Peters re-injures Achilles!
Philadelphia Eagles Left Tackle, Jason Peters, has re-injured his Achilles and had to have the tendon reattached. The first injury to his Right Achilles tendon occurred during a workout in Texas, he then had surgery and was given a 10 to 12 month recovery time. While using a vehicle to be mobile broke in his kitchen, our guess is a Segway-like machine, Peters fell face first in his kitchen and the right Achilles tore again.
The time table for his return has now been extended by 3 weeks to a month as the new injury required surgery, essentially starting the process over.
THE SKINNY: Peters has made the Pro Bowl every year since 2007, the same season the Eagles acquired him from Buffalo. The setback is obviously not a good thing but at the same time, it’s to believe the Eagles planned on him returning in 2012 anyway.
Chase Blackburn Named Starting Middle LB
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Last season there was no better cinderella story than Chase Blackburn’s as he went from being on the couch watching the game to playing linebacker for the World Champion New York Giants during their Super bowl Run.
This season things are still on the up and up for Blackburn, as Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said Blackburn is slated to be the starting middle linebacker for the Giants this season. That’s good news for Blackburn as the position was rumored to be a weak spot for the team.
Earlier this off season GM Jerry Reese said that Michael Boley could also be an option to play the middle linebacker spot, but Fewell has made it know Blackburn is his guy for now.
“(Mark) Herzlich will have an opportunity to compete for that role. Greg Jones will have an opportunity to compete for that role,” Fewell said, via the New York Daily News. “And we’re not opposed to putting Keith Rivers, giving him an opportunity to compete for that role. So there’s going to be competition.”
The Skinny: Blackburn will have his hands full hanging onto the starting role as he’ll have some serious competition with Keith Rivers and Greg Jones breathing down his neck to start. Blackburn has a lot of heart and he’s also in his 8th season, he’s come a long way to get this kind of recognition and I don’t think he’ll be ready to give that away too soon. Giants fans will have a nice training camp story to follow during the off season.
Vince Young Signs 1 Year Deal with Bills
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
The Buffalo Bills have signed free-agent QB Vince Young to a one-year deal.
The former third overall pick signed for $2 million with an additional $1 million in playing time incentives. Young who turns 29 this year, had an up and down last season as the Eagles back up QB. He did have some flashes, but on the year he threw four touchdowns and threw nine interceptions in six starts for the Eagles.
“We think adding Vince to our roster will create more competition for the backup quarterback position,” Bills General Manager Buddy Nix told the team’s website. “He brings with him some unique physical abilities that most are aware of and that will make the competition interesting.”
The Skinny: Young will come in and compete with Tyler Thigpen and Brad Smith to backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Young can give you a spark if he is thrown into a game, and it seems he still has the ability to make plays, it might not be the prettiest, but he gets it done somehow.
Jerry Jones Has No Plans to Trade Mike Jenkins
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
On Wednesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he has no plans to trade CB Mike Jenkins.
Mike Jenkins will continue to rehab his shoulder which has been surgically repaired. So at the moment, he’s entering training camp as the #4 CB for the cowboys. Its interesting to see that their number 1 CB from last season is now battling for a spot on the field. Jerry Jones still considers Jenkins to be a long-term player for the Cowboys.
The Skinny: Jenkins could still be on the trading block as you can never quite believe what Jerry Jones says, as he’s been known to say one thing and do another. To me his statement reads that Jenkins is the insurance cb for now, and they will wait till another team loses a valuable CB to wait for the best offer. For the time being the Cowboys secondary went from being shaky to very good on paper. As we all know the game is played on the field, but if this unit stays together the Cowboys secondary got a whole lot better in 2012.
The Great John Riggins is Back with New Show
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Riggo is back. Sportsman Channel is launching a new series with HOF Running Back John Riggins. Riggo on the Range, which will begin airing January 2013 on the cable network. Show segments will follow Riggins around the world in pursuit of “extraordinary hunting, outdoor and cooking adventures.”
Gaffney Joins Crowded WR Bunch in New England
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Patriots signed WR Jabar Gaffney to a two-year deal.
The Patriots have brought in variety of guys at the WR psotion and now with Gaffney in the mix it gets a lot crazier. The Pats already have Julian Edelman, Deion Branch, Anthony Gonzalez, and Donte’ Stallworth behind starters Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd.
The Skinny: At age 31 Gaffney still has game left in his tank. He played well for the Redskins and he was their leading receiver in 2011. Gaffney already knows the system and he is familiar with what they do in New England. He gets to reunite with Josh McDaniels, which probably leaves Chad Ochocinco on the outs.
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!!
Cowboys: Meet Your 2012 Draft Class
Round 1: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Claiborne was the best cornerback in the draft and a top five overall talent. At 5-11, 188 pounds, he has the size and speed to play suffocating man-to-man defense and the toughness to come up and tackle against the run. He was an All-American at LSU and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2011 as the nation’s best defensive back. He had 11 interceptions the past two seasons, including six last season. So, he is a playmaker. That he is also a standout kick returner — he returned one 99 yards against West Virginia last season — shows he can have an immediate impact in multiple areas.
The Cowboys consider Claiborne to the best playmaking cornerback since Deion Sanders was drafted in 1989. He will play immediately in what is now an improved secondary that includes free agent signee Brandon Carr, who was given a five-year, $50.1 million contract in March to come over from Kansas City. Claiborne will likely supplant 2008 top pick Mike Jenkins at one cornerback opposite Carr and also be an option on kick returns.
Coach Jason Garrett said in a passing league a team can never have too many good cornerbacks—especially a Cowboys team that gave up more passing yards the past two seasons than any time in team history. The Cowboys believe Jenkins is an elite prospect.
Round 3: Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State
Crawford is a classic five-technique end. At 6-4 and 275 pounds, he seems to have some the versatility to play outside linebacker as well as 3-4 end. A native of Ontario who played at Bakersfield College before transferring to Boise State, Crawford is still learning the game and is likely considered a project. But he is a very good athlete and has shown an ability to get to the quarterback with 13.5 sacks in two seasons at Boise State.
The Cowboys are looking to upgrade their defensive line with an infusion of youth and playmaking ability. Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears have been solid defensive ends for the Cowboys but they make few plays and don’t get to the quarterback. Crawford is solid against the run and has the ability to hurry the QB, which will allow him to possibly get into rotation at least as a pass rusher.
ROUND 4: KYLE WILBER, LB, Wake Forest
The Cowboys were looking for pass rush help and Wilber will help address that need. He had 13.5 sacks in college and his focus is to get to the quarterback and get after the ball carrier. The Cowboys consider him an overachiever and they love his work ethic. He should be able to be a situational rusher as a rookie.
ROUND 4: MATT JOHNSON, S, Eastern Washington
The Cowboys need some answers at safety and they believe hardworking Matt Johnson can develop into a solution there. Johnson started every game he was healthy enough to play in college. He is a solid tackler with good ball skills. Johnson had 17 interceptions in college. He should contribute first on special teams as a rookie, then develop into a center fielder.
ROUND 5: DANNY COALE, WR, Virginia Tech
He has above average speed and is a very good route runner with excellent hands. Coale can play inside or outside receiver and should be able to compete for the fourth receiver spot as a rookie. He is a hard worker and reliable, starting in 54 of the 55 games he played in college. He is also a willing contributor on special teams as a cover guy, gunner as well as returner.
ROUND 6: JAMES HANNA, TE, Oklahoma
Hanna is a fast and athletic tight end who fits the current NFL trend. He has blazing 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash. He didn’t catch many passes a senior but as a junior he showed his big play ability with seven touchdowns on 18 receptions. He needs to work to become a better run-blocker. He could help the Cowboys as an h-back or move tight end and also have an impact in special teams as a rookie.
ROUND 7: CALEB McSURDY, LB, Montana
McSurdy was a highly productive tackler in college, leading his team in tackles his final two years. The Cowboys worked him out as a fullback and will consider making the move in camp, though McSurdy classifies himself strictly as a linebacker. If he makes the team, his initial contributions should be on special teams.
Giants: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
The Giants released Brandon Jacobs and must replace the 150 carries he averaged the past two seasons. The starting running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, missed four games last year with continued foot problems. Wilson has great speed and is a big-play threat, not only from scrimmage but also catching passes out of the backfield and possibly as a kick returner.
The Giants consider Wilson’s balance to be outstanding and although he is only 5-9 he has a powerful build. A possible red flag: He fumbled the ball seven times last season.
Wilson should be in line for immediate playing time behind Ahmad Bradshaw. The holdovers on the roster — D.J. Ware, Da’Rel Scott and Andre Brown — have not proven much in their NFL careers. The Giants consider Wilson to be a starting running back down the road and believe he is durable and can handle a full load. Bradshaw, if healthy, remains the starter but the Giants have used a two-back system under Tom Coughlin and Wilson should be a strong addition.
Round 2: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
The loss in free agency of Mario Manningham to the 49ers left a void at No. 3 receiver and Randle should be able to challenge for that spot. He has excellent size and the Giants feel he has qualities in his game that could translate immediately into their offense. Randle’s production was not great at LSU but, based on their scouting, that was a direct result of sub-par play from the LSU quarterbacks and not any failing displayed by Randle.
The competition for the No. 3 receiver role for Randle will come from holdovers Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan and Domenik Hixon, three players who either haven’t proven anything (Barden), are coming off a rough rookie season (Jernigan) or are coming off a serious injury (Hixon). Randle is not considered much of a special teams player in terms of contributing in the return game, so he will have to get on the field based on his ability to adapt to an NFL offense.
Round 3: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Giants think Hosley can develop into a nickel back even though he lacks ideal size. They like his competitive streak and his hands as he had 12 career interceptions and led the nation with nine in 2010. Much will depend on his maturity. Hosley failed a drug test at the Combine and the Giants have already discussed the situation with him. He will compete for time with returning players Michael Coe, Justin Tryon and Bruce Johnson.
The loss in free agency of Aaron Ross to the Jaguars leaves the Giants without a cornerback who started every game this past season. But, there are reinforcements in re-signed Terrell Thomas (coming off ACL surgery) and Prince Amukamara, the 2011 first-round pick, joining longtime starter Corey Webster. Hosley will be added into a mix of corners coming off injuries who were re-signed and he should get time on the field on special teams. He was a dangerous punt returner in college and the Giants say they will give him a shot at that job as a rookie.
ROUND 4: ADRIEN ROBINSON, TE, Cincinnati
Insurance is needed at the position, with Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum coming off ACL surgeries. Ballard might not play in 2012 and Beckum could miss half the season. Robinson can be viewed as something of a need pick, as he’s considered a pass-catching tight end yet had only 29 career receptions working in an offense in college that did not feature the tight end. The Giants signed Martellus Bennett from the Cowboys to hold down one tight end spot and Robinson will look to develop under the tutelage of Mike Pope, one of the top tight ends coaches in the NFL.
ROUND 4: BRANDON MOSLEY, OT, Auburn
The Giants longtime right tackle, Kareem McKenzie, was not re-signed and the search is on for his long-term replacement. It won’t be Mosley right away, as the plan is likely to move David Diehl from left to right tackle to make room for Will Beatty, who returns to left tackle after missing the last half of the 2011 season with a detached retina. Mosley has excellent size (6-5, 318) and long arms but needs to get stronger to compete in the NFL at right tackle.
ROUND 6: MATT MCCANTS, OT, Alabama-Birmingham
Another tackle arrives in the late rounds but this one is a left tackle prospect who is late coming to the game. He was a tuba player in high school who left the band to hit the field. He will need to bulk up but has athletic skills and will certainly have time to develop, as there is no place to play him immediately with the way the offensive line is presently configured. He started 42 games at left tackle at UAB.
ROUND 7: MARKUS KUHN, DT, North Carolina State
A German native, he started only one year at N.C. State and the Giants feel he is still learning the game. Still, he has excellent strength and aggressiveness. The Giants signed veteran Shaun Rogers in free agency prior to the draft for insurance in the interior of their defensive line and have Marvin Austin, last year’s second-round pick, returning from injury. Kuhn will fight for a spot on the roster.
Eagles: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Cox, who left Mississippi State after his junior season, is considered the draft’s best gap-shooting, penetrating defensive tackle — the ideal three-technique player for the Eagles’ wide-nine scheme. In the wide nine, down linemen are required to attack quarterbacks full throttle instead of reading and reacting like most linemen do in 4-3 schemes. Cox, who is 6-4, 298 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds at the Combine. The Eagles think he can move outside and rush the passer from the end position. The only knock on Cox is that he could afford to get bigger and that he suddenly surged in his junior year.
The Eagles have experienced, effective starters in veterans Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins, but DL coach Jim Washburn likes to rotate all of his linemen. Cox can start off in the rotation, entering in sub packages and nickel schemes, while he grasps and understands the team’s unique wide-nine scheme, especially the unconventional run responsibilities. He’s probably a year or two away from becoming a three-down lineman. Eventually, the Eagles hope he can develop into one of the game’s premier interior pass rushers.
ROUND 2: Mychal Kendricks, LB, California
Kendricks, one of draft’s fastest linebackers, played inside in Cal’s 3-4 scheme but is considered versatile enough to play middle or strong side. He ran the fastest 40 time among linebackers at the Combine and is known for being a big hitter with a nose for the ball, exactly the kind of traits the Eagles need for the wide-nine defensive scheme they deploy. Linebackers in the wide nine must be fast and explosive to get around blocks and get to the ball carrier. Scouts also like Kendricks’ ability to rush the passer, another bonus for the Eagles’ attack scheme.
Though he played inside last year at Cal, Kendricks will probably compete with incumbent Jamar Chaney at the strong side. Chaney, entering his third year and a former seventh-rounder, doesn’t have the credentials or resume to stake outright claim to the job, so an impressive camp by Kendricks could win it for him. If not, he can back up Chaney and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and take over either job in the not-too-distant future.
ROUND 2: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
The Eagles love disruptive playmakers on the front line, and Curry’s reputation fits the bill. Relentless off the edge, Curry’s knack for sacks and jarring hits on quarterbacks — he ranked second nationally with 21.5 tackles for a loss to go along with 11 sacks — is tailor-made for the team’s wide-nine scheme. He’s slightly undersized at 266 pounds and tends to over pursue off the edge, so he’s likely to be a liability against the run, but he can be an impact in the sub packages and pass-rushing schemes.
Curry will start his career looking up on the depth chart. The Eagles are loaded at defensive end, with Pro Bowl starters in Jason Babin and Trent Cole backed up by 2010 first-round pick Brandon Graham, veteran Darryl Tapp and second-year pro Philip Hunt. Curry will battle with Tapp and Hunt for a backup job, and if he’s not ready, the team won’t panic. If he impresses, Curry can compete for snaps in the four-man rotation and try to make his impact on third down and second-and-long.
Round 3: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
Foles’ improved footwork in the pocket, decision making and ability to step into his throws in his senior season should help his transition to the team’s West Coast offense. He’s big (6-5, 243) and moves around well for his size. The coaches like his toughness and his ability to complete smart passes under duress. He doesn’t have experience in the West Coast offense and doesn’t have superior running skills, but he’s not a concrete statue either.
Not anytime soon. Foles is the epitome of a developmental quarterback. Before he can even compete for a backup job, he’ll have to grasp and digest an entirely new playbook and offensive scheme. At best, he will compete with backups Mike Kafka and Trent Edwards for a backup job this year, but he’s more likely to be No. 3 and get most of his reps on the scout team.
ROUND 4: BRANDON BOYKIN, CB, Georgia
Boykin has high-end speed and quick feet, making him an ideal slot corner and return specialist, the latter of which the Eagles could use immediately. Boykin can also challenge for the starting nickelback spot with veterans Joselio Hanson and Brandon Hughes. He doesn’t have great hands or ball instincts, which also makes him more suited for the slot than the outside. Boykin’s athleticism is off the charts and many scouts pegged him as a second- or third-round pick, so grabbing him late in the fourth could be a steal.
ROUND 5: DENNIS KELLY, OT, Purdue
The massive Kelly (6-8, 321) was a surprising pick, given his tremendous size. Offensive line coach Howard Mudd’s unique and active blocking schemes favor smaller, quicker linemen, but the team needed to address depth here. LT Jason Peters recently underwent Achilles surgery that will probably sideline him for the season and RT Todd Herremans turns 30 this season. Kelly can be groomed under Mudd and compete for a starting job down the line.
ROUND 6: MARVIN MCNUTT, WR, Iowa
Because of his size, body control and versatility, scouts felt McNutt would be an ideal fit for the West Coast offense, which is the Eagles’ scheme. A converted quarterback, the 6-foot-2, 216-pound McNutt can be an effective red-zone target and playmaker across the middle. He can compete with Riley Cooper for the one of the last WR spots on the roster and eventually develop into a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver.
ROUND 6: BRANDON WASHINGTON, G, Miami (Fla.)
Another upside pick who has more size and bulk (6-2, 320) than OL coach Howard Mudd prefers, Washington has the chance to peak under Mudd’s tutelage after a disappointing college career. He couldn’t hack it at left tackle at Miami and eventually moved inside, where he excelled in pulling formations. He’s athletic but must add strength and refine his technique.
ROUND 7: BRYCE BROWN, RB, KANSAS STATE
Looking for depth behind LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis, the Eagles take a flier on Brown, who played only one full season in college. He spent his freshman year at Tennessee but transferred to Kansas State to join his older brother Arthur when head coach Lane Kiffin left for Southern Cal. As a transfer, Brown sat out in 2010 but then left the team last season after rushing only three times for 16 yards.
Loading ...
