Scout.com: Draft Preview: Dalton's Bennett: "Leading up to the 2008 NFL Draft, GAVSV.com will take a quick look at former Georgia high school stars as they prepare for one of the biggest days of their football lives.
Name: Cole Bennett
Position: Tight end
High school: Dalton
College: Auburn
Measurements: 6-foot-4 1/2, 251 pounds
Scout.com draft ranking: 18th-best TE, one star"
Locker room interview during 2007 season:
Click below to get real-time updates
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Pat Sims (DT), 2008 Draft
Mock Draft: Round 2 | Bleacher Report: "42. Denver Broncos – Pat Sims – DT - Auburn
Judging by their interest in signing Rogers and Robertson this spring, the Broncos are looking to upgrade at DT. While Pat Sims didn’t play for the Browns, the Broncos brass should be impressed with his hard-nosed interior play at Auburn.42. Denver Broncos – Pat Sims – DT - Auburn
Judging by their interest in signing Rogers and Robertson this spring, the Broncos are looking to upgrade at DT. While Pat Sims didn’t play for the Browns, the Broncos brass should be impressed with his hard-nosed interior play at Auburn."
Pat Sims vs UF's Deshaun Wynn
Judging by their interest in signing Rogers and Robertson this spring, the Broncos are looking to upgrade at DT. While Pat Sims didn’t play for the Browns, the Broncos brass should be impressed with his hard-nosed interior play at Auburn.42. Denver Broncos – Pat Sims – DT - Auburn
Judging by their interest in signing Rogers and Robertson this spring, the Broncos are looking to upgrade at DT. While Pat Sims didn’t play for the Browns, the Broncos brass should be impressed with his hard-nosed interior play at Auburn."
Pat Sims vs UF's Deshaun Wynn
Friday, March 28, 2008
Carl Stewart (FB), 2008 Draft
Archives: Story: "The 42nd annual Unsung Hero banquet, which is hosted by the Chilton Auburn Club, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on April 29 at the Alabama Power Conference Center.
Auburn running backs coach Eddie Gran will speak about this year's Unsung Hero, Carl Stewart of Alcoa, Tenn.The 42nd annual Unsung Hero banquet, which is hosted by the Chilton Auburn Club, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on April 29 at the Alabama Power Conference Center.
Auburn running backs coach Eddie Gran will speak about this year's Unsung Hero, Carl Stewart of Alcoa, Tenn."
Auburn running backs coach Eddie Gran will speak about this year's Unsung Hero, Carl Stewart of Alcoa, Tenn.The 42nd annual Unsung Hero banquet, which is hosted by the Chilton Auburn Club, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on April 29 at the Alabama Power Conference Center.
Auburn running backs coach Eddie Gran will speak about this year's Unsung Hero, Carl Stewart of Alcoa, Tenn."
Chris Gray, Seattle
2006: Started 15 of 15 games played at right guard. Inactive (thigh) in the finale at Tampa Bay (12/31) snapping club record of 121 straight regular-season starts. Returned to start both playoff games.
Pro: Entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft choice (132nd overall) of the Miami Dolphins in 1993. Played in 42 games with 23 starts for Miami from 1993-96. Spent one season with the Chicago Bears (1997), before joining the Seahawks in 1998. Moved to right guard in 2001 from center where he had started 34 games from 1998-00. Streak of 121 consecutive regular-season games at either guard or center (1999-2006) for the Seahawks is a club record. 1993: Saw action in five games as a rookie. Was inactive for 10 games and did not play in another. 1994: Played in all 16 games and both playoff contests. Started two games. Made first NFL start versus L.A. Raiders (10/16). 1995: Started the first 10 games before suffering a season-ending left ankle injury versus New England (11/12). Placed on injured reserve (11/15). Underwent surgery to repair ligament damage (11/17). 1996: Returned from ankle injury and started the first 11 games. Suffered a broken ankle at Houston (11/17) and missed the remainder of the season. 1997: Played in eight games with two starts for the Chicago Bears after signing as a free agent (9/10). 1998: Signed as a free agent with the Seahawks April 15, 1998. Started the final eight games of the season replacing an injured Kevin Glover (back) at center. Inactive versus Oakland (11/1) with a concussion. Helped pave the way for a 105-yard rushing day for Ricky Watters in his first start versus Kansas City (11/8). Part of an offensive line that was instrumental in Watters setting a career-high with 178 yards versus Indianapolis (12/20). Served as the deep snapper for field goals and extra points all season. 1999: Started 10 games at center and played in all 16. Handled snapping duties for field goals and PATs. Took over starting job at center for the remainder of the season for an injured Glover (blood clot) at Green Bay (11/1). Part of an offensive line that helped Watters rush for a 125 yards at Green Bay on Monday night football (11/1). Helped Watters rush for a season-high 133 yards versus Cincinnati (11/7). 2000: Started 16 games for the first time in his career. Entered the season as the starting center for the first time with the Seahawks. Helped Watters average 4.5 yards per carry and Alexander average 4.9 (second among rookies in 2000). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in back-to-back games at Atlanta (12/3) and at Denver (12/10) - the first time that has been accomplished by the Seahawks in 324 games. 2001: Started all 16 games for the second consecutive season. Started every game at right guard and became part of a solid front line that helped Alexander rush for 1,318 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. Part of starting unit versus Oakland (11/11) that helped Alexander to the fourth-best rushing game in NFL history (266 yards) and helped set a franchise record with 319 rushing yards as a team. 2002: Only one of two Seattle offensive lineman to start all 16 games (Robbie Tobeck). Started first four games at right guard before starting the final 12 games at left guard for injured Steve Hutchinson (leg). Helped solidify an offensive line that helped Alexander set a franchise record with 18 total touchdowns and 16 rushing scores. Provided solid protection for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck’s four 300-yard plus passing games over the final six games of the season. Made the switch to left guard in the third quarter versus Minnesota (9/29), a game in which the line didn’t allow a sack, the first game since 11/18/01 at Buffalo. 2003: Started all 16 games at right guard assisting Alexander in establishing a career high with 1,435 rushing yards. Seattle’s 125.6 rushing average per game was the most since 1995 (136.1). Offense ranked sixth in the NFL (10th rushing, 7th passing). Helped Hasselbeck set franchise record and rank fourth in the NFL in passing yards (3,841). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack versus Detroit (11/16), just the second time since 11/18/01 at Buffalo. 2004: Started all 16 games at right guard and helped Alexander to the Seahawks’ single-season rushing record with 1,696 yards. Part of an offensive line that allowed just 34 sacks, tied for the second-lowest total since 1988. Helped Alexander rank first in the NFC in yards, yards per carry (4.8), non-kicker scoring (120), rushing touchdowns (16), and total touchdowns (20). 2005: Started all 16 games. Has started 106 consecutive games for the Seahawks eclipsing Cortez Kennedy’s club record of 100. Part of an offensive line that allowed just 27 sacks, tied for fifth fewest in the NFL. Part of a line that helped set a franchise record with 320 yards rushing versus Houston (10/16) and two 100-yard rushers in the same game for just the third time in team history. Helped pave the way for Alexander to gain club-record 1,880 yards rushing and set NFL record with 28 total touchowns. Started all three postseason games
Pro: Entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft choice (132nd overall) of the Miami Dolphins in 1993. Played in 42 games with 23 starts for Miami from 1993-96. Spent one season with the Chicago Bears (1997), before joining the Seahawks in 1998. Moved to right guard in 2001 from center where he had started 34 games from 1998-00. Streak of 121 consecutive regular-season games at either guard or center (1999-2006) for the Seahawks is a club record. 1993: Saw action in five games as a rookie. Was inactive for 10 games and did not play in another. 1994: Played in all 16 games and both playoff contests. Started two games. Made first NFL start versus L.A. Raiders (10/16). 1995: Started the first 10 games before suffering a season-ending left ankle injury versus New England (11/12). Placed on injured reserve (11/15). Underwent surgery to repair ligament damage (11/17). 1996: Returned from ankle injury and started the first 11 games. Suffered a broken ankle at Houston (11/17) and missed the remainder of the season. 1997: Played in eight games with two starts for the Chicago Bears after signing as a free agent (9/10). 1998: Signed as a free agent with the Seahawks April 15, 1998. Started the final eight games of the season replacing an injured Kevin Glover (back) at center. Inactive versus Oakland (11/1) with a concussion. Helped pave the way for a 105-yard rushing day for Ricky Watters in his first start versus Kansas City (11/8). Part of an offensive line that was instrumental in Watters setting a career-high with 178 yards versus Indianapolis (12/20). Served as the deep snapper for field goals and extra points all season. 1999: Started 10 games at center and played in all 16. Handled snapping duties for field goals and PATs. Took over starting job at center for the remainder of the season for an injured Glover (blood clot) at Green Bay (11/1). Part of an offensive line that helped Watters rush for a 125 yards at Green Bay on Monday night football (11/1). Helped Watters rush for a season-high 133 yards versus Cincinnati (11/7). 2000: Started 16 games for the first time in his career. Entered the season as the starting center for the first time with the Seahawks. Helped Watters average 4.5 yards per carry and Alexander average 4.9 (second among rookies in 2000). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in back-to-back games at Atlanta (12/3) and at Denver (12/10) - the first time that has been accomplished by the Seahawks in 324 games. 2001: Started all 16 games for the second consecutive season. Started every game at right guard and became part of a solid front line that helped Alexander rush for 1,318 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. Part of starting unit versus Oakland (11/11) that helped Alexander to the fourth-best rushing game in NFL history (266 yards) and helped set a franchise record with 319 rushing yards as a team. 2002: Only one of two Seattle offensive lineman to start all 16 games (Robbie Tobeck). Started first four games at right guard before starting the final 12 games at left guard for injured Steve Hutchinson (leg). Helped solidify an offensive line that helped Alexander set a franchise record with 18 total touchdowns and 16 rushing scores. Provided solid protection for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck’s four 300-yard plus passing games over the final six games of the season. Made the switch to left guard in the third quarter versus Minnesota (9/29), a game in which the line didn’t allow a sack, the first game since 11/18/01 at Buffalo. 2003: Started all 16 games at right guard assisting Alexander in establishing a career high with 1,435 rushing yards. Seattle’s 125.6 rushing average per game was the most since 1995 (136.1). Offense ranked sixth in the NFL (10th rushing, 7th passing). Helped Hasselbeck set franchise record and rank fourth in the NFL in passing yards (3,841). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack versus Detroit (11/16), just the second time since 11/18/01 at Buffalo. 2004: Started all 16 games at right guard and helped Alexander to the Seahawks’ single-season rushing record with 1,696 yards. Part of an offensive line that allowed just 34 sacks, tied for the second-lowest total since 1988. Helped Alexander rank first in the NFC in yards, yards per carry (4.8), non-kicker scoring (120), rushing touchdowns (16), and total touchdowns (20). 2005: Started all 16 games. Has started 106 consecutive games for the Seahawks eclipsing Cortez Kennedy’s club record of 100. Part of an offensive line that allowed just 27 sacks, tied for fifth fewest in the NFL. Part of a line that helped set a franchise record with 320 yards rushing versus Houston (10/16) and two 100-yard rushers in the same game for just the third time in team history. Helped pave the way for Alexander to gain club-record 1,880 yards rushing and set NFL record with 28 total touchowns. Started all three postseason games
Cooper Wallace (TE) San Francisco
Cooper Wallace - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Cooper Wallace (born April 26, 1982 in Nashville, Tennessee) is an American football tight end who is a practice squad player for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Auburn"
Chris Gray, Seattle
Tulsa World: NFL Notebook: Broncos<GE2> receiver<GE2> says<GE2> he's<GE2> grown<GE2> up: "Titans lineman retires: Benji Olson decided to leave college a year early in 1998 because the offensive lineman wasn't sure how long his back would hold up in the NFL.
He announced his retirement Thursday having lasted 10 years with only three interior linemen playing more games than Olson in that stretch.
Not bad for a guy hoping to last maybe five seasons.
'Honestly, I was just shooting to make the team when I got here. I was just happy these guys took a chance on me, a guy who recently had back surgery,' Olson said at a news conference.
Only Casey Wiegmann, Alan Faneca and Chris Gray played more games between 1998 and 2007 than Olson on the inside of the offensive line.
Olson started 140 of the 152 games he played, not including nine playoff games. Nobody has started more games with Tennessee since 1999 than Olson."
He announced his retirement Thursday having lasted 10 years with only three interior linemen playing more games than Olson in that stretch.
Not bad for a guy hoping to last maybe five seasons.
'Honestly, I was just shooting to make the team when I got here. I was just happy these guys took a chance on me, a guy who recently had back surgery,' Olson said at a news conference.
Only Casey Wiegmann, Alan Faneca and Chris Gray played more games between 1998 and 2007 than Olson on the inside of the offensive line.
Olson started 140 of the 152 games he played, not including nine playoff games. Nobody has started more games with Tennessee since 1999 than Olson."
Jay Ratliff, Dallas
Jay Ratliff - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Jeremiah 'Jay' Ratliff (born August 29, 1981 in St Petersburg,Florida) is an American football nose tackle in the NFL. He played college football at Auburn before being selected as the 10th pick in the seventh round (224th overall pick) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He made his first NFL start on October 9, 2005.[1] Ratliff became the starting nose tackle in 2007 and signed a $20.5 million 5 year contract extension on December 14, 2007 to stay with the Cowboys through the 2012-2013 season.[2]"
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Reggie Torbor (LB), Miami
2008 NFL Free Agent Signings List: "MIAMI DOLPHINS-Signed S Keith Davis, DB Nathan Jones, QB Josh McCown, TE Sean Ryan, G Justin Smiley, DT Randy Starks, WRs Tab Perry and Ernest Wilford; K Dave Rayner; and LBs Charlie Anderson and Reggie Torbor."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Quentin Groves, Pat Sims, Patrick Lee, Jonathan Wilhite
RealGM Football: Wiretap Archives: 2008 Mock Draft, Version 5.0: "20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
The word that always comes up when scouts talk about Kelly is “smooth”. He’s the best big-play threat of the taller wideouts and knows how to create space for himself. The caveat is that “smooth” can quickly morph into “soft”, and Jon Gruden reacts to “soft” the way Billy Packer does when Duke doesn’t get a call. Many believe they prefer Desean Jackson with this pick, but I would also not rule out Kentwan Balmer or Pat Sims."
Mock Draft (Rounds 1-3)
41. Buffalo Bills: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (2nd)
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn (2nd)
62. New England Patriots: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn (2nd)
89. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn (3rd)
The word that always comes up when scouts talk about Kelly is “smooth”. He’s the best big-play threat of the taller wideouts and knows how to create space for himself. The caveat is that “smooth” can quickly morph into “soft”, and Jon Gruden reacts to “soft” the way Billy Packer does when Duke doesn’t get a call. Many believe they prefer Desean Jackson with this pick, but I would also not rule out Kentwan Balmer or Pat Sims."
Mock Draft (Rounds 1-3)
41. Buffalo Bills: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (2nd)
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn (2nd)
62. New England Patriots: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn (2nd)
89. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn (3rd)
Quentin Groves, Pat Sims, Patrick Lee, Jonathan Wilhite
RealGM Football: Wiretap Archives: 2008 Mock Draft, Version 5.0: "20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
The word that always comes up when scouts talk about Kelly is “smooth”. He’s the best big-play threat of the taller wideouts and knows how to create space for himself. The caveat is that “smooth” can quickly morph into “soft”, and Jon Gruden reacts to “soft” the way Billy Packer does when Duke doesn’t get a call. Many believe they prefer Desean Jackson with this pick, but I would also not rule out Kentwan Balmer or Pat Sims."
Mock Draft (Rounds 1-3)
41. Buffalo Bills: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (2nd)
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn (2nd)
62. New England Patriots: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn (2nd)
89. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn (3rd)
The word that always comes up when scouts talk about Kelly is “smooth”. He’s the best big-play threat of the taller wideouts and knows how to create space for himself. The caveat is that “smooth” can quickly morph into “soft”, and Jon Gruden reacts to “soft” the way Billy Packer does when Duke doesn’t get a call. Many believe they prefer Desean Jackson with this pick, but I would also not rule out Kentwan Balmer or Pat Sims."
Mock Draft (Rounds 1-3)
41. Buffalo Bills: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn (2nd)
46. Cincinnati Bengals: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn (2nd)
62. New England Patriots: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn (2nd)
89. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn (3rd)
Cadillac Williams (RB), Tampa Bay
NFC South: Ranking the Running Game Part 9 Bleacher Report: "Cadillac Williams has been the main guy carrying the load for the Bucs’ but he has dealt with several injuries.Cadillac Williams has been the main guy carrying the load for the Bucs’ but he has dealt with several injuries."
Anthony Mix (WR), Washington
Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com: "Redskins executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato singled out WR Anthony Mix for praise while discussing the team's receiving corps.
'I like him,' Cerrato said. 'We're going to give him a chance to show us what he can do.' Mix was a college teammate of QB Jason Campbell, and the team wants to learn more about his skills to see if he can fill their need for a big wide receiver. Mar. 26 - 8:57 am et
Source: Washington PostRedskins executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato singled out WR Anthony Mix for praise while discussing the team's receiving corps.
'I like him,' Cerrato said. 'We're going to give him a chance to show us what he can do.' Mix was a college teammate of QB Jason Campbell, and the team wants to learn more about his skills to see if he can fill their need for a big wide receiver. Mar. 26 - 8:57 am et
Source: Washington Post"
'I like him,' Cerrato said. 'We're going to give him a chance to show us what he can do.' Mix was a college teammate of QB Jason Campbell, and the team wants to learn more about his skills to see if he can fill their need for a big wide receiver. Mar. 26 - 8:57 am et
Source: Washington PostRedskins executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato singled out WR Anthony Mix for praise while discussing the team's receiving corps.
'I like him,' Cerrato said. 'We're going to give him a chance to show us what he can do.' Mix was a college teammate of QB Jason Campbell, and the team wants to learn more about his skills to see if he can fill their need for a big wide receiver. Mar. 26 - 8:57 am et
Source: Washington Post"
Brandon Jacobs (RB), Giants
Ranking the Running Backs, Part One: New York Giants Bleacher Report: "The question before the 2007 season was: Could new starter Brandon Jacobs replace the Tiki Barber Legend? After watching the Giants running game during this past season, the answer is an emphatic yes!
Brandon Jacobs is 25 years old, and an absolute nightmare to have to match up with in the hole for anyone. Barring injury, he will be a factor in the Giants running game for quite some time. The question before the 2007 season was: Could new starter Brandon Jacobs replace the Tiki Barber Legend? After watching the Giants running game during this past season, the answer is an emphatic yes!
Brandon Jacobs is 25 years old, and an absolute nightmare to have to match up with in the hole for anyone. Barring injury, he will be a factor in the Giants running game for quite some time."
Brandon Jacobs is 25 years old, and an absolute nightmare to have to match up with in the hole for anyone. Barring injury, he will be a factor in the Giants running game for quite some time. The question before the 2007 season was: Could new starter Brandon Jacobs replace the Tiki Barber Legend? After watching the Giants running game during this past season, the answer is an emphatic yes!
Brandon Jacobs is 25 years old, and an absolute nightmare to have to match up with in the hole for anyone. Barring injury, he will be a factor in the Giants running game for quite some time."
T. J. Jackson (DT) - Chiefs in '07
T. J. Jackson (defensive tackle) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Tommy 'T.J.' Jackson (born December 12, 1983 in Opelika, Alabama) is a National Football League defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. Jackson played collegiately with Auburn, before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. In week 7 of his rookie season, Jackson was activated as starting noseguard to replace veteran Pro Bowler Rod Coleman, who is out with a toe injury. In only his second start, Jackson got his first sack in the NFL against the Cleveland Browns. Jackson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2007 NFL season.
Retrieved from 'http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._Jackson_%28defensive_tackle%29'"
Retrieved from 'http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._Jackson_%28defensive_tackle%29'"
Pat Lee (CB), Patriots Draft Prospect
NFL Draft: Survey Says... Bleacher Report: "There are also some great options for corner help that could be available in the second round, and for both of our third round picks, including Patrick LeeThere are also some great options for corner help that could be available in the second round, and for both of our third round picks, including Patrick Lee"
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Jay Ratliff (NT), Dallas
You can bet Dallas Cowboys will miss Keith Davis Dallas Cowboys News Sports News Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas: "Q: Can you tell me why the Cowboy's coaching staff thinks Jay Ratliff is more effective at nose guard than he would be at defensive end?
John T. Gold, Salt Lake City
TAYLOR: That's a good question. The answer is that they might eventually move him to end once Marcus Spears leaves. For now, though, his value to the Cowboys is as a nose tackle because he's quicker than most centers and he plays with good technique. He's a high energy player and he has a knack for making plays. Dallas just wants him on the field."
John T. Gold, Salt Lake City
TAYLOR: That's a good question. The answer is that they might eventually move him to end once Marcus Spears leaves. For now, though, his value to the Cowboys is as a nose tackle because he's quicker than most centers and he plays with good technique. He's a high energy player and he has a knack for making plays. Dallas just wants him on the field."
John Vaughn (K)
ArenaFan Online : AFL ArenaFan Originals: "Kicker John Vaughn wasn’t perfect, but he did convert five out of six PATs and hit a 23-yard FG on the game’s opening drive."
Takeo Spikes (LB)
Valdosta Daily Times - Spikes speaking at Valdosta banquet Monday night: "Spikes played for current Valdosta head coach Rick Tomberlin at Washington County High from 1992-94. He was an All-State linebacker for the Golden Hawks, and also was a star tight end. That season, he led Washington County to the Class AA state championship, the school’s first ever. He was a Parade and USA Today All-American, and the state’s Player of the Year.
Last year, Georgia Football magazine voted Spikes the state’s fourth-best high school football player since 1980, ahead of names like Hines Ward, Charles Grant and Charlie Ward.
Spikes moved on to Auburn, where he led the Tigers to the SEC championship game. In 1997, he was one of the nation’s leading tacklers, with 136 stops. He was a Sporting News first-team All-American, and a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
Spikes was then drafted with the 13th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998. He played five seasons with the Bengals, and four more with the Buffalo Bills. Last year, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound linebacker joined the Eagles as a free agent.
Spikes’ best years in the NFL came in 2003 and 2004 with the Bills. Both years, he made the Pro Bowl, and was chosen All-Pro.
The past three years, the veteran linebacker has battled injuries. He tore his right Achilles tendon in the third week of the 2005 season, and missed the rest of the year. Last year, he tore his rotator cuff in week 14, cutting short what had been a solid season.
Spikes is currently a free agent"
Last year, Georgia Football magazine voted Spikes the state’s fourth-best high school football player since 1980, ahead of names like Hines Ward, Charles Grant and Charlie Ward.
Spikes moved on to Auburn, where he led the Tigers to the SEC championship game. In 1997, he was one of the nation’s leading tacklers, with 136 stops. He was a Sporting News first-team All-American, and a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
Spikes was then drafted with the 13th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998. He played five seasons with the Bengals, and four more with the Buffalo Bills. Last year, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound linebacker joined the Eagles as a free agent.
Spikes’ best years in the NFL came in 2003 and 2004 with the Bills. Both years, he made the Pro Bowl, and was chosen All-Pro.
The past three years, the veteran linebacker has battled injuries. He tore his right Achilles tendon in the third week of the 2005 season, and missed the rest of the year. Last year, he tore his rotator cuff in week 14, cutting short what had been a solid season.
Spikes is currently a free agent"
Monday, March 24, 2008
Rod Hood (CB)
TurnerLoose: "Auburn fans like to talk a lot about 'Auburn men and women' and the good that embodies. Let me tell you, they have a poster child in former defensive back Rod Hood. Every time I speak with Hood, I come away impressed. He's a quiet, well-spoken young man who is sincere in trying to give back to the community. He spoke on Thursday night to the Columbus-Phenix City Auburn Club. In the above photo, taken by Tim Vizer/Belleville News-Democrat, Hood returns an interception for a touchdown. He had a great year with 57 tackles, 21 deflections and five picks -- two for touchdowns.
Hood answered five questions for me and you can read about that in Friday's Ledger-Enquirer here.
Hood talked about using football as a platform and he's definitely got plenty to talk about. Hood was 5-foot-3 as a high school sophomore, but -- at his brother's advice -- started drinking close to a gallon of milk every day and grew seven inches before his junior year of high school. He talked about his perseverance through tough injuries his junior (shoulder) and senior year (ankle). Hood told the group that he again drank plenty of milk to heal a broken growth plate in his shoulder, and then to help a broken ankle. He amazed doctors with his recovery from both, which he credited to milk and his faith in God.
He will hold his fourth annunal Rod Hood Football Camp this June, although he doesn't have firm dates. He always brings in some of the top NFL players to help out, players he met during his playing days at Auburn and in the NFL at Philadelphia and now Arizona. He also is always on hand to help out RBs coach Eddie Gran with the Sydney Gran Foundation. (More on that later in the weekend!)
This is definitely one player that Auburn can be proud to lay claim to."
Hood answered five questions for me and you can read about that in Friday's Ledger-Enquirer here.
Hood talked about using football as a platform and he's definitely got plenty to talk about. Hood was 5-foot-3 as a high school sophomore, but -- at his brother's advice -- started drinking close to a gallon of milk every day and grew seven inches before his junior year of high school. He talked about his perseverance through tough injuries his junior (shoulder) and senior year (ankle). Hood told the group that he again drank plenty of milk to heal a broken growth plate in his shoulder, and then to help a broken ankle. He amazed doctors with his recovery from both, which he credited to milk and his faith in God.
He will hold his fourth annunal Rod Hood Football Camp this June, although he doesn't have firm dates. He always brings in some of the top NFL players to help out, players he met during his playing days at Auburn and in the NFL at Philadelphia and now Arizona. He also is always on hand to help out RBs coach Eddie Gran with the Sydney Gran Foundation. (More on that later in the weekend!)
This is definitely one player that Auburn can be proud to lay claim to."
Ben Obomanu & Courtney Taylor
Scout.com: Seahawks Thinking Differently at Receiver: "Yes, they have Bobby Engram, a 13-year vet who had a career year last season. And they have Nate Burleson, who emerged as a big-play threat last year. But Branch is likely out for at least the first eight games with a knee injury, and Hackett now has Carolina on his mind.
Which means the Seahawks are going to rely on the emergence of one or two of four players: Logan Payne, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor or Jordan Kent.
The coaching staff loves Taylor, a second-year player from Auburn who has good size, speed and"
Which means the Seahawks are going to rely on the emergence of one or two of four players: Logan Payne, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor or Jordan Kent.
The coaching staff loves Taylor, a second-year player from Auburn who has good size, speed and"
Marcus Mcneill (OG)
Scout.com: More Chargers Undergo Surgery: "McNeill, a Pro Bowl participant in each of his two NFL seasons, had a similar operation done on his shoulder.
Hardwick will be out four to six months but expects to be ready for the season opener"
Hardwick will be out four to six months but expects to be ready for the season opener"
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Quentin Groves (DE/OLB), Pat Sims (DT), Carl Stewart (FB)
Cat Scratch Reader: Panther Pro Day Update: "Auburn (March 10)
Thirty NFL teams were on hand, including Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, to see 11 players work out indoors on Field Turf...
DE/OLB Quentin Groves (6-3, 249): Weighed in 10 pounds less than he did last month at the combine, and he had a 35-inch vertical jump -- 5½-inches better than he did at the combine. Ran position drills and kept his other numbers from the combine.
DL Pat Sims (6-2 1/8, 310): Had a 30½-inch vertical jump, 7-foot, 11-inch long jump, 4.80 short shuttle, 7.71 cone drill, ran position drills and kept other numbers from the combine.
RB Carl Stewart (6-1 1/8, 231): Ran the 40 in 4.75 and 4.75, had a 39½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 1-inch long jump, 4.47 short shuttle, 7.46 cone drill, and ran position drills and kept his combine numbers for everything else. Both Sims and Stewart are possible targets for the Panthers. Groves seems more like a 3-4 LB than a 4-3 DE."
Thirty NFL teams were on hand, including Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, to see 11 players work out indoors on Field Turf...
DE/OLB Quentin Groves (6-3, 249): Weighed in 10 pounds less than he did last month at the combine, and he had a 35-inch vertical jump -- 5½-inches better than he did at the combine. Ran position drills and kept his other numbers from the combine.
DL Pat Sims (6-2 1/8, 310): Had a 30½-inch vertical jump, 7-foot, 11-inch long jump, 4.80 short shuttle, 7.71 cone drill, ran position drills and kept other numbers from the combine.
RB Carl Stewart (6-1 1/8, 231): Ran the 40 in 4.75 and 4.75, had a 39½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 1-inch long jump, 4.47 short shuttle, 7.46 cone drill, and ran position drills and kept his combine numbers for everything else. Both Sims and Stewart are possible targets for the Panthers. Groves seems more like a 3-4 LB than a 4-3 DE."
Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown
NFL Draft: History Shows Which Colleges Produce the Most First-Round Talent Bleacher Report: "It's difficult to get a read on Auburn's players......both are looking iffy right now, even though their each a starting RB on their respective teams."
Quentin Groves (Draft)
Turf Show Times :: TST mock draft - round two wrap up: "Auburn OLB/DE Quentin Groves got a few mentions for a second round pick. Groves might in fact fill an immediate need with the Rams, becoming an outstanding hybrid OLB/DE in a 3-4 scheme. If the Rams don't draft Vernon Gholston in the first round, Groves would be more than an adequate consolation prize. Oh, and check out who he get compared to in his profile at NFL.com: DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman. That's kind of a big deal."
Ben Obomanu & Courtney Taylor
Hawks' Hackett heads to Carolina: "The young receivers. This is the collective tag the coaches have started using to describe Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne and Jordan Kent.
The handwringing that began when it became apparent that the Seahawks were not going to overpay Hackett and likely see him depart in free agency centered primarily on the team losing a big target.
The athletic, but raw, Kent (6 feet 4) is taller than Hackett, (6-2, 208 pounds), while Payne (6-2, 205), Taylor (6-1, 205) and Obomanu (6-foot, 206) are roughly the same size.
None has Hackett's experience, since Obomanu was a seventh-round draft choice in 2006 and Taylor and Kent were sixth-round picks last year -- when Payne made the practice squad as a rookie free agent.
Hackett also was an unknown entity when the Seahawks drafted him in the fifth round in 2004."
The handwringing that began when it became apparent that the Seahawks were not going to overpay Hackett and likely see him depart in free agency centered primarily on the team losing a big target.
The athletic, but raw, Kent (6 feet 4) is taller than Hackett, (6-2, 208 pounds), while Payne (6-2, 205), Taylor (6-1, 205) and Obomanu (6-foot, 206) are roughly the same size.
None has Hackett's experience, since Obomanu was a seventh-round draft choice in 2006 and Taylor and Kent were sixth-round picks last year -- when Payne made the practice squad as a rookie free agent.
Hackett also was an unknown entity when the Seahawks drafted him in the fifth round in 2004."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
