2005 NFL Rookie Free Agent Discussion

[wade moore]

As some of you may have noticed, I am a die hard fan of my alma-mater I-AA William and Mary...


Two of their players were picked up as Free Agents last night, one I expected, one I did not.

QB Lang Campbell (Cleveland Browns) - Lang won the Payton award for the 2004 season (for those that don't know, it is the equivalent to the Heisman for I-AA). Lang is a solid QB that I expected to get picked up as a URFA. He has a good 'football mind' and makes few mistakes (in the regular season he threw 20+ Tds and one INT). His main knock is that he did not play against the highest competition (I-AA) and he does not have NFL type height/weight numbers. I think if you let him develop he could be a very solid NFL player, but definately not a starter in the next couple of years.

WR Dominique Thompson (St. Louis Rams) - 'Nique had a major breakout season this year to go along with Campbell's. My biggest concern with him is 'toughness'. He is pretty fast and can do the deep ball well, but he did not run a lot of crossing patterns, screens, etc. He is a highlight reel for I-AA, but not much of a "tough yardage" guy. In St. Louis's offense, this could be a good fit as a #4 or #5 guy.

Very interested to see if they make the final rosters. We had a WR (Rich Musinski) get signed last year who to me is a much better WR than 'Nique. He played through the preseason with Tennessee, but did not make the final roster - he's now on the practice squad of the Nashville Kats in Arena and will try to get into the NFL again this year I'm sure.


Any other URFA's of interest out there?

[Ragone]

wade moore must have busted out the wayback machine to come back from 2008 :)

2008 Rookie Free Agent Discussion

[General Mike]

From Rutgers

DB Jarvis Johnson and DT Gary Gibson signed with the Baltimore Ravens

DT J'Vonne Parker signed with the Cleveland Brown. I'd assume that Browns DL coach Randy Melvin put a good word in for J'Vonne based on his time coaching at Rutgers.

[JeeberD]

wade moore must have busted out the wayback machine to come back from 2008 :)

2008 Rookie Free Agent Discussion


I think that someone is a wee bit too engrossed in the 2008 IHOF draft... :D


Two UTEP players signed free agent contracts yesterday, punter Bryce Benekos with the Packers and speedy little RB/KR Howard Jackson signed with the Lions.

With the Vikes picking UTEP DB Adrian Ward, it looks like the NFC North is the UTEP Division. Guess the Bears just need to pick up either LB Robert Rodriguez or TE Jonas Crafts now... :)

[wade moore]

I think that someone is a wee bit too engrossed in the 2008 IHOF draft... :D


I think you hit the nail on the head ;)

[Poli]

OT Michael Munoz of Tennessee went undrafted. That was a surprise. I've heard of two UT players (Derrick Tinsley and Tony Brown, I think) getting signed already, but to my knowledge Munoz wasn't signed earlier today.

I'd also be interested in seeing if CJ Leak gets an offer for anything.

Otherwise, I think OU QB Jason White wasn't drafted, but I'm not sure.

[wade moore]

I was shocked to see Munoz did not even go in the 7th round... he has to go into training camp with someone, doesn't he?!

[Poli]

He said in an interview that he's prepared to start his life without football...because he knows the chances of making it as an undrafted FA. He also said if given the chance he would try out.

[albionmoonlight]

Anybody know anything about the following players that the Saints have signed as UFAs?


Russell Rabe (LB) University of Minnesota-Duluth
Matt Clark (CB) UCLA
Ikechuku Ndukwe (G) Northwestern
Louis-Phillip Ladouceur (LS) California
Scott Beveridge (WR) Peru State

[TazFTW]

Cardinals signed S Ernest Shazor, who at one time was considered a 2nd-3rd rounder.

Dolphins signed QB Brock Berlin.

Cowboys sign LS/LB Jon Condo of Maryland.

[General Mike]

Anybody know anything about the following players that the Saints have signed as UFAs?


Ikechuku Ndukwe (G) Northwestern



I know I can't pronounce his name :p ;)

[rjolley]

Is there a page that shows the signings? I went and looked on the Bears' page and couldn't locate it.

[JeeberD]

He said in an interview that he's prepared to start his life without football...because he knows the chances of making it as an undrafted FA. He also said if given the chance he would try out.

Apparently he's quitting football...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2045943

[Ksyrup]

Is there a page that shows the signings? I went and looked on the Bears' page and couldn't locate it.
I'm looking for the same. I haven't found a comprehensive listing for all teams. Here's the Jags list from rotoworld:

The Jaguars announced 11 rookie free agent signings.
The list: USC WR Jason Mitchell, USC FB Lee Webb, Fort Valley State running back Derrick Wimbush, Georgia Tech LS Andre Economos, DE Benard Thomas of Nebraska and DE Jim Davis of Virginia Tech, OL L.V. Hill of Southwest Baptist and Daniel Connolly of Southeast Missouri State, LB Jamar Enzor of Cincinnati and LB James Kinney of Missouri and Pittsburg (Kan.) State TE Neal Philpot. Apr. 25 - 10:42 am et

[wade moore]

I-AA.org has all of the I-aa players...

http://www.i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=69434

[Joe]

some guys from Minnesota got signed:

Vikings signed DB Justin Fraley, DB Ukee Dozier, OT Rian Melander

Colts signed DT Darrell Reid

Ravens signed K Rhys Lloyd


KFFL has a pretty good listing of guys signed.

[Bearcat729]

Damn I was hoping that the Browns would give him a shot, but the AP says that Michael Munoz is quitting football since he wasn't drafted.

[rjolley]

I'm looking for the same. I haven't found a comprehensive listing for all teams. Here's the Jags list from rotoworld:

The Jaguars announced 11 rookie free agent signings.
The list: USC WR Jason Mitchell, USC FB Lee Webb, Fort Valley State running back Derrick Wimbush, Georgia Tech LS Andre Economos, DE Benard Thomas of Nebraska and DE Jim Davis of Virginia Tech, OL L.V. Hill of Southwest Baptist and Daniel Connolly of Southeast Missouri State, LB Jamar Enzor of Cincinnati and LB James Kinney of Missouri and Pittsburg (Kan.) State TE Neal Philpot. Apr. 25 - 10:42 am et
Pitt State and Southwest Baptist players get signed, but no Northwest Missouri State players? Ugh, that's sickening.

[rjolley]

Division II free agent signings: http://www.d2football.com/Stories/2005freeagents.html

[TazFTW]

Dolphins sign RB Kay-Jay Harris.


Cowboys sign TE Tony Curtis (Portland State), LB Roger Cooper (Montana), QB Derek Maupin (West Texas A&M) is coming in for a tryout.

[marshall881]

Titans Sign:

WR Jason Anderson - Wake Forest
RB Charles Anthony - Tennessee State
LB Brian Atkinson - Northern Illinois
DE Todd Bates - Alabama
QB Shane Boyd - Kentucky
WR Chris Bush - Tulane
WR Vincent Cartwright - Houston
DT Brandon Dabdoub - Colorado
WR Ellis Debrow - Delta State
FB Jimmy Dixon - Georgia Tech
FB Robert Douglas - Memphis
LB Nigel Eldridge - Alabama-Birmingham
OL Mike Erickson - Nebraska
QB Gino Guidugli - Cincinnati
TE Ben Hall - Clemson
CB Antoine Harris - Louisville
LB Travis Harris - Florida
DB Sindey Haugabrook - Delaware
S Jamacia Jackson - South Carolina
RB Terry Jackson - Southern Illinois
WR Earvin Johnson - UNLV
RB Corey Larkins - Tennessee
DE Karlton Neal - Tennessee
WR Alonzo Nix - Chattanooga
QB Marcus Randall - LSU
RB Walter Reyes - Syracuse
T Stefan Rodgers - Lambuth
C Joel Rodriguez - Miami-Fl.
LB Robert Rodriguez - Texas-El Paso
G Will Rogers - Mississippi State
WR O.J. Small - Florida
DE Kenneth Smith - Benedict College
TE Jimmy St. Louis - Murray State
CB Kevin Timothee - Florida International
DT Marcus White - Murray State
DE Alton Wright - Miami-Fl.

[JeeberD]

Good job of the Titans picking up Robert Rodriguez. They won't be disappointed...

[JeeberD]

Dola-

Do you have a link to that? I want to post it on the UTEP board...

Edit: Nevermind, found it...

[Cuckoo]

Okay, okay, I'm an OU homer. And yes I know that Jason White has had injury problems in the past, has limited mobility, and mediocre arm strength. But, come on, the guy won a Heisman, finished third in the Heisman race the next year, and is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks in some time. Plus, he's smart and completes a high percentage of passes. You're telling me he's not worth a late round pick?

I'll continue to be surprised if someone doesn't pick him up. Will he be an NFL quarterback? Not likely. But he can be a decent, intelligent back-up.

[Joe]

Okay, okay, I'm an OU homer. And yes I know that Jason White has had injury problems in the past, has limited mobility, and mediocre arm strength. But, come on, the guy won a Heisman, finished third in the Heisman race the next year, and is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks in some time. Plus, he's smart and completes a high percentage of passes. You're telling me he's not worth a late round pick?

I'll continue to be surprised if someone doesn't pick him up. Will he be an NFL quarterback? Not likely. But he can be a decent, intelligent back-up.

would he be a QB though? or is it an Eric Crouch type of situation?

[Cuckoo]

would he be a QB though? or is it an Eric Crouch type of situation?


I don't think he could possibly play any other position. He's not slow, but he's certainly not fast.

[henry296]

The Steelers signed 12 players today:

Fullback Zach Tuiasosopo of Washington;
wide receiver Tavaris Capers of Central Florida;
offensive tackle Morgan Davis of Wisconsin;
offensive guard Jake Verstraete of Northern Illinois;
linebacker Ronald Stanley of Michigan State;
linebacker Andre Frazier of Cincinnati;
linebacker Arnold Harrison of Georgia;
defensive tackle Elliott Harris of Arkansas;
kicker Shaun Suisham of Bowling Green;
long snapper Greg Warren of North Carolina;
wide receiver Nate Washington of Tiffin;
running back John Kuhn of Shippensburg.

[VPI97]

VT quarterback Bryan Randall was signed by the Falcons

[albionmoonlight]

Titans Sign:

WR Jason Anderson - Wake Forest
RB Charles Anthony - Tennessee State
LB Brian Atkinson - Northern Illinois
DE Todd Bates - Alabama
QB Shane Boyd - Kentucky
WR Chris Bush - Tulane
WR Vincent Cartwright - Houston
DT Brandon Dabdoub - Colorado
WR Ellis Debrow - Delta State
FB Jimmy Dixon - Georgia Tech
FB Robert Douglas - Memphis
LB Nigel Eldridge - Alabama-Birmingham
OL Mike Erickson - Nebraska
QB Gino Guidugli - Cincinnati
TE Ben Hall - Clemson
CB Antoine Harris - Louisville
LB Travis Harris - Florida
DB Sindey Haugabrook - Delaware
S Jamacia Jackson - South Carolina
RB Terry Jackson - Southern Illinois
WR Earvin Johnson - UNLV
RB Corey Larkins - Tennessee
DE Karlton Neal - Tennessee
WR Alonzo Nix - Chattanooga
QB Marcus Randall - LSU
RB Walter Reyes - Syracuse
T Stefan Rodgers - Lambuth
C Joel Rodriguez - Miami-Fl.
LB Robert Rodriguez - Texas-El Paso
G Will Rogers - Mississippi State
WR O.J. Small - Florida
DE Kenneth Smith - Benedict College
TE Jimmy St. Louis - Murray State
CB Kevin Timothee - Florida International
DT Marcus White - Murray State
DE Alton Wright - Miami-Fl.
Did they just offer contracts to every graduating football player? That's a LOT of camp bodies.

[Ksyrup]

I just want to confirm that Chris Rix isn't even getting an invite.

[FBPro]

I just want to confirm that Chris Rix isn't even getting an invite.
hehe :p

[mckerney]

some guys from Minnesota got signed:

Vikings signed DB Justin Fraley, DB Ukee Dozier, OT Rian Melander

Colts signed DT Darrell Reid

Ravens signed K Rhys Lloyd


KFFL has a pretty good listing of guys signed.

Vikes also signed Jonathan Nichols, Kicker out of Mississippi. I wish him luck beating out Elling.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Anyone know if ND's Ryan Gran signed anywhere?

[hahnkim]

Anybody know anything about the following players that the Saints have signed as UFAs?

Matt Clark (CB) UCLA

Undersized corner, showed good cover skills this year as the #1 corner for the Bruins. He's not exceptionally fast, but he could stick as a nickelback.

[korme]

Go Gino!!!! He's got stiff competition to make the Titans roster, but maybe he'll find somewhere. Guidigli is solely responsible for the 'Cats being successful last season.

And I know no one cares, but Milford High was always shitty at football, we weren't a prospect machine like Tucker, but one guy, Zach Strief went to Northwestern and now he will be a senior in 2005, he's started since the last 3 games of his freshman year at Right Tackle, and a scouting report says the sky is the limit. It will be cool to see him get drafted next year. http://nusports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/strief_zach00.html

[korme]

Writing of that guy reminded me of another. Strief was a senior when I was a frosh, and at tackle even being so good he never stood out to fans. The kid that stood out was our huge RB who was a grade higher than me, Joe Razzano, son of former Bengal Rick Razzano. He was dominant, and got an offer from VT. At the last minute, things fell through and I think he's at Kentucky right now. He's a cool kid.

Anyway, his brother was a senior when I was in 8th grade, Ricky Razzano. He went to Ole Miss and was starting at FB by his soph season, always an inspiration for Joey. Well I just thought of him and realized he was draft eligible now, and began to look to see if he got signed. Couldn't find any FA signings about him anywhere, when I came upon the news:

FB Rick Razzano (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8437&action=login&appRedirect=http%3A%2F%2Finsider.espn.go.com%2Fnfldraft%2Fdraft05%2Ftracker%2Fplayer%3Fid%3D8437) was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 7th round! Sweet! Officially the first guy I will ever see in the NFL from my High School! I hope he makes it.

[Swaggs]

Some WVU players that were signed today:

Tim Brown - Houston -- versatile 6-year lineman. Played almost every position on the line while at WVU.
Eddie Jackson - NY Jets -- Overhyped transfer from (I believe) Washington. Was a pretty big flop for us, but has good "tools."
Mike Watson - Carolina -- Solid offensive tackle that did a very good job for us. Scouts think he isn't strong enough.
Ben Lynch - Washington -- Our nose tackle for several seasons. One of those motor guys that always played, even when hurt, and always seemed to be in on tackles.

Another player that I heard signed, but haven't seen it verified yet:
Kay Jay Harris - Miami

[st.cronin]

I started a thread about Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard. I think he'll eventually have a longer pro career than any Badger drafted this year except Erasmus James.

[Ragone]

Apparently he's quitting football...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2045943


Damn, apparently he's never heard of Priest holmes

[Young Drachma]

Damn, apparently he's never heard of Priest holmes

Especially with his dad being who he is, surely he could get a job someplace. I think he feels like it's not worth it, if no one drafted him. Seems silly, maybe..but with him being married and obviously money isn't a problem for him..it's probably not something he wants to beat his body up for.

That said, it could be a ploy to get teams to notice him and get him signed someplace.

I mean, surely Anthony can make a call to get him at least a tryout.

[General Mike]

The Vikings signed Rutgers DT David Harley.

[Ragone]

to me it would seemingly be easier for a olineman to make it as a free agent.. if they had the size/weight down.. the technique can be taught.. and to start at a major d1 university.. you should have a decent technique anyway..

[Ragone]

Okay, okay, I'm an OU homer. And yes I know that Jason White has had injury problems in the past, has limited mobility, and mediocre arm strength. But, come on, the guy won a Heisman, finished third in the Heisman race the next year, and is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks in some time. Plus, he's smart and completes a high percentage of passes. You're telling me he's not worth a late round pick?

I'll continue to be surprised if someone doesn't pick him up. Will he be an NFL quarterback? Not likely. But he can be a decent, intelligent back-up.


His Paper Mache Acl cost him draft status i imagine.. and most people don't spend draft picks on quarterbacks projected as a career backup

[Poli]

Sigh.

What's sad is Tinsley and Larkins getting invites.

[General Mike]

Anyone know if ND's Ryan Gran signed anywhere?

Giants

[TazFTW]

Chargers sign CB Abraham Elimimian and DT Lui Fuga, both from Hawaii.

Cardinals sign QB Timmy Chang (Hawaii) and WR Carlyle Holiday (Notre Dame).

[JeeberD]

Cowboys invited former UTEP Miner Godwin Akinduro to camp...

[streetballer22]

The Titans got a steal in Walter Reyes, not a real fast or strong guy but a smart runner. He was thought to be a 3rd or 4th rounder before a weak senior season.

[Cuckoo]

His Paper Mache Acl cost him draft status i imagine.. and most people don't spend draft picks on quarterbacks projected as a career backup

While I agree with you that his injuries certainly cost him, one could make the case that his rebuilt ligaments are actually stronger than they were before.

And it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to spend draft picks on guys who aren't even talented enough to be career back-ups but not one on a guy who can make a positive contribution to your team.

[Ragone]

While I agree with you that his injuries certainly cost him, one could make the case that his rebuilt ligaments are actually stronger than they were before.

And it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to spend draft picks on guys who aren't even talented enough to be career back-ups but not one on a guy who can make a positive contribution to your team.

Not to mention his age.. he spent 6 years there.. whats that make him.. 25?

[Poli]

38.

[NoMyths]

Arizona had a good draft, and so I'm impressed to see them take a flyer on Timmy Chang. Undersized kid, but has the stats to back him up. I think the odds are probably against him, but I'll be keeping an eye on him.

[Poli]

Has run and shoot 5+ years to back it up.

[Plundun]

Writing of that guy reminded me of another. Strief was a senior when I was a frosh, and at tackle even being so good he never stood out to fans. The kid that stood out was our huge RB who was a grade higher than me, Joe Razzano, son of former Bengal Rick Razzano. He was dominant, and got an offer from VT. At the last minute, things fell through and I think he's at Kentucky right now. He's a cool kid.

Anyway, his brother was a senior when I was in 8th grade, Ricky Razzano. He went to Ole Miss and was starting at FB by his soph season, always an inspiration for Joey. Well I just thought of him and realized he was draft eligible now, and began to look to see if he got signed. Couldn't find any FA signings about him anywhere, when I came upon the news:

FB Rick Razzano (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8437&action=login&appRedirect=http%3A%2F%2Finsider.espn.go.com%2Fnfldraft%2Fdraft05%2Ftracker%2Fplayer%3Fid%3D8437) was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 7th round! Sweet! Officially the first guy I will ever see in the NFL from my High School! I hope he makes it.

However everything isn't rosy (http://bucs.tbo.com/bucs/MGB0VNL5Y7E.html)

[Ragone]

Imagine that.. someone shorty knew got into a bar fight.. what are the odds? :P

[ice4277]

James King of Central Michigan was picked up by the Browns yesterday. Great special teams player, he blocked 3 kicks in a game against Michigan State a few years back. He could sneak onto the roster, but likely will end up having a shot at the practice squad instead.

[Ksyrup]

Here's a list of expected FSU free-agent signings:


"Those signing or expected to sign as free agents include TE Paul Irons (Cleveland), WR Chauncey Stovall (Philadelphia), WR Dominic Robinson (St. Louis), LB Ray Piquion (Jacksonville), CB Leroy Smith (Chicago), DL Charles Howard (Redskins), kicker Xavier Beitia (Jets) and QB Fabian Walker (Tampa).

The status of quarterback Chris Rix and offensive lineman Bobby Meeks could not be confirmed on Monday."

I guess the Jets are looking for kickers... Beitia should be fine, except for the two games a year vs. Miami.

Fabian Walker is an interesting pick up - he transferred to Valdosta State University (Div. II) and won the National Championship this past year.

[DeToxRox]

Earnest Shazor to the Cards.

Was supposed to be picked by the fourth round, then went undrafted.

A shame he had to leave early, was always a favorite of mine in Ann Arbor.

[wade moore]

Titans Sign:
DB Sindey Haugabrook - Delaware


OVER-RATED...

[rjolley]

Here's a list of expected FSU free-agent signings:
...
I guess the Jets are looking for kickers... Beitia should be fine, except for the two games a year vs. Miami.

Interesting that the Jets would spend a second round pick on a kicker, then sign one as a free agent. If they're willing to spend a 2nd round pick on a kicker, wouldn't he be assured of the job?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Earnest Shazor to the Cards.

Was supposed to be picked by the fourth round, then went undrafted.

A shame he had to leave early, was always a favorite of mine in Ann Arbor.
That was surprising, but I guess they just didn't know where to put him in the NFL. He's a bit slow and perhaps not good enough in coverage to play safety and he's probably a bit small to play linebacker. I hope things turn out well for him. Another guy in the same boat was Oregon State CB Brandon Browner who some had going as early as the 2nd round. I think Denver signed him.

[Fonzie]

Interesting that the Jets would spend a second round pick on a kicker, then sign one as a free agent. If they're willing to spend a 2nd round pick on a kicker, wouldn't he be assured of the job?

See: Sander, B.J., Green Bay Packers, 3rd round selection in 2004

;)

[Arles]

Interesting that the Jets would spend a second round pick on a kicker, then sign one as a free agent. If they're willing to spend a 2nd round pick on a kicker, wouldn't he be assured of the job?
Competition is always good. I expect GB to have 5-6 QBs in camp despite the fact they drafted Rodgers and have Favre. I remember when Green Bay drafted a kicker in the third round (Brett Conway). He was "all but assured" of the job but GB grabbed a undrafted castoff at kicker from the 49ers named Ryan Longwell just to compete. Well, Conway ended up injuring his leg and Longwell won the job outright and is now entering his 9th season as GB's kicker.

[Danny]

Interesting that the Jets would spend a second round pick on a kicker, then sign one as a free agent. If they're willing to spend a 2nd round pick on a kicker, wouldn't he be assured of the job?

Not surprising at all. Arlie had some good points, but he missed perhaps the biggest reason. You need someone in camp and during the preseason to kick/punt in practice and for drills and possibly late in games. You do not want your starter taking all those reps and wearing out his leg and possibly risking injury before the season. You need someone in there to help work out the dozens of players vying for a roster spot through special teams.

[Joe]

I started a thread about Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard. I think he'll eventually have a longer pro career than any Badger drafted this year except Erasmus James.


maybe if James' leg doesn't fall off.

[DeToxRox]

maybe if James' leg doesn't fall off.

Who plays in more games this year..

Erasmus James or Courtney Brown?

[Arles]

Rookie FAs signed by GB:

LB Roy Manning - Michigan
LB Zac Woodfin - UAB
RB/KR Chaz Williams - Georgia Southern
CB Patrick Dendy - Rice
P Bryce Benekos - UTEP
WR Chris Samp - Winona State

[TazFTW]

Falcons sign RB T.A. McLendon

[ice4277]

Not surprising at all. Arlie had some good points, but he missed perhaps the biggest reason. You need someone in camp and during the preseason to kick/punt in practice and for drills and possibly late in games. You do not want your starter taking all those reps and wearing out his leg and possibly risking injury before the season. You need someone in there to help work out the dozens of players vying for a roster spot through special teams.
Correct, the Lions sign an extra kicker and punter every season. They know they have no shot at making the team, but its good exposure for them and gives the regulars a rest.

[DeToxRox]

Correct, the Lions sign an extra kicker and punter every season. They know they have no shot at making the team, but its good exposure for them and gives the regulars a rest.

Yeah I need a rest from your BS.

[TazFTW]

According to John Clayton, Chris Rix will be getting a tryout with the Chargers and Jason White has received no interest. White's agent called all 32 teams Monday, and the Colts did say they'll offer a tryout but then later in the day called White's agent and said they're going in another direction.

[jackyl]

WR Carlyle Holiday (Notre Dame).

He was a QB in high school, and I got an interception off of him in the only game I ever played defense on in high school. He skimmed a helmet and it fell right into my hands.

[timmynausea]

According to John Clayton, Chris Rix will be getting a tryout with the Chargers and Jason White has received no interest. White's agent called all 32 teams Monday, and the Colts did say they'll offer a tryout but then later in the day called White's agent and said they're going in another direction.
That is amazing. The combination. Chris Rix will be getting a shot and a heisman winner won't.

[ice4277]

That is amazing. The combination. Chris Rix will be getting a shot and a heisman winner won't.
This really shouldn't be that surprising. Winning a Heisman has by no means been a good indicator of a college player's pro potential. That's not to say that I think Rix will be a good QB but, for a 6-year player like White, with a couple major injuries, I would tend to think his potential is already maxxed out.

[Samdari]

The Titans got a steal in Walter Reyes, not a real fast or strong guy but a smart runner. He was thought to be a 3rd or 4th rounder before an injury plagued senior season.

Reyes did not do anything different, but he had nagging injuries all year. The same thing that happened to Munoz, only it happened to Munoz for several seasons. I think it is kind of a shame the Bengals did not draft Munoz. I think that would have been an approporiate favor for his dad. And you give up what? Future hall of famer Jonathan Fanene?

[Samdari]

Correct, the Lions sign an extra kicker and punter every season. They know they have no shot at making the team, but its good exposure for them and gives the regulars a rest.

Don't most teams do this, sort of token lip service to the idea that every starting spot, and every roster spot, is being competed for?

[JPhillips]

Bengals pick up Wilkerson-C from LSU.

Great signing. He could have been a secound round pick if his knee was healthy. Between Wilkerson and Ghiaciuc the Bengals have finally gotten a young center and hopefully a reserve C/G.

Samdari- I thought the same thing, but I wonder if coming to Cin. would have been a bad thing for Munoz. Could he really thrive in a city where he'd always be compared to his dad? I feel bad that the kid didn't get picked, but he's a good kid with a great family. Its tough for him, but he'll be a success outside of the game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Bengals pick up Wilkerson-C from LSU.

Great signing. He could have been a secound round pick if his knee was healthy. Between Wilkerson and Ghiaciuc the Bengals have finally gotten a young center and hopefully a reserve C/G.

Samdari- I thought the same thing, but I wonder if coming to Cin. would have been a bad thing for Munoz. Could he really thrive in a city where he'd always be compared to his dad? I feel bad that the kid didn't get picked, but he's a good kid with a great family. Its tough for him, but he'll be a success outside of the game.
From the interview it just sounded like his heart wasn't in football. I am sure there was a lot of pressure for him to succeed and walk in his father's footsteps. He made an effort, had a decent college career, and decided to call it quits. If his heart isn't in it, I think it's for the best. Given his injury past and the inevitible pounding his body would take in the NFL, he should move on.

[Poli]

Agreed. Munoz unfortunately was banged up most of his UT career. What's interesting is that he nearly left for the NFL last year. If I recall correctly, he was being projected as a 2nd rounder then. One year makes a big difference.

I wish him the best.

[TazFTW]

John Clayton is reporting that Munoz's agent has fielded enough calls from interested teams, that Munoz is now reconsidering his retirement from football.

[Poli]

excellent news.

[judicial clerk]

Has anybody checked out daddy Munoz's fingers. None of them naturally point in the same direction as any other.

[Bad-example]

49ers signed:
San Jose State DE Tony Ficklin, who will be tried at FB.
Stanford DT Scott Scharff
Oklahoma State K Cole Farden
Sacramento State WR Fred Amey
Colorado RB Bobby Purify

[Cuckoo]

For anyone who may be interested...


West Texas A&M's Derek Maupin and Dustin Long, who played at Sam Houston State after transferring from Texas A&M, will work out with the rookies during the camp, having signed practice waivers only. And the Cowboys are keeping an eye on Oklahoma's Jason White, the 2003 Heisman Trophy winner who went undrafted this past weekend. If White still remains unsigned by the weekend, the Cowboys might consider bringing him in for a workout, too. Teams appear skeptical of White's knees and shoulder.

[JeeberD]

Rookie FAs signed by GB:

P Bryce Benekos - UTEP


Does the Pack have a real need for a punter? Cause Bryce has a booming leg and I would love for him to get a shot.

Of course, y'all have had good luck with UTEP kickers in the past. Chris Jacke rocks! :D

[Sharpieman]

49ers signed:
San Jose State DE Tony Ficklin, who will be tried at FB.
Stanford DT Scott Scharff
Oklahoma State K Cole Farden
Sacramento State WR Fred Amey
Colorado RB Bobby Purify
Who wants to bet me that none of these guys will make the team?

[st.cronin]

Does the Pack have a real need for a punter? Cause Bryce has a booming leg and I would love for him to get a shot.

Of course, y'all have had good luck with UTEP kickers in the past. Chris Jacke rocks! :D

Yes - punting was a big problem for the Packers last year.

[damnMikeBrown]

[QUOTE=JPhillips]Bengals pick up Wilkerson-C from LSU.

Great signing. He could have been a secound round pick if his knee was healthy. Between Wilkerson and Ghiaciuc the Bengals have finally gotten a young center and hopefully a reserve C/G.
QUOTE]

I'm REALLY excited about this move...how pathetic is that, excited about a rookie FA signing. I wanted that kid from Oregon St. too, Browner, try him as a SS. Any way, I was hoping the Bengals would take a flyer on Wilkerson in the late rounds.

I understand the hesitancy...injury history(including back-ouch) for an interior lineman that is underweight...big risk factors there...but if he stays healthy and puts on 15-20lbs, he could start. That's just huge in my book.

Un-damning-Mike-Brown for the day. . .just the day though. . .ok, just the morning. . .

[Sharpieman]

John Clayton is reporting that Munoz's agent has fielded enough calls from interested teams, that Munoz is now reconsidering his retirement from football.
He's announced his retirement on ESPN's Cold Pizza (Don't ask me why I'm watching)

[st.cronin]

Bills have indeed signed Jim Leonhard (FS from Wisconsin) as a free agent. Great signing!

[TazFTW]

Chiefs have signed QB Jason White.

[duckman]

Chiefs have signed QB Jason White.
Bravo! Bravo! :D

[Cuckoo]

I'll add my bravos to duckman's. Look, I'm not saying he's destined to be an outstanding NFL player or anything. I was just surprised that for a guy with his history, he didn't even get a shot until now. It may end up being one of those right place, right time kind of things for him, and he may be washed out by the Fall, but I think that, given the right opportunity, he can be a solid back-up somewhere.

[st.cronin]

I'll add my bravos to duckman's. Look, I'm not saying he's destined to be an outstanding NFL player or anything. I was just surprised that for a guy with his history, he didn't even get a shot until now. It may end up being one of those right place, right time kind of things for him, and he may be washed out by the Fall, but I think that, given the right opportunity, he can be a solid back-up somewhere.

I second the motion. Troy Williamson, who basically did nothing in college, gets picked # 9 overall, and Jason White goes undrafted... it's almost like the NFL folks don't watch college football.

[JasonC23]

I second the motion. Troy Williamson, who basically did nothing in college, gets picked # 9 overall, and Jason White goes undrafted... it's almost like the NFL folks don't watch college football.
Yeah, importing TCY draft classes into FOF is so unrealistic.

Wait a minute... ;)

[st.cronin]

Yeah, importing TCY draft classes into FOF is so unrealistic.

Wait a minute... ;)

tee hee

[JPhillips]

From Bengals.com


Headed by LSU center Ben Wilkerson and a trio of safeties, the list of Bengals college free agents also includes another University of Georgia product. The 11 CFAs join the seven draft picks at this weekend’s rookie camp at Paul Brown Stadium.

Fullback Jeremy Thomas joins Georgia teammates David Pollack and Odell Thurman after they were taken in the first two rounds of the draft. Toledo safety Patrick Body, timed in the 4.3 range in the 40-yard dash, Indiana’s Herana-Daze Jones, and Georgia Southern’s James Young are the safeties the Bengals signed after not drafting any this past weekend.

The Bengals are also trying out some unsigned players at the camp, including Ohio State running back Lydell Ross and guard Clay Martin of Georgetown College in Kentucky, home of the Bengals training camp.

BENGALS COLLEGE FREE AGENT SIGNEES
Name Position Ht. Wt. College Hometown
Lyonel Anderson TE 6-3 253 Kansas Rochester, NY
Patrick Body S/CB 6-1 190 Toledo Pittsburgh, PA
Josh Haldi QB 6-2 210 Northern Illinois Madison, OH
Herana-Daze Jones S/CB 5-11 210 Indiana Louisville, KY
Darnell Jones FB 5-11 245 Mississippi State Greenwood, MS
Sale' Key WR 6-3 225 Idaho State Citrus Heights, CA
Cedric Sullivan LB 6-1 245 Troy Houston, TX
Jeremy Thomas FB 5-10 245 Georgia Loganville, GA
Steven Vieira G 6-3 310 UCLA Carlsbad, CA
Ben Wilkerson C 6-3 300 Louisiana State Hemphill, TX
James Young S 6-1 215 Georgia Southern Tampa, FL

[st.cronin]

Another Badger, Jonathan Clinkscale, signed with Tampa Bay. I don't know how highly rated he was before the combine, but he tested positive for Mary Jane. He played reasonably well in college as a guard; I never thought of him as a Sunday player.

[JeeberD]

Yes - punting was a big problem for the Packers last year.

Good to hear...


Chiefs have signed QB Jason White.

Also, they just said on the radio here that White was invited to participate in the Chiefs camp, not that he signed a rookie free agent contract with them...

[TLK]

DETROIT LIONS SIGN 19 UNDRAFTED ROOKIE FREE AGENTS
<center></center> (April 28, 2005) ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions announced today that they signed 19 undrafted rookie free agents. Terms of their contracts were not disclosed.

Among the 19 players signed, three of them have connections to the state of <st1:state w:st="on">Michigan</st1:state>: TE Jason Randall is a native of Muskegon Heights (Muskegon H.S.) and played for Michigan State, T Tom Kaleita comes from Ypsilanti (Kingsley H.S) and played for Eastern Michigan and P Adam Anderson is from Grand Rapids (Chesaning H.S.) and played at Western Michigan.

2005 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents


<table bgcolor="white" border="0" bordercolor="black" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" height="400" width="690"> <tbody> <tr> <td>No. </td> <td>Name </td> <td>Pos </td> <td>Ht </td> <td> Wt

</td> <td> Age

</td> <td>Birthdate </td> <td>Exp </td> <td>College </td> <td>Hometown </td></tr> <tr> <td>14</td> <td>Anderson, Adam</td> <td>P</td> <td>6-0</td> <td> 188

</td> <td> 23

</td> <td>6/28/81</td> <td>R</td> <td>Western Michigan</td> <td>Grand Rapids, Mich.</td></tr> <tr> <td>45</td> <td>Cox, Chip</td> <td>S</td> <td>5-9</td> <td> 185

</td> <td> 21

</td> <td>6/24/83</td> <td>R</td> <td>Ohio</td> <td>Columbus, Ohio</td></tr> <tr> <td>47</td> <td>Guman, Andrew</td> <td>S</td> <td>6-3</td> <td> 208

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>8/25/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Penn State</td> <td>Allentown, Pa.</td></tr> <tr> <td>86</td> <td>Hamilton, Paris</td> <td>WR</td> <td>6-1</td> <td> 195

</td> <td> 23

</td> <td>7/26/81</td> <td>R</td> <td>Minnesota</td> <td>Katy, Texas</td></tr> <tr> <td>44</td> <td>Hanoian, Greg</td> <td>FB</td> <td>6-2</td> <td> 255

</td> <td> 23

</td> <td>12/9/81</td> <td>R</td> <td>Syracuse</td> <td>Providence, R.I.</td></tr> <tr> <td>74</td> <td>Hennessy, Rory</td> <td>G</td> <td>6-5</td> <td> 300

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>9/8/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Yale</td> <td>Strongsville, Ohio</td></tr> <tr> <td>40</td> <td>Jackson, Howard</td> <td>RB</td> <td>5-10</td> <td> 160

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>9/24/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Texas El-Paso</td> <td>Freeport, Texas</td></tr> <tr> <td>91</td> <td>Jasmine, Marcus</td> <td>DT</td> <td>6-5</td> <td> 307

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>11/15/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Texas A&M</td> <td>New Orleans, La.</td></tr> <tr> <td>77</td> <td>Kaleita, Tom</td> <td>T</td> <td>6-6</td> <td> 318

</td> <td> 21

</td> <td>5/29/83</td> <td>R</td> <td>Eastern Michigan</td> <td>Ypsilanti, Mich.</td></tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Killeen, Ryan</td> <td>K</td> <td>5-11</td> <td> 185

</td> <td> 21

</td> <td>7/11/83</td> <td>R</td> <td>Southern California</td> <td>Norco, Calif.</td></tr> <tr> <td>61</td> <td>Lingruen, Blake</td> <td>C</td> <td>6-4</td> <td> 282

</td> <td> 23

</td> <td>8/19/81</td> <td>R</td> <td>Wake Forest</td> <td>Liberty Center, Ohio</td></tr> <tr> <td>43</td> <td>Matthews, Will</td> <td>FB</td> <td>6-3</td> <td> 250

</td> <td> 23

</td> <td>4/30/81</td> <td>R</td> <td>Texas</td> <td>Austin, Texas</td></tr> <tr> <td>19</td> <td>Mortensen, Todd</td> <td>QB</td> <td>6-4</td> <td> 225

</td> <td> 25

</td> <td>7/12/79</td> <td>R</td> <td>San Diego</td> <td>Tempe, Ariz.</td></tr> <tr> <td>63</td> <td>Newton, Levi</td> <td>G</td> <td>6-4</td> <td> 310

</td> <td> 21

</td> <td>6/30/83</td> <td>R</td> <td>South Florida</td> <td>Jacksonville, Fla.</td></tr> <tr> <td>49</td> <td>Payne, Brandon</td> <td>CB</td> <td>6-0</td> <td> 183

</td> <td> 24

</td> <td>2/10/81</td> <td>R</td> <td>New Mexico</td> <td>Dayton, Texas</td></tr> <tr> <td>73</td> <td>Proctor, Cory</td> <td>G</td> <td>6-4</td> <td> 295

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>10/18/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Montana</td> <td>Missoula, Mont.</td></tr> <tr> <td>89</td> <td>Randall, Jason</td> <td>TE</td> <td>6-5</td> <td> 269

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>12/26/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Michigan State</td> <td>Muskegon Hts., Mich.</td></tr> <tr> <td>84</td> <td>Savoy, Steve</td> <td>WR</td> <td>5-11</td> <td> 191

</td> <td> 23

</td> <td>2/27/82</td> <td>R</td> <td>Utah</td> <td>Washington D.C.</td></tr> <tr> <td>77</td> <td>Valenzuela, Robbie</td> <td>DE</td> <td>6-2</td> <td> 310

</td> <td> 22

</td> <td>2/14/83</td> <td>R</td> <td>Oregon</td> <td>Modesto, Calif.</td></tr></tbody></table>

[JeeberD]

HoJack is crazy fast, TLK. The only problem is that he tiny, like smaller than Shorty tiny.

Hopefully he'll get a roster spot as a kick returner...he's masterful at that.

[TLK]

HoJack is crazy fast, TLK. The only problem is that he tiny, like smaller than Shorty tiny.

Hopefully he'll get a roster spot as a kick returner...he's masterful at that. We have Eddie Drummond for the return position, but he was injured late last year. I assume he'll be back strong, but who knows? Last year we had Swinton in reserve and he did a exceptional job filling in for Drummond. With Swinton gone it might be a good role for Jackson, but he'll probably start the season on the practice squad.

[ice4277]

The only guy on the Lions list who stands out to me is Steve Savoy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

We have Eddie Drummond for the return position, but he was injured late last year. I assume he'll be back strong, but who knows? Last year we had Swinton in reserve and he did a exceptional job filling in for Drummond. With Swinton gone it might be a good role for Jackson, but he's probably start the season on the practice squad.
Agreed. That's exactly why Jackson was signed I imagine. I don't think Dummond has ever played an entire season. He's an amazing return man, but he's an injury waiting to happen.

[DeToxRox]

Jackson and Drummond seem to have the story coming out of college the same. Undrafted RB's with loads of speed.

[duckman]

White was not invited to training camp after working out with the Chiefs this past weekend. However, Dick Vermeil was impressed with him (after saying he thought he was not NFL material) and thought he should try working in AFL or CFL to sharpen his skills. They offered to let any team to see their tapes of White if they were interested in signing him to camp.

[Cuckoo]

Well, to continue the Jason White discussion... It looks like the Titans (and Norm Chow, interestingly enough) have invited White to camp, with a two year deal waiting depending on how he performs.

From the local ABC affiliate.

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/sports/4454139/detail.html

[duckman]

After watching how Chow gameplanned the OU defense, White would be in a very good situation in Nashville. If anyone could make Jason into a NFL quarterback, it would be Chow.

[Cuckoo]

After watching how Chow gameplanned the OU defense, White would be in a very good situation in Nashville. If anyone could make Jason into a NFL quarterback, it would be Chow.

I agree with this completely, although I still don't think that White will ever be a NFL starter for any length of time. I think he can be a solid back-up who won't lose the game for you if forced into action.

Incidentally, it almost seems as if Tennessee has the OU pipeline going on now. I'm going to have to start watching the Titans more since this (if White makes the team) would make at least three or four OU guys I think.

[Samdari]

He'll never make the team. He might spend several years bouncing around various practice squads (including probably Tenn's this year). I don't see him spending a single Sunday on an NFL's top 53.

[duckman]

He'll never make the team. He might spend several years bouncing around various practice squads (including probably Tenn's this year). I don't see him spending a single Sunday on an NFL's top 53.
You may be right, but at least he's getting the opportunity to find if he could make a NFL team.

[Cuckoo]

Well, to continue the Jason White discussion... It looks like the Titans (and Norm Chow, interestingly enough) have invited White to camp, with a two year deal waiting depending on how he performs.


For those who care, it appears that Jason White will announce his retirement from football today.

http://newsok.com/article/1577526/?template=home/main


The Oklahoman

Jason White will announce his retirement from football today, according to The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville .

Sources close to the Tennessee Titans said that White, who won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma in 2003 and guided the Sooners to consecutive BCS championship games, will make his announcement today at 11 a.m.

White was among three rookie quarterbacks in the Titans camp competing for a potential third-string job behind All-Pro Steve McNair and Billy Volek.


Not really sure of the reasons, but I expect he didn't feel like he could succeed at the NFL level. Too bad.

[QuikSand]

So, if you are, say hypothetically, a quality defending conference champion who currently dosn't have much of anybody to catch the ball... who's out there for you in free agency at wideout? Antonio Freeman? Is Michael Westbrook still around? Henry Ellard? Hmmm.... Irving Fryar?