Would-be UK player Enes Kanter went top shelf in preparing himself for the NBA. He said he had been in Chicago for about six weeks working with Tim Grover, a man known as the "trainer to the pros."
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One of Emmanuel Sanders' goals for 2011 can be boiled down to three letters oh-so-important to those who play his position:
"YAC," the second-year Steelers wide receiver said, without hesitation.
YAC stands for "yards after catch" — the work a receiver does after securing the ball. Sanders believes he missed some opportunities to create bigger plays as a rookie, ones he wouldn't have missed as a collegiate star at SMU, when everything was second nature and he played freely. As a rookie, he played just a touch more deliberately, he told PFW.
"That's not the same kid that would have run that curl route at SMU," Sanders said.
As it was, Sanders was a key contributor to the Steelers' run to Super Bowl XLV. He secured the No. 3 WR role in the second half of the season and became one of the Steelers' key pass-catching options, catching 24 passes for 300 yards and two TDs (45 targets) in the final eight regular-season games and adding 7-91-0 (13 targets) in three postseason contests.
However, his season ended in disappointing fashion. His problems began in the AFC title game, when he injured his right foot. Warming up before the Super Bowl, he sensed that "something was wrong" with the foot, he said, and took a shot in the foot to alleviate his discomfort. In the game, Sanders was targeted three times, catching two passes, but on his final catch, he planted and hurt his foot further. The injury was found to be a break, which was surgically repaired.
Before that round of surgery, X-rays were taken on both feet, and a small fracture was found in his left foot, and a screw was inserted in a surgical procedure in early April.
According to Sanders, his right foot is healed, with his left foot on pace to be healed by late June. In the meantime, he is doing what he can to stay in shape. "I'm walking fine," he said.
When the Steelers recently held workouts, Sanders, foot still in a boot, caught passes from QB Ben Roethlisberger. "I just want to show Ben I'm dedicated no matter what," he said.
The boot is gone. The eagerness to begin his second season remains. Should the lockout end soon, Sanders said, "I'll be ready to go."
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The first round of Thursday's NFL Draft went without Kentucky receiver Randall Cobb hearing his name called. Cobb, one of 25 prospects invited to the draft, will have to wait until the second round begins Friday at 6 p.m.
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CHICAGO — Former Arizona star Derrick Williams is projected as perhaps the first or second pick in this year's NBA Draft. With relatively little to prove, he's doing relatively little on the court at the NBA Combine here this week.But would-be Kentucky player Enes Kanter is diving into the ...
Sarah Wynter Jaime Pressly Ashanti Jennie Finch Lisa Snowdon
Kentucky football fans are worried. The Kentucky football coach is excited. Kentucky football fans have low expectations. The Kentucky football coach thinks his team can be a contender for the Southeastern Conference championship next season.
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A day after the NFL Coaches Association filed a brief in support of the players in the 'Tom Brady vs. NFL' antitrust suit, a group of Redskins assistant coaches issued a letter stating they support ownership in the labor dispute.
Seventeen Washington coaches, though not head coach Mike Shanahan — he is part of the franchise's management as vice president of football operations — signed the letter. It said that the Washington staff is not in line with their colleagues in the NFLCA. Instead they are on the side of management in the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association.
"We stand united with our ownership, and the brief does not reflect our thoughts on the matter," the letter reads, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com. "We, like everyone else, are hopeful that we can return to playing football. We look forward to a new CBA, and welcoming back our players as soon as possible."
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BYU basketball coach Dave Rose has completed his staff with the hiring of former University of Kentucky player Mark Pope as an assistant.
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CHICAGO — Former Arizona star Derrick Williams is projected as perhaps the first or second pick in this year's NBA Draft. With relatively little to prove, he's doing relatively little on the court at the NBA Combine here this week.But would-be Kentucky player Enes Kanter is diving into the ...
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Fast-break points not from the end of the world.
Lisa Marie Keira Knightley Monica Keena Anne Marie Kortright Paige Butcher
Kentucky football fans are worried. The Kentucky football coach is excited. Kentucky football fans have low expectations. The Kentucky football coach thinks his team can be a contender for the Southeastern Conference championship next season.
Kate Mara Izabella Scorupco Carla Campbell Penélope Cruz Kristen Bell
One of Emmanuel Sanders' goals for 2011 can be boiled down to three letters oh-so-important to those who play his position:
"YAC," the second-year Steelers wide receiver said, without hesitation.
YAC stands for "yards after catch" — the work a receiver does after securing the ball. Sanders believes he missed some opportunities to create bigger plays as a rookie, ones he wouldn't have missed as a collegiate star at SMU, when everything was second nature and he played freely. As a rookie, he played just a touch more deliberately, he told PFW.
"That's not the same kid that would have run that curl route at SMU," Sanders said.
As it was, Sanders was a key contributor to the Steelers' run to Super Bowl XLV. He secured the No. 3 WR role in the second half of the season and became one of the Steelers' key pass-catching options, catching 24 passes for 300 yards and two TDs (45 targets) in the final eight regular-season games and adding 7-91-0 (13 targets) in three postseason contests.
However, his season ended in disappointing fashion. His problems began in the AFC title game, when he injured his right foot. Warming up before the Super Bowl, he sensed that "something was wrong" with the foot, he said, and took a shot in the foot to alleviate his discomfort. In the game, Sanders was targeted three times, catching two passes, but on his final catch, he planted and hurt his foot further. The injury was found to be a break, which was surgically repaired.
Before that round of surgery, X-rays were taken on both feet, and a small fracture was found in his left foot, and a screw was inserted in a surgical procedure in early April.
According to Sanders, his right foot is healed, with his left foot on pace to be healed by late June. In the meantime, he is doing what he can to stay in shape. "I'm walking fine," he said.
When the Steelers recently held workouts, Sanders, foot still in a boot, caught passes from QB Ben Roethlisberger. "I just want to show Ben I'm dedicated no matter what," he said.
The boot is gone. The eagerness to begin his second season remains. Should the lockout end soon, Sanders said, "I'll be ready to go."
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Kentucky has added another significant test to what is shaping up to be a challenging 2011-12 men's basketball schedule.Pairings were announced Thursday for the Big East/SEC Challenge, and Kentucky was matched up with St. John's in a Dec. 1 game in Rupp Arena.The Red Storm went 21-12 and reached ...
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No coaching caution for John Calipari when he envisions the Kentucky team for 2011-12.
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Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton Grace Park Jill Wagner Susie Castillo
Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari has lined up another top point guard. But UK fans will have to wait until 2012-13 for this one.North Carolina State transfer Ryan Harrow told Scout.com Wednesday night that he has picked Kentucky."I just felt like they had everything that I needed as ...
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Jeffrey Gundlach, a high-profile bond-fund manager, has expressed interest in buying the Bills, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Gundlach told the paper that he has floated the idea of forming an ownership group to some of his wealthier clients, although the talks are still in the early stages.
Upon hearing Gundlach's comments, the Bills responded with an email to the paper.
"(Owner Ralph) Wilson has commented publicly many times that he has no intention of selling the team. Beyond that, our team does not offer a comment to this topic."
Former Buffalo Sabres owner Thomas Golisano and California real estate executive Ed Roski have previously expressed interest in purchasing the team.
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CHICAGO — When you've competed against the likes of Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook, the NBA Combine here is not so intimidating.Former Butler guard — and Lexington native — Shelvin Mack found himself in that favorable position. He played against world-class point...
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The University of Kentucky football team had two main objectives this spring: improve its passing game with quarterback Morgan Newton and get the defense acclimated to co-coordinator Rick Minter's new multiple scheme.
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Zeke Chapman, the son of former University of Kentucky star Rex Chapman, has committed to play college basketball at Ball State, according to a Scout.com report attributing the information to sources.
Kelly Hu Michelle Rodriguez Mena Suvari Georgina Grenville Michelle Trachtenberg
CHICAGO — When you've competed against the likes of Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook, the NBA Combine here is not so intimidating.Former Butler guard — and Lexington native — Shelvin Mack found himself in that favorable position. He played against world-class point...
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The final three rounds of the NFL Draft played out Saturday with no additional University of Kentucky players hearing their names called. Randall Cobb, who was chosen in Friday's second round by the Green Bay Packers, is the only former Cat who has some idea what his future holds.
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SARASOTA, Fla. — Dick Vitale picked up the telephone four years ago and placed a call to Tennessee. He had a favor to ask of then-Memphis coach John Calipari. "I need your help," Vitale said. "I've got to round up 20 guys to donate fifty thousand dollars each. Gotta do it quick." Not three days later, the V Foundation was $1 million richer.
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Would-be UK player Enes Kanter went top shelf in preparing himself for the NBA. He said he had been in Chicago for about six weeks working with Tim Grover, a man known as the "trainer to the pros."
Jessica Simpson Mandy Moore Shannon Elizabeth Maggie Gyllenhaal Foxy Brown
Kentucky football fans are worried. The Kentucky football coach is excited. Kentucky football fans have low expectations. The Kentucky football coach thinks his team can be a contender for the Southeastern Conference championship next season.
Monika Kramlik Lacey Chabert Amber Brkich Gretha Cavazzoni Marla Sokoloff
Randall Cobb will sit in the draft room in New York's Radio City Music Hall on Thursday night hoping to be the first University of Kentucky player to be chosen in the first round of an NFL Draft since Dewayne Robertson was picked fourth overall by the New York Jets in 2003.
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Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said Wednesday that he's not "overly stressed" about the instruction the draft's No. 1 overall pick, Cam Newton, is missing out on as the lockout lingers.
"The Panthers are going to be like everybody else and (Newton's) going to be like everybody else, so we all have to adjust and deal with what we have to deal with," Richardson told PFW at the conclusion of the NFL owners meetings in Indianapolis. "I'm not really overly stressed out about it, personally."
Coaches are banned from communicating with players during the lockout.
Newton has been studying Carolina's playbook and working out with former NFL QBs Ken Dorsey and Chris Weinke in Florida, but he will join his Panthers teammates for player-organized workouts next week in Charlotte.
"We all would (like to see Newton playing sooner rather than later)," Richardson said. "We're all playing by the same rules. If we weren't, then it would be a different deal."
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Mariah Carey Taylor Swift Milla Jovovich Maggie Grace Luján Fernández
As the NFL lockout continues, the Bills have suspended pension plan payments to all employees, according to USA Today.
The pay stoppage, which comes on top of pay cuts that had already been made, includes coaches and will remain in place through the remainder of the lockout.
In an e-mail to The Associated Press, Bills chief executive officer Russ Brandon confirmed that the organization will no longer pay into the 410K plan.
The Bills have not laid off employees, but all workers have taken pay cuts.
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The drafting of first-round CB Prince Amukamara, who slid to the 19th pick, was a surprise to some. Perhaps after a closer look at the Giants' situation, it should not have been. Amukamara will be on the field right away, even though he probably won't win a starting job on defense. The team expects him to play a big role on special teams, where he has experience at gunner. The punt-coverage unit was a disaster last season, and the DeSean Jackson TD was a playoff killer. But the Giants also expect Amukamara to win the nickel CB job at some point on defense. They have great insurance in case he's not ready right away with Aaron Ross, but Amukamara can beat out Ross. Even if Amukamara wins that job, it's likely that Terrell Thomas, who enjoys playing the slot, would go inside with Amukamara at right corner. Plus, Ross and Thomas both have expiring contracts after this season, so drafting Amukamara makes lots of sense.
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Randall Cobb had to wait longer than he probably expected, but at least he ended up with a winner, as the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers took the former UK receiver with the final pick of the second round of the NFL Draft.
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CHICAGO — Former Arizona star Derrick Williams is projected as perhaps the first or second pick in this year's NBA Draft. With relatively little to prove, he's doing relatively little on the court at the NBA Combine here this week.But would-be Kentucky player Enes Kanter is diving into the ...
The Pussycat Dolls Isla Fisher Sophia Bush Megan Fox Michelle Malkin
Conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh would not deny his interest in buying the Vikings during an interview with former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty.
In the interview, Pawlenty informed Limbaugh of a rumor that he may buy the Vikings and move them to Los Angeles. Limbaugh responded, while laughing, "Well, uh, this interview is about you," and did not respond to the comment.
Limbaugh has shown interest in owning an NFL team before. He was part of a bidding group to purchase the Rams in 2009 and is also a former NFL commentator for ESPN. That gig ended badly after he made questionable comments about Donovan McNabb.
The way we see it
Simply put, it's not going to happen. First off, we don't even know that the Wilf family is interested in selling the team. They have been working hard to find a solution to the stadium problem in Minnesota.
Secondly, it is extremely unlikely NFL owners would be interested in accepting the controversial Limbaugh into their exclusive club. Limbaugh was part of a group interested in buying the Rams a couple of years ago, but he was dropped from the group after it became apparent he was more of a hindrance than an asset to getting a deal done. The team was eventually sold to a different ownership group.
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Tom Zbikowski's offseason of boxing is now over; time for the Ravens' safety to refocus on football.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Zbikowski has backed out of his June 4 bout against Mike Howell at the Staples Center in Los Angeles so he can turn his attention back to his real job.
"It's time to start the transition back to football," Zbikowski told the newspaper via text messages. "My teammates are starting to organize some workouts, so it's just time to head back [to Baltimore]. Wish I had more time to do both."
In three fights since the lockout began, Zbikowski had a 3-0 record. He has missed all of the Ravens' voluntary workouts this spring, which are being held at Towson University in Baltimore.
Earlier in the offseason, Zbikowski failed a drug test, leading to a suspension from boxing. A follow-up test, however, proved that to be false, and the punishment was lifted.
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Former University of Kentucky basketball players Brandon Knight and DeAndre Liggins were among a select group of 54 players invited to participate in an NBA pre-draft combine in Chicago next week.
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The University of Kentucky football team had two main objectives this spring: improve its passing game with quarterback Morgan Newton and get the defense acclimated to co-coordinator Rick Minter's new multiple scheme.
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INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL plans to discipline teams this season if their players reach or surpass a certain number of illegal hits, league vice president Adolpho Birch announced Tuesday.
The punishment is likely come in the form of a fine, but Birch said commissioner Roger Goodell has the ability to go further than that if he feels it is necessary. Stripping teams of draft picks could be one other option he considers.
Birch, who said the issue is related to club accountability, discussed the policy with the teams at the NFL owners meeting Tuesday as part of the competition committee report.
"The basic point of it would be to check the number or fines and the level of fines that are going out for infractions that relate specifically to various safety violations, whether it be spearing or late hits or things that we think particularly relate to head and helmet issues, and try to monitor those over the course of the year," Birch said. "As a club's total gets higher, to a certain threshold, then we will enforce some penalty and payback for those clubs to help encourage them to stay below that threshold."
Birch wouldn't offer a specific size of the fine a team that qualifies could expect, but he said it would be "significant and reasonable."
"It is going to be implemented," Birch said. "Some of the details we're still working out, but the commissioner was clear that it's something that he wants to put into place this year."
At least three teams would have qualified for the fine had it been enforced last season, according to Birch. Steelers president Art Rooney II said Tuesday his team would have been one of the clubs that qualified for the penalty in 2010. Rooney and Steelers players felt they were unfairly targeted by the league as it cracked down on hard hits last season. Steelers OLB James Harrison was fined $100,000 for hit infractions last season.
"I think that will have to wait and see how (the new policy) works, but I hope that it's used judiciously, let's put it that way," Rooney said Tuesday. "We had some discussion about it and I think there will be a little more discussion about it. If it's something that's needed and gets the point across in certain limited occasions, maybe it will work.
Rooney was asked if he felt the threat of additional discipline for illegal hits was necessary.
"I guess I would say I'm not sure it's needed at this point, but I'm not going to jump up and down and cry about it at this point," he said. "We'll see how it works."
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With NFL teams stuck in a state of limbo thanks to the lingering lockout, we are taking a tour around the league and looking at where teams stand as they await the opening of the 2011 league year. Today, we offer our take on where the Jaguars stand.
Top three story lines
1. The Jaguars, after not drafting a quarterback since Byron Leftwich in 2003, identified QB David Garrard's successor, sending their first- and second-round picks to the Redskins to move up six spots and grab Blaine Gabbert. GM Gene Smith and head coach Jack Del Rio both have stated that Gabbert will be brought along slowly, with Garrard still their guy for 2011. But if the inconsistent Garrard stumbles early like he did in Week Two last season, when four interceptions led to the club going with Luke McCown in the second half — McCown promptly suffered a season-ending ACL tear — Gabbert's learning curve could be accelerated.
2. The momentum gained by televising all eight home games in 2010 after blacking out 7-of-8 in '09 has disappeared. Even the release of the schedule, which features the Jaguars hosting two "Monday Night Football" games for only the second time in franchise history did not provide a spike in ticket sales. If Jaguars fans do not come out and support the team at EverBank Field this season, the speculation of a possible move to Los Angeles will continue to grow.
3. Owner Wayne Weaver elected to bring back Jack Del Rio, but anything short of a postseason trip will not be good enough for the head coach to return in '12. Weaver did not extend the contracts of the coaching staff, leaving many to wonder if the owner is attempting to clear the books to make the team as attractive as possible for a potential sale. Smith's draft class likely won't offer a lot of immediate help for Del Rio, either, with one of the worst defenses in football a season ago receiving only fifth- and sixth-round defensive backs as reinforcements. All this could add up to the writing being on the wall for Del Rio, who is only the second coach since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 not to win a division title in his first eight years on the job.
2011 free-agency — whenever that happens
Unsigned players: QB Todd Bouman (12), DT Nate Collins (1), S Sean Considine (6), DT Leger Douzable (2), OLB Justin Durant (4), QB Trent Edwards (4), S Courtney Greene (2), WR Nate Hughes (2), TE Marcedes Lewis (5, franchised), CB William Middleton (2), MLB Kirk Morrison (6), P Adam Podlesh (4), DE Zach Potter (1), WR Mike Sims-Walker (4), DE Bryan Smith (3). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]
Analysis: The Jaguars need plenty of help on defense, but it is hard to fault them for jumping at the opportunity to grab QB Blaine Gabbert when he was available. GM Gene Smith said after the draft that, because the club was not able to address other pressing needs on "D," it would be active in free agency. Jacksonville desperately needs at least one safety and linebacker who can start right away. It also would love to find another pass-rushing defensive end to line up opposite Aaron Kampman. As far as keeping its own players is concerned, the biggest name on the list is Lewis, who was slapped with the franchise tag but is expected to receive a long-term deal after a breakout '10 campaign. Podlesh, Greene and Douzable all played well enough last season to warrant being back. Morrison did not make the impact the club had hoped he would when it acquired him during the '10 draft from the Raiders, but he could return at a modest price. Sims-Walker and Durant are not expected to be re-signed after neither player produced on a consistent basis during their time with the club.
2011 rookie class
First-round QB Blaine Gabbert (No. 10 overall) — Gabbert has the size, strength and intelligence to become a fine NFL starter. He could make this draft a huge success if he adjusts well to a pro-style offense.
Third-round OL Will Rackley (No. 76 overall) — The Jaguars had a second-round grade on Rackley, a high-character team captain in college — both major selling points for GM Gene Smith — who eventually will replace OLG Vince Manuwai.
Fourth-round WR Cecil Shorts (No. 114 overall) — A man among boys at NCAA Division III Mount Union, Shorts is a savvy and sure-handed receiver who will compete for the No. 3 job.
Fourth-round FS Chris Prosinski (No. 121 overall) — Prosinski, a pro-day riser who ran a sub 4-4 40-time and measured a 39½-inch vertical jump, fills a major void.
Fifth-round WR Rod Isaac (No. 147 overall) — The Jaguars think Isaac's combination of size and speed will allow him to compete for the nickel job from Day One.
Lockout fallout: How impacted will the Jaguars be by the work stoppage?
On scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most significantly impacted), the Jaguars rate a 6. This is a club that returns both coordinators and most of its coaching staff, although defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will take over the play-calling duties from Del Rio. The biggest setback the Jaguars face during the lockout is getting Gabbert up to speed and a delay in addressing their numerous defensive needs through free agency. But it's Garrard's job to lose — at least for the time being — and we hear GM Gene already has targeted 2-4 players in free agency.
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Randall Cobb had to wait longer than he probably expected, but at least he ended up with a winner, as the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers took the former UK receiver with the final pick of the second round of the NFL Draft.
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Coming off a career 2009 season in which Eagles TE Brent Celek caught 76 passes for 971 yards and eight TDs at the age of 24, it was believed that he might join the elite ranks of receiving tight ends for the next several seasons. But Celek's numbers took a dip last season, by a factor of nearly a half in every case.
One reason was the switch from Donovan McNabb to Michael Vick at quarterback. For years, McNabb befriended his tight ends on the field — before Celek it was Chad Lewis and L.J. Smith — and often used them as reliable chain movers. Once Vick entered the lineup, the passing game became more vertical to the wide receivers, and the short stuff often went to the backs (LeSean McCoy led the team in receptions with 78 last season).
After a bout of the drops early last season, Celek was overlooked in the offense for the most part. Other than a 10-catch game in the Week 16 loss to the Vikings, Celek never had more than four receptions in any other game.
But the recent lockout workouts with Vick, Celek and other Eagles could help get the two in better harmony, and we hear the Eagles have tried to find better ways to keep Celek a viable part of the offense. They like the TE position and think Celek and promising but raw Clay Harbor could form a nice pass-catching duo.
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With NFL teams stuck in a state of limbo thanks to the lingering lockout, we are taking a tour around the league and looking at where teams stand as they await the opening of the 2011 league year. Today, we offer our take on where the Colts stand.
Top three story lines
1. Did the Colts finally fix their offensive line? Vice chairman Bill Polian and son, GM Chris Polian — who called the shots for the first time on Draft Day — addressed the team's Achilles' heel by spending their first two draft picks fortifying the unit. First-round OLT Anthony Castonzo and second-round OG-OT Ben Ijalana will be plugged into the starting lineup from Day One, with the expectation being that QB Peyton Manning will have more time to survey the field. They will also bolster a running game that prevents opponents from loading up on extra defensive backs to slow down the passing attack. If the unit can accomplish these goals, the Colts will have a legitimate shot at becoming the first team in NFL history to play in a Super Bowl in its home stadium, when Super Bowl XLVI is played at Lucas Oil Stadium next year.
2. Owner Jim Irsay first stated at Super Bowl XLIV that a new deal for Manning was imminent and that it would make the future Hall of Famer the highest-paid player in league history. Irsay reiterated his stance last August, but mentioned the possibility of the Colts using the franchise tag as they worked toward an agreement. With the two sides unable to reach a deal before the lockout, the Colts slapped the franchise tag on Manning, which will pay him a little more than $23 million if he plays under the designation next season. But the Colts have allowed only one player — RB Edgerrin James in '05 — to enter the season with the franchise tag applied. The Patriots provided the framework for Manning's deal when they rewarded QB Tom Brady with a four-year, $72 million extension (including $48.5 million guaranteed) days before the start of the 2010 season. So when does Manning cash in?
3. Indianapolis led the league in a dubious category last season, placing 17 players on injured reserve. The club is counting on TE Dallas Clark, WR Austin Collie, CBs Jerraud Powers and Kelvin Hayden and others to make full recoveries and be big contributors next season. In the case of Collie, who suffered two frightening concussions last season, it is impossible to know if he can regain his form until he gets out on the field and absorbs the first big hit.
2011 free-agency — whenever that happens
Unsigned players: RB Joseph Addai (5), S Al Afalava (2), S Melvin Bullitt (4), DE Keyunta Dawson (4), OG Kyle DeVan (2), DT Eric Foster (3), CB Aaron Francisco (6), OLB Tyjuan Hagler (6), S Ken Hamlin (8), RB Mike Hart (3), DT Antonio Johnson (4), OL Charlie Johnson (5), QB Peyton Manning (13, franchised), DT Daniel Muir (4), RB Dominic Rhodes (9), CB Mike Richardson (4), RB Gijon Robinson (3), TE Tom Santi (3), OLB Clint Session (4), S Jamie Silva (3), OT Michael Toudouze (2), PK Adam Vinatieri (15). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]
Analysis: First and foremost, the Colts must lock up Manning — we don't know if the franchise tag will still exist in a new labor agreement. Next on the list are Vinatieri, Addai and Bullitt. Vinatieri will be unrestricted and the Colts' only assurance of keeping him will be offering him a contact to his liking; Addai and Bullitt still could be restricted. With no proven backups at either position, it would behoove the Colts to re-sign both key starters. In addition to Addai and Bullitt, Charlie Johnson, Session and DTs Muir and Foster all received tenders before the lockout. Of the remaining players listed, the Colts probably will make the greatest effort to bring back a pair of veteran safeties, Francisco and Silva. With the drafting of two O-linemen and RB Delone Carter, DeVan, Hart and Rhodes are all question marks. Although it would be out of character for an organization that typically focuses on rewarding its own, Bill Polian hinted during the season at possibly signing a few guys from other clubs to bolster the roster. The most likely areas the Colts would target are safety and offensive line, with perhaps another defensive tackle being thrown into the mix as well.
2011 rookie class
First-round OLT Anthony Castonzo (No. 22 overall) — The Colts have not found a long-term answer at left tackle since Tarik Glenn's sudden retirement following the '06 Super Bowl season. Castonzo has the overall makeup to man the post for the next decade.
Second-round OG-OT Ben Ijalana (No. 49 overall) — Indy had a first-round grade on Ijalana, who possesses the versatility and athleticism the Colts covet. He likely will begin his career at guard, perhaps eventually supplanting ORT Ryan Diem.
Third-round DT Drake Nevis (No. 87 overall) — The high-motor Nevis is a prototypical Colts one-gap lineman who could provide much-needed pass-rush ability from the inside.
Fourth-round RB Delone Carter (No. 119 overall) — The Colts addressed their struggles in short-yardage situations by drafting Carter — a physical inside runner with a low center of gravity who can push the pile.
Sixth-round CB Chris L. Rucker (No. 188 overall) — Rucker was a roll of the dice, as he comes with character questions, but the Colts could afford to gamble on an athletic corner with real upside this late in the draft.
Lockout fallout: How impacted will the Colts be by the work stoppage?
On scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most significantly impacted), the Colts rate a one. This club has the luxury of having Manning, who is like another coach on the field, so the Colts should be in great shape with him organizing team workouts and spending one-on-one time with some of the young guys on offense. The Colts made only one change to the coaching staff — former RB coach Gene Huey was replaced by David Walker — and their biggest concern is that all of the players who ended the season on injured reserve are taking the necessary steps to be ready to go whenever the lockout ends.
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With NFL teams stuck in a state of limbo thanks to the lingering lockout, we are taking a tour around the league and looking at where teams stand as they await the opening of the 2011 league year. Today, we offer our take on where the Colts stand.
Top three story lines
1. Did the Colts finally fix their offensive line? Vice chairman Bill Polian and son, GM Chris Polian — who called the shots for the first time on Draft Day — addressed the team's Achilles' heel by spending their first two draft picks fortifying the unit. First-round OLT Anthony Castonzo and second-round OG-OT Ben Ijalana will be plugged into the starting lineup from Day One, with the expectation being that QB Peyton Manning will have more time to survey the field. They will also bolster a running game that prevents opponents from loading up on extra defensive backs to slow down the passing attack. If the unit can accomplish these goals, the Colts will have a legitimate shot at becoming the first team in NFL history to play in a Super Bowl in its home stadium, when Super Bowl XLVI is played at Lucas Oil Stadium next year.
2. Owner Jim Irsay first stated at Super Bowl XLIV that a new deal for Manning was imminent and that it would make the future Hall of Famer the highest-paid player in league history. Irsay reiterated his stance last August, but mentioned the possibility of the Colts using the franchise tag as they worked toward an agreement. With the two sides unable to reach a deal before the lockout, the Colts slapped the franchise tag on Manning, which will pay him a little more than $23 million if he plays under the designation next season. But the Colts have allowed only one player — RB Edgerrin James in '05 — to enter the season with the franchise tag applied. The Patriots provided the framework for Manning's deal when they rewarded QB Tom Brady with a four-year, $72 million extension (including $48.5 million guaranteed) days before the start of the 2010 season. So when does Manning cash in?
3. Indianapolis led the league in a dubious category last season, placing 17 players on injured reserve. The club is counting on TE Dallas Clark, WR Austin Collie, CBs Jerraud Powers and Kelvin Hayden and others to make full recoveries and be big contributors next season. In the case of Collie, who suffered two frightening concussions last season, it is impossible to know if he can regain his form until he gets out on the field and absorbs the first big hit.
2011 free-agency — whenever that happens
Unsigned players: RB Joseph Addai (5), S Al Afalava (2), S Melvin Bullitt (4), DE Keyunta Dawson (4), OG Kyle DeVan (2), DT Eric Foster (3), CB Aaron Francisco (6), OLB Tyjuan Hagler (6), S Ken Hamlin (8), RB Mike Hart (3), DT Antonio Johnson (4), OL Charlie Johnson (5), QB Peyton Manning (13, franchised), DT Daniel Muir (4), RB Dominic Rhodes (9), CB Mike Richardson (4), RB Gijon Robinson (3), TE Tom Santi (3), OLB Clint Session (4), S Jamie Silva (3), OT Michael Toudouze (2), PK Adam Vinatieri (15). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]
Analysis: First and foremost, the Colts must lock up Manning — we don't know if the franchise tag will still exist in a new labor agreement. Next on the list are Vinatieri, Addai and Bullitt. Vinatieri will be unrestricted and the Colts' only assurance of keeping him will be offering him a contact to his liking; Addai and Bullitt still could be restricted. With no proven backups at either position, it would behoove the Colts to re-sign both key starters. In addition to Addai and Bullitt, Charlie Johnson, Session and DTs Muir and Foster all received tenders before the lockout. Of the remaining players listed, the Colts probably will make the greatest effort to bring back a pair of veteran safeties, Francisco and Silva. With the drafting of two O-linemen and RB Delone Carter, DeVan, Hart and Rhodes are all question marks. Although it would be out of character for an organization that typically focuses on rewarding its own, Bill Polian hinted during the season at possibly signing a few guys from other clubs to bolster the roster. The most likely areas the Colts would target are safety and offensive line, with perhaps another defensive tackle being thrown into the mix as well.
2011 rookie class
First-round OLT Anthony Castonzo (No. 22 overall) — The Colts have not found a long-term answer at left tackle since Tarik Glenn's sudden retirement following the '06 Super Bowl season. Castonzo has the overall makeup to man the post for the next decade.
Second-round OG-OT Ben Ijalana (No. 49 overall) — Indy had a first-round grade on Ijalana, who possesses the versatility and athleticism the Colts covet. He likely will begin his career at guard, perhaps eventually supplanting ORT Ryan Diem.
Third-round DT Drake Nevis (No. 87 overall) — The high-motor Nevis is a prototypical Colts one-gap lineman who could provide much-needed pass-rush ability from the inside.
Fourth-round RB Delone Carter (No. 119 overall) — The Colts addressed their struggles in short-yardage situations by drafting Carter — a physical inside runner with a low center of gravity who can push the pile.
Sixth-round CB Chris L. Rucker (No. 188 overall) — Rucker was a roll of the dice, as he comes with character questions, but the Colts could afford to gamble on an athletic corner with real upside this late in the draft.
Lockout fallout: How impacted will the Colts be by the work stoppage?
On scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most significantly impacted), the Colts rate a one. This club has the luxury of having Manning, who is like another coach on the field, so the Colts should be in great shape with him organizing team workouts and spending one-on-one time with some of the young guys on offense. The Colts made only one change to the coaching staff — former RB coach Gene Huey was replaced by David Walker — and their biggest concern is that all of the players who ended the season on injured reserve are taking the necessary steps to be ready to go whenever the lockout ends.
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The Sports Fan Coalition, a nonprofit group that has been fighting work stoppages in sports, filed a brief Friday in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stating that ending the lockout is in the best interest of consumers.
"Whether the owners' boycott lowers the quality of the 2011 season by preventing fans' favorite clubs from integrating new talent during this summer, or disrupts or even eliminates the season if the boycott fails to achieve the desired concessions from players, injunctive relief is essential to sports fans," the group's attorneys wrote.
Sports Fans Coalition supports the players, and notes that fans spend billions of dollars to see NFL teams in action.
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With WR Plaxico Burress due to be released from prison on June 6, speculation is mounting regarding where the talented former Giant who turns 34 in August will play for the 2011 season.
On Friday, Dave Diehl, the Giants' starting left tackle, offered his opinion about whether Burress will return to the Giants.
"I would like to say yes," Diehl told NFL Network. "He's had a lot of success for us as a player. But, if I were Plaxico, I would say no. With everything that happened (pleading guilty in 2009 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon), Plaxico has taken a lot of heat, not only through the media. … I think about Michael Vick's situation. He went into a new situation, a new city, where he could almost start fresh with new teammates and go back to basics."
Diehl said the Giants would welcome back Burress after two years out of the league and believes Burress still has something to offer on the field. However, he said he believes Burress might want to start over elsewhere and not return to an area that holds bad memories.
"… If I were in that position, in order to move on and start fresh, you have to get back to square one. That's getting back to playing football. That's getting back to yourself, and not only enjoying your family, but enjoying your life and being happy again. For him, I think that's somewhere else."
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Torian Graham, one of UK basketball's top recruiting targets in the class of 2012, committed to N.C. State on Monday.Graham said UK was his No. 1 school as recently as last month, but new N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried made the Raleigh, N.C., native a top priority from his first day on the job. "...
The NFL announced that Kentucky wide receiver Randall Cobb will be one of a record 25 prospects present for Thursday's first night of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
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BYU basketball coach Dave Rose has completed his staff with the hiring of former University of Kentucky player Mark Pope as an assistant.
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With NFL teams stuck in a state of limbo thanks to the lingering lockout, we are taking a tour around the league and looking at where teams stand as they await the opening of the 2011 league year. Today, we offer our take on where the Lions stand.
Top three story lines
1. QB Matthew Stafford has all the ability to be a star in this league, and yet he only has started 13 of 32 career games because of injuries. Few question his toughness; it's his durability that is a concern. For the Lions to compete this season, Stafford must stay healthy and be the leader of what could be a dynamic offense. The early reports about Stafford's shoulder are positive.
2. What kind of DL combinations might we see from this potentially dominant group? Coordinator Gunther Cunningham and DL coach Kris Kocurek have spent the past few weeks coming up with ways to utilize their bevy of talent up front after drafting DT Nick Fairley. The way head coach Jim Schwartz figures, there are about 130 DT snaps per game, and divvying them up between Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams and Fairley shouldn't be hard. And Suh can kick out to end, too, joining Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril and others to what could be a destructive front.
3. There are three, maybe four defensive positions still up for grabs. The Lions need to settle two of their LB spots as well as perhaps two secondary jobs at right corner and strong safety. CB Alphonso Smith and SS Amari Spievey are young players who could earn those jobs, but the Lions might want to bring in additional reinforcements. Right now, DeAndre Levy is the one linebacker who is guaranteed to start. He could fit inside or slide to either OLB spot if the team chases a free-agent middle linebacker, such as Stephen Tulloch of the Titans. The Lions are not done remaking their defense.
2011 free agency — whenever that happens
Unsigned players: DE Cliff Avril (3), LB Korey Bosworth (1), S C.C. Brown (6), OLB Caleb Campbell (1), OLB Bobby Carpenter (5), MLB Vinny Ciurciu (8), WR Brian Clark (5), DE Jared DeVries (12), FB Jerome Felton (3), DT Andre Fluellen (3), C Dylan Gandy (5), CB Tye Hill (5), OT Corey Hilliard (2), CB Chris Houston (4), OLB Landon Johnson (7), RS Stefan Logan (2), DE Turk McBride (4), CB Brandon McDonald (4), CB Prince Miller (1), TE Jake Nordin (1), OLB Ashlee Palmer (2), S Randy Phillips (1), CB Paul Pratt (1), PK Dave Rayner (4), RB Kevin Smith (3), QB Drew Stanton (4), DE Barry Turner (1), CB Nathan Vasher (7), S John Wendling (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after four years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]
Analysis: Most of the team's key free agents — Avril, Houston, McBride top the list — are third- and fourth-year players, so there's a decent chance they won't be unrestricted. Many of the other players (not including the first- and second-year exclusive-rights guys) are replaceable in the long term. Many believe that the Lions are poised to make a run at CB Nnamdi Asomugha, but they'll have stiff competition. Besides, it might not be financially feasible, but Schwartz did hint that the team would explore improving the secondary through free agency and trades. An offensive lineman also could be in the mix.
2011 rookie class
First-round DT Nick Fairley (No. 13 overall) — A bit of a luxury pick to some, Fairley nonetheless could form a dominant duo with Ndamukong Suh for the next several years.
Second-round WR Titus Young (No. 44 overall) — The Lions believe that they have the solution to their void in the slot with this explosive but smallish playmaker.
Second-round RB Mikel Leshoure (No. 57 overall) — The 223-pound Leshoure could be the perfect complement to speed back Jahvid Best in a remade offensive backfield.
Fifth-round LB Doug Hogue (No. 157 overall) — His lack of LB experience makes him a developmental project on defense, but his athleticism should serve well on special teams.
Seventh-round OT Johnny Culbreath (No. 209 overall) — Culbreath is raw but a quality athlete for his size, and they'll try him at tackle and guard.
Lockout fallout: How impacted will the Falcons be by the work stoppage?
On scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most significantly impacted), the Lions rate a 4. Getting Stafford working again is important, but the team has rare stability for the first time in years. The offensive and defensive systems are in place, and though there will be some new faces on both sides, the team's core is in place. Still, it's a young group in spots that will need to jell in order to make a run at the postseason.
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