Miami WR Phillip Dorsett only dropped one pass on 37 catchable targets, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dorsett was targeted 67 times, but only 37 were truly catchable. There is some subjectivity here and in these cases, charters tend to side with the receivers. Regardless, this is an outstanding number for the speedy receiver. It rivals Jarvis Landry's drop rate from last year. Dorsett could be selected in the second round.


(rotoworld.com)

Yes, the New England Patriots just won their fourth Super Bowl. But that doesn't mean the Patriots don't have some holes to fill in the draft.

Perhaps the biggest hole is at cornerback, where the Pats lost Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, and NFL Media analyst Curtis Conway said Thursday on the NFL Network's "Path to the Draft" that LSU cornerback Jalen Collins makes sense for New England with the No. 32 overall pick.

Conway said he also likes Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson but thinks Johnson will be gone at No. 32.

"Jalen Collins is a guy ... I think will be there," said Conway, who describes Collins (6-foot-1 1/2, 203 pounds) as "very physical."

Fellow analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Collins as his No. 29 overall player and calls him "a big-time playmaker."

Collins has excellent measurables, ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and has a high ceiling. But he remains a bit raw, as he started just 10 games in his LSU career.

The analysts also noted that the Patriots lost running back Shane Vereen, who was a weapon as a runner and a receiver, this offseason. Potential running back replacements mentioned for Vereen were Miami's Duke Johnson, Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah and Alabama's T.J. Yeldon.

Conway seemed especially high on Johnson, saying "he's a mismatch out of the backfield" as a receiver and noting that he can be split outside and also be counted upon to run hard between the tackles.

Jeremiah called Johnson "a great fit" for the Patriots, and mentioned Abdullah as another back who is a solid dual threat. "If you want a little more size, maybe T.J. Yeldon," Jeremiah said.

Some potential mid-round picks that the analysts thought would help fill holes for the Pats were defensive linemen Tyeler Davison of Fresno State and Darius Philon of Arkansas, wide receiver Tony Lippett of Michigan State and offensive lineman Mitch Morse of Missouri. Morse played tackle for the Tigers, but Jeremiah said he could move to guard and would fit inside with the Patriots.


(nfl.com)

Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett derided tight end Jimmy Graham as being "soft" after beating the New Orleans Saints in a divisional playoff game in the 2013 playoffs.

Now that Graham has been traded to the Seahawks and is a new teammate, they're ready to patch things up, right?

Uh, maybe not.

In a radio interview on 710 ESPN in Seattle, Bennett didn't back down from his comments and said that Graham "would have to block" now that he's with the Seahawks.

"I still feel the same way," Bennett said, according to the Seattle Times. "Just because he's on my team I don't stop feeling that way. Obviously I'm going to be a better teammate to him because he's on my team. I can't do the things I was doing to him when we were playing him."

"But obviously when he comes to our team he's a part of our team so we have a different philosophy than they had with the Saints. So the things he was expected to do with the Saints are going to be different when he comes here.

"Obviously we are a running team, so he is going to have to block and do all those things. I don't feel as harsh as I did at the time because he's my teammate now but at the time he was on the opposite team and we battled with him a couple of times and I didn't really like that too much."

Bennett's original comments from more than a year ago are considerably more forceful.

"Nobody likes Jimmy Graham. I think he's one of the softest players in the NFL," Bennett said at the time. "I think he's overrated and I really don't like him as a person or as a player. ... When he's not in the game he's not in the game. He doesn't help on the blocking plays. I think he's just overrated."


(nola.com)

Former Miami running back Duke Johnson is among the most talented rushers in a draft class that is deep at the position, and is one of several Hurricanes who should be chosen on either the first or second day of the 2015 NFL Draft, to be held April 30-May 2 in Chicago. Three weeks away from the day he has prepared for, Johnson took time for a Q&A with College Football 24/7:

CFB247: What is the biggest strength you will bring to an NFL team as a rookie, and in what area will you need to improve the most?
Johnson: I think my ability to make people miss in the open field, catch the ball out of the backfield, and do a lot of different things in an offense is my biggest strength. I feel like I'm a complete player who can do whatever is asked. As far something I need to improve, I am working to improve my technique in pass protection. I can pick up the blitz, but I can get better as far as doing it the way coaches want.

You've said before that you see similarities between your game and LeSean McCoy's. In what ways?
I just think the way he can see the hole and make his cuts, and make things happen in the open field, I feel like those are some of the things I bring, too. He can also catch the ball and make plays that way -- he can really do everything.

You grew up in Miami and attended Miami Norland High. What would it mean to you if you were drafted by the Miami Dolphins?
Growing up, I liked all Miami sports. The Marlins, the Heat, the Dolphins, it didn't matter. I've always been a Miami sports fan, so that would be great. I think it's a very slim possibility that the Dolphins will draft me, because they already have Lamar Miller, who is doing a great job there. But to get the chance to play in front of my hometown would be a special thing for me.

Do you have any former Miami teammates in the NFL now who have helped you with advice during your draft preparation?
(Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver) Allen Hurns is a guy I know pretty well who I can talk to. His main advice to me has just been not to worry too much about things like the combine and the pro day, because at the end of the day, we're getting judged mainly on our film. And as long as what you put on film is good, everything else will take care of itself.

If NFL scouts could see only one game film of you, which game would you want it to be?
That's a tough one. I would have to say the Virginia game of my freshman year. I was young, but that was a game where I really got to show everything i can do, from running the ball to catching it out of the backfield, returning kicks, blocking, all of it. I even got to throw a touchdown pass.

(Editor's note: In a 41-40 loss to the Cavaliers, Johnson rushed for 150 yards on only 16 carries, caught one pass, threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Hurns on a halfback option, and returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. His 368 all-purpose yards, which included 214 in returns, set a single-game school record.)

Who is the best linebacker you've ever faced in a game?
Arthur Brown, who played for Kansas State. He was just everywhere. We couldn't get away from him.

What makes Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman a special player?
He can't be blocked. He refuses to stay blocked. Some people say he's small or whatever, but he makes up for it. He is an aggressive, tough, rugged linebacker, and he always knows where the ball is going to be. He is by far (the defense's hardest hitter)."


(nfl.com)

The first time Steven Rosenberg met Pedro “Pete” Taylor — on the field before a 2011 Redskins-Dolphins game — he asked whether Taylor knew how much Redskins fans still thought about his son. When Taylor hesitated, Rosenberg brought over a friend.

“He starts going bananas,” Rosenberg recalled. “He’s wearing an RIP Sean bracelet, saying you’re the father of my hero, throwing ’21s’ to the heavens, screaming and carrying on.”

Next, Rosenberg approached a stranger in a Taylor jersey, and brought that man, too, over to the player’s dad.

“The guy is going nuts, absolutely going crazy,” Rosenberg said.

He did this a third time, and then rested his case: that Redskins fans still care about the former safety more than just about any D.C. athlete.

That first conversation eventually led to a collaboration between Rosenberg and Taylor. Their self-published book, “Going Full Speed, the Sean Taylor Stories,” was officially announced on Thursday, a few hours before Taylor was to be inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. The book is scheduled to be released next week, and will be supplemented with signings and appearances around the District and Virginia this spring and summer.

Why write this book, more than seven years after Sean Taylor’s tragic death?

“Sometimes you hear one side of a story, and sometimes it’s good to hear the other side,” Pete Taylor said this week. “This is a way to hear both sides. Read the book, and you’ll understand who he was.”

This project, of course, is not the first with that mission. Just last year, NFL Network aired a Taylor film; the producers told me their goal was to provide “a full picture of Sean’s life.”

And while Pete Taylor was quoted in that film, he’s the co-author of this project with Rosenberg, a former advertising and PR man with homes in both Northern Virginia and Florida. The book was crafted over nearly two years of meetings held in South Florida coffee shops and restaurants. There were also interviews with about 40 Taylor friends and associates, including Redskins owner Dan Snyder, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, former Washington teammates Santana Moss, Clinton Portis, Renaldo Wynn and Lorenzo Alexander, University of Miami figures like Larry Coker and Jonathan Vilma, and a host of family members.

The book includes both memories of Taylor as a child and stories from his playing days; it recounts his murder and the days following that tragedy, when Pete Taylor addressed the Redskins in Ashburn.

“Pete Taylor is the best producer I’ve worked with in my life,” Rosenberg said. “He’s got a Rolodex from here to the moon, and every single person we talked to said the same thing, almost identically: anything for Sean. Every one of them said the same thing. They all wanted to be part of it, they all wanted their stories told, nobody said no.”

The book, which runs more than 300 pages, also has also training tips and life lessons from Taylor, who told me he wanted to encourage readers “to reach out and try to do the best you can to be a part of a child’s life.”

Will Redskins fans be interested in this project? Almost assuredly. When Rosenberg and Taylor announced they were launching this project at an Alexandria restaurant in 2012, more than 100 fans came to the event. And when they offered 100 signed copies of their still-unfinished book for $55 during an online fundraiser, it took less than a week to sell out. Fans have been chattering about this on social media sites for months, and the fact that it’s self-published isn’t likely to discourage the diehards.

“The way I see it, Sean represented the Redskins of his era. And when he died so suddenly, he became much more than a player: he became a cult hero,” Rosenberg said. “We’re just talking about a really, really loyal fanbase, and they’re still in shock. They say they miss him every day.”

Pete Taylor said he doesn’t quite know why so many fans feel that way, and he said he has no idea how the book will be received. But he clearly knows that his son remains relevant in this market.

“I’m so appreciative of [Washington fans], of all the thoughts and all the prayers,” he said. “I always say that I’ll always be a Redskins supporter. They’ve got some of the biggest and most loyal fans out there. It’s like going to a college with so many great alumni, to find out the Redskins nation supports the Redskins the way they do.”

It’s a phenomenon that Rosenberg knows well. A few days before his first chance meeting with Taylor at that Dolphins game, Rosenberg took his then-high school-aged son to a Miami sporting goods store. After looking around, his son found something he couldn’t leave without: a University of Miami Sean Taylor jersey.

“Going Full Speed” is scheduled to be available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and AuthorHouse.com on April 16. Updates on book signings and appearances will be posted on this Facebook page.


(washingtonpost.com)

There are plenty of stories of NFL players blowing their money, with the tales often involving family members having their hands out, but few are as stark, specific and revealing as the story Phillip Buchanon tells in his new book.

Fox Sports published an excerpt from Buchanon's book, "New Money: Staying Rich." In the excerpt, the former NFL cornerback talks about family members, particularly his mother, coming to him for money after he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2002. Buchanon says his mother told him he owed her $1 million for raising him.

"Well, that was news to me," wrote Buchanon, who played 10 NFL seasons for five teams. "If my mother taught me anything, it's that this is the most desperate demand that a parent can make on a child. The covenant of having a child is simply that you give your child everything possible, and they owe you nothing beyond a normal amount of love and respect. There is no financial arrangement."

Buchanon wrote that he bought his mother a house instead, and told her to sell his childhood house. But he says she kept both houses, renting one to an aunt, and he ended up making the payments on both. He wrote that it was a mistake to buy such a big house for his mother, and proposed a solution.

"I offered to buy her a comfortable house in my name for her to live in. This way she wouldn't have to take out any loans or put my little sister and brothers in a situation where the roof over their heads could be taken away. She'd move out of the house that was too big for her and into this new one. Instead, she opted for $15,000 cash.

"I told her that if I gave her the $15,000, not to come calling when she got into trouble. Needless to say, she ended up calling. And, what's worse, she lost the house." 

Buchanon told Fox Sports that he wants future generations of athletes to avoid the mistakes he made. In his book description from his website, he warned that "'fun friends' and family will view you as an endless ATM." He also wrote about family members asking for money to get something fixed, but the things would never get fixed after Buchanon wrote them a check. When Buchanon later offered to pay for the repairs directly to the company doing the work, all of a sudden family members weren't so interested anymore.

The stories of athletes spending their money have been told before, and ESPN Films did a good job compiling many in the documentary "Broke." And, of course, not all NFL players spend all the money they made in football. But the ones who do, after being given millions of dollars at a very young age, have regrets. Buchanon hopes others avoid the mistakes he made, even if he had to share some uncomfortable stories about his family to get his point across.


(sports.yahoo.com)

Professionally speaking, there is no denying that Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Sean Spence has gone through a lot of turmoil in his young career. A former third-round draft pick, he suffered a devastating knee injury in the final preseason game of his rookie year.

The torn ligaments were worrying enough, but we learned later on that he also suffered nerve damage behind his knee cap as a result of the freak injury.

And when he finally returned in his second season, even to practice, he suffered a finger injury that prevented him from taking full advantage of the opportunity to experience football activities. After his three-week practice window closed, he was placed back on injured reserve, still not knowing if he would ever play again.
In the interim, the Steelers used two draft picks in successive years on inside linebackers. Vince Williams was drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 draft and started several games as a rookie. Ryan Shazier was a first-round selection last season and was installed as the starter immediately.

It seemed that the opportunity there to be seized had passed him by, all the while being unsure if he would ever even play football again. But as faith would have it, he not only returned to the game that he has played since he was six years old, he even played a starting role in the defense.

Entering his fourth season now, Spence has the opportunity to compete for that starting job, and to do so in a manner in which he has never had the chance to before. Because in reality, this is the first time in his career that the young man will have a normal offseason like the rest of his teammates.

And he may never have gotten there were it not for the mental resolve that carried him out of the dark moments of the previous two years leading up to the 2014 season, when he questioned in anger why it was he who suffered that freak injury.

But as time went on, the question that occupied his thoughts evolved from “why me?” to “why not me?”, as in—as he told Teresa Varley—“why couldn’t I be the guy that comes back from this type of injury and beat all odds?”

Indeed, it is most difficult to find many parallels to Spence experience, much less examples that have the subject emerge victorious at the end of the line. What the former Miami Hurricane has come back from, personally and professionally, is already remarkable, but that is in the past now.

What Spence is focusing on now is the future, and what he can still accomplish in the sport that he grew up playing and fell in love with. With a full offseason at his exposure to get stronger, to master the nuances of scheme and position, and to generally improve himself, there is no doubt that he is entering the most critical moment of his career, now that he knows there is a career there to be had.


(steelersdepot.com)

Vince Wilfork, former New England Patriots defensive captain and lineman and former Governor Philip W. Noel will receive honorary degrees at the Sunday, May 3 New England Institute of Technology commencement ceremonies at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Wilfork who won bookend Super Bowls in his first and last year with the Patriots, will deliver the commencement address and help to mark the college’s 75th anniversary. Commencement ceremonies begin at 11 a.m.

Wilfork was drafted by the Patriots in 2004 and became a leader on the team and one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles. He registered 516 combined tackles and 16 sacks during his 11 years with the Pats and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl five times. After becoming a free agent at the end of the season, Wilfork recently signed to play with the Houston Texans for a contract worth a reported $9 million.

“This has been an interesting process for me and my family, one we have taken very seriously and given a lot of thought,” Wilfork said. “We will forever be Patriots in our hearts.”

At 6-foot-2 and 325-pounds, Wilfork is an imposing player on the field. Off the field he has tackled issues close to his heart. He has raised $1.5 million to help fund diabetes research, education and care in memory of his father, who died from complications of diabetes. He and his wife Bianca sponsored a wing at the Mattapan Community Health Center and they raise money for the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and the Diabetes Research Institute in Florida. They have also worked to help disadvantaged children and families in Massachusetts and in Florida where both Wilfork and his wife grew up. In recognition of his work to improve the lives of others, Vince Wilfork will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters during commencement.


(warwickonline.com)

SARASOTA — Sam Shields wants to stay close to the NFL receivers he covers. But as a youth growing up in Sarasota, he was even closer to the Robert L. Taylor Community Center.

The former Booker High star and current Green Bay Packers cornerback is lending his name to the Sam “Sticky” Shields Basketball Tournament, set for today and Saturday at the center, at 1845 34th St.

Shields spent much of his youth at Robert Taylor, and now that he’s established himself in the league, finds time to give back.

“He’s always here, doing positive for the young kids, working with our kids,” said Arthur Larkins, a supervisor at the Center. “Helping them with things they don’t even know it’s him helping — getting them shoes, clothes for school. Filling the gap where some of the parents aren’t in the gap.”

The tournament will attract teams comprised of players age 18 and up from Tampa, Palmetto, Bradenton and Sarasota, all competing for a first-place prize of $2,000. Larkins said Shields will be in attendance Saturday to hand out the money.

All the teams are guaranteed at least two games. Play starts with two games tonight at 6 and 7. The losers of those contests will play on Saturday morning, with the title game set for Saturday night.

Among the players scheduled to participate are former Riverview High and Central Florida star Tony Davis.

Larkins hopes the tournamentstarts a yearly tradition “where it will grow.” All proceeds will benefit the youth programs at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center.


(heraldtribune.com)

Miami DE Anthony Chickillo worked out exclusively as an OLB during his pro day and struggled, according to TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline.

"He was stiff and looked poor trying to backpedal in coverage drills," Pauline wrote. Unfortunate news for a prospect some had seen as a sleeper. The star-crossed Chickillo was miscast as a 3-4 defensive end in college but appears to have miscast himself as an outside linebacker for scouts. The 6-foot-3 1/8, 261-pounder, a former five-star prospect, is a 4-3 DE at the next level.


(rotoworld.com)

For the first time since he was drafted by the Steelers, linebacker Sean Spence has the luxury of a full offseason. No trying to learn the defense in a rush like he had to prior to his rookie year. No rehab, no recovery, like he had to deal with after his first two seasons.

Instead he is attacking the offseason like the rest of his teammates, getting stronger and soon taking part in all activities like the rest of his teammates will be doing.

“I have a full offseason to do that now,” said Spence. “This could be the best offseason. I imagine it’s going to feel good this year. Last offseason I was trying to catch up and make sure my knee was going to be better for OTAs and training camp. Now I am riding along with the pack. I am trying to separate myself with my work ethic and work hard.”

It’s been a long journey for Spence, who suffered what many feared could be a career-ending knee injury on August 30, 2012 in the preseason.  He could have easily thrown in the towel, given up on any type of comeback with the severity of the injury. But to know Sean Spence is to know that he is not a quitter. That word doesn’t even exist in his vocabulary.

There were bumps in the road, there were discouraging moments, and there were tears. But Spence fought through it all and a little over two years after suffering the injury, he saw his dream come true when he started at linebacker against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field last season and played the entire year, his first full season after being in the league for three years.

“It felt great,” said Spence of the 2014 season. “I really missed the game being away from it for two years, having to watch guys I got drafted with play and I didn’t. Then see guys the next year come in and get drafted and playing and I am not. Through every trial there is a lesson and I learned a lot.

“I learned to be patient, good things come to those who wait, everything happens for a reason. When I was injured I was mad at the world. I was saying to myself of all people, why me to have this freak and tragic injury. As time went on I told myself why not me. Why couldn’t I be the guy that comes back from this type of injury and beat all odds?”

It was Spence’s mental strength, his ability to take a negative and turn it into a positive that kept him fighting through the tough times.

“Every time I went to visit the doctor they would tell me something good, but then there was a ‘what if’ scenario,” said Spence. “Every time I got a bad report I never quit. I never went home and said I am not going to go in today because there is no hope. I got up every day even when I didn’t want to, came in and worked out so I could get that edge.”

And it all paid off when he got back to being what he wanted more than anything last season, a football player.

“It was amazing,” said Spence. “The first preseason game felt good. I ran out of the tunnel, looked around and bust out into tears telling myself, I am here. I am not supposed to be here. I am in a helmet and it means something. It was the first time it hit me I was going to be playing, that I was going to be a pro football player.

“It was great. I was in deep sorrow for so long, for two years, after playing so many years since I was 6 years old. To get to my dream and almost in the blink of an eye have everything almost gone. It was scary. When I had the opportunity to get back on the field, even for the preseason, I couldn’t hold back my emotions.”


(steelers.com)

MIAMI -- The final suspect has pleaded guilty in the 2007 killing of Washington Redskins star safety Sean Taylor during a botched burglary.

Timmy Lee Brown will serve 18 years in prison under his plea agreement Wednesday. The 23-year-old Brown was one of five men from the Fort Myers area who drove to Taylor's home intending to burglarize it. Taylor confronted the group with a machete and was fatally shot.

All five suspects were convicted and sent to prison. Triggerman Eric Rivera Jr. got the longest sentence at 60 years.

Taylor's father, Florida City Police Chief Pete Taylor, told The Miami Herald that Brown's conviction brings the family closure.

Taylor was a star at the University of Miami and was a first-round pick of the Redskins in the 2004 NFL draft.


(nfl.com)

The Scot McCloughan era Washington Redskins have not had many pre-draft visits leaked or reported so far this year. Oregon QB Marcus Mariota reportedly had a visit lined up at some point, and the Redskins reportedly worked out  Houston DL Joey Mbu.  That's it, that's the news that is out there for now. Miami OT Ereck Flowers reportedly told NFL.com's Gil Brandt that he has several pre-draft visits lined up for next week, including one to Ashburn to meet with the Redskins.

Flowers(6'6", 329 lbs) is projected to go in the 1st round of this year's draft, with CBS Sports ranking him as the 4th best OT and the #21 overall prospect. Flowers was ranked the #2 OT in Mike Mayock's latest Position Rankings. Flowers would be considered a reach by most people at #5, but the Redskins will listen to any offer involving a trade down, and depending on how far they drop, Flowers becomes a very real option at a position of need.

From CBS Sports:

STRENGTHS: Shows quickness and balance getting to the second level when run blocking. Broad shoulders and a wide base to cover a large area in pass protection and drive defenders off the ball in the run game.

WEAKNESSES: Can struggle against the speed of undersized pass rushers, allowing defensive ends to cross him inside and trip up running backs in pursuit. Tendency to be a beat late off the snap in load road environments.

COMPARES TO: Andrew Whitworth, Bengals -- Massive frames make these big men vulnerable to speed rushers. But massive frame, length and combative style made Whitworth an underrated foundation stones in Cincinnati. Flowers has the same potential.

.@CanesFootball T Ereck Flowers tells @Gil_Brandt & me predraft visits begin next week w'trips to @Browns @Panthers & @Redskins @SiriusXMNFL

— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) April 9, 2015

Meet Ereck Flowers, the OT @sgw94 says is "built like a damn refrigerator" http://t.co/tcTQdhvx0Z pic.twitter.com/aOMDC4g457

— SB Nation NFL (@SBNationNFL) April 4, 2015

(hogshaven.com)

(CBS) Last season, the Bears’ primary targets in the passing game were all had similar profiles — long, physical athletes who won with leverage rather than speed. Without the threat to win over the top, defenses played split-safety looks knowing the Bears couldn’t beat them over the top. Chicago has a major need for speed at the wide receiver position.

Today we take a look at one of the fastest receiver prospects in the 2015 draft: Miami’s Phillip Dorsett.

WR Phillip Dorsett (5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Miami)
40-yard dash: 4.25 (unofficial from Pro Day), 4.33 (Combine)
Three-cone: 6.7
Vertical: 38”
Bench: 13
Arm: 30 1/4”

Bio: Dorsett arrived in Coral Gables as a three-star wide receiver and kick returner prospect. He caught 12 touchdowns passes as a senior on St. Thomas Aquinas’ 5A state champion team.

As a true freshman in 2011, Dorsett played in all 12 games as a receiver and kick returner, making one start. He finished with 147 receiving yards and one touchdown. As a sophomore, he appeared in all 12 games as a receiver and kick/punt returner, making 10 starts, and led the team with 842 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Dorsett missed five games in 2013 with a partially torn MCL. He appeared in eight games and averaged 21 yards per reception. His senior season in 2014 was his most productive. He started 13 games and averaged an exceptional 24 yards per reception and caught 10 touchdowns.

In total, Dorsett appeared in 45 games, making 30 starts, finishing with 2,132 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns and a 17.2 yards-per-reception average. Heaveraged 19 yards per kick return.

Pro outlook: Dorsett was used out of the slot as well as on the perimeter in Miami’s pro-style offense. He ran the full route tree, which should ease his transition into an NFL offense.

Dorsett has game-changing speed that allows him to stack on top of cornerbacks and separate over the top. In addition to his elite long speed, he has rare change-of-direction and lateral quickness, which makes him a yard-after-the-catch threat on short and intermediate routes. His suddenness of the snap also made it difficult for cornerbacks to get a jam on him when lined up in press coverage.

Dorsett has fluid feet and loses very little speed heading into and coming out of his breaks by staying balanced. His speed allows him to quickly erase a defensive back’s cushion and gain separation whether continuing vertically or breaking off his route.

Dorsett’s still developing as a route runner. He has a tendency to rely purely on his speed to win matchups. In the run game, he’s not very physical with his downfield blocks. He was willing to come down to the slot and crack a safety, but he isn’t physically imposing on impact.

Draft projection: Dorsett is still developing as a receiver, but he has skills that simply can’t be taught. He should be selected in the top half of the second round and contribute immediately as a receiver and returner.


(chicago.cbslocal.com)

It’s one thing to replace a popular player, and something else when he’s still on the team, highly respected by teammates, still sharing your catching position and has a close personal and professional relationship with the best pitcher on the team, if not the planet.

Yasmani Grandal was not the most popular catcher on the Padres last season. He did not catch on days Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy started. He threw out only six of 56 basestealers last year, worst for any catcher who appeared in at least 60 games.

He came to the Dodgers in the off-season trade for Matt Kemp, seemingly determined to reinvent his relationships with the pitching staff. Catcher A.J. Ellis is renowned for his work ethic and close partnerships with the staff – Clayton Kershaw in particular -- and Grandal appears to have been taking notes.

And it’s apparently working. After Zack Greinke, who was also thought to prefer pitching to Ellis, threw six strong innings Tuesday with Grandal behind the plate, he could hardly stop praising the catcher.

“He’s been unbelievable back there,” Greinke said. “His catching is better than advertised, and working with me individually, he’s been as good as you could expect. I don’t think, from what I’ve seen so far, you could ever have expected anything more.

“He’s done everything. His hands are great. He’s blocked everything I’ve thrown. People stole on him last year, but he’s had some really good throws in games I’ve thrown in spring training. And then his game calling’s been good.

“I couldn’t draw up a better catcher at the moment.”

That’s high praise, particularly from someone who doesn’t normally enjoy being effusive in his praise.

But when most of the regulars left camp a day early to head back to Los Angeles, Grandal remained back in Arizona specifically to catcher Greinke in a minor-league game.

Maybe that’s something he doesn’t do a year ago with the Padres. Right now, though, he is getting it right.

Almost like it was drawn up.


(latimes.com)

Ryan Braun was used as a pinch-hitter Wednesday against the Rockies and had an infield single.

Braun certainly didn't seem to be protecting his oblique while taking his first couple of cuts. The hit, though, came on a dribbler down the third-base line. He stayed in the game to run afterwards, but since he was hitting in the pitcher's spot, he didn't remain in for the 10th. We're confidently guessing Braun will be in Friday's lineup after Thursday's off day.


(rotoworld.com)

Miami's Denzel Perryman, who might be the hardest-hitting linebacker in the draft, had a private workout with the New England Patriots.

NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported the news.

At 5-foot-11, 239 pounds, Perryman lacks height and might only be a two-down linebacker in the NFL because he has struggled in pass coverage. But he is a thumper who is excellent against the run and has a physical and aggressive playing style.

The Patriots wouldn't seem to need an inside linebacker, but Perryman could appeal to Pats coaches because of his physicality and approach to the game. Perryman seems a reach at No. 32, which is where the Pats pick in the first round, but he would be an excellent value were he still available when the Patriots pick in the second round at 64th overall.

Like former NFL linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Perryman is an alum of Coral Gables High and Miami. Vilma also heard whispers about his height. At Miami's pro day last week, Vilma was in attendance and said he is a Perryman fan: "He is a tremendous tackler. And there's a violence when he plays."

At the pro day, Perryman said he had visits scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins.


(nfl.com)

After spending 11 seasons with the Patriots, Texans defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is ready to put pressure on his new teammates and coaches to raise their performance levels, according to the team's official website.

"You have to put pressure on each individual, and that's what I'm going to do," Wilfork said. "I'm going to put pressure on everybody. Not just myself. Not just the older guys. Not just J.J. (Watt). The quarterback. The coaches. No. It's everybody."

"I'm not a rah-rah guy," Wilfork said. "And that's one of the things that they'll get to know quick. I love to have fun. I have the passion. I love the game. But if I need to say something, I will say something."

Entering his 12th season, the five-time All-Pro selection has recorded 516 total tackles, 16 sacks, 25 passes defensed, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.


(cbssports.com)

Sam Shields, cornerback

FOX Sports Wisconsin's Paul Imig gives an in-depth statistical analysis and film study of every Packers player in his annual offseason checkup. You can find every report here.

Season stats (playoffs included): 16 games, 16 starts (945 snaps; 76.2 percent of total defensive snaps), 44 tackles, 12 missed tackles, zero sacks, three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, zero forced fumbles, one penalty committed, eight stops (solo tackles that resulted in offensive failure); targeted 86 times in coverage, allowing 44 receptions for 701 yards and five touchdowns

ProFootballFocus.com season rating: Minus-3.3 (ranked No. 15 out of 24 Packers defensive players; ranked No. 67 out of 110 among NFL cornerbacks)
Best game: Week 6 win over Miami (played 35 of 60 snaps); zero interceptions, two passes defensed, zero tackles, zero missed tackles; targeted three times in coverage, allowing one reception for one yard; 3.1 PFF rating

Worst game: Week 14 win against Atlanta (played 46 of 68 snaps); zero interceptions, zero passes defensed, two tackles, zero missed tackles; targeted eight times in coverage, allowing four receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown; minus-3.2 PFF rating

Expectations at the start of the season: Medium

Expectations were ...  Met

Looking live: Sam Shields cashed in as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. As his asking price got higher and higher, the Packers stayed involved in the bidding and retained their starting cornerback on a four-year, $39 million ($12.5 million guaranteed) contract. It was a rare instance of Ted Thompson seemingly extending beyond his financial comfort zone in order to avoid losing a player he valued. A year later, the ramifications of giving Shields so much money was Green Bay not re-signing either Tramon Williams or Davon House. With an investment of that size in Shields, the Packers opted not to leave their financial comfort zone to keep Williams or House from leaving.

It comes with the territory that Mike McCarthy now classified Shields as a "core player," which brought about new responsibilities for the then-26-year-old player. "There's certain things the coaches want you to do now," Shields said in June 2014. "You've got to be that guy to help out the defense."

There was a lot of confidence within the organization that Shields would live up to his new contract.

"He needs to be a top-level corner in every aspect of the game, and he has that ability," cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said during the 2014 offseason. "Sam's best football is still in front of him. I honestly believe he has two more years of ascending and then he's going to play at that level for another four years. That's six years of just really good football ahead of him. And by then he's 32, he might have more. I see two more years of getting better and four more of holding that type of high quality play."

Shields was No. 12 on FOXSportsWisconsin.com's "Most Important Packers of 2014" series. I wrote at the time that Shields was ranked at that spot "because he can't take a step back now that he's a very wealthy man. The Packers need him to at least be as good as he's been in recent years, though the team would clearly love it if he continued improving. Green Bay has good depth at cornerback, but the importance of Shields locking down one of the outside corner spots will go a long way in how far the team gets this season."

Upon further review: McCarthy believed that now that Shields is a core player that the well-paid cornerback will "step up and play accordingly." While Shields had a fine 2014 season, he didn't play like one of the 10 best cornerbacks in the NFL. His new salary made among the 10 highest-paid cornerbacks in the league. That's the downfall of averaging $9.75 million per season. Expectations are raised to a level that some players will struggle to reach.

Shields had his second interception of the season Week 6 in Miami, a game in which he was clearly excited to be back playing in his college town. Though Shields exited that game early with a knee injury, it was still him performing to his maximum ability when he was out there.

Shields' value to Green Bay's defense was perhaps best displayed when he missed the Week 8 game at New Orleans. With Shields and Morgan Burnett out against Drew Brees and the Saints, the Packers' secondary got lit up. New Orleans had touchdown passes of 50, 45 and 22 yards. Would that still have happened if Shields was on the field? We'll never know, but the argument could easily be made that Shields' absence was clearly a big difference in the game.

Shields went through a stretch from Weeks 13-15 where he didn't play well. That was most apparent Week 14 against Atlanta when Julio Jones went for 259 yards and led to Shields spending the final 10:38 of the game on the bench. Davon House came in for Shields and used his more physical approach to slow down Jones.
Shields ended the season on a high note, performing very well Week 17 against Detroit and in both playoff games. Facing Matthew Stafford, Tony Romo and Russell Wilson, Shields was credited by ProFootballFocus as allowing a total of only five receptions for 72 yards and no touchdowns.

Overall 2014 grade: B-minus

Status for 2015: One-hundred percent chance of being on the Packers' active roster to begin the 2015 regular season. Shields has three years remaining on his contract and a $9 million cap hit in 2015. But unlike last season, Shields will no longer have Williams or House to support him. Casey Hayward will be asked to step up into a much bigger role, which makes it even more critical for Shields to consistently perform at a high level. It's Shields' show now. He might be asked to cover opposing offense's No. 1 wide receivers on a regular basis, especially while Hayward gets comfortable on the outside. There will only be a few players on Green Bay's roster who will be more important to the Packers' success in 2015 than Shields.


(foxsports.com)

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal drew his first start of the season Tuesday against the Padres after A.J. Ellis started in Monday's season opener. Grandal did not get into Monday's game.

Grandal hit .203 (12 for 59) with one home run, three doubles, five RBI, five walks and 15 strikeouts in 20 spring games.


(cbssports.com)

Miami WR Phillip Dorsett has "been impressive throughout the draft process" and "he really stood out in the passing drills" at the school's pro day, wrote ESPN's Todd McShay.

"Not only did he catch everything thrown at him and flash his usual suddenness and explosiveness as a route runner but he once again showed that he is the rare burner who can also play under control," wrote McShay. "He has a rare second gear when tracking down vertical throws, but he also doesn't need to gear down to get in and out of breaks and is able to accelerate off of his cuts. Both as a route runner and with the ball in his hands, his explosiveness really stands out." The analyst went on to discuss his thoughts on the WR class, which he says is led by a first tier of Amari Cooper, Kevin White, DeVante Parker and Breshad Perriman. McShay believes the second tier of Jaelen Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess, Devin Smith, Nelson Agholor and Dorsett could all go in late Round 1 to mid-Round 2.


(rotoworld.com)

Miami ILB Denzel Perryman is "worth a second-round pick for his excellent tackling ability, instincts and recognition skills, and leadership ability," believes ESPN's Todd McShay.

"I get that Perryman isn't an elite athlete, but I've really liked what I've seen from Perryman on tape, and he is the second-highest-ranked inside linebacker on our board right now (UCLA's Eric Kendricks is No. 1)," McShay wrote. "He helped himself by improving upon his 40 time from the combine, running a 4.66-second 40 after posting a 4.78 at the combine, because speed is definitely a concern with him, but he tweaked his hamstring and wasn't able to complete his workout." The 5-foot-10, 236-pound Perryman finished his collegiate career with two straight seasons with 108 or more tackles. NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein likens Perryman to D'Qwell Jackson.


(rotoworld.com)

An NFL scout speaking to ESPN's Todd McShay raised concerns about Miami RB Duke Johnson's ability to stay on the field.

The scout questioned Johnson's toughness and frame. "If teams are worried he could miss multiple games each year, that will certainly hurt his stock," McShay wrote. "When he's on the field, he provides a lot in terms of his third-down capabilities and big-play ability." The 5-foot-9, 194-pound Johnson had 1,652 rushing yards on a 6.8 YPC average and 10 touchdowns in 2014, adding 38 receptions for 421 yards and three scores. "Among the running back prospects in this year's class, Johnson offers some of the best skills as a pass-catcher, and that was on display Wednesday [at his pro day]," wrote McShay. "He looked really good running routes and was very comfortable catching the ball."


(rotoworld.com)

The National Football Post's Greg Gabriel cites New Orleans, Denver, and Indianapolis as teams with late first-round picks who could be fits for Miami T Ereck Flowers.

"Despite his notable athletic gifts, Flowers is still graded only as a late-first or second round prospect, mostly due to his technique," Gabriel wrote. "After minimal contributions at right tackle his freshman year, he spent the remainder of his career on the left side, and although he mostly found success, he had issues with holding penalties (six in two seasons) and terrible performances (contributing to Virginia’s four QB sacks this season). As overwhelming as his physical presence is, it is sometimes neutralized by his poor footwork and slow start off of the snap, which can lead to poor balance." Flowers has been racking up the frequent flyer miles over the past month. He has or will visit the Panthers, Bucs, Jets, Browns, Rams and Colts, that we know of.


(rotoworld.com)

Miami TE Clive Walford "could wind up landing in the late second round or early third," according to ESPN's Todd McShay.

Walford, suffering from a hamstring injury, was forced out of the athletic tests and ran a limited route tree at Miami's pro day. It wasn't all bad news, though. "He did a really nice job of catching the ball, displaying strong hands and the ability to pluck the ball on the run and away from his frame," McShay wrote. "That stood out."


(rotoworld.com)

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced earlier today that they added linebacker Shayon Green to their offseason roster. Green was a defensive end as well as a linebacker in college for Miami.

The former Hurricane originally went undrafted last year. He had a verbal agreement to sign as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins, but never actually signed. The Dolphins later worked him out in November as well. Green worked out at Miami’s Pro Day yesterday before signing with the Steelers, who were represented at the event.

Collegiately, Green had to overcome multiple ACL tears during his playing career. In his final season for the Hurricanes in 2013, he started all 13 games, recording 68 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, to go along with three sacks. He also earned multiple awards for leadership.

Presumably brought in to play outside linebacker, Green joins a cast of minor characters hoping to vie for a spot on the 53-man roster, behind the three roster locks in Jarvis Jones, Arthur Moats, and James Harrison.

Last year’s undrafted free agent, Howard Jones, spent all of the past season with the Steelers on the practice squad. The team also signed CFL standout Shawn Lemon earlier this offseason. Between the three of them, they may all be competing for one job on the practice squad when all is said and done.


(steelersdepot.com)

If you've followed the mock drafts this year, Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff is a familiar name. He's often the player associated with the Giants and the No. 9 pick pretty much since the start, and he's considered by many as the top lineman in the draft.

Miami's Ereck Flowers is more of an unknown. Most mock drafts have him pegged for the middle of the first round, but behind team doors and on draft boards, opinions vary, especially with this year's offensive line class. Some NFL talent evaluators view Flowers in the same class as last year's top linemen.

Here are the basics, per NFL.com's Lance Zierlein:

Ereck Flowers
Height: 6-6
Weight: 329 pounds
Arm Length: 34½
Hands: 9 7/8
40-Yard Dash: 5.31
Bench Reps: 37 (most at the NFL Scouting Combine)

"BOTTOM LINE While they have different body types, Flowers will have some of the same strengths and flaws 2014 first-round pick Greg Robinson had coming in. Flowers has the size, feet and talent to be a very good left tackle but he will be a work in progress unless he can eliminate some of the balance issues that could plague him."

Robinson was last year's No. 2 overall pick to the Rams. He had an up-and-down rookie season, as injuries forced him to play left tackle instead of guard, where St. Louis anticipated him playing last year. But there are still high hopes for Robinson's future, just as there are for Flowers'.

Why Flowers at No. 9: He showed during dominant performances against Florida State and Nebraska (more in-depth breakdown of his play will come closer to the draft) that he's a potential NFL star. He can play against the top competition and thrive.

The thinking is that Flowers is a future NFL left tackle, but can be a "Day 1 starter at right tackle," according to former scout and current NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. He's a dominant run blocker and quality pass blocker.

With Flowers' size and skills, there is little doubt that he's an NFL tackle. There is significantly more uncertainty when it comes to Scherff and LSU's La'el Collins. Some teams have them pegged as guards, although the Giants seem to think Scherff is a tackle.

Still, all of this factors into the equation. It's why I picked Flowers at No. 9 in my mock draft. Most importantly though, it's because the Giants think very highly of him.

The caveats: The Giants are not married to drafting an offensive lineman in the first round. They could have other quality options considering they own the coveted ninth pick.

If pass rushers Vic Beasley or Dante Fowler make it to No. 9, they'll pounce. If wide receiver Amari Cooper is available, don't expect them to pass either. Defensive tackle Danny Shelton and cornerback Trae Wayens are also highly regarded inside the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. They could be options.

But if the draft plays out as I expect, Flowers is the pick. He's the Giants' top lineman.


(nj.com)

Earlier this offseason, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin basically said that the starting jobs across about half of the defense can be deemed as legitimately up for grabs in training camp and the preseason this year. This is, of course, not exactly the norm for a team who won double-digit games, along with a division title, in the year prior.

But that is indeed where the Steelers find themselves, with, arguably, three positions in the secondary, and another three at the linebacker level, open for competition. The defensive line is the only unit on defense that has some manner of stability within the starting lineup.

I believe the most interesting competition to watch will take place at inside linebacker next the Lawrence Timmons, where there are three players with starting experience, each of whom logged at least 250 snaps a year ago.

While it may be true that Ryan Shazier has the simplest path to the starting spot opposite Timmons, it would be false to say that the job is his, by any means. He may have the most pure talent of all three contestants, but he also has the least amount of playing time and experience.

The Steelers may have erred when they handed Shazier the starting job a season ago. No doubt they may have rubbed Vince Williams the wrong way, who technically was playing the position for most of the previous season, even if he was frequently subbed out. But he was the only one of the roster who’d done so.

Sean Spence was probably more understanding, due to the fact that he wasn’t even sure himself if he would be able to play. But as the practices progressed, and he started a game in the preseason and tested his knee, perhaps he, too, felt he deserved to be the starter.

After all, nobody knew the defense better than Spence, who had already been learning the system for two years as he recovered from injury. And he had always been an instinctive player to begin with.

It was Spence who ended up as the primary player and starter at the mack linebacker spot anyway after Shazier started to pile up injuries in the regular season. He started nine games, making 53 tackles in the regular season, and notching a sack in each of his last two games played.

There’s no question that Spence acclimated himself well enough last year to be in the conversation to start at inside linebacker in 2015. It’s also reasonable to predict a jump in performance, given that he was out of football for basically two seasons and, from a physical standpoint, was a rookie last year.

The truth is that Shazier hasn’t shown yet that he needs to be in the starting lineup right away. That could change, quite easily, but that is not the state of affairs as we see it now. Shazier may have all the speed in the world, but Spence is one of the more naturally instinctual players on the team. If he could show an improvement in getting off or avoiding blocks, it would be unfair to exclude him from the conversation.


(steelersdepot.com)

After being signed by the Texans this offseason, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is excited to be a part of a defensive line that includes J.J. Watt, reports ESPN. Watt told Wilfork that he is excited, as well.

"Yeah, we talked since I signed," Wilfork said in an interview. "He's probably more excited than I am. But little does he know, I'm very excited to come down here."
Although the Texans will rely on Wilfork to be one of the leaders on the defense, he isn't going to try to change anything about Watt.

"My goal is to let J.J. be J.J.," Wilfork said. "I'm pretty sure the coaching staff is going to feel the same way, when you have a guy that dynamic. You can't ask him to change anything. He's been a beast, and hopefully he'll continue to be that beast and I'm looking forward to it."

Over his 11-year career, the 33-year-old has compiled 516 total tackles, 16 sacks, 25 passes defensed, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.


(fantasynews.com)

Speaking to reporters for the first time since his employer for 14 seasons, the Indianapolis Colts, elected not to bring him back for another year, Reggie Wayne said Thursday night he intends to play a 15th NFL season next fall.

For which team -- the New England Patriots? Denver Broncos? -- remains to be seen.

Wayne, at Butler University's Hinkle Fieldhouse to judge Thursday's State Farm College Slam Dunk contest, said his plan is to find a team to contribute to next season.

"I still feel like I got some juice left," Wayne said. "I'm just going to play the cards the way they're dealt and go from there."

Wayne said repeatedly last season he could never imagine himself slipping on a different uniform than his trusty blue and white No. 87, the jersey he's worn since the Colts drafted him in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Now, it appears, he's come to grips with his new reality: If his NFL career is to continue, it will come in a different city, playing for a different team.

Wayne is the Colts' all-time leader in games played, and ranks second in franchise history in receptions (1,070), receiving yards (14,345), touchdowns (80), 100-yard games (43) and consecutive games with a catch (134). He sits seventh in NFL history in career receptions and eighth in receiving yards.

But it was evident throughout 2014 Wayne was far from his best. On Thursday night, he admitted to being injured throughout the season.

"I wasn't healthy," he said. "I was nowhere near healthy. I played the whole year hurt. Finally, playing hurt got to me."

Wayne missed the final nine games of the 2013 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. Recovered in time for the 2014 campaign, Wayne tore his left triceps muscle midway through the year but fought through the injury for most of the season. He settled for 64 catches and just two touchdowns, and had only one catch in the team's three postseason games.
All of which played into the decision by owner Jim Irsay and general manager Ryan Grigson to not bring back Wayne, who became a free agent last month.

"That's the way it goes," Wayne said. "I've seen a lot of people come and go. What makes me different?"
Wayne said he holds no ill will towards the Colts.

"Ever since I was a young pup, they brought me in here and gave me an opportunity," he said.

He also professed his appreciation for a fan base he's been a favorite of for more than a decade.

"Love all the fans," he said. "Without the fans, there would be no me. I appreciate everything from day one. I'm extremely humbled. I wish I could give them all a personal hug."

Of making the decision to release Wayne, Irsay said last week at the NFL owner meetings: "Him and I had a very long talk, face-to-face, man-to-man. It was really hard.

"I told Reggie I just thought that we felt that it was time."

For Wayne now, he enters unfamiliar territory, same as longtime teammate Peyton Manning did after the Colts released him in March of 2012: He's looking for a new team for the first time in his career.

"I'm just living the dream," Wayne said. "Trying to keep it moving."


(indystar.com)

New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks shocked the NFL at the start of last month when star tight end Jimmy Graham was traded from the Saints to the Seahawks.

The Saints were heavily criticized at the time for trading away their best offensive player, but in the last month the noise surrounding the deal has dissipated.

The main reason for this is because Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles have managed to engineer even more crazy deals, but this does not mean that key players at the Saints have accepted the decision to trade away Graham yet.

One of Graham’s best friends on and off the field in New Orleans was star quarterback Drew Brees, and for Brees, the shock of losing Graham still does not settle well with him.

"Jimmy was like a brother to me," Brees explained, according to ESPN. "He was close to so many guys on the team. That part of it is something that people lose track of.

"Not having a guy like that on the field with you is a difference-maker. Just the relationships that you build in the locker room, that's really the part that's the hardest, just because you're used to being around each other and the way your families do things together.

“You build a relationship and you become very close. But then, things happen and all of the sudden you're on a different team. It doesn't change the way we feel about each other. We're just not going to see each other all that often."


(givemesport.com)

Former Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork isn’t completely done in New England.

The 11-year staple along the Patriots’ defensive line is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech at the New England Institute of Technology May 3, the school said Monday.

Wilfork, who wore No. 75, will help celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary and will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters during the ceremony.

The 6-foot 2-inch NFL veteran signed a two-year deal with the Texans last month after the Patriots declined to pick up his $4 million roster bonus, which made him a free agent.

NEIT will also honor former Rhode Island governor Philip Noel at the ceremony.


(bostonglobe.com)

After spending time in the film room, Lamar Miller came to the conclusion that he didn't catch enough passes, and that he needed to break more tackles. This offseason he has put on seven pounds of muscle, and now weighs 225 pounds. Miller has been training with the Jugs machine, and has sought to improve his technique by working with fellow Cane, Andre Johnson. He has also been working with his own QB, Ryan Tannehill, and the Miami receivers. (Miami Herald)

Fantasy Impact: It's a bonus for Miller owners if he can improve his route running and rapport with Tannehill. On the other hand, when a running back bulks up, they'll often experience a drop in their burst or speed. Obviously if Miller doesn't lose the speed he's known for, but gains a bit more power improving his yards after contact, both he and fantasy owners will be pleased. We'll see soon enough how this works out.


(fantasypros.com)

Shane Larkin piled up 15 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and one steal in Sunday's win over the visiting Sixers, making 4-of-8 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws with zero turnovers in 41 minutes.

Larkin's sky-high playing time is his greatest asset, and tonight's beefy line is reason enough to pick him up where available. His value is even more secure with Alexey Shved (ribs) and Jose Calderon (Achilles) almost certainly done for the season.


(rotoworld.com)

Ryan Braun didn’t have an issue with his right thumb during spring training, but now he has a new injury to deal with.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports that Braun exited Monday’s season opener against the Rockies with a ribcage strain. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before leaving the game. He’s scheduled to be reevaluated tomorrow, but this is something that could put him down for a little while. Gerardo Parra should get most of the playing time in right field for now.

Braun, 31, struggled though a thumb injury last season while hitting .266/.324/.453 with 19 home runs and 81 RBI over 135 games.


(hardballtalk.com)

Yasmani Grandal (pictured). Can he help make the Matt Kemp trade look wise?

Objective: He has flip-flopped on which side he hits better from over his career. He had a very strong walk rate and good power from the left side last year. By now, everyone knows he has soft hands and is good at framing pitches.

Subjective: Establishing trust with the Dodgers' excellent pitching staff will have to take place quickly. A lot of factors come into play and affect him with defense and offense. It could be a pivotal year for him. Let’s see how he blends with the team and what kind of rapport he develops with the pitchers.

Consensus: The jury is out.


(espn.com)