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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

In this
edition of

AUGUST 17, 2008

Volume XXIII
No. 7

CREATORS & FOUNDERS

Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski

and Joel Buchsbaum

ALSO:

Ready
to rumble

Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush

General manager Mike Waters
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Art director Bob Peters
Managing editor Mike Holbrook

Mario Williams and

Amobi Okoye give the
Texans D-line a 1-2 punch
that could knock out
opponents.

All-star staff

Executive editors Dan Arkush

Neil Warner

Senior editors Nolan Nawrocki

Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening
Associate editors Matt Sohn
Dan Parr
Michael Blunda
Editorial assistant Matt Feminis
Production assistant Matt Quinnan

Marvin Lewis. Ken Whisenhunt.

Eric Mangini. Ozzie Newsome.
Scott Pioli. Phil Savage.
The coaching staff and front
office of the 1996-97 Baltimore
Ravens were loaded with future
NFL big shots.

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FEATURE

11

Fantasy football pullout section

The Buzz..................................Pg. 12
IDP player reports ................Pg. 14
Draft board ............................Pg. 16
Sleepers and busts ..............Pg. 18
Column: Michael Blunda ....Pg. 21

Eight burning questions......Pg. 22

Q&A with
the Fantasy Doctor ................Pg. 24
Mock draft ..............................Pg. 25
Ask the Experts ....................Pg. 26
HARRY SCULL, JR.

COLUMNISTS
Mike Wilkening; Jerry Magee............Pg. 27
Ron Borges ..........................................Pg. 28

NEXT ISSUE
We update the status of all 32 teams with our
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ITS AN EPIDEMIC:

Why do nearly all of NFLs wackos play wideout?

HUB ARKUSH

PUBLISHERS PEN

Business manager Christine Klimusko

Network support tech. Bob Boklewski

The Way We Hear It ..............................Pg. 8

First-rounders signing chart ..............Pg. 28
Arena Football League;
Canadian Football League..............Pg. 29
Audibles................................................Pg. 32
NFL transactions ..................................Pg. 33
PFW Slant with Dan Arkush................Pg. 35

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

s there anyone who can explain why

almost every narcissist, manic-depressive,
sociopath and psychopath in the NFL
plays wide receiver? If I asked you to list the
most controversial players in the league, is
there any chance you wouldnt include Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson and Randy Moss?
Give me a Pacman excuse me, Adam
Jones, and Ill raise you a Javon Walker. Toss
in an Odell Thurman and Ill blow you away
with a Chris Henry. Youve got Tank Johnson, Ive got Steve Smith. You say Nick
Kaczur, and Ill say Matt Jones. And how
about Brandon Marshall for dessert?
We could go on, but Im sure youre waving a white flag by now. List the top five
problem children in the NFL, and I defy you
to argue that any player but Jones can compete with Owens, Ocho Cinco, Walker,
Smith and Moss. And heres the most
remarkable fact about the wacky world of
wideouts: Every one of my top five nut jobs
is a Pro Bowl performer!
To be fair, Moss has been peaking on the
field and quiet off it for the last 18 months
or so, but to believe the elevator is suddenly
going all the way to the top inside the head
of the Patriots megastar receiver forever and
ever is kind of like sitting in front of your
fireplace 364 days in a row after Christmas,
certain Santa will pop out at any moment.
Yes, its been at least months since T.O.
shed alligator tears over the way the big, bad
media was beating up my quarterback, or
since he accidentally or otherwise tried to
off himself, but what do you really think the
chances are Owens gets an award for contributions to the community or to his own
locker room if the Cowboys arent leading
the NFC East at midseason?
The Bengals No. 85, lets see now can

anyone spell Fruit Loops? Im ashamed to

admit I cant remember who the ESPN
interviewer was, but I wanted to stand up
and cheer the other night when he responded
to Johnsons query as to what he was laughing at by straightforwardly admitting,
Because I have no idea whether Im supposed to take you seriously or not.
Walker is actually a kid I worry about a
lot. By all accounts hes more of a lost soul
than a bad guy. His problems in Green Bay
were that they wouldnt pay him enough,
and in Denver they didnt respect him
enough. But to be found seriously beaten
and unconscious on the streets of Las Vegas
after a night of wild partying, then be able
to report to his new home, Oakland, looking
better than anybody expected but have to be
talked out of quitting and returning his $11
million signing bonus by Al Davis because
hes unhappy with his performance, wow!
Moss, Owens and Johnson may not be dealing from full decks, but Walkers issues
appear more serious than that.
Smith is the guy that scares me the most.
It is unclear what caused him to coldcock
teammate Ken Lucas on the sideline of the
Panthers practice field recently, but hes had
repeated sideline tantrums during his sevenyear-plus Panthers career. He was so
enraged at Lucas that head coach John Fox
was unable to separate the two, and LB Jon
Beason had to literally pull Smith off Lucas.
The two-game suspension Smith has been
given is not his first for fighting with teammates. In 2002, Smith was suspended for
one game for punching teammate Anthony
Bright during a film session, and he was
forced to undergo anger management classes. It would appear he didnt learn much.
Chris Henry is a remarkable talent whose

NFL career is most likely over following his

latest run-in with the law, and Jones
appeared to be a dead man walking until
teammate Reggie Williams went down
recently with a serious knee injury. On Marshall, the jury is still very much out, and the
list by no means stops here.
I cant think of a single reasonable explanation as to why nearly all of the NFLs
wildest wackos play wideout. But I can confirm that it has gone way beyond trend to
epidemic. Consider: Is the reason that not
one wide receiver was chosen in the first
round of the 2008 draft and Houstons
Donnie Avery was the first receiver taken in
the second round despite clearly not being
the best talent just because the talent wasnt there? Or was it because clear first-round
talents like Devin Thomas, James Hardy,
Mario Manningham and others came into the
draft with as many questions about what
goes on in their heads as in their hands?
Only this much is sure. If youre thinking
about looking for work coaching receivers in
the NFL these days, you should consider at
least a minor in psychology, if not getting
your Ph.D. first.
On an unrelated subject, I want to thank
my fellow members of the Pro Football
Writers of America for restoring my faith in
the belief that good things do, in fact, happen to good people. On Aug. 1, ESPN.coms
Len Pasquarelli was honored by the PFWA
with the McCann Award for distinguished
service to the NFL and our industry at the
Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. We may be
competitors now, but we grew up in the business together, and Lenny is not only one of
the best sportswriters ever, hes a much better person. Good going, buddy; we couldnt
be prouder of or happier for you!

veteran or rookie...
the toughest five weeks of their lives.

every Wednesday at 10 PM /9 C
beginning August 6TH
2008 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO is a service mark of Home Box Office, Inc. 2008 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

WAY
WE

By DAN ARKUSH

it...

MICHAEL BLUNDA ERIC EDHOLM NOLAN NAWROCKI

DA N PA R R M AT T S O H N M I K E W I L K E N I N G

DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys appeared to find a
terrific solution at nose tackle last
season when Jay Ratliff emerged
as a strong starter. They bolstered
the position with the midseason
acquisition of Tank Johnson. But
now they are tinkering with
some position flexibility in
training camp. Ratliff has
taken snaps at left end, and
Marcus Spears last
years DLE starter has
moved inside to Ratliffs NT spot.
The moves are not permanent, but
they do offer the team some flexibility up front. Johnson has had a
terrific offseason and appears to
have carved out a regular role in
one way or another, but hes best
on the nose. Ratliff doesnt sound

SPORTPICS

N F C lE A S T
With Shockey out of
the way, Boss looking
good in Giants camp
It has been a week since the
team dealt TE Jeremy Shockey,
and the talk around Giants camp
has been that head coach Tom
Coughlin helped push the deal
along by letting it be known to
team officials that Shockey didnt
fit into the teams plans
because his flamboyant
style conflicted with Coughlins coaching approach.
And with the Giants winning the Super Bowl
without Shockey on the field
Coughlins power with the team is
at an all-time high. But the focus
has turned to the new starter,
Kevin Boss, and all reports on
him thus far have been outstanding. He reportedly looks to be in
fantastic shape, weighing around
265 pounds, and he has been one
of the highlights of camp in terms
of catching the ball. The Giants are
deep at receiver, but with a number of injuries there, it has allowed
Boss to take a prominent role in
the passing game during practice
and enhance his rapport with QB
Eli Manning.

New starter: Kevin Boss will take

over for the departed Jeremy Shockey
too pleased with moving, having
previously shifted positions prior to
finding a home at nose, but
sources believe it could be Spears
who loses the most snaps with this
new arrangement.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
There have been few developments of substance on the strange
absence from training camp of AllPro OG Shawn Andrews. The
team placed him on the
reserve/did-not-report list, using
the freed-up roster space to
add free-agent OL
Cameron Stephenson, but
the mystery of Andrews
continues. The Eagles have
said that Andrews is missing camp because of personal
issues, but head coach Andy Reid
has not excused Andrews from the
sessions and has bristled at
Andrews-related questions from
the media. Andrews agent has
denied that his clients absence is
contract-related, although several
reports have said that Andrews is

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

I am not
going to
let this
define me

THE

HEAR
HEAR

Steve Smith tells PFW he is

very remorseful for the fight with
Panthers teammate Ken Lucas that
broke the cornerbacks nose and
left Smith with a two-game suspension
Panthers WR Steve Smith has admitted he has an
anger problem, and it began further back than his days
in Carolina. Smiths fight and subsequent two-game
suspension for punching CB Ken Lucas in between
plays at a training-camp practice Aug. 1 was the latest
chapter for a man who has a soft, charitable side but
also one who has struggled to keep his emotions in
check when playing the game he loves the most.
In an exclusive interview with PFW on Sunday morning, Smith said: I feel horrible. Thats the thing I dont
think people realize, is how remorseful I am and how, in
five or six seconds, five or six years has come crashing
down. Thats the consequences of my actions. But I
wont let it be the last thing people remember me by as
far as a player and as a person.
Lucas suffered a broken nose, and his availability is
unclear, although hes not expected to miss major
time.
I lost my cool, Smith told PFW after the fight. It
started with words and escalated from there.
Smith and Lucas have had words in the past, and as
they regularly have gone up against each other in practice since Lucas arrived in 2005, they have a fierce,
competitive relationship that hasnt always been friendly. On the play before the fight, Lucas was covering
Smith on a pass play.
At junior college, Smith often was kicked out of practice for fighting, and he had issues in his two years at
Utah. Coaches and teammates have said that Smith
practices harder and plays with more emotion during
practice than almost any player they have seen. His
competitive fire is one of the things that make him one
of the best receivers in the NFL.
But this also was the first serious display of anger
from Smith since his well-publicized fight with Anthony Bright, a practice-squad member in 2002, which
earned Smith a one-game punishment that year. In the
offseason, Smith hosts and organizes several charitable
events in the Charlotte area, and this summer he made
a major donation to Utah. He is a regular at the local Ed
not happy about his current deal.
One strong possibility instead is
that Andrews is staying away from
Lehigh College in order to get out
of some intense training-camp
time. He has struggled with his
weight at times in the past and he

HARRY SCULL, JR.

Sore spot: Panthers WR Steve Smith has admitted he has

anger management issues

Block Courage House, which helps abused children.

Smith also has three children ages 3, 7 and 10
and prides himself on being a much better father than
his was, growing up.
Smith plans on facing the media, but he didnt want
to issue a statement to the media at large before
addressing his teammates Sunday night in Spartanburg, S.C. Smith was sent home to suburban Charlotte
on Friday after the incident took place. Before he left
the field, Smith went over escorted by WR Muhsin
Muhammad to apologize to Lucas.
It was a mistake, Smith said. I have to work toward
gaining that respect back from my teammates and from
everyone else it has affected.
Head coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney
know all this, which made last Fridays fight so surprising. Fox named Smith a team captain before last season
and was counting on him for leadership in this crucial
season in the Panthers future. No one saw this coming,
and it has put the team in a delicate spot.
Fox and Hurney were retained this offseason after 88 and 7-9 seasons, and its believed that their futures
are tied to the Panthers success or lack of success on
the field this year. Thats one reason why it was a very
difficult decision to sit their best player for the first two
games including a road game against the Super
Bowl-contending Chargers in Week One with so
much at stake.
What is unclear now is how Smiths and Lucas teammates will react, or whether Smith will be respected as
a teammate and captain. Its also not clear if Smith is
being given a final chance with the Panthers, who have
admitted they have given him stipulations about further
behavior tied in to his place on the team.
I am not going to run and hide. But I am not going
to allow this moment the paragraph or this chapter
to define my book of life in the end, Smith said.
Smith was expected to rejoin the team on the field on
Monday.

has battled depression, but a

source close to the team told PFW
that those prior issues are not
believed to be related to the current situation. If there has been a
bright side to Andrews being missing, it has been that Max JeanGilles, his replacement at right
guard, has played very well in the
early going. Jean-Gilles could end
up battling Todd Herremans at left

ERIC EDHOLM

guard for a starting spot upon

Andrews return, which we hear
might be within a week.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
There are few spots up for grabs
on the Redskins defense, but one
to watch is at defensive tackle,
where Kedric Golston is making a
strong push to rejoin the starting
lineup. After starting as a rookie

Jerod Mayo has looked exceptional in Patriots camp, and he may be

the most athletic inside linebacker
that Bill Belichick has coached in
New England. Just a rookie, he has
kept up with the running backs in
numerous one-on-one drills.
One Dolphins source says that
training camp under Tony Sparano

is far more demanding than it was

under Cam Cameron, but not quite
as grueling as it was when Nick
Saban was orchestrating it. One big
difference between Sparanos camp
and Sabans is the amount of teaching Sparanos crew is doing. Saban
had his players constantly on the
move, but there wasnt much individ-

HARRY SCULL, JR.

W H I S P E R S

Jerod Mayo

ual instruction.
We hear that Vonnie Holliday
has been among the more inspiring
players in Dolphins camp. Holliday
has been a force on the defensive line
but has been earning reps at outside
linebacker, too, where hes flourished.
The Colts LB corps is hurting.

Although Tyjuan Hagler is the only

one who is expected to be out for the
start of the regular season, there are
enough bumps and bruises that
coach Tony Dungy is considering
re-signing Robert Morris whom
they cut after an injury-shortened

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

AUGUST 17, 2008

N F C lN O R T H
Vikings punting game
stands to improve
The Vikings largely were successful on special teams last season, but the punting game is an
area of concern on both sides. P
Chris Kluwe had a high gross
average (44.7 yards) but sometimes outkicked his coverage and
suffered from poor coverage other
times, resulting in the Vikings 23rd
ranking in opponents punt-return
average. But the other side of the
coin stands as a more
interesting training-camp
battle. There are several
candidates for the puntreturn job who stand to
improve the team mark of
8.3 yards per return, which was
nearly a yard below the league
average, especially with Mewelde
Moore having departed to Pittsburgh via free agency. Among
those competing for the job: WR
Bobby Wade, who returned 17
punts for a 6.9-yard average in
2007; WR Bernard Berrian, who
has returned 12 punts in his fouryear career for a 7.2-yard average;
WR Aundrae Allison, who was a
standout on kickoff returns as a
rookie but hasnt returned a punt
since college, where he did it sparingly; CB Charles Gordon, who
has one punt return for one yard in
two pro seasons but was a standout returner in college; and rookie
WR Jaymar Johnson, who had
24 punt returns for 231 yards (9.6
avg.) and one TD last season at
Jackson State.

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Payday: Ryan Grant received a lucrative contract extension in early August

untimely back injury early in the
teams second training-camp practice. Williams was getting closer to
returning to practice at this writing,
but the consensus among team
insiders is that he has already lost
valuable development time at left
tackle, the position he was expected to man as the starter in Week
One. The more practices he misses, the harder it will be for him to
start, a longtime team insider told
PFW. They really need to get him
out there. Williams absence is
increasing the likelihood daily that
versatile John St. Clair will start
the season at left tackle. In the
meantime, the D-line has been
steadily winning the battle in the
trenches since the opening of
camp, which doesnt bode particularly well for an O-line that
regressed significantly last season.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

At least the Packers dont have
to worry about RB Ryan Grant
being an added distraction. Less
than one week after being as
angry as Ive ever seen him,
according to his agent, Alan Herman, Grant became a very happy
camper on Aug. 2, agreeing to a
new, incentive-laden four-year contract that could earn him up to $30
million. After leaving an
extremely bad taste in the
mouths of Grant and Herman with an initial contract
offer that would have
included only a $1.75 million signing bonus, new Packers
contract negotiator Russ Ball
sweetened the pot with a $3 million roster bonus and another
$1.25 million through base salary
($750,000) and another roster
bonus ($500,000) that will enable
Grant to earn $4.25 million in
2008. The consensus among team
insiders is that Grants new deal
results in a win-win situation for
both Grant and the Packers. If
Grant picks up where he left off
last season and rushes for 1,500
yards in 08, his salary will jump to
$4 million in 09. In addition, after
months of haggling over a projected six-year deal, the 25-year-old

Grant settled for a four-year deal

that could lead to another hefty
new contract when this one
expires. As for the Packers, who
have cap money to burn (a reported $30 million prior to the Grant
deal), all of Grants earnings this
year will count against the cap
immediately, and the inclusion of
roster bonuses instead of a signing
bonus frees the team of any future
prorated charges, should Grant get
hurt or fail to produce. With Grants
deal done, the Packers now have
21 of 22 starters under contract
through at least 2009, the lone
exception being starting ORT
Mark Tauscher, who will become
a free agent after the 08 season.

son start with the offensive line.

The Lions have installed a zone
blocking scheme, and the reports
thus far have been positive. The
passing game appears to have
more quick-rhythm throws
and three-step drops, and
the running game is expected to be featured far more
this season. But there are
still some personnel issues
to figure out. George Foster is lining up with the first team at right
tackle so far, but first-round rookie
OT Gosder Cherilus has looked
solid so far. He actually has played
both OT spots in practice, as has
Jonathan Scott. One of the reasons is that the Lions are trying to
develop some depth and versatility
up front. Last season, the team
dressed only seven O-linemen on
game days, which meant that players such as ex-Lion Blaine Saipaia were forced into action at right
tackle, having to play out of position, which became a symbol of
the teams season-long struggles
there.

DETROIT LIONS
Much of the offensive changes
the team has undergone this sea-

N F C lS O U T H
Addition of DT Jackson
could have major
impact on Falcons D

HARRY SCULL, JR.

CHICAGO BEARS
With the Bears managing to
take care of their primary business
on the contract front with new
long-term deals for Brian Urlacher
and Devin Hester, the focus in
Bourbonnais, Ill., has switched to
an offensive line that has looked
rather offensive, to say the least. A
key factor behind the lines
early ineptitude has been
injuries to six-time Pro Bowl
C Olin Kreutz and firstround OT Chris Williams.
Kreutz had been on the
physically-unable-to-perform list
with an Achilles ailment since the
start of camp until July 29, when
he passed a physical and returned
to the practice field. Williams has
been sidelined since suffering an

SPORTPICS

and playing relatively well, Golston

lost his spot to Anthony Montgomery, although the two often
rotated. But now with Montgomery
suffering a broken hand and perhaps facing a recovery time of 2-6
weeks, it seems only likely that
Golston will replace him,
and Golston could end up
staying there. In coordinator
Greg Blaches scheme,
Golstons low base and
sneaky quickness from the
interior could be a nice fit. And
Blache admitted that Golston was
so good in the wild-card playoff
loss to the Seahawks that he likely
would have started the next week
had the Redskins won. Its not as if
Montgomery was having a bad offseason or training camp before the
injury, spies say, but Golston has
been so impressive to date that he
might have earned the starting
spot anyway.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Watch out: Julius Peppers has been a beast in workouts, according to Jordan Gross

Although he was pulled off the

free-agent scrap heap at the last
minute, DT Grady Jackson is a
significant addition to the Falcons
defense, the way we hear it. Prior
to signing Jackson on July 28,
Atlanta was without a true
nose tackle on its defensive
line. Jacksons bulky, 345pound frame will be a
shield for rookie Curtis
Lofton, who is prepared to
take over as the teams starting
middle linebacker. (Jackson) is
going to gobble up at least two
blocks on plays, said head coach
Mike Smith. Its going to allow

other players to be free. When you

design a defense, you try to get an
unblocked defender at the point of
attack, and hell help us in that
way. Sources said Jackson, who
spent the 2006 season and half of
07 with the Falcons before he was
released, also will give Smith
some flexibility with his defensive
format. He now has the option to
go with a 3-4 look, as well, by
placing Jackson at nose, putting
Kindal Moorehead and Jamaal
Anderson at end and dropping the
versatile John Abraham back as
the fourth linebacker.

CAROLINA PANTHERS
Panthers DE Julius Peppers is
lighting it up in the early stages of
training camp, according to
sources in Carolina, and he has
impressed observers and teammates alike as he attempts to
bounce back following a woeful 07
campaign. Word is Peppers has
added even more muscle to his
imposing frame and has been
pushing OLT Jordan Gross
back with his bull rush,
which is something he
struggled to do in the past.
Gross knows Peppers well,
having practiced against
him for the past five-plus years,
and he has been spreading the
word that his teammate is better
than ever before. Sources say its
not uncommon for Peppers to
dominate a practice. It is, however,
rare for Gross to exaggerate.
Gross should be taken at his word,
which has to be encouraging for
the Panthers, who are relying on
Peppers turnaround to spark the
defense and return it to its playoff
form from a few seasons ago.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints finally were able to
put all the pieces of their

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

W H I S P E R S
2007 for depth purposes.
With Peyton Manning on the
mend, sources in Terre Haute, Ind.,
tell us Jim Sorgi has looked sharp.
Among the recently added quarterbacks, Jared Lorenzen looked to be
the best early in camp, but Quinn
Gray has come on strong recently.
CB Ashton Youboty, whose soft
play has been a thorn in the Bills side
since his rookie season of 2006, is no
certainty to make the team.
The Bills sent a message to training-camp holdout Jason Peters
recently when they switched ORT
Langston Walker from the right side
to the left side. The message was that
the team is willing to forge ahead
without Peters if he continues his
holdout, despite how valuable the AllPro left tackle is to the teams outlook.
At this point, it would be shocking if
the Bills caved in and granted Peters
an extension if he continues his holdout, but the team may engage in discussions if and when he reports.
Word out of New York is that rookie Vernon Gholston has been slow
in adjusting to linebacker after playing his college ball at defensive end,
but that his speed off the edge has
been readily apparent. He offers a
defensive element the Jets havent
had in years.
A source close to the Texans has
noted how the teams offensive linemen hang on Alex Gibbs every
word. There is little doubt that the
Texans assistant head coach commands tremendous respect and is
viewed as someone who can help the
team tremendously.
The Texans would like rookie
OLT Duane Brown to drop about 10
pounds to improve his quickness and
conditioning. While he has much to
learn, and while his conditioning
early in camp wasnt exceptional,
were hearing hes going to be tough
to push out of the starting lineup,
given the ability he has flashed early
in camp.
Titans WR Brandon Jones, in a
fight for his job, is off to a good start in
camp, and were hearing he has a
shot to be the No. 3 receiver.
The ankle injury suffered by Bengals DE Antwan Odom early in
camp gave third-year DE Frostee
Rucker a shot at more playing time.
Were hearing Rucker had a good offseason and could develop into a contributor after two disappointing seasons to begin his NFL career.
Browns head coach Romeo
Crennel has erred on the side of
caution when it comes to resting players who are showing signs of starting
to wear down as training camp goes
on.
Dont expect Ravens OLB-DE
Terrell Suggs to report to sign his
one-year tender as the clubs franchise player until after the end of
training camp, the way we hear it. The
hope is Suggs signs in time to get a
little work in the preseason, but its
unclear whether that will happen.
A source close to the Browns
believes seventh-round pick Alex
Hall, an outside linebacker from
Saint Augustines College (N.C.), is
likely to make the roster because of
his upside.
Ravens S Haruki Nakamura, a
sixth-round pick from Cincinnati, has

TIM SADLON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Duane Brown

impressed early in training camp with

his instincts and playmaking ability as
he tries to make the club. When FS
Ed Reed missed the opening of
camp with a shoulder injury, Nakamura, not third-round pick Tom
Zbikowski, got the opportunity to
work with the first-team defense.
The competition for the Steelers
ORT job may already be over, with
Willie Colon appearing to hold a
clear edge over Max Starks, who
we hear has not gotten off to the best
start in camp. Steelers OL coach
Larry Zierlein has said the line,
with the exception of center, where
Justin Hartwig and Sean Mahan
are competing, is pretty well set.
We hear Broncos RB Michael
Pittman is getting double duty in
training camp, taking reps at running
back and fullback. This isnt the first
time coaches have thrust the 11thyear veteran into a dual role. Pittman
worked in at both positions for the
Bucs early last season until B.J.
Askew took over as the full-time fullback. Broncos head coach Mike
Shanahan likes Pittmans versatility,
and hes an underrated receiver out
of the backfield.
The Chiefs might have a surprise
starter at middle linebacker come
Week One. Disenchanted with the
play of Napoleon Harris during
training camp, defensive coordinator
Gunther Cunningham has demoted him in favor of Pat Thomas, a relative unknown whom the team signed
last season.
The prevailing attitude at Chargers camp thus far has been one of
calmness and confidence. When a
5.4-magnitude earthquake struck
Southern California last week, many
players, including LB Shawne Merriman, were unfazed, sleeping right
through the incident.
After watching the first week of
practice, close observers of the
Raiders wondered if the teams offensive game plan for its tight ends
would be affected by the poor play
of the offensive tackles. Sources said
second-year TE Zach Miller has
Pro Bowl potential, but his chances
for a big year are likely limited since
hell often have to be kept in on passing downs to help a weak crop of
offensive tackles block the pass
rushers.
Cowboys SS Roy Williams is
starting to play with his old swagger
and aggressiveness, per secondary
coach Dave Campo. Williams admitted this offseason that he didnt feel

comfortable in the teams defensive

scheme, but he appears to be playing
with more confidence thus far in
camp.
The Cowboys are experimenting
with using both Marion Barber and
Felix Jones in the same backfield
one formation that has Barber as a
fullback and Jones lined up behind
him, and another where Barber is in a
one-back formation and Jones flexes
out. The Cowboys hope to create
matchup problems and confuse
defenses with these formations.
So far, the Redskins are more
than tickled with DE Jason Taylors
play. Despite skipping all of the Dolphins offseason workouts, Taylor
reportedly is in top condition and has
impressed coaches and teammates
alike with his work ethic.
Dan Orlovsky maintains an
edge for the backup QB job in Detroit
over Drew Stanton, but neither guy
has been outstanding thus far. At this
point, the coaches trust Orlovsky not
to make mistakes more than they
trust Stanton.
Most daily Bears observers
believe its only a matter of time
before the team releases sixth-year
CB Ricky Manning Jr. including
Manning himself. Recognizing the
teams preference so far in training
camp to give more practice time to
youngsters Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride and Zackary
Bowman at his expense, Manning
confronted head coach Lovie Smith
and defensive coordinator Bob
Babich about his diminishing status
after a recent practice, were told.
Bears rookie TE Kellen Davis
has continued to make his imposing
(6-7, 262 pounds) presence felt with
his soft hands and downfield receiving skills. But with Greg Olsen and
Desmond Clark ahead of him on
the depth chart, team insiders contend that Davis will have to earn his
keep this season primarily with his
blocking, which, unlike the player he
has replaced on the depth chart (the
departed John Gilmore), is far from
his specialty.
According to our Packers
sources, the key to second-year pro
Aaron Rouse having a shot at taking
over as the starting free safety over
incumbent Nick Collins will be his
ability to make more tackles in space.
Rouse already rates an edge over
Collins as a playmaker after a very
active rookie season.
At the beginning of the Packers
camp on the special-teams front, we
hear backup CBs Tramon Williams
and Will Blackmon were considered neck and neck as the teams primary kick returners, while rookie free
agent J.J. Jansen had an edge at
long-snapper over street free agent
Thomas Gafford. Gafford had previously opened eyes during a monthlong tryout at the Packers 2006 training camp, but was released on Aug. 3.
Even though the amount he owes
the Rams in fines had surpassed the
$100,000 mark heading into the
weekend, our sources in St. Louis still
believe the team isnt panicking yet
over the contract holdout of featured
RB Steven Jackson. At this writing,
the hang-up in negotiations for a new
long-term contract that reportedly
would put Jackson among the top five
NFL running backs in the payroll
department is the amount of guaran-

teed money the team is willing to pay.

Team insiders say Jackson is looking
for at least $20 million in guaranteed
money, while the Rams have their
sights set a bit lower.
Benefiting from an increased
number of reps because Rams veteran CB Fakhir Brown is riding the
pine with a slightly torn rotator cuff,
fourth-round rookie CB Justin King
has a good shot at leaping over second-year CB Jonathan Wade on the
depth chart. Team insiders tell us
King has impressed coaches with his
speed and aggressiveness.
Unlike last season, word is the
Cardinals figure to keep three quarterbacks this season for more reasons than the durability issues that
both Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner possess. We hear the team has
been genuinely impressed with current No. 3 QB Brian St. Pierre, a
free agent from the Steelers who has
displayed a strong arm so far in
camp and is familiar with head coach
Ken Whisenhunts offensive system.
The word out of Seattle is that
free-agent addition T.J. Duckett
could end up on the bubble, as even
head coach Mike Holmgren has
admitted that hes not sure just how to
use the burly running back. If the
Seahawks decide to keep five backs,
team insiders believe Duckett will
probably be safe. However, if they opt
to keep only four backs, either Duckett or fifth-round rookie FB Owen
Schmitt could be in trouble.
Dont look now, but Seahawks WR
Deion Branch just might be bouncing back much quicker than expected from the serious knee injury he
suffered in the playoff loss to the
Packers. Team insiders believe head
coach Mike Holmgren has been
overly optimistic with his consistent
contention that Branch will be ready
for the regular-season opener. Yet,
they do admit Branch was looking
very good running sprints and performing in agility drills one week into
training camp.
Our Niners insiders tell us TE
Billy Bajema, normally known for
his blocking, has been a big surprise
in training camp so far as a receiver,
Although the rumors that Niners
veteran OLG Larry Allen might
return for yet another season havent
faded away completely, we hear the
longer he stays away, the more likely
he doesnt figure in the teams plans.
We also hear that another veteran,
free-agent LB Takeo Spikes,
remains on the teams radar, but from
a very long distance.
Falcons quarterbacks may be
looking away from the TE tandem of
Ben Hartsock and Martrez Milner on passing downs this season.
Observers of the teams training
camp said the pair might be the worst
group of tight ends in the league.
They dont have good hands and
have dropped passes frequently,
although we hear they have shown
some ability as blockers.
Sources in Carolina have been
impressed with the performance of
Panthers rookie OT Geoff Schwartz
and say he has the look of a seventhround steal. Schwartz, an Oregon
product, has been working at right
tackle with the third-term offense but
has stood out in one-on-one passblocking drills.

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
revamped defensive line in place
when rookie DT Sedrick Ellis
ended his brief holdout and agreed
to a five-year contract July 29. With
the addition of Ellis and free-agent
signee DE Bobby McCray, the
Saints will have a more athletic, versatile front four. We
hear New Orleans is likely
to experiment with a nickel
line of Will Smith and
McCray at defensive end
and Ellis and Charles Grant, who
normally plays end, at defensive
tackle. Unlike past years, when the
Saints didnt have much of a pass
rush up the middle on 3rd-andlong, with Ellis and Grant inside,
they should be able to get much
more of a push and open things
up for Smith, a Pro Bowler in 06,
and McCray, who impressed
observers with his quickness in
minicamp. The squad has a great
deal of depth at defensive tackle
with Hollis Thomas and Brian
Young, both of whom were regular
starters in the past, rotating on first
and second downs and Kendrick
Clancy and Antwan Lake serving
as full-time backups.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

There is a high level of competition for reps among the Bucs
receiving corps, with spots on the
depth chart up for grabs behind
Joey Galloway, but Michael Clayton may have an early edge on
reclaiming a large role in the
offense. What Ive seen is
five or six consecutive days
where (Clayton has) put his
fist down and said, Im a
go-to receiver, head coach
Jon Gruden recently said.
If he continues to do that, hes
going to be a big part of this
offense again. Hes focused,
hes all business and hes running
all kinds of routes. Hes running
inside routes, outside routes, and
hes showing very good stamina.
And we know he can run with the
ball after the catch. So we like
what hes doing, but weve got a
long way to go. Clayton has fallen
off track after his historic rookie
year of 2004 in Tampa. Hes
caught just one touchdown in the
last three seasons after having
recorded seven as a rookie, but he
may be on the verge of regaining
Grudens confidence.

N F C lW E S T
Cardinals WR Boldin
still unhappy with
contract situation
Our sources in the desert tell us
the Cardinals dont believe the
hamstring injury that has hindered
star WR Anquan Boldin early in
training camp is anything to worry
about, although he did have an
MRI on Friday as a precaution. Boldins continued dissatisfaction over his contract, however, could be a
different story altogether.
Its a pretty big deal, one
longtime team insider said of the
angry demand that Boldin recently
issued to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to put a halt to contract talks

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Great expectations
THE TEXANS ARE
BANKING ON A
PAIR OF PROMISING
D-LINEMEN IN THEIR
QUEST TO END
THE FRANCHISES
PLAYOFF DROUGHT
MANFULL

HOUSTON It was only the second day of training camp and most of
the players had retreated to the air
conditioning in Reliant Stadium. But
there was DRT Amobi Okoye, rookie
DT Frank Okam and two other linemen
working overtime with DL coach Jethro
Franklin.
They spent 20 extra minutes wearing their
helmets and shells in the 98-degree Texas
heat.
Afterward, Okoye walked to a group of
waiting reporters dripping with sweat and
smiling. He was so tired he didnt even
remove his helmet. He just tilted it away
from the front of his face and started talking.
He discussed his fellow defensive linemen
and the work they have ahead of them. He
also acknowledged what others have already
said: the Texans first potential playoff berth
may depend on how well the defensive line
performs.
We want that pressure on us, said
Okoye, who turned 21 in June. Because we
feel we can anchor the team. We should be
that anchor and I think its expected of us to
be that anchor.
We know what it takes. And I think a lot
is going to get done by us this season.
The Texans are counting on just that. They
plan to start three first-round picks for the
second year in a row DRE Mario
Williams (No. 1, 2006), Okoye (10th, 2007)
and DLT Travis Johnson (16th, 2005). Veteran Anthony Weaver will start on the left side
opposite of Williams.
They have a returning situational pass rusher in N.D. Kalu, and they also signed free
agent Rosevelt Colvin to play a similar role.
But no matter who else becomes part of
the eight-man rotation typically used on the
defensive line, the spotlight will focus on
Williams and Okoye.
Williams is coming off a season in which
he finished tied for third in the NFL with 14
sacks. Okoye finished last season with 512
sacks and showed flashes of developing into
a formidable young tackle in the league.
Well, Amobis taking a big step forward
as a second-year pro, and then the big guy
(Williams) has been exceptional, coach
Gary Kubiak said. But thats what they have
to do. Thats what theyre here to do. Theyre
going to play together for a long, long time,
so the better they make our football team, the
better their careers are going to be.
The Texans hope Okoye can have a similar breakout sophomore campaign as
Williams, who had just 412 sacks his rookie
year. Williams finished 2007 in a flourish

GREG TROTT / GETTY IMAGES

By MEGAN

with 10 sacks over the final seven games.

He still wasnt satisfied with his numbers
though.
The only thing I think about in the past is
that it wasnt good enough no matter what
I did, Williams said. So I dont dwell on it.
But I know whatever I did wasnt good
enough, so I just try to go out and be better
than what I thought I was before.
Williams is determined to improve this
year. He is soaking up any advice the coaches give him. He has become quicker and
more disruptive in practice. Hes also using
his hands more effectively than he has in the
past. His knowledge of the defense is good
in that its allowing him to play more instinctively.
Were expecting a lot, but I think the
most important thing is Marios expecting a
great deal out of himself, Kubiak said.
(Hes) as good a worker as Ive ever been
around in football and taking his game to a
new level every day.
Okoye said with the scrutiny decreasing
around Williams, the former No. 1 pick has
become more relaxed on the field. Hes also
carrying with him an aura of confidence that
started building last season.
The better you feel, the better you perform, defensive coordinator Richard Smith
said. You are who you think you are and I
think hes going to have a much better year
than a year ago.
Theres a similar expectation surrounding

yet. Anthony Maddox, Tim

Okoye. He started training
Imposing: Mario Williams
Bulman, Jeff Zgonina and
camp a little slow but shed
(left) and Amobi Okoye are
Kalu should all play supportmost of his bad habits before
two of three first-rounders
ing roles.
the first week even ended.
starting on the Texans D-line
With the right combinaHes more of a pro, Kubition, the Texans realize they
ak said. I think our biggest
will no longer have to defend drafting
battles with Amobi last year were consistenWilliams over Reggie Bush and Vince
cy and effort and those types of things for
Young. Instead, he may start getting some of
young guys that were asking a lot of.
the honors he began earning last year.
Thats not an issue right now. Hes a
Im excited because people havent given
worker. We need him to take that huge jump
him the recognition that hes due, Texans
everybody talks about from Year One to Year
owner Bob McNair said. And hes been terTwo.
rific from Day One. All of a sudden people
With help from Williams and Okoye, the
think hes become this terrific player. Well,
Texans could capture their first winning seahes been a terrific player, but one person
son in franchise history. A year ago, they fincant do it by (himself). Now he has more
ished 8-8. This year, they hope to be a playtools, teammates who can help more, and so
off contender in December, yet they underyou get a chance to see his talent and its
stand the difficulty facing them in the AFC
more obvious to everyone.
South.
I think he has separated himself. If you
Thats why the Texans bolstered the supgo back and look at the films last year,
porting cast surrounding Williams and
theres only two or three people who could
Okoye. They signed Colvin and drafted
possibly play at the level he plays.
Okam, a 336-pounder capable of being the
Now, the Texans just need the entire line
big-body run stopper the Texans have lacked
to follow Williams lead.
in the past. Its only a bonus that the big
We can be as good as we want to be,
tackle is nimble and specialized in college at
Williams said. Its on our shoulders. Nothrushing the passer.
ing is holding us back. Theres no spell or
Weaver returns healthier than a year ago
jinx thats on us. Its up to us. Its just us
when he missed training camp because of
coming out here getting better.
offseason shoulder and knee surgery. He will
remain a starter who primarily plays in runMegan Manfull covers the Texans for The
ning situations. Johnson is starting a contract
Houston Chronicle.
season and could put together his best year

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

Humble beginnings
The 1996 and 97 Ravens teams
featured one of the
most promising and successful
football staffs in recent NFL history,

JIM

JACOB

Schwartz

MIKE

TED

JERRY

Burney

Sheppard

but this talented group learned

a lot about adversity in the
early days of Baltimore
By ERIC EDHOLM

Simmons

DON

Strock

MARVIN

KIRK

Ferentz

Lewis

ALVIN

AL

Lavan

Marchibroda

KEN

SCOTT

PAT

Hill

erhaps they should have

stayed in the elevator.
It was a brisk, windy
Sunday in Baltimore
Nov. 3, 1996 and the
coaching staffs of the
Bengals and the Ravens,
who were in their inaugural season after making the difficult move
from Cleveland, were
riding up the elevator from the locker room
after meeting with their respective teams at
halftime of their Week 10 game.
This actually had been a good day so far for
the tumultuous Ravens. They led 21-3 over
their division rivals and despite all the Ravens
had gone through that first season to that
point, a win would have made them 4-5 and
put them within a game of the second-place
Houston Oilers in the former AFC Central.
And thats when the old Memorial Stadium elevator just stopped. In between floors.
Several levels below the coaching box. As
the game was starting up again.
The elevator operator explained that no
one would be moving any time soon. The
fire department had to send a truck to get
them free. Shoved into a corner was a 25-

year-old quality-control coach named Eric

Mangini, in his first real year of NFL coaching.
The third quarter was going on and there
was nobody up in the booth, Mangini
recalled. We had to climb out of the top of
the elevator two whole staffs climbing out
of a tiny space. We were packed in there like
sardines.
Also in that elevator for the Ravens was
first-year defensive coordinator Marvin
Lewis, who was having a hard enough time
shaping a young, undisciplined and battered
defense that had allowed point totals of 46,
26, 45 and 31 the previous four games.
As guys were trying to get out, the (TV
broadcasters) were drawing stick figures of
the coaches on the Telestrator, said Lewis,
laughing now but not at the time.
Down on the sideline there was, as was
par for the course, chaos. Sixty-five-year-old
head coach Ted Marchibroda was flummoxed, looking up into the booth and seeing
nothing. Scott Pioli, the pro personnel coordinator, had sideline duty for games and
wore Marchibrodas headset to let him know
what plays were called. All Pioli heard over
the airwaves was silence. Little did they
know that the coaches were madly shimmy-

RICHARD

Mann

ing through a tiny crawl space to get out and

rejoin the action.
That was insane, Pioli said. Ted couldnt understand where the heck the coaches
were. Not funny at the time,
but funny in retrospect.
The first man out was Jim
Schwartz, the Ravens quality-control coach on defense.
I remember someone pried
open the doors, and there was
maybe a two-foot space at the Scott Pioli
top. All you could see were
peoples ankles, Schwartz said. Someone
reached a hand down, and I pulled myself
through and ran through the crowd as fast as
I could. I had to hump it through the fans,
and when I got up to the top, my heart was
racing. I was trying to get information to the
coaches, but I was too busy hyperventilating.
I was so out of breath I couldnt talk.
The rest of the coaches finally found their
way back to their booths after at least half an
hour, but thats when things turned for the
worse for the Ravens. The Bengals scored
four times in the second half and blanked the
Ravens the rest of the way in what would be
a 24-21 Cincinnati win. It began a streak of
seven Ravens losses in the final eight games,

JOHN

Baughan

OBrien

(FROM THE 97 STAFF)

Whisenhunt

MAXIE

Reynolds

Settle

ERIC

Mangini

All-star staff: The

inaugural Ravens
team didnt win a lot
of games, but most of
the coaches and
scouts went on to big
things down the road

leading to a 4-12 record for the first season

of NFL football in Baltimore in 13 years.
Once the coaches got into the box to help
our team, we lost the lead and the game, TEOL coach Pat Hill said. I dont know whats
to be said for that. They should have left us in
the elevator.

Times were tough those first few seasons in

Baltimore, but in retrospect it was somewhat
surprising that the team, which won only 10
combined games in the 96 and 97 seasons,
wasnt better. It featured one of the most
impressive collections of talent in both the
coaching staff and the scouting department,
rivaling some of the great groups assembled
by Mike Holmgren in Green Bay and Tony
Dungy in Tampa Bay in the same era.
The bulk of the Ravens coaching staff
remained on board after the team left the
Cleveland Browns behind in 95, even after
head coach Bill Belichick the man who
hired and trained many of them was fired.
Marchibroda, the new coach, had kept most
of Belichicks assistants, including assistant
head coach Kirk Ferentz, special-teams
coach Scott OBrien, WR coach Mike Shep-

AUGUST 17, 2008

pard, DL coach Jacob Burney, strength-conditioning coach Jerry Simmons, Hill,

Schwartz and Mangini, for whom Belichick
found coaching work after interning as a P.R.
assistant his first year in Cleveland.
We had liked Eric Mangini so much, VP
of public relations Kevin Byrne said. When
we asked him about being a P.R. intern, his
answer was so honest. He said, Im not sure
what it all entails, but I can guarantee you
that Ill work all the hours to get it done.
Marchibroda was hired by Ravens owner
Art Modell to steward the team following the
ugly move from Cleveland, where fans
burned Modells likeness in effigy and swore
death oaths upon his name for what they felt
was the theft of their soul in relocating the
Browns organization.
The tough part was we had all been let go
(when Belichick was fired), but we were still
under contract, Hill explained. So we had
to wait and see if the new coach would rehire
us, but luckily Ted kept most of us on.
Marchibroda was returning to the city
where he coached with the Colts in the late
1970s, prior to their move to Indianapolis in
1983. He returned as the Colts coach in Indy
but was let go after the 95 season despite
getting that plucky team within a few inches
of the Super Bowl after improbable road
wins over the Chargers and Chiefs. The Marshall Faulk-less Colts came up just short
against the Steelers in the AFC championship, stopped short of the goal line on the
games final play.
Marchibroda needed a coordinator to run
the Ravens defense and called on Lewis,
who had coached the Steelers linebackers in
that AFC title game. Theres no question it
was overwhelming that first season, Lewis
said, but I could tell right away that the
guys who remained on the staff from Cleveland were very well-trained. I knew they
were going to make my job easier.
For leadership, Marchibroda brought in
old friend Maxie Baughan, who had run
Marchibrodas Colts defenses in Baltimore
for five years, to coach the linebackers. One
great irony is that Belichick who began
his career as a special assistant in Baltimore
credits Marchibroda and Baughan as two
of his biggest early coaching influences.
To finish off the staff, Marchibroda hired
Al Lavan, who had experienced success
coaching with the Cowboys, 49ers and Redskins, to be the RB coach; Alvin Reynolds, a
rising talent, to lead the DBs; and when
Marchibroda couldnt hire the receivers
coach he wanted, James Lofton, he gave that
job to Sheppard and made Don Strock, who
was new to coaching but had a history as a
player with the Browns, the QB coach.
The head coach was quiet but firm, yet
well-liked among his new assistants. The running joke through the early part of the season
was that they never knew where he was.
Wed say, Wheres Ted? We found out
hed be in his office, buried under stacks of
tape, in there for hours at a time, just watching film of the opponents. I guess he knew
how much work there was to do that year.

Part of the rebirth of the franchise also

included turning the keys of the front office
over to Ozzie Newsome. Although he had
served on the Browns coaching staff and in
the front office for a few
years prior in Cleveland,
where he was a legend as a
player, Newsome admitted
that running the show for the
first time was a bit unnerving.
At first, we had no uniforms, we had no name, we
Ozzie Newsome
had nothing, Newsome said.
But it was like Jerry Simmons said, Its
like climbing a mountain. You dont ever
look up, you just put one foot in front of the

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

other. And thats what we did.

Ozzie, as much as anyone, held that thing
together, and to do it in his first year of running things was amazing, Lavan said. And
typical Ozzie he wanted to stay incognito
and take none of the credit.
Newsome had a solid foundation to work
with. Director of college scouting Phil Savage had spent time with the Browns coaching staff and moved to personnel full time
two years prior. Pioli was in his first year as
the pro personnel director, handling contracts and salary-cap concerns for the first
time also, but he was handpicked by
Belichick and had a trusted eye for talent.
Add in young scouts George Kokinis,
Terry McDonough, Vince Newsome and
Lionel Vital, and most of the
personnel department had
worked together since 93,
and all but a few had been
there back to when Belichick
arrived in 91.
Belichick and Mike Lombardi put the scouting staff
together, and they trained George Kokinis
most of the guys along with Dom Anile.
Lombardi and Anile often are forgotten parts
of the equation, but to a man, the Ravens
scouts have credited the pair with helping
them to learn how to become quality evaluators. The teachers might not have made it to
Baltimore, but their lessons did.
Ozzie did a tremendous job of delegating
and letting people do their jobs, Pioli said. I
think Ozzie is a tremendous manager of people. It was also (Phil Savages) first year as
college director and my first year as a pro
personnel director, and yet he let us do what
we had to do and never stepped over anyone.
Having all these experienced people
made it far easier on me, Newsome said.
Nothing was easy then, but those guys
saved me.
Despite the interesting mix of young and
old, new and experienced, the staff was seen
as a question mark to some. In the late Joel
Buchsbaums assessment of the Ravens
before their first season, he wrote: Marchibroda needs the same sort of situation he
had in Indianapolis, where he had excellent
coordinators and a strong general manager,
and it remains to be seen if he will have any
people like that in Baltimore.
One of the final men added to the staff was
Eric DeCosta, who was hired by Pioli following the 96 draft in June to be his assistant in pro personnel. DeCosta, who had
done a training-camp internship the previous
year with the Redskins, was only a few years
removed from graduating from Colby College, where he had played against Mangini,
and hadnt coached higher than the Division
III level at Trinity College, where Mangini
was supposed to coach before getting the job
in Cleveland.
DeCosta always was attracted to the profile and the pressure of the NFL, especially
the personnel side of things, but he found life
in the league to be a little less glitzy than he
thought at first.
It was really helter-skelter, DeCosta
said. There were boxes everywhere. Guys
were just getting settled into their offices.
Our stationery didnt even have a logo on it.
It honestly didnt have the feel of an NFL
team.

The winter and spring were a whirlwind

with the move, and the process was far from
finished as the team started making its offseason preparations. Despite knowing about
the move since November 1995, the team
wasnt allowed by the courts to move until
Feb. 9, right on the verge of free agency. The
team was in salary-cap purgatory and was
forced to cut high-priced WR Andre Rison
(Continued on Page 10)

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Ravens staff
(Continued from Page 9)
and watch 13 other free agents walk to create space.
There also was the matter of the difficult
move. Only one displaced team the 1982
Raiders, who moved to Los Angeles from
Oakland that year had finished above
.500 in their first season in a new city.
I thought the release of Bernie Kosar in
Cleveland was a dramatic event, Ferentz
said. But it was even bigger when the move
was announced that was even more dramatic, Ferentz said.
The emphasis was placed on getting
younger through the draft, and Modell wanted the teams first pick, No. 4 overall, to be a
marquee college player who could help sell
the new team. The Ravens had two first-round
draft picks, the extra one due to a smart trade
made by Belichick the year before.
The owner wanted the first pick to be a
big P.R. splash, Pioli said. I know that
(Modell) was really pushing for (Nebraska
RB) Lawrence Phillips. But Ozzie knew that
Phillips wasnt the right player.
This is where I give Ozzie a ton of credit
he didnt cave in to pressure from above.
He knew it wasnt the right decision. He
trusted his own eyes, plus all of us (scouts).
The team looked at UCLA OT Jonathan
Ogden, despite the O-line actually being a
team strength. The staff loved him, up and
down. Sure, OLT Tony Jones was one of the
better Ravens veterans, but he was entering
his ninth season and was on the back end of
his career. When Ogden was there at No. 4,
the Ravens couldnt pass him up.
It was a tremendous first move by
Ozzie, Pioli said.
Hill eventually worked closely with
Ogden and the other O-linemen on an everyday basis with Ferentz, and he saw early just
how good Ogden was and would be.
He was a rare guy, Hill said. With that
ability, that arm length and agility, he was a
prototype left tackle way ahead of his
time in terms of what people
look for there. He played left
guard that first season, but
you could see he would be
one for the ages.
The next pick in Round
One worked out pretty well,
too. Ray Lewis fell to No. 26
Phil Savage
because of questions about
his size, but Newsome, Savage and the rest
of the scouts knew not to underestimate the
size of his heart.
It was clear pretty quickly he would be an
outstanding player, Marvin Lewis said,
and we know now that hell one day be in
the Hall of Fame.

The coaches and scouts barely had settled

in Baltimore when the season began. Many of
their families were still in Cleveland, planning
to make their way east after the season, so a
few of the coaches got apartments together:
Ferentz and Sheppard lived together, as did
Mangini and Hill. The staff barely had time to
figure out their surroundings, so they did what
coaches do best: coach and sleep.
All of us were living in apartments near
the facility, and our families finished the year
out (in Cleveland), said Sheppard. Kirk and
I werent (at the apartment) very much, and
you could tell it looked like a couple of
bachelors living out of suitcases. I dont know
if we ever unpacked for four or five months.
We were like rats. We just made a little
tunnel from that apartment to work and back,
and that was about it.
The scouts found time to form a small
lunchtime jogging contingent, which most
often consisted of Newsome, Savage and

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

DeCosta, joined often by Ferentz, plus a

one-time appearance from Pioli. I attempted as a guest one time but thought better of
it very early on, Pioli said.
It was on those runs that DeCosta soaked
up more than heavy sweat. He would listen
to the other three men just talk about football
as they ran, picking up knowledge every day
they ran.
I would just kind of sit back and listen,
DeCosta said. A lot of my core football
beliefs evolve from those times that we spent
together jogging.
Ferentz especially took DeCosta and
Mangini under his wing that season, often
spending extra time talking football with
them or telling old stories about Cleveland or
one of his other
coaching stops. He
Learning on the job:
and I shared a lot of
Marvin Lewis faced lots
of adversity in 96
the same kinds of
and came out stronger
interests, and I think
Kirk liked to talk to
the younger guys. I learned a lot from him,
DeCosta said.
For Mangini, who was allocated to help
Ferentz on Sundays, the veteran offensive
coach represented not only a great football
mind but also a teacher and friend.
Kirk is just one of the best human beings
I have ever met in my entire life, Mangini
said. He was so patient with me. I asked a
lot of questions, and he was one of those
guys who would sit down and teach you the
game. It helped me a lot.
Ferentz had been a head coach in college
and would eventually get a head job again, so
he knew good, young talent when he saw it.
You never think about where guys will be
in 10 years or so, but when you looked at
guys like Eric (DeCosta), Jim Schwartz and
Mangini, the young guys on that staff, after
spending time around all of
them, it was clear these guys
were very, very bright, Ferentz said.
Whether the team was
ready or not for the challenge
that lay ahead, the season
actually got off to a rousing Eric DeCosta
start. After introducing more
than 30 former Baltimore Colts players
before the first home game, the Ravens
flipped a 14-7 halftime deficit on its ear and
rallied to beat the Raiders 19-14, thanks to
some late-game heroics by QB Vinny Testaverde that briefly, anyway evoked
memories of John Unitas, who was on hand
as the final ex-player introduced.
But from there, the team struggled to gain
an identity. Other than an upset win over
first-place Pittsburgh late in the season, the
Ravens found little to cheer about. The
offense had its moments, ranking third in the
NFL in yards and sixth in points scored, but
much of that was in the fourth quarter, after
the defense had allowed too big a margin to
overcome. The Ravens were 0-8 on the road.
It was a trial by fire for Marvin Lewis,
who dealt with many injuries and a secondary that struggled. He was forced to
switch from a 4-3 defense at midseason to a
3-4, and then back to a four-man line the
final two games.
What I was most impressed with was that
the guys came and worked hard every day.
You never know when youre overmatched
until you start losing, Lewis said with a
chuckle. By the ends of games, we were
playing on our knees. The players busted
their humps but just couldnt get it done.

As with most things, especially in the

volatile NFL, the band began to break up.
Mangini left after the 96 season, as did
Pioli, both lured by Belichick to join Bill
Parcells staff in New York with the Jets.
Sheppard took a job with the Chargers to be

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

PETER MUHLY/AFP / GETTY IMAGES

10

their offensive coordinator. Hill got the Fresno State job, bringing Settle with him.
Baughan retired in 98 after Marchibroda
was fired with a 16-31-1 record in three seasons in Baltimore. Burney joined George
Seiferts staff in Carolina. Strock became the
Florida International football operations
director in 99 and was named head coach a
year later.
Lewis was the last coach of that group to
leave. New head coach Brian Billick
retained only Lewis from the previous
regime, and Lewis helped make the Ravens
defense into one of the NFLs best all-time
groups. In 2001, the Ravens won their first
and only Super Bowl title. The few men who
stuck around were there to see the fruits of
their labor blossom.
Quite honestly, when (Billick) came in,
he hired a great staff, too, guys like Jack Del
Rio and Mike Nolan. And with Marvin there,
that was a heck of a group of guys, DeCosta said.
The 96-97 Ravens wont go down as one
of the best staffs of all time because those
teams didnt perform on the field, even if the
work they did those seasons helped lay the
foundation for a Super Bowl-winning franchise. Yet, its impossible to ignore the extraordinary collection of talent and the accomplishments the coaches and scouts have
made since leaving that team.
If you look at the individual talents on
that staff, Lavan said, had we all been
together for four or five years, then you
could see what might have been.
Today, Lewis is the Bengals head coach.
Mangini is the Jets head coach. Ken
Whisenhunt, who took Hills place when he
left for Fresno State, is now the Cardinals
head coach. Schwartz, the Titans respected
defensive coordinator, has interviewed multiple times for head-coaching positions, and
the consensus is that hell get one soon.
When we hired Whisenhunt, it happened
pretty quickly, Ferentz said. And Ted in
his wisdom, one of his Ted-isms said,
Coaches are like players: Its not important
to get the best one, but you want to make
sure you dont get a bad one. I think he
turned out to be a pretty good one.
Ferentz has been a successful coach at
Iowa, along with Hill at Fresno State and
Lavan, who is now the head coach at

Delaware State. Richard Mann, who

replaced Sheppard, is continuing to coach
receivers for the Bucs. Sheppard, the Bengals WR coach, and Lewis are on their
fourth different staff together. Reynolds is
noted as a strong DB coach in Atlanta, and
Burney and OBrien are assistants on Mike
Shannahans staff in Denver.
I think of the guys on that staff that didnt become a head coach, one who probably
deserved to was Scott OBrien. He was thorough, hardworking, committed, Sheppard
said. Theres a great example of a guy who
could be a great head coach in the league.
The core of the scouting staff remained
mostly intact. Newsome, Savage, Kokinis,
McDonough and DeCosta stuck around to
see a Super Bowl. James Shack Harris
slipped right in for Pioli in 97, and his
office quickly became known as The Barber
Shop. Wed all hang out in there, all the
scouting guys, and just talk football,
DeCosta said.
Ozzie Newsome remains in Baltimore,
along with Kokinis, DeCosta and Vince
Newsome (no relation), and they are among
the more respected talent evaluators around. Savage took the
Browns GM position and has
helped turn that team into a
playoff contender. Harris and
McDonough lead a talented
Jaguars front office and potentially have that team poised to Terry
McDonough
make a run at a Super Bowl.
Vital left the Ravens to help the Falcons
rebuilding effort as their assistant director of
player personnel.
We learned to respect each other and that
everyones opinions count, even when we
disagreed or things werent working out,
Ozzie Newsome said. And that was the
foundation of things to come.
Added Lewis, Sometimes you do your
best coaching when you dont win many
games. Every day we tried to find ways that
first season to be a little better than we were
the day before. These were all hardworking
people, and we had a lot of fun together even
if we didnt know it. We were up to our butts
in alligators every day.
Between the alligators and the elevators,
things worked out pretty well in the end for
this group.

FANTASYFOOTBALL

SECOND OF THREE PRESEASON FANTASY FOOTBALL SECTIONS

SPECIAL
MATT QUINNAN (FORT) / TOM BERG (WILLIS)

MATT FORT

IDP RANKINGS

COVER STORY:

SLEEPERS
AND BUSTS
Who will overachieve in 08, and
which players will underachieve?
INSIDE:
PATRICK WILLIS
We break down the prospects
of the top individual defensive players

PLUS:

PFW

DRAFT BOARD
SEE PAGE 16

DRAFT BOARD
Our player rankings will give you an edge
THE BUZZ
The hottest news and rumors related to fantasy football
MOCK DRAFT
How many RBs came off the board in Round One?
FANTASY DOCTOR Q&A
PFWs resident fantasy expert answers your questions
BURNING QUESTIONS
Our writers sound off on this summers key topics
ASK THE EXPERTS
Which fantasy star will leave his owners dissatisfied?

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

12

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

The Buzz

THE

FANTASY

BUZZ
BUZZ

PFW TAKES A LOOK AT FANTASY NEWS AND NOTES

FROM AROUND THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
By DAN ARKUSH

MATT SOHN

ERIC EDHOLM
MIKE WILKENING
DAN PARR
MICHAEL BLUNDA

consideration on draft day. But the

reason is less about his prognosis
coming back from a torn ACL and
more a function of how well
Miamis backup running backs are
faring. Ricky Williams continues to
play well, but the real stars of training camp have been rookie Jalen
Parmele and veteran Patrick
Cobbs. Parmeles been especially
inspiring, showing a quick burst
and good fluidity through his cuts.
The Patriots feel secure with
Laurence Maroney as their No. 1
tailback, but theres so much
uncertainty regarding who their No.
2 guy is that neither LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk nor Sammy
Morris garners fantasy consideration on draft day. Any one of the
trio has just as likely a shot of garnering second-team duties as he
does of being planted on the pine.
Jets rookie TE Dustin Keller
has been a quick study in Brian
Schottenheimers offense and
should play an early role. Hes
been lining up all over the field to
create favorable matchups, and he
looks to have an edge over PUPlister Chris Baker in terms of fantasy value.

raft day in your fantasy

league is fast approaching. Training camps are
in full bloom, and preseason games will be
here soon. The PFW staff has
been hard at work collecting
the hottest fantasy-related
rumors and rumblings from
around the league with a
little help from our friend
Buzz, the fantasy bee.

A F C l

E A S T

Bills rookie WR James Hardy

has had a strong start to his first
training camp. His hands have
been particularly impressive, as
hes caught most everything that
has been flung his way, whether
hes been isolated on the outside
or in traffic in the middle. Overall,
Buffalos offense has picked up
considerably in training camp after
struggling through much of OTAs
and minicamp. Its looking more
and more like Dolphins RB Ronnie
Brown doesnt merit early-round

HARRY SCULL, JR.

A F C l

Instant impact: James Hardy

should be a major factor for the Bills

N O R T H

The way we hear it, Ravens RB

Willis McGahee never known
as being a great practice player
has lived up to that reputation early
in camp. McGahee skipped the
clubs voluntary offseason workouts, something that didnt sit that
well with the club, were told. Considering these developments and
his injury history, those who draft
McGahee must strongly consider
taking his backup, rookie Ray
Rice, in the later rounds just in
case. Rarely are No. 3 receivers
coveted in most fantasy leagues,
but Bengals WR Chris Henry was
an exception. However, hes no
longer with the club, and the word
from Cincinnati is that the team
may employ a committee approach
at the position to replace his production. Marcus Maxwell may get
the most work at the No. 3 spot,
but hes not the playmaker Henry

was, and hes going to get fewer

snaps. In other words, the Bengals
dont appear to have a draftable
receiver other than T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson.
Another team with No. 3 WR
issues early in camp is the Browns.
Kevin Kasper has been limited by
a hamstring injury, and we hear
that no one has stepped up in the
interim. Were also hearing Joshua
Cribbs probably wont win the job,
a nod to his importance on special
teams. Owners in leagues that
draft defense/special-teams units
have to know how dangerous
Cribbs is on kickoffs and punts.
Steelers WR Santonio Holmes,
whos likely to be drafted before
teammate Hines Ward in most formats, is probably not going to be
returning punts this season. That
hurts the value of Pittsburghs special teams but can only help
Holmes value as a receiver, as it
reduces the risk of injury.

A F C l

S O U T H

In a recent interview with PFW,

WR Kevin Walter noted that WR
Andre Johnson (knee) and QB
Matt Schaub (shoulder) showed

Wow factor: Darren McFadden will

keep fans and fantasy owners on edge

no ill effects from offseason surgeries on their injuries. Knowing

what injury information is new
and what is old and not to be heavily factored into your decision making is a key to draft-day success. Texans RB Chris Brown
has missed some practice time
with a back ailment. Were he to
miss a significant stretch, he could
be in danger of falling far behind in
the competition for carries in the
Houston backfield. Titans PK
Rob Bironas has been bothered
by a left groin strain early in camp.
The injury is not regarded as serious. All indications from Titans
camp are that rookie RB Chris
Johnson will have an important
role in the offense in Year One,
something to keep in mind when
slotting him and starter LenDale
White on your draft board.
David Garrards stock has undeniably taken a hit following injuries to
his top two targets, WRs Jerry
Porter and Reggie Williams.
Porter will miss all of training camp

after undergoing surgery on his

hamstring, and Williams should
also be out for an extended period
of time after suffering a knee ailment early in camp. Both should be
back for the start of the regular
season, but their absence could
hamper the timing they have with
their quarterback. The days of
Marvin Harrison being a No. 1
fantasy receiver may be over.
Although hes back practicing at
Colts camp following a knee ailment that sidelined him for most of
2007, hes not participating full
speed in all drills, which means
theres still some concern about his
health. Considering hell be 36 by
the start of the regular season, it
may prove difficult for him to
reclaim his former glory.

A F C l

W E S T

Raiders RB Darren McFadden

is stunning the observers at Oaklands training camp, providing
them with what sources called one
wow play each day. The speed he
exhibited during his career at
Arkansas has translated to the
Raiders practice field, which
should enhance his fantasy stock

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

heading into drafts in the next few

weeks. McFadden will share carries with RBs Justin Fargas and
Michael Bush, but hes the bigplay threat out of the trio and
should easily be the first Raiders
back to fly off draft boards.
Nothing is settled in the Broncos
backfield yet, although RB Selvin
Young is still considered the frontrunner for the top job. The secondyear veteran has been outspoken
since he arrived at training camp,
creating some buzz about his fantasy value this season. Young said
he thinks he can become more of
a factor in the passing game, after
having posted a respectable 35
catches for 231 yards in 15 games
as an undrafted rookie in 07. Head
coach Mike Shanahan gets creative with his offensive personnel,
and sources say hed like to put
Young in more situations where
hes out in space and able to create. Barring any setbacks in camp,
Young appears poised to take on a
larger role in Denvers offense and
could be a nice addition as a No. 3
back for fantasy rosters. Word
out of Chargers camp is that WR
Vincent Jackson has looked
unbelievable so far. At least thats
the term QB Philip Rivers used to
describe him. Jackson has reportedly grabbed everything
thrown his way, including
balls that hes had no
business catching. The
25-year-old wideout
had a spectacular
three-game playoff run
last season, hauling in
18 passes for 300 yards
and two TDs, and it
appears hes going to carry
that production over into 08. Go
ahead and bump him up at least a
few spots on your draft board.
We know the Chiefs will be a runfirst team under new offensive
coordinator Chan Gailey, but the
lack of a proven fullback could hinder that plan. We hear that undrafted rookie Mike Cox, who played
for Gailey at Georgia Tech, has the
inside track for the starting job. And
although Cox may have a lot of
potential, his inexperience doesnt
exactly bode well for the prospects
of RB Larry Johnson. Given the
teams hole at fullback, Kansas
City likely will opt for a lot of twoTE sets, leaving no one to lead the
way for Johnson.

N F C l

E A S T

An Eagles source said that WRRS DeSean Jackson, despite a

minor hamstring injury, has made
the most of his time during training
camp. It appears that Jackson will
land as the third receiver, but this
is the kind of 60-40 pass-run
offense where a third wideout can
still have a strong fantasy season.
... Redskins QB Jason Campbell
has put some distance between
himself and Todd Collins in camp,
effectively eliminating any kind of
position battle there. And we hear
that Campbell is further along in
his progression with the West
Coast offense plus hes healthy
after knee surgery meaning he
could be due for a very nice sea-

13

The Buzz

son. ... The Giants have been

extremely short-handed in camp at
wide receiver, with nearly all the
top guys getting hurt. That includes
WR Steve Smith, whose bid to
overtake Amani Toomer in the
starting lineup is suffering with
each day he misses. Practice some
patience with Smith, who could be
a good pickup option after the start
of the season. ... WR Patrick Crayton is expected to keep a starting
spot with the Cowboys, but keep
an eye on Sam Hurd and Miles
Austin, who are having good
camps thus far. Of the two, Hurd
might have a slight edge.

N F C l

http://www.profootballweekly.com

N O R T H

After missing the first four days

of training-camp practices while his
hefty, new four-year contract extension was being ironed out, Bears
WR-RS Devin Hester immediately
made his presence felt on his first
day of work, making the kind of
acrobatic, big-play catches the
Bears hope will become commonplace, with Hester eventually settling into the No. 1 receiver role.
Unlike last season, when Hester
caught only 20 passes while learning the WR ropes on the fly, plans
this season call for him to frequently move around
among the split end,
flanker and inside slot
positions all of
which are considered
interchangeable in the
Bears offense in the
hope of becoming a
less predictable and more
productive receiving
weapon. A week into the Bears
training camp, team insiders were
telling PFW that Hester and freeagent additions Marty Booker and
Brandon Lloyd appeared to be on
equal footing as the Bears top
three receivers, with fourth-year
player Rashied Davis considered
a very close fourth. While most
observers believe Packers RB
Ryan Grant remains a good bet to
pick up right where he left off in his
breakthrough 2007 campaign as
the teams featured back provided his contract impasse ever gets
settled we hear theres a steadily growing belief that Grant will be
sharing a lot more touches in 08
with second-year backup Brandon
Jackson than initially expected.
Word is Jackson continues to make
a very positive impression on
Green Bay coaches after gaining
about eight pounds of good
weight in an amped-up offseason
conditioning program. Spies in
Detroit say WR Calvin Johnson
looks like a different beast in his
second season. Whereas Johnson
appeared tentative last season in
learning a complex offense as a
rookie, he appears untrammeled
this season in Jim Collettos simplified attack and ready to display his
frightening size, speed and burst.
Johnson also has caught the ball
well and run good routes in camp.
... After a slow first few days, WR
Bernard Berrian is showing the
Vikings why they paid him all that
money. Its not clear if Berrians

ability will translate into huge fantasy numbers this season with QB
Tarvaris Jackson remaining a
work in progress. But bank on this:
Berrians yardage per catch is
expected to be high, as the Vikings
do intend to throw deep more often
this season.

N F C l

S O U T H

A QB battle is generating buzz

in Atlanta, as Matt Ryan and
Chris Redman duke it out in camp
to become the Falcons starter
under center. While Redman has
looked solid in the early stages,
we hear Ryan continues to
impress the coaching staff with his
outstanding presence in the huddle. Sources close to the team say
the competition is pretty close to
even, and its still too early to tell
which player will guide the offense
in Week One. There are high
expectations for Ryan, and he
brings a lot of excitement, but even
if he wins the job, the rookie will
be handing off to RBs Michael
Turner and Jerious Norwood
quite frequently this season. Fantasy owners should avoid Redman
and Ryan when it comes to looking for a backup QB to draft, but
by the late stages of the year,
Ryan may be a decent waiver-wire
pickup. The buzz around Saints
TE Jeremy Shockey has died

down in the weeks since he was

dealt to New Orleans. Word is hes
been slowed in his return from a
season-ending broken leg in 07
after tweaking an ankle and complaining of a groin pull in recent
practices. Sources say hes taking
a lot of snaps with the third-team
offense while he adapts to a new
scheme and tries to heal. Barring
further injury setbacks, Shockey
will be the Saints starter, but the
initial signs from camp reinforce
concerns that fantasy owners
should have about his ability to
stay healthy. Sources in Carolina are buzzing about the Panthers
tandem of running backs. Thirdyear veteran DeAngelo Williams
showed up at camp stronger and
quicker than ever before, according to sources, and rookie
Jonathan Stewart has lived up to
the hype he received coming out
of Oregon. Panthers GM Marty
Hurney and head coach John Fox
are committed to making their
power running game explosive
once again, and it looks like they
may finally have the pieces to do
just that. Stewart and Williams are
both intriguing fantasy options
heading into the season. Bucs
head coach Jon Gruden is still trying to figure out how his receiver
rotation will pan out, as Ike
Hilliard, Maurice Stovall, Michael
Clayton, Dexter Jackson and

Antonio Bryant battle for playing

time behind Joey Galloway. Gruden has said hes been impressed
with the group as a whole, but with
so much uncertainty in the receiving corps, theres simply no Bucs
receiver worth drafting other than
Galloway.

N F C l

MATT QUINNAN

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

Back with a vengeance: Devin Hester could become the Bears No. 1 receiver

W E S T

Despite early indications that

newly acquired Seahawks RB
Julius Jones hits the hole with a
lot more pop and is a much more
sure-handed receiving option out
of the backfield than the departed
Shaun Alexander, the word out of
Seattle is that head coach Mike
Holmgren remains determined to
enter the 08 season with two
starting backs Jones and
incumbent backup Maurice
Morris. While most daily team
observers agree this plan makes a
lot of sense considering both
backs durability issues, the consensus among our sources seems
to be that Jones will eventually
emerge as the No. 1 back, with
Morris reverting to his customary
role as an effective counterpuncher. Cardinals TE Leonard
Pope, a huge red-zone target who
collected five TDs last season, has
finally returned to practice after
suffering a dislocated ankle and
fractured leg in the 13th game in
2007. But it appears Pope might
not be moving back to his customary starting role for a while, with
second-year TE Ben Patrick now
expected to make a serious bid for
the starting job. We hear Patrick
continues to really impress coaches with his nifty route-running and
soft hands. Speaking of NFC
West tight ends, we continue to
hear nothing but good things about
Rams TE Randy McMichael, who
our sources say is continuing to
catch everything in sight both
on deep and intermediate routes
in new Rams coordinator Al
Saunders very TE-friendly offense.
Our Rams sources will be stunned
if McMichael doesnt catch more
than the 39 balls he gobbled in last
season and moves his way up to
the top of the second tier among
fantasy tight ends. We also hear
that veteran Rams WR-RS Dante
Hall is enjoying a bit of a renaissance after coming to camp in
much better shape this offseason
and has the early edge on rookie
WRs Donnie Avery and Keenan
Burton for the No. 3 slot receiver
role, in great part due to his familiarity with Saunders system from
their days together in Kansas City.
Its been hard for our Niners
sources to differentiate early on
between Alex Smith and Shaun
Hill in their supposed wide-open
battle for the starting QB job, with
new offensive coordinator Mike
Martz saying it will take a good 810 days of camp before any separation between the two will
become evident. In the first week
of training camp, word is Smith
looked better throwing in rhythm,
while Hill did a better job of getting
rid of the ball quickly and throwing
to spots.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

14

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

IDP rankings

Eye on defense
C

his sack total.

By MIKE

WILKENING
SENIOR EDITOR

19. DARNELL DOCKETT | CARDINALS

One of the most disruptive linemen in a 34 scheme in the league, hands down.

ornerbacks who come up and hit.

Safeties who time the snap count
just right and confront the quarterback three steps into a five-step
drop.
Linebackers who run and catch
like possession receivers but also
hit like Mack trucks.
These are a few of an Individual Defensive Player (IDP) owners favorite things.
If you are obsessed with tackles, sacks
and interceptions, this is the league for
you. Well-rounded defensive ends, middle linebackers, strong safeties and cover2 cornerbacks are valued especially
highly.
The rules might vary depending upon
the IDP league you join, but heres PFWs
list of defensive linemen, linebackers and
defensive backs likely to be highly valued in all formats as you construct your
own league-specific draft boards. Also
note that some leagues may distinguish
between solo tackles and assisted tackles; for purposes of this story, we are
referring to a players total tackles when
speaking of that statistic.

20. ELVIS DUMERVIL | BRONCOS

This speedy ends stock gets a boost in
leagues that give more points for sacks, as
he notched 1212 sacks but only 39 tackles in
2007.
21 DEWAYNE WHITE | LIONS
Fits Detroits defensive scheme well.
Would not be a surprise if this defensive end
approached 10 sacks this season.
22. ANDRE CARTER | REDSKINS
Comes off a strong 07 season, but he has
posted double-digit sacks in only two of
seven NFL campaigns.
23. ROBERT GEATHERS | BENGALS
Has the talent to be one of the leagues
best all-around defensive ends. Only 25
years old.
24. CHRIS LONG | RAMS
Will start from the get-go and should be
very productive at left defensive end.
25. DWIGHT FREENEY | COLTS
Well give him one more chance after a
disappointing 2006 season and an injuryshortened 07 campaign, but he just does
not make a lot of tackles, so he needs to be
getting to the quarterback for him to help
your IDP club.

2. MARIO WILLIAMS | TEXANS

No defensive end, Allen included, may
have played better in the final two months of
the 2007 season, and Williams has followed
that with a tremendous offseason. One of
the few linemen talented enough to pull off
that dream IDP trifecta: knocking the ball
away from the quarterback, recovering the
fumble and sprinting away from the defense
for a touchdown.
3. TRENT COLE | EAGLES
Set career-high marks in tackles (70) and
sacks (1212) last season and also forced four
fumbles. Respected leaguewide for his technique and relentlessness.
4. OSI UMENYIORA | GIANTS
Umenyiora is capable of carrying your IDP
team to victory on any given week; look no
further than his six-sack tour de force vs.
Philadelphia in Week Four last season.
5. KYLE VANDEN BOSCH | TITANS
Bull-strong and possessing a motor that
never stops, Vanden Bosch is one of the
NFLs best all-around ends.

JULIUS PEPPERS | PANTHERS

Motivation wont be a factor this year
his contracts up at the end of the season. In
a league of physical marvels, he might take
the cake.

6.

TOM DAHLIN / GETTY IMAGES

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. JARED ALLEN | VIKINGS
Lead the NFL in sacks despite playing
only 14 games and you get top billing among
defensive linemen on the IDP board. Allen is
also strong vs. the run. The schedule certainly works in his favor: He could play a pair
of games vs. the Lions (whom he notched
two sacks against last December) and the
Bears (who are slated to start rookie Chris
Williams at left tackle).

A look at
IDP standouts
by position

Poised for more: A favorable schedule could help Vikings DE Jared Allen eclipse last years sack total
7. AARON KAMPMAN | PACKERS
Kampman likely is to be one of the first Dlinemen selected in IDP formats. Hes capable of finishing among the leaders in sacks
and tackles among defensive ends.
8. JASON TAYLOR | REDSKINS
The All-Pro defensive end had 11 sacks
last season for a Miami defense that lacked
another consistent pass-rush threat and
now hell play opposite the formidable Andre
Carter in Washington.
9. PATRICK KERNEY | SEAHAWKS
Led the NFC in sacks (1412) and also
forced five fumbles.
10. JUSTIN TUCK | GIANTS
Expect Tuck to be a player who goes earlier than expected in some IDP drafts after a
65-tackle, 10-sack season in 2007. The
prospect of this strong end getting even
more work now that Michael Strahan retired
is an exciting one. Can also wreak havoc
when lining up inside at tackle.
11. WILL SMITH | SAINTS
An athletic, well-rounded end, Smith has
double-digit sack potential.
12. GAINES ADAMS | BUCCANEERS
Adams finished his rookie season strong
and did most of his damage vs. divisional

opponents. An ascending player.

13. AARON SCHOBEL | BILLS
Recorded only 612 sacks in 2007, the
fewest he has recorded since his rookie season. However, hes a tough matchup for any
tackle, and he has never missed an NFL
game.
14. TAMBA HALI | CHIEFS
Heres the question you have to ask about
Hali when stacking him on your board: How
much did playing on the other side of Jared
Allen help him the past two seasons?
15. ROBERT MATHIS | COLTS
At his best, Mathis can be one of the better IDP ends around, boasting the ability to
make 60 tackles and 10 sacks or more.
16. DERRICK BURGESS | RAIDERS
Has notched 35 sacks in three seasons in
Oakland.

Others considered: Falcons DE John

Abraham, Bears DE Mark Anderson, Buccaneers DT Jovan Haye, Texans DT Amobi
Okoye, Seahawks DE Darryl Tapp.

LINEBACKERS
1. PATRICK WILLIS | 49ERS
As a rookie, led the NFL in tackles by a
wide margin. Made 10 or more tackles in 10of-16 games. Likely to be the No. 1 overall
pick in IDP leagues that highly value tackles.
2. BRIAN URLACHER | BEARS
He may be downgraded on some draft
boards because of concerns about his neck,
but he played all 16 games last season and
notched an impressive 123 tackles to go
with five interceptions and five sacks. Finished the 07 season on a tear, too, which
speaks to his competitiveness in the midst of
a lost season for Chicago.
3. DeMECO RYANS | TEXANS
The Texans middle linebacker rarely
comes off the field. His dependability is his
calling card, as are his high tackle totals.
4. DeMARCUS WARE | COWBOYS
Can do it all. His sack and tackle totals
have increased in each of his first three NFL
seasons.

17. ADEWALE OGUNLEYE | BEARS

Comes off a resurgent season, when he
evoked memories of the way he played earlier in his career in Miami.

5. KIRK MORRISON | RAIDERS

Not a household name, but IDP fanatics
know how dependable Oaklands middle
linebacker is and how strong he is vs. the
pass.

18. JUSTIN SMITH | 49ERS

Always a candidate to lead defensive
ends in tackles, but not a top pass rusher,
and the move to a 3-4 defense wont help

6. NICK BARNETT | PACKERS

Comes off his finest season to date (131
tackles, 312 sacks, two interceptions). Runs like
a defensive back and always comes to play.

AUGUST 17, 2008

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL
7. KARLOS DANSBY | CARDINALS
An exceptional all-around talent, Dansby
primarily will line up inside in Arizonas 3-4
defense. His game has few weaknesses: He
thrives in coverage (eight passes defended,
three interceptions), and he can be a major
pass-rushing threat at times. However, he
has never played a full NFL season.
8. LOFA TATUPU | SEAHAWKS
Has yet to miss an NFL game and has
made more than 100 tackles in each of his
first three seasons. Defends the pass well.
9. JON BEASON | PANTHERS
Lost in the shuffle of Willis spectacular
rookie season was Beason starting all 16
games for Carolina and ranking among the
NFL leaders in tackles. Improvement is likely in his second season, which could lead to
more interceptions and sacks.
10. DAVID HARRIS | JETS
Harris started only nine games as a rookie, but IDP owners who likely found him on
the waiver wire early in the season were
rewarded with a 127-tackle, five-sack season.
11. LONDON FLETCHER | REDSKINS
Washingtons middle linebacker long has
been as dependable as they come for IDP
fanatics.
12. ERNIE SIMS | LIONS
Among NFC linebackers, only Willis and
Beason made more tackles than Detroits
weak-side linebacker.
13. WILL WITHERSPOON | RAMS
Going off of last years statistics, Witherspoon could be drafted among the first linebackers in some formats. Witherspoon
made a career-high seven sacks in 07, far
and away the most he had ever notched in
any single season. The question is, will he
be that kind of pass-rush presence again?
14. KEITH BROOKING | FALCONS
Should have plenty of chances for tackles
by playing in the middle of a revamped
Atlanta defense.
15. A.J. HAWK | PACKERS
Didnt quite play up to expectations in
2007, but will this be his breakout season?
16. DONNIE EDWARDS | CHIEFS
Veteran IDP players remember the gaudy
tackle numbers he racked up when starring

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

15

IDP rankings
son because of heel and Achilles tendon
injuries, but hes still in the prime of his
career. At his best, there isnt a safety in the
NFL like him. In his last full season, Wilson
posted 82 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. Expect a bounce-back campaign
from him.

for the Chargers from 2002-06. Edwards,

35, is still a major asset in pass coverage,
and hes a cinch for more than 100 tackles
if, as expected, hes the Chiefs season-long
starter in the middle.
17. GARY BRACKETT | COLTS
Excels in pass coverage. A good bet to
make more than 100 tackles and intercept
3-4 passes.

2. BOB SANDERS | COLTS

The NFLs reigning defensive MVP comes
off the finest season of his career. He was
more of a factor than ever on the blitz last
season, something that must be accounted
for when slotting him on your draft board.
However, the Colts strong safety never has
played a full NFL season, and his lack of
durability makes him a slightly less appealing pick than Wilson.

18. LANCE BRIGGS | BEARS

Doesnt get many chances to rush the
passer, but hes an asset in coverage and
has twice posted more than 120 tackles.
Also has three interception-return TDs to his
credit.
19. THOMAS HOWARD | RAIDERS
Comes off a season that would make him
the envy of many defensive backs. Intercepted six passes, returning two for scores.

3. SEAN JONES | BROWNS

Clevelands strong safety has notched
five interceptions in consecutive seasons
and enters a contract year. Hes a good bet
to approach 100 tackles and again be an
asset in coverage.

20. JULIAN PETERSON | SEAHAWKS

His pass-rush ability helps his draft stock.

4. LaRON LANDRY | REDSKINS

Whether he lines up at strong or free
safety, Landry is a player on the rise. His two
interceptions vs. Seattle in the wild-card
round were proof of his improving coverage
skills, and he is like an extra linebacker vs.
the run when he plays in the box.

21. BART SCOTT | RAVENS

Did not get as many chances to blitz in
2007 because of injuries to the Ravens
defense, but could get a chance to rush the
passer more this season.
22. E.J. HENDERSON | VIKINGS
Quietly has become one of the better
middle linebackers in the NFC.

5. ROMAN HARPER | SAINTS

The Saints strong safety filled up the stat
sheet last season: 90 tackles, eight passes
defensed, four sacks, three interceptions,
two forced fumbles, one touchdown.

23. SHAWNE MERRIMAN | CHARGERS

Like DeMarcus Ware, a player whose
value increases significantly if sacks are
worth significantly more than tackles.

6. KERRY RHODES | JETS

Rhodes has outstanding coverage skills
for a strong safety and has intercepted nine
passes in the past two seasons. Simply put,
one of the most well-rounded players at his
position in the game.

24. D.J. WILLIAMS | BRONCOS

Made 141 tackles in 2007 as Denvers
middle linebacker but will play on the weak
side this season.

7. CHAMP BAILEY | BRONCOS

The list of IDP star cornerbacks still starts
with Bailey, who has great hands and is a
willing tackler. Hes capable of a 90-tackle,
eight-interception season.

25. RAY LEWIS | RAVENS

An IDP-league stalwart, Lewis still is an
imposing presence after all these years.

Others considered: Vikings WLB Chad

Greenway, Steelers OLB James Harrison,
Ravens OLB-DE Terrell Suggs, Titans WLB
David Thornton, Patriots OLB Mike Vrabel.

8. TROY POLAMALU | STEELERS

Call this ranking a nod to what Polamalu
is capable of when healthy. That said, he
has not played a full season since 2005, and
he was bothered by a hamstring injury at the
outset of Steelers camp.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. ADRIAN WILSON | CARDINALS
Wilson played only nine games last sea-

9. JERMAINE PHILLIPS | BUCCANEERS

Tampa Bays strong safety intercepted a
career-high four passes in 2007 and is only
two seasons removed from a 104-tackle
season.
10. MICHAEL LEWIS | 49ERS
Turned his career around in 2007, his first
season as the Niners strong safety. It
wouldnt be a surprise if he again notched
more than 100 tackles.

MATT QUINNAN (URLACHER) | JEFF FISHBEIN (WILSON)

11. MARCUS TRUFANT | SEAHAWKS

Trufant will be among the first cornerbacks selected; pencil him in for 80 tackles
and 4-6 interceptions.

Tackle machines: If healthy, count on 100-plus tackles from Brian Urlacher (left) and Adrian Wilson

12. MICHAEL HUFF | RAIDERS

Oaklands strong safety should have his
best season yet. Opponents are going to
look to attack the Raiders with the run
before throwing on the leagues best CB
tandem and a LB corps that also defends
the pass very well.
13. BERNARD POLLARD | CHIEFS
Pollard had a productive first season as
Kansas Citys strong safety (90 tackles,
seven passes defensed, two interceptions)
and could be in line for even more tackle
opportunities in 2008, considering the
Chiefs traded away Allen, far and away their
best defensive lineman.

14. DARREN SHARPER | VIKINGS

Hell play in the box more this season
after the Vikings added rangy ex-Bengals S
Madieu Williams, a development likely to
result in more tackles. And hes still very
good in coverage he last posted fewer
than four interceptions in a season in 1999.
15. NATE CLEMENTS | 49ERS
One of the leagues most active cornerbacks. Not the ballhawk Bailey is, but likely
to rank among the tackle leaders at his position.
16. ATARI BIGBY | PACKERS
Bigby made a name for himself last season with his hard hits and better-thanexpected play in coverage. However, the
strong safety must cut down on mistakes.
17. CHARLES TILLMAN | BEARS
Hes a tough, instinctive cover-2 cornerback whos strong vs. the run and capable of
authoring a game-changing play.
18. LEIGH BODDEN | LIONS
The ex-Browns cornerback should be
right at home in Detroits cover-2 defense.
Big and rangy, Bodden intercepted a careerhigh six passes last season.
19. DARRELLE REVIS | JETS
One of the NFLs most promising young
cornerbacks, Revis notched 87 tackles,
defended 17 passes and made three interceptions as a rookie. He might make fewer
tackles in his second season as opponents
steer clear of his side of the field, but hes
still a top IDP prospect all the same.
20. O.J. ATOGWE | RAMS
Intercepted an incredible seven passes in
the final two months of the season; before
that, he had made only five interceptions in
his first 212 seasons. Will be drafted early in
most IDP formats because of that late,
unexpected surge in production.
21. ROY WILLIAMS | COWBOYS
Williams standing has fallen considerably
to the point that hell likely last longer than
he should in IDP drafts. Hes an extra linebacker vs. the run, and teams that try to
attack him in the passing game may misfire
on occasion, opening the door for interception opportunities.
22. ED REED | RAVENS
He is not an IDP standout because hes
never going to rank among the tackle leaders among safeties, but he has had at least
five interceptions in every full season he has
played. The most dynamic free safety in the
game.
23. LEON HALL | BENGALS
Keep an eye on Hall. Cincinnatis secondyear cornerback figures to see a lot of action
playing opposite of improving Johnathan
Joseph, which could lead to a higher than
expected tackle total and a shot at equaling
the five interceptions he snagged as a rookie.
24. REGGIE NELSON | JAGUARS
The Jaguars free safety intercepted five
passes as a rookie, so you know he has
good range. He can pack a wallop, too.
25. CHRIS HARRIS | PANTHERS
Harris made almost 100 tackles in 15
starts with Carolina last season, and the
Panthers strong safety is likely to have
another busy season playing close to the
line of scrimmage.

Others considered: Colts CB Kelvin Hayden, Panthers CB Richard Marshall, Bills CB

Terrence McGee, Eagles CB Asante Samuel,
Raiders FS Gibril Wilson.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

16

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

2008 draft board

Based on a standard performance system (six points for TD runs/catches, four points for TD passes and yardage bonuses). As of August 3.

Quarterbacks
RK.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

PLAYER / TEAM
BYE
Tom Brady / Patriots
4
Peyton Manning / Colts
4
Tony Romo / Cowboys
10
Drew Brees / Saints
9
Carson Palmer / Bengals
8
Derek Anderson / Browns 5
Ben Roethlisberger / Steelers 6
Donovan McNabb / Eagles 7
Matt Hasselbeck / Seahawks 4
Jay Cutler / Broncos
8
Marc Bulger / Rams
5
Eli Manning / Giants
4
Jake Delhomme / Panthers 9
Matt Schaub / Texans
8
Philip Rivers / Chargers
9
David Garrard / Jaguars
7
Aaron Rodgers / Packers
8
Jason Campbell / Redskins 10
Jon Kitna / Lions
4
Jeff Garcia / Buccaneers 10
Brett Favre / Packers
8
Vince Young / Titans
6
Matt Leinart / Cardinals
7
JaMarcus Russell / Raiders 5
Trent Edwards / Bills
6
Kurt Warner / Cardinals
7
Tarvaris Jackson / Vikings 8
Rex Grossman / Bears
8
Brodie Croyle / Chiefs
6
Kyle Boller / Ravens
10
Alex Smith / 49ers
9
Kellen Clemens / Jets
5
Josh McCown / Dolphins
4
Matt Ryan / Falcons
7
Shaun Hill / 49ers
9
Chad Pennington / Jets
5
Chris Redman / Falcons
7
Joe Flacco / Ravens
10
Kyle Orton / Bears
8
Sage Rosenfels / Texans
8
Billy Volek / Chargers
9
Gus Frerotte / Vikings
8
J.P. Losman / Bills
6
Cleo Lemon / Jaguars
7
John Beck / Dolphins
4
Kerry Collins / Titans
6
Brady Quinn / Browns
5
Kevin Kolb / Eagles
7
Trent Green / Rams
5
Todd Collins / Redskins
10
Seneca Wallace / Seahawks 4
Matt Moore / Panthers
9
Troy Smith / Ravens
10
Tyler Thigpen / Chiefs
6
Damon Huard / Chiefs
6
Joey Harrington / Falcons 7
Charlie Batch / Steelers
6
Brian Griese / Buccaneers 10
Brad Johnson / Cowboys 10
Patrick Ramsey / Broncos 8

Running backs
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

BYE

LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers 9

Brian Westbrook / Eagles 7
Adrian Peterson / Vikings 8
Steven Jackson / Rams
5
Joseph Addai / Colts
4
Clinton Portis / Redskins 10
Frank Gore / 49ers
9
Marshawn Lynch / Bills
6
Larry Johnson / Chiefs
6
Ryan Grant / Packers
8
Willis McGahee / Ravens 10
Marion Barber / Cowboys 10
Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars 7
Jamal Lewis / Browns
5
Laurence Maroney / Patriots 4
Earnest Graham / Buccaneers 10
Brandon Jacobs / Giants
4
Edgerrin James / Cardinals 7

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
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37.
38.
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40.
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43.
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49.
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51.
52.
53.
54.
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58.
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60.
61.
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63.
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84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.

LenDale White / Titans

6
Rudi Johnson / Bengals
8
Julius Jones / Seahawks
4
Reggie Bush / Saints
9
Willie Parker / Steelers
6
Thomas Jones / Jets
5
Michael Turner / Falcons
7
Darren McFadden / Raiders 5
Ronnie Brown / Dolphins
4
Jonathan Stewart / Panthers 9
Fred Taylor / Jaguars
7
Chester Taylor / Vikings
8
Selvin Young / Broncos
8
Ahman Green / Texans
8
DeAngelo Williams / Panthers 9
Matt Fort / Bears
8
Kevin Smith / Lions
4
Deuce McAllister / Saints
9
Rashard Mendenhall / Steelers 6
Justin Fargas / Raiders
5
Jerious Norwood / Falcons 7
Tatum Bell / Lions
4
Felix Jones / Cowboys
10
Leon Washington / Jets
5
Ahmad Bradshaw / Giants 4
Maurice Morris / Seahawks
Chris Johnson / Titans
6
Chris Brown / Texans
8
Ricky Williams / Dolphins
4
Warrick Dunn / Buccaneers 10
DeShaun Foster / 49ers
9
Dominic Rhodes / Colts
4
Kevin Jones / Bears
8
Ryan Torain / Broncos
8
LaMont Jordan / Patriots
4
Fred Jackson / Bills
6
Ray Rice / Ravens
10
Brandon Jackson / Packers 8
Ladell Betts / Redskins
10
Jason Wright / Browns
5
Brian Leonard / Rams
5
T.J. Duckett / Seahawks
4
Shaun Alexander / free agent
Steve Slaton / Texans
8
Jacob Hester / Chargers
9
Lorenzo Booker / Eagles
7
Kenny Watson / Bengals
8
Darren Sproles / Chargers 9
Aaron Stecker / Saints
9
DeShawn Wynn / Packers 8
Cadillac Williams / Buccaneers 10
Derrick Ward / Giants
4
J.J. Arrington / Cardinals
7
Kolby Smith / Chiefs
6
Kevin Faulk / Patriots
4
Michael Bush / Raiders
5
Mike Hart / Colts
4
Sammy Morris / Patriots
4
Correll Buckhalter / Eagles 7
Jamaal Charles / Chiefs
6
Tashard Choice / Cowboys 10
Cedric Benson / free agent
Adrian Peterson / Bears
8
Mewelde Moore / Steelers 6
Jesse Chatman / Jets
5
Chris Henry / Titans
6
Pierre Thomas / Saints
9
Chris Perry / Bengals
8
Greg Jones / Jaguars
7
Travis Henry / free agent
Kenton Keith / Colts
4
Tony Hunt / Eagles
7

Wide receivers
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

BYE

Randy Moss / Patriots

4
Terrell Owens / Cowboys 10
Braylon Edwards / Browns 5
Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals 7
Reggie Wayne / Colts
4
Andre Johnson / Texans
8
Marques Colston / Saints 9
T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Bengals 8

9.
10.
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75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.

Chad Johnson / Bengals

8
Steve Smith / Panthers
9
Torry Holt / Rams
5
Plaxico Burress / Giants
4
Wes Welker / Patriots
4
Anquan Boldin / Cardinals 7
Brandon Marshall / Broncos 8
Roy Williams / Lions
4
Greg Jennings / Packers
8
Marvin Harrison / Colts
4
Santonio Holmes / Steelers 6
Hines Ward / Steelers
6
Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs
6
Calvin Johnson / Lions
4
Bernard Berrian / Vikings
8
Chris Chambers / Chargers 9
Lee Evans / Bills
6
Joey Galloway / Buccaneers 10
Roddy White / Falcons
7
Laveranues Coles / Jets
5
Santana Moss / Redskins 10
Donald Driver / Packers
8
Jerricho Cotchery / Jets
5
Bobby Engram / Seahawks 4
Dont Stallworth / Browns 5
Kevin Curtis / Eagles
7
Javon Walker / Raiders
5
Patrick Crayton / Cowboys 10
Nate Burleson / Seahawks 4
Anthony Gonzalez / Colts 4
Jerry Porter / Jaguars
7
Sidney Rice / Vikings
8
Vincent Jackson / Chargers 9
Ronald Curry / Raiders
5
James Hardy / Bills
6
Bryant Johnson / 49ers
9
Derrick Mason / Ravens 10
Marty Booker / Bears
8
Isaac Bruce / 49ers
9
Mark Clayton / Ravens
10
Justin Gage / Titans
6
Reggie Brown / Eagles
7
Jabar Gaffney / Patriots
4
Laurent Robinson / Falcons 7
Drew Bennett / Rams
5
DeSean Jackson / Eagles 7
Ted Ginn Jr. / Dolphins
4
Kevin Walter / Texans
8
D.J. Hackett / Panthers
9
Amani Toomer / Giants
4
Ernest Wilford / Dolphins
4
Darrell Jackson / Broncos 8
Muhsin Muhammad / Panthers 9
Reggie Williams / Jaguars 7
Devin Thomas / Redskins 10
Deion Branch / Seahawks 4
Donnie Avery / Rams
5
Limas Sweed / Steelers
6
Devin Hester / Bears
8
Antwaan Randle El / Redskins 10
Steve Smith / Giants
4
Earl Bennett / Bears
8
Andr Davis / Texans
8
Shaun McDonald / Lions
4
Bobby Wade / Vikings
8
Brandon Stokley / Broncos 8
Jerome Simpson / Bengals 8
Robert Meachem / Saints 9
Roscoe Parrish / Bills
6
Michael Jenkins / Falcons 7
Drew Carter / Raiders
5
James Jones / Packers
8
Arnaz Battle / 49ers
9
Troy Williamson / Jaguars 7
David Patten / Saints
9
Buster Davis / Chargers
9
Justin McCareins / Titans 6
Nate Washington / Steelers 6
Mike Furrey / Lions
4
Brandon Lloyd / Bears
8
Ike Hilliard / Buccaneers 10
Derek Hagan / Dolphins
4

91. Keary Colbert / Broncos

8
92. Reche Caldwell / Rams
5
93. Roydell Williams / Titans
6
94. Terry Glenn / free agent
95. Dennis Northcutt / Jaguars 7
96. Joe Jurevicius / Browns
5
97. Brad Smith / Jets
5
98. Jeff Webb / Chiefs
6
99. Robert Ferguson / Vikings 8
100.Demetrius Williams / Ravens 10
101.Ben Obomanu / Seahawks 4
102.Jerheme Urban / Cardinals 7
103.Maurice Stovall / Buccaneers 10
104.Eddie Royal / Broncos
8
105.Sam Hurd / Cowboys
10
106.Joe Horn / Falcons
7
107.Jacoby Jones / Texans
8
108.Devery Henderson / Saints 9
109.Devard Darling / Chiefs
6
110.Steve Breaston / Cardinals 7

13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Tight ends

Defenses/
special teams

RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

BYE

Jason Witten / Cowboys 10

Antonio Gates / Chargers 9
Kellen Winslow / Browns
5
Tony Gonzalez / Chiefs
6
Chris Cooley / Redskins 10
Dallas Clark / Colts
4
Todd Heap / Ravens
10
Jeremy Shockey / Saints
9
Heath Miller / Steelers
6
Vernon Davis / 49ers
9
Owen Daniels / Texans
8
Tony Scheffler / Broncos
8
Alge Crumpler / Titans
6
Donald Lee / Packers
8
Greg Olsen / Bears
8
L.J. Smith / Eagles
7
Ben Watson / Patriots
4
Zach Miller / Raiders
5
Ben Utecht / Bengals
8
Randy McMichael / Rams 5
Kevin Boss / Giants
4
Leonard Pope / Cardinals 7
Dustin Keller / Jets
5
Marcedes Lewis / Jaguars 7
Desmond Clark / Bears
8
Alex Smith / Buccaneers 10
John Carlson / Seahawks 4
Anthony Fasano / Dolphins 4
Robert Royal / Bills
6
Visanthe Shiancoe / Vikings 8
David Martin / Dolphins
4
Jeff King / Panthers
9
Chris Baker / Jets
5
Ben Hartsock / Falcons
7
Marcus Pollard / Patriots
4
Brent Celek / Eagles
7
Bo Scaife / Titans
6
Dante Rosario / Panthers 9
Ben Troupe / Buccaneers 10
Kris Wilson / Eagles
7
Billy Miller / Saints
9
Jermichael Finley / Packers 8
Matt Spaeth / Steelers
6
Fred Davis / Redskins
10
Bubba Franks / Jets
5

Placekickers
RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

BYE

Stephen Gostkowski / Patriots 4

Nick Folk / Cowboys
10
Josh Brown / Rams
5
Phil Dawson / Browns
5
Shayne Graham / Bengals 8
Adam Vinatieri / Colts
4
Nate Kaeding / Chargers
9
Rob Bironas / Titans
6
Mason Crosby / Packers
8
Neil Rackers / Cardinals
7
Kris Brown / Texans
8
David Akers / Eagles
7

TO GET AN EDGE OVER YOUR FELLOW FANTASY FOOTBALL OWNERS,

VISIT OUR WEB SITE SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.

P r o F o o t b a l l W e e k l y. c o m

Josh Scobee / Jaguars

7
John Kasay / Panthers
9
Shaun Suisham / Redskins10
Olindo Mare / Seahawks
4
Jason Hanson / Lions
4
Jeff Reed / Steelers
6
Jason Elam / Falcons
7
Matt Bryant / Buccaneers 10
Martin Gramatica / Saints 9
Ryan Longwell / Vikings
8
Robbie Gould / Bears
8
Mike Nugent / Jets
5
Matt Stover / Ravens
10
Lawrence Tynes / Giants
4
Sebastian Janikowski / Raiders 5
Joe Nedney / 49ers
9
Rian Lindell / Bills
6
Jay Feely / Dolphins
4
Matt Prater / Broncos
8
Chiefs placekicker
6

RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Chicago Bears
Jacksonville Jaguars
Pittsburgh Steelers
New England Patriots
Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia Eagles
Buffalo Bills
Oakland Raiders
Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins
Houston Texans
New York Jets
San Francisco 49ers
Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos
Arizona Cardinals
Carolina Panthers
Detroit Lions
Kansas City Chiefs
St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints
Miami Dolphins
Cincinnati Bengals
Atlanta Falcons

BYE

8
9
4
10
8
7
6
4
4
10
10
8
7
6
5
4
6
10
8
5
9
5
8
7
9
4
6
5
9
4
8
7

Top 100 overall

RK. PLAYER / TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers

RB Brian Westbrook / Eagles
RB Adrian Peterson / Vikings
RB Steven Jackson / Rams
QB Tom Brady / Patriots
RB Joseph Addai / Colts
RB Clinton Portis / Redskins
RB Frank Gore / 49ers
RB Marshawn Lynch / Bills
WR Randy Moss / Patriots
RB Larry Johnson / Chiefs
QB Peyton Manning / Colts
RB Ryan Grant / Packers
RB Willis McGahee / Ravens
WR Terrell Owens / Cowboys
RB Marion Barber / Cowboys
WR Braylon Edwards / Browns
WR Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals
WR Reggie Wayne / Colts
RB Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars
WR Andre Johnson / Texans
QB Tony Romo / Cowboys
RB Jamal Lewis / Browns
WR Marques Colston / Saints

25. WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Bengals

26. WR Chad Johnson / Bengals
27. RB Laurence Maroney / Patriots
28. QB Drew Brees / Saints
29. WR Steve Smith / Panthers
30. RB Earnest Graham / Buccaneers
31. RB Brandon Jacobs / Giants
32. WR Torry Holt / Rams
33. QB Carson Palmer / Bengals
34. WR Plaxico Burress / Giants
35. WR Wes Welker / Patriots
36. WR Anquan Boldin / Cardinals
37. WR Brandon Marshall / Broncos
38. QB Derek Anderson / Browns
39. RB Edgerrin James / Cardinals
40. TE Jason Witten / Cowboys
41. RB LenDale White / Titans
42. RB Rudi Johnson / Bengals
43. RB Julius Jones / Seahawks
44. RB Reggie Bush / Saints
45. QB Ben Roethlisberger / Steelers
46. WR Roy Williams / Lions
47. RB Willie Parker / Steelers
48. RB Thomas Jones / Jets
49. RB Michael Turner / Falcons
50. TE Antonio Gates / Chargers
51. WR Greg Jennings / Packers
52. RB Darren McFadden / Raiders
53. TE Kellen Winslow / Browns
54. WR Marvin Harrison / Colts
55. WR Santonio Holmes / Steelers
56. RB Ronnie Brown / Dolphins
57. WR Hines Ward / Steelers
58. QB Donovan McNabb / Eagles
59. RB Jonathan Stewart / Panthers
60. TE Tony Gonzalez / Chiefs
61. QB Matt Hasselbeck / Seahawks
62. WR Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs
63. TE Chris Cooley / Redskins
64. QB Jay Cutler / Broncos
65. WR Calvin Johnson / Lions
66. RB Fred Taylor / Jaguars
67. QB Marc Bulger / Rams
68. TE Dallas Clark / Colts
69. WR Bernard Berrian / Vikings
70. WR Chris Chambers / Chargers
71. WR Lee Evans / Bills
72. WR Joey Galloway / Buccaneers
73. WR Roddy White / Falcons
74. QB Eli Manning / Giants
75. WR Laveranues Coles / Jets
76. WR Santana Moss / Redskins
77. WR Donald Driver / Packers
78. WR Jerricho Cotchery / Jets
79. RB Chester Taylor / Vikings
80. WR Bobby Engram / Seahawks
81. WR Dont Stallworth / Browns
82. RB Selvin Young / Broncos
83. RB Ahman Green / Texans
84. TE Todd Heap / Ravens
85. RB DeAngelo Williams / Panthers
86. RB Matt Fort / Bears
87. WR Kevin Curtis / Eagles
88. RB Kevin Smith / Lions
89. WR Javon Walker / Raiders
90. RB Deuce McAllister / Saints
91. WR Patrick Crayton / Cowboys
92. DST Vikings
93. QB Jake Delhomme / Panthers
94. TE Jeremy Shockey / Saints
95. WR Nate Burleson / Seahawks
96. WR Anthony Gonzalez / Colts
97. QB Matt Schaub / Texans
98. QB Philip Rivers / Chargers
99. RB Rashard Mendenhall / Steelers
100.TE Heath Miller / Steelers

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

18

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

Feature

KKR GROUP

HARRY SCULL, JR.

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

Sleepers and busts

Identifying steals who can be had in the mid-to-late rounds, and players you dont want to reach for
By MICHAEL

BLUNDA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ith fantasy football
right around the
corner, your draft
preparation will
soon be kicking
into high gear.
Weve given you
a lot of information already
rankings, stats, player reports
but the one thing youre lacking is
a list of sleepers and busts. Well,
you can rest easy, because now
you have that, too.
We know that fantasy owners
are always looking for guys in the
mid-to-late rounds who present

great value, and we believe this

list of 10 sleepers will do just that
this season. On the other hand,
nobody wants their top picks to
fizzle out, so weve given you 10
players you might want to stay
away from in the early rounds.
Like any owner, you obviously
want to be happy coming out of
your draft; this list should help
you accomplish that.

SLEEPERS
QB MATT

ing 2008, Schaub will be happy to have one

of the leagues top receivers in Andre Johnson back healthy. Playing in an improving,
well-coached offense, Schaub should be in
line for a career year.

seven TDs. If he can carry over that incredible 4.9-yard average into 08, he could be a
top-10-caliber fantasy runner, especially
considering that opposing defenses will be
dead set on stopping the pass.

QB PHILIP

RB THOMAS

RIVERS / CHARGERS

After regressing a bit in 2007 and tearing

his ACL in the playoffs, Rivers will be
undervalued in most fantasy drafts this year.
Dont let him fall too far, though. The talented signalcaller appears fully recovered
from his knee injury, and hes surrounded
by two of the games best offensive
weapons in LaDainian Tomlinson and
Antonio Gates. Rivers should also benefit
from the Chargers now-solid receiving
corps, giving him a good shot at posting
career-best numbers.

SCHAUB / TEXANS

Schaub was a fairly popular sleeper pick

last season, but various injuries allowed him
to play in only 11 games. He was no slouch
in those 11 contests, however, averaging a
very impressive 7.8 yards per attempt and
finishing with an 87.2 passer rating. Enter-

RB LAURENCE

MARONEY / PATRIOTS

Although he struggled to stay healthy and

find his rhythm for much of 2007, Maroney
ended the season on an absolute tear. In his
final six games (including playoffs),
Maroney had 120 carries for 586 yards and

JONES / JETS

Jones may only have had one rushing TD

in 2007, but dont let that fool you. He still
finished 10th in the league in rushing with
1,119 yards, and he did that with just a 3.6yard average. Assuming the Jets addition of
O-linemen Alan Faneca and Damien
Woody help him improve his yards per
carry, Jones will outperform most projections. And expect him to find paydirt a lot
more than once in 08.
RB MATT

FORT / BEARS

Fort could outdo the handful of running

backs drafted before him this past April
based purely on opportunity. The Tulane
product stood out during minicamps, and he
should have little trouble fending off newly
signed Bear Kevin Jones. While rookie
backs like Darren McFadden and Jonathan

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

Feature
expect Roethlisberger to be throwing as
much in the red zone. Remember, Big
Bens previous high in TD tosses was 18.

TE BEN

UTECHT / BENGALS

Following four seasons with the Colts,

Utecht takes his services to TE-needy
Cincinnati. Although never a huge receiving threat in Indianapolis, he had more than
30 catches in each of the last two seasons
and that was playing alongside Dallas
Clark. Now the primary tight end in the
Bengals up-tempo offense, Utecht should
roam free in the middle of the field while
defenses focus on the teams superstar WR
pair on the outside.

BUSTS
QB BEN

RB EARNEST

ROETHLISBERGER / STEELERS

Dont get me wrong, Roethlisberger

surely will be a nice QB option this season,
but a fantasy stud he is not. Thanks to Pittsburghs lack of a goal-line back, Big Ben
busted out with 32 TD
passes last season, many
Overrated?
from close to the endzone.
Ben Roethlisberger may have
However, with the Steelpeaked with 32
ers addition of RB
TDs in 2007
Rashard Mendenhall, dont

GRAHAM / BUCCANEERS

A slew of injuries forced Graham into

the Bucs starting lineup last season, and he
responded in a big way, rushing for 898
yards and 10 TDs while adding 324 receiving yards. But those were anomalies compared to his mediocre career numbers,
making his 2007 look like a fluke. Tampa
Bay also has RBs Warrick Dunn and
NORM HALL

HOLT / RAMS

For years one of fantasys top receivers,

Holt has shown no signs of slowing down.
But it has to happen at some point, and my
guess is that it will begin this season. Holt
is 32 years old, will be playing in a new
offensive scheme that is more run-oriented
and has a degenerative knee condition that
isnt about to improve. Hell still produce if
healthy, but his days as a surefire No. 1 fantasy wideout are likely finished.

JENNINGS / PACKERS

Brett Favre loved throwing the ball deep

to Jennings last season, resulting in a 17.4yard average and 12 TDs for the wideout.
With Favre (probably) not around this year,
however, Jennings will struggle to match
those numbers. New QB Aaron Rodgers
does not have the arm strength of his predecessor, and it will take him time to adjust
to life as an NFL starter. Even if the duo

CLARK / COLTS

With injury costing Marvin Harrison

most of last season, Clark became one of
Peyton Mannings favorite targets, catching
11 TDs in the process. However, with Harrison back, Anthony Gonzalez developing
into a solid receiver and more options in the
backfield, look for the Colts to scale back
Clarks role in the passing game in 2008.
And dont forget that the tight end has
failed to last a full season yet as a pro.
TE L.J.

WR GREG

GONZALEZ / COLTS

MILLER / RAIDERS

WR TORRY

KITNA / LIONS

Kitna has thrown for more than 4,000

yards in each of the last two seasons; those
expecting him to do so again are in for a
rude awakening. With offensive coordinator Jim Colletto replacing the pass-happy
Mike Martz in Detroit, look for a much
more conservative, run-based attack from
the Lions. Kitna likely will take a backseat
to newly drafted RB Kevin Smith, whom
Colletto would like to develop into the
offenses focal point.

STALLWORTH / BROWNS

At age 22, Miller already has all the

physical attributes of a great tight end. He
has good size, quickness and hands, not to
mention that the second-year player
already has a full season as a starter under
his belt. Hell act as a reliable short target
and safety valve for inexperienced QB
JaMarcus Russell this season, so expect
Millers numbers to improve as the duo
develops a rapport.

Jones move to the Seahawks was supposed to be the resurrection of his career,
which faded during the last couple of years
in Dallas. However, recent word out of
Seattle is that Jones will not be the teams
featured back but instead will split the
workload with Maurice Morris. The Hawks
also brought in RB T.J. Duckett this offseason, and he could end up being their goalline back. Predictions for Jones to post No.
1 RB-like stats in 2008 should be tempered.

BERRIAN / VIKINGS

Berrian cashed in on his terrific 2007

campaign, bolting for big money in Minnesota. The only problem with that move:
Whos going to throw him the ball? Starting
QB Tarvaris Jackson didnt exactly dazzle
last season, and he doesnt have the big arm
to find Berrian deep downfield. Plus, the
Vikings are a run-first team and wont air it
out very often. Unless Jackson improves by
leaps and bounds, Berrian could get off to a
rocky start in his new digs.
TE DALLAS

Stallworth may have been lost in the

shuffle last season with the Patriots, but
remember that hes only a few years
removed from big campaigns with New
Orleans and Philadelphia. Now a member
of the Browns, the speedy receiver should
prove to be the perfect complement to WR
Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow.
He should quickly become a favorite longdistance target for QB Derek Anderson,
who loves to air it out.

TE ZACH

JONES / SEAHAWKS

QB JON

HOLMES / STEELERS

Gonzalez flashed lots of promise as a

rookie, and that potential should translate
into results this season. Despite starting just
nine contests, he had more than 100 receiving yards twice, showing his ability to have
big outings. It appears that WR Marvin
Harrison will begin the season healthy, but
the aging wideout is liable to go down at
any minute. Either way, the Colts will find
a way to incorporate Gonzalez heavily,
making him a great target in fantasy drafts.

CAMPBELL / REDSKINS

Campbell possesses many traits of a

skilled passer, but anyone thinking hell
ever be a big-time producer is fooling himself. In 20 career starts, Campbell has averaged 200 yards and 1.1 TD passes not
exactly fantasy starter material. New head
coach Jim Zorn will implement his West
Coast offense this season, which could lead
to more attempts for Campbell but likely
wont result in the QB improving on his
career 6.4 yards per attempt.

Few receivers in the NFL are as explosive as Holmes. The speedy deep threat
averaged 18.1 yards per catch and grabbed
eight TDs in 2007, doing so on only 52
receptions. He should start catching more
passes as his rapport with QB Ben Roethlisberger improves, so you can imagine the
numbers Holmes is capable of. Entering his
third year, the wideout is primed to have his
first 1,000-yard campaign and could match
his TD total from a season ago.

WR ANTHONY

RB JULIUS

forms a rapport quickly, dont expect Jennings to hit double-digit TDs again.
WR BERNARD

Stewart will be drafted higher in fantasy

leagues, dont be shocked if Fort winds up
as the most productive first-year rusher.

WR DONT

Michael Bennett and eventually will get

Cadillac Williams back from his injury,
giving them an overly crowded backfield.

QB JASON

Headed in different directions: Matt

Schaub (left, opposite page) is a sleeper candidate, while Earnest Graham could be a bust

WR SANTONIO

19

SMITH / EAGLES

A knee injury allowed Smith to play in

only 10 games in 2007, but even when he
was on the field, he certainly wasnt tearing
it up (22 catches for 236 yards and one TD).
He returns healthy to begin this season, but
theres no guarantee that he, or QB Donovan
McNabb, wont go down again. Though a
nice yardage producer, Smith has never
scored more than five TDs in a season; dont
look for it to suddenly happen this year.

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

21

Stock-market gaming

THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE:

Stock-market leagues could be next big fantasy trend

MICHAEL BLUNDA

emember when VCRs were all the

rage? I know, I barely can either, but
I do recall being excited when my
family first got one. Hey, it certainly
was an upgrade over those bulky Betamax
players, right?
Well, we all know what happened to
VHS tapes once the DVD came along
they basically went the way of the dinosaur.
Sure, some of us (myself included) still use
them on occasion, but pretty soon these
non-digital video machines will be as difficult to find as a slap bracelet.
So what does any of this have to do with
fantasy football? The way I see it, todays
popular format of owning a fantasy team
drafting a roster, setting a lineup, adding and
dropping guys, making trades, etc.
reminds me a lot of the heyday of the VCR.
Everyone wants one, its a fun thing to have,
it provides entertainment for you and your
friends, and it probably isnt in dire need of
an improvement. But, as happened in the
video world, a better product might have
come along in the realm of fantasy sports.
Stock-market gaming could be the next
wave or DVD, to use a metaphor of
fantasy sports. Instead of the usual song
and dance that you repeat every year, this
style of building and maintaining your team
is something wildly different. In fact, it
seems to be a much more intense and captivating format than the one weve all been
so accustomed to.

A few Web sites offer this type of league,

but the one Im most familiar with is
RotoHog.com, which will be helping Pro
Football Weekly host its very own fantasy
game this season. There, for free, you can
participate in a fantasy football game called
the Stock Exchange.
After starting you off with 300 RotoHog
dollars (not real money, unfortunately), this
game simulates an actual stock-market trading floor, with NFL players representing
shares of stock. Each guys price constantly
fluctuates based on his demand not his
statistical performance making for fairer
pricing. You can make as many trades
(read: roster moves) as you want, and your
budget rises or falls depending on the
shrewdness of your buying and selling of
players. The site offers public or private
leagues, and of course, if you do well, there
are some nice prizes involved.
Now, I know this concept is not brandnew, and it may have some drawbacks compared to normal leagues, but it also has
quite a few intriguing aspects.
For one, the inequities of the draft are
eliminated. How fair is it if I draw the first
pick and take LaDainian Tomlinson and
you get stuck with the last pick and have to
take Ryan Grant? Even if its a snake draft,
its still a huge benefit to get an early pick.
With the stock-market format, similar to
auction leagues, you can take whichever
players you want, so long as you stay with-

in your budget. So, if youre like me and

really want to own Adrian Peterson this
season, nobody can steal him from you!
Secondly, owners who stop paying attention or try to collude are no longer a problem. Face it, every year there are people in
your league who either quit halfway
through or try to cash in by making underhanded deals with other members of the
league. Since players prices are set by their
global demand and no trading is possible
between owners, theres no way to cheat
the stock-market system. Everything is on
the up-and-up.
Finally, this game is simply a lot more
thrilling than your basic leagues. With the
costs of players changing all the time, theres
always reason to keep one eye on the trading
floor throughout the week. And those who
maintain a close watch on league news
always will get the best values on players.
For example, if you read that Willie Parker
just got hurt in practice and immediately
purchase Rashard Mendenhall, his backup,
you likely will get the rookie a lot cheaper
than those who try buying him in the ensuing
days. This style clearly rewards people who
have a finger on the pulse of the NFL.
Just as it is with anything new and innovative, the stock-market game is not for
everybody. If youre the sort of owner who
likes to take the hands-off approach
drafting a team and then sitting back and
watching it all year this is definitely not

the format for you. Or if you love proposing trades in hopes of getting the best of
one of your fellow owners, you should stick
to a basic league, too. No, this game isnt
for the passive or conniving owner. Its for
the serious fantasy footballer.
So, if youre in search of a new fantasy
experience that will challenge you from
now through seasons end, I suggest giving
the Stock Exchange a whirl. Tell your
friends about it, too. In fact, everyone can
easily sign up for the Pro Football Weekly
Fantasy game right through our Web site,
ProFootballWeekly.com, all at no charge.
Youll be squaring off against PFW editors
and fans, so it should make for some spirited competition. And dont forget big
prizes await the winners.
Im personally looking forward to trying
out this format for the first time. Of course,
Im still going to play in two or three traditional leagues, but I like the idea of experimenting with something different. I have a
feeling Im going to become addicted to it,
which will mean getting less sleep than I
already do.
Only time will tell if this stock-market
game catches on in popularity and develops
into the next big thing. If it does, something
tells me we could see basic fantasy leagues
go the way of the VCR.
PFW associate editor Michael Blunda can be
reached via e-mail at mblunda@pfwmedia.com.

HANDICAPPING
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to everything from the Handicappers Corner page of our
print edition, including series records, Opponents vs. the
spread and Fast fact.
The Handicapping Inner Circle also provides the picks of
the three experts on the PFW television show Hall of
Famer Dan Hampton, former Chicago Bears WR Tom
Waddle and PFW publisher/editor Hub Arkush. They pick
every game except those played on Thursdays, and youll
also get their locks of the week.
Youll want to keep track of which editor or TV expert
has a hot hand. Last season two of our editors finished
more than 12 games above .500 against the spread, and
one correctly picked 58 percent of his best bets.

For those who participate in office pools each week, the Inner Circles confidence pool picks by each editor is a valuable tool that is posted each Wednesday
through the end of the regular season. Each editor ranks the games based on the
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Through Aug. 31, were offering an early-bird special
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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

22

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

ERIC

EDHOLM
SENIOR EDITOR

BURNING
BURNING
QUESTIONS
raining
camp is in
full swing
and the
new season is just around
the corner.
There are lots of
questions to be
answered in the
coming weeks,
but we thought
wed pick out
eight of the most
intriguing questions, both from
league and fantasy standpoints, to
pose to our collection of six
experts. The following are their
answers

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

Eight burning questions

Will Adrian
Peterson overtake LaDainian
Tomlinson as fantasys top player?

1.

What will be
Brett Favres
fantasy impact
this season?

2.

What player
will you avoid
owning in
2008?

3.

Who will be
the 2008 NFL
Most Valuable
Player?

4.

Which do you
prefer
snake drafts
or auctions?
Why?

5.

NO, BRIAN WESTBROOK WILL

LIKELY DROP-OFF

T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH

BRIAN WESTBROOK

AUCTIONS

I know I am semi-cheating
here, and if you ask me
which back L.T. or A.P.
is better, Ill say Peterson,
who could approach 1,600
rushing yards. But I am of
the opinion that Westbrook
will push 2,400 total yards
and up his TD total of 12
from last year. That makes
him top dog in my book.

There will be a lot of motivation for Favre wherever

hell play, because it wont
be in Green Bay to prove
his proverbial doubters
wrong. Well, I can say that it
will be a challenge to learn a
new offense, even if it is a
similar one like Tampas, and
get familiar with new pass
catchers.

Blasphemy, right? After

all, the Housh has outscored
Chad Johnson the past two
seasons and was as good a
possession receiver as there
was in the league last season. But I am here to tell
you that Johnson is going to
have a monster season, and
Houshmandzadehs numbers are bound to drop off.

Hey, I might not have the

answer youre looking for,
but if the Eagles bounce
back as I expect them to and
Westbrook has a career season at age 29 (see my
answer to No. 1 for projections), then hell be an obvious pick. I thought about
Tomlinson, but his numbers
might be just a bit down.

I think I am changing on
this. I used to think auctions
were too long, too difficult
and too much shouting. But
theres something exciting
about knowing you realistically can get 3-4 superstars
if you want them and are
confident you can find value
elsewhere.

FITZMAURICE
CONTRIBUTING
WRITER

MIKE

WILKENING
SENIOR EDITOR

STILL A TOP-10 QB
Dont expect him to duplicate last seasons numbers if
he goes to another team, but
hell still be a viable fantasy
starter if he finds a new
employer and gets to play. If
he somehow mends fences
with the Packers, hell be a
top-10 fantasy quarterback
again.

NO

PAT

NO
It seems unlikely, since
the Vikings appear committed to giving Chester Taylor
plenty of carries. Based on
Petersons injury history,
thats wise. Tomlinson, on
the other hand, always has
thrived on a heavy workload, so the Chargers arent
going to start limiting his
touches.

VERNON DAVIS

MORE LIKE 06 THAN 07

ROY WILLIAMS

TONY ROMO

AUCTIONS

This comes down to two

issues. One, the Vikings
have a very good backup for
Peterson (Chester Taylor);
the Chargers dont have a
clear-cut complement to
Tomlinson. Two, Tomlinson
is more of a factor in the
passing game than Peterson.
And L.T. might throw a TD
or two, as well.

If traded, Favre will have

to adjust to a new offense,
new receivers, and a new
head coachs expectations. If
he returns, you have to wonder if a) hell beat out Aaron
Rodgers for the starting job
and b) at 39, hell finally
begin to significantly regress.
At some point he loses his
fastball right?

Dont get me wrong Id

draft Williams in Round
Seven or Eight. But hell be
long gone by then. The risk
with Williams is that the
move to a run-heavy offense
will affect his production, as
will the expected improvement of Calvin Johnson.
There are too many variables for my liking.

At first glance, the pick is

Patriots QB Tom Brady. But
if he doesnt throw 50 TD
passes again, his work will
pale in comparison to his
2007 masterpiece. But if
Romo comes close to what
he did last season (36 TDs),
and if Dallas again rolls
through the regular season,
the award could be his.

Because watching a bidding war break out and

then egging all parties on
with childish taunts is
more fun than being in one
yourself. And because
youve done the same
snake-draft thing since 1992
(I was going to take Haywood Jeffires!) and its
time for a change.

Davis, the 49ers underachieving tight end, jumps

to mind. If he were any
good, wed have seen it by
now. Plus, hes now playing
for Mike Martz, who doesnt use his tight ends much.
Theres a miniscule chance
he still could pan out, but
Ill let someone else take
that gamble.

TOM BRADY
Its a boring answer, but
Bradys supporting cast
remains intact, the Patriots
play a cream-puff schedule,
and Bill Belichick wont
hesitate to let Brady air it
out even when the Pats have
big leads. His numbers
wont be as good as last seasons, but theyll still be
MVP-caliber.

SNAKES
Just a personal preference.
To me, fantasy baseball is
better served by the auction
format, and fantasy football
is all about the snake draft.
For what its worth, I also
dislike keeper football
leagues and prefer to play in
leagues that draft from
scratch every year.

NOT YET

MICHAEL

BLUNDA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SIGNIFICANT

JAVON WALKER

TONY ROMO

SNAKES

Its going to happen soon,

but I dont think it will be
this season. For one, defenses cant stack the box vs. the
Chargers like they can
against Minnesota. Also,
L.T. will make a much bigger receiving impact than
Peterson. Finally, Tomlinson
wont have a backup stealing his carries like A.P. will.

Regardless of where Favre

winds up, hell put up stats
worthy of being a fantasy
starter. Remember, hes only
a year removed from a Pro
Bowl season. It may take
Favre some time to learn a
new offense, but he certainly
hasnt forgotten how to
throw, and he has proven that
age isnt a factor.

No way am I touching
Walker in any league this
season. Between his torn
ACL from last year, his June
Las Vegas mugging incident
and his alleged near retirement in late July, the guy has
more red flags than Fenway
Park. Anybody whos liable
to quit at any moment is not
someone I want on my team.

If the Cowboys are going

to get to the Super Bowl like
I expect, theyre going to
need a huge season from
Romo. Added experience
should help him trim his
high interception total, and
his stellar supporting cast
should lead to equal or better
yardage and TD stats. And a
lot of wins wont hurt.

I havent participated in
many auctions, but the ones
Ive done have been long,
drawn-out affairs that lost
steam as they dragged on.
Snake drafts are quick-hitting and exciting, and they
have you hanging on every
pick. Fantasy drafts are supposed to be fun events, not
four-hour marathons.

NO

DAN

PARR
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A BIT OF A DROP-OFF

BRANDON MARSHALL

DREW BREES

SNAKES

Its tempting to downgrade L.T., coming off a

sprained left knee that kept
him out of the AFC championship game last season.
Peterson has the ability to
surpass Tomlinsons rushing
yardage, but hes not enough
of a factor in the passing
game to justify a leap to the
top of draft boards.

Regardless of where he
ends up, its fair to predict a
bit of a drop-off for Favre as
he comes up on his 39th
birthday. Plus, if he stays in
Green Bay, theres no guarantee the Packers will come
to their senses and make him
the starter, so Id hold off on
making him one of my fantasy quarterbacks.

Were all waiting to see

just what Roger Goodell has
in store for Marshall, who
has been the subject of a
series of arrests. Theres a
decent possibility that the
commish will drop a fourgame suspension on Marshall. If he gets in trouble
again, that could quickly
turn into eight games.

The Saints passing game

has a chance to become the
leagues most prolific, and
Brees will guide the juggernaut. Although cases can be
made for Tom Brady, Peyton
Manning and, to a lesser
extent, Tony Romo, there
simply is no player in the
league thats more important
to his team.

Im much more familiar

with the snake format. I
dont care if LaDainian
Tomlinson is worth $30 or
$40, I just want him on my
team. Snake drafts seem
long at times when they
stretch beyond an hour and
auctions can take up a whole
afternoon or evening in larger leagues.

NO

MATT

SOHN
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SIGNIFICANT DROP-OFF

LARRY JOHNSON

TOM BRADY

SNAKES

First off, Petersons a serious injury risk, whereas

Tomlinson has missed only
one career game. Also, until
the Vikings develop a legitimate passing attack, defenses will continue to stack the
box. Peterson amassed just
144 yards in his final four
games as defenses figured
out how to stop him.

I still believe that he might

not play at all, but even if he
does, hell rank in the 15-20
range. Lets remember that
his 07 production was largely a product of Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and
Co., and no team that he
could be traded to will have a
WR corps nearly as strong as
the Packers.

Drafting OLT Branden

Albert isnt enough to convince me that the Chiefs Oline will be any better than
the train wreck it was in
2007. Johnsons straightahead running style makes
him dominant behind a
strong line, but the Chiefs
need a RB who can slice
through slivers of daylight.

Give me one good reason

why he shouldnt be? The
Patriots return every key
player from the greatest
offense in NFL history, and
Bradys numbers should
once again dwarf the competition. Hes the leagues
best QB and gets to throw to
the best WR while operating
behind a strong O-line.

Trying to define the relative numerical value of players is so tedious that it takes
the fun out of draft day.
Also, consider why the actual NFL draft attracts so
much more attention than
free agency the notion
that teams dont have total
control over their roster adds
excitement to the event.

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL
Who will
bounce back
most after a
poor 07 season?

6.

http://www.profootballweekly.com

23

Eight burning questions

Has Peyton
Mannings
injury caused
him to drop on
your draft board?

7.

What 08 rookie taken late on

Draft Day will
make a surprising
fantasy splash?

8.

STEVE SMITH

NOT REALLY

TAYLOR MEHLHAFF

Trust me when I say hes

in the best shape of his life,
and the bolstering of the Oline and at receiver plus
having Jake Delhomme back
will make Smith one of
the top wideouts in the game.
Hell be more determined
than ever after serving his
two-game suspension for
punching out a teammate.

In my mind, Manning is a
tad overrated in fantasy anyway. Dont get me wrong
I love the guy. I just think
Tom Brady, Tony Romo and
possibly Carson Palmer are
better values in terms of fantasy and where these guys
appear to be going in drafts. I
think hell return healthy and
be the same guy we know.

If he can beat out Martin

Gramatica as the placekicker
for the high-powered Saints
offense, Mehlhaff, who
boasts a strong, accurate leg,
could be one of the top-scoring kickers in the NFL as a
rookie, much like Nick Folk
was with the Cowboys last
season.

THOMAS JONES

NO

THOMAS BROWN

Jones scored two TDs and

gained 3.6 yards per carry
last season, but hell be better this year now that the Jets
have added Alan Faneca and
Damien Woody to their Oline. Im also a Vince Young
backer who thinks V.Y.s
best is yet to come.

I still rank him second,

behind Tom Brady and
ahead of Tony Romo. Manning is still a safer play than
Romo. Even if he misses the
season opener (unlikely), it
isnt that big of a deal. Start
your backup for a week,
then turn things over to the
most foolproof fantasy QB
out there.

A guy I like as a deep

sleeper is RB Thomas Brown
out of Georgia, who went to
the Falcons in the sixth
round. Hes small and had
some fluky injuries in college, but I love how he runs.
Hes behind Michael Turner
and Jerious Norwood, neither
of whom has ever carried a
full NFL workload.

VINCE YOUNG

YES

RYAN TORAIN

He is going to last until the

final rounds in some drafts
after torpedoing many a fantasy owners season in 2007.
But I expect him to be
healthy (and thus running
more than he did a season
ago) and surprisingly productive in Mike Heimerdingers offense. Hell
exceed expectations.

Swelling in Mannings
left knee was reportedly an
issue even before he had
surgery in July. Even if he
were completely healthy, I
wasnt going to take him in
Round One. For now, hes
still a top-20 pick on my
board. Any way you look at
it, hes a tough call for those
drafting in early August.

PREVIEW 2008

What a great time to be

Torain, the Broncos fifthround pick. Generally speaking, Broncos head coach
Mike Shanahan is never more
fond of a running back than
when hes a lightly regarded
rookie with a chip on his
shoulder and a willingness to
make one cut and go. It is a
rite of late summer.

LAURENCE MARONEY

NO

RYAN TORAIN

Between injuries and a

constantly changing role in
the Patriots pass-happy
offense, Maroney had a
strange 2007. However, he
cranked it into high gear to
end the season, displaying
how good he can be when
given the chance. If he stays
healthy, expect Maroney to
run wild in 08.

Unless I hear that hes

definitely going to miss regular-season action, Manning
will remain my secondranked QB. Hes a lock for
huge numbers every year,
and I dont see that changing
because of minor surgery.
Plus, all signs thus far point
to Manning being on the
field in Week One.

Grabbed in the fifth round

by Denver, RB Ryan Torain
has a shot to be the teams
Week One starter. The Broncos are in need of talented
backs, and the Arizona State
product has the cut-back ability to succeed in their zone
blocking scheme. If Selvin
Young falters, Torain could
become a hot fantasy item.

MARC BULGER

SLIGHTLY

ADRIAN ARRINGTON

Injuries and a makeshift

offensive line took their toll
on Bulger last season. He
should be rejuvenated with a
clean bill of health and the
return of offensive coordinator Al Saunders to St. Louis.
Look for Bulger to get back
to his 06 form and post
close to 4,000 passing yards
and 22-25 touchdowns.

I already was considering

placing Tony Romo ahead
of Manning on my board,
and news of Mannings
surgery sealed it, though he
shouldnt fall too far. Hes
still very capable of being
the most productive QB in
the league and is worthy of
an early second-round pick,
at the latest.

Arrington has drawn rave

reviews in the early stages of
Saints camp. He has a chance
to follow in the footsteps of
Marques Colston a fellow
seventh-round pick (in 06)
who has become New
Orleans go-to receiver. The
Saints throw early and often,
and Arrington could be a
pleasant surprise.

THOMAS JONES

YES

STEVE JOHNSON

Jones will have a strong

season for the same reason
that Larry Johnson will
struggle. Like Johnson,
Jones requires a bullish
offensive line to open up
appreciable holes to burst
through. Unlike Johnson,
Jones team dished out the
cash in free agency to make
that requirement a reality.

I initially had Manning

No. 2 behind Tom Brady,
but theres so little separating him from the likes of
Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer
that the chance of Manning
missing Week One or being
a little rusty is enough for
me to go the safe route and
favor one of the others.

The seventh-round pick

from Kentucky has been a
training-camp revelation in
Buffalo, and he has a very
legitimate shot of breaking
into a WR rotation lacking
bodies. The Bills are a young
offense with a young quarterback, so they wont be afraid
to have a rookie step in and
contribute from the start.

FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDE 2008

Your favorite Pro Football Weekly magazines
are now available in electronic format at:
http://server3b.pressmart.net/profootball//LoginNew.aspx

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

24

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

Q&A with the Fantasy Doctor

The Fantasy Doctor is in!

Pro Football Weeklys resident fantasy expert solves readers preseason dilemmas

Q. Last year, in my 12-team, one-keeper, PPR league, where WRs get one point
per reception and RBs get one point for
every two receptions, five of the top 10
point scorers for the season were WRs. I
have Tom Brady as my one keeper and it
will cost me my fourth-round
pick. I am picking 10th in the
first round, and some of the
RB keepers are Adrian Peterson and Clinton Portis. Am I
crazy to be thinking of starting
my draft with WR-WR? I can
perhaps get two out of Terrell
Owens, Reggie Wayne, Larry
Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson (if
healthy) and Marques Colston,
rather than RBs like Willis
McGahee or Ryan Grant. If we
learned anything last season,
its that RBs can be found late
in the draft and through free
agency. We start one QB, two
RBs and three WRs no flex position.
Any thoughts?
Bryon Bonafede
A. You bring up an interesting point here,
Bryon. Its certainly unconventional to draft
a receiver in each of the first two rounds,
but it might be the wisest strategy in your
situation. If the best you can get at running
back is McGahee or Grant both borderline top-10 backs you may be better off
looking at wide receivers, especially in a
PPR league. If you could grab T.O. with
your first-round pick and then come back
and get Fitzgerald or Wayne in the second
round, thats an awesome receiver duo that
will pile up catches, yards and TDs. If one
of the top running backs slips to you at No.
10 someone like Frank Gore hes
worth taking. If not, however, go with your
WR-WR plan and grab two great wideouts
to team with Brady.

and enters 08 as a true featured back. At

just 25 years old, he only figures to get better. With your second keeper, Id retain
Jones-Drew. Even though hell continue to
split carries with Fred Taylor, M.J.D. has a
5.1 career yards per carry, can catch out of
the backfield and scores at an alarming pace
(24 TDs from scrimmage in two pro seasons). Hell produce enough even in a timeshare. Jacobs isnt a bad option, but he got
bit by the injury bug last season, his first as
a starter, and likely will see his role scaled
back in 08.

Q. Dear Doc, I have a dilemma in my

12-team keeper auction league. We are
allowed to keep up to three
transitional players for $10
apiece or one franchise player
for $25. The money we spend
on our keepers counts against
our $150 cap. We get to pick 15
players total. Our point system
is one point for every reception,
six points for TDs, one point for
every 25 yards gained and
three bonus points if the player
goes over 100 yards. I have to
choose
between
Braylon
Edwards for $10 or Marion
Barber for $25. Last year, a lot
of the teams kept running
backs and the prices skyrocketed on them, with LaDainian Tomlinson
going for $95, Steven Jackson going for
$75 and so on. Which player would you
keep, Edwards or Barber?
Michele Cinque
A. I can see your predicament here, as
these two players are very close in our overall rankings. If it were up to me, Id keep
Barber. Even at $25, hes a very good value,
especially considering that the top backs are
going for such high prices. Hell take over an
increased workload this season and should
find paydirt time after time. I think hell
prove well worth the $25 price tag. Edwards
represents a great value at $10, especially
after his breakout 07 season, but its probably smarter to hold on to the running back
and find other receivers during the draft.

Ask the
Fantasy
Doctor

Q. Fantasy Doc: In need of some serious client counseling. For the upcoming
season I can only franchise two players,
and my decision is between four RBs:
Maurice Jones-Drew, Ronnie Brown,
Ryan Grant and Brandon Jacobs. All
have question marks what two should
I keep?
Gary Rom
A. You definitely have a bit of a dilemma
there, Gary, but thats why the Doc is here.
First off, the knee injury to Brown scares
me plus, hell be yielding some carries to
Ricky Williams so Id shy away from
keeping him. I like each of your three
remaining backs, but I rate Grant slightly
ahead of the other two. Grant emerged last
season as a solid workhorse for Green Bay

Q. Dear Doc, last year Ben Roethlisberger had a career year in touchdown
passes and set a single-season Steelers
record. A high percentage of his touchdown passes came in the red zone. The
Steelers struggled running the ball in the
red zone without the help of a power
back, so Ben was forced to throw the ball
a lot. Do you think the addition of
Rashard Mendenhall will affect the number of touchdown passes Big Ben will
throw, or do you see him throwing for
more yards and more touchdowns than
last year because of the additions of
Mendenhall and Limas Sweed? Thanks.
Eric Moegerle
A. I absolutely think the presence of
Mendenhall in the Steelers backfield will
affect Roethlisbergers TD total. Last season Willie Parker had all kinds of trouble
crossing the goal line, forcing the team to

JAMES D. SMITH

he Fantasy Doctor, now a daily staple

at ProFootballWeekly.com with loads
of candid advice on all things fantasy
football, was asked to pay a visit to our
print edition. What follows are questions submitted by PFW readers. The
Fantasy Doctor took time out of his busy
schedule of tee times and three-day vacations to share some knowledge and bring
fantasy owners in off the preseason ledge.

Ready to run wild: Now the Cowboys lead dog, RB Marion Barber should be a definite keeper

throw a lot from in close. This resulted in a

ton of TD passes (32) for Big Ben
though new OC Bruce Ariens more passing-friendly system also helped the cause.
However, Pittsburgh drafted Mendenhall
with the idea that he could be the power
back that Parker isnt, meaning hed be able
to stuff the ball in from inside the five-yard
line. If Mendenhall converts these scoring
opportunities, then Roethlisberger wont
need to throw as much in the red zone,
resulting in fewer TD passes in 08.

Q. Hey Doc, keeper question. The player keeps the round he is drafted in the
previous year. Can only keep one. Wide
receiver and tight end are together and
scoring is very similar to PFWs TD
league with some yardage bonuses.
Should I keep Santonio Holmes in Round
Six, Minnesotas Defense in Round 12,
Chris Cooley in Round 15, or Nick Folk
in Round 16? Leaning to Cooley?
Jason McLean
A. Id start out by eliminating the defense
and kicker, which never should be kept in
fantasy leagues because they dont hold significant value over whomever you replace
them with. So it comes down to Holmes in
the sixth round or Cooley in the 15th. I
think I agree with you that Cooley is the
smarter choice. Hes a top-five tight end
who will be used more in the Redskins new
West Coast offense and could be in store for
a career year. Plus, in the 15th round, youre
not going to get anything close to his poten-

tial. I like Holmes a lot this season, but I

feel like you can get a player of close to his
value in the sixth round. Who knows, you
might even be able to draft Holmes himself
with your sixth-round pick.

Q. I have luckily drawn the No. 1 pick

in our fantasy football league for the second straight year. Last year, I selected
LaDainian Tomlinson with no hesitation.
This year, Im not so sure of my pick. Is
L.T. the No. 1 pick, or is he on the way
down? Adrian Peterson is on the way up,
but his health is one of my concerns. Is
A.P. the better pick over L.T. this year?
Pat Mahoney
A. Well, Pat, you pose one of the most
difficult questions that fantasy owners face:
Whos No. 1? You have it narrowed down to
the only two guys I believe deserve consideration. As much as Im tempted to take
Peterson first overall, I think you have to go
with the sure thing and draft L.T. The guy is
the biggest guarantee in fantasy football,
gaining at least 1,776 total yards and scoring 17 or more TDs in each of the last five
seasons. To me, the first round of the draft
is not the time to take chances, and as much
as I like A.P. and think hes going to have a
huge year, his injury history makes him a
bit of a gamble. Sure, L.T. is getting older
and will have to break down one of these
years, but I dont think itll be 2008. Until
he shows signs of slowing down, Im keeping L.T. at the top of my draft board, with
A.P. slotting in right behind him at No. 2.

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

25

Mock draft

PFWs editors conducted a mock draft July 28 based on a standard point system that rewards players for both scoring and yardage (six points for rushing/receiving TDs; four points for TD passes; one point for every
10 yards rushing or receiving and one point for every 25 yards passing). The drafters were not obligated to follow PFWs draft board, which can be found on Page 16, and they assumed all holdouts as of July 28 would
be resolved in time for the regular season. The order of the draft reverses every round, so that Team One drafts first in odd-numbered rounds and last in even-numbered rounds. Starting lineups consist of one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and a defense. Participants had to draft enough players at each position to fill out a starting lineup, but the rest of the roster positions are flexible.

RD.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

TEAM ONE
RB

LaDAINIAN
TOMLINSON
RB

MAURICE
JONES-DREW
QB

TONY
ROMO
RB

JULIUS
JONES
WR

ANQUAN
BOLDIN
WR

HINES
WARD
RB

THOMAS
JONES
WR

BERNARD
BERRIAN
TE

HEATH
MILLER
QB

MARC
BULGER
WR

PATRICK
CRAYTON
TE

OWEN
DANIELS
RB

T.J.
DUCKETT
DEF

NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
PK

ADAM
VINATIERI
WR

EDDIE
ROYAL

TEAM TWO
RB

BRIAN
WESTBROOK
WR

REGGIE
WAYNE
WR

ANDRE
JOHNSON
RB

EARNEST
GRAHAM
RB

DARREN
MCFADDEN
TE

CHRIS
COOLEY
QB

DONOVAN
MCNABB
WR

KEVIN
CURTIS
WR

DONALD
DRIVER
WR

ANTHONY
GONZALEZ
RB

AHMAD
BRADSHAW
WR

BOBBY
ENGRAM
QB

PHILIP
RIVERS
DEF

PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
PK

ROB
BIRONAS
RB

RYAN
TORAIN

TEAM THREE
RB

ADRIAN
PETERSON
RB

WILLIS
McGAHEE
QB

PEYTON
MANNING
WR

PLAXICO
BURRESS
RB

REGGIE
BUSH
WR

BRANDON
MARSHALL
RB

RONNIE
BROWN
WR

RODDY
WHITE
TE

TODD
HEAP
WR

DONT
STALLWORTH
QB

MATT
SCHAUB
RB

RICKY
WILLIAMS
TE

TONY
SCHEFFLER
DEF

SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
WR

SIDNEY
RICE
PK

MASON
CROSBY

TEAM FOUR
QB

TOM
BRADY
RB

RYAN
GRANT
RB

LAURENCE
MARONEY
WR

WES
WELKER
WR

GREG
JENNINGS
TE

DALLAS
CLARK
RB

FRED
TAYLOR
RB

KEVIN
SMITH
WR

JERRICHO
COTCHERY
RB

JERIOUS
NORWOOD
WR

JERRY
PORTER
PK

STEPHEN
GOSTKOWSKI
QB

DAVID
GARRARD
DEF

PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
WR

BRYANT
JOHNSON
TE

ZACH
MILLER

TEAM FIVE
RB

STEVEN
JACKSON
RB

MARION
BARBER
WR

CHAD
JOHNSON
QB

DEREK
ANDERSON
WR

ROY
WILLIAMS
TE

TONY
GONZALEZ
WR

DWAYNE
BOWE
RB

SELVIN
YOUNG
WR

JAVON
WALKER
RB

DeANGELO
WILLIAMS
QB

JAKE
DELHOMME
DEF

JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
TE

GREG
OLSEN
PK

SHAYNE
GRAHAM
RB

MICHAEL
BUSH
WR

JAMES
HARDY

TEAM SIX
RB

JOSEPH
ADDAI
WR

LARRY
FITZGERALD
QB

TEAM SEVEN
WR

RANDY
MOSS
RB

JAMAL
LEWIS
RB

TEAM EIGHT
RB

FRANK
GORE
WR

BRAYLON
EDWARDS
WR

DREW
BREES

BRANDON
JACOBS

STEVE
SMITH

RB

WR

QB

WILLIE
PARKER
WR

MARVIN
HARRISON
RB

EDGERRIN
JAMES
WR

CHRIS
CHAMBERS
TE

VERNON
DAVIS
RB

AHMAN
GREEN
WR

NATE
BURLESON
DEF

SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
PK

JOSH
BROWN
QB

JASON
CAMPBELL
TE

RANDY
MCMICHAEL
RB

CHRIS
JOHNSON
WR

DREW
BENNETT

T.J.
BEN
HOUSHMANDZADEH ROETHLISBERGER
RB

LenDALE
WHITE
TE

KELLEN
WINSLOW
QB

ELI
MANNING
WR

LAVERANUES
COLES
RB

JUSTIN
FARGAS
TE

L.J.
SMITH
QB

AARON
RODGERS
DEF

NEW YORK
GIANTS
WR

DEVIN
HESTER
PK

NATE
KAEDING
RB

LORENZO
BOOKER
TE

DONALD
LEE

RB

JONATHAN
STEWART
RB

TEAM NINE
RB

CLINTON
PORTIS
RB

MARSHAWN
LYNCH
QB

CARSON
PALMER
WR

MARQUES
COLSTON
WR

SANTONIO
HOLMES
TE

MICHAEL
TURNER

ANTONIO
GATES

TE

WR

JEREMY
SHOCKEY
WR

CALVIN
JOHNSON
WR

SANTANA
MOSS
DEF

DALLAS
COWBOYS
RB

RAY
RICE
WR

VINCENT
JACKSON
QB

MATT
LEINART
PK

PHIL
DAWSON
RB

LEON
WASHINGTON
TE

KEVIN
BOSS

LEE
EVANS
RB

CHESTER
TAYLOR
QB

MATT
HASSELBECK
DEF

MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
WR

MARTY
BOOKER
RB

FELIX
JONES
TE

BEN
WATSON
PK

NICK
FOLK
RB

LADELL
BETTS
RB

FRED
JACKSON

TEAM TEN
RB

LARRY
JOHNSON
WR

TERRELL
OWENS
RB

RUDI
JOHNSON
WR

TORRY
HOLT
TE

JASON
WITTEN
QB

JAY
CUTLER
WR

JOEY
GALLOWAY
RB

MATT
FORT
RB

DEUCE
McALLISTER
RB

RASHARD
MENDENHALL
WR

REGGIE
BROWN
DEF

CHICAGO
BEARS
QB

JON
KITNA
RB

LaMONT
JORDAN
TE

ALGE
CRUMPLER
PK

DAVID
AKERS

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

STRATEGY:

I considered taking
Peterson No. 1 overall,
but Tomlinson was too
valuable to pass up. Ill
be stunned if Romo, my
third-round pick, doesnt throw 30 TDs. I was
disappointed that I didnt get a clear-cut No. 1
receiver, but Boldin,
Ward, Berrian and Crayton will all have their
moments. Bulger is a
top-notch backup and
potential trade bait.

I try not to worry too

much about backups at
tight end, defense and
kicker, preferring to get
good depth at running
back and wideout, plus
two solid QBs I can
weigh week to week.
Sure, I have injury concerns with McNabb and
Rivers, but I love my
depth at wideout and
think I have enough
upside with my running
backs.

I was thrilled to get

Peterson at No. 3, and I
think he and McGahee
form a great starting
backfield. Peyton Manning in the third round
was excellent value. My
next handful of picks all
came with some risk,
but each has huge
upside. I have a feeling
that grabbing Stallworth
and Ricky Williams late
could pay big dividends.

My first six picks fill

out my starting spots at
the QB, RB, WR and TE
positions. I like to nail
down key starters
before adding depth.
Three of my first four
picks are Patriots. Filling so many key roster
spots from one team is
not usually a recommended approach, but
theres no reason to
believe the Pats will
slow down in 2008.

I built a strong backbone for my team in the

first five rounds, taking
a RB tandem of Jackson and Barber and a
solid WR duo featuring
Johnson and Williams.
With those four in tow,
complemented by
Anderson and Gonzalez,
I think I've assembled a
sound starting lineup of
skilled players who will
give me a shot to stay
ahead of the pack.

Addai, Fitzgerald and

Brees give me solid
front-line fantasy
triplets. Burleson and
McMichael could be
real fantasy sleepers.
Making strong-legged
Josh Brown the first PK
taken in Round 12 also
feels like a smart move.
Admittedly, Im gambling that graybeards
Harrison and James
still have sufficient gas
left in their tanks.

Picking seventh, I
knew I wasnt going to
be able to pick up
Brady, so I decided to
wait a long time until I
drafted a quarterback
I was the last participant to pick a passer.
Moss was my must-get
because of the tremendous drop-off from the
No. 1 to No. 2 WR. I
love thumping goal-line
RBs such as Lewis,
Jacobs and White.

My top target was

Gore and I got him. I
hoped to take Lynch in
the second round but
he went the pick before,
so I switched gears and
grabbed Edwards, the
best WR available. After
addressing the passing
game with Smith and
Big Ben, I looked for
young RBs Stewart
and Turner with
great upside. Rice could
be an 11th-round steal.

Two workhorse backs

were a necessity at the
ninth pick to make up
for not getting a true
fantasy stud, and I went
for top-rated players at
the rest of the positions
except WR since the
elite guys were gone at
my third pick. Getting
the backup RBs to my
starters was a fantasy
must. And if A.P. goes
down, Taylor becomes
a top-10 fantasy back.

With the 10th and

11th picks, my goal
was to fill two needs.
T.O. was a perfect fit in
Dallas last year, and
Larry Johnson should
have a chip on his
shoulder as he returns
from injury. Holt and
Rudi Johnson add consistency, and I got my
top-rated TE in the fifth
round. Wouldve liked a
bit more experience in
my backup RBs.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

26

FA N TA S Y FOOTBALL

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUSY 17, 2008

Ask the Experts

Question: Which highly ranked fantasy star comes

with the most risk this season?

DAN ARKUSH

MICHAEL BLUNDA

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

TORRY HOLT
All Holt has done in his nine-year career is put
up monster fantasy numbers. Since 2000, the
Rams wideout has been the most consistent
yardage producer of any receiver in football, posting over 1,300 yards in six straight seasons. He
hasnt exactly been a slouch in the scoring department, either, averaging nearly eight TDs per campaign. At age 32, Holt hasnt slowed down much
his yardage totals did dip a bit in 2006 and 07
but he has developed something that could
bring his career to a screeching halt: a degenerative knee condition. Holt has been able to play
through his pain thus far, but thats bound to come
to an end soon. The cartilage in his knee is constantly wearing away, leaving his knee joint boneon-bone. This condition can only get worse with
time, meaning his status wont be improving as
the season progresses. Given Holts age and knee
issues not to mention the fact that the Rams
will run more often in 08 the star receiver
comes attached with a boatload of risk.

SPORTPICS

FRANK GORE
Dont get me wrong. I think Frank Gore is a
helluva back. He can do major damage both
rushing and receiving, and its easy to see why
new Niners coordinator Mike Martz thinks Gore
can become Marshall Faulk Jr. Team insiders
say Gore has appeared to be on a different level
than anybody else so far in Martzs revamped
offense. The problem I have is with Martz, who
hardly knocked me off my feet as Detroits
coordinator the last two seasons. It remains to
be seen how quickly Martzs offense can be
assimilated, and even if the offense improves a
lot in 08, it would have to make a quantum leap
in order to generate any truly substantial fantasy firepower. Hesitancy and miscommunication
have been the order of the day in the early going
for Niners QBs Alex Smith and Shaun Hill, and
that isnt a good sign. Neither is the state of an
O-line that has been hindered in the early going
this offseason by injuries to projected starters
OLT Joe Staley and ORG David Baas.

Restart: Gore is learning a new scheme

Last legs: Holt is nagged by a bad knee

ERIC EDHOLM

MATT SOHN

SENIOR EDITOR

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

DONOVAN McNABB
The harsh reality is that McNabbs a hasbeen. Hes been slowed by injuries each of the
past three seasons, and assuming he can maintain his health is taking a leap of faith. Even if
he swats the injury bug that has sidelined him
15 games since 05, hell be hard-pressed to put
up numbers commensurate with a starting fantasy quarterback. Though it gets an A for
effort, Phillys front office has failed in providing
him with the type of playmaking receiver who
can stretch a defense or be a red-zone menace,
and theres not a QB in the league who can put up
inspiring numbers with a WR corps headlined by
Kevin Curtis. Only once since 02 has McNabb
exceeded 19 TDs, and his 31-TD campaign of
04 was the only time he had a dominant receiver, Terrell Owens, at his disposal for the bulk of
the season. With QB-in-waiting Kevin Kolb
poised to take over should the season dip south,
McNabbs poised to kill the fantasy hopes of
many naive owners.

Overload: Johnson could get worn down

TOM BERG

HARRY SCULL JR.

LARRY JOHNSON
You cant deny that an extended holdout, a
miserable offensive line and a serious foot
injury were big reasons why Johnson fell so far
so fast after a 2,199-yard, 19-TD season in
2006. But I have concerns about any running
back with Johnsons size and running style sustaining a long career or even seeing it fall off
precipitously, the way Priest Holmes did. Statistically, backs are as likely to slide at age 28 as
they are at 30, and Johnson turns 29 during
Week 12. And despite changes, the Chiefs Oline has miles to go before it is anywhere close
to the dominant group behind which he ran in
05 and 06. I dont think Kolby Smith and
Jamaal Charles will keep the ball out of Johnsons hands, necessarily, but you could see the
Chiefs wanting to lighten his load a bit, especially with many teams likely to play an eighth
man up in the box a lot. And theres the uninspiring QB stable, where neither Brodie Croyle
nor Damon Huard does much for me.

Past prime: Does McNabb have much left?

MIKE WILKENING

DAN PARR

SENIOR EDITOR

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

New era: Question marks surround Grant

SPORTPICS

BRAYLON EDWARDS
Of the top 20 players on PFWs fantasy draft
board, few have a shorter track record of success than Edwards (No. 17). His numbers have
improved every year hes been in the league,
and entering this season, expectations for him
have burst through the roof. Edwards 16 TDs
were the second-most in the league, and 80
receptions for 1,289 yards placed him among
the leagues elite pass catchers last season.
Observers say he still has bad habits, such as
poor concentration, which leads to bad route
running and careless drops. Defenses will pay
closer attention to the fourth-year veteran this
season, and hell be tested like never before in
08. With that in mind, owners, caught up in the
buzz, will be disappointed when Edwards
numbers dip, particularly his touchdown total.
He may have a solid year, just not one that justifies taking him in the first two or three rounds
of drafts, where hell frequently come off the
board later this summer.

SPORTPICS

RYAN GRANT
Grant might be drafted at the end of Round
One in some formats off his strong finish to the
2007 season. In the Packers final six regularseason games, Grant scored in every game and
rushed for at least 94 yards four times. However, Grant is far from a safe pick. For one, he is
not much of a receiving threat out of the backfield. Also, his 07 production was a major surprise; shouldnt you be slightly skeptical about
him putting up similar numbers this season?
Finally, we just cant be sure how potent the
Packers offense will be with QB Aaron
Rodgers, not Brett Favre, at the controls. And
even if Favre takes back the job, recall his struggles in 2005 and 2006. In a full season of work,
Grant certainly could rush for more than 1,000
yards. But considering where you will be
required to draft him, you will be expecting
more than simply that. If convinced Grant can
be brilliant, you should take him; if not, its best
to let another owner take the risk.

Secrets out: Defenses are onto Edwards

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

27

MULTILAYERED:

Favre saga loaded with lessons, ramifications

t first, I thought the coverage afforded to Brett Favres
decision to come out of retirement was overkill.
Then we learned the Packers were open, in a worstcase scenario, to trading him to a division rival.
As late as mid-July, as the NFL wrapped up its collective
summer vacation, I thought the story would soon burn itself
out. Too much other news would develop in other training
camps an injury here, a first-round pick holdout there.
Besides, both sides had to resolve this quickly, right?
Then we learned the Packers were willing to pay him millions upon millions to keep him away from their training
camp.
The story got more complex, more bizarre. It became
downright messy for the Packers, who appeared to want to
install Aaron Rodgers as the starting quarterback and go
about the business of defending the NFC North title with as
little distraction as possible but found themselves
devoting considerable energy to a player no
longer on the roster.
It became a story unlike any in recent
memory, deserving of all the video you
could shoot and all the words you
could hurriedly put on the Internet.
Send a camera crew to a high school
stadium where Favre is throwing passes to a bunch of kids who cant
believe their good fortune? Send two
crews! Well catch up with what the
Detroit Lions are doing in September!
On the last day of July, when it
appeared a private jet with Favre aboard
would soon be taking off from Hattiesburg,
Miss., bound for Green Bay, I looked up
from my computer to see this: the picture
on my television screen split into
quarters, a correspondent holding
a microphone in each one,
ready to dish the latest round
of Favrian news. Now, that
was relatively detailed coverage, but it was still five

SPORTPICS

MIKE WILKENING
squares short of The Brady Bunch treatment. I was somewhat disappointed; couldnt this deep-pocketed network
(ESPN or NFL Network, I forget which) have sent someone
to get reaction from the fans in Kenosha?
Im serious.
As of this writing, Favre had been reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but it hadnt been decided whether
he would play or take the Packers $20 million marketing
offer to stay retired. But it is not too early to start filing away
what weve learned from this story, certainly one with longlasting ramifications for player, team and league.
Here are four points that stand out:
1. The Packers have provided a blueprint for other teams
to follow and perhaps alter if they encounter a similar
situation down the road.
The Packers every move has been picked apart since the
news of Favres potential return broke in early July, and they
have been roundly criticized by some observers for repeatedly insisting that Favre, were he to return, would
back up Rodgers. (At presstime, in perhaps
another twist to the story, ESPN was reporting
that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was
expected to announce that Favre and
Rodgers would be competing for the job.)
No matter what you think of the Packers
strategy of late, the complexity of the
issues at hand were enough to test any
management team.
Those studying this case may pay close
attention to the work of Packers president
Mark Murphy, who appears to have a
good rapport with Favre. Murphys presence has allowed general manager Ted
Thompson and McCarthy to concentrate
on the business of building a roster.
2. Commissioner Roger
BRETT Goodell handled this conFAVRE flict deftly, a positive
development with contentious negotiations
concerning the Collective
Bargaining Agreement on

the horizon.
Goodell pushed for a speedy resolution to this dispute, but
he delayed Favres reinstatement which would have
forced the Packers to add Favre to the roster or trade or
release him until Aug. 4, two days after the Pro Football
Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
3. All hail the power of text messaging.
On July 31, as he weighed the Packers $20 million offer,
Favre sent the following text message to ESPN: There isnt
a perfect solution to this, but Mark Murphy is at least trying.
We know what they want and where I stand. His solution,
although awkward and unsettling for most, may be the best
in the end.
On a day where speculation ran rampant, Favres note
broke through the clutter. It is safe to say that more stories,
not fewer, will be broken by text message in the years to
come. The ultimate winner is the reader: The more easily
athletes and reporters can communicate, the better.
4. Others might use variations of Favres negotiation strategy, but it is an exceptionally risky one.
Lets suppose Favre really didnt want to come back to the
Packers and was simply acting in such a way to try to induce
Green Bay to pay him to go away. According to University
of Chicago economist Allen Sanderson, an expert on the
business of sports, this would be an instance of game theory, or the study of how people act strategically to get a
desired outcome.
Now, at presstime, it was widely assumed that Favre wants
to play football in 2008, and that he wants to be the Packers
starter. But the idea of a veteran extracting a golden parachute from a team convinced his presence would hamper the
club and the progress of his replacement is a particularly juicy one. However, its a negotiation tactic that could
only be used by a player with considerable leverage, and if it
backfired, it would backfire spectacularly. With one misstep,
a player could squander all of the goodwill he ever had accumulated.
Favre doesnt appear to be in danger of that. But his is a
unique case, one were unlikely to ever see again.
PFW senior editor Mike Wilkening can be reached at
mwilkening@pfwmedia.com.

DEANS LIST:

Hall of Famer chased QBs, demons with equal zest

JERRY MAGEE

e is the Rev. Fred Dean now, an associate pastor of the New Hebron Baptist
Church in Arcadia, La. Mean Fred,
as he was known, finally went one-onone with a force superior to him.
All I can say is that God works in mysterious ways, Dean said.
As Dean detailed it, his acceptance of a
changed role in life occurred during the
seven days in December 2003 when he was
being treated in the emergency wing of a
Louisiana hospital after his blood-sugar level
had spiraled to more than 900. Close to terminal, he said.
Although Dean said he was not aware of it
when he was hospitalized, he was suffering
from diabetes, which gave him a great thirst.
In an attempt to quench it, he said he would
partake of liquids of all sorts, and his bloodsugar level kept climbing.
Taking insulin is permitting Dean to control his condition. Im the happiest individual in the world because the only other place
I would want to go other than these halls of
fame is the hall of fame Up There, Dean
said.
He had come to San Diego, where it
would be announced that he was to be
received into the Chargers Hall of Fame, the
club acting, a good deal belatedly, in my

thinking, after Dean had been voted into the

big Hall of Fame, the one in Canton, most
deservedly, again in my thinking.
I should note that I generally use this
space to discuss issues, but I did not want to
miss an opportunity to extol Dean, one of
the finest football players I have been privileged to be around in a half-century of hanging around this game.
Two things are astounding me. One is that
it has taken so long for Dean to be afforded
the recognition due him. The other is that he
has become a man of God. The Dean I knew
during his time with the Chargers was a
world-class cigarette smoker. He also knew
what saloons were, and he spent some time
in them, which never seemed to bear on
what he would do on Sunday afternoons.
One quality defined Dean. Quickness.
Damn, he had it. I would refer you to Gunther Cunningham, who was Tommy Prothros DL coach when Dean arrived in San
Diego in 1975. In that year, the Chargers
were tied to a scouting amalgam known as
Quadra, based in Palo Alto. In order to have
access to Quadras files, Prothro determined
to do his drafting from Palo Alto.
What a draft! Prothro had a carload of
choices and he used them wisely. He would.
In many ways, most of them arithmetical, he

might have been a genius. Games delighted

him. Contract bridge, blackjack, chess, aceydeucey, Tommy was a whiz at all of them.
To Prothro, the draft was just another game,
and he played it masterfully in Palo Alto,
acquiring three defensive linemen who later
would start together in a Pro Bowl Gary
Johnson, Louie Kelcher and Dean.
At Louisiana Tech, Fred had been a defensive end, but at about 220 pounds, he did not
have sufficient heft to line up in an NFL
defensive front, in the thinking of most in
the scouting community. Dean, however,
persuaded Prothro to align him at end, where
he could take advantage of that lightning
first step of his.
Before he came to the Chargers, Dean had
been shot during a card game and had
walked a long distance to get medical assistance.
They said I had been cheating, Dean
told Prothro.
Were you?
Yeah, Dean answered.
Handling rival offensive tackles never was
a problem for Dean, but he was less successful in managing his own affairs. When he
would get into a financial bind, he would
approach Tank Younger, the clubs assistant
general manager, for a loan. In return, the

Chargers would extend Deans contract.

They had him tied up at terms well below
what an athlete of his distinction deserved.
Dean was not content. Finally wearying of
the matter, the team dealt him to San Francisco during the 1981 season.
The trade was the making of the man. Bill
Walsh recognized that Dean could be most
effective in a role in which he would not be
required to play on every down. He became
the first of the NFLs situational pass rushers.
He changed the whole game of pro football, former Packers general manager Ron
Wolf has said.
Though Dean played in only 11 games for
the 49ers in 81, he was named the leagues
Defensive MVP on a team that captured a
Super Bowl.
What he (Walsh) did for me was important in my life, Dean said after being tapped
for the Hall of Fame. He made me see
another side of my life.
A Higher Power has enabled Dean to further expand his horizons. The Force is with
him.
Jerry Magee has covered pro football for
the San Diego Union-Tribune since 1961
and for PFW since its inception in 1967.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

28

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

LONG, STRANGE TRIP:

Patriots great Tippett looks back on path to Hall of Fame

RON BORGES

ndre Tippett was a basket

case. It comes with the territory.
The five-time Pro Bowl
linebacker of the Patriots and former AFC Defensive Player of the
Year had been burning the midnight oil for days, toiling over
words on a piece of paper. Thats
not what earned him his place in
the Pro Football Hall of Fame,
where he was inducted Aug. 2
along with Darrell Green, Art
Monk, Gary Zimmerman, Fred
Dean and Emmitt Thomas, but it
was consuming him in the final
days leading up to his induction.
Words were now important.
When you end up in a place you
never thought youd be, theyre the
way you explain what a long,
strange trip its been.
Im an emotional wreck, Tippett admitted. I keep writing and
rewriting because you dont want
to forget anybody. You dont want
to leave anyone out who had something to do with you getting to the
Hall, but you have to be mindful
and respectful of the people that
are sitting and listening, too. I
know this. It wont be on my watch
that I go over my time.
Although considered the best 3-4
strong-side linebacker to ever play,
Tippett knew his induction was a
long shot not because of his many
achievements, but because he did-

nt fit the mold. In 12 years with

the Patriots, his teams never won a
Super Bowl, and they reached the
playoffs only three times. In many
years the franchise operated like a
circus, creating problems no single
player, regardless of his skill, could
overcome.
The odds of anyone reaching
Canton are so long they are difficult to fathom. However, with over
70 percent of the inductees having
played on a world championship
team, the difficulties for someone
like Tippett are magnified even
though he had 100 sacks and averaged less than half a tackle and
two-thirds of a sack per game less
than his longtime rival and perhaps
the games greatest outside linebacker, Lawrence Taylor.
L.T. and A.T. have long been
joined at the hip, in large part
because they were the two most
feared pass rushers of their time.
But Taylor played in New York on
two Super Bowl-winning teams
while Tippett struggled in Foxborough, Mass., which in those days
was the football wilderness.
I think that debate is finally
over, said Tippett. Were both in
the same place now. You go to the
Hall of Fame and youll see him,
and you go there and youll see
me. No one can take Lawrences
greatness away, but its a badge of
honor for me that I played the

strong side in New England before

many people knew where that was
and I still got here.
Born in poverty in Birmingham,
Ala., Tippett found his way to the
University of Iowa and led the
Hawkeyes to their first Rose Bowl
appearance in over two decades
before arriving in New England in
1982 as a second-round draft
choice. He was thinking about
many things then, but not the Hall
of Fame.
Its not something thats on
your definite career goals, Tippett
said of his induction. It doesnt go
down like that. There are only 17
linebackers. There have been
18,000, 19,000 guys to play in the
NFL, and theres only 247 players
who ever got into the Hall.
That percentage will stun you
when you look at it. It really hit me
as I was preparing to go out to
Canton. Im heading to the Hall.
To know the number of guys in
there compared to the number of
guys who ever played, you realize
how special it is.
On the other hand, you realize
there are guys like Jerry Kramer
a guy who was on the all-time
NFL team for the 50th anniversary
not in there. Now that Im on
the inside looking out, I understand
how hard it is to get in. I could
have easily not made it this year,
and if I didnt, who knows where I

might have ended up?

The pressure is searing for a
player who reaches the final 15
and then must wait for hours the
day before the Super Bowl to learn
if he has made it through those
final three rounds that finally produce that years class of inductees.
Few players talk about it, but Tippett admitted that when he failed to
make the final cut two years ago,
he was glad he was home alone.
When I learned I didnt make
it, I was devastated, Tippett said.
Not that I thought I deserved it
more than someone else. Its just
that youre finally in the room. You
make it to the finals and then you
dont get through that last door.
You realize you were touching
greatness but you didnt quite get
there. For a guy like Art (Monk) to
have that happen six times must
have been so hard. I appreciate that
theyre not just letting anyone in. It
shows the committee does all it can
to protect the integrity of the Hall.
The first year I was on the list,
it was like I was gone in a puff of
air. When my name finally got into
the room, it was an honor to be
there. If they finally call your
name, you forget any disappointment you felt because now there is
nothing else left for you to accomplish as a player. Theres nothing
else after this honor. I just die.
No one can take it from me.

My great, great grandchildren can

go to Canton and see my bust, and
they know maybe I did something
back in the day.
More than 20 years ago, Tippett
was a regular Pro Bowl selectee
who used to stand on the field and
watch older men in Hawaiian shirts
walk onto the field. Each was a
member of the upcoming class.
They were men Tippett would
smile at but not fully see as peers.
Youd see these guys on the
sidelines in their Hawaiian shirts
and a lei and go over and shake
hands, but it never enters your
mind one day it might be you,
Tippett said. Im just a player in
the league. Its cool to see, but its
not saying anything to me.
Thats when it really hit me this
year. At the Pro Bowl. Now Im in
the Hawaiian shirt and Lofa Tatupu
runs up and hugs me. I played with
his dad (Mosi). I remembered
when he was my sons age, playing
with my helmet. Now there I am.
Yes, there he is. A member of
the most exclusive society in sports
and a guy searching for words to
say thanks to everyone who helped
him open a very small door.
Longtime Boston Globe football
columnist Ron Borges now writes
for Pro Football Weekly,
ESPN.com and his own Web site,
www.ronborges.com.

FIRST-ROUND RUNDOWN
To more accurately reflect the actual value of first-round rookie contracts, last season Pro Football Weekly revamped the way in which it presents that information. As shown in the tables below for first-round picks, the four new categories (left to right) indicate:
(1) contract length in years; (2) actual guaranteed money after options; (3) total five-year value based upon achieving minimum playing-time thresholds; and (4) maximum contract value if all incentives are met. The five-year value is considered a more realistic
total-earning figure, given that many incentives will not be met and a rookie contract will likely be ripped up and redone prior to the final year of the deal.

2007 FIRST ROUND

PK POS/PLAYER/TEAM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

DATE
SIGNED

QB JaMARCUS RUSSELL / Oak.

Sept. 11
WR CALVIN JOHNSON / Det.
Aug. 3
OT JOE THOMAS / Cle.
July 26
DE GAINES ADAMS / T.B.
July 26
OT LEVI BROWN / Ari.
Aug. 2
FS LaRON LANDRY / Was.
July 30
RB ADRIAN PETERSON / Min.
July 29
DE JAMAAL ANDERSON / Atl.
July 25
WR TED GINN JR. / Mia.
July 27
DT AMOBI OKOYE / Hou.
July 27
LB PATRICK WILLIS / S.F.
July 29
RB MARSHAWN LYNCH / Buf.
July 26
DT-DE ADAM CARRIKER / St.L.
July 27
CB DARRELLE REVIS / NYJ
Aug. 15
OLB LAWRENCE TIMMONS / Pit.
July 22
DT JUSTIN HARRELL / G.B.
July 27
DE JARVIS MOSS / Den.
July 28
CB LEON HALL / Cin.
July 28
S MICHAEL GRIFFIN / Ten.
July 27
CB AARON ROSS / NYG
July 27
FS REGGIE NELSON / Jax.
July 27
QB BRADY QUINN / Cle.
Aug. 7
WR DWAYNE BOWE / K.C.
Aug. 5
CB-FS BRANDON MERIWEATHER / N.E. July 28
LB JON BEASON / Car.
Aug. 5
OLB ANTHONY SPENCER / Dal.
July 26
WR ROBERT MEACHEM / N.O.
July 24
OT JOE STALEY / S.F.
July 16
OG BEN GRUBBS / Bal.
July 27
WR CRAIG DAVIS / S.D.
July 23
TE GREG OLSEN / Chi.
July 3
WR ANTHONY GONZALEZ / Ind.
July 26

REAL
GUARANTEED
YEARS AFTER OPTIONS

6
6
5
5
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

$32.0 mil.
$27.2 mil.
$23.0 mil.
$19.3 mil.
$22.9 mil.
$17.5 mil.
$17.0 mil.
$15.4 mil.
$14.1 mil.
$12.8 mil.
$12.0 mil.
$10.3 mil.
$9.3 mil.
$14.0 mil.
$8.3 mil.
$8.1 mil.
$8.1 mil.
$8.2 mil.
$8.2 mil.
$8.0 mil.
$7.2 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$6.5 mil.
$6.3 mil.
$6.3 mil.
$6.4 mil.
$5.7 mil.
$5.5 mil.
$5.5 mil.
$5.4 mil.
$5.4 mil.
$5.4 mil.

2008 FIRST ROUND

5-YEAR
VALUE

MAX VALUE
W/INCENTIVES

$54.5 mil.
$36.9 mil.
$33.5 mil.
$26.0 mil.
$22.9 mil.
$22.0 mil.
$22.5 mil.
$19.2 mil.
$17.5 mil.
$15.4 mil.
$14.4 mil.
$13.3 mil.
$12.8 mil.
$21.0 mil.
$11.9 mil.
$11.8 mil.
$11.5 mil.
$11.0 mil.
$10.5 mil.
$10.0 mil.
$9.8 mil.
$9.3 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$8.8 mil.
$8.3 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$8.2 mil.
$7.9 mil.
$7.9 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$7.5 mil.

$68.0 mil.
$64.0 mil.
$42.5 mil.
$45.0 mil.
$62.0 mil.
$41.5 mil.
$40.5 mil.
$30.9 mil.
$21.8 mil.
$17.6 mil.
$16.7 mil.
$18.9 mil.
$14.3 mil.
$36.0 mil.
$15.0 mil.
$14.5 mil.
$15.0 mil.
$13.6 mil.
$13.3 mil.
$13.5 mil.
$13.4 mil.
$30.0 mil.
$11.8 mil.
$11.5 mil.
$11.4 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$11.3 mil.
$10.7 mil.
$10.6 mil.
$11.1 mil.
$10.7 mil.
$10.3 mil.

PK POS/PLAYER/TEAM

OT JAKE LONG / Mia.

DE CHRIS LONG / StL.
QB MATT RYAN / Atl.
RB DARREN MCFADDEN / Oak.
DT GLENN DORSEY / K.C.
DE VERNON GHOLSTON / N.Y.J.
DT SEDRICK ELLIS / N.O.
DE DERRICK HARVEY / Jax.
OLB KEITH RIVERS / Cin.
ILB JEROD MAYO / N.E.
CB LEODIS MCKELVIN / Buf.
OT RYAN CLADY / Den.
RB JONATHAN STEWART / Car.
OT CHRIS WILLIAMS / Chi.
OG BRANDEN ALBERT / K.C.
CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE / Ari.
OT GOSDER CHERILUS / Det.
QB JOE FLACCO / Bal.
OT JEFF OTAH / Car.
CB AQIB TALIB / T.B.
OT SAM BAKER / Atl.
RB FELIX JONES / Dal.
RB RASHARD MENDENHALL / Pit.
RB CHRIS JOHNSON / Ten.
CB MIKE JENKINS / Dal.
OT DUANE BROWN / Hou.
CB ANTOINE CASON / S.D.
DE LAWRENCE JACKSON / Sea.
DT KENTWAN BALMER / S.F.
TE DUSTIN KELLER / N.Y.J.
Pick forfeited by Patriots
31. SS KENNY PHILLIPS / N.Y.G.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

DATE
SIGNED

REAL
GUARANTEED
YEARS AFTER OPTIONS

5-YEAR
VALUE

MAX VALUE
W/INCENTIVES

April 21
July 20
May 20
June 6
July 26
July 25
July 29

5
5
6
6
5
5
5

$30.0 mil.
$29.0 mil.
$34.8 mil.
$26.0 mil.
$22.5 mil.
$21.0 mil.
$19.5 mil.

$50.0 mil.
$48.0 mil.
$56.0 mil.
$36.2 mil.
$33.0 mil.
$32.5 mil.
$32.0 mil.

$57.8 mil.
$55.3 mil.
$72.0 mil.
$60.0 mil.
$51.0 mil.
$50.0 mil.
$49.0 mil.

July 24
July 26
July 25
July 26
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 23
July 16
July 25
July 25
July 25
July 25
July 25
July 26
July 25
July 25
July 24
July 24
July 24
July 18

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

$13.8 mil.
$12.6 mil.
$11.4 mil.
$10.8 mil.
$9.5 mil.
$9.2 mil.
$9.0 mil.
$8.9 mil.
$8.4 mil.
NA
$8.6 mil.
$7.8 mil.
$8.0 mil.
$7.1 mil.
$6.9 mil.
$7.0 mil.
$6.5 mil.
$6.2 mil.
$6.1 mil.
$6.0 mil.
$6.0 mil.

$16.3 mil.
$16.0 mil.
$13.1 mil.
$14.0 mil.
$13.0 mil.
$12.7 mil.
$12.2 mil.
$12.3 mil.
$11.9 mil.
NA
$11.0 mil.
$10.5 mil.
$10.5 mil.
$9.9 mil.
$9.6 mil.
$9.7 mil.
$9.1 mil.
$8.6 mil.
$8.6 mil.
$8.5 mil.
$8.5 mil.

$18.9 mil.
$19.4 mil.
$17.3 mil.
$20.6 mil.
$16.0 mil.
$15.8 mil.
$15.1 mil.
$14.8 mil.
$29.8 mil.
NA
$14.1 mil.
$13.5 mil.
$10.5 mil.
$12.6 mil.
$12.1 mil.
$9.7 mil.
$11.4 mil.
$11.8 mil.
$11.2 mil.
$11.3 mil.
$11.8 mil.

July 23

$5.7 mil.

$8.3 mil.

$11.2 mil.

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

29

Bakers resignation overshadows Soul win

By MARK ANDERSON
NEW ORLEANS Always an optimistic
soul, David Baker seemed especially excited
about the Arena Football Leagues future in
the weeks leading up to ArenaBowl XXII.
He talked enthusiastically about domestic
and international expansion, about changing
the leagues business model to improve profitability and efficiency, about having the
most promising season in AFL history with
increased attendance and television ratings.
His sunny outlook for the
AFL seemed real, and it still
does even after his startling
retirement announcement two
days before the Philadelphia
Soul beat the San Jose SaberCats 59-56 to
win the league championship.
Thats because Bakers optimism
remained even as he addressed the media
following the game at New Orleans Arena.
I think it will be good just to take a
breather but, boy, what a great way to go
out, Baker said. A great, great year, every
indicator up, potential expansion, international stuff.
Although the timing appears strange,
Baker said it was just right. Baker, 55, said
he wants to see if there is another career left
in him before its too late. He also talked
about spending more time with his longtime
girlfriend and watching son Sam, a firstround pick, play for the Atlanta Falcons.
And then there was the commute between
his home in Orange, Calif., and the AFLs
office in New York.
I dont know where home is anymore,
Baker said.

Theres no question that Baker leaves the

league in better shape than he found it.
When he took over 12 years ago, he wanted the job for just a season, but became energized with trying to shift arena football from
a fringe sport to one considered mainstream.
He didnt quite reach that point, but a
more general acceptance of the sport exists
as well as the growing belief it is here to stay.
The AFL has moved out of smaller markets such as Des Moines, Iowa, and concentrated on placing franchises in
major cities. Pittsburgh appears
to be the next expansion city,
and South Florida and Boston
could be added in coming seasons. A German group attended
the ArenaBowl to get a close-up
look in case the league makes the expected
move into Europe.
Its all heady stuff, but now someone else
will handle the enormous task of taking the
league forward. Baker will not be an easy
commissioner to follow, and the new person
will have to deal with a room full of owners
with various agendas and priorities, a constant challenge for Baker, although he didnt
blame any problems with owners as the reason for stepping down.
And no owner was going to be in any
hurry to show Baker the door.
I love the man, Soul co-owner and president Ron Jaworski said. I think he signified
the growth of this league. The man has been
grinding for 12 years, and I cant say enough
good things about him.
Bakers announcement did overshadow
the ArenaBowl, which featured a marquee
matchup between the team with the best regular-season record (Soul, 13-3) and the club

ARENA
FOOTBALL

that is the model franchise (SaberCats, three

titles in previous six years).
Philadelphia jumped on the SaberCats late
in the second quarter. The Souls defense
made an interception, forced a fumble and
came up with a safety to turn a seven-point
advantage into a 46-27 lead with 3:48 left in
the third quarter.
I think the difference was when we started getting pressure on them, Soul coach
Bret Munsey said. We got our stops when
we had to.
It should have been easy from there, but
the SaberCats have been the AFLs dominant
team for a reason. They sandwiched two
Mark Grieb touchdown passes around a successful onside kick to pull to within 59-56
with 17 seconds left.
The comeback caused Jaworski and Soul
co-owner Jon Bon Jovi, standing in the tunnel near an endzone, to look at each other
and ask, What the hells going on?
But Philadelphia held on to claim its first
ArenaBowl title in just its fifth year of existence and cap an emotional week for Munsey. He flew home shortly after the Soul
arrived in Louisiana to see the birth of his
first son, spending an hour and a half with
little Graydon Thomas before heading back
to the airport.
His wife, Yvette, urged him to return to
New Orleans and finish the job.
He did just that, and with a quarterback
who was supposed to be on the bench. But a
combination of starter Tony Grazianis
injury problems and Matt DOrazios superb
play prompted the coach to make the switch.
It was hard to go wrong with DOrazio,
who led the Chicago Rush to the ArenaBowl
title just two years ago. Back surgery ended

his days in the Windy City, but DOrazio

more than found a home in Philadelphia.
He became the AFLs Quarterback of the
Year, and in the championship game, DOrazio passed for 302 yards and seven touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown.
For us to get Matt DOrazio and Tony
Graziani, two great quarterbacks, was probably the difference in our season, Munsey
said. (DOrazio) handled the backup role,
was nice about it and professional about it,
and when his time came, he was ready to
take care of business.
Having Chris Jackson didnt hurt. Jackson
established himself as one of the leagues
greatest wide receivers over eight prior seasons, but didnt have the ArenaBowl trophy.
He finally got one, filling in probably the
only missing piece of his career. The AFL
Offensive Player of the Year has been on
good teams that fell short, so he knew how
difficult it was to win it all.
So it means everything, said Jackson,
who caught 11 passes for 146 yards and
three TDs in the title game. Im taking it all
in and enjoying every moment of it.
The SaberCats found out for the first time
what its like to walk off a field without winning the title game. San Jose was looking to
become the first back-to-back champion
since the Tampa Bay Storm in 1996.
We played as hard as we could, said
Grieb, who passed for 299 yards and eight
TDs. Should I feel bad about that? I dont.
I am disappointed we lost, but not disappointed about how we played. You move on.
Mark Anderson covers football for the Las
Vegas Review-Journal and is executive
director of the AFL Writers Association.

CFL notebook: Resilient Riders start fast

By RICK MATSUMOTO
When the Saskatchewan Roughriders eked
out a 22-21 victory vs. the Calgary Stampeders on Aug. 2, they improved their record to
6-0 for the first time in almost 75 years.
The Riders unblemished record to start
this season is doubly impressive in that while
they came into the season as the defending
Grey Cup champions, a lot of people felt they
would be hard-pressed to make the West
Division playoffs this year, let alone
drink from the Cup again, because
of the clubs offseason moves.
INSIDE
Just weeks after leading the Riders to only their third Grey Cup in
franchise history and the first in 18
years, head coach Kent Austin was
wooed back to his alma mater, Ole Miss, as
its offensive coordinator.
Then a few weeks later, Riders general
manager Eric Tillman traded QB Kerry
Joseph, who had been named the leagues
Most Outstanding Player, to the Toronto Argonauts. That caused a huge outcry throughout
Saskatchewan, but Tillman calmly explained
that the club was unable to meet Josephs
expectations of a substantial wage hike and
still remain within the leagues salary cap.
The pay ceiling also caused Tillman to
trade DE Fred Perry to Edmonton and to
release LB Reggie Hunter, RB-RS Corey
Holmes and OT Jermese Jones.
That left the Riders with a rookie head
coach in Ken Miller, who was the offensive
coordinator under Austin, a huge question
mark at quarterback and a revamped defense.
Its for all those reasons that the Riders 60 start has left the rest of the league saying
Wow.
Even more amazing is that the Riders have

won those six games with three different

starting quarterbacks, none of whom would
have ranked very high on anyones list as the
potential quarterback of this years CFL allstar team.
The trading of Joseph left the Riders with
Marcus Crandell, 34, a one-time starter in
Calgary, but a backup in recent years, as
their No. 1 quarterback. They also had a pair
of untried youngsters, Darian Durant and
Steve Jyles, in reserve.
Crandall engineered victories
over Edmonton and B.C. to open
THE the season before going down with
a pulled hamstring.
Up stepped Durant, who had been
the teams No. 3 pivot for the previous two seasons. The 25-year-old
North Carolina product showed the poise of a
seasoned veteran as he led the Riders to wins
vs. Hamilton and Montreal. But early in his
third consecutive start against the visiting
Argonauts, Durant suffered a rib injury. That
brought on Jyles, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Edmonton, where he had
been the third-stringer. The University of
Louisiana-Monroe alumnus, also 25, stepped
into the breach and brought the Riders back
from an 18-7 deficit to secure a 28-22 win.
Then Crandell returned to pace the Riders
to their historic victory at Calgary.
Equally astonishing about the Riders success is that they have kept winning despite
losing DE John Chick, DBs Leron Mitchell
and James Johnson as well as receivers D.J.
Flick, Weston Dressler and Andy Fantuz.
In the win vs. Calgary they lost two more
receivers in Matt Dominguez and Carl
Berman as well as OT Glenn January.
Were a team, said RB Wes Cates, the
CFLs leading rusher. It doesnt matter who

CFL

steps in there. Everybodys playing the system in practice and when somebody goes
down, its like we dont miss a beat.
Miller said that despite the changes and
the injuries there is a carryover from last
year when they learned to win.
And learn well they did.

SEVERAL VIEWING OUTLETS

AVAILABLE FOR AMERICAN FANS
American CFL fans have a chance to see
the league in action on three U.S. cable networks as well as on the CFL Web site. Heres
a rundown of the viewing options:
ESPN360.com, which will broadcast 35
regular-season games as well as postseason
games.
Voom-WorldSport HD, which will
broadcast 20 CFL Friday Night Football
broadcasts exclusively in high definition. It
will also broadcast postseason games in HD.
America One Television Network,
which will air 55 games plus postseason car-

ried nationally in all major U.S. TV markets.

CFL.ca, which airs archived webcasts
of all games.
How many Americans currently tune into
these networks, however, is unknown,
according to CFL vice president of broadcasting and media assets Chris McCracken.
Those outlets are not rated, so we dont
know (the number of viewers) we have, he
said. Its hard to predict a number.
McCracken said that while the number of
actual viewers is unavailable, the fact that
Voom-WorldSport and ESPN360.com are
broadcasting the games indicates there is
solid interest in the CFL in the U.S. He
added that regardless of the actual numbers,
any additional exposure is beneficial to the
CFL.
Its good to expand our borders. Its good
for the brand, he said. It provides football
during the summer and early fall when
(NFL) football is not available in the U.S.,
he said.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

that the receiver concluded were

going nowhere fast. That was one
of the biggest outbursts Ive seen
in a long time around here.
Anquan says it (his contract) wont
affect him on the field, but you
really have to wonder just how willing hes going to be to play hurt.
In the meantime, two players on
the other side of the ball with contract concerns of their own SS
Adrian Wilson and DE Antonio
Smith started off training camp
like gangbusters, although Wilson
had chosen not to talk to the local
media, for whatever reason, until
breaking his silence July 29. He
looks like the Adrian of old, the
insider said of Wilson, who is coming off a heel injury that required
surgery and forced him to miss the
last seven games of the 2007 season. Hes always been hot-andcold (with the media), and nobody
really knows why he isnt talking.
As for Smith, hes also looking real
good. Hes always been a bigeffort guy, and I suspect he could
possibly be in real demand in free
agency next offseason.

pair of young guards whove never

played in a regular-season game
Steve Vallos and Mansfield
Wrotto. Spencers absence is
especially disconcerting. Team
insiders tell us the former firstround pick is likely to miss at least
the first 10-12 full-squad
practices. While were told
he has made progress in
his ability to make the presnap calls on the line,
which was a noticeable
problem last season, the consensus is that he still needs to
improve in that area, and sitting on
the sideline certainly isnt helping
him any. There is one piece of
encouraging news at the center
position, though, as Wrotto
appears to be at least holding his
own in the absence of Spencer
and Gray. Wrotto had been widely
considered one of the most
improved players on the roster
heading into training camp, and his
ability to play center, as well as
guard, only serves to increase his
long-term usefulness. As for Vallos,
team sources think he could be in
a battle right up to the final cutdown date for the last spot on the
O-line with injury-prone veteran
Floyd Pork Chop Womack.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

ST. LOUIS RAMS

While its hardly the center of

attention in the Seahawks training
camp, the teams shaky situation
at the center position in the camps
early going is a cause for concern.
With starting C Chris Spencer
and veteran backup Chris Gray
both missing practice because of
back problems, the center role has
been forced into the hands of a

Despite the one-year suspension of DT Claude Wroten and the

broken middle finger suffered by
DE Victor Adeyanju, which is
expected to keep the player widely
considered to be the Rams best
run defender out of commission
the next couple of weeks, we hear
the team considers the defensive
line a real bright spot in the early

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

http://www.profootballweekly.com

AUGUST 17, 2008

hear, is James Hall, another veteran defensive end who was limited
by injuries last season. Hes been
very impressive, one longtime
team insider said of Hall. Hes
been getting a lot of work with the
first unit and should be a real factor in the DE rotation along with
Little, (first-round draft pick) Chris
Long and Adeyanju, who is considered the lines interchangeable
part.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

SPORTPICS

30

Needs work: OLT Joe Staley missed

vital practice time because of an injury
stages of camp. The biggest reason, team insiders tell us, has
been the eye-opening play of 11thyear veteran DE Leonard Little,
who has picked up where he left
off in the Rams minicamps and
OTAs and is looking completely
recovered from the toe injury that
limited him to only one sack
last season before going on
injured reserve at the midway point. The consensus is
that Little appears to have
regained the double-digit
sack form he routinely displayed
before the toe injury, and were
hearing that hes feeling so good
that hes now thinking about playing beyond the final two years of
his current contract. Further brightening the teams D-line picture, we

If you want

ANALYSIS

Its been a good news, not-sogood news situation at offensive

tackle so far in the Niners training
camp. Team insiders stopped short
of calling the foot infection that
forced second-year OLT Joe Staley to miss the Niners first
10 practices a flat-out bad
situation a sentiment
shared by head coach Mike
Nolan, who believes Staley
will still get sufficient practice time at his new position after
having started at right tackle as a
rookie last season. But there has
no doubt been some concern, considering that Staley is a relative
newcomer at protecting the quarterbacks blind side. Its also worth
noting that Staley didnt miss a single snap at right tackle his rookie
season, which makes his foot
infection which was initially
thought to be caused by a bug bite
a bad omen in the eyes of
some. Meanwhile, the good news
has been the very encouraging
early training-camp efforts of projected starting ORT Jonas Jennings, who is coming off an erratic, injury-plagued 2007 campaign.
He has looked very polished, win-

ning at least 80 percent of his

matchups in pass-protection drills,
a longtime team insider said of
Jennings, who is being limited to
just one practice per day as a precautionary measure. Hes made a
seamless switch to the right side,
and so far, he looks like the best
player on the line.

A F C lE A S T
Stroud, D-tackles
enjoying strong start
at Bills camp
The Bills knew they were taking
a risk when they traded for talented but troubled Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud this offseason. Thus
far, the gamble looks to be paying
off in a big way. Stroud has been a
force and the consummate professional in Bills camp, showing no ill
effects from the ankle injury that
prematurely ended his 2007 campaign in Jacksonville, and
routinely has been collapsing the pocket from his interior DL spot. Then again, as
one team insider reminded
PFW, its still very much
the honeymoon period, so it
remains to be seen if hell keep up
his energy level through camp and
into the season. If he can, the Bills
look to be strong at the DT position, as Kyle Williams, fresh off
his contract extension, and thirdyear pro John McCargo have
been playing particularly well, too.

MIAMI DOLPHINS
Word out of Miami is that Josh
McCown has taken a considerable
lead in the race to become the

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Dolphins starting quarterback.

Sources close to the club say he
has impressed coach Tony Sparano with the ease with which hes
picked up the nuances of the
offensive system, which they credit
to McCowns experience playing in
many different systems. He
has this air of confidence to
him, one source told PFW.
Hes just this relaxed,
happy kid who feels comfortable with where hes at.
Additionally, hes been terrific
throwing on the run, specifically on
rollouts, which the Fins are expecting to utilize often. John Becks
disastrous start to camp has also
aided McCown. Terrific in terms of
his work ethic and participation in
the offseason program, Beck has
been unable to transfer that to
camp. He lacks velocity on his
throws and, unlike McCown, has
been unable to hit anyone when
hes on the move.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Given his long injury history,
theres legitimate concern in New
England as to whether ORG Steve
Neal can be counted on to provide
consistent play. Neal started training on the physically-unable-toperform list, and theres no
timetable for his return. Were
hearing that the confluence
of a sprained knee he suffered during the Super
Bowl and a shoulder problem is primarily responsible
for his absence. The shoulder injury is of particular concern
to the Patriots, as its been plaguing him for the past few seasons
and required offseason surgery. If
Neal is forced to miss extended
time, there will have to be a significant reshuffling of the offensive
line. Backup OG Russ Hochstein
is a steady, veteran reserve but is
far from a sound long-term
replacement. Theres a chance that
ORT Nick Kaczur could slide
inside, with Ryan OCallaghan
taking over at right tackle, but its
safe to say its a fluid situation
thats giving the Patriots a
headache as camp progresses.

NEW YORK JETS

Word out of Jets camp is that
the team has legitimately no clue
who will be its starting quarterback
this season. Thus far, Kellen
Clemens and Chad Pennington
have been wholly uninspiring, particularly Clemens. Sources indicate
that Clemens has been
miserable when it comes to
reading the defense, a deficiency that has resulted in
numerous interceptions.
Pennington, while appearing to be recovered from the ankle
injury that hampered him last season, has lacked zip on his passes,
and theres a concern that the
offense will stay grounded and predictable if hes at the controls.

A F C lN O R T H
Ravens may be coming
back around to Boller
for starting QB spot
Kyle Bollers efficient play early
in training camp has enhanced his
chance to win the Ravens starting
QB job, the way we hear it. Boller
outplayed second-year pro Troy
Smith and rookie Joe Flacco in

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

the early stages of camp, largely

by limiting his mistakes. Smiths
play, according to a source close
to the club, was up-and-down early
in camp, with Flacco faring
the worst of the quarterbacks who are competing
to start. Of course, much
can change in Baltimores
four preseason games, and
the quarterbacks performances in
those games will be given significant weight by the coaching staff.
But there is little doubt Boller has
helped his stock by limiting his
errors early on.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
With OLG Andrew Whitworth
only two seasons away from free
agency, the Bengals moved to sign
him for the long term before the
start of training camp, giving him a
four-year extension reportedly
worth $30 million and ensuring
hell be under contract through
2013. Whitworth can also
also play left and right tackle, and his versatility would
have only enhanced his
value were he to have
reached unrestricted free
agency after the 09 season. The
6-7, 339-pound Whitworth, whos
entering his third NFL campaign, is
a key part of the Bengals O-lines
present and future plans. Its a
position group already undergoing
transition, as Stacy Andrews has
supplanted veteran Willie Anderson at right tackle. Andrews is a
free agent after the season, and
re-signing him is likely to be
expensive. The re-signing of Whitworth is a wedge against that
uncertainty and a nod to Whitworths versatility and dependability. Its also a victory for the Bengals, who could not retain OLG
Eric Steinbach last offseason.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers moved quickly to
replace injured P Daniel Sepulveda, claiming Paul Ernster off
waivers from Detroit on the same
day Sepulveda suffered a seasonending right knee injury. However,
a source close to the club suggests
that Ernsters ability to keep the job
into the regular season could be
tied to the quality of punters
hitting the waiver wire
throughout training camp. In
short, Ernster, who has
punted for the Broncos and
Browns, will need to perform well in the camp and preseason, and hell need to prove hes a
better option than any of the veterans who may be cut. In another
intriguing development, the Steelers worked out ex-Chiefs and Lions
RS Eddie Drummond on July 31.
The Steelers have competition for
the kick- and punt-returner spots.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
In the words of a club observer,
RB Jamal Lewis has looked fabulous at Browns training camp, and
he has given the distinct impression that hes capable of exceeding the 1,304 rushing yards he
racked up in 2007. Lewis,
listed at 245 pounds last
season, has shed some
weight with an eye on
improving his quickness. I
think thats OK, head coach
Romeo Crennel told Cleveland
reporters. I think that his style is
the more carries he gets, the bet-

http://www.profootballweekly.com

31

The best option? Kyle Boller asserted himself early in Ravens training camp
ter he becomes, and I think that
still is the case, and being lighter,
he might be able to break some
longer runs. Thats what Im hoping
for. On condition of anonymity, a
veteran personnel man gave PFW
his take on Lewis, who turns 29 in
August: Last year was as well as
Jamal has run the ball over the
past few seasons. The QB
(Derek Anderson) played well,
they had big-play receivers, and
the tight end (Kellen Winslow)
was playing like the guy they drafted. Jamal is a big back with better
top-end speed than shiftiness, so
all he needs is an offensive line
capable of holding their blocks
long enough for him to burst
through the crease and get into
the secondary.

A F C lS O U T H
Walter: Look for a
more physical Texans
offense in 2008
In Gary Kubiaks third season
as the Texans head coach, expectations are higher than ever for the
offense, which was potent at times
in 2007, even as QB Matt Schaub
and WR Andre Johnson missed
significant stretches with injuries.
One of the reasons the offense
didnt lose much without those
players in the lineup was
WR Kevin Walter, who
caught a career-high 65
passes and thrived after
earning the most playing
time he had ever received in
his career. Walter, who signed with
Houston in Kubiaks first offseason
with the club, told PFW he senses
a slight collective attitude change
among the offense. Theres a little
swagger about our offense, Walter
said. Were going to be a little
more physical. Walter said assistant head coach Alex Gibbs,
renowned for his work with offensive linemen, has made an impression with his attention to detail. If a
player makes a mistake, hell let
you know, Walter said. You better
be on point. For his part, Walter,
who turned 27 on Aug. 4, wants to
be more of a threat after the catch
this season and said he has
improved his quickness.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Nobody is saying anything
regarding the sudden retirement of
Colts second-year DT Quinn Pit-

ROBERT WATROBA

AUGUST 17, 2008

cock, who shocked the organization with the news that hes ending
his career before it even got off the
ground. Pitcock was being counted
on to be a regular part of the DT
rotation behind starters Ed Johnson and Keyunta Dawson, and
his absence will force players such as undrafted rookie Eric Foster to assume a
larger role in the defense.
Regardless, we hear that
the Colts arent too worried
about the status of the position,
and that theyre not actively scanning the waiver wire for replacement bodies. In fact, theyre confident enough in the position to
keep Raheem Brock, who was a
starter in 2007 at tackle, on the
outside. Brock is one of the Colts
more versatile defensive linemen,
and he will play a prominent role
at a DE spot until Dwight
Freeney, whos nearing the end of
his rehabilitation from a Lisfranc
injury, is ready to go full speed.

and No. 2 WRs Jerry Porter and

Reggie Williams, Jones still is
considered a long shot to keep a
roster spot into the regular season. He might have bought himself a little more time, but thats
about it. The way we hear it, the
Jags have wanted second-year
pro Mike Walker and veteran newcomer Troy
Williamson to ascend
higher on the depth chart
all along, and those are
the guys who stand to
benefit the most from the
absence of Porter and Williams.
Both Walker and Williamson are
considered deep threats, and
their solid work in camp has reinforced the notion that the
Jaguars should be able to attack
defenses downfield. Williamson
has been an especially welcome
sight, showing the good instincts
and hands that were in short
supply during his disappointing
tenure in Minnesota.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

TENNESSEE TITANS

It goes to show just how disillusioned the Jaguars have

become with WR Matt Jones
that even with injuries to No. 1

One of the most promising

developments early in Titans camp,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

32

the way we hear it, has been the

play of third-year LB Stephen Tulloch, whose instincts and playmaking ability have turned heads and
have led to some chatter about him
potentially pushing MLB
Ryan Fowler out of the
starting lineup. However, a
source close to the club
says Fowler is still the likely
Week One starter, with Tulloch likely to get an increased
workload in passing situations and
perhaps also at outside linebacker
in some situations. At the least, Tullochs development enhances the
Titans LB depth and gives them
some flexibility in the event Fowler
is disciplined by the NFL.
ESPN.com reported in June that
Fowler had been informed by the
NFL that he faced a suspension for
violating the leagues policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

A F C lW E S T
Broncos DE Moss not
showing many signs
of improvement
Sources say Broncos secondyear DE Jarvis Moss had a
decent start to training camp but
hasnt stood out. While coaches
arent ready to give up on him, its
beginning to look like his best fit is
as a nickel pass rusher. At
6-6 and 245 pounds, Moss
is thinly built for a defensive
end, and with Elvis
Dumervil, who is also
undersized, serving as the
teams No. 1 defensive right end,
Denver cant afford to start both of
them because they would likely be

http://www.profootballweekly.com

pummeled by the run a

prospect the Broncos fear, having
just gone through a season when
they ranked 30th in run defense.
Moss has been taking snaps with
the second-team defense, behind
starter John Engelberger, but he
runs with the first unit in the nickel
opposite Dumervil. Though it will
be hard to find a place for Moss,
the 17th overall pick in 07, to contribute if he picks up where he left
off last season struggling to
generate a pass rush word is
hes not in danger of being cut.
Moss had one sack in six games
during his rookie year before he
suffered a season-ending broken
shin.

HARRY SCULL, JR.

WWHI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

added muscle and appears to be

in tremendous physical shape. And
although hes wearing a brace on
his surgically repaired knee, he
isnt showing any lingering effects
from the operation. To think, all this
just months after a serious surgery
that threatened to sideline Rivers
into the regular season. Given the
fact that San Diegos receiving
corps is also in the midst of a terrific training camp, the fifth-year
signalcaller looks set to have a
breakout campaign as he leads
the Bolts toward what would
appear to be a realistic run at the
Super Bowl.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

TE Tony Gonzalez said this

week that he is 95 percent sure
hell return to play in 2009, but he
would not commit beyond that time
frame. Could the potential Hall of
Famer have only two seasons left?
Not likely, from what we hear. The
32-year-old Gonzalez has at least
a couple of reasons to keep playing. For one, he just redid
his contract before the 07
season, and hes due quite
a bit of money from now
through 2011. If he decides
to retire, Gonzalez will be
giving up a lot of cash, something
he doesnt appear very anxious to
do. In addition, the veteran, knowing hes moved into the latter
stages of his career, has recently
learned the value of mentoring the
Chiefs younger players. He is trying to spend more time with them
during training camp, especially
with rookie TE Brad Cottam, who
could be Gonzalezs replacement
in a few years. Finally, Gonzalez
has not won a playoff game in his
11 seasons in Kansas City, and its

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is

proving to be something of a modern medical marvel. After playing
through a torn ACL during last
seasons playoff run, Rivers underwent surgery to repair the ligament
a procedure that was supposed
to require a six-month
recovery period. This
timetable wouldve kept him
out through at least July,
but, amazingly, the quarterback was already back on
the field for minicamp in May. Now,
we hear that Rivers is having his
best training camp yet, throwing
the ball harder and more accurately than he ever had. He has also

Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell

was kept out of two practices last
week after he banged his right
elbow on the helmet of rookie RB
Darren McFadden. Head coach
Lane Kiffin has indicated the injury
doesnt appear serious, and he
said X-rays on the elbow
came back clean. Yet for
Russell, entering his first
season as a full-time starter,
any bit of missed time hurts.
Though hes technically
entering his second season, Russell still hasnt been in the league
for a full year, after a lengthy contract holdout lasted into the first
week of the 07 campaign. Russell
needs as much time as possible to
gain a comfort level with his receiving corps, which is also very inexperienced as a group. In addition,
hell need to establish a rapport
with the offensive line, which
sources say has looked very unimpressive in the early stages of
camp. The Raiders will have to proceed with care in their handling of
Russell he has a lot of work to
do, but they have to keep his wide
frame out of harms way.

The question is: Whose philosophy

were they following, and who was allocating the money to those players? Was
Mike responsible or was it Ted
(Sundquist)? It makes sense why he
was fired if it were Ted. I know Mike
brought two trophies and helped bring
a new stadium to the owner, but since
he has been there, he has misspent
more money than any other (team), and
most of it has come on the defensive
side.
I dont see Brandon Marshall
making the contribution they are
expecting from him. He keeps getting
in trouble and cant stay healthy.
(Denver) has lost a lot of good
coaches in recent years. Gary Kubiak
was very good. (Texans OL coach)
Alex Gibbs moved on from the offensive line he made it go. (Dolphins WR
coach) Karl Dorrell was a really good
receivers coach before he went to
UCLA. (Former TE coach) Tim Brewster went to Minnesota. That takes its
toll as much as losing good players.
The problem with Brett Favre
right now is that his ego is way too big.
I know its difficult to pass up $12 million, but he does not have the arm he
used to. He does not have the stamina.
Age eventually catches up with all the
great ones. The same thing happened
to Dan Marino at the end of his
career. He thought he could go out and
win 16 games with his arm. So Jimmy
Johnson finally told his offensive coordinator to let him throw it against Jack-

sonville that year. Throw it 60 times

throw the hell out of the ball. They
wound up getting blown out. Marino
didnt have the same magic in his arm
and went in to talk to Johnson after the
game he was mad that he did not
put him in a good position to succeed.
At some point, you have to trust your
coach.
What made John Elway unique is
that he bought into the plan. He understood late in his career that he was not
going to have the same magic in all 16
games, and in those five or six games
that he did not have it, he was willing to
let Terrell Davis run for 200 yards and
(Elway) pass for 100. The Broncos won
two Super Bowls because Elway was
able to put his ego aside for the best of
the team. Do you think Favre is going to
do that? He went out and criticized his
general manager for the moves he
made, when they were all the right
moves. After Marco Rivera left, he
went to the Cowboys for big money and
what did he do? He got hurt, and no one
wanted to sign him. He had to retire.
The Chiefs do not have a quarterback. Thats their problem. They
didnt draft one, in part because there
really was not one there to draft and in
part because I dont think it was in their
plans to draft one early. Brodie
Croyle is going to struggle to stay
healthy. He does not have a 16-game
arm. The running game better be
healthy as long as he is in the lineup.
I was very skeptical about how

(Browns NT) Shaun Rogers would do,

but he has looked dominant inside.
(Former Chargers and Bills GM)
John Butler never won a Super Bowl,
but he consistently built teams that
contended and was as good as there
was drafting talent. Look at his drafts.
They were far better than Ron Wolfs,
yet he does not get nearly the credit.
As far as drafting goes, hes a first-ballot GM in my book.
(Chiefs MLB) Napoleon Harris
is awful. He has no thump to him at all.
He is the last one moving. He has no
instincts. He always runs to a block and
gives himself up. All his movement is
lateral, never downhill. He shows no
second effort. He looks like Tarzan and
plays like Jane. He belongs on the third
team. He is stealing a paycheck.
Now that Luis Castillo is locked
up, the Chargers will have some decisions to make. They have (OLT Marcus) McNeill, (Philip) Rivers,
(Antonio) Cromartie and (Shawn)
Merriman all coming up at the same
time. Cromartie has three years left on
his deal, so there does not have to be
as much urgency, but the longer they
wait, the more they are going to have to
pay. Theres not a better corner in the
league.
(Niners director of football operations) Paraag Marathe is very good
at what he does, but he has to get over
the part that he can outsmart the rest of
the league and thinking he knows
more than everyone else.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Long-term future? Tony Gonzalez is
inclined to play beyond the 2008 season
something hed really like to do
before hanging up his cleats.
Given the current state of the
Chiefs roster, however, he may
need to stick around for a while to
accomplish that.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

A U D I B L E S
The following quotes are from NFL
scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Just when you think the Redskins
front office is starting to figure it out
and building through the draft, they
give up the house for Jason Taylor, a
guy that will be lucky to play a few
more seasons. They could have drafted
Phillip Merling in the second round.
There were plenty of options in the
draft with upside. They could have had
a young talent who could play another
10 years in the league.
Whats interesting when you look
at the Browns roster is that Phil Savage was hired because of his ability to
draft. That was Ozzie Newsomes
blueprint, and drafting was regarded
as Savages expertise. When you look
at the Browns roster, though, its a team
that was built through free agency.
(James) Shack Harris followed
Ozzies blueprint in Jacksonville. The
Jaguars have been heavily built
through the draft.
No team has added more veteran
free agents than the Saints. They needed to make some changes in the college department.
What I would like to know about
Mike Shanahan is how much say he
has had in bringing in defensive players. He has a long history of re-coordinating his defensive coordinators, and
its possible his coordinators wanted the
players and that is why they are gone.

AUGUST 17, 2008

2008 NFL PRESEASON

RESULTS, SCHEDULE
All times Eastern

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

(at Canton, Ohio)
SUNDAY, AUG. 3
Washington 30, Indianapolis 16

Week One
THURSDAY, AUG. 7
N.Y. Giants at Detroit, 7 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Baltimore at New England, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Chicago, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Arizona, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 8
San Francisco at Oakland, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.
Seattle at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 9
Buffalo at Washington, 7 p.m.
Indianapolis at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Houston, 8 p.m.
St. Louis at Tennessee, 8 p.m.
Dallas at San Diego, 10 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 11
Cincinnati at Green Bay, 8 p.m.

Week Two
THURSDAY, AUG. 14
Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo, at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 15
Oakland at Tennessee, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 16
Washington at N.Y. Jets, 7 p.m.
Indianapolis at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.
Arizona at Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
San Diego at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Denver, 9 p.m.
Chicago at Seattle, 9 p.m.
Green Bay at San Francisco, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 17
Detroit at Cincinnati, 7:35 p.m.
New England at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 18
Cleveland at N.Y. Giants., 8 p.m.

Week Three
THURSDAY, AUG. 21
San Francisco at Chicago, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 22
Tennessee at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at New England, 7:30 p.m.
Houston at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Green Bay at Denver, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
Cleveland at Detroit, 4 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at N.Y. Jets, 7 p.m.
Washington at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Cincinnati, 7:35 p.m.
Baltimore at St. Louis, 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Arizona at Oakland, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 24
Buffalo at Indianapolis, 8 p.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 25
Seattle at San Diego, 8 p.m.

Week Four
THURSDAY, AUG. 28
Detroit at Buffalo, 6:30 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m.
Jacksonville at Washington, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 7 p.m.
New England at N.Y. Giants, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Houston, 8 p.m.
Miami at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
St. Louis at Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Tennessee at Green Bay. 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 29
San Diego at San Francisco, 10 p.m.
Denver at Arizona, 10 p.m.
Oakland at Seattle, 10 p.m.

AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

33

NFL TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, July 19-Aug. 2)

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

July 31: Reserve/suspended by commissioner: WR
Chris Henry (4 games, violation of personal conduct policy;
was on indefinite suspension).

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

BALTIMORE July 21: Reserve/injured: TE Scott Kuhn,
TE Quinn Sypniewski. Contract terminated: CB Lenny Walls.
July 22: Draft choices signed: QB Joe Flacco (1/18); RB Ray
Rice (2/55), RB Allen Patrick (7/240); LB Tavares Gooden
(3/71); S Tom Zbikowski (3/86), S Haruki Nakamura (6/206);
OT Oniel Cousins (3/99), OT David Hale (4/133); WR Justin
Harper (7/215). Roster additions: TE Adam Bergen (released
by Cowboys 9/2), TE Aaron Walker (not tendered as UFA by
Rams 6/1). Placed on waivers: QB Brad Roach. July 23:
Roster addition: CB Anwar Phillips (released by Saints 7/21).
July 24: Active/non-football injury: CB Chris McAlister
(knee), CB Fabian Washington (hamstring); FB LeRon
McClain. Active/physically unable to perform: CB David
Pittman (foot); S Ed Reed; TE Daniel Wilcox (toe); WR
Demetrius Williams (leg). Placed on waivers: TE Jake Nordin.
July 25: Roster addition: WR Darnerien McCants (released
by Eagles 9/3/07, New Orleans-Arena Football '08). July 26:
Passed physical: CB Chris McAlister, CB Fabian Washington; FB LeRon McClain. July 28: Passed physical: CB David
Pittman. July 31: Roster addition: OT Chad Slaughter
(released by Raiders 9/1). Placed on waivers: OT Sean Dumford. Aug. 1: Roster addition: RB Alex Haynes (released by
Panthers 7/28). Placed on waivers: CB Anwar Phillips.
BUFFALO July 24: Draft choices signed: LB Chris
Ellis (3/72), LB Alvin Bowen (5/147); RB Xavier Omon (6/179).
July 25: Draft choice signed: WR James Hardy (2/41).
Reserve/did not report: OT Jason Peters. July 28: Draft
choice signed: CB Leodis McKelvin (1/11). Aug. 2: Roster
addition: LB Donnie Spragan (not tendered as UFA by Dolphins 6/1).
CINCINNATI July 22: Draft choice signed: WR Mario
Urrutia (7/246). July 24: Contract terminated: CB Blue
Adams. July 25: Placed on waivers: RB Kenny Irons (failed
physical/knee). July 26: Draft choice signed: S Corey Lynch
(6/177). July 28: Draft choices signed: WR Jerome Simpson
(2/46), WR Andre Caldwell (3/97); DT Pat Sims (3/77); OT
Anthony Collins (4/112). Roster addition: CB Jonathan
Zenon (released by Jets 7/21). Active/non-football illness:
FB Jeremi Johnson (conditioning). Active/physically unable
to perform: RB DeDe Dorsey (groin); WR Chad Johnson
(ankle). Reserve/physically unable to perform: RB Kenny
Irons. Reserve/did not report: LB David Pollack.
CLEVELAND July 21: Placed on waivers: DB Justin
Sandy (injury settlement); DE Zach West. July 23: Draft
choices signed: LB Beau Bell (4/104), LB Alex Hall (7/231);
TE Martin Rucker (4/111); NT Ahtyba Rubin (6/190); WR Paul
Hubbard (6/191). Active/physically unable to perform: WR
Joe Jurevicius (knee); OT-OG Ryan Tucker (hip).
DENVER July 22: Draft choices signed: OG Kory
Lichtensteiger (4/108); CB Jack Williams (4/119). Placed on
waivers: RB Mike Bell; PK Garrett Hartley. July 24: Draft
choice signed: WR Eddie Royal (2/42). July 25: Draft choice
signed: OT Ryan Clady (1/12). Active/physically unable to
perform: TE-OT Chad Mustard (hamstring); DT Carlton Powell (Achilles). July 26: Roster addition: WR Taylor Jacobs
(released by Broncos 6/13). Reserve/injured: WR Edell
Shepherd (knee). Aug. 1: Contract terminated: S John
Lynch.
HOUSTON July 22: Draft choice signed: CB Antwaun
Molden (3/79); RB Steve Slaton (3/89); DT Frank Okam
(5/151). Placed on waivers: LB Jon Abbate; DE Eric Powell;
OT Charles Spencer (failed physical/leg); OG Dan Stevenson
(injured). July 23: Reserve/injured: OG Dan Stevenson. July
25: Draft choice signed: OT Duane Brown (1/26).
Active/physically unable to perform: CB Dunta Robinson
(knee/hamstring). July 31: Roster addition: RB Mike Bell
(released by Broncos 7/23). Placed on waivers: S Brandon
Mitchell.
INDIANAPOLIS July 22: Draft choice signed: WR
Pierre Garcon (6/205). July 23: Draft choice signed: TE
Jacob Tamme (4/127). Placed on waivers: QB Josh Betts;
OG Mike Elgin. July 24: Draft choices signed: OG Mike Pollak (2/59), OG Jamey Richard (7/236); LB Phillip Wheeler
(3/93); DE Marcus Howard (5/161); C Steve Justice (6/201);
RB Mike Hart (6/202); TE Tom Santi (6/196). Roster addition:
QB Quinn Gray (released by Texans 6/9). Active/physically
unable to perform: DE Dwight Freeney (foot); LB Tyjuan
Hagler (torn pectoral); OG Ryan Lilja (knee); QB Peyton Manning (knee); S Bob Sanders (shoulder); TE Tom Santi (knee).
Placed on waivers: WR Rudy Burgess; QB Adam Tafralis.
July 25: ERFA re-signed: DT Ed Johnson. Roster addition:
QB Jared Lorenzen (released by Giants 6/26). Reserve/did
not report: DT Quinn Pitcock. Placed on waivers: P Adam
Crossett. Aug. 1: Roster addition: LB Brandon Archer
(released by Broncos 6/18). Placed on waivers: WR Charles
Dillon (injured/foot). Aug. 2: Roster addition: P Adam Crossett (released by Colts 7/28). Placed on waivers: OG Tala
Esera.
JACKSONVILLE July 25: Draft choice signed: DE
Quentin Groves (2/52). Roster additions: DE Mkristo Bruce
(released by Dolphins 9/2, ended 07 season on Raiders practice squad); WR Ryan Hoag (released by Redskins 9/2); OT
Leander Jordan (released by Falcons 8/22). Placed on
waivers: TE Adam Bishop; OT-OG Pete McMahon. July 26:
Active/non-football injury: DB Chad Nkang (wrist); WR Reggie Williams (knee). Active/physically unable to perform: LB
Jeremy Mincey (wrist); WR Jerry Porter (hamstring); TE
George Wrighster (knee). July 29: Passed physical: WR
Reggie Williams. July 31: Roster addition: OG Chris Liwienski (not tendered as UFA by Dolphins 6/1). Placed on
waivers: QB Paul Smith.
KANSAS CITY July 21: Draft choice signed: RB
Jamaal Charles (3/73). Placed on waivers: OG L.J. Anderson; CB Jason Horton; FB Steven Jackson; RB Kalvin McRae.
July 22: Draft choice signed: TE Brad Cottam (3/76). July
23: Roster additions: WR Sergio Joachim (Central Florida),
WR Timon Marshall (released by Bears 8/28; Los
Angeles/Grand Rapids-Arena Football 08). July 25: Draft
choices signed: OT Branden Albert (1/15); CB Brandon Flowers (2/35). Active/physically unable to perform: WR Kevin

Robinson (knee). Placed on waivers: LB Nate Harris; OT Ken

Shackleford. July 26: Draft choice signed: DT Glenn Dorsey
(1/5). Placed on waivers: S Ron Girault. July 28: Placed on
waivers: WR Timon Marshall. July 31: Roster addition: DE
Jonal Saint-Dic (released by Chiefs 6/30).
MIAMI July 21: Traded: DE Jason Taylor to Redskins
for second-round pick in 2009 draft and sixth-round pick in 10
draft. July 25: Draft choice signed: DE Phillip Merling (2/32).
Roster addition: WR Anthony Armstrong (West Texas A&M).
Placed on waivers: WR Justin Wynn. July 26: Active/nonfootball injury: LB Joey Porter (ankle). Active/physically
unable to perform: CB Michael Lehan (ankle). Placed on
waivers: OT Dan Gore, OT Julius Wilson. July 28: Draft
choice signed: QB Chad Henne (2/57). Roster addition: OT
Rueben Riley (released by Panthers 7/24). Passed physical:
LB Joey Porter. July 30: Roster addition: CB Chris Roberson
(not tendered as RFA by Jaguars 2/28). Placed on waivers:
CB Scorpio Babers. Aug. 2: Placed on waivers: TE Aaron
Halterman (injured/back); OT Rueben Riley.
NEW ENGLAND July 21: Draft choices signed: LB
Shawn Crable (3/78); QB Kevin O'Connell (3/94). Roster additions: OT Anthony Clement (released by Jets 3/4); WR Chris
Dunlap (Georgia Tech). July 22: Draft choice signed: CB Terrence Wheatley (2/62). Roster addition: OG Lavdrim Bauta
(Villanova). Assigned on waivers: DE Zach West from
Browns. July 24: Draft choice signed: LB Jerod Mayo (1/10).
Roster addition: DE Titus Adams (released by Bengals 7/8).
Active/non-football injury: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis; S
Rodney Harrison; OT Nick Kaczur. Active/physically unable
to perform: DE Jarvis Green (shoulder), DE Mike Wright; CB
Ellis Hobbs (shoulder/groin); OG Steve Neal (shoulder/knee);
OT Oliver Ross; LB Bo Ruud, LB Mike Vrabel; WR Wes Welker; C Ryan Wendell. Placed on waivers: OG Lavdrim Bauta;
DE Zach West. July 25: Passed physical: RB BenJarvus
Green-Ellis. July 26: Roster additions: OG Lavdrim Bauta
(released by Patriots 7/25); RB LaMont Jordan (released by
Raiders 7/25). Reserve/retired: OG-C Gene Mruczkowski.
Placed on waivers: WR Robert Ortiz. July 28: Roster addition: OT Pete McMahon (released by Jaguars 7/28; contract
disapproved). Passed physical: OT Nick Kaczur. Placed on
waivers: OG Lavdrim Bauta. July 29: Roster addition: OT
Pete McMahon (contract had been disapproved 7/28). July
30: Passed physical: S Rodney Harrison. July 31: Passed
physical: C Ryan Wendell. Aug. 2: Roster addition: OL
Barry Stokes (not tendered as UFA by Lions 6/1).
Reserve/injured: OT Anthony Clement (knee). Passed physical: CB Ellis Hobbs; LB Bo Ruud; WR Wes Welker.
N.Y. JETS July 19: Declared active/physically unable
to perform: TE Chris Baker (back); LB Jason Trusnik.
Declared active/non-football injury: OT Clint Oldenburg.
July 22: Roster addition: CB Ahmad Carroll (released by
Jaguars 5/8/07; Orlando-Arena Football 08). Placed on
waivers: CB Nate Lyles. July 23: Active/non-football injury:
RB Jesse Chatman, RB Musa Smith. July 24: Placed on
waivers: DB Etienne Boulay. July 25: Draft choice signed:
LB Vernon Gholston (1/6). Passed physical: RB Jesse Chatman, RB Musa Smith. July 26: Placed on waivers: RB Danny
Woodhead (injured). July 28: Reserve/injured: RB Danny
Woodhead (knee). July 29: Roster additions: WR Rudy
Burgess (released by Colts 7/25); LB Jerry Mackey (released
by Jets 4/25). Placed on waivers: P Joe Smith. July 30: Roster additions: S Ron Girault (released by Chiefs 7/28); LB
Brandon Renkart (Rutgers). Contract terminated: CB Andre
Woolfolk. Placed on waivers: S Darnell Bing. Aug. 1: Roster
additions: RB Rodney Kinlaw (Penn State); CB Nate Lyles
(released by Jets 7/23). Reserve/retired: DB Artrell Hawkins.
Placed on waivers: LB Jerry Mackey.
OAKLAND July 22: Roster addition: S Greg Wesley
(released by Chiefs 7/17). Placed on waivers: WR Will
Buchanon. July 24: Franchise FA re-signed: CB Nnamdi
Asomugha. Draft choices signed: WR Arman Shields
(4/125); DE Trevor Scott (6/169). Placed on waivers: QB Sam
Keller, QB Jeff Otis; DT Tranell Morant. July 25: Contract terminated: RB LaMont Jordan. July 26: Roster addition: QB
Jeff Otis (released by Raiders 7/25).
PITTSBURGH July 23: Placed on waivers: WR Matt
Trannon. July 25: Draft choice signed: RB Rashard Mendenhall (1/23). July 28: Draft choice signed: WR Limas Sweed
(2/53). Active/non-football injury: NT Casey Hampton (conditioning). Active/physically unable to perform: OG Chris
Kemoeatu (triceps); S Troy Polamalu (hamstring). July 29:
Assigned on waivers: P Paul Ernster from Lions. Placed on
waivers: WR Kevin Marion (injured/knee). July 30:
Reserve/injured: WR Kevin Marion. July 31: Roster addition: WR-KR Eddie Drummond (not tendered as UFA by
Chiefs 6/1). Placed on waivers: OT Jason Capizzi
(injured/broken foot). Aug. 1: Reserve/injured: OT Jason
Capizzi. Aug. 2: Roster addition: C-OG Doug Legursky
(released by Steelers 7/2). Placed on waivers: PK Julian
Rauch.
SAN DIEGO July 21: Draft choices signed: RB Jacob
Hester (3/69); CB DeJuan Tribble (6/192). Declared
active/physically unable to perform: FB Andrew Pinnock
(knee). July 23: Contract terminated: WR Eric Parker. July
25: Draft choice signed: CB Antoine Cason (1/27).
Active/physically unable to perform: TE Antonio Gates
(toe); C Nick Hardwick (foot); LB Anthony Waters (knee).
TENNESSEE July 21: Draft choice signed: CB Cary
Williams (7/229). Placed on waivers: S Rocky Schwartz
(injured/calf). July 22: Reserve/injured: S Rocky Schwartz.
July 23: Draft choices signed: TE Craig Stevens (3/85); DE
William Hayes (4/103). Contract terminated: DE Bryce Fisher. Placed on waivers: LB Jerrell Freeman; WR Jason Rivers;
DE Eric Taylor; QB Paul Thompson. July 25: Draft choice
signed: DT Jason Jones (2/54). Active/non-football injury:
RB Rafael Little (knee); CB Cary Williams (quadriceps).
Active/physically unable to perform: C-OG Fernando Velasco (calf); WR Roydell Williams (ankle). July 26: Franchise FA
re-signed: DT Albert Haynesworth. Roster addition: OT
Brandon Torrey (released by Giants 7/22). Placed on
waivers: OT Brock Pasteur. July 29: Roster addition: DE
Eric Taylor (released by Titans 7/24). Passed physical: C Fernando Velasco. Placed on waivers: DE Ulrich Winkler
(injured/knee). July 30: Reserve/injured: DE Ulrich Winkler.
July 31: Roster additions: WR Chris Davis (released by Jets
6/13); PK John Vaughn (released by Titans 8/29; OrlandoArena Football 08). Placed on waivers: C Eric Scott; WR
Mike Williams.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

ARIZONA July 21: Contract terminated: DE Bo
Schobel. July 23: Draft choice signed: DE Calais Campbell
(2/50). Active/physically unable to perform: LB Monty
Beisel (back); DT Keilen Dykes (quadriceps); NT Gabe Watson
(knee). July 26: Draft choice signed: CB Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie (1/16). Roster additions: CB Blue Adams
(released by Bengals 7/24); LB Coy Wire (released/failed
physical by Bills 2/27). Placed on waivers: RB Chris Vincent.
July 29: Roster addition: TE Brent Miller (Arizona State).
Passed physical: DT Keilen Dykes. Placed on waivers: TE
Troy Bienemann (injured/foot). July 30: Reserve/injured: TE
Troy Bienemann. Assigned on waivers: C Pat Ross from
Panthers. Aug. 1: Roster addition: OT Kelly Butler (released
by Browns 10/8). Reserve/injured: C Scott Peters (knee).
Placed on waivers: OT Thaddeus Coleman.
ATLANTA July 25: Roster addition: OT Mike Butterworth (released by Falcons 6/25). Active/non-football injury:
NT Trey Lewis. Active/physically unable to perform: OT
Renardo Foster (knee). Placed on waivers: OT Patrick
McCoy (injured); LB Travis Williams (injury settlement). July
26: Draft choices signed: OT Sam Baker (1/21); LB Curtis
Lofton (2/37). Placed on waivers: CB Glenn Sharpe. July 28:
Reserve/injured: OT Patrick McCoy. July 29: Roster additions: NT Grady Jackson (not tendered as UFA by Jaguars
6/1); CB Glenn Sharpe (released by Falcons 7/28).
Reserve/injured: CB Von Hutchins (foot). Placed on waivers:
DT David Patterson.
CAROLINA July 21: Draft choices signed: S Charles
Godfrey (3/67); OT Geoff Schwartz (7/241). Placed on
waivers: TE Chad Upshaw. July 23: Assigned on waivers:
OT Charles Spencer from Texans. Placed on waivers: OT
Rueben Riley. July 26: Draft choices signed: RB Jonathan
Stewart (1/13); OT Jeff Otah (1/19). Placed on waivers: RB
Alex Haynes; LB Brandon Jamison. July 28: Roster addition:
WR Will Buchanon (released by Raiders 7/23). Placed on
waivers: WR Josh Davis (injured/calf). July 29:
Reserve/injured: WR Josh Davis. July 31: Roster addition:
DT Michael Marquardt (released by Bengals 7/8). Placed on
waivers: C Pat Ross. Aug. 2: Placed on waivers: WR Josh
Davis (from reserve/injured, injury settlement).
CHICAGO July 23: Active/non-football illness: OG
Chester Adams (intestinal). Active/non-football injury: DT
Dusty Dvoracek (calf). Active/physically unable to perform:
RB Kevin Jones (knee); C Olin Kreutz (Achilles). Reserve/did
not report: WR-KR Devin Hester. July 24: Draft choice
signed: OT Chris Williams (1/14). Roster addition: WR Ryan
Grice-Mullen (released by Texans 6/16). Placed on waivers:
FB J.D. Runnels. July 25: Reinstated: WR-KR Devin Hester
from reserve/did not report. Active/non-football injury: WRKR Devin Hester (hamstring). Placed on waivers: TE Marcus
Stone. July 28: Passed physical: WR-KR Devin Hester. July
29: Passed physical: C Olin Kreutz. Placed on waivers: QB
Nick Hill. July 30: Roster addition: TE Marcus Stone
(released by Bears 7/28).
DALLAS July 23: Draft choice signed: CB Orlando
Scandrick (5/143). July 24: Draft choices signed: TE Martellus Bennett (2/61); RB Tashard Choice (4/122); LB Erik Walden
(6/167). Placed on waivers: DE Khari Long. July 25: Roster
addition: QB Jeff Terrell (released by Chiefs 9/2). July 26:
Contract terminated: WR Terry Glenn. July 28: Draft choices signed: RB Felix Jones (1/22); CB Mike Jenkins (1/25).
Roster addition: WR Todd Lowber (released by Giants 6/26).
DETROIT July 23: Placed on waivers: OT Jon Dunn
(failed physical). July 24: Draft choices signed: OT Gosder
Cherilus (1/17); RB Kevin Smith (3/64), RB Jerome Felton
(5/146); DT Andre Fluellen (3/87), DT Landon Cohen (7/216);
WR Kenneth Moore (5/136). Roster addition: LB Leon Joe
(released by Buccaneers 6/20). Active/physically unable to
perform: S Daniel Bullocks (knee); TE Dan Campbell (elbow);
WR Shaun McDonald (knee); OG Edwin Mulitalo (elbow).
Reserve/injured: OT Jon Dunn. July 25: Draft choice
signed: LB Jordon Dizon (2/45). July 26: Roster addition:
LB Teddy Lehman (released by Buccaneers 7/24). Placed on
waivers: LB Alfred Fincher. July 28: Draft choice signed: OT
Gosder Cherilus (1/17; contract disapproved). Roster addition: WR Eric Fowler (released by Rams 7/23). Assigned on
waivers: WR Taye Biddle from Buccaneers. Placed on
waivers: WR Reggie Ball (injured/knee); P Paul Ernster. July
29: Reserve/injured: WR Reggie Ball. July 30: Roster addition: P Eddie Johnson (released by Broncos 5/1/07). Placed
on waivers: WR Eric Fowler. Aug. 1: Roster additions: C
Nick Jones (released by Seahawks 6/25), C Andy McCollum
(not tendered as UFA by Rams 6/1). Placed on waivers: OG
Matt Butler; OT Chris Patrick (injured/ankle).
GREEN BAY July 22: Placed on waivers: OG
Cameron Stephenson. July 23: Draft choices signed: OT
Breno Giacomini (5/150); QB Matt Flynn (7/209); WR Brett
Swain (7/217). July 24: Draft choice signed: OG Josh Sitton
(4/135). Placed on waivers: P Ken DeBauche; LB Marcus
Riley; CB Kyle Ward. July 25: Placed on waivers: TE Mike
Peterson. July 28: Draft choices signed: WR Jordy Nelson
(2/36); QB Brian Brohm (2/56); CB Patrick Lee (2/60); TE Jermichael Finley (3/91); DE Jeremy Thompson (4/102).
Active/non-football injury: NT Ryan Pickett (hamstring); S
Aaron Rouse (subsequently passed physical). Active/physically unable to perform: DT Justin Harrell (back). Placed on
waivers: WR Shaun Bodiford (injured/back). July 29:
Reserve/injured: WR Shaun Bodiford.
MINNESOTA July 22: Draft choices signed: DT Letroy
Guion (5/152); WR Jaymar Johnson (6/193). July 23: Draft
choices signed: S Tyrell Johnson (2/43); QB John David
Booty (5/137); C John Sullivan (6/187). July 24: Active/physically unable to perform: DE Ray Edwards (back). July 30:
Passed physical: DE Ray Edwards.
NEW ORLEANS July 21: Draft choices signed: PK
Taylor Mehlhaff (6/178); WR Adrian Arrington (7/237). Traded:
second- and fifth-round picks in 2009 draft to Giants for TE
Jeremy Shockey. July 23: Draft choice signed: OT Carl
Nicks (5/164). Active/non-football injury: TE Eric Johnson
(ankle). Active/physically unable to perform: S Josh Bullocks (knee); CB Mike McKenzie (knee). Reserve/did not
report: CB Jerametrius Butler. Placed on waivers: TE Buck
Ortega. July 24: Roster addition: CB Wale Dada (released
from reserve/injured with injury settlement by Seahawks 5/6).
July 25: Contract terminated: TE Eric Johnson (failed physical/ankle). July 26: Draft choice signed: CB Tracy Porter
(2/40). Roster additions: WR Curtis Hamilton (released by
Bears 6/9); TE Buck Ortega (released by Saints 7/24). Placed
on waivers: WR Carlos Robinson (injured/hamstring); LS
Ryan Senser. July 28: Roster addition: DE Marquies Gunn

(released by Buccaneers 6/25). Passed physical: S Josh Bullocks; CB Mike McKenzie. Reserve/injured: WR Carlos
Robinson. Placed on waivers: DT DeMario Pressley
(injured/fractured foot). July 29: Reserve/injured: DT
DeMario Pressley. July 30: Draft choice signed: DT Sedrick
Ellis (1/7). Roster addition: S Curome Cox (released by Texans 6/17). Placed on waivers: RB Chris Barclay
(injured/knee); S Tuff Harris; WR Carlos Robinson (from
reserve/injured; injury settlement). July 31: Reserve/injured:
RB Chris Barclay. Aug. 2: Placed on waivers: RB Chris Barclay (from reserve/injured, injury settlement).
N.Y. GIANTS July 21: Roster additions: OT Shane
Olivea (released by Chargers 2/28), OT Jonathan Palmer
(released by Raiders 7/18). Traded: TE Jeremy Shockey to
Saints for second- and fifth-round picks in 2009 draft. Placed
on waivers: OG Andrew Bain; OT Dylan Thiry, OT Brandon
Torrey. July 22: Draft choice signed: CB Terrell Thomas
(2/63). July 24: Draft choice signed: S Kenny Phillips (1/31).
Active/non-football injury: QB David Carr (foot).
Active/physically unable to perform: OT Jonathan Palmer
(quadriceps); WR David Tyree (knee); LB Gerris Wilkinson
(knee). July 26: Placed on waivers: DT Nate Robinson
(injured/hamstring). July 28: Roster addition: DT Jeremy
Clark (released by Eagles 6/17). Passed physical: QB David
Carr. Reserve/injured: DT Nate Robinson. July 30: Passed
physical: OT Jonathan Palmer. Roster addition: S Craig
Dahl (released/failed physical by Giants 2/21). Placed on
waivers: S Terrance Stringer (injured/hamstring). July 31:
Reserve/injured: S Terrance Stringer. Aug. 1: Placed on
waivers: DT Nate Robinson (from reserve/injured, injury settlement).
PHILADELPHIA July 22: Draft choices signed: WR
DeSean Jackson (2/49); DT Trevor Laws (2/47). Declared
active/physically unable to perform: DT Trevor Laws (foot);
DE Bryan Smith (hamstring). Declared active/non-football
injury: CB Jack Ikegwuonu (knee). July 25: Roster addition:
OG Cameron Stephenson (released by Packers 7/23).
Reserve/did not report: OG Shawn Andrews. July 28:
Passed physical: DT Trevor Laws. July 31: Passed physical: DE Bryan Smith.
ST. LOUIS July 22: Draft choice signed: DE Chris
Long (1/2). Roster addition: FB Dan Kreider (not tendered as
UFA by Steelers 6/1). Placed on waivers: P Sean Douglas;
WR Eric Fowler; TE Dedrick Harrington; CB Justin McKinney;
OT Rob Petitti (injured/Achilles). July 23: Draft choice
signed: LB Chris Chamberlain (7/228). Reserve/injured: OT
Rob Petitti. Reserve/suspended by commissioner: DT
Claude Wroten (one year, violation of policy for drugs of abuse
and alcohol). July 24: Draft choices signed: CB Justin King
(4/101); LB David Vobora (7/252). July 26: Draft choice
signed: WR Donnie Avery (2/33). Reserve/did not report:
RB Steven Jackson. July 28: Roster addition: CB Cortney
Grixby (released by Panthers 7/16). Assigned on waivers:
OT Julius Wilson from Dolphins. Placed on waivers: OT
Stephen Sene. July 29: Roster addition: NT Henry Smith
(released by Patriots 6/16). Placed on waivers: NT Josh
Thompson (injured/foot). July 30: Reserve/injured: NT Josh
Thompson. Aug. 1: Roster addition: LB Marcus Riley
(released by Packers 7/25). Placed on waivers: LB Vince Hall
(injured/hamstring).
SAN FRANCISCO July 21: Draft choice signed: OG
Chilo Rachal (original contract had been disapproved 7/17).
July 22: Draft choice signed: CB Reggie Smith (3/75). July
23: Draft choice signed: C Cody Wallace (4/107). July 24:
Draft choice signed: DE Kentwan Balmer (1/29). July 25:
Active/physically unable to perform: OG David Baas (pectoral); NT Aubrayo Franklin (Achilles). July 28: Passed physical: NT Aubrayo Franklin. July 29: Roster addition: WR
Robert Ortiz (released by Patriots 7/28). Placed on waivers:
WR Robert Jordan. Aug. 2: Roster addition: OG John Booker
(released by 49ers 7/2). Reserve/injured: OG Jeb Terry (foot).
SEATTLE July 24: Active/non-football illness: LB Will
Herring. Active/physically unable to perform: WR Deion
Branch (knee); P Ryan Plackemeier (torn pectoral); DT Marcus Tubbs (knee). Contract terminated: S Mike Green. July
25: Draft choice signed: DE Lawrence Jackson (1/28). Roster addition: WR Bryan Gilmore (not tendered as UFA by
49ers 6/1). Active/non-football injury: OT Joe Staley (foot
infection). Placed on waivers: DT Kevin Brown. July 26:
Draft choice signed: TE John Carlson (2/38). Placed on
waivers: TE Zac Alcorn (injured). July 28: Reserve/injured:
TE Zac Alcorn (back). July 31: Placed on waivers: TE Zac
Alcorn (from reserve/injured, injury settlement).
TAMPA BAY July 24: Draft choice signed: OG-OT
Jeremy Zuttah (3/83). Contract terminated: LB Teddy
Lehman. Placed on waivers: WR Charlie Spiller (from
reserve/injured). July 26: ERFA re-signed: DE Greg White.
Draft choices signed: CB Aqib Talib (1/20); WR Dexter Jackson (2/58); QB Josh Johnson (5/160). Active/physically
unable to perform: OT Luke Petitgout (knee); RB Cadillac
Williams (knee). Placed on waivers: WR Taye Biddle; RB
Cory Boyd (injured/knee); S Jonathan Hefney. July 28:
Reserve/injured: RB Cory Boyd. July 29: Reserve/injured:
CB Torrie Cox (knee). July 30: Roster addition: FB Carl
Stewart (released by Buccaneers 6/25).
WASHINGTON July 19: Draft choice signed: TE Fred
Davis (2/48). Declared active/physically unable to perform:
DE Erasmus James (knee). Placed on waivers: TE Tyler
Ecker (failed physical). July 21: Roster addition: DT J.T.
Mapu (released by Redskins 6/27). Traded: second-round
pick in 2009 draft and sixth-round pick in 10 draft to Dolphins
for DE Jason Taylor. Reserve/injured: DE Phillip Daniels
(knee). Placed on waivers: DE Alex Buzbee (injured/knee).
July 22: Reserve/injured: DE Alex Buzbee. July 26: Placed
on waivers: DT J.T. Mapu (injured/knee). July 28: Roster
additions: DT Zarnell Fitch (released by Ravens 5/16); OG
Fred Matua (released by Browns 9/2, ended 07 season on
Titans practice squad). Reserve/injured: DT J.T. Mapu.
Placed on waivers: WR Kerry Brown (injured/shoulder). July
29: Roster addition: DT Babatunde Oshinowo (released by
Bears 5/8). Reserve/injured: OG Kerry Brown. Placed on
waivers: DT Zarnell Fitch. July 31: Roster addition: LB
Alfred Fincher (released by Lions 7/28). Placed on waivers:
DT J.T. Mapu (from reserve/injured, injury settlement); RB Eric
Shelton (injured/neck). Aug. 1: Reserve/injured: RB Eric
Shelton. Aug. 2: Placed on waivers: OG Kerry Brown (from
reserve/injured, injury settlement).

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AUGUST 17, 2008

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

http://www.profootballweekly.com

35

NFC WEST UNDER THE SCOPE:

Seattle still top dog, but watch out for Cardinals

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Saunders TE-friendly offense. Edge: Arizona.

OFFENSIVE LINE New Seattle O-line coach
Mike Solari puts the Seahawks unit a small step ahead
of the others in the NFC West, although every team has
major concerns here. Arizona benefits from having the
same line across the board for a second straight season,
but recent injuries at the center position and a scary lack
of veteran depth could present some real problems.
Perennial Pro Bowl OT Walter Jones and savvy newcomer Mike Wahle could give the Seahawks a formidable left side, but their personnel on the right side and at
center is a bit shaky. Edge: Seattle.
DEFENSIVE LINE Another advantage in the
trenches goes to the Seahawks, with 07 NFC sack leader
Patrick Kerney spearheading a lively unit with a lot of
promising, young talent. The Rams could make a quantum leap up front if veteran DLE Leonard Littles
push-off toe is back to normal and first-round draft
pick Chris Long develops quickly on the other side, but
those are big ifs. Arizonas D-line remains a work in
progress, especially inside. As for the Niners, with the
team planning to switch back and forth from a 3-4 to a 43, it has been difficult for daily observers to get a firm
handle on the D-lines starting personnel. Edge: Seattle.
LINEBACKERS A no-brainer. Lofa Tatupu,
Julian Peterson and the extremely underrated Leroy
Hill give Seattle arguably the leagues best starting LB
unit. The Cardinals LB corps could be a
lot better with a healthy Chike Okeafor,
who missed all of last season, and the
Niners Patrick Willis and the Rams
Will Witherspoon are top-of-the-line
inside backers. But sideline to sideline,
the Seahawks starting corps provides the
biggest impact. Edge: Seattle.
SECONDARY With future Seahawks head coach Jim Mora running the
show, Seattles defensive backfield grades
out the highest. Pro Bowler Marcus Trufant is on one corner, and 07 free-agent
additions Deon Grant and Brian Russell
have greatly improved the teams fortunes
at safety. In San Francisco, Nate
Clements is an elite left corner, but Walt
Harris has regressed on the right corner.
The Rams secondary needs former firstround CB Tye Hill to stay healthy, which
could be asking a lot. Arizona is banking
on Antrel Rolle successfully making the
switch from cornerback to free safety.
Edge: Seattle.
Stud watch: Lofa Tatupu (left) and Larry Fitzgerald are two big reasons why the
SPECIAL TEAMS Al Everests
Seahawks and Cardinals, respectively, likely will vie for NFC West supremacy in 08
Niners unit was one of the teams only
bright spots in his first season as coordinator, especially P Andy Lee. Seattle has major issues at
and San Francisco remain muddled, especially the latter,
placekicker and must find replacements for its two best
where T.J. OSullivan, of all people, was looking like
special-teamers (Niko Koutouvides and Kevin Bentley).
the best signalcaller at this writing. Edge: Seattle.
Arizona PK Neil Rackers needs to regain his long-disRUNNING BACKS Assuming he agrees to a new
tance FG stroke. New Rams PK Josh Brown is a very
contract soon and stays healthy, Jackson should be constrong-legged addition, but the coverage units in St.
sidered the top back, as Saunders fully intends to emphaLouis remain a major concern. Edge: San Francisco.
size Jacksons superb all-around skills. Mike Martz
plans on doing the same thing with Frank Gore, but the
COACHING STAFFS The fact that Ken Whisenskinny out of the Bay Area suggests that, although Gore
hunts staff returns fully intact should not be overhas looked like far and away the best offensive player in
looked, considering the dramatic turnover that has taken
camp, the overall offense has looked offensive, to say the
place on each of the divisions other three staffs. Edge:
least. Cardinals RB Edgerrin James keeps on trucking
Arizona.
but is a year older. Julius Jones heads an intriguing but
The bottom line? Primarily due to Hasselbeck and its
unproven backfield-by-committee in Seattle. Edge: St.
solid defense, Seattle probably remains the best bet to
Louis.
win the division.
RECEIVERS The dynamic duo of Larry FitzgerBut keep an eye on those Cardinals. You know Holmald and Anquan Boldin in Arizona clearly stands out,
gren certainly will.
Boldins contract issues notwithstanding. Rams WR
Torry Holt remains a solid but aging No. 1 pass catcher,
but the verdict is still out on Drew Bennett becoming a
solid No. 2 guy in place of the departed Isaac Bruce,
Isnt it interesting how quickly an outstanding-lookwho now is battling Arnaz Battle and fellow newcomer
ing draft crop can turn into a potential nightmare? Such is
Bryant Johnson for the Niners top three WR spots.
the case with the Chiefs, who appear to be the victims of
Deion Branchs surgically repaired knee and Engrams
really bad luck in the early stages of training camp after
contract concerns cloud Seattles WR picture. At tight
watching their top two highly regarded draft picks
end, the Niners Vernon Davis looks like the top player,
first-rounders Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert go
based on pure talent, but keep an eye on Rams TE
down with knee and foot injuries, respectively. While the
Randy McMichael, who could be good for 50 catches in severity of their injuries was unknown at this writing,
If youre looking for clarity, my advice once again this
coming season is to look elsewhere than the always-enigmatic-but-never-boring NFC West.
While this division might not be quite worthy of the
NFC Worst tag it has so deservedly earned the past
couple of seasons, glaring question marks abound on
every team, including the front-running Seahawks, who I
believe could be facing a real challenge assuring that
head coach Mike Holmgrens last hurrah leaves a lasting impression, both in the Pacific Northwest and
leaguewide.
Still a couple of PFW issues away from being sentenced to make my 2008 division-by-division picks available for public consumption, I admit to not quite being
sure yet what to make of the NFC West, where high-profile contract issues (RB Steven Jackson in St. Louis,
WR Anquan Boldin in Arizona, WR Bobby Engram in
Seattle) only serve to further blur my crystal ball. Perhaps a quick position-by-position breakdown will help
clear things up:
QUARTERBACKS The Seahawks are clearly in
the best hands with Pro Bowler Matt Hasselbeck under
center. The buzz in St. Louis is that QB Marc Bulger is
primed for a big bounce-back season under inventive
offensive coordinator Al Saunders, but theres no guarantee Bulger will have a fully healthy Orlando Pace
protecting his blind side. The QB situations in Arizona

SPORTPICS (TATUPU) / KKR GROUP (FITZGERALD)

THE SLANT

DAN ARKUSH

A-bombs

Favre creates coverage dilemma

For those of you wondering why the hottest story
in the NFL the ongoing Brett Favre saga has
been relegated to PFW senior editor Mike Wilkenings column on Page 27 and this space on PFWs
inside back page, weve got a ready answer for you.
Never before has there been a pro football story
so fluid, with conflicting inside source reports on
the subject seemingly changing from hour to hour,
right up to this issues drop-dead deadline of very
early Monday morning, Aug. 4.
Just hours after that deadline, Favre was expected to be officially reinstated by NFL commissioner
Roger Goodell a move that could result in a number of dramatically different scenarios, all of which
were considered very real possibilities at presstime.
As a result, the PFW editors concluded that the
best way to cover the multilayered Favre story was
to steer clear of it in this issue and defer to our nonstop,
24/7
Favre
coverage
on
the
ProFootballWeekly.com Web site, which will be
overflowing with the latest developments, as well as
authoritative commentary on those developments,
for as long as its warranted.
If form holds true, comprehensive Favregate
coverage figures to be a daily ritual until further
notice.

DAN ARKUSH
snakebitten Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards was right
on when he said, Whatever time they miss is valuable
because theyre rookies. Dorseys status is particularly
worth watching, considering his injury history at LSU,
which led more than a few draft experts to label him a
high-risk, high-reward selection of the highest order.
I know a lot of people are high on the Browns in
2008, but Im having a hard time jumping on the Dawg
Pound bandwagon. In addition to not at all liking the
way QB Derek Anderson performed when it counted
most at the end of last season, I can see their shaky secondary, especially on the corners, offsetting the improvement they appear to have made in the front seven with
the additions of D-linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey
Williams. I also could see them missing the always timely receptions of WR Joe Jurevicius, who appears destined for a six-game hiatus courtesy of the physicallyunable-to-perform list. Did I mention that the Browns
have a much tougher schedule in 08, which starts off
with games against Dallas and Pittsburgh and includes
opponents from the NFC East and AFC South, the
leagues two toughest divisions last season? I wouldnt
be surprised at all if Brady Quinn is under center by
midseason.
Heres another prediction for the coming season,
one that Id actually rather not be making: At least one
high-profile receiver, and possibly more, will suffer a
season-ending injury going for a ball on a sideline route
after getting the snot knocked out of him by an ampedup defender who no longer feels restrained by the forceout rule, which has been eliminated, for better or worse.
Something tells me there could be a lot more costly collisions on passing plays near the sideline and in the back
of the endzone in 2008, and that just might contribute to
higher body counts than ever before.
I had been thinking for a while that the Saints and
Jeremy Shockey would make a nice match, considering
how impressive Shockey looked as a rookie under the
direction of current Saints head coach Sean Payton, the
Giants offensive coordinator at the time. But what Im
thinking about more now is how disappointed Im going
to be if Shockeys presence on the field, which figures to
create a lot more big-play opportunities for RB Reggie
Bush both rushing and receiving, doesnt help turn Bush
into the one-of-a-kind player I and so many others
thought he was going to be, coming out of USC. Tell me,
considering the expectations, is there a bigger underachiever in the NFL right now heading into the 08 season than Mr. Bush? I think not.