The NFL draft is two days away, and University of Miami defensive end Calais Campbell has visited one team. And frankly, that visit includes an asterisk since all it entailed was a crosstown drive to the Dolphins' training complex.

"I've only made one visit, but I heard that can be a good thing," Campbell said. "They don't have too many questions about you."

Maybe it is a good thing. Or maybe it isn't. After seeing his draft stock tumble in recent months, Campbell doesn't know what to expect during Saturday's first two rounds.

"It's kind of exciting and nerve-racking," he said. "It's kind of mysterious, too, like you don't know what's going to happen. All I can do is hope for the best."

Little more than a year ago, Campbell could have been a top-five pick. The Denver South graduate had just finished his redshirt sophomore season with the Hurricanes, during which he racked up 20 1/2 tackles for losses and 10 1/2 sacks, earning him first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. At 6-feet-8 and 282 pounds, he was widely considered the next big thing at defensive end.

A year later, after a junior season that produced 12 1/2 tackles for losses and six sacks, Campbell is hoping to go late in the first round.

"Could be the next Julius Peppers," reads one scouting report, "or he could be the next Courtney Brown."

Philadelphia and Washington are looking at him during the mid-to-late stages of the first round, but, in the end, the questions surrounding him could push him to the second round. If so, it would be good news and bad for Campbell.

The bad news is it would cost him a lot of money. The good news is that Campbell gets it. He realizes draft day is the first day of the rest of your career, not the be-all, end-all that ESPN tries to portray.

"Without a doubt, the GMs know I'm a first-round talent," Campbell said. "I'm coachable, I'm a very hard worker, and I want to be the best I can be. Most coaches and GMs don't think I'll fall intothe second round, but it could happen. Either way, I'm blessed to be able to play in the NFL.

"If, by chance, I do drop into the second round, it will just serve as motivation to prove I belonged in the first round. My goal is to be one of the best players who ever played no matter what round I go in."

If that sounds like a mature kid talking, it's because Campbell is one. Unlike some other Miami players from years past, he won't enter the NFL equipped with baggage. Instead, he'll be packing a sociology degree with a minor in advertising.

Background checks can cut two ways in the NFL. If a player has off-field issues, it could hurt him on draft day. Campbell is hoping, given his track record and his degree, that teams will upgrade him.

"I was talking to D.J. Williams, just picking his brain, and he was telling me NFL teams look at you differently when you have a degree," he said. "They know I'm pretty smart. I think that definitely helps me, having my degree. It shows I'm a hard worker and I like to take care of business."

Unfortunately, he didn't do that during his last season at Miami. His first-team all-conference status plummeted to honorable mention. He wasn't the same monster player coming off the corner. At times, he looked more ordinary than exceptional. It was enough to land him in that gray area between the first and second rounds.

Campbell doesn't make any excuses. Sure, part of it was the general malaise the Hurricanes experienced. They lost six of their final seven games and allowed 120 points in their last three. But it was more than that, Campbell acknowledges. He could have played better but didn't.

"I could have had better technique," he said. "I could have had better steps, better hands. It's kind of crazy how much technique affects you. When I played well, my technique was good. When I didn't play well, it was because I had bad technique.

"Even so, I felt I was pretty dominant. A lot of times, I was a step away from a sack and the quarterback threw it to the ground or to a receiver. But no matter how I had played last season, I'm always looking to get better."

The issues didn't end with his 2007 season. He had a disappointing showing at the scouting combine, including 16 bench press reps at 225 pounds, the fewest of any defensive line prospect. And it was no fluke. Campbell says he couldn't do more than eight in early January, when he began training for the combine workouts.

As for the questions about his strength, Campbell has a standard answer: "I don't think the bench press is that important. I'm definitely strong enough to play in the NFL and be a dominant player."

Not measuring up
University of Miami defensive end Calais Campbell, a former Denver South player, struggled at the NFL combine, putting his draft status in question. A look at some of Campbell's measurables compared to the average for all the defensive ends who participated:

40-yard dash time
Campbell: 5.08 seconds Avg. for DEs: 4.89 seconds
Vertical jump:
Campbell: 29 1/2 inches Avg. for DEs: 29 5/8 inches
Bench press reps at 225 lbs:
Campbell: 16 reps Avg. for DEs: 25 reps

(denverpost.com)

CORAL GABLES - Will former UM quarterback Kyle Wright get drafted this weekend?

“Definitely,” said Wright on Wednesday by telephone from his home in Northern California.

Wright bases his optimistic outlook on “a ton of great feedback” from NFL teams following strong performances at the NFL combine in Indianapolis in early February and at UM’s Pro Day later that month.

“I’m definitely expecting to get drafted,” Wright repeated. “I’ve moved up the list of quarterbacks and the demand for quarterbacks in the NFL, especially this year, is high. Everyone is looking for someone. Not necessarily a No. 1 guy. Everybody seems to need a No. 2 or No. 3 guy that they want to develop into hopefully a starting quarterback a few years down the road. What happens is going to happen, but I’m excited about whatever opportunity I get. I’m looking forward to it.”

Coming out of high school five years ago as the nation’s top prospect, the question surrounding Wright wasn’t if he would be drafted, only how high.

But an up-and-down college career that culminated in a senior season in which Wright threw more interceptions (14) than touchdown passes (12) caused most observers to write off any chance at a pro career.

Solid showings in Indianapolis and UM’s Pro Day could change that, although Wright’s name has been absent from some of the more reputable seven-round mock drafts out there, including those published this week by ESPN.com and The Sporting News.

Wright, who worked out for the San Francisco 49ers last week, is certainly striving to make sure he’s ready for an opportunity. Leading up to the NFL combine, Wright was regularly putting in eight-hour workouts that began in the morning in Oakland and finished across the bay in San Mateo.

Those workouts included sessions with quarterback guru Tommy Martinez, who also prepared Tom Brady and JaMarcus Russell for the NFL draft.

“He’s big on fundamentals and mechanics,” Wright said. “I think a lot of quarterback coaches can tell you when you do something wrong….but don’t know how to teach you to correct it. Tom will critique me and coach me, but he’ll tell me why he’s doing it, and that’s something I never really had.”

(palmbeachpost.com)

Kenny Phillips tries to stay away from watching the NFL Network these days. There is no desire to watch ESPN or read anything on the Internet concerning this weekend's NFL Draft.

As Phillips says, he refuses to "read into" what any so-called draft expert opines about his lack of productivity last season for the Miami Hurricanes.

"I don't hear what they got to say," said Phillips, a 6-foot-2, 212-pound free safety. "I just listen to the coaches. If they have something to say, I listen."

Phillips, who elected to skip his senior season, is still not a lock to be selected in the first round. He will, however, continue the long line of UM safeties to play in the NFL when his name is called, joining the likes of Sean Taylor, Brandon Meriweather and Ed Reed.

"I have him as my top safety on the board," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "But I still have him going in the second round."

Phillips was projected as a Top 10 pick before last season, but his stock somewhat dropped after what many analysts called an average year. He had 82 tackles, but just two interceptions for a UM team that finished 5-7.

Still, Phillips believes he possesses first-round talent, just like those UM safeties who preceded him.

"I think so," Phillips said. "I can't say where in the first round. I think I did a pretty good job [at the NFL Combine] and I can pretty much go in the first round."

Most draft analysts say Phillips lacks the playmaking ability of Reed or Taylor. Although he's a solid tackler, they seem unable to forget about his final season. He entered with such high expectations after being a candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award.

"Kenny Phillips is not in the first round right now because he's still a borderline player," ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. "But there's a safety by the name of Tyrell Johnson from Arkansas State who has really moved up. ... You look at him escalating up and Phillips not coming off a great year."

Interested teams questioned Phillips on the so-called decline in production. As a freshman, he appeared on the way to being a high first-round pick. He stepped in for injured Anthony Reddick, starting the final 11 games. He ranked third on the team with 88 tackles and his lone interception preserved a victory against Clemson.

Phillips, a Carol City native, made third-team All-American the following season before watching his statistics drop slightly in 2007. He said he answered the inquiries from NFL personnel by saying he improved in areas not shown by stats.

"I told them I matured more as a player," Phillips said. "I took on a lot more responsibilities as far as communicating and helping the coaches out because we had a lot of new coaches coming in. I was still making plays."

There is still a chance Phillips cracks the first round. The website NFLDraftCountdown.com has the New York Giants taking him with the 31st pick, the last of the first round (New England doesn't have a first-round pick). The Dallas Cowboys also have shown interest at the No. 22 pick.

Phillips, who continues to say he made the right decision to leave early, is ready for all the speculation to end.

"It's a long process," Phillips said. "It's a lot as far as a team. There's a lot of money involved. They make sure if you're married, who your girlfriend is, your second-grade teacher. They're definitely trying to figure some things about you. It's definitely a long process, but we work so hard so when it's all over, it feels good to be done with it."

(sun-sentinel.com)

Miami (Fla.) DE Calais Campbell is one of the tallest players in this year’s draft class at 6-7?nbsp;— and he makes sure to mention the partial inch — but he’s also one of the best. Expected to be drafted in the late first round or early second, Campbell is a gifted pass rusher who might just be coming into his own at age 21 (he turns 22 right before the season starts). Athletics are in Campbell’s blood, too. He is perhaps the best athlete in the family, having averaged a double-double in hoops in high school and could have played Division I as a tight end, too, but he also has five football-playing brothers who have played college ball.

Campbell’s sacks fell off from 10?nbsp;as a sophomore to six as a junior, but he got enough positive feedback to enter the draft early, and it appears to be a sound decision. Although tragedy struck the Hurricanes’ program the past few years with the deaths of Brian Pata and Sean Taylor, Campbell believed he could deal with death better than others because of the father he lost in high school. Campbell took some time to talk with PFW about the his kick-blocking proficiency, the Miami tradition, playing tall, skiing and “icebox pie.”

PFW: Tell me about your high school career — I heard you were quite adept at blocking kicks and running them back for touchdowns.
Campbell: (laughs) Yeah, I had a couple returns for touchdowns. I think I had like five. Blocking kicks, it’s kind of fun, coming off the edge. I didn’t do too much of it at Miami, but high school was a blast. I had the Colorado state record for sacks.

PFW: Yeah, you had more than 60, right?
Campbell: I had 57.

PFW: And you also played tight end?
Campbell: Yes I did.

PFW: Is that why you went to Miami? Were you attracted to the school because of guys like Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey?
Campbell: I was recruited to play both. The first day they gave me an offensive playbook, and they gave me (uniform) No. 81. But the defensive coaches wanted me to play defense as well. So it worked out well for me.

PFW: So how did they convince you defense was the way to go?
Campbell: I have been playing defensive end since I was six. I had only played tight end in the three years before that. I even played a little offensive line my junior year. Really, defense has been in my heart since I was a little kid. But when I was playing ball, Shannon Sharpe was my favorite player, and I wanted to play tight end at first. But my coach, when I was 6 years old, put me at defensive end, and I was a natural.

PFW: Were you bigger than everyone back then too?
Campbell: I was pretty big, but I wasn’t bigger than everybody. I just continued growing when other kids stopped.

PFW: You also played a little hoops. Did you get D-I attention?
Campbell: Oh yeah, I have a little bit of basketball skills. A couple of schools offered me double scholarships, especially in the Pac-10 — Washington and Oregon. But I told people right away I wanted (most) to play football. At Miami, (Coach Frank Haith) recruited me to play basketball as well, but football was in my heart then and I wanted to be the best I could be, so I didn’t want to mess that up by playing basketball. Part of me kind of wishes I did try it, just because I am pretty good at it. But the football thing has worked out well for me.

PFW: I’d say so. Who is the best hoops player other than you on the football team?
Campbell: I would have to go with Lovon Ponder. But there are a couple of guys who can ball.

PFW: Were you 6-foot-7 when you got to Miami or did you grow?
Campbell: Yeah, I maybe grew like half an inch after I got to school.

PFW: And what did you weigh?
Campbell: When I first got there? I weighed 228. I am about 282 right now.

PFW: Is that a pretty good number for you? Do you believe you could play at that weight in the NFL?
Campbell: I think this is a perfect weight for me. I have been working out pretty hard, training real hard. I think I got up to 290 for a while, and I could play at that weight. But 280 or so feels a lot better.

PFW: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being tall in football?
Campbell: It really helps out a lot creating great leverage. If you get up into people, it really helps you. And I have the long arms to bat down passes. But also, when you are tall, a lot of guys want to cut (block) you. You really have to work them, by bending, playing with your hands. I play the cut block well, but it’s kind of hard because you have to play with really great technique.

PFW: Do you regret redshirting considering how you have played?
Campbell: No, not at all. I think redshirting was something I needed to do, playing on the scout team and going against (former Hurricane and current Texans OT) Chris Myers. And I played against Eric Winston, who is also in the NFL (with the Texans). It really helped me fine-tune my game and let me get tested against better guys. It really helped me adjust to college.

PFW: In 2006, you really made a name for yourself with sacks in seven straight games. What was the difference for you that season, being so good?
Campbell: It was my first year actually starting, I really felt like — Coach (John) Palermo was there at the time — he demanded the best out of me. That’s when I really played hard. I really feel like I play with great passion. And I started playing with great technique.

PFW: This past year, did you play up to your expectations?
Campbell: I didn’t play as well as I wanted to, not at all. I feel like I had a good year, I still played pretty well. I didn’t get to the quarterback as much as I did the year before, but I really feel like I played a lot better (as a junior). Even the year before when I had a great year, I feel like I could have had a better year. Last year, my technique wasn’t as good as it should have been. I realize I could have made some more plays, but when you lose your technique, it’s kind of hard to make plays, especially if you are off balance or out of control sometimes. If I take a good angle and hit the quarterback, he gets hit, even if I don’t get the sack. But I realized my first step was outward instead of forward. It took me longer to get off. Little technique things that really led to me not making big plays.

PFW: Talk a little about Bryan Pata — how much did his death affect you?
Campbell: Oh man, that was so tough on the whole team, especially the D-line because he was our leader. He really worked with me a lot and helped me be the best I could be. And I played behind him the year before. We talked a lot, and he worked with me the first time I started, against Florida State. It was just him walking me through that first game, telling me what I needed to do to beat my guy. And it really helped me out. He was a good friend of mine, and when that happened it was real tough on me and the whole D-line. The night before (his murder) we had a good day. It was our D-line coach’s birthday, and we dumped some water on him. And Pata was just so happy.
I can’t believe it happened. It makes you appreciate life. You never know when it’s going to be over, so you have to live for today and not worry about tomorrow too much.

PFW: Had you ever met Sean Taylor before he was killed?
Campbell: I definitely met him before. Most of the NFL guys come back. Sean came back as well, and I got to meet him and know him a little bit. It hurts when you see something like that happen. My dad passed away when I was a senior in high school, and my grandmother passed away when I was young. Those hurt badly, but I got to see death when I was younger, and I really learned that you have to appreciate the good times when they are on Earth because you can’t change it. You can’t change the outcome, so you remember the good times.

PFW: Back to football … I heard there was some confusion on the sideline with two different coaches signaling in defensive calls at the same time at times. True?
`Campbell: I don’t think there was as much confusion with the coaches as there was with the players. I think it was just that we didn’t always play together as a team. Coach (Randy) Shannon was always trying to get us to play with discipline. And if the guys on the field are not playing together, it doesn’t matter what the coaches call. I really feel like (Coach Shannon) is doing a good job of getting guys on the same page, this year especially. And the stuff he did last year will really help next year as well. Some of the things they threw at us at first were simplified, but now that guys know what to expect they can do more. I really think the team is headed in the right direction.

PFW: Who were the NFL players you talked to most often in the Miami weight room?
Campbell: Oh man. From Ed Reed to Reggie Wayne to Willis McGahee. Jeremy Shockey, but he didn’t come back this past year. He came back the year before. Bubba Franks. You go down the line, it’s crazy how many people come back. I learned a lot from D.J. Williams. Jonathan Vilma, Jon Beason this past year. I played with him, but he really helped me a lot going through this process.

PFW: That’s quite a list indeed. Tell me about your brothers playing football.
Campbell: Yeah, my little brother is here, and I have two brothers who play up at Montana and I have another brother who played at Adams State, which is a school in Colorado.

PFW: Who is the second-best NFL prospect in the family?
Campbell: (laughs) Whoo, that’s tough! That might cause some trouble! I might have to avoid some family members after this. My personal opinion, Ciarre is the best athlete — he’s got a year left at Montana. Ridiculous athlete, 4.35 (40-yard dash). Speed guy, 40-inch vertical. He’s 6-3, 185 pounds, pure muscle. But my brother, Jared, who is at Miami, his instincts are just ridiculous. He’s not the strongest guy out there, but he’s supersmart. He plays with confidence, and he has great hips.

PFW: OK, you covered the bases somewhat by mentioning two brothers.
Campbell: Yeah, but my other brothers might be a little mad!

PFW: What was your best track event?
Campbell: Ooh, that’s tough because I did the long jump, triple jump, shotput and discuss. I didn’t do it my senior year, which I probably should have. But my junior year I made state in all four. I think my best might have been shotput, but my favorite was triple jump.

PFW: Favorite athlete of all time other than Shannon Sharpe?
Campbell: It’s got to be (Michael) Jordan. Winning championship after championship … even now, people want to be like Mike still. A (basketball) player I really like now is LeBron (James). At first when he came out, I was like … “He’s got too much hype coming out of high school.” But he has really showed me that he is a ballplayer. And he knows how to win. Carried his team to the finals last year.

PFW: Favorite home-cooked meal?
Campbell: That’s tough. My Mom can throw down! She makes a lot of things I like, but I like her chicken. When she makes some fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy … I also always ask her to make this special pie she makes. It’s called the “Icebox pie.”  It's with vanilla wafers, this cream she makes up, and bananas. It’s kind of like a banana cookie cream pie. It’s really good. It’s family recipe.

PFW: Tell her I want that recipe. Being that you are from Denver, do you ski?
Campbell: One time. It was a lot of fun. I fell a lot, and my friend actually got hurt. He came with me and two other guys I played football with, and because he got hurt I haven’t been (skiing) since then. But after I stop playing football, I will definitely go again.

(pfw.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and tight end Greg Olsen were presented with 2007 Brian Piccolo Awards during a ceremony Thursday at Halas Hall.

The prestigious honor has been given to a Bears rookie since 1970 and was expanded in 1992 to include a veteran as well. Bears players vote for the rookie and veteran who best exemplify the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo, a Bears running back who died from embryonal cell carcinoma on June 16, 1970 at age 26.

“Brian has been described as dedicated, loyal, a great teammate and a tough football player,” said coach Lovie Smith. “You can describe our award winners today in the same light.”

Urlacher became the fifth Bears player to win the award as a rookie and a veteran. Last season he led the team in tackles for the seventh time in nine seasons with 158. 
Olsen, the Bears’ first-round draft pick last year, caught 39 passes for 391 yards and 2 touchdowns as a rookie, joining Hall of Famer Mike Ditka as the only rookie tight ends in team history to amass at least 300 yards receiving. “When you watch Greg Olsen play football, it’s not real difficult to figure out that he’s extremely talented,” said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. “With his size, athleticism, hands, speed and everything that goes with it, it’s obvious he’s a great player. But the thing that makes him special, that makes him the player that he is, are the other things, the intangibles, the things that maybe aren’t quite so easy to see. That’s what separates Greg and puts him in that category.  "His character, his work ethic, his desire to be great, leadership and intelligence are all qualities that maybe you don’t see, but he possesses at a great level.”

Brian Piccolo joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1965.

Olsen also humbly thanked the Piccolo and McCaskey families for the award. He was especially touched that his peers voted for him.

“The greatest honor you can receive as a player is when your teammates recognize the things you do and the way you act,” Olsen said. “I don’t think it gets any better than that.”

Virginia McCaskey attended Thursday's awards ceremony in the Halas Hall auditorium along with Piccolo's widow, Joy, and two of three Piccolo daughters, Traci and Kristi. Patrick McCaskey, the Bears’ senior director of special projects, served as master of ceremonies.
Brian Piccolo joined the Bears in 1965 as an undrafted free agent after leading the nation with 111 points and 1,044 yards rushing as a senior at Wake Forest.

He was in his fourth NFL season when a chest x-ray revealed a malignancy. Piccolo died several months later. His courageous battle was later portrayed in the classic movie "Brian's Song."

When Piccolo died, the disease was 100 percent fatal, but the cure rate today is 95 percent.

Proceeds from the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund benefit breast cancer research at Rush Medical Center and the Clearbrook Center for the developmentally disabled in Arlington Heights. The fund has raised more than $5 million since 1991.

That figure will grow thanks to the NFL, which made a $100,000 donation Thursday, the final installment of a five-year, $500,000 pledge.

“Everything [Brian Piccolo] stood for and everything you  hear about him and the type of man he was and how he was a family man and everything is what everyone tries to be,” Olsen said. “That’s kind of what the whole award stands for, is how you act and how you can become part of something bigger than yourself.”

(chicagobears.com)

CORAL GABLES - The feeling at the University of Miami's Pro Timing Day was almost glum in February.

An event that attracted dozens of NFL coaches and scouts in the past was nearly empty.

Standouts Calais Campbell and Kenny Phillips spent most of the interview time answering questions as to whether their draft stock has fallen.

And then along came linebacker Tavares Gooden to perk up this frown of a day.

Gooden, who was all smiles that afternoon, has been the only Hurricanes player to actually improve his positioning in the draft. No talk of slipping into the next round. No talking heads calling him overrated. A solid showing in pre-draft workouts has helped Gooden elevate his status from a late-round pick to possibly being selected among the first three rounds on Saturday.

"I don't think I've started to peak yet," Gooden said. "I can't wait to show my skills at the next level."

Gooden, who played at St. Thomas Aquinas, is coming off a senior season where he led the team with 119 tackles. He was named the Hurricanes' defensive Most Valuable Player despite moving to middle linebacker during the preseason. Gooden had played on the outside most of his career, but made the switch because of injuries on the team.

"I don't think the real me has came out yet," Gooden said. "I've played so many different positions here and I wouldn't call it a bad thing. I think that's been a great thing for me."

After an average performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Gooden improved his appeal with solid times in the 40-yard dash (4.5) and vertical leap (39.5) at the UM Pro Timing Day. His vertical was better than what anyone tested in Indianapolis. He said his statistics slipped at the NFL Combine because of injuries, but he is now healthy.

Gooden was hampered late in the season with a groin injury and missed the Senior Bowl because of hip problems.

"I think it's going to come down to me going to my different scouting days and going out there and showing them how well I can move," Gooden said. "I know I had a couple injuries, but I think I tested well with those injuries."

Gooden is projected to play outside linebacker in the NFL, where ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the No. 2 prospect. Most mock drafts have Gooden chosen in the third round. He is predicted as being taken by Atlanta with the 68th pick, according to www.nfldraftcountdown.com.

Rob Rang, a senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, said Gooden could be "one of the steals of the draft."

"With Gooden, you just wonder if he's for real," Rang said. "Is he the guy that dominated in the middle or is he a guy just playing hard now that he's a senior and there's a paycheck involved? But I'm very high on him. He was absolutely Miami's best player."

Gooden also says he has tradition on his side. The Hurricanes have produced great NFL linebackers, including Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams and Dan Morgan. He says he's spent the last few weeks receiving advice from each, hoping their words can lead him to a successful professional career.

"Everybody helps out," Gooden said. "Jonathan Vilma, he comes back. I played weakside my first year and D.J. Williams was there. Even guys who are not even here. I talk to Twan Russell, Dan Morgan all the time. All those guys come back and they give me feedback and they let me know what am I doing wrong or right.

"Also, they're telling me even though I'm doing good, to keep pushing it."

(sun-sentinlel.com)

The Arizona Republic reports since the end of last season, there has been speculation the Cardinals were eager to replace RB Edgerrin James with a younger, faster model. Not so, team officials say. They would like to add a running back in this weekend's draft, but they would be content to again go with James and develop a potential replacement.

(ffmastermind.com)

Pat Burrell’s two-out, two-run double in the eighth broke up a tie ballgame, as the Phillies held on to beat Milwaukee and split their two-game series.

On in relief of Jamie Moyer – who allowed one run over six innings – Tom Gordon pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. Then, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge (S, 5) combined for two shutout innings to preserve the win. Jayson Werth accounted for the Phillies’ other run with a solo shot in the sixth. Ryan Howard, who started the game on the bench, ended up with two at bats and struck out both times.

Burrell’s torrid April continues as he rises to the occasion again w/RISP. As for the ‘pen, they’ve pitched 14.0 scoreless innings over the Phils’ last five games. So far, the front office rally cry appears to be correct in saying they like the way the bullpen sets up at the back-end.

(ap.com)

The Seahawks have no serious interest in trading for New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, despite a report in the New York Daily News.

While the Seahawks do have a need at tight end and the former Pro Bowler is a talent -- but also a bit of a character -- the club plans to address the tight end position in the NFL draft this weekend.

The Seahawks are not talking to the Giants about a trade, but include the word "serious" in their dismissal of the report because if Shockey was to be available this weekend for a seventh-round daft choice that's when their "interest" might kick in.

Here's the story from the Daily News:

If the Giants decide to trade Jeremy Shockey this week, it won't necessarily be to the Saints.

Whether the Saints or Seahawks up the ante between now and the start of the draft on Saturday will likely determine whether the Giants make the bold move to dump the 27-year-old Shockey, who has been expressing his frustrations with the Giants to his friends this offseason. According to team sources, the Giants aren't actively trying to trade him, but they are listening to offers and have discussed the possibility.
Some in the organization are convinced Shockey will be traded before the first day of the draft is over, although most sources have indicated it could go either way, depending on how high the offers go.

One source also indicated that other teams have expressed an interest in Shockey, although none more than the Seahawks and Saints. The source did not say who those teams were, but one possibility is the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking to replace tight end Alge Crumpler. The Falcons, by the way, have three second-round picks (34th, 37th and 48th).

Shockey has been telling friends he wants to go to the Saints, where he would be reunited with former Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton - New Orleans' head coach - and play in a more tight end-friendly offense. But Seattle could be an intriguing destination, too. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren likes to feature the tight end in his offense, but he had little luck in recent years with the troubled and drop-prone Jerramy Stevens, who was on the Bucs in 2007. Holmgren is looking for an upgrade over 36-year-old Marcus Pollard, who reportedly agreed to a contract with the Pats last night.

Meanwhile, back at Giants Stadium, the guy who would replace Shockey on the Giants - second-year pro Kevin Boss - didn't sound thrilled with the idea at all.

"He'll be back," Boss said. "I've got a lot more to learn from him. He's been a great mentor. Obviously he's a better player than me. He can do some things I can't yet."

Boss also said "I think we're all confident (Shockey) wants to come back," but he admitted he has not talked directly to Shockey about that. Giants GM Jerry Reese and quarterback Eli Manning have also expressed their hope and belief that Shockey wants to return, although they didn't know for sure, either.

Shockey hasn't commented publicly on the subject, though he has told many people that he is frustrated with his role in the offense, upset at how it was portrayed that the Giants' Super Bowl run began when he broke his leg in Week 15, and is worried about getting the blame next season if things go wrong for the team. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has told the Giants he is interested in re-doing Shockey's deal, even though he has four years left on a five-year, $26.3 million extension.

Rosenhaus, in a recent TV appearance, did not deny that Shockey is unhappy and wants to be traded. He said only that Shockey's feelings are "something that we've communicated to the Giants and the ball's going to be in their court."

(seattlepi.com)

SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 23, 2008) - San Jose SaberCats' receiver/linebacker Jason Geathers parlayed his multi-faceted performance last Friday against Utah into being named the AFL's Ironman of the Week, the league announced.

Geathers (6-2, 202, Miami) gobbled up a pair of Blaze fumbles, returning one for a 9-yard score, and caught a 34-yard TD while also being tabbed the Ironman of the Game on April 18 in Salt Lake City. The fumble return was the first defensive TD of his career.

"I was just sticking to my assignment of shadowing the quarterback," said Geathers, who is in his third year with the team. "The ball got loose and I was already headed in that direction so it was an easy scoop and score."

With the free substitution rule being implemented in 2007, many traditional two-way AFL players have realigned to their primary position and some have been phased out of the game completely. Geathers has managed to make an impact on both sides of the ball and has scored a TD three different ways in 2008 (rushing, receiving, defensive). During his four years as a Miami Hurricane, Geathers played both receiver and tailback.

Although he registered only one reception in the contest, it came at a key point in the game as the SaberCats were trailing the Blaze 10-7 to open the second quarter. The catch at the goal line was the only opportunity Geathers got on offense.

"That's what I live for," Geathers stated, who admits he would rather play offense than defense. "When your number is called you have to make a play and this time it was a big one."

Geathers has started four games at wide receiver this season, collecting 36 balls for 360 yards and 5 TDs, including an 18-catch outing on April 5 versus New Orleans. He has now started two straight games at 'Jack' linebacker and registered 5.5 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in that role.

(oursportscentral.com)

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the team does not anticipate trading WR Devin Hester and have not had any discussions with other teams. However, Angelo said if a trade became available that would make the team better, they would look to possibly trade.


(kffl.com)

Instead of giving my opinion of players performances this season, I thought I'd ask the players themselves to assess particular areas of their game. Here is what James Jones had to say, along with some various pertinent quantifiables.

Defense: "Lacking. Not as good as I would like to and not as good as I’m capable of. That’s an area of improvement."

It's important to remember that James Jones battled nagging leg injuries all season. The negative effects of said injury probably hurt James most on the defensive end, but he still managed to get it done when he needed to. Timely blocks against the Bulls in double-overtime and on the road in Miami are evidence of that. What Jones lacked in explosiveness and lateral movement, he made up for (at least partially) with smarts.

Case in point: Jones has took 16 charges this season in 1276 minutes, putting him behind only Joel Przybilla (who does a helluva job drawing charges) in charges drawn per minute. Establishing position and sacrificing your body are things you can do on defense even when you're not 100 percent.

Three-point shooting: "Pretty good, except for the late-season collapse. Once again, it was pretty good, but not as well as I would like it to be and not as well as I think it should have."

A "pretty good" three-point shooting performance from Jones this season is better than anything we've seen in Portland since Steve Smith. Finishing with the third best three-point percentage in the NBA (44%), despite struggling at the end of the season, is something to be proud of.

Jones shot a ridiculous 55% from three during the month of December, contributing greatly to the 13-game winning streak. He cooled down a bit in January, though he still shot a respectable 44%.

Once again, injury was probably to blame for Jones' decrease in three-point shooting percentage. After sitting all of February, Jones' three-point percentages dipped to 37% in March followed by a 38% month in April.

"My body hasn’t been 100 percent all year and that’s not going to change," Jones said toward the end of the season, "especially going down the stretch. You compensate and you cope and at the end of the day, regardless of how you feel, you have to be able to make that shot. I just haven’t been doing that lately."

Rebounding: "Definitely need to improve on that and to me that ties into defense. Percentage wise, I kind of gauge rebounding on whether or not my guy gets the ball or if I get the ball. Rebounding for me might mean getting more rebounds because I’m putting a body on guys and just doing my part to make sure we’re securing rebounds. I could to a bit better in that, but I think every player could do better in that department."

He's right about that. The Blazers were 25th in rebounding this season. Greg Oden will help, but he's not going to solve the problem himself. Jones averaged 2.8 rebounds per game this season, which isn't exactly stellar, but it is statistically his second best rebounding season.

Worth noting that after a miss Jones' responsibility is to get down court to spot up for three, which partially explains his average rebounding numbers.

Ball handling/putting the ball on the floor: "I can do that stuff, but that’s not really something that I emphasize or work with because that’s not really my job here. If they open it up a little bit and tell me to handle the ball and be a little more aggressive, I can do that, but every team doesn’t need five ball handlers; they need guys who know their role and their position.

"For me, I can handle the ball and create off the dribble and do things like that, but if there’s a chance for me to get the ball back to Steve or back to Brandon, that’s their job so you give the ball and allow them to do their job. And hopefully they’ll respect your job, which is shooting, and they’ll find you and put you in a better situation to do what you do well."

James is right: Ball-handling isn't something Nate McMillan asks him to do. After rebounds, the Blazers get the ball to the point guard almost exclusively, regardless of situation. I have no idea whether that is by necessity or design.

Jones averages 0.6 assists per game, while also logging 0.5 turnovers per. Not great, but not horrible either.

Leadership: "It will definitely be different next year. I think I was o.k. this year, but being injured and not being in the midst of everything on a consistent basis, you give a lot of lip service. I’m not a big fan of lip service, so if I can’t get out there and physically lead these guys and prod and push these guys and carry them along, then I can’t really lead effectively or the way I want to.

"The challenge for me was to be able to have that on court time. I know I’ll be healthier next year. I mean, I’ll probably be in the best shape of my life because I felt like I was in really good shape this summer and I think that kind of carried me earlier in the season when I wasn’t practicing at all. So I’m going to get right and I think that will help everything in general."

Jones' calming presence on the court is undeniable. Rarely makes mistakes, never seems to get frustrated and is invaluable in helping other players understand the game when he's on or off the court. That's probable enough leadership for this team

(trailblazerscentercourt.blogspot.com)

CORAL GABLES - As a defensive lineman, Calais Campbell can only think of one occasion where he will have to run 40 yards during a game. And it's a situation defensive players want to avoid.

"The only time you run 40s is when you're chasing somebody from behind for a touchdown," Campbell said.

It was Campbell's way of telling NFL scouts there is no reason for concern over his sub-par 40-yard dash times that have caused his draft stock to drop.

He once was considered a top-10 pick, but some analysts say he may not be the guy to continue Miami's streak of first-round picks in Saturday's NFL Draft. The Hurricanes have had at least one first-round selection in each of the past 13 years.

"Everybody has their own opinion," said Campbell, who left school after his junior season. "I think I'm a first-round guy. Some people think I'll go earlier than later. Some people think I'm close to the end. It all depends on the coach you ask. ... I'm hoping to show some people that I'm going to be one of the best players."

His 40 times at the NFL Combine and UM's Pro Timing Day caused the 6-foot-8, 283-pound Campbell to slip on most draft boards. He ran a 5.03 in Indianapolis and failed to improve on it in his second attempt. "I know my 40 is better than what I showed because I've always been a high 4.7, 4.8 guy," Campbell said. "I don't know what was the big difference. I just know if I keep working, I'll get my speed [time] back down."

Campbell said the five pounds he gained may have contributed to the slower times. He tried to add muscle to improve his strength, another area in which he tested poorly. At the Combine, he only did 16 reps at 225 pounds.

"On the field, you play with leverage," said Campbell, who benches 325 pounds. "It doesn't really matter how much you bench. It's all about playing with leverage and using your strength to its advantage."

It may be too late for Campbell to sway opinion. Draft experts are expecting him to fall from the first round. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said Campbell is a late first-round pick at best.

"Jacksonville at 26 would be a possibility, Tennessee at 24 and Pittsburgh at 23," Kiper said. "He has a chance to be picked in the early second round at worst."

The decline in interest is humbling considering Campbell was projected as a first-rounder had he left after his sophomore year. He drew comparisons to another towering Atlantic Coast Conference defender, Julius Peppers, who starred at North Carolina before being selected No. 2 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Campbell had 10.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for losses in 2006.

Campbell chose to return for his junior season with hopes of breaking UM's single-season sack record and competing for a national title. Neither happened, with his statistics dropping drastically and UM (5-7) not qualifying for a bowl. Campbell had six sacks last season and rarely stood out.

"I'm going to work hard, and I'm going to show my work ethic," said Campbell, who will watch the draft in his hometown of Denver. "My work ethic and my athletic ability and my potential, I really think I could be a great player.

"A lot of people might think I'm raw. I think with me being coachable if I get a good coach to help me out and take me under his wing and work with me, then I think my potential is the sky. The sky is the limit."

(sun-sentinel.com)

Pat Burrell's bases-clearing double off Manny Corpas in the ninth inning sent the Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-6 win Tuesday night over the Colorado Rockies, who lost their third straight game when leading after seven innings.



(espn.com)

April 22, 2008 -- One well-connected player agent recently spoke with three teams heading into this weekend's NFL Draft. All three compiled a mock draft to get a better feel for who might go where and all three had the Giants with the 31st overall pick taking Miami safety Kenny Phillips.

Intrigued, the agent fished around a little more, as these teams might have merely been going with the rote formula that the Giants lost a safety (Gibril Wilson) in free agency and, despite signing veteran Sammy Knight, need to add another one.

The scent remained strong. "I heard Kenny Phillips is the guy they're targeting," the agent said.

Could be. It is rare when a team can sit back until the very last pick of the first round and land the top player at his position, but that would be the case if the Giants nab Phillips. In virtually every publication or ranking, Phillips is listed as the top-rated safety available in the draft and that he is coming out of college after his junior year makes him more attractive.

Adding Phillips certainly makes sense, as he could learn the ropes for a season and contribute in sub-packages and special teams as a rookie and in 2009 step in full-time for Knight. Or, he could come to his first training camp and battle his way past Knight or James Butler for a starting job.

There is much to like about Phillips, starting with his size (6-foot-2, 212), pedigree and his air-tight resume. What hurts him is that the once-renowned Miami program sagged around him and that he is not considered in the same class as former Hurricanes safeties like Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and Brandon Meriweather. Those three all won All-American honors, as did Phillips. Late in the first round or early in the second is the anticipated spot for Phillips to hear his name called and that's exactly where the Giants sit.

If the Giants want to wait until the second round to land a safety, they could have their pick of Tyrell Johnson of Arkansas State or DaJuan Morgan of North Carolina State. The Giants brought Johnson in for a visit and he is an excellent small-school prospect whose stock soared after he wowed scouts at the Combine, finishing first among all safeties in the bench press (225 pounds 27 times) and broad jump, and ran a more-than-respectable 4.44. He's an in-the-box safety who often did not face top competition but did excel when he played against Texas and Tennessee.

Or, the Giants might feel secure that Knight, a 12-year veteran who turns 33 in September, can handle the job.

"I think I have a lot left," Knight said. "I haven't missed any games, I haven't had any major injuries, I led my team in tackles last year, second in interceptions, I've been really productive. It's not a matter of me being on my last leg or being banged up."

(newyorkpost.com)

It was not surprise to spot agent Eugene Parker at Halas Hall this afternoon.

As expected, he made the trip to Lake Forest from his base in Indiana, showing up to discuss the future of wide receiver/returner Devin Hester with management.

Surely Parker’s arrival was relief for general manager Jerry Angelo, who was at least mildly irked by the barrage of questions centered on the face of the franchise, Brian Urlacher. That’s a face that is no doubt frowning in his contract staredown with the club. More on that situation later on.

But hammering out a deal with Parker will not be an easy thing. Hester has lofty ambitions, and justifiably so given his performance the past two seasons. He also has two years remaining on his rookie contract and it will be an interesting situation to follow.

“These are very, very difficult things to do,” Angelo said of longterm extensions.

Indeed.

(blogs.suntimes.com)

San Jose WR/LB Jason Geathers recovered two fumbles (and returned one for a touchdown), recorded 3.0 tackles (two solo, two assists) and caught a 34-yard touchdown reception in the SaberCats’ 61-40 win in Utah. His fumble recoveries came on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter that broke open a two possession game (San Jose was leading 44-33) into a blowout.

(arenafan.com)

Things are quiet around the Giants these days, with voluntary offseason workouts and the draft coming up.

"Voluntary workout" is code, in Jeremy Shockey's life, for "see you in June." This has never really been a bad thing, what with Shockey always performing well for a good chunk of his six seasons before he gets slowed or, as happened in December, stopped by an injury.

Shockey's voice is never heard in the springtime around Giants Stadium, but his name sure is. Whether it's from reporters asking Eli Manning whether he wants Shockey to be there for these voluntary workouts, or as Tuesday, when guys like Dave Diehl and No. 2 tight end Kevin Boss get peppered with questions about whether Shockey would still make a good, productive Giant.

Their answers, of course, were positive. Boss still has a lot to learn and a lot of muscle to build before he can be a solid No. 1 tight end; Manning was away on his honeymoon, but he told our Tom Rock a few weeks ago that the Giants definitely want Shockey around.
Here's the deal with Shockey: He plays hard, he plays hurt, but I can't really say if he ever plays happy. Maybe he couldn't say that either. The chip on his shoulder goes all the way back to Ada, Okla., and a kid who was mad at the world and hasn't really stopped being mad.

So if he's disgruntled about the broken leg that kept him from the Giants' Super Bowl run, or about his role in Tom Coughlin's deliberate offense, or about whether he feels properly loved by his teammates, that's not really breaking news.

He has talked before about loving his role in Sean Payton's offense when Jim Fassel was head coach, but Shockey omits the reality of his first two Giants seasons. They had the dramatic meltdown in San Francisco in the playoffs, then it was 4-12 and goodbye Fassel.

So Shockey was unhappy that his team stunk. Now, his team is great, but he wants a different role, or perhaps a trade. No one can be sure of what he wants, because - without getting too much inside his head - I don't think Shockey really knows what he wants as a football player.

He has millions, and job security if he wants it. He has four Pro Bowls. He has tons of talent. And now, even though he probably would say he didn't earn one, he has a Super Bowl ring.

If Shockey wants out, the Giants should oblige. A second-round pick would suffice, especially from a team that picks high up in the second round, giving the Giants a couple of top 50 picks to shore up the secondary, or the receiving corps, or even with a tight end.

I could point to all the positive things that happened when Shockey was injured - Boss' improvement, Manning's incredible improvement, the offense's efficiency and simplicity - but, really, logic doesn't have to apply here.

Shockey is an unhappy guy most times. The Giants, reigning champions, could gladly show him that the grass is never greener, especially for a me-first guy in the NFL.

(newsday.com)

I don't know if that many people realize it, but it's possible that James Jones has played his final game as a Trail Blazer. I don't think that's the case, but it's a possibility, and a very real one at that.

Jones has a player option for the 2008-2009 season, and as the name of the option would indicate, it's a decision that is exercised by the player. Here's how it works (to the best of my understanding): James has until July 1 to opt into his contract for next season. If he picks up the option, he plays for the Blazers next season at an already pre-determined salary, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If he chooses not to pick up his option, he instantly becomes an unrestricted free agent, thus being free to play with whomever offers a contract in the 2008-2009 season. That team could very well be the Blazers, so even if Jones chooses not to exercise his player option, he could still end up playing for the Blazers next season, presumably with a new free agent contract. So James Jones has options, though he's not approaching the decision as though it's all on him. Jones told The Oregonian's Joe Freeman that:

"I'm a pretty simple and easy guy. It's not complicated. It's no mystery that I like it here. I just want to be somewhere where I can be effective. It's not my decision -- it's our decision. Me and (Pritchard). There are conversations to be had. Things change and visions change. You just like to know what the future holds for you and the team."

Jones, in my opinion, isn't a guy who is out to break the bank. He just wants to be a valued member of a team that's moving in the right direction.

It's impossible to tell at this point what offers might be extended from other teams. If a playoff team gets bounced in the first round thanks to a lack of long-range shooting and veteran composure, maybe they take a look at James Jones. But then again, maybe Jones isn't interested. To hear him talk after his exit interview, that might be the case.

"I was on the plane (after the final game against Phoenix) and reality set in that hey, technically there’s a decision to be made. And you don’t make these decisions very often in your career if you’re lucky. So it’s something I have to think about, but all I know is how I feel right now. I love the guys here, I love the team. It’s been a great experience and evidently nothing is set in stone. I just have to think about it a little bit more. They already know I’m definitely open to coming back (to Portland)."

You ask any player in the NBA about contract issues, and invariably, over and over again, the reply will boil down to the same phrase: "It's a business." And in that respect, James Jones is a business man, but business isn't all about dollars. It's hard to put a price on stability, comfort and a being valued by your employer. Some players probably don't care about those things; signing on with the highest bidder out-weighs everything else. But I'm happy to say that I know James Jones a little bit, and I'd all but guarantee that he's looking at the big picture. That bodes well for Blazer fans

(trailblazerscentercourt.blogspot.com)

Alex Cora, meanwhile, still is about a week away from even being cleared to start throwing again. Cora has a right elbow strain. He took batting practice on the field this afternoon. Francona said the team will re-evaluate the utility infielder next Monday or Tuesday, after their road series this weekend against Tampa Bay.

(beloblog.com)

For 13 straight years, at least one University of Miami player has been drafted in the first round. If the streak holds up, it increasingly looks like defensive end Calais Campbell -- and not safety Kenny Phillips -- will keep the run intact. The Hurricanes' worst record in 30 years (5-7) saw both players' stock drop. But Campbell could be off the board in the middle of the first round if there is the usual run on defensive linemen.

Phillips' fall to the second round is something of an enigma. A semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in the country, Phillips has a legendary work ethic that includes tireless film study. He ran a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at the combine and comes from the same program that produced standout NFL safeties Bennie Blades, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and Brandon Meriweather.

Why, then, is Phillips falling? He's hurt by the tapes from last season, when he didn't make plays expected of him. North Carolina State's DaJuan Morgan seems to have overtaken Phillips despite having just one year of production, always risky in NFL evaluations. Arkansas State's Tyrell Johnson also is moving up the board after a series of great workouts.

Phillips and Johnson project as strong safeties, while Morgan is a free safety. Those distinctions have been muddled, though, as teams make the positions interchangeable to handle pass-happy offenses.

SPOTLIGHT: KENNY PHILLIPS
6-2 | 208 | FS | MIAMI

Q. Miami has had a first-round pick for 13 straight years. Can you or Calais Campbell keep it going?

A. We really don't worry about it too much. We're going to do our best, and whatever happens, happens.

Q. How has Miami pulled off that streak?

A. The program that's there. The guys work really hard. We have great coaches and perform well. Coaches see we can play on that level and take us in the first round.

Q. Are you concerned that the disappointing season the Hurricanes had last year will affect how teams look at you?

A. It might. I think about it a little bit. But the way I played speaks for itself. Even though we didn't have a good season, I feel I performed well.

Q. You are known to study a lot of film. How much time do you spend doing that?

A. It's hard to say, I spend so much time in the film room. I got that trick from Ed Reed. When I first got there, me and him talked a whole lot, and he told me to stay in the film room. I spend probably three, four hours a day [watching film].

Q. You also have played a bit of cornerback. Do you feel a premium is being placed on cover safeties in the NFL?

A. I think so. You have a lot of guys, I don't want to say can't cover, but they can't cover. [Laughs.] They are asking a lot out of safeties. They want you to support the run and also be able to cover a tight end and a slot receiver, so they definitely put a premium on it.

Q. How much pride would you take in being that player who keeps the Miami streak alive?

A. It would be real good. I don't want to be the one who messes up the tradition. Nobody wants to be the one who messes it up.

Q. What do you see in the future for Miami?

A. I think we're going to bounce back. Probably not this year because we have a lot of young guys, but definitely next year. We've got a lot of great recruits who are going to help us. It's going to take maybe a year, but we'll be right back on top.

(suntimes.com)

The prevailing theory regarding the Giants and Jeremy Shockey is the team learned during its Super Bowl run they no longer need the Pro Bowl tight end.

Truth is, Shockey made the first move toward a separation. And he did so before the playoffs even began.

Shockey told the Giants in December he wanted a changed role in the offense or a trade to another team, according to a person familiar with discussions between Shockey, the Giants' coaching staff and front office. The person, who requested anonymity because he isn't authorized to speak on behalf of Shockey or the Giants, said Shockey threatened to sit out the upcoming season if neither request was granted.

Shockey, 27, who suffered a broken fibula in a Dec. 16 loss to the Redskins, feels his career is being cut short by all the blocking he has been asked to do since Tom Coughlin became coach of the Giants in 2004. While blocking is an integral part of a tight end's job description, Shockey believes he was more effective as a receiver under former coach Jim Fassel and offensive coordinator Sean Payton, now the coach of the New Orleans Saints, who are interested in trading for Shockey.

Giants general manager Jerry Reese, who said on Thursday that Shockey is the Giants' starting tight end "right now," had no comment recently when asked about Shockey's trade demands. Yesterday, Shockey's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, addressed the trade rumors during an appearance on ESPN's "NFL Live."

"In terms of Jeremy's feelings as relating to the Giants, that's something that we've communicated to the Giants and the ball's going to be in their court," Rosenhaus said, later adding: "We've had discussions with the Giants about Jeremy. I'll leave it at that. And you hear what Jerry Reese had to say. It's going to be up to the Giants to decide whether or not they want to trade Jeremy."

Shockey has complained about his role several times since Coughlin arrived. Late in the 2004 season he griped about being turned into "an average player" by the new coach's offense. This came three months after he complained about pre-snap motion, which made him "tired before I get to my final spot."

In addition to neutralizing his receiving ability, Shockey believes the number of injuries he has suffered over the past few years can be attributed to all the blocking he has done. He has battled several ankle sprains, including one that nearly sidelined him for the game against the Redskins in which he broke his leg.

Still, Shockey hasn't said much publicly about his role the past few years. But behind closed doors he has been as vocal as ever. According to someone who speaks with former Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe regularly, Shockey once told Shiancoe to stay with the Giants because Shockey wanted to leave, which would have left the starting spot to Shiancoe.

The person, who asked not to be named because the conversation was private, said the emotional Shockey then flipped his stance and told Shiancoe he'd be better off playing for a team that features a receiving tight end in its offense. Shiancoe signed a five-year, $18 million deal with the Vikings last offseason. Click here to continue reading...

For 13 years, the University of Miami has had at least one player drafted in the first round. To put that in perspective, the last time a Hurricanes' player wasn't taken in the first round — in 1994 — gas was $1.03 per gallon.

Depending on who you talk to, Miami's streak of first-round picks will continue with safety Kenny Phillips and perhaps defensive end Calais Campbell — or it'll end.

Two months ago, Phillips and Campbell were first-round locks. Now they're not, according to various mock drafts.

Phillips is projected to go as high as 19th in the draft by The Sports Xchange and CBS Sportsline's Clark Judge.

The Sports Xchange also has Campbell being taken 21st, but ESPN's Mel Kiper and Sports Illustrated's Peter King have neither player going in the first round.

"I originally had Kenny Phillips and Calais Campbell in," Kiper said. "The Arkansas State state kid (Tyrell Johnson) has moved up and Phillips is not coming off a great year.

"Calais has a better chance to be picked late in the first round. ... Like Kenny Phillips, it was not his best year."

Gary Wichard, Campbell's agent, laughs at all the conjecture.

"I've won too many bets with Mel Kiper," he said. "None of those guys have a pick on Saturday, which is a good thing.

"There's no way Calais won't be picked in the first round. He's a 6-foot-7, 280-pound freak. I don't care if he was down a little bit. He's a great kid, he'll graduate and he's nothing but hard work and a good attitude. And how many guys in the draft can do what he can do? He'll be fine."
Phillips, who's represented by Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, said they've told him to ignore all the talk but that it's hard.

"It's in the paper, on TV, shows you like to watch," Phillips said. "They're always saying something and it's a negative. It's someone's opinion, not a general manager or coach. People saying that have nothing to do with the draft. They get paid to do it, which I understand. But there's nothing I can do about it."

It's tougher for family members, Phillips said.

"No one likes to hear talk about their son or children," he said. "It's those people's opinions, but it's not things a mother who loves her son likes to hear."

Phillips remains confident he'll be chosen in the first round.

"You never know what will happen," he said. "If I fall into the second round, that's fine; people are dying to go in the second round. But you pray to go in the first round or as high as possible."

While Kiper isn't high on Campbell's or Phillips' first-round chances, he continues to move Tavares Gooden up. He ranked Gooden No. 2 among outside linebackers.

"He had a heckuva a year," Kiper said. "He put it together at the right time."

The 6-foot-1, 234-pound Gooden, who played all three linebacker positions, had 100 tackles (three for losses), three fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and an interception this past season. He has nearly a 40-inch vertical jump and ran a 4.65 time in the 40-yard dash.

"I don't think the real me has come out yet," Gooden said. "I played so many different positions. ... When I worked at something for a couple of years, I get the feel for it and get better at it. I can't wait to show skills at the next level."

Quarterback Kyle Wright, wide receivers Lance Leggett and Darnell Jenkins, offensive linemen Derrick Morse of Estero High, John Rochford and Andrew Bain and defensive lineman Vegas Franklin look like free agents.

Wright never matched his high school hype and was slowed by a series of offensive coordinators.

"I'm very anxious for a new start, to start a new chapter and not look back," Wright said. "Here's what a lot of teams stress. It's hard to get any continuity in the offseason. I never had the same coordinator twice in the summer. I'm definitely looking forward to get in a system team-wise and having people around me work on things I really didn't get here."

(news-press.com)

Top of the ninth. Cardinals and Brewers tied 3-3. Brian Barton starts the inning off with a pinch hit double, blazing into second, stand-up style. He advances to third on a sac bunt by Cesar Izturis. Skip Sckumaker brings Barton across the plate with a double of his own. Izzy goes 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth. A simple, yet beautifully constructed victory for the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright went 7 innings giving up 4 hits, two runs, and allowing 4 base-on-balls, while striking out 6. Adam gets the no decision. Ryan Franklin gets credit for both a blown save and the win. Izzy earns his 7th save of the season.

Patriots NT Vince Wilfork, the linchpin of the Patriots' 3-4 defense, ordinarily goes on easy street with his diet and workout regimen for a while after a season ends. Not this year. Wilfork is in the thick of his conditioning program and claims he's already lost 10 pounds since getting an early jump on things. "Conditioning is a huge area when playing this sport, especially for me, being able to stay on the field as long as I can," Wilfork said.

Okay, by now you’ve surely heard the one about who the Dolphins will take with the number one overall pick, and what moves the Dallas Cowboys are looking to make in the next week - but have you heard the one about Jeremy Shockey getting dealt to the Seahawks?

Shockey To Seattle -Well, we know that Giants G.M. Jerry Reese just came out and reiterated to the media the other day that Jeremy Shockey’s absence from mini-camp was nothing to be alarmed about, as he misses every season, electing instead to workout down in Miami (and who wouldn’t?). Reese even went so far as to say that Shockey is his starting TE in 2008. What ESPN failed to show, though, is that in the sentence before that, Reese said “anything can happen in personnel…but right now…”

The fact of the matter is that even though it may seem like the Giants have no reason to trade the soon-to-be 28 year old 6′5″, 251 lb. beast of a tight end - they just won a Super Bowl without him. That makes him expendable, whether you like to admit it or not.

Any time a team has an expendable player, that another team or teams are willing to offer substantial compensation for, you take it. Bottom line.

We’re hearing that the Seahawks - in addition to the Saints - have a substantial interest in Shockey’s services, as TE Marcus Pollard doesn’t have much left in the tank, and there’s really no other tight end on their roster. Mike Holmgren’s West Coast system NEEDS a pass catching TE, and with Deion Branch likely to start the year on the PUP list, and D.J. Hackett gone to Carolina, the ‘Hawks need another weapon in the passing game. Not to mention that veteran signal caller Matt Hasselbeck has said he’d welcome it, and he’s probably one of only a handful of QBs in the league who could “handle” Shockey’s personality on and off the field.

On top of all this, the recent word from the New York Daily Newsis that Shockey “is very open to the idea of being traded.” ESPN’s Michael Smith seems convinced that Shockey will be traded to New Orleans prior to the NFL Draft.

Two bidders mean something will get done folks. Something will get done. A move means an increase in fantasy value for whatever QB ends up with him, and Kevin Boss’ value rises substantially.

(thereisnooffseason.com)

The Washington Post reports Redskins RB Clinton Portis, who will be 27 this season, received $9.32 million in a signing bonus in March from the team in a restructured deal. The Redskins also guaranteed his salary for the next two seasons and also guaranteed a big portion of his 2010 salary as well. In all, the Redskins guaranteed $15 million through the 2010 season. He isn't going anywhere, for quite some time.

(ffmastermind.com)

Spotlight on ... Kenny Phillips, Miami

Phillips was born to be a star. He started as a freshman in high school, and he made 13 tackles--and a game-ending interception in the third overtime--in his second college game at Miami. He's the next great safety from _ e U, ready to follow in the footsteps of Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and Brandon Meriweather.

1. Aside from potential first-rounders Kenny Phillips and DaJuan Morgan, are there any safeties ready to make an impact?
There are more teams with needs at the position than players ready to step in right away. There are strong athletes, but all have issues. Cal's Thomas DeCoud is fast but misses too many tackles. Tennessee's Jonathan Hefney is explosive but short (5-8) for a safety. Alabama's Simeon Castille is a good athlete but was a corner in college. And so on .

2. Are 'pro boxer' and 'return man' the ideal qualifications for an NFL safety?
You know about Notre Dame's professional pugilist, Tom Zbikowski. He's tough and has good speed, but he's a straight-line runner and a liability in pass coverage. Let's hope the TV cameras don't visit his house on the draft's first day.

3. Who is Tyrell Johnson, and why should I care?
Small school, big impact. Johnson was a tackling and turnover machine in Arkansas State's games against BCS foes Texas and Tennessee. Plus, he ran a 4.40 40 and put up 27 reps in the bench press at the Combine, the most by any safety.

Top six safeties
1. Kenny Phillips, Miami, 6-2 1/4, 212, 4.49 (40 time). Grade: 8.0 2. DaJuan Morgan, N.C. State, 6-0 1/4, 203, 4.57. Grade: 8.0 3. Thomas DeCoud, Cal, 6-1 1/2, 204, 4.52. Grade: 6.9 4. Josh Barrett, Arizona State, 6-1 1/2, 224, 4.35. Grade: 6.5 5. Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee, 5-8, 190, 4.53. Grade: 6.0 6. Simeon Castille, Alabama, 6-0 1/4, 193, 4.58. Grade: 5.9

(sportingnews.com)

Jeremy Shockey, 27, remains a candidate to be traded on draft weekend. The Giants won a Super Bowl without him, and they have another capable tight end, Kevin Boss, who is younger (24) and has a smaller contract. It can't be ignored that the play of QB Eli Manning improved last season after Shockey was sidelined with a broken leg. If the Giants keep Shockey, they will be keeping an emotional player who may no longer feel wanted. And there is a market for him. The Saints -- whose coach, Sean Payton, was the Giants' offensive coordinator during Shockey's rookie season -- are interested. . . .

(sportingnews.com)

Brian Urlacher will have to wait his turn.

While the star linebacker is becoming more vocal about his contract demands, return specialist and receiver Devin Hester is next when it comes to talks with the Bears.

The team will get down to business with Hester's agent, Eugene Parker, this week and try to reach a long-term deal.

No agreement is imminent, but with talks stalled on a deal with defensive tackle Tommie Harris, the Bears are aggressively moving to accomplish what the offseason goal has been all along -- rewarding players already at Halas Hall.

One source said the team will ''look at it more seriously with a little more urgency.''

The Bears first approached Parker about Hester at the combine when they put the wraps on a contract for Rex Grossman, and the sides have had discussions since. It's a complicated matter because there aren't any comparable deals to shape money talks. Hester is unparalleled in NFL history as a returner, and coach Lovie Smith says he has the skills to develop as a No. 1 receiver.

If Hester develops on offense this season, his value is only going to increase. He already has meant plenty when it comes to points. He has scored more touchdowns the last two seasons than anyone else and is directly responsible for at least a handful of Bears victories. Hester will earn a base salary of $445,000 this season and is on the books for $530,000 in 2009.

The four-year contract he signed as the 57th pick in 2006 is worth a little more than $2.61 million. Doing a deal halfway through a four-year contract will set a precedent for the Bears. They balked at efforts by cornerback Nathan Vasher to do the same two years ago. But Hester has grossly outperformed his contract.

Parker has successfully brokered shorter deals for clients to ensure they get back to the bargaining table soon.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald just signed a four-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. When it expires, he'll be 28.

Hester is 25 and doesn't have the same leverage as Fitzgerald, who had the Cardinals over a barrel with monster salary-cap figures for the next two seasons.

The hurdle will be whether the Bears can talk Hester into an extension that incorporates the existing contract. It's one of the hang-ups with Harris.

The Bears want to maintain the integrity of the current deals and feel they should be compensated for forking over big bonus money early. The Bears don't want to pay a free-agency premium when the player isn't in free agency.

The trick you have is if the Bears offer Hester a four-year extension with $24 million in new money -- these figures are simply for the purpose of explanation -- it's going to be a six-year contract worth $24.975 million after incorporating the two remaining years on the deal. That's less palatable to the player. It's why Harris isn't keen on his offer that incorporates his base pay for this season -- less than $1 million. Players want their old contracts torn up.

Hester's pal, former NFL great Deion Sanders, said last week on NFL Network that Hester was ''upset'' with his contract. Unlike with Urlacher, no one invoked the idea of a trade or retirement, though.

(suntimes.com)

PHILADELPHIA — There comes a point in the career of a major leaguer when the light switch just gets flipped on.

For some, it comes in the first year of a career. For others, it happens too late to salvage things.

For Pat Burrell, that switch seems to have been hit at just the right time.

Through the first three weeks of the season, Burrell has been the Phillies best player. Entering yesterday's game against the Mets, Burrell was hitting .364 with six homers and 17 RBIs.

“He's seeing the ball well and he's studying the pitcher more,” Phils manager Charlie Manuel said. “He's always been a guy who practiced a lot. But he's watching more video before the game.”

It should be noted that Burrell has done this before — his .277 career average in April coming into this season is the highest of any month of the season. (In June, his average dips to .222.)

This April, though, there seems to be something different. And if it keeps up, it could put the Phillies in a very interesting dilemma.

For years, there has been this belief that the club would have sent Burrell anywhere they could have, provided they could get out from under the 6-year, $50 million contract they dished out to him before the 2003 season. (There was also that little hang-up about Burrell waiving his no-trade clause, which he has always seemed to balk at.)

Well, this is the sixth year of that deal — which has Burrell's salary at $14 million. That money is something the Phillies may really need to pay Ryan Howard or Cole Hamels in arbitration next winter.

But what will they do if Burrell puts up monster numbers that almost demand his retention? For all the talk of how much of a defensive liability he can be, Burrell is this club's only consistent right-handed power threat and a big piece behind Howard in the lineup. (You can make the argument that Burrell should be hitting cleanup right now as Howard's struggles continue at the plate.)

For that matter, Burrell could command decent money on the open market — especially as a designated hitter in the AL — if he tests the waters.

Will it be $14 million per year? Honestly, that answer is probably no. But what if the Red Sox put up $12 million as a cheaper and younger alternative to Manny Ramirez in left field? Or the Yankees spend some of the Jason Giambi salary on him?

The potential free agent market in left field next year will be highlighted — most likely — by Ramirez. Beyond Burrell, the other big names on the list are older guys (Moises Alou), enigmas (Adam Dunn or Milton Bradley) or role players (Kevin Mench, Craig Monroe or Jason Michaels.)

Are any of those guys better than Burrell right now? The answer is no.

Despite what you think, players play for pride more than the paycheck. But right now, the Phillies have a double-edged sword with Burrell. He's playing like a motivated player searching for a new contract — a deal that may ultimately lead him out of Philadelphia.

(phillyburbs.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — - Bill Belichick celebrated his 56th birthday Wednesday engaging in the least favorite part of his job. He met the press.

Looking relaxed and in a good mood, the normally tight-lipped Patriots coach was even willing to answer questions about the upcoming draft, dishing out his usual dose of vanilla insight as a large birthday cake sat on a table in the back of the room.

"That's what I came for," joked Vince Wilfork, the Patriots' behemoth nose tackle.

The actual reason Wilfork was at Gillette Stadium was to discuss his annual draft day party to raise money and awareness for diabetes, an illness that claimed his father's life when Wilfork played in college at Miami.

The event is April 26 at Pinz Entertainment in Milford, Mass. There will be live and silent auctions for Patriots items (for tickets and information, go to pinzbowl.com).

This is the fifth year that Wilfork and his wife, Bianca, have hosted the fundraiser to support the Diabetes Research Institute. More than $150,000 has been raised.

"It's getting bigger and bigger. Every year it's better and better," said Wilfork, the Patriots' first-round pick in 2004. "I think last year we raised close to $50,000. I think we're almost close to that right now and the draft day isn't here yet.."

And every year Wilfork hears stories from different people who have been affected by diabetes. He can relate after watching what the disease did to his father.

"I saw my father suffer for 12 years," Wilfork said. "Every year, it went from losing eyesight to hearing to limbs to toes, to every month losing something. It was basically just seeing my father die slowly. That's what it came to. I was 9 or 10 years old and had to carry my father to the bathroom because he was so weak he couldn't walk."

Wilfork (6 feet 2, 325 pounds) said he is restricting what he eats for the second straight offseason. He credits his wife with helping him lead a healthier lifestyle.

"This year I started early on my diet," Wilfork said. "Normally I wait further down the line to start it." Wilfork said he has lost 10 pounds this offseason.

He would like to shed his reputation as a dirty player after being fined by the NFL four times in 2007, including one that cost Wilfork $15,000 for sticking a finger in the facemask of the Giants' Brandon Jacobs in the final game of the regular season.

Wilfork described himself as "a madman" on the field but insisted anyone who knows him would vouch that he doesn't use dirty tactics. "Hopefully this year," Wilfork said, knocking on the lectern, "no more fines.

(courant.com)

BOSTON -- Considering his value over the past two seasons as the club's most versatile infielder, the Red Sox are not taking any chances with Alex Cora's right elbow.

Boston is shutting down the infielder and keeping him from throwing a baseball following an MRI on Thursday.

"We've already spoken with [doctors] and trainers," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "In layman's language, we're going to slow him down until he's completely pain-free, whether that's three days, seven days, 10 days, that's up to how he feels. Then we'll get him back to baseball."

"I think we've got to shut it down for a little bit and map a plan," Cora said. "That's why we have to meet with everybody. Map out a plan and go from there."

As for the MRI, it was Cora's second one in as many weeks since he went on the disabled list on April 10 with a sprained right elbow.

"There was nothing seen in the MRI that is alarming," Francona said. "It confirmed what our trainers thought and our doctors thought. But we do want him to stop the throwing until he's pain-free. They do certain movements -- certain actions where they can replicate that pain -- and they want that to go away before he does baseball activities."

"The first one didn't work out too good, so I had to do it again [on Thursday]," Cora explained.

Cora has managed to keep his sense of humor while rehabbing the elbow, which he injured while making a throw across to first base while taking ground balls prior to the April 10 game against the Tigers.

"It feels the same," Cora said. "The only movement with the arm was with the [TV] remote, watching these clowns play, watching Sean Casey, a professional athlete with no balance."

But that doesn't mean Cora isn't frustrated watching from the bench, unable to contribute.

"I don't know how big a deal," Cora said of the severity of his injury. "I thought it was something that was a few days and now it looks like weeks now. It's been a week already, and it's going to take another week."

(mlb.com)

According to hoopsworld.com:

MVP: John Salmons was the safe choice even with guard Kevin Martin and Ron Artest both averaging over 20 points per game this season. Salmons was steady on the offensive end of the court for the Kings and had the task of covering the opposition's best perimeter player each game, which he faired quite well all season. Salmons, who is the Kings' best overall player, played in 81 games (21 more than Kevin Martin and 25 more than Ron Artest this season) and averaged a solid 12.5 points while grabbing 4.3 rebounds down in the trenches for the Kings this season. If you are looking for a guy who fills the stat sheet and played hard every night, Salmons provided that for the Kings. Because of Salmons, head coach Reggie Theus now knows he has another solid player to compliment Artest and Martin in helping lead this organization for many years to come.

According to an anonymous source who spoke with the Newark Star-Ledger, Giants TE Jeremy Shockey told former Giants TE Visanthe Shiancoe "he'd be better off playing for a team that features a receiving tight end in its offense."

That source also told the Star-Ledger Shockey had originally told Shiancoe to stay in New York, because he was leaving, and Shiancoe would be the Giants starting tight end. Shiancoe signed a 5-year, $18 million contract with Minnesota before the 2007 season. Shiancoe had 27 catches for 323 yards and a touchdown with the Vikings last season.

Commentary: Considering Shockey and Shiancoe are close, and Shockey has demanded a larger role in the Super Bowl champion Giants offense, this isn't difficult to believe. It's not as if Shockey is known to withhold his opinion. Whether Shockey did make the alleged comments, Shiancoe is in a run-first offense now, but the allegation itself is in line with the negative reputation Shockey has built since Giants coach Tom Coughlin took over in 2004.

He missed their playoff run in 2007 due to a broken leg, but some say the team came together when the out-spoken Shockey was placed on the IR and not around the team. Shockey has expressed his desire to be traded, possibly to the Saints, who are coached by former Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton.

Fantasy Impact: Shockey is a field-stretching tight end, and Payton used him as such in New York. Current Giants coach Tom Coughlin doesn't seem inclined to use Shockey very much in that capacity, but if he ends up in New Orleans with Payton and QB Drew Brees, look for him to return to the top of the tight end board in this year's Fantasy draft.

(realfootball365.com)

Spurned by the NFL, former Hurricanes receiver Ryan Moore signed with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos. A similar fate could await Lance Leggett.





(miamiherald.com)

Last year, Ryan Braun didn't crack the Brewers' lineup until Memorial Day weekend. Yet the Brewers' third baseman went on to have one of the best rookie seasons in major league history. Braun hit .324, led the National League with a .634 slugging average and finished in the top 25 in MVP voting, despite playing only 113 games. In his second big league season, the Brewers moved Braun to left field, hoping to take some pressure off defensively while giving one of their top young hitters a chance to produce over a 162-game season.

Braun discussed the move to a new position, the team's abundance of top young hitting talent, and how he spent his Rookie of the Year bonus.

Jonah Keri: What are the areas you think you need to work on at the new position?

Ryan Braun: I feel great; I'm more comfortable than I anticipated being. The focus for me is on my footwork, on my routes, dealing with the sun, dealing with shifts. Left-handers hit a lot of balls that slice toward me, right-handers hit a lot of balls with topspin that slice away from me. So, just the more experience I have, the better off I'll be.


Keri: Does moving to the outfield change your workout regimen at all? An NFL cornerback, for instance, will work a lot on opening up the hips, being able to turn and run back quickly. Being in the outfield now, are you changing your exercise patterns, the drills you do, what you focus on in the weight room?

Braun: I look at it as an opportunity to work out a little bit longer and a little bit harder. I'm definitely stronger than I was last year. At third base I'm bending over, taking 200, 300 ground balls a day. Chasing down fly balls is definitely a little different.

Keri: What about at the plate, are there specific parts of your hitting game you'd like to improve? Are you thinking about cutting down on your strikeouts, going the other way a bit more?

Braun: I never set statistical goals for myself. I can always get better. It's really about consistency, consistency in my approach every day. I definitely want to cut down on my strikeouts. I really want to swing at far less bad pitches. If I can do that, I should have continued success.

Keri: The Brewers had a lot of breakout performances last year from young players: you, Prince [Fielder], J.J. [Hardy], Corey [Hart]. Is there one player you could point to on this year's roster where you could say, "Watch out for this guy"?

Braun: Rickie Weeks. Rickie has the ability, the talent, the work ethic to be the best player in baseball. He's that good. I see him play every day. I'm just happy he's on my team.

Keri: There's been some discussion of long-term contracts, for you and Prince, especially. Troy Tulowitzki got a long-term deal, some other guys with similar amounts of service time. You won Rookie of the Year and had a huge season. How do you make a decision between "I'm going to put up big numbers, I want to roll the dice," versus "I'm ready to make a long-term commitment"?

Braun: I'll let my agent handle the majority of those questions. But for me it's just exciting to even think about and consider.


Keri: Do you buy into the concept of lineup protection, that hitting in front of Prince could mean, say, that you see more fastballs?

Braun: Not necessarily. We have an extremely deep lineup, a very powerful lineup, a very consistent lineup. So wherever I'm at, I'm happy.

Keri: You donated your Rookie of the Year bonus to Habitat for Humanity. What prompted that decision?

Braun: I had an opportunity to go down there and participate in a project where Habitat for Humanity was building houses in San Pedro [Calif.]. I live in Los Angeles, so I went down there for a build project. The families who were moving into the houses were actually there. When I got an opportunity to meet them and see what an influence I had on their lives, it really moved me. It's great to be in a position to have a chance to give back. It was the least I could do.

(espn.com)

Ray Lewis was in attendance as the Ravens broke for their first offseason minicamp on Thursday.
This was unexpected with Lewis having skipped the start of the offseason program and in a contract year. He doesn't normally take part in voluntary work. Trevor Pryce (pectorals) and Chris McAlister (knee) also participated.

(rotoworld.com)

Washington Post beat writer Jason La Canfora would "bank on" the Redskins giving Clinton Portis every opportunity to be a feature back in 2008.

While former RBs coach Earnest Byner often campaigned for Ladell Betts to get more work, La Canfora believes Jim Zorn's staff will use Portis as a "workhorse." Zorn has indicated that he plans to open 2008 with a run-heavy offense. An injury free offseason would be a promising sign for Portis.

(rotoworld.com)