| Player: |
Stephen Tulloch LB, Tennessee Titans 05/13/08, Time: 11:54 am |
| News: |
Starting middle linebacker Ryan Fowler says that he doesn't expect the right shoulder he injured late last season to ever heal completely. He says, however, that he'll play through it and that he'd be ready for game action now if he had to be. |
| Analysis: |
Even if it's slight, the inevitable limitation of a perpetually aching shoulder could give Tulloch a window to the job if he gets more reliable in covering his assignments. Fowler might also be open to greater risk of reinjury, which would force Tulloch into the lineup. Tulloch looks like a stronger IDP candidate, but he obviously isn't worth much as a backup. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Ryan Fowler LB, Tennessee Titans 05/13/08, Time: 11:51 am |
| News: |
Fowler says that the shoulder he tore up near the end of last season might never be 100 percent. He added, however, that he knows he'll just have to play through it and that he could play in a game now if he needed to. |
| Analysis: |
Fowler still appears to be in line to start in the middle for the Titans. A perpetually damaged shoulder, however, seems like it would be at greater risk for reinjury than a healthy one. This has to limit the already low IDP value he carries. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Brian Urlacher LB, Chicago Bears 05/13/08, Time: 11:43 am |
| News: |
Urlacher has told Michael Silver of Yahoo!, ?I would bet I wouldn?t be there,? referring to a mandatory minicamp that begins May 30. The middle linebacker is at odds with the team over a contract with four years remaining that he believes he has outperformed. |
| Analysis: |
This kind of griping has become customary in the spring and summer. The concern here is that a player with a deteriorating back and coming off winter neck surgery could probably use as much prep time before the season as possible. We'll never know for sure, but we'll see if missing workouts precipitates physical setbacks come training camp and the season. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Kevin Jones RB, Free Agent 05/13/08, Time: 10:36 am |
| News: |
Jones, still recovering from ACL surgery, visited with the Patriots last week in hopes of latching on. |
| Analysis: |
Jones may well be worth a flier by the Pats, provided his knee is sound. He could provide some depth at RB. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Jared Lorenzen QB, N.Y. Giants Giants 05/13/08, Time: 10:33 am |
| News: |
Lorenzen looks like he'll be battling Anthony Wright for the third QB role for the Giants, who have said they will only take three quarterbacks into training camp. David Carr appears to be the favorite at the moment as the backup to Eli Manning. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Justin McCareins WR, Tennessee Titans 05/13/08, Time: 10:30 am |
| News: |
McCareins took reps as a first team receiver during Titans' minicamp last week. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Jimmy Williams DB, Atlanta Falcons 05/13/08, Time: 9:47 am |
| News: |
Williams told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he angered coaches by checking in at around 230 pounds, rather than the 215 at which they want him. He also said that personal issues have drawn his focus away from football this off-season. |
| Analysis: |
As if the coaches needed anything else to hold against Williams. He has been a big disappointment since the Falcons made him their first pick in Round 2 of the 2006 draft. Williams sits third on the depth chart at free safety. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Kevin Everett TE, Buffalo Bills 05/13/08, Time: 9:08 am |
| News: |
Buffalo formerly released Everett on Monday, a formality for the tight end who suffered a career-ending kneck injury early in 2007. |
| Analysis: |
Everett, who is continuing to make astonishing progress with his rehab, will now be eligible to collect disability pay from the NFL. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Chris Baker TE, N.Y. Jets Jets 05/13/08, Time: 9:06 am |
| News: |
Baker was a no-show at voluntary workouts Monday, an act of protest for his contract situation. |
| Analysis: |
Baker is upset that recently signed Bubba Franks will be making as much money has he will this season, and Franks won't see the field nearly as much. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Marvin Harrison WR, Indianapolis Colts 05/13/08, Time: 9:03 am |
| News: |
Harrison has told Colts Coach Tony Dungy and team president Bill Polian that he was not involved in the recent shooting outside the bar he owns in Philadelphia. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Manny Lawson LB, San Francisco 49ers 05/13/08, Time: 7:30 am |
| News: |
Lawson was kept out of practices at the team's recent minicamp as he continues to rehab a torn ACL that cost him nearly all of his second season. Lawson said the knee feels good that he hopes to rejoin his mates when OTAs restart on June 2. |
| Analysis: |
Lawson is an intriguing player, but it's tough to know what to expect with so little to go on. Take a chance on him late in IDP drafts, but don't expect a dominating pass rusher. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Ray Edwards DE, Minnesota Vikings 05/13/08, Time: 7:22 am |
| News: |
Edwards will have to beat out Brian Robison to start at left end. According to Pro Football Weekly, Edwards has annoyed coaches with inconsistency and his four-game suspension at the end of last season. |
| Analysis: |
Edwards still looks like the favorite to me and could be a solid IDP sleeper. Both he and Robison are worth looks in relatively deep leagues. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Brian Robison DE, Minnesota Vikings 05/13/08, Time: 7:20 am |
| News: |
Robison apparently is competing with Ray Edwards for the starting left end job opposite Jared Allen. Robison is about 10 pounds lighter, 3 inches shorter and about two years older than Edwards, despite having one fewer season in the NFL. Robison started the final four games last season while Edwards was suspended and five games in all. None of his 4.5 sacks came in those five contests, though. |
| Analysis: |
Robison looks like a pass-rush specialist. For what it's worth, he was not on hand when the team introduced its new D-line to fans at a draft party on April 26. Edwards was. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Greg Spires DE, Oakland Raiders 05/13/08, Time: 7:05 am |
| News: |
Spires reached a one-year deal with the Raiders on Saturday. He spent the past six seasons as a starter in Tampa Bay before a calf injury cost him nearly the whole second half last year. Spires will turn 34 in August. |
| Analysis: |
Even at his age and after getting cut by Tampa, Spires could be the best candidate to start opposite Derrick Burgess. He'll need to beat out Jay Richardson and fellow newcomer Kalimba Edwards. None holds value in your IDP league. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Paul Spicer DE, Jacksonville Jaguars 05/13/08, Time: 6:58 am |
| News: |
Pro Football Weekly reports that a Jaguars source says the coaches are phasing out Spicer and Reggie Hayward, though the two will factor in this season. Spicer started 12 of his 15 games last season and matched his career high with 7.5 sacks. Jacksonville recently spent its first two draft picks on defensive ends. |
| Analysis: |
Spicer could be hard pressed to repeat his 2008 sack total with the rookies around, though the team could move him inside in rush situations. He's a marginal IDP candidate. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Reggie Hayward DE, Jacksonville Jaguars 05/13/08, Time: 6:31 am |
| News: |
Pro Football Weekly reports that a team source says that Hayward and fellow starting end Paul Spicer are being phased out of the Jaguar lineup. The two are expected to see significant time in 2008 and could even still start. However, Jacksonville is expected to rotate its top two picks -- Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves -- in heavily. |
| Analysis: |
I expect Harvey to take someone's job, and Hayward seems more likely than Spicer. Regardless of official starter status, ignore Hayward in your IDP league. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Larry Foote LB, Pittsburgh Steelers 05/13/08, Time: 6:25 am |
| News: |
Foote is facing a challenge from second-year 'backer Lawrence Timmons. Foote is bigger and stronger but lacks the speed of his younger teammate. |
| Analysis: |
Foote's in trouble, but he hasn't been anything special as an IDP anyway. Look for Timmons to be a stronger fantasy candidate. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Lawrence Timmons LB, Pittsburgh Steelers 05/13/08, Time: 6:23 am |
| News: |
Pro Football Weekly reports that Timmons played more confidently and instinctively at the team's recent minicamp. He's challenging incumbent Larry Foote for a starting inside linebacker spot. |
| Analysis: |
Timmons could be the favorite because of his speed and playmaking potential. He could be a nice IDP sleeper. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Adalius Thomas LB, New England Patriots 05/13/08, Time: 6:18 am |
| News: |
Pro Football Weekly reports that the Patriots won't put Thomas inside and rookie Jerod Mayo outside. Sources say the team sees Mayo as a long-term inside guy, so teaching him another position at first would merely stunt his growth. |
| Analysis: |
Thomas was more effective outside last season and played primarily outside during his most productive years in Baltimore. He'll be a better IDP for playing on the edge. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Junior Seau LB, New England Patriots 05/13/08, Time: 6:15 am |
| News: |
Jerod Mayo is reportedly favored to grab a starting job inside this season, which would seem to limit the team's need for Seau. The veteran only started four games last season, but he spent plenty of time on the field. He is currently unsigned. |
| Analysis: |
The Pats could still bring Seau in for linebacker depth, but Mayo's presence figures to at least limit the snaps Seau would see. Don't look for the old guy to be a fantasy factor again. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Jerod Mayo LB, New England Patriots 05/13/08, Time: 6:12 am |
| News: |
Pro Football Weekly reports that Mayo appears to be the favorite to win a starting inside linebacker spot and that speculation about the team starting him outside is wrong. The Patriots reportedly want Mayo to put on 15 more pounds, even if it costs him some speed. |
| Analysis: |
Junior Seau collected 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions in that spot last season. Matching that would certainly make for a useful IDP debut for Mayo. More likely, I'd expect more tackles and several fewer big plays. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Kevin Smith RB, Detroit Lions 05/12/08, Time: 11:48 am |
| News: |
Many observers in the Lions' organization feel that Smith will be the starting RB once the season gets underway. |
| Analysis: |
The third round pick will be locked in a battle with Tatum Bell for the job.(Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Tatum Bell RB, Detroit Lions 05/12/08, Time: 11:46 am |
| News: |
Bell showed up for Detroit's minicamp overweight, a fact not lost on Coach Rod Marinelli. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Kyle Boller QB, Baltimore Ravens 05/12/08, Time: 11:43 am |
| News: |
Boller took the majority of snaps during minicamp on Friday. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Joe Flacco QB, Baltimore Ravens 05/12/08, Time: 11:41 am |
| News: |
Count Ravens WR Derrick Mason as one who came away impressed with Flacco following Ravens minicamp over the weekend. Mason was pleased with the way Flacco commanded the huddle and his ability to throw long, accurate passes. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Mario Manningham WR, N.Y. Giants Giants 05/12/08, Time: 11:39 am |
| News: |
Manningham strained his hip flexor during drills Saturday at Giants minicamp. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Michael Turner RB, Atlanta Falcons 05/12/08, Time: 11:38 am |
| News: |
Turner practiced with the Falcons Saturday, a promising sign following his shoulder surgery after the season ended. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Darren McFadden RB, Oakland Raiders 05/12/08, Time: 11:34 am |
| News: |
McFadden caught a lot of passes over the weekend at Raiders minicamp, an encouraging sign because it's unlikely he'll be a featured back for the Raiders. |
| Analysis: |
With several other RB's on the roster, and Michael Bush also reportedly looking good this weekend, McFadden will at best share the load running the ball. The fact he can catch passes will increase his value. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Matt Ryan QB, Atlanta Falcons 05/12/08, Time: 11:30 am |
| News: |
Ryan wore a knee brace over the weekend during Atlanta's minicamp, a practice he also did while at Boston College. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Torry Holt WR, St. Louis Rams 05/12/08, Time: 11:28 am |
| News: |
Holt has two years left on his current deal with the Rams and suspects he'll walk once the deal runs out. He may choose to retire, or may try to head to his home state and play for the Carolina Panthers, depending on how he feels physically. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Steven Jackson RB, St. Louis Rams 05/12/08, Time: 11:26 am |
| News: |
Jackson, who is entering the final year of his current contract, says the Rams have yet to approach him about a new deal. |
| Analysis: |
Jackson went on to say he is confident he will get a new deal with the Rams and that he wants to stay in St. Louis. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Steve Slaton RB, Houston Texans 05/12/08, Time: 11:24 am |
| News: |
Salton had two fumbles in a non-contact practice over the weekend, a problem that seemingly is following him from his days at West Virginia. |
| Analysis: |
Houston RB coach Chick Harris downplayed the incident as "typical rookie mistakes", but it certainly won't help Slaton see any carries this season if it keeps up. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff) |
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Kellen Winslow TE, Cleveland Browns 05/12/08, Time: 11:21 am |
| News: |
Winslow is still recovering from recent knee surgery and is not expected to attend the Cleveland's OTA's. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Willis McGahee RB, Baltimore Ravens 05/12/08, Time: 11:20 am |
| News: |
It was revealed that McGahee was often pulled in the fourth quarter of games last year because of poor conditioning, something new Coach John Harbaugh hopes to rectify. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Troy Smith QB, Baltimore Ravens 05/12/08, Time: 11:18 am |
| News: |
Smith won the praise of new Coach John Harbaugh, who said he believes there is no question Smith can play QB in the NFL. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
| Analysis: |
Smith, Kyle Boller, and Joe Flacco are all vying for the starting job in Baltimore, one of the more intriguing QB battles to keep an eye on. |
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Andre Woodson QB, N.Y. Giants Giants 05/12/08, Time: 11:16 am |
| News: |
Woodson strained a quad on OTA's over the weekend, but the team expects him to be fine when the next set rolls around. |
| Analysis: |
Woodson is a project anyway, probably fighting for a spot as the team's third QB. (Marc Pruitt/SportsBuff.com) |
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Stephen Nicholas LB, Atlanta Falcons 05/12/08, Time: 6:55 am |
| News: |
Keith Brooking's shift back to the weakside doesn't bode well for Nicholas breaking into the lineup. Nicholas had been working with the first string at weakside linebacker before the rookies entered the picture. |
| Analysis: |
It looks like Brooking, Curtis Lofton and Michael Boley will be your starting Falcons linebackers. We'll probably have to wait at least another year to see if Nicholas can get onto the field. On the plus side for him, this could well be Brooking's final year in Atlanta. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Curtis Lofton LB, Atlanta Falcons 05/12/08, Time: 6:52 am |
| News: |
With Keith Brooking shifting back outside, Lofton is sharing middle linebacker duties with second-year man Tony Taylor. Brooking started in the middle last season, and his new defensive coordinator had previously said he wanted to keep Brooking there. |
| Analysis: |
Although the coaches say it isn't necessarily permanent, expect Brooking to stay outside and Lofton to start in the middle. Lofton should become a worthwhile IDP right away, though his overall impact could be limited by a weak line in front of him. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Keith Brooking LB, Atlanta Falcons 05/12/08, Time: 6:49 am |
| News: |
Brooking has been moved back to the weak side after spending all of 2007 starting in the middle. Head coach Mike Smith calls it probably his best position but also says that the move might not be permanent. The switch also comes just a few months after Smith's defensive coordinator said he wanted Brooking to stay in the middle. |
| Analysis: |
This is a good move for the Falcons defense and for Brooking, who is much better suited for the outside. Don't expect a big change in his IDP value, but playing outside will likely present more big-play opportunities. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Darren Howard DE, Philadelphia Eagles 05/12/08, Time: 6:44 am |
| News: |
Howard has been relegated to subbing in at tackle in nickel and goal-line packages and playing backup to end Trent Cole. According to The News Journal, however, Howard has lost 10 pounds and embraced his role. |
| Analysis: |
With all the new defensive lineman around in Philly, however, don't be surprised if Howard still gets cut before the regular season. He has fallen far short of his $30 million contract. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Roy Williams DB, Dallas Cowboys 05/12/08, Time: 6:38 am |
| News: |
The Cowboys safety told the Dallas Morning News that he felt good after a 90-minute meeting with coaches in Friday. Most importantly, he said that the coaches told him his involvement in the defense with increase. |
| Analysis: |
We'll how much of this is truth and how much is bluster in advance of a trade, but as long as Williams is on the field enough, he's bound to put up numbers. He did last season despite not clicking with the new defensive system. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Chris Long DE, St. Louis Rams 05/11/08, Time: 2:35 pm |
| News: |
Long reportedly looked good in weekend practices, with his coach saying that the rookie is working hard and pressuring the passer well at times. Long has also gotten pointers from veteran linemate Leonard Little. |
| Analysis: |
Look for Long to be a worthwhile IDP contributor quickly, especially if Little and Adam Carriker return to health for the regular season. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Leonard Little DE, St. Louis Rams 05/11/08, Time: 2:29 pm |
| News: |
Little was limited, but he did participate in individual drills and walk-throughs at the Rams' weekend minicamp. A broken toe limited him early last season before sending him to injured reserve. |
| Analysis: |
Little could be an IDP sleeper this season if his lost 2007 causes some owners to ignore him. Watch his health, but the addition of Chris Long on the opposite side should provide a boost. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Adam Carriker DT, St. Louis Rams 05/11/08, Time: 2:26 pm |
| News: |
Just four months after surgery for a torn labrum, Carriker managed to compete in most of the drills at the Rams' weekend minicamp. Coach Scott Linehan told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "It's amazing. ... Generally with an injury like that, it's four to six months before you can do anything. He'd probably be able to play a game if we had to." |
| Analysis: |
Though not an IDP threat himself, Carriker would help the value of his linemates and linebackers with his presence. It certainly appears that he'll be ready for the season. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Mario Williams DE, Houston Texans 05/11/08, Time: 2:21 pm |
| News: |
The weekend minicamp has left coach Gary Kubiak with nothing but wonderful things to say about his star pass rusher. "If you watch practice right now you see him at another level," he told reporters. |
| Analysis: |
Williams was an animal in the second half of 2007. A full season like that could have him challenging Jared Allen as the No. 1 IDP end in the league. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Ray Lewis LB, Baltimore Ravens 05/10/08, Time: 4:35 pm |
| News: |
Lewis tells the Carroll County Times that even if a contract extension isn't worked out by the time the season opens, it won't distract him from the team's goal. |
| Analysis: |
He seems like too determined a player to get sidetracked by the contract stuff anyway. Don't worry about Ray being focused. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Marcus Thomas DT, Denver Broncos 05/10/08, Time: 4:32 pm |
| News: |
Thomas has been cleared of the druc charges he faced as a result of being pulled over in a friend's car. The situation was particularly significant because Thomas got kicked off his college team for drug offenses. |
| Analysis: |
It's a good sign that he's been cleared in this case. Now, the biggest challenge to him making an impact this season might be the acquisition of Dewayne Robertson. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Leon Williams LB, Cleveland Browns 05/09/08, Time: 12:30 pm |
| News: |
Williams figures to head into training camp competing with Andra Davis for a starting job inside. Williams started nine games in his second season, registering 85 tackles and four sacks. |
| Analysis: |
Nearly five years younger and less expensive than Davis, Williams could have the upper hand. Even if he beats out Davis, though, he could face a challenge from rookie Beau Bell. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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Andra Davis LB, Cleveland Browns 05/09/08, Time: 12:09 pm |
| News: |
Davis will battle Leon Williams for a starting inside job this season, a year that appears likely to be Davis' last with the team. The team adjusted his contract over the winter and made 2008 the final season it covers. |
| Analysis: |
Davis' numbers dropped way off last season. With the addition of rookie Beau Bell at inside linebacker, I wouldn't be surprised if the veteran doesn't make it out of camp. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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D'Qwell Jackson LB, Cleveland Browns 05/09/08, Time: 11:27 am |
| News: |
According to the Canton Repository, Jackson appears locked in as a starter at inside linebacker. |
| Analysis: |
This is just as expected. Jackson has been the biggest standout inside for the Browns over the past couple of seasons. (Matt Schauf/SportsBuff.com) |
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