NFL grants special draft eligibility to 56 players
. The abbreviation "NR" means the player has no rating. Take the projections with a grain of salt for now because 'risers and fallers' season has just begun. Scouting Combine workouts and interviews will help synthesize the rankings going forward.
If you're looking for candidates to bolster the Texans front seven, take note of the names Akeem Ayers, Justin Houston, and Corey Liuget. The only issue now is that they're 'draft tweeners,' meaning none of the three are currently ranked as a top fifteen talent, but all could be gone before the Texans pick in the second round.
I would be surprised if the Texans drafted another underclassman defensive back considering the youth in the back end was one of the major reasons for the Texans terrible pass defense last season.
Player, Pos., College, (Projected Draft Round)
Adams, Darvin, WR, Auburn, (NR)
Austin, Marvin, DT, North Carolina, (2-3) *suspended in 2010 for contact with agent
Ayers, Akeem, LB, UCLA, (1-2)
Baldwin, Jon, WR, Pittsburgh, (1-2)
Bowers, Da’Quan, DE, Clemson, (1)
Brown, DeAndre, WR, Southern Mississippi, (6)
Burton, Brandon, DB, Utah, (2-3)
Casey, Jurrell, DT, Southern California, (2-3)
Clay, John, RB, Wisconsin, (5-6)
Claytor, Nick, T, Georgia Tech, (NR)
Cobb, Randall, WR, Kentucky, (2)
Dareus, Marcell, DE, Alabama, (1)
Doss, Tandon, WR, Indiana, (2-3)
Evans,Josh Johnson Jerseys, Darren, RB, Virginia Tech,Big & Tall Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey, (5-6)
Fairley, Nick, DT, Auburn, (1)
Gabbert, Blaine, QB, Missouri, (1)
Green, A.J., WR, Georgia, (1)
Gurley, Tori, WR, South Carolina, (6)
Guy, Lawrence, DT, Arizona State, (5)
Hamler, Jamel, WR, Fresno State, (NR)
Harper, Jamie, RB, Clemson, (3-4)
Harris, Brandon, DB, Miami, (1-2)
Hill, Will, DB, Florida, (5-6)
Houston, Justin, LB, Georgia, (1-2)
Hynoski, Henry, RB, Pittsburgh, (5-6)
Ingram, Mark, RB, Alabama, (1)
Jones, Julio, WR, Álabama, (1)
Keiser, Thomas, LB, Stanford, (3-4)
Leshoure, Mikel, RB, Illinois, (2)
Lewis, Dion, RB, Pittsburgh, (5-6)
Lewis, Javes, DB, Oregon, (NR)
Little, Greg, WR, North Carolina, (4)
Liuget, Corey, DT, Illinois, (1-2)
Mallett, Ryan, QB, Arkansas, (1-2)
Moore, Rahim, DB, UCLA, (2-3)
Newton, Cam, QB, Auburn, (1)
Parr, Zane, DE, Virginia, (NR)
Peterson, Patrick, DB, Louisiana State, (1)
Quinn, Robert, DE, North Carolina, (1)
Ridley, Stevan, RB, Louisiana State, (4-5)
Rodgers, Jacquizz, RB, Oregon State, (3-4)
Rudolph, Kyle, TE, Notre Dame, (1-2)
Sands, Robert, DB, West Virginia, (4)
Sash, Tyler, DB, Iowa, (3)
Siliga, Sealver, DT, Utah, (7-FA)
Smith, Aldon, DE, Missouri, (1)
Smith, Torrey, WR,Women's Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey, Maryland, (NR)
Smith, Tyron, T, Southern California, (1-2)
Tarrant, Jerrard, DB, Georgia Tech, (3-4)
Todman, Jordan, RB, Connecticut, (2)
Vereen, Shane, RB, California, (3)
Watt, J.J., DE, Wisconsin, (1)
Wilkerson, Muhammad, DT, Temple, (2)
Williams, Aaron, DB, Texas, (1-2)
Williams, Ryan, RB, Virginia Tech, (2)
Wilson, Martez, LB, Illinois, (1-2)
source: nfldraftscout.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Andre Johnson- Sit him or start him-
Andre Johnson: Sit him or start him?
Andre Johnson has yet to practice with his teammates since suffering a hamstring injury against Pittsburgh in Week 4, but according to Johnson and head coach Gary Kubiak,Adrian Clayborn Jersey, he's getting very close to returning to action.
"Andre’s very, very close," said Kubiak. "(Whether he plays on Sunday) will probably be a decision we make (Friday), whether he comes out here and practices with us or (works on the side with head trainer Geoff Kaplan) we'll then make a decision for the weekend. But he is doing extremely well."
Update: 12:15 p.m. Friday, that Andre will not play
Over the past few weeks since Kubiak has always seemed overly optimistic and sometimes their stories diverged. But today, even Johnson sounded more optimistic than he has in a while.
"Today I was almost close to full speed," said Johnson. "I'm going to come out and run again tomorrow and we'll see what happens from there."
Reading between the lines as I like to do, Johnson is saying he'll run tomorrow but not necessarily practice,Josh Johnson Jersey.
When asked if he should just wait another week to take advantage of the bye week, Johnson said "a decision hasn’t been made. Me and Coach Kubiak will talk about it probably tomorrow and we’ll make a decision from there and just go from there.”
The good news is that Johnson isn't feeling the 'tugging' he felt in his hamstring last week - something that Johnson called a setback.
"(The tugging sensation) was the main thing that was holding me back," said Johnson. "I haven’t been feeling it the past couple days that I’ve been running. I guess the main thing now is just me getting confidence back in my leg. Sometimes when I’m running, I’m so used to feeling it that sometimes I’m waiting on it to happen. The main thing right now is just getting that confidence back in running,Adrian Clayborn Jerseys.”
So what say you, Texans fans? Start him or sit him?
I'm inclined to say sit him but with 80 in the lineup, it forces the Bucs back into more Cover 2 which would open up the run game even more and give tight ends up the middle a little more breathing room.
And 7-3 would be pretty sweet going into the bye. But yes, there is risk.
No big deal
When asked about his back injury, Eric Winston said “I’m fine. It just tightened up and I think more precaution than anything. I’ll be out there tomorrow. I feel fine. I’ll play. No big deal. Just kind of a freaky thing.”
Winston hasn't practiced all week.
Texans are 'beat up'
When asked if there were any concerns about Antonio Smith and Eric Winston, Gary Kubiak said “It’s just that point where we’re at in the season. It’s our 14th straight football game and we’re beat up. We had a hard time practicing yesterday with enough guys, but everybody tries to answer the bell on Sunday. I know that’s what they’re going to try to do and we’re expecting them to do that if there’s no setbacks between now and Sunday.”
"We got to push through," said Kubiak. "We got about five or six guys that we really got to push through this weekend and suck it up and go play and then we got to give them a break. We’re expecting them to do that.”
quotes from
Andre Johnson has yet to practice with his teammates since suffering a hamstring injury against Pittsburgh in Week 4, but according to Johnson and head coach Gary Kubiak,Adrian Clayborn Jersey, he's getting very close to returning to action.
"Andre’s very, very close," said Kubiak. "(Whether he plays on Sunday) will probably be a decision we make (Friday), whether he comes out here and practices with us or (works on the side with head trainer Geoff Kaplan) we'll then make a decision for the weekend. But he is doing extremely well."
Update: 12:15 p.m. Friday, that Andre will not play
Over the past few weeks since Kubiak has always seemed overly optimistic and sometimes their stories diverged. But today, even Johnson sounded more optimistic than he has in a while.
"Today I was almost close to full speed," said Johnson. "I'm going to come out and run again tomorrow and we'll see what happens from there."
Reading between the lines as I like to do, Johnson is saying he'll run tomorrow but not necessarily practice,Josh Johnson Jersey.
When asked if he should just wait another week to take advantage of the bye week, Johnson said "a decision hasn’t been made. Me and Coach Kubiak will talk about it probably tomorrow and we’ll make a decision from there and just go from there.”
The good news is that Johnson isn't feeling the 'tugging' he felt in his hamstring last week - something that Johnson called a setback.
"(The tugging sensation) was the main thing that was holding me back," said Johnson. "I haven’t been feeling it the past couple days that I’ve been running. I guess the main thing now is just me getting confidence back in my leg. Sometimes when I’m running, I’m so used to feeling it that sometimes I’m waiting on it to happen. The main thing right now is just getting that confidence back in running,Adrian Clayborn Jerseys.”
So what say you, Texans fans? Start him or sit him?
I'm inclined to say sit him but with 80 in the lineup, it forces the Bucs back into more Cover 2 which would open up the run game even more and give tight ends up the middle a little more breathing room.
And 7-3 would be pretty sweet going into the bye. But yes, there is risk.
No big deal
When asked about his back injury, Eric Winston said “I’m fine. It just tightened up and I think more precaution than anything. I’ll be out there tomorrow. I feel fine. I’ll play. No big deal. Just kind of a freaky thing.”
Winston hasn't practiced all week.
Texans are 'beat up'
When asked if there were any concerns about Antonio Smith and Eric Winston, Gary Kubiak said “It’s just that point where we’re at in the season. It’s our 14th straight football game and we’re beat up. We had a hard time practicing yesterday with enough guys, but everybody tries to answer the bell on Sunday. I know that’s what they’re going to try to do and we’re expecting them to do that if there’s no setbacks between now and Sunday.”
"We got to push through," said Kubiak. "We got about five or six guys that we really got to push through this weekend and suck it up and go play and then we got to give them a break. We’re expecting them to do that.”
quotes from
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Cincinnati Bengals trade WR Chad Ochocinco to New England Patriots for 2 picks
Cincinnati Bengals trade WR Chad Ochocinco to New England Patriots for 2 picks
is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world.
Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be,Adrian Clayborn Jerseys. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain,Da'Quan Bowers Jersey, inform,Big & Tall Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey, and inspire.
is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world.
Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be,Adrian Clayborn Jerseys. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain,Da'Quan Bowers Jersey, inform,Big & Tall Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey, and inspire.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Twenty-one questions on 2010 Indianapolis Colts- No. 16 What to expect from DE Jerry Hughes-
Twenty-one questions on 2010 Indianapolis Colts: No. 16 What to expect from DE Jerry Hughes?
With training camp a little less than a week away, Editor John Oehser will spend the final days of the off-season examining 21 questions about the Indianapolis Colts entering 2010 . . .
No. 16: What should be expected of Jerry Hughes?
We move today to the 16th part of this series examining 21 questions around the 2010 Indianapolis Colts, this one addressing what will be a pressing question as the season approaches: What should be expected of DE Jerry Hughes?
The first answer is that the Colts are expecting quite a bit from Hughes.
The second is that it may not be fair to measure his contributions only in numbers.
Hughes, a defensive end from Texas Christian University,Kellen Winslow Jerseys, was the Colts' first-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, a player selected to help add depth to an already talent-heavy position and an added element to an already potent Colts pass rush.
Dwight Freeney, a nine-year veteran and the Colts' all-time sacks leader, and Robert Mathis an eight-year veteran who is second on the team's all-time sacks list have been perhaps the NFL's best pass-rushing tandem for more than a half-decade. They each made a second consecutive Pro Bowl last season and when the duo is on the field and healthy, passing against the Colts and therefore, playing effectively against the Colts' defense in most late-game situations is exceedingly difficult.
It's a strength around which the Colts' defensive philosophy has been built, and the pass-rushing ability of the tandem has contributed heavily to the Colts' striking consistency since their arrival.
Still, Colts President Bill Polian said the team long has recognized for a third pass rusher.
We've been searching for the elusive third rusher for a long time,Big & Tall Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys, and now we feel like he can fill that bill, Polian said of Hughes on draft weekend. We've said seemingly forever that the third rusher who can substitute for Dwight and Robert is something we had not had. When Dwight and Robert were 100 percent healthy, the results spoke for themselves. When they've not been 100 percent healthy, the results have not been what we wanted. That's the first priority. . ,Vincent Jackson Jerseys. .
We have said seemingly for the last seven years, 'We need a third rusher. We need a third rusher.' We need a guy who when one of the other two fellows is out of the lineup or not 100 percent can step in and perform at a similar level. We haven't had that guy because they're so hard to find.
(1 of 2)1 |
With training camp a little less than a week away, Editor John Oehser will spend the final days of the off-season examining 21 questions about the Indianapolis Colts entering 2010 . . .
No. 16: What should be expected of Jerry Hughes?
We move today to the 16th part of this series examining 21 questions around the 2010 Indianapolis Colts, this one addressing what will be a pressing question as the season approaches: What should be expected of DE Jerry Hughes?
The first answer is that the Colts are expecting quite a bit from Hughes.
The second is that it may not be fair to measure his contributions only in numbers.
Hughes, a defensive end from Texas Christian University,Kellen Winslow Jerseys, was the Colts' first-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, a player selected to help add depth to an already talent-heavy position and an added element to an already potent Colts pass rush.
Dwight Freeney, a nine-year veteran and the Colts' all-time sacks leader, and Robert Mathis an eight-year veteran who is second on the team's all-time sacks list have been perhaps the NFL's best pass-rushing tandem for more than a half-decade. They each made a second consecutive Pro Bowl last season and when the duo is on the field and healthy, passing against the Colts and therefore, playing effectively against the Colts' defense in most late-game situations is exceedingly difficult.
It's a strength around which the Colts' defensive philosophy has been built, and the pass-rushing ability of the tandem has contributed heavily to the Colts' striking consistency since their arrival.
Still, Colts President Bill Polian said the team long has recognized for a third pass rusher.
We've been searching for the elusive third rusher for a long time,Big & Tall Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys, and now we feel like he can fill that bill, Polian said of Hughes on draft weekend. We've said seemingly forever that the third rusher who can substitute for Dwight and Robert is something we had not had. When Dwight and Robert were 100 percent healthy, the results spoke for themselves. When they've not been 100 percent healthy, the results have not been what we wanted. That's the first priority. . ,Vincent Jackson Jerseys. .
We have said seemingly for the last seven years, 'We need a third rusher. We need a third rusher.' We need a guy who when one of the other two fellows is out of the lineup or not 100 percent can step in and perform at a similar level. We haven't had that guy because they're so hard to find.
(1 of 2)1 |
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Former 49ers CB Nate Clements talks about facing former team as a Bengal
Former 49ers CB Nate Clements talks about facing former team as a Bengal
Cincinnati cornerback held a conference call with the Bay Area media on Wednesday morning and he took the opportunity to talk about what it means to face the San Francisco this Sunday.
Clements spent the past four seasons with the 49ers after signing a huge eight-year, $80 million contract with the team. But his performance on the field didn't match up to the value of the contract and during this offseason, the 49ers cut ties with him.
Here is the from the conference call as Clements prepares to face his former team.
Q: How is it going with having some former 49ers (LB Manny Lawson, S Taylor Mays) on the Bengals?
CLEMENTS: It's one of those things where it's a coincidence and it happened to work out that way.
Q: Did the Bengals talk to you about getting S Taylor Mays?
CLEMENTS: No. I didn't have anything to do with the front office decision. I think they're capable of what they're doing and I'm just focused on playing football.
Q: How soon did the Bengals get in contact with you after you left the 49ers?
CLEMENTS: I didn't really expect this to happen. I was fortunate enough that I didn't have to wait too long before for a call.
Q: Did it seem like the 49ers were planning to keep you?
CLEMENTS: At the time, my mindset was that I was a player still under contract. We would have had to talk contract issues. I was fine with it and I definitely wanted to -- but things turned out the way it did. Everything happens for a reason. You have to understand the nature of this game and continue to move forward.
Q: Did you ever have a chance to talk about restructuring your contract?
CLEMENTS: I don't want to get into details about that situation. All i know is that I had to do what's best for me and my family first and foremost.
Q: How do you look back at the time you spent with the 49ers?
CLEMENTS: Great. Great teammates, the fans are still showing me a lot of love out there. I definitely feel blessed for the opportunity, and fortunate enough to play for an organization with that much tradition.
Q: What do you miss from being here?
CLEMENTS: I miss my teammates. It was a big deal. I've been in the league a while, I've the same things a player had. I've kind of been prepared for anything. Anything I was prepared for.
Q: Are you playing the slot on third downs?
CLEMENTS: I do a little bit of everything.
Q: When you start studying the 49ers receivers, what's your impression of them?
CLEMENTS: My impression hasn't changed. They're a young, talented receiving core. They definitely have what it takes. They have potential stars in this league. They definitely have speed, talent, size. I had the chance to face those guys every day in practice. My perception does not change. It is what it is.
Q: Has the 49ers offensive philosophy changed since you were here?
CLEMENTS: It pretty much changed every year when I was there. Looking on film, you can definitely see a major difference. It's nothing like last year. The philosophy, the formation, it's just how they approach the plays, it's a major difference.
Q: What have you noticed that is different?
CLEMENTS: One thing that I've noticed is that they move guys around. It's a very versatile type of offensive philosophy. You just take different guys and have them run the same thing. It's very versatile, it can do a lot.
Q: Does it put more pressure on the defense?
CLEMENTS: I wouldn't say pressure, I would say you have to be focused and discipline on technique and we haven't played games with an offense like that.
Q: Did you notice any changes with Alex Smith?
CLEMENTS: I think Jim Harbaugh is doing an excellent job playing to Alex's strengths. He definitely has a higher completion percentage, which is key for a quarterback. He's definitely playing him to his strengths.
Q: What prevented the 49ers defense from being something special when you were here?
CLEMENTS: We definitely had the players, had the chemistry. I can't really pinpoint one thing. Things didn't pan out the way we wanted it to.
Q: Has your game throughout the years?
CLEMENTS: I just try to keep playing to my strengths.
Q: How has the staff talked to you about preparing for the 49ers?
CLEMENTS: I definitely tell my teammtes things to look out for and what guys are good at. Things of that nature.
Q: Is Vernon Davis one of them,Josh Freeman Jersey?
CLEMENTS: Vernon and pretty much all the players on what they can do and what they're capable of.
Q: What have you learned from watching the Seahawks and Cowboys on how they approached Davis?
CLEMENTS: I am not sure what they're game plan was,Mason Foster Jerseys. He's an explosive player. He's going to get a lot of tips, with balls thrown at him. You've just got to minimize or just fundamentally sound when you go up against a guy like that,Vincent Jackson Jerseys.
Q: Any resentment on how the 49ers handled the situation (with your contract)?
CLEMENTS: None at all.
Q: Did you circle the schedule when you signed with the Bengals?
CLEMENTS: I was just excited the situation was unique in a sense that we had the lockout. It was a unique season and just being able to play football and get out there every week, especially with the season opener, it was anxious and exciting to play every week.
Q: What does the Bengals defense offer?
CLEMENTS: I'm excited about our defense. We've got some talented players on that side of the ball. We're young, guys are hungry and you can just see that we're trying to be opportunistic in making plays in stripping, deflecting balls and trying to get interceptions.
Q: What happened with Donte Whitner and how he almost joined the Bengals?
CLEMENTS: I'm not sure. I'm not the one you should talk about that. You have to talk to management about that one.
Q: How is Manny Lawson?
CLEMENTS: He's doing great. He's making the adjustment to our system. He's glad to be back on the East Coast.
Q: How is his role different than what he had last year?
CLEMENTS: It's a different style of defense. It's 4-3 here and it's a 3-4 there. It's just a completely different style of defense.
Q: How much has Andy Dalton improved since camp?
CLEMENTS: He's getting better every day. And you can see that with guys that are young, in general, in the . The key is confidence. He continues to grow and get better and get more confidence. When you play with confidence, it's not a better feeling than playing with confidence, and you can be like 'Hey, I can make this throw, I can make this play.' It's good to see him progress every day, every practice.
Cincinnati cornerback held a conference call with the Bay Area media on Wednesday morning and he took the opportunity to talk about what it means to face the San Francisco this Sunday.
Clements spent the past four seasons with the 49ers after signing a huge eight-year, $80 million contract with the team. But his performance on the field didn't match up to the value of the contract and during this offseason, the 49ers cut ties with him.
Here is the from the conference call as Clements prepares to face his former team.
Q: How is it going with having some former 49ers (LB Manny Lawson, S Taylor Mays) on the Bengals?
CLEMENTS: It's one of those things where it's a coincidence and it happened to work out that way.
Q: Did the Bengals talk to you about getting S Taylor Mays?
CLEMENTS: No. I didn't have anything to do with the front office decision. I think they're capable of what they're doing and I'm just focused on playing football.
Q: How soon did the Bengals get in contact with you after you left the 49ers?
CLEMENTS: I didn't really expect this to happen. I was fortunate enough that I didn't have to wait too long before for a call.
Q: Did it seem like the 49ers were planning to keep you?
CLEMENTS: At the time, my mindset was that I was a player still under contract. We would have had to talk contract issues. I was fine with it and I definitely wanted to -- but things turned out the way it did. Everything happens for a reason. You have to understand the nature of this game and continue to move forward.
Q: Did you ever have a chance to talk about restructuring your contract?
CLEMENTS: I don't want to get into details about that situation. All i know is that I had to do what's best for me and my family first and foremost.
Q: How do you look back at the time you spent with the 49ers?
CLEMENTS: Great. Great teammates, the fans are still showing me a lot of love out there. I definitely feel blessed for the opportunity, and fortunate enough to play for an organization with that much tradition.
Q: What do you miss from being here?
CLEMENTS: I miss my teammates. It was a big deal. I've been in the league a while, I've the same things a player had. I've kind of been prepared for anything. Anything I was prepared for.
Q: Are you playing the slot on third downs?
CLEMENTS: I do a little bit of everything.
Q: When you start studying the 49ers receivers, what's your impression of them?
CLEMENTS: My impression hasn't changed. They're a young, talented receiving core. They definitely have what it takes. They have potential stars in this league. They definitely have speed, talent, size. I had the chance to face those guys every day in practice. My perception does not change. It is what it is.
Q: Has the 49ers offensive philosophy changed since you were here?
CLEMENTS: It pretty much changed every year when I was there. Looking on film, you can definitely see a major difference. It's nothing like last year. The philosophy, the formation, it's just how they approach the plays, it's a major difference.
Q: What have you noticed that is different?
CLEMENTS: One thing that I've noticed is that they move guys around. It's a very versatile type of offensive philosophy. You just take different guys and have them run the same thing. It's very versatile, it can do a lot.
Q: Does it put more pressure on the defense?
CLEMENTS: I wouldn't say pressure, I would say you have to be focused and discipline on technique and we haven't played games with an offense like that.
Q: Did you notice any changes with Alex Smith?
CLEMENTS: I think Jim Harbaugh is doing an excellent job playing to Alex's strengths. He definitely has a higher completion percentage, which is key for a quarterback. He's definitely playing him to his strengths.
Q: What prevented the 49ers defense from being something special when you were here?
CLEMENTS: We definitely had the players, had the chemistry. I can't really pinpoint one thing. Things didn't pan out the way we wanted it to.
Q: Has your game throughout the years?
CLEMENTS: I just try to keep playing to my strengths.
Q: How has the staff talked to you about preparing for the 49ers?
CLEMENTS: I definitely tell my teammtes things to look out for and what guys are good at. Things of that nature.
Q: Is Vernon Davis one of them,Josh Freeman Jersey?
CLEMENTS: Vernon and pretty much all the players on what they can do and what they're capable of.
Q: What have you learned from watching the Seahawks and Cowboys on how they approached Davis?
CLEMENTS: I am not sure what they're game plan was,Mason Foster Jerseys. He's an explosive player. He's going to get a lot of tips, with balls thrown at him. You've just got to minimize or just fundamentally sound when you go up against a guy like that,Vincent Jackson Jerseys.
Q: Any resentment on how the 49ers handled the situation (with your contract)?
CLEMENTS: None at all.
Q: Did you circle the schedule when you signed with the Bengals?
CLEMENTS: I was just excited the situation was unique in a sense that we had the lockout. It was a unique season and just being able to play football and get out there every week, especially with the season opener, it was anxious and exciting to play every week.
Q: What does the Bengals defense offer?
CLEMENTS: I'm excited about our defense. We've got some talented players on that side of the ball. We're young, guys are hungry and you can just see that we're trying to be opportunistic in making plays in stripping, deflecting balls and trying to get interceptions.
Q: What happened with Donte Whitner and how he almost joined the Bengals?
CLEMENTS: I'm not sure. I'm not the one you should talk about that. You have to talk to management about that one.
Q: How is Manny Lawson?
CLEMENTS: He's doing great. He's making the adjustment to our system. He's glad to be back on the East Coast.
Q: How is his role different than what he had last year?
CLEMENTS: It's a different style of defense. It's 4-3 here and it's a 3-4 there. It's just a completely different style of defense.
Q: How much has Andy Dalton improved since camp?
CLEMENTS: He's getting better every day. And you can see that with guys that are young, in general, in the . The key is confidence. He continues to grow and get better and get more confidence. When you play with confidence, it's not a better feeling than playing with confidence, and you can be like 'Hey, I can make this throw, I can make this play.' It's good to see him progress every day, every practice.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Shanahan as good as gone
Shanahan as good as gone
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There's been speculation for a while that when Mike Shanahan decided to re-enter the NFL head coaching ranks that his son Kyle would leave the Texans to join him as offensive coordinator.
Speculation came close to fact today during 's weekly press conference with Houston media.
When asked about the possibility of losingShanahan, Kubiak said "we'll have to adjust with another one. That's part of the business and like I said, with Kyle, nothing's official yet, but obviously it looks like Mike's coming right back into the business here real quick and I know it's something he's always wanted,Da'Quan Bowers Jerseys, to have his son work for him ... so I'll have to start looking in another direction..."
You can read the at houstontexans.com and watch the video of Kubiak's comments below from . The quotes found here are all pulled from the transcription.
While the loss of Shanahan is tempered somewhat by the fact that the Texans offense is Kubiak's offense and the basic system will be retained, there will definitely be an impact from the sense of continuity and what it means for the quarterbacks.
Eric Winston seemed concerned about the change which would result in the fourth offensive coordinator in five seasons for the Texans.
"No matter if it's the same offense, [a new coordinator is]still going to want to do their own things," said Winston,Mason Foster Jersey." They're still going to want to run a certain way; they're going to still want to have their own little passing routes. You can call it what you want to call it, but they're going to go in their direction. I know when Mike Sherman was here, we were doing a lot more man scheme. Shanahanis straight out of the Denver scheme and we were zoning people up, and I liked that a lot. That's something that I'm really interested in. I hope they get a guy that comes in and is willing to at least take a look at what we've been doing here and not really deviate from what we've done because it's hard to say it hasn't worked."
I don't think Kubiak would make a wholesale change to the scheme at this point and I would expect the new coordinator to be more ofa zone guy vs. a man guy. I thinkthe new coordinator will have to fit in with what Kubiak wants to implement instead of bringing in a system of his own as Sherman did in 2006. Kubiakseems more comfortable in the current system and knows what he wants more than simply needing help which was the case in '06.
Matt Schaub was less revealing in his comments, offering only words of encouragement for Shanahan. "It's a great opportunity for him," said Schaub. "He's been a big part of what we've been able to do around here but whenever you're doing good things in this league and in this business, things are going to change. Guys are going to shuffle around, coaches are going to change, and I'm just happy that he's getting an opportunity to move on. He's going to be a heck of a coach for a number of years."
That's nice of Matt to say but I worry about things like day to day relationships between the quarterbacks and their coordinator. Shanahan and Schaub seemed to have developed a very good working relationship over the past two seasons.
In terms of play calling, Kubiak said "I want somebody with me that I'm comfortable with,Mike Williams Jerseys. Whoever I end up bringing in here, whoever I work with, I want to get them to the same point that I am with Kyle, and that I was with the other guys, where I can say, Hey, go ahead. If I don't like something, I'm going to jump in.' We have to be that close and on the same page. I think that's very, very important becausethat's the guy I deal with every day putting in game plans, calling the game and making adjustments during the game. That is important to me. It's very important to me."
So the million dollar question is who fits that category?
I'll throw out a name just for the heck of it.Without the benefit of insider information, contract information or knowledge of previous workingrelationships with Kubiak and Rick Smith, how about Rick Dennison?
Dennison replaced Kubiak as offensive coordinator in Denver in 2006, and is still with the Broncos but was demoted to offensive line coach under the new Josh McDaniels regime. This would be a perfect opportunity for Dennison to jump off that mutinous sinking ship in Denver and get a promotion at the same time.
I can hear the howling already. Not another Denver guy ...
Get ready. It's going to be someone that Kubiak knows, trusts, and willwork within Kubiak's system with minimal disruption. In other words, if not a current Denver guy, quite possibly an ex-Denver guy. But that's not all bad. It's time to get over the griping about the Denver pipeline. If it works, it doesn't matter where they come from.
Related reading: ? (July 18, 2009)
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There's been speculation for a while that when Mike Shanahan decided to re-enter the NFL head coaching ranks that his son Kyle would leave the Texans to join him as offensive coordinator.
Speculation came close to fact today during 's weekly press conference with Houston media.
When asked about the possibility of losingShanahan, Kubiak said "we'll have to adjust with another one. That's part of the business and like I said, with Kyle, nothing's official yet, but obviously it looks like Mike's coming right back into the business here real quick and I know it's something he's always wanted,Da'Quan Bowers Jerseys, to have his son work for him ... so I'll have to start looking in another direction..."
You can read the at houstontexans.com and watch the video of Kubiak's comments below from . The quotes found here are all pulled from the transcription.
While the loss of Shanahan is tempered somewhat by the fact that the Texans offense is Kubiak's offense and the basic system will be retained, there will definitely be an impact from the sense of continuity and what it means for the quarterbacks.
Eric Winston seemed concerned about the change which would result in the fourth offensive coordinator in five seasons for the Texans.
"No matter if it's the same offense, [a new coordinator is]still going to want to do their own things," said Winston,Mason Foster Jersey." They're still going to want to run a certain way; they're going to still want to have their own little passing routes. You can call it what you want to call it, but they're going to go in their direction. I know when Mike Sherman was here, we were doing a lot more man scheme. Shanahanis straight out of the Denver scheme and we were zoning people up, and I liked that a lot. That's something that I'm really interested in. I hope they get a guy that comes in and is willing to at least take a look at what we've been doing here and not really deviate from what we've done because it's hard to say it hasn't worked."
I don't think Kubiak would make a wholesale change to the scheme at this point and I would expect the new coordinator to be more ofa zone guy vs. a man guy. I thinkthe new coordinator will have to fit in with what Kubiak wants to implement instead of bringing in a system of his own as Sherman did in 2006. Kubiakseems more comfortable in the current system and knows what he wants more than simply needing help which was the case in '06.
Matt Schaub was less revealing in his comments, offering only words of encouragement for Shanahan. "It's a great opportunity for him," said Schaub. "He's been a big part of what we've been able to do around here but whenever you're doing good things in this league and in this business, things are going to change. Guys are going to shuffle around, coaches are going to change, and I'm just happy that he's getting an opportunity to move on. He's going to be a heck of a coach for a number of years."
That's nice of Matt to say but I worry about things like day to day relationships between the quarterbacks and their coordinator. Shanahan and Schaub seemed to have developed a very good working relationship over the past two seasons.
In terms of play calling, Kubiak said "I want somebody with me that I'm comfortable with,Mike Williams Jerseys. Whoever I end up bringing in here, whoever I work with, I want to get them to the same point that I am with Kyle, and that I was with the other guys, where I can say, Hey, go ahead. If I don't like something, I'm going to jump in.' We have to be that close and on the same page. I think that's very, very important becausethat's the guy I deal with every day putting in game plans, calling the game and making adjustments during the game. That is important to me. It's very important to me."
So the million dollar question is who fits that category?
I'll throw out a name just for the heck of it.Without the benefit of insider information, contract information or knowledge of previous workingrelationships with Kubiak and Rick Smith, how about Rick Dennison?
Dennison replaced Kubiak as offensive coordinator in Denver in 2006, and is still with the Broncos but was demoted to offensive line coach under the new Josh McDaniels regime. This would be a perfect opportunity for Dennison to jump off that mutinous sinking ship in Denver and get a promotion at the same time.
I can hear the howling already. Not another Denver guy ...
Get ready. It's going to be someone that Kubiak knows, trusts, and willwork within Kubiak's system with minimal disruption. In other words, if not a current Denver guy, quite possibly an ex-Denver guy. But that's not all bad. It's time to get over the griping about the Denver pipeline. If it works, it doesn't matter where they come from.
Related reading: ? (July 18, 2009)
Friday, November 30, 2012
Declared juniors granted elgibility for 2010 NFL Draft
Declared juniors granted elgibility for 2010 NFL Draft
Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee (AP Photo/Wade Payne,Ronde Barber Jersey, File)
In the weeks following the close of each junior college football player's2009 season he made a decision about whether to return to school and play his senior year or declare himselfeligible for the .
On Tuesday, the NFL announced the 53 players granted special eligibility because they met the three-year eligibility rule mandated by the league.
Every junior that met the requirements and wished to declare for the draft had to submit an application rejecting his remaining college eligibility by January 15.
The 53 players matched the 2008 total, the highest in ten years. All 53 are not true juniors. Some are red-shirt sophomores who have completed three years of college.
The 2010 draft's first round will be on Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 PM. The second and third rounds will continue on Friday, April 23 at 6:30 PM and the final four rounds will conclude on Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 AM.
Listed are the 53 players. Highlighted are projectedfirst-round players the Atlanta Falcons may target at the 19th or 20th selection.
Player Pos. College
Basped, Kevin DE NevadaBenn, Arrelious WRIllinoisBerry, Eric DB TennesseeBest, Jahvid RB CaliforniaBowman, Navorro LB Penn StateBradford, Sam QB OklahomaBriscoe, Dezmon WR KansasBrown, Antonio WR Central MichiganBryant, Dez WR Oklahoma StateBulaga, Bryan T IowaBurnett, Morgan DB Georgia TechCampbell, Bruce T MarylandClausen, Jimmy QB Notre DameCurran, Rennie LB GeorgiaDavis, Anthony T RutgersDunlap, Carlos DE FloridaDwyer, Jonathan RB Georgia TechFranks, Dominique DB OklahomaGeathers, Clifton DE South CarolinaGibson, Thaddeus DE Ohio StateGresham, Jermaine TE OklahomaGriffen, Everson DE Southern CaliforniaGronkowski, Rob TE ArizonaHaden, Joe DB FloridaHernandez, Aaron TE FloridaJackson, Kareem DB AlabamaJones, Chad DB Louisiana StateJones, Reshad DB GeorgiaJoseph, Linval DT East CarolinaMarshall, Darius RB MarshallMathews, Ryan RB Fresno StateMcClain, Rolando LB AlabamaMcCoy, Gerald DT OklahomaMcKnight, Joe RB Southern CaliforniaMcNeal, Shawnbrey RB Southern MethodistMitchell, Carlton WR South FloridaMoore, Joshua DB Kansas StateMorgan, Derrick DE Georgia TechNorton, Jerell DB ArkansasPierre-Paul, Jason DE South FloridaPouncey, Maurkice C FloridaPrice, Brian DT UCLARogan, Dennis DB TennesseeSnead, Jevan QB MississippiSpievey, Amari DB IowaTate, Golden WR Notre DameThomas, Demaryius WR Georgia TechThomas, Earl DB TexasWarren, Donovan DB MichiganWilliams, Damian WR Southern CaliforniaWilliams, Mike WR SyracuseWorilds, Jason DE Virginia TechWright, Major DB Florida
I always love to hear what you've got to say. Leave a comment or email me for the Weekly Mailbag: . Click"subscribe" to receive emails whenever a new article isposted. Follow me on .
Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee (AP Photo/Wade Payne,Ronde Barber Jersey, File)
In the weeks following the close of each junior college football player's2009 season he made a decision about whether to return to school and play his senior year or declare himselfeligible for the .
On Tuesday, the NFL announced the 53 players granted special eligibility because they met the three-year eligibility rule mandated by the league.
Every junior that met the requirements and wished to declare for the draft had to submit an application rejecting his remaining college eligibility by January 15.
The 53 players matched the 2008 total, the highest in ten years. All 53 are not true juniors. Some are red-shirt sophomores who have completed three years of college.
The 2010 draft's first round will be on Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 PM. The second and third rounds will continue on Friday, April 23 at 6:30 PM and the final four rounds will conclude on Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 AM.
Listed are the 53 players. Highlighted are projectedfirst-round players the Atlanta Falcons may target at the 19th or 20th selection.
Player Pos. College
Basped, Kevin DE NevadaBenn, Arrelious WRIllinoisBerry, Eric DB TennesseeBest, Jahvid RB CaliforniaBowman, Navorro LB Penn StateBradford, Sam QB OklahomaBriscoe, Dezmon WR KansasBrown, Antonio WR Central MichiganBryant, Dez WR Oklahoma StateBulaga, Bryan T IowaBurnett, Morgan DB Georgia TechCampbell, Bruce T MarylandClausen, Jimmy QB Notre DameCurran, Rennie LB GeorgiaDavis, Anthony T RutgersDunlap, Carlos DE FloridaDwyer, Jonathan RB Georgia TechFranks, Dominique DB OklahomaGeathers, Clifton DE South CarolinaGibson, Thaddeus DE Ohio StateGresham, Jermaine TE OklahomaGriffen, Everson DE Southern CaliforniaGronkowski, Rob TE ArizonaHaden, Joe DB FloridaHernandez, Aaron TE FloridaJackson, Kareem DB AlabamaJones, Chad DB Louisiana StateJones, Reshad DB GeorgiaJoseph, Linval DT East CarolinaMarshall, Darius RB MarshallMathews, Ryan RB Fresno StateMcClain, Rolando LB AlabamaMcCoy, Gerald DT OklahomaMcKnight, Joe RB Southern CaliforniaMcNeal, Shawnbrey RB Southern MethodistMitchell, Carlton WR South FloridaMoore, Joshua DB Kansas StateMorgan, Derrick DE Georgia TechNorton, Jerell DB ArkansasPierre-Paul, Jason DE South FloridaPouncey, Maurkice C FloridaPrice, Brian DT UCLARogan, Dennis DB TennesseeSnead, Jevan QB MississippiSpievey, Amari DB IowaTate, Golden WR Notre DameThomas, Demaryius WR Georgia TechThomas, Earl DB TexasWarren, Donovan DB MichiganWilliams, Damian WR Southern CaliforniaWilliams, Mike WR SyracuseWorilds, Jason DE Virginia TechWright, Major DB Florida
I always love to hear what you've got to say. Leave a comment or email me for the Weekly Mailbag: . Click"subscribe" to receive emails whenever a new article isposted. Follow me on .
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