Running Back Committee for Giants?
Ohn Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com believes running back David Wilson “should inherit” the void the Ahmad Bradshaw left. However, Youngmisuk also said head coach Tom Coughlin “will likely split carries” between Wilson and Andre Brown, saying the two should make a “nice one-two punch.” It’s something that I’ve been expecting all offseason. Brown is much more talented than his ADP shows, and Wilson’s average draft position, although he has a high ceiling, is just too high for a running back who appears to be in a committee.
Bucs, Mike Williams Tied Together for Five More Years After Extension
Thinking Williams got overpaid? Think again. The wide receiver was rewarded with a six-year, $40.25 million contract with $15 million in guarantees. He’s scheduled to make $10 million over the first two years. Williams’ deal puts him right there with Brian Hartline and Danny Amendola in terms of money. Williams has been productive in every season since joining this NFL, as he’s caught over 60 passes in all three of his seasons, as well as 23 touchdowns in those three years. There’s no reason he can’t continue to keep rising until he is a true No.1 receiver with his build at 6-foot-2-inches, 212-pounds.
Colts get First-Round Defensive End Bjoern Werner Under Contract
The No. 24 overall pick was signed to a four-year deal worth $7.89 million on Wednesday. Despite playing mostly with his hand in the ground at Florida State, Werner is expected to be used as a stand-up linebacker opposite Robert Mathis in Chuck Pagano’s base 3-4.
Adam Carriker to Undergo Surgery
Carriker will undergo another surgery on his quadriceps on Thursday. Carriker opened on active/PUP in camp, but there’s a strong chance that he will miss the season opener, if not be placed on the regular season PUP, which would cost him at least the first six games of the 2013 season. Carriker did not participate in the offseason activities and was not expected in training camp before this newest surgery. Stephen Bowen and Jarvis Jenkins will be the starting defensive ends for the Redskins in Week 1 as it stands now.
Falcons Ink First-Round Corner Back Desmond Trufant, Completes Rookie Class
Trufant signed the dotted line on a four-year, $8.16 million deal. A huge value for the No. 22 pick who is expected to start right away. Trufant will start the season opposite of Asante Samuel, a spot left open with the departure of Dunta Robinson as well as Brent Grimes.
Packers Sign 26th-Overall Pick Datone Jones
Jones was the third player signed between picks 22 and 29 on Wednesday. The deal is for four years and is worth $7.71 million with $6.25 million guaranteed. As of this article, only 11 first-round picks remain unsigned.
Dez Bryant Hype Train has Already Taken Off
From ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins: “Bryant is just, well, it’s hard to describe.” Bryant beat Cowboys corner Morris Claiborne in the team’s one-on-one drill four times and in team play, he caught a back shoulder fade from Tony Romo that hit Bryant in the cuff of the arm and he sucked in. Watkins said Romo and Bryant have “incredible” chemistry right now. Bryant comes in at second on my current wide receiver rankings, behind only Calvin Johnson. I’m completely comfortable with taking Bryant at any point the second round, especially if you grab a running back in the first round (you should be).
Giants Offensive Coordinator Talks up Rueben Randle
“He looked like a guy that has been here for five or six years,” offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride told the New York Daily News. “He certainly stepped into a leadership role. That was not what we saw last year – not by a long shot.” It’s great news for Randle, who has been at all of the team’s offseason activities. Randle is a good late-round upside wide receiver pick. It’s clear the Giants are noticing his extra effort that he reportedly did not put in last season. While Hakeem Nicks news trends downwards, Randle’s stock continues to rise. Expect Nicks and Randle on outside, while Victor Cruz works the slot.
Matt Cassel a Threat to Christian Ponder?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, if Ponder struggles this year, the Vikings “wouldn’t hesitate” to turn the quarterback job over to Cassel. Schefter says there are people around the league who see Cassel as an underrated quarterback. And I think those people are absurd. Cassel was putrid in his starts in Kansas City last season. In his last eighteen starts in Kansas City (the last two seasons), Cassel has thrown 16 touchdowns and turned it over 30 times.
Justin Hunter to be Ready for Training Camp
Although the Titans will be missing tight end Delanie Walker and wide receiver Kevin Walter to start camp, Hunter (hamstring) will have “no limitations” in camp, according to the Nashville Tennessean. Hunter was sidelined during offseason activities in the early part of the summer due to the hamstring injury.
Brandon Marshall a Full-Go at Camp
Despite offseason arthroscopic hip surgery, Marshall will take on a full workload at the opening of Bears camp on Friday. “No limitations,” Marshall said to ESPNChicago.com. “We’re gonna be smart. I’m going to listen to my body, and go as it tells me.” Marshall passed the team’s conditioning test on Wednesday, where he ran three 300-yard shuttle runs on a predetermined time basis. Marshall currently sits as my fifth ranked wide receiver in standard leagues.