Danny O’Neil, Sporting News correspondent
The Seattle Seahawks won’t be the same in 2010. That doesn’t mean they’ll be any better than last season, when they were a 5-11 afterthought. But they will be different, as the franchise begins its most severe overhaul in a decade with a new coach in Pete Carroll and new general manager in John Schneider.
Pete Carroll’s job is to reinvigorate the Seahawks and teach them to win.
Starting over looks to be a good thing for Seattle, which let a once-potent offense age, atrophy and erode to the point that the team finished with just 280 points in 2009 — the franchise’s fewest since 1993. Meanwhile, the defense has not performed up to the investment the Seahawks have made in terms of draft picks and free agents.
Enter Carroll, twice fired in the NFL but epically successful at Southern Cal. He was hired to remake the franchise around one philosophy: his. "A new time for us," Carroll said after conducting his first minicamp. "It is a new day for the Seahawks we hope."
What’s new
Offense: Coordinator Jeremy Bates’ NFL indoctrination came under Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay, but Seattle’s offense will look more like what Mike Shanahan ran in Denver in everything from terminology to the ground game. The passing game will contain the quick rollouts and quarter bootlegs that used to be a Broncos trademark while the running game will feature the one-cut-and-go discipline that once allowed Denver to swap out 1,000-yard rushers as if it were changing tires.
Seattle has spent millions on veteran receivers, signing Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and T.J. Houshmandzadeh to large contracts over the past four years. And for all that money, it has yet to find a true No. 1 wideout. Now, the top receiver in yards per catch last season is gone after Burleson left for Detroit in free agency. Mike Williams, a former first-round pick of the Lions who ate his way out of the league, has looked good in workouts and is in the picture for playing time.
The performance of Matt Hasselbeck and the passing game will depend a lot on the development of rookie left tackle Russell Okung. The Seahawks need Okung to be effective immediately so that Hasselbeck can recapture his passing rhythm after absorbing too many hits the past two seasons. The team hopes free-agent pickup Leon Washington can provide big plays to complement the running of Julius Jones and Justin Forsett.
Defense: Defensive coordinator is among the few positions that didn’t change in Seattle’s coaching staff. Casey Bradley is a Monte Kiffin disciple and was retained by Carroll, who is showing flexibility in his approach. The Seahawks will use what looks like a 3-4 scheme at times, employing what is being called the "elephant" pass rusher. That’s essentially a hybrid linebacker/end who lines up in a two-point stance and comes from different angles and gaps along the line.
Seattle will deploy Chris Clemons in the hybrid position initially. Clemons is a pass-rushing specialist acquired from the Eagles in March who had seven sacks over the previous two seasons. The question is whether he’ll be enough to stimulate a pass rush that was dormant at the end of the 2009 season.
Carroll is a known for the play of his safeties. In Seattle, he’s starting nearly from scratch, and Earl Thomas — the 14th overall pick — has a chance to be the starting free safety. Free-agent pickup Lawyer Milloy and Jordan Babineaux are competing for the strong safety job, and the loser of the battle might not make the roster.
Aaron Curry is ready to come roaring back as a pash-rushing beast.
Breakout player
Aaron Curry, LB
Carroll requested film of Curry before he was even introduced at his first press conference. Curry (6-2, 254) is too big, fast and destructive to be the nonfactor he was when he went without a sack in his final nine games before missing the last two (hip) as a rookie. Expect that to change as Carroll assigns Curry a healthy dose of pass-rushing responsibilities.
"This year, I’m really focusing my job at the highest level of effort, the highest level of intensity. And just the highest level so it gets to the point where I’m making plays on the regular, (and) it’s no longer to the point where I’m chasing ’em." — Curry
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Seahawks)
"Matt Hasselbeck can play two more years definitely, and you kind of feel for him because his whole career, he was in one offense. He had it down cold, and now Seattle has changed that offense on him twice in two years. …
"For years, Seattle didn’t give the offense much of anything in the draft. The tight end, John Carlson, is the only playmaker the Seahawks have chosen over the past couple of years. …
"Among the receivers, you could say the best guy got away in Nate Burleson, but he hasn’t always been able to be trusted for precise routes."
Bottom line
The Seahawks took a swan dive off the cliff of relevancy in 2008, and two years later they haven’t resurfaced. The decision to eschew free-agency fixes might play dividends down the road, but right now the Seahawks have too much work on both lines to imagine the team will bounce back this season.
With Carroll, though, Seattle has a coach who’s intimately familiar with college players, which should give the Seahawks an edge in restocking what is a fairly barren roster.
Depth chart
OFFENSE
QB: Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst
FB: Owen Schmitt, Ryan Powdrell
RB: Julius Jones, Justin Forsett
WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Mike Williams
WR: Deion Branch, Golden Tate
TE: John Carlson, Chris Baker
LT: Russell Okung, Joe Toledo
LG: Ben Hamilton, Mike Gibson
C: Chris Spencer, Steve Vallos
RG: Max Unger, Mansfield Wrotto
RT: Sean Locklear, Ray Willis
DEFENSE
DE: Red Bryant, Lawrence Jackson, E.J. Wilson
DT: Brandon Mebane, Craig Terrill
DT: Colin Cole, Kevin Vickerson
DE: Chris Clemons, Nick Reed
OLB: Leroy Hill, David Hawthorne
MLB: Lofa Tatupu, David Hawthorne
OLB: Aaron Curry, Will Herring
LCB: Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson
SS: Jordan Babineaux, Lawyer Milloy, Kam Chancellor
FS: Earl Thomas, Jamar Adams
RCB: Kelly Jennings, Walter Thurmond
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Olindo Mare
P: Jon Ryan
KR: Leon Washington
PR: Golden Tate
LS: Matt Overton
Danny O’Neil, Sporting News correspondent
The Seattle Seahawks won’t be the same in 2010. That doesn’t mean they’ll be any better than last season, when they were a 5-11 afterthought. But they will be different, as the franchise begins its most severe overhaul in a decade with a new coach in Pete Carroll and new general manager in John Schneider.
Pete Carroll’s job is to reinvigorate the Seahawks and teach them to win.
Starting over looks to be a good thing for Seattle, which let a once-potent offense age, atrophy and erode to the point that the team finished with just 280 points in 2009 — the franchise’s fewest since 1993. Meanwhile, the defense has not performed up to the investment the Seahawks have made in terms of draft picks and free agents.
Enter Carroll, twice fired in the NFL but epically successful at Southern Cal. He was hired to remake the franchise around one philosophy: his. "A new time for us," Carroll said after conducting his first minicamp. "It is a new day for the Seahawks we hope."
What’s new
Offense: Coordinator Jeremy Bates’ NFL indoctrination came under Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay, but Seattle’s offense will look more like what Mike Shanahan ran in Denver in everything from terminology to the ground game. The passing game will contain the quick rollouts and quarter bootlegs that used to be a Broncos trademark while the running game will feature the one-cut-and-go discipline that once allowed Denver to swap out 1,000-yard rushers as if it were changing tires.
Seattle has spent millions on veteran receivers, signing Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and T.J. Houshmandzadeh to large contracts over the past four years. And for all that money, it has yet to find a true No. 1 wideout. Now, the top receiver in yards per catch last season is gone after Burleson left for Detroit in free agency. Mike Williams, a former first-round pick of the Lions who ate his way out of the league, has looked good in workouts and is in the picture for playing time.
The performance of Matt Hasselbeck and the passing game will depend a lot on the development of rookie left tackle Russell Okung. The Seahawks need Okung to be effective immediately so that Hasselbeck can recapture his passing rhythm after absorbing too many hits the past two seasons. The team hopes free-agent pickup Leon Washington can provide big plays to complement the running of Julius Jones and Justin Forsett.
Defense: Defensive coordinator is among the few positions that didn’t change in Seattle’s coaching staff. Casey Bradley is a Monte Kiffin disciple and was retained by Carroll, who is showing flexibility in his approach. The Seahawks will use what looks like a 3-4 scheme at times, employing what is being called the "elephant" pass rusher. That’s essentially a hybrid linebacker/end who lines up in a two-point stance and comes from different angles and gaps along the line.
Seattle will deploy Chris Clemons in the hybrid position initially. Clemons is a pass-rushing specialist acquired from the Eagles in March who had seven sacks over the previous two seasons. The question is whether he’ll be enough to stimulate a pass rush that was dormant at the end of the 2009 season.
Carroll is a known for the play of his safeties. In Seattle, he’s starting nearly from scratch, and Earl Thomas — the 14th overall pick — has a chance to be the starting free safety. Free-agent pickup Lawyer Milloy and Jordan Babineaux are competing for the strong safety job, and the loser of the battle might not make the roster.
Aaron Curry is ready to come roaring back as a pash-rushing beast.
Breakout player
Aaron Curry, LB
Carroll requested film of Curry before he was even introduced at his first press conference. Curry (6-2, 254) is too big, fast and destructive to be the nonfactor he was when he went without a sack in his final nine games before missing the last two (hip) as a rookie. Expect that to change as Carroll assigns Curry a healthy dose of pass-rushing responsibilities.
"This year, I’m really focusing my job at the highest level of effort, the highest level of intensity. And just the highest level so it gets to the point where I’m making plays on the regular, (and) it’s no longer to the point where I’m chasing ’em." — Curry
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Seahawks)
"Matt Hasselbeck can play two more years definitely, and you kind of feel for him because his whole career, he was in one offense. He had it down cold, and now Seattle has changed that offense on him twice in two years. …
"For years, Seattle didn’t give the offense much of anything in the draft. The tight end, John Carlson, is the only playmaker the Seahawks have chosen over the past couple of years. …
"Among the receivers, you could say the best guy got away in Nate Burleson, but he hasn’t always been able to be trusted for precise routes."
Bottom line
The Seahawks took a swan dive off the cliff of relevancy in 2008, and two years later they haven’t resurfaced. The decision to eschew free-agency fixes might play dividends down the road, but right now the Seahawks have too much work on both lines to imagine the team will bounce back this season.
With Carroll, though, Seattle has a coach who’s intimately familiar with college players, which should give the Seahawks an edge in restocking what is a fairly barren roster.
Depth chart
OFFENSE
QB: Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst
FB: Owen Schmitt, Ryan Powdrell
RB: Julius Jones, Justin Forsett
WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Mike Williams
WR: Deion Branch, Golden Tate
TE: John Carlson, Chris Baker
LT: Russell Okung, Joe Toledo
LG: Ben Hamilton, Mike Gibson
C: Chris Spencer, Steve Vallos
RG: Max Unger, Mansfield Wrotto
RT: Sean Locklear, Ray Willis
DEFENSE
DE: Red Bryant, Lawrence Jackson, E.J. Wilson
DT: Brandon Mebane, Craig Terrill
DT: Colin Cole, Kevin Vickerson
DE: Chris Clemons, Nick Reed
OLB: Leroy Hill, David Hawthorne
MLB: Lofa Tatupu, David Hawthorne
OLB: Aaron Curry, Will Herring
LCB: Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson
SS: Jordan Babineaux, Lawyer Milloy, Kam Chancellor
FS: Earl Thomas, Jamar Adams
RCB: Kelly Jennings, Walter Thurmond
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Olindo Mare
P: Jon Ryan
KR: Leon Washington
PR: Golden Tate
LS: Matt Overton
A scout’s breakdown of Quentin Castille, a Northwestern State (La.) who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Is a tough, very competitive runner; fights for extra yards. Keeps legs churning; runs thru arm/grab tackles. Usually runs upright initially, but gets shoulders down to deliver blow when close to defenders. Flashes ability to deliver a violent blow to opponent, knocking him over. Breaks tackle and gains yards after contact. Is smooth, athletic; can change directions well enough to avoid tacklers. Is instinctive runner. Has good vision, excellent patience following blockers. Cuts off blockers blocks well. Usually bends knees well to pass block with good technique. Can deliver hard blow to pass rusher, stopping him in tracks. Shows good hands as a receiver. Runs well after the catch because he does such a good job of following his blockers.
Weaknesses: Is more smooth than quick and explosive. Lacks quick/explosive burst around the corner or through hole. Lacks playing speed to make long runs. Has solid playing speed, but gets chased down from behind. Is less effective when tacklers get to him while he is upright. Has not proved he can be a productive, feature back. Is more of a one-cut runner than an elusive runner.
Bottom line: Castillo came out early after a disappointing 2009 season. He began his college career at Nebraska and was a contributing part of their running back committee in 2008 and seemed on his way to a productive career. However, he violated team rules during a bowl game, which lead him to be dismissed. He transferred to Northwestern State. We would not draft him. Castillo will get a chance as a free agent, but will have a hard time establishing himself.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Quentin Castille, a Northwestern State (La.) who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Is a tough, very competitive runner; fights for extra yards. Keeps legs churning; runs thru arm/grab tackles. Usually runs upright initially, but gets shoulders down to deliver blow when close to defenders. Flashes ability to deliver a violent blow to opponent, knocking him over. Breaks tackle and gains yards after contact. Is smooth, athletic; can change directions well enough to avoid tacklers. Is instinctive runner. Has good vision, excellent patience following blockers. Cuts off blockers blocks well. Usually bends knees well to pass block with good technique. Can deliver hard blow to pass rusher, stopping him in tracks. Shows good hands as a receiver. Runs well after the catch because he does such a good job of following his blockers.
Weaknesses: Is more smooth than quick and explosive. Lacks quick/explosive burst around the corner or through hole. Lacks playing speed to make long runs. Has solid playing speed, but gets chased down from behind. Is less effective when tacklers get to him while he is upright. Has not proved he can be a productive, feature back. Is more of a one-cut runner than an elusive runner.
Bottom line: Castillo came out early after a disappointing 2009 season. He began his college career at Nebraska and was a contributing part of their running back committee in 2008 and seemed on his way to a productive career. However, he violated team rules during a bowl game, which lead him to be dismissed. He transferred to Northwestern State. We would not draft him. Castillo will get a chance as a free agent, but will have a hard time establishing himself.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Harvey Unga, a former BYU running back who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Is big, well built with the playing strength, balance and competitiveness to keep feet versus hard hits and gain yards after contact. Has excellent vision and instincts. Consistently finds holes, space in traffic. Can make smooth cuts in traffic. Can’t make quick jump cut, but has better-than-expected quickness through the hole and straight-line playing speed. Can lower a shoulder to deliver a blow, knock opponent backward and break tackles. Has good hands as a receiver. Is productive after the catch; has good instincts and ability to follow blockers. When focused on technique in pass blocking, can sink hips and block with good leverage. Can hold ground against pass rusher and tie up and eliminate opponent.
Weaknesses: Is a tailback with fullback body. Has natural instincts and vision, but lacks quickness and cutting ability to explode through holes. Lacks consistent good leverage when running. Has a bad habit of running upright. Takes too many hard hits. Does not pick his feet up well in traffic. Too often gets tripped by low, grab tackles. Lacks explosive ability to get through holes. Won’t be able to make long scoring runs. Carries ball loosely and away from his body, leading to fumbles. Has little experience as a lead blocker; must improve leverage. Must improve pass-blocking technique and aggressiveness.
Bottom line: Unga was dismissed from BYU for violating team/school rules, so entered the draft instead of playing his senior season. Unga likely would have been a fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft, but players tend to slide in the supplemental draft. He likely will go in the sixth or seventh round. In a season or two he should become a solid starting fullback who also contributes as a short yardage runner. To do so he must improve as a blocker.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Harvey Unga, a former BYU running back who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Is big, well built with the playing strength, balance and competitiveness to keep feet versus hard hits and gain yards after contact. Has excellent vision and instincts. Consistently finds holes, space in traffic. Can make smooth cuts in traffic. Can’t make quick jump cut, but has better-than-expected quickness through the hole and straight-line playing speed. Can lower a shoulder to deliver a blow, knock opponent backward and break tackles. Has good hands as a receiver. Is productive after the catch; has good instincts and ability to follow blockers. When focused on technique in pass blocking, can sink hips and block with good leverage. Can hold ground against pass rusher and tie up and eliminate opponent.
Weaknesses: Is a tailback with fullback body. Has natural instincts and vision, but lacks quickness and cutting ability to explode through holes. Lacks consistent good leverage when running. Has a bad habit of running upright. Takes too many hard hits. Does not pick his feet up well in traffic. Too often gets tripped by low, grab tackles. Lacks explosive ability to get through holes. Won’t be able to make long scoring runs. Carries ball loosely and away from his body, leading to fumbles. Has little experience as a lead blocker; must improve leverage. Must improve pass-blocking technique and aggressiveness.
Bottom line: Unga was dismissed from BYU for violating team/school rules, so entered the draft instead of playing his senior season. Unga likely would have been a fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft, but players tend to slide in the supplemental draft. He likely will go in the sixth or seventh round. In a season or two he should become a solid starting fullback who also contributes as a short yardage runner. To do so he must improve as a blocker.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Emokpae Vanness, a former wide receiver from Truman State in Missouri who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Has Good size with a thick build. Has quick feet, strong, physical run after catch ability. Can be a strong perimeter blocker.
Weaknesses: Has marginal playing speed, separation quickness, burst and acceleration. Has average initial quickness in release. Runs sloppy routes. Tends to be a cradle catcher; waits on the ball. Often jumps to catch when it is unnecessary. Has marginal overall elusiveness in run after catch. Lacks skills as a punt or kick returner. Is an inconsistent blocker.
Bottom line: Emokpae was a three-year starter in a spread offense. He is built more like a running back than a wide receiver. He is an adequate free-agent signing for a team with a need, but might not get the chance to play.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Emokpae Vanness, a former wide receiver from Truman State in Missouri who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Has Good size with a thick build. Has quick feet, strong, physical run after catch ability. Can be a strong perimeter blocker.
Weaknesses: Has marginal playing speed, separation quickness, burst and acceleration. Has average initial quickness in release. Runs sloppy routes. Tends to be a cradle catcher; waits on the ball. Often jumps to catch when it is unnecessary. Has marginal overall elusiveness in run after catch. Lacks skills as a punt or kick returner. Is an inconsistent blocker.
Bottom line: Emokpae was a three-year starter in a spread offense. He is built more like a running back than a wide receiver. He is an adequate free-agent signing for a team with a need, but might not get the chance to play.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Josh Price-Brent, a former Illinois defensive tackle who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Athletic ability: Has a wide, thick frame with good arm length. Is a good overall athlete with good initial quickness and explosion from his stance. Has good agility on the move, but struggles to play with good lower-body flex. Too often played straight legged, up on toes. Appears to get lazy; loses stamina at times. Has ability to make perimeter plays when unblocked, but does not show consistent great lateral range.
Play against the run: Is strong, powerful run defender at point of attack, despite inconsistent pad level. Has strong hands and excellent upper-body strength to hold the line of scrimmage against a single blocker. Has the strength, quickness and power to split double-team blocks to tackle ball carrier. Can play with high intensity, but at times appears to get lazy, tired and sloppy with his technique. Can avoid cut blocks before joining backside pursuit. He wants to stand up and wrestle.
Initial quickness: Shows good initial quickness and explosiveness from stance. Pursuit/tackling: Is more of a power player than a speed player. Gives strong effort to finish. Is a strong, physical tackler.
Pass rush ability: Shows ability to use strength and power to push pocket. Has inconsistent finish effort, average lateral quickness, limited long speed to be highly productive. Is limited by inability to play with good leverage; has potential to improve. Shows excellent strength and power to collapse pocket as interior pass rusher. Mostly a bull rusher; flashes club-and-rip move. Can force QB from pocket, but lacks elite pass-rush ability. Provides consistent push.
Run/pass recognition: Is a smart, aware in all situations. Is best suited, most productive as short-area run defender; can provide push up the middle. Is quick to protect legs against cut blocks. Shows quick reaction to screen passes.
Bottom line: Price-Brent is a three-year junior and two-year starter at right defensive tackle. He should be considered for nose tackle and deserves third-round consideration. He should be an immediate rotational player who could develop into a starter in his second season. He is a better prospect than either Tim Anderson [third round, Bills] or former Barry Cofield, [fourth round, Giants].
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Josh Price-Brent, a former Illinois defensive tackle who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Athletic ability: Has a wide, thick frame with good arm length. Is a good overall athlete with good initial quickness and explosion from his stance. Has good agility on the move, but struggles to play with good lower-body flex. Too often played straight legged, up on toes. Appears to get lazy; loses stamina at times. Has ability to make perimeter plays when unblocked, but does not show consistent great lateral range.
Play against the run: Is strong, powerful run defender at point of attack, despite inconsistent pad level. Has strong hands and excellent upper-body strength to hold the line of scrimmage against a single blocker. Has the strength, quickness and power to split double-team blocks to tackle ball carrier. Can play with high intensity, but at times appears to get lazy, tired and sloppy with his technique. Can avoid cut blocks before joining backside pursuit. He wants to stand up and wrestle.
Initial quickness: Shows good initial quickness and explosiveness from stance. Pursuit/tackling: Is more of a power player than a speed player. Gives strong effort to finish. Is a strong, physical tackler.
Pass rush ability: Shows ability to use strength and power to push pocket. Has inconsistent finish effort, average lateral quickness, limited long speed to be highly productive. Is limited by inability to play with good leverage; has potential to improve. Shows excellent strength and power to collapse pocket as interior pass rusher. Mostly a bull rusher; flashes club-and-rip move. Can force QB from pocket, but lacks elite pass-rush ability. Provides consistent push.
Run/pass recognition: Is a smart, aware in all situations. Is best suited, most productive as short-area run defender; can provide push up the middle. Is quick to protect legs against cut blocks. Shows quick reaction to screen passes.
Bottom line: Price-Brent is a three-year junior and two-year starter at right defensive tackle. He should be considered for nose tackle and deserves third-round consideration. He should be an immediate rotational player who could develop into a starter in his second season. He is a better prospect than either Tim Anderson [third round, Bills] or former Barry Cofield, [fourth round, Giants].
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
There are only four players eligible for today’s 2010 NFL supplemental draft, and while one prospect stands out above the rest and another is worthy of a later-round pick, teams must decide if making a selection this July is worth giving up another similar pick next April. A quick ranking of the quartet and their projected fates:
Ineligible at Illinois, Josh Price-Brent will take his first step into the NFL.
1. Josh Price-Brent, DT, Illinois. Nose tackle expected to be third- or fourth-round pick.
2. Harvey Unga, RB, BYU. Fullback hybrid should be a fifth- or sixth-round pick.
3. Quentin Castille, RB, Northwestern (La.) State. Didn’t produce enough in college to get more than free-agent consideration.
4. Vanness Emokpae, WR, Truman State (Mo.). With a thick body for wide receiver, may have trouble sticking with any team.
None of these players needs be taken, but teams have found starters in previous supplemental drafts.
One example: Baltimore Ravens tackle
Jared Gaither, who was selected in the fifth round in 2007. He has made 28 starts in three years despite injuries last season. Another? Bernie Kosar, selected by the Cleveland Browns in 1985. Kosar finished his degree early and entered the supplemental draft rather than spend another season with Miami (Fla.).
One player was selected in the 2009 supplemental draft — Kentucky defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, a third-round pick by the Washington Redskins.
Kosar aside, players in the supplemental draft generally have lost their final year of college eligibility. Price-Brent was ruled academically ineligible; Unga was dismissed from school for honor code violations.
When the Redskins selected Jarmon last July, they surrendered a third-round pick in 2010’s April draft.
According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, "The supplemental draft began in 1977
as a way to accommodate players who weren’t eligible for the upcoming college football season. That year, Notre Dame RB Al Hunter (career stats) flunked out of school after the NFL draft but before his senior season in college. Because Hunter wouldn’t have been eligible to transfer, the supplemental draft was created."
Teams have paid interest in this year’s players. Reports say as many as
20 teams had scouts at Unga’s pro day workout. The Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams are believed interested in Unga.
— Contributing: Ray Slover
This story appears in July 15’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
There are only four players eligible for today’s 2010 NFL supplemental draft, and while one prospect stands out above the rest and another is worthy of a later-round pick, teams must decide if making a selection this July is worth giving up another similar pick next April. A quick ranking of the quartet and their projected fates:
Ineligible at Illinois, Josh Price-Brent will take his first step into the NFL.
1. Josh Price-Brent, DT, Illinois. Nose tackle expected to be third- or fourth-round pick.
2. Harvey Unga, RB, BYU. Fullback hybrid should be a fifth- or sixth-round pick.
3. Quentin Castille, RB, Northwestern (La.) State. Didn’t produce enough in college to get more than free-agent consideration.
4. Vanness Emokpae, WR, Truman State (Mo.). With a thick body for wide receiver, may have trouble sticking with any team.
None of these players needs be taken, but teams have found starters in previous supplemental drafts.
One example: Baltimore Ravens tackle
Jared Gaither, who was selected in the fifth round in 2007. He has made 28 starts in three years despite injuries last season. Another? Bernie Kosar, selected by the Cleveland Browns in 1985. Kosar finished his degree early and entered the supplemental draft rather than spend another season with Miami (Fla.).
One player was selected in the 2009 supplemental draft — Kentucky defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, a third-round pick by the Washington Redskins.
Kosar aside, players in the supplemental draft generally have lost their final year of college eligibility. Price-Brent was ruled academically ineligible; Unga was dismissed from school for honor code violations.
When the Redskins selected Jarmon last July, they surrendered a third-round pick in 2010’s April draft.
According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, "The supplemental draft began in 1977
as a way to accommodate players who weren’t eligible for the upcoming college football season. That year, Notre Dame RB Al Hunter (career stats) flunked out of school after the NFL draft but before his senior season in college. Because Hunter wouldn’t have been eligible to transfer, the supplemental draft was created."
Teams have paid interest in this year’s players. Reports say as many as
20 teams had scouts at Unga’s pro day workout. The Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams are believed interested in Unga.
— Contributing: Ray Slover
This story appears in July 15’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
Ubaldo Jimenez is halfway to 30 wins. Miguel Cabrera is poised to make a serious run at the Triple Crown. No-hitters are being pitched at a near-record pace.
But the No. 1 reason to look forward to baseball’s second half, which begins with seven games Thursday, has nothing to do with individual glory. It is all about the pennant races, which are as plentiful as they are tight. For the first time since the dawn of the six-division alignment, no division leader will take more than a 4 1/2-game lead into the second half.
Even more surprising are the teams on top, where only one club pegged for first place — who else, the Yankees — resides there. In the N.L., the Braves have zoomed past the Phillies in the East, the Reds have overtaken the Cardinals in the Central and the Padres continue to surprise in the West. In the American League, the White Sox have come from 9 1/2 games back to lead the Central in just more than a month, and the Rangers sit 4 1/2 games ahead of the perennial-favorite Angels.
Three factors that will impact the races long before the September stretch.
SCHEDULE MATTERS
Because 17 clubs have a legitimate chance of reaching the postseason, contenders will face off regularly from now until October. Just look at this weekend, for example:
David Price says the Rays just need to get either their offense or pitching on track and the other will follow.
Rays at Yankees. The Rays led the Yankees until their June swoon. A 9-2 July has pushed them in front of the Red Sox and within two games of the Yankees. "We struggled offensively and pitching two or three weeks ago but came out of it," A.L. All-Star starter David Price said. "That’s what good teams do. If we get our one or the other — our offense or our pitching — back on track, we’ll be fine."
The Yankees will finish the season without two fallen franchise icons, though they will be remembered on the teams’ uniforms. New York will have a prominent black patch on the front of its uniforms in honor of owner George Steinbrenner and another — featuring a microphone — on its left sleeves in memory of long-time public address announcer Bob Sheppard.
White Sox at Twins. MVP candidate Justin Morneau skipped the All-Star Game in hopes that he will be ready to return Thursday from a concussion suffered last week. Minnesota needs all the help it can get to slow the White Sox, who closed the first half with an eight-game winning streak and a 25-5 run.
Rangers at Red Sox. No club faces a tougher second-half schedule than the Red Sox, who still have 10 games remaining against the Yankees and six against the Rays. Oh yeah, they also have two series against the first-place White Sox, another with the Rangers and an upcoming 10-game trip to the West Coast. Boston will face Rangers newcomer Cliff Lee on Saturday.
Rockies at Reds. Cincinnati catches a break because the Rockies have pushed back Jimenez’s next start to next week.
Dodgers at Cardinals. Asked to make a second-half prediction, Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright said: "You’ll see a better brand of baseball from the Cardinals." The club has underachieved but is just one game back. "Treading water, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing," Wainwright said.
DEADLINE DEALS
With last week’s acquisition of Lee, Texas likely wrapped up the title of "biggest winner" before the nonwaiver trading deadline. But that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of moves by contenders before July 31.
The Padres need a slugger, and the Brewers’ Corey Hart remains a possibility. The Twins and Mets might have to settle for a back-of-the-rotation type such as Kevin Millwood or Jake Westbrook to bolster their rotations if, as is likely, the Diamondbacks keep Dan Haren and the Astros don’t move Roy Oswalt. Orioles All-Star Ty Wigginton could be a valuable utility player for a banged-up club such as the Phillies, but he refused to consider the possibility of being traded when he was in Anaheim.
HEALTHY RETURNS
The Mets and Reds won’t have to make a deal to add potential impact players to their rosters. Center fielder Carlos Beltran, out all season after right knee surgery, already has been penciled into the Mets’ cleanup spot for this weekend’s series at San Francisco. How manager Jerry Manuel juggles his four-man outfield remains to be seen.
Reds righthander Edinson Volquez has been sharp in his rehab starts and could make his debut as soon as this weekend, in part because he was able to serve his 50-game suspension for performance enhancers while on the disabled list recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Red Sox can only hope for good news about their long injury list. Starters Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz are in the rehab-start stages and, barring setbacks, should be back by the end of the month. The returns of second baseman Dustin Pedroia (broken left foot), catchers Victor Martinez (left thumb) and Jason Varitek (broken left foot) and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) are less certain.
The Red Sox could use those players sooner than later because, as Mets third baseman David Wright said at the All-Star Game, "September is just around the corner."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Ubaldo Jimenez is halfway to 30 wins. Miguel Cabrera is poised to make a serious run at the Triple Crown. No-hitters are being pitched at a near-record pace.
But the No. 1 reason to look forward to baseball’s second half, which begins with seven games Thursday, has nothing to do with individual glory. It is all about the pennant races, which are as plentiful as they are tight. For the first time since the dawn of the six-division alignment, no division leader will take more than a 4 1/2-game lead into the second half.
Even more surprising are the teams on top, where only one club pegged for first place — who else, the Yankees — resides there. In the N.L., the Braves have zoomed past the Phillies in the East, the Reds have overtaken the Cardinals in the Central and the Padres continue to surprise in the West. In the American League, the White Sox have come from 9 1/2 games back to lead the Central in just more than a month, and the Rangers sit 4 1/2 games ahead of the perennial-favorite Angels.
Three factors that will impact the races long before the September stretch.
SCHEDULE MATTERS
Because 17 clubs have a legitimate chance of reaching the postseason, contenders will face off regularly from now until October. Just look at this weekend, for example:
David Price says the Rays just need to get either their offense or pitching on track and the other will follow.
Rays at Yankees. The Rays led the Yankees until their June swoon. A 9-2 July has pushed them in front of the Red Sox and within two games of the Yankees. "We struggled offensively and pitching two or three weeks ago but came out of it," A.L. All-Star starter David Price said. "That’s what good teams do. If we get our one or the other — our offense or our pitching — back on track, we’ll be fine."
The Yankees will finish the season without two fallen franchise icons, though they will be remembered on the teams’ uniforms. New York will have a prominent black patch on the front of its uniforms in honor of owner George Steinbrenner and another — featuring a microphone — on its left sleeves in memory of long-time public address announcer Bob Sheppard.
White Sox at Twins. MVP candidate Justin Morneau skipped the All-Star Game in hopes that he will be ready to return Thursday from a concussion suffered last week. Minnesota needs all the help it can get to slow the White Sox, who closed the first half with an eight-game winning streak and a 25-5 run.
Rangers at Red Sox. No club faces a tougher second-half schedule than the Red Sox, who still have 10 games remaining against the Yankees and six against the Rays. Oh yeah, they also have two series against the first-place White Sox, another with the Rangers and an upcoming 10-game trip to the West Coast. Boston will face Rangers newcomer Cliff Lee on Saturday.
Rockies at Reds. Cincinnati catches a break because the Rockies have pushed back Jimenez’s next start to next week.
Dodgers at Cardinals. Asked to make a second-half prediction, Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright said: "You’ll see a better brand of baseball from the Cardinals." The club has underachieved but is just one game back. "Treading water, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing," Wainwright said.
DEADLINE DEALS
With last week’s acquisition of Lee, Texas likely wrapped up the title of "biggest winner" before the nonwaiver trading deadline. But that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of moves by contenders before July 31.
The Padres need a slugger, and the Brewers’ Corey Hart remains a possibility. The Twins and Mets might have to settle for a back-of-the-rotation type such as Kevin Millwood or Jake Westbrook to bolster their rotations if, as is likely, the Diamondbacks keep Dan Haren and the Astros don’t move Roy Oswalt. Orioles All-Star Ty Wigginton could be a valuable utility player for a banged-up club such as the Phillies, but he refused to consider the possibility of being traded when he was in Anaheim.
HEALTHY RETURNS
The Mets and Reds won’t have to make a deal to add potential impact players to their rosters. Center fielder Carlos Beltran, out all season after right knee surgery, already has been penciled into the Mets’ cleanup spot for this weekend’s series at San Francisco. How manager Jerry Manuel juggles his four-man outfield remains to be seen.
Reds righthander Edinson Volquez has been sharp in his rehab starts and could make his debut as soon as this weekend, in part because he was able to serve his 50-game suspension for performance enhancers while on the disabled list recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Red Sox can only hope for good news about their long injury list. Starters Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz are in the rehab-start stages and, barring setbacks, should be back by the end of the month. The returns of second baseman Dustin Pedroia (broken left foot), catchers Victor Martinez (left thumb) and Jason Varitek (broken left foot) and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) are less certain.
The Red Sox could use those players sooner than later because, as Mets third baseman David Wright said at the All-Star Game, "September is just around the corner."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
In the first episode of the second season of The T.O. Show, free-agent receiver Terrell Owens rounds out his single year in Buffalo by apparently throwing in the towel: "I don’t really think I can do the whole new team, new city. This year’s just not been up to my expectations. So, mentally, I’m done."
Terrell Owens started all 16 games for the Bills last season, finishing with 55 receptions for 829 yards and only five touchdowns.
But he isn’t really done; T.O. has been trying diligently, to the point of desperately, to land a new gig.
To date, no dice.
He has at times blamed the media (specifically ESPN) for pointing to past words and deeds that could lead a team to be reluctant to sign him now, and T.O. has argued he did nothing to rock the boat in 2009 despite operating under inherently frustrating circumstances with the Bills. Still, no one wants him, for now.
The primary impediment could be his asking price (reportedly $5 million for the year) and his expectation that he be installed in one of the top two spots on the depth chart. Though he claims he’s no longer a diva, his demands suggest otherwise.
At some point, then, he’ll need to reduce his expectations. If/when he humbles himself, perhaps someone will give him another job.
So where could T.O. land for 2010? Let’s explore 10 possibilities, ranked in no particular order:
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had interest in Owens before trading for Anquan Boldin. Though it’s unlikely that they’d revisit T.O. absent an injury to Boldin, Derrick Mason, or Donte’ Stallworth, a torn ACL or a ruptured Achilles to any of those three players would put Baltimore instantly in play for Owens.
What about his asking price? The fact that they’ll pay quarterback Marc Bugler $3.8 million to back up Joe Flacco means the Ravens wouldn’t hesitate to pay T.O., if they get to the point where they need him.
Cincinnati Bengals
Receiver Chad Ochocinco pushed hard for the Bengals to sign his VH1 partner, and coach Marvin Lewis brought Owens in for a visit, right after Antonio Bryant visited Cincinnati — and right before Bryant signed a multi-year deal.
After Bryant signed, talk persisted for a few weeks that T.O. still could be added. Barring an injury to Ochocinco or Bryant, however, Owens would be No. 3 on the depth chart, at best. And he’d have to take a lot less than $5 million for the year.
The most telling sign that it’s not likely to happen? Even Ochocinco, the consummate talker, has long since quit talking about the possibility of playing with Owens.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Super Bowl 43 MVP Santonio Holmes long gone and Super Bowl 40 MVP Hines Ward not getting any younger, the Steelers would benefit from whatever T.O. has left in the tank.
If Owens wants to join a contender and get a shot at a Super Bowl ring, maybe Owens would drop his asking price for a chance to play in Pittsburgh. But the Steelers have to be willing to take a chance on a guy with a checkered past, and given their quarterback with a checkered present, it’s probably too much of a risk.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. So why not add the guy who believes he’s still the most dynamic receiver?
The notion of adding T.O. to the Titans is compelling. With defenses focused on stopping Chris Johnson, Owens could be running free, with quarterback Vince Young sending the ball deep down the field with a flick of the wrist.
No serious talk of T.O. to Tennessee has emerged, but it makes too much sense to ignore the possibility.
Oakland Raiders
Owens has long been linked to the Raiders, based primarily on the fact his attitude and demeanor meshes with the type of player that the Oakland teams of the ’70s relished. And, even at 36, T.O. still has the speed owner Al Davis covets.
But Owens would have to make a leap of faith when it comes to the question of whether the Raiders can contend — and the Raiders would have to come up with a way to pay him.
San Diego Chargers
With receiver Vincent Jackson apparently intent on holding out deep into the 2010 season, the Chargers need a replacement. And Josh Reed, who signed last month, isn’t the answer.
So why not T.O.? He could help the Chargers’ offense dramatically, and he could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a Super Bowl.
Still, the team that once wasted millions on David Boston has demonstrated zero interest in T.O.
Washington Redskins
In April, not long after quarterback Donovan McNabb landed in D.C., he reportedly began lobbying for his new team to sign T.O. Coach Mike Shanahan swiftly put the kibosh on the possibility, but he left the door open a crack, saying only that "we will not go in that direction right now."
More recently, Owens have continued to express a desire to reunite with McNabb. But there’s still no reason to believe Shanahan plans to take advantage of the "right now" caveat he used several months ago.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are the team most likely to overlook Owens’ past because, well, they’re desperate to win now in order to save coach Lovie Smith’s future. And the Bears simply don’t have a strong No. 1 wideout to pair with franchise quarterback Jay Cutler.
But T.O. has no experience with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, and it’s unlikely that those two strong personalities could coexist, unless every pass is being thrown in Owens’ direction.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have no real complement to Steve Smith, and coach John Fox needs a big season in order to have a chance to stick around for 2011. (Of course, there’s a chance he doesn’t want to stick around for 2011.)
Owens and Smith paired with running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart would give the Panthers a potent offense — assuming Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen could survive having T.O. bark in one ear and Smith bark in the other.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle previously sniffed around Brandon Marshall, and the Seahawks reportedly have interest in Vincent Jackson. With Marshall traded to Miami and Jackson supposedly not available, there’s only one way Seattle can make a big splash at wideout without trading for someone else.
Still, Owens has been available for months and nothing has happened. Though the Seahawks are believed to be interested, something is holding up the process.
In the end, it could be Owens’ asking price.
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.
In the first episode of the second season of The T.O. Show, free-agent receiver Terrell Owens rounds out his single year in Buffalo by apparently throwing in the towel: "I don’t really think I can do the whole new team, new city. This year’s just not been up to my expectations. So, mentally, I’m done."
Terrell Owens started all 16 games for the Bills last season, finishing with 55 receptions for 829 yards and only five touchdowns.
But he isn’t really done; T.O. has been trying diligently, to the point of desperately, to land a new gig.
To date, no dice.
He has at times blamed the media (specifically ESPN) for pointing to past words and deeds that could lead a team to be reluctant to sign him now, and T.O. has argued he did nothing to rock the boat in 2009 despite operating under inherently frustrating circumstances with the Bills. Still, no one wants him, for now.
The primary impediment could be his asking price (reportedly $5 million for the year) and his expectation that he be installed in one of the top two spots on the depth chart. Though he claims he’s no longer a diva, his demands suggest otherwise.
At some point, then, he’ll need to reduce his expectations. If/when he humbles himself, perhaps someone will give him another job.
So where could T.O. land for 2010? Let’s explore 10 possibilities, ranked in no particular order:
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had interest in Owens before trading for Anquan Boldin. Though it’s unlikely that they’d revisit T.O. absent an injury to Boldin, Derrick Mason, or Donte’ Stallworth, a torn ACL or a ruptured Achilles to any of those three players would put Baltimore instantly in play for Owens.
What about his asking price? The fact that they’ll pay quarterback Marc Bugler $3.8 million to back up Joe Flacco means the Ravens wouldn’t hesitate to pay T.O., if they get to the point where they need him.
Cincinnati Bengals
Receiver Chad Ochocinco pushed hard for the Bengals to sign his VH1 partner, and coach Marvin Lewis brought Owens in for a visit, right after Antonio Bryant visited Cincinnati — and right before Bryant signed a multi-year deal.
After Bryant signed, talk persisted for a few weeks that T.O. still could be added. Barring an injury to Ochocinco or Bryant, however, Owens would be No. 3 on the depth chart, at best. And he’d have to take a lot less than $5 million for the year.
The most telling sign that it’s not likely to happen? Even Ochocinco, the consummate talker, has long since quit talking about the possibility of playing with Owens.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Super Bowl 43 MVP Santonio Holmes long gone and Super Bowl 40 MVP Hines Ward not getting any younger, the Steelers would benefit from whatever T.O. has left in the tank.
If Owens wants to join a contender and get a shot at a Super Bowl ring, maybe Owens would drop his asking price for a chance to play in Pittsburgh. But the Steelers have to be willing to take a chance on a guy with a checkered past, and given their quarterback with a checkered present, it’s probably too much of a risk.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. So why not add the guy who believes he’s still the most dynamic receiver?
The notion of adding T.O. to the Titans is compelling. With defenses focused on stopping Chris Johnson, Owens could be running free, with quarterback Vince Young sending the ball deep down the field with a flick of the wrist.
No serious talk of T.O. to Tennessee has emerged, but it makes too much sense to ignore the possibility.
Oakland Raiders
Owens has long been linked to the Raiders, based primarily on the fact his attitude and demeanor meshes with the type of player that the Oakland teams of the ’70s relished. And, even at 36, T.O. still has the speed owner Al Davis covets.
But Owens would have to make a leap of faith when it comes to the question of whether the Raiders can contend — and the Raiders would have to come up with a way to pay him.
San Diego Chargers
With receiver Vincent Jackson apparently intent on holding out deep into the 2010 season, the Chargers need a replacement. And Josh Reed, who signed last month, isn’t the answer.
So why not T.O.? He could help the Chargers’ offense dramatically, and he could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a Super Bowl.
Still, the team that once wasted millions on David Boston has demonstrated zero interest in T.O.
Washington Redskins
In April, not long after quarterback Donovan McNabb landed in D.C., he reportedly began lobbying for his new team to sign T.O. Coach Mike Shanahan swiftly put the kibosh on the possibility, but he left the door open a crack, saying only that "we will not go in that direction right now."
More recently, Owens have continued to express a desire to reunite with McNabb. But there’s still no reason to believe Shanahan plans to take advantage of the "right now" caveat he used several months ago.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are the team most likely to overlook Owens’ past because, well, they’re desperate to win now in order to save coach Lovie Smith’s future. And the Bears simply don’t have a strong No. 1 wideout to pair with franchise quarterback Jay Cutler.
But T.O. has no experience with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, and it’s unlikely that those two strong personalities could coexist, unless every pass is being thrown in Owens’ direction.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have no real complement to Steve Smith, and coach John Fox needs a big season in order to have a chance to stick around for 2011. (Of course, there’s a chance he doesn’t want to stick around for 2011.)
Owens and Smith paired with running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart would give the Panthers a potent offense — assuming Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen could survive having T.O. bark in one ear and Smith bark in the other.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle previously sniffed around Brandon Marshall, and the Seahawks reportedly have interest in Vincent Jackson. With Marshall traded to Miami and Jackson supposedly not available, there’s only one way Seattle can make a big splash at wideout without trading for someone else.
Still, Owens has been available for months and nothing has happened. Though the Seahawks are believed to be interested, something is holding up the process.
In the end, it could be Owens’ asking price.
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.
Sporting News staff reports
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that Pedro Martinez is a long way from returning to the club this season.
Amaro told MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki in Anaheim, Calif., that he spoke with Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, who said Martinez has yet to throw off a mound this year.
"Only Pedro could say when he’d be ready. I’m sure he knows, but I couldn’t tell you," Amaro said.
Martinez provided a boost to the Phillies’ staff after signing in midseason last year. He was in much better condition at the time, having pitched in the World Baseball Classic in March 2009.
Sporting News staff reports
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that Pedro Martinez is a long way from returning to the club this season.
Amaro told MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki in Anaheim, Calif., that he spoke with Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, who said Martinez has yet to throw off a mound this year.
"Only Pedro could say when he’d be ready. I’m sure he knows, but I couldn’t tell you," Amaro said.
Martinez provided a boost to the Phillies’ staff after signing in midseason last year. He was in much better condition at the time, having pitched in the World Baseball Classic in March 2009.
