bob Stelton and Dave Grosby discuss where the Seahawks stand at tight end now that Zach Miller has restructured his contract. - Blog 710 ESPN Seattle at 710sports.com

Catching up with ex-Seahawk T.J. Houshmandzadeh - 710sports.com
Former Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh joined 'Bob and Groz' and shared his thoughts on cornerback Richard Sherman and the rest of Seattle's defense. - Blog 710 ESPN Seattle at 710sports.com

Russell Wilson stops by Entourage movie set - 710sports.com
Russell Wilson snapped a couple photos with actor Adrian Grenier and director Doug Ellin, both working on the new Entourage movie due out sometime next year. - Blog 710 ESPN Seattle at 710sports.com

Arrest raises question about John Moffitt's future - 710sports.com
Former Seahawks offensive lineman John Moffitt made the decision to walk away from the NFL at age 27, and after his arrest over the weekend it's hard not to wonder where his life is headed. - Blog 710 ESPN Seattle at 710sports.com

San Francisco 49ers should pursue DeSean Jackson with full force - ESPN
Perhaps the San Francisco 49ers' pursuit of an impact veteran wide receiver is not dead this offseason. The latest name connected to the team is Phil

Free-agency review: Seahawks - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Here's a look at where things stand with the Seattle Seahawks after the first week of free agency: Most significant signing: Keeping Michael Bennett,

Browner says he didn’t expect to be back with Seahawks | Seahawks Insider - The News Tribune
Brandon Browner was on a conference call with New England reporters Monday, speaking to the media for the first time since the middle of last season.

How Much Does Jared Allen Have Left to Offer? | Bleacher Report
Through the first week of free agency, pass-rushers (young and old) inked some very lucrative deals. DeMarcus Ware signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Denver Broncos, Lamarr Houston signed a five-year, $35 million deal with the Chicago Bears and Michael Johnson signed a five-year, $43.75 million deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Potential landing spots for Eagles' DeSean Jackson - NFL.com
The Philadelphia Eagles will listen to offers for DeSean Jackson. So what teams are the most likely to come calling? Around The League's Gregg Rosenthal examines the field.

What we learned on Day 8 of free agency - NFL.com
The Philadelphia Eagles are listening to potential offers on DeSean Jackson. The Raiders finally located a left tackle. Details on those developments and more in ATL's daily look back at free agency.

Drew Brees: Darren Sproles a once-in-a-lifetime talent - NFL.com
Drew Brees was hit hard by the New Orleans Saints' trade of Darren Sproles to the Philadelphia Eagles. Find out why the quarterback believes a dynamic running back like Sproles is such a rarity.

Collateral damage: 10 players hurt by free agency - NFL.com
Free agency hasn't helped everyone. Mike Glennon, Tony Romo and DeSean Jackson are three of the players that have suffered from signings over the last week.

Team-by-team free agency grades: Bright Bucs top this honor roll - CBSSports.com
Take a bow, Jason Licht and Lovie Smith. The Bucs earn the only A in free agency, but the Skins, Falcons, Pats and Broncos are among those close behind.

Bears terminate contract of WR Earl Bennett - CBSSports.com
Receiver Earl Bennett won't play for the Bears next season.

NFL Prospect Focus: Ed Reynolds and Deone Bucannon | National Football Post
Greg Gabriel breaks down two mid-round safeties from the PAC 12.

2014 NFL free agency: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers still have work to do | Audibles - SI.com
The NFL draft is still several weeks away, leaving teams ample time to tweak their rosters in anticipation of that May extravaganza. A few general managers had better put that time to good use ...

NFL draft: Two-round mock draft has Bridgewater, Bortles ahead of Manziel | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: Free agency is but a week old, but the heavy lifting is done. With that in mind, and most teams' draft grades approaching locked-in status, we thought we'd try our hand at a two-round mock draft.

After one week of free agency, a team-by-team look at cap space available | ProFootballTalk
A week has elapsed since the start of free agency in the NFL. Teams have doled out millions of dollars worth of contracts and players have new teams to call home.

Cowboys play it smart, safe with Melton | ProFootballTalk
With defensive tackle Henry Melton recovering from a torn ACL and contending with allegations of kidney biting (Hannibal Henry Melton?), the Cowboys structured a contract that gives the team maximum flexibility.

Status quo for Jermichael Finley | ProFootballTalk
Last week, free-agent tight end Jermichael Finley made good on his vow to hop a plane to Seattle if free agency opened and he didn't have a deal to stay in Green Bay. But the Seattle trip has come and gone, and Finley remains unsigned.

Capable pass rushers still available as second week of free agency begins | ProFootballTalk
With one week of free agency now in the books, here are the top remaining unsigned/untagged unrestricted free agents left in PFT's rankings: 18. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. 34. Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton. 43. Bears defensive end Corey Wootton. 48.

College Quarterback Passing Stats From 2013 — FootballPerspective.com
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that it’s 2014. With draft season now in full gear, I wanted to take a few minutes and look at the stats of the top college quarterbacks from last year. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. I couldn’t find a site that presented a full list of all college quarterback stats, including sacks, which is, of course, insane.

Patriots' Secondary Additions Prove Bill Belichick's Ability to Adapt | Bleacher Report
Going back to the tape from the 2013 season, the New England Patriots were a heavy man-coverage team on the defensive side of the ball.

2014 NFL Draft: Latest Trending Names You Need to Know | Bleacher Report
The 2014 NFL Draft is nearly upon us, yet most teams are still scrambling to put together the pieces to this enormous prospect puzzle.

B/R NFL 1000: Top 101 Wide Receivers | Bleacher Report
Editor's note: This is the ninth installment in Bleacher Report's NFL 1000 for the 2013 season. This signature series runs through April 24, with NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller ranking the best players at every position. You can read more about the series in this introductory article. See the NFL 1000 page for more rankings.

Scouting the Top 5 Cornerbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft | Bleacher Report
Year after year we see corners get a huge amount of money once free agency starts. This year former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Darrelle Revis got a two year $32 million dollar deal from New England. Former New England Patriot Aqib Talib got a multi-year deal worth reported $57 million.

New England Patriots scout's view: Brandon Browner - ESPN Boston
On Friday, the New England Patriots agreed to a three-year deal with free-agent cornerback Brandon Browner.

Jeremiah: Aaron Donald will be better pro than Timmy Jernigan - NFL.com
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks Timmy Jernigan will be the first defensive tackle off the board in the NFL draft, but there's a strong chance Aaron Donald could have the better pro career.

Analysts: Devonta Freeman a mid-round steal in NFL draft - NFL.com
Florida State RB Devonta Freeman could turn out to be one of the draft's biggest steals, and Daniel Jeremiah says teams hoping to get him in the fourth round are going to find themselves out of luck.

FSU WR Kelvin Benjamin 17 pounds overweight - NFL.com
Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin had a strong pro day on Tuesday, but he tipped scales heavier than scouts desired.

2014 NFL Draft: What we learned from Tuesday's pro days - NFL.com
Florida State WR Kelvin Benjamin put on an impressive workout in front of 32 NFL teams in Tallahassee, but scouts also made stops at several other pro days Tuesday, including Montana and Cal.

Louisville safety Calvin Pryor reveals draft status - NFL.com
Louisville safety Calvin Pryor revealed his draft status following his pro day workout, and it may come as a surprise to some.

Davis mock 4.0: Sammy Watkins, other receivers fly off board - NFL.com
NFL Media analyst Charles Davis has released the fourth installment of his mock draft, and the deep pool of talented wide receivers available will be thrilled to see it.

2014 Pro Days: Roberson, Purifoy still slow at soggy Florida workout - CBSSports.com
A rain storm pushed the workout inside where athletes opted to run barefoot on a rubber track. Still recovering from his second major knee injury, Dominique Easley elected not to work out but may on April 18.

Scouting Report: The Pros And Cons Of Weeden’s Tape
As a scout you always try and go into a situation with an open mind when you are studying a player -- regardless of what people tell you about his body of work -- and come to your own conclusions about his fit on your roster.

Futures: BYU OLB Kyle Van Noy | The Rookie Scouting Portfolio
When my friend Ryan Riddle, Cal’s all-time sack leader, says outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has great instincts, that’s a player I want to watch. “Some things in football cannot be coached. When it comes to play making instincts, you either have it or you don’t,” says Riddle about Van Noy’s play-making abilities that he describes as “off the charts.”

Show more