Last week's Combine produced relatively few surprises, but did create separation at muddled positions on draft boards. Weighing in at 6'5/270 and running a 4.64 forty, USF's Jason Pierre-Paul made a serious case to be the first defensive end taken in April. Oklahoma's Sam Bradford showed up 13 pounds heavier than his college weight and -- most importantly -- carried it well, helping to dispel the idea that he'll be physically brittle at the next level. With 36-inch arms, top draft-eligible left tackle Russell Okung recorded a beastly 38 reps on the 225-pound bench to nix the notion that he might lack enough strength to be an immediate contributor in the running game.

Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, Clemson RB C.J. Spiller, Oklahoma OT Trent Williams, and Texas S Earl Thomas were other risers. Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham, Rutgers OT Anthony Davis, Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster, and LSU WR Brandon LaFell may have sunk after disappointing testing or performance in drills. Florida TE Aaron Hernandez, Alabama LB Rolando McClain, Florida LB Brandon Spikes, and WR Dez Bryant opted out due to injury, leaving questions about their competitiveness and athleticism unanswered.

Ultimately, though, good teams don't place as large an emphasis on forty times and hand size as they do on film study, production, and character. Keeping in mind team-by-team trends, need areas, and player quality, here's our best guess as to how the top 32 will shake out on April 22nd.

1. St. Louis Rams - Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford

If ESPN's Adam Schefter believes something strongly enough to guarantee it publicly, we can usually take it to the bank. And the Bradford-to-St. Louis fit is pretty much ideal. Assuming his medical went smoothly, Bradford has likely moved to the top of GM Billy Devaney's board. The Rams, who haven't drafted a QB in the first round since 1967, are in search of an accurate, intelligent, and athletic passer. Bradford also is highly aggressive, evidenced by an incredible 9.41 career yards-per-attempt average. St. Louis' quick move to sign A.J. Feeley at the outset of free agency strongly indicates that he'll be the organization's "bridge" to Bradford.

2. Detroit Lions - Oklahoma State LT Russell Okung

While the Lions insist that Friday's acquisition of DT Corey Williams won't influence their selection at No. 2 overall, it gives GM Martin Mayhew options. A three-technique pass rusher, Williams is slated to start alongside promising nose tackle Sammie Lee Hill. Williams plays the same position that Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy would in Detroit's 4-3. Protecting Matthew Stafford, who needed postseason knee surgery and played through a separated left shoulder during a rookie year in which he took too many hits, should now be Mayhew's top priority. The 2009 Big Twelve Offensive Lineman of the Year, Okung is the draft's most polished pass protector.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh

How about a statistical comparison between the draft's top defensive tackles over the last two seasons? Tackles: Suh - 161; Gerald McCoy - 64. Sacks: Suh - 19.5; McCoy - 12.5. Tackles for loss: Suh - 43; McCoy - 26.5. Yeah, McCoy was double teamed. So was Suh. Nebraska also uses a read-and-react system in which Suh's primary task was to keep action in front of him rather than knife up field. McCoy has always been a pure gap shooter. Clearly, Suh is the more productive player with better run-stopping ability. He would be an ideal pickup for Tampa Bay's league-worst run defense.

4. Washington Redskins - Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy

Should the top three go as predicted, new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan will be left with two players worth serious consideration at No. 4: Jimmy Clausen and McCoy. Clausen's smarts and accuracy-arm strength combo would be great fits for Shanahan's West Coast style, but The Mastermind wants to win now, and drafting best player available -- particularly when it involves a position of immediate need -- is the best way to do it. Transitioning to a 3-4 scheme, the Skins are weak at both end spots with 37-year-old Phillip Daniels and underachiever Anthony Montgomery as projected starters. Coordinator Jim Haslett's 3-4 is aggressive, and would take advantage of McCoy's strengths as a pass rusher.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant

Bryant's absence from Combine workouts with a hamstring tweak was disappointing, but he may be the most physically gifted draft-eligible wideout since Calvin Johnson. Easily superior to Michael Crabtree in terms of size, leaping ability and deep-threat potential, Bryant is likely to rip up the track at his March 10 Pro Day. While Kansas City needs to strongly consider upgrading its front five in order to keep Matt Cassel upright, this year's depth at tackle and guard is tremendous. No incoming wide receiver holds a candle to Bryant, who draws deserved comparisons to Andre Johnson.

6. Seattle Seahawks - Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen

As Matt Hasselbeck enters a contract year at age 35, the Seahawks face lots of long-term uncertainty at quarterback. They are also rumored to be dangling backup Seneca Wallace, and we still wouldn't rule out a Hasselbeck draft-day trade to Cleveland. Clausen, who faced Pete Carroll's Trojans annually at Notre Dame, nearly led the Irish to a fourth-quarter comeback win over USC last season, throwing for 260 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. New offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates' successful history of young quarterback tutelage (e.g. Jay Cutler, Matt Barkley) should give Seattle confidence that Clausen would develop quickly.

7. Cleveland Browns - Tennessee S Eric Berry

Reaffirmed as the draft's premier defensive back by convincingly outdoing Joe Haden and Earl Thomas at the Combine, Berry blazed the track with a 4.47 forty and showed rare explosion on his jumps (10'10" broad, 43" vertical). Well-known players like Berry are often unfairly picked apart by evaluators in their final college seasons, but we've yet to find a flaw in Berry's game. The Browns need help at both cornerback and safety. Berry can cover the deep middle, support the run with a linebacker's mentality, and shut down slot receivers when opponents go three wide.

8. Oakland Raiders - Maryland LT Bruce Campbell

6'6", 314 pounds. The draft's longest arms (36 1/4"). 4.85 forty. These are the qualities Al Davis looks for in a prospect. Campbell's play doesn't match his underwear athleticism, but the Raiders have proved that they're more concerned with measurables than performance too many times for a workout wonder like Campbell to not rank high on Davis' draft board. Mario Henderson was a liability for most of last season, so Oakland should be in the market for a replacement.

9. Buffalo Bills - Oklahoma OT Trent Williams

Clausen falling to No. 9 would be a best-case scenario for the Bills, but that's unlikely. Behind quarterback, the team's biggest hole is at offensive tackle. Another Combine standout, Williams answered questions about his athleticism by posting the second fastest forty (4.88) and fifth best short-shuttle time (4.63) at his position. He also measured in at a solid 6'4 1/2" and 314 pounds with more-than-adequate 34 1/4" arms. Williams has a low ceiling, with Pro Bowl right tackle potential if he doesn't immediately dominate on the blind side. After the 2009 trade of LT Jason Peters and RT Brad Butler's surprise February retirement, Buffalo just needs warm bodies.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars - South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul

With Joe Haden out of the top-ten mix after a poor Combine, the Jags can refocus on their most pressing position: defensive end. This pick could easily come down to Pierre-Paul and 2009 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Derrick Morgan. Pierre-Paul offers through-the-roof upside, but played just one year at Division I. Morgan was productive throughout his three years at Georgia Tech and may be the safer pick. A team that set a franchise record low in sacks last year must continue to add pass rushers, even after the Aaron Kampman signing. Kampman, going on 31 and coming off a torn ACL, is unlikely to be a consistent threat until next season's halfway point.

11. Denver Broncos - Tennessee NT Dan Williams

The Broncos' plan of action when the free agency/trading period began Friday became clear immediately; they're upgrading their lines. They've shown interest in free agents Jarvis Green, Rex Hadnot, Jason Babin, and Kevin Mawae, signed DL Justin Bannan and praised his "versatility" as an end/nose tackle in a post-signing statement, and retained G/C Russ Hochstein. Denver's run defense was atrocious a year ago, and the NFL-ready Williams would be a big upgrade on the nose ahead of Ronald Fields. A Williams-Fields-Bannan-Ryan McBean rotation could keep blockers off ILB D.J. Williams and make the whole front seven competitive.

12. Miami Dolphins - Texas OLB Sergio Kindle

The Fins addressed one of their primary weaknesses Friday night by making Karlos Dansby the game's highest paid non-rush linebacker. They now need a rush linebacker. Pierre-Paul figures to be director of football operations Bill Parcells' preferred target due to his length and freakish athleticism, but Kindle won't be far behind. Ready to contribute immediately on all three downs, Kindle exhibited the ability to rush from two- and three-point stances at Texas, led the Longhorns in QB pressures last season, and was highly disruptive throughout his career. Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake would be Miami's starting outside linebackers if the season began today.

13. San Francisco 49ers - Rutgers LT Anthony Davis

Davis' Combine performance left a lot to be desired. He managed just 21 reps of 225 pounds on the bench and ran a forty-yard dash in the 5.2-5.3 range. The rep total is Michael Oher-like, however, and rarely do offensive tackles actually run forty yards. Davis, who doesn't turn 21 until mid-October, offers perhaps the most upside of any draft-eligible offensive lineman at 6'6/325 with 34-inch arms and an impressive 32-start college resume. Needy at right tackle, the 49ers could start Davis there initially and possibly flip flop him with LT Joe Staley in the future.

14. Seattle Seahawks - Iowa LT Bryan Bulaga

To come out of the first round with a left tackle and franchise quarterback would qualify Pete Carroll's Seahawks draft debut as a true humdinger. Either way, you can be sure Seattle will take a tackle with one of its first two selections. Joe Thomas-lite at 6'5/315 with great feet and adequate arm length (33 1/4") to protect the blind side, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year is NFL ready coming from Kirk Ferentz's pro-style system. Ferentz also makes heavy use of zone blocking at Iowa, and new Seahawks OL coach Alex Gibbs is the godfather of the system.

15. New York Giants - Florida CB Joe Haden

Haden's 4.6 forty will cost him a spot in the draft's top ten, but he isn't likely to get past GM Jerry Reese's Giants. A firm believer in the best-player-available strategy, Reese proved last year that he puts little stock in pre-draft hiccups. North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks ran just 4.54 in the forty, scored a pitiful 11 on the Wonderlic, and gained a scary 14 pounds during the one-month period between the Combine and Tar Heels' Pro Day. Reese made Nicks the No. 29 overall pick. Haden could push for LCB Aaron Ross' starting job in year one, and at worst upgrade the Giants' woeful pass defense as a nickel back, replacing non-tendered restricted free agent Kevin Dockery.

16. Tennessee Titans - Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan

The 2009 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All American probably deserves to go higher than this, but the Titans would love for Morgan to fall into their laps. Moving on from Kyle Vanden Bosch and washed-up Jevon Kearse, Tennessee has a hole at defensive end opposite William Hayes. Morgan, at 6'4/272 with 4.7 speed and immense college production, projects as an every-down end and "character guy" on and off the field. He recorded 18.5 tackles for loss and an ACC-best 12.5 sacks as a junior before declaring for the draft.

17. San Francisco 49ers - Texas S Earl Thomas

After securing offensive tackle help at No. 13, the 49ers can pursue play-making ability with their second first-round pick. Clemson RB/KR C.J. Spiller should be a strong consideration, but it's believed GM Scot McCloughan won't use a top-20 selection on a tailback he doesn't consider an every-down player. Thomas, the Big Twelve interceptions leader with eight as a third-year sophomore, would team with Dashon Goldson to give San Francisco perhaps the most impressive young safety duo in the league. Also an effective enough cover man to contain slot receivers, Thomas would upgrade the team's nickel package in addition to excelling as a free safety on early downs.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Alabama ILB Rolando McClain

McClain didn't work out at the Combine due to a hamstring injury, despite telling NFL Network's Charles Davis in Indianapolis that he was healthy. He should be 100 percent for the Crimson Tide's March 10 Pro Day, but questions about McClain's speed and range remain. Still, the Butkus Award winner is too good a player to fall out of the top 20, and Pittsburgh would be an excellent landing spot. McClain has made it clear that he wants to stay in a 3-4 defense after learning the system under Nick Saban, and 35-year-old Steelers ILB James Farrior's play is declining sharply.

19. Atlanta Falcons - Notre Dame WR Golden Tate

Vehemently answering questions about his speed, Tate appeared to lock up the distinction of being this draft's No. 2 receiver prospect by running an official forty of 4.42 in Indianapolis. The Hines Ward clone is a first-round pick. Atlanta seemed destined to draft the best cornerback available at No. 19 before making Dunta Robinson the NFL's second highest paid CB on Friday evening, but now have options. While the team values current No. 2 Michael Jenkins' blocking ability, he doesn't make plays and slot man Harry Douglas is coming off a torn ACL. The product of a pro-style system, Tate would alleviate double teams from Roddy White's side of the field.

20. Houston Texans - Clemson RB C.J. Spiller

Lasting to No. 20 might be a bit too long for Spiller, but NFL evaluators continue to question his ability to hold up at 5'11/196. Spiller played through a toe injury as a senior and only spent one season as an every-down back, sharing time in his first three with current Browns RB James Davis. The reality is Spiller was remarkably durable at Clemson, missing just one game in four seasons. Should Spiller be off the board before they pick, the Texans are expected to strongly consider more powerfully built Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - UCLA DT Brian Price

Bengals coordinator Mike Zimmer's aggressive unit did well to rank No. 4 in total defense a year ago despite lacking one key element -- an up-field interior rusher. Price, the 2009 Pac Ten Defensive Player of the Year and conference leader in tackles for loss, fills the bill as a true three technique tackle in a 4-3. Still just 20 (he turns 21 on April 10), Price offers a high ceiling and an incredibly productive resume. He'd present quite an upgrade over free agent Tank Johnson.

22. New England Patriots - Penn State DT Jared Odrick

A 3-4 rush linebacker ranks higher on New England's list of needs, but Odrick's game-changing ability to collapse and contain, depending on the defensive play call, will probably be too hard to pass up if he's still available. A power player with plenty of quickness, the 6'5/301-pound Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year would book end DE Ty Warren in Bill Belichick's system. Odrick makes everyone around him better, and the Patriots have three second-round picks at their disposal to use on college ends converting to linebacker. Murray State's Austen Lane, TCU's Jerry Hughes, and Utah's Koa Misi should be on their radar in round two.


23. Green Bay Packers - USC LT Charles Brown

Green Bay's re-signing of Chad Clifton doesn't reduce the team's need for a long-term left tackle. Clifton turns 34 in July, is no longer an effective run blocker, and battled injuries all last season. Brown, a converted tight end, will probably never be a stud in the ground game himself, but is a pro-ready pass blocker and possesses ideal athleticism for the Packers' zone-blocking system. At 6'5/303 with 35 1/4-inch arms, Brown also has picturesque length to stay on the blind side.

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Florida DE Carlos Dunlap

A top-ten talent, Dunlap is rumored to have dropped on, or even been removed from, several draft boards due to off-field issues, inconsistent production, and a motor that runs hot and cold. He had nine sacks last season, but only 10.5 tackles for loss and was arrested for DUI in December. Still, Dunlap is built like Julius Peppers at 6'6/277, and "hides" the weight so well that he could probably bulk up to 300 and remain explosive. With the Birds needy at left end after missing out on Peppers in free agency, Dunlap offers immense upside as both a blitzer and run defender.

25. Baltimore Ravens - Boise State CB Kyle Wilson

The Ravens satisfied their receiver need in a big way by acquiring Anquan Boldin for a pair of mid-round picks Friday night. Their next biggest weakness is in the back end, with 2009 starting CBs Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb recovering from torn ACLs. Baltimore needs a corner that's ready to play right away. Wilson is what the doctor ordered as a four-year starter and annual Academic All-WAC pick who's never missed a game due to injury. Also an explosive punt returner, Wilson offers special teams value if he's unable to secure a starting job in 2010.

26. Arizona Cardinals - Michigan DE Brandon Graham

No team has lost more than the Cardinals over the last week, yet outside linebacker has all along remained their softest spot. 33-year-old Clark Haggans, who provides little pass-rush ability, is Arizona's lone returning OLB with significant experience. The Cards have flirted with free agent Joey Porter, but he too is 33 and in decline. Graham, a LaMarr Woodley clone, will probably not be drafted in the top 20 due to size concerns; 3-4 clubs want rush 'backers to be at least 6-foot-2, and Graham comes up short. He also has just 30 1/2-inch arms. Cardinals GM Rod Graves knows a difference-making sack artist when he sees one, though, and Graham qualifies.

27. Dallas Cowboys - Florida State CB Patrick Robinson

Jerry Jones' team has perhaps the league's most complete roster and could go a number of ways with their first-round pick. Nickel back Orlando Scandrick was arguably Dallas' biggest defensive liability a year ago, and should be on the hot seat this summer. While there are questions about Robinson's ball skills after he picked off just one pass in his junior and senior years combined, it's worth noting that he had six interceptions as a sophomore. It's possible that opponents simply stopped throwing away from him. With ideal hip fluidity and extremely quick feet, Robinson may be the best pure man-to-man corner in the draft.

28. San Diego Chargers - Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews

San Diego has more needs than you'd think (Alabama NT Terrence Cody is also worth a long look), but urgency at running back figures to force GM A.J. Smith's hand. Mathews, last year's NCAA rushing leader, vaulted himself into the first-round conversation and perhaps past Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer on draft boards with a terrific Combine. He ran a 4.45 forty and looked smooth in receiving drills. With the LaDainian Tomlinson era over and Michael Bennett released last Thursday, restricted free agent Darren Sproles is the only Chargers back under control for 2010.

29. New York Jets - Rutgers CB Devin McCourty

On paper, the Jets went a long way toward solving their No. 2 cornerback dilemma by trading for Antonio Cromartie last Thursday. However, both Cromartie and Darrelle Revis are in contract years, nickel back Donald Strickland has been released, and Rex Ryan doesn't seem high on 2008 fourth-round pick Dwight Lowery. A kick-blocking machine with increased special teams value, McCourty's stock has soared during draft season with an impressive Senior Bowl and outstanding Combine. He could take over as a starter in 2011 if the Cromartie experiment fails.

30. Minnesota Vikings - Florida C Maurkice Pouncey

A starter at both right guard and center at Florida, Pouncey is this year's consensus top pivot. The 2009 Rimington Award winner would be an immediate starter in Minnesota, replacing 2008 sixth-round pick John Sullivan. The Vikings had all kinds of run-blocking problems last season, as Adrian Peterson averaged a career-low 4.4 yards per carry and was too often bottled up at the line of scrimmage. Pouncey, still just 20 years old, could potentially move to left guard eventually. Incumbent LG Steve Hutchinson is showing signs of decline and headed for his age-33 season.

31. Indianapolis Colts - Clemson DE Ricky Sapp

Sapp (6'4/252) is popularly mocked to 3-4 teams as an outside linebacker prospect after playing "bandit end" as a three-year starter at Clemson. Colts president Bill Polian, though, isn't bullish on having his ends at a certain weight. Indianapolis has gotten by just fine with 245-pound Robert Mathis and 6'1/268-pound Dwight Freeney at the position. The Colts' lack of depth in the pass rush department was exposed in the Super Bowl, as Raheem Brock couldn't get to Drew Brees while Freeney was sidelined with a foot injury. Brock has since been released.

32. New Orleans Saints - USC DE Everson Griffen

New Orleans has parted with underachieving LE Charles Grant after a season-ending torn triceps muscle and too many years if middling production. The Saints have just two ends under contract for 2010: RE Will Smith and nickel rusher Bobby McCray. Griffen, who finished his USC career with 18 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, reported to the Combine at a hulking 6'4/274. The build is ideal for a strong-side defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Griffen also ran an extremely impressive 4.66 forty and benched 225 pounds 32 times to solidify a late first-round grade.

Narrowly Missed: Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas, USC S Taylor Mays, Alabama NT Terrence Cody, Northwestern DE Corey Wootton, Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham, UMass LT Vladimir Ducasse, Idaho OG Mike Iupati, Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer, Iowa CB Amari Spievey, Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon, TCU LB Daryl Washington, Florida LB Brandon Spikes, USC WR Damian Williams, TCU DE Jerry Hughes, Penn State LB Navorro Bowman, Florida TE Aaron Hernandez, Illinois WR Arrelious Benn, LSU S Chad Jones, LSU WR Brandon LaFell, California RB Jahvid Best, Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski, Cincinnati WR Mardy Gilyard

LenDale White has a message for the Titans: play me or trade me.

After backing up the NFL’s leading rusher in 2009, the veteran running back doesn’t think the first part is an option.

“I did good with it for a year, I didn’t complain. I backed up greatness, a guy who ran for 2,000 yards. But now that that’s over I feel like … it is time for me to start somewhere. And that is what I want to do. I want to be a starter in the NFL, not a backup,’’ White said on Friday.

“I would definitely be interested in a trade. I don’t know where, or how (the Titans) might view that, but that is what I am hoping for. I can’t see me sitting in Tennessee as a backup any more. And that goes as no disrespect to the Titans or C.J., but I feel like it is time for me to get out of there. … Sometimes it is just best to part ways.’’

Combine rumor: Boldin will finally get dealt
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 25, 2010 7:11 PM ET
It's always been a career goal of mine to pass along some nebulous "buzz" or "word on the street" that a respectable journalist would be too responsible to write.

My time has come.

The chatter at the Scouting Combine from a few places is that Anquan Boldin will finally get traded this offseason.

The notion isn't much different from what I wrote on the topic Wednesday, but now it's coming from people who know what they are talking about.

The Cardinals held out for a big trade package for Boldin last offseason and never came close to dealing him.

The feeling now is that they will accept less for him for a variety of reasons. Boldin has only one year left on his deal, his body takes the punishment of a running back, and Steve Breaston has proven to be a reliable starter.

While Boldin's health is a question mark, he's only 29 years old and is known as a great locker room leader. Baltimore tops the list of teams that will be interested and Miami also makes sense.

The Cardinals wanted a first and a third-round pick last year. With his trade value down, perhaps a second-round pick and change could seal the deal.

Expect to hear a lot more about Boldin in the build up to April's draft. This time, it should pay off in a trade.

Free agent LB Karlos Dansby is reportedly on his way to Miami Thursday night.
We can't be sure that Dansby is on his way to sign with the Dolphins, but it's an obvious guess. The Dolphins were expected to make Dansby their highest priority, willing to pay the $30 million guaranteed to lock up the best linebacker on the market.
Source: National Football Post

Multiple league sources tell the Boston Globe that free agent Julius Peppers is too big a risk for any team to invest in long term.
"I wouldn’t touch him," said an ex-Panthers personnel man. "On the field, he’s a freak athletically, but it’s whether he shows up or not. He’ll go two and three games and do nothing but take up space. Then he’ll have two sacks, a forced fumble, a pick, and change the game." According to an AFC scout, Peppers "could end up costing some personnel guy his job...If you pay this guy, I don’t think you’ll see a double-digit sack [season] again the rest of his career."
Source: Boston Globe

On Friday night, the Saints' staff at the combine gathered in a private room at St. Elmo Steakhouse, an 108-year-old Indy landmark, for a final celebratory nod to the Super Bowl win over the Colts. This is a group that likes its wine, and likes to have fun.

At the restaurant, word passed that Dallas owner Jerry Jones would have his Dallas group in this exact room Saturday night for a team dinner. Jones had even phoned ahead, according to a waiter, to make sure a magnum of a wine he loved, Caymus Special Selection cabernet sauvignon, was ready to be served at dinner.

Sean Payton told the waiter he'd like to have that wine, too. The waiter told him: Sorry, sir. We have only one bottle left, and it's reserved for Mr. Jones.

Payton said he'd like to have the bottle nonetheless. I assume there was much angst on the part of the wait staff at that point. My God! Who do we piss off? One of the most powerful owners in the NFL, or the coach who's the toast of the NFL, the coach who just won the Super Bowl?

Here came the bottle of Caymus Special Selection, and the Saints' party drained it.

But drinking Jones' wine wasn't enough. Payton gave the waiter some instructions, took out his pen ... and, well, the Cowboys party found at the middle of their table the next evening an empty magnum of Caymus Special Selection cabernet sauvignon, with these words hand-written on the fancy label:

WHO DAT!
World Champions XLIV
Sean Payton

Inclusion in Olympics could be key to international growth of NFL
Mike Florio

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 - 11:28 a.m. ET
Every four years, Americans become enthralled with sports we routinely ignore during the two-week respite from reality known as the Olympics. But as the Winter and Summer Games continuously expand to include niche sports with cult followings at best, the ongoing omission of the greatest sport on the planet becomes more glaring.

Football. American football. The real football.

The Olympics won't be complete until the roster of events includes football. More importantly, football won't be able to completely saturate the world's consciousness until the Olympics embrace it.

Continue Reading

For more than three years, football fans and the public have wondered why Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams ended up getting shot on New Year's Day 2007.

The answer came Tuesday in the first moments of the trial of the man accused of killing Williams: It wasn't anything the football player did.

Instead, a prosecutor said, Williams was the innocent victim of a gang member angry because he was sprayed with champagne and feeling disrespected over being manhandled by Williams' teammate, current Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall.


"In a world of Denver street gangs, in a world of Tre Tre Crips, if you are disrespected, you have a right to take an innocent life," prosecutor Bruce Levin told jurors during his opening statement. "That is their world."

John Sheppard, who was the prosecution's first witness, said there was chaos inside the limo when the shots were fired.
He said everyone started screaming and crying when they realized Williams was shot.

"He was just holding him like a little baby," Sheppard said of Williams' teammate, Javon Walker. "He was saying, 'Man, don't die on me. Don't die on me.' Darrent's shoe fell off and there was just blood everywhere. . . . I never seen nothing like that."
Willie D. Clark, 26, charged with first-degree murder, felt disrespected by Williams' friends and Marshall after the receiver grabbed Clark's head during an argument near the limousine at closing time, Levin said.

The argument began inside the club after Brandon Marshall's cousin Blair Clark sprayed champagne on a group of gang members.


Sheppard, who was visiting Williams from his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, described Blair Clark as "overdrunk" and said the cousin later had to be restrained from fighting with members of the Tre Tre Crips outside the club.

Witnesses are expected to testify that after the argument, Willie Clark asked for a gun, but then said he had one in his truck. One witness told police she saw Willie Clark get into the white Chevrolet Tahoe that police say was used in the drive-by shooting.

More than 15 shots from a .40-caliber and a .45-caliber handgun were fired into the limousine carrying 17 people.
Limo passenger Brandon Flowers testified he was shot in the buttocks and the bullet remains in his thigh muscle.
"We were driving and heard glass breaking and everyone got down," Flowers said. "I started feeling the pain in my backside, and I was shot."

Passenger Nicole Reindl still has a bullet lodged at the top of her head and she might have been killed had she not bent down to pick up her ringing cellphone, Levin said.

In his opening statements, defense lawyer Darren Cantor said much of the prosecution's case rests in the hands of questionable witnesses who made plea deals with prosecutors in exchange for their testimony.

"Willie Clark was not there," Cantor said. "He was not in the white Tahoe that night, and he was not the one who shot at the limousine.

" He has been made the scapegoat by this group of people and brought here before you in an effort by them to free themselves and their close friends."

Daniel "Ponytail" Harris, who prosecutors say was riding in the Tahoe, told investigators that Clark was driving and shooting out the passenger side window.

Harris was facing up to life in prison on a federal drug case but may serve only five years in prison in return for his testimony. He was also granted immunity from prosecution in the Williams killing.

"He is looking at up to life without the possibility of parole," Cantor said. "He knows that if he gets charged in this case for shooting Darrent Williams what the penalty is. Instead, the deal he gets, the sale he makes with these prosecutors and the federal government is that he gets five years of which he has served almost three."

INDIANAPOLIS -- An NFL spokesman says the league could change its overtime format for playoff games at a meeting next month.

Greg Aiello said Satuday that under the new format, both teams would get the ball at least once unless the first team to get the ball scores a touchdown.

If the first team to get the ball makes a field goal and the other team ties the game, action would continue until a team scores again.

Under the current rules, the first team to score wins.

The competition committee will discuss the new concept with teams and players at league meetings March 21-24 in Orlando, Fla., when it could come to a vote. At least two thirds of the teams would need to agree to the changes for new rules to be adopted.

At this time last year, the New Orleans Saints were coming off what many deemed a disappointing season. They finished 8-8 after being picked by some -- including me -- to get to the Super Bowl. They were playoff-less, finishing last in the NFC South.

A year later, they're Super Bowl champions.

New Orleans has a star passer in Drew Brees, a quarterback who can cure ills with his ability to carve up an opponent. But there are other reasons the Saints won the Super Bowl. They filled big holes through the draft and free agency. They added the right coach on defense in Gregg Williams. Key players matured. Oh, and they have a damn good coach in Sean Payton, who isn't afraid to take chances.

The Saints' formula for going from non-playoff team to a Super Bowl winner was essentially this: Good quarterback + aggressive coach + young players ready to take the next step + a defense that can pressure the quarterback when the team is ahead = rings.

What teams have a chance to follow that formula in 2010, using it to go from a non-playoff team to a possible Super Bowl winner?

I've identified five that have that potential. None has a quarterback who is as good Brees, but they all have passers who I think are plenty good enough to win a title. Two of them -- Eli Manning of the Giants and Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers -- already have.

The other three teams are the Texans, Dolphins and Falcons. One might just follow the Saints' path to winning a Super Bowl after merely watching the playoffs the year before.

Here's a look at all five of those teams:


Houston Texans

Why they can: That passing game is lethal. Matt Schaub led the NFL in passing yards and he didn't have tight end Owen Daniels for much of the season. With Daniels back, the passing game will be even better. Andre Johnson is arguably the game's best receiver. They could use more from the other side.

What they must fix: They ranked 30th in rushing. While the Cardinals and Colts proved the past two years you can get to a Super Bowl without a running game, the Texans need to improve in this area. That means either Steve Slaton or Arian Foster or a draft pick has to become a feature back. Or maybe they get LaDainian Tomlinson if the Chargers let him go.

Player who must step up: Defensive end Antonio Smith received a fat free-agent contract to help aid the pass rush. But he had just 4½ sacks. He has to do more to give this team bang for the buck.


Atlanta Falcons

Why they can: They had to deal with a lot of injuries in 2009 and still had a winning season. Quarterback Matt Ryan took steps forward before he got hurt and he should be even better. He will get more of the offensive load next season, his third in the league. They played the Saints tough in both games, one with backup Chris Redman at quarterback. That shows they are not far off.

What they must fix: The secondary. Their corner play really struggled at times in 2009. The Falcons finished 28th in pass defense. They gave up 13 pass plays of 40-plus yards, tied for fourth most in the league.

Player who must step up: DE John Abraham went to the Pro Bowl in 2008 with 16½ sacks. He had only 5½ last season, and only 2½ in his last 12 games. Some wonder if Abraham still has the explosiveness to be an effective edge rusher.


Miami Dolphins

Why they can: They have a lot of good, young talent, but the reason they can take the next step is quarterback Chad Henne. As a first-time starter last season, Henne came on as the season moved along. He has a chance to be a playoff-type quarterback for a long time.

What they must fix: They need to get him a big-play receiver. It's clear that Ted Ginn is really a No. 2 receiver at best, so they have to find one this offseason. Maybe they make a run at Miles Austin or Vincent Jackson as restricted free agents or they draft one in this first round, which is usually not Bill Parcells' style.

Player who must step up: Henne. The Wildcat offense will fall away as Henne continues to develop. I think he has a chance to be a really good one. He just needs more freedom from the coaches on early downs.


New York Giants

Why they can: This is a team that opened 5-0 last season. That means there is talent. They had big issues on defense, but the change in coordinators will help. Tom Coughlin is too good a coach for the Giants not to be in the playoff mix next season. If the defense makes strides, they could be back in the Super Bowl.

What they must fix: That defense gave up 26.7 points per game, third worst in the league. You won't make the playoffs much with that kind of production. New defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has a lot of work in front of him to fix that unit.

Player who must step up: Running back Brandon Jacobs didn't play like he did in 2008. He just didn't seem to have the same burst. The Giants count on him to control the clock and get the tough yards, but he averaged only 3.7 per rush in 2009. That has to be better to help open up the passing game.


Pittsburgh Steelers

Why they can: They are one year removed from winning it all. So what happened in 2009? The offensive line didn't play as well as it did the year before, and the defense really wasn't as dominant as in 2008. But with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, they are always a factor when talking about AFC Super Bowl teams.

What they must fix: The pass defense didn't play that well, especially down the stretch. The Steelers were 16th against the pass, despite having 47 sacks. That tells you there are problems on the back end. They have to improve their coverage units.

Player who must step up: When he's on the field, safety Troy Polamalu is as good as any in the league. But he has battled way too many injuries. He started just five games in 2009. As the leader of the defense, he has to stay on the field.

Cowboys | Will play Cincinnati in HOF game
Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:53:43 -0800

Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports the Dallas Cowboys will play the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Hall of Fame Game Aug. 8.

CBA Questions and Answers NFL
Heading into the swirling uncertainty of a potential uncapped year and the changes that designation brings to the NFL offseason, the league put together a Q and A to help clear up any questions fans might have moving toward March 5


CBA-RELATED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q: When does the CBA expire should there be no extension to the agreement?

A: In March of 2011.

Q: Will there be a college draft in 2011?

A: Yes.

Q: What is the "Final League Year" in the current agreement?

A: The "Final League Year" is the term used in the CBA to refer to the last year of the agreement. Without a further extension of the CBA, the "Final League Year" would be the 2010 League Year, which begins on March 5.

Q: What are the differences between the "Final League Year" and any other "League Year?"

A: The principal differences are that in the "Final League Year" there is no salary cap and there are substantial additional restrictions on player free agency and reductions in player benefits.

Q: Are current player benefits affected in the Final League Year?

A: We expect current player benefits to decline in the Final League Year. The union agreed that in the Final League Year, clubs would be relieved of their obligation to fund numerous benefit programs. Examples include second career savings (401K), player annuity, severance pay and performance-based pay. The total league-wide contributions to such plans in 2009, the last capped year, were in excess of $325 million or more than $10 million per club.

Q: Are retired player benefits affected in the Final League Year?

A: Commissioner Goodell has stated in a letter to the NFL Alumni Association Board of Directors that there will be no reduction in pension or disability payments to retired players during the Final League Year (2010). Since at least the fall of 2007, NFL owners have consistently agreed and planned that they will not reduce the funding for pension or disability benefits for retired players. Nor will they reduce funding for the 88 Plan during the Final League Year.

Q: What determines an unrestricted free agent in the Final League Year (2010)?

A: In capped seasons, a player whose contract has expired becomes an unrestricted free agent if he has four or more accrued seasons. In the Final League Year (2010), a player whose contract has expired becomes an unrestricted free agent only if he has six or more accrued seasons. An unrestricted free agent is free to sign with any club with no compensation owed to his old club.

Q: What determines whether a player is a restricted free agent in the "Final League Year?"

A: In capped seasons, a player whose contract expires becomes a restricted free agent if he has three accrued seasons. In the Final League Year (2010), a player whose contract expires becomes a restricted free agent if he has three, four or five accrued seasons. The first refusal/compensation rights of restricted free agents remain unchanged in the Final League Year.

Q: In addition to the right to designate a franchise (or transition) player each capped year, can clubs designate additional players in the Final League Year?

A: Yes, one additional player can be tagged. In capped years, a club may designate a franchise player or a transition player. In the final league year (2010), a club may designate one additional transition player. A transition player must be offered a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of the prior season at the player’s position or 120 percent of the player’s prior year’s salary, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no draft pick compensation from that club.

Q: What is the Final Eight Plan?

A: During the Final League Year, the eight clubs that make the Divisional Playoffs in the previous season have additional restrictions that limit their ability to sign unrestricted free agents from other clubs. In general, the four clubs participating in the championship games are limited in the number of free agents that they may sign; the limit is determined by the number of their own free agents signing with other clubs. They cannot sign any UFAs unless one of theirs is signed by another team. For the four clubs that lost in the Divisional Playoffs, in addition to having the ability to sign free agents based on the number of their own free agents signing with other clubs, they may also sign players based on specific financial parameters. Those four only will be permitted to sign one unrestricted free agent for $5.5 million (estimated) or more in year one of the contract, plus the number of their UFAs who sign with another team. They also can sign any unrestricted free agents for less than $3.7 (estimated) million in year one of the contract with limitations on the per year increases. In the case of all final eight teams, the first year salary of UFAs they sign to replace those lost cannot exceed the first year salary of the player lost with limitations on the per year increases.

Q: Is there an Entering Player Pool in the Final League Year?

A: There may be. The CBA provides that the league has the unilateral right to keep or eliminate the rookie pool in the Final League Year.

Q: Is there a Minimum Team Salary in the Final League Year?

A: There is no Minimum Team Salary in the Final League Year. The Minimum Team Salary in 2009 is $107,748,000, meaning each team is required to allocate more than $107 million to player costs (not including benefits). The team salary cap in 2009 was $123 million.

Q: Are there individual player minimum salaries in the Final League Year?

A: Yes, but they rise at a rate somewhat slower than player minimum salaries rise in capped years.

Q: Do any player contract rules from capped years remain in place for the Final League Year?

A: Yes, some rules like the "30% increase rule" are still in effect in the Final League Year for player contracts signed in capped years. That rule restricts salary increases from 2009 to 2010. For example: a player with a $500,000 salary in 2009 would be limited to annual salary increases of $150,000 ($500,000 x 30%) beginning in 2010.