SB Nation - Chris Hannon

Drew Bennett Apparent Winner In Wide Receiver Tryout

Bruce Raffel — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:46:14 -0000

Former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Drew Bennett is the apparent winner in today's tryout at the Baltimore Ravens Training Complex in Owings Mills, Maryland. Bennett, who last played for the St. Louis Rams in 2008, was one of reportedly four wideouts that were brought in to see if they still had what it takes to play in the NFL. The possibilitiy of Derrick Mason, the Ravens leading receiver in 2008, making his retirement official sparked the need to look elsewhere for help, despite the young players already on the team's roster seemingly willing to step up in his place.

Bennett was taken away after the tryout for a team physical, seemingly for taking the next step towards signing a contract to join the team in 2009 and possibly beyond. Many people said that the team needed WR help even long before Mason made his surprising retirement announcement shortly after the death of one of his best friend and former teammate on the Titans and Ravens, Steve McNair..

Bennett is 30 years old and although he didn't make an impact on the Rams the last two years, is a tall target (6'5") and had a great season in 2004 when he caught over 80 passes for well over 1,000 yards in Tennessee. His size and hands could be a welcome addition to the Ravens, although their younger players waiting in the wings (Demetrius Williams, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper) have to be dismayed at this news. Bennett will still have to prove in Training Camp beginning next week, that he deserves to start ahead of those guys, and alongside of Mark Clayton. At the same time, if Derrick Mason does change his mind and decides to return for his 13th NFL season, then Clayton and Bennett will fight it out to see who is the #2 or #3 wideout on the depth chart.

Things just got a little more interesting in Ravens camp. See my earlier post this week comparing Drew Bennett's stats with the other players that the Ravens were looking at.

Post Publish Note: The Ravens have signed Drew Bennett to the veteran minimum salary, according to ProFootballTalk.com and the Carroll County Times .Click here to see the story. In addition, the two other wide receivers brought in for the tryout were Chris Hannon and Justin Brown (neither of whom I could find any info on at NFL.com).

Lions Extend Dominic Raiola, Sign Rookie Dan Gronkowski

Sean Yuille — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:01:43 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola runs through drills at the NFL football team's training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, June 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Browse more photos »

The Lions signed center Dominic Raiola to a four-year contract extension, keeping him in Detroit through at least the 2013 season. According to FOXSports.com's Alex Marvez, the extension is worth $20 million ($9 million guaranteed). Raiola's base salary this coming season will be $4 million.

Raiola has been a member of the Lions his entire NFL career, as the team drafted him in the second round back in 2001. Most players would likely want to get away from a team like the Lions as quickly as possible, but Raiola wants to be here when the team hopefully turns things around.

"There's so much I put into this it would be like quitting," he said. "This place is worse now than when I came in, and I definitely want to be part of it when this thing turns around.

"This is home for me. This is a great city, this city is special to me. I have a lot of friends here, and I've seen pretty much every other sports franchise in the city win, and there's nothing more than I want than for this city to see this team win."

Aside from extending Raiola, the Lions also signed their first draft pick not named Matthew Stafford, inking seventh-round pick Dan Gronkowski to a three-year deal. It was written earlier this week that the Lions were holding off on signing draft picks in order to have more players on the roster, but with nothing going on until training camp, that really is no longer necessary, as Tom Kowalski explains.

One of the reasons the Lions haven't attempted to sign any draft picks (other than Stafford) is because they get a roster exemption for them while they're unsigned. The Lions wanted to bring more players to minicamp - they currently have 88 on the roster - to take a look at some of them and to also give some of their veterans a breather in certain drills.

Due to the signing of Gronkowski, the Lions released wide receiver Chris Hannon, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins at the end of last season. With no more team activities scheduled to take place until training camp, I would expect the rest of the draft picks to be signed over the next month or so. A year ago, Cliff Avril was signed on July 11, six other second-day picks were inked a couple days before the start of training camp, Gosder Cherilus agreed to a deal the day before camp began, and Jordon Dizon was the last to sign after missing a few practices.

Lions Move Mulitalo, Dizon to Injured Reserve

Sean Yuille — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:23:40 -0000

With only one game left in the season, the Lions decided to move offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo and linebacker Jordon Dizon to the injured reserve. Since the season is almost over, this move basically means that neither would have played on Sunday. If both were going to be out, it only makes sense to sign a couple of players to replace them, as they will be right back on the active roster after the season anyways.

To replace Mulitalo, the Lions signed offensive guard Junius Coston, who has played for both the Packers and Raiders in his four-year career. Dizon's spot on the roster went to wide receiver Chris Hannon, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins. He had only been with the Dolphins since December 3, as he was claimed by Miami from the 49ers. San Francisco signed him after the Panthers released him in the final round of cuts this past August.

The Lions also made a couple of adjustments to their practice squad. Wide receiver Paul Raymond was released and linebacker Chris Graham was signed. Graham played at Michigan and was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He also attended a Lions rookie mini-camp following the draft.

Golden Nuggets: We must tame the wildcat!

Ninjames — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:15 -0000

Hey guys. I gotta say, I'm tired. I've gone back and forth over how I think this game is going to end up. At one point I was convinced we'd roll all over them and blow them at, at another I was worried we might lose. At another I was wishing the season was over and I'm not sure why. At any rate, right now I'm sitting casually at "this is winnable." and I'm thinking something of a ten point victory. I don't have much else to say really, other than enjoy the links and I cant wait for Sunday.

Edit for lulz: So I searched for "Dolphins 49ers preview" and I forgot to put 2008. I gotta say I feel stupid right now because I read this link for a good five minutes very confused before I realized that it was from 2004. ("since the quarterback’s problems aren’t all his own fault. San Francisco’s offensive line has struggled mightily, failing to protect Rattay" Sound familiar?) (Yahoo.com)

We'll start with what scares me the most. News about DeShaun Foster. He's ready to go, very much so. Which is good, I hope. (SFGate.com)

Here's an article courtesy of Fooch (and I believe from him, courtesy of our Dolphins blogger) about Frank Gore from a Miami-based writer. (Sun-Sentinel.com)

While I was there I found this article about our ex-practice squad WR Chris Hannon. It seems the Dolphins have quizzed him on the 49ers and some of their tendencies. The article assures us, however that nothing shady is going on. (Sun-Sentinel.com)

Here's some random thoughts from Kevin Lynch over at Niner Insider. (SFGate.com)

Here's an injury report from Maiocco. It seems Rossum could be back returning punts. (PressDemocrat.com)

Hah.. Three 49ers make Fox's overpaid/underpaid list. (PressDemocrat.com)

Gore is now off of his crutches. He had them Monday and Tuesday, and supposedly didn't use them Wednesday. (PressDemocrat.com)

Man. I hope Vernon Davis doesn't get penalized too much. I doubt anybody can prevent it though, Joey Porter is gonna run his mouth with the best of 'em. (MercuryNews.com)

More on Foster with some quotes, etc. (SacBee.com)

I'm hoping Josh Morgan gets some playing time, Singletary said he expects him to be active, but Johnson will start over him. (SacBee.com)

Here we've got a preview with some key matchups for Sunday's game. (49ersWebZone.com)

Spoilers, spoilers, spoilers. Its popping up again. Are we going to play spoilers Sunday? Honestly, I hope so. Sorry, Miami. (RealFootball365.com)

Here's an article about the Wildcat from the official website. (49ers.com)

Vernon Davis is maturing, according to this article. I have to see him Sunday before I'm convinced, though. (49ers.com)

Here's yesterday's Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Here's "Clements' Coverage" where Nate is talking about the Dolphins. (49ers.com)

And this week's "Points of the Game." (49ers.com)

Here's a short preview from NFL.com (NFL.com)

Check out the opposition as they ask themselves "4 burning questions." (ThePhinsider.com)

And we'll close off with a pretty good preview analyzing a few key matchups. (MercuryNews.com)

That's all for now but I'll update ASAP.

Golden Nuggets: I wish Sunday would get here

Ninjames — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:33:03 -0000

Edit: Make sure you check out the comments I've got some more links up, noteworthy is Nate Clements getting surgery.

You know, regardless of how this game turns out I just want Sunday to get here so I can get it over with. I'm utterly unconcerned with the rest of our games this season, for some reason this particular matchup with the Jets is a point of excitement for me. If we play well then I want to see the rest of the season and follow the offseason religiously. If we play bad I want to hide away for a long time and pretend to be a hockey fan. (Go.. Sharks?) Maybe not to that extent but I just want this game to be over with so I can actually formulate an opinion on my Niners. I don't know what to think of them, I'm stoked about the win at Buffalo, but I'm unsure where to rank them. If we can beat the Jets, then all the better, we're a legitimate team. That doesn't necessarily mean that I'll be completely distraught if we lose I just... want a win now more than ever this season, really--except maybe at the Cowboys game. At any rate, I didn't mean to babble for this long, there's some quality links for your enjoyment. Take your pick and enjoy..

Here's a pretty good summation for as far as news goes from Niners Insider including an injury report. (SFGate.com)

Center Eric Heitman has his work cut out for him. Kris Jenkins is an absolute beast. (One thing that's irking me. What's with Mike Martz saying "this is the best 'insert position here' I've coached in my seventeen years blah blah.."? It seems like he's talking out of his [site decorum] to me.) (SFGate.com)

Here's an article that draws attention to Mike Martz and his "compliments." (Fanhouse.com)

More on Martz and his praise for Heitman. I sure hope he's NOT just spouting nonsense. (PressDemocrat.com)

Maiocco gives a bit of an injury report as well. (PressDemocrat.com)

Looks like Mike Martz is a prospect for head coach of San Diego State. (MercuryNews.com)

Martz, however, says that the only job he's concerned with right now is his current employ with the 49ers. Good stuff. (SacBee.com)

Barry Sims is likely to be back in action on Sunday, though Adam Snyder will still be starting at right tackle. Snyder seems to be struggling on and off, and I'm hoping Sims can bring some stability to the position. (SacBee.com)

With every article about Eric Heitman I read I seem to realize how little I actually know about him, and just how big the matchup with Jenkins will be. (SacBee.com)

So is there any other motive to the Dolphins signing wide receiver Chris Hannon? You know, instead of their very capable practice squad standout Anthony Armstrong. I wouldn't know what advantage it would give, much like the writer of this article but its worth a thought. (BleacherReport.com)

Here's yesterday's edtion of Singletary's Notebook, always a good read. (49ers.com)

Frank Gore is nearing 1,000 yards. He'll be the first 49er to do so in three consecutive seasons. (49ers.com)

Here's this weeks Points of the Game. (49ers.com)

We're still tied for second in sacks allowed in the league--but we're allowing less and less. Hopefully even less against the Jets? Maybe wishful thinking. (49ers.com)

Here's a pretty good preview of Sunday's game. (MercuryNews.com)

This article claims Gore needs more touches. Then again, so have hundreds of others. (NinerNoise.com)

That's all for now, there should be a lot more today. Friday's usually get a lot, Saturdays get nothing at all and Sunday mornings get a bunch hopefully. Hope you enjoyed.

Golden Nuggets: Statistics without a DVOA? What?

Ninjames — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:55:45 -0000

Hey guys, how's it going, James here etc etc. Getting this post up a little late but there's definitely some quality links to be read. One thing I found funny today was I was reading a statistical preview (found below in one the links) and I couldn't help but scoff at the lack of information. For instance, the lack of very situational information that only the absurdly obsessed would be interested in. I think its because Florida Danny has spoiled me rotten with the reviews and previews. No other statistics work anymore. I refuse to read them. I'm sure, however, that this is not the case for everyone and I will continue to link to other statistics because I'm sure ONE OF YOU can find it interesting at least. So, here's your links. Enjoy.

We'll start with an article that just makes me grin and shake my head in utter confusion. Grin because I think the whole situation with Plaxico is humorous; utter confusion because I don't see how a player can ruin their career like that. Anyway, the Chronicle put together a poll of the Niners locker room to see who owned firearms. (SFGate.com)

Singletary is very humbled by his wins, his team, and the attention he's getting. Good. I think a Singletary power trip could be pretty dangerous. (SFGate.com)

Frank Gore is better than he's played. In fact, this article says he should be somewhere other than San Francisco. It almost makes me feel guilty. I hope we get good and fast, this guy deserves a winning season. (SFGate.com)

The Dolphins claimed WR Chris Hannon off waivers yesterday. That's odd, why now of all times? An insider, maybe? Grr, Parcells. Grr. (PressDemocrat.com)

Singletary says he was born to coach. Really? I still feel like he was born to play LB. (PressDemocrat.com)

Nate Clements seems to be limited by a fractured thumb. Whyyyy. (SacBee.com)

We signed LB Justin Roland to the practice squad, and missed out on Chris Hannon seeing as the Dolphins picked him up. (SacBee.com)

Mark Roman hasn't caught an interception in almost two years. Man... that really blows. I don't have much else to say. Everybody pretty much knows my distaste for this guy. (MercuryNews.com)

Here's a very interesting article--Why Mike Singletary shoudl be coach next year. (BleacherReport.com)

Could Issac Bruce be returning punts? I don't know how I feel about this. No opinion at all. All I can say is I like Michael Robinson. Do with that what you will. (MercuryNews.com)

We've got another post about Singletary, what he needs to do to keep his job, should he keep his job, etc. (MVN.com)

In Catch 82 Bryant Johnson talks about the Jets. (49ers.com)

Brett Favre has still got it, and here's an article about him, his Jets, and what we've got to fear. (49ers.com)

Here's yesterday's Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Is it bad that when I look at any charts or graphs that aren't posted by Danny I somehow don't trust them? You've ruined all other statistical analysis for me, I hope you know this. Anyway, 49ers.com judges the Jets. (49ers.com)

So what to do at punt returner? Singletary hints Battle but I'm more concerned with Battle taking back over in the slot over Jason Hill. I like Hill, a lot, and I think he needs more playing time. I'm hoping he gets more consideration in the offseason and not shunted again. (49ers.com)

We're getting some respect from a Jets blog. (TheJetPress.com)

Mike Singletary is worth watching. Then again, we already knew that, no? (MercuryNews.com)

Golden Nuggets: Feelin' kinda Sunday..

Ninjames — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:34:05 -0000

Hey everyone, James here and I gotta say I'm feeling pretty good. Of course, if ninety percent of predictions (figure pulled from thin air) are correct then I'll likely be pretty irked come the final whistle of today's game. It seems nobody is giving the Niners a chance and its probably due to blind fanboyism that I think they can win but I can legitly see us beating the Bills on several fronts. What it all boils down to I think will once again be our red zone offense. Can we score? Two field goals at six points looks a helluva lot less impressive than two touchdowns for fourteen points. All I know is, as a fan, I'm caustiously optimistic about today's game and I see it as something winnable. However, the pessimistic side of me fully expects to be in a rather bad mood come tomorrow morning when I post your links. So, I'll leave it at this before posting the links: GO NINERS!

The 49ers released LB Ahmad Brooks and signed WR Chris Hannon, the article also gives a little preview for todays game, analyzing a few key matchups. (SFGate.com)

Clements says last Sunday is behind him--he's focused and ready. I sure hope so because my confidence is just slightly diminshed. (SFGate.com)

Here's a pretty complete game preview from the Chronicle. (SFGate.com)

Matt Maiocco has a Q&A with some of the readers at PressDemocrat and gives some pertty insightful opinions on the state of the Niners. (PressDemocrat.com)

Here's another preview, this one focusing heavily on the bad weather we'll be playing in. (PressDemocrat.com)

He also analyzes a few key matchps for today's game. I just want to see Nate play well, that's all I want today. (PressDemocrat.com)

More about Clements, last weeks "torching," and how he feels coming into today. (MercuryNews.com)

Here's an article that stats the Niners are just a bit worse than the Raiders. Really? I don't even think Raiders fans think that. This article is a joke and you should get a pretty good laugh off from it. How they expect any future with Russell is beyond me but yeah--take a look. (I'll confess I didn't continue the article--but after reading the second "obvious" point in the article I laughed and decided to post.) (MercuryNews.com)

Another weather report, this time from Matt Barrows who also gives us some insight to the CB position for the Niners. (SacBee.com)

Here's this weeks scouting report from SacBee. (SacBee.com)

Samuel Lam gives a short preview for today's game. (MVN.com)

Here's a weather update for the game. (NFL.com)

NFL Game Center preview for today's game is here. (NFL.com)

Trent Edwards learned a lot from Bill Walsh, apparently. Are you intimidated? I think I should be, but I'm not. (SacBee.com)

We've got yet another article dealing with the instability of the interim head coach position. (InsideBayArea.com)

Here's another short preview. (InisdeBayArea.com)

Here's a good, informative, complete gameday preview. (49ersNews.com)

And finally, here's what our resident Bills blog thinks they have to do to beat us today. Boo and hiss accordingly. (BuffaloRumblings.com)

That's all for now, but expect some updates. Lets hope for a win guys, and I hope you enjoyed the links and are as pumped as I am.