NFL: Jags Revamp O-line with Smiley

The Dolphins have reportedly agreed to trade OG Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just two years ago, the veteran guard signed a five-year, $25 million contract with Miami. In order for the deal to consummated, Smiley has to pass a physical, which according to sources, may not be a formality.

Mancini’s Take: Was Smiley worth the money he received in the free agent market back in 2008? His talent would indicate that he is, but his litany of shoulder and leg injuries paint a different picture. There’s no doubt that the 28-year-old lineman is a difference-making pulling guard and drive blocker. In fact, Smiley did show signs of becoming a consistent force during the early part of his tenure with the Fish, but he hasn’t been able to shake the injury-prone label that he’s been carrying with him since his days with the San Francisco 49ers. The Jaguars can certainly

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Report: 13 NFL Teams To Attend HBCU Combine

From Examiner.com:

While their former classmates take it easy, some of the best football players from historically black colleges and universities, as well as other small colleges, are sweating on the playing field in Greensboro, North Carolina today and tomorrow.

The inaugural HBCU-Small College Pro Football Combine may be their last best hope of getting an invitation to an NFL training camp or better yet a free agent contract.

More than 48 players will run the 40, bench press, do vertical jumps and pull-ups, and run around the field for agility drills at North Carolina A&T University. They’ll do this, all for the benefit of scouts from 13 NFL franchises, looking to find that one last gem that escaped notice in last month’s NFL draft.

The invitation-only combine was organized by former NFL Pro Bowler Gene Washington and former North Carolina A&T professor Mark

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Scouting The Defensive Tackles: Class of 2011

Here’s a look at the top senior defensive tackle prospects entering the 2011 season:

Cameron Heyward, Ohio State –
Playing primarily at defensive end last season, Heyward led all defensive lineman in the nation with 46 tackles. His versatility allows him to move around up front, as he is able to play every position along the defensive line. Heyward has noted that he will work on getting stronger and faster this season. He is a consensus top-ten pick and projects as an ideal 3-4 end at the next level.

Marvin Austin, North Carolina –
The 300-pounder has the size to be dominant but has struggled with consistency during his Tar Heels career. Austin is stout against the run—he does an outstanding job of fending off blockers and fighting through

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NFL: Patrick Crayton Taking a Stand

For the second time in consecutive weeks, Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton will reportedly skip organized team activities. A message sent out by Crayton’s agent, Fred Lyles, Sunday night confirmed that he wouldn’t be in attendance. Sources indicate that the veteran wide out is seeking a trade.

Mancini’s Take: Crayton’s obviously feeling squeezed. The presence of rookie Dez Bryant means that the 30-year-old veteran would have to take a backseat to the likes of Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Bryant and the emerging Kevin Ogletree. While an argument can be made that the mediocre Crayton isn’t as bad as Williams, the slot receiver isn’t good enough to take such bold action. He should let his play do the talking and earn himself a bigger role on the field. But, that’s always been the problem with Crayton; the man likes to talk. All that talking didn’t do him an ounce of good two

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NFL: Patrick Crayton Taking a Stand

For the second time in consecutive weeks, Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton will reportedly skip organized team activities. A message sent out by Crayton’s agent, Fred Lyles, Sunday night confirmed that he wouldn’t be in attendance. Sources indicate that the veteran wide out is seeking a trade.

Mancini’s Take: Crayton’s obviously feeling squeezed. The presence of rookie Dez Bryant means that the 30-year-old veteran would have to take a backseat to the likes of Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Bryant and the emerging Kevin Ogletree. While an argument can be made that the mediocre Crayton isn’t as bad as Williams, the slot receiver isn’t good enough to take such bold action. He should let his play do the talking and earn himself a bigger role on the field. But, that’s always been the problem with Crayton; the man likes to talk. All that talking didn’t do him an ounce of good two

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NFL: Teams in the Hunt for Westbrook

Free agent Brian Westbrook is expected to make a decision on his new team this week, according to Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.

Mancini’s Take: The teams being mentioned are Minnesota, St. Louis, Green Bay and Washington. Why the Redskins would be interested with their glut of veteran backs is puzzling. I mean isn’t “Fast” Willie Parker almost a slightly younger version of Westbrook? The two teams that make the most sense here as landing spots for the jitterbug back are the Vikings and the Rams. The Purple People Eaters have a pair of early-down big backs in Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart, but are missing that shifty, elusive third-down component that can act as a safety valve for the quarterback. The Rams, on the other hand, have a big hole behind Steven Jackson. Kenneth Darby is currently the number-two option, but he’s one of those players who

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NFL: Teams in the Hunt for Westbrook

Free agent Brian Westbrook is expected to make a decision on his new team this week, according to Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.

Mancini’s Take: The teams being mentioned are Minnesota, St. Louis, Green Bay and Washington. Why the Redskins would be interested with their glut of veteran backs is puzzling. I mean isn’t “Fast” Willie Parker almost a slightly younger version of Westbrook? The two teams that make the most sense here as landing spots for the jitterbug back are the Vikings and the Rams. The Purple People Eaters have a pair of early-down big backs in Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart, but are missing that shifty, elusive third-down component that can act as a safety valve for the quarterback. The Rams, on the other hand, have a big hole behind Steven Jackson. Kenneth Darby is currently the number-two option, but he’s one of those players who

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Around The Web: NFL Rookie Notes

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo was careful to leave no room for doubt. “If we played a game today,” he declared Thursday, “A.J. (Feeley) would be our quarterback.” That was hardly a revelation. Feeley is well-versed in the offensive scheme that coordinator Pat Shurmur imported from Philadelphia, Feeley’s home for six of his 10 NFL seasons. Conversely, rookie Sam Bradford’s pro experience consists of five practices at rookie minicamp and two during organized team activities this week at Rams Park.

San Francisco 49ers RB Anthony Dixon (undisclosed) sat out the team’s practice Thursday, May 20, reports Phil Barber, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Head coach Mike Singletary said, “Some of these young guys, we’ve pushed them pretty hard so far. Anthony is a guy where everything he does, he does full speed, whether it’s running in the morning, running after practice, running the plays during the drills. I just

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