Rod Woodson's Road To Canton

"On occasion, a player comes along who does not belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a player so dominant in his sport that he deserves a higher honor.

A player such as Rod Woodson.

Who says? How about these guys:

"Without a doubt,'' Bill Cowher said, "he'll go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.''

"If you tell me Rod Woodson is your top defensive back of all time," said Dick LeBeau, "you will get no argument from me because he certainly merits that."

"He was a player you get once in a long time," said Dan Rooney.

And more ...

"He, in my opinion, might be the greatest athlete that Chuck Noll ever drafted," said Mel Blount. "And that's saying a lot when you think of all the Hall of Famers. This guy was special."

"He was one of those rare top draft picks who probably even exceeded what people thought he would be," said Tom Donahoe.

And, from Tony Dungy on coaching Woodson his first two seasons with the Steelers: "You could see the specialness. We felt he'd be a multi-year Pro Bowler. You could see that from the first day."

Woodson, who will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 8, ranks among the best defensive backs in NFL history -- if not the best -- by testimony, by performance and by gaudy statistics."

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DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #4 06/28/2009

Jets- Brett Favre
Adrian Peterson said he would welcome Brett Favre "with open arms" should the Vikings sign the future Hall of Famer.

Only Jim Brown and Eric Dickerson have rushed for more yards in their first two seasons than Peterson. It's scary to think how explosive he will be if a healthy Favre can keep the eighth and ninth defenders out of the box.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Browns- Braylon Edwards
After an offseason spent squarely on the trade block, Braylon Edwards insists he remains committed to the Browns.

"I never said I wanted to go," Edwards said. "The Browns tried to put a trade out there ... I never took it personal." We expect the Browns offense to struggle this season, but Edwards' talent still makes him a good bounce back candidate in fantasy leagues.

Source: nfl.fanhouse.com

Packers- Jordy Nelson
According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Jordy Nelson was "quietly was one of the standouts of the offseason."

The Packers boast one of the deepest receiver corps in the league, so Nelson won't be much of a fantasy factor. More of a possession receiver, last year's second-rounder is expected to battle big-play threat James Jones for the No. 3 receiver job.

Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette

Buccaneers- Josh Freeman
Bucs GM Mark Dominik reiterated that rookie Josh Freeman isn't a realistic candidate to begin the season as the starting quarterback.

"The ultimate goal is to let Josh Freeman sit back and learn," Dominik said. "He's a 21-year-old quarterback who came out as a true junior. You'd like for him to grow and mature into his role and not be forced into it." According to the GM, the race between Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich remains "extremely close," and the starter may not be named until the end of preseason action.

Source: St. Petersburg Times

Jags-Mike Thomas
Beat writer Michael Wright confirmed that the Jaguars' confidence in their rookie receivers was a primary factor in the Dennis Northcutt trade.

Fourth-rounder Mike Thomas is a prototypical slot receiver with great short area quickness and after-the-catch running ability. Fifth-rounder Jarett Dillard is a polished receiver with eye-popping college production, outstanding leaping ability and great hands. He would likely be the choice to start should Mike Walker or Torry Holt suffer an injury.

Source: Florida Times Union

Packers- Matty Flynn
Matt Flynn reportedly remains "well ahead" of Brian Brohm for the Packers backup quarterback job.

This is coming from beat writer Pete Doughtery, but there have also been reports of Brohm showing improvement this offseason. Last year's disappointing second-rounder will have to shine in preseason action to unseat Flynn.

Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette

Giants- Plaxico Burress
Bucs GM Mark Dominik said he has no interest in signing Plaxico Burress at this time.

The Bucs reportedly called Plax's agent earlier this offseason, and Plax later expressed an interest in playing in Tampa. The team is obviously leery of Burress' legal troubles, but it could be inferred that they may revisit the subject after the commissioner's final ruling.
Source: St. Petersburg Times

Falcons- Michael Vick
The Patriots are reportedly not interested in signing Michael Vick, even as a 'Wildcat' quarterback.

This was never a realistic option, but that didn't stop many in the national media from tabbing the Pats as a likely landing spot. Vick will be looking for a chance to play a larger role, and the Pats' offensive scheme doesn't suit his style.

Source: National Football Post

Raiders- Jamarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell's work ethic continues to be called into question, according to the National Football Post's Michael Lombardi.

Russell scored surface points with his plans to host an extra minicamp for his receivers, but that good impression didn't last long. Russell reportedly went AWOL on the last day of the team's minicamp after urging teammates to step up their efforts and finish out the OTAs on a positive note.

Source: National Football Post

Packers-Patrick Lee
Packers second-year CB Patrick Lee has reportedly made significant progress this offseason.

He still isn't going to be more than a fourth corner, but Green Bay needs its young CBs to develop behind over-30 starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Lee, one of the Packers' three second-round picks last year, finished his rookie campaign with just two tackles and a breakup in five appearances.

Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette

Lions- Jeff Backus
Lions LT Jeff Backus has surrendered an average of 10 sacks per season over the last three years.

League average tackles average about five sacks allowed per year, so this puts in perspective how bad Backus has been. The Lions reportedly don't know which Backus they'll get this year, but he's likely to continue to struggle if Daunte Culpepper wins the starting quarterback job. Culpepper is a sack waiting to happen with a long release and no remaining mobility.

Source: MLive.com

Browns- Alex Hall
Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer believes that Alex Hall can be the Browns' best pass rusher.

A seventh-round pick from little St. Augustine last year, Hall flashed with three sacks and two forced fumbles in his first season. He's in the mix with David Bowens and perhaps David Veikune to start opposite Kamerion Wimbley.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Chiefs- Javarris Williams
Seventh-round pick Javarris Williams admits he's had trouble picking up the Chiefs' playbook at minicamps.

Williams is struggling with blitz pickup, which is always a hurdle for rookies. "At Tennessee State it was a lot more simple," he admitted. He's in the mix with Kolby Smith and Dantrell Savage to be the team's No. 3 back.

Source: Nashville Tennessean

Ravens- Ravens Offense
Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome says he eventually plans to return to his home state of Alabama, although in what capacity he isn't sure.

"At some point I'm coming back home," says Newsome, 53, who's established as one of the NFL's top GMs. "I want to tailgate and be around the fans. I have not had the chance to experience being a fan." It's speculative to say he'd want the job, but the Alabama A.D. position (currently held by Hal Moore) may open soon amid sanctions for a textbook-selling scandal.

Source: Collegefootballtalk.com

Bills- Bills Offense
Owner Ralph Wilson says the Bills do not anticipate adding games to be played in Toronto to the regular season schedule anytime soon.

Wilson will wait "two or three years" before expanding Buffalo's outside the U.S. schedule because he isn't sure it'll be a success. The Bills currently play once in Toronto in the regular season and three preseason games there. They're "hosting" the Jets at the Rogers Centre in Week 13 this year.

Source: Associated Press

DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #3 06/27/2009

Bengals- Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer admitted to reporters last week that his arm strength still needs some work.

Palmer has an idea of how to fix it: "Throw. "It’s just like when a track guy needs to get faster. You don’t do 5,000 squats, you run and run some more. To get your arm in shape you throw and continue to throw. So I will be throwing all summer long as well as in training camp." He missed 12 games last season with an elbow injury.

Source: Dayton Daily News

Cardinals- Edgerrin James
According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, Edgerrin James received an offer from the Cardinals earlier this offseason but turned it down.

James is on the hunt for regular carries. "We will be selective," Rosenhaus said. "We want to make sure for Edge that he goes to a good situation. He would like an opportunity to have a significant role and a great opportunity for playing time. We may wait until right before camp and see what teams have the greatest need. We may wait until during or after camps when teams are dealing with injuries."

Source: Profootballtalk.com

Lions- Jon Jansen
Jon Jansen is open to playing at any position on the offensive line for the Lions this season.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said the team will give him a look at guard, and even center. Jansen seems fine with the uncertaintity of it all. "I want to make myself as marketable as possible," he said Friday. "You've got to play all five spots if you're going to be a backup.

Source: MLive.com

Browns- Joe Jurevicius
The Browns predictably deny that they were negligent in causing and handling Joe Jurevicius' staph infection.

Remember when this was a nice story of a hometown guy taking less money to play for his favorite team? The Browns plan to "vigorously defend" themselves, so it sounds like we're headed for a trial.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ravens- Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith is the favorite to be Baltimore's fourth receiver this season.

He hasn't impressed the local scribes, but Smith is a good bet for significant playing time this season. The guys in front of him - Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams - all face injury concerns.

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com

DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #2 06/26/2009

Giants- Plaxico Burress
Agent Drew Rosenhaus now says five teams are interested in Plaxico Burress.

"I expect more teams to enter the mix over the next few weeks as well," Rosenhaus all too predictably tweeted. Rosenhaus' announcement came just minutes after an ESPN report that Commissioner Goodell is beginning a probe of Burress. Coincidence? We think not.

Source: Rosenhaus Sports on Twitter

Packers- Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings' three-year, $26.35 million extension comes with an $11.25 million signing bonus.

Including his $5 million salary, Jennings stands to make $16.25 million in 2009. The upfront money plus the ability to hit free agency in 2013 makes Jennings' deal more player-friendly than previous reports would indicate.

Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Titans- Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson defended himself from criticism that he's a "me first" player after attempting to separate from LenDale White and change his nickname to "Every Coach's Dream."

"I know people are saying I want to be an individual, that I’m not a team guy," Johnson said. "All I want is a new nickname, and it’s in fun. I am an entertaining guy." Johnson, a coaching staff and teammate favorite, remains on great terms with White (and is now dubbing LenDale "Every Coach's Nightmare"). Fantasy owners shouldn't worry about Johnson blossoming into a full-blown diva.

Source: Nashville Tennessean

Redskins- Brian Orakpo
Brian Orakpo remains penciled in as the starting SAM linebacker for the Redskins, according to beat writer Paul Tenorio.

There had been doubts about the decision to have a college end transfer to linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but the 'Skins are following through with the plan. Orakpo will stay at linebacker on early downs and move to defensive end in obvious passing situations.

Source: Washington Post

Texans- Chester Pitts
Texans LG Chester Pitts (elbow surgery) expects to be healthy for training camp.

Pitts said his elbows are feeling good after undergoing a scope on each of them this offseason. The Texans will bring their offensive line back intact from last season.

Source: houstontexans.com

Jags- Dennis Northcutt to Lions
According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, the Lions have acquired WR Dennis Northcutt from the Jaguars.

DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #1 06/25/2009

Redskins- Todd Collins
Todd Collins would reportedly be a candidate for release if he loses the No. 2 quarterback job to Colt Brennan this summer.

Collins is set to make $3 million, which is cost prohibitive in a third quarterback. The Redskins signed Mizzou's Chase Daniel as an undrafted free agent, and his fate is tied to Brennan beating out Collins.

Source: Washington Post

Redskins- Albert Haynesworth
In an interview with Sirius NFL Radio's Adam Schein, Albert Haynesworth revealed that he left money on the table from the Bucs to sign with the Redskins.

"They offered me a whole lot more, and even with their tax situation, it could have been 20 percent more," said Haynesworth. When asked why he would choose the Redskins, Haynesworth said the 'Skins have "a lot of pieces together" plus the D.C. market. The Bucs did have a surfeit of cap space, but Haynesworth's perspective tends to be skewed.

Source: St. Petersburg Times

Falcons- Mike Vick
Commissioner Roger Goodell said a decision on Michael Vick's future will come "in due time" and may not be finalized before the season begins.

Goodell said he hasn't given a timeline and won't sit down with Vick until after Vick's July 20th release from home confinement. Vick remains under indefinite suspension, so a delayed decision would obviously hamper his ability to catch on with an NFL team this summer.

Source: Associated Press

Seahawks- Owen Schmitt
Seahawks FB Owen Schmitt was arrested for suspicion of DUI Saturday in Black Diamond, Washington.

His blood-alcohol content measured between 0.151 and 0.161. Schmitt looked like Seattle's fullback of the future when he was picked in the fifth round last year, but the arrest won't help him beat out Justin Griffith, a veteran of coordinator Greg Knapp's zone-blocking scheme. It's Schmitt's first law run-in as a pro, so the West Virginia product should avoid suspension.

Source: Seattle Times

Bucs- Josh Freeman
Bucs GM Mark Dominik downplayed QBs coach Greg Olson's assertion that Josh Freeman might be ready to start in Week 1.

"It doesn’t hurt for him to sit a little," the GM said. "Let these other guys really battle out for the quarterback spot. Let this young guy develop." The Bucs haven't even begun contract talks with Freeman, and teams sometimes cater to mini holdouts for QBs they'd rather not play right away. Dominik would also lose leverage by admitting Freeman could start on opening day.

Source: WQYK Tampa

Vikings- Vikings to pursue Harrison?
According to Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, there is "buzz" that the Vikings are pursuing free agent Marvin Harrison.

Walters essentially writes a gossip column and puts this under the heading "Don't Print This," so it obviously has to be taken with a grain of salt. He says Marvin would get "a one-year, low-end deal" to compete with Sidney Rice at flanker. The signing would make a lot of sense, but it isn't a reliable source.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

Chiefs- S Mike Brown
Chiefs signed S Mike Brown, formerly of the Bears.

The KC Star's report says Brown "could" swipe Jarrad Page or Bernard Pollard's starting job, but he's more likely to be a third safety. It's the role he's best suited for at age 31 with a long history of unreliable health. A onetime Pro Bowler (2005) and Chicago's all-time leader in defensive TDs (7), Brown can play both safety spots. There's a lot to like about this pickup.

Source: Kansas City Star