Month: May 2007 (Page 8 of 12)

Detroit Lions
The Lions held their first mini camp practice Monday and according to Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com, receiver Roy Williams pulled a hamstring. Injuries are never good, but according to Kowalski, it doesn’t appear to be serious. In more encouraging news for Detroit, running back Kevin Jones didn’t participate in any drills, but did run along the sidelines after having the final two screws taken out of his surgically repaired foot. The Lions are staying mum about Jones in case of a setback, but him doing any kind of running has to be a welcome site for coaches. There’s no sense making assumptions at this point, but it’s still a possibility Jones will be ready for the star of the season. One more note on the Lions, defensive tackle Cory Redding will be a no show in camp, which isn’t a surprise seeing as how he’s upset over being franchised and wants a long-term contract…from another team.

Chicago Bears
Former Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe became the first 2007 draft pick to sign a contract this season after inking a four-year, $2.28 million contact. I criticized the Bears for reaching on Wolfe in the third round, but thus far he’s drawing comparisons to Falcons’ running back Warrick Dunn with his excellent vision and elusiveness, even though he’s smaller in stature. If Wolfe becomes even half of what Dunn has been on or off the field, Chicago will be more than justified for taking him in the third round.

Tampa Bay Bucs
According to the St. Petersburg Times, rookie Gaines Adams will start his career at right defensive end, which is currently occupied by Simeon Rice. The move has more to do with Adams’ playing strengths than Rice’s fate, although ’07 is shaping up to be the 33-year olds last season in Tampa. Many wonder why the Bucs don’t play Adams opposite Rice for at least a year, but there’s a good reason why they won’t. Adams was regarded as the best pure pass-rusher in the draft, but had limitations against the run while playing at Clemson. Typically, teams play their best pass rusher on the right side because that’s usually an offense’s weak side (i.e. the side the tight end doesn’t line up on). Seeing as how Adams may have issues defending the run with his slimmer frame, the right side will allow him to demonstrate his athleticism and pass-rush abilities, without having to be worried about facing double teams on a consistent basis. Either way, I’m sure the Bucs will look to bulk him up, but as of right now, Adams would probably be overmatched on the left side.

New Orleans Saints
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, rookie first round pick Robert Meachem apparently showed up to mini camp out of shape and to add insult to injury, tweaked his ankle. Meachem commented that he might be out of shape due to all the free meals and travel conditions endured by being a heavily required receiver coming out of the University of Tennessee. Before anyone gets too down on Meachem, remember that last year’s seventh round phenom, Marques Colston, also reported to Saints’ camp out of shape as a rookie.

Chicago Bears
According to Rotoworld.com, the Bears plan on moving Devin Hester to offense in an upcoming mini camp. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner will draw up packages so the explosive Hester will get plenty of chances to show his skills at receiver. The move apparently singles the end of Hester’s days as a corner, but obviously won’t take away from his return duties. This move, coupled with the selection of receiving tight end Greg Olsen, Chicago just got a hell of a lot more explosive on offense.

Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals released defensive tackle Sam Adams on Monday and signed veteran Kendrick Allen, formerly of the Packers. Allen will likely compete with Domata Peko for the starting position next to John Thornton, although Shaun Smith might also get a look. Even though he played in all 16 games last year, Adams was bothered by knee injuries that required him to have arthoscopic surgery after the season. He’s likely to sign on with another team, however.

According to Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, Packers’ quarterback Brett Favre demanded a trade two or three days after the NFL Draft in late April. Upset over the way Green Bay failed to land wide receiver Randy Moss, Favre apparently informed his agent to contact general manger Ted Thompson and requested the Packers trade him. Favre eventually cooled down, but that didn’t stop him from doing an interview Saturday expressing his disappointment in the team not landing Moss.

After reading some of the quotes from the interview, it’s clear Favre wants one more day in the sun, and with that, he wants the absolute best talent around him (which is where his desire for Moss comes in). It’s understandable, but what Favre has to realize is that when he finally does hang it up, there’s still going to be a Green Bay Packer organization, and guys like Thompson who have to worry about it. Thompson isn’t only thinking about the ’07 season, he wants to build a franchise that can compete for years. If he doesn’t think Moss is a good long term fix, then why trade for him, because it would appease his quarterback who may or may not be in Green Bay after ’07? Sorry Brett, that’s not how it works. Plus, what’s being missed here is that Moss wanted to be a Patriot because he felt they gave him the best chance to reach the Super Bowl. He was more willing to negotiate with New England than Green Bay, so even if Thompson wanted to trade for Moss, it might not have happened. Moss made it easier for the Raiders to work a deal with the Patriots.

I love Brett and he has a right to voice his opinion, but it’s clear he didn’t know the whole situation with Moss.

Update: Favre officially cleared the air on all the trade talk on Monday.