Marquies Gunn, Carl Stewart: Cut by Tampa Bay

HeraldTribune.com - Breaking news - Sports - - HeraldTribune.com: "TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut seven players, including former Riverview High and University of South Florida wide receiver Amarri Jackson.
The team also released DE/LB Patrick Chukwurah, DE Marquies Gunn, TE Keith Heinrich, LB Leon Joe, WR Charlie Spiller and FB Carl Stewart.
The Buccaneers also signed DT Dre Moore. Terms were not disclosed.
Moore was selected in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. The defensive tackle collected 10.5 career sacks and was named first-team All-ACC as a senior at Maryland."

Jason Campbell: Minicamp notest

ESPN - With Zorn on board, Campbell has chance to excel - NFL: "The good news is that Campbell bought into Zorn's offense quickly. His development had been stunted by playing in several different systems, but he had his greatest success in college playing in something similar to what Zorn has implemented. Zorn has asked Campbell to bend his legs more and be more athletic in the pocket. Cerrato said Tuesday that Campbell learned the importance of dumping the ball off while watching Todd Collins during the playoff run."

Willie Anderson, Heath Evans, Shaun Alexander: Giving back through summer youth camps

Taste of NFL heads to Mobile- al.com: "Former Auburn University standouts Willie Anderson and Heath Evans and former University of Alabama star Shaun Alexander will conduct camps for area youth during that time."

Quentin Groves: Making good first impression to teammates

Scout.com: Pashos Has a New Neighbor on Jaguars Line: "While Pashos is confident that the line will remain a steady force for the Jaguars, he also likes what he's seeing on the defensive side of the ball. The club used its first two picks in last spring's college draft to grab defensive ends Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves.

Pashos says the duo made a nice impression in the team's organized team activities this spring.

'From what I have seen, both our top two guys, (Derrick) Harvey and (Quentin) Groves, have tremendous talent,' Pashos"

Carnell Williams: Working very hard on rehab & return

Scout.com: Williams’ status for Orlando still murky: "Nearly nine months removed from injuring the patellar tendon in his right knee, Williams ran on his own during the Buccaneers’ second day of mandatory mini-camp at Raymond James Stadium.
Williams is now running full sprints and even full speed on the stairs that cut through the lower seating bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Bucs head coach Jon Gruden called Williams’ recovery so far “amazing” and compared his current workout routine to that of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa.
“He’s putting himself through an unbelievable workout routine and I’ve never seen anything like it,” Gruden said. “This is very important to him.”
Williams has contended all offseason that he would be ready to play in the regular season. But the next hurdle ahead is training camp. When camp starts at Walt Disney World in July, Williams will be 10 months out from an injury that some doctors considered career threatening.
There is reason for optimism. But Williams’ presence at mini-camp — while he is running, he is not participating in drills with the team — doesn’t mean he’ll be ready to don pads and a helmet in July, Gruden said.
'He's ready to go now if you ask him,” Gruden said. “He's really putting some good tape together in individual workouts. He's not allowed to be a part of the team activity at this point, but the explosive movement appears to be coming back, the change of direction, the confidence and the stamina. All those things, day after day after day, that a running back has to do are coming to him. That's"

Patrick Lee: Play was up & down in OTAs

Scout.com: Competition reigns in secondary: "With most key roles on the team settled, look for the cornerbacks to take center stage throughout camp. The recent Organized Team Activities practices provided a snapshot of what lies ahead. Williams’ confidence is soaring, but much like last season, the competition should turn into day-to-day war.
Out is free agency causality Frank Walker and in is second-round pick Pat Lee. Will Blackmon remained sidelined with a foot injury during the voluntary workouts. Harris and Woodson also sat out at times, which gave Lee, Williams and Bush increased reps. Williams"

Stanley McClover: Cuts hair. Getting down to business w/Panthers

The Herald - Life. Captured Every Day. - Serving York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties.: "The Carolina Panthers defensive end began his offseason training by cutting off about a foot of his well-known dreadlocks before the beginning of the team's organized workouts. What was once a flowing mane now fits snugly inside his helmet, about a half-inch left from what once had fans calling him 'The Predator.'
'Since high school, I've been growing it,' McClover said Tuesday, running his hands over what used to be. 'But it's time to step up and be a man now. I'm ready to step up into this man role. Everybody in this organization knew how much my hair meant to me, and just making a big step like that, ... I mean to anybody else it's just your average haircut. But I've been having that hair since I've been in high school. It's something that really touched me and really took a lot out of me to do it.
'But I had to do it to make the statement of what I have to do this year.'
A year ago, McClover and his hair and his noise were the highlights of training camp."

Kevin Hobbs: Turning heads at Seahawks minicamp

Hobbs, Wrotto get chance to show Hawks what they can do: "KIRKLAND -- A year ago, Kevin Hobbs was an afterthought. Just another cornerback who had been re-signed to pad out the Seahawks' 80-man roster.
The only thought attached to guard Mansfield Wrotto, meanwhile, was: Why did the Seahawks draft this guy?
But as the Seahawks' final minicamp moves into its final two practices Wednesday and Thursday, Hobbs and Wrotto are the most improved players in their respective units and showing that they are capable of contributing this season.
Like the play Hobbs made Tuesday, when he was beaten on a route by wide receiver Jordan Kent, only to recover and tip the pass incomplete."

Courtney Taylor: Potential heir to Bobby Engram

RotoTimes.com - Courtney Taylor - Taylor creating a buzz: "Taylor creating a buzz
The coaching staff in Seattle is genuinely enthused about wide receiver Courtney Taylor, who they feel has the potential to be Bobby Engram’s heir apparent, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Taylor and fellow receiver Jordan Kent are settling in at flanker and split end, respectively. Taylor, who is 6’1” and 205 pounds, has the most upside due to his athletic ability and precise route running skills. Kent, who has blazing speed, is more of a raw product in need of refinement, especially as it pertains to his routes. Taylor is creating a buzz in Seattle, and dynasty league managers should definitely be taking note of his development."

King Dunlap: AU practices were NFL-style

Dunlap puts past behind him (phillyBurbs.com) | Philadelphia Eagles: "“I feel like I've picked things up pretty well during all the camps,” Dunlap said. “I'm just trying to keep learning and getting better every day.
“A lot of what we do here isn't really new to me, it's just a matter of refining what we did in college. Coach (Juan) Castillo does a lot of the same things we did.”"

Pat Sims: Vegas betting on his success

Cincinnati Bengals Draft Report: "I’m going to admit that I am one who is going to fall for the dreaded “upside” word with third round defensive tackle Pat Sims. However, I watch a ton of college football and tend to lean more on what I see on the field rather than what shows up in workouts and Sims was a force in the middle last season for Auburn. He should become part of the rotation right away especially because of his pass rushing skills from the tackle position. On this Bengals defensive line which was pushed around easily last season I expect Sims to steadily get increased playing time and make this unit better."

Quentin Groves: Look very similar in practice

Jaguars Journal | MVN - Most Valuable Network » Blog Archive » Jaguars 2008 mini camp report: 6/6 AM practice session: "Before I get to any drills, a couple of first impressions.
When you see Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey on the field together, it is difficult to see much of a difference between the two. Physically, they are quite similar on the field. Both are exceptionally quick, but beyond that, it is practically impossible in a practice like this to make any further assessments."

Jason Campbell: Committed to success w/new coach

Campbell Out to Take Next Step - washingtonpost.com: "After three seasons in the NFL, Campbell hopes to establish himself among the elite starting quarterbacks. He has shown flashes of the potential that prompted the Redskins to select him with the 25th overall pick in first round of the 2005 draft, but numerous factors out of his control -- having to learn three offensive systems, conservative game plans, losing key members of the offense because of injuries and a dislocated left kneecap that cut short his 2007 season -- have affected Campbell's career. And now, the NFL's labor situation could impact potential contract negotiations between Campbell and the Redskins"

Devin Aromashodu: Coaches looking for WR to step-up

Gonzalez set to step up in 2nd year | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star: "Similar advancement is expected of second-year players like offensive tackle Tony Ugoh, defensive tackles Ed Johnson, Quinn Pitcock and Keyunta Dawson, cornerback Dante Hughes, wide receivers Roy Hall and Devin Aromashodu and linebackers Clint Session, Victor Worsley and Ramon Guzman"

Prechae Rodriguez: TiCats like his big hands

he Tiger-Cats have some gifted receivers with big grab bags. Chris Bauman has a large set of mitts, while Ernest Jackson has nice-sized pocket pals, as does Willie Ponder.

But rookie receiver and former Auburn basketball star Prechae Rodriguez has a set of lacrosse pockets.

"Prechae has big hands," Goldman said, though he has seen bigger. "I coached a guy at Syracuse named Johnnie Morant who played with the Oakland Raiders for a few years. He had absolutely huge hands. (Former NFL receiver) Qadry Ismail had huge hands."

While hand size matters so does softness, Goldman said.

"I think some guys catch the ball more naturally than others. And, with soft hands, you can see as they catch it there's just a little bit of a give in their hands ... You'll never hear the catch with a guy with soft hands," Goldman said.

Rodriguez, whose first name is pronounced Pree-shay, said there is no question big hands are advantageous for receivers.

"I try to catch the ball away from my body. I try to catch the ball with my hands."

Rodriguez said he doesn't just have big hands. He has baby-bottom-soft ones, as well. He even has a name for them.

"Most definitely. Pillow soft hands. I can catch egg shells, man."

Big soft paws are important, but so is concentration and focus.

"Look the ball in with your eyes and catch it with your hands," he said.

Reggie Torbor: working with 1st team in drills

Dolphins CB Michael Lehan goes down with ankle injury -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Inside linebackers Akin Ayodele and Reggie Torbor, two offseason additions, worked with the first team with Crowder out"

Willie Anderson: Looking good & healthy in 1st practice

Anderson steps up at tackle: "Anderson, a 13-year veteran who turns 33 on July 11, wants to play until he's 36.
He's currently the No. 2 right tackle behind Stacy Andrews, but he looked like a kid again in practice.
'I saw all I needed to see on one play — that he's healthy and ready to play,' quarterback Carson Palmer said.
Anderson, running downfield, plowed into cornerback Johnathan Joseph and drove him backward.
'Oh, man,' Joseph said. 'I was just trying to get out of the way. He's so big that you can't see around him. It's great to see him out running like that, back healthy and everything.'
Anderson called the right tackle job an 'up-in-the-air' decision."

Willie Anderson: Much-needed leader in Bengals clubhouse (funny too)

Anderson back with team - Sportsnet.ca: "Bengals players and head coach Marvin Lewis welcomed Willie Anderson to the locker room and practice Wednesday, an antidote to an offseason of strife caused by the self-destruction of promising players Chris Henry and Odell Thurman and Chad Johnson's ongoing discontent. The much-respected Anderson returned Tuesday and was on the field again Wednesday, the only offseason workout this week the media is allowed to attend. Limited to seven games and five starts because of heel and knee injuries in 2007, during which his 116-games started streak was snapped, Anderson deadpanned Wednesday that he just wanted to prove he could still walkBengals players and head coach Marvin Lewis welcomed Willie Anderson to the locker room and practice Wednesday, an antidote to an offseason of strife caused by the self-destruction of promising players Chris Henry and Odell Thurman and Chad Johnson's ongoing discontent. The much-respected Anderson returned Tuesday and was on the field again Wednesday, the only offseason workout this week the media is allowed to attend. Limited to seven games and five starts because of heel and knee injuries in 2007, during which his 116-games started streak was snapped, Anderson deadpanned Wednesday that he just wanted to prove he could still walk"

Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor: Top receivers in drills

Local News | Tatupu back with Seahawks after DUI arrest | Seattle Times Newspaper: "With Branch and Engram both missing, the top three receivers in drills are Nate Burleson, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Eric Brock: Playing with David Irons & Travis Williams on the Falcons

Alexander City Outlook - alexcityoutlook.com: "A few of those veterans are Brock's former teammates at Auburn: Travis Williams and David Irons. Both are with the Falcons and have been helpful in the learning progress, Brock said.

'We kind of talk about Auburn a lot with some of the Georgia guys,' Brock said. 'It's fun. Those guys are a really big help"

Takeo Spikes: Weighing an offer from 49ers?

49ers Blog and Q&A: Q&A: Slow and steady wins the QB race -- Sacramento Bee: "Question: Are the 49ers any closer off getting Takeo Spikes or anybody?
Paul, Santa Clara
Answer: The ball is in Takeo's court. He's taking a wait-and-see approach.
- Matt"

Pat Sims: High expectations but question marks in Cincinnati

News - Phenoms on the river - Cincinnati Bengals: "4. DT Pat Sims: Another third-round draft pick who excelled game by game in the SEC and has the '07 Triple A numbers to prove it with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks despite playing some games with a cast on his hand.
But he comes to the bigs with more question marks than Bruce surrounding his work habits and intensity beyond Gameday. Where the comparisons come in are what they've done in the boxscores and the vindication they would bring to their respective front offices.
If Sims pans out, the Bengals won't have to hear about Sedrick Ellis for the next decade. If Bruce pans out, the Reds won't be banged for icing him out of the majors last September and through Memorial Day this year"

Brandon Jacobs, Reggie Torbor: Super Bowl Champions -Congrats!!

The Giants Receive Their Super Bowl Rings - NYTimes.com: "The Giants waited nearly four months for this moment. Patience was rewarded during a lavish ceremony Thursday night at Tiffany and Co. at which the Giants received their Super Bowl rings"