4/18- Player News (LT, Lee Evans, Raven TEs/QB J. Allen update and Shockey)

[Guest Chappy]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/charg...18chargers.html

 

Tomlinson Status

RB LaDainian Tomlinson said he is about 90 percent healthy. “It's doing a lot better than I would have expected at this point,” said Tomlinson, who did not have surgery for the sprained MCL that forced him to miss most of the AFC Championship. He also said he might change his preseason routine. Usually, he hardly participates in August exhibitions, which new running backs coach Ollie Wilson may have convinced him to change. “We'll have to see how it goes,” Tomlinson said. “It may be good for me to play in one preseason game.”

 

No surgery for LT2 should ease any mild concerns of his studly RB status.

 

| April 18, 2008 7:19 PM

 

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http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=5999

 

Contract Extension for Evans?

Buffalobills.com lead journalist Chris Brown reports there have only been very preliminary discussions regarding a contract extension with WR Lee Evans.

 

Evans stats took a nosedive last season. He totalled 55 catches, 849 yards, and five TDs, all categories down from 2006. It's not bad for an average receiver, but it was a huge disappointment for Evans' fantasy owners. Hopefully QB Trent Edwards and the Bills offense will click this season.

 

| April 18, 2008 6:23 PM

 

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http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/footbal...story?track=rss

 

Sypniewski Hurt

Ravens TE Quinn Sypniewski was carted off the field with an apparent knee injury at minicamp practice today.

 

Ravens TEs just can't seem to stay healthy the last couple years. Sypniewski saw time last season when TE Todd Heap and TE Daniel Wilcox went out with injuries. Under OC Cam Cameron's new offense, the TE will likely be featured. With Heap and Wilcox healthy now, Sypniewski's injury could help each of their value a little bit. Wilcox would be the main beneficiary as he would be the clear #2 TE if Sypniewski's injury is serious.

 

| April 18, 2008 11:50 AM

 

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http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football...ade_talk-2.html

 

Shockey Would Welcome A Change

Despite not demanding a trade, Giants TE Jeremy Shockey said he would welcome a change in scenery, especially to the Saints.

 

The Saints reportedly offered a second-round draft pick, but the Giants want more. Shockey's fantasy value would certainly go up playing with QB Drew Brees, who hasn't had a reliable tight end since Chargers TE Antonio Gates.

 

| April 18, 2008 9:53 AM

 

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http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index...%3dstateChanged

 

Who's The New Ravens QB?

If QB Matt Ryan somehow fell to the eight pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, "there is no way the Ravens would pass him up," according to ESPN's John Clayton. It was also suggested that the Ravens trading up to get Ryan is unlikely, though trading up into the end of the 1st Round to get a QB might be possible.

 

The Ravens very well may need to trade up to land this year's top signal caller. Ryan could potentially go as high as #3 to the Falcons, #5 to the Chiefs, or #6 to the Jets. If the Ravens choose not to deal up and Ryan is off the board by the eighth pick, expect them to address the QB position with their next selection. Likely candidates include QB Chad Henne, QB Joe Flacco and QB Brian Brohm.....in no particular order.

 

| April 18, 2008 8:03 AM

 

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http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/20...for-straha.html

 

Burress Should Be Ready For TC

Giants GM Jerry Reese expects WR Plaxico Burress to be ready for training camp.

 

Burress has been resting ankle and knee injuries he suffered last season. He has also been rehabbing from an injured shoulder this offseason. Expect Burress to be a WR2, with chances to put up WR1-type numbers this season.

 

| April 17, 2008 10:22 PM

 

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http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football...n_mcfadden.html

 

Jets Swooning over McFadden

The Jets can't get enough of RB Darren McFadden. Team officials have met with the dynamic running back at least three times in the past month, including a night on the town. McFadden, who made an official pre-draft visit to Hofstra on Wednesday, was escorted by team officials to a charity banquet in Manhattan.

 

The Jets are doing a thorough background check on McFadden in case he falls to them at six. The Oakland Raiders are the biggest threat if McFadden is the Jets number one target.

 

| April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

 

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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...ex.html?eref=T1

 

Whispers in Miami

Chris Mortensen stated on ESPN radio that OT Jake Long is the "clear" choice for Parcells and the Dolphins as the first overall pick. However, reports are circulating that Parcells might be offering a "take-it-or-leave-it below-market offer".

 

If so, Parcells might get DE/LB Vernon Gholston to sign on the dotted line before draft day.

 

| April 17, 2008 9:09 PM

 

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Saints Want 2nd Pick?

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the New Orleans Saints are looking to move up to the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Saints currently have the No. 10 overall selection and have made inquiries with the Rams about trading up. People who have spoken with the Saints insist the talks are more informal.

 

The Saints have had a nice offseason on the defensive side of the ball bringing in DB Aaron Glenn, DB Randall Gay, LB Jonathan Vilma, and LB Dan Morgan, perhaps if they trade up they would grab an elite DT in Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis. They could also go for DE Chris Long or DE Vernon Gholston. If they trade up expect the pick to be on the defensive side of the ball because the offense has plenty of playmakers like QB Drew Brees, RB Reggie Bush, RB Deuce McAllister, WR Marques Colston, and emerging WR Lance Moore.

 

| April 17, 2008 8:30 PM

 

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http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dl...S/80418026/1002

 

Eagles Host Robertson

It's being reported that the Eagles recently hosted DL Dewayne Robertson.

 

Robertson would definitely help the interior line and will help the Eagles Defense, but he won't do much for IDP owners no matter where he plays.

 

| April 18, 2008 4:54 PM

 

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http://ww3.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=1516

 

Jared Allen Update (Probably should've just added this to the Allen thread that's already thoroughly updated)

DE Jared Allen met with Vikings officials today at their complex. It’s also believed his agent, Ken Harris, is in the building. As the Chiefs’ franchise player, Allen is free to sign a contract offer sheet with any other team. If he does, the Chiefs have the right to match the offer and retain Allen. If they declined to match the offer, the Chiefs would receive two first-round draft picks in exchange.

 

It’s unlikely that either of the two teams mentioned, Vikings or Bucs, would be willing to part with two first-round picks as well as satisfy Allen’s financial demands with a long-term deal. But one team or both may be willing to part with a first-round and lower-round choice. The Vikings have the 17th pick in the first round, and the Bucs have the 20th pick. Minnesota has two third-round choices, including one obtained in an earlier trade with Denver.

 

| April 18, 2008 7:09 PM

Edited April 19, 2008 by Chappy

[The Wolf]

Thanks Chappy!

 

I read the increased Jets' interest in McFadden as nothing more than a smoke screen. They want someone to trade up and take the #6 slot as they cannot afford to sign that player.

[Guest Chappy]

Thanks Chappy!

 

I read the increased Jets' interest in McFadden as nothing more than a smoke screen. They want someone to trade up and take the #6 slot as they cannot afford to sign that player.

 

No problem. My thoughts exactly when it comes to the Jets trying to push the fact that they think highly of McFadden so as to attempt to increase the value of their pick. I love the week before the draft and the draft itself. All the events, drama and misleading info.

[budlitebrad]

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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...ex.html?eref=T1

 

Whispers in Miami

Chris Mortensen stated on ESPN radio that OT Jake Long is the "clear" choice for Parcells and the Dolphins as the first overall pick. However, reports are circulating that Parcells might be offering a "take-it-or-leave-it below-market offer".

 

If so, Parcells might get DE/LB Vernon Gholston to sign on the dotted line before draft day.

 

| April 17, 2008 9:09 PM

 

The thing that I find most interesting is that Tom Condon/Ben Dogra represents Jake Long, Gholston, Matt Ryan and a few other first round guys. I can't imagine they'd let Long/Gholston take a lower offer at #1, since it sets the tone for the rest of the draft and could bring down the contract amounts for the other players they represents.

Edited April 19, 2008 by budlitebrad

[Guest Chappy]

The thing that I find most interesting is that Tom Condon represents Jake Long, Gholston, and a few other first round guys. I can't imagine he'd let Long/Gholston take a lower offer at #1, since it sets the tone for the rest of the draft and could bring down the contract amounts for the other players he represents.

 

Very solid point.

[peepinmofo]

The thing that I find most interesting is that Tom Condon/Ben Dogra represents Jake Long, Gholston, Matt Ryan and a few other first round guys. I can't imagine they'd let Long/Gholston take a lower offer at #1, since it sets the tone for the rest of the draft and could bring down the contract amounts for the other players they represents.

The thing is, it isnt the agents choice. If one of them WANTS to play in Miami, then they might just sign the deal. Besides, Parcells leverage could just be "sign here, or get drafted 2nd and make less anyway". That would essentially mean it comes down to where the players want to play. Miami is a good place to live for the beaches, weather, babes. St. Louis? Never been there....