Syracuse choked away its stranglehold on the No. 1 regular season ranking after holding it for just two games.
Now, the Orange find themselves the No. 1 seed in the West Regional of the NCAA Tournament and Thursday at Energy Solutions Arena will have a similar bullseye on their back when they play Butler, a fift-seed that beat UTEP and Murray State to earn a ticket to Salt Lake.
This time, the Orange would like to stay No. 1 the rest of the year.
"The pressure of the No. 1 seed is there," said Wes Johnson, Syracuse's Naismith Award finalist. "But we don't try to look too far into that, it's really just going out and playing our basketball."
Their basketball is trapping zone defense, of which coach Jim Boeheim is college basketball's grand master, and fast breaks. Syracuse breezed through the opening rounds, beating Vermont by 23 and Gonzaga by 22.
The challenge of the zone, however, is one that appeals to Butler. The Bulldogs shot a combined 51 three-pointers in their first two games and made 20 of them.
"When I hear the name Butler, I think they got a lot of great shooters on their team," said Johnson, who scored 31 points against Gonzaga on March 18.
The problem is, zone defenses typically create opportunities for teams loaded with sharpshooters, something Boeheim
is cognizant of, but also one he thinks can be overcome by an especially good zone -- like he hopes his Orange will play Thursday.
"Any defense can be beat," he said. "The best defensive teams in the country get beat all the time. We try to do some different things in our zone. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't."
The Orange are one of two Big East teams remaining in the tournament -- the other is West Virginia -- after eight qualified. A potential obstacle for the Orange, one that could contribute to a premature exit, is the absence of 6-foot, 9-inch center Arinze Onuaku. He will miss his third tournament game Thursday with a quadriceps injury, Boeheim announced.
"He's doing better, but he's not practicing," Boeheim said. "Will not play. "
Onuaku averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game this season. Without him, forward Rick Jackson is playing center, leaving the Orange with Johnson and reserve Kris Joseph as the remaining capable forwards.
"That's the position that would concern me in terms of foul trouble," Boeheim said.
Offensively, the Orange are led by Johnson's 16.5 points per game, but guard Andy Rautins averages scored 24 points with five 3-pointers against Gonzaga, but also dropped 10 assists in each of the first two games.
"We have so many weapons offensively, I think that takes care of itself," Rautins said. He said, "I think our main key is going to be to work on defense."
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Syracuse Orangeman In The Final Four?
It surprised many observers that Syracuse was the No.1 seed that was sent out West (after two games in Buffalo), but the Orange lost its last regular-season game and its only conference tournament game. Geography aside, Syracuse appears to have an easier path to the Final Four than other No. 1 seeds. Among the most intriguing first-round match-ups: No. 8 Gonzaga against No. 9 Florida State and No. 11 Minnesota against No. 6 Xavier.
Upset Special: No. 11 Minnesota over No. 6 Xavier: The Gophers reached the Big Ten tournament finals and are on a nice roll. With a 3-point shooter like Blake Hoffarber, Tubby Smith's team won't go away immediately.
Don't Overlook: No. 9 Florida State. The Seminoles aren't flashy but they play grinding defense that can frustrate opponents, and center Solomon Alabe is a force inside.
Keep An Eye On: Seventh-seeded Brigham Young. The Cougars didn't get a lot of national attention but played in a strong Mountain West Conference. They will force Florida to work hard on the defensive end.
Seeded Too Low: No. 12 UTEP. The Miners are one of those teams that can put points on the board and they're strong inside, meaning they have the potential to cause some mayhem.
Bet You Didn't Know: This is the first time Syracuse, one of college basketball's traditional powers, has been a No. 1 seed since 1980.
EAST REGION
If there's a surprise here, it's that the No. 1 team assigned to this region is Kentucky, not Syracuse, which was shipped west. There's little doubt the Wildcats have the most talent in the region, but two of their top players - point guard John Wall (Raleigh) and forward DeMarcus Cousins - are freshmen. West Virginia made a case for being a top seed, too, after winning the Big East tournament this weekend. Kentucky's second-round matchup would be against one of two under-achieving teams - Texas or Wake Forest.
Upset Special: No. 11 Washington was a desperate team in winning the Pac 10 championship. That could carry over into its first-round game against sixth-seed Marquette.
Don't Overlook: Wofford, which is playing in its first NCAA tournament. The last time Wisconsin - the Terriers' first-round opponent - played a Southern Conference team in the tournament, the Badgers lost to Davidson.
Keep An Eye On: Clemson, which has made the past two NCAA tournaments, has also lost two straight. Look for the Tigers to at least make it to the second round by beating Missouri.
Seeded Too Low: Temple. The fifth-seed Owls were the class of the Atlantic 10 and could have been a slot or two higher. Would be tough regional semifinal matchup for Kentucky.
Bet You Didn't Know: Wofford forward Noah Dahlman works on the grounds crew at Carolina Panthers training camp in the summer. David Scott
SOUTH REGION
If you're a fan of top-seed Duke, you've got to feel pretty good about the Blue Devils' advancing to the regional final. If Duke gets Purdue in the regional semis, it will face a Boilermakers team without its top player, Robbie Hummel, who's out with a knee injury. Second-seed Villanova has superior guard play and could give Duke's Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith problems.
Upset Special: Siena over Purdue.
Don't overlook: St. Mary's.
Keep An Eye On: Notre Dame. The Irish are back in form with star forward Luke Harangody back in the lineup. Harangody missed several games with a bone bruise in his leg.
Bet You Didn't Know: Ryan Rossiter, Siena's all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference forward, is the younger brother of Davidson's Steve Rossiter. David Scott
MIDWEST REGION
Kansas is the overall No. 1 seed of the tournament but there is no cakewalk to the Final Four in this region. Among the obstacles awaiting the Jayhawks in their quest for their second NCAA title in the last three seasons are Ohio State, which made a case for a No. 1 seed, and Georgetown, which made it to the final of the Big East tournament after knocking off another NCAA top seed, Syracuse.
Upset Special: San Diego State has been much overlooked but has been solid all season and just the type of team to give Tennessee problems.
Don't Overlook: The Ohio State Buckeyes have one loss since Jan. 23 and that was to Purdue. Junior forward Evan Turner is a beast (19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg).
Keep An Eye On : Maryland. The Terrapins lost to Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament semifinals but have a late-season win over Duke, one of the top four NCAA seeds.
Seeded Too Low : Michigan State, no question. The Spartans deserved better than a five seed, but a Sweet 16 matchup with Kansas would make it better.
Bet You Didn't Know : The nation's leading scorer, 6-4 guard Aubrey Coleman (25.6 points a game) plays for the Tom Penders-coached Houston Cougars.
Upset Special: No. 11 Minnesota over No. 6 Xavier: The Gophers reached the Big Ten tournament finals and are on a nice roll. With a 3-point shooter like Blake Hoffarber, Tubby Smith's team won't go away immediately.
Don't Overlook: No. 9 Florida State. The Seminoles aren't flashy but they play grinding defense that can frustrate opponents, and center Solomon Alabe is a force inside.
Keep An Eye On: Seventh-seeded Brigham Young. The Cougars didn't get a lot of national attention but played in a strong Mountain West Conference. They will force Florida to work hard on the defensive end.
Seeded Too Low: No. 12 UTEP. The Miners are one of those teams that can put points on the board and they're strong inside, meaning they have the potential to cause some mayhem.
Bet You Didn't Know: This is the first time Syracuse, one of college basketball's traditional powers, has been a No. 1 seed since 1980.
EAST REGION
If there's a surprise here, it's that the No. 1 team assigned to this region is Kentucky, not Syracuse, which was shipped west. There's little doubt the Wildcats have the most talent in the region, but two of their top players - point guard John Wall (Raleigh) and forward DeMarcus Cousins - are freshmen. West Virginia made a case for being a top seed, too, after winning the Big East tournament this weekend. Kentucky's second-round matchup would be against one of two under-achieving teams - Texas or Wake Forest.
Upset Special: No. 11 Washington was a desperate team in winning the Pac 10 championship. That could carry over into its first-round game against sixth-seed Marquette.
Don't Overlook: Wofford, which is playing in its first NCAA tournament. The last time Wisconsin - the Terriers' first-round opponent - played a Southern Conference team in the tournament, the Badgers lost to Davidson.
Keep An Eye On: Clemson, which has made the past two NCAA tournaments, has also lost two straight. Look for the Tigers to at least make it to the second round by beating Missouri.
Seeded Too Low: Temple. The fifth-seed Owls were the class of the Atlantic 10 and could have been a slot or two higher. Would be tough regional semifinal matchup for Kentucky.
Bet You Didn't Know: Wofford forward Noah Dahlman works on the grounds crew at Carolina Panthers training camp in the summer. David Scott
SOUTH REGION
If you're a fan of top-seed Duke, you've got to feel pretty good about the Blue Devils' advancing to the regional final. If Duke gets Purdue in the regional semis, it will face a Boilermakers team without its top player, Robbie Hummel, who's out with a knee injury. Second-seed Villanova has superior guard play and could give Duke's Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith problems.
Upset Special: Siena over Purdue.
Don't overlook: St. Mary's.
Keep An Eye On: Notre Dame. The Irish are back in form with star forward Luke Harangody back in the lineup. Harangody missed several games with a bone bruise in his leg.
Bet You Didn't Know: Ryan Rossiter, Siena's all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference forward, is the younger brother of Davidson's Steve Rossiter. David Scott
MIDWEST REGION
Kansas is the overall No. 1 seed of the tournament but there is no cakewalk to the Final Four in this region. Among the obstacles awaiting the Jayhawks in their quest for their second NCAA title in the last three seasons are Ohio State, which made a case for a No. 1 seed, and Georgetown, which made it to the final of the Big East tournament after knocking off another NCAA top seed, Syracuse.
Upset Special: San Diego State has been much overlooked but has been solid all season and just the type of team to give Tennessee problems.
Don't Overlook: The Ohio State Buckeyes have one loss since Jan. 23 and that was to Purdue. Junior forward Evan Turner is a beast (19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg).
Keep An Eye On : Maryland. The Terrapins lost to Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament semifinals but have a late-season win over Duke, one of the top four NCAA seeds.
Seeded Too Low : Michigan State, no question. The Spartans deserved better than a five seed, but a Sweet 16 matchup with Kansas would make it better.
Bet You Didn't Know : The nation's leading scorer, 6-4 guard Aubrey Coleman (25.6 points a game) plays for the Tom Penders-coached Houston Cougars.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Allen Iverson Facing Gambling, Alcohol And Famliy Problems
By Stephen A. Smith
His closest confidant asked the basketball world to pray for Allen Iverson, as if no one has all these years while seeing this train wreck coming.
He acted as if the former 76ers star hadn't needed a significant dose of prayer, luck, and divine intervention until now.
And as the rest of us are forced to bear witness to a disintegration, the rapid decline of a career clearly lacking nurturing, the time has arrived for Iverson's inner circle to stand up and be counted, to provide some semblance of tough love - by any means necessary.
Unless those people are willing to write his epitaph instead.
Just listening to Gary Moore, Iverson's business manager and the person he trusts most, they may be doing so very soon.
Allen Iverson is in trouble, folks, deep trouble. The combination of alcohol and gambling - and a once-promising career in tatters because of the first two - won't culminate in anything short of disaster if help does not arrive in short order.
If numerous NBA sources are telling the truth - and there's no reason to believe they'd do otherwise in a situation of this magnitude - Iverson will either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away.
Moore, ever the protector, would never admit as much, of course. But that's part of the problem, isn't it?
Iverson's wife, Tawanna, having hired some high-powered Atlanta attorney and filed for a divorce last week, does not help matters. Nor does it help that she's already separated from her husband, with custody of their five kids and seeking both alimony and child support.
When you consider Iverson's well-known penchant for alcohol and his banishment from casinos in Detroit and Atlantic City, if disgust and sadness don't come to mind, at least one question does:
Where is Pat Croce when you need him? Or Iverson's coach at Georgetown, John Thompson?
Where is the person with the ideal combination of compassion and toughness who would shelter Iverson at the same time he's holding his feet to the flames? Someone whose vested interest is in Iverson's well-being, someone who doesn't need his money or cachet?
In other words, someone he does not have in his camp right now. Or someone who has an impact, and needs to utilize it.
"I think there's one guy, and his name is John Thompson," said former Temple basketball coach John Chaney, noted for saving souls as much as winning basketball games throughout his illustrious career. "John is the one guy who'll have a chance of slowing this train wreck down, who could wrap his arms around Iverson and have an impact, because clearly it has not been done. But there's still this one question: Will [Iverson] listen?
"See, too many of our athletes give lip service when someone is trying to help them. And as soon as you leave them, they find themselves dealing with self-preservation and denial. It's an athlete's biggest problem to overcome.
"When you were young and vital, there were a lot of hit songs on that side of the record," Chaney said. "With Iverson, there are no more hit songs on that side of the record. You've got to accept the fact that you've danced and boogied. Now that they've flipped it over and ain't nobody dancing anymore, it's over!
"The ball is deflated. So now you have to find another life for yourself."
Iverson's NBA life may be over, but he and the folks he keeps close to him don't seem to realize it.
Take the more than $200 million he has earned in his career, subtract Uncle Sam's take, alimony, child support for five kids, and no millions forthcoming, then ask yourself what the 6-foot guard has left.
With his lifestyle, his mistakes, his lack of preparation for a life beyond the glory.
Talk to anyone remotely associated with Iverson and they can't deny that he is ill-prepared for a post-basketball career. His cohorts still look to him as that mercurial box-office star who won four scoring titles and a league MVP award, not as someone who simply dreams about those days right now.
The one advantage Iverson acknowledged having all of these years was a wife about whom he publicly said, "I'd die for her. . . . I'd die without her." Now, she essentially has said, "Go right ahead."
No wonder Moore said, "Pray."
This is Iverson we're talking about. What else is there to do? Especially if he is forced to stand alone?
His closest confidant asked the basketball world to pray for Allen Iverson, as if no one has all these years while seeing this train wreck coming.
He acted as if the former 76ers star hadn't needed a significant dose of prayer, luck, and divine intervention until now.
And as the rest of us are forced to bear witness to a disintegration, the rapid decline of a career clearly lacking nurturing, the time has arrived for Iverson's inner circle to stand up and be counted, to provide some semblance of tough love - by any means necessary.
Unless those people are willing to write his epitaph instead.
Just listening to Gary Moore, Iverson's business manager and the person he trusts most, they may be doing so very soon.
Allen Iverson is in trouble, folks, deep trouble. The combination of alcohol and gambling - and a once-promising career in tatters because of the first two - won't culminate in anything short of disaster if help does not arrive in short order.
If numerous NBA sources are telling the truth - and there's no reason to believe they'd do otherwise in a situation of this magnitude - Iverson will either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away.
Moore, ever the protector, would never admit as much, of course. But that's part of the problem, isn't it?
Iverson's wife, Tawanna, having hired some high-powered Atlanta attorney and filed for a divorce last week, does not help matters. Nor does it help that she's already separated from her husband, with custody of their five kids and seeking both alimony and child support.
When you consider Iverson's well-known penchant for alcohol and his banishment from casinos in Detroit and Atlantic City, if disgust and sadness don't come to mind, at least one question does:
Where is Pat Croce when you need him? Or Iverson's coach at Georgetown, John Thompson?
Where is the person with the ideal combination of compassion and toughness who would shelter Iverson at the same time he's holding his feet to the flames? Someone whose vested interest is in Iverson's well-being, someone who doesn't need his money or cachet?
In other words, someone he does not have in his camp right now. Or someone who has an impact, and needs to utilize it.
"I think there's one guy, and his name is John Thompson," said former Temple basketball coach John Chaney, noted for saving souls as much as winning basketball games throughout his illustrious career. "John is the one guy who'll have a chance of slowing this train wreck down, who could wrap his arms around Iverson and have an impact, because clearly it has not been done. But there's still this one question: Will [Iverson] listen?
"See, too many of our athletes give lip service when someone is trying to help them. And as soon as you leave them, they find themselves dealing with self-preservation and denial. It's an athlete's biggest problem to overcome.
"When you were young and vital, there were a lot of hit songs on that side of the record," Chaney said. "With Iverson, there are no more hit songs on that side of the record. You've got to accept the fact that you've danced and boogied. Now that they've flipped it over and ain't nobody dancing anymore, it's over!
"The ball is deflated. So now you have to find another life for yourself."
Iverson's NBA life may be over, but he and the folks he keeps close to him don't seem to realize it.
Take the more than $200 million he has earned in his career, subtract Uncle Sam's take, alimony, child support for five kids, and no millions forthcoming, then ask yourself what the 6-foot guard has left.
With his lifestyle, his mistakes, his lack of preparation for a life beyond the glory.
Talk to anyone remotely associated with Iverson and they can't deny that he is ill-prepared for a post-basketball career. His cohorts still look to him as that mercurial box-office star who won four scoring titles and a league MVP award, not as someone who simply dreams about those days right now.
The one advantage Iverson acknowledged having all of these years was a wife about whom he publicly said, "I'd die for her. . . . I'd die without her." Now, she essentially has said, "Go right ahead."
No wonder Moore said, "Pray."
This is Iverson we're talking about. What else is there to do? Especially if he is forced to stand alone?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Accused Of Sexual Assault
The reputation of one of the National Football League's leading personalities took another hit Friday, with revelations that police in Georgia were investigating Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in connection with an alleged sexual assault.
Police held a news conference Friday and didn't name Mr. Roethlisberger but delivered a physical description of him. They said they were investigating a sexual assault complaint filed by a woman the quarterback and his friends were socializing with Thursday night at the Capitol City Club in Milledgeville. The woman was treated and released from Oconee Regional Medical Center.
This is not the first time Mr. Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault. A Reno woman filed a civil suit against him last summer, accusing the quarterback of rape. Mr. Roethlisberger has vowed to fight that case.
In a statement released to the news media Friday, Mr. Roethlisberger's agent, Ryan Tollner, tried to explain what had happened and pledged further cooperation.
"Last night, Ben and his friends met a group of women and everyone mingled together throughout the evening," the statement said. "We have spoken to law enforcement. Based on information currently available, an allegation was made against Ben, which appeared to be dismissed after a preliminary investigation last night. Obviously, given the prior accusation against Ben, we are skeptical of motive, but we will continue to cooperate with everyone involved."
An NFL spokesman declined to comment. A spokesman for the Steelers said the organization was continuing to gather information.
Throughout his career, which took off after he guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl as a rookie, Mr. Roethlisberger has been one of the league's most successful pitchmen, marketing everything from soup to barbecue sauce to beef jerky.
Police held a news conference Friday and didn't name Mr. Roethlisberger but delivered a physical description of him. They said they were investigating a sexual assault complaint filed by a woman the quarterback and his friends were socializing with Thursday night at the Capitol City Club in Milledgeville. The woman was treated and released from Oconee Regional Medical Center.
This is not the first time Mr. Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault. A Reno woman filed a civil suit against him last summer, accusing the quarterback of rape. Mr. Roethlisberger has vowed to fight that case.
In a statement released to the news media Friday, Mr. Roethlisberger's agent, Ryan Tollner, tried to explain what had happened and pledged further cooperation.
"Last night, Ben and his friends met a group of women and everyone mingled together throughout the evening," the statement said. "We have spoken to law enforcement. Based on information currently available, an allegation was made against Ben, which appeared to be dismissed after a preliminary investigation last night. Obviously, given the prior accusation against Ben, we are skeptical of motive, but we will continue to cooperate with everyone involved."
An NFL spokesman declined to comment. A spokesman for the Steelers said the organization was continuing to gather information.
Throughout his career, which took off after he guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl as a rookie, Mr. Roethlisberger has been one of the league's most successful pitchmen, marketing everything from soup to barbecue sauce to beef jerky.
Friday, March 5, 2010
New York Jets Corners Cromartie And Revis Key To Super Bowl Crown
The New York Jets pulled off a wowzer of a move that gives them perhaps the most dangerous cornerback tandem.
The New York Jets reached a deal in principle for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie.The NFL's best pass defense has reached a deal in principle to obtain Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers for a 2011 third-round draft choice that could turn into a second-rounder. That gives the Jets two cornerbacks who are 26 or younger and have been first-team All-Pros within the past three seasons.
Those guttural noises you're hearing are AFC East quarterbacks doubled over with stomach pain at the thought of Cromartie getting back to his shutdown form of a couple years ago.
Darrelle Revis was an All-Pro for the Jets last season. Cromartie was honored in 2007, when he led the NFL with 10 interceptions.
I guess the Jets won't be trading for Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, which was a fun topic to kick around for a while.
But the idea of Revis and Cromartie is almost as scary.
Cromartie replaces Lito Sheppard, who the Jets released Thursday rather than pay him a $10 million roster bonus.
Cromarite isn't guaranteed to shine. He has been inconsistent the past two seasons. He has gotten scorched for touchdowns. He badly misses tackles. He has off-field issues (seven children by five women) that must be considered.
Jets coach Rex Ryan has a knack for getting the most of defensive players. Cromartie is an exceptional athlete, and playing opposite Revis will mean he doesn't have to face the opposition's top receivers on a weekly basis.
The New York Jets reached a deal in principle for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie.The NFL's best pass defense has reached a deal in principle to obtain Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers for a 2011 third-round draft choice that could turn into a second-rounder. That gives the Jets two cornerbacks who are 26 or younger and have been first-team All-Pros within the past three seasons.
Those guttural noises you're hearing are AFC East quarterbacks doubled over with stomach pain at the thought of Cromartie getting back to his shutdown form of a couple years ago.
Darrelle Revis was an All-Pro for the Jets last season. Cromartie was honored in 2007, when he led the NFL with 10 interceptions.
I guess the Jets won't be trading for Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, which was a fun topic to kick around for a while.
But the idea of Revis and Cromartie is almost as scary.
Cromartie replaces Lito Sheppard, who the Jets released Thursday rather than pay him a $10 million roster bonus.
Cromarite isn't guaranteed to shine. He has been inconsistent the past two seasons. He has gotten scorched for touchdowns. He badly misses tackles. He has off-field issues (seven children by five women) that must be considered.
Jets coach Rex Ryan has a knack for getting the most of defensive players. Cromartie is an exceptional athlete, and playing opposite Revis will mean he doesn't have to face the opposition's top receivers on a weekly basis.
Kyle Vanden Bosch Signs With Detriot Lions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch agreed to a four-year deal Friday with the Detroit Lions thanks to the personal touch of coach Jim Schwartz.
Kyle Vanden Bosch says that Detroit coach Jim Schwartz put on the full-court press immediately. What it resulted in is a player who improves the Lions immediately, as Kevin Seifert notes.
Schwartz wanted the Tennessee Titans starter to open free agency and landed Detroit's top target by waiting in Nashville outside Vanden Bosch's home when free agency began.
"I could be anywhere in the country right now, and I'm on your front step because you're the guy I want," Vanden Bosch said Friday morning on radio of Schwartz's message. "He's a great coach, and last night he was a great salesman."
Vanden Bosch said on WGFX-FM 104.5 The Zone that Schwartz left around 2:30 a.m. with only the final details to be worked out. Schwartz worked with Vanden Bosch when he was Titans defensive coordinator.
The deal is worth $26 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Vanden Bosch, 31, will be due $10 million in the first year of the contract, The Tennessean of Nashville reported.
A nine-year veteran, Vanden Bosch spent the past five seasons with the Titans, getting all of his 43½ career sacks. He was a first alternate for the AFC last season despite only three sacks and played in his third Pro Bowl in January. He still ranked fifth with 86 tackles and 20 quarterback pressures.
Kyle Vanden Bosch says that Detroit coach Jim Schwartz put on the full-court press immediately. What it resulted in is a player who improves the Lions immediately, as Kevin Seifert notes.
Schwartz wanted the Tennessee Titans starter to open free agency and landed Detroit's top target by waiting in Nashville outside Vanden Bosch's home when free agency began.
"I could be anywhere in the country right now, and I'm on your front step because you're the guy I want," Vanden Bosch said Friday morning on radio of Schwartz's message. "He's a great coach, and last night he was a great salesman."
Vanden Bosch said on WGFX-FM 104.5 The Zone that Schwartz left around 2:30 a.m. with only the final details to be worked out. Schwartz worked with Vanden Bosch when he was Titans defensive coordinator.
The deal is worth $26 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Vanden Bosch, 31, will be due $10 million in the first year of the contract, The Tennessean of Nashville reported.
A nine-year veteran, Vanden Bosch spent the past five seasons with the Titans, getting all of his 43½ career sacks. He was a first alternate for the AFC last season despite only three sacks and played in his third Pro Bowl in January. He still ranked fifth with 86 tackles and 20 quarterback pressures.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Buffalo Bills Blitz Top 2010 NFL Free Agency Rumors
The Bears have been quiet the last two years or so of free agency, with their biggest (no pun intended) splash being Orlando Pace. That didn't work out too well.
The Bears, though, have made moves in the past. Arguably their best signing in the last few years was Muhsin Muhammad, who helped their receiving corps at the time.
With a do-or-die year for coach Lovie Smith and possibly GM Jerry Angelo, I wouldn't be shocked if they went on a spree. I also wouldn't be shocked if they didn't.
Let's look at the top prospects for the Bears this free agency period.
Big Targets
Julius Peppers
Sources say the Bears are high on Peppers, but the price might be too steep. Peppers is expected to ask for $15 million, something the Bears might not be able to offer.
Peppers can help this defensive line, which is key in the Cover-2. If the defensive line plays great, the pressure is off the secondary by a lot.
Peppers' numbers have dropped the last few years as he was in a contract dispute, and that could be a bad thing for the Bears. He could also turn out like an Albert Haynesworth, who got a huge contract from the Redskins last year but didn't produce top defensive line numbers like he was paid.
I don't expect the Bears to make a quick signing on Peppers Friday morning, but if a deal were to be made, it will be by Sunday.
Peppers is also rumored to say Chicago is in his top four destinations. Can the Bears compete with the Eagles, Redskins, and Patriots, though?
Antrell Rolle
Rolle is the best safety in free agency this year, and it's clear the Bears need a safety big time. If Peppers isn't signed, Chicago is expected to make a huge play for Rolle.
The converted cornerback to safety can cover, something most in the Bears secondary can't do. Arizona is expected to attempt to re-sign Rolle, which could force Chicago to raise its offer. I expect the best chance for the Bears to land a defensive player is going to be Rolle.
Karlos Dansby
Dansby might be the best free agent that no one is talking about. A play making linebacker that would only be a complement to Briggs and Urlacher. With Urlacher being on the decline of his career, Dansby could shine in this defense.
The Bears seem interested in him, but only if they can get him for a reasonable price. I don't see the Bears shelling out tons of money for this guy, but he might be worth it. The Bears might even be in play for both Dansby and Rolle, which would provide an instant upgrade to their defense.
Will Take a Look At
Brian Westbrook
Released by the Eagles after a couple disappointing seasons, Westbrook said he would love to play for Chicago. In a Mike Martz offense, Westbrook could be a contributor in the passing game out of the backfield. He can also complement a one-two punch with Matt Forte. The Bears will give a look at him, but it's doubtful they will sign him.
LaDainian Tomlinson
A running back released in the decline of his career, much like Westbrook, L.T will have to settle to being a backup no matter where he goes. He could also be a nice complement in a Martz type of offense. He and Forte could be a dangerous duo in the backfield, taking the pressure off Jay Cutler.
Dark Horse
Darren Sharper
Sharper won a Super Bowl with the Saints, but he wants to get paid. Sharper would be a nice fit in a Cover-2 defense. A big physical play making safety is just what the Bears need. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up a Bear by the end of the weekend.
Long Shot
Thomas Jones
Jones is the best running back available, and a return to Chicago would be really nice. But it wont happen. With teams like Seattle and San Diego needing running backs, Jones would be a better fit in one of those places.
The Bears, though, have made moves in the past. Arguably their best signing in the last few years was Muhsin Muhammad, who helped their receiving corps at the time.
With a do-or-die year for coach Lovie Smith and possibly GM Jerry Angelo, I wouldn't be shocked if they went on a spree. I also wouldn't be shocked if they didn't.
Let's look at the top prospects for the Bears this free agency period.
Big Targets
Julius Peppers
Sources say the Bears are high on Peppers, but the price might be too steep. Peppers is expected to ask for $15 million, something the Bears might not be able to offer.
Peppers can help this defensive line, which is key in the Cover-2. If the defensive line plays great, the pressure is off the secondary by a lot.
Peppers' numbers have dropped the last few years as he was in a contract dispute, and that could be a bad thing for the Bears. He could also turn out like an Albert Haynesworth, who got a huge contract from the Redskins last year but didn't produce top defensive line numbers like he was paid.
I don't expect the Bears to make a quick signing on Peppers Friday morning, but if a deal were to be made, it will be by Sunday.
Peppers is also rumored to say Chicago is in his top four destinations. Can the Bears compete with the Eagles, Redskins, and Patriots, though?
Antrell Rolle
Rolle is the best safety in free agency this year, and it's clear the Bears need a safety big time. If Peppers isn't signed, Chicago is expected to make a huge play for Rolle.
The converted cornerback to safety can cover, something most in the Bears secondary can't do. Arizona is expected to attempt to re-sign Rolle, which could force Chicago to raise its offer. I expect the best chance for the Bears to land a defensive player is going to be Rolle.
Karlos Dansby
Dansby might be the best free agent that no one is talking about. A play making linebacker that would only be a complement to Briggs and Urlacher. With Urlacher being on the decline of his career, Dansby could shine in this defense.
The Bears seem interested in him, but only if they can get him for a reasonable price. I don't see the Bears shelling out tons of money for this guy, but he might be worth it. The Bears might even be in play for both Dansby and Rolle, which would provide an instant upgrade to their defense.
Will Take a Look At
Brian Westbrook
Released by the Eagles after a couple disappointing seasons, Westbrook said he would love to play for Chicago. In a Mike Martz offense, Westbrook could be a contributor in the passing game out of the backfield. He can also complement a one-two punch with Matt Forte. The Bears will give a look at him, but it's doubtful they will sign him.
LaDainian Tomlinson
A running back released in the decline of his career, much like Westbrook, L.T will have to settle to being a backup no matter where he goes. He could also be a nice complement in a Martz type of offense. He and Forte could be a dangerous duo in the backfield, taking the pressure off Jay Cutler.
Dark Horse
Darren Sharper
Sharper won a Super Bowl with the Saints, but he wants to get paid. Sharper would be a nice fit in a Cover-2 defense. A big physical play making safety is just what the Bears need. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up a Bear by the end of the weekend.
Long Shot
Thomas Jones
Jones is the best running back available, and a return to Chicago would be really nice. But it wont happen. With teams like Seattle and San Diego needing running backs, Jones would be a better fit in one of those places.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Terrell Owens In Buffalo 'Time To Move On"
The Buffalo Bills have higher standards than VH-1.
Despite abysmal ratings, the cable network renewed "The T.O. Show" for a second season in 2010.
The Bills weren't so inspired. Their reality show simply wasn't compelling enough to bring Owens back. A whirlwind affair is over after one year.
Saturday night the Bills publicly disassociated themselves with Owens, receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan Denney. In a news release, Bills general manager Buddy Nix said the team would not offer them contracts and allow them to become unrestricted free agents Friday.
You won't find any outrage in Buffalo that Owens won't be wearing a Bills uniform this year. Bills fans didn't come to loathe him at all, but somehow a polarizing figure came to town and engendered shoulder shrugs and vague feelings of meh.
Before it reached that level of apathy, the one-year relationship was a marketing success.
Owens and the Bills used each other. They were a perfect fit, a team desperate to capture their disenfranchised fans' imaginations and a character in need of an image makeover.
Owens came to Buffalo because it was the only place that would take him, and he knew he needed to seize the opportunity to cleanse himself, to show the rest of the NFL he could be in a locker room without detonating its chemistry.
He's a future Hall of Famer who should've generated more attention than he did when the Dallas Cowboys cut him. Perhaps that was a wake-up call. He couldn't afford to depart Buffalo with another quarterback controversy similar to the ones he left behind in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas.
His mission: Show up, play football, be a good soldier and hope the football community notices he served his time with good behavior.
The Bills, meanwhile, needed something -- anything -- to stimulate their followers. The fans were disgusted with how 2008 ended. They started the season 5-1, then collapsed, failing to reach the playoffs a ninth straight season. Head coach Dick Jauron not only was retained, but the club insulted anyone paying attention by refusing to acknowledge what was known, that they'd given him a contract extension before the implosion.
So intense was the furor in Buffalo that some wondered if Bills owner Ralph Wilson would get booed during his induction speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Owens was identified as the solution. He sold tickets. He sold jerseys. The mere fact the Bills would make such an organizationally deviant acquisition put fans in a euphoric state.
Owens arrived with the type of fanfare Buffalo will look back upon with at least a little embarrassment.
There was a lot of fanfare for Owens in Buffalo, including a key to the city presentation.He touched down at Buffalo Niagara International Airport to find cheerleaders, chanters and other assorted zealots certain he was the savior. One fan dressed up as a popcorn box, a reference to his showstopper promise to "Get your popcorn ready."
The moment was staged for his VH-1 show, but the feelings expressed were genuine. Bills fans were smitten, drunk in love with a personality who might make their team relevant again. The next day, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown presented him with a key to the city, an honor Wilson has never received.
Pageantry pretty much was all Owens brought to Buffalo, and the front office acted as though that's what it was most interested in anyway.
Whatever daring the Bills showed in signing Owens was offset by their inept evaluation of personnel. They traded Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert 10 days before the regular-season opener and released right tackle Langston Walker and running back Dominic Rhodes.
After the season began, they scrapped the no-huddle offense they'd spent the entire offseason installing, fired Jauron and revoked Trent Edwards' job as starting quarterback.
Not even counting the new Bills regime, Owens played under two head coaches and two offensive coordinators and with three starting quarterbacks -- in the span of nine months.
The Bills sold out every home game with his help. And while Owens showed flashes with little teammate support, he rarely made enough of an impact on the field.
He posted his lowest receptions-per-game average since his rookie campaign with San Francisco in 1996. He finished with 55 catches for 829 yards and five touchdowns.
The theory was that if Owens didn't have a big year, his presence would allow underrated receiver Lee Evans to excel on the other side of the field. Evans had 44 catches for 612 yards (both career-lows) and seven touchdowns. Evans' career average entering last season was 6.4 touchdowns.
In Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, Owens' receptions streak ended at 185 games. It seemed like an appropriate time for Owens to lash out against the Bills, new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt or Edwards, who'd become known locally as Captain Checkdown.
But Owens admirably held himself together and set a media tone for the rest of the season. He was disappointingly uninteresting, but he kept his nose clean. He was adamant about remaining as bland and politically correct as possible. It was part of his cleansing, after all.
Owens' employment options will be limited. He'll turn 37 before the next season is over.
But the way he carried himself in Buffalo and the excuses he'll have at the ready -- thanks to Buffalo's dysfunction and hindrances outside his control such as a slew of injuries on the offensive line -- might give him more possibilities if he's willing to play for a discount.
From the Bills' standpoint, they extracted all they could from Owens' aura. Besides, they cleared the way for younger receivers.
James Hardy, a second-round draft choice in 2008, has only three receptions. He missed almost all of last season while coming back from a knee injury, but he's ready to go. The Bills think highly of Steve Johnson, a seventh-round pick who has been lost in the shuffle.
For Owens, it's time to move on.
The Bills got what they wanted. So did he.
The only ones left unfulfilled were the fans, their excitement turned to yawns.
Despite abysmal ratings, the cable network renewed "The T.O. Show" for a second season in 2010.
The Bills weren't so inspired. Their reality show simply wasn't compelling enough to bring Owens back. A whirlwind affair is over after one year.
Saturday night the Bills publicly disassociated themselves with Owens, receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan Denney. In a news release, Bills general manager Buddy Nix said the team would not offer them contracts and allow them to become unrestricted free agents Friday.
You won't find any outrage in Buffalo that Owens won't be wearing a Bills uniform this year. Bills fans didn't come to loathe him at all, but somehow a polarizing figure came to town and engendered shoulder shrugs and vague feelings of meh.
Before it reached that level of apathy, the one-year relationship was a marketing success.
Owens and the Bills used each other. They were a perfect fit, a team desperate to capture their disenfranchised fans' imaginations and a character in need of an image makeover.
Owens came to Buffalo because it was the only place that would take him, and he knew he needed to seize the opportunity to cleanse himself, to show the rest of the NFL he could be in a locker room without detonating its chemistry.
He's a future Hall of Famer who should've generated more attention than he did when the Dallas Cowboys cut him. Perhaps that was a wake-up call. He couldn't afford to depart Buffalo with another quarterback controversy similar to the ones he left behind in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas.
His mission: Show up, play football, be a good soldier and hope the football community notices he served his time with good behavior.
The Bills, meanwhile, needed something -- anything -- to stimulate their followers. The fans were disgusted with how 2008 ended. They started the season 5-1, then collapsed, failing to reach the playoffs a ninth straight season. Head coach Dick Jauron not only was retained, but the club insulted anyone paying attention by refusing to acknowledge what was known, that they'd given him a contract extension before the implosion.
So intense was the furor in Buffalo that some wondered if Bills owner Ralph Wilson would get booed during his induction speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Owens was identified as the solution. He sold tickets. He sold jerseys. The mere fact the Bills would make such an organizationally deviant acquisition put fans in a euphoric state.
Owens arrived with the type of fanfare Buffalo will look back upon with at least a little embarrassment.
There was a lot of fanfare for Owens in Buffalo, including a key to the city presentation.He touched down at Buffalo Niagara International Airport to find cheerleaders, chanters and other assorted zealots certain he was the savior. One fan dressed up as a popcorn box, a reference to his showstopper promise to "Get your popcorn ready."
The moment was staged for his VH-1 show, but the feelings expressed were genuine. Bills fans were smitten, drunk in love with a personality who might make their team relevant again. The next day, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown presented him with a key to the city, an honor Wilson has never received.
Pageantry pretty much was all Owens brought to Buffalo, and the front office acted as though that's what it was most interested in anyway.
Whatever daring the Bills showed in signing Owens was offset by their inept evaluation of personnel. They traded Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert 10 days before the regular-season opener and released right tackle Langston Walker and running back Dominic Rhodes.
After the season began, they scrapped the no-huddle offense they'd spent the entire offseason installing, fired Jauron and revoked Trent Edwards' job as starting quarterback.
Not even counting the new Bills regime, Owens played under two head coaches and two offensive coordinators and with three starting quarterbacks -- in the span of nine months.
The Bills sold out every home game with his help. And while Owens showed flashes with little teammate support, he rarely made enough of an impact on the field.
He posted his lowest receptions-per-game average since his rookie campaign with San Francisco in 1996. He finished with 55 catches for 829 yards and five touchdowns.
The theory was that if Owens didn't have a big year, his presence would allow underrated receiver Lee Evans to excel on the other side of the field. Evans had 44 catches for 612 yards (both career-lows) and seven touchdowns. Evans' career average entering last season was 6.4 touchdowns.
In Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, Owens' receptions streak ended at 185 games. It seemed like an appropriate time for Owens to lash out against the Bills, new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt or Edwards, who'd become known locally as Captain Checkdown.
But Owens admirably held himself together and set a media tone for the rest of the season. He was disappointingly uninteresting, but he kept his nose clean. He was adamant about remaining as bland and politically correct as possible. It was part of his cleansing, after all.
Owens' employment options will be limited. He'll turn 37 before the next season is over.
But the way he carried himself in Buffalo and the excuses he'll have at the ready -- thanks to Buffalo's dysfunction and hindrances outside his control such as a slew of injuries on the offensive line -- might give him more possibilities if he's willing to play for a discount.
From the Bills' standpoint, they extracted all they could from Owens' aura. Besides, they cleared the way for younger receivers.
James Hardy, a second-round draft choice in 2008, has only three receptions. He missed almost all of last season while coming back from a knee injury, but he's ready to go. The Bills think highly of Steve Johnson, a seventh-round pick who has been lost in the shuffle.
For Owens, it's time to move on.
The Bills got what they wanted. So did he.
The only ones left unfulfilled were the fans, their excitement turned to yawns.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Buffalo Bills Blitz Mock NFL Draft March 1
#1 Rams
Ndamukong Suh
Ht/Wt: 6-4/300 lbs
Position:DT
Drafted From:Nebraska
Class:Senior
#2 Lions
Gerald McCoy
Ht/Wt: 6-4/295 lbs
Position:DT
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Junior
#3 Bucs
Eric Berry
Ht/Wt: 5-11/195 lbs
Position:S
Drafted From:Tennessee
Class:Junior
#4 Redskins
Jimmy Clausen
Ht/Wt: 6-3/223 lbs
Position:QB
Drafted From:Notre Dame
Class:Junior
#5 Seahawks
Russell Okung
Ht/Wt: 6-5/300 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Oklahoma State
Class:Senior
#6
Anthony Davis
Ht/Wt: 6-6/325 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Rutgers
Class:Junior
#7 Browns
Joe Haden
Ht/Wt: 5-11/181 lbs
Position:CB
Drafted From:Florida
Class:Junior
#8 Radiers
Bryan Bulaga
Ht/Wt: 6-6/312 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Iowa
Class:Junior
#9 Bills
Sam Bradford
Ht/Wt: 6-4/218 lbs
Position:QB
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Junior
#10 Jaguars
Jason PierrePaul
Ht/Wt: 6-5/265 lbs
Position:DE
Drafted From:South Florida
Class:Senior
#11 Broncos
Dez Bryant
Ht/Wt: 6-2/210 lbs
Position:WR
Drafted From:Oklahoma State
Class:Junior
#12 Dolphins
Rolando McClain
Ht/Wt: 6-4/249 lbs
Position:ILB
Drafted From:Alabama
Class:Junior
#13 49ers
Earl Thomas
Ht/Wt: 5-10/195 lbs
Position:S
Drafted From:Texas
Class:Sophomore
#14 Seahawks
CJ Spiller
Ht/Wt: 5-11/195 lbs
Position:RB
Drafted From:Clemson
Class:Senior
#15
Brian Price Giants
Ht/Wt: 6-2/300 lbs
Position:DT
Drafted From:UCLA
Class:Junior
#16
Derrick Morgan Titans
Ht/Wt: 6-4/268 lbs
Position:DE/OLB
Drafted From:Georgia Tech
Class:Junior
#17
Trent Williams 49ers
Ht/Wt: 6-5/308 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Senior
#18
Mike Iupati Steelers
Ht/Wt: 6-5/330 lbs
Position:OG
Drafted From:Idaho
Class:Senior
#19
Brandon Graham Falcons
Ht/Wt: 6-1/263 lbs
Position:DE/OLB
Drafted From:Michigan
Class:Senior
#20
Taylor Mays Texans
Ht/Wt: 6-3/230 lbs
Position:S
Drafted From:USC
Class:Senior
#21
Arrelious Benn Bengals
Ht/Wt: 6-2/220 lbs
Position:WR
Drafted From:Illinois
Class:Junior
#22
Sergio Kindle Patriots
Ht/Wt: 6-4/239 lbs
Position:DE/OLB
Drafted From:Texas
Class:Senior
#23
Bruce Campbell Packers
Ht/Wt: 6-7/310 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Maryland
Class:Junior
#24
Carlos Dunlap Eagles
Ht/Wt: 6-6/290 lbs
Position:DE
Drafted From:Florida
Class:Junior
#25
Jermaine Gresham Ravens
Ht/Wt: 6-6/261 lbs
Position:TE
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Senior
#26
Dan Williams Cardinals
Ht/Wt: 6-2/311 lbs
Position:NT
Drafted From:Tennessee
Class:Senior
#27
Charles Brown Cowboys
Ht/Wt: 6-6/285 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:USC
Class:Senior
#28
Jahvid Best Chargers
Ht/Wt: 5-10/195 lbs
Position:RB
Drafted From:California
Class:Junior
#29
Everson Griffen Jets
Ht/Wt: 6-3/265 lbs
Position:DE
Drafted From:USC
Class:Junior
#30
Kyle Wilson Vikings
Ht/Wt: 5-10/185 lbs
Position:CB
Drafted From:Boise State
Class:Senior
#31
Maurkice Pouncey Colts
Ht/Wt: 6-5/312 lbs
Position:C/G
Drafted From:Florida
Class:Senior
#32
Sean Weatherspoon Saints
Ht/Wt: 6-1/245 lbs
Position:OLB
Drafted From:Missouri
Class:Senior
Ndamukong Suh
Ht/Wt: 6-4/300 lbs
Position:DT
Drafted From:Nebraska
Class:Senior
#2 Lions
Gerald McCoy
Ht/Wt: 6-4/295 lbs
Position:DT
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Junior
#3 Bucs
Eric Berry
Ht/Wt: 5-11/195 lbs
Position:S
Drafted From:Tennessee
Class:Junior
#4 Redskins
Jimmy Clausen
Ht/Wt: 6-3/223 lbs
Position:QB
Drafted From:Notre Dame
Class:Junior
#5 Seahawks
Russell Okung
Ht/Wt: 6-5/300 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Oklahoma State
Class:Senior
#6
Anthony Davis
Ht/Wt: 6-6/325 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Rutgers
Class:Junior
#7 Browns
Joe Haden
Ht/Wt: 5-11/181 lbs
Position:CB
Drafted From:Florida
Class:Junior
#8 Radiers
Bryan Bulaga
Ht/Wt: 6-6/312 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Iowa
Class:Junior
#9 Bills
Sam Bradford
Ht/Wt: 6-4/218 lbs
Position:QB
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Junior
#10 Jaguars
Jason PierrePaul
Ht/Wt: 6-5/265 lbs
Position:DE
Drafted From:South Florida
Class:Senior
#11 Broncos
Dez Bryant
Ht/Wt: 6-2/210 lbs
Position:WR
Drafted From:Oklahoma State
Class:Junior
#12 Dolphins
Rolando McClain
Ht/Wt: 6-4/249 lbs
Position:ILB
Drafted From:Alabama
Class:Junior
#13 49ers
Earl Thomas
Ht/Wt: 5-10/195 lbs
Position:S
Drafted From:Texas
Class:Sophomore
#14 Seahawks
CJ Spiller
Ht/Wt: 5-11/195 lbs
Position:RB
Drafted From:Clemson
Class:Senior
#15
Brian Price Giants
Ht/Wt: 6-2/300 lbs
Position:DT
Drafted From:UCLA
Class:Junior
#16
Derrick Morgan Titans
Ht/Wt: 6-4/268 lbs
Position:DE/OLB
Drafted From:Georgia Tech
Class:Junior
#17
Trent Williams 49ers
Ht/Wt: 6-5/308 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Senior
#18
Mike Iupati Steelers
Ht/Wt: 6-5/330 lbs
Position:OG
Drafted From:Idaho
Class:Senior
#19
Brandon Graham Falcons
Ht/Wt: 6-1/263 lbs
Position:DE/OLB
Drafted From:Michigan
Class:Senior
#20
Taylor Mays Texans
Ht/Wt: 6-3/230 lbs
Position:S
Drafted From:USC
Class:Senior
#21
Arrelious Benn Bengals
Ht/Wt: 6-2/220 lbs
Position:WR
Drafted From:Illinois
Class:Junior
#22
Sergio Kindle Patriots
Ht/Wt: 6-4/239 lbs
Position:DE/OLB
Drafted From:Texas
Class:Senior
#23
Bruce Campbell Packers
Ht/Wt: 6-7/310 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:Maryland
Class:Junior
#24
Carlos Dunlap Eagles
Ht/Wt: 6-6/290 lbs
Position:DE
Drafted From:Florida
Class:Junior
#25
Jermaine Gresham Ravens
Ht/Wt: 6-6/261 lbs
Position:TE
Drafted From:Oklahoma
Class:Senior
#26
Dan Williams Cardinals
Ht/Wt: 6-2/311 lbs
Position:NT
Drafted From:Tennessee
Class:Senior
#27
Charles Brown Cowboys
Ht/Wt: 6-6/285 lbs
Position:OT
Drafted From:USC
Class:Senior
#28
Jahvid Best Chargers
Ht/Wt: 5-10/195 lbs
Position:RB
Drafted From:California
Class:Junior
#29
Everson Griffen Jets
Ht/Wt: 6-3/265 lbs
Position:DE
Drafted From:USC
Class:Junior
#30
Kyle Wilson Vikings
Ht/Wt: 5-10/185 lbs
Position:CB
Drafted From:Boise State
Class:Senior
#31
Maurkice Pouncey Colts
Ht/Wt: 6-5/312 lbs
Position:C/G
Drafted From:Florida
Class:Senior
#32
Sean Weatherspoon Saints
Ht/Wt: 6-1/245 lbs
Position:OLB
Drafted From:Missouri
Class:Senior
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