2012 Rookies

[BINGO]

Gordon a starter?
8:17AM ET
Cleveland Browns

"The Browns did not select WR Josh Gordon in the second round of the Supplemental Draft to sit back and be a spectator throughout the 2012 season," Lane Adkins of Orange and Brown Report wrote last week. "The Browns believe Gordon will come in and be a productive player early in the season."

As training camps begin to get rolling around the league this week, one of the primary questions for the Browns will be how the new pieces on offense -- QB Brandon Weeden, RB Trent Richardson, OT Mitchell Schwartz and Gordon -- fit. As part of his series previewing those big discussions, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland had himself a look at the team's WR situation for a post on Monday. Interestingly enough, the scribe has penciled Gordon into a starting role opposite Greg Little, though he does admit that it will not be surprising if Gordon takes time to claim that spot. Adjusting to a new offense and the speed of the NFL game can be a challenge for some WRs.

While the Browns are quite green at the offensive skill positions, they've also got some talented youngsters on defense. We've seen quite a bit of former first-round pick Joe Haden at CB, but there's another corner that was identified by the folks at Football Outsiders as one of the Top 25 "under-the-radar" prospects:

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Latest on Weeden deal
1:55PM ET
Brandon Weeden | Browns

No. 23 pick Riley Reiff and No. 24 pick David DeCastro joined No. 21 pick Chandler Jones (and a number of other rookies) in agreeing to their rookie contracts, with Reiff and DeCastro reaching agreements on Monday. So what about the man selected No. 22 overall, Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden?

The general financial framework for Weeden's deal is in place, but the remaining dispute is believed to be centered around the full guarantee of all four years of the pact. Jones got around half of his fourth year guaranteed, while guarantee information for Reiff and DeCastro has yet to be disclosed. The argument from the Weeden camp is that as the man all but certified as the Browns' next starter at the most important position in the sport, his deal should be fully guaranteed.

In the opinion of ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley, the Browns will hold their ground:

- Tim Kavanagh​

Jamison Hensley
They won't back down

"I don't see the Browns buckling on this demand because this would set a new precedent. This could mean talks will remain at a standstill for most of the week. The Browns' first full-team practice of training camp is Saturday."

 

[BINGO]

Reiff signs -- now what?
1:19PM ET
Riley Reiff | Lions

Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reports that Riley Reiff, the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft, has signed a contract with the Detroit Lions and will report to camp on time. His four-year deal is worth nearly $8 million, but his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed.

"[Reiff] reported to the Lions' practice facility with the rest of the rookies Monday," McCosky writes. "The veterans report Thursday and training camp practices begin Friday.

"Reiff is expected to challenge both left tackle Jeff Backus and right tackle Gosder Cherilus for a starting spot this season."

- Vince Verhei​

 

[BINGO]

What to expect from David Wilson
4:12PM ET
David Wilson | Giants

At this point of New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw's career, his health will continue to be an issue. The Marshall product has had multiple stress fractures in his feet, played in only 12 games during the 2011 regular season and had to have an injection to play through the postseason. So it wasn't too surprising to see the team take an RB with their first-round pick in the draft this offseason, landing Virginia Tech's David Wilson No. 32 overall. Within his "Camp preview" post on the Giants' RBs, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com identified Wilson as the player to watch:

"All eyes will be on the Giants' first-round pick. Wilson has already flashed some of his talents in OTAs and minicamp. He is quick and shifty and has shown some explosion at the line of scrimmage in non-contact practices. He can catch out of the backfield, but he will have to learn pass protection schemes and grasp the offense and how to react to defenses. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said Wilson is likely the most explosive player on the team."

It's that explosive ability that should entice the fantasy football owners in the audience here. Earlier this offseason, ESPN's Christopher Harris offered the fantasy angle on Wilson's selection by the Giants:

- Tim Kavanagh​

Christopher Harris
Comparable to McCoy

"Wilson has meteoric possibilities but a couple of pretty major red flags. He's a track star who doesn't shy away from contact despite a relatively squat frame, but he's not a natural receiver, he doesn't always get what's blocked because he tries to hit home runs, he fumbles a lot (seven times in '11 alone), and his vision isn't great. Honestly, Wilson is a lot like the man he'll share the Giants' backfield with, Ahmad Bradshaw, though an even better comparison for running style might be LeSean McCoy (without McCoy's tremendous pass-catching chops). With Brandon Jacobs gone and only D.J. Ware and Da'Rel Scott on the roster behind Bradshaw, Wilson is going to get plenty of chances to serve as a complementary back. And because Bradshaw isn't always the picture of durability, that could work into an even larger role. Like Martin, Wilson will be drafted in all fantasy leagues. Unlike Doug Martin, Wilson won't lead his team in RB touches. He'll likely see 8-10 touches per game while Bradshaw sees 15-20, at least to begin the season. But he'll make a few breathtaking, long runs that should whet his fantasy owners' appetites.."

 

[BINGO]

Cowboys close to Claiborne deal?
2:36PM ET
Dallas Cowboys

UPDATE: The deal is done. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that the Cowboys and Claiborne have agreed on a four-year contract.

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With the days dwindling before the start of training camps around the league, we've seen a flurry of rookie contracts being signed. The Dallas Cowboys will have rookies and injured players report on Wednesday as an early start to their training camp experience, and there's a chance that the deal for No. 6 overall pick Morris Claiborne could be done in time for him to catch all the festivities.

Clarence Hill, Jr. of the Star-Telegram reports that a deal is close between Claiborne and the Cowboys, according to a source, and that it could be done as soon as Monday, but definitely before the full training camp starts on July 29.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Report --- Cincinnati Bengals rookie Dre Kirkpatrick out six weeks - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon pleads guilty to drunken driving - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Where is Poe's deal?
11:33AM ET
Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are gathering on Thursday in preparation for their first practice of training camp on Friday. While they've gotten some encouraging news on their trio of starters that missed much of the 2011 season -- S Eric Berry, RB Jamaal Charles and TE Tony Moeaki, all of whom are expected to take the field Friday -- there are two big problems remaining: franchise-tagged WR Dwayne Bowe and first-round draft pick Dontari Poe are unsigned.

On Tuesday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the Chiefs and Poe are "not close" to a contract, though Chiefs GM Scott Pioli would not specifically address the situation, according to the Kansas City Star.

At issue for Poe may be the inclusion of offset language in the contract; in short, if the Chiefs cut Poe and he's signed elsewhere, they want their guaranteed payments to Poe reduced. For many of the first-rounders, this is not much of an issue -- if the Washington Redskins feel like they have to cut Robert Griffin III before the end of his deal, for instance, they'll have much bigger problems than the small amount of guaranteed money still owed to him. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk points out that for a boom-or-bust prospect like Poe, the idea that he could be cut before the end of a four-year deal is not that outlandish; in other words, the Chiefs would be smart to protect themselves in such an event.

There's still some time left, but a lack of a deal by the time camp starts would be a dubious development for K.C.:

- Tim Kavanagh​

Bill Williamson
They need to get this done

"Both Poe and the team know how important it is for him to be signed in time. Because of the new CBA, there really is no excuse for any rookie not to be signed. If Poe is not with the Chiefs when they begin practice later this week, it will be a mark on both the team and Poe."

 

[BINGO]

Impact of Kirkpatrick's injury
7:45AM ET
Cincinnati Bengals

On Wednesday, a report from the NFL Network indicated that Cincinnati Bengals rookie CB Dre Kirkpatrick would miss six weeks with a fractured bone in his leg; that timeline was adjusted later by a report from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who indicated that it would be two to four weeks instead. Either way, the Alabama product's availability at the start of the season is certainly in question.

The loss of Kirkpatrick is disappointing, but fortunately, the Bengals weren't drafting for need when they selected him. ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley explains:

-Tim Kavanagh​

Jamison Hensley
There are others who can step up to replace him for now

"While Kirkpatrick was expected to challenge for a starting job, the Bengals are fortunate this injury comes at a position of experienced depth. In fact, Kirkpatrick's injury is making the Bengals look smart right now. They signed three former first-round cornerbacks this offseason: Adam Jones, Terence Newman and Jason Allen. There's still a chance that Leon Hall, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury, could practice soon. The Bengals are hopeful to get him on the field this week. And, based on this current timetable, Kirkpatrick will be able to contribute this season. The injury just pushes him back as far as contributing right away."

 

[BINGO]

Will Gordon start for Browns?
4:51PM ET
Cleveland Browns

Josh Gordon hasn't played a football game in two years, and has been on the Cleveland Browns' roster for less than two weeks, but he could still be in the starting lineup come opening day. ESPN.com AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley says that Cleveland simply doesn't have any other options:

- Vince Verhei​

Jamison Hensley
Cleveland has no choice

"[Gordon] instantly improves a Browns wide receiver group that ranks among the worst in the NFL and was virtually ignored in free agency and the draft. In the perfect scenario, Gordon would be brought along slowly because he hasn't played a game since 2010. This is far from a perfect scenario with receivers like Mohamed Massaquoi, Josh Cribbs, Travis Benjamin and Carlton Mitchell."

 

[BINGO]

Weeden not the starter?
10:31AM ET
Brandon Weeden | Browns

The Cleveland Browns and No. 22 overall pick Brandon Weeden finally came to an agreement on his rookie contract on Tuesday, so now he can get down to the business of being their starting quarterback. Only it's not quite that simple, apparently.

In comments to the media, Browns HC Pat Shurmur declined to name Weeden officially the starter, according to ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley, instead providing a timeline for making that announcement. Shurmur indicated that such an announcement will be made anytime between now and Aug. 10, which is the date of the club's first preseason game.

Hensley doesn't agree with the strategy:

- Tim Kavanagh​

Jamison Hensley
It's counter-productive to drag this out

"Shurmur previously hinted that a starter could be named at the beginning of training camp, but that won't happen now. Still, there isn't much suspense in this quarterback competition. Weeden went first in most of the drills Wednesday just like he did during the team's mandatory minicamp last month. I understand the desire to make Weeden feel like he has to win the job, but it's in the Browns' best interest to end the charade. Weeden and this Browns young offense (which could start four rookies) needs as many snaps as they can get in the preseason. It serves no purpose to give Colt McCoy or Seneca Wallace any playing time in the first half of the first three preseason games."

 

[BINGO]

Reiff's starting chances
3:45PM ET
Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions got No. 23 overall pick Riley Reiff under contract earlier this week as the team's rookies gathered for their first-ever NFL training camp, but there has been no disclosure as to Reiff's spot in the lineup during his initial campaign. With the entire team getting set to practice on Friday, HC Jim Schwartz was asked about a multitude of topics, including the plans for Reiff.

"He brings a lot of credentials to the table -- he's smart, he's big, he's a hard worker -- but where he plays and how soon he plays will depend on nothing but how he does over these 35 days of training camp, how he plays in these preseason games," Schwartz indicated during an interview on WXYZ-TV, per MLive.com. "It's not going to be where we drafted him, how much money he makes, his signing bonus, or the color of his t-shirt. It's going to be how he does in those practices."

The Lions' current starters at OT are Jeff Backus on the left side and Gosder Cherilus on the right. Earlier rumors that Reiff would work in at guard have been debunked.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Where's Tannehill's deal?
11:42AM ET
Ryan Tannehill | Dolphins

A report earlier this week indicated that the Miami Dolphins were "digging in" regarding their insistence on offset language going into the deal with No. 8 overall pick Ryan Tannehill. To put it plainly, if the Dolphins cut the QB before his contract is up, they don't want to be on the hook for any more of his guaranteed money if he signs elsewhere. Few of the top picks have had this language in their deal.

On Friday, as the rest of the team begins the training camp journey, Tannehill remained away from the action. Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland addressed the situation, though he didn't offer much by way of an update. "He's obviously not here so we're obviously not done yet," Ireland noted, per ESPN AFC East blogger James Walker. "I think progress is being made. It's progressing, communication is ongoing on both sides. ... We will not discuss the details of the negotiations in public."

And so, the wait continues. Tannehill was not expected to mount a serious challenge for the starting job during his rookie campaign; nevertheless, it's still important for his continued development to get to camp as soon as possible.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Wright's negotiations
9:29AM ET
Kendall Wright | Titans

No. 20 overall pick Kendall Wright is one of three first-round picks remaining without a signed contract at this point as his Tennessee Titans teammates convene for training camp this weekend. And while the main financial portions of the deal are not in question, the guaranteed portion is, thanks to last year's No. 20 overall pick.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave DE Adrian Clayborn all four years of his contract guaranteed, and the Wright camp wants the same for the Baylor product. As John Glennon of the Tennessean writes, that bridge doesn't seem likely to be gapped by the time players report on Friday.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Trumaine Johnson oversleeps, misses Rams practice - NFL.com

 

[BINGO]

No broken bone for Kirkpatrick
12:20PM ET
Dre Kirkpatrick | Bengals

Rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said Friday that he does not have a broken bone in his knee, according to Bengal.com's Geoff Hobson.

The initial report about Kirkpatrick was that a fractured bone in the joint would cost him four to six weeks of action. Our NFL Insider Adam Schefter indicated later that the rook likely would miss just two to four weeks.

The exact nature of the injury remains a bit of a mystery, as does his timeline for a return -- something he was not willing to discuss on Friday.

As is the case with any rookie, missing several weeks of training camp is going to be a setback. It will be difficult for Kirkpatrick to make a case for starting right away, even if it only takes him a few weeks to return to action.

- Tom Carpenter​

 

[BINGO]

Sanchez solid in first look
3:15PM ET
New York Jets

If everything that coach Rex Ryan has said is true, then all Mark Sanchez needs to do is play well and there will not be any quarterback controversy with backup Tim Tebow. After one training camp practice, it appears all is well for Sanchez.

"The morning after Mark Sanchez said that he was in 'attack mode' entering training camp, the fourth-year quarterback outshined backup Tim Tebow on the first day of practice," said the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta.

"Sanchez led an offense that looked crisp on the first day of practice, setting the tone with a 40-yard bomb to rookie Stephen Hill on the first play of 11-on-11 team drills. Hill made a diving grab off a deflection from Darrelle Revis."

Tebow reportedly played well, too, completing four of five passes and rushing twice for 15 yards with the second team.

In the eyes of ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor, acquiring Tebow already has paid dividends for Sanchez and the Jets:

- Tom Carpenter​

Ian O'Connor
Tebow makes Jets, Sanchez better

"[T]he first-stringer has already responded to the presence of the world's most famous second-stringer, packing on a dozen tough-guy pounds in an attempt to enhance his durability and, of course, to keep Tebow tucked under a baseball cap near the bench. So Sanchez is ready to fight for what has been his for three uneven years. Good for him, even better for the Jets. The quarterback needed a credible threat to his job, and Rex Ryan couldn't generate one with old man Mark Brunell as his lone alternative. Problem solved. If Brunell represented a water pistol, Tebow represents a weapon of mass distraction. All the T-shirts in the shop windows announced Cortland as TebowTown, and Sanchez seems to get it. He's allowing this to be Tebow's town, as long as it's not Tebow's team."

 

[BINGO]

Rookie Diaries #1

 

[BINGO]

Ryan Tannehill misses Dolphins' first camp practice - Yahoo! Sports

 

[MHSL82]

I seem to be picking on Tebow, though I think he does get a bad rap. But I read in the comments section of an article how his rush attempts were basically complete short passes, 100% completion percentage even if he doesn't gain any yards, due to the time it takes off the clock. He then adjusted his QBR taking that into account, saying it was 81, just like Eli Manning's career rating.