SB Nation - Courtney Taylor

Rams looking at Beavers

VanRam — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:17:02 -0000

Would anyone be able to take the Rams seriously if they brought in a guy named Beavers? The post-game wrap ups almost write themselves.

Nevertheless, the receiver starved St. Louis Rams brought in WRs Courtney Taylor and Larry Beavers for tryouts today. It's Tuesday tryout day around the NFL, so nothing is imminent with either of those two.

Stay tuned. It's almost a given that the Rams will add a WR in the very near future.

The Significance of Seattle Signing Brandon Frye

John Morgan — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:35:23 -0000

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

If you remember Doug Free, 68, you are old school.

Browse more photos »

You might be surprised to read that Brandon Frye is a former Field Gulls superstar. Well, not Courtney Taylor big, but Frye was quite lauded before the 2007 draft. He was listed as one of my top ten offensive linemen at the 2007 NFL Combine because of his combined bench, short shuttle and 32 ½" vertical at 301. That list looks pretty good right now. Joe Thomas and Justin Blalock are young stars. Tony Ugoh and Allen Barbre are starters. Doug Free is the Cowboys backup for Flozell Adams at left tackle. Of the remaining players, only James Marten is as low as practice squad. The other four are on their teams' 53 man roster*.

That now includes Frye. I first saw Frye at right tackle, but his height and stoutness had me thinking guard by April of 2007. He was featured on my Sleepers list** because:

Frye didn't blow anyone away at the combine, but there is a lot to like about his recent performance at Virginia Tech. Like a 705 pound squat, 34" vertical, a 4.31 shuttle and a 29/38 on the Wonderlic. Frye is projected to slip into the second day on many draft boards, because, in large part, questions about his technique. Perhaps time will prove me wrong, but while I think technique is undervalued for skill position players, I think it's overvalued for lineman. Frye seems like a bright guy, and his body is NFL ready. If things play out like many have predicted, some smart team is going to get a very good right tackle or guard in the second day.

Houston drafted him in the fifth round but Frye was later released. Miami signed him, and he was worked into their guard rotation at the end of 2008. Miami has cut him and the Seahawks have now signed Brandon Frye and cut Kyle Williams. Williams is headed to the practice squad. Frye is now much what he was then. He's a powerfully built, athletic and agile lineman that creates huge explosion off the line and can move well in space. He gives Seattle another Mansfield Wrotto - another high upside guard that needs a lot of work on his technique. The Seahawks zone blocking scheme, with its emphasis on agility, open field blocking and quick decision making, should bring out the best in Frye.

I can't help it. I am excited. This is sort of homecoming. I hope Frye sticks and becomes somebody as a Seahawk. In this post-Brian Russell era, it's nice to be reminded that Field Gulls spends about 90% of its resources championing young players and only about 5% ripping veterans. The other 5%? Profantiy, pretention and carousing.

*I'll have to dust that formula off prior to the 2010 NFL Combine.

**That Adrian Peterson sure sucks, eh?

Seattle Seahawks Announce 53 Man Roster, Marcus Trufant to PUP List

John Morgan — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:18:30 -0000

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

Goodbye and good luck.

Browse more photos »

Seattle has announced its 53-man roster. That roster does not include Marcus Trufant, who will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. That's bad news, but hopefully the right decision. Seattle rushed Deion Branch last season and effectively lost his roster spot.

The roster reflects a major youth movement with some fringe guys unseating former regulars. Could this be reflective of changing opinions on replacement value? A movement towards freeing cap space next year?

Courtesy Danny O'neil:


		Offense

Quarterback		Running backs		Fullback
Matt Hasselbeck	Seneca Wallace	Julius Jones	Edgerrin James	Justin Griffith
Mike Teel		Justin Forsett		Owen Schmitt
Offensive line		Wide receivers		Tight end
Sean Locklear	Walter Jones	Deion Branch	Nate Burleson	John Carlson
Max Unger	Rob Sims	T.J. Houshmandzadeh	Deon Butler	John Owens
Steve Vallos	Chris Spencer	Ben Obomanu		Cameron Morrah
Ray Willis	Mansfield Wrotto
Kyle Williams

		Defense

Defensive ends		Defensive tackles		Cornerbacks
Patrick Kerney	Cory Redding	Brandon Mebane	Colin Cole	Ken Lucas
Darryl Tapp	Lawrence Jackson	Red Bryant	Craig Terrill	Josh Wilson
Nick Reed	Derek Walker	Michael Bennett		Kelly Jennings
				Travis Fisher (!)

Linebackers		Safeties		Specialists
Lofa Tatupu	Aaron Curry	Deon Grant	Jordan Babineaux	Olindo Mare
Leroy Hill	Lance Laury	Lawyer Milloy	C.J. Walllace	Jon Ryan
Will Herring	David Hawthorne			Kevin Houser

CUTS: S Jamar Adams, DE Baraka Atkins, K Brandon Coutu, G Brian De La Puente, CB Marquis Floyd, T Na'Shan Goddard, S Courtney Greene, WR Mike Hass, CB Kevin Hobbs, FB David Kirtman, RB Devin Moore, CB Nate Ness, TE Joe Newton, WR Logan Payne, LB Dave Philistin, T Andre Ramsey, T William Robinson, QB Jeff Rowe, WR Courtney Taylor.

10 Quick Opinions:

Walter Jones is on the roster: This speaks for itself. Get well Franchise.
Seattle is super thin at Corner and Safety: This could foreshadow further moves.
Courtney Taylor Cut: It came down to the fourth preseason game and Ben Obomanu put the decision to rest.
Seattle deep at linebacker but no D.D. Lewis: I've never been a huge fan of Lewis. He is credited for being able to play any linebacker position, but he doesn't seem to play any of them well.
Special Teams: The lack of depth at wide receiver and safety means Seattle could struggle on cover units.
No Jordan Kent: Kent wasn't placed on IR. He was waived with a settlement. I think that ends his playing career. Other teams might ask, but will Kent answer?
Cameron Morrah: I didn't see much from Morrah, so Seattle must be convinced he is too good to cut. Interesting talent Seattle will let mature, but if a starting tight end goes down, I don't think Morrah is ready to contribute.
Derek Walker: Great size and showed up in the preseason. Walker could be the dark horse replacement for Cory Redding. Get your head up, today you are an NFL player.
Lots of depth on Offensive Line: With this many question marks and injuries, can you blame the Seahawks?
This is not over: One deadline met, but days to complete this roster. I doubt it will like it does today next Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks Sack Oakland Raiders 31-21 to Sweep Preseason

John Morgan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:01:02 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Ben Obomanu ruled Qwest.

Browse more photos »

Winners, Losers and Projecting
the Final 53 Man Roster

Winners

Dan Quinn: A great position coach finds hidden talent. It's perhaps the single greatest impact a position coach can have. In one draft, Quinn has found, coached up and scheme matched Nick Reed, Michael Bennett and Derek Walker. Quinn deserves some credit for Cory Redding too. Classes like this put position coaches in line for defensive coordinator positions--and head coaching positions.

Losers

Secondary: The front seven looked terrific throughout the game, but the secondary was sloppy, slow and not opportunistic. Seattle might lean on Jordan Babineaux to play two positions and keep seven defensive backs.

Courtney Taylor: Not sure he's cut, but it's very possible. I'd love to credit him for his sweet RAC on the Morrah moving pick, but we can't be sure he would have been open if not for the penalty. If he is cut, I expect him to make another team. Some receivers coach will see his athleticism and desire and give the kid a call.

Curt Menefee: It takes a special kind of genius to make sideline interviews more awkward and irritating, but Curt Menefee is that genius. Instead of sticking to pleasantries and platitudes, Menefee put on his reporter cap and got controversial. Asking Deon Butler about the poor quarterback play at Penn State or Darryl Tapp about how he feels about not starting does not inspire honest, insightful answers. It causes an athlete to bristle and be more guarded.

Seattle Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Deon Butler

Ben Obomanu

Tight End

John Carlson

John Owens

Joe Newton

Offensive Line

Kyle Williams

Defensive Tackle

Michael Bennett

Defensive End

Patrick Kerney

Cory Redding

Lawrence Jackson

Darryl Tapp

Nick Reed

Baraka Atkins

Linebackers

Leroy Hill

Corners

Kelly Jennings

Ken Lucas

Josh Wilson

(Free Agent or Trade)

Safety

Brian Russell

Deon Grant

Jordan Babineaux

C.J. Wallace

Specialist

Olindo Mare

Jon Ryan

Kevin Houser

PUP: Marcus Trufant

IR: Jordan Kent..Cory Withrow

Practice Squad

Derek Walker

(Acquired)

Winners, Losers and Projecting Seattle's 53 Man Roster

John Morgan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:35:12 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Ben Obomanu ruled Qwest.

Browse more photos »

Winners

Losers

Seattle Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck

Seneca Wallace

Mike Teel

Running Back

Julius Jones

Edgerrin James

Justin Forsett

Fullback

Justin Griffith

Owen Schmitt

Wide Receiver

Deon Butler

Tight End

John Carlson

John Owens

Joe Newton

Offensive Line

Kyle Williams

Defensive Tackle

Michael Bennett

Defensive End

Patrick Kerney

Cory Redding

Lawrence Jackson

Darryl Tapp

Nick Reed

Baraka Atkins

Linebackers

Leroy Hill

Corners

Kelly Jennings

Ken Lucas

Josh Wilson

(Free Agent or Trade)

Safety

Brian Russell

Deon Grant

Jordan Babineaux

C.J. Wallace

Specialist

Olindo Mare

Jon Ryan

Kevin Houser

PUP: Marcus Trufant

IR: Jordan Kent..Cory Withrow

Practice Squad

Derek Walker

(Acquired)

Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor Battle for Seattle Seahawks Fifth Wide Receiver Position

John Morgan — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:07:33 -0000

by Elaine Thompson - AP

Seattle's three starting receivers, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, started their careers as backups, but all three played their way into starting their first season. Housh took the longest to develop, not becoming a prime receiver until his fourth season. With Branch and Houshmandzadeh over 30 and Burleson 28, Seattle hopes one of Courtney Taylor (above) or Ben Obomanu establish themselves this season as potential starters for next season.

View full size photo »

Seattle could keep Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor, but I think it's possible one is cut. John Carlson can play wide receiver on four and five wide receiver sets. He's a better pure receiver than Obomanu or Taylor are or are ever likely to be. Carlson creates matchup problems with smaller defensive backs and can be motioned tight to counter blitzes. So though I projected both to make the final 53, that was in some part recognition that the fifth wide receiver battle is not yet won.

There's not a sure leader, though I think Taylor has an edge. He has been more active with the first team and has the only reception from Matt Hasselbeck. There's also a sense that Taylor has a greater organizational standing than Obomanu. When it became clear last year that Seattle would not start the season with Deion Branch or Bobby Engram, weeks before Obomanu broke his collar bone, Taylor was tapped to start at split end. He failed, of course.

Obomanu hasn't had a regular season reception since 2007. Both players become restricted free agents after this season, so future and upside are considerations. The two were teammates at Auburn. Obomanu was the better red zone receiver, but Taylor was the Tigers' number one receiver. He was the number one receiver for Auburn's 13-0, 2004 team*. A team that included Jason Campbell, Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Marcus McNeill, Jay Ratliff, Carlos Rogers, Will Herring, King Dunlap, Quentin Groves, Ben Grubbs, Kevin Hobbs, Anthony Mix, Pat Sims and Evander Holyfield's son, Evander Holyfield.

Taylor was the better prospect. Obomanu was a situational receiver. He had nine fewer receptions and only 46 more yards than Ronnie Brown, but he led the team in touchdown receptions: seven. Taylor had six.

Obomanu has the two's only professional touchdown reception. If Seattle needed a designated deep threat or red zone threat, Obomanu would be the favorite. But Deon Butler is the better deep receiver, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Carlson are better red zone receivers. Seattle's fifth receiver needs to be, simply, as good as possible. That favors Taylor.

Nothing is decided though. There's a sudden-death feel to Thursday. Both receivers have positives and negatives. Taylor is most recently healthy, but Obomanu's injury was fluky and he owns better overall health. Obomanu has been with the team longer, but Taylor is better integrated into the offense. Obomanu has more experience as a returner, but Taylor is the better gunner. Taylor is better insurance for Deion Branch, but Obomanu is better insurance for Nate Burleson.

Both should get plenty of looks on Thursday and both could be working out the kinks or playing for their job. Taylor has developed better chemistry with Seneca Wallace and Matt Hasselbeck, but Obomanu has developed better chemistry with Mike Teel. Wallace is down with a groin injury and, having not practiced, may not play this Thursday. Hasselbeck won't fill that space. He could see a series or two, or not play at all. Teel could start, but even if he doesn't, I expect him to play 3+ quarters and pass the ball 20+ times. That favors Obomanu. It all factors, because the body of evidence does not strongly favor either. One breakout showing against Oakland could be enough to secure either the fifth wide receiver spot.

*Tim Ruskell likes winners.

Colts watching the waiver wire?

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:50:37 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

6 months ago: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch pulls in a catch during drills, Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at a NFL football minicamp at Seahawks headquarters in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Browse more photos »

Contrary to popular myth, Bill Polian does indeed sign free agents. He just doesn't do so in March, when supposedly "marquee" players are looking for big paydays, like Albert Haynesworth did recently. No, the time when Bill Polian typically signs free agents is early September. This is when Big Bill looks over the waiver wire, finds someone a team probably should not have cut, and snatches the players up faster than a rabid hawk can snare a blind field mouse.

We've seen Bill Polian pluck up players like Dan Klecko, Rocky Boiman, Daniel Muir, Justin Forsett, and Ryan Lilja in year's past. These guys might not be household names, but they are the kinds of players that can help a team win football games. In the case of Klecko, Boiman, and Lilja, these guys helped the Colts win a Super Bowl. Muir currently is a primary reserve on the defensive line, and Forsett was claimed last season only to be cut again because of injuries to other players. Forsett is back with the Seahawks, and is a significant part of their running back rotation and special teams.

With the economy in the crapper and the prospect of an uncapped year looming, clubs are less and less likely to retain high priced veteran players unless they are marquee players. This means there is the potential for somewhat well-known players, like Seattle's Deion Branch, to find themselves cut from their clubs. In Branch's case, check out this article from The News Tribune:

So far, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and Deon Butler are likely in, with Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu and Jordan Kent fighting for the last couple of spots.

Or perhaps Branch could be on his way out.

The veteran will make $5 million this season to be Seattle’s third receiver and the Seahawks have a lot of depth at the position. So they may live with five receivers and let Branch go to keep a player at a different position.

You all might recall that Branch was the MVP of Super Bowl 39 back when he played for the Patriots. He left New England via free agency in 2006, and has struggled to stay healthy while he has played for the Seahawks.

It's somewhat shocking that Branch has lost his starting job to the "immortal" Nate Burleson, and $5 million is an awful lot to spend on a third WR. While I doubt the Colts would make a play for Branch (even though he bought a home recently in Indiana), it gives you a bit of an idea as to the caliber of players who might get cut in the comes days and weeks.

Projecting the Seattle Seahawks 53-Man Roster

John Morgan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:00:55 -0000

Seattle must cut its roster down to 75 tomorrow. This is news. It has already cut four players, Kevin Brown, Dan Curran, Shane Simmons and John Tereshinski. This is also news. Poor John Tereshinski couldn't even get the Seahawks to spell his name correctly. I've never found much drama in the final push to 53. Here are the guys, minus injury, I think are locks for the team. All 53.

Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck

Seneca Wallace

Mike Teel

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

John Carlson

John Owens

Joe Newton

Offensive Line

Kyle Williams

Defensive Line

Michael Bennett

Linebackers

Leroy Hill

Cornerbacks

Safeties

Specialist

One of Olindo Mare or Brandon Coutu

Jon Ryan

Kevin Houser

IR

Walter Jones

. . .

If Jones isn't put on IR, Kyle Williams is signed to the practice squad displacing William Robinson.

Practice Squad

William Robinson

Seattle Seahawks Beat the Preseason

John Morgan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:01:53 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

This is what a bad preseason looks like.

Browse more photos »

The first three games of the preseason are practice. The fourth is an exhibition. This Thursday will be fun. I might just stock the beer cooler and take the game in with long, languid sips of MacTarnahan's Lip Stinger - a surprisingly-good local saison. Watching the kids play is always relaxing. Seattle has negotiated the preseason and succeeded. Its starters survived, its scheme looks functional and executable, some fringe talent stepped up and the draft picks that matter are all healthy and producing; whatever drama the season brings, this team is in a good place right now.

This time last year, Seahawks fans were taking exaggerated, desperate breaths after learning Lofa Tatupu had suffered only a bad bone bruise to his right knee. Matt Hasselbeck had not participated in preseason games against San Diego or Chicago and would not participate against Oakland. Chris Spencer had a bad back and Seattle's depth at center had retired. Mike Holmgren was comparing his back to his long snapper's. Deion Branch was on the PUP list and no where near ready. Bobby Engram was out with a broken shoulder. Seahawks fans were picking sides between Logan Payne, Ben Obomanu, Jordan Kent and Courtney Taylor. Seattle had terminated the contract of Marcus Tubbs. Sean Locklear was out and likely to miss the start of the regular season. Jordan Babineaux and Rocky Bernard were staring down suspensions. The Seahawks were nearing a season lost to a historically bad run of injuries.

If you need the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl to be happy, find your Yankees cap and your "fast" Willie Parker jersey. Seattle has long odds of winning the Super Bowl. Something like: 1 in 32. The part of the preseason that matters is over, and I'm not furiously reloading Seahawks Insider for injury updates. I'm not bombarded with emails about every hack writer's two cents on Holmgren's impending retirement and its implications to Seattle's season. Instead, I am wondering how Seattle will keep all of its promising depth, Nick Reed's ceiling, if Justin Griffith may have wrestled starting fullback from Owen Schmitt, who will kick and return kicks for Seattle and how good this team can be when things start clicking. It's August 30, 2009. The Seahawks season starts in two weeks. It's a good time to be optimistic. It's a good time to be a fan.

Seattle Seahawks 14 - Kansas City Chiefs 10 (Winners and Losers)

John Morgan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:13:49 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

Corey Mays is forgiven for his foul. John Carlson deemed no flag shall be thrown.

Browse more photos »

Winners

Seattle Seahawks: Won at Arrowhead. Won with their starters and won with their depth. The Seahawks showed something passing, rushing, defending the pass and in coverage teams.

Matt Hasselbeck: Has developed #1-receiver like chemistry with T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Hasselbeck showed confidence in the system and decisiveness in his reads. Spread the ball well. Better poise in the pocket and near flawless decision making.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh: Fulfilling potential of stronger, more athletic Bobby Engram.

John Carlson: Better as a blocker, and taking his receiving game to the heights of ‘game-changing'.

Julius Jones: Productive, undemanding, reliable and fearsome as a pass blocker.

Courtney Taylor: Played with the first team and contributed. Put a sizable gap between himself and Ben Obomanu.

Ray Willis: His pass protection has grown in bounds.

Nate Burleson: Freed from Holmgren's exacting offense.

Aaron Curry: Still a rookie, but fans needed to see the athleticism and power. See the athleticism and power.

Will Herring: Herring entered the league a tweener with a legitimate chance to never make it. His light build and cover-only instincts threatened his chance to ever become an NFL linebacker. Tonight, he survived in the scrum and showed what it's like to have a linebacker with DB zone skills.

Darryl Tapp: Disruptive.

Josh Wilson: Incredible awareness. Wilson adjusted to an underthrown ball as it passed over the linebackers and broke for an impressive near-pick before defending the ball from his back.

Derek Walker: Made impressive plays in garbage time to protect him from the cut to 75.

Losers

Devin Moore: Cut is a lock, but does Seattle bother with the practice squad?

Logan Payne, Jordan Kent, Mike Hass and Michael Bumpus: Will, short of injury, not make the roster.

Jeff Rowe: Camp days coming to an end.

Steve Vallos: Enough of a problem at center that Seattle will entertain free agents.

Seneca Wallace: That grimace and sullen look says: "the dreaded groin."

Olindo Mare: Unable to make up ground.

Kevin Hobbs: Picked on and playing his way out of the league.

Ken Lucas: Another so-so game.

Lofa Tatupu: Have we reached the point where Tatupu is too bulked up? I think he'd have trouble hugging me.

Cameron Morrah: Now well behind Joe Newton.

SB Nation - Courtney Taylor

Rams looking at Beavers

The Significance of Seattle Signing Brandon Frye

Seattle Seahawks Announce 53 Man Roster, Marcus Trufant to PUP List

Offense

Defense

Seattle Seahawks Sack Oakland Raiders 31-21 to Sweep Preseason

Winners, Losers and Projecting the Final 53 Man Roster

Winners

Losers

Seattle Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Quarterback

Running Back

Fullback

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

Defensive End

Linebackers

Corners

Safety

Specialist

Practice Squad

Winners, Losers and Projecting Seattle's 53 Man Roster

Winners

Losers

Seattle Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Quarterback

Running Back

Fullback

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

Defensive End

Linebackers

Corners

Safety

Specialist

Practice Squad

Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor Battle for Seattle Seahawks Fifth Wide Receiver Position

Colts watching the waiver wire?

Projecting the Seattle Seahawks 53-Man Roster

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Cornerbacks

Safeties

Specialist

IR

Practice Squad

Seattle Seahawks Beat the Preseason

Seattle Seahawks 14 - Kansas City Chiefs 10 (Winners and Losers)

Winners

Losers

Winners, Losers and Projecting
the Final 53 Man Roster