DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #6 06/30/2009

Vikings- Percy Harvin
Vikings first-round pick Percy Harvin was "sent home and officially excused" from the NFL's Rookie Symposium on Monday.

Harvin exhibited flu-like symptoms and was excused by a doctor. It's his second bizarre health-related issue this offseason. He was hospitalized for dehydration prior to the Vikings' rookie minicamp. A severe cynic would say the Vikes should've seen the writing on the wall when red flags about Harvin's attitude and character surfaced pre-draft, but it's probably nothing.

Source: Profootballtalk.com

Broncos- Brandon Marshall
The Broncos reportedly intend to stand firm on their refusal to honor Brandon Marshall's trade demand, unless they're "blown away" with an offer.

Team brass is currently on vacation and "not fretting" about the situation. They can only hope Marshall shows to Dove Valley on time. Since he wants a new contract and doesn't trust team doctors to handle his hip rehab, however, Marshall doesn't seem like a sure thing to be there on the first day of camp.

Source: ESPN.com

Cardinals- Darnell Docket
After appearing on NFL Network Monday night, Darnell Dockett posted on his Twitter account that he'd like to be paid like a top-five defensive tackle.

Well, we think it's his Twitter. There have been a lot of phonies going around. Dockett, slated to earn $3.5 million in 2009, was called a top-five tackle by NFL Network's Jamie Dukes and Rod Woodson. It doesn't make Cardinals management any more likely to upgrade his deal that's good through 2011.

Source: Darnell Dockett on Twitter

49ers- Scott Mckillop
Rookie fifth-rounder Scott McKillop is expected to be the 49ers' future "Ted" linebacker.

The Niners were reportedly just as excited about drafting McKillop as they were with Michael Crabtree. The rookie out of Pittsburgh is expected to play "Robin" to Patrick Willis' "Batman" once Takeo Spikes moves on.

Source: Sacramento Bee

Falcons- Michael Vick

The attorneys for suspended free agent Michael Vick will be in court Tuesday to update a judge on the progress of their client's bankruptcy plan.

Vick's two attempts to present a viable plan to get out of debt were previously rejected. The lawyers won't be formally presenting their new plan yet, but if the judge sounds positive their next attempt could come shortly.

Source: Associated Press

Lions- Cliff Avril
Cliff Avril will reportedly have to beat out Dewayne White to win the Lions' starting right defensive end job.

Starting Avril and White at the same time would give Detroit its most pass rush potential, but the new coaching staff seems satisfied with Jared DeVries at left end. White has the tools to move there full time, but surprisingly didn't practice on the strong side all spring. He and Avril will probably end up rotating on the weak side, which would hurt both of their IDP stats.

Source: MLive.com

Giants- Jay Alford
Justin Tuck predicts that DT Jay Alford will be the Giants' breakout defensive lineman this season.

Alford, who had three sacks on limited snaps in just 10 games last season, will play in sub-packages this year. Tuck indicates Alford will play next to him at tackle in the nickel, but that role is probably Rocky Bernard's. Either way, Alford is another example of New York's league-best depth on the line.

Source: Newark Star-Ledger

Vikings- Jasper Brinkley
Vikings signed fifth-round LB Jasper Brinkley to a four-year contract.

Brinkley was one of the biggest hitters to come out this year, but he doesn't offer much versatility as a pure inside linebacker without movement skills to play outside. He'll be groomed as an option behind MLB E.J. Henderson.

Browns- Willie McGinest
Free agent OLB Willie McGinest reiterated in an interview with The Sporting News that he wants to play another season.

"I've definitely got that itch. I feel good," McGinest said. "But it has to be the right situation." Now 37, McGinest's body has obviously been breaking down over the last two seasons, and it's surprising he'd indicate he could be picky. McGinest has generated no known interest this offseason.

Source: The Sporting News