Fresh Rumors of the Week

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, March 21</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Trent Green
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Dolphins
</TD><TD>Greener pastures?
<Mar. 21> The Dolphins remain interested in trading for Green, but it's been a "slow-moving" process, Green's agent told the Miami Herald.
There is good reason the negotiations are moving slowly, writes ESPN.com's John Clayton. It's not easy to find a new home for a quarterback making $7.2 million a year. How much less does he take to move on, not knowing whether he's going to be a starter? The Dolphins already have Daunte Culpepper making $7.5 million a year. Green is looking for the right fit. Plus, he's looking for the right salary. <!--Green is looking at trade options because Kansas City is going through a transition at quarterback. Damon Huard re-signed for three years. The plan is for Brodie Croyle to be ready to start by 2008, but for that to happen he needs to be the backup this year. What that means for Green is he can either start or be the No. 3. If Green can't find a trading partner, he can certainly return and compete against Huard for a starting job with a reduced salary. -->Green, who turns 37 in July, missed seven games in 2006 after sustaining a serious concussion in Week 1. Green finished the season with a 74.1 passer rating, his lowest since 2001.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Rocky Boiman
Colts
</TD><TD>Steelers?
</TD><TD>Boiman Pittsburgh bound?
<Mar. 21> Boiman visited Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and the free-agent linebacker has made it clear he has serious interest in joining the Steelers, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
"It's a team that's a championship team and is just one step away from getting back to the big one again," Boiman told the newspaper. Boiman earned a Super Bowl ring with the Colts last season. The Notre Dame product began his career in Tennessee, where he played four seasons before being waived.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Ken Hamlin
Seahawks
</TD><TD>Cowboys?
</TD><TD>Cowboys hosting Hamlin
<Mar. 21> Although Jerry Jones has said he's comfortable with what Dallas has at free safety, the Cowboys will meet with Hamlin today, according to multiple reports. After missing the final 10 games of the 2005 season due to head injuries sustained in an incident outside a Seattle nightclub, Hamlin started every game for the Seahawks last season, registering 96 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Terrelle Smith
Browns
</TD><TD>Packers?
Cardinals?
Buccaneers?
Chiefs?
</TD><TD>Return in the Cards?
<Mar. 21> Smith visited the Packers on Tuesday but left without a contract, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The Cardinals appear to be the favorites to land Smith, who was released by the Browns on March 14 and played his college ball at Arizona State. "They have a lot of the pieces of the puzzle," the veteran fullback said in an interview last Friday on Sirius NFL Radio. "It's just a matter of the agents talking to the front office, that type of stuff, but that's out of my control. Hopefully, it works out and we get it done, because I'd love to be back in Arizona." The Buccaneers and Chiefs are also believed to be interested.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Tuesday, March 20</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Courtney Brown
Broncos
</TD><TD>Retirement
</TD><TD>Brown out for good?
<Mar. 20> Released by the Broncos and still recovering from knee surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2006 season, Brown realizes his playing days might be over. "If the knee comes around, I'm willing," Brown told the Denver Post. "But if the knee doesn't, then my options are narrowed quite a bit." Brown, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 draft (Cleveland), signed with the Broncos in 2005. The oft-injured defensive end has appeared in only 61 games in seven NFL seasons.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Monday, March 19</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>DeShawn
Wynn

</TD><TD>Bengals?
</TD><TD>Hometown hero?
<Mar. 19> Don't be surprised if Wynn, a Cincinnati native, ends up with the Bengals on draft day, writes the Dayton Daily News. The former Florida Gators running back, whose stock has been on the rise since Florida's victory over Ohio State in the national title game, had a formal meeting with the Bengals at last month's scouting combine. The Bengals also spoke with Wynn at Florida's recent pro day and are scheduled to have him in for a visit on April 17, according to the paper.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Sunday, March 18</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Randy Moss
Raiders
</TD><TD>Packers
Patriots?
</TD><TD>Moss deal not imminent
<Mar. 18> There have been discussions between the Packers and Raiders regarding a Moss trade but, as one Green Bay official told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli this week: "There have still been more words written about it by [the media] than spoken about it by the people who count the most. There might be some mutual interest, but the difference between being interested and pulling the trigger is still a pretty big one for now."
While reports suggested that, as part of the trade package, Green Bay would send two-year veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, its first-round choice in the 2005 draft, to the Bay Area, Packers general manager Ted Thompson shot that down on Sunday.
"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," he told the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Rodgers is more a West Coast offense-style quarterback, however, not the strong-armed, vertical-type passer Oakland owner Al Davis has always favored in the past. The Raiders want to unload Moss due to his cavalier attitude and high cap number ($11.7 million). In two seasons with the Raiders, Moss has caught 102 passes for 1,558 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Boston Herald reported on March 5 that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would consider acquiring Moss for the right price.

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[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Saturday, March 17</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Detroit
</TD><TD>Trade?
</TD><TD>Lions shopping second pick?
<Mar. 17> According to the Denver Post, the Lions have let it be known their No. 2 overall draft pick is up for trade. In fact, the Lions even held talks with the Broncos in the past month, but the asking price -- multiple draft picks that included Denver's No. 21 selection -- was considered far too high by the Broncos. With an average record of 4-12 the past six seasons, the Lions are contemplating whether they can get greater value by moving down in the draft for multiple players and picks in return.

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Charles Grant
Saints
</TD><TD>Buccaneers?
</TD><TD>Bucs hope to land Grant
<Mar. 17> Grant visited the Bucs on Friday, but Tampa's front office will need to get creative if it wants to see Grant wearing a Bucs' uniform in 2007, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
The 28-year-old was designated with the franchise tag by the Saints. While the Bucs did not make an offer to Grant, general manager Bruce Allen is hopeful something can be worked out. "If you pay attention to the franchise designations over the years, they take a lot of twists and turns," Allen said. "Sometimes those designations are removed ... sometimes the players are traded for less than the designated value. Sometimes players don't play under the one-year tender for more than a year and they become free agents." The Bucs discussed all the scenarios that might enable Grant to eventually sign with Tampa Bay, Johnson said. That would include a possible trade or other draft picks.

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[YesSir]

MOCK DRAFT: Mel Kiper's new First-Round Projection | March 13

1. Oakland - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU: Nothing changes at the top of the draft board. The Raiders passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler last year, so opting away from another highly regarded signal-caller won't happen this time around. Russell's physical prowess seems to have everyone wowed.

2. Detroit - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame: The Lions have the option of selecting QB Brady Quinn or RB Adrian Peterson, trading down, or adding a pass-rusher supreme such as Gaines Adams to bolster what already has the makings of a standout defensive front. By trading down, they could still get a player like Adams. Quinn, though, might be too hard to pass up for an organization that needs a smart, tough, high-profile signal-caller like him to become the face of the franchise. Remember, the Lions are one of the few teams that have never even been to a Super Bowl, let alone won one. Additionally, they passed on Dan Marino back in 1983 and, as recently as last year, opted away from Leinart and Cutler.

3. Cleveland - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma: You would figure this choice to be between Peterson and Quinn, depending on whether the latter is still on the board. Either would look great in a Browns uniform. Veteran RB Jamal Lewis was signed to only a one-year deal, so that obviously doesn't preclude the team from taking a potential franchise back like Peterson.

4. Tampa Bay - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech: This pick will have both Jeff Garcia and Chris Simms smiling. Johnson is my top-ranked player on the Big Board, so acquiring him with the fourth selection is a real bargain.

5. Arizona - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin: Things are setting up perfectly for the Cardinals to remain at pick No. 5 and still bring a super blue-chip left tackle such as Thomas into the fold. Here, they get the No. 2 player on my board with the fifth overall selection. Another great value type pick.

6. Washington - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson: This is the spot you figure to get some action. The Redskins don't have a second-, third- or fourth-round pick, so trading down in an effort to recoup choices definitely has to be in their thought process. If a deal is to be made, the best scenario would be to have either Quinn or Peterson still on the board. Both would be enticing for a number of clubs, as would highly regarded DBs Leon Hall and LaRon Landry. If the Redskins are forced to stand pat, DEs Adams and Jamaal Anderson would make the most sense.

7. Minnesota - LaRon Landry, S, LSU: The Vikings will have an opportunity here to upgrade the defensive secondary. The choice would be between safety Landry and CB Hall. I'll go with Landry because Brad Childress saw what a huge difference Brian Dawkins made to the Eagles' deep patrol when he was on the staff with Andy Reid in Philadelphia.

8. Houston - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan: LT Levi Brown would have to draw serious consideration, but Hall is definitely on the rise back up the draft board after such an impressive showing at the combine workout. He also fills a positional need for the Texans.

9. Miami - Levi Brown, OT, Penn State: The Dolphins certainly could use a topflight left tackle, and Brown has the potential to become a top echelon NFL bookend.

10. Atlanta - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas: The loss of Patrick Kerney in free agency makes this a need area, but the Falcons should be keeping their fingers crossed that either CB Hall or S Landry is still on the board.

 

[YesSir]

11. San Francisco - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC: The Niners need a featured wideout for Alex Smith to throw to, and Jarrett proved against Michigan in the Rose Bowl that he is deserving of such a high grade.

12. Buffalo - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville: I view Okoye as one of the top seven to eight players in this draft, so acquiring him at the 12th spot would be a great deal for the Bills. The 19-year-old phenom has been rising steadily up the draft board all year, overtaking Michigan's Alan Branch as the No. 1 DT in this draft because of his production with the pads on. With the trade of Willis McGahee to Baltimore, the Bills are also in the market for a RB. They probably can't deal up high enough to get Peterson, so Cal's Marshawn Lynch would have to be a possibility.

13. St. Louis - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan: Physically imposing DT who could be a destructive performer in the NFL, provided he learns how to maximize all that ability and become a more consistent force along the interior. Branch has the edge at DT in terms of potential, but Okoye gets the nod when it comes to production.

14. Carolina - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Fla.): Several months ago, I had Olsen going to the Bears near the end of the first round. After a sensational effort at the combine workout, he's soared up the draft board to the point that Carolina and Green Bay have to be interested. The Panthers need a TE of Olsen's caliber.

15. Pittsburgh - Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State: The Steelers are looking for flexibility at OLB in terms of how that player can be used. Timmons can operate with his hand down or on his feet, figuring to operate effectively in any defensive structure.

16. Green Bay - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California: Now that Ahman Green has moved on in free agency, the Packers have to bring in a top-notch RB. Lynch is one of the more aggressive RBs you will ever come across, with yards after contact his specialty. He also proved to be a much more effective pass-catching option this past season, with his 34 receptions matching his total for the previous two campaigns.

17. Jacksonville - Ted Ginn Jr.  WR, Ohio State: The temptation will be to go defense because the Jags have addressed the offensive side in Round 1 each of the past four years. That's why I thought seriously about CB Chris Houston and LB Jon Beason at this spot. In the end, though, a player with Ginn's big-play potential -- both at WR and in the return game -- might be too hard to pass up.

18. Cincinnati - Jon Beason, LB, Miami (Fla.): Beason didn't run as well as expected (4.74) at the combine workout, but his film evaluation grades, especially from 2005, figure to win out, placing him ultimately in the mid-to-late first round area. Marvin Lewis also knows firsthand what it means to have a former Miami Hurricane setting the tone on your defense.

19. Tennessee - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska: Steady, technically sound and extremely versatile, Carriker would qualify as a very "safe" pick at this juncture of Round 1.

20. New York Giants - Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State: A Tom Coughlin type of prospect, with the passion and desire to excel on the gridiron that spills over to his teammates. If you look solely at his junior film from 2005 (116 tackles, 11 stops behind the line) and the combine workout (4.70 at 238 pounds, 37-inch vertical jump, 22 reps at 225 pounds), there is no question that Posluszny deserves to be a first-round draft choice.

 

[YesSir]

21. Denver - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida: Pressuring the QB is something the Broncos need to do a better job of in 2007, and Moss qualifies as a potential sack artist.

22. Dallas - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee: Not only did Meachem produce big results as a junior in 2006 (71 catches for an 18.3 yard average and 11 TDs) but he also turned heads at the combine with his 4.39 clocking at 6-2, 214 pounds. The addition of such a talented young wideout would be a huge benefit to the Cowboys.

23. Kansas City - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas: This is a need area for the Chiefs, and several CBs figure to be intriguing as this point in Round 1. That group includes Houston, Pitt's Darrelle Revis, Texas' Aaron Ross and UNLV's Eric Wright. I gave the edge to Houston because of the fact he ran in the 4.3s at the combine and proved to be one of the stronger players pound for pound in the draft (27 reps).

24. New England (from Seattle) - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss: Production, production, production, that's what you harp on with Willis. This kid finished just about every game, including the Senior Bowl, with 13-plus tackles. Then came the combine meeting, where he ran an amazing 4.51 at 242 pounds and also came through with a 39-inch vertical jump.

25. New York Jets - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh: Good, solid football player with the size (5 11½, 205) you look for and a ton of athleticism. Had he produced as many big plays this past season as he did as a sophomore, you might have been looking at a top-15 pick.

26. Philadelphia - Steve Smith, WR, USC: Before the combine workout, I projected Smith as a mid-second-round draft choice. However, after Smith posted a 40 time of 4.45, the days of viewing him as just a complementary No. 2 wideout might have come to an end.

27. New Orleans - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas: Tough, aggressive football player who also brings excellent ball skills to the CB spot. He'd be a nice addition to the Saints' deep patrol. If you are looking for a potential surprise pick in the later portion of Round 1, UNLV's talented CB Eric Wright could be the guy. The former USC Trojan ran in the 4.3s at the combine and has a great deal of ability.

28. New England - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida: Nelson brings a great deal of versatility to the defensive secondary, as well as demonstrating in the SEC with the national champion Gators that he is a proven playmaker. He can cover a lot of ground and will hit like you expect from a safety.

29. Baltimore - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan: The former TE displays incredible feet, athleticism and agility while operating at the critical LT spot, bringing with him the upside potential you look for at this point in the late first round.

30. San Diego - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU: After the Senior Bowl practices, I really thought Bowe would hear his name called in the middle of the first round. Although he seems to have lost a little momentum after running in the mid-4.5s to 4.60 at the combine workout, you have to remember that he checks in at 221 pounds. He also brings superlative natural receiving skills to the position. I'll give you a quick history lesson. Back in the 2001 NFL draft, a WR with a similar scenario was the next-to-last pick in the first round and has turned out to be a quality performer at the pro level. The player I'm referring to is former Miami Hurricane Reggie Wayne, now a key entity on the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.

31. Chicago - Ben Grubbs  OG  Auburn: Offense figures to dictate the draft this year for the Bears. WR and TE are at the top of the need list, but adding a big-time guard like Grubbs would significantly aid the likes of Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman. A WR to consider at this stage would be South Carolina's Sidney Rice. This is also the point in the draft when USC's highly regarded C-G Ryan Kalil could hear his name called, figuring as a late first- or very early second-rounder.

32. Indianapolis - Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee: Had it not been for a season-ending (torn biceps) injury in the second game of the 2006 campaign, Harrell might have established himself as top-15 choice. In the first two weeks, before the injury, he was a dominating performer. Good fortune would continue for the Super Bowl champion Colts if Harrell falls in their lap as the first round comes to an end

 

[YesSir]

BATON ROUGE, La. (March 14) -- With more than 100 NFL coaches and front-office members in attendance, LSU's pro day felt like a reunion from last month's scouting combine in Indianapolis. While Florida had the most players invited to the combine, LSU should have the most players selected in the top 40 picks, hence the turnout in Baton Rouge on Wednesday.
QB JaMarcus Russell headlined the event. After opting not to work out at the combine, the potential top pick was the focus of all eyes, and Russell did not disappoint. For starters, he showed up nine pounds lighter (256) and in noticeably better shape than he did a few weeks ago in Indianapolis. Russell ran his only 40-yard dash attempt in 4.84 seconds, which is more than respectable considering Ohio State QB Troy Smith (6-foot, 222 pounds) ran in the 4.7-second range.


Most impressive was Russell's passing session, which lasted nearly an hour and consisted of 75 attempts. Russell was not perfect -- he mistimed a couple of throws and bounced one of his out-route attempts to the left side. Nevertheless, I can't remember being in such awe of a quarterback in my decade of attending combines and pro days.

Russell's arm strength is sensational; he makes the toughest deep-outs and post-corner passes look seamless. He also displayed outstanding footwork and the ability to make strong, accurate throws on the run, both to his right and left.

By no means do I think a team will be persuaded to take Russell because of what they saw inside LSU's indoor practice facility on Wednesday. However, if the Raiders were already leaning toward taking Russell, their representatives in attendance (including new head coach Lane Kiffin) should feel even better about selecting him.

In addition to Russell, DS Laron Landry and WRs Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis showcased their skills. Landry wisely chose to stand on his 40 times from the combine (4.37 and 4.40), but did participate in the 20-yard shuttle (4.36 seconds), three cone (7.11 seconds), broad jump (10-6) and vertical jump (38 inches). Landry also recorded 20 reps on the bench press after opting out at the combine, although the recording scout claimed he failed to lock out his arms on 17 of the 20 reps.

Both Bowe and Davis were able to improve their 40 times from the combine. Bowe made the bigger improvement by running a 4.40 on Wednesday, compared to his time of 4.57 at the combine. Davis strained his groin during his first 40 attempt (4.49) at the combine, but was healthy enough to run a 4.38 on his home turf.

While Bowe is considered the better overall pro prospect, Davis showed better speed and hands running routes during Russell's passing session. Davis did tweak his groin toward the end of the workout, which could prevent him from running privately for NFL teams between now and the draft.

DS Jesse Daniels, DE Chase Pittman and RB Justin Vincent also worked out at LSU's pro day on Wednesday. Vincent was not invited to the combine and Pittman couldn't run because he was ill with the flu.
Other Pro Day Briefings

Michigan State Spartans (March 14)
Noticeably absent from LSU's festivities were Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz. While his decision may have had more to do with proximity than draft interest, Marinelli chose to attend Michigan State's pro day instead. Drew Stanton reportedly took full advantage of his audience, throwing the ball with impressive timing, accuracy and arm strength.

By all accounts, Stanton increased his chances of being the third quarterback taken in the upcoming draft -- behind Russell and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn. In fact, a source who attended both private passing sessions told me Stanton's was more impressive than Russell's.

Oklahoma Sooners (March 13)
After an exceptional showing at the combine a few weeks earlier, RB Adrian Peterson managed to build on the momentum during Oklahoma's pro day on Tuesday. Peterson stood on some of his outstanding workout results from the combine, including an electronic time of 4.41 seconds in the 40, a 38½ vertical jump, a 10-1 broad jump and a 4.4-second short shuttle.

His time in the long shuttle (11.79) is good for a back his size (6-foot-1, 217 pounds), but the individual portion of the workout was what drew rave reviews from NFL brass in attendance. While no team intends on playing him as a wide receiver, Peterson spent the majority of his positional drills running routes -- out of the backfield, in the slot and split out wide.
Despite recently giving veteran RB Jamal Lewis a one-year deal, the Browns are expected to seriously consider taking Peterson with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Arkansas Razorbacks (March 13)
DE Jamaal Anderson was under a microscope after opting out of the combine workout. Fortunately for him, Anderson had nothing to hide. The 6-foot-5, 284-pound underclassman verified his unusual combination of size and athleticism by running both his 40-yard dash attempts in the high 4.7-second range, while also posting high marks in the short shuttle (4.22), three cone (6.88), broad jump (9-8), vertical jump (32½) and bench press (22 reps).

Anderson can be inconsistent and his technique needs some polishing, but his type of natural physical tools can't be coached. That's why I still believe Anderson is the second-best defensive end prospect in this year's talent-laden crop. Arkansas' other first-round talent in this year's draft class, CB Chris Houston, elected not to run after posting remarkable all-around results at last month's combine.

Ohio State Buckeyes (March 13)
Ted Ginn Jr. disappointed the approximately 70 NFL coaches and front-office members in attendance at Ohio State's pro day by opting not to work out for the second time in less than a month. Scouts hardly need to see Ginn Jr. run in shorts to conclude he's one of the most explosive wide receivers and return specialists in the 2007 class. Still, with so much money riding on a first-round pick, personnel departments understandably become paranoid this time of year.

There is increasing concern regarding the severity of Ginn Jr.'s foot injury, which he suffered more than two months ago celebrating his touchdown return in the national title game. Ginn Jr. is hoping to schedule a private workout in early April. For now, any team contemplating drafting him in the top half of the first round has to be cooling on the idea.

After taking his lumps over the course of the past two months, Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith demonstrated resiliency with a strong overall showing during his pro day workout. The dual-threat quarterback was much more efficient during his passing session, while also showcasing his athleticism and competitiveness during his agility drills. The only real negative was the subpar showing in the 40 (4.71 and 4.77).

While those are above-average times for the quarterback position, Smith was expected to run faster -- particularly on the notoriously fast track at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Teams considering Smith as a possible slash-type player at the next level cannot be pleased by his top-end speed.

Despite all the other talent working out in Columbus on Saturday, it was wide receiver Roy Hall who stole the show. Hall, who was buried on the depth chart behind Ginn Jr.,Anthony Gonzalez and Brian Robiskie, only notched 52 career receptions.

He showed some promising signs late in his senior season, including three catches for 38 yards and a score versus Michigan. But even area scouts aware of Hall's untapped potential couldn't have predicted his performance. At 6-foot-2, 229 pounds, Hall blazed a 4.41-second 40 and leaped 37½ inches on his vertical jump.

While it's unusual for a player to get drafted almost completely on potential shown at a pro day workout, it has happened at powerhouse programs before. Most recently, the Patriots found a quality backup quarterback in the seventh round of the 2005 draft in Matt Cassel. He almost never saw the field at USC, playing behind Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. <!---------------------INLINE TABLE (BEGIN)---------------------><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=430 border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=5>Scouts Inc.'s Top 32</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="5%">RANK</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="35%">NAME</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">POS</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">CLASS</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="30%">SCHOOL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" width="10%">PREV</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">1.</TD><TD width="35%">Calvin Johnson</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Georgia Tech</TD><TD width="10%">1</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">2.</TD><TD width="35%">Joe Thomas</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Wisconsin</TD><TD width="10%">2</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">3.</TD><TD width="35%">JaMarcus Russell</TD><TD width="10%">QB</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">LSU</TD><TD width="10%">3</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">4.</TD><TD width="35%">Gaines Adams</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Clemson</TD><TD width="10%">4</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">5.</TD><TD width="35%">Adrian Peterson</TD><TD width="10%">RB</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Oklahoma</TD><TD width="10%">5</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">6.</TD><TD width="35%">Brady Quinn</TD><TD width="10%">QB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Notre Dame</TD><TD width="10%">6</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">7.</TD><TD width="35%">Alan Branch</TD><TD width="10%">DT</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan</TD><TD width="10%">7</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">8.</TD><TD width="35%">Laron Landry</TD><TD width="10%">S</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">LSU</TD><TD width="10%">8</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">9.</TD><TD width="35%">Jamaal Anderson</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Arkansas</TD><TD width="10%">9</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">10.</TD><TD width="35%">Amobi Okoye</TD><TD width="10%">DT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Louisville</TD><TD width="10%">10</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">11.</TD><TD width="35%">Levi Brown</TD><TD width="10%">OT</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Penn State</TD><TD width="10%">11</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">12.</TD><TD width="35%">Leon Hall</TD><TD width="10%">CB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Michigan</TD><TD width="10%">12</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">13.</TD><TD width="35%">Adam Carriker</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Nebraska</TD><TD width="10%">13</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">14.</TD><TD width="35%">Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">LSU</TD><TD width="10%">15</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">15.</TD><TD width="35%">Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD width="10%">RB</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Cal</TD><TD width="10%">16</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">16.</TD><TD width="35%">Patrick Willis</TD><TD width="10%">ILB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Mississippi</TD><TD width="10%">20</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">17.</TD><TD width="35%">Chris Houston</TD><TD width="10%">DC</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Arkansas</TD><TD width="10%">18</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">18.</TD><TD width="35%">Lawrence Timmons</TD><TD width="10%">OLB</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida State</TD><TD width="10%">17</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">19.</TD><TD width="35%">Jarvis Moss</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida</TD><TD width="10%">19</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">20.</TD><TD width="35%">Dwayne Jarrett</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">USC</TD><TD width="10%">21</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">21.</TD><TD width="35%">Aaron Ross</TD><TD width="10%">CB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Texas</TD><TD width="10%">22</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">22.</TD><TD width="35%">Greg Olsen</TD><TD width="10%">TE</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Miami-FL</TD><TD width="10%">23</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">23.</TD><TD width="35%">Ted Ginn Jr.</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Ohio State</TD><TD width="10%">14</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">24.</TD><TD width="35%">Anthony Spencer</TD><TD width="10%">DE/LB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Purdue</TD><TD width="10%">26</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">25.</TD><TD width="35%">Ryan Kalil</TD><TD width="10%">C</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">USC</TD><TD width="10%">28</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">26.</TD><TD width="35%">Paul Posluszny</TD><TD width="10%">OLB</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Penn State</TD><TD width="10%">29</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">27.</TD><TD width="35%">Robert Meachem</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Tennessee</TD><TD width="10%">24</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">28.</TD><TD width="35%">Charles Johnson</TD><TD width="10%">DE</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Georgia</TD><TD width="10%">25</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">29.</TD><TD width="35%">Reggie Nelson</TD><TD width="10%">S</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Florida</TD><TD width="10%">27</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">30.</TD><TD width="35%">Darrelle Revis</TD><TD width="10%">CB</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">Pittsburgh</TD><TD width="10%">30</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">31.</TD><TD width="35%">Sidney Rice</TD><TD width="10%">WR</TD><TD width="10%">JR</TD><TD width="30%">South Carolina</TD><TD width="10%">31</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width="5%">32.</TD><TD width="35%">Ben Grubbs</TD><TD width="10%">OG</TD><TD width="10%">SR</TD><TD width="30%">Auburn</TD><TD width="10%">NR</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Joe Public]

Yeah, Mel needs to get his head out of his *ss if he thinks the Birds are going to use their number one pick on a WR.

Also, please sign with Dallas, Ken Hamlin. That might aid my quest for Reggie Nelson to Philly.

 

[Joe Public]

Oh, speaking of rumors, Kellen Winslow came out today and responded directly to rumors that he wouldn't be playing in '07. He said they're bulls**t and he'll be fine.

We'll see, but he says is recovery is going just fine.

 

[JumpOnBoard]

18. Cincinnati - Jon Beason, LB, Miami (Fla.): Beason didn't run as well as expected (4.74) at the combine workout, but his film evaluation grades, especially from 2005, figure to win out, placing him ultimately in the mid-to-late first round area. Marvin Lewis also knows firsthand what it means to have a former Miami Hurricane setting the tone on your defense.

:down:

 

[Joe Public]

Yeah, I think the LB you want is that Timmons character. He sort of seems like a killer.

 

[brewer]

reggie nelson from florida is going to be the real deal in this league real quick IMO.

 

[frankiegotti]

Well, first and foremost i think kiper's mock draft is going to get a curveball because yesterday Patrick Willis the Linebacker from Old Miss ran a 4.37 40 yard dash at his pro day.

Also, if Joe Thomas is still on the board for the browns, i think they go that route because Phil Savage the GM knows the importance of a good solid strong line.

Reggie Nelson Does not get past Phile. Nelson had one hell of a pro day and i am hearing that he wants to work out at a 2nd pro day to prove that his combine lackluster results was a fluke.

 

[Joe Public]

Funny thing, FG, is now there are some mock drafts that have the Raiders turning around and drafting Calvin Johnson.

If they do that, there's a real possibility Jamarcus Russell ends up in Cleveland based on Savage's man-crush on that guy.

 

[frankiegotti]

Funny thing, FG, is now there are some mock drafts that have the Raiders turning around and drafting Calvin Johnson.

If they do that, there's a real possibility Jamarcus Russell ends up in Cleveland based on Savage's man-crush on that guy.

lol, yea i agree with you there because for some reason savage loves QB's that have brut arm strength. I don't like that philosophy because kyle boller can also kneel on the 50 yard line and throw and football through the goal posts. That is why i am not comletely sold on Russell as of yet. He had a great bowl game against a defense that was non exsistant, i am not saying he isn't a decent QB, all i am saying is that he has not proven himself. I think the raiders are assuming too much with him. Also, i don't like how he did like 1 drill at the combine and 3 drills at pro day.

 

[EDizzle]

Kyle "shoulda been a" Bowler

 

[frankiegotti]

Kyle "shoulda been a" Bowler

dude, i am crying that is how funny that is. I may use that.

 

[EDizzle]

The Bills put Takeo Spikes on the trading block, it looks like Philly and the NY Giants are very interested.

 

[EDizzle]

After striking out on their FA's this offseason it looks like the Giants have reached an agreement with LB Kawika Mitchell pending the physical.