SB Nation - Dan Morgan

2012 NFL Draft Recap: Small School Edition

Damond Talbot — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:30:28 -0000

How did small school athlete’s make an impact in the draft? Who out of the guys that were selected will have the best chance to succeed? There were several small school athletes that were drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft. Out of the players drafted, several of them were transfers from other schools. Which players from small schools are actually small schoolers? You can find that out right here, and see what I think of the picks. This was a great year for the players from smaller divisions but what team was crazy enough to draft 5 players from small schools? Click below to find out, and please leave comments in the comment section.

33rd pick in the 2nd round - Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State was selected by the Saint Louis Rams who really made a splash with small school players. Quick is a big, physical wide receiver that will go in to the Rams offense and be an immediate assistance to Sam Bradford. Quick’s long arms and great hands will allow Sam Bradford just to get the ball in the vicinity and Quick will be able to get his hands on it. Quick is in a pretty deep wide receiver groups with guys like Danario Alexander, Chris Givens, Steve Smith, Greg Salas, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis and Dominque Curry, but look for Quick to become an immediate day one starter. Quick was always at Appalachian State, where he was a basketball player and only played one year of football in high school.

39th pick in the 2nd Round – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama was the biggest steal in the draft for the Saint Louis Rams, in my opinion. I had the pleasure to watch Janoris this year, and he is a complete football player, he can cover in man, and he is a stud in zone. Watch Janoris to also contribute in punt and kick returns where he excelled at North Alabama. Jenkins had a few arrests while enrolled at University of Florida, but has been able to stay clean for the past two years. I believe that Jenkins has learned from his mistake and watch him to begin playing immediately for the Rams defense. He is competing for the #2 spot with another small schooler drafted Trumaine Johnson. Jenkins was a transfer from Florida University.

40th pick in the 2nd Round – Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State University is a very big massive mauler on the line who was selected by the Carolina Panthers. He is a freakish athlete who was selected because of his skills as both a pass and run blocker. Amini was gaining interest from teams like 49ers, who just loved this kid’s aggressive play. He will probably be a day one starter, but will have to compete with Geoff Hangartner, and Mike Pollak. Amini played his entire career at Midwestern State, but was a great value pick in the second round for the Panthers who are pretty thin at the guard position.

65th pick in the 3rd Round – Trumaine Johnson, CB, University of Montana is a very big physical corner who was also selected by the Saint Louis Rams. He does not shy away from contact, and does a great job at moving his hips. Many people believe because of his height he could be a safety, but let me tell you this kid is going to be special. I think you could see Trumaine and Janoris on the field at the same time with Corteland Finnegan. The Rams made this secondary just as great as others in the league with just two small school picks. Johnson wasn’t a transfer and finished his school at Montana.

89th pick in the 3rd Round – Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina is a very big boy who was a transfer from LSU before heading North to Canada. Hick’s was selected by New Orleans Saints with their first pick, and it was a good pick for them. In Canada, Hick’s was a stud for Regina, and he will have a good chance at getting early playing time for the Saints. He will be competing with Sedrick Ellis and newly acquired Broderick Bunkley. Hick’s was a transfer from LSU where he played with Glenn Dorsey, Ricky Jean Francois and Tyson Jackson. I think we will see Hick’s early and often.

98th pick in the 4th Round – Gino Gradkowski, C/G, Delaware is a huge pick for the Ravens. With the best center in the league getting up there in age, they find a kid who is a feisty, nasty, and intelligent player. He played mostly guard in college, but they let him play center as well, and he loves directing the line. He is a leader, and is a very good kid. He has a ton of upside and will get to snap the ball to a fellow Blue Hen in Joe Flacco. Gradkowski, knows a thing or two about football as his brother is Bruce plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. Gino was a transfer from West Virginia. Gino will be the starter for years and years on the Ravens and this kid will end up being the best value pick in the entire draft.

130th pick in the 4th Round – Christian Thompson, S, South Carolina State is a very quick and physical player. Thompson was a transfer from Auburn and did an extremely good job at making plays for the SC State defense. Thompson had more tackles then most of the linebackers in the MEAC. Thompson could be a great replacement for Ed Reed. This kid is hungry, and I like this pick because he has the speed to cover and is not afraid to lay the wood. Watch Thompson in a few years from now. I like this pick, he is a very tough kid, and both Dominique Ellis and Christian were good for the SC State secondary.

133rd pick in the 4th Round – Jerron McMillian, S, Maine was a great pick for the Green Bay Packers. With Green Bay losing Nick Collins to an injury, I could see McMillian getting in and using his coverage skills to help the Packers. McMillian is a very solid player, and was the second player selected from the CAA behind Gradkowski. McMillian is a Jersey native so he is use to the cold, the Packers could have just helped their secondary out, by getting a very knowledge player. He has great instincts and hits hard.

135th pick in the 4th Round – Matt Johnson, S, Eastern Washington was selected by the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboys loved this kid because of skills at being around the ball. He was tied on the team with fumbles forced, and ended his career in fourth all time with 18 interceptions. Johnson is a very good player. Dallas will probably use this guy right away on special teams as he has a knack for finding the ball carrier. Johnson was a good value pick here.

143rd pick in the 5th Round – Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina was a huge pick for the Panthers. They need secondary help and to be honest Norman could become an immediate starter for the Panthers. He is not afraid to jump a route and is very confident in his play. He was not drafted until the 5th round when I had him rated as a top 100 prospect. I couldn’t believe some of the corners taken above him. He is a stud corner, who is good at sniffing out a run play. He wraps up well, and has a nose for the football. Josh played his entire career at Coastal Carolina.

148th pick in the 5th Round – Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion was a great pick for the Lions. The Lions have went the previous 4 drafts without acknowledging the cornerback position. Well they found a stud sleeper here. This kid is a very quick player, who has great hands. Greenwood jumps through the roof and has the ability to stay in a wide out’s face. He is the first player to be drafted from Albion in a really, really, long time. Look for the small schooler from Detroit shine out for his Lions.

162nd pick in the 5th Round – Corey White, S, Samford is a great pick by the Saints. He is another good cover safety. He is not the biggest kid, but he plays bigger than his size. He will be competing with guys like Darren Sharper, but let’s be honest, he will be a huge asset to the special teams in his first year. He could break the playing field if an injury occurs, but the Saints secondary is pretty good. I can see White being a good role player on the Saints defense.

169th pick in the 5th Round – Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly was the third small school product selected by the Ravens. This is another good selection by the Ravens. I think he could be used in the nickel early and often and on returns. Asa is a good player, but still has a lot to learn. He is green around the edges, but will eventually get it, especially working with the Ravens solid defense in Baltimore.

171st pick in the 6th Round – Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western was the best kicker in this draft. The Rams went out and snatched him up, and can you say number 4? The Rams selected their 4th small school prospect with this pick, but even Mel Kiper Jr. had Zuerlein as his number one kicker. Greg has a very strong leg and is a very accurate kicker. He has good size and will be a huge asset to the Rams. It is safe to say Rams fans, you got yourself a new starting kicker.

172nd pick in the 6th Round – Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern (LA) was a huge steal for the Seahawks. I like this kid, he is very aggressive. He is an in your face type of corner, who really showed off his skills against LSU in his career. Lane is not afraid to get in someone’s face and play bump and run. He is a long armed kid who is lanky but can cover a lot of space. He will be a special teamer in his first year, but could be used to rush off the edge in his first year on blitz packages. Lane is a very good player who played his entire career in Louisiana for Northwestern.

177th pick in the 6th Round – Justin Bethel, S, Presbyterian College was a very solid pick for the Cardinals. Arizona’s secondary has been getting better, but they will need to continue to add pieces such as Bethel to get better. Bethel was a corner in college and played extremely well, but will need to work on his lateral movement if he wants to play corner in the NFL. I honestly believe he can be one of the best safeties in this draft though, because he has great instincts. He has good hands, and is elusive with the ball in his hands.

193rd pick in the 6th Round – Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota State was a great pick for the Redskins. He reminds me of a mean, aggressive HOG from the older days, with guys like Joe Jacoby coming to mind. I think Compton will be a good rotational guy who could be a swing tackle for the Skins. He will need to work on his footwork but he could be a very solid pick for them in a year. Compton played his entire career with SDSU.

199th pick in the 6th Round – Jason Slowey, OT/OG, Western Oregon was a true small school pick for the 49ers. They really liked Amini but didn’t want to take him that early as they believed they had other needs. They get a kid they believe can come in and compete right away. Slowey is a tough kid who played OT last year for Western Oregon, but is very athletic. He can be a great pulling guard, and could look pretty good on the already great looking San Francisco line.

222nd pick in the 7th Round – Caleb McSurdy, ILB, Montana was a solid inside backer for the Montana defense last year. McSurdy will be a great fit in the 3-4 schemes that Dallas uses. McSurdy can play both MLB spots, and is decent in dropping in coverage. The ILBers for the Cowboys are suspect and one that comes to mind is, Dan Morgan who remains injured all the time. So if that happens this year, Dallas has a nitty-gritty player who can come in and fill the void. He will see tons of plays on special teams in his first year as well.

228th pick in the 7th Round – Jeris Pendleton, DT, Ashland was a late round pick by the Jaguars, and to be honest I really didn’t know much about Pendleton before this draft. Pendleton is kind of like the Buffalo Bills pick last year where they selected Mike Jasper of Bethel College. Pendleton is a big boy who stands at 6’3 and weighs 322 pounds. He didn’t have really good stats, but was a 2 year starter at a JUCO school before transferring to Ashland. Pendelton had a good pro day and must have blown away at least one scout in the Jag’s front office. He will be a player who has a good chance to get in a rotation with the already solid DT’s on the Jags.

243rd pick in the 7th Round – B.J. Coleman, QB, Tenn- Chattanooga was a steal for the Packers. I don’t know who is going to be the back-up there for Rodgers, but this kid was impressive at Tennessee before transferring. Coleman is a big kid who has a very strong arm, and is a little stiff in the pocket, but can get the ball out on a rope. He will be a good fit for the Packers, and if there is anyone to sit and learn from,it would be Aaron Rodgers.

252nd pick in the 7th Round – Daryl Richardson, RB, Abilene Christian was a very solid back who has great explosiveness. Before I tell you who selected this stud, let me tell you who his brothers are? Any guesses? Well if you guessed Edmund "Clyde" Gates and Bernard Scott both in the NFL, then you are really good. I didn’t know that myself until I just starting this article. Well by now you probably guessed who finished out the draft with this small schooler? You are right, this was the fifth player selected by the Rams in the 2012 draft. They finished 5/5, five small school prospects and five big school prospects.

A Look At The First Round For The NFC South

Dave Choate — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:08 -0000

Only two of the NFC South's four teams actually had draft picks last night. They achieved what I would charitably term mixed results.

The Falcons, you'll remember, traded their first rounder in exchange for Julio Jones a year ago. The Saints, meanwhile, swapped theirs out for disappointing rookie but still promising running back Mark Ingram. That left the Panthers and Buccaneers to do all the damage.

Like I said, mixed results. The Panthers stood pat and drafted a terrific tackler who may not have been the position fit they needed. The Buccaneers traded both up and down and got an overrated safety and an underrated running back.

Let's take a quick, closer look at what each of these teams ended up with.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The team traded down to the seventh pick to grab safety Mark Barron. Barron's a quality safety with classic thumping ability, but as the seventh pick in the draft he's a bit of a reach in my book. I don't think he significantly improves a Buccaneers pass defense that was as inconsistent as they come last year, but the Bucs had nothing at safety.

Given the need and the Bucs' very real tackling woes, Barron's a solid pick. I think he was a reach and I think he's overrated, but that doesn't preclude him from being a good player. He is a good player.

The second pick, meanwhile, saw the Bucs trade up to the 31st pick to get running back Doug Martin. Short at 5'9" but powerfully built and possessing all-around talent, Martin is instantly the team's best back and an upgrade for an anemic rushing attack. Martin is severely underrated in my book, and the Bucs knew they had to upgrade their ground game in case Josh Freeman & Friends flounder again.

On the other hand, I don't know that they needed to trade up to get him. We'll likely hear more about that soon.

It's tough to argue that the Buccaneers didn't make improvements here. With Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks, Barron and Martin on board, they probably will be a hell of a lot tougher in 2012. I still don't think they're playoff bound.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers had a much quieter draft. With the ninth overall pick, they went hard for Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly.

There's no question that Kuechly is the best tackler in the draft and a hell of a middle linebacker. The Panthers have gotten by for years with chronically injured players like Dan Morgan and Thomas Davis, so this was a legitimate need on those merits. If Davis happens to be healthy, Kuechly isn't quite as much of a value, but he's a great player. No ifs or buts about it.

Yet I'm still confused. The Panthers had major needs at receiver, along the offensive line, at defensive tackle and arguably in the secondary. Kuechly is incredibly talented, but it's fair to wonder if he's a true three-down player at the NFL level, and the Panthers don't lack for talent at linebacker when the stars align. When I say fair to wonder, I should note, it's based solely on my opinion of Kuechly. Many pundits and fans think he's stellar back there, and you'll probably want to trust them over me.

Time will tell with this one, but the Panthers did hedge their bets and potentially create a nightmare for NFC South running backs.

What do you think of these picks?

Could the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Luke Kuechly with the fifth overall pick?

Sander Philipse — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:13:51 -0000

It's becoming more and more likely that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't have their choice of Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne when they get to make their selection next Thursday. In fact, it's quite possible that both players will be off the board: the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly choosing between Matt Kalil, Morris Claiborne and Justin Blackmon while the Cleveland Browns are often seen as strong candidates to take Trent Richardson.

If Claiborne and Richardson indeed go third and fourth, the Bucs would have a decision to make. They could take the only remaining elite prospect in the draft in Matt Kalil. The USC-bred left tackle should be a staple as a left tackle for a decade or more, but he doesn't represent great value for the Bucs: he's not the best run blocker and more importantly, the Bucs already have a pretty good left tackle in Donald Penn. Drafting Kalil would not really fill a need, and although he would solidify an important (but slightly devalued) position, he would still leave the Bucs with massive holes at linebacker, safety, running back and even cornerback if we look toward the future.

Another option is to take linebacker Luke Kuechly out of Boston College over Matt Kalil. This, at least, is what Roy Cummings' gut says the Bucs will do. Kuechly would fill a major need as he could step right in as the starting middle linebacker, or he could move to the outside if needed. Kuechly is as pro-ready as they come - but does he really represent the right value? Hit the jump to see some of my thoughts on Kuechly.

'Instinctive' is one word that just keeps coming back when people try to describe Luke Kuechly. That's exactly what he is: much like Mason Foster in college, he always finds himself around the ball, he's always close to the play, and he's a very, very sure tackler. As with Foster, the consensus appears to be that he is not a special athlete and might be a little on the small side. But the Foster comparisons end there, as far as I'm concerned: where Foster looked like a solid player, Kuechly looks special on film. Watch his game vs Nevada in the 2011 Kraft Hunger Bowl orhis final game against Miami and he looks like an explosive, powerful, playmaking linebacker with outstanding read-and-react skills. At times some problems show up when blockers get their hands on him, which is especially visible in his game vs Clemson, but in general he does a very good job of keeping those blockers off him.

Still, the question is: do you really want to pick a linebacker who will not be used as a pass rusher with the fifth overall pick? The history of linebackers like that in the NFL isn't great. As with every position there are highlights and lowlights, with Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, Lawrence Timmons, Brian Urlacher and Jonathan Vilma providing some of the highlights. But there are plenty of lowlights too: Aaron Curry, Keith Rivers, A.J. Hawk, Ernie Sims, Dan Morgan and Thomas Davis all failed to live up to their lofty draft status. While some certainly turned into productive players, most didn't really become difference makers.

More importantly, linebackers aren't as valuable as they used to be - unless they can stay on the field for all three downs. That's why pass-rushing linebackers are so valuable: they can play on more than just rushing downs, as they can make an impact in the passing game as well. And that's the key to why Luke Kuechly might just be worth that fifth overall pick over Matt Kalil: Kuechly isn't a pass rusher, but he is absolutely outstanding in coverage, especially zone coverage. His ability to diagnose a play and react is incredible, and he's often moving to the right spot before the ball is even thrown. He demonstrated the ability to run with tight ends and slot receivers down the middle of the field. Greg Cosell claims that Kuechly "played with [his] eyes better than any LB [he's] evaluated".

Luke Kuechly looks like a special linebacker, but should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers really select him with the fifth overall pick? He wouldn't be my first choice, but he'd certainly add a lot of quality to the team.

Luke Kuechly 2012 NFL Draft scouting report - Mocking the Draft

Luke Kuechly - CBS Sports

Luke Kuechly Scouting Report - National Football Post

What Up With Dat?: Parcells and Personnel Questions Galore

Dave Cariello — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:00:49 -0000

Below are my answers to last weeks reader questions submitted Friday. Special thanks to all those that participated. Feel free to continue the discussion on any of these topics in the comment section below.

Is it safe to say with the signings of LBs Chamberlain & Lofton that Vilma & or Shanle days as a Saint are numbered? Also any word of free agent CBs/Safties coming in for visits/workouts? - F. Bazz

I'd like to answer your first question with a few questions of my own. Did the signing of Dan Morgan lead to the end of Vilma and/or Shanle? Did the signing of Brian Simmons lead to the end of Vilma and/or Shanle? Did the signing of Danny Clarke lead to the end of Vilma and/or Shanle? You getting my point here?

To answer your second question, the Saints had a visit scheduled with veteran cornerback Kelvin Hayden this past weekend.

Besides Tuna, who are some other candidates you feel the Saints will interview, including some who may satisfy the Rooney Rule? - B.R. Saints

We haven't heard any other names being thrown around as possible candidates for the interim head coaching position so I don't know if the Saints are interested in hiring anyone else from the outside other than Parcells. In other words, it's Parcells or promote from within. That's the impression I get. Personally, I think that's the way I'd prefer it to stay. And with off-season workouts set to begin April 16th, the clock is ticking.

What are the chances of Sean Payton or other staff getting fired? I haven't seen anyone really even bring up the idea. Do you think that the organization would do such a thing in order to seem "on board" with the NFL's reaction to the controversy? - C. Rescendo

I think if Tom Benson and/or the organization were going to fire anyone on the staff because of Bountygate, they would have done so already. I don't think it makes sense anymore at this point.

Any word on Brees Contract? This one is making me very nervous. - J. Ricky

You'd better prepare a change of underwear.

On the day your child is born... think you could go all amnesty and reinstate everyone you banned? - Sylvain G.

I'm not sure that would be such a good idea.

How many months into the year long suspension do you foresee Saints fans wearing their current "hot topic" #freepayton t-shirts? - Cold P.

The hysteria has already waned and #freepayton shirt sales have slowed to a trickle. I doubt anyone cares much past September. Winning will definitely help toward that end.

Why do the Saints need to satisfy the Rooney Rule for an interim head coach hire? Yesterday I read articles about how the Saints were making a mockery of the Rooney Rule by focusing on a white guy, Parcells, as the next coaching hire to fill in for Sean for a season. - X. Cuts

The Rooney Rule applies to interim head coach searches only if that search goes outside the team's current staff, which the Saints are doing by showing interest in Bill Parcells. So technically, the team should be required to interview a minority candidate. But the Saints can fulfill the Rooney Rule requirements with an internal interview and don't need to bring in a minority coaching candidate from the outside. The rule has good intentions but is, unfortunately, slightly flawed.

Do you think the Saints know, or at least have a good idea which players will be banned? With them signing two linebackers and Bunkley in the D line, do you think this was done as much out of damage prevention as it was necessity? - Matt M.

Yes, I think the Saints have at least some knowledge about which players may face suspensions because of their involvement with Bountygate and I believe they're making moves to control the damage.

Since Tracy Porter is no longer on the team, are the Saints looking to draft another CB with the 3rd round pick?- A. Special

Texas A&M cornerback Lionel Smith was reportedly scheduled to visit the Saints.

Any word on what is happening with Shaun Rogers or Abrayo Franklin? Seems strange not to hear anything, not even them visiting other teams. - Ship

No word, but I don't think it's strange at all. I think it just means both Rogers and Franklin suck. If the Saints are interested in bringing one or both back, they should be able to acquire their services for cheap. High five!

Luke Kuechly Wins Butkus Award

JasonB — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:30:05 -0000

Boston College LB Luke Kuechly has been named the winner of the 2011 Butkus award as the nation's top linebacker. Kuechly leads all of all college football with 191 tackles this season and his 532 career tackles are ACC and BC records. The junior was second in the voting for the award last year, which was won by Von Miller.

"A lot of people said I got snubbed last year because Von Miller won it, but I don't think I got gypped at all," Kuechly said. "Look at him now. He's the No. 2 draft pick and he's killing it right now in the NFL."

Kuechly was a run away winner in the voting.

He received 58 points and 18 first-place votes. He was followed by Alabama teammates Dont'a Hightower (33 points and 5 first-place votes) and Courtney Upshaw (23 and 3), Manti Te'o of Notre Dame (20 and 1), Lavonte David of Nebraska (16 and 1), and Jarvis Jones of Georgia (14 and 1).

If the Eagles are looking for a LB with their top 12 pick, and they should be, this is obviously a guy that should be a major consideration. As you'll see after the jump, the Butkus award has been a pretty decent predictor of NFL success over the past 10 years or so.

1999 LaVar Arrington Penn State
2000 Dan Morgan Miami
2001 Rocky Calmus Oklahoma
2002 E.J. Henderson Maryland
2003 Teddy Lehman Oklahoma
2004 Derrick Johnson Texas
2005 Paul Posluszny Penn State
2006 Patrick Willis Ole Miss
2007 James Laurinaitis Ohio State
2008 Aaron Curry Wake Forest
2009 Rolando McClain Alabama
2010 Von Miller Texas A&M
2011 Luke Kuechly Boston College

Former Panther DT Kris Jenkins Dishes on Career, Panthers

Jaxon — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 02:21:49 -0000

Kris Jenkins has retired now and in broadcasting apparently. I'm hopeful we can hear him announce a Panther game sometime or at least have a guest appearance. That would be interesting I bet. He has published a lengthy piece on his career you can read here.

I was expecting Jenkins to be hard on the Panthers in this extended piece and though he doesn't get into any detail he does give you a favor of what his problems were and why he left. He talks about pain of playing, the injuries and the fact he has no regrets to this day. He then goes into this timeline of 'warnings' a player gets as they transition from college to the Pros. He seems to be suggesting that the warning is basically, "we are trying to control you" type of innuendo.

With regard to his exit in Carolina, here is what he had to say about John Fox:

I went through so much in Carolina, it was ridiculous. People checking up on us in clubs. Concerns with the locker room. John Fox was our coach. He was a big cliché guy. He'd say, do as I say, not as I do.

That didn't make sense to me.

That sure sounds like his issue was with Fox and not the Panther front office. I'm surprised that Jenkins viewed Fox as having a double standard but then again, as I think about it, it is what it is. He dishes on Roger Goodell and his current use of eastern medicine to heal...after the jump...

Jenkins is easily the biggest man I have seen up close. His thighs, waist and upper body were absolutely massive but you could tell is was not fat (well maybe a little). To hear him talk about the constant pain he played through and say the biggest hit he ever took was from RB Edgerrin James is amazing.

But one Panther did impress Jenkins:

I saw [the former Panthers linebacker] Dan Morgan go through the head injuries. If anybody I played with hit harder than me, it was Morgan. That man was a monster.

Unfortunately, he paid the price.

Here's what Jenkins has to say about Goddell and his attempts at reducing injuries:

What you hear from guys like Ray Lewis, James Harrison, what they're saying is we're well aware what we're signing up for. The violence, we love it. The madness, we love it. We love measuring ourselves in it.

Those guys express themselves with their pads. You soften the game, you're taking away their freedom of expression. Nobody wants to see flag football, and now, you might as well give guys flags, tell them to hug afterward, all that.

Jenkins finishes talking more about the toll of the game on a lineman's body and how he wants to open a camp for big men to prepare them for the NFL.

The first thing I did when I retired was I went to a health store. I believe in Eastern medicine. I literally bought a whole bunch of roots. My life is too important. My family is too important.

I want to get into public speaking, maybe put together a camp, for big guys, linemen in particular. Nobody prepares linemen for what will happen. Someone should.

So he wants teams to have an acupuncturist on staff? Eastern roots in the locker room? Post game eye of newt tea? Yeah that's why the Panthers are having so many injuries, they aren't using acupuncture and healing potions. Too funny.

Overall it's a decent piece but I was hoping for a little more insight on his time in Carolina. I wonder if had a good time at any point? I wonder what his relationship was with Julius Peppers. Did he tell Peppers to leave too? I realize that is all water under the bridge but I'm just wondering what his perspective was.

How we as fans approach players

James Dator — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:17:00 -0000

At its heart the NFL is a business, we all know that. Players talk about this business aspect when it comes to signing new contracts, being traded or holding out for more money. Teams also understand this business relationship when it comes to cutting players, choosing not to re-sign veterans or trading players.

As fans we straddle the middle, and much like the CBA negotiations this off-season we saw splintering of NFL fans who sided with the players or the owners. Ultimately there is no true 'side' that fans are on when it comes to these issues, and this is because we have a greater emphasis on emotional attachment to players and teams.

Never was this issue of business vs. personal attachment so prevalent today with the news of Thomas Davis' third ACL tear in two years. The reaction from fans was equally heartwarming and disgusting as the initial news came across Twitter and I'll talk about this range of emotions after the jump.

It's easy to forget the human aspect of the NFL when all we concentrate on is business. When it's all said and done these are still men, husbands and fathers who are trying to make a living and provide for their families. Sure, they make an amazing living as they provide us with entertainment each Sunday, but that doesn't mean we should view players as disposable like paper towels.

I often kid that the biggest mistake a fan of the Carolina Panthers can make is reading the comments on the team's facebook feed. However, I couldn't help but be utterly disgusted by some of the comments on the announcement of Thomas Davis' injury. I've decided to remove names to protect the innocent, but this gives you a good idea of what kind of people are part of our fan base:

Plzzz cut this dude asap thank !

(on Davis and Beason) Get rid of both of them! I think they prefer riding the bench!!!!!

Exactly, just another Dan Morgan, we have to release him....

He signed a 5 year contract & turns around and have a 3 peat of the same injury.....he needs to be sportscenter C'mon man this friday

What can you say to these ~~troglodytes~~ people? This is what happens when any semblance of humanism is thrown out in window in favor of some selfish motivation. I'm not saying all fans need to be altruistic all the time; after all, one of my jobs as a writer is to constantly talk about who should/could be cut, who is on the bubble and letting you know which players are 'camp fodder'. In this way it's a necessary part of the job, however, to take that one step further and immediately start calling for a player to be cut who was injured goes beyond being a steadfast fan, and becomes cruel.

This isn't a new phenomenon. Sure it happened today, and will happen each and every time these situations arise, but I just think it's so callous and wrong to begin balling up and tossing away a player like Thomas Davis, even if the unfortunate truth is that his career as a Panther could very well be over.

Coffee and Cigarettes: Seahawks Links For Thursday

Danny Kelly — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:00:52 -0000

Seattle Seahawks news, rumors, links, info, interviews, analysis, and more! After a few day absence, I'm back, and with a new vigor for writing. Stay tuned for some new stuff in the next few days and I'll try and get some interesting things together. Until then, here are some links for your visual enjoyment.

Kevin Kolb's exclusive scouting analysis - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSNMuch has been made about the future of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb: "Which teams are in the market for promising QB Kevin Kolb? Once the NFL lockout is over, it's widely believed that he'll be traded because he's in the final year of his contract. Where is he in his progression as a quarterback? What will the team that acquires from the Eagles be getting? I wanted to get a better look at Kolb, up close, in a way that few get a chance to see.

So I summoned the best evaluator of the quarterback position, whom I trust more than most - NFL Films' Greg Cosell.

Cosell, who has studied the quarterback position for close to three decades, has become an authority on the position. In fact, I would put up his evaluations of quarterbacks against anyone - including any personnel evaluator in the NFL.

Why? Because in my eight years of periodically visiting with him in his office and watching coaching tape with him, his accuracy on his projections and evaluations is almost always spot on. What I've learned best from him is to let your eyes tell you the story. Below you'll see reaction from me on each game and selected comments and analysis from Cosell."

The secret key to a well disguised blitz scheme " NFL Mocks | Covering the 2012 NFL drafts, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football: "Blitzing is probably the most difficult scheme related aspect to a defense's game for a defensive coordinator to design. Coaches use all sorts of methods and players to try to get pressure on the quarterback, often to no avail. To be honest, the best way to have a dominant blitz scheme is to have dominant players. However, getting dominant players is a difficult thing to do. But there is another way for coaches to have a blitz scheme that is, if nothing else, brilliantly disguised.

On almost any pass play, a "hot," route is designated to a player that would likely be open in case the quarterback is under pressure. Considering that linebackers are blitzing, the opposing team is quite likely to have few if any linebackers in coverage, and the tight end/running back would be difficult to cover. A typical hot route might involve a running back going into the flat or a tight end running over the middle. With a linebacker blitzing, one of these players likely will not be covered very well."

For Seattle, is Kolb much better than Whitehurst? - CBSSports.com: "The Cardinals are most often cited as a potential landing spot, but they're not the only team. Dave Mahler of Seattle's 950 KJR tweeted several days ago that he "heard from a source Seahawks have offered Eagles 1st and 3rd for Kolb." Mahler later qualified his tweet via his Facebook page: "Deal I reported yesterday was made sometime in the last 4 months. I think it says more about where Hasselbeck is on the priority list in Seattle than it does about the chances of Kolb coming. Eagles since offer have also reportedly expressed desire to trade for players instead of picks.""

First-round pick for Kolb? Think twice, Seahawks - NFL - CBSSports.com Football: "The Seahawks paid a lot and likely missed on Charlie Whitehurst. Len Pasquarelli says trading for QBs is risky business, as Seattle could learn again if it parts with a first-rounder for Philly's Kevin Kolb."

Is Carson Palmer the answer to the Seahawks QB dilemma? - Blog - MyNorthwest.com: "The Seahawks' quarterback situation is mired in uncertainty and Danny O'Neil, Seahawks beat writer for The Seattle Times, does not think Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is the realistic answer.

"I don't think Cincinnati is going to trade Carson Palmer. The history of that organization is that they don't have players tell them where they are going to play," O'Neil said Tuesday on Brock & Salk. "When the organization makes up their mind, it sticks to it."

Dan Morgan joins Seahawks as a pro scout: "Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan has been hired by the Seattle Seahawks to serve as a Pro Scout. Morgan spent last year as a scouting intern with the Seahawks and as a radio commentator for WQAM."

Field of Dreams 2: NFL Lockout with Taylor Lautner from Taylor Lautner, Ray Liotta, Dennis Haysbert, Ray Lewis, Tony Gonzalez, Shawne Merriman, Marielle Jaffe, Antonio Cromartie, Marshall Faulk, Kirk Morrison, Steve Smith, Shaun Phillips, Rich Eisen, Dwig: "An Iowa corn farmer (Taylor Lautner), hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a football field in his fields; he does, and the National Football League comes."

Ranking NFC West players: Nos. 11-15 - NFC West Blog - ESPN: "Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. ranks the top 15 players in the NFC West."

Summer quarterback grades " Seahawks Draft Blog: "The forthcoming college football season will obviously have a large say in where the 2012 class of quarterbacks are drafted. There could even be a couple of prospects who come from nowhere to contend at the top of round one (see: Cam Newton). Those who are expected to go early, may drop off the map completely (Jevan Snead anyone?). However, I’ve had a chance to take a look at the latest batch of quarterbacks that could be available next April and I want to put the grades down now as a marker for comparison during the season. It’ll give me a chance to ask - Did anyone improve their stock? Did anyone fall? Who did we leave off the list? There are also a handful of quarterbacks I can’t judge yet, for several reasons. I’ve included a few notes on those players at the end."

NFL.com news: Smith might help lessen Kaepernick's NFL learning curve: "San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be benefiting during the lockout more than any of his recently drafted peers that were selected to, at some point, become their teams' starting quarterbacks. He has a mentor with some experience in Alex Smith who's willing to help him, even if it results in Kaepernick taking the job Smith has had and wants to retain. "It's been great," Kaepernick said on NFL.com's Cover Two podcast of his relationship with Smith. "You won't find a nicer person than Alex. He's helped me with any questions or problems. He was quoted as saying that when he came in Trent Dilfer helped him along. He said he wanted to treat a rookie the same way he was treated when he came in. To me that shows a lot of class.""

NFL.com news: Hefty contracts could cost these disappointing performers: "Reggie Bush, RB, Saints: $11.8 million No other running back -- especially a situational one -- is making this kind of salary right now. New Orleans is deep in the backfield and moved up to draft Mark Ingram. There will be significant interest in Bush, and I can't see him back with the Saints, getting six to eight touches at best per game, when he can have 12 to 15 elsewhere. Projected result: Look for the St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and possibly the New England Patriots all to be interested in Bush's services once he hits the street."

Which rookie position group can contribute early this season? | National Football Post: "In order to even consider writing this post, we have to assume there will be a new CBA within the next two weeks with training camps opening on time. If that’s the case, then who from the current rookie class will be able to contribute the most and/or the earliest this season?"

Making the Grade: 4-3 Defensive Tackles | ProFootballFocus.com: "6. Brandon Mebane. Seattle Seahawks I’ve learned not to question the Seahawks when they make moves that appear to be bizarre (picking up Mike Williams, Raheem Brock, and Chris Clemons in recent years), but it surprises me they’re about to let Mebane walk. The talented defensive tackle hasn’t ever been as disruptive as he was in 2008, but he’s consistently played well and is one of the more complete and reliable defensive tackles in the league. Could represent a steal for a DT-needy team (hello, paging Indianapolis). Grade: +37.9"

Making the Grade: 4-3 Defensive Ends | ProFootballFocus.com: "10. Charles Johnson, Carolina Panthers The only reason Charles Johnson isn’t higher up this list is that the opportunity to play hasn’t been there. If you read this piece, you’ll see just how good he has been whenever he has played – which begs the questions: why have the Panthers failed to get the most out of him until 2010? and, why didn’t they give him the franchise tag? He only led all defensive ends in stops and quarterback disruptions this year. Will be made a very rich man in free agency, and it’s because he’s more than a one season wonder. Grade: +56.78"

DETNEWS | Weblogs | Lions Blog: "There is an intriguing cornerback on the market that I think will pass through the Lions' radar screen at some point, whenever the process begins. It's not a real sexy name, but to me, he might end up making a lot of sense. I am talking about Seattle free agent Kelly Jennings. I know, I know, he's no Nnamdi Asomugha or Johnathan Joseph. I didn't include him in the top five cornerbacks I think the Lions will go after first (see the story on detnews.com). But the Lions are longshots to get those two players. And if they don't get them, and they are not sold on Chris Houston -- which is a matter of debate -- then Jennings is the kind of guy Martin Mayhew has taken a flyer on in the past."

Drew Stanton To Explore The Market When Free Agency Opens - Pride Of Detroit: "Whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is in place and the 2011 league year officially opens, the expectation is for players with four years of service or more to be considered unrestricted free agents. That means for the Detroit Lions, they will have players like Chris Houston, Turk McBride and Drew Stanton hitting the open market barring something unforeseen that alters the proposed free agency rules."

NFL.com news: Lawyers work on labor deal; owners, players to join Thursday: "Staff and legal teams for NFL owners and players met for nearly 11 hours Wednesday, going into the evening with larger meetings looming. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, owners, players and U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan will join the group Thursday, and the clock is ticking to reach a labor deal that would save the preseason -- and the hundreds of millions in revenue that come with it."

Report: framework for new CBA could come Friday - CBSSports.com: "The lawyers for the owners and players met again Wednesday as they continue to work toward a new collective bargaining agreement. And sources tell ESPN that both sides hope to reach a "true framework for a new CBA by the close of business Friday." If there weren't already enough reasons to end the lockout as soon as possible (the reasons now number into the hundreds of millions), here's another: U.S. District Judge Arthur Boylan, the mediator in the talks, is scheduled to go on vacation Saturday, ESPN reports. And after taking the July 4th weekend off, both sides are committed to staying in New York and working through the weekend if it means getting a deal done. We have written previously that the lockout could end as early as Sunday, July 10."

NFL.com news: Lawyers address details, language issues in labor talks: "The legal teams and staffs for NFL owners and players went through their second consecutive day of meetings in Manhattan, slogging through the details and language of a potential agreement to expedite the process if and when a settlement is reached."

Santana Moss Is Getting Inducted into the U's Hall of Fame Today; One Hell of a Bowler Too

Kevin Ewoldt — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:14:33 -0000

Congratulations are in order for Cowboys-killer Santana Moss, who is getting inducted into the University of Miami's Hall of Fame today in his first year of eligibility. Via the Miami Herald:

Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss and Dan Morgan, to be inducted Thursday in the UM Sports Hall of Fame, helped pave the way for the national champions of 2001 - the season after the three graduated...Moss, 31, grew up in Miami, graduated from Carol City High and has an offseason home near Pompano Beach. He said he was in awe when he learned he was to be inducted, like his teammates, in his first season of eligibility.

If you don't follow him on Twitter, I highly recommend it. He's been bowling with HOU WR Andre Johnson a lot this month (though not in this game). Tana can throw the rock. That's a nice mid-game Turkey :