Minicamp Insider 1.0
In his latest column, Scout.com's NFL insider Adam Caplan breaks down several story lines. Who is player the Kansas City Chiefs targeted in the Jared Allen trade? Why did the Green Bay Packers target a receiver in the second round and where will he fit in long-term? What is the future of Darren Howard? We also have more exclusive details on Brady Quinn's contract and whole a lot more inside. [Link]
Russell begins Year 2 with Raiders
JaMarcus Russell just laughed when he heard reports that his weight had ballooned to more than 300 pounds in the offseason. Coach Lane Kiffin began calling him "Big Boy" and his friends teased him a bit, but Russell just went on with his offseason workouts as he prepares for his first full season as a quarterback in the NFL. "It was funny to me," Russell said Thursday. "But most of my family, like my grandmother, she kind of took it hard. [Link]
Russell begins Year 2 with Raiders (AP)
JaMarcus Russell just laughed when he heard reports that his weight had ballooned to more than 300 pounds in the offseason. Coach Lane Kiffin began calling him "Big Boy" and his friends teased him a bit, but Russell just went on with his offseason workouts as he prepares for his first full season as a quarterback in the NFL. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents: Offense
Here's an updated look at the best available NFL free agents from the offensive side of the ball. The running back position clearly has decent talent that could come in and contribute right away. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Defense
Here's an updated look at the best available NFL free agents from the defensive side of the ball. There are still some quality defensive tackles available who could come in and help a team. [Link]
Eric Turner Memorial Golf Tournament
The Second Annual Eric Turner Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 2nd at Spanish Hills Country Club in Northridge, Calif., to honor the former UCLA All-American safety, who also played for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders… [Link]
10-pack: The worst moves (and non-moves) of the NFL offseason (SportingNews.com)
With the offseason moving past the halfway point, SN's Mike Florio takes a look at 10 of the moves (and non-moves) that stand out as the least prudent of the year to date. [Link]
Nine nuggets for the NFL offseason
Don't look now, but Buffalo has the pieces in place to make some noise in the playoffs. Adam Schein explains in his offseason nuggets. [Link]
Does Being Number One Really Matter?
When compared to their draft class peers, there was no one statistically better at running the ball, intercepting passes, throwing passes or sacking the quarterback than these players. But did it pay off for them on draft weekend? Scout.com's Ed Thompson takes a look. [Link]
McFadden getting NFL lessons in minicamp
Darren McFadden burst through the middle during a drill and slowed up as he reached the secondary only to be scolded by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp for not running hard for 40 yards. Tom Rathman got on McFadden's case another time when he carried the ball back to the huddle with his elbow not tucked in close to the body to secure the ball. [Link]
McFadden getting NFL lessons in minicamp
Darren McFadden burst through the middle during a drill and slowed up as he reached the secondary only to be scolded by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp for not running hard for 40 yards. Tom Rathman got on McFadden's case another time when he carried the ball back to the huddle with his elbow not tucked in close to the body to secure the ball. [Link]
McFadden getting NFL lessons in minicamp (AP)
Darren McFadden burst through the middle during a drill and slowed up as he reached the secondary only to be scolded by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp for not running hard for 40 yards. Tom Rathman got on McFadden's case another time when he carried the ball back to the huddle with his elbow not tucked in close to the body to secure the ball. [Link]
Mini camp notebook
Lane Kiffin has a word of warning for anyone envisioning Darren McFadden becoming the all-purpose threat he was in college. The Raiders plan on being extra careful with their first-round draft pick and have no plans on giving him a full workload during his rookie season. [Link]
Raiders rookies try to impress coaching staff
Darren McFadden's spot on the Oakland roster was assured the minute the Raiders used the No. 4 overall pick on him in last month's draft. For most of the other players at the team's rookie minicamp Friday, it was time to prove to coach Lane Kiffin and his assistants that they too were worthy of NFL careers. Because of a variety of trades, the Raiders' second pick in the draft didn't come until the fourth round, when they selected safety Tyvon Branch out of Connecticut. [Link]
Raiders rookies try to impress coaching staff (AP)
Darren McFadden's spot on the Oakland roster was assured the minute the Raiders used the No. 4 overall pick on him in last month's draft. For most of the other players at the team's rookie minicamp Friday, it was time to prove to coach Lane Kiffin and his assistants that they too were worthy of NFL careers. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Defense
With the NFL draft behind us, here's an updated look at the best available free agents from the defensive side of the ball. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Offense
Here's a post-draft look at the best available NFL free agents from the offensive side of the ball. [Link]
Colts Backfield Gets Even More Crowded
The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly signed Dominic Rhodes to a one-year contract, adding to an already crowded backfield situation in Indianapolis. Can Rhodes and Joseph Addai regain their potent 1-2 punch, or will one of the team's other backs step up into the spotlight? [Link]
This NFL offseason has been anything but uneventful
Who says nothing happens in the NFL offseason? Peter Schrager hands out some awards after a seriously hectic couple of months. [Link]
This NFL off-season has been anything but uneventful
Who says nothing happens in the NFL off-season? Peter Schrager hands out some awards after a seriously hectic couple of months. [Link]
Chargers could center sights on Newberry (Yahoo! Sports)
The San Diego Chargers are concerned enough about Nick Hardwick not being able to start the season that they… [Link]
Pick Sends a Coach Through the Ceiling
The Jaguars selected Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey with the eighth overall pick Saturday, filling a glaring need. [Link]
NFL Draft: 2009 Mock Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft is behind us, but it doesn't mean we can't have a little fun and take a look at the 2009 draft. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber releases his first 2009 mock draft and includes draft-eligible underclassmen. [Link]
Strong out to Impress the Raiders
Former Pittsburgh tight end Darrell Strong did not get drafted last weekend, but that did not get him down. Strong chose to sign with the Oakland Raiders and he feels like he can make an early impact. [Link]
Davis to hire 'capologist' for Raiders? (Yahoo! Sports)
Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis is reorganizing his front office and could bring in a new salary… [Link]
Pressing needs for every NFL team
The draft can't fix everything (see the Jets' and 49ers' QB quandaries). Alex Marvez runs down every team's pressing needs. [Link]
Veteran Free Agents Have Indy Connections
Now that the flurry of undrafted free agent signings seems to have calmed down, the Colts have turned their attention to two veteran free agents; both familiar faces. Are they the right fit for the team at this time? Brad Keller has the analysis inside! [Link]
Scout.com NFL Draft Report Card
Only five NFL teams earned an "A" in last weekend's NFL Draft according to former pro scout Tom Marino. Was your favorite team one of them? Or was it one of the handful who earned a failing grade? Check out Marino's grades for all 32 teams in this Scout.com feature. [Link]
Top questions heading into mini-camps
Which rookies will thrive? Will Brett Favre return? What are the Bears doing? Our NFL Czar tackles the biggest looming questions. [Link]
Top questions heading into mini-camps
Which rookies will thrive? Will Brett Favre return? What are the Bears doing? Our NFL Czar tackles the biggest looming questions. [Link]
On the Clock: 15 prospects for '09 NFL Draft
With the '08 draft in the books, who's ready for next year? Peter Schrager gives you his draft wrap, complete with names for '09. [Link]
On the Mark: Can they shut up already?
Talk, talk, talk. That's the NFL Draft for you. Mark Kriegel says it used to be about football, but the draftniks have turned it into a joke. [Link]
2009 NFL Draft: Steuber's Big Board
With the 2008 NFL Draft complete, it's never too early to take a look at the top senior prospects that will be available for the 2009 NFL Draft. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber debuts his Big Board of the Top 19 seniors who will be available in 2009. [Link]
Raiders release RB Rhodes (PA SportsTicker)
SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) - Two days removed from selecting Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders released running back Dominic Rhodes, according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle. [Link]
Raiders release RB Rhodes after taking McFadden in draft
AP Photo NYOL551 By JOSH DUBOW AP Sports Writer . [Link]
NFL Post-Draft Insider 1.0
Scout.com's NFL insider Adam Caplan gives you the inside skinny in what went behind the selections of eight teams in this post-draft update. Caplan also breaks down how some of drafted players will fit in with their new teams. [Link]
Raiders sign defensive end Spires (AP)
The Oakland Raiders made another move to try to upgrade their defense Tuesday, signing free agent defensive end Greg Spires to a one-year contract to compete for a job as pass rusher on the right side. The Raiders have been looking for someone to complement left end Derrick Burgess since losing Chris Clemons as a free agent to Philadelphia. [Link]
Ravens fill needs at corner by working trade with Raiders (Yahoo! Sports)
The Baltimore Ravens addressed their need at cornerback Sunday, but it didn't come in the draft. [Link]
Raiders address their need for speed (Yahoo! Sports)
The five-player draft class of the Oakland Raiders — headlined by No. 4 overall pick Darren McFadden of… [Link]
AFC grades: Top marks for Pats, Steelers, Raiders (Yahoo! Sports)
Darren McFadden figures to be a huge boost for Oakland's offense and QB JaMarcus Russell. [Link]
Handing out draft grades for NFC teams
Atlanta got its franchise QB in Matt Ryan. But did the Falcons earn a high grade from our NFL Czar? See how the entire NFC fared. [Link]
NFL Draft Superlatives
Now that the NFL Draft is behind us, Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber hands out his Draft Superlatives. [Link]
Handing out draft grades for AFC teams
The Chiefs scored big at the NFL Draft with Glenn Dorsey. Our NFL Czar hands out draft grades for every team. How did yours rank? [Link]
Handing out draft grades for AFC teams
The Chiefs scored big at the NFL Draft with Glenn Dorsey. Our NFL Czar hands out draft grades for every team. How did yours rank? [Link]
Press Conference: Darren McFadden
The Raiders introduced rookie running back Darren McFadden to the Bay Area media on Sunday, one day after making him the fourth overall player selected in the NFL draft. [Link]
Handing out draft grades for NFC teams
Atlanta got its franchise QB in Matt Ryan. But did the Falcons earn a high grade from our NFL Czar? See how the entire NFC fared. [Link]
Reaction to Raiders' Trade of Washington
Fabian Washington became expendable when the Raiders swung a deal to get two-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, which is why the decision to trade the former first-round draft pick to the Baltimore Ravens comes as no surprise. [Link]
Waiting game ends for Dixon (Yahoo! Sports)
Dennis Dixon felt slighted earlier in the fifth round but rejoiced after getting drafted by the Steelers. [Link]
Ravens acquire Washington from Raiders for pick
The Oakland Raiders traded 2005 first-round pick Fabian Washington to the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft on Sunday. Oakland traded up in the draft three years ago to take Washington with the 23rd overall pick. He started 11 games as a rookie and played very well his second season before losing his starting job to Stanford Routt early last season. [Link]
Ravens acquire Washington from Raiders for 4th rounder
The Oakland Raiders traded 2005 first-round pick Fabian Washington to the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft on Sunday. Oakland traded up in the draft three years ago to take Washington with the 23rd overall pick. He started 11 games as a rookie and played very well his second season before losing his starting job to Stanford Routt early last season. [Link]
