Scout.com: Positional Analysis: Offensive Tackle: "LT Marcus McNeill is second in line for a contract extension behind Philip Rivers. McNeill has been a standout since being picked midway through the second round in the 2006 draft, earning Pro Bowl invitations in two of his first three seasons.
The dilemma for the Chargers is that McNeill is coming off his worst season. The two sides nearly agreed to an extension before the season, but then McNeill injured his back and delivered his most inconsistent"
The Chargers finished last season with the lowest ranked rushing attack in the AFC West. The team’s usually dominant left side failed to play up to expectations; LaDainian Tomlinson ran to the left sideline 37 times last year and gained only 101 yards, an average of 2.7 ypc.
McNeill believes injuries were a big part of the problem. He missed the first two games of the season and center Nick Hardwick missed the first three. Even after they returned, it took a while for the linemen to get back in sync.
“It’s all five of us taking care of the line of scrimmage,” McNeill said. “I was out early. Nick was out early. L.J. (Shelton) did a great job of filling in and Jeremy (Newberry) did a great job of filling in, but we also miss that.
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wayne Gandy: Veteran OT free agent option for Atlanta
Offensive planned to add depth | ajc.com: "Another intriguing possibility is to re-sign veteran tackle Wayne Gandy. He wants to return to Falcons after March 1, according to his agent Neil Schwartz.
When asked if thought Gandy could fill Weiner’s role, Dimitroff said, “Of course.”
Gandy was signed on Oct. 29 when the Falcons knew Baker would miss extended time after his surgery. The 14-year veteran started the first five games of the 2007 season before injuring a knee. He started all 16 games for the Falcons in 2006.Another intriguing possibility is to re-sign veteran tackle Wayne Gandy. He wants to return to Falcons after March 1, according to his agent Neil Schwartz.
When asked if thought Gandy could fill Weiner’s role, Dimitroff said, “Of course.”
Gandy was signed on Oct. 29 when the Falcons knew Baker would miss extended time after his surgery. The 14-year veteran started the first five games of the 2007 season before injuring a knee. He started all 16 games for the Falcons in 2006."
When asked if thought Gandy could fill Weiner’s role, Dimitroff said, “Of course.”
Gandy was signed on Oct. 29 when the Falcons knew Baker would miss extended time after his surgery. The 14-year veteran started the first five games of the 2007 season before injuring a knee. He started all 16 games for the Falcons in 2006.Another intriguing possibility is to re-sign veteran tackle Wayne Gandy. He wants to return to Falcons after March 1, according to his agent Neil Schwartz.
When asked if thought Gandy could fill Weiner’s role, Dimitroff said, “Of course.”
Gandy was signed on Oct. 29 when the Falcons knew Baker would miss extended time after his surgery. The 14-year veteran started the first five games of the 2007 season before injuring a knee. He started all 16 games for the Falcons in 2006."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Karlos Dansby: Looking for 20M+ in free agency
Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com: "Cardinals free agent LB Karlos Dansby is seeking a deal that will pay him 'more than the $20 million or so in guarantees that Calvin Pace received from the Jets a year ago.'
Dansby has never been selected to the Pro Bowl, but that's not to say he hasn't earned it. He's a better, more well-rounded player than Pace and is indispensable to the Cardinals. Feb. 11 - 8:59 am et"
Dansby has never been selected to the Pro Bowl, but that's not to say he hasn't earned it. He's a better, more well-rounded player than Pace and is indispensable to the Cardinals. Feb. 11 - 8:59 am et"
Sen'Derrick Marks: #27 to the Colts?
New Era Scouting » Archive » First Round Mock Draft: "27. Indianapolis Colts – Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Quickly, name the Colts starting defensive tackles. If you can, feel free to apply for a job with New Era Scouting! The point is, the Colts have been woefully overmatched in the middle of their defensive line over the past few years. Not much has changed in 2008, where Eric Foster and Keyunta Dawson combined for 25 starts and 0 sacks. They weren’t much better against the run either. With Jerry gone just a few picks before, the Colts would be best served to move out of the first round and still put them in position for the draft’s next best tackles. While some mocks will have Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks in this spot, we’re just not that high on him. Look for Hood to be the next tackle taken, though at 27, it would be a reach."
Quickly, name the Colts starting defensive tackles. If you can, feel free to apply for a job with New Era Scouting! The point is, the Colts have been woefully overmatched in the middle of their defensive line over the past few years. Not much has changed in 2008, where Eric Foster and Keyunta Dawson combined for 25 starts and 0 sacks. They weren’t much better against the run either. With Jerry gone just a few picks before, the Colts would be best served to move out of the first round and still put them in position for the draft’s next best tackles. While some mocks will have Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks in this spot, we’re just not that high on him. Look for Hood to be the next tackle taken, though at 27, it would be a reach."
Where there's a Will, there's a way | Opelika-Auburn News
Where there's a Will, there's a way | Opelika-Auburn News: "Herring spoke before a class of OHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes students on everything from faith to family.
“We all have gifts to offer,” Herring said. “I’m not talking about athletic or academic gifts, but how we each give back spiritually in the way we live our daily lives.”
Herring, 25, said his parents instilled that lesson in him at an early age.
“I was fortunate enough to be raised in a Christian home where morals and values were taught and a solid work ethic was stressed,” said Herring, an Opelika native and former OHS star.
That hard work has translated into success on the field for Herring, who recently wrapped up his second year as a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.
While there are some larger life lessons football has taught Herring, it’s some of the smaller ones that tend to stick out in his mind.
“Just because a coach yells at you, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you,” joked Herring, as he glanced over at former OHS football coach Spence McCracken.
Herring now lives in Seattle and is part of a Seahawks roster laden with former AU Tigers, including Chris Gray, Kevin Hobbs, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor.
McCracken described Herring’s visit to the school as “awesome.”"
“We all have gifts to offer,” Herring said. “I’m not talking about athletic or academic gifts, but how we each give back spiritually in the way we live our daily lives.”
Herring, 25, said his parents instilled that lesson in him at an early age.
“I was fortunate enough to be raised in a Christian home where morals and values were taught and a solid work ethic was stressed,” said Herring, an Opelika native and former OHS star.
That hard work has translated into success on the field for Herring, who recently wrapped up his second year as a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.
While there are some larger life lessons football has taught Herring, it’s some of the smaller ones that tend to stick out in his mind.
“Just because a coach yells at you, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you,” joked Herring, as he glanced over at former OHS football coach Spence McCracken.
Herring now lives in Seattle and is part of a Seahawks roster laden with former AU Tigers, including Chris Gray, Kevin Hobbs, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor.
McCracken described Herring’s visit to the school as “awesome.”"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Rod Hood: Super Bowl Bound w/Arizona (2nd SB in 6 yrs)
Former AU player Rod Hood found Arizona a team with plenty of talent and a good fit, despite being advised against going there - al.com: "Hood, who originally signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003, will start at left cornerback when Arizona meets Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII, the second Super Bowl in his six NFL seasons.
Hood has two interceptions this season, one in a 33-13 victory over Carolina in a second-round NFC playoff game on Jan. 10, after making five last year.
He returned two of those 2007 interceptions for touchdowns, on 68- and 71-yard runs, and has not lost the knack for the big play this season. He returned a blocked punt 68 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota on Dec. 14."
Hood has two interceptions this season, one in a 33-13 victory over Carolina in a second-round NFC playoff game on Jan. 10, after making five last year.
He returned two of those 2007 interceptions for touchdowns, on 68- and 71-yard runs, and has not lost the knack for the big play this season. He returned a blocked punt 68 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota on Dec. 14."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tyronne Green: Having a good week at Sr. Bowl practices
Auburn's Tyronne Green tries to turn heads at Senior Bowl workouts - Page 2 - al.com: "Jacksonville Jaguars coaches working with the South team have been complimentary of his effort, noting improvements each day.
Off the field, he has excelled with mental tests and background checks, according to scouts.
'I give a lot of credit to Coach (Tommy) Tuberville. He's a great people person. I truly developed into a man. I'll never regret going to Auburn and playing for him. Things I learned will stay with me the rest of my life.'"
Off the field, he has excelled with mental tests and background checks, according to scouts.
'I give a lot of credit to Coach (Tommy) Tuberville. He's a great people person. I truly developed into a man. I'll never regret going to Auburn and playing for him. Things I learned will stay with me the rest of my life.'"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Super Bowl XLIII: Dansby & Hood vs. Simmons
The Auburn University Official Athletic Site - Football: "Auburn has had at least one player represented in the Super Bowl in 25 of the 43 Super Bowls, with this marking the second consecutive year that three former Tigers were members of Super Bowl participants. Auburn has had at least one player represented in the Super Bowl in 25 of the 43 Super Bowls, with this marking the second consecutive year that three former Tigers were members of Super Bowl participants. Auburn has had at least one player represented in the Super Bowl in 25 of the 43 Super Bowls, with this marking the second consecutive year that three former Tigers were members of Super Bowl participants."
Tyrone Green: Possible late round/free agent pick
al.com: Sports: "Green is the only Auburn player at this year's Senior Bowl. He's the only Auburn senior to be considered an NFL prospect, and he's likely a late-round pick or even a free-agent signee. That's another reason, perhaps, to explain the Tigers' dismal season.
Said one high-ranking NFL man: 'I didn't even go to Auburn this year. That's the first time I haven't gone there to look at anybody in 12 years. My scouts always have me going to Auburn, but not this time.'"
Said one high-ranking NFL man: 'I didn't even go to Auburn this year. That's the first time I haven't gone there to look at anybody in 12 years. My scouts always have me going to Auburn, but not this time.'"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sen'Derrick Marks: Could Boncos Take at #12?
Broncos Inbox -- Jan. 21 : Denver Broncos 24/7 : Rocky Mountain News: "But, in general, this is not at least in the preliminary stage considered to be that strong a draft in terms of defense with the strength being at linebacker and things a little spotty at the other positions. Again it's early and year after year people in the league always seem to get less cynical about things once the combine and the workouts come to pass.
It was interesting that among the early entries there were only two defensive tackles - Sen'Derrick Marks from Auburn and Ricky Jean-Francois from LSU. Teams that play the 3-4 will look at Marks (a 300-pounder at 6-foot-2), but the 12th pick would be high for him."
It was interesting that among the early entries there were only two defensive tackles - Sen'Derrick Marks from Auburn and Ricky Jean-Francois from LSU. Teams that play the 3-4 will look at Marks (a 300-pounder at 6-foot-2), but the 12th pick would be high for him."
Bo Jackson: What he's up to these days
Bo Jackson is more gourmet than galloper these days -- baltimoresun.com: "Auburn's all-time rushing leader when he left college, Jackson always joined the Raiders after the baseball season but still averaged 5.4 yards a carry and scored 18 touchdowns running and receiving in 38 regular-season NFL games. In 1989, the two-time Alabama state high school decathlon champion ran for 950 yards in 11 games for the Raiders. The next year, he was named to the Pro Bowl."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Rod Hood: Makes key defensive play over Eagles
Defense seals the deal for Cards: "After McNabb moved the Eagles from their 20 to the Arizona 47 with 2:09 left, the Cardinals turned up the pressure on McNabb, who threw four consecutive incompletions. A third-down pass was behind Hank Baskett. On fourth down, Rod Hood was all over Kevin Curtis, keeping him from making a play."
Karlos Dansby: AU Gameday Crowd Ausome
Boldin’s early exit miffs Cards : Bills & NFL : The Buffalo News: "It has been a nightmarish existence for some of the current players who remember those woebegone days of playing in 107-degree heat in a half-empty Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University. They recall seeing more fans of the opponent than their own. Now they’re playing in front of a packed house of rabid followers.
“Coming from Auburn where we played in front of 80,000 every Saturday and coming here where there were 10,000-20,000 in the stands was tough,” linebacker Karlos Dansby. “Those were some dark days, but we finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel.”"
“Coming from Auburn where we played in front of 80,000 every Saturday and coming here where there were 10,000-20,000 in the stands was tough,” linebacker Karlos Dansby. “Those were some dark days, but we finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel.”"
Friday, August 8, 2008
Ben Obomanu: Poised for great season w/the Seahawks
But in the battle to earn a spot among the Seattle Seahawks’ core of returning receivers, Obomanu’s work ethic and consistency earned him a regular appearance with veterans Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson in the team’s frequently used three-receiver sets.
“Ben is what I call a gamer,” Engram said. “He looks good in practice, but I think when the lights click on, some people have that ability to show up and shine. And I think he’s one of those guys.
“I’m proud of him. He’s working hard. He a guy who doesn’t say much, but he’s intense and he wants to win.”
“Ben is what I call a gamer,” Engram said. “He looks good in practice, but I think when the lights click on, some people have that ability to show up and shine. And I think he’s one of those guys.
“I’m proud of him. He’s working hard. He a guy who doesn’t say much, but he’s intense and he wants to win.”
Monday, August 4, 2008
Quentin Groves: Having a great rookie camp
from Profootballweekly "whispers" area
Word out of Jacksonville is that it may still be awhile before first-round DE Derrick Harvey signs, judging by coach Jack Del Rio’s assertion that the players drafted ahead of him — the Saints’ Sedrick Ellis and the Jets’ Vernon Gholston — signed “outrageous” contracts. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that second-round DE Quentin Groves has been a hit in his first training camp. Epitomizing his strong camp was his domination of veteran OT Khalif Barnes in the Oklahoma drill.
Word out of Jacksonville is that it may still be awhile before first-round DE Derrick Harvey signs, judging by coach Jack Del Rio’s assertion that the players drafted ahead of him — the Saints’ Sedrick Ellis and the Jets’ Vernon Gholston — signed “outrageous” contracts. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that second-round DE Quentin Groves has been a hit in his first training camp. Epitomizing his strong camp was his domination of veteran OT Khalif Barnes in the Oklahoma drill.
Quentin Groves: Getting the rookie treatment in Jags camp
from MVN's Jaguar Journal
The one interesting thing to note is that the rookie barbershop was open for business, and several of the newbies on the roster were sporting new hairstyles as they took part in practice. Some were more creative than others, but all were rather entertaining.
Quentin Groves had one of the more unique styles. Someone took the time to cut a spiral in his hair that encompassed his entire head
The one interesting thing to note is that the rookie barbershop was open for business, and several of the newbies on the roster were sporting new hairstyles as they took part in practice. Some were more creative than others, but all were rather entertaining.
Quentin Groves had one of the more unique styles. Someone took the time to cut a spiral in his hair that encompassed his entire head
Josh Thompson: Injured & waived from St. Louis
Rookie defensive tackle Josh Thompson, sidelined by a torn plantar fascia, was waived with an injury settlement.
Chris Gray: Sudden retirement due to back injury in practice
from Seattle Post Intelligencer's Clare Farnsworth blog:
Veteran offensive lineman Chris Gray just announced his retirement during an impromptu – and at times emotional – news conference.
Gray, 38 and entering his 16th NFL season, was told Saturday by the Seahawks team doctors that the back injury he suffered on the second day of training camp could lead to paralysis if he attempted to play anymore.
"When they told me Saturday, it hit me like a ton of bricks," Gray said. "My thought was rehab for another week or two, because I've been a guy who plays through pain and fights through injuries.
"When they told me I was done, it was pretty hard for the first day and half. But it's kind of a blessing. It's kind of a warning shot."
Gray was placed on injured reserve and told by the team that it will honor his contract this season. Defensive tackle Kevin Brown was signed to fill Gray's roster spot.
After signing with the Seahawks in 1998, Gray set a franchise record by starting 121 consecutive regular-season games. He was scheduled to be a backup this season.
Veteran offensive lineman Chris Gray just announced his retirement during an impromptu – and at times emotional – news conference.
Gray, 38 and entering his 16th NFL season, was told Saturday by the Seahawks team doctors that the back injury he suffered on the second day of training camp could lead to paralysis if he attempted to play anymore.
"When they told me Saturday, it hit me like a ton of bricks," Gray said. "My thought was rehab for another week or two, because I've been a guy who plays through pain and fights through injuries.
"When they told me I was done, it was pretty hard for the first day and half. But it's kind of a blessing. It's kind of a warning shot."
Gray was placed on injured reserve and told by the team that it will honor his contract this season. Defensive tackle Kevin Brown was signed to fill Gray's roster spot.
After signing with the Seahawks in 1998, Gray set a franchise record by starting 121 consecutive regular-season games. He was scheduled to be a backup this season.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Takeo Spikes: Lions consider him for the "Sam" position
Detroit - Pro Football Weekly: "Ernie Sims is one of the Lions’ few sure things. Otherwise, linebacker represents a position that could look a lot different at the end of the preseason than it does right now. With LB Jordon Dizon missing the first few practices of training camp while waiting to sign a contract and the team looking at free agent Takeo Spikes possibly to add to the mix, there are some faces who could be added to the starting lineup. As it stands now, Sims starts on the weak side, Paris Lenon is in the middle and possibly Alex Lewis on the strong side. But Dizon’s arrival and emergence could mean Lenon — or Spikes, if he’s offered a contract — may end up occupying the “Sam” position. Lewis is considered more of a special-teamer than a two-down linebacker. The “Sam” ’backer typically comes off the field in the Lions’ nickel defense, so finding a more sturdy, run-stopping player would appear to be the coaches’ biggest aim"
Jay Ratliff: May move from NT to DE for Cowboys
Dallas Morning News, Calvin Watkins' blog:
Ratliff is being moved to defensive end, for now, to give the defensive line some different looks.
Marcus Spears has practiced some as the nose guard and Tank Johnson's emergence has been a real positive to the defensive line.
Ratliff is concerned about the move because he's switched positions for a long time. In his sophomore year at Auburn, Ratliff moved from tight end to defensive end.
Then his senior season he moved from end to tackle.
In the pros, he was drafted in the seventh round to play end.
Last season, he took over for an injured Jason Ferguson and made the Cowboys give him a long-term deal with his solid play at nose tackle.
Now the team is thinking of moving him again, so it's pretty understandable where he's coming from. But when you think about it, the Cowboys are pretty much better with a rotation
Ratliff is being moved to defensive end, for now, to give the defensive line some different looks.
Marcus Spears has practiced some as the nose guard and Tank Johnson's emergence has been a real positive to the defensive line.
Ratliff is concerned about the move because he's switched positions for a long time. In his sophomore year at Auburn, Ratliff moved from tight end to defensive end.
Then his senior season he moved from end to tackle.
In the pros, he was drafted in the seventh round to play end.
Last season, he took over for an injured Jason Ferguson and made the Cowboys give him a long-term deal with his solid play at nose tackle.
Now the team is thinking of moving him again, so it's pretty understandable where he's coming from. But when you think about it, the Cowboys are pretty much better with a rotation
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