Priced Out of the Citi – Page 198

Around The Web: NFL Rookie Watch

Vikings RB Toby Gerhart is expected to compete with Albert Young for the primary backup job behind Adrian Peterson.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said RB Glen Coffee and RB Anthony Dixon will be competing for playing time behind RB Frank Gore this season, reports Phil Barber, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Dallas WR Dez Bryant (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Seahawks rookie Golden Tate was chosen by the San Francisco Giants in the 50th and final round of the Major League Baseball draft. He played center field for Notre Dame’s baseball team, and this is the second time he has been taken in the baseball draft. He was chosen in the later rounds by the Arizona Diamondbacks coming out of high school.

Coach Gary Kubiak considers seventh-rounder Dorin Dickerson a “project”

2011 NFL Draft Watch #27: Ras-I Dowling

The countdown continues and our number twenty-seven prospect in college football is…

Cornerback Ras-I Dowling, Virginia (Senior):

The Skinny: The first thing that jumps out at you about the Chesapeake, Virginia native is his size; the man is big for a cornerback. Standing at 6’ 2” and around 200 pounds Dowling has the size, length, strength and muscle to line up against the NFL’s super-sized receivers and believe, “I can lay an effective jam on this guy.” While he has great size and short-area abilities, his long speed is not elite. Because of that, Dowling’s post-season workouts (Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and Virginia pro day) will go a long way to determining how NFL teams perceive him. While Dowling is a willing and occasionally

Scouting The Linebackers: Class of 2012

Here’s a look at the top junior linebacker prospects entering the 2010 season:

1. Akeem Ayers, UCLA (Outside Linebacker) – The strongside outside linebacker was an unstoppable force for the Bruins defense in 2009. Ayers displayed the ability to attack the line of scrimmage and often found himself in the offensive backfield, where he recorded six sacks and another 8.5 tackles for loss against the run. He possesses a great burst coming off the edge and with his agility it is difficult for blockers to get their hands on the speedy dynamo. Ayers is at his best roaming the perimeter, where the turnover machine recorded two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Not just an effective blitzer, the Los Angeles native is also very efficient when asked to drop back

NFL: Ben Tate Speeding Past the Competition

Houston’s second-round pick Ben Tate didn’t waste any time in showing off his skills earlier this week in his first full practice since tweaking his hamstring a few weeks ago, according to houstontexans.com. “He’s faster than everybody else, so obviously he’s fresh,” said head coach Gary Kubiak. “Obviously, he was paying attention and knew what he was doing. We were actually doing some tough stuff on him today as far as no scripting, just calling stuff and seeing how guys react and turning the noise on. It was good to see him out here and get going.”

Mancini’s Take: Tate’s versatility is what gives him a great chance of being a huge part of Houston’s offense. His broad shouldered physique almost gives him the look of fullback at about 220 pounds, but he has the foot speed to take it the distance from any part of the field. But what distinguishes

NFL: Ben Tate Speeding Past the Competition

2011 NFL Draft Watch #26: Jurrell Casey

The countdown continues and our number twenty-six prospect in college football is…

Defensive Tackle Jurrell Casey, USC (Junior):

The Skinny: The soon-to-be junior has a chance to be a truly dominant force at defensive tackle for the 2010 USC Trojans. At 6’1” and 295 pounds, Casey might be considered a bit small for a defensive tackle and he doesn’t look body beautiful. However, underestimating him would be a serious mistake. His natural knee-bending ability and light feet allow him to play much bigger than his size. When asked to shoot gaps the All-Pac-10 performer flies between offensive linemen to the quarterback. Casey will have a chance to attack the passer more under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, something which will surely gain the attention of NFL decision makers. The defensive tackle shows a versatile and sophisticated pass-rush repertoire, possessing standout bull rush, rip and swim moves.

2010 NFL Yearbook: New York Jets

“Change” is a word that immediately comes to mind when describing the New York Jets’ turbulent offseason. Gang Green cut the cord on six productive veterans and Alan Faneca, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington were all good soldiers that still had much to offer.

GM Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan are of the mind that it pays to release aging veterans a year early rather than a year late. Although in Washington’s case, his departure had nothing to do with age, but rather with health.

While the acquisition of youngsters Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes were no-brainers, the free agent signings of a way-past-his-prime LaDainian Tomlinson and a soon-to-be 36-year-old Jason Taylor were questionable moves.

Others have criticized the Green and White for adding too many components with well-documented off-the field issues in Cromartie and Holmes. But in defense of the Jets management,

Scouting The Defensive Ends: Class of 2012

Here’s a look at the top junior defensive ends prospects entering the 2010 season:

1. Marcel Dareus, Alabama – Our number-four overall prospect for 2011 tops the list of junior defensive end NFL prospects. At 6’3” and 306 pounds Dareus is among the most versatile defensive linemen in the country. He has already shown us what he can do as a three-four defensive end and many believe he will end up as a defensive tackle playing in a four-three scheme. Considering his athleticism and agility, if the Alabama product were to drop some weight he might be able to play some four-three end, particularly on early downs. Nevertheless, it says here he would be best served continuing to play in a “34-defense” where he can use his variety of skills. While opponents were well aware of Dareus prior to the BCS Championship game, there is little

Release: PFWA Announces Annual Awards

— FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —

A Super Bowl MVP quarterback, the defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals and a longtime league personnel director headline the annual awards announced today by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA).

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was voted the winner of the Good Guy Award, which goes to the player who best helped the media do its job.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Professional Football Writers Association with their annual Good Guy Award,” Brees said. “The media is our strongest connection to our fans and it is important that we make ourselves available and be accountable when the time calls for us to meet with the media. The media tell our story and I recognize the important job that they have. Joining a select group of previous winners such as Kurt Warner, Brett Favre, LaDainian

Statement from MWC Commissioner Thompson

MWC Board of Directors Concludes Annual Meeting:

Jackson, Wyo. – The Mountain West Conference Board of Directors wrapped up two days of meetings today at the Wort Hotel. Among the various items of Conference business discussed by the Board was an in-depth review of Conference membership.

“Given the uncertainty in the intercollegiate landscape and the potential for significant shifts in the immediate future, the Board did not make a decision to expand at the present time,” said Commissioner Craig Thompson. “The MWC will continue to monitor developments and conduct its due diligence to prepare for potential scenarios. Our membership is pleased with the strength of the Mountain West and looks forward to continued growth and development.”