The draft is less than a month away, which means misinformation about prospects is in full gear, as is the second wave of NFL Free Agency. Is Aaron Rodgers going to be the first name called? Trading Post, Signing Post and the best in quotes, Crowd Noise, are all in this week's edition of TSN.ca's Two Minute Drill.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
- Cal QB Aaron Rodgers is at the top of the draft board for the 49ers, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, putting him at the top overall since the Niners hold the first pick. The paper also mentions that the team has Michigan WR Braylon Edwards rated as the best player in the draft, but the need at quarterback is considered greater.
- USC QB Matt Leinart put to bed any rumours that he might be considering leaving school early for a supplemental draft, telling the Los Angeles Times that he will lead the Trojans again in 2005. There had been talk that San Francisco could draft a receiver like Braylon Edwards, then pick up Leinart in a supplemental draft and, suddenly, have a totally revamped offense.
- A report in the Boston Globe suggests that CB Ty Law's agents, the notorious Poston brothers, have been telling teams that Law has a standing four-year, $26-million offer from the Patriots. The Pats deny such an offer exists, and the paper notes that it would be unusual for any team to allow their best offer to be shopped around the league.
- Bills RB Travis Henry expressed frustration to the Buffalo News regarding the slow pace of trade talks, wondering why the Bills wouldn't bite on the Cardinals' offer of LT L.J. Shelton. Henry has also ruled out any return to Buffalo as a backup to Willis McGahee.
- In a related story, the Indianapolis Star reports that the trade market has been very soft for established stars Edgerrin James of the Colts and Shaun Alexander of the Seahawks, both of whom could have been had for less than a first-round pick, according to the Star.
- Jacksonville, Denver and Washington are reportedly the leading candidates to land former Browns DE Courtney Brown.
- The Charlotte Observer reports that a shuffle along the Panthers' offensive line will see Jordan Gross return to right tackle, where he showed well as a rookie, with second-year pro Travelle Wharton taking over at left tackle.
- The Green Bay News-Chronicle notes that the Packers have done some line-shuffling as well. Adrian Klemm is expected to take over at left guard, with Greg Ruegamer, Matt O'Dwyer and possibly Kevin Barry battling for the starting right guard spot.
- One more line move: after releasing RT Chris Terry, it appears that the Seahawks plan on giving two young players -- Sean Locklear and Wayne Hunter -- a shot at the starting job, according to the Seattle Times.
- Dallas and New Orleans have had discussions about a deal that would send DE Darren Howard to the Cowboys, but have not been able to agree on what the Saints would get in return, so says the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The Cowboys had reportedly offered MLB Dat Nguyen and it was turned down.
- Mike Tice, still head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, tells the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that he told prospective receivers at the Combine that he "had an opening now", in order to see what kind of reactions he might get. Tice went on to say that both Braylon Edwards and USC's Mike Williams both responded "very, very well."
- The San Francisco Chronicle reports that that 49ers are expected to cut RT Scott Gragg after June 1, and that OLB Julian Peterson is likely to sign his one-year franchise tender in time to attend mini-camp on April 1.
- Mammoth guard Bennie Anderson visited with the Bills, according to the Buffalo News.
- The Niners are looking to sign Seahawks free agent G Chris Gray, according to the Seattle Times.
- There is plenty of buzz out of South Florida about the Miami Dolphins and estranged RB Ricky Williams getting back together, though the final say on the matter rests with new coach Nick Saban.
- The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that, if the Vikings are going to insert a young linebacker into the starting lineup, it figures to be Dontarrious Thomas, a second-year pro out of Auburn who will get a chance on the weak side.
- Free agent WR Jerome Pathon has visited the Seahawks, according to the Seattle Times. The Canadian wideout played college ball at the University of Washington.
- Chiefs S Greg Wesley spouted off to the Kansas City Star after the team signed veteran Sammy Knight to replace Wesley at strong safety, saying, "I'm not a backup safety. I've been a starter in this league for five years, and I'm not about to be a backup now." Wesley is now forced into a battle with Jerome Woods for the starting free safety job.
- Hampton WR Jerome Mathis is intriguing scouts with his blistering 40 times -- anywhere between 4.25 and 4.32 seconds, reportedly, for the 5'11", 182-pounder.
- The Los Angeles Times is touting a sleeper at wide receiver: Tab Perry, a 6'3", 229-pounder out of UCLA who ran his 40s in the mid-4.4 range. Perry flunked out of school in 2003 and caught 22 passes in six starts last season.
TRADING POST
Cowart to Vikings - As the Vikings continue to give their defense a makeover, bringing in Sam Cowart from the Jets gives Minnesota a solid option at either the middle linebacker spot, pushing out E.J. Henderson, or outside, opposite newly-acquired Napoleon Harris. While Cowart has lost a step from his days as Pro Bowl player, he's more than capable of playing a run-stopping role.
SIGNING POST
Garcia to Lions - A familiar face to head coach Steve Mariucci, Jeff Garcia will push Joey Harrington at quarterback for Detroit. While Harrington is the clear number one, he's also at a stage where his potential needs to turn into performance, and if he can't do it, the Lions won't hesitate to go with a proven veteran like Garcia. Garcia's departure has left the Browns with an even shakier quarterback situation, that currently has Trent Diler atop the depth chart.
Johnson to Vikings - At the tail end of his career, Brad Johnson still presents a solid backup option for Minnesota; a heady veteran who won't hurt the team should Daunte Culpepper end up getting hurt. With Chris Simms solidly set as the Bucs' backup behind Brian Griese, Johnson's absence will not hurt the Bucs on the field.
Burress to Giants - After a false start or two in negotiations, Big Blue finally landed a big play receiver in Plaxico Burress. Burress will be counted on to stretch the field for QB Eli Manning, with the expectation that the Giants' passing game will be more productive with Amani Toomer and Burress capable outside receivers and TE Jeremy Shockey a dangerous threat underneath and up the middle of the field. Somewhat of an afterthought in Pittsburgh, Burress has the ability to be a 1,200-yard receiver for the Giants, but he'll have to dispell doubts about his consistency. With Burress gone, Antwan Randle-El will take over in the Steelers's starting lineup.
Taylor to Vikings - Though he never came close to realizing his potential in Baltimore, Travis Taylor is a worthwhile signing for Minnesota because he has experience and is physically gifted enough to be an impact receiver. Expecting anything more from him than a third receiver's production, however, is optimistic at this point. With Taylor leaving, the Ravens are left with Clarence Moore and Randy Hymes behind Derrick Mason at wide receiver, so they'll likely be looking to improve at that position.
Pollard to Lions - After being released by the cap-strapped Colts, Marcus Pollard quickly found work an opportunity in Detroit. One of the more athletic tight ends in the game, with more than a decade of experience, Pollard presents matchup problems and is capable of making big plays down the field. Indy will increase Dallas Clark's responsibilities, with Ben Hartsock likely seeing more balls as well.
Alexander to Broncos - Even with Jeb Putzier in the fold, Denver added veteran TE Stephen Alexander to provide another offensive weapon. While Alexander isn't a terribly dynamic playmaker, he did catch 41 balls with the Lions last yea, after missing all of 2003 due to injury. His numbers may drop some due to an expected reduced role with the Broncos. Detroit had already signed Pollard, so it was easy enough to let Alexander go.
Becht to Buccaneers - Another first-round pick that failed to materialize, Anthony Becht will get a chance to fit in with Tampa Bay. A solid in-line blocker, Becht can be a serviceable red zone receiving threat in the right situation. Chris Baker is Becht's apparent successor with the Jets.
McDougle to Dolphins - Trying to shore up a miserable offensive line, Miami added massive Stockar McDougle to the unit. A 350-pound mauler at right tackle, McDougle will be an immediate upgrade for the Dolphins and Detroit is left with the prospect of second-year pro Kelly Butler starting unless they make a move to upgrade the line.
DeMulling to Lions - While the Lions might have lost ground at tackle, the addition of Rick DeMulling gives them an oustanding pair of guards (the Lions signed Damien Woody last year). DeMulling is athletic and can move, though he could stand to get a little stronger at the point of attack. Losing DeMulling leaves the Colts with Makoa Freitas, Jake Scott, Ryan Lilja and Tupe Peko as options at the two guard positions.
Vincent to Ravens - Surprisingly effective as a starter with the Steelers last year, Keydrick Vincent will start at right guard for Baltimore, replacing free agent Bennie Anderson. For their part, the Steelers won't miss Vincent too much as the team has Kendall Simmons slated to start in his place.
Fisher to Seahawks - Unheralded in St. Louis, Bryce Fisher now gives St. Louis a pair of ex-Rams working at defensive end (Grant Wistrom is the other). Fisher broke through with 8.5 sacks last season, so he'll provide a pass rush from the left end, but the Seahawks will have to find out whether he'll be able to hold up against the run on a regular basis. Fisher's exit from St. Louis has Tony Hargrove in line to take a starting job, with Tyoka Jackson and DT Damione Lewis getting some mention as possibilities at end.
Burgess to Raiders - One of the hotter names in free agency, Derrick Burgess parlayed a productive playoff into a nice payday with Oakland. Should the Raiders remain in their 3-4 defensive scheme, Burgess might appear to be too small to hold up at end, so an occasional shift to a rush linebacker spot might be in order. On the other hand, the Raiders could push Warren Sapp back inside in a 4-3 defensive alignment and Burgess would figure to be an effective rusher in that scenario. Philadelphia is left with a mish-mash -- including Hugh Douglas, Jerome McDougle and N.D. Kalu -- to try and replace Burgess.
Robinson to Bengals - A versatile veteran, Bryan Robinson should be able to help the Bengals both inside and outside on the defensive line. In his ninth season, he'll push younger players like Robert Geathers, Langston Moore and Mathias Askew and if those guys can't handle an assignment, Robinson will add a more seasoned approach. Miami had already signed Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday this offseason, making Robinson expendable.
Hartwell to Falcons - Easily overlooked on the Ravens' defense, Edgerton Hartwell is a powerful run-stuffer who should add a physical dimension to the Falcons' linebacking corps. Hartwell's arrival could displace last year's starter Chris Draft, unless Draft can beat out Ike Reese for a starting spot on the weak side. With the Ravens returning to a 4-3 defense, Hartwell's departure won't hurt quite as much because Ray Lewis can still man the middle in the 4-3.
Stewart to Browns - A good pursuit linebacker, Matt Stewart brings much-needed experience and athleticism to Cleveland. Not the most physical player, Stewart is able to cover receivers due to his quickness. Ike Reese and Chris Draft will fight for his old spot in Atlanta.
Knight to Chiefs - Though not particularly quick, Sammy Knight is a veteran with a nose for the ball and a propensity for creating turnovers -- something that Kansas City desperately needs in its secondary. Knight's arrival forces Greg Wesley and and Jerome Woods to battle for the other starting safety job, and Knight's job in Miami was quickly filled by Tebucky Jones.
Sharper to Vikings - Unable to reach a deal with the Packers on a renegotiated contract, Darren Sharper was quickly snapped up by NFC North rival Minnesota. A Pro Bowler who has seen his game tail off as injuries have started to mount, Sharper can be a big-time player, and he'll get that chance in a new-look Vikings secondary. Green Bay, already thin in the secondary, still needs to find an able replacement.
Jones to Dolphins - Having followed Sammy Knight in New Orleans, Tebucky Jones shouldn't be too fazed by following Knight in Miami. For his part, Jones has been largely invisisble since leaving New England as a free agent, so he'll need to resurrect his game if he's going to make any kind of impact. The Saints had signed ex-Buc Dwight Smith to pave the way for Jones' dismissal.
CROWD NOISE
"I like the position we're in right now, sitting at 10. I like the people who could be available for us. I can name 15 guys who can help us right now." - Lions president and GM Matt Millen
"My wife Pat said when I decided to do this: 'You're gonna ruin your good name.' I told her yesterday, 'Hey, we're already halfway there.' " - Redskins coach Joe Gibbs
"If you make decisions based on 40 times, you're going to miss out on a lot of good players." - Cardinals GM Rod Graves
"What Griese did was in my opinion startling." - Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden liked what he saw from his quarterback last year.