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]
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]
Newman Close to New Deal?
Dallas Cowboys CB Terence Newman currently has one year remaining on his contract (the final year was voided) and there had been reports of both sides being far apart on negotiations on a new deal. [Link]
Rushing rookies into minicamp means trouble
Take your time with minicamp newcomers, NFL teams. Alex Marvez says rushing them into the mix with veterans is asking for trouble. [Link]
Redskins release KR Mathis, sign DE Mapu
The Washington Redskins released former Pro Bowl kick returner Jerome Mathis on Thursday and signed undrafted rookie defensive end J.T. Mapu. Mathis signed with Washington early last month, making him the only player from another team to join the Redskins during an unusually quiet free agency period before the draft. He made his practice debut during this month's minicamp. Mapu had 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in four years at Tennessee. [Link]
7 Points: Jones-Drew is a Little Big-Man
Ed Thompson points out why Maurice Jones-Drew can scoff at his former critics — and why Miami rookie WR Davone Bess should be able to do the same in a few years. Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald, former Raider Duane Starks, a smart personnel move by the Colts and more are all in today's 7 Points feature. [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]
Suspect pleads guilty in Redskins star's slaying
One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and burglary. Defense attorney Michael Hornung says that according to the plea agreement, Venjah Hunte will serve 29 years in prison and cooperate with prosecutors. Hornung says Hunte pleaded guilty on Friday but prosecutors requested the plea agreement be sealed because investigators were pursuing the fifth suspect. [Link]
One in Taylor case pleads guilty, gets 29 years
One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and burglary. Defense attorney Michael Hornung says that according to the plea agreement, Venjah Hunte will serve 29 years in prison and cooperate with prosecutors. Hornung says Hunte pleaded guilty on Friday but prosecutors requested the plea agreement be sealed because investigators were pursuing the fifth suspect. [Link]
5th person charged in Redskins safety's killing
Prosecutors in Miami say a fifth person has been charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor. Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office spokesman Ed Griffith says Wednesday that 16-year-old Timothy Brown is charged with first-degree murder. He is also charged with armed burglary of an occupied dwelling. Griffith says Brown does not yet have an attorney on record with the prosecutor's office. [Link]
16-year-old is fifth charged in Taylor's killing
Prosecutors in Miami say a fifth person has been charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor. Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office spokesman Ed Griffith says Wednesday that 16-year-old Timothy Brown is charged with first-degree murder under a sealed warrant. The 24-year-old Taylor died of massive blood loss after he was shot at his Miami-area home during a botched robbery in November. Brown is being held in Lee County. [Link]
Suspect Pleads Guilty in Redskins Star’s Slaying
One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and burglary. [Link]
5th person charged in Redskins safety's killing
Prosecutors in Miami say a fifth person has been charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor. Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office spokesman Ed Griffith says Wednesday that 16-year-old Timothy Brown is charged with first-degree murder under a sealed warrant. The 24-year-old Taylor died of massive blood loss after he was shot at his Miami-area home during a botched robbery in November. Brown is being held in Lee County. [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]
4 Sean Taylor murder suspects won't face death penalty
Prosecutors said Monday they will not seek the death penalty against four people charged with murdering Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor because the accused shooter was a minor when the crime was committed. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that people cannot be executed for crimes committed when they're under 18, and it's a well established legal principle that others involved in the same case as a minor cannot face the ultimate penalty if they are less directly responsible. [Link]
Fifth suspect charged in Taylor case (PA SportsTicker)
A fifth suspect has been charged in the shooting death of former Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, the Miami Herald reported Thursday. [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]
Draft Corner: Russ Lande
Lande, who spent three years as a scout for the Cleveland Browns, is the publisher of GM Jr., which produces an annual draft guide. He also contributes to the Sporting News. To order the guide, or for more information, visit gmjr.com. [Link]
Wasted 2nd Rounder Symbolizes Skins' Failures
Fred Davis was the nation's top tight end as a USC senior in 2007. Despite his preference for his pillow over practice on the final day of minicamp, the 22-year-old from Toledo seems like a good guy. [Link]
Taylor Case Defendant Considering Plea Deal
The lawyer for one of the four men charged with killing Sean Taylor said Friday that he was talking with prosecutors about a plea agreement that may include testifying against the others. [Link]
REDSKINS 22, GIANTS 10; For Giants, Shockey Is Biggest Loss
When the Giants faced a big halftime deficit against the Washington Redskins in September, they mounted a stirring comeback to help reverse their season. When it happened again Sunday night at wind-swept Giants Stadium, the Giants could muster no such reversal of misfortune, blowing a sudden gust of intrigue into the final two weeks of the season. [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]
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]
Randle El confident of timely return
Washington Redskins receiver Antwaan Randle El, with crutches under both arms, said Wednesday the surgery on his right knee went as expected and that he hopes to return to the field for offseason practices next month. Randle El said the knee was swollen after minicamp practice Saturday. An MRI found loose cartilage, possibly the residual effects of getting the knee banged in a couple of games last season, and he had arthroscopic surgery Monday. [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]
Adam Caplan Chat Transcript: 5-6-08
Chat Transcript. Read Adam Caplan's shocking statements about Colt Brennan, Malcolm Kelly and many other Redskin draft picks. [Link]
Randle El has minor surgery (PA SportsTicker)
ASHBURN, VIrginia (Ticker) - Washington Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El on Tuesday had arthroscopic knee surgery. [Link]
Redskins WR Randle El has knee surgery
Washington Redskins receiver Antwaan Randle El had arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday and is expected to recover in time for training camp. Coach Jim Zorn said an MRI discovered a "floating body" that was causing an irritation in Randle El's knee. "When they went in, whatever they found they will fix, and we will get him back going," Zorn said. [Link]
Randle El confident of timely return (AP)
Washington Redskins receiver Antwaan Randle El, with crutches under both arms, said Wednesday the surgery on his right knee went as expected and that he hopes to return to the field for offseason practices next month. Randle El said the knee was swollen after minicamp practice Saturday. An MRI found loose cartilage, possibly the residual effects of getting the knee banged in a couple of games last… [Link]
Player's Corner: Jansen and Griffin Speak
Cornelius Griffin and Jon Jansen spoke with the media today after the first day of OTA's. See what they had to say about the first OTA's under head coach Jim Zorn right here. [Link]
Coaches' Corner: Zorn Speaks About OTA's
Jim Zorn spoke with the media today after the first day of OTA's. See what the new Redskins coach had to say about his first OTA's as a head coach. [Link]
Rookie roundup: Fred Davis disappoints, others shine (SportingNews.com)
Several NFL teams got to meet and greet their rookies at minicamps over the weekend. While the Redskins' Fred Davis made a bad first impression, several other rookies shined. [Link]
Redskins draft pick Davis a no-show at practice
Washington Redskins second-round draft pick Fred Davis did not show up for minicamp practice Sunday, having overslept on just his third day in the NFL. The team sent security officials to track down the tight end after he failed to arrive as scheduled from a local hotel, where the rookies were housed during the three-day minicamp. "Everybody was scouring," coach Jim Zorn said after the practice. [Link]
Five teams that could get over playoff hump
You can write off the Bengals, but Randy Hill isn't giving up. Cincy is one of his five surprise playoff picks for the 2008 season. [Link]
Chat with Adam Caplan: Tuesday, 5/6, at 10 PM
Join us in the insiders Chat Room for a chat with Senior NFL Reporter Adam Caplan. It will be on Tuesday at 10 PM. [Link]
Redskins draft pick Fred Davis a no-show at practice
Washington Redskins second-round draft pick Fred Davis did not show up for minicamp practice Sunday, having overslept on just his third day in the NFL. The team sent security officials to track down the tight end after he failed to arrive as scheduled from a local hotel, where the rookies were housed during the three-day minicamp. "Everybody was scouring," coach Jim Zorn said after the practice. [Link]
Redskins draft pick Fred Davis a no-show at practice (AP)
Washington Redskins second-round draft pick Fred Davis did not show up for minicamp practice Sunday, having overslept on just his third day in the NFL. The team sent security officials to track down the tight end after he failed to arrive as scheduled from a local hotel, where the rookies were housed during the three-day minicamp. [Link]
Redskins still trying to locate tight end Davis
Washington Redskins second-round draft pick Fred Davis did not show up for minicamp practice Sunday, prompting the team to send security officials to find the tight end. "Everybody was scouring," coach Jim Zorn said after practice. "Nobody heard from him, so there was one of two scenarios. Either there was some real trouble and we needed to find him, or he screwed up. I haven't even got to talk to him yet. I know he has been found. I believe it is more in the 'I screwed up' category. [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]
Redskins Minicamp: Day 2
John Keim reports on his observations from the Redskins' second day of mini camp under Jim Zorn. [Link]
From Gregg to Greg, Redskins defense gets a trim
The Washington Redskins subtracted more than an extra "g" when they replaced Gregg Williams with Greg Blache as the assistant coach in charge of the defense. Blache has trimmed the play book, cutting out some of the many "packages" - or formations - that Williams so liked to brag about. [Link]
From Gregg to Greg, Redskins defense gets a trim (AP)
The Washington Redskins subtracted more than an extra "g" when they replaced Gregg Williams with Greg Blache as the assistant coach in charge of the defense. Blache has trimmed the play book, cutting out some of the many "packages" — or formations — that Williams so liked to brag about. Williams always left the impression that the success of the Redskins defense had a lot to do with clever… [Link]
Coaches' Corner: Zorn and Blache speak.
Jim Zorn and Greg Blache spoke to the media after the first day of mini camp. See what they had to say. [Link]
Redskins Minicamp: Day 1
John Keim reports on his observations from the Redskins' first day of mini camp under Jim Zorn. [Link]
Campbell, Portis, Moss, Kelly, Thomas Quotes
Several Redskins' players spoke to the media after the first day of mini camp. See what they had to say. [Link]
Photo Album: Mini Camp, Day 1, 5-2-2008
Here is a photo album from today's first day of Redskins' mini camp. [Link]
Zorn makes presence known at 1st Redskins practice
Shawn Springs thought he would have a little fun when he intercepted a pass, so he lateraled the ball to Fred Smoot. Smoot tipped the ball around like a volleyball before it fell to the ground. That's when the rookie head coach made his presence known. Rather emphatically. "Don't do that!" Jim Zorn yelled. [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]
No 'song and dance' as Zorn preps for 1st Redskins practice
Jim Zorn has the entire day mapped out, from the special teams meetings first thing in the morning to the evaluation sessions with his assistants after the second practice is over. Somewhere in between, he'll say hello. The first-time head coach will run his first practices Friday as the Washington Redskins open a three-day minicamp. [Link]
