Considering Jay Cutler took more hits than a tackling dummy at times last season, it’s no secret that the Bears could use some help on the offensive line.
Monthly Archives: April 2011
Stay the course: Tannenbaum, Jets remain loyal to draft plans
The NFL lockout and a lack of free agency have handcuffed Mike Tannenbaum so far this offseason. No trades. No signings. No big splashes.
Raiders’ Jackson dealing with frustrations before NFL draft
Hue Jackson has hired a staff, talked strategy and philosophy with his new assistants, put together a playbook and promoted the Oakland Raiders in the community as he prepares for his first season as a head coach in the NFL.
Rams are fine with No. 14 pick, even with more homework
The St. Louis Rams are accustomed to making early picks in NFL drafts — they took Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford No. 1 last year after grabbing Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith in 2009 and Virginia defensive end Chris Long in 2008 at No. 2 — but they will be comfortable at No. 14 next week.
Miami for Mallett? Arkansas QB makes believer of Dolphins
Some people believe the Miami Dolphins should spend their first-round draft pick on a quarterback. Jeff Ireland might, too.
Texans counting on Phillips to find right players for new D
In keeping with the upcoming holiday, the Houston Texans are pretty much putting all of their eggs in the Wade Phillips basket.
Hall of Famer Rice says Newton judged on passing, not race
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon recently expressed frustration and outrage over the “racially based” treatment he claims Auburn quarterback Cam Newton has received in the months leading up to next week’s NFL draft. But another Hall of Famer, wide receiver Jerry Rice, disagrees.
Overreaction to red flags over Fairley could cause regret
The sense I have gotten in the last few days is that much of the scrutiny about Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley isn’t completely justified, and that he’s probably going to be drafted lower in the first round than his talent suggests he should.
Retired NFL stars to announce second-round draft picks
Barry Sanders, Franco Harris, Marshall Faulk and 29 other retired NFL stars will announce their former teams’ second-round picks at the NFL draft April 29.
Q&A: Jeff Tarpinian, Iowa
You began your high school career as a QB, how did you transition to linebacker at Iowa?
Yes, I played more of an option QB. Once I came to Iowa, the coaches, specifically Coach (Chris) Doyle, thought my best position would be on defense. I started at safety and as I put on weight, about 40 pounds, eventually moved to linebacker.
<br Growing up in Nebraska, I assume you were a big-time ‘Husker supporter. Did they recruit you out of high school? <br
I actually grew up in both Nebraska and Houston (for about 10 years). I returned to Nebraska for high school and had already committed to Iowa my junior year. But yes, Nebraska was my team. However, I had two former teammates playing for Iowa while I was still in high school (Seth Olsen and Adam Shada), so I