Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 482 of 1503)

Is Dez Bryant’s stock dropping?

When most scouts watch film of Dez Bryant’s 2007 or 2008 season, they see an elite receiver worthy of a top 10 pick. But given his 2009 suspension and rumored “diva attitude,” teams are reluctant to take him that high.

Bryant didn’t improve his draft status on Tuesday during his Pro Day workout. He forgot his cleats and reportedly slipped during the forty-yard dash while posting a time of 4.52. He also ran a 4.68 on another attempt, which is obviously on the slow side (that’s putting it mildly) for a receiver that is regarded as an elite prospect. I don’t know what’s worse – his slow times or the fact that he forgets his cleats to such an important day.

The Broncos, who hold the 11th overall pick, have been linked to Bryant in a couple of reports. There’s a notion that once Denver trades Brandon Marshall, they’ll take Bryant in the first round to help fill their need for another playmaking receiver. On the surface, it makes sense.

That said, Bryant certainly didn’t help his draft stock today. He already sat out both the Combine and Oklahoma State’s March 10 Pro Day and pushed back his private workout from March 25 to March 30. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock believes that Bryant is the third best overall prospect in the draft, but there’s no guarantee that he won’t fall in the first round.


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Officer who arrested Porter under investigation for police brutality

According to TMZ.com, the California Highway Patrol officer who arrested Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter is reportedly under investigation for police brutality.

As we previously reported, the Arizona Cardinals linebacker was busted during a traffic stop at a Taco Bell in Bakersfield, CA over the weekend.

Porter was busted for allegedly slapping the deputy’s hand away as the deputy tried to unlock Joey’s car door. Joey claims the deputy manhandled him, striking him in the face.

Now we’ve learned CHP has launched an Internal Affairs investigation into the deputy’s conduct.

I don’t envy what police officers have to do in order to protect themselves on the job. But if this cop really drew his gun because Porter slapped his hand, then that’s a little absurd.

We’ll have to wait for more details to emerge.


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Red Sox offer Josh Beckett four-year contract extension

ESPN.com’s Buster Olney is reporting that the Red Sox have offered ace Josh Beckett a four-year contract extension. Olney also reports that a deal could be completed in the next week or two.

Beckett, the sources said, has a four-year, guaranteed offer from Boston on the table. His deal could be along the lines of the free-agent contract John Lackey signed with the Red Sox this winter — $16.5 million a year for five years — in terms of annual salary. It could be worth a total package in the range of $65 million to $70 million, sources said.

The three-year, $30 million extension Beckett signed in 2006 expires at the end of the season. He is coming off a 17-win season and has won 65 games in his four seasons in Boston.

Beckett is coming off a solid season in which he compiled a 17-6 record, with 199 strikeouts, a 3.86 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. It was the fourth time in five years that he posted a WHIP under 1.2 and as long as he stays healthy, he will continue to be the rock in Boston’s rotation.

A back injury did cause him to miss a start last season, but he hasn’t suffered any lingering affects and will be set to go on Opening Day. The Red Sox would be smart to get a deal done now so the situation won’t be a distraction during the season. Not that it would anyway – Beckett is the consummate pro.


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Report: Bradford won’t sign with the Rams before the draft

According to a report by ProFootballTalk.com, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford may refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the Rams in order to gain more leverage in negotiations.

If Bradford declines to agree to terms before being picked, and if the Rams ultimately don’t select him, Bradford would slide to the Redskins at No. 4, at worst. (He also could end up going second or third, if a team that needs a quarterback moves up.) Operating from the four hole, Bradford likely would then attempt to invoke the so-called “quarterback premium” in the hopes of getting more than the first overall pick, just as Matt Ryan did from the third spot two years ago.

If the Rams pick Bradford without a contract in place, the leverage then flips to the player, with the Rams compelled to get the guy signed in the hopes of justifying the pick and turning around a franchise that seems far longer than a decade removed from a Super Bowl win.

It’s important to keep in mind that PFT.com never cites their sources, so take this report with a grain of salt. They’re hit and miss with their reports, but since I’m dying for anything football-related, I’ll allow myself to get sucked into their vortex for a report like this.

If Bradford wants to start next season, the best thing for him to do is sign a pre-draft contract. That would ensure that he wouldn’t hold out and he would be in camp on time. If he does choose not to sign, then there’s a chance the Rams will pass on him and then he’ll risk losing a little bit of money by falling in the top 5. Either that, or the Rams will still draft him and then a holdout could ensue.

Personally, I would feel fortunate just to be selected with the top overall pick and I would sign a fair deal before the draft. But then again, I’m not in his shoes so I have no idea what other factors he’s dealing with. Either way, it’s safe to say that he’ll go in the top 5 and will be the first quarterback taken in April.


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C.J. Spiller to go in the top 10?

Clemson product C.J. Spiller is highly regarded as the best running back prospect in this year’s draft. But even though he carries that moniker, many draft pundits have been reluctant to view him as a top 10 selection.

That may have changed, however, as ProFootballTalk.com reported yesterday that teams are contemplating moving up into the top 10 in order to draft Spiller. Per the report, there are rumors that the Dolphins or Giants could trade up in order to get their hands on the tremendous athlete.

Shedding more light on the subject, apparently Spiller has accepted an invitation to New York to attend the first round. The NFL always does extensive research on players before inviting them, so there’s a good chance that Spiller will be taken off the board early.

If no team trades into the top 10, the Seahawks at No. 6 might be candidates to nab him early.


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