Sporting News staff reports
With the Angels carrying three catchers on their 25-man roster, the Los Angeles Times speculated the team could explore the option of trading one. Upset by his lack of playing time, No. 2 receiver Mike Napoli recently spoke with manager Mike Scioscia about his frustration.
The newspaper noted that Napoli’s bat (20 homers in 2008 and 2009) and salary ($3.6 million in 2010) make him attractive to other teams.
"You’re always looking at your club, your depth chart and other clubs’ needs," Scioscia told the newspaper. "Not that anyone is out there being shopped, but Tony (Reagins, Angels general manager) is constantly in contact with other GMs to see if there are things that can help us. That doesn’t mean anything is imminent, though."
Napoli told the Times that Scioscia cited Napoli’s defense for his reduced role. Starter Jeff Mathis is considered the better receiver, and he has gotten off to a hot start at the plate. No. 3 catcher Bobby Wilson rarely plays.
"It’s always the defensive part. I thought I made some strides in spring training," Napoli told the Times. "I guess I have to be better. … I haven’t played much. It caught me by surprise."
Napoli started Saturday’s Angels victory over Toronto. It was his fourth start season (in 12 games) and his second start in the past three days.
L.A. is the only big-league team to regularly carry three catchers.
Sporting News staff reports
With the Angels carrying three catchers on their 25-man roster, the Los Angeles Times speculated the team could explore the option of trading one. Upset by his lack of playing time, No. 2 receiver Mike Napoli recently spoke with manager Mike Scioscia about his frustration.
The newspaper noted that Napoli’s bat (20 homers in 2008 and 2009) and salary ($3.6 million in 2010) make him attractive to other teams.
"You’re always looking at your club, your depth chart and other clubs’ needs," Scioscia told the newspaper. "Not that anyone is out there being shopped, but Tony (Reagins, Angels general manager) is constantly in contact with other GMs to see if there are things that can help us. That doesn’t mean anything is imminent, though."
Napoli told the Times that Scioscia cited Napoli’s defense for his reduced role. Starter Jeff Mathis is considered the better receiver, and he has gotten off to a hot start at the plate. No. 3 catcher Bobby Wilson rarely plays.
"It’s always the defensive part. I thought I made some strides in spring training," Napoli told the Times. "I guess I have to be better. … I haven’t played much. It caught me by surprise."
Napoli started Saturday’s Angels victory over Toronto. It was his fourth start season (in 12 games) and his second start in the past three days.
L.A. is the only big-league team to regularly carry three catchers.
Jerry Hughes may have worked his way into the first round.
As NFL teams finish their draft meetings, here are some of the rumors floating around scouting circles:
• During the season, many scouts were impressed with TCU DE/OLB Jerry Hughes‘ competitiveness, quickness, and instincts. Many thought he would be a good third-round pick and possibly a second-rounder. However, most felt he lacked the overall athleticism and flexibility to stand up and play linebacker in the NFL.
Then after displaying excellent all-around athleticism at his pro day, Hughes convinced teams he could easily make the transition to 3-4 rush linebacker and began to rocket up draft boards. Now, he is expected to go in the mid-to-late first round or early second round.
• When East Carolina DT Linval Joseph came out early for the draft, many teams were surprised and did not know a lot about him. But after breaking down film, scouts were impressed. And now that coaches have gotten a good look at him on film, Joseph has been moving up draft boards.
He was originally expected to be a third-round pick who might slip to the fourth round, but now he is regarded as a surefire second-rounder who could move into the bottom of Round 1. From what we have heard, the Chargers could use their first-round pick (28th overall) or second-rounder (40th overall) to take Joseph and solidify their nose tackle position.
• Despite not being invited to the Scouting Combine, Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton has been climbing draft boards. When most teams began their draft meetings, he was considered a late-round possibility or — more likely — an undrafted free agent. But as teams have broken down film on Crompton, they have been impressed with his quick, compact delivery, good footwork, athleticism and arm strength.
Though he won’t be drafted as highly as we have him rated — we consider him a first-round talent — we think he is a good bet to be drafted between the third and fifth rounds. Considering he wasn’t invited to Indy, that’s a big step up.
• Though Arizona State RB Dimitri Nance isn’t going to be a high draft pick, he has definitely grabbed the attention of some teams over the last month. They have been impressed with his strength, vision and instincts to find holes, quickness through the hole and consistent ability to gain yards after contact.
He hasn’t broken into the upper echelon of running backs, but he likely will be a fourth- or fifth-round pick, which is higher than his rating of a month ago.
• As NFL teams have debated the medical issues surrounding TEs Rob Gronkowski and Jermaine Gresham, one player who has been getting a lot of attention and climbing draft boards is Iowa TE Tony Moeaki. Although Moeaki had his own injury problems in college, the main questions about him involve durability, not potential career-limiting issues.
Teams have been impressed with Moeaki’s blocking ability and receiving skills, which have convinced them he has the makeup to be a good all-around starting tight end. Look for him to be drafted in the second or third round.
• Alabama CB Kareem Jackson has been moving up draft boards after working out so well at the Combine, but teams continue to debate his status. There is little doubt he is a quick, athletic cornerback with very good ball skills, but on film he showed only solid speed and allowed separation on deep routes.
Teams that are buying into his workout speed have him rated as a mid-to-high pick in the second round. Teams that are emphasizing the speed he showed in games rate him generally as a third-round prospect.
• When scouts made school visits last fall, they really liked Vanderbilt CB Myron Lewis and considered him a likely second- or third-round pick. However, he did not look smooth, quick or comfortable during his pro day workout, leaving teams concerned about his athleticism. As a result, his draft value has fallen.
Now, he is a likely fourth-round pick who could squeeze into the bottom of the third round.
Jerry Hughes may have worked his way into the first round.
As NFL teams finish their draft meetings, here are some of the rumors floating around scouting circles:
• During the season, many scouts were impressed with TCU DE/OLB Jerry Hughes‘ competitiveness, quickness, and instincts. Many thought he would be a good third-round pick and possibly a second-rounder. However, most felt he lacked the overall athleticism and flexibility to stand up and play linebacker in the NFL.
Then after displaying excellent all-around athleticism at his pro day, Hughes convinced teams he could easily make the transition to 3-4 rush linebacker and began to rocket up draft boards. Now, he is expected to go in the mid-to-late first round or early second round.
• When East Carolina DT Linval Joseph came out early for the draft, many teams were surprised and did not know a lot about him. But after breaking down film, scouts were impressed. And now that coaches have gotten a good look at him on film, Joseph has been moving up draft boards.
He was originally expected to be a third-round pick who might slip to the fourth round, but now he is regarded as a surefire second-rounder who could move into the bottom of Round 1. From what we have heard, the Chargers could use their first-round pick (28th overall) or second-rounder (40th overall) to take Joseph and solidify their nose tackle position.
• Despite not being invited to the Scouting Combine, Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton has been climbing draft boards. When most teams began their draft meetings, he was considered a late-round possibility or — more likely — an undrafted free agent. But as teams have broken down film on Crompton, they have been impressed with his quick, compact delivery, good footwork, athleticism and arm strength.
Though he won’t be drafted as highly as we have him rated — we consider him a first-round talent — we think he is a good bet to be drafted between the third and fifth rounds. Considering he wasn’t invited to Indy, that’s a big step up.
• Though Arizona State RB Dimitri Nance isn’t going to be a high draft pick, he has definitely grabbed the attention of some teams over the last month. They have been impressed with his strength, vision and instincts to find holes, quickness through the hole and consistent ability to gain yards after contact.
He hasn’t broken into the upper echelon of running backs, but he likely will be a fourth- or fifth-round pick, which is higher than his rating of a month ago.
• As NFL teams have debated the medical issues surrounding TEs Rob Gronkowski and Jermaine Gresham, one player who has been getting a lot of attention and climbing draft boards is Iowa TE Tony Moeaki. Although Moeaki had his own injury problems in college, the main questions about him involve durability, not potential career-limiting issues.
Teams have been impressed with Moeaki’s blocking ability and receiving skills, which have convinced them he has the makeup to be a good all-around starting tight end. Look for him to be drafted in the second or third round.
• Alabama CB Kareem Jackson has been moving up draft boards after working out so well at the Combine, but teams continue to debate his status. There is little doubt he is a quick, athletic cornerback with very good ball skills, but on film he showed only solid speed and allowed separation on deep routes.
Teams that are buying into his workout speed have him rated as a mid-to-high pick in the second round. Teams that are emphasizing the speed he showed in games rate him generally as a third-round prospect.
• When scouts made school visits last fall, they really liked Vanderbilt CB Myron Lewis and considered him a likely second- or third-round pick. However, he did not look smooth, quick or comfortable during his pro day workout, leaving teams concerned about his athleticism. As a result, his draft value has fallen.
Now, he is a likely fourth-round pick who could squeeze into the bottom of the third round.
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Baltimore Sun, Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez (shoulder) is expected to miss at least three weeks.
Gonzalez was placed on the disabled list Wednesday. An MRI exam on his shoulder revealed no new damage, matching the team’s diagnosis of a strain.
Manager Dave Trembley told the newspaper that Jim Johnson likely will handle most of the team’s save opportunities.
Gonzalez notified Trembley on Tuesday night that he wasn’t available to pitch against Tampa Bay because he couldn’t get his shoulder loose in the bullpen. Gonzalez was examined Wednesday.
Gonzalez has blown two saves in three tries, and in his only converted opportunity he loaded the bases before getting the final out. The left-hander is 0-2 with an 18.00 ERA and has allowed five hits and four walks in only two innings.
He was signed as a free agent in December.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Baltimore Sun, Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez (shoulder) is expected to miss at least three weeks.
Gonzalez was placed on the disabled list Wednesday. An MRI exam on his shoulder revealed no new damage, matching the team’s diagnosis of a strain.
Manager Dave Trembley told the newspaper that Jim Johnson likely will handle most of the team’s save opportunities.
Gonzalez notified Trembley on Tuesday night that he wasn’t available to pitch against Tampa Bay because he couldn’t get his shoulder loose in the bullpen. Gonzalez was examined Wednesday.
Gonzalez has blown two saves in three tries, and in his only converted opportunity he loaded the bases before getting the final out. The left-hander is 0-2 with an 18.00 ERA and has allowed five hits and four walks in only two innings.
He was signed as a free agent in December.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
A look back at the best and worst picks of the draft nine years ago:
Steals
Drew Brees, QB, Purdue
Chargers: Round 2, Pick 32
This pick would have never happened if San Diego had sat at No. 1 and drafted Virginia Tech QB Michael Vick. Instead, the trade down with Atlanta that set up the Chargers to draft running back LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 5 overall left them with a big quarterback need. Credit the Chargers for ignoring scouts who doubted Brees’ 6-0, 209-pound frame and whether Brees could shine outside of Purdue’s shotgun spread offense.
Steve Smith, WR, Utah
Panthers: Round 3, Pick 74
His former junior college teammate, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, was a pretty good value at No. 36, but Smith, like Brees, slipped because a lack of height. Inch-for-inch, pound-by-pound, Smith’s smaller frame has turned out to be his greatest asset because of his uncanny quickness and elusiveness.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR, Oregon State
Bengals: Round 7, Pick 204
Johnson also went 168 picks ahead of his teammate in both Corvallis and Cincinnati. Houshmandzadeh came in a possession- type project, but he had to shake off early injuries and trim down to show the speed and agility to take advantage of his amazingly soft hands. He went from tough to pronounce to difficult to cover in a hurry.
Antonio Pierce, MLB, Arizona
Redskins: Undrafted
Over the course of draft history, teams consistently have undervalued undersized inside linebackers, and Pierce was part of the trend. Soon, he was known for his toughness and leadership qualities, something that stood out when he was a big part of the Giants’ run through Super Bowl 42.
Stephen Neal, G, Cal State-Bakersfield
Patriots: Undrafted
It’s a testament to the ability of Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick to find strong starters anywhere. In Neal’s case, it was on the college wrestling mat, where he once was the best amateur in that sport. Neal, with some bulking up, has excelled because of strength, power and hand technique.
Stinkers
Gerard Warren, DT, Florida
Browns: Round 1, Pick 3
Cleveland whiffed on a defensive lineman again after taking end Courtney Brown first overall in 2000. Warren wasn’t terrible but didn’t have near the impact he should have for his draft status. He also was the first of six defensive selected in the ’01 first round. Richard Seymour, Marcus Stroud and Casey Hampton all became Pro Bowlers, but Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett were both cast aside by St. Louis before becoming solid pros.
David Terrell, WR, Michigan
Bears: Round 1, Pick 8
The Bears did much better with Michigan RB Anthony Thomas in Round 2, but Terrell (6-3, 215) never showed the speed or separation ability to make plays. Terrell, Koren Robinson, Rod Gardner and Freddie Mitchell all were drafted before the best receiver of the class, the Colts’ Reggie Wayne at No. 30.
Jamal Reynolds, DE, Florida State
Packers: Round 1, Pick 10
It wasn’t a particular good class of defensive ends, and Reynolds was a bust, tallying just three sacks in three NFL seasons. Adding insult to the mix is that Green Bay had to trade away backup QB Matt Hasselbeck to move up seven spots for Reynolds.
Kenyatta Walker, OT, Florida
Buccaneers: Round 1, Pick 14
From Warren and Reynolds, you should already get a sense this was a bad draft for Gators and Seminoles. Walker was supposed to be the next great left tackle but quickly proved he couldn’t handle that role. Moving to the right side, he continued to struggle in pass protection. His shaky career managed to last six seasons.
Willie Middlebrooks, CB, Minnesota
Broncos: Round 1, Pick 24
Cornerback misses like this eventually caused Denver to trade for Champ Bailey in ’04. Middlebrooks got more attention for his off-field issues than his on-field play, where he made only two career starts for Denver. After being out of the NFL of two years, Middlebrooks turned his life around in ’08 and continues to play for Toronto in the CFL.
2001 draft, First Round
1. Atlanta Michael Vick, QB, Virginia Tech
2. Arizona Leonard Davis, G, Texas
3. Cleveland Gerard Warren, DT, Florida
4. Cincinnati Justin Smith, DE, Missouri
5. San Diego LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Texas Christian
6. New England Richard Seymour, DT, Georgia
7. San Francisco Andre Carter, DE, Cal
8. Chicago David Terrell, WR, Michigan
9. Seattle Koren Robinson, WR, N.C. State
10. Green Bay Jamal Reynolds, DE, Florida State
11. Carolina Dan Morgan, OLB, Miami (Fla.)
12. St. Louis Damione Lewis, DT, Miami (Fla.)
13. Jacksonville Marcus Stroud, DT, Georgia
14. Tampa Bay Kenyatta Walker, OT, Florida
15. Washington Rod Gardner, WR, Clemson
16. N.Y. Jets Santana Moss, WR, Miami (Fla.)
17. Seattle Steve Hutchinson, G, Michigan
18. Detroit Jeff Backus, OT, Michigan
19. Pittsburgh Casey Hampton, NT, Texas
20. St. Louis Adam Archuleta, S, Arizona State
21. Buffalo Nate Clements, CB, Ohio State
22. N.Y. Giants Will Allen, CB, Syracuse
23. New Orleans Deuce McAllister, RB, Ole Miss
24. Denver Willie Middlebrooks, CB, Minnesota
25. Philadelphia Freddie Mitchell, WR, UCLA
26. Miami Jamar Fletcher, CB, Wisconsin
27. Minnesota Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin
28. Oakland Derrick Gibson, S, Florida State
29. St. Louis Ryan Pickett, DT, Ohio State
30. Indianapolis Reggie Wayne, WR, Miami (Fla.)
31. Baltimore Todd Heap, TE, Arizona State
Second Round
32. San Diego Drew Brees, QB, Purdue
33. Cleveland Quincy Morgan, WR, Kansas State
34. Arizona Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Nebraska
35. Atlanta Alge Crumpler, TE, North Carolina
36. Cincinnati Chad Johnson, WR, Oregon State
37. Indianapolis Idrees Bashir, S, Memphis
38. Chicago Anthony Thomas, RB, Michigan
39. Pittsburgh Kendrell Bell, ILB, Georgia
40. Seattle Ken Lucas, CB, Ole Miss
41. Green Bay Robert Ferguson, WR, Texas A&M
42. St. Louis Tommy Polley, OLB, Florida State
43. Jacksonville Maurice Williams, OT, Michigan
44. Carolina Kris Jenkins, DT, Maryland
45. Washington Fred Smoot, CB, Mississippi State
46. Buffalo Aaron Schobel, DE, Texas Christian
47. San Francisco Jamie Winborn, OLB, Vanderbilt
48. New England Matt Light, OT, Purdue
49. N.Y. Jets LaMont Jordan, RB, Maryland
50. Detroit Dominic Raiola, C, Nebraska
51. Denver Paul Toviessi, DE, Marshall
52. Miami Chris Chambers, WR, Wisconsin
53. Dallas Quincy Carter, QB, Georgia
54. Arizona Michael Stone, S, Memphis
55. Philadelphia Quinton Caver, LB, Arkansas
56. Dallas Tony Dixon, S, Alabama
57. Minnesota Willie Howard, DT, Stanford
58. Buffalo Travis Henry, RB, Tennessee
59. Oakland Marques Tuiasosopo, QB, Washington
60. Tennessee Andre Dyson, CB, Utah
61. Detroit Shaun Rogers, DT, Texas
62. Baltimore Gary Baxter, CB, Baylor
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
A look back at the best and worst picks of the draft nine years ago:
Steals
Drew Brees, QB, Purdue
Chargers: Round 2, Pick 32
This pick would have never happened if San Diego had sat at No. 1 and drafted Virginia Tech QB Michael Vick. Instead, the trade down with Atlanta that set up the Chargers to draft running back LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 5 overall left them with a big quarterback need. Credit the Chargers for ignoring scouts who doubted Brees’ 6-0, 209-pound frame and whether Brees could shine outside of Purdue’s shotgun spread offense.
Steve Smith, WR, Utah
Panthers: Round 3, Pick 74
His former junior college teammate, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, was a pretty good value at No. 36, but Smith, like Brees, slipped because a lack of height. Inch-for-inch, pound-by-pound, Smith’s smaller frame has turned out to be his greatest asset because of his uncanny quickness and elusiveness.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR, Oregon State
Bengals: Round 7, Pick 204
Johnson also went 168 picks ahead of his teammate in both Corvallis and Cincinnati. Houshmandzadeh came in a possession- type project, but he had to shake off early injuries and trim down to show the speed and agility to take advantage of his amazingly soft hands. He went from tough to pronounce to difficult to cover in a hurry.
Antonio Pierce, MLB, Arizona
Redskins: Undrafted
Over the course of draft history, teams consistently have undervalued undersized inside linebackers, and Pierce was part of the trend. Soon, he was known for his toughness and leadership qualities, something that stood out when he was a big part of the Giants’ run through Super Bowl 42.
Stephen Neal, G, Cal State-Bakersfield
Patriots: Undrafted
It’s a testament to the ability of Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick to find strong starters anywhere. In Neal’s case, it was on the college wrestling mat, where he once was the best amateur in that sport. Neal, with some bulking up, has excelled because of strength, power and hand technique.
Stinkers
Gerard Warren, DT, Florida
Browns: Round 1, Pick 3
Cleveland whiffed on a defensive lineman again after taking end Courtney Brown first overall in 2000. Warren wasn’t terrible but didn’t have near the impact he should have for his draft status. He also was the first of six defensive selected in the ’01 first round. Richard Seymour, Marcus Stroud and Casey Hampton all became Pro Bowlers, but Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett were both cast aside by St. Louis before becoming solid pros.
David Terrell, WR, Michigan
Bears: Round 1, Pick 8
The Bears did much better with Michigan RB Anthony Thomas in Round 2, but Terrell (6-3, 215) never showed the speed or separation ability to make plays. Terrell, Koren Robinson, Rod Gardner and Freddie Mitchell all were drafted before the best receiver of the class, the Colts’ Reggie Wayne at No. 30.
Jamal Reynolds, DE, Florida State
Packers: Round 1, Pick 10
It wasn’t a particular good class of defensive ends, and Reynolds was a bust, tallying just three sacks in three NFL seasons. Adding insult to the mix is that Green Bay had to trade away backup QB Matt Hasselbeck to move up seven spots for Reynolds.
Kenyatta Walker, OT, Florida
Buccaneers: Round 1, Pick 14
From Warren and Reynolds, you should already get a sense this was a bad draft for Gators and Seminoles. Walker was supposed to be the next great left tackle but quickly proved he couldn’t handle that role. Moving to the right side, he continued to struggle in pass protection. His shaky career managed to last six seasons.
Willie Middlebrooks, CB, Minnesota
Broncos: Round 1, Pick 24
Cornerback misses like this eventually caused Denver to trade for Champ Bailey in ’04. Middlebrooks got more attention for his off-field issues than his on-field play, where he made only two career starts for Denver. After being out of the NFL of two years, Middlebrooks turned his life around in ’08 and continues to play for Toronto in the CFL.
2001 draft, First Round
1. Atlanta Michael Vick, QB, Virginia Tech
2. Arizona Leonard Davis, G, Texas
3. Cleveland Gerard Warren, DT, Florida
4. Cincinnati Justin Smith, DE, Missouri
5. San Diego LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Texas Christian
6. New England Richard Seymour, DT, Georgia
7. San Francisco Andre Carter, DE, Cal
8. Chicago David Terrell, WR, Michigan
9. Seattle Koren Robinson, WR, N.C. State
10. Green Bay Jamal Reynolds, DE, Florida State
11. Carolina Dan Morgan, OLB, Miami (Fla.)
12. St. Louis Damione Lewis, DT, Miami (Fla.)
13. Jacksonville Marcus Stroud, DT, Georgia
14. Tampa Bay Kenyatta Walker, OT, Florida
15. Washington Rod Gardner, WR, Clemson
16. N.Y. Jets Santana Moss, WR, Miami (Fla.)
17. Seattle Steve Hutchinson, G, Michigan
18. Detroit Jeff Backus, OT, Michigan
19. Pittsburgh Casey Hampton, NT, Texas
20. St. Louis Adam Archuleta, S, Arizona State
21. Buffalo Nate Clements, CB, Ohio State
22. N.Y. Giants Will Allen, CB, Syracuse
23. New Orleans Deuce McAllister, RB, Ole Miss
24. Denver Willie Middlebrooks, CB, Minnesota
25. Philadelphia Freddie Mitchell, WR, UCLA
26. Miami Jamar Fletcher, CB, Wisconsin
27. Minnesota Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin
28. Oakland Derrick Gibson, S, Florida State
29. St. Louis Ryan Pickett, DT, Ohio State
30. Indianapolis Reggie Wayne, WR, Miami (Fla.)
31. Baltimore Todd Heap, TE, Arizona State
Second Round
32. San Diego Drew Brees, QB, Purdue
33. Cleveland Quincy Morgan, WR, Kansas State
34. Arizona Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Nebraska
35. Atlanta Alge Crumpler, TE, North Carolina
36. Cincinnati Chad Johnson, WR, Oregon State
37. Indianapolis Idrees Bashir, S, Memphis
38. Chicago Anthony Thomas, RB, Michigan
39. Pittsburgh Kendrell Bell, ILB, Georgia
40. Seattle Ken Lucas, CB, Ole Miss
41. Green Bay Robert Ferguson, WR, Texas A&M
42. St. Louis Tommy Polley, OLB, Florida State
43. Jacksonville Maurice Williams, OT, Michigan
44. Carolina Kris Jenkins, DT, Maryland
45. Washington Fred Smoot, CB, Mississippi State
46. Buffalo Aaron Schobel, DE, Texas Christian
47. San Francisco Jamie Winborn, OLB, Vanderbilt
48. New England Matt Light, OT, Purdue
49. N.Y. Jets LaMont Jordan, RB, Maryland
50. Detroit Dominic Raiola, C, Nebraska
51. Denver Paul Toviessi, DE, Marshall
52. Miami Chris Chambers, WR, Wisconsin
53. Dallas Quincy Carter, QB, Georgia
54. Arizona Michael Stone, S, Memphis
55. Philadelphia Quinton Caver, LB, Arkansas
56. Dallas Tony Dixon, S, Alabama
57. Minnesota Willie Howard, DT, Stanford
58. Buffalo Travis Henry, RB, Tennessee
59. Oakland Marques Tuiasosopo, QB, Washington
60. Tennessee Andre Dyson, CB, Utah
61. Detroit Shaun Rogers, DT, Texas
62. Baltimore Gary Baxter, CB, Baylor
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Ndamukong Suh.
NFL position: DT
Height: 6-3 7⁄8
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.10
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Richard Seymour, Raiders
Against the run: Is highly productive against runs both at him and to the outside. Has good strength and does a good job of getting hands on the blocker q u i c k l y. Locks out and presses b l o c k e r , sheds and makes the tackle on inside runs. Flashes the strength to jolt run blockers upright and backward to disrupt plays in the backfield. Can disengage and make tackles. Has quickness off the ball, hand use and strength to get inside reach blocks easily. Can keep the blocker on his shoulder, get down the line quickly and use his explosive closing burst to finish plays. Flashes rare hustle at times and, combined with elite speed, is able to easily chase down ballcarriers in pursuit. Grade: 9.0
Pass rush: Flashes the ability to be a good pass rusher but is not consistent. Has the strength to jolt and drive his opponent backward into the pocket; can force an early pass or get the sack. Can defeat one-onone pass blocks when he has space. Rushes upright and without leverage sometimes and does not attack the blocker; ends up having his initial pass-rush move stopped and can’t defeat blocker with a secondary pass-rush move. Grade: 7.5
Initial quickness: Is almost always the first defensive lineman moving at the snap but does not show the explosiveness off the ball to shoot through gap and get into backfield in a flash. Combines quickness off the ball with strength and excellent hand use to jolt and control his opponent on both run and pass plays. Is consistently able to make contact with blockers before they can get a hold of him, enabling him to defeat blocks and make plays despite not always creating good leverage. Could boost initial quickness to outstanding with improved technique and aggressiveness. Grade: 8.0
Run/pass recognition: Is naturally instinctive; consistently sniffs out the play quickly and can react and make plays based on his reads. Has good snap anticipation. Does a good job of reading the run away from him, gets inside attempted reach blocks and flies down the line to chase down the ballcarrier. Does a good job of reading the screen pass; gets outside fast and consistently makes the play. Grade: 8.5
Pursuit/tackling: Has a combination of instincts, competitiveness, athleticism, speed and explosive closing burst that enables him to consistently track down plays in pursuit. Has uncommon speed to chase after plays in pursuit. Closes quickly on the ballcarrier and finishes plays much better than most NFL defensive tackles. Gets upright when chasing after the ball in pursuit but has the athleticism and strength to get a hold of ballcarrier and take him to the ground. Is productive making plays in pursuit and does not miss tackles. Grade: 8.5
Bottom line: Suh is a wrecking ball who causes major problems for offenses. He is a step above the defensive tackles taken in the first round of the past several drafts, and he has the tools to be a highly productive starter. Though we believe Suh is best suited to playing tackle in a 4-3 scheme, he could be highly productive as an end in a 3-4. He is the top overall prospect in the draft.
For more than 600 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Ndamukong Suh.
NFL position: DT
Height: 6-3 7⁄8
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.10
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Richard Seymour, Raiders
Against the run: Is highly productive against runs both at him and to the outside. Has good strength and does a good job of getting hands on the blocker q u i c k l y. Locks out and presses b l o c k e r , sheds and makes the tackle on inside runs. Flashes the strength to jolt run blockers upright and backward to disrupt plays in the backfield. Can disengage and make tackles. Has quickness off the ball, hand use and strength to get inside reach blocks easily. Can keep the blocker on his shoulder, get down the line quickly and use his explosive closing burst to finish plays. Flashes rare hustle at times and, combined with elite speed, is able to easily chase down ballcarriers in pursuit. Grade: 9.0
Pass rush: Flashes the ability to be a good pass rusher but is not consistent. Has the strength to jolt and drive his opponent backward into the pocket; can force an early pass or get the sack. Can defeat one-onone pass blocks when he has space. Rushes upright and without leverage sometimes and does not attack the blocker; ends up having his initial pass-rush move stopped and can’t defeat blocker with a secondary pass-rush move. Grade: 7.5
Initial quickness: Is almost always the first defensive lineman moving at the snap but does not show the explosiveness off the ball to shoot through gap and get into backfield in a flash. Combines quickness off the ball with strength and excellent hand use to jolt and control his opponent on both run and pass plays. Is consistently able to make contact with blockers before they can get a hold of him, enabling him to defeat blocks and make plays despite not always creating good leverage. Could boost initial quickness to outstanding with improved technique and aggressiveness. Grade: 8.0
Run/pass recognition: Is naturally instinctive; consistently sniffs out the play quickly and can react and make plays based on his reads. Has good snap anticipation. Does a good job of reading the run away from him, gets inside attempted reach blocks and flies down the line to chase down the ballcarrier. Does a good job of reading the screen pass; gets outside fast and consistently makes the play. Grade: 8.5
Pursuit/tackling: Has a combination of instincts, competitiveness, athleticism, speed and explosive closing burst that enables him to consistently track down plays in pursuit. Has uncommon speed to chase after plays in pursuit. Closes quickly on the ballcarrier and finishes plays much better than most NFL defensive tackles. Gets upright when chasing after the ball in pursuit but has the athleticism and strength to get a hold of ballcarrier and take him to the ground. Is productive making plays in pursuit and does not miss tackles. Grade: 8.5
Bottom line: Suh is a wrecking ball who causes major problems for offenses. He is a step above the defensive tackles taken in the first round of the past several drafts, and he has the tools to be a highly productive starter. Though we believe Suh is best suited to playing tackle in a 4-3 scheme, he could be highly productive as an end in a 3-4. He is the top overall prospect in the draft.
For more than 600 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Derrick Morgan.
NFL position: DE
Derrick Morgan is likened to Julius Peppers of the Chicago Bears.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 266
40 time: 4.78
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Julius Peppers, Bears
Against the run: Is excellent against the run. Does an excellent job taking on run blocks with good leverage. Gets hands on run blockers quickly; can lock out blocker, hold g round , shed and make tackle on runs at him. Does a good job of tying up and stringing out the play on outside runs to his side. Keeps play inside of him when that is his responsibility and can disengage and make the tackle. Flashes strength and power to jolt run blockers backward. Can defeat blocks, get inside his opponent and burst to finish the tackle in the backfield. Grade: 9.0
Pass rush: Is productive. Has the quickness, explosiveness and anticipation to burst off the snap and beat tackles. Often can outrun tackles around the corner but must improve his dip technique so he can turn the corner sharply when he doesn’t beat the tackle. Has the hand and foot quickness and agility to beat one-on-one pass blocks with a quick move inside or out. Has a good spin move, as well as slap and arm-over moves. Has an explosive closing burst to the QB to finish sacks. Shows the strength and athleticism to drive through double-team blocks and get pressure on the pocket. Has a combination of strength, hand use and aggressiveness to drive his opponent into the quarterback’s lap on bull-rushes. Grade: 8.0
Initial quickness: His burst, instincts and snap anticipation enable him to consistently be the first lineman moving at the snap. Gets his hands on his opponent quickly, which helps him control and defeat him. Grade: 8.5
Instincts: Is a naturally instinctive defender, which helps him sniff out the play and get started toward the ball quickly. Does not get fooled by trick or misdirection plays and does an excellent job of carrying out his assignment. Shows awareness dropping into coverage and does a good job of adjusting based on where he senses the pass is going. Grade: 9.0
Pursuit/tackling: Does a good job of maintaining backside containment responsibility before coming down the line on running plays away. Once he’s sure the play is not coming back to him, he accelerates down the line quickly, moves through traffic easily and has the speed and explosive closing burst to consistently finish plays in pursuit. Flashes the athleticism to hurdle over low blocks and traffic without losing speed and closes quickly on ballcarrier to make hard, physical tackles in pursuit. Has a combination of strength, athleticism and competitiveness to get the ballcarrier to the ground when he gets his hands on him. Grade: 8.5
Bottom line: Though he entered the draft early, Morgan is ready to contribute as a rookie. He is athletic with a rare combination of quickness, explosiveness, speed, size and strength. He could be effective as an end in a 4-3 or 3-4, or as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. Morgan will be a top-15 pick and will become a productive defender and potentially a Pro Bowler.
For more than 600 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Derrick Morgan.
NFL position: DE
Derrick Morgan is likened to Julius Peppers of the Chicago Bears.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 266
40 time: 4.78
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Julius Peppers, Bears
Against the run: Is excellent against the run. Does an excellent job taking on run blocks with good leverage. Gets hands on run blockers quickly; can lock out blocker, hold g round , shed and make tackle on runs at him. Does a good job of tying up and stringing out the play on outside runs to his side. Keeps play inside of him when that is his responsibility and can disengage and make the tackle. Flashes strength and power to jolt run blockers backward. Can defeat blocks, get inside his opponent and burst to finish the tackle in the backfield. Grade: 9.0
Pass rush: Is productive. Has the quickness, explosiveness and anticipation to burst off the snap and beat tackles. Often can outrun tackles around the corner but must improve his dip technique so he can turn the corner sharply when he doesn’t beat the tackle. Has the hand and foot quickness and agility to beat one-on-one pass blocks with a quick move inside or out. Has a good spin move, as well as slap and arm-over moves. Has an explosive closing burst to the QB to finish sacks. Shows the strength and athleticism to drive through double-team blocks and get pressure on the pocket. Has a combination of strength, hand use and aggressiveness to drive his opponent into the quarterback’s lap on bull-rushes. Grade: 8.0
Initial quickness: His burst, instincts and snap anticipation enable him to consistently be the first lineman moving at the snap. Gets his hands on his opponent quickly, which helps him control and defeat him. Grade: 8.5
Instincts: Is a naturally instinctive defender, which helps him sniff out the play and get started toward the ball quickly. Does not get fooled by trick or misdirection plays and does an excellent job of carrying out his assignment. Shows awareness dropping into coverage and does a good job of adjusting based on where he senses the pass is going. Grade: 9.0
Pursuit/tackling: Does a good job of maintaining backside containment responsibility before coming down the line on running plays away. Once he’s sure the play is not coming back to him, he accelerates down the line quickly, moves through traffic easily and has the speed and explosive closing burst to consistently finish plays in pursuit. Flashes the athleticism to hurdle over low blocks and traffic without losing speed and closes quickly on ballcarrier to make hard, physical tackles in pursuit. Has a combination of strength, athleticism and competitiveness to get the ballcarrier to the ground when he gets his hands on him. Grade: 8.5
Bottom line: Though he entered the draft early, Morgan is ready to contribute as a rookie. He is athletic with a rare combination of quickness, explosiveness, speed, size and strength. He could be effective as an end in a 4-3 or 3-4, or as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. Morgan will be a top-15 pick and will become a productive defender and potentially a Pro Bowler.
For more than 600 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
The most telling nugget from Thursday’s press conference by Steelers president Art Rooney came not from anything he said in his prepared remarks, but in response to a question regarding whether there’s any truth to the notion that the team is willing to trade quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The bidding is open for embattled Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
"We don’t talk about trades in advance," Rooney said. "That’s been a consistent policy, and I think that’s the way we’ll proceed. The only thing I’ll add is at this point we have not discussed a trade with any other club."
The Steelers, based on Rooney’s remarks, are occupying the position that Pennsylvania’s other NFL franchise assumed after the 2010 season. They will not say that their starting quarterback is on the block, they will not say that he isn’t, and they will wait for the phone to ring.
It makes sense. Last week’s Santonio Holmes fire sale, which arose when the Steelers called around the league in an effort to find an immediate trade partner, occurred when the team initiated the process. This time around, the Steelers will sit back and see whether anyone makes an offer between now and the draft, which launches a week from today.
And an offer could be coming. Earlier today, a non-Steelers team source told me that potentially interested teams already are comparing notes in an effort to determine whether Roethlisberger can be had.
Some say that the Steelers would trade Roethlisberger only if they receive an offer that "blows them away." That’s the same thing, however, that many were saying about the Eagles and Donovan McNabb, before the Eagles shipped McNabb within the division for something far less than a Herschel Walker-style bounty.
Given that the draft launches in seven days — and Rooney has said that discipline won’t be imposed against Roethlisberger until the week after the draft at the earliest — it’s hardly a stretch to conclude that the one of the true purposes of today’s press conference was to open the bidding without sacrificing any leverage. Though at a certain level it seems like a silly proposition, a sophisticated negotiator recognizes the power of not being the party to make the first move.
The lack of a salary cap makes it easy for the Steelers to make a move. No bonus acceleration would apply, and the new team would have no obligation to write a large bonus check in exchange for a six-year commitment that includes, according to NFLPA records, base salaries of $8.05 million in 2010, $11.6 million in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and $12.1 million in 2015.
Then there’s the question of discipline. For now, it appears that the Steelers will, in coordination with the league, levy a suspension for conduct detrimental at some point after the draft. But if he’s traded prior to or during the draft, the Steelers would no longer have jurisdiction over him. If Roethlisberger is traded, the league would then be acting alone.
Though it’s possible that the Steelers don’t feel the same sense of urgency to move Roethlisberger that they experienced over the weekend with Holmes, it’s clear that he’s available. If he wasn’t, Rooney would have said so with the kind of plain, blunt manner in which many Pittsburghers prefer to communicate. Rooney said nothing to dispel the suggestion that Roethlisberger might not be back, so it’s fair to wonder whether Roethlisberger will end up heading to a new NFL city in the not-too-distant future.
So who would be interested? The Bills, Jaguars, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers and every team in the NFC West should be studying tape and deciding whether to get in the bidding. Given that he’s five years younger than McNabb, under contract for six years, and sufficiently scared to swear off barhopping and VIP rooms for at least seven years, it would be easy to justify giving up a first-round pick for a very good player who has been thoroughly humiliated and humbled.
Unless the Steelers want substantially more, it’s not all that crazy to conclude that, for a first-round pick, a deal could be done.
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.
The most telling nugget from Thursday’s press conference by Steelers president Art Rooney came not from anything he said in his prepared remarks, but in response to a question regarding whether there’s any truth to the notion that the team is willing to trade quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The bidding is open for embattled Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
"We don’t talk about trades in advance," Rooney said. "That’s been a consistent policy, and I think that’s the way we’ll proceed. The only thing I’ll add is at this point we have not discussed a trade with any other club."
The Steelers, based on Rooney’s remarks, are occupying the position that Pennsylvania’s other NFL franchise assumed after the 2010 season. They will not say that their starting quarterback is on the block, they will not say that he isn’t, and they will wait for the phone to ring.
It makes sense. Last week’s Santonio Holmes fire sale, which arose when the Steelers called around the league in an effort to find an immediate trade partner, occurred when the team initiated the process. This time around, the Steelers will sit back and see whether anyone makes an offer between now and the draft, which launches a week from today.
And an offer could be coming. Earlier today, a non-Steelers team source told me that potentially interested teams already are comparing notes in an effort to determine whether Roethlisberger can be had.
Some say that the Steelers would trade Roethlisberger only if they receive an offer that "blows them away." That’s the same thing, however, that many were saying about the Eagles and Donovan McNabb, before the Eagles shipped McNabb within the division for something far less than a Herschel Walker-style bounty.
Given that the draft launches in seven days — and Rooney has said that discipline won’t be imposed against Roethlisberger until the week after the draft at the earliest — it’s hardly a stretch to conclude that the one of the true purposes of today’s press conference was to open the bidding without sacrificing any leverage. Though at a certain level it seems like a silly proposition, a sophisticated negotiator recognizes the power of not being the party to make the first move.
The lack of a salary cap makes it easy for the Steelers to make a move. No bonus acceleration would apply, and the new team would have no obligation to write a large bonus check in exchange for a six-year commitment that includes, according to NFLPA records, base salaries of $8.05 million in 2010, $11.6 million in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and $12.1 million in 2015.
Then there’s the question of discipline. For now, it appears that the Steelers will, in coordination with the league, levy a suspension for conduct detrimental at some point after the draft. But if he’s traded prior to or during the draft, the Steelers would no longer have jurisdiction over him. If Roethlisberger is traded, the league would then be acting alone.
Though it’s possible that the Steelers don’t feel the same sense of urgency to move Roethlisberger that they experienced over the weekend with Holmes, it’s clear that he’s available. If he wasn’t, Rooney would have said so with the kind of plain, blunt manner in which many Pittsburghers prefer to communicate. Rooney said nothing to dispel the suggestion that Roethlisberger might not be back, so it’s fair to wonder whether Roethlisberger will end up heading to a new NFL city in the not-too-distant future.
So who would be interested? The Bills, Jaguars, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers and every team in the NFC West should be studying tape and deciding whether to get in the bidding. Given that he’s five years younger than McNabb, under contract for six years, and sufficiently scared to swear off barhopping and VIP rooms for at least seven years, it would be easy to justify giving up a first-round pick for a very good player who has been thoroughly humiliated and humbled.
Unless the Steelers want substantially more, it’s not all that crazy to conclude that, for a first-round pick, a deal could be done.
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.
