As NFL prospects perform this month all over the country in their on-campus workouts for scouts, coaches and personnel men, a number of players have helped or hurt their draft stock:
Daryl Washington is on teams’ radar after a solid pro day.
Two TCU prospects really shined in their pro day and helped their draft stock. LB Daryl Washington had a good all-around workout and showed the quickness, explosiveness and athleticism that excites NFL coaches. He is not the biggest kid, but he proved he has the athleticism to fit in any NFL scheme.
DE/OLB Jerry Hughes really continued his strong spring. After a good performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hughes looked even more athletic and natural going through the linebacker drills at TCU. He showed good quickness and agility, changing directions and flipping his hips with ease. His experience playing running back in high school also showed by how well he caught the ball in drills, meaning he could become a playmaker in pass coverage in the NFL.
Hughes’ performance on film left many to wonder if he could play about his ability to play outside linebacker in the NFL, but there no longer is any doubt about his ability to make the switch and play in the open field.
It was disappointing that DT Gerald McCoy decided not to do the 225-pound bench press at Oklahoma’s pro day, but scouts in attendance all said his workout was impressive enough to overshadow any question about his lack of upper-body strength. He showed rare quickness, explosiveness and athleticism for a defensive tackle, which enable him to stay in top-five consideration despite his poor bench-press showing (23 reps) at the Combine.
Baylor WR David Gettis is a tease who could get way overdrafted. He looks like an NFL receiver and shows the quickness, acceleration and speed in the 40-yard dash and other timed tests to convince some GM that he could develop in the NFL. However, he was not nearly as impressive during the receiving drills–his routes lacked sharpness, and he did not pluck passes out of the air cleanly.
Nebraska S Larry Asante had a good, solid workout. He did not blow anyone away but had a solid all-around day and was able to improve on his 40 time by running in the low 4.6-second range on FieldTurf. He lacks the elite athleticism to be an early pick, but he showed enough athleticism to convince personnel men he has the tools to be productive playing deep in pass coverage and will not be a liability.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Draft Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room. For more than 640 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.
As NFL prospects perform this month all over the country in their on-campus workouts for scouts, coaches and personnel men, a number of players have helped or hurt their draft stock:
Daryl Washington is on teams’ radar after a solid pro day.
Two TCU prospects really shined in their pro day and helped their draft stock. LB Daryl Washington had a good all-around workout and showed the quickness, explosiveness and athleticism that excites NFL coaches. He is not the biggest kid, but he proved he has the athleticism to fit in any NFL scheme.
DE/OLB Jerry Hughes really continued his strong spring. After a good performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hughes looked even more athletic and natural going through the linebacker drills at TCU. He showed good quickness and agility, changing directions and flipping his hips with ease. His experience playing running back in high school also showed by how well he caught the ball in drills, meaning he could become a playmaker in pass coverage in the NFL.
Hughes’ performance on film left many to wonder if he could play about his ability to play outside linebacker in the NFL, but there no longer is any doubt about his ability to make the switch and play in the open field.
It was disappointing that DT Gerald McCoy decided not to do the 225-pound bench press at Oklahoma’s pro day, but scouts in attendance all said his workout was impressive enough to overshadow any question about his lack of upper-body strength. He showed rare quickness, explosiveness and athleticism for a defensive tackle, which enable him to stay in top-five consideration despite his poor bench-press showing (23 reps) at the Combine.
Baylor WR David Gettis is a tease who could get way overdrafted. He looks like an NFL receiver and shows the quickness, acceleration and speed in the 40-yard dash and other timed tests to convince some GM that he could develop in the NFL. However, he was not nearly as impressive during the receiving drills–his routes lacked sharpness, and he did not pluck passes out of the air cleanly.
Nebraska S Larry Asante had a good, solid workout. He did not blow anyone away but had a solid all-around day and was able to improve on his 40 time by running in the low 4.6-second range on FieldTurf. He lacks the elite athleticism to be an early pick, but he showed enough athleticism to convince personnel men he has the tools to be productive playing deep in pass coverage and will not be a liability.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Draft Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room. For more than 640 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 staff reports
Twins closer Joe Nathan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he plans to play catch on Saturday to test the torn ligament in his right elbow—and determine whether he will need season-ending surgery.
"When I feel loose—if I do get loose—I definitely want to test this thing as much as I can for Day 1 and see how it feels," Nathan told the newspaper. "This is going to be something where there shouldn’t be a gray area. It’s going to be, ‘I feel great,’ or, ‘This just isn’t me, this doesn’t feel right.’"
Sporting News staff reports
Twins closer Joe Nathan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he plans to play catch on Saturday to test the torn ligament in his right elbow—and determine whether he will need season-ending surgery.
"When I feel loose—if I do get loose—I definitely want to test this thing as much as I can for Day 1 and see how it feels," Nathan told the newspaper. "This is going to be something where there shouldn’t be a gray area. It’s going to be, ‘I feel great,’ or, ‘This just isn’t me, this doesn’t feel right.’"
Sporting News staff reports
New Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez told the Baltimore Sun that questions about his health and pitch velocity are unwarranted and his arm feels just fine. Gonzalez, who has pitched only twice so far this spring, left Saturday’s "B" game against the Marlins because of soreness in his lower back, not his arm.
"My arm feels great and everything else," Gonzalez told the newspaper. "I just had a little tightness in my lower back. It’s just one of those couple-of-day things. I just have to stay on top of it. It’s not a big deal at all. I’ve felt it before. It’s just one of those things where you take a couple of days and you’re fine."
And his velocity, which has been in the mid-80s instead the low-to-mid-90s that scouts are accustomed to seeing? "I really don’t look at velocity. I never have," Gonzalez said. "It was the same thing last year at spring training. They were questioning my velocity. I was anywhere from 86 to 89. Then I come out opening day and I’m 93 to 95. That’s just how it is, man."
Sporting News staff reports
New Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez told the Baltimore Sun that questions about his health and pitch velocity are unwarranted and his arm feels just fine. Gonzalez, who has pitched only twice so far this spring, left Saturday’s "B" game against the Marlins because of soreness in his lower back, not his arm.
"My arm feels great and everything else," Gonzalez told the newspaper. "I just had a little tightness in my lower back. It’s just one of those couple-of-day things. I just have to stay on top of it. It’s not a big deal at all. I’ve felt it before. It’s just one of those things where you take a couple of days and you’re fine."
And his velocity, which has been in the mid-80s instead the low-to-mid-90s that scouts are accustomed to seeing? "I really don’t look at velocity. I never have," Gonzalez said. "It was the same thing last year at spring training. They were questioning my velocity. I was anywhere from 86 to 89. Then I come out opening day and I’m 93 to 95. That’s just how it is, man."
Well into the chess game that is the NFL offseason, some moves were expected and others were surprising. It’s time to judge the comings and goings in the first 11 days of free agency:
Winners
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens. He was traded to a contender and also got the long-awaited new contract. If Boldin stays healthy, he will have a superb 2010 season and make Joe Flacco a better quarterback.
"From what I hear, (Flacco) is a great kid, humble kid, works his butt off," Boldin told reporters. "Baltimore has been looking for a No. 1 receiver. I’m looking forward to it."
Jake Delhomme will cash in whether or not he starts for the Browns.
Jake Delhomme, QB, Browns. Released by the Panthers, Delhomme landed on his feet, joining a team where he could start. Not bad for a quarterback who has more interceptions (30) than touchdown passes (23) the past two seasons. Oh, and he’ll receive $19.7 million combined this year from the Panthers and Browns.
Washington Redskins. Instead of plunging into free agency, new coach Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen have a long-range plan that owner Dan Snyder has bought into — for now. Said Shanahan: "We have a plan; it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s a process."
Mike Martz, offensive coordinator, Bears. The Bears added pieces that fit his system — a pass-catching back (Chester Taylor) and a blocking tight end (Brandon Manumaleuna). The key is getting QB Jay Cutler back on track.
Brady Quinn, QB, Broncos. Being traded gives Quinn another chance to prove he can start and win in the NFL. After taking over the Browns’ football operations, Mike Holmgren determined that neither Quinn nor Derek Anderson was the team’s quarterback of the future. Kyle Orton, a restricted free agent, still has the inside track to be the Broncos starter. But if Orton falters, Quinn could take over if he blossoms under the guidance of coach Josh McDaniels.
"We know (Quinn) has the tools," Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. "I honestly think the guy just needs to be in a good situation. I remember watching him in college; he was great in college. I’m assuming that our system probably is similar to what he saw in college. Hopefully, that will help the transition."
Losers
Arizona Cardinals. Even if the bottom does not fall out, it is hard to see them improving after losing Boldin, QB Kurt Warner, linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Antrel Rolle. The desert sun just got hotter for Matt Leinart.
Terrell Owens, WR, free agent. The Bengals opted for Antonio Bryant, even though Chad Ochocinco lobbied for Owens. Will the Raiders or Bears take a chance on T.O.?
Bryant believes he can be the deep threat the Bengals have lacked.
"I’m looking to be a threat, regardless of whether it’s deep or short," Bryant said. "Just a playmaker. For the most part, I’ve never been in the same offense two years in a row. This situation worked out well for me. Chad was getting double-covered a lot. You got to bring in guys that will help alleviate that problem."
Willie Parker, RB, free agent. Fast Willie is a step slower, making it harder to find a new home. How quickly things change for older backs.
Darren Sharper, S, free agent. Unable to land a big payday, Sharper might be forced to return to the Saints for less money than he hoped.
This story appears in March 16’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Well into the chess game that is the NFL offseason, some moves were expected and others were surprising. It’s time to judge the comings and goings in the first 11 days of free agency:
Winners
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens. He was traded to a contender and also got the long-awaited new contract. If Boldin stays healthy, he will have a superb 2010 season and make Joe Flacco a better quarterback.
"From what I hear, (Flacco) is a great kid, humble kid, works his butt off," Boldin told reporters. "Baltimore has been looking for a No. 1 receiver. I’m looking forward to it."
Jake Delhomme will cash in whether or not he starts for the Browns.
Jake Delhomme, QB, Browns. Released by the Panthers, Delhomme landed on his feet, joining a team where he could start. Not bad for a quarterback who has more interceptions (30) than touchdown passes (23) the past two seasons. Oh, and he’ll receive $19.7 million combined this year from the Panthers and Browns.
Washington Redskins. Instead of plunging into free agency, new coach Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen have a long-range plan that owner Dan Snyder has bought into — for now. Said Shanahan: "We have a plan; it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s a process."
Mike Martz, offensive coordinator, Bears. The Bears added pieces that fit his system — a pass-catching back (Chester Taylor) and a blocking tight end (Brandon Manumaleuna). The key is getting QB Jay Cutler back on track.
Brady Quinn, QB, Broncos. Being traded gives Quinn another chance to prove he can start and win in the NFL. After taking over the Browns’ football operations, Mike Holmgren determined that neither Quinn nor Derek Anderson was the team’s quarterback of the future. Kyle Orton, a restricted free agent, still has the inside track to be the Broncos starter. But if Orton falters, Quinn could take over if he blossoms under the guidance of coach Josh McDaniels.
"We know (Quinn) has the tools," Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. "I honestly think the guy just needs to be in a good situation. I remember watching him in college; he was great in college. I’m assuming that our system probably is similar to what he saw in college. Hopefully, that will help the transition."
Losers
Arizona Cardinals. Even if the bottom does not fall out, it is hard to see them improving after losing Boldin, QB Kurt Warner, linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Antrel Rolle. The desert sun just got hotter for Matt Leinart.
Terrell Owens, WR, free agent. The Bengals opted for Antonio Bryant, even though Chad Ochocinco lobbied for Owens. Will the Raiders or Bears take a chance on T.O.?
Bryant believes he can be the deep threat the Bengals have lacked.
"I’m looking to be a threat, regardless of whether it’s deep or short," Bryant said. "Just a playmaker. For the most part, I’ve never been in the same offense two years in a row. This situation worked out well for me. Chad was getting double-covered a lot. You got to bring in guys that will help alleviate that problem."
Willie Parker, RB, free agent. Fast Willie is a step slower, making it harder to find a new home. How quickly things change for older backs.
Darren Sharper, S, free agent. Unable to land a big payday, Sharper might be forced to return to the Saints for less money than he hoped.
This story appears in March 16’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
A source told the Boston Herald on Monday that Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie checked out fine after undergoing tests for a rapid heartbeat and exhaustion and should be back on the field soon.
When asked Sunday why Lowrie had been missing from camp the previous three days, manager Terry Francona said, "He had a thing the other day when we were over in Port St. Lucie. He wasn’t feeling really good, so we had him checked out with the doctor."
The quick reaction to Lowrie’s discomfort probably was prompted by the recent news that Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland has a rare brain condition that will require surgery.
"We wanted to run him through some tests before we get him back on the field," Francona told the newspaper. "We’ve been doing that the last couple of days but with the weekend it kind of slowed things down a bit. They’re all precautionary.
"He just came in and said, ‘I kind of feel like I got hit by a car.’ He just got run down and he said he has had this feeling during the winter, so we just want to get him kind of back on his feet and eliminate anything it could ever be. So the safest way to go about it is to run a bunch of tests. We’re probably being overly cautious, but I’m not sure you can be."
Sporting News staff reports
A source told the Boston Herald on Monday that Red Sox infielder Jed Lowrie checked out fine after undergoing tests for a rapid heartbeat and exhaustion and should be back on the field soon.
When asked Sunday why Lowrie had been missing from camp the previous three days, manager Terry Francona said, "He had a thing the other day when we were over in Port St. Lucie. He wasn’t feeling really good, so we had him checked out with the doctor."
The quick reaction to Lowrie’s discomfort probably was prompted by the recent news that Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland has a rare brain condition that will require surgery.
"We wanted to run him through some tests before we get him back on the field," Francona told the newspaper. "We’ve been doing that the last couple of days but with the weekend it kind of slowed things down a bit. They’re all precautionary.
"He just came in and said, ‘I kind of feel like I got hit by a car.’ He just got run down and he said he has had this feeling during the winter, so we just want to get him kind of back on his feet and eliminate anything it could ever be. So the safest way to go about it is to run a bunch of tests. We’re probably being overly cautious, but I’m not sure you can be."
NCAA Tournament: Good thing Duke has such an easy road to the Final Four: Geno Auriemma is about to pass Mike Krzyzewski in number of NCAA Tournament wins.
NFL: With Shaun Hill’s arrival in Motown, Fly’s pal Tom Kowalski (SN’s Lions correspondent) wants to be the first to tell you there’s a quarterback controversy in Detroit.
| Here comes the Lions’ QB controversy |
|
MLB: White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen says of 24-year-old 2B prospect C.J. Retherford: "I love that kid a lot. He’s a sleeper, but he has started waking people up." Too bad the ChiSox are keeping a digital muzzle on Guillen.
• Still displaying an inability to shut up, Johnny Damon says he sees his year with the Tigers (which he pretty much said is just one year) is sort of a vacation from the AL East, where he would still like to play — with the Rays.
Golf: If you’re still watching Tiger Woods’ life off the links, Radaronline reports that Elin has not moved home as some sites reported last week.
NCAA Tournament: Good thing Duke has such an easy road to the Final Four: Geno Auriemma is about to pass Mike Krzyzewski in number of NCAA Tournament wins.
NFL: With Shaun Hill’s arrival in Motown, Fly’s pal Tom Kowalski (SN’s Lions correspondent) wants to be the first to tell you there’s a quarterback controversy in Detroit.
| Here comes the Lions’ QB controversy |
|
MLB: White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen says of 24-year-old 2B prospect C.J. Retherford: "I love that kid a lot. He’s a sleeper, but he has started waking people up." Too bad the ChiSox are keeping a digital muzzle on Guillen.
• Still displaying an inability to shut up, Johnny Damon says he sees his year with the Tigers (which he pretty much said is just one year) is sort of a vacation from the AL East, where he would still like to play — with the Rays.
Golf: If you’re still watching Tiger Woods’ life off the links, Radaronline reports that Elin has not moved home as some sites reported last week.
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
Joey Votto is quickly moving up draft boards this spring as fantasy owners see a potential first-round talent that can be drafted in the third round. To show you the progression, it wasn’t long ago that Votto could have been selected in the fourth or fifth rounds. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sneak into the second round as we get closer to opening day.
What’s all the fuss? The stat that really stands out with Votto is his OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) from last season. Among qualified batters, Votto ranked fourth in that category with a .981 rating. That put him behind only Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Joe Mauer, and all three of them are projected to be first-round picks in standard fantasy leagues.
Votto will turn 27 later this season, so he’s considered to be in the prime of his playing career. And if he continues to make progress like he did in his first two seasons, Votto could join that elite first-round group as early as this year.
It’s important to note that Votto missed significant time last season while dealing with an anxiety-related issue. He says that’s an ongoing battle and announced that he has been making progress. Provided he keeps winning that fight, the sky is the limit for Votto’s fantasy value.
Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
Joey Votto is quickly moving up draft boards this spring as fantasy owners see a potential first-round talent that can be drafted in the third round. To show you the progression, it wasn’t long ago that Votto could have been selected in the fourth or fifth rounds. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sneak into the second round as we get closer to opening day.
What’s all the fuss? The stat that really stands out with Votto is his OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) from last season. Among qualified batters, Votto ranked fourth in that category with a .981 rating. That put him behind only Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Joe Mauer, and all three of them are projected to be first-round picks in standard fantasy leagues.
Votto will turn 27 later this season, so he’s considered to be in the prime of his playing career. And if he continues to make progress like he did in his first two seasons, Votto could join that elite first-round group as early as this year.
It’s important to note that Votto missed significant time last season while dealing with an anxiety-related issue. He says that’s an ongoing battle and announced that he has been making progress. Provided he keeps winning that fight, the sky is the limit for Votto’s fantasy value.
Around this time last year, the New Orleans Saints were coming off an 8-8 season and a last-place finish in the NFC South. Having Drew Brees and an explosive offense gave them good potential to go from worst to first in their division, but the Super Bowl seemed like a long shot.
Texans hope to ride Matt Schaub’s arm to Saints-like run.
Thanks, however, to a handful of smart personnel moves that boosted the defense — such as hiring Gregg Williams as coordinator and signing playmaking safety Darren Sharper — and a cleaner bill of health, everything fell into place on their road to a championship.
So which non-playoff teams from ’09 should have similar high hopes?
This list doesn’t include the Steelers or Giants, who recently won Super Bowls and always are expected to contend, despite playing in two of the NFL’s toughest divisions. Instead, let’s look at the five teams most capable of surprising everyone in the league with a Saints-like run this year:
1. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is just two years removed from its own surprising 11-5 season. Despite battling injuries and a more difficult schedule, the team fell back only two games in ’09. The key is keeping running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood healthy to return to a productive, efficient ball-control offense. Matt Ryan already is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback.
Over the past two years, they’ve built a sound front seven and by signing Dunta Robinson they landed the sound cover corner the Falcons’ secondary desperately needed.
The Falcons are at their best being aggressive, forcing takeaways, and as their young players continue to improve, just fielding a top-half unit would be a big development. The Falcons are the one team that directly can follow the New Orleans’ formula.
2. Houston Texans
The Saints saw Brees lead the league in passing yardage a year before their Super Bowl run, so Houston hopes for a similar result after Matt Schaub took the honors in ’09.
Schaub will have all his best targets back with Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels and Jacoby Jones supporting All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson. It’s imperative the team finds a impact feature back in the draft to provide balance.
Defensively, the pieces are there, especially in the front seven with Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing. The Texans have become stout against the run; the next step is dialing up the aggressiveness to create more sacks and takeaways.
For the team to really turn the corner, however, it comes down to two things: Performing better in the AFC South and closing out close games. Going from the brink of the playoffs to an elite team will require a 4-2 record in the division instead of last season’s dismal 1-5.
Vince Young’s continued development is key for Titans’ hopes for 2010 season.
3. Tennessee Titans
Throwing out their winless September and October in ’09, the Titans have won 21 of their other past 26 games. The 0-6 beginning to the season was a blessing in disguise, because it caused the team to make the quarterback change to Vince Young, who proved he was a changed quarterback in going 8-2.
You can bet Jeff Fisher won’t let his team start so slowly again, and equipped with 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson and a secondary back at full strength, the Titans feel more like the 13-3 team of ’08 going into the season.
The question on everyone’s mind in Tennessee: Will Young continue to progress and develop into an elite all-around quarterback? The confidence and leadership skills are there to take the Titans to a title, but it’s imperative for Young to take another leap as a passer and decision-maker.
4. San Francisco 49ers
It’s been a long time since this organization was synonymous with the Super Bowl, but at least Mike Singletary has the team set to return to the playoffs. With St. Louis and Seattle in rebuilding mode and Arizona taking a big step back with personnel losses, the Niners have a golden opportunity to win the NFC West.
Alex Smith finally looks like a viable starting quarterback and has exciting receivers Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan. Frank Gore remains the offensive centerpiece, and the team surely will draft another skilled playmaker.
The 3-4 defense is also starting to jell with Aubrayo Franklin, Justin Smith, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson all picking up their game around the unit’s superstar, All-Pro inside linebacker Patrick Willis.
5. Miami Dolphins
They are well coached, well built and have a terrific blueprint. Unfortunately, that’s also the case for two teams they’re trying to displace in the AFC East, the Patriots and Jets. The success of the Dolphins’ 2010 season rests on the quarterback and the defense.
Chad Henne must make major strides in his second year as a starter. He has a stud left tackle in Jake Long and a powerful running game. However, he needs a No. 1 receiver and that might not come until draft weekend.
Defensively, the Dolphins already are a prolific pass-rushing team. It’s now critical they improve significantly against the run and make more game-changing plays. Adding ex-Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby was significant, and a second year for cornerback Vontae Davis and adding a ballhawking safety will help even more.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Around this time last year, the New Orleans Saints were coming off an 8-8 season and a last-place finish in the NFC South. Having Drew Brees and an explosive offense gave them good potential to go from worst to first in their division, but the Super Bowl seemed like a long shot.
Texans hope to ride Matt Schaub’s arm to Saints-like run.
Thanks, however, to a handful of smart personnel moves that boosted the defense — such as hiring Gregg Williams as coordinator and signing playmaking safety Darren Sharper — and a cleaner bill of health, everything fell into place on their road to a championship.
So which non-playoff teams from ’09 should have similar high hopes?
This list doesn’t include the Steelers or Giants, who recently won Super Bowls and always are expected to contend, despite playing in two of the NFL’s toughest divisions. Instead, let’s look at the five teams most capable of surprising everyone in the league with a Saints-like run this year:
1. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is just two years removed from its own surprising 11-5 season. Despite battling injuries and a more difficult schedule, the team fell back only two games in ’09. The key is keeping running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood healthy to return to a productive, efficient ball-control offense. Matt Ryan already is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback.
Over the past two years, they’ve built a sound front seven and by signing Dunta Robinson they landed the sound cover corner the Falcons’ secondary desperately needed.
The Falcons are at their best being aggressive, forcing takeaways, and as their young players continue to improve, just fielding a top-half unit would be a big development. The Falcons are the one team that directly can follow the New Orleans’ formula.
2. Houston Texans
The Saints saw Brees lead the league in passing yardage a year before their Super Bowl run, so Houston hopes for a similar result after Matt Schaub took the honors in ’09.
Schaub will have all his best targets back with Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels and Jacoby Jones supporting All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson. It’s imperative the team finds a impact feature back in the draft to provide balance.
Defensively, the pieces are there, especially in the front seven with Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing. The Texans have become stout against the run; the next step is dialing up the aggressiveness to create more sacks and takeaways.
For the team to really turn the corner, however, it comes down to two things: Performing better in the AFC South and closing out close games. Going from the brink of the playoffs to an elite team will require a 4-2 record in the division instead of last season’s dismal 1-5.
Vince Young’s continued development is key for Titans’ hopes for 2010 season.
3. Tennessee Titans
Throwing out their winless September and October in ’09, the Titans have won 21 of their other past 26 games. The 0-6 beginning to the season was a blessing in disguise, because it caused the team to make the quarterback change to Vince Young, who proved he was a changed quarterback in going 8-2.
You can bet Jeff Fisher won’t let his team start so slowly again, and equipped with 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson and a secondary back at full strength, the Titans feel more like the 13-3 team of ’08 going into the season.
The question on everyone’s mind in Tennessee: Will Young continue to progress and develop into an elite all-around quarterback? The confidence and leadership skills are there to take the Titans to a title, but it’s imperative for Young to take another leap as a passer and decision-maker.
4. San Francisco 49ers
It’s been a long time since this organization was synonymous with the Super Bowl, but at least Mike Singletary has the team set to return to the playoffs. With St. Louis and Seattle in rebuilding mode and Arizona taking a big step back with personnel losses, the Niners have a golden opportunity to win the NFC West.
Alex Smith finally looks like a viable starting quarterback and has exciting receivers Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan. Frank Gore remains the offensive centerpiece, and the team surely will draft another skilled playmaker.
The 3-4 defense is also starting to jell with Aubrayo Franklin, Justin Smith, Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson all picking up their game around the unit’s superstar, All-Pro inside linebacker Patrick Willis.
5. Miami Dolphins
They are well coached, well built and have a terrific blueprint. Unfortunately, that’s also the case for two teams they’re trying to displace in the AFC East, the Patriots and Jets. The success of the Dolphins’ 2010 season rests on the quarterback and the defense.
Chad Henne must make major strides in his second year as a starter. He has a stud left tackle in Jake Long and a powerful running game. However, he needs a No. 1 receiver and that might not come until draft weekend.
Defensively, the Dolphins already are a prolific pass-rushing team. It’s now critical they improve significantly against the run and make more game-changing plays. Adding ex-Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby was significant, and a second year for cornerback Vontae Davis and adding a ballhawking safety will help even more.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
The goal, as has been the case for more than the past decade, is to finish .500. Pittsburgh’s streak of 17 consecutive losing seasons is a record not only for MLB, but for the NFL, NBA and NHL. The last time the Pirates finished above .500 was 1992 — Barry Bonds’ final season with the team. The 2010 Pirates have a lineup that is good enough to reach .500, but the rotation is a question mark.
Up-and-comer for the 2010 season? Andrew McCutchen.
Three questions
1. How good is center fielder Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen was drafted 11th overall in 2005, just after Cameron Maybin and right before Jay Bruce. The Pirates’ prospect took longer to reach the majors than Maybin or Bruce, but he clearly had the best 2009 season. "The trade of Nate McLouth to the Braves opened the door for the speedy outfielder and he didn’t look back," MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said. "He’s a five-tool player who hit three home runs in one game last season. He could be a 30-30 (player) in the very near future."
In 108 games as a rookie last season, McCutchen had 12 homers, 22 stolen bases and 54 RBIs (second on the team) from the leadoff spot. Although McCutchen wasn’t pleased with the pace of his rise though the minors, the Pirates wanted to make sure he was ready when they brought him up for good. McCutchen is closer to being an All-Star than a minor leaguer again.
2. What about Pedro Alvarez?
If McCutchen is Mr. Right Now, Alvarez is The Next Big Thing. Although he might be ready for the majors offensively, there is little chance the Pirates will break camp with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 draft on their roster.
Between advanced Class A and Class AA last season, Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. "At the end of the day, I don’t think he performed as poorly at Lynchburg or as exceptional at Altoona as it appeared on paper," Pirates director of player development Kyle Stark said. Alvarez should start 2010 at Class AAA, where he will refine his approach at the plate and continue to work on his defense at third base. A midseason call-up is possible.
3. What about the other McCutchen?
Daniel McCutchen — no relation to Andrew — is a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. The 27-year-old came to the Pirates’ organization in the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees in 2008. McCutchen posted a 4.21 ERA in six starts with Pittsburgh last season after going 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA at Class AAA.
His primary competition is Kevin Hart, who was 1-8 with a 6.92 ERA in 10 starts for the Pirates in 2009. Hart, also 27, has a 5.26 ERA in 47 games (14 starts) in his five-season major league career.
Projected lineup
1. CF Andrew McCutchen: Led team with 74 runs, 22 SBs.
2. 2B Akinori Iwamura: Career .354 OBP with Rays.
3. RF Garrett Jones: 21 HRs, .938 OPS in 82 games.
4. C Ryan Doumit: .318 AVG, 15 HRs when healthy in ’08.
5. 3B Andy LaRoche: Only Pirate to play more than 133 games last season.
6. LF Lastings Milledge: .167 AVG with Nats, .291 with Pirates in ’09.
7. 1B Jeff Clement: HRs, 90 RBIs, .850 OPS at Class AAA.
8. SS Ronny Cedeno: .208 AVG with Mariners, Pirates in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Paul Maholm: At least 29 starts past 4 seasons.
2. LHP Zach Duke: One-time All-Star in ’09; led N.L. with 16 losses.<
3. RHP Ross Ohlendorf: 3.92 ERA was rotation’s best in ’09.
4. RHP Charlie Morton: 6.15 ERA for Braves in ’08; 4.55 for Pirates in ’09.
5. RHP Kevin Hart: .60 ERA with Cubs; 6.92 ERA with Pirates in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Octavio Dotel: 22 saves in ’04; 19 since.
Grades
Offense: D. The Pirates’ offense is on an upward trend but finished last in the majors in runs scored in 2009. McCutchen and Garrett Jones brought life to the lineup, and Akinori Iwamura provides an established presence to the top of the order. Having Ryan Doumit healthy in the cleanup spot would be a big boost.
Pitching: D. Although the top three starters combined to win only 30 games last season, they all had an ERA under 4.50. The back end of the rotation has questions, however. Octavio Dotel almost certainly will be better as a closer than Matt Capps was last season; Capps lost eight games and had a 5.80 ERA.
Bench: C. There isn’t much power off the bench, but the Pirates have a more experienced group of reserves than they have had in recent seasons. Ryan Church can play all three outfield positions, and Bobby Crosby has learned to become valuable around the infield with his glove
Manager: B. There is more talent on this Pirates team than in the past several years, so the expectation is for Russell, in his third season, to lead the group above the 70-win plateau for the first time.
Sporting News prediction: If the pitching can produce, the offense has the ability to help this team to a .500 finish. However, the Pirates’ best-case scenario is about 75 wins.
Coming Tuesday: Angels preview
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
The goal, as has been the case for more than the past decade, is to finish .500. Pittsburgh’s streak of 17 consecutive losing seasons is a record not only for MLB, but for the NFL, NBA and NHL. The last time the Pirates finished above .500 was 1992 — Barry Bonds’ final season with the team. The 2010 Pirates have a lineup that is good enough to reach .500, but the rotation is a question mark.
Up-and-comer for the 2010 season? Andrew McCutchen.
Three questions
1. How good is center fielder Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen was drafted 11th overall in 2005, just after Cameron Maybin and right before Jay Bruce. The Pirates’ prospect took longer to reach the majors than Maybin or Bruce, but he clearly had the best 2009 season. "The trade of Nate McLouth to the Braves opened the door for the speedy outfielder and he didn’t look back," MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said. "He’s a five-tool player who hit three home runs in one game last season. He could be a 30-30 (player) in the very near future."
In 108 games as a rookie last season, McCutchen had 12 homers, 22 stolen bases and 54 RBIs (second on the team) from the leadoff spot. Although McCutchen wasn’t pleased with the pace of his rise though the minors, the Pirates wanted to make sure he was ready when they brought him up for good. McCutchen is closer to being an All-Star than a minor leaguer again.
2. What about Pedro Alvarez?
If McCutchen is Mr. Right Now, Alvarez is The Next Big Thing. Although he might be ready for the majors offensively, there is little chance the Pirates will break camp with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 draft on their roster.
Between advanced Class A and Class AA last season, Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. "At the end of the day, I don’t think he performed as poorly at Lynchburg or as exceptional at Altoona as it appeared on paper," Pirates director of player development Kyle Stark said. Alvarez should start 2010 at Class AAA, where he will refine his approach at the plate and continue to work on his defense at third base. A midseason call-up is possible.
3. What about the other McCutchen?
Daniel McCutchen — no relation to Andrew — is a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. The 27-year-old came to the Pirates’ organization in the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees in 2008. McCutchen posted a 4.21 ERA in six starts with Pittsburgh last season after going 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA at Class AAA.
His primary competition is Kevin Hart, who was 1-8 with a 6.92 ERA in 10 starts for the Pirates in 2009. Hart, also 27, has a 5.26 ERA in 47 games (14 starts) in his five-season major league career.
Projected lineup
1. CF Andrew McCutchen: Led team with 74 runs, 22 SBs.
2. 2B Akinori Iwamura: Career .354 OBP with Rays.
3. RF Garrett Jones: 21 HRs, .938 OPS in 82 games.
4. C Ryan Doumit: .318 AVG, 15 HRs when healthy in ’08.
5. 3B Andy LaRoche: Only Pirate to play more than 133 games last season.
6. LF Lastings Milledge: .167 AVG with Nats, .291 with Pirates in ’09.
7. 1B Jeff Clement: HRs, 90 RBIs, .850 OPS at Class AAA.
8. SS Ronny Cedeno: .208 AVG with Mariners, Pirates in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Paul Maholm: At least 29 starts past 4 seasons.
2. LHP Zach Duke: One-time All-Star in ’09; led N.L. with 16 losses.<
3. RHP Ross Ohlendorf: 3.92 ERA was rotation’s best in ’09.
4. RHP Charlie Morton: 6.15 ERA for Braves in ’08; 4.55 for Pirates in ’09.
5. RHP Kevin Hart: .60 ERA with Cubs; 6.92 ERA with Pirates in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Octavio Dotel: 22 saves in ’04; 19 since.
Grades
Offense: D. The Pirates’ offense is on an upward trend but finished last in the majors in runs scored in 2009. McCutchen and Garrett Jones brought life to the lineup, and Akinori Iwamura provides an established presence to the top of the order. Having Ryan Doumit healthy in the cleanup spot would be a big boost.
Pitching: D. Although the top three starters combined to win only 30 games last season, they all had an ERA under 4.50. The back end of the rotation has questions, however. Octavio Dotel almost certainly will be better as a closer than Matt Capps was last season; Capps lost eight games and had a 5.80 ERA.
Bench: C. There isn’t much power off the bench, but the Pirates have a more experienced group of reserves than they have had in recent seasons. Ryan Church can play all three outfield positions, and Bobby Crosby has learned to become valuable around the infield with his glove
Manager: B. There is more talent on this Pirates team than in the past several years, so the expectation is for Russell, in his third season, to lead the group above the 70-win plateau for the first time.
Sporting News prediction: If the pitching can produce, the offense has the ability to help this team to a .500 finish. However, the Pirates’ best-case scenario is about 75 wins.
Coming Tuesday: Angels preview
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The idea of offering Ryan Howard to the Cardinals for Albert Pujols has been discussed within the Phillies organization, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro denied that such talks have occurred, and it is unclear whether the team has spoken to anyone with the Cardinals, according to the report, which cites anonymous sources.
"Lies," Amaro told Olney in response to the rumor. "That’s a lie. I don’t know who you’re talking to, but that’s a lie."
That said, there would be logic behind the trade proposal.
Widely considered the best player in baseball, Pujols is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season, and he is expected to ask for a contract that approaches Alex Rodriguez’s record-setting 10-year, $275 million deal with the Yankees, according to the report.
Early extension talks between the Cardinals and Pujols have not led to a deal, ESPN.com reports. If the team decided it could not afford the slugger, then it might seek to unload Pujols through a blockbuster trade.
Acquiring Howard might soften the PR hit sure to come if the Cardinals traded their superstar, not only because of Howard’s talents, but also because he grew up in the St. Louis area.
While not at Pujols’ level offensively or in the field, Howard would not be a bad replacement. The 30-year-old lefty is only a couple of months older than Pujols, and in the last four seasons, Howard has hit 198 homers, driven in 572 runs and finished in the top five of the NL MVP race every year. He also becomes a free agent after the 2011 season but could probably be signed for significantly less than Pujols.
Sporting News staff reports
The idea of offering Ryan Howard to the Cardinals for Albert Pujols has been discussed within the Phillies organization, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro denied that such talks have occurred, and it is unclear whether the team has spoken to anyone with the Cardinals, according to the report, which cites anonymous sources.
"Lies," Amaro told Olney in response to the rumor. "That’s a lie. I don’t know who you’re talking to, but that’s a lie."
That said, there would be logic behind the trade proposal.
Widely considered the best player in baseball, Pujols is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season, and he is expected to ask for a contract that approaches Alex Rodriguez’s record-setting 10-year, $275 million deal with the Yankees, according to the report.
Early extension talks between the Cardinals and Pujols have not led to a deal, ESPN.com reports. If the team decided it could not afford the slugger, then it might seek to unload Pujols through a blockbuster trade.
Acquiring Howard might soften the PR hit sure to come if the Cardinals traded their superstar, not only because of Howard’s talents, but also because he grew up in the St. Louis area.
While not at Pujols’ level offensively or in the field, Howard would not be a bad replacement. The 30-year-old lefty is only a couple of months older than Pujols, and in the last four seasons, Howard has hit 198 homers, driven in 572 runs and finished in the top five of the NL MVP race every year. He also becomes a free agent after the 2011 season but could probably be signed for significantly less than Pujols.
