Jeff Fisher Gladly Takes a Chance on Jenkins
Aaron Russell
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When you first look at 2nd round draft pick Janoris Jenkins (5’10″ 193) and hear about the troubled past (arrested 3 times in 23 months and father of 4 children from 3 women). One can only make the comparison to another troubled CB Jeff Fisher once drafted; former 1st round pick Adam ‘pac-man’ Jones (5’10″ 186).
The Rams, and Fisher are all on board with Jenkins. Fisher believes Jenkins will play early, loves his football intelligence, and the way he carries what he learns in the classroom on to the field.
The Skinny: Jenkins from Pahokee High School in the Everglades of South Florida, is no stranger to violence; Pahokee’s crime rate his senior year was double the rate of the rest of the state. Pahokee High has also sent more than a dozen of players to the NFL such as Anquan Boldin. In 2012, the Rams feel they have landed the steal of round 2, but the question won’t be if Jenkins can win the battles on the field it’s the battles off the field that will make or break him.
49ers Lose 5th round Draft Pick to ACL Tear
Gayle Saunders
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Bad news for 49ers nation as they have lost their fifth-round draft pick OLB Darius Fleming for the season as he has tore his ACL.
The injury occurred during Fleming’s first minicamp practice with the 49ers. It happened during a non-contact drill where his knee bent in a weird position. At first, the team doctor’s believed it to be a hamstring injury, after the MRI it was confirmed it was a torn ACL. Fleming will spend the first year of his NFL career on the injured reserve list.
The Skinny: The good news is (if there is any in this particular situation) Fleming had just signed a four-year deal worth $2.264 million one day before injury.
HOTD: Adrian Wilson Blows up Hines Ward
By Gayle Saunders
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First off, props to any receiver that goes across the middle of the field in the NFL. Now…props to Adrian Wilson for doing what an NFL safety is suppose to do. Intimidate and strike fear into opposing receivers. Its rare you see Hines Ward getting lit up, because he’s usually laying the smack down himself, but Wilson keeps it really real on the field with this one!
Russell Wilson In the Discussion for Seahawks Starting QB
Gayle Saunders
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According to head coach Pete Carroll, third-round pick Russell Wilson is in the running for the Seahawks’ starting quarterback job after his performance in Rookie Camp.
“He showed us enough,” said Carroll. “He’s in the competition.” Carroll praised Wilson’s preparation, “terrific arm,” and early grasp of Seattle’s West Coast offense while confirming he’ll be given an opportunity to start on Opening Day. “I’d hoped that, and we confirmed it in these three days,” Carroll said. “He left really no question about he needs to be involved in the competition.”
The Skinny: Now this would be a great story if Russell Wilson could come in and take the QB position outright, however, When you just put the money on the table for Matt Flynn and he loses out to a rookie its not a good look. Just a few years back they paid Charlie Whitehurst who never worked out well with the Seahawks, lets just hope Carroll is trying to strike up a friendly challenge for Matt Flynn. I always say, “may the best man win”
Calais Campbell signs 5 year $55 Million Dollar Deal
Gayle Saunders
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Cardinals have finally agreed to a new contract for franchise player Calais Campbell. His new deal is worth $55 million and he’s signed for the next 5 years.
Campbell was previously in line to make $10.6 million under the franchise tag, but now he’s guaranteed $36 million for the next three years. At the age of 25 Campbell is viewed as the Cardinals premiere playmaker along the defensive line. Last season he put up great numbers and definitely showed what he’s capable of.
The Skinny: The Cardinals have a nice foundation building with second year player in Patrick Peterson and Calais Campbell. Both young players can now try and help Adrian Wilson and Darnell Dockett hold down the fort in 2012.
Jets & Bengals Show Interest in Braylon Edwards Services
Gayle Saunders
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Adam Schefter reported the Bengals and Jets have shown some interest in WR Braylon Edwards.
It does make sense that the Jets have interest in Edwards due to his chemistry with Sanchez,and at this point in Sanchez’s career he needs a WR that is familiar with him asap. With the Bengals looking to solidify the WR corps signing Edwards could give them another deep threat and open things up for A.J. Green, especially now that Jerome Simpson is gone. The Bengals have put high hopes in draft picks on Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones to mature fast.
The Skinny: Edwards past injuries could play a part in his effectiveness in 2012. If fully healed, he can provide another weapon in the pass game for the red rifle. Don’t forget that Edwards is a good run blocker. Edwards underwent surgery late last season, and the word was he was still rehabbing early this spring. Don’t be surprised if the Texans take a flyer on Edwards with Jacoby Jones gone too.
Pete Carroll Quiet on Starting QB
Gayle Saunders
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Right now head coach Pete Carroll says he has no timeline on who will be the starting quarterback.
I’m assuming Carroll is being very PC about what he says. Unless he is trying to get Matt Flynn to rise up to the challenge or not, you don’t give up that kind of money to bring in another qb and have him ride the pine.
The Skinny: Carroll insists on a QB competition in Seattle between Matt Flynn and Tavaris Jackson. Don’t forget the Seahawks also drafted Russell Wilson in the third round of the draft. With that being said look for the Seahawks to part ways with Jackson and name Flynn the starter by the start of training camp.
Cardinals: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
Round 1: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
As the starter opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd will have to beat out Andre Roberts, who really has more tools to play the slot anyway. Like Fitzgerald, Floyd at 6-3, 220 pounds is big and can beat press coverage on third down. The Cardinals also think they can better use back-shoulder throws to him.
Floyd has good speed for a man his size, and his ability to go get the ball should make him a deep threat. He’s a solid blocker who should help the run game, too.
Coaches weren’t unhappy with Roberts or Early Doucet, the second and third receivers, but there’s no question this team needed another playmaker to flip field position. Floyd gives them that.
Fitzgerald lobbied for Floyd to be drafted, but it’s not like Fitzgerald to just give up catches. Floyd should give Kevin Kolb, or whoever starts at quarterback, another quality target. His size also will help the team’s red zone production.
Round 3: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
The Cardinals might have to add extra seats in the defensive backs meeting room. They now have nine cornerbacks on the roster. The Cardinals’ theory is that a team can’t have enough quality cornerbacks, and the starting job opposite Patrick Peterson is open. The NFL is a passing league with multiple receivers on the field 60 percent of the time, so a team needs to have eight or nine defensive backs. Fleming eventually could play some at safety in sub packages.
The guess is Fleming will be at least a role player right away. The Cardinals will use Fleming in nickel and dime packages and expect him to contribute greatly on special teams. With a starting corner job open, Fleming will be in the mix, along with Greg Toler, William Gay and A.J. Jefferson. It would be a surprise if Fleming won the job, but stranger things have happened. The Cardinals love his quickness and closing ability and size.
ROUND 4: BOBBY MASSIE, OT, Mississippi
It’s surprising the Cardinals waited this long to address the team’s greatest need, but they wanted value. Massie was rated by some as a second-round prospect, but he fell for some mysterious reason. Maybe that is a fortunate break for the Cardinals. Right tackle is the only opening on the offensive line, and Massie will be given every chance to win the job.
ROUND 5: SENIO KELEMETE, OT/G, Washington
He played tackle in college, but scouts seem to view him as a better prospect at guard. The Cardinals needed to add depth there after the release of Rex Hadnot and the departure of free agent Deuce Lutui to Seattle. Kelemete was a captain in college. He started 41 of 45 college games, so he has some seasoning for a rookie.
ROUND 6: JUSTIN BETHEL, CB/S, Presbyterian
The Cardinals have had success with cornerbacks from small schools, including Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Greg Toler. Bethel could get a look at safety, too.
ROUND 6: RYAN LINDLEY, QB, San Diego State
Lindley (6-4, 229) is big and has a strong arm. His accuracy isn’t great, however. He’s worked hard with private coaches this offseason and thinks he has the problem under control. He likely will compete with Rich Bartel for the third quarterback spot, if there is one.
ROUND 7: NATE POTTER, OT, Boise State
Potter started his final three seasons at Boise State and played a lot as a freshman. He was a steady performer who reportedly needs to work on his upper body strength. He seems like a long shot to make the team but could grab a spot on the practice squad.
Rams: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead were determined to make the roster younger, and Brockers is as young as it gets for an NFL player. He didn’t turn 21 until December, and was in college only three seasons. The team’s two starters a year ago at defensive tackle, Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan, were both in their 30s and both were cut early in the offseason.
Even though he was a starter for only one season in college, Fisher insisted Brockers was NFL-ready right away. However, some scouts believe he is raw and needs more strength for his size.
Brockers will be a starter from Day 1, moving into a revamped and much younger defensive line. He and free-agent pickup Kendall Langford are the starting defensive tackles. Brockers has very good size at 6-5, 322 pounds and initially will be more of a run-down player than a pass-rusher. Although he had good quickness for his size, he had only two sacks during his college career and is much bigger now than he was when he arrived in Baton Rouge.
ROUND 2: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
The Rams desperately needed help at wide receiver, especially after missing out on Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and A.J. Jenkins in the first round Thursday. Quick has very good size at 6-3, 220 and runs well enough at that size with 4.55 speed. Quick gets on defenders quickly, which could make him a deceptive deep threat.
Quick has an excellent chance to earn a starting position on what is one of the weakest wide receiver units in the league. The only sure regular among the returning pass catchers is Danny Amendola in the slot. The key for Quick, coming from a smaller school, is how quickly he can adapt to the NFL level of play and how quickly he can absorb the playbook.
ROUND 2: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
In terms of talent, Jenkins has the skill and technique to adapt quickly to the NFL. He has just average size at 5-10, 193 pounds, but has toughness, very good cover skills and the speed to stay with pro receivers.
If he can avoid the off-field issues that led to his dismissal from the University of Florida, he could have Pro Bowl potential. If he doesn’t, he could be a headache.
Jenkins has a chance to start right away, depending in part on how quickly Bradley Fletcher returns from knee surgery. There could be good competition for the starting spot opposite free-agent pickup Cortland Finnegan, because Jerome Murphy is back from ankle surgery that sidelined him for all of 2012. But covering the likes of A.J. Green and Julio Jones won’t be daunting to Jenkins, who played against them in the SEC.
ROUND 2: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Pead has the makings of a very good complement to Steven Jackson in the backfield. More of a scatback at 5-10, 197, Pead gives the Rams their first real change-of-pace back behind Jackson. In college, he showed he can turn the corner and is capable of big plays. He was more productive as a receiver in each of his college seasons.
Other than Jackson, the Rams have only Quinn Porter and Chase Reynolds on the roster at running back. Reynolds was a practice squad player, and Porter was mainly a special teamer who didn’t have a catch or a carry last season for St. Louis. So Pead should step in immediately as a third-down back and someone who can spell Jackson. He also has return ability.
ROUND 3: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
Not unlike Janoris Jenkins, Johnson fits the mold of a Jeff Fisher corner: long arms, physical style, good cover skills and a sound tackler. Johnson also has very good size for the position at 6-1, 204. The Rams had special insight into Johnson because Fisher’s son, Brandon—who is an assistant secondary coach in St. Louis—was a college teammate of Johnson’s for two season.
With the additions of Jenkins and Johnson, the Rams have the makings of excellent competition in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. Jenkins and Johnson will both compete for a starting job along with Bradley Fletcher and Jerome Murphy. Jenkins enters with the edge, considering he played better competition for most of his college career.
ROUND 4: CHRIS GIVENS, WR, Wake Forest
With sub 4.4 speed in the 40, Givens gives the Rams something they don’t currently have in their wideout unit— someone who can stretch the defense. With that kind of deep speed, he could be a nice complement to second-round pick Brian Quick. Givens (5-11, 198) is also known as a good route runner, particularly for a college player. He’s probably a little hesitant going over the middle, but the Rams won’t send him over the middle much. They’ve got about a half-dozen guys in their receiver corps who can run short and intermediate routes.
ROUND 5: ROKEVIOUS WATKINS, G, South Carolina
Nicknamed “Rock” by Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier, Watkins started at every line position but center in college. At 6-4, 338, he’s a wide body who projects as a guard in the NFL. His forte is run blocking, and he admits he needs work as a pass blocker. The Rams need a starter at left guard, but it’s debatable whether Watkins will be ready for that as a rookie. A junior college transfer, he played only three years of Division I football, and was redshirted in one of those years.
ROUND 6: GREG ZUERLEIN, K, Missouri Western
Zuerlein transferred to the Division II school north of Kansas City after Nebraska-Omaha canceled its football program. He made 21 field-goal attempts in a row last season. Included in that streak were nine field goals of 50 yards or more. The Rams had two private workouts for Zuerlein before the draft. At the very least, Rams’ incumbent Josh Brown could face competition in training camp. Zuerlein also had 30 touchbacks last season, kicking off from the 30.
ROUND 7: AARON BROWN, LB, Hawaii
In terms of opportunity, Brown couldn’t have landed in a better spot. Even with his selection, the Rams have only five linebackers on the roster and are looking for a starter on the weak side. That’s what Brown played at Hawaii during a productive career. He has some blitzing skill, with 9 1/2 sacks over his last two college seasons. Undersized at 6-1, 225, he has beefed up to 234 pounds during predraft training. He’ll have to be solid on special teams to make the squad.
ROUND 7: DARYL RICHARDSON, RB, Abilene Christian
Richardson (6-0, 200) has a chance to earn the No. 3 running back spot behind three-time Pro Bowler Steven Jackson and second-round pick Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati. Richardson rushed for 867 yards and caught 40 balls for 371 yards last season. Richardson has 4.46 speed and will have to be a special teams contributor to make the roster.
Seahawks: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virgina
Irvin is a pure speed edge rusher, and though some would look at his 6-3, 245-pound build and assume he needs to bulk up, coach Pete Carroll said he wants Irvin just as lean and fast as possible.
Irvin will play a role as a pass-rushing defensive end, which is referred to as the LEO in the Seahawks’ scheme. That scheme has one end who’s a run-stuffer and more like a third defensive tackle than a traditional 4-3 end. At the other edge of the line is a speed rusher, a role currently held by Chris Clemons and a role Irvin will be groomed to play.
Clemons remains the starting pass-rush end after totaling 22 sacks the past two seasons, but Irvin will immediately be part of Seattle’s nickel, pass-rush package, where he’ll play opposite Clemons. He will get some chances to develop at linebacker, too. Eventually, Irvin will fill the pass-rush specialist’s role that Clemons, 30, has filled so ably the past two seasons.
ROUND 1: Bobby Wagner, OLB, Utah State
Wagner played all three linebacker positions in four years as a Utah State starter, but he’ll be a middle linebacker in Seattle, where he’ll provide an immediate athletic upgrade at the position. Seattle wanted to improve its speed on defense, especially in the middle, and Wagner has been timed at 4.46 or 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
As soon as he’s ready. Middle linebacker presents the additional challenge of calling the defenses. But Seattle has a void at the position after losing David Hawthorne, the team’s leading tackler the past three seasons, in free agency. Barrett Ruud, a veteran pickup, is recovering from injuries to his knee, shoulder and groin. K.J. Wright is capable of playing middle linebacker, but Seattle sees him as the long-term answer at strongside linebacker.
Round 3: Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
He’s a quarterback the team will groom for the future. This is the first time since 2005 the franchise has picked a quarterback in the first three rounds, and it’s the first time it drafted a quarterback in any round under general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll.
Wilson is athletic, has a big arm and was intercepted only four times last season at Wisconsin. That shows he can take care of the ball, which is a top priority for Carroll.
He’s not likely to see the field this season. Seattle’s starting job is up for grabs, but it’s newly acquired Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson who are battling for that spot. Expect Wilson to develop in the background, and the real question now is whether the addition of Wilson will leave room for Josh Portis, a promising quarterback who made last year’s team as an undrafted free agent.
ROUND 4: ROBERT TURBIN, RB, Utah State
Turbin (5-10, 222) is a power back who rushed for a school-record 1,517 rushing yards in 2011 after returning from a knee injury. Turbin will provide a big-bodied bruiser to spell Marshawn Lynch. He is the first running back Seattle has drafted since 2008, and the highest pick they’ve used on a back since using a second-rounder on Maurice Morris in 2002.
ROUND 4: JAYE HOWARD, DT, Florida
A senior captain at Florida, Howard (6-3, 301) is a versatile lineman who has played everything from end to tackle to nose tackle. The key to this selection is Seattle’s scouting report. Dan Quinn, who was Pete Carroll’s defensive line coach with the Seahawks in 2010, is currently Florida’s defensive coordinator. He knows how Howard would fit in the defense and believes he’s someone who can develop into an interior pass rusher.
ROUND 5: KOREY TOOMER, LB, Idaho
The Seahawks said they wanted to get faster at linebacker, and Toomer (6-2, 234) will certainly help in that area. He wasn’t invited to the Scouting Combine, but he was timed at 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and had an astounding 42-inch vertical leap. He will play outside linebacker, likely backing up veteran Leroy Hill initially, while getting a chance to make his mark on special teams.
ROUND 6: JEREMY LANE, CB, Northwestern (La.) State
The Seahawks ask their corners to play press coverage, and that’s just what Lane (6-0, 190) does. He’s going to have to work to make the team, though. Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman have staked out claims as starters, Byron Maxwell is a developing player the coaches like, and veterans Marcus Trufant and Roy Lewis are established veterans. Lane has speed, and he had nine tackles, his only sack of the season and an interception against LSU. That showed he can compete against top-shelf competition.
ROUND 6: WINSTON GUY: S, Kentucky
A versatile player, Guy (6-1, 218) started at free safety as a sophomore and strong safety as a junior. He also played a hybrid linebacker/safety role in Kentucky’s 3-4 defense. He had more than 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons. After the team lost Atari Bigby in free agency, Guy will compete with Jeron Johnson for the backup role behind Pro Bowlers Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas.
ROUND 7: J.R. Sweezy, G, North Carolina State
This is a project of a pick for Seattle, which drafted Sweezy (6-5, 298) with the intention of making him a guard even though he hasn’t played on that side of the ball since pee-wee football. Sweezy was a defensive tackle and a senior captain for the Wolfpack, but the Seahawks will work on molding him into an interior lineman in their zone-blocking scheme.
ROUND 7: GREG SCRUGGS: DE, Louisville
Scruggs (6-3, 284) was not invited to the Scouting Combine, but he’s an athletic big man whom Seattle evaluated as the ninth best defensive linemen in terms of overall speed, strength and agility testing. The Seahawks believe he can generate an interior pass rush, and they also think he has a big-boned frame that will allow him to put on weight.
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