NFL 2015 - Off Season Discussion

[Exe Gesis]

How Simeon Rice saved the Ravens from Lawrence Phillips
Posted by Darin Gantt on April 14, 2015, 8:41 AM EDT

AP
Simeon Rice thinks he deserves a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Ravens would probably support that bid, if only for what Rice saved them from.

When the Illinois defensive end made a late climb up draft boards and was chosen third overall by the Cardinals in the 1996 NFL Draft, it cleared the way for the Ravens to take UCLA tackle Jonathan Ogden instead of Nebraska running back Lawrence Phillips.

That obviously worked out pretty well for them, since Ogden is already enshrined in Canton himself, while Phillips is facing murder charges involving the death of his cellmate in a California prison.

But looking back at that decision shows how close the Ravens were to making a terrible mistake.

They figured Southern Cal wideout Keyshawn Johnson and Illinois linebacker Kevin Hardy would be gone, leaving Ogden and Phillips in the next two spots. They seemed comfortable enough with Phillips to take him if it fell that way, despite his track record at Nebraska of domestic assault.

“I had no qualms about taking him, because I felt, based on our investigation, that he was subject to quick and complete rehabilitation and that he would have been a class-A citizen and a man the city of Baltimore would have been proud of,” the late owner Art Modell said of Phillips, via Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun. “There was no doubt that we were going to take Ogden if he was there, but we didn’t think he would be in the fourth slot. The thing that threw everything out of kilter was Rice going early.”

As the Ravens prepared for that draft, the possibility of an Ogden-Phillips choice was one they worked through and discussed. According to the report, Modell wanted Phillips, while personnel wizard Ozzie Newsome preferred Ogden.

“He was the cleanest of all the guys on the board,” Newsome said of Ogden. (The Ravens would go onto draft Miami linebacker Ray Lewis later in the first round.)

Phillips eventually went sixth overall to the Rams, and the Ravens avoided a running back who would go on to embarrass a franchise and become a symbol of a greater problem in society.

At least for a few decades.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Tuesday morning one-liners
Posted by Josh Alper on April 14, 2015, 7:55 AM EDT

AP
Said Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman, “We want to be a balance problem for people. We don’t want them to say, ‘All we have to do is stop this guy or double this guy.’ We want 11 men out there that can impact the game, so it really starts with balance.”

Which Dolphins could have breakout seasons in 2015?

Former Expos draft pick Tom Brady, who opted for a career in football that led him to the Patriots, threw out the first pitch and got in a few swings during batting practice against former Expos pitcher Pedro Martinez at the Red Sox home opener.

Police in Florida are offering a $5,000 reward for information about the drive-by shooting that wounded former Jets RB Chris Johnson.

The Ravens were in attendance at Minnesota RB David Cobb’s pro day workout.

Assessing the need for the Bengals to add a tackle in the draft.

T Joe Thomas will be among the players showing off the new Browns uniforms.

Auburn WR Sammie Coates was one of three prospects visiting the Steelers on Monday.

Texans DE J.J. Watt and Reebok announced a new partnership.

What Colts are due for contract extensions in the near future?

Former Jaguars QB Quinn Gray left a high school coaching job a couple of weeks after accepting it.

The Titans have needs at positions they’ve tried to address in the recent past.

Coach Gary Kubiak held his first team meeting with the Broncos on Monday.

The Chiefs could pick an offensive lineman in the first round.

A few thoughts about new Raiders WR Michael Crabtree.

Which running back would be the best fit for the Chargers in the draft?

Masters champ Jordan Spieth and Cowboys QB Tony Romo have played golf together in the past.

A discussion of how the Giants’ linebacking depth chart will shake out.

The Eagles website takes a look at some top wide receiver prospects.

Breaking down the Redskins defensive line heading into the draft.

Bears fans bid a fond farewell to CB Charles Tillman.

Utah punt returner Kaelin Clay visited the Lions on Monday.

The Packers had New Hampshire WR R.J. Harris in for a visit.

Vikings LS Cullen Loeffler’s spot on the 2014 All-Fundamentals team led to a $1,000 equipment grant to his high school football team.

New members of the Falcons have received their jersey numbers.

A positive review of Panthers General Manager Dave Gettleman’s work.

The financial details of DE Anthony Spencer’s deal with the Saints.

Past and present Buccaneers shared their memories of draft day.

The Cardinals are moving into a new weight room.

Combing through the latest mock draft selections for the Rams.

The 49ers have five 2014 draft picks returning from injury.

Will the Seahawks exercise their 2015 option on LB Bruce Irvin’s contract?

 

[Exe Gesis]

Murdered cellmate of Lawrence Phillips was cousin of R. Jay Soward
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 14, 2015, 3:02 PM EDT

Getty Images
Former NFL first-round draft pick Lawrence Phillips stands accused of murdering his prison cellmate, the cousin of another NFL first-round draft pick.

Damion Soward, the convicted murderer who was found unresponsive on Saturday in the cell he shared with Phillips, was the first cousin of R. Jay Soward, their grandmother told TMZ. R. Jay Soward was a first-round pick of the Jaguars in 2000 and, like Phillips, a major bust: Soward caught just 14 passes for 154 yards in his rookie year, then never played in the NFL again after that because of substance-abuse suspensions.

Phillips has been moved to the segregation unit of the Kern Valley State Prison after the death of Damion Soward. Phillips has been in prison since 2008 after convictions of crimes including domestic violence, car theft and trying to run down a group of teenagers over a dispute about a pickup football game.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Report: Nearly 1 in 6 NFLers bankrupt within two years of retirement
Posted by Darin Gantt on April 15, 2015, 6:22 AM EDT

Getty Images
In two weeks and change, a new class of football players will be drafted into the NFL, creating the possibility of money which could secure them for a lifetime if handled appropriately.

For far too many, that money barely lasts a decade.

Via Ben Leubsdorf of the Wall Street Journalcomes a report that nearly one out of every six NFL players goes bankrupt within 12 years of retirement.

Those numbers, compiled by the National Bureau of Economic Research, paint a disturbing picture.

Pointing to the median career offering the chance to make around $3.2 million, the paper says there’s little difference in the rate of bankruptcy per length of career or success.

“Having played for a long time and having been a successful and well-paid player does not provide much protection against the risk of going bankrupt,” the paper wrote.

The numbers were compiled from around 2,000 players viewed between 1996 and 2003, and cross-checked against bankruptcy records. They found a spike in bankruptcy in the two years after retirement, and increasing with time.

They admitted that rate of bankruptcy filings “was similar to or higher than estimates for similarly aged people in the general U.S. population.” But they also pointed out their numbers were “quite different” from a 2009 Sports Illustrated article which said 78 percent of former players go bankrupt or face “financial stress” shortly after their playing days are done.

Regardless, it’s far too high a portion of a population that can earn a pile of money in a short time, and too often doesn’t view that money as a finite amount which will run out the day they can’t run faster than the next wave of drafted rookies.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Wednesday morning one-liners
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 15, 2015, 5:57 AM EDT

Getty Images
Said Bills defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, “We’ve never been afraid of the Patriots, and we’re not afraid of them now.”

The Dolphins plan to re-signWR LaRon Byrd.

Bill Belichick’s decision to take a flyer onJulian Edelman was one of the few things that worked out for the Patriots in the 2009 draft.

The Jets made a lot of moves at the start of the league year, which may have given them more flexibility in the draft.

Ravens G.M. Ozzie Newsome embraces disagreement in the team’s draft preparations.

The Bengals are hosting 25 local draft prospects today.

Do the Browns’ new uniforms make them theOregon Ducks of the NFL?

Steelers WR Antonio Brown is still upsetabout a touchdown that he feels the officials wrongly took away from him.

The Washington Post keeps you posted on Texans DE J.J. Watt’s personal life.

The Colts are promoting fitness with a workout routine from the trainer for the team’s cheerleaders.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan has donated $100,000 to the mayor of Jacksonville’s election campaign.

The Titans are promoting planting trees for Earth Day.

He’s long since out of the NFL, but formerBroncos QB Tim Tebow can still draw a crowd.

For the Chargers, trading Philip Rivers only makes sense if they’re totally sold on Marcus Mariota.

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles likes what the team has done with the offensive line.

The Raiders may still use a first-round pick on a receiver, even after signing Michael Crabtree.

Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon may be a good fit for the Cowboys.

New arrival Josh Gordy adds depth to the Giants’ secondary.

Says Ron Jaworski of the Eagles, “I don’t think they’re a better football team right now than they were when the season ended. They’re making a lot of moves projecting where this team may be, but I just don’t see this team as a better team.”

Washington fans haven’t had a championshipto cheer in any sport since the 1992 Super Bowl.

Today is the first day Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is eligible for reinstatement.

The Bears aren’t expecting Jameis Winstonto be available at No. 7, but they want to be prepared if he is.

Florida State C Cameron Erving could be agood fit for the Lions.

Said Micah Hyde of the Packers’ secondary, “I have 100 percent faith in the guys that are here. We’re a close-knit group and we’ve got some competitors. The past couple years, we’ve had a lot of depth and a lot of guys weren’t able to perform because of the depth. The guys that are here will be ready to go, and we’re looking forward to it.”

The Falcons say the $1.4 billion price tag for their stadium has not changed.

Panthers G.M. Dave Gettleman is earning respect around the league while not making splashy moves in free agency.

The Saints are exploring some talented draft prospects with off-field red flags.

The writers for the Buccaneers’ website thinkthe team will take Jameis Winston.

Most mock drafts have the Cardinals taking a running back.

The Rams are taking a close look at offensive line prospects.

Michigan WR Devin Funchess visited the 49ers.

The Seahawks have used their high draft picks to build the offense.

 

[quotemokc]

Former NFL player reveals his mother demanded $1m after he was drafted 'for raising him for 18 years'

• Phillip Buchanon was a first-round draft pick for the Oakland Raiders in 2002 when his mother made what he called the 'desperate demand'
• Buchanon, who is now retired, instead bought her a brand new house
• But she refused to sell her old house and rented it to her sister
• So he ended up paying maintenance for both houses for seven years without getting any of the rent money
• When Buchanon finally had enough his mother asked for $15,000 instead of a smaller house whose upkeep she could afford

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...mother-demanded-1m-drafted.html#ixzz3XNPNfFli

 

[Damon_3388]

 

[rumply]

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/77bc3f3ad30649a7b585d351525f9e9d/ap-newsalert

 

[rumply]

Didn't look too concerned did he? & as a suspect in multiple other murders, it's little wonder.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Thursday morning one-liners
Posted by Darin Gantt on April 16, 2015, 6:59 AM EDT

AP
Taking a look at the visits the Bills have lined up so far.

Dolphins LB Cameron Wake doesn’t want to the team crowning itself too early (Denny Green is available, if they need help).

Giving some credit to overlooked Patriots personnel man Nick Caserio.

Trying to get a sense of the Jets’ plans by looking at mock drafts shows they can go many directions.

A pass-rusher such as Kentucky’s Bud Dupree would be hard for the Ravens to pass up.

The Bengals worked out QB Munchie Legaux, who we hope makes it for several reasons, not the least of which is his name is Munchie Legaux.

Jim Brown thinks the new Browns uniforms “are going to be in the top echelon of fashion.”

Projecting CB help for the Steelers is a pretty safe pick.

A Texans mock draft that comes from inside their own building.

The Colts got better production than expected from last year’s draft.

Extending LB Paul Posluszny is a good sign the Jaguars are confident he’ll be ready to go soon.

What the heck, let’s fling the Titans into every trade-for-a-QB rumor.

Broncos LB Von Miller has changed his diet, cutting out burgers and Gatorade.

The Chiefs are expecting more out of OLB Dee Ford this year.

Washington CB Marcus Peters is visiting the Raiders.

The Chargers could use an upgrade at RB, but which one?

The Cowboys’ own website is even wondering if this is finally the year to draft a QB.

The Giants clearly need some safety depth.

Oh, what the heck, here’s some more Eagles-Marcus Mariota speculation.

Here’s another guy who thinks Washington should skip QB Robert Griffin III’s option.

Bears coach John Fox has bought former Bears WR Tom Waddle’s old house.

The Lions have spent a lot of time looking at returners.

The Packers are trying to sell more stuff (though they already sell a lot).

A closer look at the Vikings’ gigantic new Polish OT.

A drone’s-eye view of the Falcons’ new stadium (might need a full-sized helicopter to view the budget).

The Panthers won’t likely get any comp picks next year, despite losing DE Greg Hardy.

Some Saints players are getting involved in some political football.

The Buccaneers could still use some help in free agency.

With new signings come new numbers for some Cardinals.

The Rams will host QB Bryce Petty on a pre-draft visit.

Will the ghost of A.J. Jenkins scare the 49ers off another top WR prospect?

Taking a look at a possible WR addition for the Seahawks.

 

[rumply]

Jameis Winston sued over sexual assault allegation

NFL prospect Jameis Winston has been sued by the woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2012, Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

According to Baker, the suit contains “claims of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and ‘intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape.'”

Winston was investigated but never charged with rape by Tallahassee police. Florida State also cleared him of conduct violations two years later.

The accuser’s attorney gave the following statement to the Times:

“Today, a very brave young woman filed her lawsuit against Jameis Winston for the sexual battery that she reported to police in December 2012. Over the past two years, this survivor of sexual violence has had to endure a delinquent police investigation, a hostile FSU athletic department, and Mr. Winston’s bullying lawyer. But the more these forces sought to silence her, the more determined she has become to step forward and hold Jameis Winston accountable for his actions. With the support of her family, she is prepared for this fight and for the counterclaims and the smear campaigns that will surely follow.”

We’ve reached out to Winston’s attorney David Cornwell for comment.

Winston is currently the consensus No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The first round of the draft will take place April 30th in Chicago.

 

[Exe Gesis]

ESPN: only three running backs have rushed for 1,000 beyond age 30 after a year layoff.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

ESPN: only three running backs have rushed for 1,000 beyond age 30 after a year layoff.

Out of how many RBs? And of those how many ran for >1,000 yds before their year's layoff?

 

[Blacky]

How many had run 2000 before

Cherry picking at its best

 

[Exe Gesis]

An NFL general manager told Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman that he believes the Raiders are "right there" in the mix to trade for Adrian Peterson.

ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson adds that he "keeps hearing" Oakland connected to Peterson. GM Reggie McKenzie has been trying to add star power and Peterson certainly fits the bill. The Raiders are one team with the cap space to take on A.D.'s $12.75 million cap hit. It's definitely concerning for Latavius Murray owners that McKenzie has seemed hellbent on adding talent to his backfield, first flirting with DeMarco Murray and now Peterson. The Raiders have ties to Peterson, having hired his old offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave to replace departed OC Greg Olson.

 

[JeffDunne]

The Raiders are one step away from hanging up "help wanted" signs.

Desperate much?

 

[Exe Gesis]

The Raiders are one step away from hanging up "help wanted" signs.

Desperate much?

It's driven to push up his price with other teams who ARE interested in him. Everyone uses the Raiders or teams with the most cap space to drive it up.

----

How likely is it newly reinstated Adrian Peterson ends up in Oakland?

By Levi Damien @LeviDamien on Apr 17, 2015

"So, let's see, the Raiders would have to give up a draft pick -- which Reggie McKenzie doesn't like to do -- pay Peterson more than they were apparently willing to offer a younger DeMarco Murray to land him as a free agent, add the bad PR from the child abuse after being adamantly against such a signing with Greg Hardy, and all for a running back whose on the wrong side of 30. Seems unlikely."

 

[Exe Gesis]

Steve Wisniewski signs a 1 year, 2.5M deal with Jacksonville after turning down a 6 year, 36M deal from Oakland originally....thinking he could get more on the open market, and indeed visiting like 10 teams, that's the best he could get.

Shows he's a dumbass, and also shows he wanted out of Oakland, for whatever reason--like Veldheer fleeing despite a decent offer too.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Steve Wisniewski signs a 1 year, 2.5M deal with Jacksonville after turning down a 6 year, 36M deal from Oakland originally....thinking he could get more on the open market, and indeed visiting like 10 teams, that's the best he could get.

Shows he's a dumbass, and also shows he wanted out of Oakland, for whatever reason--like Veldheer fleeing despite a decent offer too.

Yeah maybe he is, but you would seriously have to question the Raiders for offering such a deal or question the structure of the contract. Maybe not as attractive as it appears.

 

[Blacky]

Yeah maybe he is, but you would seriously have to question the Raiders for offering such a deal or question the structure of the contract. Maybe not as attractive as it appears.

Of course it isn't attractive, he would have had to play for Oakland

 

[manureid]

Of course it isn't attractive, he would have had to play for Oakland

I can smell the fear in Denver

 

[Shade]

Wis is overrated that said he is a still a good C

That jags line is looking nice

 

[Exe Gesis]

Wis is overrated that said he is a still a good C

That jags line is looking nice

He's a Guard, not a Center. Gets blown off the ball far too regularly to be a Center. Jags will realize this soon enough.

 

[larkis]

But a 6 year contract for 36m or a 2.5m for 1 year with the possibility he can be out of the league at the end of the season?

It's the Not For Long league for a reason.

 

[gaskin]

How much of that 36m was guaranteed though?