Draft News and More
Archive for May, 2010
NFL: Hines Ward Weighs In On NYC Super Bowl
May 28th
Under NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell we are seeing some new wrinkles to the old and familiar we are accustomed to, like the NFL Draft being held on prime time this past April and now in 2014, the Super Bowl in New York City. Outside during February, burr! This could be one for the ages if the city is under snow, with the makings of the ‘Heidi Game’ legend coming to mind.
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward said “It don’t bother me, we are from Pittsburgh. So I mean you would love to go south and play in great weather conditions,” but the competitor Ward is also said that “Your playing in the greatest game of all, your mind better not be worried on the weather.”
Ward wasn’t fazed by the idea of New York City saying, “It’s one of the greatest cities in the U.S., what
On Location: One-on-One With Limas Sweed
May 28th
Walking around the Pittsburgh Steelers facility you can’t miss the tall guy on crutches and not know its Limas Sweed, who tore his Achilles during OTA’s a few weeks back.
While getting his rehab in, Sweed said he “Isn’t afraid of working hard,” and has done it in the past while he rehabbed a wrist injury in college.
Sweed did say you never think about getting hurt but it “Blew me away,” and that he “Couldn’t really believe it,” because he was feeling so good during the 2010 OTA’s. Describing himself as feeling “Like a kid again, feeling very confident, OTA’s were going great.”
The third year receiver said, “When it happened I thought someone kicked me in the back of my leg. I was still walking on it. Once the trainers diagnosed me they found out it was a torn achilles, I just excepted
Scouting The Safeties: Class of 2011
May 28th
Here’s a look at the top senior safety prospects entering the 2011 season:
Deunta Williams, North Carolina – After redshirting his first year, Williams switched from wide receiver to cornerback and has started ever since. His receiving skills make him an offensive threat on defense—12 career interceptions for 231 yards—Williams has the ability to take a pick and turn it into six. His nose for the football makes him a ball-hawking prospect at the next level.
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson – The 6’1 strong safety possesses great athleticism—has a 37” vertical jump and transitioned from linebacker last season with a bang, tying a school record with eight interceptions. McDaniel received a second round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee this past season, another year of development should only boost his draft stock.
Chris Culliver,
2010 NFL Yearbook: Atlanta Falcons
May 28th
While many fans thought Atlanta’s unexpected 9-7 record in 2008 was the precursor of greater things ahead, Mike Smith’s Big Red Machine hit some potholes in his second year as head coach. Although the team rallied late in the year with three straight victories to once again reach nine wins, the Falcons’ talent level suggests that they are capable of much more.
Those nine W’s weren’t enough to qualify Smith’s contingent for postseason play, and a primary reason for that was the team’s defense. In addition to a weakened pass rush, Atlanta’s secondary was downright atrocious, allowing opponents to score 28 points or more in nine of 16 regular season contests.
To add insult to injury, the Dirty Birds ranked 28th versus the pass and their defensive backfield surrendered eight more touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks than they did the year prior (23 versus 15).
Key
Around The Web: NFL Rookie Reports — OTA’s
May 28th
Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow worked with the third-team offense during the team's offseason workout Thursday, May 27, reports Mike Klis, of The Denver Post.
Carolina Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen started taking reps with the second-team offense ahead of QB Hunter Cantwell Thursday, May 27.
Arizona Cardinals QB John Skelton has shown a powerful arm, but he needs to work on touch throws, timing and anticipation, reports The Arizona Republic's Jim Gintonio. Quarterbacks coach Chris Miller also said another challenge for Skelton will be how he can absorb the complexities of an NFL playbook. Miller said a potential path for Skelton would be to adapt to the NFL environment for a year and be in the mix to compete in the 2011 season.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Mike Kafka has been impressing during the team's minicamp, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jonathan Tamari. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Kafka
2011 NFL Draft Watch #18: Marvin Austin
May 28th
The countdown continues and our number eighteen prospect in college football is...
Defensive Tackle Marvin Austin, North Carolina (Senior):
The Skinny: Despite his first-round talent, Austin made a very wise decision to return for his senior season in Chapel Hill. While he was a potential first-round pick in 2010 and surely wouldn’t have slipped further than the second round, we concur with his choice. If Austin builds on his junior numbers and develops into a more consistent performer, not only will he be a first-round pick, he could find himself in the top 10. No one doubts the North Carolina man has the talent to be the top interior lineman in the 2011 draft. With Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant also returning for their senior
Scouting The Cornerbacks: Class of 2011
May 27th
Here’s a look at the top senior cornerback prospects entering the 2011 season:
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia – At 6’2, 200 pounds, Dowling has a phenomenal blend of size, speed and coverage capability. He stated that the reasons for returning to Virginia for his senior year was to hone his craft, which includes improving his tackling, reaction time and leadership skills. If he achieves those goals look for Dowling to earn sure-fire first round status.
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska – The 6’1, 205-pound Amukamara had a coming out party in 2009 and was selected as First Team All-Big 12, while earning the reputation around the conference as a lockdown corner. His combination of size, speed and ball instincts are rare. He will need to work on becoming more consistent and overcoming some of the
All Access Football Rewind: Latest News
May 26th
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