Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo doesn’t like the trade offers he has received for first baseman Adam Dunn ahead of baseball’s July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.
Last week, Rizzo told reporters it would take "an extraordinary deal" to move Dunn, who can become a free agent after the season. Negotiations on a new contract have stalled.
The White Sox, Angels and Yankees reportedly have expressed interest in Dunn as a first baseman or designated hitter.
Dunn said Saturday he’s not anxious about the situation.
"There’s nothing I can control so what am I going to get impatient about?" Dunn asked. "I’m playing baseball — I’m not playing any other game. It’s out of my decision and I don’t know anything else to say about it. It’s out of my control."
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo doesn’t like the trade offers he has received for first baseman Adam Dunn ahead of baseball’s July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.
Last week, Rizzo told reporters it would take "an extraordinary deal" to move Dunn, who can become a free agent after the season. Negotiations on a new contract have stalled.
The White Sox, Angels and Yankees reportedly have expressed interest in Dunn as a first baseman or designated hitter.
Dunn said Saturday he’s not anxious about the situation.
"There’s nothing I can control so what am I going to get impatient about?" Dunn asked. "I’m playing baseball — I’m not playing any other game. It’s out of my decision and I don’t know anything else to say about it. It’s out of my control."
Sporting News staff reports
Mike Lowell isn’t optimistic the Red Sox will let him go to another team that will give him more playing time.
"I don’t think they’re going to release me," the reserve infielder told ESPNBoston.com on Saturday. "I think that’s been addressed. I’ve got no say. What do you want me to do?"
Boston unsuccessfully tried to trade Lowell before he went on the disabled list June 24 because of a hip injury. He is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab stint Thursday after receiving a cortisone shot.
"I don’t know if it’s specifically because I might beat them," Lowell replied when asked if the Sox were afraid to let him leave. "I just don’t think they want me to go to another team while they pay my salary."
Lowell is owed more than $5 million for the rest of the season. "At this point, they’re not going to get anything [in a trade]. You’re going to get a subpar prospect at best," he said. "There’s too much time left in the season, they’re not going to get money.
"I don’t know to what lengths and what teams have spoken with them. Maybe nobody wants me. Maybe there are four that want me. I’ve been hearing a lot of different things. I just don’t know."
Sporting News staff reports
Mike Lowell isn’t optimistic the Red Sox will let him go to another team that will give him more playing time.
"I don’t think they’re going to release me," the reserve infielder told ESPNBoston.com on Saturday. "I think that’s been addressed. I’ve got no say. What do you want me to do?"
Boston unsuccessfully tried to trade Lowell before he went on the disabled list June 24 because of a hip injury. He is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab stint Thursday after receiving a cortisone shot.
"I don’t know if it’s specifically because I might beat them," Lowell replied when asked if the Sox were afraid to let him leave. "I just don’t think they want me to go to another team while they pay my salary."
Lowell is owed more than $5 million for the rest of the season. "At this point, they’re not going to get anything [in a trade]. You’re going to get a subpar prospect at best," he said. "There’s too much time left in the season, they’re not going to get money.
"I don’t know to what lengths and what teams have spoken with them. Maybe nobody wants me. Maybe there are four that want me. I’ve been hearing a lot of different things. I just don’t know."
Sporting News staff reports
Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee told the Chicago Tribune he holds no grudge against pitcher Carlos Zambrano and expects the right-hander to be welcomed back to the team.
It was Zambrano’s shouting match with Lee in the dugout on June 25 that ultimately led to his team-imposed suspension.
"The guy has been my teammate since I’ve been here in ’04," Lee said. "Carlos and I are friends. It’s like family. You argue with the family, and you get over it."
Sporting News staff reports
Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee told the Chicago Tribune he holds no grudge against pitcher Carlos Zambrano and expects the right-hander to be welcomed back to the team.
It was Zambrano’s shouting match with Lee in the dugout on June 25 that ultimately led to his team-imposed suspension.
"The guy has been my teammate since I’ve been here in ’04," Lee said. "Carlos and I are friends. It’s like family. You argue with the family, and you get over it."
Sporting News staff reports
Reds first baseman Joey Votto finally cleared the air about his controversial comment regarding the Cubs.
Following the NL’s All-Star Game win, Votto was quoted as saying he didn’t congratulate Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd for a strong ninth-inning defensive play because of the Reds-Cubs rivalry. The quote: "I don’t like the Cubs. And I’m not going to pat anybody with a Cubs uniform on the back."
Votto told The Cincinnati Enquirer that he was joking, that he knew he was speaking to a Chicago reporter when he was asked that question and that he and Byrd got along very well during the All-Star festivities.
Sporting News staff reports
Reds first baseman Joey Votto finally cleared the air about his controversial comment regarding the Cubs.
Following the NL’s All-Star Game win, Votto was quoted as saying he didn’t congratulate Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd for a strong ninth-inning defensive play because of the Reds-Cubs rivalry. The quote: "I don’t like the Cubs. And I’m not going to pat anybody with a Cubs uniform on the back."
Votto told The Cincinnati Enquirer that he was joking, that he knew he was speaking to a Chicago reporter when he was asked that question and that he and Byrd got along very well during the All-Star festivities.
Despite making the playoffs last season, the San Diego Chargers were 31st in the NFL in rushing.
Exit LaDainian Tomlinson. Enter Ryan Mathews.
Mathews will be a player of intrigue in training camp — a rookie running back replacing a San Diego icon. The Chargers have Super Bowl aspirations, but they lacked balance last season.
"I think people will be surprised how much Norv Turner may run the football this year," Hall of Fame QB and CBS analyst Dan Fouts said. "Philip Rivers really has a handle on Norv’s system now, and he’s a super quarterback. But if Mathews gives their running game the boost they expect him to, their offense could be even better."
Jay Cutler and Mike Martz will combine to try to get the Bears offense clicking.
A look at three other teams taking a different offensive look into training camp:
Chicago Bears
What’s new: Mike Martz as offensive coordinator.
Under Martz’s guidance, the Bears hope QB Jay Cutler will cut down on his league-high 26 interceptions. However, coach Lovie Smith loves to run the ball and Martz has a history of forgetting to call run plays. Can Martz and Smith coexist?
"Lovie Smith is a great coach," former Ravens coach and NFL Network analyst Brian Billick said. "Mike Martz is a great coach. But Lovie and Mike have vastly different perspectives on what it takes to win. I’m going to be very interested to see how their vision fits together."
Philadelphia Eagles
What’s new: Kevin Kolb as the QB.
For the first time since coach Andy Reid arrived in Philadelphia in ’99, he will begin a training camp without Donovan McNabb.
But keep this in mind: Of the 12 starting quarterbacks in the playoffs last season, only rookie Mark Sanchez had a lower regular-season completion percentage (53.8) than McNabb (60.3). The Eagles hope Kolb is more accurate and makes the passing attack more consistent. But is Kolb ready to lead?
"Andy Reid is an outstanding coach—no one can question that," Billick said. "But Andy’s had Donovan from Day 1. As a coach who never had much quarterback continuity, I look at that with great envy. They’ve been attached at the hip. Now, we’ll finally see Andy with somebody different."
Buffalo Bills
What’s new: Chan Gailey as head coach.
The Bills ranked 30th in total offense last year, one reason the team took running back C.J. Spiller with the ninth overall pick in April. But Gailey has many problems. First, he must choose a starting quarterback among Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Then, Gailey must hope that his choice is good enough to win games.
Gailey has made it clear that heading into training camp, the quarterback job is up for grabs.
"We’ll have a pecking order, but nothing is in concrete," Gailey told reporters. "Everybody still is going to have a chance to win the job. It’s close."
Not only are the quarterback options unproven, but the Bills’ offensive line is young.
"If they can play, it doesn’t bother me," Gailey said. "If they can’t play, it bothers me. Age doesn’t bother me. We’ll play the best guys."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Despite making the playoffs last season, the San Diego Chargers were 31st in the NFL in rushing.
Exit LaDainian Tomlinson. Enter Ryan Mathews.
Mathews will be a player of intrigue in training camp — a rookie running back replacing a San Diego icon. The Chargers have Super Bowl aspirations, but they lacked balance last season.
"I think people will be surprised how much Norv Turner may run the football this year," Hall of Fame QB and CBS analyst Dan Fouts said. "Philip Rivers really has a handle on Norv’s system now, and he’s a super quarterback. But if Mathews gives their running game the boost they expect him to, their offense could be even better."
Jay Cutler and Mike Martz will combine to try to get the Bears offense clicking.
A look at three other teams taking a different offensive look into training camp:
Chicago Bears
What’s new: Mike Martz as offensive coordinator.
Under Martz’s guidance, the Bears hope QB Jay Cutler will cut down on his league-high 26 interceptions. However, coach Lovie Smith loves to run the ball and Martz has a history of forgetting to call run plays. Can Martz and Smith coexist?
"Lovie Smith is a great coach," former Ravens coach and NFL Network analyst Brian Billick said. "Mike Martz is a great coach. But Lovie and Mike have vastly different perspectives on what it takes to win. I’m going to be very interested to see how their vision fits together."
Philadelphia Eagles
What’s new: Kevin Kolb as the QB.
For the first time since coach Andy Reid arrived in Philadelphia in ’99, he will begin a training camp without Donovan McNabb.
But keep this in mind: Of the 12 starting quarterbacks in the playoffs last season, only rookie Mark Sanchez had a lower regular-season completion percentage (53.8) than McNabb (60.3). The Eagles hope Kolb is more accurate and makes the passing attack more consistent. But is Kolb ready to lead?
"Andy Reid is an outstanding coach—no one can question that," Billick said. "But Andy’s had Donovan from Day 1. As a coach who never had much quarterback continuity, I look at that with great envy. They’ve been attached at the hip. Now, we’ll finally see Andy with somebody different."
Buffalo Bills
What’s new: Chan Gailey as head coach.
The Bills ranked 30th in total offense last year, one reason the team took running back C.J. Spiller with the ninth overall pick in April. But Gailey has many problems. First, he must choose a starting quarterback among Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Then, Gailey must hope that his choice is good enough to win games.
Gailey has made it clear that heading into training camp, the quarterback job is up for grabs.
"We’ll have a pecking order, but nothing is in concrete," Gailey told reporters. "Everybody still is going to have a chance to win the job. It’s close."
Not only are the quarterback options unproven, but the Bills’ offensive line is young.
"If they can play, it doesn’t bother me," Gailey said. "If they can’t play, it bothers me. Age doesn’t bother me. We’ll play the best guys."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has thrown his name into the mix as a potential bidder for the Texas Rangers, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Cuban would either join the group led by Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg or join another group as a major investor.
"The economics have changed, which has gotten me interested," Cuban told the Star-Telegram via e-mail. "My lawyers are still going through everything, but the bigger point is that I now have an interest."
Added Cuban: "I think there is an opportunity to organize a bid for the team. Or if it’s feasible or possible — and I don’t know for sure if it is or isn’t — to work with Chuck and Nolan and their group. I’m not trying to push anyone off or out. I’m exploring."
Last week the New York Post reported Cuban had been added to a group led by former player agent Dennis Gilbert, who was among the early bidders for the club.
In January, Greenberg and Ryan reached a deal to purchase the team from owner Tom Hicks. However, major lenders blocked the move, claiming there were higher bids than the one from Greenberg and Ryan. The fate of the franchise, which is in bankruptcy, remains in limbo with an auction one possibility to determine a new owner.
Cuban made an attempt to purchase the Cubs before the franchise eventually was sold to Tom Ricketts in January 2009.
Sporting News staff reports
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has thrown his name into the mix as a potential bidder for the Texas Rangers, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Cuban would either join the group led by Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg or join another group as a major investor.
"The economics have changed, which has gotten me interested," Cuban told the Star-Telegram via e-mail. "My lawyers are still going through everything, but the bigger point is that I now have an interest."
Added Cuban: "I think there is an opportunity to organize a bid for the team. Or if it’s feasible or possible — and I don’t know for sure if it is or isn’t — to work with Chuck and Nolan and their group. I’m not trying to push anyone off or out. I’m exploring."
Last week the New York Post reported Cuban had been added to a group led by former player agent Dennis Gilbert, who was among the early bidders for the club.
In January, Greenberg and Ryan reached a deal to purchase the team from owner Tom Hicks. However, major lenders blocked the move, claiming there were higher bids than the one from Greenberg and Ryan. The fate of the franchise, which is in bankruptcy, remains in limbo with an auction one possibility to determine a new owner.
Cuban made an attempt to purchase the Cubs before the franchise eventually was sold to Tom Ricketts in January 2009.
In Thursday’s supplemental draft, Chicago and Dallas gave up seventh-round picks in 2011 to add depth to their rosters. The Bears, selecting 12th in Round 7, chose BYU running back/fullback Harvey Unga. The Cowboys, selecting 30th, took Illinois nose tackle Josh Price-Brent. Northwestern (La.) State running back Quentin Castille and Truman State wideout Vanness Emokpae weren’t selected and are available to join any team as a free agent.
Harvey Unga is a good fit with the Bears, who had been relying on Jason Mckie at the tailback position for four of the past six seasons.
Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of NFL scouts break down the supplemental picks and the two players who weren’t selected:
Harvey Unga, FB-RB, Bears. The Bears acquired a big, strong back with the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. He is BYU’s career rushing leader with 3,455 yards and led the Mountain West Conference with 1,087 yards rushing in 2009. With Matt Forte and Chester Taylor on the Bears’ roster, however, Unga’s opportunities to carry the ball will likely be limited to short-yardage situations.
The Bears don’t have an established fullback on their roster, and this move gives them one to develop. Though Unga (6-0 3/4, 244) is not a polished or consistent blocker right now, he has the athleticism, size and strength to develop into a solid blocker. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he becomes the team’s starting fullback in 2010.
Josh Price-Brent, NT, Cowboys. The decision to grab Price-Brent makes a lot of sense for Dallas. He gives the Cowboys a big, athletic prospect who could eventually allow them to move Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff to end in their 3-4 scheme. Ratliff’s size makes him a better fit at end, and he would have less wear and tear on the outside.
Price-Brent (6-1 3/4, 321) was a productive college lineman. He played 32 games for Illinois, including 20 starts, and put up 17 1/2 tackles for loss and five sacks. He led the team with three forced fumbles in 2009 and finished third on the team with three sacks.
If Price-Brent can take care of his off-field issues, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become a starter in 2011. Even if he doesn’t develop quickly enough to start in ’11, he at least will bolster the depth at a critical position.
Quentin Castille, RB, and Vanness Emokpae, WR. Both face an uphill battle to make it in the NFL. Because Unga and Price-Brent were drafted, they will receive signing bonuses and thus have a good shot of making their teams for at least one season. However, Castille and Emokpae will have to try to get signed as free agents and then play catch-up since they weren’t part of a team’s offseason program. As a result, they will likely have a tough time making an active roster. At this point, they would be considered successful if they showed enough in training camp to stick on a team’s practice squad.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
In Thursday’s supplemental draft, Chicago and Dallas gave up seventh-round picks in 2011 to add depth to their rosters. The Bears, selecting 12th in Round 7, chose BYU running back/fullback Harvey Unga. The Cowboys, selecting 30th, took Illinois nose tackle Josh Price-Brent. Northwestern (La.) State running back Quentin Castille and Truman State wideout Vanness Emokpae weren’t selected and are available to join any team as a free agent.
Harvey Unga is a good fit with the Bears, who had been relying on Jason Mckie at the tailback position for four of the past six seasons.
Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of NFL scouts break down the supplemental picks and the two players who weren’t selected:
Harvey Unga, FB-RB, Bears. The Bears acquired a big, strong back with the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. He is BYU’s career rushing leader with 3,455 yards and led the Mountain West Conference with 1,087 yards rushing in 2009. With Matt Forte and Chester Taylor on the Bears’ roster, however, Unga’s opportunities to carry the ball will likely be limited to short-yardage situations.
The Bears don’t have an established fullback on their roster, and this move gives them one to develop. Though Unga (6-0 3/4, 244) is not a polished or consistent blocker right now, he has the athleticism, size and strength to develop into a solid blocker. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he becomes the team’s starting fullback in 2010.
Josh Price-Brent, NT, Cowboys. The decision to grab Price-Brent makes a lot of sense for Dallas. He gives the Cowboys a big, athletic prospect who could eventually allow them to move Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff to end in their 3-4 scheme. Ratliff’s size makes him a better fit at end, and he would have less wear and tear on the outside.
Price-Brent (6-1 3/4, 321) was a productive college lineman. He played 32 games for Illinois, including 20 starts, and put up 17 1/2 tackles for loss and five sacks. He led the team with three forced fumbles in 2009 and finished third on the team with three sacks.
If Price-Brent can take care of his off-field issues, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become a starter in 2011. Even if he doesn’t develop quickly enough to start in ’11, he at least will bolster the depth at a critical position.
Quentin Castille, RB, and Vanness Emokpae, WR. Both face an uphill battle to make it in the NFL. Because Unga and Price-Brent were drafted, they will receive signing bonuses and thus have a good shot of making their teams for at least one season. However, Castille and Emokpae will have to try to get signed as free agents and then play catch-up since they weren’t part of a team’s offseason program. As a result, they will likely have a tough time making an active roster. At this point, they would be considered successful if they showed enough in training camp to stick on a team’s practice squad.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
At a time when the NFL has done everything it can to create the impression that the player compensation system doesn’t work — and that the current formula for paying first-round picks represents the most broken aspect of the process — how can the
St. Louis Rams justify paying $50 million guaranteed to quarterback
Sam Bradford?
The Rams have no obligation to make a snap decision on a fat deal for Sam Bradford.
On Wednesday, a team that has advanced to the playoffs twice in three years unveiled a financial report that demonstrates a drop of nearly $25 million in operating profits in only two years. On Friday, a team that has won a total of six games in those same three years will formally commence a process that many expect to result in a contract that guarantees $50 million to a man who has never played a down in the NFL.
Sure, the Rams made Bradford the
2010 draft’s first overall pick. And, yes, the jump to $50 million represents the next logical step in the development of a process that slowly has gone haywire over the past decade.
But why continue? The Rams have no obligation to spend the money. Under the labor deal, they must tender to Bradford a one-year contract worth the rookie minimum salary of $320,000, nothing more. With the salary floor gone and the rookie salary pool establishing only an easily circumvented ceiling on the first-year pay to each team’s entire class of rookies, the Rams can decide to take a stand.
Some NFL insiders believe they should. In a year before owners are expected to lock out the players, the Rams could spark a process that, as a practical matter, locks out the first-round picks who aren’t willing to accept whatever teams will pay. With a potential work stoppage coming up in 2011 and an even greater likelihood of a rookie wage scale looming for the next agreement, the prospects of sitting out a year have become less attractive than ever before.
Like most bold moves, a hard line from the Rams would entail significant risk. If more teams follow suit, the inevitable collusion claim from the NFLPA arising from depressed free agency activity will be strengthened. Moreover, if Bradford refuses to budge (and, trust me, agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra will insist that Bradford holds firm), the Rams will have to deal with a fan base that wonders whether the franchise is serious about improving on its 1-15 finish in 2009.
But these are unusual times. Teams like the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots have decided not to sign their respective franchise quarterbacks to long-term deals until the labor situation is resolved, and barely a peep has emerged in response.
The Chargers have undermined their championship ambitions for 2010 by playing hardball with top receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill.
And, for the most part, fans have yet to stand up and demand that the teams fork over even more money to players who are perceived to be grossly overpaid (even if, in reality,
they aren’t).
Maybe, then, the Rams could pull it off. Maybe they’d be cheered, not jeered, for shouting "enough" to players and agents who have preyed on the desperation of the NFL’s worst teams to win, steamrolling their front offices for bigger and bigger top-10 rookie deals.
If the league wants to sell the notion that teams can’t continue to follow what Packers CEO Mark Murphy called upon release of his team’s financial data a "non-sustainable model," the Rams possibly have no other choice.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
At a time when the NFL has done everything it can to create the impression that the player compensation system doesn’t work — and that the current formula for paying first-round picks represents the most broken aspect of the process — how can the
St. Louis Rams justify paying $50 million guaranteed to quarterback
Sam Bradford?
The Rams have no obligation to make a snap decision on a fat deal for Sam Bradford.
On Wednesday, a team that has advanced to the playoffs twice in three years unveiled a financial report that demonstrates a drop of nearly $25 million in operating profits in only two years. On Friday, a team that has won a total of six games in those same three years will formally commence a process that many expect to result in a contract that guarantees $50 million to a man who has never played a down in the NFL.
Sure, the Rams made Bradford the
2010 draft’s first overall pick. And, yes, the jump to $50 million represents the next logical step in the development of a process that slowly has gone haywire over the past decade.
But why continue? The Rams have no obligation to spend the money. Under the labor deal, they must tender to Bradford a one-year contract worth the rookie minimum salary of $320,000, nothing more. With the salary floor gone and the rookie salary pool establishing only an easily circumvented ceiling on the first-year pay to each team’s entire class of rookies, the Rams can decide to take a stand.
Some NFL insiders believe they should. In a year before owners are expected to lock out the players, the Rams could spark a process that, as a practical matter, locks out the first-round picks who aren’t willing to accept whatever teams will pay. With a potential work stoppage coming up in 2011 and an even greater likelihood of a rookie wage scale looming for the next agreement, the prospects of sitting out a year have become less attractive than ever before.
Like most bold moves, a hard line from the Rams would entail significant risk. If more teams follow suit, the inevitable collusion claim from the NFLPA arising from depressed free agency activity will be strengthened. Moreover, if Bradford refuses to budge (and, trust me, agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra will insist that Bradford holds firm), the Rams will have to deal with a fan base that wonders whether the franchise is serious about improving on its 1-15 finish in 2009.
But these are unusual times. Teams like the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots have decided not to sign their respective franchise quarterbacks to long-term deals until the labor situation is resolved, and barely a peep has emerged in response.
The Chargers have undermined their championship ambitions for 2010 by playing hardball with top receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill.
And, for the most part, fans have yet to stand up and demand that the teams fork over even more money to players who are perceived to be grossly overpaid (even if, in reality,
they aren’t).
Maybe, then, the Rams could pull it off. Maybe they’d be cheered, not jeered, for shouting "enough" to players and agents who have preyed on the desperation of the NFL’s worst teams to win, steamrolling their front offices for bigger and bigger top-10 rookie deals.
If the league wants to sell the notion that teams can’t continue to follow what Packers CEO Mark Murphy called upon release of his team’s financial data a "non-sustainable model," the Rams possibly have no other choice.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Nothing adds intrigue to an NFL training camp more than a good position battle. Here are 10 competitions to follow when camps open later this month, according to a Sporting News survey of head coaches:
Running back Steve Slaton only played in 11 games for the Texans last season.
Buccaneers: wide receiver. It’s expected to be a wide-open race, with veterans Michael Clayton and Reggie Brown the leading candidates to win starting jobs. Coach Raheem Morris wants some veterans on the field helping out second-year quarterback Josh Freeman.
But the Bucs have high hopes for rookies Mike Williams, the team’s most impressive wideout during the offseason, and Arrelious Benn. Second-year wideout Sammie Stroughter is expected to be the slot receiver.
"We have so much competition at that spot, between a bunch of young guys with fresh legs and our veterans," Morris said. "I think the competition is going to be at an all-time high there."
Falcons: starting cornerback opposite Dunta Robinson. Brent Grimes (eight starts, six interceptions last season) and Christopher Owens (six starts, two interceptions) will go one-on-one to see who pairs up with Robinson, an offseason addition from Houston. "It will be the one (battle) most people will be watching," coach Mike Smith said. "It was a very good battle in OTAs, and I think it will continue on into the preseason."
Texans: running back. This has been somewhat of an unsettled position, with Steve Slaton in 2008 being the team’s only back to rush for more than 1,000 yards in the last five years. As a team, the Texans averaged only 92.2 rushing yards per game (30th in the league) last season.
"We’re going young," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I think how far Arian (Foster) comes, Steve (Slaton) coming back, how quick (rookie Ben) Tate becomes a dang good player is probably the key to our offensive team."
Chargers: right offensive tackle. Jeromey Clary had been the starter since late in the ’07 season before he suffered an ankle injury last season. Brandyn Dombrowski stepped in for the final six games.
"Those two guys battling it out at right tackle will probably be the No. 1 spot," coach Norv Turner said. "There’s going to be great competition."
Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles rushed for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009.
Vikings: starting cornerback opposite Antoine Winfield. Cedric Griffin, who suffered a torn ACL while covering the overtime kickoff in the NFC championship game, won’t be ready when camp opens. That will open the door for Asher Allen, Benny Sapp, rookie Chris Cook and offseason acquisition Lito Sheppard to battle it out.
Saints: strongside linebacker. Youngsters Stanley Arnoux and Jonathan Casillas are expected to push veteran offseason pickup Clint Ingram for the spot that opened when Scott Fujita went to Cleveland as a free agent. Arnoux and Casillas were impressive late in the team’s Super Bowl season. Both players can run, so they add the element of speed.
Packers: punter. Green Bay has struggled in this area for the last two seasons. Jeremy Kapinos was cut during the offseason after compiling a 34.1-yard net average (25th in the league) and putting only 15 punts inside the 20 (32nd) in ’09. Former Australian rules football player Chris "Bear" Bryan and Tim Masthay, neither of whom has played in an NFL game, will battle for the punting job.
"We have two men in here I’m excited about," coach Mike McCarthy said. "That’s the one position I think can really help improve our special teams."
Chiefs: running back. Thomas Jones will turn 32 in August but is coming off seasons in which he rushed for 1,312 and 1,402 yards for the Jets. Jamaal Charles, 23, broke out when he became the team’s feature back in the second half of last season. They figure to share most of the rushing load in coach Todd Haley’s second season, but there are several other players who will try to get into the mix.
That group includes Kolby Smith, rookie Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle and Kestahn Moore, who was picked up late in the season. "Between Charles, Jones, McCluster and however all this plays out," Haley said, "we ought to have a pretty talented backfield."
Jets: left guard. The release of nine-time Pro Bowl lineman Alan Faneca, who eventually signed with Arizona, left a big hole in a line that had been intact for two years and helped the Jets lead the league in rushing last season. Second-year lineman Matt Slauson and rookie Vladimir Ducasse, who played tackle at Massachusetts, will compete for Faneca’s old spot.
"The battle between Matt Slauson and Vladimir Ducasse will be one to watch," coach Rex Ryan said.
Bengals: nickel cornerback. With former first-round picks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall entrenched as the starters, the battle will be for the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. David Jones and Morgan Trent played those roles last season, but now they face stiff competition from rookie Brandon Ghee and Adam Jones.
The team won’t keep six corners. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has said it’s possible that cornerbacks who played last year might not make the roster because of the improved depth.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Nothing adds intrigue to an NFL training camp more than a good position battle. Here are 10 competitions to follow when camps open later this month, according to a Sporting News survey of head coaches:
Running back Steve Slaton only played in 11 games for the Texans last season.
Buccaneers: wide receiver. It’s expected to be a wide-open race, with veterans Michael Clayton and Reggie Brown the leading candidates to win starting jobs. Coach Raheem Morris wants some veterans on the field helping out second-year quarterback Josh Freeman.
But the Bucs have high hopes for rookies Mike Williams, the team’s most impressive wideout during the offseason, and Arrelious Benn. Second-year wideout Sammie Stroughter is expected to be the slot receiver.
"We have so much competition at that spot, between a bunch of young guys with fresh legs and our veterans," Morris said. "I think the competition is going to be at an all-time high there."
Falcons: starting cornerback opposite Dunta Robinson. Brent Grimes (eight starts, six interceptions last season) and Christopher Owens (six starts, two interceptions) will go one-on-one to see who pairs up with Robinson, an offseason addition from Houston. "It will be the one (battle) most people will be watching," coach Mike Smith said. "It was a very good battle in OTAs, and I think it will continue on into the preseason."
Texans: running back. This has been somewhat of an unsettled position, with Steve Slaton in 2008 being the team’s only back to rush for more than 1,000 yards in the last five years. As a team, the Texans averaged only 92.2 rushing yards per game (30th in the league) last season.
"We’re going young," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I think how far Arian (Foster) comes, Steve (Slaton) coming back, how quick (rookie Ben) Tate becomes a dang good player is probably the key to our offensive team."
Chargers: right offensive tackle. Jeromey Clary had been the starter since late in the ’07 season before he suffered an ankle injury last season. Brandyn Dombrowski stepped in for the final six games.
"Those two guys battling it out at right tackle will probably be the No. 1 spot," coach Norv Turner said. "There’s going to be great competition."
Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles rushed for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009.
Vikings: starting cornerback opposite Antoine Winfield. Cedric Griffin, who suffered a torn ACL while covering the overtime kickoff in the NFC championship game, won’t be ready when camp opens. That will open the door for Asher Allen, Benny Sapp, rookie Chris Cook and offseason acquisition Lito Sheppard to battle it out.
Saints: strongside linebacker. Youngsters Stanley Arnoux and Jonathan Casillas are expected to push veteran offseason pickup Clint Ingram for the spot that opened when Scott Fujita went to Cleveland as a free agent. Arnoux and Casillas were impressive late in the team’s Super Bowl season. Both players can run, so they add the element of speed.
Packers: punter. Green Bay has struggled in this area for the last two seasons. Jeremy Kapinos was cut during the offseason after compiling a 34.1-yard net average (25th in the league) and putting only 15 punts inside the 20 (32nd) in ’09. Former Australian rules football player Chris "Bear" Bryan and Tim Masthay, neither of whom has played in an NFL game, will battle for the punting job.
"We have two men in here I’m excited about," coach Mike McCarthy said. "That’s the one position I think can really help improve our special teams."
Chiefs: running back. Thomas Jones will turn 32 in August but is coming off seasons in which he rushed for 1,312 and 1,402 yards for the Jets. Jamaal Charles, 23, broke out when he became the team’s feature back in the second half of last season. They figure to share most of the rushing load in coach Todd Haley’s second season, but there are several other players who will try to get into the mix.
That group includes Kolby Smith, rookie Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle and Kestahn Moore, who was picked up late in the season. "Between Charles, Jones, McCluster and however all this plays out," Haley said, "we ought to have a pretty talented backfield."
Jets: left guard. The release of nine-time Pro Bowl lineman Alan Faneca, who eventually signed with Arizona, left a big hole in a line that had been intact for two years and helped the Jets lead the league in rushing last season. Second-year lineman Matt Slauson and rookie Vladimir Ducasse, who played tackle at Massachusetts, will compete for Faneca’s old spot.
"The battle between Matt Slauson and Vladimir Ducasse will be one to watch," coach Rex Ryan said.
Bengals: nickel cornerback. With former first-round picks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall entrenched as the starters, the battle will be for the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. David Jones and Morgan Trent played those roles last season, but now they face stiff competition from rookie Brandon Ghee and Adam Jones.
The team won’t keep six corners. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has said it’s possible that cornerbacks who played last year might not make the roster because of the improved depth.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
