McFadden back to 100%
Oakland Raiders Running Back, Darren McFadden appears to be 100% back from Lisfranc surgery. Raiders running back Coach, Kelly Skipper says that McFadden is out there looking great,
“He didn’t have any major surgeries, so he’s able to come back healthy and he’s playing at a high level right now and it’s offseason … He’s out here. You would never know he got hurt. He’s making cuts at full speed, everything.”
THE SKINNY: McFadden is a huge piece to the Raiders offense and the former 7th overall pick in the NFL is really starting to make strides as being one of the best Running Backs in the NFL. Raiders fans can expect him to be out there and ready to go.
Terrelle Pryor Getting Good Reviews in Rookie Camp
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Not to long ago Terrelle Pryor wasn’t receiving praise for certain off field drama, however things have changed over the last year and Pryor’s coaches definitely see a future for last years third round supplemental draft pick.
Position coach John DeFilippo has given Pryor great reviews as of late after his performance in rookie minicamp.
“The first thing is, everybody knows how hard he’s working, He’s going to give himself a chance to be a good player in this league, because of his work ethic. He and I are in communication every day. He’s a gym rat here in this building. He loves being here, loves talking football, loves being around, playing the game. He’s getting better everyday.
“The fact is, his strides he’s made from his first day here in this offense to where he is now have been good. We’ve just got to keep doing that every day. We’ve got to keep moving him forward and he’ll do that with his work ethic.”
Right now the Raiders have Carson Palmer at number one and recently signed Matt Leinart at number two. Pryor is sitting at third on the depth chart and working on getting better each day.
The Skinny: In order for Pryor to make his presence known he’s going to have to make plays when given the opportunity. Whether it be in training camp or pre season, time is now for him to prove all the naysayers wrong.
Drayton Florence agrees to terms with Broncos
It didn’t take Drayton Florence very long to find a new team, as he’s switching out the Blue and Red from his Buffalo days to Orange and Blue, now with the Denver Broncos.
Florence has agreed to terms with the Broncos this afternoon, the two sides are finalizing a contract now. Florence is coming off a very good year with the Bills where he hauled in 3 interceptions and had over 50 tackles for the Bills.
In Denver he will join Champ Bailey and newcomer Tracy Porter, giving the Broncos a good veteran core of ball hawks and cover guys, a big part of the plan to get the ball back into Peyton Manning’s hands as much as possible.
Broncos: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 2: Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Wolfe will provide an immediate upgrade to the Broncos’ interior pass rush as a 3 technique tackle. Their two starting tackles last year, Marcus Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley, combined for no sacks. Wolfe had 9.5 sacks and 15 pressure last year for the Bearcats and 19.5 and 32, respectively, for his career.
John Elway stated before the draft that he expects to find at least three players who will immediately be substantial contributors—if not starters. Wolfe will push to be an every-down tackle right away and will likely play in nickel and dime packages from Day 1.
Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
Executive vice president John Elway said last March that there “was no Plan B” behind Peyton Manning, but now there is. The 6-7 Osweiler is raw and could have used another year of seasoning at Arizona State, where he started only one full season, but had arguably the strongest arm in this draft class. Osweiler is the Broncos’ QB of the future; the only question is when that future arrives.
If Manning’s surgically repaired neck holds up, Osweiler could be set for a three-to-four-year hitch as the understudy. If it falters, Osweiler might be in the lineup as soon as this season. In that case, Osweiler insists that despite his lack of experience, “I’d be ready to roll.”
Round 3: Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
The Broncos wanted a change-of-pace back who could ease the burden on 30-year-old starter Willis McGahee, and the 5-9, 200-pound Hillman should fill that role. With 4.45 speed, a decent array of moves in space and pass-catching ability, Hillman should be an outside, third-down complement who can occasionally run inside and keep McGahee from wearing down as he did late in 2011.
He’ll play right away if he can beat out Knowshon Moreno. Moreno struggled in his only start of 2011 before giving way to McGahee and tore his ACL just moments after relieving an injured McGahee in Week 9 at Kansas City. Moreno’s and Hillman’s skill sets are similar; the pick would appear to indicate that Moreno, the No. 12 overall pick in 2009, might not be in Denver’s long-term plans.
ROUND 4: OMAR BOLDEN, CB/KR, Arizona State
Bolden (5-10, 202) is likely the third quick-impact player in the Broncos’ draft class. He should be a dime back right away and will push nickel back Chris Harris for playing time. Bolden also returned kickoffs at Arizona State and will compete for that role after Eddie Royal’s departure for San Diego. Bolden fell to the fourth round because of concerns about his left knee. He had a sprained MCL in 2009 and a torn ACL last season. But he appeared to recover most of his speed by his pro day, posting a 4.45 time in the 40.
ROUND 4: PHILIP BLAKE, C/G, Baylor
Blake (6-3, 311) replaced current Broncos starting center J.D. Walton in 2010 after starting the entire 2009 season at right tackle. He will likely move to guard in Denver after working at left and right guard during Senior Bowl week. At 26, Blake is older than all but one of the Broncos’ first-team offensive linemen; the Toronto native spent three years in a Quebec college before transferring to Tyler (Texas) Junior College in 2008 and Baylor in 2009. He should begin his career as the Broncos’ primary backup at the three interior line slots.
ROUND 5: MALIK JACKSON, DE, Tennessee
Jackson (6-5, 284) played defensive tackle the last two seasons but is projected to move to end, which he last played at Southern Cal before transferring in 2010 after the Trojans were hit with NCAA sanctions. In some ways, his skill set is the opposite of second-rounder Derek Wolfe; he’s better against the run than in the pass rush and is an end who can occasionally move inside. Wolfe is a prolific pass-rushing tackle who has the flexibility to swing outside.
ROUND 6: DANNY TREVATHAN, LB, Kentucky
Trevathan’s scouting report sounds similar to that of Wesley Woodyard when he came out of Kentucky in 2008: undersized tackling machine who can sometimes get overrun by offensive linemen. Woodyard overcame the criticism to become Denver’s special-teams captain three years running and one of the linebackers in their nickel package. The Broncos hope Trevathan (6-0, 237) takes a similar trajectory; he’ll get a long look on kick and punt teams this summer, and his work there will likely determine whether he sticks on the roster.
Chiefs:Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Poe was an underachiever in college, where he played several different positions—even within a single game. But the Chiefs believe with good coaching and by leaving him strictly at nose tackle, Poe can be a productive player. At 6-3, 346 pounds, he can be difficult to move from the point of attack, and he moves extremely well for a man of his size. But again, he wasn’t productive and didn’t always play with intensity in college.
There’s a huge opening for him to be the starter by the beginning of the regular season if he claims it. The Chiefs have no other obvious candidate to claim playing time at the nose. The Chiefs believe he isn’t just a two-down player but one capable of helping on passing downs as an interior rusher. Poe will have to watch his weight if he’s going to be a productive player over the long term.
ROUND 2: Jeff Allen, T, Illinois
Allen was a four-year starter at tackle at Illinois, but the Chiefs may use him at guard. The Chiefs are set at the two starting guard positions but have little depth. The Chiefs liked Allen’s experience, which should shorten his learning curve, even though he’s going to be learning a new position.
Allen could wind up as the first guard off the bench as a rookie. He could also help as a reserve tackle this season. Longer term, he could be the eventual replacement for Ryan Lilja at left guard. Lilja had a down season last year and is heading into the final year of his contract.
ROUND 3: Donald Stephenson, T, OklahomaStephenson will likely be the third tackle this season. As a two-year starter at Oklahoma, he didn’t have a wealth of experience, so the Chiefs could be in trouble if an injury forces Stephenson into the lineup early.
Unless there’s an injury to one of the starting tackles, Stephenson’s rookie season should be a developmental process. His role after that could depend on whether the Chiefs are successful in re-signing left tackle Branden Albert, whose contract is up after next year.
ROUND 4: DEVIN WYLIE, WR, Fresno State
Because the Chiefs don’t have much speed at wideout or an obvious candidate to be the slot receiver, Wylie fills a need. He could provide immediate help out of the slot contribute as a return specialist. Durability has been a problem at times for Wylie, who missed all but one game in 2010 because of a stress fracture in his foot.
ROUND 5: DEQUAN MENZIE, S, Alabama
This was another need pick. The Chiefs had no quality backups behind starting safeties Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis. Berry and Lewis are also coming off surgeries, though the Chiefs expect them to be ready. Menzie played cornerback in college, so he has coverage skills.
ROUND 6: CYRUS GRAY, RB, Texas A&M
With Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and Dexter McCluster already in their backfield, there won’t be much room for Gray as a rookie, other than perhaps on special teams. Gray may never develop into a starter, but he could become a dependable back capable of helping on a limited amount of snaps.
ROUND 7: JEROME LONG, DE, San Diego State
Strictly a developmental player, Long doesn’t figure to get much if any playing time as a rookie. With Allen Bailey and Amon Gordon, the Chiefs have backups to starters Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Long will have to battle to make the regular season roster.
ROUND 7: JUNIOR HEMINGWAY, WR, Michigan
The Chiefs can afford to wait for Hemingway to develop, and they could eventually be rewarded. His 20.6-yard per catch average as a senior can’t be ignored. But Hemingway’s ceiling might be as a third or fourth receiver. He has trouble getting off the line and can be slow getting into his routes.
Raiders: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
Round 3: Tony Bergstrom, G, Utah
The Raiders are converting to the zone-blocking scheme this season, and Bergstrom is regarded as the top zone-blocking guard in this year’s draft. He played in that system at Utah, which should help expedite his development into a dependable player. He is versatile enough to play guard and offensive tackle, which is something the Raiders covet in their offensive linemen. He looks like a good fit for what the Raiders want.
Bergstrom will be 26 by the time the season starts, so the Raiders will have him on the fast track. For now, he likely will be a primary backup who is capable of filling in at either guard spot and at least at right tackle. Long term, Bergstrom likely will be groomed to succeed veteran Cooper Carlisle at left guard, and perhaps take over the job in the 2013 season.
ROUND 4: MILES BURRIS, LB, San Diego State
Burris was a four-year standout who played a multitude of roles in an unconventional 3-3-5 scheme. He excels as a blitzer, yet he is versatile enough to cover tight ends. The Raiders already have players projected as starters at linebacker. However, it’s conceivable that Burris could play well enough in training camp and exhibition games to unseat one of the current starters.
ROUND 5: JACK CRAWFORD, DE, Penn State
Crawford grew up in London and has limited football experience. Scouting reports say he plays too upright and isn’t fundamentally sound. He recorded 6½ sacks his senior season after rebounding from a sub-par junior year. He figures to have little shot at cracking the Raiders’ starting lineup right away. However, with the proper coaching, he has the ability to develop into a situational player and part of the line rotation.
ROUND 5: JURON CRINER, WR, Arizona
He lacks the blazing speed that late Raiders owner Al Davis coveted in his wide receivers. However, Criner excels in just about every other area. He has great hands, runs routes well and is an above-average blocker. At 6-3, 220 pounds, Criner provides a nice complement to the likes of Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford and gives the Raiders a much-needed boost in the receiving corps. Criner has the ability to make a contribution right away.
ROUND 6: CHRISTO BILUKIDI, DE, Georgia State
The Raiders went somewhat off the board for a defensive end without much football experience. He is viewed as a raw player who needs quite a bit of coaching and work on his technique. That said, he is a versatile player who has a knack for getting pressure on the quarterback. Some experts project Bilukidi as a practice-squad candidate.
ROUND 7: NATHAN STUPAR, LB, Penn State
Stupar is a bright player who played on the outside throughout his college career. The Raiders intend to take a look at him at middle linebacker. There’s no doubt about his ability to help out right away on special teams. He needs work on technique and discipline before he can be a threat to start in the NFL. He figures to make the roster because of his special teams play and the team’s need for a backup.
Chargers: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South CarolinaIngram will be pointed at the quarterback and turned loose, as the Chargers need help with the pass rush. Ingram can line up in a lot of places, though he primarily will come off the edge. He didn’t start much until his senior year and will have to learn a new position after playing 4-3 end in college. But he has great athleticism for a man his size, which will help him in his transition to 3-4 outside linebacker.
The Chargers will likely use Ingram in much the same way they did Shawne Merriman his rookie year. They limited Merriman’s snaps, but he lined up everywhere and his primary purpose his first season was to go after the quarterback. That’s what Ingram is here for in 2012, as he learns how to play outside linebacker.
ROUND 2: KENDALL REYES, DE, Memphis
The 6-4, 299-pound Reyes will be a backup on the outside and also move inside to help with pass rush in the nickel defense. The Chargers like his effort, attention to technique and lower-body strength. Reyes could also develop into a starter, something the Chargers are obviously thinking about as Vaughn Martin will be an unrestricted free agent in 2013.
Reyes will move into the rotation and could even displace Luis Castillo or Jacques Cesaire, depending on the final roster breakdown. Reyes should initially get most of his playing time working inside on passing downs.
Round 3: Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
The Chargers needed Taylor badly enough that they traded up five spots to make sure they got the third safety off the board. Taylor will compete with veteran Atari Bigby for the starting job at strong safety vacated by Stephen Gregory. Taylor brings size, strength and a nose for the ball that the Chargers have lacked at the position for some time.
Whether he wins the starting job or not, Taylor will see plenty of action on defense immediately and is expected to earn the starting job sooner rather than later. He and/or Bigby will also have a key role on special teams.
ROUND 4: LADARIUS GREEN, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
The Chargers needed a pass-catching tight end to groom as Antonio Gates’ eventual replacement, but more immediately to complement the future Hall of Famer. Green (6-6, 239) needs to add some weight to his frame, but he is fast and tall and can catch. He has much to learn about Norv Turner’s offense, but he will see time immediately. His presence could push newly signed free agent Dante Rosario off the roster in camp.
ROUND 5: JOHNNIE TROUTMAN, G, Penn State
This is a depth selection, though Troutman (6-4, 325) will presumably get a chance to push Tyronne Green at the left guard spot and to show he can be an option in the future. Troutman is strong and the Chargers like his aggressiveness, but he will have to overcome being extremely slow.
ROUND 7: DAVID MOLK, C, Michigan
This four-year starter won the 2011 Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center. However, a foot injury he suffered warming up for the Sugar Bowl was his fourth right leg injury at Michigan. The Chargers felt it was worth a draft pick to see if he can get past his injury issues. If he can, he could grow into Nick Hardwick’s successor.
ROUND 7: EDWIN BAKER, RB, Michigan State
The smallish Baker (5-8, 204 pounds) is a flyer for a team that could use depth at running back. Baker did not start his junior season and left school early. He could stick if he shows a propensity for special teams.
NFL Draft: Winners & Losers
SkinnyPost TV sits down to take a look at who won in this years NFL Draft and who didn’t! From value picks to teams that reached and everything in between!!
Final Draft Grades!!
It’s very difficult to “grade” a draft just days after the selections however it isn’t difficult to see where we feel value was found and how teams did or didn’t manipulate the board to fit their needs. Certain players are sure to reach the dreaded “bust” status while others will ascend to “late round gem” status. Here is how we grade all 32 teams in the 2012 NFL Draft! Read more
Breakdown of All The Draft Day Trades
Draft Trade Breakdown
DAY 1 – Thursday Trades
Loading ...
