Sports Illustrated's Peter King ranked his top free agents according to value. Players projected to make over $3 million were excluded and the list was separated between restricted and unrestricted free agents. #1 on the "Unrestricted Value Board" was Rams DE Grant Wistrom. King's comments: "I'm stretching a little bit here, because a 27-year-old defensive end who has missed but two games in the last five years might get a pretty good payday. Because he hasn't been a premier pass-rusher (12 sacks in the last two seasons), he probably won't get true premier player money. The Rams really want him back. He's a great team guy. He'd be a good, totally unselfish find."
On King's "Restricted Value Board" was Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter, who was ranked 2nd behind Tennessee WR Justin McCareins. King: "It's doubtful the Eagles will go to great lengths to keep him. I still think he's a good inside-outside runner (second only to Kevan Barlow among backs who entered the RFA market last month; the Niners re-signed Barlow) and will one day, given the right situation chance, become a 1,200-yards-a-season back."
Denver Post's "Top On-Sale Free Agents" (affordables): #5 Giants CB Ralph Brown-- "A valuable player to use against all the multiple-receiver sets."
Star Tribune's overall free agents: #3 Rams DE Grant Wistrom-- "He's 6-4, 272 and had seven sacks last season. He's also tough enough to stop the run." The Tribune added that Wistrom was "more of the kind of bargain (the Vikings) prefer."
The Tennessean ranked Wistrom as the #4 overall free agent: "Hard-working, hard-nosed and 32 sacks over the last four years."In the Denver Post Wistrom did not even make the list of top defensive linemen.
[Green Bay Packers] A team source indicated that the Packers would give retired quarterback Eric Crouch a shot at playing safety.
Crouch's representative recently contacted the Packers to tell them the Heisman Trophy-winning Nebraska quarterback wanted back in the NFL. The Packers claimed Crouch off waivers last year and allowed him to compete for a spot at quarterback.But he left camp after two days and was placed on the reserve / retired list. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
02/28/04
[NFL Draft] Gil Brandt of NFL.com-- "The really interesting guy was DeMorrio Williams of Nebraska, who averaged 4.51 on his 40-yard dashes, with his fastest time a 4.45. The third week of the season at Nebraska, Williams weighed 211 pounds after practice; he weighed in here at 232 pounds."
Five linebackers ran faster than 4.6: Demorrio Williams, Nebraska, 4.50; T.J. Hollowell, Nebraska, 4.53; Leon Joe, Maryland, 4.53; Teddy Lehman, Oklahoma, 4.53; and Colby Bockwoldt, Brigham Young, 4.55. (Houston Chronicle)
[Free Agency] The Vikings are in need of a top defensive end but the draft and free agency show little promise. There are two true blue-chippers at DE this year (in free agency) -- Jevon Kearse and Grant Wistrom -- but both will be expensive and Kearse is viewed as a huge injury risk. Aside from them, the talent drops quickly or comes with some baggage. (VikingsUpdate.com)
Included among "some of the prominent names the Browns could pursue in free agency" is defensive end Grant Wistrom of the Rams who, according to BerniesInsiders.com, "is available now that the Rams have decided to franchise Pace."
[Free Agency] The Arizona Cardinals will not offer a new contract to OG Chris Dishman, who will become an unrestricted free agent March 3. (Arizona Republic, KFFL)
[Free Agency] The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release CB Tyrone Williams this off-season. The team may decide to wait until after June 1 to release Williams, so they can lessen the salary cap hit this year. (Atlanta-Journal Consitution, KFFL)
[New England Patriots] The Patriots have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with OG Russ Hochstein. The deal includes a $200,000 signing bonus and the deal will pay him about $2 million. If he is a starter, the deal will be worth about $3 million. (Len Pasquarelli-ESPN, KFFL)
[Free Agency] It would appear that Hicks might be expendable since the Chiefs might make a free agent run at Grant Wistrom or Jevon Kearse.
Wistrom was originally drafted by Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil when he was coaching the St. Louis Rams and Kearse played under Gunther Cunningham in Tennessee. Wistrom would be an upgrade to Hicks but then again Hicks was unable to show his true pass rushing skills in Greg Robinson’s defense. (WarpaintIllustrated.com)
02/26/04
Sportsline's Pete Prisco listed his Top 48 NFL Free Agents and has Rams DE Grant Wistrom is listed at #4.
"He is a tough, hard-nosed player who gets the most out of his ability. Is he a star? No. But he's Pro Bowl worthy at times." The Rest of the List
Sources familiar with the team's deliberations said Washington is concerned about Tennessee Titans DE Jevon Kearse' price tag. The club is strongly considering St. Louis Rams end Grant Wistrom. (The Washington Times)
Seven Montreal Alouettes will reach out to 33 Quebec schools to help them through problems they are facing or may face in the future. The Reaching Out to Children program was founded by Alouettes all-star defensive back Barron Miles. The lineup includes Miles, Anthony Calvillo and Kevin Johson. Local stops include Greater Gatineau Elementary School today at noon and Symmes Junior High School tomorrow at noon. (Ottawa Sun)
Vanden Bosch Ace for Card's D-Line
Dennis Green commented on improving the Cards lack of a solid pass rush. The first of several components Green listed: "One, I am hoping we are going to have Kyle Vanden Bosch back. When Kyle is healthy he has the potential to be a good player. (AZCardinals.com)
[Free Agency] Eric Johnson is a free agent the Raiders are assuredly going to make a string effort to keep. (Silver & Black Illustrated, http://raiders.theinsiders.com)
The Chargers need a huge upgrade at the linebacker position and Carlos Polk is unlikely to return unless it's a reserve role. (SportsNetwork.com)
[MLB-Dodgers] Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said left-handed reliever Troy Brohawn remains "quite a ways away" as he recovers season-ending arthroscopic surgery on June 4, and another arthroscopic procedure three weeks ago. Brohawn's status for the Grapefruit League season remains uncertain. (AP)
Nebraska: 23 "Degreed" Players in the NFL
A delayed note from ESPN (2/22/04): "In a long-overdue study, the NFL Players Association has recently compiled data which indicates that nearly 50 percent of the league's rank-and-file now have college degrees. The universities which have produced the most "degreed" players among the current NFL population: Notre Dame (35 players), Penn State (24), Nebraska (23), Miami (19), Florida State (18), Illinois (18), Michigan (18), California (17), Colorado (17), Syracuse (17), Georgia (16), North Carolina (16), Boston College (15), Iowa (15) and Southern California (15)."
[Free Agency] Grant Wistrom would be another great fit for the Bills. He fits in with the "high motor" end mold that Tom Donahoe has drafted the last three seasons as team President. Wistrom has piled up 41.5 sacks in 91 NFL games and a strong tackler having registering 285 tackles over his career. Wistrom's price tag however might be a little too high for the Bills with Aaron Schobel and Jonas Jennings expected to become unrestricted free agents next year the Bills may not want to spend big time bucks on a free agent in hopes to re-sign the aforementioned during the season next year. (BillsReport.com)
The Eagles and Cowboys might also be interested in signing Wistrom.
[NFL Draft] Nebraska will hold a Pro-Day on March 10th to allow NFL prospects to show their stuff for the scouts. Those who will be attending include: LBs Demorrio Williams and TJ Hollowell; DTs Ryan Bingham and Patrick Kabongo; DE Trevor Johnson; RB Josh Davis; FB Judd Davies; C Josh Sewell; OT Dan Vili Waldrop; and QB/ATH Jammal Lord. (GBNReport.com)
02/23/04
Local charity gives Tyrone Williams a chance to catch up
[Cininnati Bengals] The NFL draft is two months away and the NFL scouting combine is an important part of the pre-draft evaluation process for both teams and prospective draftees. During the combine, The Cincinnati Post has been taking a look at different players participating in the combine, with an eye on those who may be of interest to the Bengals.
[St. Louis Rams] Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt met with agents for offensive tackle Orlando Pace and defensive end Grant Wistrom on Saturday, continuing to work on long-term contracts for both potential free agents.
Zygmunt made a revised contract proposal to Wistrom during a Saturday afternoon meeting with Wistrom's agent, Tom Condon. The Rams made their initial offer last month.On Friday, Zygmunt met with Mark Bartelstein, the agent for quarterback Kurt Warner and offensive guard Adam Timmerman. The Rams would like to re-sign both Wistrom and Timmerman, but probably must choose one or the other if Pace stays at the franchise player cap figure of $7 million. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
The Rams are working hard to strike a deal with right defensive end Grant Wistrom before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. While the two sides are not yet close, there has been progress, and the bet here is that Wistrom re-ups before getting onto the open market. (ESPN)
[Atlanta Falcons] The Falcons are expected to cut former starting cornerbacks Ray Buchanan and Tyrone Williams. Waiting until June 1 to cut Williams is Atlanta's best option. Doing so would mean a charge of $600,000 against the 2004 salary cap. The Falcons would assume a $2.4 million charge against the $80.5 million cap. (AP/CNNSI)
Speaking of Tyrone Williams- He's expected to attend a Hometown Heroes celebration in Bradenton, Florida. (..more..)
Former NFL All-Pro DE Neil Smith was one of the seven men elected for induction this summer in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Roanoke Dazzle of the NBDL have signed Mikki Moore. Trade deadline has come and gone in the NBA and some expected to see the Utah Jazz resign Mikki Moore to more than another 10-day contract.
02/21/04
[NFL Combine] Gil Brandt of NFL.com-- "Josh Davis of Nebraska ran faster than anyone thought he could."
[St. Louis Rams] According to two sources, the Rams have made a contract offer to another prospective free agent - defensive end Grant Wistrom. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
[NBA-Utah Jazz] It does look like Mikki Moore will be signed again by the Jazz. After being signed to a pair of 10 day contracts, the Jazz wanted to see if they made a move before signing him for the rest of the season. Unless Borchardt comes back within the next day or two, or if Doleac is signed off waivers, look for Moore to be resigned. The Jazz only have 11 healthy players and Moore’s size could really help the Jazz as they are a little thin under the hoop right now. (HoopsWorld.com)
[Kansas City Chiefs] OG Will Shields has been named the 2003 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Midwest Capture's Tribute to a Champion Award winner – his second such community service award in less than a month. Shields was also honored as the Walter Payton Man of the Year on Jan. 30. (KCChiefs.com)
02/19/04
[NFL Combine] TFY Draft note on offensive line lifts at the combine- "Josh Sewell also did well and managed 30 reps."
[NFL Draft] Jammal Lord is working with CES, a cutting-edge training facility that emphasizes short, explosive movements owned by Chip Smith and Robby Stewart. It has become a breeding ground for NFL prospects and players. Last year, Smith, recognized nationwide as a strength and speed expert, trained five first-round draft picks, including three of the first six picks, Dewayne Robertson, Terence Newman and Johnathan Sullivan. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
02/18/04
[New England Patriots] Bob George of PatsFans.com offers a series of positional analysis for the 2003 New England Patriots- "...what more can you say about Russ Hochstein. He made both Kris Jenkins and Warren Sapp look like total fools. This unassuming man can rightfully lay claim to one of the most noteworthy performances by an offensive lineman in Super Bowl history. He can't truly be judged on a complete season, as he played steadily only after Woody went down early in the postseason. But he had a terrific postseason nonetheless, and the Patriot brain trust cannot help but stand up and take notice.
[NFL Combine] In preparation for the NFL Combine, many college players enroll in scouting preparation courses that strive to enhance the athlete's speed, quickness, agility, strength, jumping ability and improve their overall football skills.
Chris Kelsay, Buffalo's second-round pick in 2003, traveled to the IMG Academy in Florida to prepare for last year's Combine. For nearly two months, four times a day, Kelsay would run in the morning, lift weights after lunch and do position drills later in the afternoon. During the evenings, he'd meet with a sports psychologist to work on various intelligence tests. All of this in preparation for the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis."Everything was combine-specific," said Kelsay. "Especially coming off my senior season, when I had a hamstring injury. They really focused on that and got me back into shape to play in the Senior Bowl. Then for the combine, they put weight on me and my speed got better. They use the tests and the different drills from past combines to our benefit and to train us. So I think I kind of had an edge over a lot of the people at the combine, just because I was comfortable with all the drills. I kind of knew what to expect, not just in the physical aspect of it, but also the interviews in the meetings with the different teams." (BuffaloBills.com)
[NFL Combine] The Bengals need to go defensive on the first day of the NFL Draft.
Guys they could take later are people they scouted at the Senior Bowl in Nebraska’s 6-1, 223-pound Demorrio Williams and Auburn’s 6-2, 237-pound Dontarrious Thomas. There are also potential second-day people like Southern Mississippi’s Rod Davis. (Bengals.com)
From Tim Buckley of the Deseret Morning News: Expect the Jazz to be active in the NBA trade market during the coming week, basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor suggested Wednesday night.
"I think we'll do something at the deadline," O'Connor, who would not be more specific than that, said with regard to the league's Feb. 19 deadline for making deals.As a result, the Jazz have decided — at least for now — to not re-sign big man Mikki Moore for the rest of the season.Because Utah is now headed into the NBA All-Star break, Moore — who was called up earlier this season from Roanoke of the NBDL — has no games remaining on his current 10-day contract. If the Jazz want to sign him again, they must do so, according to NBA rules, for the remainder of the season. With anticipation of a trade, though, they want to leave roster space open — meaning Moore, who averaged 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in an eight-game stint, must wait to learn more about his future in Utah."We're going to wait until the trade deadline, and see what happens," O'Connor said when asked about Moore's status.
Former Michigan QB Drew Henson displayed his abilities to NFL scouts but he wasn't the only player trying out for the NFL. Henson threw to four receivers, including free agents Sylvester Morris and Joel Makovicka, themselves hoping to impress teams. (AP)
Mackovicka was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2002 but was out of football in 2003.
Over the past 10 years, 68 players have been drafted from Tennessee, the most of any school, followed by Florida State (64), Nebraska and Ohio State (57 each), Florida (56), Miami (53), Colorado (52) and Notre Dame (52). (NFL.com)
[NFL Europe] OT Dave Volk (allocated by the Dallas Cowboys) will play for the Amsterdam Admirals, TE Aaron Golliday (Chiefs) will be with the Scottish Claymores, DB Erwin Swiney (Packers) will be the first Husker to play for the new Cologne Centurions, and WR Wilson Thomas (Packers) heads to the Frankfurt.
Though he was not allocated by an NFL club, DT Jon Clanton was drafted in the 12th round of the "Free Agent Draft" by the Rhein Fire. Clanton had previously been signed by the Tennessee Titans but was released during training camp.
Rucker and Shields tour super sub
PackerReport.com's view of the Packers' Pro Bowl RB: "Ahman Green was the NFC’s second-leading rusher with 7 carries for 40 yards. He also chipped in a two-point conversion following Dre’ Bly’s 32-yard interception return for a touchdown which put the NFC ahead for the first time, 48-45 with 4:50 remaining.
"Green’s Pro Bowl got off to a shaky start when he dropped a pass from Daunte Culpepper on the first play from scrimmage. The Packer RB immediately atoned with a 12-yard burst up the middle. Two plays later, Green reversed his field and headed left for a 16-yard gain, his longest run of the game."Green saw plenty of playing time on an NFC offense that gave the Packers a visible role, but saw most of his carries early. He opened the NFC’s second drive with an 8-yard run and finished the first half with 6 carries for 36 yards." (Packers.TheInsiders.com)Chiefs' guard/future Hall of Famer Will Shields started teh game for the AFC and Panthers DE Mike Rucker had two solo tackles for the NFC.
Veteran Packers running back Ahman Green, who declared himself eligible for the NFL draft with a year remaining at Nebraska, expressed his reservations more diplomatically than others.
"He's still developing physically and even though he is a big guy, he's going to be dealing with a lot bigger and faster guys in the NFL," Green said. "Then the mental part. The bigger paycheck, the players - because he probably will get some flak."One NFC Pro Bowl player who didn't want to be quoted just shook his head and smiled, saying "He's going to get his (rear end) kicked." (Chicago Tribune)
"This might change everything," Ahman Green said after Thursday's Pro Bowl practice, comparing the NFL scenario to the NBA, which has seen high school players rush to the pros in recent years. "It happened before with Kevin Garnett (the Minnesota Timberwolves phenom who skipped college basketball). But when Kevin Garnett did it for the new-age guys, the young guys, that gave confidence to Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, all those guys who were coming into the NBA. It might happen in football now." (Denver Post)
From Pat Kirwin (NFL.com): Most of us believe we learn from experience. So here's an example. Tight end Johnny Mitchell comes to mind. Mitchell had all the physical qualities you would ever want in a tight end, but he was 20 years old and not ready for the NFL from the neck up. The free time, the money, the daily decisions about diet, friends, business opportunities, offseason responsibilities -- they overwhelmed him. If Mitchell had stayed in school another year or two, he would still be in the NFL today. He was that talented. I can't imagine bringing younger athletes than Johnny into the NFL just because other sports do it. (NFL.com)
Update (2/7)... The Jazz signed center Mikki Moore to a second 10-day contract.
[NBA-Utah Jazz] The Jazz will have to decide after Friday game's at the latest whether to award a second 10-day contract to forward Mikki Moore, who had six points and five rebounds in 19 minutes Wednesday. (Deseret Morning News)
From Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson: "I had breakfast with (Chiefs guard) Will Shields on Thursday and he’s a guy I really admire. He’s the NFL Man of the Year this year and he’s got a tremendous charity foundation he runs in three different cities, which is something I’d like to do. He said he’d help me get something going because I want to do things in my hometown (Mobile, Ala.), Cincinnati and where I live now in Atlanta." (Bengals.com)
On defense, strong safety Mike Minter ($5.44 million cap figure) and defensive end Mike Rucker ($4.774 million) could be candidates for contract restructuring. Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad has a $6.48 million cap figure in 2004, and left tackle Todd Steussie is to count $5.79 million. (Sun-Sentinel)
A cartoon from the front page of the Daily Quickie from ESPN's Page 2.
[Carolina Panthers] It was easy for the nation to see the Carolina Panthers' fighting spirit in Super Bowl XXXVIII, but one act of courage didn't get noticed.
Safety Mike Minter played the fourth quarter of the 32-29 loss to New England with an injured right foot that he said might have sidelined him from a regular-season game. Minter said he had so much adrenaline that he was able to continue playing.Minter said X-rays Monday were inconclusive, but that doctors believe he either ruptured or stretched ligaments in the foot and that surgery might be needed. He said he was wearing a protective boot Monday and could be given a cast and crutches today. Minter said he's also been playing with a fractured rib since the playoff win against St. Louis."That's what it's all about, leaving it all out on the field," he said. (Charlotte Observer)
[Carolina Panthers] Sunday's game was one of the closest, most exciting Super Bowls ever. Some writers, columnists and commentators have suggested it might have been the best. But it isn't to Minter and the Panthers.
"I don't care about that, to be honest with you," Minter said in the locker room moments after the game. "I care about winning the championship, and that's it."I will not look back on this Super Bowl and say it was the greatest Super Bowl ever played. We lost, so it was the worst Super Bowl ever to me." (Charlotte Observer)
[Carolina Panthers] Panthers safety Deon Grant, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, said after the game he was uncertain whether he'll be back with the team next season. "I hope I'll be back," said Grant. "I love playing with these guys. Me and Mike Minter have built something real strong back there. But (the Panthers) haven't talked (about a new contract) all year, so I probably won't be. But I hope I will." Some may recall that Grant graduated from Tennessee and faced the Huskers in the 1998 Orange Bowl.
[Green Bay Packers] The Packers are sending CB Erwin Swiney and WR Wilson Thomas to NFL Europe. (PackerReport.com)
[New England vs Carolina] Chances are you saw the Super Bowl and you know what happened so here's just Pics and Stats.
Three former Huskers started the game, Russ Hochstein (Patriots), Mike Minter and Mike Rucker (Panthers). Minter was second on his team in tackles with 14 (9 solo) behind LB Dan Morgan who had 18 tackles, the highly regarded Panthers D'Line was only able to get minimal pressure on QB Tom Brady and Rucker managed just 2 tackles in game.