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Pro Football Weekly: Vol. 23 Issue 05

Pro Football Weekly: Vol. 23 Issue 05

SPECIAL ISSUE FANTASY FOOTBALL PREVIEW PLAYER REPORTS | DRAFT BOARD | THE BUZZ | STATISTICS

URGENT NEWS — PA l VOL. XXIII, NO. 5 l JULY 2008 DELIVER IMMEDIATELY l

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0 74470 01161 3 GETTY IMAGES / G. NEWMAN LOWRANCE (ROETHLISBERGER) l HARRY SCULL JR. (BRADY, GARRARD, TOMLINSON) 2 (Canadian Distribution) SalesAgreement No. ‘‘Canada Post Publications MailProduct International Deerfield, IL,andatadditionaloffices. Periodicals postageispaidat $99.95 for 30issues. is price Thesubscription total of30issuesannually. ber, four for and twiceinFebruary timesinJanuary a October, four timesinNovember, four timesinDecem- times inAugust, threetimesinSeptember, five timesin twiceinMay,once inApril, onceinJune andJuly, three #000-509) ispublished by 0032-9053,USPSPub. Pro Football Weekly (ISSN: Saunders Road,Suite100,Riverwoods, IL60015, a izarc,CutE Mann,Rick Matsumoto E. Pat Court Fitzmaurice, Washington Redskins Subscription manager Network supporttech. New EnglandPatriots Distribution manager Ron Borges, JimCampbell,BobCarroll, San Francisco49ers Production assistant OTATR Sendaddresschangeto: POSTMASTER: Tom Danyluk, MattDuffy, Edelstein, Art San DiegoChargers New OrleansSaints Kansas CityChiefs AD SALESOFFICE: Business manager SUBSCRIPTION: Browns Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski Robert Arkush, Arthur General manager Associate editors Executive editors Managing editor Publisher/Editor 302 SaundersRoad,Suite 100 Oakland Raiders New York Web developer Glenn Dickey, Jackson, Barry t LouisRams St. Editor-in-chief Senior editors VP, Marketing Rick Arkush, Daryl Arkush Arkush Rick Daryl Arkush, Jerry Magee, Bill Jerry Wallace New York CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Art director Riverwoods, IL60015 CREATORS &FOUNDERS and JoelBuchsbaum Pro Football Weekly ADVER Publisher PRINTED IN U.S.A. NFC REPOR AFC REPOR ST COLUMNISTS NEW MEDIA A TISTICIANS TISING SALES Pro FootballWeekly LLC Phil Hornthal Tom O’Brien Sue Nemitz Kristine Carlsson Kristine Arkush Arthur Bob Boklewski KlimuskoChristine Matt Quinnan Michael Blunda Dan Parr Matt Sohn Mike Wilkening Edholm Eric Nolan Nawrocki Neil Warner Dan Arkush Mike Holbrook Bob Peters Keith Schleiden Mike Waters Hub Arkush 1-800-331-7529 1-847-940-1100 TERS TERS John Keim Smith Katherine Dave Boling Kevin Lynch Jim Thomas Dave Weinberg Paul Schwartz Mike Triplett Sean Jensen Bob McGinn Paul Kuharsky Jay Posner Jim Wexell Michael Wagaman Andrew Gross John Tomase Harvey Fialkov Rick Dean Vito Stellino Tom James Megan Manfull Frank Schwaab Tony Grossi Curnutte Mark Chuck Pollock Jamison Hensley ihlsJ Cotsonika Nicholas J. Mickey Spagnola Bob LeGere Chandler Charles Kent Somers 1356097 , 302 h uz...... P.22 ...... Pg. Buzz The 20 Ask theExperts...... Pg. 18 ...... Pg. Draft board ’’ SPECIAL SECTION 2007 fantasy statistics 2007 fantasy New offensive coordinators 12 ...... Pg. Player reports SPECIAL FOOTBALL FANTASY SPECIAL FOOTBALL FANTASY TO COMMENTON ANY OF THE STORIES ORCOLUMNSIN THIS ISSUE In this PUBLISHER’S PEN edition of HUB What iscommissionerGoodell’s real objective? MIXED MESSAGE: I is trulythechestnut coltratherthanthepur- guessing it’s morelikely the latterandthat I’m different color?Basedonrecentevents, whichisahorse ofatruly ly robust salary, whopayhisexceptional- NFL teamowners, want toputitbackinthepockets ofthe32 ordoeshe whodeserve it, veteran players, he want togive thebulk ofthatmoney to tion thecommissioner’s realmeaning.Does itisonlyfair toques- accurately reported, give ittoveterans. Butifthequotehasbeen take muchofthatwindfall fromrookiesand Goodell’s commentssuggestedhewanted to I heardandreadinevery news reporton ridiculous.” makes itintheNFL. And Ithinkthat’s forming. It’s goingtoaplayerthatnever money isnotgoingtoplayersthatareper- lose asignificant amountofmoney. And that youcan if youdon’t evaluate thatplayer, theconsequences economics wherethey are, withthe and healreadyhashismoney. Now, “He doesn’t have toplayadown intheNFL Goodell said, overall pickinthe2008draft, theNo.1 signed recentlybyJake Long, tauqua Institutionandreferringtothedeal people atasportssymposiumtheChau- is he? would appeartobespot-onwiththisone.Or andthecommish you’re right, you’re right, money shouldgotopeoplewhoperform.” something wrongaboutthesystem. The “There’s andwentontoadd, “ridiculous” to NFLrookies.Hecalledthelucrative deals relative totheamountofmoney beingpaid a o nCatuu,but theleaditem I was notinChautauqua, Speaking beforeapproximately2,000 I’ve gottohandittheman. When Goodell madeonthelastFridayinJune comments NFLcommissionerRoger suspect morethanafew ofyoucaughtthe ARKUSH ..g 24 ....Pg. g 16 Pg. PUBLISHER/EDITOR PRO FOOTBALLWEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com Volume XXIII amr nbsbl,basketball andhockey. warmers in baseball, those beingpaid toutilitymenandbench- ans continueto toil atwages wellbelow money torookieswhileanumberofveter- with asystemthatwas payingallthat quoted assayinghedidhave someissues was , president oftheNFLPA, he mightbefacing abattleontwo fronts. but thefact isthat’s nothiscalltomake and until histroopshave anew CBA inplace, says hehasnointentionsofgoinganywhere fostering thissmoke. For Upshaw’s parthe thattherearedefinitely afew flames record, off the and several otherswho’ve claimed, several playerswho’ve supportedthatstory, handpicked successorinplace.I’ve talked to or two andallhewanted was tohave a fact thatUpshaw’s contractwas upinayear the subjectinpublicotherthantooffer the sor forUpshaw. Stover refusedtodiscuss tofind asucces- by Baltimore’s MattStover, led movement afootbycertainplayerreps, her own. difficult foran individual toreachonhisor themselves inareasofthebodyextremely responded bysuggestingtheowners scratch NFL Players Association bossGeneUpshaw revenues thecurrentCBA paystheplayers. have togetbacksomeofthe60percent of theowners order tobeeconomicallyviable, alike. This was doneonthepremisethatin gigantic dividends forowners andplayers enjoyed since1993andwhichhaspaid whichtheNFLhas risk thelaborpeace, lective Bargaining Agreement andplaceat owners chosetooptout ofthecurrentCol- the32NFL ments fromthecommissioner, ple pony. onatrta itepbi pt the new Soon afterthatlittlepublicspat, welearnedtherewas a Shortly thereafter, A littleover amonthpriortothesestate- No. 5 VIC MILTON 6 8 27 update Free-agency their promise Not fulfilling pressure equals more Big money ALSO: , E-MAIL make-or-break years. seven playersPlus, who are in biggest bust foreachteam. of draft picksandidentifythe We examine thepastfive years thin theFA ranks for2009. Smithand Will Contract extensions for PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY both QBshave risen. expectations for sions, lucrative contract exten- the Jaguars have signed and of berger oftheSteelers Now thatBenRoethlis- inr justaworking stiff like therestofus. sioner, make Goodellabadguyorcommis- media alike —getwhatweget. That doesn’t fans and andtherestofus—players, ers, for andserves atthepleasureof32own- pure fantasy. CommissionerGoodellworks mybeliefshave become folks, let’s face it, aswell.But tered thosekindsofdreams, his earlyyearsperhapsPaul Tagliabue fos- andin may have believed thatatsomelevel, owners. Ithinkit’s possiblePete Rozelle playersand equally onbehalfofthefans, andtoil ests ofthegamefirst andalways, League shouldbetorepresentthebestinter- the commissionerofNationalFootball think alltheseowners got sofilthy rich? you’ve got tohanditthem—how didwe P.R.-wise begin. Ifit’s againthelatter, thenletthenew CBA war more money, whichistomake hisbossesthat much job, round atFort Sumterin an effort todohis orfiring amusket the railinBostonHarbor, tossing allthatexpensive Englishteaover NFL. Butifthisnoiseisreally just Goodell andallhailthenew economyinthe hearts, God blesshim—he’s aguyafterourown then the handsofaccomplishedveterans, first 40-50draftpickseachyearandputitin ridiculous guaranteedmoney away fromthe truly intendstonegotiate abunch ofthat n oi oe oti:IfRogerGoodell And soitcomestothis: I’ve always believed thejobdescriptionof ferent toyounow? the commissioner?Doesitsoundalittledif- NFLPA’s andintothebreachleaps armor, politico Mawae oravisiblechinkinthe negotiations. A rookiemistake bythenovice wasn’t giving backanybody’s money innew andthathe veteran androokiealike, er, promise thatherepresentsevery NFLplay- Upshaw quicklyweighedinwiththe DEPARTMENTS COLUMNISTS tasy football news fromaroundtheleague. round oftheFantasy Buzzwiththehottestfan- Andcheck outanother ing-camp previews. NEXT ISSUE 29 ...... Pg. Magee Jerry Glenn Dickey; 28 ...... Pg. RonBorges Dan Parr; 35 ...... Pg. SlantwithDan The Arkush 34 ...... Pg. transactions NFL 32 ...... Pg. Audibles 30 ...... Pg. CFL ; 3 ...... Pg. WayThe It WeHear

Don’t missourin-depthteam-by-team train- PHOTOS BY HARRY SCULL JR. editors AT @ pfwmedia.com UY2008 JULY JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 3 WAYTHETHE WE HEAR it... HEAR● ● ● By DAN ARKUSH MICHAEL BLUNDA ERIC EDHOLM NOLAN NAWROCKI DAN PARR ● MATT SOHN ● MIKE WILKENING NFCl EAST Shockey situation embodies Giants’

Super Bowl hangover SPORTPICS With training camp yet to get Change of heart: After squabbling with the Bengals all offseason, reported for a mandatory minicamp in June under way, the Giants already have faced plenty of turmoil this For months, Bengals WR Chad John- to crack. I think Chad realized he was offseason — future Hall of Famer son publicly,and repeatedly,lobbied for not playing if he was not playing for the retired and RB a fresh start elsewhere. But, lo and Bengals.” is spending his Calm summer vacation in jail — and behold, Johnson reported to the team’s And if Johnson isn’t playing, he isn’t there is more to come. Team mandatory minicamp in June and is now getting paid — and that is not going to sources are confident that the con- expected to report for the Bengals’ train- happen, the way we hear it. ing camp in Georgetown, Ky., on July 27. waters 2. Chad Johnson loves the game of tract demands of WR Plaxico Bur- ress could be alleviated before Yes, it has been an offseason of football. camp, but RB Chad Johnson mood swings in Cincin- Bengals, Johnson Johnson’s passion for the game is wants more money (he’s in nati. And the pendulum, the way we apparent, and his work ethic has long the last year of his deal) hear it, has swung toward peace. getting back been praised by those associated with and there is the ongoing How did we get to this point? Two on same page the Bengals. A longtime team observer saga with TE Jeremy factors stand out: told PFW that Johnson was at his most Shockey. Reports have 1.The Bengals held firm in the face of Johnson’s demands. relaxed, playful and happy at the mandatory minicamp spiked again that other Say this for Bengals owner : He is not when he was on the practice field with his teammates. teams are asking about Shockey's going to be cajoled into making a decision he doesn’t That pure enjoyment of the game is one of the major availability, and although we hear want to make. Witness how he dealt with disgruntled WR reasons a Johnson holdout always seemed far from a the team would like to get its star Carl Pickens almost 10 years ago. Pickens vowed sure thing, even when the rhetoric between player and healthy and into camp, never to play for Cincinnati again, even threatening to club was at its most harsh. the rift between player and team retire, but Brown refused to trade him. The contentious, The Bengals are left to hope Johnson’s bad mood has isn’t narrowing. Shockey is upset protracted dispute lasted until June 2000, when the Ben- passed, and that he will be ready for training camp after with what he perceives to be a gals finally released Pickens. undergoing surgery on June 18 to remove bone spurs

lack of respect from the Giants in TOM BERG the form of misinformation about Fast-forward to this offseason, when Johnson — from his right ankle. Johnson, who has not missed a his situation, although the team Goner? might not be approximately two years after receiving a six-year, $35.5 game since his rookie season, is expected to be on the has claimed it never spread those welcomed back in New York million contract extension — demanded a trade of his field when the Bengals begin camp on July 28. words. Shockey and GM Jerry own. Not surprisingly, Brown was not willing to acqui- For his part, Johnson has ceased his sharp criticism of Reese also had an argument son, the coaches felt more com- esce. Nor was head coach , who sharply the club, the strong words — recall his rebuke of QB behind closed doors, and there are fortable with Pat McQuistan or criticized Johnson and declared that Johnson’s options — that overshadowed just about every- some who believe that Shockey (a fourth-rounder in were to play for Cincinnati or to sit out. thing else the Bengals had done this offseason. might have gone past the point ’07) as potential replacements. “What happened was (Johnson) tried to stir it up to get But for now, it’s all quiet in Cincinnati, perhaps a little where he can be a benefit to the Marten received some snaps at the team to move him,” said one personnel director, later than Bengals brass would have liked, but preferable team. That said, it’s likely that guard during OTAs and might con- speaking on condition of anonymity. “Mike Brown has to the alternative. nothing will happen in terms of a tinue to get looks there in training been around a long time. He is one guy who is not going — MIKE WILKENING trade before the Giants report to camp. Following the addition in Albany. May of , there is an abundance of talent and McDougle, a first-round pick in agent Chris Clemons and rookie of last season. The Eagles current- DALLAS COWBOYS depth at , whereas guard is 2003, and RB , a Bryan Smith, who will be tried at ly have , Correll Second-year OL a little thinner. As of now, the only third-rounder in 2005, appear to be end despite needing to bulk up Buckhalter, and was the 67th player selected in the other interior backups of note are on the outside looking in as train- (he’s reportedly up to 245 pounds ahead of Moats at run- 2007 draft and spent his rookie Cowboys veterans ing camp approaches. McDougle, and could weigh more ning back. McDougle is entering season mostly watching and , who were both whose promising career has been when camp arrives). And the final year of his rookie contract starting OTs Flozell on the roster last season, plus derailed by injuries, now sits sev- Moats, who flashed ability and most likely won’t make it out Adams and Marc Colom- recently added . enth on the DE depth chart follow- as a rookie, averaging 5.1 of camp. Moats could stick around bo, while being on the inac- ing the offseason additions of free yards a carry, essentially longer if he shows he can help on tive list for all 16 games. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES had a lost season in ’06, special teams and beats out either Now, it appears Marten The handwriting is on the wall plagued by and an inabili- Buckhalter or Hunt, but our might be tried at guard, too. When for two former first-day Eagles ty to master the offense in training Colombo was injured late last sea- draft picks. DE Jerome camp, and then he was injured all CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 WHISPERS ● It has little to do with the fact that stamina with the idea that he’ll be to be a factor in the red zone, as oppo- recent minicamp practices, but the Michael Strahan retired, but Giants counted on even more this season. nents key on and team isn’t worried — yet. officials believe DE is ● Cowboys sources have been . ● As of now, Vikings DE Brian ready to become a full-fledged star. In impressed with the development of ● The Lions aren’t yet concerned Robison is ’s backup on fact there were some who believed , who made a few about WLB ’ return from the right side. Robison was consid- strongly that Tuck would have beaten impressive plays in minicamp and arthroscopic shoulder surgery, but ered to be a potential starter on the out Strahan for a starting gig had he could push at some they will monitor him closely in the left side, competing with Ray

returned. Tuck reportedly is in excel- point. Austin steadily has improved as JEFF FISHBEIN first few days of training camp. Sims lent condition, hoping to build up his a wideout and has good enough size Ernie Sims did not participate in much of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 4 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 WHISPERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 game reminded him somewhat of Panthers star Steve Smith’s. Graves Edwards. Although Edwards WWHIWWHI was Smith’s position coach at the Uni- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 remains shelved with a back injury, it versity of Utah. was Jayme Mitchell — not Robison ● Chiefs CB cer- sources say that isn’t expected. — who got first-team reps at the final tainly is not young at age 32, but our minicamp sessions, but that could sources tell us that he has looked WASHINGTON REDSKINS change if Edwards misses time in even older during minicamp. He ORT is expected to camp. apparently is moving very slowly and rejoin the starting lineup following ● It’s starting to look like the versa- looks like a player on his last legs. a painful double injury that he tile John St. Clair could grab the The veteran might have only one pro- incurred in the season opener last Bears’ starting OLG job away from ductive year left. season against Miami. Jansen . As for Josh ● Following their signing of former reportedly is in good shape follow- Beekman, who was expected to Buccaneers WR-RS Mark Jones, the ing rehab of his broken right leg compete for the role, OTA observers and dislocated right ankle, earning Chargers are aggressively trying to said the Bears’ fourth-round pick in a big thumbs-up from OL shop WR Eric Parker, with Cleve- 2007 saw no action at guard and coach Joe Bugel, but land being mentioned as a potential spent every session backing up Olin Jansen still has a ways to trade partner. However, the market Kreutz at center. go before he’s completely for a 29-year-old receiver who ● Not that he’s thinking at all about healthy. Having him back missed all of last season is not very changing the Packers’ plans at quar- would allow the team to good, so San Diego might just end up terback, but we hear head coach move slowly with promising OT releasing him. Mike McCarthy can’t say enough Stephon Heyer, who had his ● The long-term contract negotia- moments as an undrafted rookie about how quickly second-round tions between the Raiders and exclu- who was pressed into starting duty rookie QB has picked sive franchise free-agent CB Nnam- for five games. Heyer has a future, up the offense. We hear McCarthy di Asomugha continue to drag on, and the new staff appears to like also continues to like the progress him, but it would be ideal if Jansen being made by the team’s other rook- but we hear they have not turned con- tentious. Sources fully expect the two could hold down the position for ie signalcaller, seventh-rounder Matt another season or two before they Flynn. sides to reach an agreement, and Asomugha has made it clear that he entrust the position to Heyer. As a ● Free-agent QB Daunte Culpep- safeguard, Jansen took snaps at has no intention of extending his per recently confirmed that he did center this summer and also said indeed turn down an offer from the holdout into the season. he was open to playing guard if it ●Yet another off-field transgression Packers, but declined to say why. NORM HALL meant he could extend his career ● We hear is the involving Broncos WR Brandon or improve the line. front-runner to win the Panthers’ start- Marshall was revealed recently. Marshall was arrested in Atlanta on ing job at right . Stan- make a difference.” team couldn’t be happier these days NFC NORTH March 6 and received a misde- l ley McClover and Charles John- ● We still keep hearing the Cardi- with second-year OG Mansfield meanor battery charge for allegedly son also have been jockeying for the nals wouldn’t mind obtaining a veter- Wrotto, who was cited by coaches as Blitz pickup ability will hitting his then-girlfriend, Rasheed- spot throughout the offseason, but an backup tackle before the season the most improved player in the be telltale signs of ah Watley. He is stockpiling a Brayton’s experience and versatility starts. While the offensive line team’s offseason program. OTA lengthy arrest record and it’s begin- progress by Vikings’ — he can shift inside to get a pass appears to have decent depth at cen- observers said new O-line coach ning to look more likely that he’ll Jackson, Peterson up the middle on third down — ter and the guard spots, it remained spent a lot of time work- receive some sort of punishment, The Vikings are likely to see a has given him a leg up on the com- dangerously thin at the OT spots ing with Wrotto on his pulling tech- potentially a suspension, from NFL lot of blitzing until QB Tarvaris petition. heading into July. nique and making blocks on line- ● commissioner for a Jackson proves he can make Word out of is ● We hear the Rams were pretty backers. sound decisions in the face of Saints CB Mike McKenzie is on disappointed after the division-rival ● The Patriots are hurting for a violation of ’s personal con- duct policy. pressure and until RB Adrian track to begin practicing when train- Niners beat them to the punch in quality in-line blocking tight end after Peterson proves he can pick up ● Despite the fact Ravens S Tom ing camp begins on July 24. McKen- securing the services of veteran OL letting and Kyle the rusher that comes free. It was zie sat out all of the team’s OTAs while , who started 119 games Brady go the past two offseasons. Zbikowski hasn’t gotten off to a par- a major concern last season that recovering from surgery to repair a in nine seasons in Oakland before However, a source close to the team ticularly good start with his new club, hindered the offense, and torn ACL he suffered late last season. being released at the end of Febru- tells us that starting TE Ben Watson we hear there is almost no chance he it’s sure to be a major factor ● Sources tell PFW that the new Fal- ary. Word is the team believes it improved his blocking considerably won’t make the final roster coming in how effective the passing cons coaching staff was never very needs more depth at tackle, with jour- during his injury-shortened 2007 out of training camp. A third-round game is this season. It’s dif- high on FS Jimmy Williams. When neymen and Adam campaign, which slightly lessens the pick, Zbikowski certainly would be ficult to grade offseason he showed a lack of commitment by Goldberg currently figuring as the concern. signed by another team were the practices for such a specific arriving at minicamp overweight, the top backups at the position. ● TE may have Ravens to try to sneak him onto the element, but sources say that decision to release him became a ● With newly acquired Barry started for the Dolphins in 2007, but . The Ravens would Jackson especially has proven to much easier one to make. The Sims giving the Niners badly needed word out of South Florida is that he’ll like Zbikowski to drop a little weight be more calm in the face of pres- sure in terms of decision making, impressive showing by rookie FS insurance behind injury-prone Jonas have to fight to merely keep a roster with the hope it will help him in pass getting rid of the ball more cleanly Thomas DeCoud in OTAs also Jennings at right tackle, we hear the spot in training camp. Newcomers coverage. ● The way we hear it, this is a piv- and effectively and standing in the helped to make Williams, the team’s team is quite likely to move second- and Sean Ryan pocket amid a heavy rush. The top draft pick in 2006, expendable. round rookie from and holdover could otal year for Bengals DE , who’s entering his third sea- good news is that the Vikings now ● Bucs head coach right tackle back to guard, the posi- end up being the team’s TE corps. have the defensive juice, with the son for the club. Rucker, a 2006 third- recently hinted that he may add tion he played at USC. ● Like teammate , addition of DE Jared Allen, to test another receiver or two to his roster ● Word is Niners DL Ray McDon- Colts SS is on course to round pick, will have to prove he can Jackson and Peterson with good before training camp begins. Tampa ald, one of the team’s two third-round be ready to go for the start of the reg- consistently contribute as a reserve. pressure in practice all throughout ● Bay had free-agent WRs Eddie Ken- picks in the 2007 draft, slipped down ular season. Sanders is recuperating As it stands now, Jereme Perry training camp. nison, Eric Moulds and Bryan the depth chart behind free-agent from shoulder surgery and — similar has the edge to be the Browns’ fourth Gilmore in for tryouts in May but did Walter Curry in the team’s most to his limited role in prior offseasons behind , CHICAGO BEARS not sign any of the veterans. Gruden recent OTAs and could find himself in — will be held out of contact drills Brandon McDonald and Eric With the Bears recently making could turn to someone out of that a heated battle with Curry, Joe throughout training camp in order to Wright. But speculation persists that Tommie Harris the highest-paid group again, or he could take a Cohen, Melvin Oliver, Atiyyah ensure a healthy return for Week One Cleveland will be looking hard at the in league history chance on Chris Henry or Koren Ellison and ex-Eagle LaJuan Ram- action. waiver wire come August. with a four-year, $40 million con- Robinson, who come with character sey for the final two spots on the ros- ● New Jaguars WR Troy William- ● A source close to the Steelers tract extension, could new con- concerns. Gruden, however, has a ter.We hear the Niners like the poten- son, whose inconsistent hands made says the club’s willingness to sign tracts for and history of giving once-troubled play- tial of Ramsey, a late bloomer who him a bust in Minnesota, has OLT to a contract be far ers a chance at redemption. didn’t start playing football until his impressed the coaching staff in Jack- extension largely comes down to behind? The way we hear ● Our sources in the desert don’t junior year in high school. sonville. However, we hear there’s a whether Smith, who has a history of it, the Bears still may have see Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin ● We hear the Seahawks are lingering suspicion that he’s a “prac- back problems, can stay healthy. a long way to go before reaching new deals with a skipping training camp because of encouraged by the progress being tice-field hero” and that the team is Smith, who will be 30 in August, has made by former first-round DT Mar- waiting until actual game action to one year left on his contract. Whatev- pair of players who have contract concerns, as he indicated he expressed their displeasure over cus Tubbs, who has been sidelined feel comfortable with its new deep er happens with Smith, we’re told not might do in a mid-June article on the their current deals, particularly team’s Web site. “I still think he’s just the last two years by season-ending threat. to expect as chilly a relationship ● Urlacher. Talks with Urlacher’s too competitive and too much of a knee surgeries. Word is Tubbs is In a recent interview with PFW, between player and club as the one camp have become amiable after team player,”a longtime team insider expected to be fully ready to partici- Titans WR coach Fred Graves said that the departed a well-documented impasse, but told PFW. “And I think getting fined pate in training camp. that rookie ’ com- experienced with the Steelers in his word is the star middle $15,000 for every day missed will ● Our Seahawks sources tell us the petitiveness and approach to the final season in Pittsburgh. is looking for a lot more money up JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 5

front than the $5 million the Bears Unknown future: Jason Taylor could appear willing to offer. “I don’t see be playing in Miami or elsewhere in ’08 the Bears budging one penny,” a source close to the team told PFW. As for Hester, a major prob- Thompson, and Jenkins is a bet- lem continues to be the contract ter base end than tackle.” Another parameters for a player who has fly in the ointment is Taylor’s no doubt excelled as a return spe- apparent preference to play on a cialist but wants to be paid like a team in a major TV market that is receiver, even though he remains close to either Florida or Califor- relatively unproven in the latter nia. role. “You can be sure lots of incentives will be built into whatev- SOUTH er kind of deal they do for Hester,” NFCl the source said. “It’s been a tricky Faine bringing process, because his role is so leadership to young, undefined.” talented Bucs O-line DETROIT LIONS Buccaneers head coach Jon It was reported in late June that Gruden struggled to find the right ORT must pay a word when describing his offensive fine of $52,000 and serve a year of line recently, but he gave the front probation stemming from a 2007 five a loose endorsement as OTAs incident with former Col- reached their conclusion. “I don’t lege teammate DeJuan Tribble, in have one word for these guys,” he which the two players were said. “They’re a sophisticated charged with assault and battery bunch. … We’re talented, I’ll during a bar brawl. Although the say that. Whether we can Lions were aware of the situation get the production is anoth- and are not concerned with the er story, but we are talent- outcome, they have to be ed.” The O-line’s pass worried about the behavior blocking and ability to cre- of their rookie class to date. ate extra time in the pocket for vet- It turns out that second- eran QB will continue round LB to be a key for Tampa Bay this was arrested six days season. In addition, the free-agent before the NFL draft on suspicion acquisition of C should of driving while intoxicated, a solidify what was already a strong charge that only recently was group. Faine is still learning some reported. And even though RB of the line calls, but he provides an Kevin Smith, the team’s third- essential veteran presence to a rounder, has not been involved in fairly inexperienced group of block- any shenanigans, to our knowl- ers. The former Saint could be the edge, he told PFW that head only starter with more than two coach had stressed years of starting experience. “I love to him numerous times following him,” Gruden said of Faine. …

the draft and during rookie mini- He’s an athletic guy, a second- SPORTS PICTURE NETWORK camps that he must stay out of level guy, he’s smart, a leader and trouble. Some teams red-flagged tough as hell.” fine and 24 hours of community option at this point and is penciled camp. “They’re hoping he’ll be Smith as having a character ques- service following his plea and he’ll in as the starter next to SS ready for the season opener,” one tion during the draft-evaluation ATLANTA FALCONS enter the NFL’s substance-abuse , who also has longtime team insider told PFW. process after Smith reportedly Sources in Atlanta tell PFW that program, which will make him sub- encountered consistency issues. “, who was signed missed or chose to skip one first-year head coach ject to more frequent tests Competition throughout the Saints’ just to be another body, will be the team’s scheduled private workout took an almost opposite tack from for drugs and alcohol. secondary should last through for the rest of the summer. with him. Expect Marinelli’s mes- the dictatorial approach employed Sources say Jarrett looked training camp and the preseason It’s funny that Plackemeier — who sage for his rookies — to stay out by last year during like a better receiver during as Gary (looks like he) weighs more than of trouble — to be echoed offseason OTAs and minicamps. organized team activities Gibbs tries to improve his unit’s (starting DRE) Darryl Tapp and is throughout training camp. We hear it’s much less tense, from the one who managed pass defense, which ranked 30th one of the team’s more out-of- assistant coaches no longer are just six catches and 73 yards in in the league last season. shape guys — was even lifting GREEN BAY PACKERS afraid to speak up and schemes seven games last season and weights.” One more concern worth In more than a few ways, a deal are being drawn up that even made several acrobatic NFC WEST mentioning: Plackemeier also was that would dispatch disgruntled DE cater to the team’s grabs. He faces some tough com- l the team’s primary holder, and his Jason Taylor from Miami to Green strengths, rather than forc- petition in the Panthers’ improved Punter’s injury latest backup is none other than starting Bay actually makes a lot of sense. ing the squad to adapt to crop of receivers, and it will be dif- blow to Seahawks’ QB , who team Taylor would be playing for a the coach’s system. Smith ficult for him to pass Steve Smith, insiders agree might be much bet- strong playoff contender, which he canceled the Falcons’ final D.J. Hackett or Muhsin Muham- special teams ter off avoiding any unnecessary has mentioned as a major criterion minicamp, giving his players a bit mad on the depth chart, leaving The concerns keep mounting for risk of injury. in his career moving forward. In of a break before training camp on Jarrett penciled in as the No. 4 Seahawks special-teams coach addition, the Packers would be for- July 26 and, word is, they seemed pass catcher. Bruce DeHaven. It’s bad enough ARIZONA CARDINALS tifying a pass rush that lost some to appreciate it. While a positive, that neither free-agent addition With so much attention being of its potency down the upbeat tone may not lead to a nor seventh-round paid to the continued maturation of stretch last season and great turnaround in terms of wins With Saints FS rookie has come under center, a Car- could use another end to and losses, we hear that it bodes missing OTAs while on the mend close to making anybody forget dinals offensive line that returns possibly replace Cullen well for changing the overall cul- from knee surgery, Kevin Kaesvi- departed PK Josh Brown, intact — unlike a year ago at this Jenkins, who might be bet- ture surrounding the team, which harn has moved ahead in the race replacements must be time when the center (Al ter-served moving inside, is a key first step in the rebuilding to become the team’s starting free found for the coverage Johnson) and both tackles (Mike where injuries to DTs Johnny process. Players know they will be safety, the way we hear it. Bullocks unit’s top two performers Gandy and Levi Brown) were Jolly, James Harrell and Daniel rewarded for hard work. That was- is the incumbent at the position (free-agent defectors Niko new to the team — has Muir have taken a toll. But the way n’t always clear with Petrino at the and has started 43 of the Koutuvides and Kevin been greatly overlooked so we hear it, while the Packers have helm. 46 games he has played in Bentley), the new long- far this offseason. While indeed given such a trade some during his three seasons in snapper is expected to be team sources tell us well- consideration, the odds of Taylor CAROLINA PANTHERS the league, but his perfor- unproven sixth-round rookie Tyler regarded O-line coach landing in Green Bay are extreme- We hear the Panthers are hope- mance has been inconsis- Schmitt, and a scramble is under is pleased ly slim. Word is it could be a differ- ful that second-year WR Dwayne tent, particularly in cover- way among a flurry of candidates with his unit’s growing cohesive- ent story if the Packers had any Jarrett’s guilty plea to DWI on age. Missing a large chunk of time to take over a huge portion of ness, particularly on the left side real concerns about the recovery June 23 will mark a turning point in that could have been spent work- ’s return duties, as where Gandy and OG Reggie from offseason knee surgery by his career. Team officials think the ing on eliminating mistakes that his role as a receiver has been Wells have been rock solid, the veteran situational sack specialist embarrassment could help him plagued him in the past didn’t help greatly accelerated. Making mat- consensus is that the right side Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. “But mature and get motivated heading his cause as he enters his contract ters worse is the untimely torn consisting of Brown and third-year there’s nothing wrong with ‘KGB,’ " into training camp where he’ll com- year. Kaesviharn started three pectoral suffered by P Ryan OG needs to step it a longtime team insider told PFW. pete for a spot in the receiving games last season, his first with Plackemeier while lifting weights, up a notch this coming season for “I just don’t see it happening. It’s corps. Jarrett, a second-round pick New Orleans, but sources say he which our sources tell us is likely too unlike (Packers GM Ted) out of USC in ’07, faced a $420 looks like the more dependable to shut him down through training CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 6BIGBIG-MONEY-PROMONEY FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 either nor David Garrard fol- tively. Their bodies make them look more like lowed the traditional path to quarterbacking stardom. than passers. But after capturing their teams’ imaginations Shunned by the powerhouse programs, they cultivat- with standout seasons in the pocket, they now find them- ed their games on the periphery of the college foot- selves at the forefront of the Steelers’ and Jaguars’ resur- Nball landscape, at Miami (Ohio) and East Carolina, respec- gences — and on the receiving end of a blockbuster payday. In the span of one year, David Garrard has gone from backup to highest-paid player in Jaguars history

By VITO STELLINO Del Rio decided to put his fate in Garrard’s Romo also got $30 million in guaranteed hands, cutting Leftwich nine days before the money, while Garrard accepted $18 million. JACKSONVILLE — The Jaguars season started and handing the job to Gar- Garrard didn’t want to drag out the talks in have found a starting who rard. a quest for a better deal. had been hiding in plain sight the past The gamble paid off big time as Garrard “I pretty much had to say (to my agent), six seasons. guided the team to an 11-5 regular-season ‘You know what, let’s go ahead and wrap it David Garrard is entering his sev- record and a first-round playoff victory in up. I’m done. It’s too much stress on me and enth season with the team, but this is the Pittsburgh before it lost in New England. my family. My wife was done (ready to take first year in which he has gone to training Garrard ranked third in the NFL in passer the deal) five weeks ago,’ ” he said. camp as the team’s starter. rating (102.2) behind only “I’d rather be happy now, have the city And he’s determined to prove (117.2) and Ben Roethlisberger (104.1). He happy now, have the team, the organization, the team made the right led the league in third-quarter the owner happy now than trying to string move when they gave (123.8) and was fifth in the fourth quarter something out and having everybody on him a $60 million con- (103.9). edge.” tract extension in the He missed three games with an ankle Garrard said he had seen players in the past offseason to become injury, but that didn’t slow him down when go through protracted negotiations and he their quarterback of the he returned. He threw 18 TD passes and had didn’t want to go that route. future. only three , and he’s a running “I’ve just seen it too many times,’’ he said. Instead of fighting for threat who ran for 185 yards. “I’ve always said, when I was watching some a job and looking over his And like Garrard, Del Rio got a contract of the other guys going through it, I don’t shoulder, he doesn’t have to extension, thanks in large part to his quarter- know how they’re doing it. I just didn’t want worry about making mis- back’s play. to go through it myself. Is (a long negotia- takes. Garrard then was able to relax in the off- tion) really worth it? I just said it’s time to In the past, he admitted he season, knowing he was going to get a big make everybody happy because I was already worried that if he made a few bad contract and return as the starter. happy.’’ plays, he’d lose his job. During his offseason, he said, “It was a lot When Garrard was asked if his agent was That’s all changed. of fun. A lot of the fans around town have advising him to try to get more, he said, “He been very happy and very excited about the “I can just play, have fun, do my job, has my best wishes in mind. He’s just being encourage everybody and just try to be the upcoming season, and we’re the same around an agent. He’s trying to get everything that he best leader possible,’’ he said. here. We feel like it’s going to be a great year can. The bottom line (is) it’s up to me and I Garrard’s worries in the past were justified for us.’’ felt like it was time.’’ because the Jaguars had benched him three Garrard said he doesn’t feel any extra pres- different times. sure to live up to his contract. Del Rio saluted Garrard for never getting In 2005, he posted a 4-1 record as a starter “Not at all,’’ he said as he explained that bitter while he waited for his chance. in the final five games when he’ll benefit from his time as a starter last “When you look at what transpired and suffered an ankle injury. Yet in the playoff season. how David responded, I think that’s what’s game against the Patriots, coach “It’s really prepared me for my future and most impressive,” he said. “A lot of people switched to Leftwich even though he was the rest of my years in the league,’’ he said. may have gotten down, gotten down on them- playing with an air cast on his ailing ankle Owner Wayne Weaver, who gave Garrard a selves, gotten bitter at me for the decision. and had been sidelined for more than a six-year, $60 million contract with $20 mil- What you see is a young man that perse- month. lion guaranteed, said, “I can tell you that this vered.” The Leftwich-led offense produced only a is by far and away the largest contract of any Garrard also has to deal with Crohn’s dis- on the board as the Jaguars lost 28- Jaguars player, and I can also say that David ease and still receives treatment for the ill- 3, with Garrard seeing mopup duty in the has earned this.’’ ness, but it has had no ill effects on his play. second half. Weaver added, “I think (the contract) real- Garrard is now living the good life. He has The following season, Leftwich was ly gives us the stability and the continuity a new home and a 41-foot boat — named injured again, and Garrard started the last 10 that we need to compete at the highest level “Hail Mary’’ because his wife’s name is games and had them on the cusp of the play- and bring a championship to Jacksonville Mary and it’s also a football term — and said offs at 8-5. and, hopefully, multiple championships.’’ he has caught the fishing bug from his in- But they lost the last three games and Gar- Garrard said, “To come from where I was laws. rard was yanked for in the sec- (benched in the season finale in 2006), it’s “My wife has been fishing since she was 5 ond half of the 35-30 loss to Kansas City in truly a blessing. It was the first time in my years old. They (his in-laws) got me into it, Patient passer: David the season finale. football career that I’ve ever been pulled out and I love it. My father-in-law has been fish- Garrard toiled as a Then in February of ’07, Del Rio again of a game. … To come 360 degrees from that ing for 30 years,’’ he said. backup before breaking The Jaguars now hope he can reel in a out as a starter in ’07 named Leftwich the starter even though he is truly amazing.’’ was coming off ankle surgery. Garrard was so eager to sign that he took trophy. But Garrard clearly outplayed Leftwich in the Jaguars’ offer even though it didn’t match training camp, and Del Rio knew he needed a the six-year, $67.5 million deal that Tony Vito Stellino covers the Jaguars for the winning season to keep his job. Romo got from the Cowboys. Florida Times-Union. BOMBERSBOMBERSJULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 7 Ben Roethlisberger’s clout with the Steelers has risen in step with his bank account

By JIM WEXELL to be pressure to play well. I’m sure this adds flaws exposed dur- a little more and adds fuel to the fire to do a ing the 2007 season PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlis- little better.” will naturally be berger may have been a mere rookie, There’s always pressure on $100 million improved in but that didn’t stop the Steelers’ quar- , too. Or perhaps the benchmark Tomlin’s sec- terback from approaching the front is simply jinxed. Roethlisberger became the ond season. office at the end of his first season and seventh $100 million quarterback in NFL And Pola- asking the team to re-sign free agent Plaxico history when he signed his eight-year deal in malu, who Burress. March. Of the previous six, and held the Roethlisberger had developed a bond with Drew Bledsoe retired without matching pre- team’s salary the big receiver, but the Steelers didn’t care. contract statistics, Carson Palmer ripped up record last year, They didn’t make an offer to Burress, even his knee in his next meaningful game, added a comment on after Burress’ price plummeted while he was is now on the street, and offseason negotiations: being ignored through the first two weeks of is in jail. “You want to see the guys that free agency. That leaves Donovan McNabb. He’s the have really worked hard get paid Two years later, Roethlisberger went to only quarterback of the group to play in a off,” he said. “It would mean a lot to the front office with a similar request. He Super Bowl after signing his big contract, the team.” still wanted a big receiver and told the Steel- but McNabb still is trying to shake criticism He wasn’t talking about Roethlis- ers that his former college teammate, Martin from that game after admitting he got tired berger, but instead Faneca. Nance, would be an outstanding draft during the potential game-winning drive. “I’ve never seen anybody show up choice. But the Steelers passed on Nance. In Perhaps was lucky to and work like him every day and fact, they passed on him nine times. The big have signed for only $99.2 million in 2004. never complain,” Polamalu said. receiver out of Miami (Ohio) went undrafted He not only played in a Super Bowl after “He’s really a leader on this team. I and signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free signing; he won. really hope we do something good for him.” agent. Roethlisberger, of course, is thinking big. But that’s not the direction the Two years after that, an undaunted Roeth- “I believe that the guys we have on this front office took. Instead of re-sign- lisberger tried the front office again. Even team right now are exceptional players,” he ing the 31-year-old guard, the though the Steelers had drafted 6-foot-7 TE said. “I believe that we have the pieces of the Steelers re-signed the 26-year-old and 6-3 WR in puzzle to again be a championship football quarterback, who must now 2007, Roethlisberger wanted another big team. We have all the pieces that we need become that true leader. receiver. This time, the Steelers acquiesced. right here.” “I got a lot of text messages, a This time, the Steelers not only drafted 6-4 Well, maybe not all the pieces. If pressure lot of calls from the guys,” WR , they signed 6-8 TE Cody doesn’t come from within, it certainly will Roethlisberger said the day he Boyd and 6-6 WR Matt Trannon off the come from opposing defenses. Roethlisberg- signed. “It means a lot to be street and added 6-6 WR Micah Rucker after er was sacked 53 times in 16 games last sea- here and be their leader.” the draft. In the spring, the Steelers’ receiv- son. While he was the youngest quarterback $100 million man: The time has come. Ben Roethlisberger must ing corps looked like the Redwood National to ever win a Super Bowl and is coming off deal with the pressure Forest. a career year statistically, he has been a Jim Wexell is the publisher of a huge contract The difference in the Steelers’ thinking punching bag of late, and it doesn’t appear of Scout’s SteelCityInsider.com now and then could be Roethlisberger, or at likely to change. The Steelers lost Alan Web site. least Roethlisberger’s status with the team. Faneca in free agency, and Carolina castoff Before this year’s draft, Roethlisberger has been the only veteran signed a contract that could pay him $102 addition to the line. The Steelers didn’t million by the year 2015. The contract didn’t address their offensive line in the draft until make Roethlisberger a part of the ruling the fourth round. Rooney class, but it did put him in a differ- “There are two schools of thought to pro- ent light. tect a quarterback,” coach said “What this does,” Roethlisberger said the after drafting RB in the day he signed his monumental contract, “it first round. “You can get linemen or you can puts me up there in more of a leadership get him weapons, people that people have to role.” account for. Obviously, with this pick, we’ve So Big Ben and his bigger receivers are set gotten a weapon, so what he is able to do on for takeoff. Not only have the Steelers given a football field will help our quarterback and their young quarterback all the money, our football team.” they’ve given him what he’s wanted as tar- Tomlin stuck with the plan in the next gets, and they’ve given him the offense. round when he drafted Sweed. Coordinator brought Roethlis- It still leaves the team short on the offen- berger into the game-planning circle in ’07 sive line, but Roethlisberger could help the and is expected to put more on the plate of pass protection by getting rid of the ball the big-money quarterback this season. sooner. It has been a viable criticism. But It all adds up to plenty of pressure on the Arians counters that Roethlisberger’s scram- back of the 26-year-old Roethlisberger, but bling and downfield searching opened the he shook it off last March like it was a cor- door to his team-record 32 TD passes. nerback blitz. Yet, the pounding Roethlisberger’s taking

“There’s always pressure in this town, might open the door to the infirmary. JIM MCISAAC / GETTY IMAGES (GARRARD & ROETHLISBERGER) | SPORTPICS ( GARRARD, ROETHLISBERGER) especially at the quarterback position,” After the loss to the Jaguars in the playoffs, Familiar faces: Roethlisberger said. “There’s always going All-Pro safety said that the David Garrard and Ben Roethlisberger met after a playoff game last season, won by the Jaguars 8MAJORMAJORPRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 MISSESMISSES A team-by-team breakdown of the NFL’s biggest busts of the past five seasons By PFW STAFF s June gave way to July, the Bears’ decision to release still had many people in the football world shaking their heads. Colossal first-round failures have a tendency to elicit that kind of a reac- tion, especially when they keep underachieving over and over again as Benson did in Chicago, burning bridges and leaving a bitter taste, both onA the field and off the field. Benson remains a free agent at this writing after clearing waivers, three days after his June 9 release. Subpar production, persistent injury problems and a pair of alcohol-related arrests in a five-week span are three strikes that could very well keep him out of football for the foreseeable future and beyond — a significant fall from grace for a player who was so coveted after being selected fourth overall in the 2005 draft. But Benson is far from alone in the “major disappointment” department. In the Out of the NFL: Eddie Moore, the Dolphins’ top following article, PFW identifies the biggest busts on each NFL team over the pick in 2003, played in past five seasons (2003-07). only 18 games for Miami SPORTPICS In addition, we take a separate look at players who may be on the verge of achieving “bust” status, unless they start fully meeting their high-round expec- tations in the not-too-distant future.

he failed his physical and the trade was voided. suspension for violating the NFL’s substance- AFC East After a year out of football, he resurfaced with AFC North abuse policy. Thurman was reinstated in April, J.P. LOSMAN the Broncos in ’07 but was cut in training camp. but he was released less than a month later after ■ QB | Buffalo Bills the Bengals grew skeptical of his commitment First round (22nd overall), 2004 ■ QB | Baltimore Ravens to the game of football. In June, Thurman was ■ WR | First round (19th overall), 2003 suspended indefinitely for another violation of Blessed with all the physical tools desired in Second round (45th overall), 2003 the substance-abuse policy. a quarterback, Losman has failed to put it all That we have characterized Boller this way together during his four years in Buffalo. A Despite the fact that Johnson actually highlights the great expectations that quarter- CHAUN THOMPSON combination of inaccuracy, ambivalence in the showed glimpses of solid play both as a receiv- backs bear, as well as Baltimore’s strong draft ■ LB | pocket and overall mismanagement of the er and returner, he didn’t do nearly enough to record over the years. Boller has been a service- Second round (52nd overall), 2003 able starter at points of his career — more than offense contributed to his inability to get the warrant his high draft slot. A speed demon out of Texas A&M, Johnson would occasionally you can say for others on this list — but the In his four years running the Browns’ drafts, Bills back to the playoffs even once during his get behind the secondary to haul down the deep Ravens certainly were hoping for more from him head coach earned a reputation for undistinguished tenure as a starter. When he ball, but his sub-4.4 speed was far more of a red when they traded their 2003 second-round pick drafting big-school talent with whom he was went down with a sprained left knee in Week herring than a legit weapon. He was jettisoned and ’04 first-round selection to New England to familiar from his time at the University of Three last season and rookie out of Foxborough in ’05 when he was traded take Boller. His inconsistent play led the Ravens Miami (Fla.). Perhaps that’s why his selection showed considerable promise, it signaled the to the Saints for DT , a fel- to trade for Titans QB Steve McNair in ’06. of Thompson, a prospect out of West Texas unofficial end to Losman’s career in Buffalo. low underachiever from the ’03 draft. When McNair retired less than two weeks before A&M, was so surprising. Or maybe it was that the ’08 draft, the Ravens never considered stand- Thompson wasn’t regarded as a second-round EDDIE MOORE ing pat at quarterback but instead drafted talent. Thompson was a starter in 2004 and ’05, ■ LB | Miami Dolphins ■ DT | New York Jets Delaware QB in the first round. At but he never lived up to the promise Davis held Second round (49th overall), 2003 First round (fourth overall), 2003 present, it seems more likely that Flacco or Troy for him. Thompson eventually lost his starting Smith will get a chance to start ahead of Boller, job in ’s defense, although he When the Dolphins’ first pick of the ’03 draft It’s not all Robertson’s fault that he makes an who is in the final year of his contract. was a valuable contributor on special teams. rolled around in the second round (they had unceremonious appearance on this list, because Thompson signed with the Texans in the off- traded away their first-round selection for there was a good number of pundits who ODELL THURMAN season. the previous year), the one believed the Kentucky product was overdraft- ■ LB | Cincinnati Bengals player everyone believed the WR-needy Dol- ed. Still, it wouldn’t have mattered where he Second round (48th overall), 2005 ALONZO JACKSON phins coveted — Florida State WR Anquan got taken in the first round; he would likely ■ LB | Pittsburgh Steelers Boldin — was there for the taking. Coach Dave have received the “biggest bust” honor anyway. Statistically, Thurman had a spectacular Second round (59th overall), 2003 Wannstedt surprised everyone by adding to his During Robertson’s first three seasons in New rookie season, notching 98 tackles and inter- defense, picking the undersized Moore. Five York he was never the penetrating, attacking cepting five passes for the division-champion Greg Lloyd. Jason Gildon. . Those years later, Boldin has established himself as defensive tackle coach thought Bengals. He seemed on the cusp of a long, suc- three examples prove that the Steelers have had one of the NFL’s top receivers, and Moore is he would be, but he sunk to a new level when cessful career, especially when you consider a knack for developing outside linebackers to out of the league. He played in 18 games over asked him to serve as the nose that scouts and coaches believed he was getting become stars in their 3-4 scheme. Jackson, a three injury-plagued seasons in Miami. The tackle for the 3-4 defense in ’06 and ’07. He’ll by on raw ability in his first NFL season. But Florida State product, was slated to be the next team tried trading him to the Saints in ’06, but get a chance to resurrect his career in Denver. Thurman’s career was derailed by a two-year pass rusher in this lineage. But Jackson struggled JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 9 in his two seasons with the Steelers, earning lim- at Kansas State, saw his career come to an end JEROME McDOUGLE rounder and ’04 second-rounder ited playing time on defense and struggling to after appearing in just 18 games, when the ■ DE | Philadelphia Eagles , among others), but Benson gets help out on special teams. Stints with the Giants, Broncos cut him before the ’05 season began. First round (15th overall), 2003 the nod. A square peg from the get-go, Benson Eagles and Jets were not any more fruitful for proved to be a major disappointment, both on Jackson, who has never recorded an NFL sack. JUNIOR SIAVII Injuries, freak or otherwise, have caused and off the field. Coming out of Texas, Benson ■ DT | McDougle to spend much of his career on the had GM Jerry Angelo thinking he would follow Second round (36th overall), 2004 sideline. As a rookie, he suffered an injury in the in the lofty footsteps of Bears greats Walter AFC South final preseason game that caused him to miss half Payton and Gale Sayers. As it turned out, Ben- No, he’s not a -sized bust (the of the regular season. The next year, he was diag- son tripped his way down the same path as fel- Chiefs’ 2002 epic disaster of a selection), but nosed with an irregular heartbeat, and a sprained low first-round failures Rashaan Salaam and ■ DE-LB | Houston Texans he’s not too far off. The Chiefs were blinded by ankle ended his 2004 season. In ’05, McDougle Curtis Enis, consistently underachieving when First round (27th overall), 2004 the seductive appeal of the workout numbers of was shot in Miami during a carjacking/robbery he wasn’t hampered by injuries, which was far Siavii, who was merely a decent defensive attempt and nearly died from his wounds. He too often. Then-Texans GM Charley Casserly traded tackle at the . Unfortu- came back to play in ’06 and earned the team’s second-, third- and fourth-round picks to Ten- nately for them, his play in the NFL mimicked after making 17 tackles CHARLES ROGERS nessee to move into the back end of Round One his play at the collegiate level. and one sack in 14 games. McDougle missed the ■ WR | Detroit Lions to select Babin, who had starred at Western ’07 season with a ruptured triceps tendon. He is First round (second overall), 2003 Michigan. (The teams also swapped fifth-round still on the Eagles’ roster and is a perennial senti- picks.) The Texans wanted Babin to be the 3-4 ■ OG-OT | Oakland Raiders mental favorite, but the odds are long against him Rogers edges out Mike Williams (10th over- rush linebacker the defense so desperately need- First round (second overall), 2004 cracking a deep DE rotation and making the club. all in 2005) as the Lions’ biggest bust. Both ed, but he never quite fit the bill, and he was receivers flamed out in Detroit, but Rogers was traded to Seattle last summer. Also considered Gallery was billed as a sure thing. He was to TAYLOR JACOBS drafted higher — No. 2 overall in ’03 behind for this list: TE Bennie Joppru, a 2003 second- become the Raiders’ anchor at left tackle, keeping ■ WR | Washington Redskins Carson Palmer — and actually had fewer rounder whose career was derailed by injuries. pass rushers away from his quarterback’s blind Second round (44th overall), 2003 catches (36 to Williams’ 44) and yards (440 to side. Instead, after he looked overmatched for 539). Rogers was billed as a complete package, three seasons, head coach moved The Redskins didn’t draft often between 2003 with elements of , ■ DE | Indianapolis Colts Gallery inside to left guard last season, where he and ’07 (a league-low 24 draft picks in that time), and Andre Rison. After his first five NFL Third round (92nd overall), 2005 benefited from being side by side with other but they at least made most of their big ones games, in which he caught 22 passes for 243 blockers. He’s a serviceable guard but isn’t the count. The biggest flop was Jacobs, who caught yards and three , Rogers broke his “Sweat Pea” didn’t exactly fit the mold of pro- elite talent Oakland believed it was getting in only 30 passes for 315 yards and one TD in 38 collarbone and never was the same again. He totypical Tampa-2 defensive end. More of a space 2004. Unlike many of the busts on this list who games (seven starts) in three seasons in Washing- came back in 2004 but suffered another broken eater than a speedy, pass-rushing type, he end up out of work in short order, it appears ton. He was considered a potential first-round collarbone on the first series of the season, and nonetheless had the energy and work ethic to be Gallery, though he’ll be forever considered a bust pick coming out of Florida, and he appeared to be his career derailed after a third violation of the considered a quality addition for a struggling because of how early he was picked, has weath- a great fit with then-Redskins coach Steve NFL’s substance-abuse policy in ’05. Rogers is defense. Unfortunately for him and the Colts, ered the storm and may stick around in Oakland. Spurrier’s system, having played in it in college. currently out of the NFL. Of the next nine picks knee and shoulder ailments prevented him from The Redskins were excited when Jacobs fell to after Rogers, five have become Pro Bowlers — ever stepping foot on an NFL field. However, it SAMMY DAVIS them in Round Two, but he never showed the , , Kevin speaks volumes about the success of the Colts in ■ CB | San Diego Chargers toughness, confidence or playing speed needed to Williams, and . the draft that their biggest “bust” of the past five First round (30th overall), 2003 make it in the NFL. He’s currently a free agent years was taken late in the third round. after being let go by the Broncos this offseason. The Chargers have placed a premium on the ■ CB | Green Bay Packers MATT JONES CB position in recent drafts. Since 2002, they’ve First round (25th overall), 2004 ■ WR | Jacksonville Jaguars drafted four corners in the first round. Since ’02, NFC North First round (21st overall), 2005 only Davis has failed to pan out (although the Carroll is a draft pick the Packers would just jury is still out on ’08 selection ). CEDRIC BENSON as soon forget. He was a penalty-making There were mixed reviews on Jones coming Davis was supposed to be paired with Quentin ■ RB | Chicago Bears machine whose frequent lapses on the field out of Arkansas. Some saw the 6-foot-6 player Jammer as the Bolts’ CB duo of the future, but it First round (fourth overall), 2005 consistently proved to be costly. The Packers with 4.4 speed as a revolutionary type of talent was the team’s second-round selection in ’03, finally cut the cord with Carroll not long after who would emerge as one of the best receivers in , who instead emerged as the There is no shortage of candidates (2003 his wretched performance in the Week Four the game. Others saw him as a college quarter- better player. Davis nonetheless played a signif- first-rounder Michael Haynes, fellow ’03 first- (Continued on Page 10) back who would have difficulty transitioning to a icant role in his first two seasons, but it’s rarely new position. The latter group was spot-on. Not a good sign when a young player has played with only have his skills (his hands, mostly) been three different teams in the past three seasons. inconsistent, but his effort has been all but nonex- istent. With a suddenly crowded WR corps in Jacksonville, the “athletic dynamo” faces an NFC East uphill battle to keep a roster spot this season. ADAM “PACMAN” JONES ■ OT | Dallas Cowboys ■ CB | Tennessee Titans Second round (52nd overall), 2004 First round (sixth overall), 2005 The Cowboys loved the athleticism of Rogers, Did you hear the latest about Jones? He no who appeared to be a left tackle in the making. longer wants to be called “Pacman.” No matter They believed they got a steal when they landed what image makeover Jones tries to undertake, it the All-America tackle in Round Two, but it soon is impossible to call his three-year stint in Ten- became clear that Rogers had a low tolerance for nessee anything but a failure. Off-the-field prob- pain and a questionable desire to play football. lems plagued Jones, most notably a February Sources say he was a very injury-conscious play- 2007 shooting at a Las Vegas strip club that left a er, and he went against the team’s advice and man paralyzed. Jones was suspended for the underwent season-ending microfracture surgery entire ’07 season, and the Titans were quick to in 2005, angering owner Jerry Jones. The Cow- distance themselves from him. Traded to Dallas boys released Rogers, who later hooked up with in April, Jones is awaiting NFL commissioner the Broncos, but he played in only two NFL Roger Goodell’s decision on whether he will be games in his career, both as a rookie in ’04. reinstated for the ’08 season. He may be Adam in Dallas, but in Tennessee, he’ll always be Pacman. WILLIAM JOSEPH ■ DT | New York Giants AFC West First round (25th overall), 2003 As Miami (Fla.) alumni, it was only natural to TERRY PIERCE make comparisons between Joseph and Warren ■ LB | Denver Broncos Sapp. Like Sapp, Joseph fell in the draft — to Second round (51st overall), 2003 No. 25 to the Giants, who believed they got a steal. They were willing to look past his lack of Pierce’s failure was a considerable setback a strong work ethic, hoping that good coaching for the Broncos, who have been trying to piece and the presence of veteran D-linemen Keith together a solid LB corps for the past few sea- Hamilton, Michael Strahan, Keith Washington sons. His demise may have been health-related, and Kenny Holmes (another Miami guy) could at least in part — he suffered a torn pectoral help mentor the young lineman and show him muscle that landed him on injured reserve in his the way. Joseph flopped, making only 17 first season and sustained a sprained medial col- uneventful starts in five seasons in New York

lateral ligament during training camp in ’04, and spending all of 2007 inactive while his SPORTPICS SPORTPICS which knocked him out of the battle to become teammates won the Super Bowl. Another young Denver’s starting strong-side linebacker. Pierce, D-lineman from that draft class turned out OK, Goners: Pacman Jones (left) and Cedric Benson are no longer with the teams that drafted them who jumped to the NFL after his junior season though — second-round DE . 10 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008

leader by example to win the favor of the franchise and prove On the spot the Cardinals were right in passing on . | DB | CARDINALS No. 8 overall, 2005 Top-10 picks with a lot to prove A lack of transitional quickness and top-end speed forced Entering the NFL as a top-10 draft pick brings great expec- Rolle into a nickel role in his third season and prompted the tations. With the amount of money teams must now invest in Cardinals to select Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the first lottery selections, top-10 picks need to become difference round of the 2008 NFL draft. Rolle’s great size, toughness, makers in order for franchises to escape the league’s bottom instincts, ball skills and open-field tackling skills appear to be third and have a well-balanced salary structure. Following are best suited to play center field, and he still could develop into seven lottery selections (listed in alphabetical order) who a -type talent inside the hashes, but he must need to earn their keep to avoid the bust label after having show that he has enough range to transition to center field in struggled early in their short careers. his fourth season to avoid the “bust” conversation. | DE | FALCONS JaMARCUS RUSSELL | QB | RAIDERS No. 8 overall, 2007 No. 1 overall, 2007 Was hailed as a so-called sack artist coming out of He barely had a chance to prove anything as a rookie after Arkansas early, yet failed to notch a single sack as a 16-game a protracted holdout, but his accuracy, awareness, mental starter and was not stout against the run. A more fiery defen- capacity, work habits and weight all were issues that prevent- sive line coach () could be just what the laid- ed him from seeing the field sooner in spite of the Raiders’ back Anderson needs to blossom, yet his tight hips, hunched major struggles at the QB position. Despite being arguably back, overall stiffness and inability to leverage the run might the most physically gifted quarterback in the league, Russell not be easily correctable with even the best of coaching. appears headed down the same path as Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich, who were never able to stay healthy | RB | SAINTS because of their extra weight and increasing lack of escapa- No. 2 overall, 2006 bility. Quarterbacks who have weighed more than 260 pounds HARRY SCULL JR. Showed some flashes as a rookie but regressed in his historically have never panned out, and Russell must prove Room for improvement: Reggie Bush needs to step it up sophomore season, putting the ball on the ground too much more disciplined to reach his enormous potential. (eight fumbles) and proving unable to carry a full workload in the absence of Deuce McAllister. He has yet to show he is unimpressive, as he often appeared very programmed and | QB | 49ERS more than a space player who cannot produce between the mechanical running routes, slowing to catch the ball, making No. 1 overall, 2005 tackles or consistently display the special elusiveness and it difficult to shake average linebackers in coverage or create New has deemed Smith gear change that he showed at USC, tiptoeing through more much after the catch. His suspect mental capacity and imma- the most talented quarterback with whom he has worked, yet holes and even getting blown up, such as he memorably was turity have been restricting, as nothing appears to come nat- pro scouts are not convinced Smith will be the Niners’ starter by Eagles CB Sheldon Brown in the 2006 playoffs. An inabil- ural to him, and he has not reached his potential as a blocker. by season’s end. Playing this season for his fourth offensive ity to stay healthy also has been troubling. coordinator in four years behind what was a very average | | MATT LEINART QB CARDINALS offensive line a year ago and which still has a lot of questions, | | No. 10 overall, 2006 TE 49ERS Smith has been challenged by circumstances beyond his No. 6 overall, 2006 With his eyes stuck in Hollywood instead of buried in his control. He has shown some bright flashes but still must grow The most physically gifted pure talent at the TE position in playbook, Leinart has yet to convince his teammates or acclimated to dropping back, get rid of the ball more quickly the league, by far, Davis has failed to become the explosive coaches that he truly is committed to the game and more and stay healthy to live up to his immense contract. playmaker that his raw talent suggests he should be. Despite worthy of the starting job than . He must make notching 52 catches in his second season, they were very great strides in his third season and assert himself more as a — NOLAN NAWROCKI

(Continued from Page 9) ERIC SHELTON to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. Clayton the Bears last season, he landed a spot on the game against the Eagles in 2006, when he was ■ RB | Carolina Panthers set team rookie records for receptions (80), Jaguars’ roster and appears destined for no torched for a pair of TDs by Greg Lewis, in Second round (54th overall), 2005 receiving yards (1,193) and receiving touch- more than journeyman status moving forward. addition to being flagged three times. Carroll downs (seven), but he has not come close to Anthony Hargrove, a third-round pick in ’04 eventually was signed by the Jaguars, who Built like a battering ram, Shelton’s 6-1, reaching the high bar he set for himself in that who proved to be much more trouble than he ended up releasing him last May, two days after 246-pound frame looked like a perfect fit for campaign, recording just 87 catches for 1,029 was worth, was also considered for “biggest he was arrested on drug and gun charges. the Panthers’ offense. His path to becoming a yards and one in the three seasons bust” honors. dominant power runner crumbled, however, as since. As he enters his fifth season, Clayton still he showed poor field awareness while missing has a shot to emerge as the team’s No. 2 receiv- ■ WR | Minnesota Vikings assignments during the preseason of his rookie er with a strong training camp, but expectations ■ WR | First round (seventh overall), 2005 year. He sustained an ankle injury before the for him are low and he’ll be pushed by new addi- First round (31st overall), 2004 season began and was placed on the injured- tions and rookie . When the Vikings traded Randy Moss to reserve list. In ’06, in what likely will be Former Niners GM Terry Donahue made his Oakland for the No. 7 pick and LB Napoleon remembered as the most productive year of his NFC West share of shaky personnel decisions, but his Harris, the team used the pick to fill its sudden- career, Shelton was relegated to mostly special- selection of Woods might have been his shaki- ly gaping hole at wideout. In stepped teams duty and finished with eight carries for J.J. ARRINGTON est. After managing only seven catches for 160 Williamson, who had stunning speed but just 23 yards. Carolina released him before last yards and one touchdown in his rookie season ■ RB | Arizona Cardinals became better-known for dropping passes in his season after another unimpressive performance with the Niners, the Oklahoma State product Second round (44th overall), 2005 three tumultuous seasons with the Vikings than in training camp. The Redskins signed Shelton spent the 2005 season on injured reserve (torn catching them. Although he caught 24 passes as thumb ligaments). The Niners traded Woods to as a free agent in January. After Arrington led the nation in rushing a rookie and improved that total to 37 in his sec- the Chargers in April ’06 in exchange for anoth- ond season, Williamson appeared to have trou- (2,018 yards) in his final year in college, for- JOHNATHAN SULLIVAN mer Cardinals head coach wast- er floundering former first-round pick, CB ble tracking down balls that other receivers ■ DT | New Orleans Saints Sammy Davis. Woods was cut by the Chargers would catch. He pointed to vision problems, ed no time declaring that the speedy back out First round (sixth overall), 2003 of Cal was a big-time, big-play star in the mak- four months later. Now a member of the Hamil- and he underwent laser eye surgery before last ton Tiger-Cats in the League, season, but his receptions tumbled to a mere 18 ing. Instead, Arrington has proven to be noth- The Saints sent their two first-round picks and ing more than a situational back with a knack Woods has appeared incapable of handling the in eight starts. The team dumped him on the swapped second-round picks with the Cardinals NFL’s more physical brand of football. Jaguars (for a sixth-round pick) this offseason. for running tentatively. Clearly, the Cardinals to move up and select Sullivan. (They also expected more than a career 3.1-yard average received a fourth-round pick.) Sullivan had the and only three TDs the past three seasons. After NFC South talent but seemed unwilling to improve his work his mid-June arrest for disorderly conduct, it ■ DT | Seattle Seahawks ethic and conditioning, which led to battles with hardly would be a shock if Arrington failed to First round (23rd overall), 2004 JIMMY WILLIAMS then-Saints head coach . After three make the team this season. Dishonorable men- ■ FS | Atlanta Falcons disappointing seasons in which he managed to tion goes to LB Buster Davis, the Cardinals’ The most disappointing thing about Tubbs is 1 Second round (37th overall), 2006 record just 1 ⁄2 sacks, New Orleans shipped him to third-round pick in ’07 who didn’t even make it that he actually showed just how dominant an New England for another draft bust, WR Bethel through training camp. inside force he could be at the pro level in his Williams was billed as an instant-impact, Johnson. Less than a month after being dealt, second season with the Seahawks, when he 1 ultra-athletic contributor when the Falcons Sullivan was charged with possession of marijua- JIMMY KENNEDY registered 40 tackles and 5 ⁄2 sacks in 13 games. used their top pick in the 2006 draft to select na after police pulled him over when he ran two ■ DT | St. Louis Rams But after suffering back-to-back season-ending him, but he never realized his potential. New stop signs. Sullivan was released one month into First round (12th overall), 2003 knee injuries the past two years — the left knee GM made Williams the lat- the ’06 season and is out of the league. in 2006, followed by the right knee late last est victim of Atlanta’s housecleaning, releasing The Rams can be forgiven for shying away preseason — it would be considered an unex- Williams on June 17 after he showed up at MICHAEL CLAYTON from in the most recent draft in pected bonus if Tubbs is able to work his way camp overweight at more than 230 pounds and ■ WR | Tampa Bay Buccaneers favor of after Kennedy failed so back into the DT rotation next season to help missed two of three days at a voluntary mini- First round (15th overall), 2004 miserably to fortify the DT position. Managing out primarily in run situations. The Seahawks camp. The Virginia Tech product started just only four sacks in his four seasons in St. Louis, were optimistic regarding Tubbs’ condition at seven games in his two-year stint with the Fal- Since his record-breaking rookie season, Kennedy never came close to meeting the the end of their recent OTAs, but not to the cons and found himself buried on the depth Clayton’s career has plunged deep into futility team’s expectations as an inside pass rusher or extent that they are counting on him to make a chart this offseason. and has left many observers puzzled while trying run stuffer. After grabbing a cup of coffee with complete comeback. FIRST OF THREE PRESEASON FANTASY FOOTBALL SECTIONS

THE FANTASY BUZZ The hottest news and rumors we’re hearing on the fantasy front FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

COVERCOVER STORY:STORY: FANTASYFANTASY PRIMERPRIMER Individual player reports that will give you an edge on draft day INSIDE:INSIDE: ■ CALLING THE SHOTS: Our review of the new offensive coordinators RICKY WILLIAMS ■ ASK THE EXPERTS: Who is the top individual defensive player? ■ ALSO: Last season’s key fantasy statistics PLUS: PFW FANTASY FANTASY DRAFT BOARD SPECIAL SEE PAGE 18 PHOTOS BY PAUL SPINELLI / GETTY IMAGES (WILLIAMS) SCOTT WALLEM / PROCASE (PETERSON) 12 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2008 player reports Fireworks & fantasy Add to your fun this July 4th by digesting some fantasy knowledge alongside a plate of BBQ

By MICHAEL BLUNDA 6. DEREK ANDERSON / BROWNS (28), the steady Hasselbeck threw at least ASSOCIATE EDITOR Key stat: In his first full season as a one TD strike in all but one game last year. starter, Anderson finished fifth in the league The skinny: If you’re looking for a ach Fourth of July brings barbecues, in TD passes with 29 and had 53 comple- dependable starter but don’t want to use an fireworks, outdoor fun and probably tions of 20-plus yards. early pick, then Hasselbeck is your guy. some consumption of a good beverage The skinny: Anderson’s emergence was And Seattle’s improved running game or two. For the hardcore sports fans, one of the biggest stories of ’07, as he pro- should take some pressure off him. though, it also marks the true begin- gressed from Week One backup to Pro E ning of the fantasy football season. Bowler in just a few months. He has the 10. JAY CUTLER / BRONCOS With training camps getting under way in weapons around him to be great again, but Key stat: Cutler threw for at least 200 just a few weeks, it’s time to start digesting his inexperience makes him a risk this high. yards in six of the final seven contests last all the fantasy info you possibly can. Those season, totaling 11 TD passes in that span. who do so will be the most prepared when 7. BEN ROETHLISBERGER / STEELERS The skinny: Cutler looked very impres- their drafts roll around next month. Key stat: Pittsburgh’s coaching change last sive in his first full season starting, and the In this issue we whet your appetite with a season certainly benefited Roethlisberger, as 25-year-old should continue to improve. healthy dose of player reports and our he threw a career-best 32 TD passes and The Broncos’ shaky backfield situation also updated rankings. Consider this a primer for tossed three or more scores in five games. means Cutler will have myriad opportuni- the PFW/CBSSports.com Fantasy Football The skinny: For years a solid “real life” ties to showcase his big arm. Guide 2008, which will be available July 8. QB, Roethlisberger had a breakout fantasy Let the games begin! season in ’07. He’ll never be a yardage 11. / RAMS ROBERT LEITER machine, but the Steelers’ proclivity to throw Key stat: His yards-per-attempt average Picture of consistency: Peyton Manning’s QUARTERBACKS in the red zone makes Big Ben an attractive has decreased in each of the past three sea- steady production puts him near the top yet again pick. sons, hitting a career-low 6.3 in ’07. 1. TOM BRADY / PATRIOTS The skinny: Last year was one to forget very well could make the leap to the next Key stat: In addition to tossing a record 8. DONOVAN McNABB / EAGLES for Bulger, but remember that his three level of fantasy QBs in ’08. 50 TD passes last season, Brady averaged Key stat: After rushing for at least one TD prior campaigns were quite prolific. an astonishing 300.4 passing yards. in each of the past seven seasons, the scram- Although he might not get to throw as much 13. DAVID GARRARD / JAGUARS The skinny: After what he and WR bling McNabb did not find paydirt in ’07 in the Rams’ new offense, a healthy Bulger Key stat: Garrard finished third in the Randy Moss accomplished in ’07, Brady despite registering 50 rushing attempts. is a valuable fantasy asset. NFL in passer rating (102.2) last season and The skinny: The question with McNabb is commandeers the top spot from perennial gained a solid 7.7 yards per attempt. No. 1 Peyton Manning. Don’t expect anoth- not production, but how many games in which 12. / GIANTS The skinny: Although his numbers er 50-TD year from him, but league-leading he’ll be healthy enough to produce. He hasn’t Key stat: Manning has started every weren’t gaudy, Garrard was very efficient in numbers would shock no one. played a full season since 2003, so be sure to game over the past three seasons, and his ’07. The addition of WR Jerry Porter likely draft a reliable backup if he’s your starter. annual stats have been been consistent, aver- will amount to even better passing stats. 2. PEYTON MANNING / COLTS aging 3,447 yards and 23.7 TDs per year. Key stat: With all the focus on his superb 9. MATT HASSELBECK / SEAHAWKS The skinny: Manning’s performance in 14. / PANTHERS passing numbers, Manning quietly has rushed Key stat: In addition to recording career the Giants’ playoff run quieted many of his Key stat: Although injuries cost him for seven TDs over the past two seasons. highs in passing yards (3,966) and TDs doubters, but how will he follow it up? He nearly all of 2007, Delhomme averaged The skinny: Although Brady may be the 3,333 yards and 22.3 TDs over the four pre- new top dog at QB, Manning’s consistently vious seasons. prolific stats make him a rock-solid option The skinny: Coming back from Tommy early in your draft. WR ’s John surgery, Delhomme certainly is a status should affect him little. dicey fantasy choice this season. However, his past success — and the fact that he has 3. / COWBOYS WR Steve Smith to throw to — makes him Key stat: Romo burst onto the fantasy worth the gamble. scene last season with seven 300-yard pass- ing games and six contests with at least 15. / PACKERS three TD passes. Key stat: In the only extended action of his The skinny: In just a couple of years, career, Rodgers completed 18-of-26 passes Romo has ascended from obscurity to the for 201 yards and a TD last year at Dallas. fantasy elite. Dallas’ high-octane offense The skinny: The spotlight will be blinding- and the presence of WR Terrell Owens ly bright this season on Rodgers, who steps in make him a terrific choice. for the retired Brett Favre. The young QB has immense talent but is not at all proven, so pro- 4. / SAINTS ceed with caution here. Key stat: Brees chucked the ball 652 times in ’07, giving him 1,206 pass attempts (for 16. / TEXANS 8,841 yards) in two seasons in New Orleans. Key stat: In the eight games last season The skinny: After getting off to a horrible in which Schaub attempted at least 20 pass- start last season, Brees rebounded to have a es, he averaged 263.4 yards. great fantasy campaign. The healthy returns of The skinny: Schaub got off to a very RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister nice start in ’07 before injuries derailed could mean fewer attempts, though. both him and star WR Andre Johnson. If he can stay on the field this season, he’s a ter- 5. CARSON PALMER / BENGALS rific candidate for a breakout season. Key stat: Palmer set career highs in com- pletions (373), pass attempts (575), passing 17. / REDSKINS yards (4,131) and interceptions (20) in ’07. Key stat: Campbell threw for 190 yards The skinny: Palmer might not have been or more in 10 of his 13 starts last season, his as efficient last season as fantasy owners first full year as a starter. would have liked, but he remains a lock to The skinny: Campbell is the type of QB

finish near the top of the QB heap. It TOM CROKE / VISUAL IMAGE, INC. whose fantasy value usually falls short of appears that WR Chad Johnson will return his actual worth. He makes for a good back- to the Bengals, so no worries there. No. 1 with a bullet: Tom Brady’s 50-TD campaign catapults him to the top of the fantasy QB mountain up, but remember that he’ll be learning a JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2008 player reports new offense. tinued improvement is likely to come. He’s yards per catch. The skinny: Injuries ravaged Tampa’s in a great system for his abilities, so expect The skinny: Jones-Drew might be RB corps and forced Graham into the start- 18. / CHARGERS the third year to be a charm. behind Fred Taylor on the depth chart, but ing lineup in ’07; he responded with 10 Key stat: Rivers was extremely up and his fantasy value is far superior. Although TDs. He’ll have a bit more backfield com- down in ’07, achieving a passer rating 6. / REDSKINS M.J.D. probably won’t get enough carries petition this season, but he’s still expected greater than 100 in seven games but record- Key stat: In addition to rushing for more to be a yardage monster, few are better at to be the team’s workhorse. ing a rating less than 75 in nine outings. than 1,200 yards for the fifth time in his six crossing the goal line. The skinny: Rivers enters the season NFL seasons, Portis set career highs in recep- 18. BRANDON JACOBS / GIANTS coming off ACL surgery, so his status is a tions (47) and receiving yards (389) in ’07. 14. / BROWNS Key stat: Known more as a TD machine, bit uncertain. If he’s not hampered by the The skinny: Although it seems like he has Key stat: Lewis finished his 2007 renais- Jacobs ranked third in the league last sea- injury, however, he has the weapons around been in the league for a decade, Portis will be sance on a very strong note, rushing for 112.7 son with 91.7 rushing yards per game. him to produce the best year of his career. just 27 years old when the season begins. The yards per game in his final seven outings. The skinny: Injuries to Jacobs in ’07 Redskins’ new offense will lean heavily on The skinny: After three straight disap- gave the Giants a chance to evaluate their 19. / LIONS him, and his awesome consistency is difficult pointing years in Baltimore, Lewis proved other running backs, who proved very Key stat: In his two seasons in Detroit, to pass up. that a change of scenery was all he needed. capable of moving the ball. Jacobs remains Kitna has passed for 258.6 yards per game He’s surrounded by tremendous talent in the starter and has plenty of upside, but and has thrown for fewer than 200 yards 7. / 49ERS Cleveland, so this bulldozer should keep beware of a split backfield in New York. just four times. Key stat: Despite a lackluster first half, plowing ahead. The skinny: Kitna has been one of the Gore came alive in the final six games in 19. / BENGALS more prolific passers since 2006, but that ’07, gaining 93.8 rushing yards per game. 15. / PATRIOTS Key stat: Despite carrying the ball just could come to an end without Mike Martz The skinny: After setting the bar incred- Key stat: After carrying the ball just 126 eight fewer times than teammate Kenny calling the shots. His attempts undoubtedly ibly high in ’06, Gore failed to meet expec- times in his first 10 games last season, Watson in ’07, Johnson was outrushed by will decrease, likely leading to a drop in tations last season. If Mike Martz utilizes numbers across the board. him correctly, though, it’s possible for him to post -like numbers. 20. JEFF GARCIA / BUCCANEERS Key stat: In his 13 starts last season, 8. / BILLS Garcia threw an in just two Key stat: Only a rookie last season, games, but he surpassed the 200-yard mark Lynch led the league in rushes per game in only five contests. (21.5), carrying the ball at least 18 times in The skinny: The 38-year-old still can all 13 games in which he played. lead a team, but his days of big production The skinny: Even though an ankle are long gone. If he works out his contract injury cost him three games, Lynch had a issues with the Bucs, he’s not a bad choice fantastic first year and only should build on as a fantasy reserve. it in ’08. He’s an ideal candidate to break RUNNING BACKS through to No. 1 RB status. 9. LARRY JOHNSON / CHIEFS 1. LaDAINIAN TOMLINSON / CHARGERS Key stat: Key stat: In the past five seasons, the dom- After a breakout ’05 campaign, inant Tomlinson has gained at least 1,776 Johnson’s yardage per carry has dropped sig- total yards and has scored 17 or more TDs in nificantly in each of the past two seasons, hit- each campaign. ting a career-low 3.5 in ’07. The skinny: In what has become an annual The skinny: A broken foot cost L.J. eight coronation, L.T. is both our No. 1 running games in ’07, but even before the injury his back and top-ranked fantasy player overall. play was subpar. He can’t possibly be that bad He almost certainly will be the first pick in again, but a return to dominance is unlikely your draft — there’s no surer thing out there. given the sad state of the Chiefs’ O-line.

2. BRIAN WESTBROOK / EAGLES 10. RYAN GRANT / PACKERS Key stat: Since 2006, Westbrook has Key stat: Upon taking over as the Pack- rushed for 2,550 yards, racked up 1,470 yards ers’ No. 1 back, Grant rushed for 929 yards receiving, scored 23 TDs and notched 12 100- and eight TDs in the final 10 games of ’07. yard rushing games. The skinny: Grant shocked the fantasy The skinny: The days of Westbrook being world last season, emerging from anonymi- a risky fantasy choice are over. Despite hav- ty to become a stud . He won’t ing average talent around him, he has posted have Brett Favre to loosen up defenses, but staggering numbers over the past two seasons he should be the focal point of a talented Green Bay offense.

while missing just two games. ROBERT LEITER

3. / VIKINGS 11. WILLIS McGAHEE / RAVENS Purple phenom: The monumental rookie season of Adrian Peterson has owners clamoring to draft him Key stat: In what was an electrifying Key stat: McGahee’s first year in Balti- rookie season, Peterson led the league in more yielded the highest total-yardage out- both rushing yards per game (95.8) and put (1,438) of his career and best average Maroney had 120 carries for 586 yards and Watson by 266 yards. runs of 40-plus yards (five). per carry (4.1). seven TDs in his final six games (including The skinny: Persistent hamstring issues The skinny: Peterson may have the The skinny: New Ravens offensive playoffs). derailed Johnson’s ’07 campaign, but the highest ceiling of any player in fantasy coordinator has had grand The skinny: Between injuries and the usually steady back has bulked up this off- football. His amazing ’07 numbers came on success with running backs in his career, Patriots’ strange usage of him, Maroney had a season and will return in better shape. With only 238 carries, so just imagine what he and McGahee should be the latest benefi- wacky ’07. However, everything came togeth- many quality backups, however, the Ben- could do if given more touches. ciary. Numbers equal to or better than his er for him near the end. If he can carry over gals won’t give him a long leash. ’07 campaign are very realistic. that success, he’s in store for a huge season. 4. / RAMS 20. / CARDINALS Key stat: Jackson has proven to be quite 12. MARION BARBER / COWBOYS 16. / SEAHAWKS Key stat: Only one of James’ seven TDs a workhorse over the past two seasons, with Key stat: Despite starting just one game, Key stat: After getting 19.5 carries per last season came in a game in which he had 20.8 carries and 4.6 catches per game. Barber has found the endzone 28 times game in his first three seasons, Jones had fewer than 20 carries. The skinny: Following his huge ’06 sea- over the past two seasons. just 10.3 attempts per contest in ’07. The skinny: Year Two in Arizona was an son, injuries caused Jackson to take a step The skinny: With Julius Jones gone, The skinny: Jones clearly had fallen out improvement for James, but the almost 30- back last year. However, a healthy return Barber assumes the role of the Cowboys’ of favor in Dallas, so a new address should year-old is not the explosive threat he once and a new offensive scheme should result bell cow. His punishing running style benefit him. His move to the Seahawks was. A steady workload should result in in a bounce-back season. should wear down defenses, allowing him allows him to get the bulk of the workload good numbers, but a breakdown could to take over games in the second half. A once again, making a rebound year likely. occur at any moment. 5. / COLTS monster ’08 could be on the horizon. Key stat: Addai finished tied for fourth 17. EARNEST GRAHAM / BUCCANEERS WIDE RECEIVERS MAURICE JONES-DREW in the league in ’07 with 15 total TDs, hav- 13. / JAGUARS Key stat: From Week Nine to Week 15 RANDY MOSS ing found paydirt in 10 of his 15 games. Key stat: In only two pro seasons, Jones- last season, Graham scored in all six of the 1. / PATRIOTS The skinny: Addai has been remarkably Drew has scored 24 TDs from scrimmage Bucs’ games and rushed for more than 100 Key stat: Besides his record 23 TD productive in his two pro seasons, and con- while gaining 5.1 yards per carry and 9.8 yards three times. (Continued on Page 14) 14 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2008 player reports (Continued from Page 13) Colts’ No. 1 WR. Even with Harrison back, ing in plenty of catches and scores. The skinny: Jennings emerged as Brett receptions last season, Moss led the league Wayne remains one of the best fantasy Favre’s favorite target in ’07, but how he’ll with nine catches of 40 yards or longer. receivers — a great low-risk, high-reward 10. CHAD JOHNSON / BENGALS jibe with Aaron Rodgers remains to be The skinny: Just when people were pick. Key stat: Although Johnson finished seen. Another 12-TD campaign is unlikely, ready to write off Moss, he goes to New third in the league in ’07 with 1,440 receiv- but Jennings should remain a dangerous England and has maybe the best season 6. ANDRE JOHNSON / TEXANS ing yards, he was somewhat “all or noth- downfield operator. ever by a . He’ll be hard- Key stat: Johnson missed seven games last ing,” scoring his eight TDs in four games. pressed to match his ’07 stats, but he’s eas- season with a knee injury, but his numbers The skinny: In spite of the off-field dis- 18. MARVIN HARRISON / COLTS ily our top-ranked fantasy wideout. projected over a full season would have net- tractions he creates, Johnson has continued Key stat: A serious knee injury caused ted him nearly 107 catches for 1,513 yards to produce at an amazing rate. He appears Harrison to miss 11 games last season, end- 2. TERRELL OWENS / COWBOYS and 14 TDs. on track to return to the Bengals after a ing at eight seasons his streak of at least 80 Key stat: In 26 games with Tony Romo as The skinny: Although Johnson’s supreme chaotic offseason, so another huge cam- catches, 1,100 yards and 10 TDs. his quarterback, Owens has caught 143 pass- talent is easy to recognize, he has never been paign is likely to follow. The skinny: Harrison has put up unbe- es for 2,212 yards and 25 TDs. able to join the WR elite. With both he and lievable numbers since ’99, but he might The skinny: Even at 34 years old, T.O. QB Matt Schaub returning healthy, however, 11. / RAMS not be the same after hurting his knee. At remains one of the most prolific WRs in foot- Johnson finally might make that leap in ’08. Key stat: Perhaps no WR has been more nearly 36 years old, it will be difficult for ball. He has mostly kept his head screwed on prolific since 2003 than Holt, who has aver- him to return at 100 percent, making anoth- straight in Dallas, leading to two great sea- 7. / SAINTS aged 99.8 catches, 1,355 receiving yards er banner season a long shot. sons there, with a third one likely on the way. Key stat: After a slow start in ’07, Col- and 9.6 TDs over the past five years. ston posted 72 catches for 939 yards and The skinny: Few receivers are as steady 19. / STEELERS 3. / BROWNS nine TDs in the final 10 games. as Holt, but the 32-year-old has seen his Key stat: Holmes certainly made his Key stat: In his breakout ’07, Edwards The skinny: Colston’s first two years in numbers decline a bit recently. He still touches count last season, leading the NFL in found paydirt in 11 of his 16 games, scoring the league have been sensational, and 2008 should be a nice fantasy option, but his yards per catch (18.1) among players with multiple TDs in four contests. should be no different. It’s unlikely that days as a surefire No. 1 WR may be over. more than 20 receptions. The skinny: The emergence of QB Derek Drew Brees will throw quite as often, but The skinny: Holmes really came into his Anderson did wonders for Edwards, who Colston’s numbers shouldn’t take a big hit. PLAXICO BURRESS 12. / GIANTS own in Year Two, establishing himself as one truly came alive in his third season. At only Key stat: Burress had 507 yards and of the league’s top deep threats. He won’t 25, he hasn’t even reached his prime; it’s 8. STEVE SMITH / PANTHERS eight TDs in the first six games of his catch a bunch of passes, but his yardage total scary to think what’s still to come. Key stat: After QB Jake Delhomme went injury-marred ’07 season but just 518 yards very well could continue its annual climb. down in Week Three last season, Smith aver- and four scores in his final 10 outings. 4. / CARDINALS aged just 60.1 receiving yards and had only The skinny: Burress courageously Key stat: Fitzgerald averaged 101.5 three TDs in his 12 remaining games. played in all 20 of the Giants’ games last 20. / STEELERS Key stat: Ward did not surpass 90 yards catches for 1,409 yards and 10 TDs in the The skinny: The speedy Smith struggled season (including playoffs) despite having seasons bookending his injury-plagued ’06. greatly with Delhomme sidelined, but the QB a serious ankle problem. Assuming his in any game last season, and his long catch The skinny: Fitzgerald is a fantasy should be healthy come September. The Pan- ankle is fine in ’08, Burress should build on was just 25 yards. owner’s dream — a guy who can rack up thers also brought in some talented offensive his already solid numbers. The skinny: At age 32, Ward has devel- both yardage and touchdowns. He’ll have players in the offseason, which should allow oped into strictly a possession wideout, and ample time to work with QB Matt Leinart Smith to run wild once again. 13. / PATRIOTS his numbers have steadily dropped over the in training camp, so expect those two to be Key stat: In his first year in New England, past few years. That said, he still can play on the same page from Day One. 9. T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH / BENGALS Welker tied for the league lead in receptions and is a fairly safe No. 2 fantasy WR. Key stat: Houshmandzadeh set career with 112 and had four games of more than 5. / COLTS highs last season in receptions (112), receiv- 120 receiving yards. TIGHT ENDS Key stat: Wayne took over as Peyton Man- ing yards (1,143) and TDs (12), but he had a The skinny: Welker went from role player JASON WITTEN ning’s top target in ’07, leading the NFL in career-low 10.2 yards per catch. to fantasy stud in just one season, and the pos- 1. / COWBOYS receiving yards (1,510) while setting career The skinny: After years of living in Chad session receiver should continue to thrive in Key stat: Witten set career highs in highs in both yards and receptions (104). Johnson’s shadow, Houshmandzadeh finally ’08. Tom Brady loves throwing to him in key receptions (96), receiving yards (1,145), The skinny: With Marvin Harrison miss- has passed his teammate in our rankings. QB situations, resulting in tons of catches. TDs (seven) and yards per catch (11.9) in ing most of last season, Wayne excelled as the Carson Palmer trusts T.J. immensely, result- his monstrous ’07 season. 14. ANQUAN BOLDIN / CARDINALS The skinny: Witten proved to be a very Key stat: In the three seasons that he has crucial part of the Cowboys’ offense last played at least 14 games, Boldin has averaged season, leading the team in catches. He has 95.3 receptions and 1,327 receiving yards. struggled some to produce consistently, but The skinny: Boldin was limited by injuries his lack of question marks gives him a nar- for much of ’07, but he still managed to grab row edge as our top fantasy tight end. nine TD catches. Now healthy and looking to prove worthy of a new contract, he should 2. / CHARGERS have a superb campaign. Key stat: From 2004 on, the phenome- nal Gates has had at least 70 catches, 900 15. / BRONCOS yards and nine TDs in each season. Key stat: Marshall busted out in ’07 and The skinny: The only thing keeping showed great consistency in the process, Gates from the No. 1 spot on this list is his posting more than 70 receiving yards in 12 surgically repaired toe, which could keep contests. him out of some regular-season action. If The skinny: Marshall established a great he misses little or no time, however, he rapport with Jay Cutler in their first full should keep rolling along. season together, and the 24-year-old should keep improving entering Year Three. He 3. / BROWNS suffered a freak arm accident this offseason Key stat: Among tight ends with more but is expected to be fine by Week One. than 20 catches last season, Winslow led the pack in both yards per catch (13.5) and 16. / LIONS receptions of 20-plus yards (17). Key stat: In Williams’ four pro seasons, The skinny: Winslow has developed 2006 was the only year in which he played into one of the top yardage-producing TEs in 16 games, caught more than 64 passes in football, but he has had trouble finding and had more than 1,000 yards receiving. the endzone. Assuming he keeps improv- The skinny: Other than ’06, Williams has ing, a spike in TDs should soon follow. had trouble posting numbers worthy of his talent, and that trend could continue with 4. / CHIEFS Mike Martz gone. The apparent ceiling on Key stat: The ageless Gonzalez’s 99 catch- Williams could prevent him from ever join- es, 1,172 receiving yards and five 100-yard ing the fantasy elite. games ranked first among tight ends in ’07. The skinny: Although he’s 32 years old, 17. / PACKERS the expected decline in Gonzalez’s numbers

TOM CROKE Key stat: The playmaking Jennings has yet to happen. The Chiefs’ main target Catching fire: After a few years away from the top spot, Randy Moss reclaims it due to 23 TD grabs scored at an impressive rate last season, could struggle to score, given the team’s poor catching TDs in 10 of his 13 games. offense, but he should remain one of the top JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2008 player reports pass catchers at his position. Cowboys score, he again should get plenty of opportunities. 5. / REDSKINS Key stat: Cooley, who has not missed a 3. JOSH BROWN / RAMS game in his four seasons, recorded career bests Key stat: The strong-legged Brown has in ’07 with 786 receiving yards and eight TDs. connected on 11-of-18 field goals from 50- The skinny: Cooley should benefit from plus yards over the past three seasons. ’s , which features The skinny: Brown takes his abilities the tight end prominently. Cooley has proved from Seattle to St. Louis, where he’ll kick to be an annual producer and could be in line indoors for the Rams. He should thrive in for his best campaign yet. that atmosphere, so look for him to put up huge numbers in ’08. 6. / COLTS Key stat: Clark led all tight ends with 11 4. / BROWNS TDs last season and caught multiple scores in Key stat: Dawson kicked at least two three different games. field goals in 10 contests in ’07 and missed The skinny: Clark had a coming-out party only four FG attempts. in ’07, but he again failed to play a full season, The skinny: Thanks to the shocking suc- which he has yet to do in his career. Even if he cess of the Browns’ offense, Dawson scored stays healthy, expect his numbers to drop a bit a career-high 120 points last season. The with WR Marvin Harrison returning. veteran kicker is in a good position to approach that number again. 7. / RAVENS Key stat: In ’05 and ’06, the last two sea- 5. / BENGALS sons in which Heap played all 16 games, he Key stat: Since joining the Bengals in averaged 74 catches, 810 receiving yards 2003, Graham has scored more than 100 and 6.5 TDs. points in each campaign, kicking for 130 The skinny: Heap missed 10 games last points last season. year with a torn hamstring, but he’s expect- The skinny: Year after year, Graham ranks ed to be back healthy. New Ravens offen- among the top handful of fantasy kickers, a sive coordinator Cam Cameron helped trend that should continue. Although he won’t make Antonio Gates a star, and he could make many deep kicks, few are better at con- positively affect Heap’s stats, as well. sistently drilling short and mid-range field goals. 8. / STEELERS Key stat: Despite having a career year in 6. / COLTS 2007, Miller didn’t have more than five Key stat: Vinatieri’s long field goal last catches in a game and exceeded 50 yards season was just 39 yards, as he went 0-for-3 just two times. from 40 and beyond. The skinny: Miller is not much of a big- The skinny: The usually steady Vinatieri play threat, but he’s a terrific red-zone target struggled a bit in ’07, missing some rare clutch who consistently finds paydirt. Owners in kicks. He’ll still score enough in the Colts’ standard leagues might not love Miller, but offense to be valuable, but his time as a top- those in scoring-only leagues know his nice tier fantasy kicker might have expired. value. 7. / CHARGERS 9. VERNON DAVIS / 49ERS Key stat: Kaeding kicked three or more Key stat: Davis’ 9.8 yards per catch was field goals in five different games in ’07, the lowest among the league’s top 15 tight missing just three attempts. ends in yardage last season. The skinny: With accuracy and a good The skinny: Since debuting in ’06, Davis offense in his corner, Kaeding has the right has failed to turn his massive potential into makeup for a great fantasy kicker. The only on-field production. The arrival of Mike thing preventing him being ranked higher is Martz could cure his ailments as the passing his relatively low number of attempts. game figures to get a big boost. 8. / TITANS 10. / TEXANS Key stat: Bironas led the NFL in field Key stat: In just his second season, goals made last season with 35, which Daniels finished sixth among TEs in both included a record eight in a Week Seven receptions (63) and receiving yards (768). game at Houston. The skinny: Although he caught just The skinny: In addition to leading the three TDs last season, Daniels surprisingly league in FGs, Bironas also nailed 4-of-5 emerged as one of the more reliable pass- kicks from 50-plus yards. He certainly catching tight ends. Playing in an improved won’t match his ’07 stats, but he has the offense, he has a chance to really make a range to hit from all over the field. leap if he can start scoring. 9. / PACKERS Key stat: Crosby, just a rookie last year, led the NFL in points scored with 141 and 1. / PATRIOTS tied for the NFC lead with 31 made FGs. Key stat: Kicking for the record-setting The skinny: Crosby displayed a big, pro- ’07 Patriots, Gostkowski led the league in lific leg in his first campaign, but he’ll need extra points (74) and was tops among AFC to improve his accuracy. He likely will see kickers in scoring. his numbers slip somewhat in ’08 with QB The skinny: Although he has limited Aaron Rodgers taking over. range, Gostkowski is very accurate and once again should benefit from New England’s 10. / CARDINALS fantastic offense. Key stat: Since his tremendous 2005 sea- son, Rackers has attempted 16 FGs from 50 2. / COWBOYS yards and beyond, connecting on only four Key stat: As a rookie, Folk made two or of them. more field goals in nine games and was a The skinny: Rackers has been rather perfect 14-of-14 between 30-49 yards. inaccurate the past two seasons, but he gets The skinny: Folk went from little-known many FG chances in Arizona’s offense. sixth-round draft pick to impact fantasy He’ll keep putting up points, but he’s not the kicker almost instantly. With the way the long-distance threat he once was. 16 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL New offensive coordinators CallingCalling thethe shotsshots Offensive coordinators on new teams surely will affect fantasy football. Which players will be impacted the most? By MICHAEL BLUNDA ASSOCIATE EDITOR lthough a player’s skills might be the main factor behind his statistical output, the right coach has the ability to transform talented players into superstars. Look no further than some of the league’s current A offensive coordinators and the effect they have had on their teams in Year One. In Dallas, took a good unit and made it into the NFL’s third-best offense in ’07, creating a fantasy mon- ster in QB Tony Romo. Dirk Koetter turned the Jaguars into a rushing juggernaut last season, finishing second in the league in that category. And ’s arrival in Cleveland helped the Browns develop into one of the most exciting young offens- es in football. What impact will the crop of new coordinators have this season? We examine the league’s 10 new offensive leaders and tell you how their philosophies will affect fantasy foot- G NEWMAN LOWRANCE / GETTY IMAGES ball in 2008. Tall order: , with WR at Chiefs minicamp, takes charge of the AFC’s worst offense

▼ calls if rookie Matt Ryan wins the QB battle, WHAT TO EXPECT: Looking at Cameron’s so he knows something about leading an but he undoubtedly will find a way to incor- track record, RB Willis McGahee should be offense, especially when it comes to passing. Atlanta Falcons porate stud WR into the game elated. Cameron will use the run to set up the WHAT TO EXPECT: Schonert has vowed to plan. pass, and he wants to utilize McGahee in a diversify the Bills’ play-calling and be more Tomlinson-like fashion. Look for the back to aggressive. He’s expected to emphasize the TRACK RECORD: In his search for an offen- ▼ have a big ’08. Even with the Ravens’ uncer- passing attack and give QB Trent Edwards sive coordinator, new Falcons head coach Ravens tainties at the all-important QB position, TE more freedom. If the young signalcaller Mike Smith wanted someone who shared his Baltimore Todd Heap is another guy who has to be smil- quickly takes to the playbook, he could be a philosophy — building around a smashmouth Cam Cameron ing. If Cameron features the tight end as sleeper fantasy option. Schonert’s promotion running attack — and hired Mularkey to help much as he did with the Chargers, Heap will comes as good news for WR Lee Evans, TRACK RECORD: carry out that plan. Despite a forgettable stint Following one miserable rebound in a big way, health permitting. who’s coming off a lackluster ’07 but should as the Bills’ head coach, Mularkey ran a very season as the Dolphins’ head coach, see an increase in passes thrown his way. successful offense for three years in Pitts- Cameron comes to Baltimore to assume a ▼ Regardless of these changes, however, the burgh, thanks mainly to a punishing ground role he knows much better: offensive coordi- Buffalo Bills offensive focal point will remain RB Mar- game. He also showed creativity in his pass- nator. The Ravens’ new man in charge, John shawn Lynch, who should see an uptick in his ing calls, implementing numerous gadget Harbaugh, brought Cameron aboard to receiving numbers after being used sparingly plays. install the run-based offense he executed in that role as a rookie. WHAT TO EXPECT: Mularkey’s arrival with solid results for five years in San Diego. TRACK RECORD: After ranking 30th in yards should immediately improve Atlanta’s run- While with the Chargers, Cameron helped each of the past two seasons, the Bills’ ▼ ning game, which finished a dismal 26th last make LaDainian Tomlinson the best back in offense desperately needed an overhaul. The season. New Falcons RB Michael Turner will the game and also developed TE team opted to stay in-house, promoting Detroit Lions be the biggest beneficiary, as he’ll have a host Antonio Gates. And, thanks to Cameron’s Schonert, its QB coach, to offensive coordi- of opportunities to touch the ball. Fellow RB play-calling, Dolphins RB nator. Although this is his first stint as a coor- Jim Colletto Jerious Norwood also is in a good spot to pro- was leading the league in total yards from dinator, Schonert has many years of experi- TRACK RECORD: With Mike Martz’s pass- duce as the change-of-pace option. Mularkey scrimmage before going down with a sea- ence in Buffalo as an assistant coach. He also happy ways rarely leading to wins in Detroit, might be limited somewhat in his passing son-ending knee injury in Week Seven. played quarterback for 10 seasons in the NFL, the Lions opted to fire Martz and replace him JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL New offensive coordinators Johnson will be the focal point of this offense Frank Gore the focal point of the Niners’ ures to throw a lot of short passes, so new TE now more than ever. Even with the team’s offense. Gore is, by far, the unit’s most talent- could pile up a bunch of porous O-line, Gailey will call on Johnson to ed player, and he’s built in the same mold as receptions. None of the many WR options is carry the ball 25 times per game. You’ll like- Marshall Faulk. Gore will touch the ball fre- very intriguing, but Justin Gage and Roydell ly see a lot of minimal gains from Johnson, quently in ’08. Also, the winner of the Alex Williams should have some value. but his yardage will accumulate. Gailey won’t Smith- QB competition is a defi- ask very much of inexperienced QB Brodie nite sleeper, as are the team’s top three wide ▼ Croyle, keeping the passing game simple. TE receivers and TE Vernon Davis. The 49ers Washington Redskins Tony Gonzalez should remain a top target, were 32nd in passing last season, but that and Croyle will have to involve emerging WR ranking should improve greatly. . ▼ TRACK RECORD: Smith and Jim Zorn, once ▼ teammates with the Seahawks, reunite on the Tennessee Titans coaching staff in Washington. Zorn, the new Miami Dolphins head coach, will implement his version of the Mike Heimerdinger West Coast offense and call the plays while Dan Henning TRACK RECORD:

GREG TROTT / GETTY IMAGES The Titans are hoping the Smith, the offensive coordinator, will apply TRACK RECORD: A 1-15 campaign usually second time will be the charm for his vast knowledge of the running game. Passing fancy: Expect Mike Martz to give a will result in wholesale changes, which is Heimerdinger, who coordinated the team’s Smith spent the past 13 seasons as the Titans’ big shot in the arm to the 49ers’ air attack exactly what happened this offseason in offense from 2000-04. During his first tenure RB coach, where he helped develop Eddie Miami. New head coach , for- with the club, he helped shape QB Steve George into a dominant rusher. with Colletto, who had been their offensive merly the O-line coach in Dallas, brought in McNair into one of the league’s premier WHAT TO EXPECT: The Redskins’ new line coach. This is Colletto’s first stint as a the seasoned Henning to run the Dolphins’ passers, and he’ll attempt to work that same offense will closely resemble the one Seattle coordinator at the pro level, but he spent years offense. Henning, who has been coaching at magic with . Tennessee finished has run under . It likely will as both a head coach and offensive coordina- either the college or pro level since 1968, will 27th in passing last season and had only nine take QB Jason Campbell some time to master tor in the collegiate ranks, so his knowledge implement a no-frills, run-first offense, which TD tosses, so improving the air attack will be the playbook, so RB Clinton Portis will be a of the game runs deep. Above all else, he should suit Miami’s very young unit well. the main concern for “Dinger.” workhorse early. With Smith’s guidance, Por- wants to restore balance to the offense. WHAT TO EXPECT: Given their backgrounds, WHAT TO EXPECT: Given the Titans’ offen- tis should continue to thrive. Zorn has stated WHAT TO EXPECT: Colletto’s most difficult Sparano and Henning are sure to take full sive personnel, Heimerdinger is expected to that he wants TE Chris Cooley to be the task might be improving Detroit’s running advantage of the team’s solid run-blocking install a fairly conservative game plan. He’ll team’s main target, so look for Cooley to post game, the league’s second-worst attack last line. That should mean a lot of action for RBs feature a power running game behind RB career-best numbers. As for the wideouts, it’s season. He’ll have to do so with RBs Tatum Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, although LenDale White, with speedy rookie Chris tough to pinpoint who will excel, but Santana Bell, who isn’t built to be a workhorse, and each has question marks. If they’re healthy and Johnson offering a different look. Young fig- Moss should remain a safe choice. Kevin Smith, who’s just a rookie. Smith’s ready, look for those two to surprise. Not as ability to carry the load gives him the most much is expected from the passing attack, as upside in this scheme, although Bell could the starting QB job remains up for grabs. WR have some value too. Starting WRs Roy figures to catch a lot of passes Williams and remain good regardless of the signalcaller, and TE Anthony options, but the values of QB Jon Kitna and Fasano could be a good check-down option. WR Shaun McDonald take a hit. ▼ ▼ Rams Houston Texans St. Louis TRACK RECORD: For years one of the TRACK RECORD: The Texans, left without an league’s best offenses, the Rams’ 24th-place offensive leader following the departure of finish in ’07 convinced head coach Scott Mike Sherman, had no trouble filling their Linehan to give up play-calling duties. That coordinator vacancy, promoting QB coach role now belongs to Saunders, who has direct- Kyle Shanahan to the position. The son of ed numerous productive offenses. His most Broncos head coach , Kyle notable achievements came in Kansas City, becomes the youngest coordinator in the where he directed a unit that gained more league at just 28 years old. Considered one of yardage than any other NFL team during the the best young minds in football, he has 2002-05 period. His diversified schemes coached in the NFL since age 24, spending helped make RB into a three- the past two seasons on Houston’s staff. time Pro Bowler. WHAT TO EXPECT: Not much figures to WHAT TO EXPECT: Saunders likely will build change when the Texans have the ball. Head the offense around RB Steven Jackson, who coach will continue to call has a similar skill set to both Holmes and for- plays, basing his offense around a short pass- mer Rams star Marshall Faulk. After seeing ing game and zone rushing attack. Kubiak his numbers dip last season, Jackson will be in coached under Mike Shanahan in Denver, so a position to approach his startling ’06 stats. he and Kyle share similar philosophies. Saunders isn’t too shabby in the passing game, Expect the team’s balanced offense to result either, which should lead to solid seasons for in solid production from QB Matt Schaub, QB Marc Bulger and WR Torry Holt, provid- WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels. ed they stay healthy. After disappointing a This running scheme usually has success too, year ago, WR and TE Randy but RBs and Chris Brown like- McMichael are nice bounce-back candidates. ly will cut into each other’s stats. ▼ ▼ 49ers Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco Mike Martz Chan Gailey TRACK RECORD: Above all else, the 49ers TRACK RECORD: No AFC offense last sea- needed to bring stability to their offense this son was worse than the Chiefs’, which also season, and hiring the accomplished Martz happened to rank dead last in the league in should do just that. Martz, the team’s fourth rushing. Knowing it needed a major offensive coordinator in as many years, will upgrade, the team hired the established Gai- attempt to put his stamp on the league’s worst ley. The former Georgia Tech head coach unit, especially the passing attack. Martz’s comes to Kansas City with a polished aerial assault was the driving force behind the résumé, having led productive offenses in Rams’ Super Bowl run in ’99, and he fol- Pittsburgh, Dallas and Miami. He loves to lowed that up with a string of productive run the ball, which had been the Chiefs’ years in St. Louis and Detroit. DILIP VISHWANAT / GETTY IMAGES strong suit until recently. WHAT TO EXPECT: Although Martz loves to WHAT TO EXPECT: Obviously, RB Larry throw, he has little choice but to make RB Back to the future: Al Saunders, in his second stint with the Rams, instructs rookie WR 18 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2008 draft board Based on a standard performance system (six points for TD runs/catches, four points for TD passes and yardage bonuses). As of June 29. Quarterbacks 17. Earnest Graham / Buccaneers 10 5. Reggie Wayne / Colts 4 87. / Bears 8 8. Rob Bironas / Titans 6 20. RB Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars RK. PLAYER / TEAM 18. Brandon Jacobs / Giants 4 6. Andre Johnson / Texans 8 88. / Browns 5 9. Mason Crosby / Packers 8 21. WR Andre Johnson / Texans 1. Tom Brady / Patriots 4 19. Rudi Johnson / Bengals 8 7. Marques Colston / Saints 9 89. / Buccaneers 10 10. Neil Rackers / Cardinals 7 22. QB Tony Romo / Cowboys 2. Peyton Manning / Colts 4 20. Edgerrin James / Cardinals 7 8. Steve Smith / Panthers 9 90. / Dolphins 4 11. / Texans 8 23. RB Jamal Lewis / Browns 3. Tony Romo / Cowboys 10 21. LenDale White / Titans 6 9. T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Bengals 8 91. Justin McCareins / Titans 6 12. / Eagles 7 24. WR Marques Colston / Saints 4. Drew Brees / Saints 9 22. Reggie Bush / Saints 9 10. Chad Johnson / Bengals 8 92. / Broncos 8 13. / Jaguars 7 25. WR Steve Smith / Panthers 5. Carson Palmer / Bengals 8 23. / Steelers 6 11. Torry Holt / Rams 5 93. / Rams 5 14. / Panthers 9 26. WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Bengals 6. Derek Anderson / Browns 5 24. Thomas Jones / Jets 5 12. Plaxico Burress / Giants 4 94. Troy Williamson / Jaguars 7 15. Shaun Suisham / Redskins 10 27. RB Laurence Maroney / Patriots 7. Ben Roethlisberger / Steelers 6 25. Michael Turner / Falcons 7 13. Wes Welker / Patriots 4 95. Roydell Williams / Titans 6 16. Olindo Mare / Seahawks 4 28. WR Chad Johnson / Bengals 8. Donovan McNabb / Eagles 7 26. Darren McFadden / Raiders 5 14. Anquan Boldin / Cardinals 7 96. Brad Smith / Jets 5 17. / Lions 4 29. QB Drew Brees / Saints 9. Matt Hasselbeck / Seahawks 4 27. Ronnie Brown / Dolphins 4 15. Brandon Marshall / Broncos 8 97. Matt Jones / Jaguars 7 18. Jeff Reed / Steelers 6 30. RB Julius Jones / Seahawks 16. Roy Williams / Lions 4 10. Jay Cutler / Broncos 8 28. / Panthers 9 98. Jeff Webb / Chiefs 6 19. / Falcons 7 31. RB Earnest Graham / Buccaneers 17. Greg Jennings / Packers 8 11. Marc Bulger / Rams 5 29. Fred Taylor / Jaguars 7 99. Robert Ferguson / Vikings 8 20. / Buccaneers 10 32. RB Brandon Jacobs / Giants 18. Marvin Harrison / Colts 4 12. Eli Manning / Giants 4 30. Chester Taylor / Vikings 8 100. Terry Glenn / Cowboys 10 21. Martin Gramatica / Saints 9 33. WR Torry Holt / Rams 19. Santonio Holmes / Steelers 6 13. David Garrard / Jaguars 7 31. / Broncos 8 101. Demetrius Williams / Ravens 10 22. / Vikings 8 34. QB Carson Palmer / Bengals 20. Hines Ward / Steelers 6 14. Jake Delhomme / Panthers 9 32. Ahman Green / Texans 8 102. Ben Obomanu / Seahawks 4 23. / Bears 8 35. RB Rudi Johnson / Bengals 21. Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs 6 15. Aaron Rodgers / Packers 8 33. DeAngelo Williams / Panthers 9 103. Jerheme Urban / Cardinals 7 24. / Jets 5 36. WR Plaxico Burress / Giants 22. Calvin Johnson / Lions 4 16. Matt Schaub / Texans 8 34. Matt Forté / Bears 8 104. Maurice Stovall / Buccaneers 10 25. / Ravens 10 37. WR Wes Welker / Patriots 23. / Vikings 8 105. / Cowboys 10 17. Jason Campbell / Redskins 10 35. Deuce McAllister / Saints 9 26. / Giants 4 38. WR Anquan Boldin / Cardinals 24. Chris Chambers / Chargers 9 106. Joe Horn / Falcons 7 18. Philip Rivers / Chargers 9 36. Kevin Smith / Lions 4 27. / Raiders 5 39. WR Brandon Marshall / Broncos 25. Lee Evans / Bills 6 107. / Texans 8 19. Jon Kitna / Lions 4 37. Rashard Mendenhall / Steelers 6 28. / 49ers 9 40. QB Derek Anderson / Browns 26. / Buccaneers 10 108. / Saints 9 20. Jeff Garcia / Buccaneers 10 38. / Raiders 5 29. / Bills 6 41. RB Edgerrin James / Cardinals 27. Roddy White / Falcons 7 109. / Cardinals 7 21. Vince Young / Titans 6 39. Jerious Norwood / Falcons 7 30. / Dolphins 4 42. TE Jason Witten / Cowboys 28. / Jets 5 110. / Eagles 7 22. Matt Leinart / Cardinals 7 40. / Lions 4 31. / Broncos 8 43. RB LenDale White / Titans 29. / Redskins 10 23. JaMarcus Russell / Raiders 5 41. / Cowboys 10 32. / Chiefs 6 44. RB Reggie Bush / Saints 30. Donald Driver / Packers 8 Tight ends 24. Trent Edwards / Bills 6 42. / Jets 5 45. QB Ben Roethlisberger / Steelers 31. / Jets 5 RK. PLAYER / TEAM BYE Defenses 25. Kurt Warner / Cardinals 7 43. Ahmad Bradshaw / Giants 4 46. WR Roy Williams / Lions 32. / Seahawks 4 1. Jason Witten / Cowboys 10 RK. PLAYER / TEAM BYE 26. / Vikings 8 44. Chris Johnson / Titans 6 47. RB Willie Parker / Steelers 33. Donté Stallworth / Browns 5 2. Antonio Gates / Chargers 9 1. Minnesota Vikings 8 45. Chris Brown / Texans 8 48. RB Thomas Jones / Jets 27. Rex Grossman / Bears 8 34. / Eagles 7 3. Kellen Winslow / Browns 5 2. San Diego Chargers 9 46. / Buccaneers 10 49. RB Michael Turner / Falcons 28. / Chiefs 6 35. / Raiders 5 4. Tony Gonzalez / Chiefs 6 3. New York Giants 4 47. Ricky Williams / Dolphins 4 50. WR Greg Jennings / Packers 29. Kyle Boller / Ravens 10 36. Patrick Crayton / Cowboys 10 5. Chris Cooley / Redskins 10 4. Dallas Cowboys 10 48. DeShaun Foster / 49ers 9 51. TE Antonio Gates / Chargers 30. Alex Smith / 49ers 9 37. Jerry Porter / Jaguars 7 6. Dallas Clark / Colts 4 5. Chicago Bears 8 49. / Colts 4 52. RB Darren McFadden / Raiders 31. / Jets 5 38. Nate Burleson / Seahawks 4 7. Todd Heap / Ravens 10 6. Jacksonville Jaguars 7 50. / free agent 53. TE Kellen Winslow / Browns 32. Josh McCown / Dolphins 4 39. Anthony Gonzalez / Colts 4 8. Heath Miller / Steelers 6 7. Pittsburgh Steelers 6 54. WR Marvin Harrison / Colts 33. Matt Ryan / Falcons 7 51. / Patriots 4 40. / Vikings 8 9. Vernon Davis / 49ers 9 8. New England Patriots 4 55. WR Santonio Holmes / Steelers 34. Shaun Hill / 49ers 9 52. Cedric Benson / free agent 41. / Raiders 5 10. Owen Daniels / Texans 8 9. Seattle Seahawks 4 56. WR Hines Ward / Steelers 35. / Jets 5 53. Sammy Morris / Patriots 4 42. James Hardy / Bills 6 11. / Broncos 8 10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10 57. RB Ronnie Brown / Dolphins 36. / Falcons 7 54. / Broncos 8 43. / 49ers 9 12. Jeremy Shockey / Giants 4 11. Baltimore Ravens 10 58. QB Donovan McNabb / Eagles 37. Joe Flacco / Ravens 10 55. T.J. Duckett / Seahawks 4 44. / Ravens 10 13. Alge Crumpler / Titans 6 12. Green Bay Packers 8 59. RB Jonathan Stewart / Panthers 38. / Bears 8 56. Fred Jackson / Bills 6 45. / Bears 8 14. Donald Lee / Packers 8 13. Philadelphia Eagles 7 60. TE Tony Gonzalez / Chiefs 39. / Texans 8 57. / Ravens 10 46. / 49ers 9 15. Greg Olsen / Bears 8 14. Buffalo Bills 6 61. QB Matt Hasselbeck / Seahawks 40. / Chargers 9 58. / Redskins 10 47. Mark Clayton / Ravens 10 16. L.J. Smith / Eagles 7 15. Oakland Raiders 5 62. WR Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs 41. / Chiefs 6 59. Brandon Jackson / Packers 8 48. Justin Gage / Titans 6 17. Ben Watson / Patriots 4 16. Indianapolis Colts 4 63. TE Chris Cooley / Redskins 42. / Vikings 8 60. / Browns 5 49. / Chargers 9 18. Zach Miller / Raiders 5 17. Tennessee Titans 6 64. QB Jay Cutler / Broncos 43. J.P. Losman / Bills 6 61. / free agent 50. Reggie Brown / Eagles 7 19. / Bengals 8 18. Washington Redskins 10 65. WR Calvin Johnson / Lions 44. / Jaguars 7 62. / Texans 8 51. / Patriots 4 20. Randy McMichael / Rams 5 19. Houston Texans 8 66. RB Fred Taylor / Jaguars 45. John Beck / Dolphins 4 63. / Chargers 9 52. / Falcons 7 21. / Cardinals 7 20. New York Jets 5 67. TE Dallas Clark / Colts 46. / Titans 6 64. / Saints 9 53. Drew Bennett / Rams 5 22. / Jets 5 21. San Francisco 49ers 9 68. QB Marc Bulger / Rams 47. / Falcons 7 65. / Seahawks 4 54. DeSean Jackson / Eagles 7 23. Desmond Clark / Bears 8 22. Cleveland Browns 5 69. WR Bernard Berrian / Vikings 48. / Browns 5 66. DeShawn Wynn / Packers 8 55. Reggie Williams / Jaguars 7 24. / Jaguars 7 23. Denver Broncos 8 70. WR Chris Chambers / Chargers 49. / Eagles 7 67. Lorenzo Booker / Eagles 7 56. Ted Ginn Jr. / Dolphins 4 25. Alex Smith / Buccaneers 10 24. Arizona Cardinals 7 71. WR Lee Evans / Bills 50. / Rams 5 68. / Buccaneers 10 57. Kevin Walter / Texans 8 26. John Carlson / Seahawks 4 25. Carolina Panthers 9 72. WR Joey Galloway / Buccaneers 51. Todd Collins / Redskins 10 69. / Giants 4 58. / Seahawks 4 27. Anthony Fasano / Dolphins 4 26. Miami Dolphins 4 73. WR Roddy White / Falcons 52. / Seahawks 4 70. J.J. Arrington / Cardinals 7 59. / Giants 4 28. Robert Royal / Bills 6 27. Detroit Lions 4 74. QB Eli Manning / Giants 53. / Dolphins 4 71. / Rams 5 60. / Panthers 9 29. / Giants 4 28. Kansas City Chiefs 6 75. WR Laveranues Coles / Jets 54. Matt Moore / Panthers 9 72. Mike Hart / Colts 4 61. Ernest Wilford / Dolphins 4 30. Visanthe Shiancoe / Vikings 8 29. St. Louis Rams 5 76. WR Santana Moss / Redskins 55. / Steelers 6 73. / Bengals 8 62. D.J. Hackett / Panthers 9 31. / Jets 5 30. New Orleans Saints 9 77. WR Donald Driver / Packers 56. / Buccaneers 10 74. / Eagles 7 63. / Redskins 10 32. David Martin / Dolphins 4 31. Cincinnati Bengals 8 78. WR Jerricho Cotchery / Jets 57. / Chiefs 6 75. Kolby Smith / Chiefs 6 64. / Broncos 8 33. Jeff King / Panthers 9 32. Atlanta Falcons 7 79. RB Chester Taylor / Vikings 58. Brad Johnson / Cowboys 10 76. / Cowboys 10 65. Donnie Avery / Rams 5 34. Eric Johnson / Saints 9 80. WR Bobby Engram / Seahawks 59. / Broncos 8 77. / Chiefs 6 66. Limas Sweed / Steelers 6 35. / Patriots 4 Top 100 overall RK. PLAYER / TEAM 81. WR Donté Stallworth / Browns 60. / Patriots 4 78. / Raiders 5 67. / Bears 8 36. / Eagles 7 1. RB LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers 82. RB Selvin Young / Broncos 79. Adrian Peterson / Bears 8 68. / Redskins 10 37. Bo Scaife / Titans 6 2. RB Brian Westbrook / Eagles 83. RB Ahman Green / Texans Running backs 80. / Steelers 6 69. Steve Smith / Giants 4 38. Dante Rosario / Panthers 9 RK. PLAYER / TEAM BYE 3. RB Adrian Peterson / Vikings 84. TE Todd Heap / Ravens 81. / Jets 5 70. André Davis / Texans 8 39. / Buccaneers 10 1. LaDainian Tomlinson / Chargers 9 4. RB Steven Jackson / Rams 85. RB DeAngelo Williams / Panthers 82. Chris Henry / Titans 6 71. Shaun McDonald / Lions 4 40. Kris Wilson / Eagles 7 2. Brian Westbrook / Eagles 7 5. QB Tom Brady / Patriots 86. WR Kevin Curtis / Eagles 83. Pierre Thomas / Saints 9 72. / Vikings 8 41. / Falcons 7 3. Adrian Peterson / Vikings 8 6. RB Joseph Addai / Colts 87. RB Matt Forté / Bears 84. Kenny Irons / Bengals 8 73. / Broncos 8 42. Billy Miller / Saints 9 4. Steven Jackson / Rams 5 7. RB Clinton Portis / Redskins 88. WR Javon Walker / Raiders 85. / Jaguars 7 74. / Bengals 8 43. / Packers 8 5. Joseph Addai / Colts 4 8. RB Frank Gore / 49ers 89. RB Deuce McAllister / Saints 86. Kenton Keith / Colts 4 75. / Saints 9 44. Matt Spaeth / Steelers 6 6. Clinton Portis / Redskins 10 9. RB Marshawn Lynch / Bills 90. RB Kevin Smith / Lions 87. Tony Hunt / Eagles 7 76. / Bills 6 45. / Redskins 10 7. Frank Gore / 49ers 9 10. RB Larry Johnson / Chiefs 91. QB David Garrard / Jaguars 88. Chris Taylor / Texans 8 77. Devin Hester / Bears 8 8. Marshawn Lynch / Bills 6 78. Michael Jenkins / Falcons 7 11. WR Randy Moss / Patriots 92. WR Patrick Crayton / Cowboys 89. / Bills 6 Placekickers 9. Larry Johnson / Chiefs 6 79. / Raiders 5 RK. PLAYER / TEAM BYE 12. QB Peyton Manning / Colts 93. WR Jerry Porter / Jaguars 90. / Rams 5 10. Ryan Grant / Packers 8 80. / Jaguars 7 1. Stephen Gostkowski / Patriots 4 13. RB Ryan Grant / Packers 94. Vikings defense 11. Willis McGahee / Ravens 10 Wide receivers 81. James Jones / Packers 8 2. Nick Folk / Cowboys 10 14. RB Willis McGahee / Ravens 95. WR Nate Burleson / Seahawks 12. Marion Barber / Cowboys 10 RK. PLAYER / TEAM BYE 82. Arnaz Battle / 49ers 9 3. Josh Brown / Rams 5 15. WR Terrell Owens / Cowboys 96. QB Jake Delhomme / Panthers 13. Maurice Jones-Drew / Jaguars 7 1. Randy Moss / Patriots 4 83. / Saints 9 4. Phil Dawson / Browns 5 16. RB Marion Barber / Cowboys 97. RB Rashard Mendenhall / Steelers 14. Jamal Lewis / Browns 5 2. Terrell Owens / Cowboys 10 84. Buster Davis / Chargers 9 5. Shayne Graham / Bengals 8 17. WR Braylon Edwards / Browns 98. WR Anthony Gonzalez / Colts 15. Laurence Maroney / Patriots 4 3. Braylon Edwards / Browns 5 85. / Steelers 6 6. Adam Vinatieri / Colts 4 18. WR Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals 99. TE Heath Miller / Steelers 16. Julius Jones / Seahawks 4 4. Larry Fitzgerald / Cardinals 7 86. / Lions 4 7. Nate Kaeding / Chargers 9 19. WR Reggie Wayne / Colts 100. RB Justin Fargas / Raiders TO GET AN EDGE OVER YOUR FELLOW FANTASY FOOTBALL OWNERS, JOIN THE FANTASY INNER CIRCLE AT ProFootballWeekly.com

20 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL Ask the Experts Question: Who is the top IDP (individual defensive player) for 2008? ERIC EDHOLM DAN PARR MATT SOHN SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR JARED ALLEN Linebackers are the running backs of the IDP world, and While other options for IDP may be intriguing — players Twenty sacks? Yeah, that sounds about right. Consider: 1 MLBs most often are the bell cows. You want to find a play- who offer a lot of upside or big-play ability — only one He led the NFL a season ago with 15 ⁄2, despite being sus- er who consistently produces, and there’s no better stat for choice stands above the rest as the most rock-solid pick. pended the first two games and despite playing with a DT fantasy points than tackles. Sure, sacks, interceptions and Niners MLB Patrick Willis proved in his first season that tandem so average that he was forced to battle double-teams the like are worth more. But tackles are where the bulk of he’s a tenacious tackling machine, racking up a league-lead- on nearly every passing down. In Minnesota, he has the ben- your points come from. You want consistency? Take Tatupu, ing 174 tackles. Willis’ closest competition for the lead was efit of playing with the most dominating DT tandem in the who had at least five tackles in 12 of 16 games last season Broncos LB D.J. Williams, who had, by comparison, a pal- league (Kevin Williams and Pat Williams) and should be and had high-water marks of 11 and 12. But if you like big try 141. Willis, a 2007 Pro Bowler who also had four sacks available for all 16 games. Although IDP leagues generally 1 plays, Tatupu also has eight interceptions and 6 ⁄2 sacks in and two forced fumbles, is the safest pick for owners look- favor tackle machines over sack artists, Allen is so clearly three seasons, and the latter number could be higher with ing for a stud IDP. He immediately established himself as head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to opponents focused on picking up more-feared sack artists one of the league’s best and, with an improved supporting rushing the passer that he’ll compensate for not registering and . I have thought Tatupu is cast around him, should become even more of a playmaker 150 tackles. Don’t be surprised if a league-leading number due for a 150-tackle season, and this might be his time. in his second season. of strip sacks are credited to him, as well.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● MIKE WILKENING MICHAEL BLUNDA KEITH SCHLEIDEN SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BRIAN URLACHER DEMARCUS WARE DEMECO RYANS Last season, as the Bears’ playoff hopes faded, and as the The NFL may not have another defensive player who can Texans players haven’t been especially hot commodities speculation about Urlacher’s future became a major story match Ware’s versatility. The Cowboys’ outside linebacker in the world of fantasy football since entering the league in line, a funny thing happened: Urlacher, bad neck and all, has quickly developed into one of the best at his position, 2002. We’re beginning to see that change a little as the fran- was playing some of the best football of his career. In making two Pro Bowl appearances in just three seasons. He chise matures, and one guy to keep an eye on is Ryans, a December, Urlacher notched 41 tackles, defended six pass- finished second in the NFC with 14 sacks in ’07, and he has stud middle linebacker who seems to be pulled toward the 1 es, intercepted four passes and recorded two sacks. Select- sacked the QB 25 ⁄2 times over the last two seasons. Ware ball in a similar fashion to a magnet being attracted to metal. ing Urlacher isn’t without its risks: He’s 30 years old, and also piles up a healthy number of tackles, recording 84 a Last season, playing behind a quality defensive line that he’s coming off neck surgery. Oh, and he hates his contract. season ago. He’s continuing to improve his coverage skills, included emerging talents like and Amobi But you’re also getting one of the toughest, fastest players as well, which could lead to an interception or two. All told, Okoye, Ryans racked up 128 tackles, by the NFL’s count. at his position, one of the best linebackers ever at defending with an upgraded unit surrounding him, Ware is a prime The year before, he was second in the league with 155. In the pass. And he’s a terror on the blitz. I think he’s primed candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year honors, his short time in the NFL, Ryans has proven he is as steady for a huge season (150 tackles, anyone?). meaning he should be an awesome IDP selection. as they come.

PREVIEW 2008

FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDE 2008 COMING THIS SUMMER You can always rely on

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By DAN ARKUSH ● ERIC EDHOLM ● MIKE WILKENING MATT SOHN ● DAN PARR ● MICHAEL BLUNDA

ith training camps a tainty to invest anywhere. few weeks away from opening and the 2008 AFCl NORTH season just around holds the edge on Wthe corner, the PFW winning the Bengals’ No. 3 WR job staff has been hard at work entering training camp, with rookie collecting the hottest fantasy- perhaps having the best shot at pushing him. Cincin- related rumors and player nati’s third wideout likely will draw news from around the NFL. interest in bigger leagues, given the departed Chris Henry’s success in AFC EAST that role from 2005-07. However, l neither Holt nor the other competi- Although you shouldn’t be in a tors for the job are as fast as Henry, hurry to add Dolphins RB Ricky and TE Ben Utecht should be the Williams to your fantasy wish list, third Bengals’ pass catcher off the don’t be too hesitant to pick him up board on Draft Day behind WRs in the middle rounds. Williams Chad Johnson and T.J. Housh- practiced with the first team mandzadeh. … Keep an eye on the throughout the offseason as Ron- play of Ravens WRs Mark Clayton nie Brown continues to rehab from and Demetrius Williams in training his torn ACL, and acquitted himself camp before deciding where to nicely. Even if Brown is good to go stack both players on your draft for the season opener — it’s about board. Both are talented but injury- a 50-50 shot — expect Williams to prone and can be had at the back shoulder a decent workload. Also, end of most drafts. Both figure to the addition of promising rookie see plenty of playing time if, as expected, the Ravens employ more OLT makes the once- SPORTPICS volatile Dolphins O-line look a little three-WR sets. … Steelers rookie around, especially on the injury be doing so prematurely. According sturdier. … Bills second-year QB RB Rashard Mendenhall has Backup plan: Dolphins RB Ricky impressed early in his pro career. front. But don’t drop that unit too Williams could get a lot of work early to our sources, Kolby Smith took Trent Edwards should be among far down your draft board. The most of the backup reps in mini- the last starting quarterbacks taken Those selecting Willie Parker have to give serious thought to taking word we’re hearing is that DE camp and looked good in the in fantasy leagues. He hasn’t made Mendenhall in the later rounds as Dwight Freeney (foot) and S Bob ond stint in Tennessee with offen- process. Charles, meanwhile, saw a smooth transition to new coordi- well. If you can’t get Mendenhall, Sanders (shoulder) — the two sive coordinator Mike some snaps at running back but nator Turk Schonert’s up-tempo the next Pittsburgh back to consider most integral cogs in their defen- Heimerdinger. Of course, no spent extensive time with the offense and has yet to develop a is Mewelde Moore, not Najeh Dav- sive plan — should have no prob- Titans wide receiver merits much return units. Although the speedy good rapport with any of the enport; the latter was cut in late lem playing at 100 percent by consideration until the later rounds. Charles is a more enticing fantasy receivers. … Think twice before June. … Word from Cleveland is Week One. Considering how well … Texans WR Kevin Walter is not pick, Smith might be the safer drafting Patriots WR Jabar that Browns TE Kellen Winslow this unit played despite numerous a bad candidate to round out your choice for L.J. owners. … After a Gaffney. He was a very reliable appears no worse for wear after yet injuries in ’07, it deserves a serious roster. Walter caught 65 passes for string of injuries struck the Charg- third target for the Patriots’ record- another knee surgery. … The uncer- look come Draft Day. … Jaguars 800 yards and four touchdowns ers during their playoff run, health setting offense a season ago, but tain status of Browns WR Joe Jure- WR Jerry Porter was having a last season, his first as a full-time was the main concern for three of the team’s fantasy stalwarts enter- it’s taking a leap of faith to think vicius, who had three offseason standout offseason in Jacksonville starter. Should Andre Johnson until a leg injury derailed him. ing ’08. The good news is that both he’s going to put up similar num- knee surgeries because of an injury leave the lineup, Walter likely Regardless, it’s well within reason QB Philip Rivers (torn ACL) and bers again. Also, with Chad Jack- and a subsequent staph infection, would be Houston’s go-to receiver. to think he’s in line to have the best RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) son healthy, it’s no certainty limits his value in most formats. Those who draft Johnson, who is statistical season of his roller- expected to be ready for training are progressing very well and Gaffney holds on to the No. 3 WR However, Jurevicius’ name is one to coaster career, especially now that camp after undergoing arthroscop- should be at full strength come job behind Randy Moss and Wes file away for owners in bigger he has an accurate quarterback ic knee surgery in May, should training camp. The same cannot be Welker. … Avoid any and all Jets leagues; if healthy, he’s an effective throwing him the ball. … It’s time to consider using one of their last said, however, for TE Antonio tight ends in your fantasy draft. possession receiver, and he’s more move Titans WR Justin picks on Walter. Gates, who’s coming off a serious of a red-zone threat than starter Between Chris Baker’s contractual McCareins ahead of Roydell toe injury. He’s hopeful to be ready Donté Stallworth. war of words with Jets manage- Williams on your draft board. for Week One, but his status ment, free-agent pickup Bubba AFCl WEST SOUTH Williams, who started opposite of remains in question. … One of the Franks’ inconsistencies, and rook- AFCl Justin Gage last season, is still Those ready to anoint Chiefs Raiders’ less-heralded free-agent ie Dustin Keller’s inevitable learn- Yes, the Colts have some signifi- coming back from an ankle injury, rookie RB Jamaal Charles as the acquisitions, WR Drew Carter, is ing curve, there’s too much uncer- cant defensive issues to work and McCareins is back for a sec- handcuff to Larry Johnson may working his way up the team’s JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 23 FANTASY FOOTBALL The Buzz depth chart and is being consid- inside the tackles, which we really ered for a starting job while one- won’t know until training camp. … time presumed starter Ronald Don’t be overly concerned that Curry gets back into the flow after Packers RB Ryan Grant has yet to foot surgery. … Broncos TE Tony participate in any of the team’s off- Scheffler broke the fifth metatarsal season activities because he in his left foot 13 months ago, but remains an unsigned exclusive- the injury flared up during OTAs rights player. We hear the odds are and sources say it could give him strong that the Packers will agree pain for years to come. It limited to a well-deserved new contract for Scheffler throughout offseason Grant some time before training workouts, but he should be ready camp. We also hear that Grant has for training camp and will resume gone out of his way to remain his role as Denver’s pass-catching involved with the team by attending tight end. every meeting and diligently observing every practice this off- EAST season. … Word out of Detroit is NFCl that the Lions could be using more A lot of eyes are on Redskins two- and three-WR formations, as rookie WRs Devin Thomas and opposed to the common four- and , and although five-WR sets preferred by former Thomas was drafted before him, offensive coordinator Mike Martz. we hear Kelly has been the more That means that Shaun McDonald impressive performer in offseason (a team-leading 79 catches a year workouts to date. Not that Thomas ago) and Mike Furrey (159 catch- has been bad — it just appears to es the past two seasons) should our sources as if Kelly could get on see their receiving totals drop. … the field more quickly at this point, WR Bernard Berrian might not be the Vikings’ only deep threat this which would move Antwaan Ran- season. We hear the team has dle El to his most natural spot, been encouraged by the in the slot. … The concern progress of second-year over Eagles QB Dono- WR , van McNabb’s throwing who showed flashes as arm appears to have a kick returner but did subsided a bit. Media little as a wideout. He and fans reacted might be the fourth strongly because head option in a run-heavy coach offense, but Allison’s appeared to hide the deep speed could open injury for so long, but our things up this season and HARRY SCULL JR. sources say that there is not a big one interception) before suffering field, recently received a three- make everyone else more effective. Slow recovery: Deion Branch’s knee concern about long-term damage. the elbow injury in Week Three last injury could keep him sidelined into fall year, $6 million deal and is said to McNabb should be good to go at NFCl SOUTH year, and he could pick up where have really impressed Martz with the start of camp. … Our people in he left off thanks to an improved the flexibility he adds to the We won’t know just how stable Dallas seem to think that the Cow- Panthers receiving corps. … One been told is being pushed hard by offense. Don’t be surprised if the his arm is until the pads are boys’ running game should be of the most-contested position bat- Arizona coaches this offseason to Niners line up in a lot of two-TE quite strong again this season, strapped on and he takes a bone- tles this summer will be for the job rattling sack, but Panthers QB turn his overall game up a notch formations that can instantly turn even with Julius Jones gone. of Saints No. 3 receiver. Devery Jake Delhomme’s throws looked after signing a hefty new contract. into three-WR sets, with Walker or Why? Well, rookies Felix Jones Henderson begins with a slight strong in OTAs despite coming off Word is the pressure is on Fitzger- fellow TE Vernon Davis splitting and Tashard Choice are a start, advantage but will feel pressure Tommy John surgery on his throw- ald to fine-tune his route running out wide or lining up in the slot. … but a secret weapon could be sec- from second-year WR Robert ing elbow. Delhomme was off to a and do a better job of finishing his Even though the Seahawks’ ond-year FB , who Meachem. Meachem has ridiculous start (eight touchdowns, runs after his catches, which could coaches continue to talk as if WR showed flashes of being a strong impressed observers throughout translate into more receiving yards. Deion Branch will be good to go blocker as a rookie before getting the offseason and could supplant Team sources tell us Fitzgerald in Week One, we continue to hear hurt. Anderson could open some the blazing quick but inconsistent has been a lot more physical in that he still has a long way to go in big holes for Marion Barber and Henderson before long. … Falcons practices so far this offseason. But his recovery from reconstructive Co. … Watch the Jeremy Shockey rookie WR has a even as good as he has looked, situation closely in New York — not firm hold on the starting slot posi- knee surgery and remains a strong only to see what happens with him, tion coming out of OTAs. The third- we hear the team’s best-looking candidate to be placed on the but also with Kevin Boss. The sec- round pick lined up ahead of dis- receiver so far this offseason con- Physically Unable to Perform list, ond-year tight end got some atten- gruntled veteran WR Joe Horn at tinues to be Steve Breaston, who which would put him on the shelf tion as a rookie and has had a a May minicamp and looks to appears to have made a quantum for the first six weeks of the ’08 strong offseason, and he would be become a dangerous speed leap as a pass catcher entering his season. More likely than not, look an intriguing TE sleeper to consid- weapon for Atlanta’s quarterbacks. second season. He could be an for Seattle’s starting receivers on er based on his receiving skills. Douglas could rack up catches emerging fantasy sleeper in the Opening Day to be Bobby while sandwiched between talent- team’s No. 3 WR role. … Speaking Engram at flanker and Nate ed wideouts Roddy White and NFC NORTH of fantasy sleepers, no team has Burleson at split end. Our Sea- l Laurent Robinson. … The Bucs’ more candidates than Mike Martz’s hawks sources believe Burleson If first impressions count for any- depth chart at wide receiver looks new-look Niners, with sixth-round was the offense’s most consistent thing, Bears rookie RB Matt Forté muddled coming out of training rookie WR , second- performer in the team’s OTAs. … camp, with the only guarantee could be a fantasy force. We hear year WR Jason Hill and newly Rams WR Drew Bennett will be being Joey Galloway as the No. 1. that Forté has embraced the signed TE each the first one to tell you he was a Head coach Jon Gruden recently opportunity to become the Bears’ possessing the potential to big disappointment in his first sea- undisputed every-down back from admitted he’s still learning about become fantasy secret weapons. son with the team. But like every- Day One, absorbing himself in the this season’s personnel at receiver Morgan, who immediately started body else on the offense, we’re team’s playbook and displaying a and hasn’t had a good look at Gal- passing the eyeball test with his work ethic far superior to that of his loway, Ike Hilliard and Maurice told Bennett genuinely believes predecessor, the disappointing Stovall, who all have had reduced size, speed and ability to outmus- new offensive coordinator Al Saun- Cedric Benson. Another thing workloads as they return from cle defenders, received a surpris- ders will bring out the best in him Forté has that Benson lacked are injuries. ing amount of work in the Niners’ this season as the team’s project- extremely soft hands out of the OTAs, according to observers. Hill ed No. 2 receiver replacing Isaac backfield, which could make him a NFC WEST remains the fastest receiver on the Bruce. It should help that Bennett l team and figures to get an oppor- has received a completely clean factor in yardage leagues. But we SPORTPICS suggest waiting to anoint Forté as The fantasy buzz is building tunity to become the 49ers desig- bill of health after being limited by a fantasy star in the making until Looking good: Panthers QB Jake Del- around Cardinals star WR Larry nated deep threat. Walker, a con- thigh and hamstring injuries the homme is throwing well this offseason he shows how well he can run Fitzgerald, who we’ve repeatedly verted wideout who can stretch the first half of last season. 24 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2007 fantasy football statistics POINT-TOTAL RANKINGS BY POSITION Total fantasy points = TD passes (4 fantasy points each) + passing-yardage points (1 point for every 20 yards) + rushing/receiving TDs (6 points) + rushing- and receiving-yardage points (1 point for every 10 yards) + two-point passes (1 point) + two- point scores (2 points). For kickers, total fantasy points = 18- to 39-yard field goals (3 fantasy points each) + 40- to 49-yard field goals (4 points) + 50-yard-plus field goals (5 points) + extra points (1 point). Does not include special-teams touchdowns. QUARTERBACKS Morris Sea. 0 0 4 62 1 21 0 0 113 Edwards Clev. 0 0 0 0 16 128 0 0 224 Davenport Pitt. 0 0 5 49 2 18 0 0 109 Wayne Ind. 0 0 0 0 10 151 0 0 211 PASSING RUSHING RECEIVING 2-Pt. 2-Pt. Tot. Alexander Sea. 0 0 4 71 1 7 0 0 108 Fitzgerald Ariz. 0 0 0 0 10 140 0 0 200 Player Team TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts Pass Scor. Pts. Benson Chi. 0 0 4 67 0 12 0 0 103 C. Johnson Cin. 0 0 0 4 8 144 0 0 196 T. Brady N.E. 50 240 2 9 0 0 0 0 461 Ward N.Y.G. 0 0 3 60 1 17 0 0 101 Houshmandzadeh Cin. 0 0 0 1 12 114 0 0 187 Romo Dall. 36 210 2 12 0 0 1 0 379 Young Den. 0 0 1 72 0 23 0 0 101 Colston N.O. 0 0 0 0 11 120 0 0 186 Manning Ind. 31 202 3 0 0 0 1 0 345 Henry Den. 0 0 4 69 0 6 0 0 99 Marshall Den. 0 0 0 5 7 132 0 0 179 Brees N.O. 28 221 1 5 0 1 0 0 345 L. Johnson K.C. 0 0 3 55 1 18 0 0 97 Burress N.Y.G. 0 0 0 0 12 102 0 0 174 Anderson Clev. 29 189 3 7 0 0 1 0 331 Jordan Oak. 0 0 3 54 0 24 0 0 96 Welker N.E. 0 0 0 3 8 117 0 0 168 Stecker N.O. 0 0 5 44 0 21 0 0 95 Favre G.B. 28 207 0 1 0 0 0 0 320 Jennings G.B. 0 0 0 0 12 92 0 0 164 Norwood Atl. 0 0 1 61 0 27 0 0 94 Roethlisberger Pitt. 32 157 2 20 0 0 1 0 318 Holt St.L. 0 0 0 0 7 118 0 1 162 Hasselbeck Sea. 28 198 0 8 0 0 0 0 318 J. Jones Dall. 0 0 2 58 0 20 0 0 90 C. Brown Ten. 0 0 5 46 0 12 0 0 88 White Atl. 0 0 0 0 6 120 0 0 156 Palmer Cin. 26 206 0 1 0 0 0 0 311 Engram Sea. 0 0 0 0 6 114 0 0 150 Warner Ariz. 27 170 1 1 0 0 0 0 285 R. Johnson Cin. 0 0 3 49 1 11 0 1 86 Keith Ind. 0 0 3 53 1 7 0 0 84 Smith Car. 0 0 0 6 7 100 0 0 148 Kitna Det. 18 203 0 6 0 0 0 0 281 Curtis Phil. 0 0 0 0 6 111 0 0 147 Cutler Den. 20 174 1 20 0 0 0 0 280 L. Washington N.Y.J. 0 1 3 35 0 21 0 1 77 Boldin Ariz. 0 0 0 1 9 85 0 0 140 Manning N.Y.G. 23 166 1 6 0 0 0 0 270 Chatman Mia. 0 0 1 51 0 16 0 0 73 Mason Balt. 0 0 0 0 5 108 0 0 138 McNabb Phil. 19 166 0 23 0 0 0 0 265 Faulk N.E. 0 0 0 26 1 38 0 0 70 Rivers S.D. 21 157 1 3 0 0 0 0 250 Droughns N.Y.G. 00627040067Galloway T.B. 0 0 0 0 6 101 0 0 137 Garrard Jax. 18 125 1 18 0 0 0 1 223 Ko. Smith K.C. 0 0 2 40 0 14 0 0 66 A. Johnson Hou. 0 0 0 0 8 85 0 0 133 Young Ten. 9 127 3 39 0 0 0 0 220 Buckhalter Phil. 0 0 4 31 0 8 0 0 63 McDonald Det. 0 0 0 0 6 94 0 0 130 J. Campbell Wash. 12 135 1 18 0 0 2 0 209 Betts Wash. 0 0 1 33 1 17 0 0 62 Bowe K.C. 0 0 0 0 5 99 0 0 129 Garcia T.B. 13 122 1 11 0 0 0 0 191 Morris N.E. 0 0 3 38 0 3 0 0 59 Cotchery N.Y.J. 0 0 0 3 2 113 0 0 128 T. Jackson Minn. 9 95 3 26 0 0 0 2 179 Mu. Smith Balt. 0 0 2 26 0 19 0 0 57 Berrian Chi. 0 0 0 0 5 95 0 0 125 Bulger St.L. 11 119 0 1 0 0 0 0 164 Duckett Det. 0 0 3 33 0 5 0 0 56 Burleson Sea. 0 0 0 0 9 69 0 0 123 Rosenfels Hou. 15 84 1 5 0 0 1 0 156 J. Wright Clev. 0 0 1 27 0 23 0 0 56 R. Williams Jax. 0 0 0 0 10 62 0 0 122 Huard K.C. 11 112 0 0 0 0 0 0 156 P.Thomas N.O. 0 0 1 25 1 15 0 1 54 Chambers Mia.-S.D. 0 0 0 1 4 97 0 0 122 Schaub Hou. 9 112 0 5 0 0 0 0 153 Weaver Sea. 0 0 1 14 0 31 0 0 51 Ward Pitt. 0 0 0 1 7 73 0 1 118 Gado Hou.-Mia. 0 0 4 15 0 10 0 1 51 Lemon Mia. 6 88 4 10 0 0 0 0 146 Driver G.B. 0 0 0 0 2 104 0 0 116 Green Hou. 0 0 2 26 0 12 0 0 50 Harrington Atl. 7 110 0 3 0 0 0 0 141 Evans Buff. 0 0 0 0 5 84 0 0 114 Leonard St.L. 0 0 0 30 0 18 0 0 48 Pennington N.Y.J. 10 88 1 3 0 0 1 0 138 R. Williams Det. 0 0 0 0 5 83 0 0 113 Pittman T.B. 0 0 0 28 0 19 0 0 47 Griese Chi. 10 90 0 2 0 0 0 0 132 Crayton Dall. 0 0 0 0 7 69 0 0 111 Boller Balt. 9 87 0 8 0 0 0 0 131 M. Bennett K.C.-T.B. 0 0 1 24 1 10 0 0 46 Jackson G.B. 0 0 1 26 0 13 0 0 45 Johnson Det. 0 0 1 5 4 75 0 0 110 Edwards Buff. 7 81 0 4 0 0 0 0 113 Walter Hou. 0 0 0 3 4 80 0 0 107 Clemens N.Y.J. 5 76 1 11 0 0 0 0 113 G. Jones Jax. 0 0 2 11 2 9 0 0 44 Porter Oak. 0 0 0 0 6 70 0 0 106 McCown Oak. 10 57 0 14 0 0 1 0 112 Rhodes Oak. 0 0 1 30 0 7 0 0 43 R. Brown Phil. 0 0 0 3 4 78 0 0 105 Culpepper Oak. 5 66 3 4 0 0 0 0 108 Walker Hou. 0 0 1 26 0 8 0 1 42 Coles N.Y.J. 0 0 0 0 6 64 0 0 100 Gray Jax. 10 49 0 5 0 0 0 0 94 C. Williams T.B. 0 0 3 20 0 1 0 0 39 Redman Atl. 10 53 0 1 0 0 0 0 94 Hall Den. 0 0 2 21 0 6 0 0 39 Moss Wash. 00013800099 Dilfer S.F. 7 58 0 2 0 0 0 0 88 Turner S.D. 0 0 1 31 0 1 0 0 38 Curry Oak. 0 0 0 0 4 71 0 2 99 Grossman Chi. 4 70 0 2 0 0 0 0 88 Arrington Ariz. 0 0 0 7 1 24 0 0 37 Bruce St.L. 0 0 0 0 4 73 0 0 97 Losman Buff. 4 60 0 11 0 0 0 0 87 Sellers Wash. 00271110036Patten N.O. 0 0 0 0 3 79 0 0 97 Croyle K.C. 6 61 0 1 0 0 0 0 86 Evans N.E. 0 0 3 12 0 4 0 0 34 Battle S.F. 0 0 1 0 5 60 0 0 96 McCown T.B. 5 50 0 11 0 0 0 0 81 Sproles S.D. 0 0 2 16 0 3 0 0 31 R. Williams Ten. 0 0 0 -1 4 71 0 0 94 Frerotte St.L. 7 50 0 0 0 0 1 0 79 T. Bell Det. 0 0 1 18 0 6 0 0 30 Toomer N.Y.G. 00003760094 Green Mia. 5 49 0 3 0 0 0 0 72 Morency G.B. 0 0 0 10 0 19 0 0 29 Stokley Den. 0 0 0 0 5 63 0 0 93 Testaverde Car. 5 47 0 2 0 0 0 0 69 Leach Hou. 0 0 1 0 2 10 0 0 28 Branch Sea. 0 0 0 0 4 66 0 0 90 McNair Balt. 2 55 0 3 0 0 0 0 66 Sapp Den. 0 0 2 5 1 5 0 0 28 Stallworth N.E. 0 0 0 1 3 69 0 0 88 Henry Ten. 0 0 2 11 0 5 0 0 28 Delhomme Car. 8 31 0 2 0 0 0 0 65 Gage Ten. 0 0 0 0 2 75 0 0 87 Bradshaw N.Y.G. 00119010026 Collins Wash. 5 44 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 Northcutt Jax. 0 0 0 2 4 60 0 0 86 A. Smith S.F. 2 45 0 8 0 0 0 0 61 Vickers Clev. 0 0 0 4 2 9 0 0 25 McHugh Det. 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 25 Wade Minn. 0 0 0 0 3 64 0 0 82 Feeley Phil. 5 34 0 2 0 0 0 0 56 Jurevicius Clev. 0 0 0 0 3 61 0 1 81 S. Hill S.F. 5 25 1 1 0 0 0 0 52 Hicks S.F. 0 0 1 11 0 8 0 0 25 Griffith Oak. 0 0 0 2 1 16 0 0 24 Randle El Wash. 00001720180 Carr Car. 3 31 0 5 0 0 0 0 48 Jackson S.D. 0 0 0 0 3 62 0 0 80 Moore Car. 3 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 A. Thomas Buff. 0 0 0 8 1 9 0 0 23 Jones G.B. 0 0 0 0 2 67 0 0 79 Leinart Ariz. 2 32 0 4 0 0 0 0 44 Eckel N.E. 0 0 2 9 0 0 0 0 21 Davis Hou. 0 0 0 0 3 58 0 1 78 T. Smith Balt. 2 22 1 5 0 0 0 0 41 Karney N.O. 0 0 2 1 0 7 0 0 20 Hilliard T.B. 0 0 0 0 1 72 0 0 78 Beck Mia. 1 27 1 1 0 0 1 0 39 Wolfe Chi. 0 0 0 8 0 11 0 0 19 Orton Chi. 3 23 0 0 0 0 1 0 36 Robinson S.F. 0 0 0 12 0 7 0 0 19 Jenkins Atl. 0 0 0 0 4 53 0 0 77 Holcomb Minn. 2 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 Dorsey Cin. 0 0 0 18 0 1 0 0 19 D. Carter Car. 0 0 0 0 4 51 0 0 75 Russell Oak. 2 18 0 0 0 0 1 0 27 Askew T.B. 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 17 Muhammad Chi. 0 0 0 0 3 57 0 0 75 Bollinger Minn. 1 19 0 1 0 0 0 1 26 Holmes K.C. 0 0 0 13 0 1 0 1 16 Gonzalez Ind. 0 0 0 0 3 57 0 0 75 Collins Ten. 0 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 Cason Det. 0 0 0 3 0 12 0 0 15 Washington Pitt. 0 0 0 0 5 45 0 0 75 S. Wallace Sea. 2 10 0 1 0 4 0 0 23 Moore Minn. 0 0 0 11 0 4 0 0 15 Gaffney N.E. 0 0 0 0 5 44 0 0 74 Rattay Ariz. 3 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 Harrison Clev. 0 0 0 14 0 1 0 0 15 Furrey Det. 0 0 0 0 1 66 0 0 72 Batch Pitt. 2 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 Pittman St.L. 0 0 0 13 0 1 0 0 14 Wilford Jax. 0 0 0 0 3 51 0 0 69 Leftwich Atl. 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 Minor St.L. 0 0 0 6 0 8 0 0 14 Jackson S.F. 0 0 0 0 3 49 0 0 67 Ramsey Den. 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 C. Dawson Ind. 0 0 1 6 0 1 0 0 13 Rice Minn. 0 4 0 0 4 39 0 0 67 Ross Balt. 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 0 13 Rodgers G.B. 1 10 0 2 0 0 0 0 16 Bry. Johnson Ariz. 0 0 0 0 2 52 0 0 64 Cobbs Mia. 0 0 1 4 0 2 0 0 12 O’Sullivan Det. 1 7 0 -1 0 0 0 0 10 M. Booker Mia. 0 0 0 1 1 55 0 0 62 Sorgi Ind. 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 McClain Balt. 0 0 0 1 1 5 0 0 12 Shipp Ariz. 0 0 1 4 0 2 0 0 12 Henderson N.O. 0 0 0 2 3 40 0 0 60 Weinke S.F. 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 Reed Buff. 0 0 0 1 0 57 0 0 58 Nall G.B. 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 J. Johnson Cin. 0 0 0 2 1 3 0 0 11 Neal S.D. 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 11 Hackett Sea. 0 0 0 0 3 38 0 0 56 Cassel N.E. 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 8 Bennett St.L. 0 0 0 0 3 37 0 0 55 Gradkowski T.B. 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 Battle K.C. 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 10 M. Jones Jax. 0 0 0 0 4 31 0 0 55 Berlin St.L. 0 7 0 -1 0 0 0 0 6 Snelling Atl. 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 10 Ginn Mia. 0 0 0 0 2 42 0 0 54 Br. Johnson Dall. 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Wright Buff. 0 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 10 Quinn Clev. 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Davis Pitt. 0 0 0 6 0 4 0 0 10 Clayton Balt. 0 0 0 0 0 53 0 0 53 Thigpen K.C. 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 McKie Chi. 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 10 Hagan Mia. 0 0 0 0 2 37 0 1 51 Frye Cle.-Sea. 010000001McAllister N.O. 0 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 10 Darling Balt. 0 0 0 0 3 32 0 0 50 Walter Oak. 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Lawton Ind. 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 9 Robinson Atl. 0 0 0 0 1 43 0 0 49 Lorenzen N.Y.G. 010000001Mughelli Atl. 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 9 B. Smith N.Y.J. 0 0 0 4 2 32 0 0 48 Echemandu Hou. 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 9 R. Martin G.B. 0 0 0 0 4 24 0 0 48 RUNNING BACKS Richardson Minn. 0 0 0 1 0 8 0 0 9 L. Moore N.O. 0 0 1 0 2 30 0 0 48 PASSING RUSHING RECEIVING Strong Sea. 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 0 8 Parrish Buff. 0 0 1 1 1 35 0 0 48 2-Pt. 2-Pt. Tot. Hoover Car. 0 0 0 3 0 5 0 0 8 Player Team TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts Pass Scor. Pts. Henry Cin. 0 0 0 0 2 34 0 0 46 Anderson Balt. 0 0 0 6 0 2 0 0 8 Ferguson Minn. 0 0 0 0 1 39 0 0 45 Toefield Jax. 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 8 Tomlinson S.D. 1 0 15 147 3 47 0 0 306 G. Lewis Phil. 0 0 0 0 3 26 0 0 44 Westbrook Phil. 0 0 7 133 5 77 0 0 282 Hunt Phil. 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 7 Urban Ariz. 0 0 0 0 2 32 0 0 44 Peterson Minn. 0 0 12 134 1 26 0 0 238 Naanee S.D. 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 Parker K.C. 0 0 0 0 2 29 0 0 41 Addai Ind. 0 0 12 107 3 36 0 1 235 Hall Ten. 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 B. Jones Ten. 0 0 0 3 2 24 0 0 39 Portis Wash. 1 0 11 126 0 38 0 0 234 Calhoun Det. 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 6 J. Lewis Clev. 0 0 9 130 2 24 0 0 220 Tapeh Phil. 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 6 Avant Phil. 0 0 0 0 2 26 0 0 38 Barber Dall. 0 0 10 97 2 28 0 0 197 Cook Hou. 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 6 Webb K.C. 0 0 0 0 1 31 0 0 37 McGahee Balt. 0 0 7 120 1 23 0 0 191 Hedgecock StL-NYG 000005005Hurd Dall. 0 0 0 0 1 31 0 0 37 Gore S.F. 0 0 5 110 1 43 0 0 189 Thompson Dall. 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 Moulds Ten. 0 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 34 James Ariz. 0 0 7 122 0 20 0 0 184 T. Smith Ariz. 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Colbert Car. 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 33 Graham T.B. 0 0 10 89 0 32 0 0 181 Hall G.B. 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Clayton T.B. 0 0 0 2 0 30 0 0 32 Lynch Buff. 1 0 7 111 0 18 0 1 177 Pinner Atl. 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 Williamson Minn. 0 0 0 2 1 24 0 0 32 Jones-Drew Jax. 0 0 9 76 0 40 0 0 170 Norris S.F. 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 4 McCardell Wash. 00001250031 Jackson St.L. 1 0 5 100 1 27 0 0 167 G. Harris K.C. 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Horn Atl. 0 0 0 0 1 24 0 0 30 White Ten. 0 0 7 111 0 11 0 0 164 Mills Minn. 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 Harrison Ind. 0 0 0 0 1 24 0 0 30 Parker Pitt. 0 0 2 131 0 16 0 0 159 Barclay Ten. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Wilson Pitt. 0 0 0 3 1 20 1 0 30 Grant G.B. 0 0 8 95 0 14 0 0 157 Tahi Minn. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Robinson G.B. 0 0 0 0 1 24 0 0 30 Taylor Jax. 0 0 5 120 0 5 0 0 155 J. Green Balt. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Williams Balt. 0 0 0 0 0 29 0 0 29 Watson Cin. 0 0 7 76 0 37 0 0 155 Haynes Car. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Camarillo Mia. 0 0 0 0 2 16 0 0 28 Taylor Minn. 0 0 7 84 0 28 0 0 154 Darby T.B. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Walker Den. 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 28 Haynes Pitt. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Jacobs N.Y.G. 0 0 4 100 2 17 0 0 153 Copper N.O. 0 0 0 0 2 12 0 0 24 Jones N.Y.J. 0 0 1 111 1 21 0 0 144 Bradley Det. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Davis S.D. 0 0 0 0 1 18 0 0 24 Fargas Oak. 0 0 4 100 0 18 0 0 142 Mahe Phil. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Obomanu Sea. 0 0 0 0 1 18 0 0 24 Bush N.O. 0 0 4 58 2 41 0 3 141 Williams Mia. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Maroney N.E. 0 0 6 83 0 11 0 1 132 Kreider Pitt. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 McCareins N.Y.J. 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 23 Brown Mia. 0 0 4 60 1 38 0 1 130 Moss N.Y.G. 00000220022 Foster Car. 0 0 3 87 1 18 0 0 129 WIDE RECEIVERS Thrash Wash. 00002100022 Dwight Oak. 0 0 0 1 2 9 0 0 22 Jones Det. 0 0 8 58 0 19 0 0 125 PASSING RUSHING RECEIVING 2-Pt. 2-Pt. Tot. Holt Cin. 0 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 20 Dayne Hou. 0 0 6 77 0 11 0 0 124 Player Team TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts Pass Scor. Pts. Dunn Atl. 0 0 4 72 0 23 0 0 119 Baskett Phil. 0 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 20 D. Williams Car. 0 0 4 71 1 17 0 0 118 Moss N.E. 0 0 0 0 23 149 0 0 287 Chatman Cin. 0 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 20 Peterson Chi. 1 0 3 51 0 42 0 0 115 Owens Dall. 0 0 0 0 15 135 0 0 225 D. Anderson Hou. 0 0 0 0 1 13 0 0 19 JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 25 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2007 fantasy football statistics Broussard Jax. 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 0 18 Gates S.D. 0 0 0 0 9 98 0 0 152 Fauria Car. 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 15 Martinez Den. 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 17 Gonzalez K.C. 0 0 0 0 5 117 0 0 147 Yoder Wash. 0000190015 Carter Clev. 0 0 0 0 1 11 0 0 17 Winslow Clev. 0 0 0 0 5 110 0 1 142 Manumaleuna S.D. 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 14 Walters Det. 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 16 Clark Ind. 0 0 0 2 11 61 0 0 129 Becht T.B. 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 14 Caldwell Wash. 00000140014Cooley Wash. 0 0 0 0 8 78 0 1 128 Angulo Jax. 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 14 Jones Hou. 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 14 Miller Pitt. 0 0 0 0 7 56 0 0 98 FitzSimmons Det. 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 14 Stovall T.B. 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 14 Daniels Hou. 0 0 0 0 3 76 0 0 94 Hartsock Ten. 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 13 Morey Ariz. 0 0 0 1 0 13 0 0 14 Lee G.B. 0 0 0 0 6 57 0 0 93 Estandia Jax. 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 13 Middleton Det. 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 13 Scheffler Den. 0 0 0 0 5 54 0 0 84 Coats Cin. 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 Thorpe Ind. 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 13 Shockey N.Y.G. 00003610079Bienemann Ariz. 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 10 Bradley Chi. 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 13 Clark Chi. 0 0 0 0 4 54 0 0 78 Kleinsasser Minn. 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 10 Jennings Atl. 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 12 Watson N.E. 0 0 0 1 6 38 0 0 75 Heiden Clev. 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 Allison Minn. 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 V. Davis S.F. 0 0 0 0 4 50 0 0 74 Klopfenstein St.L. 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 9 Lelie S.F. 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 11 Crumpler Atl. 0 0 0 0 5 44 0 0 74 Putzier Hou. 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 9 Gilmore S.F. 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 11 Miller Oak. 0 0 0 0 3 44 0 0 62 Kowalewski N.Y.J. 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 7 Jacobs S.F. 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 10 McMichael St.L. 0 0 0 0 3 42 0 0 60 Wilcox Balt. 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 7 Hagans St.L. 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 Baker N.Y.J. 0 0 0 0 3 40 0 0 58 Tuman Pitt. 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 Cribbs Clev. 0 0 0 6 0 3 1 0 10 Smith T.B. 0 0 0 0 3 38 0 0 56 Mustard Den. 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 Kennison K.C. 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 Pope Ariz. 0 0 0 0 5 23 0 0 53 Milner Atl. 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Breaston Ariz. 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 Olsen Chi. 0 0 0 0 2 39 0 1 53 Dugan Minn. 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Floyd S.D. 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 King Car. 0 0 0 0 2 40 0 0 52 Troupe Ten. 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Aromashodu Ind. 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 Lewis Jax. 0 0 0 0 2 39 0 0 51 Ryan N.Y.J. 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 M. Williams Oak. 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 E. Johnson N.O. 0 0 0 0 2 37 0 0 49 Byrd St.L. 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 N. Jackson Den. 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 9 Scaife Ten. 0 0 0 0 1 42 0 0 48 Blakley Atl. 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Lucas T.B. 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 Miller N.O. 0 0 0 0 2 32 0 0 44 Walker St.L. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Jarrett Car. 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 0 8 Stevens T.B. 0 0 0 0 4 18 0 0 42 Krause G.B. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 W. Wright N.Y.J. 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 Royal Buff. 0 0 0 0 3 24 0 0 42 Gilmore Chi. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Austin Dall. 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 Utecht Ind. 0 0 0 0 1 36 0 0 42 Owens NO-Det 000001001 Moorehead Ind. 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 D. Martin Mia. 0 0 0 0 2 30 0 0 42 Neufeld Buff. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Price Buff. 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 Pollard Sea. 0 0 0 0 2 27 0 0 39 Schouman Buff. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Reid Pitt. 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Shiancoe Minn. 0 0 0 0 1 32 0 0 38 Higgins Oak. 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Graham Den. 0 0 0 0 2 24 0 0 36 PLACEKICKERS Davis Ten. 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 4 Peelle Mia. 0 0 0 0 2 22 0 0 34 FIELD GOALS FIELD GOALS Robinson Car. 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Gaines Buff. 0 0 0 0 2 21 0 0 33 18- 40- 50 Tot. 18- 40- 50 Tot. Figurs Balt. 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Franks G.B. 0 0 0 0 3 13 0 0 31 Player Team 39 49 plus PAT Pts. Player Team 39 49 plus PAT Pts. Green Cin. 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Sypniewski Balt. 0 0 0 0 1 24 0 0 30 Crosby G.B. 19 9 3 48 156 Janikowski Oak. 10 7 6 28 116 Mix N.Y.G. 000003003 Smith Phil. 0 0 0 0 1 23 0 0 29 Brown Sea. 17 8 3 43 141 Stover Balt. 19 8 0 26 115 Tyree N.Y.G. 000003003Heap Balt. 0 0 0 0 1 23 0 0 29 Gostkowski N.E. 18 3 0 74 140 Longwell Minn. 9 10 1 39 111 Looker St.L. 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Heller Sea. 0 0 0 0 3 8 0 0 26 Hanson Det. 15 11 3 35 139 D. Hall St.L. 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 3 Wilson K.C. 0 0 0 0 1 18 0 0 24 Wilkins St.L. 13 8 3 25 111 Gould Chi. 19 12 0 33 138 Taylor Sea. 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Celek Phil. 0 0 0 0 1 17 0 0 23 Akers Phil. 22 1 1 36 111 Osgood S.D. 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 Walker S.F. 0 0 0 0 1 17 0 0 23 Graham Cin. 25 6 0 37 136 Kasay Car. 16 6 2 27 109 Clark Den. 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 K. Brown Hou. 13 7 5 40 132 Rosario Car. 0 0 0 0 2 10 0 0 22 Lindell Buff. 18 4 2 24 104 Bodiford G.B. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Spaeth Pitt. 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 21 Dawson Clev. 18 7 1 42 129 Mathis Hou. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Andersen Atl. 21 4 0 24 103 Kelly Cin. 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 21 Kaeding S.D. 16 7 1 46 127 Mat. Willis Balt. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Feely Mia. 13 7 1 26 98 Fasano Dall. 0 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 20 Suisham Wash. 18 11 0 29 127 McFoy Oak. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Curtis Dall. 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 19 Nedney S.F. 12 4 1 22 79 Lloyd Wash. 000001001 Elam Den. 17 9 1 33 125 K. Brady N.E. 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 0 19 Mare N.O. 7 2 1 34 68 Aiken Buff. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Bryant T.B. 22 6 0 34 124 Patrick Ariz. 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 0 19 Rackers Ariz. 13 5 3 47 121 Carney Jax.-K.C. 10 2 0 27 65 Wrighster Jax. 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 0 18 TIGHT ENDS Vinatieri Ind. 23 0 0 49 118 Scobee Jax. 9 3 0 26 65 Dreessen Hou. 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 17 PASSING RUSHING RECEIVING 2-Pt. 2-Pt. Tot. Rayner K.C. 10 5 0 14 64 Madsen Oak. 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 16 Nugent N.Y.J. 22 6 1 23 118 Player Team TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts TDs Ydg Pts Pass Scor. Pts. Gramatica N.O. 2 2 1 8 27 Fletcher Ind. 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 1 16 Reed Pitt. 19 4 0 44 117 Witten Dall. 0 0 0 0 7 114 0 0 156 Schobel Phil. 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 16 Tynes N.Y.G. 15 8 0 40 117 Prater Atl. 0 1 0 1 5

IFIF YOUYOU WANTWANT ANALYSISANALYSIS …… ProFootballWeekly.com provides the very best, whether it’s breaking news or rumors, fantasy football, player rat- ings, handicapping or the NFL draft. At ProFootballWeekly.com you can find: ♦ “The Way We Hear It” for every NFL team, updated frequently with inside information, rumors and analysis. ♦ Fantasy football advice — bone up for your upcoming draft. ♦ NFLinks, providing the most provocative articles on the Web. ♦ Team pages, with inside information, transactions, rosters, etc. ♦ The PFW spin on the day’s most noteworthy events, plus regular columnists, player news and “They Said It.” ♦ Year-round blogs. ♦ Daily free-agent news and analysis. ♦ PFW Online, our print edition delivered electronically. ♦ Amazing statistics, current and historical, including team rankings and fantasy football stats. 26 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 FANTASY FOOTBALL 2007 fantasy football statistics TOTAL POINTS REGARDLESS OF POSITION Total fantasy points = TD passes (4 fantasy points each) + passing-yardage points (1 point for every 20 yards) + rushing/receiving TDs (6 points) + rushing- and receiving-yardage points (1 point for every 10 yards) + two-point passes (1 point) + two- point scores (2 points). For kickers, total fantasy points = 18- to 39-yard field goals (3 fantasy points each) + 40- to 49-yard field goals (4 points) + 50-yard-plus field goals (5 points) + extra points (1 point). Does not include special-teams touchdowns. Fant. Brown Sea. PK 141 Curry Oak. WR 99 Miller Oak. TE 62 Moulds Ten. WR 34 Schobel Phil. TE 16 Hunt Phil. RB 7 Player Team Pos. Pts. Bush N.O. RB 141 Feely Mia. PK 98 A. Smith S.F. QB 61 Colbert Car. WR 33 Fletcher Ind. TE 16 Kowalewski N.Y.J. TE 7 T. Brady N.E. QB 461 Harrington Atl. QB 141 Miller Pitt. TE 98 McMichael St.L. TE 60 Gaines Buff. TE 33 Madsen Oak. TE 16 Wilcox Balt. TE 7 Romo Dall. QB 379 Gostkowski N.E. PK 140 Bruce St.L. WR 97 Henderson N.O. WR 60 Holcomb Minn. QB 33 Holmes K.C. RB 16 Moorehead Ind. WR 6 Manning Ind. QB 345 Boldin Ariz. WR 140 Patten N.O. WR 97 Morris N.E. RB 59 Williamson Minn. WR 32 Harrison Clev. RB 15 Mustard Den. TE 6 Brees N.O. QB 345 Hanson Det. PK 139 L. Johnson K.C. RB 97 Baker N.Y.J. TE 58 Clayton T.B. WR 32 Moore Minn. RB 15 Tuman Pitt. TE 6 Anderson Clev. QB 331 Gould Chi. PK 138 Battle S.F. WR 96 Reed Buff. WR 58 Sproles S.D. RB 31 Yoder Wash. TE 15 Price Buff. WR 6 Favre G.B. QB 320 Mason Balt. WR 138 Jordan Oak. RB 96 Mu. Smith Balt. RB 57 McCardell Wash. WR 31 Cason Det. RB 15 Cook Hou. FB 6 Roethlisberger Pitt. QB 318 Pennington N.Y.J. QB 138 Stecker N.O. RB 95 Duckett Det. RB 56 Franks G.B. TE 31 Fauria Car. TE 15 Naanee S.D. FB 6 Hasselbeck Sea. QB 318 Galloway T.B. WR 137 Toomer N.Y.G. WR 94 J. Wright Clev. RB 56 Robinson G.B. WR 30 Becht T.B. TE 14 Berlin St.L. QB 6 Palmer Cin. QB 311 Graham Cin. PK 136 R. Williams Ten. WR 94 Hackett Sea. WR 56 Wilson Pitt. WR 30 Morey Ariz. WR 14 Calhoun Det. RB 6 Tomlinson S.D. RB 306 A. Johnson Hou. WR 133 Norwood Atl. RB 94 Smith T.B. TE 56 T. Bell Det. RB 30 Manumaleuna S.D. TE 14 Moss N.E. WR 287 K. Brown Hou. PK 132 Daniels Hou. TE 94 Feeley Phil. QB 56 Horn Atl. WR 30 Minor St.L. RB 14 Hall Ten. FB 6 Warner Ariz. QB 285 Maroney N.E. RB 132 Redman Atl. QB 94 M. Jones Jax. WR 55 Harrison Ind. WR 30 Caldwell Wash. WR 14 Tapeh Phil. RB 6 Westbrook Phil. RB 282 Griese Chi. QB 132 Gray Jax. QB 94 Bennett St.L. WR 55 Sypniewski Balt. TE 30 FitzSimmons Det. TE 14 Thompson Dall. RB 5 Kitna Det. QB 281 Boller Balt. QB 131 Stokley Den. WR 93 P.Thomas N.O. RB 54 Williams Balt. WR 29 Angulo Jax. TE 14 Hedgecock N.Y.G.-St.L. FB 5 Cutler Den. QB 280 Brown Mia. RB 130 Lee G.B. TE 93 Ginn Mia. WR 54 Morency G.B. RB 29 Stovall T.B. WR 14 Reid Pitt. WR 5 Manning N.Y.G. QB 270 McDonald Det. WR 130 J. Jones Dall. RB 90 Olsen Chi. TE 53 Smith Phil. TE 29 Jones Hou. WR 14 Milner Atl. TE 5 McNabb Phil. QB 265 Clark Ind. TE 129 Branch Sea. WR 90 Clayton Balt. WR 53 Heap Balt. TE 29 Pittman St.L. RB 14 Prater Atl. PK 5 Rivers S.D. QB 250 Foster Car. RB 129 Stallworth N.E. WR 88 Pope Ariz. TE 53 Sapp Den. RB 28 Middleton Det. WR 13 T. Smith Ariz. FB 5 Peterson Minn. RB 238 Dawson Clev. PK 129 C. Brown Ten. RB 88 S. Hill S.F. QB 52 Walker Den. WR 28 C. Dawson Ind. RB 13 Dugan Minn. TE 5 Addai Ind. RB 235 Bowe K.C. WR 129 Grossman Chi. QB 88 King Car. TE 52 Leach Hou. FB 28 Ross Balt. RB 13 Blakley Atl. TE 4 Portis Wash. RB 234 Cooley Wash. TE 128 Dilfer S.F. QB 88 Gado Hou.-Mia. RB 51 Henry Ten. RB 28 Estandia Jax. TE 13 Pinner Atl. RB 4 Owens Dall. WR 225 Cotchery N.Y.J. WR 128 Gage Ten. WR 87 Lewis Jax. TE 51 Camarillo Mia. WR 28 Thorpe Ind. WR 13 Norris S.F. FB 4 Edwards Clev. WR 224 Kaeding S.D. PK 127 Losman Buff. QB 87 Hagan Mia. WR 51 Russell Oak. QB 27 Bradley Chi. WR 13 Davis Ten. WR 4 Garrard Jax. QB 223 Suisham Wash. PK 127 Croyle K.C. QB 86 Weaver Sea. FB 51 Gramatica N.O. PK 27 Hartsock Ten. TE 13 Hall G.B. FB 4 J. Lewis Clev. RB 220 Elam Den. PK 125 Northcutt Jax. WR 86 Green Hou. RB 50 Bollinger Minn. QB 26 Shipp Ariz. RB 12 Higgins Oak. WR 4 Young Ten. QB 220 Jones Det. RB 125 R. Johnson Cin. RB 86 Darling Balt. WR 50 Heller Sea. TE 26 Jennings Atl. WR 12 Byrd St.L. TE 4 Wayne Ind. WR 211 Berrian Chi. WR 125 Scheffler Den. TE 84 E. Johnson N.O. TE 49 Collins Ten. QB 26 Cobbs Mia. RB 12 J. Campbell Wash. QB 209 Bryant T.B. PK 124 Wade Minn. WR 82 Robinson Atl. WR 49 Vickers Clev. FB 25 Allison Minn. WR 12 Troupe Ten. TE 4 Fitzgerald Ariz. WR 200 Dayne Hou. RB 124 Jurevicius Clev. WR 81 Leonard St.L. RB 48 McHugh Det. RB 25 McClain Balt. FB 12 Ryan N.Y.J. TE 4 Barber Dall. RB 197 Burleson Sea. WR 123 McCown T.B. QB 81 Scaife Ten. TE 48 Hicks S.F. RB 25 Coats Cin. TE 12 Mix N.Y.G. WR 3 C. Johnson Cin. WR 196 Chambers Mia.-S.D. WR 122 Randle El Wash. WR 80 L. Moore N.O. WR 48 Griffith Oak. FB 24 Gilmore S.F. WR 11 Green Cin. WR 3 McGahee Balt. RB 191 R. Williams Jax. WR 122 Jackson S.D. WR 80 Parrish Buff. WR 48 Wilson K.C. TE 24 Neal S.D. FB 11 Robinson Car. WR 3 Garcia T.B. QB 191 Rackers Ariz. PK 121 Jones G.B. WR 79 B. Smith N.Y.J. WR 48 Copper N.O. WR 24 J. Johnson Cin. FB 11 Taylor Sea. WR 3 Gore S.F. RB 189 Dunn Atl. RB 119 Shockey N.Y.G. TE 79 R. Martin G.B. WR 48 Obomanu Sea. WR 24 Lelie S.F. WR 11 Figurs Balt. WR 3 Houshmandzadeh Cin. WR 187 Vinatieri Ind. PK 118 Nedney S.F. PK 79 Carr Car. QB 48 Davis S.D. WR 24 O’Sullivan Det. QB 10 G. Harris K.C. RB 3 Colston N.O. WR 186 Ward Pitt. WR 118 Frerotte St.L. QB 79 Moore Car. QB 48 S. Wallace Sea. QB 23 Sorgi Ind. QB 10 D. Hall St.L. WR 3 James Ariz. RB 184 Nugent N.Y.J. PK 118 Hilliard T.B. WR 78 Pittman T.B. RB 47 Celek Phil. TE 23 Jacobs S.F. WR 10 Looker St.L. WR 3 Graham T.B. RB 181 D. Williams Car. RB 118 Clark Chi. TE 78 M. Bennett K.C.-T.B. RB 46 Walker S.F. TE 23 McKie Chi. FB 10 Br. Johnson Dall. QB 3 Marshall Den. WR 179 Tynes N.Y.G. PK 117 Davis Hou. WR 78 Henry Cin. WR 46 A. Thomas Buff. RB 23 Kleinsasser Minn. TE 10 Tyree N.Y.G. WR 3 T. Jackson Minn. QB 179 Reed Pitt. PK 117 Jenkins Atl. WR 77 Jackson G.B. RB 45 McCareins N.Y.J. WR 23 Heiden Clev. TE 10 Osgood S.D. WR 2 Lynch Buff. RB 177 Janikowski Oak. PK 116 L. Washington N.Y.J. RB 77 Ferguson Minn. WR 45 Thrash Wash. WR 22 Kennison K.C. WR 10 Quinn Clev. QB 2 Burress N.Y.G. WR 174 Driver G.B. WR 116 Watson N.E. TE 75 Leinart Ariz. QB 44 Dwight Oak. WR 22 McAllister N.O. RB 10 Thigpen K.C. QB 2 Jones-Drew Jax. RB 170 Peterson Chi. RB 115 D. Carter Car. WR 75 G. Jones Jax. RB 44 Moss N.Y.G. WR 22 Wright Buff. RB 10 Clark Den. WR 2 Welker N.E. WR 168 Stover Balt. PK 115 Washington Pitt. WR 75 Urban Ariz. WR 44 Eckel N.E. FB 21 Snelling Atl. RB 10 Mills Minn. FB 2 Jackson St.L. RB 167 Evans Buff. WR 114 Gonzalez Ind. WR 75 G. Lewis Phil. WR 44 Spaeth Pitt. TE 21 Battle K.C. RB 10 Bulger St.L. QB 164 R. Williams Det. WR 113 Muhammad Chi. WR 75 Miller N.O. TE 44 Kelly Cin. TE 21 Hagans St.L. WR 10 Tahi Minn. FB 1 Jennings G.B. WR 164 Edwards Buff. QB 113 V. Davis S.F. TE 74 Rhodes Oak. RB 43 Karney N.O. RB 20 Davis Pitt. RB 10 Bodiford G.B. WR 1 White Ten. RB 164 Morris Sea. RB 113 Gaffney N.E. WR 74 D. Martin Mia. TE 42 Chatman Cin. WR 20 Weinke S.F. QB 9 Bradley Det. FB 1 Holt St.L. WR 162 Clemens N.Y.J. QB 113 Crumpler Atl. TE 74 Royal Buff. TE 42 Baskett Phil. WR 20 Lawton Ind. FB 9 Walter Oak. QB 1 Parker Pitt. RB 159 McCown Oak. QB 112 Chatman Mia. RB 73 Stevens T.B. TE 42 Holt Cin. WR 20 M. Williams Oak. WR 9 Lorenzen N.Y.G. QB 1 Grant G.B. RB 157 Crayton Dall. WR 111 Furrey Det. WR 72 Walker Hou. RB 42 Fasano Dall. TE 20 Klopfenstein St.L. TE 9 J. Green Balt. FB 1 Crosby G.B. PK 156 Wilkins St.L. PK 111 Green Mia. QB 72 Utecht Ind. TE 42 Rattay Ariz. QB 20 Aromashodu Ind. WR 9 Mathis Hou. WR 1 Huard K.C. QB 156 Akers Phil. PK 111 Faulk N.E. RB 70 Parker K.C. WR 41 Dorsey Cin. RB 19 Floyd S.D. WR 9 Schouman Buff. TE 1 White Atl. WR 156 Longwell Minn. PK 111 Wilford Jax. WR 69 T. Smith Balt. QB 41 Batch Pitt. QB 19 Richardson Minn. FB 9 Darby T.B. RB 1 Witten Dall. TE 156 Johnson Det. WR 110 Testaverde Car. QB 69 Beck Mia. QB 39 D. Anderson Hou. WR 19 Breaston Ariz. WR 9 Mat. Willis Balt. WR 1 Rosenfels Hou. QB 156 Kasay Car. PK 109 Mare N.O. PK 68 Hall Den. RB 39 Robinson S.F. RB 19 Mughelli Atl. FB 9 Haynes Car. RB 1 Taylor Jax. RB 155 Davenport Pitt. RB 109 Jackson S.F. WR 67 C. Williams T.B. RB 39 Patrick Ariz. TE 19 Putzier Hou. TE 9 McFoy Oak. WR 1 Watson Cin. RB 155 Alexander Sea. RB 108 Droughns N.Y.G. RB 67 B. Jones Ten. WR 39 Curtis Dall. TE 19 N. Jackson Den. WR 9 Barclay Ten. RB 1 Taylor Minn. RB 154 Culpepper Oak. QB 108 Rice Minn. WR 67 Pollard Sea. TE 39 Wolfe Chi. RB 19 Echemandu Hou. RB 9 Lloyd Wash. WR 1 Jacobs N.Y.G. RB 153 Walter Hou. WR 107 Ko. Smith K.C. RB 66 Turner S.D. RB 38 K. Brady N.E. TE 19 Nall G.B. QB 8 Walker St.L. TE 1 Schaub Hou. QB 153 Porter Oak. WR 106 McNair Balt. QB 66 Avant Phil. WR 38 Wrighster Jax. TE 18 Toefield Jax. RB 8 Mahe Phil. RB 1 Gates S.D. TE 152 R. Brown Phil. WR 105 Delhomme Car. QB 65 Shiancoe Minn. TE 38 Broussard Jax. WR 18 Hoover Car. FB 8 Krause G.B. TE 1 Engram Sea. WR 150 Lindell Buff. PK 104 Carney Jax.-K.C. PK 65 Hurd Dall. WR 37 Leftwich Atl. QB 17 Anderson Balt. RB 8 Smith Car. WR 148 Benson Chi. RB 103 Scobee Jax. PK 65 Webb K.C. WR 37 Ramsey Den. QB 17 Strong Sea. RB 8 Aiken Buff. WR 1 Curtis Phil. WR 147 Andersen Atl. PK 103 Collins Wash. QB 64 Arrington Ariz. RB 37 Martinez Den. WR 17 Jarrett Car. WR 8 Gilmore Chi. TE 1 Gonzalez K.C. TE 147 Young Den. RB 101 Bry. Johnson Ariz. WR 64 Orton Chi. QB 36 Dreessen Hou. TE 17 W. Wright N.Y.J. WR 8 Owens N.O.-Det. TE 1 Lemon Mia. QB 146 Ward N.Y.G. RB 101 Rayner K.C. PK 64 Graham Den. TE 36 Askew T.B. FB 17 Gradkowski T.B. QB 8 Haynes Pitt. FB 1 Jones N.Y.J. RB 144 Coles N.Y.J. WR 100 Buckhalter Phil. RB 63 Sellers Wash. FB 36 Carter Clev. WR 17 Lucas T.B. WR 8 Neufeld Buff. TE 1 Winslow Clev. TE 142 Moss Wash. WR 99 M. Booker Mia. WR 62 Evans N.E. FB 34 Rodgers G.B. QB 16 Cassel N.E. QB 8 Williams Mia. RB 1 Fargas Oak. RB 142 Henry Den. RB 99 Betts Wash. RB 62 Peelle Mia. TE 34 Walters Det. WR 16 Austin Dall. WR 7 Kreider Pitt. FB 1

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PFWstore.com also sells PFW-branded apparel and accessories at competitive prices, including shirts, jackets, caps, stadium blankets and duffel bags. JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 27 FREE AGENCY 2008 RANKING THE FREE-AGENT CLASS OF 2008 Below are the highest-graded players who hit the free-agent market. Some came free because their con- tracts expired; others were released in cost-cutting moves. (Updated through June 29.) Class of 2009 not as deep TOP 100 FREE AGENTS RK. POSITION/PLAYER 2007 TEAM 2008 TEAM TERMS (YRS. ■ VALUE ■ GUARANTEES) COMMENTS 1 WR Randy Moss Patriots Patriots 3 yrs. / $27 mil. / $15 mil. Would have been a surprise if he signed elsewhere after pair of D-line deals 2 DE Jared Allen Chiefs Vikings 6 yrs. / $74 mil. / $31 mil. Joins a defensive line that’s laden with Pro Bowlers 3 DT Titans Put it all together in ’07 By MIKE WILKENING 4 DE-OLB Terrell Suggs Ravens Will be paid about $8.5 mil. if he signs DE-OLB tender SENIOR EDITOR 5 CB Patriots Eagles 6 yrs. / $57 mil. / $20 mil. Ballhawk expected to give Philly secondary a boost 6 CB Raiders Given exclusive franchise tag; rising star at his position eams planning on finding quality 7 CB Marcus Trufant Seahawks Seahawks 6 yrs. / $50.2 mil./ $20 mil. Intercepted seven passes last season defensive line help in the free- 8 OG Alan Faneca Steelers Jets 5 yrs. / $40 mil. / $21 mil. The centerpiece of the Jets’ O-line rebuilding plans agent class of 2009 will have to dig 9 RB Marion Barber Cowboys Cowboys 7 yrs. / $45 mil. / $16 mil. Cashed in after impressive ’07 season a little deeper. 10 LB Bears Bears 6 yrs. / $36 mil. / $13 mil. His return to Chicago was thought to be a long shot 11 RB Michael Turner Chargers Falcons 6 yrs. / $34.5 mil. / $15 mil. Gets starter’s money, carries in Atlanta Bears DT Tommie Harris and 12 DE Justin Smith Bengals 49ers 6 yrs. / $45 mil. / $20 mil. Hardworking, run-stuffing defensive end Saints DE Will Smith, who would 13 LB Cardinals Cardinals 1 yr. tender / $8.065 mil. Uniquely talented linebacker can play inside and outside have been two of the most attrac- 14 OT Panthers Panthers 1 yr. tender / $7.455 mil. Very good on the right side; moving to other side in ’08 tive unrestricted free agents avail- 15 DE Titans Bengals 5 yrs. / $29.5 mil. / $11.5 mil. Were eight sacks in ’07 a sign of things to come? able next March, signed lucrative new deals 16 OT Cowboys Cowboys 6 yrs. / $43 mil. / $15 mil. One of the bigger and more dependable OLTs around Tin June. Harris received a four-year, $40 mil- 17 OT Bengals Bengals 1 yr. tender / $7.455 mil. Just starting to reach his vast potential 18 LB Cardinals Jets 6 yrs. / $42 mil. / $22 mil. Jets paid big for this talented, versatile OLB lion contract to stay in Chicago, while Smith 19 OG Jason Brown Ravens Ravens 1 yr. tender / $1.417 mil. Tough, physical left guard is a player on the rise agreed with New Orleans on a six-year, $70 20 S O.J. Atogwe Rams Rams 1 yr. tender / $2.017 mil. Led NFC with eight interceptions last season million contract — the third-richest deal ever 21 DT Corey Williams Packers Browns 6 yrs. / $38 mil. / $16.3 mil. Traded to Cleveland, where he’ll be a key part of D-line for a defensive end. Smith will receive $26 22 DE Chris Canty Cowboys Cowboys 1 yr. tender / $2.017 mil. Good 3-4 DEs are hard to find; has a bright future 23 S Cowboys Hoping to get rewarded after first Pro Bowl season million in guarantees, with Harris receiving 24 OL Lions Jets 5 yrs. / $25.5 mil. / $11 mil. Talented but inconsistent; Jets will play him at ORT $18 million in bonuses. 25 TE L.J. Smith Eagles Eagles 1 yr. tender / $4.522 mil. One of Donovan McNabb’s most dependable targets Harris, 25, notched a career-high eight 26 PK Josh Brown Seahawks Rams 5 yrs. / $14.2 mil. / $4 mil. SB Bolted for division-rival St. Louis; clutch, strong-legged sacks in 2007. Widely regarded as one of the 27 WR Donté Stallworth Patriots Browns 7 yrs. / $35 mil. / $10 mil. Browns couldn’t resist adding another big-play threat NFL’s best pass-rushing defensive tackles, 28 QB Derek Anderson Browns Browns 3 yrs. / $24 mil. / $13 mil. Set up for another big payday if he can build on ’07 29 S Bengals Vikings 6 yrs. / $33 mil. / $13 mil. Reunites with former Bengals DC the 6-3, 295-pound Harris’ quickness off the 30 WR D.J. Hackett Seahawks Panthers 2 yrs. / $3.5 mil. Could be a bargain if he pans out ball makes him a strong fit in the Bears’ 31 S Giants Raiders 6 yrs. / $39 mil. / $16 mil. Raiders desperately wanted a steady veteran safety cover-2 defense. 32 P Chiefs Chiefs 5 yrs. / $8.5 mil. / $2.4 mil. SB Already one of NFL’s best; could get even better Although Harris received less guaranteed 33 RB Julius Jones Cowboys Seahawks 4 yrs. / terms undisclosed Likely will relinquish some carries to Maurice Morris money than Smith, his youth and the shorter 34 LB Bengals Panthers 3 yrs. / $10 mil. Steady, versatile OLB will play on weak side in Carolina 35 PK Rob Bironas Titans Titans 1 yr. tender / $1.417 mil. Had an excellent ’07 season; could cash in next year length of his contract could set him up for 36 WR Bernard Berrian Bears Vikings 6 yrs. / $42 mil. / $16 mil. Has very good speed; Vikings’ new No. 1 WR another big deal in a couple of years. Harris’ 37 WR Javon Walker Broncos Raiders 6 yrs. / $55 mil. / $16 mil. Raiders might be weary after June’s events in Las Vegas new deal expires at the end of the 2012 sea- 38 DE Travis LaBoy Titans Cardinals 5 yrs. / $22 mil. / $7.5 mil. Athletic pass rusher notched six sacks last season son; if he can stay healthy, and if a Collective 39 TE Alge Crumpler Falcons Titans 2 yrs. / $5 mil. / $1 mil. SB Tennessee hopes he plays to his form of a few years ago 40 OG Jacob Bell Titans Rams 6 yrs. / $36 mil. / $16 mil. Paid handsomely to help fix St. Louis’ leaky O-line

Bargaining Agreement similar to the current HARRY SCULL JR. one is in place, he stands to enjoy another big 41 C Jeff Faine Saints Bucs 6 yrs. / $37.5 mil. / $15 mil. The athletic Faine is one of the better centers around Productive: Will Smith made seven sacks in 2007 42 CB Drayton Florence Chargers Jaguars 6 yrs. / $36 mil. / $13 mil. Solid starter; has 10 career interceptions payday. 43 WR André Davis Texans Texans 4 yrs. / $16 mil. / $8 mil. Very good kick returner and capable No. 3 or 4 WR Smith, who turns 27 on July 4, has posted 44 DL Raiders Raiders 7 yrs. / $50.5 mil. / $18.125 mil. Received a record deal for a DT; coming off ACL injury at least seven sacks in each of his four NFL 45 OG Colts Titans 4 yrs. / $19.5 mil. / $6 mil. After losing Jacob Bell, Titans signed Indy’s ORG of such ability in his previous five seasons. 46 DE Bobby McCray Jaguars Saints 5 yrs. / $20 mil. / $5 mil. SB Talented but not particularly consistent seasons. His contract extension comes a little Nevertheless, he would draw considerable more than a year after the Saints signed fel- 47 DT Jovan Haye Bucs Bucs 1 yr. tender / $2.017 mil. Had a breakout season in ’07 (six sacks) in the Tampa-2 interest on the open market. 48 OT David Stewart Titans Titans 6 yrs. / $38.9 mil. / $10 mil. guar. Has logged 30 career starts at ORT for Tennessee low DE Charles Grant to a seven-year deal Three other franchise free agents — 49 LB Falcons Falcons 1 yr. tender / $2.017 mil. One of the bright spots on Falcons’ defense last season worth as much as $63 million that included Ravens DE-OLB Terrell Suggs, Raiders CB 50 WR Jerry Porter Raiders Jaguars 6 yrs. / $30 mil. / $10 mil. Could be a good fit in Jacksonville’s passing game about $20 million in bonuses. However, 51 LB Giants Bills 5 yrs. / $17.5 mil. Got the long-term deal he wanted after playing well in ’07 Nnamdi Asomugha and Cowboys S Ken 52 WR Bryant Johnson Cardinals 49ers 1 yr. / terms undisclosed Joins a somewhat-crowded WR picture in San Francisco Grant’s playing status for 2008 is somewhat Hamlin — remain unsigned. in question after he was charged with invol- 53 S Yeremiah Bell Dolphins Dolphins 1 yr. / $1.4 mil. Coming off knee injury; impressed in ’06 ■ Giants ORG , who would 54 OG 49ers Dolphins 5 yrs. / $25 mil. / $9 mil. Signed deal with Miami on first day of free agency untary manslaughter after a February inci- have ranked as one of the top free agents 55 LB Falcons Chiefs 5 yrs. / $16 mil. / $5.5 mil. Penciled in as Chiefs’ new weak-side ’backer dent in Blakley, Ga., that resulted in a 23- available next offseason, signed a six-year, 56 DT Rod Coleman Falcons Can be an effective pass-rushing DT when healthy year-old woman being shot to death and $43.5 million contract extension on June 25. 57 S Eugene Wilson Patriots Bucs 1 yr. / $1.8 mil. Can also play CB in a pinch; needed change of scenery Grant being stabbed in the back of the neck. 58 DE 49ers Bucs 4 yrs. / terms undisclosed Rugged run stuffer; notched 71 tackles last season Snee received a $13.5 million signing bonus. 59 LB Giants Dolphins 4 yrs. / $14 million Big strong-side LB who has the ability to get to the QB Grant has proclaimed his innocence and has ■ Rams RB Steven Jackson, who is slated 60 QB Josh McCown Raiders Dolphins 2 yrs. / $6.25 mil. One of the entrants in the Dolphins’ QB derby said he expects to play this season. to be one of the most highly regarded free 61 RB DeShaun Foster Panthers 49ers 2 yrs. / $1.8 mil. Will spell Frank Gore; part-time role suits him well The Smith extension is the Saints’ latest agents in the Class of 2009, reportedly has 62 PK Jason Elam Broncos Falcons 4 yrs. / $9 mil. Has made 54-of-60 FG attempts the past two seasons effort to keep their own players under con- switched agents. Two published reports indi- 63 OG Maurice Williams Jaguars Jaguars 4 yrs. / $16 mil. Moved inside to guard and found his niche tract. No team re-signed as many of its own 64 FB Seahawks Seahawks 1 yr. tender / $1.417 mil. Versatile player is one of Seattle’s secret weapons cated that agent Gary Uberstine fired Jack- 65 CB Broncos Broncos 1 yr. tender / $927,000 Has 18 starts in three NFL seasons free agents this offseason as New Orleans did. son, who subsequently hired Eugene Parker. 66 LB Patriots Patriots 2 yrs. / $2.9 mil. / $1.2 mil. SB Instinctive ILB figures to be a Patriot for life It also marks the team’s commitment to build- Jackson, who turns 25 in July, has rushed for 67 DE Kevin Carter Bucs Bucs 1 yr. / terms undisclosed Cut, then re-signed ing a deep, talented defensive line. Prior to more than 1,000 yards in each of the past 68 RB Derrick Ward Giants Giants 1 yr. / $1.1 mil. Change-of-pace back will have to compete for carries Smith signing his new pact, the richest deal three seasons. 69 DE Eagles Titans 2 yrs. / $6 mil. Hopes return to Tennessee will jump-start his career the Saints struck this offseason was with 70 LB Steelers Cardinals 1 yr. / terms undisclosed Still can be an effective OLB in a 3-4 scheme ■ Free-agent running backs will be close- 71 OT Steelers Steelers 1 yr. tender / $6.895 mil. The only player to receive the transition tag Jaguars DE Bobby McCray, who signed a ly watching developments from Bears camp 72 RB Chris Brown Titans Texans 2 yrs. / $3.6 mil. / $800,000 Texans might use committee approach at RB five-year, $20 million contract. McCray, 26, this summer. Chicago released RB Cedric 73 LB Jets Patriots 1 yr. / terms undisclosed Has significant starting experience in 3-4 and 4-3 notched a career-high 10 sacks in 2006 but Benson on June 10 after the 2005 first-round 74 DE Antonio Smith Cardinals Cardinals 1 yr. tender / $2.017 mil. Came along nicely last season struggled last season, registering only three pick was arrested for the second time in a lit- 75 DT Bears Panthers 1 yr. / terms undisclosed Disappointed in his only season with the Bears sacks. The Saints also re-signed veteran DT 76 WR David Patten Saints Saints 2 yrs. / terms undisclosed Still a threat to get deep after all of these years tle more than a month. The Bears appear 77 OG 49ers May retire; if he doesn’t, he still could snag a starting job Brian Young, who’s respected by coaches and ready to install rookie Matt Forté as the 78 S Dwight Smith Vikings Lions 2 yrs. / $5 mil. Productive; off-field incidents are a concern scouts alike for his toughness and craftiness. starter and Adrian Peterson as the primary 79 LB Lions Broncos 5 yrs. / $17.5 mil. / $4.3 mil. SB Joins brother Champ in Denver backup. Ex-Lions RB Kevin Jones, who is 80 S Texans Texans 2 yrs. / $4.75 mil. Impressed after joining Houston in September AROUND THE LEAGUE 81 WR Justin Gage Titans Titans 4 yrs. / $14 mil. Became an important part of Titans’ offense in ’07 trying to prove to clubs that he is recovering 82 S Chris Crocker Falcons Dolphins 1 yr. / $1.15 mil. / $300,000 Enters wide-open safety competition in Miami ■ As Smith and Harris enjoy their new quickly after tearing the anterior cruciate lig- 83 WR Devery Henderson Saints Saints 1 yr. / $2 mil. Has racked up 20.2 yards per catch in four NFL seasons wealth, Titans DT Albert Haynesworth ament in his right knee in December, has lob- 84 LB Danny Clark Texans Giants 2 yrs. / $4 mil. Good locker-room, special-teams presence remains unsigned. Haynesworth, PFW’s No. bied for a shot with Chicago, but at presstime 85 QB Todd Collins Redskins Redskins 3 yrs. / $9 mil. Will back up Jason Campbell in Washington 3-ranked free agent in the 2008 class, has not it appeared likely that the Bears were going 86 S Marlon McCree Chargers Broncos 1 yr. / $2 mil. / $500,000 SB Broncos are looking for better play at safety 87 WR Ernest Wilford Jaguars Dolphins 4 yrs. / $13 mil. / $6 mil. SB Tall, physical possession receiver signed the one-year, $7.25 million tender he to enter camp with the backs they already had 88 WR Isaac Bruce Rams 49ers 2 yrs. / $6 mil. Could be a stabilizing presence for Niners’ offense received as the Titans’ franchise player. If the on the roster. 89 WR Nate Washington Steelers Steelers 1 yr. tender / $1.417 mil. Steelers’ No. 3 WR has flashed some big-play ability Titans and Haynesworth cannot work out a ■ The 49ers signed promising TE Delanie 90 LB Dan Morgan Panthers Retired 1 yr. / $1.48 mil. Injuries forced star-crossed player to call it quits new contract by the July 15 deadline, Walker to a three-year contract extension on 91 CB Cardinals Cardinals 1 yr. tender / $2.017 mil. Has developed into a solid starter Haynesworth’s only options will be to sign the June 22. Walker, a sixth-round pick in 2006, 92 RB Ron Dayne Texans Houston has passed on re-signing its leading ’07 rusher 93 RB T.J. Duckett Lions Seahawks 5 yrs. / $13 mil. / $4 mil. Played well in a limited role for Detroit last season tender or sit out the season. Haynesworth’s had two years left on his rookie contract. 94 WR Darrell Jackson 49ers Broncos 1 yr. / terms undisclosed Struggled with Niners; will compete to start in Denver agent, Chad Speck, has said his client is will- Walker’s new deal runs through 2012 and 95 WR Marty Booker Dolphins Bears 2 yrs. / $3.5 mil. Could be Chicago’s No. 1 receiver ing to sign the tender if the Titans agree not to includes a $1.8 million signing bonus. The 96 ST Bears Ravens 4 yrs. / $4.9 mil. Special-teams star; also will get some snaps on defense name him their franchise player again after 23-year-old Walker caught 21 passes for 174 97 S C.C. Brown Texans Texans 1 yr. tender / $1.417 mil. Steady, if not flashy, strong safety the ’08 season. Haynesworth, 27, was one of yards and a touchdown last season. In anoth- 98 FB Tony Richardson Vikings Jets 1 yr. / almost $2 mil. Thomas Jones had to applaud his arrival 99 RB Tatum Bell Lions Lions 1 yr. / $1.6 mil. Gets another chance with Lions the most dominant defensive players in the er move, the 49ers signed longtime Raiders 100 RB Aaron Stecker Saints Saints 1 yr. / $1.4 mil. Catches the ball well; a solid No. 3 back NFL in 2007, but he had only shown flashes OL Barry Sims. 28 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2007 ROOKIE-CAP JITTERS: Top-tier college juniors should rush to draft next year DAN PARR

ake Long, Matt Ryan, Darren Still, it doesn’t seem right that ers to make sure a new rookie pay issue isn’t going to be settled down in the NFL and he already McFadden — you are ridicu- Long, the No. 1 overall pick, scale is not implemented. before the ’09 draft. has his money,” Goodell said. lous. became the highest-paid offensive “Every year at this time, I hear With that in mind, my advice “Now, with the economics where At least the contracts you lineman in the league before he it again,” Upshaw said before the for college juniors with first- they are, the consequences if you signedJ this offseason are, accord- had ever played an NFL down or draft in April. “They don’t like round (big-money) potential who don’t evaluate that player, you can ing to your boss, NFL commis- that McFadden signed a deal $20 how the rookies are paid. ‘They are considering making the jump lose a significant amount of sioner Roger Goodell. million richer than Adrian Peter- need some kind of pay scale.’ to the pros one year early is to money. Goodell, whose enthusiasm son’s from last year. It’s beyond Well, I’m not going to agree to into the ’09 draft like your “And that money is not going to during speeches, at times, is remi- mind-boggling that Ryan, who limit how the rookies are paid lifetime earnings depend on it — players that are performing. It’s niscent of Alan Greenspan talking plays the position that looks most because it has a huge impact on they very well could. going to a player that never makes about interest rates, turned things susceptible to first-round busts, is veterans. I’m not going to agree I’m talking to you, Georgia QB it in the NFL. And I think that’s up a notch on June 27 when he paid like Tom Brady. to it.” , CB ridiculous.” told an audience during a ques- This isn’t a new stance by One of Upshaw’s main con- Vontae Davis, Florida State DE While I know that rookie tion-and-answer session at the Goodell. He has made comments cerns is that if rookie salaries are Everette Brown and Maryland salaries won’t fall all the way to Chautauqua Institute — a non- expressing his displeasure with lowered, veterans, especially WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. Oden-like levels if Goodell gets profit adult learning center and rookie salaries since he took over those who get paid the league These are the elite of the his way — and he has proven summer resort in the southwest as commissioner, but he seems to minimum, could be priced out of upcoming junior class, and they time and again that he can and tip of New York — it’s “ridicu- be taking his frustration to a new jobs. Upshaw has already said likely will clamor for the chance will — a serious cut in pay for lous” to reward untested rookies level just as negotiations for a that a strike is an option on the to get a taste of the inflated rookie rookies may be imminent. with such lucrative deals and that new Collective Bargaining Agree- table if the CBA back-and-forth paychecks. As that threat lingers on the “something is wrong with the sys- ment draw near. Goodell, who hits a sour note and time runs out. Goodell has said he favors a horizon, we could witness one of tem.” favors lowering the rookies’ It could all just be a lot of move to cap rookie salaries simi- the youngest NFL drafts of all True enough. Although I’d salaries but putting in provisions saber-rattling before the most lar to the way the NBA does it. time next year. point out that the system appears that allow them to renegotiate serious negotiations for a new The No. 1 overall pick in last If any of the top juniors with to be broken across the board, those deals after proving their CBA begin. It also could be that year’s NBA draft, Greg Oden, big-time potential aren’t com- not just for rookies, when it worth in the league, is prepared to this is one of the defining issues signed a deal that pays him more pletely sold on giving up the col- comes to the pay scale. The make this a top issue in the talks. that will either make or break an than $12.5 million for the first lege life before it’s done, cash it Raiders gave Tommy Kelly, who He appears to have the full back- agreement and potentially send three years. By comparison, the in while the chance is still there. is coming off a torn ACL and has ing of team owners to go all out the NFL toward an uncapped year NFL’s No. 1 this year — Long — You’d be ridiculous not to. 1 never made more than 4 ⁄2 sacks on the debate. , the in 2010. The deadline to get a received a five-year, $57.75 mil- in a season as a DE-DT hybrid, executive director of the NFL new deal between the players’ lion contract, with $30 million PFW associate editor Dan Parr the largest contract ever for a D- Players Association, is dead-set union and team owners is still guaranteed, from the Dolphins. can be reached via e-mail at tackle back in February. on fighting Goodell and the own- about 21 months away, but this “(Long) doesn’t have to play a [email protected]. TIMELY EXIT: Strahan’s final bow was one well-timed performance RON BORGES

n life there is a time for coming and a less, as well. he still can make plays in a way that must wonder if there might be a more interesting time for going. This is nowhere more In 15 years, you see all that the NFL can be respected. way to spend your free time. evident than in the NFL, where most do to a man, the heights and the depths, And so he goes while some are still ask- Whether Strahan was there or not only players get to decide neither. and so you know well the consequences of ing him to stay, rather than trying to stay he knows, but he hinted at such feelings IMichael Strahan, a man who has always staying too long at the dance. Yet knowing when it’s well past the time to say good- when he explained his decision to retire understood timing, made sure he would not them and avoiding them are two different bye. this way: “I don’t think I can muster it up be among them by doing what few profes- things. “When you still know you can do some- to do it one more time.” sional athletes seem able to do. He left the It’s like playing against the old Steelers’ thing but you’re choosing not to do it, you What better reason to leave than that? stage before anyone asked him to go. trapping game. You might know what’s still have those mornings where you wake And Strahan has left the stage with his “Usually in sports you go out when they coming, but you still bust through the hole up and have the feeling,” Strahan admitted. final image that of a man with a beaming tell you to go out,” the 15-year veteran said on instinct, thinking you’re going to make “I still get that. I just know it’s not in my smile holding aloft the Super Bowl trophy. at his retirement press conference four the play untouched. When you find your- best interest to do it anymore.” He left a winner in a game where so few do months after having helped mightily the self upside down, you shake your head rue- For the superior athlete, the mind goes and, in the process, landed himself a $2 mil- Giants upset the previously undefeated fully because you knew how it would end, before the legs in most cases. The desire to lion-a-year contract to join the “Fox NFL Patriots to win Super Bowl XLII. but you couldn’t quite believe it would hap- play remains, but the desire to do all the Sunday” pregame show. That’s half his pay “I have an opportunity to leave when I pen to you. time-consuming and, frankly, often-annoy- as a Giant, but there’s no heavy lifting. want to leave. That’s the best thing about Strahan chose to avoid that fate by mak- ing things that make it possible to play Rather than the offseason becoming this. I’m not retiring because they said, ing the final tackle of his career a sack of dulls. You begin to cut corners. Then one months of speculation about his future and ‘Leave the building!’ I’m volunteering to Tom Brady. He ended up the way few do in day they cut you. whether or not he could hold off the chal- leave the building.” sports, on the top rather than on the bot- Strahan seemed to be wrestling with lenges of young Jason Tuck and Mathias Strahan has seen many great players tom, choosing for his final game not to be some of that last year, when it took him all Kiwanuka for one more year, the discus- humbled at the end in such a way. He has some sad farewell but the grandest moment summer to decide if he wanted to give it sion almost instantly centered around watched them be called into a coach’s of a football player’s career — victory in one more go. To some, this seemed a calcu- whether or not Strahan would be a first-bal- office, clutching their playbook, before the Super Bowl. After 15 years, where do lated way for a veteran to avoid the rigors lot Hall of Famer in five years after retiring 1 being told to go home without it. you go from there? of training camp and perhaps it was, but with 141 ⁄2 sacks (the fifth-highest total He has seen former stars desperately try- If you’re wise, you go home, which is Strahan clearly was torn between continu- since sacks became official in 1982), seven ing to hold on to a job that no longer loves just what Michael Strahan did while still ing a career that had made him wealthy and Pro Bowl appearances and that grasp on a them, finally leaving the locker room they able to insist with some conviction that he famous and moving on to a successful Lombardi Trophy of his own. once ruled with only a green trash bag didn’t have to go if he didn’t want to afterlife. As closing lines go, that’s about as good filled with personal effects and little of because, frankly, he still can play. Strahan’s Winning the Super Bowl in February as it gets. their dignity. nine-sack final season after missing all of very likely would have intensified his He has seen the brightest of stars sadly training camp while imitating a supersized ambivalence had he tried to hold on to the Longtime Boston Globe football colum- go into nova, men left trying to play a Hamlet argued loudly that, although he past because there are only so many times nist Ron Borges now writes for Pro Foot- game on legs and knees that have deserted might no longer be the player who set the you can push hundreds of pounds of metal ball Weekly, ESPN.com and his own Web 1 them and left them helpless and often hap- single-season sack record of 22 ⁄2 in 2001, weights up and down before you begin to site, www.ronborges.com. JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 29 REACHING OUT TO ROOKIES: Symposium to impress importance of proper conduct JERRY MAGEE

hich spoon to take with the vichys- draft, I took the guide that Nolan Nawrocki as Adam Jones. He has about as much a draft. soise, I suppose, will come up. had so thoroughly researched for PFW and chance of that as Philadelphia Jack O’Brien This is insanity, which Goodell recog- The reference is to the rookie went through it, page by page, counting the would have of being listed without the geo- nized. America is up against it. People are symposium the NFL is preparing to number of draft-eligible individuals who, graphical reference. So many others. But losing their homes for their inability to Wconvene at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carls- by Nawrocki’s accounts, had been involved because of the programs NFL commission- keep up with their mortgages. Gas where I bad, Calif. To gather there are the 252 for- in incidents that could not be construed as er Roger Goodell has instituted, progress is live is within pennies of $5 a gallon. We tunates who were identified in the league’s savory. I counted 25. being made in this area. are being tried as a nation. And at La Costa 2008 draft, there to be encouraged to keep To reach these persons is the thrust of the In his “state of the league” address prior are the members of a privileged class who their fingernails clean, their table manners symposium. To accomplish this, the league to Super Bowl XLII, Goodell said the may or may not be worthy of the sums that of a sort acceptable in any company and in invites persons who have failed to deal suc- league’s policies concerning conduct have have been or will be awarded them. all ways to be mindful that serving in the cessfully with the temptations that accom- resulted in a 20 percent reduction in unto- While it was well said, Goodell’s com- greatest of all leagues is a privilege. pany having great riches thrust upon them. ward incidents. “We hold ourselves to a plaint came belatedly. Teams observe a I commend the league for offering this They tell their stories, which are of the higher standard,” Goodell said. “Everybody slotting procedure in rewarding rookies. function. While they are in San Diego “don’t do as I did, do as I should have associated with the league must do that.” The top guy gets the most, the second guy County, the athletes are to serve as instruc- done” variety. Inspiring stuff. “Everybody,” huh? Perhaps the league the second-most, and so on (with some tors at a youth clinic to which the NFL has One of the persons scheduled to address should offer a symposium dealing with exceptions for quarterbacks). Jake Long’s invited the offspring of persons from Camp the rookies is Jared Allen, who in a recent conduct for its coaches. I am referring to signing established the ceiling. Pendleton, an impoundment of the U.S. interview with ESPN The Magazine you, . What the commissioner would do is Marine Corps. Many of these youngsters detailed a history of alcohol use, which, he Goodell is moving positively in a number make the rewards for rookies more reason- have parents serving overseas. For the NFL said, he has corrected. Allen reportedly of areas. I particularly wish to cite him for able, with the proviso that their contracts to have made these young people part of earned more than $30 million in guaranteed his declaration that rookies are being scan- could be rewritten once they have demon- the symposium, I can only say, “Bully!” monies following his transfer from the dalously overpaid. The word “scandalous- strated professional competence. There is, The convocation, of course, deals with Kansas City Chiefs to the Minnesota ly” was not his. It’s mine. It applies. Most however, a problem there. What represents matters more pressing to the league than Vikings. Were I an athlete, hearing Allen’s persons when they come into the workplace competence? It’s a sticky matter. what takes place in dining salons. It deals story, I might be tempted to go out and start at the bottom. I know I did. For the Meantime, I am off for La Costa. I will with “issues,” which is a euphemism. For have a couple of beers, but that’s just me. rookies, there is no bottom. I can point to be minding my conduct. “issues,” read illegal or objectionable con- Player conduct, as you have to be aware, Jake Long, an offensive tackle from Michi- duct. does represent a problem in the NFL. I gan who received a guaranteed $30 million Jerry Magee has covered pro football for Too many of those invited to show up at could recite the names. You know them. after his name was announced by the the San Diego Union-Tribune since 1961 La Costa have had “issues.” Before the Pacman Jones, who wants to be identified Miami Dolphins at the top of the 2008 and for PFW since its inception in 1967. UNLIKE ANY OTHER: Davis’ Raiders one of the most unique brands in sports GLENN DICKEY

rom the time came to the Oakland Raiders much time left to turn the franchise around. players. in 1963, the Raiders have been an unusual operation. That isn’t the only aspect of the operation that has This offseason, Davis added a degree of difficulty by Now, 45 years later, you’d have to say that their oper- changed. The Raiders also have a much different fan base attempting to get Kiffin to resign. Since it would have ation is unique in the NFL, and quite possibly, in all than in the past. meant leaving $4 million on the table, Kiffin passed on that Fof professional sports. Originally, Davis did an excellent job of channeling the offer, but it would be naïve to think he’ll be around after In 1963, Davis was coach and general manager of the anger of many Oakland and East Bay residents over being this season. Raiders, when organizations were simpler. Much of the in the shadow of the more glamorous San Francisco into an Davis retained defensive coordinator , whom Raiders’ “scouting” was in the form of information passed intensely loyal fan base. The season-ticket holders were Kiffin wanted fired, and hired another assistant, James along by Davis’ contacts around the country. That was largely white and blue-collar, and most of them renewed Lofton (who is regarded as a possible Kiffin successor), especially important with the black colleges, whose players their tickets season after season. without Kiffin’s involvement. were largely unknown to NFL teams. A tip from a contact Usually in that situation, the offspring of the original That led one Oakland writer to claim that Kiffin had lost got the Raiders George Atkinson, for instance. fans continue to buy tickets, but the chain was broken interest, watching the minicamp workouts dispassionately. Now, teams have large scouting departments and are very when Davis moved the team to Los Angeles. Since their I had a different opinion when I watched the workouts. specialized. Not the Raiders. As embattled coach Lane Kif- return, the Raiders sell relatively few season tickets, Kiffin has dropped the rah-rah college attitude, which fin said this spring, Davis is the Raiders’ general manager, probably no more than half of the capacity of close to annoyed his players, but he remains very involved, espe- personnel director and, sometimes, the defensive coordina- 63,000. The crowds have a high percentage of Latino cially with the offense. tor. Agents have noted that Davis is negotiating directly males, and with all the single-game sales, attendance He also has developed a much better relationship with with them on free agents and draft choices. varies widely from game to game, depending on the the media. Last year, he could be a pain because he was so That was not his style in the past, when he preferred let- opponent. reluctant to give out information, especially on which quar- ting others front for his own decisions. I was reminded of The Raiders always have had a narrow geographical terback would be starting. Now, he has realized that his that when I heard recently that had died. base, and it is probably even smaller now. Within the Bay enemy is in the owner’s box, not the press box, and he has When Davis left to become commissioner of the AFL in Area, they are dwarfed by the 49ers, who have fans in all even used the media to plant his own ideas in the battle for 1966, Rauch was his handpicked successor as coach. But regions of Northern California — even Oakland. But control of the team. when Davis returned as a part owner and managing general nationally, the Raiders are huge, with fans in every area. On another team, this internal battle might upset the partner, Rauch chafed under Davis’ constant second-guess- Their team merchandise is usually at or near the top in players, but this is the Raiders, whose players regard it as ing. sales amongst NFL teams. more of the same. In those days, AFL teams generally played in old base- If my e-mails are any indication, there also seems to be a Given an infusion of money from a new limited partner, ball parks. There were no owners’ suites, so Davis usually difference in attitude between the local fans and the nation- Davis went on a buying spree in the free-agent market this sat in the press box, where writers could hear his running al ones. offseason and also used the team’s No. 4 pick to get and unflattering commentaries on Rauch’s coaching deci- The local fans tend to be more realistic, perhaps because Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, who should be a big sions. In a 1968 game in Kansas City, the Chiefs had so they’ve seen the awful results up close. National fans tend boost for the Raiders’ offense. many injuries among their receivers that Hank Stram went to believe that Davis is still the football genius he was in So, maybe the Raiders will lose one factor that makes to the old straight-T, with three running backs and just two the early part of his career, ignoring the past five years, them unique — the fact that they’re more interesting in the receivers. The Raiders were totally unprepared, so Davis when they’ve had the worst record in the NFL, and even offseason than in the regular season. But as long as Al sent a note down to the sideline with instructions. From the the last 20, when they’ve been well below .500. Davis is there, there will still be reasons to think of the press box, we could see Rauch tearing up the note, without One thing hasn’t changed about the Raiders: It’s still Raiders as unique. reading it. very challenging to coach under Davis. The last success- This year, Davis is making no pretense about who’s in ful coach he had, Jon Gruden, was eager to leave even Glenn Dickey has been covering pro football since 1967 charge, probably because he realizes that, as he approaches before Davis “traded” him to Tampa Bay for cash and and now has his own Web site, www.GlennDickey.com. E- age 79 and deals with health problems, he doesn’t have multiple draft picks, which haven’t translated into good mail him at [email protected]. 30 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 Baker has global plans for AFL By MARK ANDERSON (AFL’s minor league) games. Of our 28 liberty to share now, but it is talking about games broadcast last year on ESPN, 26 of centralizing our business much more than NBA commissioner David Stern has made them were international. … At last check, I we ever have in the past. It’s not so much no secret he would like to take his league think … in we had 39 international play- that I’m looking at expansion next year as overseas, but com- ers from 15 countries, about 16 to 18 of much as I’m looking at, I would say, poten- missioner David Baker might beat him to it. whom, depending on the week, were actual- tially, 10 or 12 teams over the next five or six While continuing to grow the game in the ly starting in games. We think there’s the years that would involve international United States, Baker also has ambitious plans opportunity to have a team in London, Berlin expansion as well as domestic expansion. to take the AFL across both oceans, saying the and Madrid and Mexico City, down the road Arena game will be an easier sell from viewing the Pacific Rim. Because we play every PFW: How many teams do you think and participatory standpoints than the tradi- week rather than every day like baseball or might turn a profit this year? tional full-field game that has struggled to every other day like basketball or hockey, we Baker: I don’t know, but I think it poten- catch on in so many international markets. can actually have intercontinental competi- tially could be as (many) as a third. We’ll get He discussed those plans and more in an tion. And because our traveling squad is rel- all those figures at the end of the year, but interview with Pro Football Weekly. atively small compared to an NFL team, we it’s growing every year. Guys are getting bet- think that international compe- ter, but again we’re contemplating some PFW: What is the state of the tition can create the opportunity plans where I think we’re on the path to league? ARENA for us to be the first worldwide being potentially the second-most profitable Baker: I think it’s been a ARENA league in some respects for league that’s out there (behind the NFL). very good year both on and off FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL . I think the field, and I think all the tra- there’s a potential to have a PFW: Is there a movement to create a ditional growth indicators are team over there in one of those performance-enhancing drug policy? CHRIS GRAYTHEN / GETTY IMAGES up. Viewership is up about 10 percent. cities as early as 2010. Baker: I don’t know if there’s movement The Commish: David Baker of the Arena league Demographics are up significantly. Atten- yet, but we will have a steroid policy in dance is up 5 percent. Merchandise is up 6 PFW: Is international expansion more of effect for next year. Our primary concern percent. But I also think we have turned the a priority than domestic expansion? with the union has been that we wanted a success in Las Vegas (2005-06) and now corner both competitively as a product and, Baker: I don’t know that it’s more of a tougher policy for first-time offenders … New Orleans (2007-08). Last year was our in some respects, to our reach of scope, so priority. I would say rather than just thinking we’re working with the union to come up first sellout. We’re anticipating that our gate that we’re now positioned to moving from a about the United States, domestically, we’re with that policy. But we haven’t had, in my this year would approach about $1 million. It fun- and-friendly form of entertainment that thinking about this as a global product now. experience, a whole lot of difficulties of should be a little over $900,000 by the time you’ve come to know our first 22 years to We’ve got interest from a lot of (American) players or coaches on it, but we have to work we’re done, and that’s three times as much as moving into what could be kind of a global cities. I was just in Louisville. We’ve got with the union to get this done, and that’s not it was for that first ArenaBowl in Las Vegas. league. I think the quality of the football’s Pittsburgh coming in here. Austin (Texas) something we can do unilaterally, but we are I think when Las Vegas gets a new arena gotten a lot better with some of the rule has shown interest. South Florida has shown very focused on it. (probably 2010), they could be part of the changes. I think we’ve kind of begun to com- interest for the last two years. We’d like to rotation again. I think New Orleans could be plete a transition that can take us to the next get back to Las Vegas. I think in addition to PFW: Will it cover steroids only? an ongoing part of the rotation if this one level. that, the fact that we would have opportuni- Baker: I think that’s going to be deter- goes well. We’ve got interest from Hawaii. ties for international competition is just mined. The NFL doesn’t have a forum for We’ve got Philadelphia, Chicago and Kansas PFW: When you say globally, what do going to create more relevance and more testing HGH, so it’s difficult for us today. City among teams in our league that are all you mean specifically? growth for the game. But I am going to tell you we are going to interested. And down the road, we might Baker: I think a couple of things. We’ve test for everything we can. have a game in London. had three Pacific Rim training camps. We’ve PFW: What kind of expansion do you see had 21 international exhibitions. And we’ve next year? PFW: Where are you looking to put Mark Anderson covers football for the Las had teams from New Zealand, Japan and Baker: We’re doing some pretty signifi- future ArenaBowls? Vegas Review-Journal and is the executive Australia come over here and have af2 cant business plans that I’m probably not at Baker: I’ve been very pleased with our director of the AFL Writers Association. CFL supporters wary of Bills, NFL By RICK MATSUMOTO that wouldn’t be allowed in Canada because proliferate into a permanent move to Toron- the CFL or harming it significantly, it would of Ontario’s liquor laws. to once the 89-year-old Wilson dies. really hurt us.” The NFL is coming. The NFL is coming. At the , fans will have to Wilson does not intend to leave the team When the series of Bills games in Toronto Not if Larry Campbell has anything to say shell out as much as $295 per ticket — and to his heirs, as they would have to pay enor- was first proposed, the Argonauts went along about it. that won’t even get their backsides into the mous inheritance taxes. Instead, the executor with the deal. In fact, Argos season-ticket With the Buffalo Bills set to play the first best seats in the house. The price for the of his estate will put the team up for sale, and holders were given first shot at the first of eight games at Toronto’s Rogers Centre seats between the 20-yard lines, as well as the Toronto partnership of Rogers and 20,000 tickets. over the next five years — a preseason game those in the stadium’s 200 Level, has yet to Tanenbaum is expected to be front and cen- Argos co-owner Howard Sokolowski said against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 14 — be set. However, speculation is that they will ter in the bidding. the team had no choice. Campbell, a Canadian senator from British command anywhere from $350-$500 as part Should they be successful in acquiring the “It was a fait accompli when it was pre- Columbia and the one-time mayor of Van- of a VIP package that could include parking team and bringing it to Toronto, it would sented to us,” he said. couver, recently tabled a bill in Parliament to and other enticements. Compare that, if you doom the CFL, Campbell said. Many others Sokolowski suggested that while, as a stop the invaders before they set one will, to the best seats at Ralph Wil- agree. businessman, he is a free-trade advocate, he cleat on the Canadian side of the INSIDE THE son Stadium, which are $77. “As Canadians,” Campbell said, “we must believes where Canadian culture is threat- Peace Bridge. Despite the exorbitant prices in ensure that this great cultural icon does not ened, Canadian business should gain some Campbell generally sees it as a CFL Toronto, some 180,000 people, become extinct over the wishes of one city sort of protection. He pointed out that Cana- futile gesture. Most private-member CFL according to the Bills’ game organiz- and one group of people in this country.” dian magazines, radio, television and the bills die on the order table before ers, registered for a chance to be Toronto mayor David Miller acknowl- wireless networks receive such protection. they get a chance to be passed into law. What selected through a lottery to buy the non-pre- edged that the Bills playing in Toronto could One of the most vocal opponents of allow- it does underscore, however, is the emotion mium tickets at an average price of $183. draw U.S. visitors, especially from Upstate ing the Bills to play even a limited number of that is beginning to boil over the $78 million While the lottery process is still in New York, in the same way that the Yankees games in Toronto is B.C. Lions president deal worked out between Bills owner Ralph progress, 90 percent of tickets made avail- do when they come to town to play the Blue Bob Ackles, who has worked for the NFL’s Wilson and Toronto business tycoons Ted able for the three-game package have been Jays. At a time when the soaring Canadian Cardinals, Cowboys, Dolphins and Eagles. Rogers and Larry Tanenbaum. sold, according to Adrian Montgomery, the dollar has reduced the number of American Ackles sees the Bills game as only the tip There’s little doubt that many football fans marketing manager for the Bills in Toronto visitors, he sees this as an attractive offering of an iceberg that will become a Toronto- in the Toronto area are willing, if not eager, series. He said 45 percent of the eight-game for the tourist industry. based franchise. And when that happens, to dip deeply into their pockets to see the package tickets have also been sold. But not at the expense of the CFL. Ackles said it will be the end of the CFL. Bills in action at the Rogers Centre, even While the CFL has its many detractors, “There’s no question that getting Toronto Ackles argued that the CFL would lose cor- though they could take a two-hour drive especially among those who lean toward the shown positively on U.S. television, porate sponsorship in the Southern Ontario across the border to Orchard Park, N.Y., and NFL, it also has its share of supporters, although it might depend on having a win- market, and that would spell financial ruin for catch a game for a lot less, especially now many of whom oppose the arrival of the Bills ning team, is helpful,” Miller said. “But I both the Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. that the Canadian and U.S. dollar are more even under limited conditions. think our No. 1 priority has to be the health And without those two teams in Canada’s or less at par. In Orchard Park, they could Their major concern is for the future of the of the CFL. From Toronto’s perspective economic and financial hub, the CFL will even take part in a tailgate party, something CFL should the eight-game Bills package within Canada, if we are seen to be killing collapse, Ackles said. JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 31

up setting a new standard for run- WWHIWWHI ning backs. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS the line to be considered more While the team’s revamped than just merely above average. offense under the direction of new “They’ve been too inconsistent, coordinator Mike Martz is getting especially Lutui,” a longtime daily most of the attention from the team observer told PFW. “Deuce is national media, potentially signifi- very easygoing and is widely con- cant changes on the other side of sidered the class clown, so to the ball seem to be transpiring at a speak. If he doesn’t get a bit more rapid clip this offseason. In addi- serious and focused, he could be tion to Isaac Sopoaga taking his pushed by backup , explosive first step from nose tack- who improved last year.” le to right end, former DE Ron Fields moving inside to the nose ST. LOUIS RAMS and free-agent addition Justin Should the Rams worry about Smith spending much of being able to sign first-round rook- his time as the team’s ie DE Chris Long, the second “rush” linebacker opposite overall pick of the 2008 draft who rather than currently is lagging behind Miami at defensive end, the team’s OT Jake Long (first overall pick), latest defensive wrinkle Atlanta QB Matt Ryan (third over- could come courtesy of seventh- all) and Raiders RB Darren round rookie LB Larry Grant, who McFadden (fourth overall) on the team insiders tell us could end up contract front? “It shouldn’t be a seeing just as much, if not more, problem,” a longtime Rams insider playing time this coming season as told PFW. “Long’s agent 2008 first-round DL Kentwan Marvin Demoff is a good Balmer. We hear Grant, whose friend of (team president) work ethic and intelligence have John Shaw, and they impressed coaches, has been told should be able to work by head coach that he something out eventually.” It is a serious candidate for the start- might be a different story, however, ing ILB “Ted” role alongside in the case of RB Steven Patrick Willis, a rookie sensation Jackson, the team’s star running last season. Grant’s primary chal- back who could be looking to lengers in what figures to be a break the bank entering his con- hotly contested position battle later tract year. The fact Jackson just this summer are veteran holdovers hooked up with his third agent in Jeff Ulbrich and Brandon Moore five years (Eugene Parker) could and free-agent signee Dontar- make negotiations more than a lit- rious Thomas. Said one veteran tle interesting. Plenty of eyebrows team insider: “I was standing right were raised in league circles when there when Nolan told him (Grant) Gary Uberstine announced he no that the job was wide open, and longer planned on representing that it would be a real good idea Jackson — a move Jackson said for him to do a lot of studying this in a recent Yahoo! Sports interview summer.” was triggered by Jackson’s deci-

sion to hire another marketing rep. EAST TOM BERG Jackson’s first agent, Rocky Arce- AFCl neaux, also caused a bit of a stir Jets in no rush to Taking it slow: The Jets are excited about the prospects of rookie , but he might not be a starter right away because he happened to be repre- throw rookie Gholston senting Marshall Faulk, who was elsewhere when trying to find the trigger on an extension for their er tells us that disgruntled WR still a prominent back for the Rams into starting lineup preseason favorite to walk away lineman — only it was OG Brad Terry Glenn is a distinct possibility at the time. Don’t be surprised if There’s little argument that Jets with Defensive Rookie of the Year Butler, not Peters. The scenario to come to Miami if he’s released contract talks with Parker begin rookie OLB Vernon Gholston has honors. Word out of New York is plays out eerily similar to what by the Cowboys. Glenn and Dol- heating up later this summer for a incredible physical skills. But the that the Jets are planning on eas- happened with the AFC East rival phins boss have a deal that many believe could end way we hear it, you should look ing Gholston onto the field — Jets last season, when they opted mutual respect despite some rocky starting him out as a pass- to extend OG Brandon Moore times, and reuniting in South Flori- rushing specialist — rather instead of the more outspoken and da is a logical scenario. than thrusting him into the highly publicized . starting lineup immediately. However, unlike the situation with NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Eric Mangini, like former the Jets — who ended up cutting It’ll be awfully difficult for Tom mentor Bill Belichick, ide- Kendall — Peters is a cornerstone Brady to win the Patriots’ offsea- ally wants his young linebackers to for the future of the Bills’ offense. son workout award for the ninth learn the system before becoming It’s just that he’ll likely have to wait consecutive season. The consum- an every-down fixture. He had to another year before getting his mate professional when it come to break from that philosophy last desired raise. off-field preparation, Brady hasn’t year with ILB David Harris, but been as active a participant in the Harris’ insertion into the starting MIAMI DOLPHINS team’s offseason program as he lineup was more out of necessity. The Dolphins need a receiver. had been in the past. With free-agent acquisition Calvin Or two. The way we hear it, there’s Rather than partaking in the Pace and holdover Bryan Thomas little chance the team will go into start of organized team occupying the starting OLB spots, the season sporting the meager activities, Brady was busy Mangini can afford to take it slowly WR corps it currently has. Not only jet-setting with girlfriend with Gholston. does this mean the Dolphins are Gisele Bundchen, showing going to add a pass catcher up at European fashion shows, BUFFALO BILLS or two, but also that one or among other non-football-related For all the outside heat the Bills two of the current receivers locales. However, lest someone are taking regarding the off-field is going to be shown the get the wrong idea, his absence conduct of some of their players, it door. A club insider tells us isn’t a sign of contractual discon- would appear as though the that the two most likely can- tent or even that he’s “gone Holly- last thing the team would didates to get axed are David Kir- wood” on his teammates. Accord- want to do is create addi- cus and . Kircus ing to a source close to the club, tional tension in the locker would appear to have the upper Brady merely wanted to take a room. Yet, that’s what the hand on maintaining a roster spot breather after the Patriots’ whirl- Bills did this week, albeit due to his toughness and special- wind season. He was suited up

SPORTPICS unwittingly. With star OLT Jason teams value, but a pending trial for and ready to go for all mandatory Peters holding out in search of a assault complicates matters. As for Payday on the horizon: Steven Jackson is entering a contract year new contract, the Bills pulled the players to be brought in, the insid- CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 32 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008

something to prove. RB Rudi has been the consummate profes- WWHIWWHI Johnson comes off the worst sea- sional in his short NFL career, son of his career, and FB Jeremi working hard and saying all the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 Johnson is under pressure to pick right things, and that continues to sessions, and there’s little worry up his play. The way we be the case. within the organization that his hear it, Rudi Johnson looks extended hiatus will have any bigger and stronger after PITTSBURGH STEELERS meaningful ramifications come hamstring problems limited The play of the Steelers’ guards training camp. him to only 11 games in ’07 figures to be a much-discussed and were a big reason why topic throughout the summer. Stal- AFCl NORTH he gained a career-low 2.9 yards wart OLG Alan Faneca has per carry. Jeremi Johnson’s weight departed, replaced by Chris Could Rice become has long been a hot-button issue, Kemoeatu, who has yet to put it Ravens’ Jones-Drew? but a source close to the club all together in his four NFL sea- Rookie RB Ray Rice has made would be surprised if the fullback sons. However, we’re hear- a positive impression in his first surrendered his starting job to ing there’s a sense he could few months with the Ravens, and upstart Daniel Coats. At his best, be more secure in his job the way we hear it, he could carve the 5-11, 260-pound Johnson than ORG Kendall Sim- out a Maurice Jones-Drew-like mixes better-than-expected athleti- mons, who struggled at role in the offense. Veteran cism with the bulk required for the points last season and Willis McGahee will get position. could eventually get a look at cen- the majority of the work- ter. Second-year pro Darnell Sta- load, but the team made a CLEVELAND BROWNS pleton filled in for Simmons at concerted effort to keep The good news for Brady times during the spring and likely him fresh last season and Quinn fans: We’re hearing he would be in the mix were the ORG figures to do so in 2008. This cre- looks much better than he did as a spot to come open. And there’s still ates an opportunity for Rice, who rookie, when the flashes of talent speculation about ORT Willie had a very productive collegiate the young quarterback showed in Colon perhaps moving inside to career at Rutgers. His progress in Browns camp had many guard at some point, perhaps so the passing game will go a long predicting he ultimately the highly paid Max Starks can way in how much he can con- would overtake the floun- find a way into the lineup. tribute in his first NFL season. Rice dering Derek Anderson caught only 37 passes in college, and for the SOUTH

AFC HARRY SCULL, JR. and he’ll have to consistently pick starting job. The bad news l up the blitz — an area in which the for Quinn supporters: Anderson, Williams may not stay Back in action: Dwight Freeney is on track to return from a serious foot injury short-but-stout Jones-Drew thrives. who took the starting job and ran with it last season, has improved in Jacksonville CINCINNATI BENGALS as well. So there’s no QB contro- for the long haul defense that looks all the more for- sooner than later. Molden has The Bengals’ starting backfield versy in Cleveland for the time Expectations are sky-high in midable after netting DEs Derrick played well in his early workouts enters the 2008 season with being. The way we hear it, Quinn Jacksonville, particularly for a Harvey and in with the club, and Bennett's the first two rounds of the 2008 ascension to the starting lineup draft and picking up veteran CB — and impressive development as Drayton Florence from San a rookie — is a reflection of the Diego. But could it be one-and- Texans' ability to develop young done for new defensive . Reeves started 13 coordinator Gregg games for Dallas last season but

SCOTT WALLEM / PROCASE Williams, who’s instituting was picked on at times. a high-pressure scheme that largely necessitated INDIANAPOLIS COLTS the personnel fortifications? According to a team insider, The way we hear it, it’s very possi- Colts DE Dwight Freeney is well ble. In a rare situation, Williams on his way to be back in playing and the Jaguars mutually agreed condition by the start of the regular to merely transfer the final season season. Freeney has been nursing left on Williams’ contract with the a Lisfranc (foot) injury Redskins to Jacksonville, rather throughout the offseason than ripping up the deal and start- program, but we hear ing anew. The result is that the there’s little cause for con- Redskins will be paying roughly cern. While the injury gen- half of Williams’ deal in ’08 and erally takes between 9-10 that Williams is free to do whatever months to fully recover from, doc- he wants after the season. For a tors have told him that he’s, if any- man who longs to get another shot thing, ahead of schedule with his at being a head coach, the situa- return. In fact, there’s a slight con- tion plays out nicely for him. The cern around Colts camp that Jags were more than willing to Freeney may try to come back too oblige, figuring that they likely soon. Fortunately for the Colts, could re-sign him if he’s unable to their star end is also heeding garner head-coaching interest, but advice from recently retired also could part ways with him with- Michael Strahan and former out owing him anything if he fails teammate Brandon Stokley, both to make the anticipated improve- of whom have nursed the injury ments to the defense. and have implored Freeney to take it easy. Word is Freeney has opted HOUSTON TEXANS to stay in Indianapolis through Keep an eye on the develop- OTAs and minicamp rather than ment of rookie CB Antwaun rehab remotely. Molden throughout the summer. Molden, a third-round pick from TENNESSEE TITANS Eastern Kentucky, is likely If the Titans’ WR corps doesn’t to be a backup, with ex- make the strides expected of it this Cowboys CB Jacques season, it won’t be on account of Reeves settling in as the the group not getting along, starter opposite second- according to WR coach year pro Fred Bennett. Fred Graves. “The chem- However, we're hearing it will not istry in our room is as good be a surprise if Molden eventually as I’ve seen,” Graves told pushes Reeves, and perhaps PFW. “Guys just come to work every day.” Graves recalled a recent day off when all of the wide Still No. 2: Brady Quinn remains stuck receivers still elected to show up at behind Derek Anderson in Cleveland the team facility and watch film. Another promising sign for the JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 33

Titans: second-year WR Paul already was behind schedule in City signed free agent Devard Williams might be ready to con- establishing a rapport with QB Darling in the offseason, but he tribute after not catching a pass as JaMarcus Russell, and this is yet brings just 20 career catches with a rookie. “He’s really made big another setback, which doesn’t him from Baltimore. Considered strides,” Graves said. “To be honest, bode well for Walker's future. the front-runner not too long ago, (as a rookie), he thought he knew Darling may now be third in the it all. He learned he had a lot to DENVER BRONCOS pecking order for the job, the way learn. … He’s been a professional.” We hear that despite undergo- we hear it. Fourth-round rookie ing arthroscopic knee surgery ear- Will Franklin looked very AFC WEST lier this month to repair torn carti- good this spring, running l lage in his left knee, Broncos C sharp routes and separat- Despite high hopes, Tom Nalen should be ready for ing from his defender. He the start of training camp July 25. quickly has vaulted into the Walker disappoints Nalen, entering his 15th NFL sea- conversation for the starting Raiders in early going son, suffered a torn biceps in the gig, with the No. 3 slot looking like Javon Walker’s night of partying fifth game of last season, ending the worst-case scenario. If Franklin in Las Vegas — which ended with his year prematurely. The doesn’t capture the No. 2 spot, him being beaten, robbed and left injury setbacks are begin- third-year wideout Jeff Webb likely in a street with a concussion, mul- ning to pile up for Nalen, would be the guy. He showed tiple facial wounds and a fractured but sources say he’s as some flashes last season, even orbital bone, according to some tough as they come and starting two games, and he’s the reports — speaks to a larger issue should be able to rebound only one of the trio to have experi- of the wide receiver’s immaturity, fairly quickly. Nalen’s veteran pres- ence playing with QB Brodie the way we hear it. Rather than ence on the O-line always has Croyle. Webb’s game still needs stay home and prepare for been a highly valued one in Den- work, but he currently has a loose the week’s session of ver, and his expertise and guid- grip on the open job. Regardless of OTAs, Walker was out ance should come in handy as the who’s victorious in this battle, the drinking and reportedly squad breaks in new starters at Chiefs will need their second spraying people with cham- both OT positions — first-round receiver to be at least moderately pagne in a club. Sources pick on the left and productive or else Bowe can say the Raiders are taking a wait- Chris Kuper or Ryan Harris at expect to face a lot of double cov- and-see approach as Las Vegas right tackle. Should Nalen erage. law-enforcement officials uncover encounter any more setbacks, more details about the June 16 however, the Broncos appear to be SAN DIEGO CHARGERS beating and robbery. One arrest prepared. , a The Chargers’ 2008 draft class had been made in relation to the free-agent signee who’s entering certainly was not deep; in fact, it incident, and another suspect was his 13th year in the league, has included just five players. However, being sought at the time of this been taking snaps at center with the team could not be more excited

writing. The extent of the impact the first-team offense while Nalen about how their top two selections SPORTPICS from his injuries is not yet known, is out. Wiegmann is a solid, are progressing. CB but the team says it expects Walk- durable performer who started all Antoine Cason, taken with Wrong place, wrong time: Javon Walker was the victim of a beating in Las Vegas er to be ready for training camp. 16 regular-season games in each the 27th pick in the first The Raiders were counting on of the past six seasons for the round, stood out in San uct will see time regardless. The said to have ridden him hard in Walker to bring some much-need- Chiefs. Diego’s recent minicamp. other rookie who’s been impressing minicamp, but only because Turner ed experience to their receiving He especially excelled dur- the Chargers’ brass is third-round has big plans for the versatile tal- corps when they signed him to a KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ing the camp’s final workout, com- choice . In addition ent. Look for Hester not only to six-year, $55 million contract in the The Chiefs’ lack of receiver ing up with an interception and to lining up at his natural spot, full- block for and spell RB LaDainian winter. Walker, who had been limit- depth behind Dwayne Bowe knocking down two passes. Cason back, Hester took snaps at running Tomlinson but also to act as a ed to just one practice per day dur- leaves the team with quite a dilem- will battle Paul Oliver for the nickel back and as a slot receiver, as safety valve in an improved pass- ing OTAs because of a bad knee, ma at its No. 2 WR spot. Kansas corner spot, but the Arizona prod- well. Head coach was ing attack. AUDIBLES The following quotes are from NFL brings that the Bears did not have is got the offensive line. They solidified back who could stay healthy, they have the players. If a coach does not have scouts, coaches and front-office person- mobility. Combine that with a helluva the running game. They solidified the all the pieces in place to stay competi- players — I don’t care who he is — he’s nel, speaking on condition of anonymity. running game — they have two great defense and protected the quarter- tive. I think Aaron Rodgers was ready not going to win a lot of games.” backs. The defense is solid. I’m not back. They should be highly competi- to play last year. He looked impressive ● “OTAs are a joke for offensive and ● “Jason Witten is not the biggest, sure where (OLT Bryant) McKinnie tive.” when he played. He just has not been defensive linemen, at least in the way fastest or strongest, but he knows how stands with a (possible) suspension. ● “The Raiders should have never able to stay healthy.They’ll be compet- of evaluating them. To judge them as to play the game. He can set up That could shake up the O-line a little tried at cornerback. itive with the Vikings as long as players is a waste of time.You can eval- defenders in coverage and get separa- bit, but they have (Bernard) Berrian He’s not a cornerback — he’s a safety. Rodgers is in there. I still think they uate skill players in a 7-on-7 skeleton, tion even though he is not a blazer. To as a deep threat. They went out and What I don’t know about him is his need to pick up a veteran backup.” but it’s difficult to gauge the quality of me, there are none better. At that posi- signed the pass rusher (Jared Allen). work ethic — that’s what kills all the ● “Indianapolis and New England the lines until the pads come back on.” tion, it’s very important to be a good They are not missing anything other (University of) Texas guys. Everywhere are consistent every year. It’s been that ● “I wonder if Mike Tice will ever football player, to be crafty and under- than a consistent quarterback.” Mack Brown has been, he has had way for five years with those two. It’s resurface as a head coach if the stand the nuances of the game. You ● “(Jets GM) Mike Tannenbaum talent, but his players don’t have the been one or the other. Why would it be Jaguars continue to do well. There are a could be the greatest athlete in the is out of control. He made all the moves mindset and work ethic to hang in any different as long as two franchise lot of good candidates out there, and I world and it will not matter. I’ll take Wit- he did to protect his own job, so he there when the going gets tough. The quarterbacks are going at it? Those are expect there to be a lot of change next ten over Ben Watson or Vernon could say, ‘I brought all the players for majority bust because they are soft.” two Hall of Fame quarterbacks. It’s like season in front offices and coaching Davis every day of the week.” him (Eric Mangini).’ In his mind, it’s ● “The Bears have no offense. Who (Johnny) Unitas and (Joe) Namath. departments. A lot of coaching jobs are ● “What has Marcus Spears done trying to get the coach the players so is their quarterback? Who is their run- No one else is in the same category.” already filled, though — you got for the Cowboys outside of getting his he can get the heat off himself.” ning back? Who are their receivers? A ● “The Giants will still be competi- Jimmy Mora in line to take over in (butt) handed to him? And Bill Par- ● “The Jets totally, totally overpaid guy who could not get on the field with tive, but I think it’s going to come down Seattle, (Jim) Caldwell in Indianapo- cells had to be talked out of drafting for (Damien) Woody.(Tony) Washington (WR Brandon Lloyd) is to Dallas and Minnesota in the NFC. St. lis, (Jason) Garrett in Dallas, Rob him sooner. He wanted to take him Richardson is done, and the people slated to start. They are going to be Louis is a long shot to rebound, as Ryan in Oakland — although you where they got DeMarcus Ware.” in Minnesota will tell you the same putting a lot of faith in a rookie left tack- good as they looked last preseason never know for sure what the old man ● “Minorities have been more sup- thing. He’s on his last legs. (That said,) le and a rookie running back. They are when they were healthy. Seattle is (Al Davis) is going to do. Then you’ve pressed in college than they have in I liked the (Alan) Faneca and bound to be down by 30 at halftime always competitive. Tampa Bay should got in New York. St. the pro game. Count how many black (Calvin) Pace signings. They were against Indianapolis in the opener with be right there. Carolina could Louis and San Francisco could be the coaches have risen through the ranks market-value deals.” (defensive coordinator) rebound. Philadelphia is interesting — most interesting situations.” in college. There are not many. How ● “Forget about the money for a still coordinating the defense. They it might be (Donovan) McNabb’s last ● “Detroit ended the season on a many black coaches are even coordi- minute. Just looking at the talent, (the could begin the season 0-4 and be hurrah if they don’t get there. New bad note, and it can be very difficult to nators? It’s a major problem in the Jets) have a veteran O-line, which right back to where they were when Orleans has some talent and a great recover from that. Throw in the prob- NCAA.” always bodes well. They added to their they made the mistake of selecting coaching staff. Arizona — I just don’t lems they created in the draft — all ● “(Vikings defensive coordinator) defense. On paper, they should be Cedric Benson. If you want to look at think that organization knows what it their top picks have serious issues they Leslie Frazier will be a hot candidate right back in the thick of their division. the quality of their backfield, just con- takes to get over the top. I’m not con- are working through. There’s going to next year. The Vikings could win it all. Miami is on the downtick in a rebuild- sider the guy they were counting on to vinced the moves they made in their be a split in that locker room between They copied the Bears’ blueprint from ing mode. Buffalo is always competi- be their starter (Benson) was passed front office made them any better, and the offense and the defense — it’s 2005 and ’06. If the quarterback just tive. I think the Jets will finish second to by all 31 other teams on waivers. What the people making decisions behind never a good thing. I think (Matt) does not turn over the ball, they will be New England. I just don’t know what does that tell you?” the scenes are very underrated. They Millen’s last year may finally have tough to beat.What Tarvaris Jackson their quarterback situation is. They’ve ● “If the Packers just had a quarter- may not get the credit, but they bring in come.” 34 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com JULY 2008 NFL TRANSACTIONS

(As reported, June 2-June 27) Barber (6/173). June 26: Draft choice signed: QB Alex UFA by Dolphins 6/1). June 11: ERFA re-signed: LB Eric Whitaker. June 19: Placed on waivers: WR Justin Surrency; Brink (7/223). Alexander. Placed on waivers: TE Tyson Devree; NT Henry RB Arkee Whitlock. AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE INDIANAPOLIS — June 2: UFAs not tendered: WR Smith; DE Casey Tyler. June 12: Contract terminated: P NEW ORLEANS — June 2: Roster additions: CB Jer- BALTIMORE — June 2: UFA not tendered: S Gerome Aaron Moorehead; TE Mike Seidman. June 6: Traded: FB . June 13: Draft choice signed: WR Matt Slater ametrius Butler (released by Bills 2/27); DT Marquay Love Sapp. June 16: Reserve/retired: QB Steve McNair; OT to Eagles for conditional pick in 2009 draft. (5/153). (released by Dolphins (2/12). UFAs not tendered: S Jay Bel- . June 26: Placed on waivers: OG Brandon Placed on waivers: DE J.J. Milan (injured). June 11: N.Y. JETS — June 3: Draft choice signed: OT Nate Gar- lamy, S Steve Gleason (retired); QB Jamie Martin; CB Fred Barnes; P Benjamin Dato; TE . Reserve/injured: DE J.J. Milan. Contract terminated: P ner (7/211). June 9: Draft choice signed: WR Marcus Henry Thomas; DE . Placed on waivers: LB Chris BUFFALO — June 2: UFAs not tendered: LB Mario Chad Stanley. Placed on waivers: PK ; DT (6/171). Placed on waivers: LS Nick Jarvis. June 10: Ros- Graham. Haggan; FB-TE Ryan Neufeld; DE Al Wallace. June 12: Con- Dan Davis; RB Justise Hairston; C Pat Ross. June 26: ter additions: WR (Montreal-CFL ’07); P Joe N.Y. GIANTS — June 2: Roster addition: DE Renaldo tract terminated: TE Teyo Johnson. Placed on waivers: QB Assigned on waivers: C Doug Datish from Falcons. Smith (Yakima-Evergreen Semi-Pro League ’07). Placed on Wynn (not tendered as UFA by Saints 6/1). Reserve/retired: Luke Drone. June 13: Draft choice signed: CB Reggie Cor- JACKSONVILLE — June 2: Roster addition: WR waivers: WR Chris Davis; P ; PK Mark LB Keith O’Neil. UFAs not tendered: DT Russell Davis; LS ner (4/114). June 25: Draft choice signed: TE (not tendered as ERFA by Colts 2/28). Myers. June 18: Roster addition: S . June 12: Reserve/retired: DE Michael Strahan. (4/132). UFAs not tendered: NT ; OT Stockar (released failed physical by Dolphins 4/24). June 19: Roster June 19: Assigned on waivers: WR Craphonso Thorpe CINCINNATI — June 2: UFAs not tendered: PK Aaron McDougle. Placed on waivers: WR Derrek Richards. June addition: TE A.J. Schable (released by Eagles 6/17). Placed from Jaguars. June 20: Draft choice signed: DE Robert Elling; LB Lemar Marshall, LB Caleb Miller. June 26: Placed 11: Roster addition: RB Lavarius Giles (Jackson State). on waivers: OG Shawn McMackin. Henderson (6/199). Placed on waivers: CB Miguel Scott. on waivers: LS Tim Bugg. Placed on waivers: RB D.D. Terry. June 16: Placed on OAKLAND — June 2: UFAs not tendered: QB Daunte June 23: Placed on waivers: OG Jacob Hobbs; LS Nick CLEVELAND — June 2: UFAs not tendered: LB Keith waivers: OT Ryan Gibbons; LS ; DE Brian Smith; Culpepper; WR-KR Tim Dwight; RB ReShard Lee; C Jeremy Leeson; QB ; WR Todd Lowber; DT Brian Soi. Adams; OT Nat Dorsey; DE Bobby Hamilton; NT Ethan Kel- TE Isaac Smolko; WR Craphonso Thorpe. June 26: Draft Newberry. June 4: Reinstated: WR Jayson Boyd from June 24: Draft choices signed: LB (4/123), LB ley, NT . June 11: Contract terminated: C choice signed: RB (7/213). reserve/did not report (had been placed on reserve/did not (5/165); QB Andre’ Woodson (6/198). June 25: LeCharles Bentley. June 16: Roster addition: OG Derrick KANSAS CITY — June 2: UFAs not tendered: PK John report 7/26/06). Placed on waivers: WR Jayson Boyd. June Assigned on waivers: OG Kurt Quarterman from Falcons. Morse (Miami, Fla.). Placed on waivers: WR ; Carney; WR-KR Eddie Drummond; OT Kyle Turley (retired). 6: Draft choice signed: RB Darren McFadden (1/4). June PHILADELPHIA — June 2: Draft choice signed: S LB Xavier Mitchell; CB Darnell Terrell. June 10: Roster addition: DE Trevor Johnson (not tendered 10: Roster addition: RB Tony Jackson (released by Raiders (4/117). UFAs not tendered: RB Reno Mahe; DENVER — June 2: UFAs not tendered: TE Stephen as RFA by Rams 2/28). Placed on waivers: WR Luke Swan. 7/24). Placed on waivers: QB Brian White. June 12: Roster DT . June 3: Roster addition: QB Casey Alexander. Contract terminated: RB Travis Henry. June 12: June 12: Draft choice signed: CB (5/140). addition: LB Grant Irons (not tendered as UFA by Raiders Hansen (released by Eagles 6/2). June 4: Draft choice Draft choice signed: S Josh Barrett (7/220). June 13: Con- Placed on waivers: LB Johnny Baldwin (failed physical). 6/1/07). Placed on waivers: LB Shane Simmons. June 25: signed: OG Mike McGlynn (4/109). June 6: Traded: Condi- tract terminated: WR Taylor Jacobs. Placed on waivers: LB June 16: Contract terminated: PK Billy Cundiff. June 17: Roster addition: QB (Nebraska). Placed on tional pick in 2009 draft to Colts for FB Luke Lawton. Placed ; P ; QB ; DE Reserve/physically unable to perform: LB Johnny Baldwin. waivers: QB . on waivers: WR Bill Sampy (injured/dislocated ankle). June Julian Jenkins; S Vickiel Vaughn. June 18: Draft choice con- June 18: Draft choice signed: WR Will Franklin (4/105). PITTSBURGH — June 2: UFAs not tendered: LB Mar- 11: Reserve/injured: WR Bill Sampy. June 12: Placed on tract disapproved: S Josh Barrett. June 24: Draft choice June 25: Draft choice signed: OT Barry Richardson quis Cooper; RB ; FB . June 9: waivers: LB Gary Butler, LB Markell Staffieri; DT Jeremy signed: S Josh Barrett (7/220; contract had been disap- (6/170). Placed on waivers: DE Jonal Saint-Dic. ERFA re-signed: LB . June 27: Contract Clark, DT LaJuan Ramsey; S Tanard Davis; WR Terrell Gold- proved 6/18). MIAMI — June 2: UFAs not tendered: OG Chris Liwien- terminated: RB . Placed on waivers: OG en; QB Casey Hansen; DE Xzavie Jackson, DE A.J. Schable. HOUSTON — June 2: UFAs not tendered: DB Roc ski, OG Gene Mruczkowski; OT Mike Rosenthal; S Lance ; S Mike Lorello; LS Jared Retkofsky. June 13: Draft choice signed: DE (6/203). Alexander, DB Jason Simmons; RB Ron Dayne; DT Cedric Schulters, S Travares Tillman; LB Donnie Spragan. June 6: SAN DIEGO — June 3: Roster addition: C Jeremy New- Placed on waivers: WR Bill Sampy (from reserve/injured, Killings (retired); CB . Contract terminated: C Placed on waivers: PK . June 9: Roster addi- berry (not tendered as UFA by Raiders 6/1). June 20: Roster injury settlement). June 16: Roster addition: DT Kimo von Chukky Okobi (from reserve/injured, injury settlement). June tion: WR John Dunlap (North Carolina State). addition: WR-PR Mark Jones (not tendered as UFA by Buc- Oelhoffen (not tendered as UFA by Eagles 6/1). June 17: Draft 9: Contracts terminated: OT Jordan Black; QB Quinn Gray. NEW ENGLAND — June 2: Roster addition: OT Oliver caneers 6/1). Placed on waivers: CB Stanley Franks; OG choices signed: CB Jack Ikegwuonu (4/131); OG Mike Gib- June 11: Placed on waivers: WR Ryan Grice-Mullen. June Ross (released by Cardinals 2/21). UFAs not tendered: WR Charles Manu; RB Germaine Race; DT . son (6/184); LB Joe Mays (6/200); OT (7/230). 12: Placed on waivers: S . June 16: Roster ; S Mel Mitchell; CB Chad Scott; LB . TENNESSEE — June 2: UFAs not tendered: CB Chidi ST. LOUIS — June 2: UFAs not tendered: C Andy addition: LB (released/failed physical by June 5: Placed on waivers: P Mike Dragosavich. June 6: Iwuoma; WR Eric Moulds; LB Robert Reynolds, LB Rich McCollum; S ; LB Raonall Smith; OT Todd Patriots 2/26). June 19: Draft choice signed: S Dominique Roster addition: C-OG Gene Mruczkowski (not tendered as Scanlon. June 12: Roster addition: S Rocky Schwartz Steussie; TE Aaron Walker. June 5: Assigned on waivers: (released by Saints 5/28). June 13: Roster addition: OG QB from Buccaneers. June 9: Roster Isaac Snell (released by Broncos 5/19). Placed on waivers: addition: TE Nick Cleaver (New Mexico State). Placed on LB Matt Muncy. waivers: TE Doug Jones. June 11: Draft choice signed: OG (5/157). June 12: Draft choice signed: OT (3/65). NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE SAN FRANCISCO — June 2: Roster addition: OT Alan ARIZONA — June 2: UFAs not tendered: DL Rodney Reuber (released by Bengals 9/2, ended ’07 season on Buc- Bailey; DL Ross Kolodziej; P ; QB Tim Hassel- caneers practice squad). UFAs not tendered: OG Larry beck; QB ; S . June 6: Draft choice Allen; WR Bryan Gilmore, WR ; QB Chris signed: RB (5/149). June 10: Draft choice Weinke; DE Bryant Young (retired). June 10: Roster addi- signed: DE (4/116). tion: OT (released by Dolphins 2/12, by Packers ATLANTA — June 2: UFA not tendered: PK Morten 6/9). Contract terminated: OT Qasim Mitchell. June 17: Andersen. June 9: Draft choice signed: TE Assigned on waivers: DT LaJuan Ramsey from Eagles. (7/232). June 10: Placed on waivers: TE George Cooper. June 20: Draft choice signed: WR Josh Morgan (6/174). June 11: Draft choices signed: CB (3/68); June 26: Roster addition: OT Barry Sims (released by S Thomas DeCoud (3/98). June 17: Draft choice signed: Raiders 2/29). S Wilrey Fontenot (7/212). Placed on waivers: S Jimmy SEATTLE — June 2: UFAs not tendered: TE Bennie Williams. June 18: Draft choice signed: RB Thomas Joppru; LS Jeff Robinson; RB . June 4: Roster Brown (6/172). June 20: Roster addition: S addition: WR Trent Shelton (released by Colts 2/20). Placed (not tendered as UFA by Panthers 6/1). Placed on waivers: on waivers: WR Anthony Russo. June 9: Reserve/injured: OT Mike Butterworth; DE Derrick Jones; S Jamal Lewis; OG WR Anthony Russo. June 18: Draft choice signed: RB Kurt Quarterman. June 23: Placed on waivers: C Doug (7/233). Placed on waivers: CB Donovan Datish. June 25: Draft choice signed: WR Harry Douglas Alexander. June 20: Placed on waivers: OG Dustin Dickin- (3/84). June 26: Draft choice signed: DE son; WR , WR Anthony Russo (from (5/154). reserve/injured); C Nick Jones. June 25: Draft choices CAROLINA — June 2: UFAs not tendered: S Deke signed: PK Brandon Coutu (7/235); LS (6/189). Cooper; TE ; LB ; DE Mike TAMPA BAY — June 2: UFA re-signed: TE Jerramy “The Authority Rucker (retired); QB Vinny Testaverde (retired). June 16: Stevens. UFAs not tendered: FB (retired); WR Assigned on waivers: C Pat Ross from Colts. Placed on Mark Jones; LB Jeremiah Trotter. Placed on waivers: QB on Pro Football” waivers: OG Eric Tunney. Bruce Gradkowski. June 6: Draft choice signed: RB Cory on Pro Football” — inin audioaudio formform CHICAGO — June 2: Draft choices signed: TE Kellen Boyd (7/238). Placed on waivers: C John Rochford. June TuneTune inin toto ProPro FootballFootball WeeklyWeekly RadioRadio everyevery weekendweekend Davis (5/158); DE (7/208); OG 13: ERFA re-signed: LS Andrew Economos. Placed on forforfor insideinsideinside informationinformationinformation aroundaroundaround thethethe NFL.NFL.NFL. (2/222); LB Joey LaRocque (7/243); OT Kirk Barton (7/247); waivers: TE Tyrice Thompson. June 20: ERFAs re-signed: forfor insideinside informationinformation aroundaround thethe NFL.NFL. WR (7/248). UFAs not tendered: OG Ruben DE Charles Bennett; WR Chad Lucas; S Donte Nicholson. Brown; DT Antonio Garay. Placed on waivers: P Glenn Draft choice signed: DT (4/115). Contracts ter- Pakulak. June 3: Draft choice signed: S minated: DE-LB ; TE ; LB (4/120). June 4: Placed on waivers: WR Justin Hamilton. . Placed on waivers: DE Marquies Gunn; WR June 9: Placed on waivers: RB Cedric Benson. June 25: Amarri Jackson, WR Charlie Spiller (injured); FB Carl Stew- Placed on waivers: DT Gerard Lee; PK Shane Longest. art. June 23: Draft choice signed: LB (6/175). DALLAS — June 11: RFA re-signed: DE Chris Canty. June 25: Reserve/injured: WR Charlie Spiller. June 19: Placed on waivers: OG Brandon Hale; LB Alain WASHINGTON — June 2: Roster addition: S Stuart Karatepeyan; CB , CB Jerron Wishom; WR Schweigert (released by Raiders 5/20). UFAs not tendered: Joe West. June 23: Roster addition: OT Ryan Gibbons OG Rick DeMulling; LB Randall Godfrey; TE Brian Kozlowski; (released by Jaguars 6/19). On the one-hour weekly show, PFW publisher/editor Hub Arkush, Packers play-by-play voice Wayne Larrivee WR Keenan McCardell; C-OG Mike Pucillo; S Omar Stout- DETROIT — June 2: UFAs not tendered: S Idrees mire; OL Ross Tucker (retired). Placed on waivers: LB Rian and the PFW staff provide expert analysis on a variety of NFL topics. Listen in for “The Way We Hear It” — Bashir; OT Barry Stokes; WR . June 17: Placed Wallace. June 5: Contract terminated: CB . our signature look at news, notes and rumors around the league — plus previews of key games and commentary. on waivers: WR Darrell Blackman; DB Justin Sanders. June Placed on waivers: LB Bryan Wilson. June 9: Roster addi- 23: Placed on waivers: RB Allen Ervin; WR Greg Lee; DT tions: DE Dorian Smith (released by Redskins 5/28); LB Rian In the NFL offseason, PFW sister publication Basketball News joins the fold to break down the happenings in both Jonathan Lewis; TE Buck Reed. June 24: Placed on Wallace (released by Redskins 6/3). June 12: Draft choice waivers: DT Shemiah LeGrande (injured). June 27: college basketball and the NBA. Longtime NBA assistant Jim Cleamons provides expert analysis. signed: S (7/249). Placed on waivers: S Justin Reserve/injured: DT Shemiah LeGrande. Hamilton. June 13: Draft choice signed: CB GREEN BAY — June 2: UFAs not tendered: LS Rob All the while, the PFW staff never stops contributing, monitoring NFL free agency, offseason moves and much more. (4/124). Placed on waivers: DB Patrick Ghee. June 20: Davis (retired); QB ; OG-OT Tyson Walter. June 4: Draft choice signed: S (6/180). Placed on Placed on waivers: OT Joe Toledo. June 19: Placed on waivers: CB John Eubanks. June 24: Draft choice signed: Our nationally syndicated show has been broadcast in more than 100 markets for almost 20 years. waivers: WR . DE Rob Jackson (7/242). Placed on waivers: DT J.T. Mapu. YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN ONLINE AT: MINNESOTA — June 2: UFAs not tendered: S Mike ProFootballWeekly.com Doss; DE Darrion Scott. June 10: Roster addition: OG Mike Jones (released by Bears 5/8). Placed on waivers: LB Bran- ONLINE TRANSACTION UPDATES AT: Click on the “Fan Zone” channel for instructions on how to listen. non Carter. June 17: Contract terminated: CB Ronyell www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Zone/Transactions/default.htm Now you can buy Pro Football Weekly publications and PFW-branded merchandise online, with the click of your computer mouse. At PFWstore.com you can order our annual magazines previewing the 2008 NFL season — Preview 2008 and Fantasy Football Guide 2008. You can also purchase any of our other publications, football or basketball, when they become available. We also offer subscriptions to Pro Football Weekly, as well as individual issues, in print or PDF format. PFWstore.com also sells PFW-branded apparel and accessories at competitive prices, including shirts, jackets, caps, stadium blankets and duffel bags. JULY 2008 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 35 CLASS ACTS ABOUND: Will 2013 Hall of Fame class really be best ever? DAN ARKUSH EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brett Favre, the proud owner of every major NFL career passing record, started the ball rolling. , who set the standard for modern-day inte- rior defenders, followed hot on Favre’s heels. Touch of class Michael Strahan, who owns the NFL’s single-season What follows are four nominations for the sack record, and Jonathan Ogden, a dominating presence at greatest Hall of Fame class in NFL history, left tackle for the Ravens for more than a decade, have also in no particular order. Comments on all of joined the crowd since the last issue of PFW went to press. the classes are provided by Pro Football SLANT When you add fellow retirees Steve McNair and Bryant Hall of Fame vice president of communica- Young to a list that also could include the likes of Larry tions/exhibits Joe Horrigan. The 1963 char- Allen and Junior Seau in the not-too-distant future, you see ter class — which includes Red Grange, the makings of a banner Pro Football Hall of Fame class five , Don Hutson, Bronko Nagurs- years from now with what very well could be a record num- ki and Jim Thorpe, among its 17 esteemed ber of first-ballot selections. members — is not included. THE But when you reach out for a true insider’s perspective, Class of ’85 you start to see something else altogether. “You have to be real careful when you start predicting Frank Gatski | | Pete Rozelle classes,” Pro Football Hall of Fame vice president of commu- O.J. Simpson | Roger Staubach nications/exhibits Joe Horrigan told PFW. “While I’m confi- HORRIGAN: “This was the first really high- dent it (the Class of 2013) will be a blockbuster class, you profile class in the modern era/television have to take into account the maximum and minimum num- generation. It was the first class to include ber of selections each year and keep in mind the players who any winners, and Namath, retired last year and the year before that also deserve spots.” Staubach, Simpson and Rozelle were mega There’s another major consideration: You also have to names bolstered by the TV phenomenon.” take into account a future that figures to keep cranking out big-time stars at a fast and furious clip. “While everybody is quite familiar with Favre, Sapp and Class of ’77 the rest of them right now, five full seasons from now a | Forrest Gregg | Gale Sayers

totally different crop of superstars will emerge front and SPN (SAPP) / RON FINE (OGDEN) TOM BERG (STRAHAN) Bart Starr | Bill Willis center in the public light,” Horrigan said. “The guys coming HORRIGAN: “A class that was extremely up could dampen all the enthusiasm that currently exists. Star-studded: (Clockwise from top left) Brett Favre, Warren Sapp, Jonathan Ogden and Michael Strahan could head to Canton together well-balanced, with a great mixture of older “Make no mistake, the Hall of Fame selection committee and younger players, offensive and defensive is going to have a tough job.” players, short careers and long careers. After all is said and done, the Hall of Fame Class of 2013 continue the rookie junkets to Canton, which in their own Willis, who came in as a (senior committee might not end up being as out-of-this-world as one might way seem just as valuable as the hefty signing bonuses a lot candidate), was an outstanding two-way think. of rookies will be receiving in the coming weeks. player who made a big contribution to the Certainly, the potential exists for it to be considered the “We hope we can continue it,” Horrigan said. “We can’t sport. Gifford made a name for himself greatest collection of inductees ever in one year. But as you see any downside.” through TV, Sayers was one of the most pop- can see in the accompanying rundown of outstanding Hall of ular players ever in terms of pure adoration Fame classes, compiled with the help of Horrigan, there is A-bombs and Gregg came from the great Packers some pretty serious competition for such an honor. legacy and was a coach, as well as a player.” One more thing worth noting is just how much more the ■ When I look at the Bears heading into training camp, I league’s newest players will be able to put a topic like this in see a team that could bounce back with one of the league’s an actual historical context, with the rookies from 30 of the best defenses. The recent signing of Tommie Harris to the Class of ’93 league’s 32 teams having made visits to Canton so far this richest contract ever for a defensive tackle only serves to | Larry Little | Chuck Noll offseason as part of their orientation into the NFL (Hall of fortify that belief, and if FS Mike Brown can stay healthy, Walter Payton | Bill Walsh Fame game participants Indianapolis and Washing- which could be asking an awful lot, memories of ton will follow suit in advance of their game). last year’s tremendously disappointing unit HORRIGAN: “Payton would have made any “I had mixed emotions at first about under the direction of first-year coordina- class terrific; nobody but could whether or not the Hall would hold tor Bob Babich will quickly be forgot- generate the same kind of national interest. their attention, but I couldn’t have Canton-esque ten. Unfortunately for the Bears, Noll and Walsh were two of the greatest been further off the mark,” Horrig- they also look like they could be head coaches ever.” an said of a concept that was numbers saddled with one of the league’s worst offenses, with major fully embraced by commissioner Consider these Hall of Fame credentials for Class of 2000 Roger Goodell after initially Brett Favre, Warren Sapp, Michael Strahan, question marks at every posi- Howie Long being proposed by recent Hall tion except tight end and cen- | | Jonathan Ogden, Larry Allen, Junior Seau, Steve | Dave Wilcox of Fame inductee Michael McNair and Bryant Young: ter. Why the team hasn’t seri- Irvin. “I’ve got to tell you, I ously considered signing an HORRIGAN: “It was the new millennium, was really surprised at how 65 COMBINED PRO BOWL APPEARANCES experienced veteran back and no class captured a particular era (the receptive they were. They (Seau 12, Ogden 11, Allen 11, Favre 9, Sapp 8, such as Kevin Jones or Ron Niners’ Super Bowl years) any better. Mon- seemed to absorb everything Strahan 7, Young 4, McNair 3) Dayne to provide insurance tana is right up there with the best QBs ever, with a keen interest.” 11 COMBINED SUPER BOWL APPEARANCES behind rookie Matt Forté is and Lott excelled on the other side of the Take the case of the Sea- beyond me. ball and played with such conviction, but (Favre 2, Strahan 2, Seau 2, Ogden 1, Sapp 1, ■ hawks’ rookies, many of Allen 1, Young 1, McNair 1) Speaking of insurance, then you also had Wilcox, who played on whom diligently sat in the back couldn’t the Panthers do better 49er teams that weren’t all that great and of the room taking notes while SIX COMBINED SUPER BOWL RINGS than Matt Moore as the backup showed that there were outstanding players being addressed by former Sea- (Favre 1, Ogden 1, Strahan 1, Allen 1, to QB Jake Delhomme, who is on EVERY team. Long transcended pro hawks great and Hall of Famer Steve Sapp 1, Young 1, Seau 0, McNair 0) coming off Tommy John surgery? I football into the business of broadcasting, Largent. — DAN ARKUSH still like the Panthers to win the NFC and from the ownership ranks you had Or the special interest in the league’s South, but if Delhomme goes down Rooney, who epitomizes the league’s class history shown by Chargers undrafted rookie again, they’ll be in a world of hurt, with the like nobody else.” John Tereshinski, whose grandfather, Joe, played Saints becoming the best bet to march into the ■ ■ ■ for the Redskins from 1947-54. playoffs. “He lit up when I told him that I knew his grandfather and ■ Keep an eye on the Texans, a team that, the more I Honorable mention: Class of ’71 (Jim actually had one of his contracts in our archives,” Horrigan think about it, could be this year’s supersleeper. The talk of Brown, Bill Hewitt, Frank Kinard, Vince Lom- said. “The contract contained a $500 bonus provided Joe Houston’s offseason program was second-year DT Amobi bardi, Andy Robustelli, Y.A. Tittle, Norm Van could stay on the straight and narrow, but (the clause) was not Okoye, who just turned 21 in early June. With Okoye, the Brocklin); Class of ’79 (, Yale put in because he was any kind of a troublemaker. Far from Texans’ top pick last year, apparently making major strides, Lary, Ron Mix, Johnny Unitas); Class of it. The truth is Redskins owner Edward Bennett Williams and Mario Williams, the top pick the year before, finishing 2004 (Bob Brown, Carl Eller, , considered Joe the straightest arrow on the team and wanted last season as the league’s most dominant defensive end ). to reward him with the easiest bonus he would ever earn.” with 10 sacks in his last seven games, I see the makings of a — DAN ARKUSH It has yet to be determined whether or not the league will very dangerous playoff-caliber D-line. veteranveteran or or rookie rookie...... thethe toughest toughest five five weeks weeks of of their their lives lives..

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