Brett Favre Elects To Return To Green Bay For One Year - ESPN

I personally believe this could have been handled as a non-issue by the Packers. Moreover, Brett does have the matter of his wife's health to consider. All they had to do was have two plans ready to go: one for if he comes back; one for if he doesn't return. They draft as if he's not going to come back, then they're ready. It made little sense to have this total circus, but we had one. Now, it's over.


From ESPN Wire Service:

Brett Favre informed the Packers on Tuesday that he will definitely play the 2006 season in Green Bay.

The NFL's only three-time MVP shared his decision with general manager Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy in a telephone conversation on Tuesday morning, the sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Tuesday night. Wednesday, Thompson confirmed the news.

"The Green Bay Packers are very pleased that Brett has come to this decision, and look forward to a successful 2006 season," Thompson said in a statement posted on the team's Web site Wednesday.

Packers president and CEO Bob Harlan said he was delighted that Favre was coming back -- something he expected to happen, despite Favre's four months of public wavering on the decision.

"I always said the calendar was working in our favor,'' Harlan said. "If he was going to [retire], he would have told us in January.''

Neither Favre nor McCarthy was available for immediate comment. Bus Cook, Favre's agent, did not return phone inquiries.

Favre, who had a roster bonus pushed back from March to July while he pondered his decision, has said that if he chose to play in 2006 that it would be his final season.

Favre said repeatedly after the 2005 season ended that he wasn't sure if he would come back to play a 16th season, saying he wasn't sure if he wanted to be part of what he saw as a possible long-term rebuilding effort.


Will Aaron Rodgers be a success as Favre's eventual replacement in Green Bay?
Yes
No

He also claimed he wasn't sure if the team wanted him and his hefty salary to be a part of that effort. He hinted that the team's moves in free agency would play a role in his decision to come back. Favre also questioned his own motivation to continue playing.
Favre, 36, is second to Hall of Famer Dan Marino in passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Marino is the leader with 61,361 yards, followed by Favre with 53,615 and Hall of Famer John Elway with 51,475.

An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Favre has made an NFL-record 221 consecutive starts for the Packers. He never had a losing record until last season, when Green Bay went 4-12 and he led the league with 29 interceptions.

But the fans at Lambeau Field did not want to see him go. After Green Bay closed a disappointing campaign with a win over Seattle on Jan. 1, Favre left the game with 46 seconds left after throwing for 259 yards and a touchdown and received a thunderous ovation from the sellout crowd.

Favre saluted the fans with a wave and was surrounded by a swarm of photographers as he ran off the field.

Favre extended his NFL-record streak of seasons with at least 20 touchdown passes to 12 and increased his career total to 396. He also established a career high with 372 completions last season, surpassing his previous high of 363 in 1994.

Marino, the NFL's most prolific quarterback, has 420 career TD passes and 4,967 completions.

Favre led the Packers to six division crowns and a Super Bowl title, restoring success to one of the NFL's most famous franchises.

The Packers fired coach Mike Sherman after the final game of the season and replaced him with McCarthy, who was Favre's quarterbacks coach in Green Bay during the 1999 season. They also re-signed running back Ahman Green, who missed most of last season because of a knee injury.

But Favre continued to waffle in the offseason as the Packers struck out on high-profile free agents.

His apparent decision to return comes despite the Packers' failure to answer the quarterback's call to make a "statement" signing in free agency similar to that of Reggie White in the 1990s.

Sticking to Thompson's stated philosophy of not splurging for the sake of splurging in the free-agent market, the Packers lost veteran kicker Ryan Longwell to the division rival Minnesota Vikings and lost out in the bidding for a potential replacement, free-agent kicker Adam Vinatieri, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Packers' two most high-profile free-agent signings have been former St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett and former Seattle Seahawks safety Marquand Manuel. The team has also re-signed fullback William Henderson and wide receiver Rod Gardener.

Seattle Seahawks Get Safety Mike Green From Chicago Bears - AP

Wow. Apparently Chicago believed they had someone better to fill the shoes of Green, who was the second leading tackler on the team in 2004. ..Course, he wasn't in 2005.

Associated Press

CHICAGO - The Seattle Seahawks acquired veteran safety Mike Green from the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round draft pick on Tuesday.

Taken with the and final pick in the 2000 draft from Northwestern State, Green had 437 total tackles (282 solo), six sacks, four interceptions and 27 pass breakups in six seasons with the Bears.

Green was second on the team to linebacker Brian Urlacher with a career-high 138 tackles in 2002 and 132 in 2004.

Six Players Who's Stock Has Fallen - One Of Them Is RB LenDale White

According to Mike Florio at Profootballtalk.com , six players have fallen in their "stock," which is the value placed on that person relative to other players of the almost 400 college football players under consideration for the 2006 NFL Draft

STOCK HAS DROPPED FOR SIX HIGH-PROFILE PLAYERS

Although there have not yet been any final-week disclosures or developments causing one or more of the draft-eligible players with name recognition to plummet this weekend, a broader look at the past several months reveals six guys who have seen their prospects for getting drafted early decline.

This information is based on our discussions with league sources, and thus is subject to the standard possibility that someone is knocking a guy in the hopes of making sure he's available at a lower round. In the end, where the guy is drafted is where the guy is drafted. (How freakin' profound.)

1. Mathias Kiawanuka, DE, Boston College.

Viewed by some as a top-five pick prior to the 2005 season, Kiawanuka will now be lucky to be selected on day one of the draft. The perception is that Kiawanuka had his "ass whupped" at the Senior Bowl, and that he showed no leg strength or intensity. Three teams that we know of have him rated as a fourth-rounder.

2. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech.

Williams is regarded by some league insiders as a "very bad dude" -- and not in the good way. We've heard that some teams have removed him completely from their boards.

3. Claude Wroten, DT, LSU.

We reported on Friday, citing three league sources, that Wroten tested positive at the combine. Although the teams know about the result, no one else in the media has made the connection between the positive result and the negative impact on his draft stock.

Wroten also was arrested on marijuana charges earlier this year, but the charges were dropped. To compound the problem, we're told that some teams were not enamored by his interviewing skills.

4. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State.

Before the 2005 season, he consistently was viewed as one of the top receivers in the country. His inconsistent hands are putting him in the round three range now.

5. Dominique Byrd, TE, USC.

Byrd was seen as one of the top two tight ends before the 2005 season. But a "brutal" pro day workout and a "lackadaisical attitude" have fueled a fall.

6. LenDale White, RB, USC.

For anyone who has been living under a rock or, even worse, on top of one, White is this year's poster child for how not to handle the run-up to the draft. A hamstring injury was disclosed when he showed up for his pro day workout. He managed a total of 15 reps in the 225-pound bench press.

At one point, White was a possible top-ten pick. Now, he'll be lucky to hear his name called by dinner time on Saturday. White's likely response?

NFL Suspends Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams For One Year

I listened to the news on ESPN. I feel sorry for Williams, as it wasn't for smoking anything, and it seems as if someone tried to get him in trouble. It also seems as if there's a kind of vendetta going on against sports agent Leigh Steinberg. First he looses Matt Leinart and after a questionable turn of events that the NFL Players Association seems blind to look into, now this.

NEW YORK Apr 25, 2006 (AP and ABC) -- Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's substance abuse policy for the fourth time.

The league announced the suspension after Williams' appeal of a his latest positive drug test was denied. Williams met with NFL counsel Jeff Pash on April 10 in an attempt to have the league overturn the test.

Previous positive tests were for marijuana, which Williams acknowledged using. The latest test apparently involved a drug other than marijuana.

Williams retired and sat out the 2004 season, but returned last year to play for new Miami coach Nick Saban.

Before being allowed to return, Williams served a four-game suspension at the start of the season for his third violation of the drug program. He ran for 743 yards and averaged 4.4 yards a carry while sharing playing time with rookie Ronnie Brown.

2006 NFL Draft - SBS NFL Business Blog Partnership With The Oakland Tribune

Thanks to ANG Newspapers, Sports Editor Jon Becker, I'm proud to report that I'll be working with the Oakland Tribune in my coverage of the NFL Draft. I'm going to be their "Man On The Scene" at The Draft in NYC.

Visit the Oakland Tribune's website at www.oaklandtribune.com for our Draft coverage on Saturday, and this blog nflbusinessblog.com for coverage of the Draft on the days leading up to the main event and during it as well. My aim is to make you feel as if you're there and behind the scenes, especially since I'm taking my camcorder.

The Oakland Tribune's website will also be the center for our videos and we'll have links and content from this blog to the Tribune's website and their popular Raiders Blog "Inside The Oakland Raiders" http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog

I'll also feed information to my good friend Oakland Tribune Columnist Monte Poole -- pictured at left -- as well.

It's going to be one big party! Join us!

Santonio Holmes In Miami Dolphins Draft Sights - Palm Beach Post

Holmes could be in Dolphins' plans

By Jeff Darlington
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

She never wanted her baby to fly so far away.

Yet Patricia Brown never argued. Never told her son he was wrong. Never questioned aloud his dreams, the ones that led Glades Central High School receiver Santonio Holmes to his college football career at Ohio State.

"I just thought it was a far place for him to go," Brown said, recalling her son's decision to leave South Florida four years ago. "But he said it's where he wanted to go. He said there were more opportunities than anywhere else."

As it turns out, those opportunities might earn Holmes a one-way ticket back to his mother's home — as a Dolphins draft pick.

Holmes is one of a several prospects in Saturday's NFL Draft projected to land somewhere in the range of the Dolphins' first-round pick — No. 16.

The Dolphins are looking for cornerbacks, linebackers, offensive linemen and receivers and Holmes certainly fits the description of what coach Nick Saban is looking for in a playmaker.

"Typically, people who can score touchdowns or create big plays, whether they affect the quarterback on defense or make the plays down the field, are guys that have a little bit more impact," said Saban, who has said his picks will be based more on the value of a particular player than on a need for a specific position.

In several recent mock drafts, Holmes has been listed all over the board — sometimes early in the first round and other times late. Todd McShay, an analyst for Scouts, Inc., has Miami selecting Holmes.

That's not a stretch, considering that the Dolphins would like to add a third receiver behind Chris Chambers and Marty Booker.

Holmes — and Florida receiver Chad Jackson — has had a pre-draft meeting with the Dolphins.

"Holmes and Jackson will probably be the only two receivers drafted in the first round," said Frank Coyle, head scout and draft analyst for draftinsiders.com. "You could make a case for three or four clubs taking (Holmes) in the middle of the first."

When Holmes, a junior, declared early for the draft, he was considered the top receiver in the class. But while his top-10 potential has slipped, Jackson's stock has risen after he posted his fastest 40-yard dash times at the scouting combine.

That's not to say Holmes isn't getting some long looks. He finished his three-year Ohio State career with 140 catches, including 25 touchdown receptions.

"Although he is an underclassman, and he still needs to be polished, he's an explosive playmaker," said Chris Landry, a former NFL scout who now serves as a consultant to NFL teams. "He has long arms and he's really strong in the lower body. He also has the speed to consistently beat defenders."

Any recent drops in Holmes' draft projections haven't affected his confidence. At 5-feet-10, 198 pounds, he described himself at the scouting combine as an "all-around playmaker.... One of the best wide receivers possibly in the game right now."

"Looking at all the things I've accomplished — the way I play on the field, the way I block, carry myself, leadership — I have all the ability to be a great wide receiver," Holmes said.

This weekend, Holmes will return to South Florida from Ohio, where he is currently pursuing his degree. Hundreds of family and friends are expected at his mother's home on draft day.

There, they'll watch with Patricia Brown to see if her baby is coming back to South Florida.

"It would probably be too close to home for him," Brown joked. "That means I would have to see him more. It'd be fine with me, but he probably wouldn't like it very much."

BUCS OWNER MALCOLM GLAZER RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Malcolm Glazer was released today from the Cleveland Clinic after suffering a stroke last Sunday, April 16. The stroke has
impaired Mr. Glazer’s speech and mobility in his right arm and leg.
“On behalf of the entire Glazer family, I want to thank everyone at the Cleveland Clinic for their outstanding care,” said Joel
Glazer. “My father’s spirits are high and doctors expect his condition to improve with rehabilitation.”
Copyright 1999 - 2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

www.buccaneers.com

Matt Leinart's Favorite Things

Ok, now you know everything about SC's Matt Leinart. Well this and the reminder that he did lose to Cal.

On his new website, http://www.mattleinartqb.com he lists his favorite things. There are some interesting matches. For example, his favorite color is green and his city to visit is New York. If that's not a clear signal that he wants to be drafted by the NY Jets, I don't know what is.



Matt Leinart's Favorite Things:

Color - Green
Food - Italian
Movie - Wedding Crashers
Actor - Jim Carey
Car - Chevy Tahoe
Football Team - USC
Basketball Team - Lakers
Baseball Team - Dodgers
City to Visit - NY
Vacation - Houseboating
Football Moment - Holding the Crystal Ball
Class in School - Social Psychology
Book - To Kill a Mockingbird
Animal - Dog
Video Game - Halo
Favorite Activity - Video Games
Restaurant - Wahoos Fish Tacos

NFL Draft - Cowboys Colts Trade? Playmaker88 Thinks So

Playmaker 88 gives a well-reasoned explaination why the Indianapolis Colts may wind up with the Dallas Cowboys 18th pick in the first round the the NFL Draft. Check it out via clicking on the title of this post.

Chilling Effects Clearinghouse

I found this website that shows how bloggers can protect themselves from threats related to their content. Check out
Chilling Effects

Publicity Surrounding Leinart Shines Light On Steve Clarkson's "Air 7 QB Academy"

Who's Steve Clarkson? Well, he's the guy working out USC's Matt Leinart in the photo. This one taken in 2005. He's also worked Leinart out this year, and is a key member of Team Leinart.

This bio I found on his old website reveals all, but before I subject you to a long read let me inform you that he's got a great relationship with former USC and now Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow, at least that's what Clarkson reports on his website.

It may be this relationship that caused Leinart to consider the agent switch to begin with. It may be that Matt believed that this relationship -- and not Leigh Steinberg -- was the key to his becoming a Titan.

It also sheds light on why some believed that Ben Rothelisberger might switch to CAA, now that the movie talent giant's football practice is marketing Mr. Clarkson's Air 7.

Whatever the story, it's clear that Mr. Clarkson's relationships -- or more accurately his maintenance of them -- is paying off.

Well, check out this bio on Clarkson:

What separates Steve and Air 7 from the rest is Steve's ability to parlay his relationships into the strongest network of college coaches and contacts among anyone who works in football at the high school level. His success as a quarterback coach, combined with the personal relationships he developed as a player and a coach, have given his students a much greater chance of getting to the next level.

Not only a quarterback coach, Steve excels as an offensive coordinator, having produced city championships (Carson HS), record setting quarterbacks (Perry Klein - Pacific Palisades, David Koral - Palisades, John Walsh - Carson, and Steve Sarkisian - El Camino) and providing fans an exciting glimpse into the future of the passing offense.

Steve is a 1979 graduate of LA Wilson High School. During that time, Steve led his Wilson High team to three LA City Championships with a three year record of 39-1. In addition, he was named to the All-City teams his Junior and Senior seasons and was the All-City Player of the Year in 1978. In that season, he led the state in passing yards and total offense. In the early 80s, Clarkson was a record-setting quarterback at San Jose State where he wore the number seven (hence the name of his company). He was briefly in the NFL and CFL with Denver and Saskatchawan. While at San Jose State, he was a three year starter name to the Academic All-American teams in 1981 and 1982. He played for Jack Elway (John's father) and Dennis Erickson where he went on to coach at the University of Miami and then with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.

The creation of the CaliFlorida Bowl HS All-Star Football game has allowed Steve to communicate directly and frequently with scores of college football head coaches, most notably Pete Carroll (USC), Karl Dorrell (UCLA), Mark Richt (Georgia) and Phillip Fulmer (Tennessee).

Having spent the last 20 years in the field of football training and coaching, Steve has developed relationships with: Bill Walsh (San Francisco 49ers); Jack Kemp (Current President of USA Football, Former Congressmen and Buffalo Bills Quarterback); Dennis Erickson (Steve’s godfather, former head coach at U of Miami, OSU & SF 49ers); Terry Donohue (Former UCLA head coach & SF 49er GM); John Elway (Hall of Fame QB); Mike Price (UTEP) Bill Walsh; Mike White (Kansas City Chiefs QB Coach) and NFL Rookie of the Year, Ben Roethlisberger (a client of Steve).

Among Steve’s closest professional relationships, is the one he has with Norm Chow. Norm and Steve have a strong relationship dating back to the early 80’s. Initially, the relationship began when Norm had great success at BYU, utilizing quarterbacks who had trained under Clarkson (John Walsh & Steve Sarkisian). Since those days, the two have become good friends as well. Most recently, the common bond has been Matt Leinart, a pupil of Steve’s, who became Norm’s most recent Heisman Trophy winning quarterback.

Matt Leinart Meets Raiders Owner Al Davis At Raiders Headquarters

I found this at Matt Leinart's new website mattleinartqb.com . He writes that he went to dinner in the Marina, which is really funny because that Thursday nigh of last week, I thought I saw a guy who looked just like Matt at The Balboa Cafe, which is in the Marina District of San Francisco.

Hmmm.....


QB meets with Raiders, Saints

It's been a long few days. I'm excited to be back home in L.A. It's been fun to meet everybody and go to the different places, but I'm definitely ready to get this over with.

As I'm writing this entry, I'm at my agent Chuck Price's house. I'm watching his two daughters dance to some Disney show. They're like the little sisters I never had. I'm kind of like their big brother.

I've been so busy traveling this week I haven't had a chance to talk to anybody.

Wednesday, I woke up at 4 a.m, and went to the airport to get on a flight to New Orleans. I had a layover in Houston. I got there and talked to the Saints' coaches. I met with the head coach Sean Payton, quarterbacks' coach Pete Carmichael, Jr. and general manager Mickey Loomis.

Coach Payton is a great guy. He'll be calling the plays in New Orleans. All the coaches I've met have been great, but coach Payton was really cool. I got along with him well.

Even though it was hot and humid in New Orleans, it was a good experience. What the city and people went through was horrible. I'm not one of those guys who would say I don't want to be with the Saints because of what happened to the city. It would be great to play for the Saints. To be there, to feel it, and talk about the community with the coaches was a very cool thing.

We had a nice BBQ dinner at my hotel after I got a tour of the Saints' facilities. It was really informal. I was there with coach Payton, offensive coordinator Doug Marrone, coach Carmichael and Mikey Loomis. We just kind of hung out and shot the breeze.

Thursday, I had an 8 a.m flight to Oakland to meet with the Raiders. After I arrived, I took a nap. I finally had a chance to catch up on some sleep.

I went out to dinner Thursday night with the quarterbacks' coach Jim McElwain. Everyone calls him "coach Mac." We went to dinner in the marina. We were right on the water. We had an awesome talk. This is his first year in the NFL. He's coming from college at Michigan State where he coached quarterbacks. He's a younger coach and very laid back.

The Raiders' facilities are right by the airport. It was really convenient. Everything was in silver and black.

After meeting with coach Shell, and watching film with offensive coordinator Tom Walsh and coach Mac, I met with Mr. Al Davis.

Mr. Davis and I met for 15 or 20 minutes in his office. I've never met him before. I told him that I've been a Raiders' fan for a long time. My brother and dad are also big fans of the Raiders.

Mr. Davis is so highly respected. He coached at USC a while ago. We talked about everything from my career to players he coached. I asked him about his quarterback situation. At USC, I was called "The Snake", which is Kenny Stabler's nickname. Stabler was his quarterback a long time ago, so it was pretty cool. Stabler was a lefty too. Mr. Davis actually said when he was watching film I reminded him of Stabler!

It was a cool experience. Mr. Davis is a legend. He's extremely smart. He's really the guy that started the NFL.

I got back to L.A on Friday. The plan for this weekend is to relax.

I played golf on Saturday with my brother Ryan, Chuck and a couple buddies. I still haven't gotten my golf clubs that I was fitted for. I had to borrow them from my attorney. As you know, I have the tendency to throw my clubs so I'm almost glad they haven't arrived. Once I start practicing, I'll be decent. I just haven't had the time.

I plan on packing this weekend for New York. I leave on Tuesday. I thought I would have more of an idea about who is going to draft me, but I still don't know. I probably won't know until draft day. It's a toss-up. That's the scary and cool part about it.

It will be great to go anywhere.

I'm excited and can't wait to get it over.

Ties Between Bush, Parents, and House May Be Coincidental - Bush To Associated Press

Hold on Cal and Vince Young fans. USC may not be in danger of losing scholarships, and Vince Young may not be given the Heisman that currently rests somewhere in the home of Reggie Bush.

Read this


Bush says Parents leased house being scrutinized by Pac-10
USC star says story has been blown out of proportion

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Former Southern California star Reggie Bush said there was nothing inappropriate about his family's living arrangement at a home owned by a man who reportedly sought to market him because they leased the house.

"It's kind of funny how this whole story is getting blown out of proportion," Bush said in a live ESPN interview Monday.


The Pac-10 said Sunday that it will investigate whether any NCAA rules were violated when Bush's family, including mother Denise Griffin, stepfather LaMar Griffin and brother Jovan Griffin lived in the Spring Valley, Calif., house while Bush was still playing for USC last season.

Bush declined to say who paid the rent.

The home was owned by Michael Michaels, who reportedly attempted to steer Bush toward signing with San Diego agent David Caravantes, and sought to handle Bush's marketing with a new firm he had founded, Yahoo.com reported Sunday.

NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes and their families from receiving extra benefits from agents or their representatives.

"When this is all said and done, everybody will see at the end of the day that we've done nothing, absolutely nothing wrong," said Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.

Bush chose to turn pro after his junior season with USC and is expected to be the No. 1 pick in Saturday's NFL draft. He eventually signed with a different agent and marketing firm; his agent, Joel Segal, and Mike Ornstein, who handles marketing, did not immediately return telephone messages left Monday by The Associated Press.

Yahoo reported that the family moved out last weekend after questions over its ownership arose. Bush suggested that the timing of the move was coincidental.

"That's the funny thing," he said. "We've been looking for a house for two to three months. Now that I'm in the position of buying my parents a house, we've even made a bid on another house, but it ended up being too steep for my pocket."

Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen said Monday that a Pac-10 investigation could start soon, but gave no specific time frame. USC could forfeit its 2005 Pac-10 football title if Bush is ruled ineligible, he said.

"I'm not a rules expert, but I think one of the available penalties would be forfeiture of games if you compete while ineligible," Hansen said at the Bowl Championship Series meetings in Phoenix. "I want to caution that that's a long way from where we are now. And I think all of us have seen that so often there are allegations made and when you get to the heart of the matter there' s nothing there."

Any violation could also put Bush in a precarious position with the organization that awards the Heisman Trophy; the award ballot states that the winner must be in compliance with NCAA rules. Heisman officials will wait until the Pac-10 investigation is complete before deciding if any action needs to be taken, said Heisman Trophy Trust spokesman Tim Henning.

The Trojans went 12-1 last season, losing to Texas in the national championship game at the Rose Bowl. USC coach Pete Carroll was on the road recruiting Monday and was unavailable for comment.

The two-story house sits on a corner on a steep hill in an unincorporated area outside San Diego. The back yard is bare dirt and the pavement of the driveway apron is inscribed with the words "The Griffins '05.'"

San Diego County records show the 3,002-square-foot home has an assessed value of $339,394, including $99,394 for the land. State records showed construction was completed in early 2005 and Michaels purchased it for more than $757,000 in late March.

In a statement to the AP on Monday, William David Cornwell Sr., attorney for Bush and his mother and stepfather, said the tailback had no connection to the house.

"Reggie Bush was a full-time student at the University of Southern California and never lived in the house," Cornwell said. "As is the case with most 20-year-old college students, Reggie was not aware of personal or financial arrangements relating to his parents or their house. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin now realize that, given Reggie's profile, their personal decisions can reflect on their son."

Bush did not answer a question about his relationship with Michaels.

"There will be a later time for details," he said. "As of right now, it's still early and we don't want to get into all that."

In Crack-Induced Haze, ESPN's Michael Smith Writes That The Texans Should Take Mario Williams Over Reggie Bush

I love ESPN's Michael Smith. At Super Bowl XL in Detroit I asked him who his favorite team was "No one. None of 'em" was his quick witted response. I also enjoy his straight on conversational take on the NFL's Minority Hiring Problem.

But I don't agree with his latest column, which goes like this:

"Let me begin by assuring you that, to my knowledge, I never have suffered a head injury, not even a minor one. I've never used/abused recreational or prescription drugs. And it has been well over a week since I last consumed any alcohol. Also rest assured that when I wrote the following, I did so with a straight face.

With the first pick of the 2006 NFL draft, the Houston Texans should not select running back Reggie Bush of Southern California. And my reason has nothing to do with the recent report that his family allegedly accepted extra benefits during Bush's junior season.

And sorry, Houstonians, this isn't another plea for the Texans to pass over Bush in favor of University of Texas quarterback (and hometown hero) Vince Young.

They shouldn't trade down, either, or they might miss out on the player they should take. Mario Williams, the North Carolina State defensive end, should be the Texans' pick.

Choosing Williams over Bush is the smart choice if not the most popular. It isn't that Williams is the better player; a college scouting director whom I swear by told me that Bush is the best player he's ever evaluated, that Bush received a rating one point below perfect on his scale, while Williams graded out one point behind Bush. So I believe the Texans are in fact torn between Bush and Williams, whom they have rated equally atop their draft board."

The statistic that only four Super Bowl winners had running backs drafted in the first round is misleading. Yes, offense sells tickets and defense wins championships, but the vast majority of Super Bowl winners have had record-setting defenses made up of a collection of mid-first round and mostly-late round draft choices. Plus, the stat leads the uninformed and unsophistocated person to assume that every Super Bowl winner was able to draft a running back with the first pick in the first round.

No.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say this: Mario Williams will never be the difference maker that Reggie Williams can be because a team can game plan to go away from him. They cvan use his speed against him. And as long as there are other weaknesses on the Texans defense, one player will not make the difference.

But a defense that keys on Reggie Bush can be hurt by play-action. Nuff said. That defense will then have the chore of just trying to catch lightining in a bottle. What Smith and others forget is this: speed kills.

In this election, I vote for Bush.

Maryland TE Vernon Davis - A Video Look Before the NFL Draft

Vernon Davis, Maryland's tight end and one of the top picks in the NFL Draft is causing many GM's to change who's near the top of their leader boards.

At 6'3 263 pounds and posting a blazzing 4.38 time in the 40-yard dash, Davis is not only an even better athlete than last year's TE pick Matt Jones, who went to Jacksonville, but unlike Jones played at that position in college, rather than being converted to it.

Several teams can benefit from Davis' right away: the Titans, 49ers, Packers, and Raiders for starters. It's not likely he's last beyond the 4th pick.

Here's a video of Vernon Davis at work:

Reggie Bush's Parents Abruptly Move From Home - Yahoo! Sports Robinson Reports House May Have Been Purchased By Bush's Agent

This will not impact his Draft position, but it may harm his level of expenses. Nice work by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports

Yahoo! Sports report: Reggie Bush's family home
By Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
April 23, 2006


SPRING VALLEY, Calif. – In this sprawling hilltop community with a breathtaking view of Sweetwater Lake, it was no secret who lived in the 3,000-square-foot house at the corner of Apple Street and Luther Avenue.

That home, residents would tell you, was where Reggie Bush's family lived.

That is, until this weekend, when the family abruptly packed up and vacated the residence – less than 24 hours after Yahoo! Sports approached Bush's mother about information linking the property to Michael Michaels, a man who is alleged to have tried to play a role in steering Bush toward an agent and who also has ties to a sports marketing company.

Days before Bush is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, unanswered questions about the residence and how his mother, stepfather and brother came to live in it within the last year have prompted the University of Southern California to refer the matter to the Pacific-10 Conference for an investigation.

NCAA statutes prohibit student-athletes or their families from receiving extra benefits from professional sports agents, marketing companies or their representatives. A breach of these statutes could result in an athlete being ruled ineligible, and games in which they played could be forfeited.

ADVERTISEMENT

USC finished 12-1 last season, its 35-game winning streak and national championship bid both ending with a loss in the Rose Bowl to Texas. Bush, a junior running back, won the Heisman Trophy and elected to skip his senior season and turn pro in January.

In response to reporters' questions about the matter late last week, USC athletic department officials said they would look into it.

"Rather than jumping to conclusions, we need to determine the facts before commenting on this report," Trojans athletic director Mike Garrett said in a statement released by the school on Friday. "We have asked the Pac-10 to look into this."

State records show the Apple Street home was built in late 2004 and early 2005, then purchased by Michaels on March 29, 2005 for $757,500. Around that time, neighbors say Bush's family moved in. Whether they had visited the house while it was being built is unknown, but there is an inscription in one of the cement slabs in the driveway reading "The Griffins '05."

Michaels is the only person who has been listed on the deed to the home.

Bush's mother, Denise Griffin, was approached in the driveway of the house on Thursday, but declined to comment.

"I have absolutely nothing to say," Griffin said when asked about ownership of the property, which is where Bush's mother, stepfather LaMar and brother Jovan lived during USC's 2005 season.

Before moving to the house on Apple Lane, Bush's family was listed as living in an apartment elsewhere in Spring Valley, a community located about 13 miles east of San Diego.

At some point after Bush's family moved into the residence, Michaels and an associate named Lloyd Lake are said to have contacted San Diego-based sports agent David Caravantes and offered to facilitate Bush's recruitment. A source with intimate knowledge of the meeting said it took place during the 2005 college football season and that Michaels was looking for a local agent to handle the contract negotiations for players he intended to sign to his marketing firm.

Michaels and Lake told Caravantes they were planning to start a sports marketing agency with Bush as their anchor client. It was also during this meeting that Michaels and Lake mentioned the potential name of the agency: New Era Sports & Entertainment.

The pitch to Caravantes was said to have been simple: He would be Bush's agent and Michaels' marketing creation would handle the promotion of the USC star. At some point after pitching this idea, Michaels informed Caravantes that Bush's family was living in a home Michaels owned. Caravantes isn't believed to have met with Bush and was never considered to be in the mix before the USC star hired Reebok adviser Mike Ornstein and agent Joel Segal of Worldwide Football Inc. as his representatives.

Repeated attempts to reach Segal and Bush were unsuccessful.

While it's unclear what official role Michaels played in New Era Sports, indications are that the company barely got off the ground – if at all. According to corporation filings in California, paperwork for New Era Sports & Entertainment was drawn up on Nov. 23, 2005, and records list the business address in Los Angeles under an attorney named Phillip M. Smith Jr.

Contacted late last week, Smith Jr. refused to talk about New Era Sports – even declining to give public details such as a phone number for the company, where the New Era offices were located or who was serving as the company's current president or manager.

Asked why he wouldn't provide such information, Smith ended the brief telephone conversation, saying, "That's really not an issue that I want to deal with." He has failed to return multiple follow-up messages left at his office.

Further attempts to identify New Era produced a single web page with a company logo (http://newerasports.tv/) that contains no active links to indicate where New Era is located, what services are provided or how the company could be contacted. Searches also produced the internet blogs of three self-proclaimed employees of New Era Sports. One such blog included the company logo of New Era and pictures of several NFL players. That blog was taken down shortly after Yahoo! Sports obtained a hard-copy of the page.

Contacted about his alleged meeting with Michaels, Caravantes declined to comment.

Michaels – who is a member of the Sycuan Indian Tribe and works as a business development officer for the tribe's development corporation – failed to return multiple phone calls and was unavailable when Yahoo! Sports visited his home on three occasions this weekend.

The Sycuan tribe, which owns a casino and resort and is engaged in a number of business enterprises in the San Diego area, denied any knowledge of Michaels' relationship with the Bush family.

"The tribe is not aware of his involvement," said spokesman Adam Day, who had been approved to speak for the Sycuan's tribal government. "Any involvement that he has in this situation is his personal involvement. It has no connection or correlation to the tribe, its businesses or Mike's employment by the tribal development corporation.

"What tribal members do on their own time is their own business. It's not the business of the tribe."

Back at the house on Apple Street on Saturday afternoon, the moving trucks had come and gone. A flier offering cleaning services for movers was hung on the front door, and all the shades had been drawn shut. Through a garage window, only a few empty cardboard boxes and straggling trinkets were visible.

Across the street, neighbor Grant Sitton could only shrug.

"I don't know, I guess it didn't work out," Sitton said. "Oh well. They have a big payday coming next week anyway."

Charles Robinson is the national NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send him a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Fired CIA Operative Mary McCarthy Was A Democratic Supporter (Yeah!)

Just One Minute Blog has a great expose on the contributions of fired CIA operative Mary McCarthy

Fired CIA Operative Mary McCarthy Was A Democratic Supporter (Yeah!)

Just One Minute Blog has a great expose on the contributions of fired CIA operative Mary McCarthy

Letterman's Top Ten Bush Moments - He Forgot The China Press Conference

I must open by stating that I do feel sorry for President Bush in that he's only human and can't be enjoying the constant stream of negative information and views on his presidency. That written, we all do funny things, and in America, the president is not immune from coverage of his more comedic moments, especially as he presents them for us.

David Letterman presents the "Top Ten" Moments of President George W. Bush. The Letterman video is below. But Letterman totally forgot the one time President Bush was holding a press conference and China and tried to litterally escape the media via a door that didn't open for him!

That video's below this one and both are from You Tube:



Here's the now famous China Press Conference Video:

NFL COMMISSIONER SEARCH COMMITTEE HIRES KORN / FERRY FOR SEARCH PROCESS

I guess Roger Goodell -- while still the front runner -- isn't out of the woods yet.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NFL-25 4/21/06
COMMITTEE SELECTS KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL
TO ASSIST IN SEARCH FOR NEW COMMISSIONER

The eight-member ownership committee leading the search for a new NFL
commissioner has selected the executive search firm of Korn/Ferry International to assist in
the process, committee co-chairs Jerry Richardson and Dan Rooney announced today.
Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY) is one of the world’s leading executive recruiters,
having conducted more than 100,000 senior-level searches since its founding in 1969. Based
in Los Angeles, Korn/Ferry has 70 offices worldwide and has worked with many of the world’s
top companies. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul Reilly will lead Korn/Ferry’s team
on the NFL search.

The members of the search committee, in addition to Richardson and Rooney, are Al
Davis of the Oakland Raiders, Lamar Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs, Woody Johnson of the
New York Jets, Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots,
and Mike McCaskey of the Chicago Bears.

The committee will consider in the search process individuals of diverse experiences
both inside and outside the NFL and assist the league’s full ownership in reaching a
consensus on the person to be chosen as the league’s next commissioner. The selection of a
new commissioner requires the approval of 22 of 32 clubs.

The committee will report to the clubs on a regular basis during the search process,
including at a regularly scheduled league meeting on May 23-24 in Denver.
Paul Tagliabue, who has served as NFL commissioner since 1989, announced on
March 20 that he is retiring.
# # #

Lavar Arrington Becomes A NY Giant; Signs Deal For 7-Years At $49 Million - AP

NEW YORK -- LaVar Arrington signed with the New York Giants on Saturday, giving him a chance to play twice a year against his former team and helping fill a huge gap at linebacker for the NFC East champions.

Arrington agreed to a $49 million, seven-year deal late Friday, according to Kevin Poston, one of his agents. Poston didn't say how much was guaranteed but Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi indicated that it includes performance bonuses.

Arrington reportedly had been seeking as much as $18 million guaranteed and a $58 million deal, one reason Arrington stayed on the market while dozens of other players signed during the first few weeks of the free-agent period.

"We needed a big, power player to add to our defense and LaVar Arrington is that," Accorsi said. "He has a presence about him and he makes us a better football team.

"The agreement is a fair deal for the player and a fair deal for the organization."

Arrington, the third overall pick in the 2000 draft and a three-time Pro Bowler, bought his way out of Washington in March for $4.4 million after a tempestuous final two seasons in which he suffered from knee injuries and was benched by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for freelancing. He took a physical with the Giants on Thursday to ensure that his knees were healthy.

He joins a defense that features the defensive end tandem of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, who last year combined for 26 sacks. Both made the Pro Bowl and Umenyiora, in his third year, was an All-Pro.

Arrington also fills a huge hole for the Giants, who lost all three starting linebackers late last season to injuries and went into the playoffs with a backup and two recently signed free agents.

Last week, the Giants signed free agent Brandon Short, who played for them from 2000-2003. The addition of Arrington means the team could turn its attention to another position in the first round of next week's draft, perhaps cornerback or defensive tackle.

Poston said Green Bay, Jacksonville and Miami all were in the running for the 27-year-old Arrington. But in the end, he said, his client decided that he wanted to play against Washington twice a season and for Tim Lewis, New York's defensive coordinator.

"It came down to LaVar feeling most comfortable going to a good team in a familiar division with a defensive coordinator that he loves," Poston said.

Texans Now Talking Contract With Reggie Bush...And Mario Williams

A bit interesting this Houston Chron story, because just a day ago, Bush said he didn't want a $30 million signing bonus. A comment I'm sure sent his agent in search of Pepto Bismal.

April 22, 2006, 1:30AM
NFL
Bush, Texans try to hash out a deal
Team negotiator, USC star's agent exchange ideas

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

One week before the NFL draft, the Texans intensified negotiations with running back Reggie Bush in an attempt to get the Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California signed in time to make him the first overall pick.

Vice president of football administration Dan Ferens, who handles negotiations, exchanged contract proposals with agent Joel Segal. There are expected to continue negotiations as the Texans try to sign Bush before the draft.

Although no one in the organization will admit it publicly, owner Bob McNair prefers the top pick to be signed by the time commissioner Paul Tagliabue announces the Texans' selection at 11 a.m. on April 29.

Neither side would comment Friday on the negotiations.

The primary issue will be guaranteed money. Quarterback Alex Smith, taken first by San Francisco last year, received $24 million in guaranteed money. Segal is expected to argue that Bush deserves more because players almost always get an increase from the previous year.

How much more could be a sticking point. The Texans, known for overpaying players, will argue that Bush is a running back and doesn't deserve a huge increase over what a quarterback was paid the previous year.

The Texans also are interested in North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. He's the best defensive player in the draft. Ferens has been in contact with Ben Dogra, who represents Williams.

Apple I-Pod - Video Introduction By Steve Jobs

The Apple I-Pod is as common and present as the car, and far easier to maintain. But seriously, it's fascinating to see the impact -- for good and bad -- this product has on American society. Some people use it to litterally tune out the World -- especially at the gym. Others buy it to download and liten to podcasts.

But with all this, it's easy to forget that the I-Pod was introduced with little fan fare in 2001. In this Video, Steve Jobs not only introduces the then-new device, but presents us with the simple and powerful business logicv behind it.

For example, he states that music is something we all consume to some degree. He's right.

Here's Steve Jobs presenting the I-Pod.

The Great Chinese Fake-Out

When I first saw this title, I thought it was a Chinese CIA-type leak. But it's a pretty interesting take via Maureen Dowd. By the way, how is it that the New York Times manages to have op-ed columnists who's writings constantly reach the top of Technorati searches? What's up?

The Great Chinese Fake-Out
By Maureen Dowd
The New York Times


Dick and Rummy are in Karl's old office, eating Chinese leftovers.

"Serves Karl right, by golly," Rummy says. "He's so arrogant. Won't listen to anybody about anything. Goodness gracious, imagine having somebody in such an important job who doesn't take any advice or pay attention to dissenting opinions. An autocrat ruthlessly ruling over his own little kingdom. Even Laura can't stand his peacock-preening."

Dick grunts his assent, his mouth full of ginger-scented dumplings.

The Bush mandarins are feeling more sweet than sour. It's been a fun week, sidelining Rove, firing the C.I.A. officer who was a source for reporters (including for The Washington Post's Pulitzer-winning articles) on the agency's overseas gulag, plotting against Iran, messing with China's head, rolling like a Tiananmen tank over the retired generals who tried to lead a democratic uprising against Rummy.

"Here's to winning the Battle of the Potomac," Rummy said with a wolfish grin, clinking Scotch glasses with Dick. "Another tactical mistake by the military."

The Kid whizzes down the West Wing hall on his Razor scooter. "Hey, dudes, listen to my fortune cookie," he calls out. " 'Though effective, appear to be ineffective.' " Dick and Rummy exchange knowing looks.

"Hu's on first?" Rummy howls, and cracks up, as he does every time he makes the joke. "Those Commies got what was coming to them. They're still trying to figure out how we could ruin Hu's trip by letting some woman with a press pass from The Falun Gong Gazette onto the White House lawn to heckle him.

"How the Dickens do they think? We let her in! That little Commie thought he could come here and act like we're the second-rate power, like we're supposed to kowtow to him just because China can call in its marker anytime on hundreds of billions of our national debt. This is America! We love dissidents on the press platform, as long as they're dissing the president of some other country."

"Hu let her in?" Dick says out of one side of his mouth. He may be laughing, or it may be a coronary.

"You let her in!" Rummy yelps, never tiring of their Abbott and Costello routine. "Boo-hoo," Dick growls. "Poor Hu."

"If we can let a male prostitute into presidential press conferences, why not a Falun Goolagong propagandist?" Rummy says. "What a gas that was, having the White House announcer call the People's Republic of China the Republic of China, as if we didn't know the difference? We know, all right. Taiwan's our democratic ally.

"What have the Commies done for us? They're killjoys who tolerate negotiations without end. They opposed the Iraq war. They're worthless on North Korea. They don't want us to bomb Iran. They support Chavez, or any other left-wing, U.S.-hating nut with the oil they need. They think we shouldn't be throwing our military might around to run the world. They believe in all that Sun Tzu 'It is best to win without fighting' piffle.

"They flood our markets with junk, knowing that Americans will spend all their savings on SpongeBob SquarePants dolls, video games and DVD's, while the Chinese people save their money because the Commies don't allow them to buy our junk.

"If Hu wants somebody to kiss his ring, he should have stayed in that other Washington. Those computer geeks and coffee beanheads treated him like a conquering hero. They're such die-hard liberals, but they don't seem to give a good google about a little censorship or mind collaborating with the state's crackdown on human rights crackpots when it comes to their Chinese meal ticket. They saw him coming and said, 'Ya-Hu!' "

They hear an echoing "Ya-Hu to you!" yodel coming from the hall, and the scooter races into the room. "Is Hu-Man mad at me for manhandling him?" the Kid asks pleadingly. "Is Karl mad at me for unmanning him?"

Dick shakes his head reassuringly.

"I like Josh!" the Kid says. "He did a good job in the 2000 campaign heading up Bikers for Bush."

He pops a wheelie and is off.

"The Kid thinks it's a real staff shake-up," Dick scoffs.

"Yeah," Rummy chuckles. "Throwing overboard a press spokesman who we'd been throwing overboard every day for three years. How painful was that? We might have shuffled the cards — including Andy — but we're still dealing. The Kid's wheeling and we're dealing."

They spooned into their leftover dessert from the Hu lunch, "Good Fortune melon three ways," sure that it would always be their way or the highway. They knew they would be hungry for power again an hour later.

Photo credit: Maureen Dowd (Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times)

The Apprentice Introduction - "Money Money"

What's fun about The Apprentice other than the strategy, battles, hot women, and who gets fired, is the introduction. Without the O'Jay's song, "Money" it would be nothing. But you can thank Trump and Mark Burnett for giving the legendary R&B singers the proper platform for their timeless tune.

Here's "The Apprentice"

The Autumn Wnd - Oakland Raiders Theme and Video

"The Autumn Wind" is a poem associated directly with the Oakland Raiders. The "Autumn Wind" was written by NFL Film's Steve Sabol. Sam Spence wrote the music to Autumn Wind (the Raiders Theme music) and the late NFL Films announcer John Facenda is the voice you will hear reading "Autumn Wind." The video version appears below.

"The Autumn Wind is a Pirate,
Blustering in from the sea,
With a rollicking song,
He sweeps along,
Swaggering boisterously.

"His face is weather-beaten,
He wears a hooded sash,
With a silver hat about his head,
And a bristling black mustache.

"He growls as he storms the country,
A villain, big and bold,
And the trees all shake
and quiver and quake,
As he robs them of their gold.

"The Autumn Wind is a Raider,
Pillaging just for fun,
he'll knock you around,
and upside down,
and laugh when he's conquered and won."

DeAngelo Williams Is One Of The Top Draft Backs - See This Video

The Houston Chronicle profiled University of Texas - El Paso running back DeAngelo Williams one week before the NFL Draft. We've also got a video of his best touchdown runs. You can see how he accelerates to the hole, and how well he runs out of the "I" formation.

April 19, 2006, 10:13PM
NFL DRAFT
White says he's Mr. Big
Williams offers a compact option at running back

By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Reggie Bush has dominated the headlines and the pre-draft banter, but he is hardly the only running back expected to be a first-round selection in the NFL draft April 29.

The talk surrounding other backs is much quieter, but Memphis' DeAngelo Williams, USC's LenDale White and Minnesota's Laurence Maroney likely will be selected before the second round begins.


Williams, who donned No. 20 in college, is often compared to another No. 20, Barry Sanders, because of his running style and his 5-9, 214-pound frame. He is a durable back who carried the ball more than 300 times each in 2004 and 2005. During his senior season, he led the nation with 1,964 yards rushing.

White originally was expected to go soon after Bush. But with a torn hamstring leaving White unable to work out, Williams has climbed on many teams' draft boards.

"I'm not one of those guys that's looking back," Williams said. "I'm not looking for LenDale White to pass me or Reggie Bush to pass me. I turned my rearview mirror off a long time ago. I'm chasing."

USC's Bush is expected to be drafted by the Texans with the No. 1 pick. It isn't as clear where the other backs will go. Last year, Ronnie Brown (second), Cedric Benson (fourth) and Cadillac Williams (fifth) were selected among the top five.

That won't be the case again. Teams in need of backs likely will find Maroney, Williams and White available in the bottom half of the first round. Williams is the smallest of the trio; White is a big back, measuring 6-0 3/8 and 245 pounds. Maroney is 5-11 7/8 and 217 pounds.

"That's what helps me a lot in this draft, just because how big I am," White said. "DeAngelo and Reggie are in a class of their own and then you have the in-betweens like Maroney. And I think how big I am and how strong I am helps me out a lot. I'm kind of happy to be in this class because you get a lot more touchdowns when you're big."

White led the nation with 24 touchdowns last season. He also topped 1,000 yards for the second consecutive year.

Maroney, who shared time with Marion Barber in 2003 and 2004, rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons at Minnesota. Some consider him a perfect fit to replace Edgerrin James in Indianapolis because of Maroney's vision and smooth running style. The Colts pick 30th in the first round.

Despite always sharing time with other running backs at Minnesota, Maroney said it will benefit him as a pro.

"Actually it was fun splitting time with a guy like Marion Barber," Maroney said. "We both brought something different to the table, kept defenses on their toes, not knowing what they're going to get. We always had fresh legs in the game, so splitting time was never a problem. We never had any complaints about who had the ball."

With college finished, the prospects have spent the past few months trying to convince NFL management they can be the next breakthrough back.

Last season, Brown and Cadillac Williams had significant impact on their teams as rookies.

Even though White, Maroney and DeAngelo Williams realize they will not be the first back selected on draft day, they want to prove they will be successful.

The first step in that process is finally discovering where they will play.

"That's the thing about it, everybody has poker faces around here," DeAngelo Williams said. "Everybody's playing with a World Series of Poker face.

"They all smile the same; they all ask you the same questions."

The Video:

Texans Have Not Met With Reggie Bush Who Says He's Not Asking For A $30 Million Signing Bonus - Orange County Register

I'm not sure it's a good idea for Reggie to negotiate his contract in the media. We'll see how this plays out.

BY TODD HARMONSON
The Orange County Register

Former USC tailback Reggie Bush still expects to be the top overall selection in next week's NFL draft, but Thursday he confirmed widespread reports that the Houston Texans have not opened contract negotiations with him.

"There are some people saying it's because I'm demanding $30 million (for a signing bonus), but that's not true," Bush said in a telephone interview. "We haven't talked numbers with them at all.

"Right now it's kind of on them to start negotiations if they want to."

The Texans have the No.1 pick, are allowed to negotiate with players and could sign someone before the draft if they want. But their lack of a move to lock up Bush has fueled speculation that they might trade down to take another player, especially since some teams could want to trade up to select a quarterback.

Bush said he only has met with officials from Houston and the New York Jets. He said he is eager to learn where he will play professionally but decided he shouldn't pay attention to the incessant pre-draft speculation.

"Nobody really knows what's going to happen, so I can't get caught up in it," said Bush, who won last season's Heisman Trophy and left USC as a junior because he was expected to be the No.1 draft pick. "I think I've shown that I should be the No.1 pick and I still think that will happen."

Matt Leinart Has Post Draft Party Planned For Las Vegas

According to Profootballtalk.com , that college football star and ever well-traveled party boy Matt Leinart has a party planned for Las Vegas after the NFL Draft.

Profootball talk reports:

We're told that USC quarterback Matt Leinart has made plans for a lavish post-draft party in Las Vegas. The same source who tipped us off to the termination of agent Leigh Steinberg and the retention of agent Tom Condon tells us that Leinart intends to take a posse of 30 to Las Vegas to celebrate his official entry into the NFL.

There are, we're told, 30 plane tickets, 30 rooms reserved, and $140,000 earmarked for the event.

The party is planned for the weekend after the draft. We hope that Leinart's people cross-checked the post-draft minicamp schedules of the teams that might draft him before making any nonrefundable purchases.

"The Next Michael Vick" - Video Of Texas A&M QB Reggie McNeal

Texas A&M QB Reggie McNeal is regarded by some, like the writers at "Football Fantasy Toolbox" as the next Donovan McNabb, but look closer at the You Tube video below and tell me if you don't see the next Michael Vick.

Here's what Fantasy Toolbox wrote about McNeal:

This is a player at the quarterback position that shows excellent composure and skill

I like his management decisions, field awareness and tempo he provides for his offense, he shows good toughness on the field, along with excellent ball handling skills, his stature (minus the weight & strength) and agility to make things happen improvising reminds me potentially of current NFL quarterback "Donovan McNabb"

He does have an excellent upside to his game, along with an excellent touchdown to interception ratio, he has the size and mobility scouts crave for, throws a tight spiral and adds the versatility of throwing effectively on the run, along with extending plays with his feet, making positive plays both with his feet and keeping his eyes down field trying to make plays with his arm

I feel his advancement in the pocket as a true throwing quarterback was disrupted with his and the coaching staffs eagerness to see him make things happen with his feet, that slowed his progress as a passer, that is why he shows inconsistencies in that part of his game

He has the potential to be the total package at the quarterback position, but potential can get you only so far.......

He's rated in the top five. See for youtself...

Reggie Bush Video - "Subway Fresh Buzz" / Bush Also Talks About National Championship Game

White his USC teammate Matt Leinart switches agents, the man many believe will be the first pick of the Houston Texans, running back Reggie Bush, made this video for a commercial campaign with Subway, the sandwich store retailer.

I found it on You Tube. Here's the video with Reggie sporting his famous "619" eye black code and dressed in white as if to imply that he's the angel of football. He's certainly going to be a savior for the running game of the team that gets him.



On his new blog, Bush credits Vince Young for the Texas win for USC for the national championship. He also gives some insite on his fumble after a 37-yard gain:

His blog's at http://www.subwayfreshbuzz.com

OH SO CLOSE
Regrets, as the song says, I've had a few. Who wouldn't when we came so close to three straight national championships, something that has never been done, only to come up a shade short last January in the Rose Bowl for the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) title?

Hey, give Texas credit. Vince Young had a phenomenal performance, specially on that last drive when he did it almost by himself moving the ball down the field on passes and scrambles and finally ran it into the end zone on a fourth down, last ditch effort that decided the outcome.

I didn't have that great a game against Texas, a lot of it due to the fact they were keying on me. They were obviously out to stop me. Other teams double-teamed me regularly, but not to the extent Texas did. I was shadowed the entire 60 minutes and never really got decent running lanes. There was always a defender in my face.

I was criticized for losing the ball in that game while trying to lateral it after catching a screen pass and moving deep into Texas territory. It came at a time when we were about to take control of the game. I made a couple of guys miss in the open field and then three Texas defenders converged to tackle me, and I thought I could make the play to Brad Walker, the wide receiver who was wide open to my right trailing the play. The pitch just didn't get to him, or else he dropped it. I couldn't see what happened because I had those white Longhorn jerseys all over me.

If I had it to do over again, I probably would have done the same thing because that's the type of player I am. I try things outside of the box, do things out of the ordinary. That's just me, the way I am. It happened to be one of those times it wasn't successful. I felt like I could make that play.

Toward the end of the Texas game, as the go-to guy, I would normally be on the field and it did bother me a little bit that I wasn't out there. Playmakers – and I like to consider myself in that category – like to perform when a game is on the line. But it wouldn't have been the right time for me to complain about it because of the game situation. And I've never been the type of person to be critical. of coaches' decisions. LenDale White was having a great game. So they decided to go to LenDale to get the job done because he'd been producing all afternoon. Short yardage, that's his strength. If he picks up the first down past midfield, it's all over because we would have run out the clock.

Why did Coach have LenDale out there while I watched, quiet but frustrated? That's how we played it all season. Whoever had the hot hand was in there. We've had a good relationship over the years, LenDale and me. I'm a competitor. I love having the ball in my hands. But you can't argue with what he's done over the three years we've split time.

It's a little tough for a running back to get into a rhythm when you're not in there getting all the reps (repetitions) and feeling the defense. But we did it the whole season, alternating according to the situation, and when you got in there you had to take advantage of it...There was no jealousy on the team at all. We were all out there pulling for each other and trying to make each other better.

We lost only two games during our careers and came within inches of winning three straight national championships. That's not shabby
.

A Video Tour Of Dallas Cowboys' Texas Stadium!

This video was taken by eddiebyun at You Tube and features a kind of 180 degree view of the stadium from an end zone. From here you can gain an idea of the sheer size of the complex and the 63,000 seats and 300 luxury boxes that make up the Cowboys' current home.

You can get Cowboys' tickets by clicking on the title of this post.

NFL Tickets On Sale Already!

Yep! Click on the link to get your favorite team's tickets!

Today's National High Five Day! - Give It Up!

I've got to admit that of all of the products of African American Culture, the high-five has been the most enduring. I remember doing it as far back as 1977 in high school. Then I started seeing European American's do it in the late 80s. But it's stuck around through the 21 Century and may be more used than the standard "five" as in "gimee five!"

Chad Johnson Get Contract Boost From Bengals - ESPN's Len Pasquarelli

This just happened and was reported on the ESPN.com website:

If the NFL is poised to crack down on Chad Johnson's end zone choreography in 2006, with its recently implemented rules aimed at curtailing touchdown celebrations, the Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver is better prepared now to handle any of the fines that he might incur.

The three-time Pro Bowl performer and consummate showman, one of the most explosive playmakers in the league at any position, on Thursday signed a new contract with the Bengals, ESPN.com has learned. The lucrative deal includes a one-year extension, through the 2010 season, and an option for the Bengals to extend the contract through 2011, if they so desire.

In essence, by restructuring the remainder of Johnson's existing contract, which was set to run through the 2009 campaign, the Bengals created a six-year deal with a total value of $35.5 million.

"In terms of 'new money,' and just being unique from the standpoint of being able to do something for a player who still had four years left on his [existing] contract, it's really monumental," said agent Drew Rosenhaus, who was hired by Johnson a year ago to upgrade his contract "As long as I've been doing this, I've never been able to get an extension like this, basically because of the time remaining on the contract. It's historical. And it's a testament to Chad, and how well he's performed, and to Bengals management for the way they have handled this and the commitment they've made to him."

Under his existing contract, Johnson would have earned $5.75 million in 2006-2007 and the base salaries due him through 2009 totaled $12.15 million. The new contract will pay Johnson $16 million between this season and 2007 and, assuming the Bengals exercise the option for 2011, a total of $35.5 million. That's a whopping $10.75 million in "new money" for the extension portion of the contract.

Johnson will receive a $5 million signing bonus, a $250,000 reporting bonus, a $250,000 workout bonus and a base salary of $2.75 million for 2006. That base salary is the same as he was scheduled to make under his previous contract. In 2007, he is due a $3.5 million option bonus, a reporting bonus of $1.5 million, a $250,000 workout bonus and a $2.5 million base salary.

The base salaries for the balance of the deal are as follows: $3 million (for 2008), $4.5 million (2009), $5 million (2010) and $6 million (2011). There are workout bonuses of $250,000 in each of those seasons. If the Bengals do not exercise the option for the 2011 campaign, they must make Johnson a non-exercise payment of $3.5 million.

Said coach Marvin Lewis: "This is a key development for our team. It further secures our future with one of our top players, in the prime of his career, and I want to commend Chad for his efforts in making it happen. He is showing his commitment to what we have going here."

Earlier on Thursday, before signing the new contract, Johnson joked to ESPN.com that he was ready to deal with the rules against excessive end zone celebrations that league owners approved at the annual NFL meetings in Orlando, Fla, last month.

"Get yourself real close to the TV, because I'll have some good stuff planned," Johnson said, laughing. "I still plan to be the greatest entertainer in the league."

The five-year veteran, selected by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2001 draft, certainly has developed into one of the NFL's greatest playmakers. The former Oregon State star has posted three straight seasons with 90-plus receptions and four straight campaigns with over 1,000 receiving yards. In 76 appearances, 63 of them starts, Johnson has 379 receptions for 5,556 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Matt Leinart - Party Boy Loves The Camera, But Can He Focus in The NFL?

There's a school of thought that once Matt Leinart hits the grind of the NFL, he'll not post the same remarkable numbers that he did at USC. While I do disagree with that -- I think Matt will be one of the best -- I do think his first two years will be a bit hard. He's not going to be able to run the streets as he did at USC.

Look, as a Cal-grad who was getting his master's degree there at a time when most my age were still undergrads, I can identify with Matt's love for parties and the ladies. But now millions of dollars are on the line. Will Matt dump all of this fun?

I got these photos from various blog sites. Matt loves the camera and apparently his cocktails. Cool. Where did I get these? Well, there's www.boifromtroy.com for the one with Matt and the women behind him as he's stooping. And the one with the girl is all over the place on Google's image search.



It didn't take long to find them -- 7 minutes tops.

I wondered if RB Reggie Bush, got around as much as Leinart did, but I didn't see anything like the Leinart picks. Not even close.

What I did see was a lot of picts of Reggie running and wearing a suit. A nice image. On the other hand, Matt's got a life made for Hollywood. Gee, that seems a bit more fun to me, but then I went to Cal!

Wait. Reggie's from USC too. Somehow, he managed to keep his fun under wraps.

Smart guy.

All of this will be forgotten when Leinart lifts the Lombardi trophy over his head. I'm confident of that.

Party on Matt! Enjoy life! Just learn when it's time to cut it out stay away from the camera!

Pac-10 Held That Matt Leinart Broke A Rule When He Worked Out With "Air 7 Academy" Owner - CAA Signed Air 7 Later

I found this on Kevin Donahue's blogsite

Pac10 says Leinart broke rules

The Matt Leinart era may be over for the USC football team and coaches, but the Leinart legacy apparently isn't.

The Pac10 has determined that USC broke NCAA rules this year by allowing Leinart to work out with the owner of the Air 7 football academy.

According to a memo issued by the Pac-10 and received by USC, "an outside consultant can not work with a (student-athlete) on the institution's facilities unless the individual is counted against the applicable coaching limits."
As a result of the incident, Leinart, USC coach Pete Carroll and staff members were required to undergo a rules review session.

Leinart signed with CAA as his agents, who then signed to represent the Air 7 football academy as well.

So the USC coaches will watch a rules video or something, no big deal as far as punishments go. It does make you wonder where the oversight was on letting Leinart work out with his own private coaches, though. That's a known no-no and it doesn't appear that USC ever tried to put a stop to it.

Air 7 is a kind of NFL Traning Academy. CAA did sign up to help them with marketing and sponsorships. Note that in the article from www.onlypubjam.com is there no mention of the person who was then Leinart's agent, Leigh Steinberg and this was back in January.

Here's that article:

CAA to Also Represent Premier Football Training Academy Air 7

Publish Date : 1/9/2006 1:41:00 AM Source : Sports News Onlypunjab.com

Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world's leading talent and literary agency, now represents Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart, in addition to Air 7, the nation's premier football academy.
CAA will represent Leinart in all off-field business ventures, with the initial focus on endorsement and licensing relationships. The CAA Foundation, the philanthropic service arm of the agency, will help Leinart develop his charitable initiatives.

"Football is my focus," said Leinart. "So, it is tremendous to have in place CAA to handle my marketing and philanthropy efforts, in conjunction with my management team at Air 7." Utilizing its deep relationships with the world's leading consumer brands, CAA represents the marketing and endorsement interests of many of the most high-profile figures in the world.

"Matt is a truly exceptional individual with enormous potential as a personality who transcends his achievements on the field," said CAA President, Richard Lovett.

In an unparalleled college football career, Leinart won back-to-back national championships with the University of Southern California Trojans. He has also been a finalist two years in a row for college football's prestigious Heisman Trophy, earning the award in 2004. Among his many honors, he has been a first-team All-American for two years, Associated Press Player of the Year, Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl MVP, 2-time Pac-10 Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award Winner recognizing the nation's top player, and Sporting News Sportsman of the Year.

Air 7, where Leinart has trained for 10 years, is the nation's premier football academy for youth, high school and college players, with alumni reaching Heisman Trophy and Pro Bowl levels. Air 7 was founded by Steve Clarkson, perhaps the most accomplished of a new breed of private athletic coaches.

Working with more than 100 quarterbacks a year, Air 7 counts among its alumni multiple Heisman winners -- including Leinart -- plus Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback and 2004 NFL Rookie of the Year Ben Roethlisberger. In 1999, Clarkson, along with Chuck Price, created the annual CaliFlorida Bowl High School Football All-Star game.

For Air 7, CAA will identify potential marketing partners and sponsors, as well as other opportunities.

Leinart's Reason For Dumping Steinberg Hints At Who Talked To Whom

ESPN has posted Matt Leinart's Diary today. In it, Leinart explains to some extent why he changed from agent Leigh Steinberg to Tom Condon. But it seems to imply that a guy named Chuck Price has unusual pull with Leinart, and could have been the person that engineered the switch. Regardless, it seems like some violation of NFLPA rules did occur. The question is will the NFLPA look into the matter.

Here's what Matt wrote:

My relationship with my former agent Leigh Steinberg wasn't bad by any means, but it just didn't feel right. As hard as it was, I felt like the best thing to do was part ways. My family, the people close to me, and I want what's best for me, my career, and everything that has to do with it. The relationship with Leigh wasn't going that way.

It was nothing against Leigh, but it was something that had been on my mind for a little while. I decided if I'm going to do something like this, it is best to do it at this time. Things will be better because of it. It just didn't feel right.

My other agent, Chuck Price, is my right hand man. Everything goes through him. He's my day-to-day guy. I talk to him about everything. People obviously don't know that. They're just thinking that he's just some family friend. He's extremely smart. He's extremely good at what he does. A lot of agents are just business guys and want to make money. He's completely opposite. He's obviously going to make money because it's his job, but he wants what's best for the player. He loves to establish a relationship. The fact that we had a great relationship in the first place makes it that much easier on me.

Chuck and Leigh had completely different roles. Leigh was brought in to handle the contract because Chuck doesn't have experience with that. It's something that he'll openly admit. He doesn't have experience handling a contract for a top pick. It's something that I realized also.

I surround myself with the best possible people. They are people that I trust. It relieves a lot of pressure and stress off of me. I have a lot of great people working their butt off for me while I am working my butt off on the football field.

Tom Condon will take over for Leigh. I love Tom. He was one of my first choices when I was picking an agent, but I was unsure about the whole situation with IMG. I think Tom is a great agent. He's got a great reputation. He's a great guy. I feel a better connection there. The fact that he's with Creative Artists Agency now and they are all under one agency makes it easier as well.

CAA is the type of agency that can handle my marketing and endorsements for the long term. After I get established as a player, they can help me off of the field. People need to understand that my number one priority is to get established as a football player. CAA will maximize my opportunities off the field.

The most important thing for me to focus on right now is the next week and a half.

I wanted to try to relax this past weekend.

I went to my Aunt's house on Sunday for Easter. We had an Easter egg hunt. My family usually splits up $50 between the eggs. They didn't tell us, but this time they stuck $100 in one of the eggs. I found that egg. I gave my brother Ryan $5 out of generosity. That's courtesy right there. He showed a lot of effort in his Easter egg hunt, but he just couldn't cut it.

I had to learn the Jets' playbook this past weekend since I worked out and met with them on Monday and Tuesday. I studied it a lot because I wanted to prepare myself. I look at it as if it's a job interview. You want the hard work you put in to come across.

I went out to Staples and bought a little grease board so I could visually test myself with the Jets' plays. I was able to learn the Jets playbook in a few days. Then, I was able to process it in my mind and draw it up on the board for the coaches. It's just something that has come easy to me especially in a football sense. My brother thinks I have a photographic memory. I guess maybe it is photographic -- I do have a pretty good memory. I've learned to process things quickly and retain the information.

Monday night, I went to dinner with the Jets. Coach [Eric] Mangini, coach [Brian] Schottenheimer, GM Mike Tannenbaum, and I were at the dinner.

Following dinner, all of us went to the meeting rooms and just talked football. I was up on the board for like two-and-a-half hours. They were grilling me with questions. Even though they were grilling me, it was real comfortable because there were a lot of jokes. They wanted to get to know me as a person, see how smart I am as a football player, and if I took the time to look at the stuff they gave me or if I just blew it off. We even talked about me getting Punk'd on MTV in March (it hasn't come out yet). They are all younger guys so it was pretty easy to relate. We met until 11:30 p.m Monday night.

Tuesday, I picked up the coaches. They were staying at a hotel right next to my apartment. I drove over to USC and met with them for another hour and-a-half talking football again. I then walked on the field and worked out. We were making jokes and I told them I could throw right-handed, so I rolled out and did it. It was a little wobbly, but looked alright.

I love learning football and new things. I think I impressed them and did a good job.

I left for New Orleans early Wednesday morning to meet with the Saints. Thursday, I will meet with them a little more and then I have a flight out to Oakland in the afternoon. I finish the meetings with the Raiders on Friday and then come home. I'm off for a few days and then I go to New York.

I can't wait for the draft to come.

Death Cab For Cutie Concert Tickets

Yes! Death Cab For Cutie has captured the Zeitgeist! See them in concert. All you have to do is click on this link.

NBA Playoffs Are Here! Hey, NBA Tickets Mean Something Now!

It's the greatest time of year! The NBA reaches it's second season. You heard it here first: The San Antonio Spurs will not -- I repeat, not -- win it all this year.

You can get tickets with a click here!

NL Scouting's Bill Chachkes' NFL Mock Draft

Billy C, my friend from the 2005 NFL Draft and whom I've featured in my coverage of last year's event, has sent his Mock Draft. Here it is:

The 2006 NFL draft-Who picks whom? And why
(AKA My Mock draft of 2006)

Now that I’ve been watching the draft for so long, I have been getting the feeling that some teams want to keep secret what there are doing from everyone else so bad thatthey go out of their way to fabricate elaborate media spins. With that in mind, why would any teams’ GM tell the truth in those media conferences. I know I wouldn’t.


1) Houston Texans-Reggie Bush-RB, USC
I don't care how many of the Texans staff went to see Vince Young's
Workout. Bush will be a Texan. Dubbed “the Ankle Breaker” by ESPN's
Chris Fowler at the Heisman Award ceremony, Bush is the Prototypical Tailback Houston needs to assist in David Carr's continued development.

2) New Orleans Saints-Mario Williams-DE-North Carolina St.
Some prognosticators have Williams dropping down to the Jets.
I seem to get the vibe that the Saints want to improve their pass rush,
even if they'd be better off taking an OT, like Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson
unless Gm Mickey Loomis trades down.

3) Tennessee Titans- Matt Leinart-QB-USC
Doesn't matter that Titans QB Steve McNair is a big supporter of Vince Young, Leinart is the choice here because of Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow's Connection with USC and the Offensive scheme.

4) New York Jets-D'Brickashaw Ferguson-OT-Virginia
I See the Jets feeling the need to take a defensive star, But one of the Problems
they have had recently is protecting the QB. Weather it's the free agent newcomer
Ramsey, Or the incumbent Pennington, you need beef upfront, and the Jets have trouble keeping healthy Offensive Lineman available.

5) Green Bay Packers-A.J. Hawk-OLB-Ohio State
Some people still think one of the QB's is the right choice here, but with Brett Farve still undecided about his career, and Aaron Rodgers already in waiting, it would be foolish and wasteful to not acquire a true defensive star.

6) San Francisco 49ers- Vernon Davis-TE-Maryland
The Niners really need Defensive secondary help, But Davis is just too good to pass up, and there will be plenty of quality DB's in the second round, plus this coaching staff really wants to rebuild the passing offense.

7) Oakland Raiders-Vince Young-QB-Texas
No surprise here. Even with Aaron Brooks signed to a short term deal,
the Raiders brain trust would be making a mistake to let Young slip any farther
down. While other QB's can get the ball to good WR's, Vince can get the ball deeper.
8) Buffalo Bills-Winston Justice-OT-USC
Some might consider this a reach, but this kid can deliver the goods, and his stock has been rising of late. The Bills need to improve the O-Line, and after Ferguson, Justice is the next best Tackle on the board.

9) Detroit Lions-Michael Huff-DB-Texas
Huff is a solid fit here, as the new coach will be running a cover 2 defense that will need playmakers. Very good skills, and good explosive power off the snap, but can have trouble holding onto the ball.

10) Arizona Cardinals-Brodrick Bunkley-DT-Fla. St.
Bunkley is a dominator on the inside. The word is that the Browns were interested in him two picks later at #12, But I'll be surprised if he falls out of the top 10, as the Cards have a visit with him this week.

11) St. Louis Rams-Jay Cutler-QB-Vanderbilt
People will come to the realization that While Cutler has skills, he just didn't
Win that many games at Vandy, where he was a quality player surrounded by average talent. Once the Jets pass on him at #4, this will be his last chance at being picked in the top half of the round.

12) Cleveland Browns-Ernie Simms-LB-Fla. St.
The Browns might be blowing a lot of smoke about Simms' teammate Brodrick
Bunkley, but Simms is really the player they want in their defensive scheme. A bit
On the small side at 6'1”, Simms makes up for it with his mobility.

13) Baltimore Ravens-Haloti Ngata-DT-Oregon
I just love the way this guy fills holes, and he would look great in front of Ray Lewis, allowing him to roam free once more. Billick and Fassel would love to
get a QB here, but the top 3 will be gone.

14) Philadelphia Eagles-Chad Jackson-WR-Florida
The Birds may want some “D” But WR Jabar Gaffney is a short-term fix at best.
Give Andy Reid some credit here. He knows without T.O. he needs to draft help for McNabb to realize any success in this league before he needs a walker to go collect his paychecks.

15) Denver Broncos (from Atlanta)-DeAngelo Williams-RB-Memphis
Who are the Broncos without a stable of Runners to anchor their Offense?
A short stocky back at 5'8” & 210 pounds, Williams has a low center of gravity that makes it difficult to tackle him. There is the concern of a prior injury, but Denver may be able to afford for him to sit while he continues to recover.




16) Miami Dolphins-Antonio Cromartie-CB-Fla. St.
The Dolphins had a busy off-season, acquiring Will Allen from the Giants after losing Sam Madison to NY. Cromartie is the pick here because of his size (6'2”-205 Lbs) and good cover skills.

17) Minnesota Vikings-Laurence Maroney-RB-Minnesota
A consensus choice-Maroney probably is the third best back in the draft. The Vikings front office staff has been homing in on him for quite some time, as he plays in their home state. An underclassman that would benefit from one more year at the college level.

18) Dallas Cowboys-Donte Whitner-S-Ohio State
A Safety who hits like a Linebacker and has the foot speed to cover Fullbacks and even some slower Tight Ends, Whitner had a decent college career, but is coming out early. Would be a better fit then Jason Allen from Tennessee because of Allen's injuries.

19) San Diego Chargers-Santonio Holmes-WR-Ohio State
A “Bolts” fan might argue that a DB or RB would be a better selection here, but let's get your young QB a chance to succeed. Besides, the next best RB on the draft board is LenDale White, who didn't impress at his pro day.

20) Kansas City Chiefs- Tye Hill- CB-Clemson
A quality cover corner, he makes up for his lack of height by being a good jumper. Could be a nickel back right away, and push for a starting spot later on.
Has remained healthy through most of his career thus far.

21) New England Patriots-Manny Lawson-DE/OLB-N.C. State
Looking for a replacement for Willie McGinest, the pats like his size and ability to play both the line and outside linebacker. Although somewhat of a reach at #21,
he might prove to be more coachable then others still on the draft board.

22) Denver Broncos (from Washington)-Kamerion Wimbley-DE- Fla. St.
Having selected a back earlier, it's time to add some defensive line help.
This young man has some good passrushing skills, and is just the right size at
6'3” and 245 pounds. Only needs to learn a good stunt move or two.

23) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tamba Hali-DE-Penn State
You have to believe that the Bucs are looking for the “Best” player available.
Maybe an Offensive lineman would also fill a need, but Hali gives Tampa
a quality player at a position where he is sorely needed. While he weighs nearly 270 pounds, he is a bit short for an end, at 6'1”




24) Cincinnati Bengals-Leonard Pope-TE- Georgia
Next best TE on the board after Maryland's Davis, but Pope is 5 inches taller at 6'7” and has a better reach. Reminds me of Don Hasselbeck size wise, but was a better player in college. Also a deep draft for the position, if he has another good
workout his stock could rise even further.

25) New York Giants-Chad Greenway-LB-Iowa
Giants scouting staff seem to be zeroed in on Greenway, whose 240+ pounds make him an attractive fit to the Giants defense. Remember what I said at the top of this piece though. Giants GM Ernie Accorsi is one of the NFL's smartest front office men. He's also a Smokescreen guy.

26) Chicago Bears-Sinorice Moss-WR-Miami
Da Bears need some pairs of hands for the QB to throw to, weather it's Grossman doing the throwing or not. Enter Santana's little brother. The younger Moss has most of the same traits as his older brother, and the benefit of having played in the U Of Miami scheme. He could only help an aging and depleted group of wide outs.

27) Carolina Panthers-LenDale White-RB-USC
White didn't impress at his pro day, but he's still a quality back. If he's not gone by this point, Carolina will have a hard time passing up on him, with DeShawn Foster's health always a question these days. Not a strong class of backs to begin
with, so White is the last of the top few backs.

28) Jacksonville Jaguars-Davin Joseph-OG-Oklahoma
The Jags really need more then one OL out of this draft, but Joseph is a start.
A squat 6'2” 304 pounder, Joseph can really lay out his opponents. The best natural inside lineman in this draft, all he needs to do is improve his pass blocking skills.

29) New York Jets (From Denver) Nick Mangold-OC-Ohio State
Even though they already took an OL at the top of the round, the Jets really
need to improve their Line, and would not be above taking another lineman, if Mangold is still available. This would also allow Pete Kendall to move back to his more natural position at OG.

30) Indianapolis Colts-D'Qwell Jackson-LB-Maryland
The Colts front office might be reaching a bit with “D Q” here, as he is a bit small at 6'0”(if that) and just over 225. He is extremely fast however, and tackles like he weighs more then he does. No stranger to the weight room, he could bulk up a few pounds by the season.

31) Seattle Seahawks-Mathias Kiwanuka-DE-Boston College
Explosive off the snap, Kiwanuka would benefit from learning a few extra
moves. Has good potential because of his size and strength. Could become a DT if he bulked up some.

32) Pittsburg Steelers-Bobby Carpenter-LB-Ohio State
The only issue here is his injury. If the Steelers feel he will recover, Carpenter would be a boost to the Black & Gold's defense. A little heavy at 260, he might want to do a few push-aways from the buffet table. Worth the last pick of the round.