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February 2009
Browns Trade Winslow For Undisclosed Draft Picks
Just in from Browns headquarters: The Cleveland Browns announced today that the team has traded tight end Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks.
“The Cleveland Browns thank Kellen for his contributions to this organization over the past five years,” said Browns General Manager George Kokinis. “We appreciate his passion for the game and wish him success in Tampa Bay. The draft picks we have obtained through this deal will give us greater flexibility as we look to infuse more talent and create competition and depth on this football team.”
The Browns selected Winslow with the sixth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. In his five years in Cleveland, he played in 44 games, recording 219 receptions for 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2006, he caught 89 passes for 875 yards and 3 touchdowns, and in 2007 he went to the Pro Bowl after catching 82 passes for 1,106 yards and 5 touchdowns. He played in 10 games in 2008, catching 43 passes for 428 yards and 3 touchdowns.
TweetOSU LB Marcus Freeman’s NFL stock on the rise
INDIANAPOLIS — The linebackers created a buzz with a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine on Monday. There were a number of solid performers in the group, but none better than Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, who solidified his draft status with a masterful performance. Curry came in as the top-ranked linebacker entering the draft.
That being said coming into the event a lot of hype was made about the three USC linebackers: Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews and how they were expected to perform before scouts. Although Trojan linebackers didn’t disappoint, there was another backer that stole the show. That was Ohio State outside linebacker Marcus Freeman, who turned in some impressive numbers without all the fanfare.
The 6-foot-1, 239-pound Freeman, a Wayne High School grad, let his performance do the talking as he matched the more highly touted linebackers blow for blow in their workouts.
40-Yard Dash
Freeman tied for seventh place with Cushing, running a 4.74 in the 40.
Bench Press
Freeman finished in a three-way tie for first place with Cushing and Kaluka Maiava (USC), banging out 30 reps of 225-pounds on the bench.
Vertical Leap
Freeman again finished in a three-way tie for first place this time with Curry and Zack Follett (Cal) posting a 37-inch vertical.
3-Cone Drill
Freeman finished in fourth place behind Cushing, Matthews and teammate James Laurinaitis posting a time of 6.98.
20-Yard Shuttle
Freeman stood alone in first place after showing catlike agility running a blistering 4.12 in the drill. The top time in this drill for running backs was 4.08. Another hometown product, Michigan State running back Javon Ringer completed the drill in 4.11.
Freeman placed in the top 10 or better in five of the seven events. He interviewed with nearly every NFL team and his stock is said to be on the rise.
TweetBengals eyeing O-linemen in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — The Cincinnati Bengals have major concerns along the offensive line and are expected to address some of those issues via April’s draft. Head Coach Marvin Lewis and his staff are weeding through the pool of talent at the Combine searching for the perfect fit.
The Bengals have interviewed nearly every O-linemen in attendance; a sure sign that the team means business when it comes to providing protection for their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer.
Oregon offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou is one prospect appearing on the team’s radar. If you haven’t heard about Tupou’s talent you most certainly will. He’s being described by NFL scouts as one to keep an eye on in the draft.
The 6-foot-5, 314-pound Tupou is best known for his toughness in the trenches, athleticism, versatility and work-ethic. He’s strong, knocked out 24 reps of 225lbs on the bench press, and is proven to be pretty fast and quick for a man his size. Tupou was a 300-pound option-quarterback in high school showing that he possesses some serious agility.
According to Tupou, he had a great interview with Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander. Tupou said that he would look good in tiger stripes.
Tupou’s cousin is USC prospect defensive tackle Fili Moala, who is coincidentally a cousin of Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.
Note: The one offensive linemen who had not interviewed with the Bengals as of Friday was Alabama’s top ranked offensive tackle Andre Smith.
TweetTalk of 49ers interest in Houshmandzadeh resurfaces in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — When the NFL free agent signing period begins February 27, 2009 expect to hear the San Francisco 49ers named as one of the teams interested in Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
During an interview with 49ers General Manger Scot McCloughan at the Combine on Friday, he confirmed the team’s possible interest when asked about the Pro Bowl receiver.
“We’re always interested in a good football player,” McCloughan said. “The value for us versus someone else I don’t know. We never lose sight of a good football player and how he would impact our offense.”
With former offensive coordinator Mike Martz out in San Fran, McCloughan said the team’s offense will mimic the offense the 49ers ran in 2006 under then coordinator Norv Turner.
Opponents can expect to see a lot of between the tackles, one cut running, as well as production in the passing game off the play-action pass. The team will also look to get their star tight end Vernon Davis more involved in the offense this season.
McCloughan admits the offense won’t be a flashy Wildcat type offense, but a basic two back set. The team is looking for an identity on offense and a player like Houshmandzadeh could help the team’s cause tremendously.
Asked if Houshmandzadeh would fit in the 49ers offensive scheme McCloughan cut to the chase.
“Sure he can fit in our offense,” he said. “He can fit in anyone’s offense. Houshmandzadeh has been a productive guy and there’s a reason for it.”
McCloughan said the Niners would be somewhat active in free agency, but not as impact as the last two years when they signed free agent players such as Nate Clements and Justin Smith to mega deals.
However, the GM went on to say that the club has room under the salary cap to sign some frontline starters and will be looking to upgrade the wide receiver position. He added that they will strengthen the team through free agency.
McCloughan was very enthusiastic when talking about the team and upcoming season. He encouraged fans to stick with the organization because things are turning around.
Sounds like the 49ers could be back to their winning tradition before we know it.
TweetBrowns looking at Jenkins and others
INDIANAPOLIS — The Cleveland Browns organization is going through a major restructure and things appear to be coming together in a timely fashion. With a new coaching staff now in place, head coach Eric Mangini and Company continue their quest in search of talent at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Word around the Combine is that the Browns will be looking for a game-changer on defense with the fifth overall pick in the draft. Wake Forest outside linebacker Aaron Curry, USC inside linebacker Rey Maualuga and Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins are three prospects said to rank high on the team’s list.
Texas Tech star wide receiver Michael Crabtree’s name has been mentioned as a possible selection for the Browns. However, that talk could be a ploy to get other teams to move up in a trade with the Browns in an attempt to acquire additional picks.
Many draft experts have Curry as the Browns choice in the first round, but Jenkins may be the more intriguing pick due to his versatility. I talked to a longtime NFL scout on Thursday, who feels that the Browns secondary would improve dramatically with a playmaker like Jenkins in the defensive backfield.
Jenkins is a lockdown corner with the ability to play in the box and blitz off the edge. The only concern with the cornerback is speed, but he’s looking to address that when he runs the 40 before scouts next Tuesday.
The Browns gave some indication Thursday that they might be in the market for a defensive back when the club declined to place a franchise or transition tag on starting safety Sean Jones. The 4 p.m. ET deadline to designate franchise players for the 2009 season came and went with no move by the Browns.
Jones, arguably the team’s best player when healthy, will officially become a free agent February 27 and will be free to sign with any club.
Another prospect the team is showing some real interest in is Kent State offensive tackle Augustus Parrish. Parrish is said to be a fast riser since his performance at the East-West Shrine game last month. He has interviewed with the Browns twice and also with the Bengals.
TweetNFL Scouting Combine 101
INDIANAPOLIS — Please watch the following video to learn more about what pro prospects will go through at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend. Also, get the latest dish from Big C’s NFL Blitz on what’s taking place in Indy. I will have Bengals and Browns news coming soon so stay tuned.
For now, enjoy the show at Ignition Performance Group in Mason, Ohio.
TweetBengals’ Henry hires new agent, seems to be on right track
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry vowed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to make some changes in his life before serving a 4-game suspension during the 2008 season. So far, Henry has stayed true to his word and is transforming his life both on and off the field in a positive way.
As of February 18, 2009, Henry will have a new agent in David Lee of PlayersRep Sports Management. Lee also represents Bengals defensive end Jonathan Fanene and has an impressive list of other NFL clients. The agent is well respected throughout the league for his work as well as holding clients to a higher standard. That makes this a perfect match for Henry who is tying to create a new image for himself.
“I want to put Chris [Henry] on the right path,” Lee said during a phone interview Tuesday night Feb.17. “Obviously, he has to make a lot of good decisions in the future down the road. I want to get his life straightened out off the field and just let him focus on football and doing the right things. I hope this turns into a really good success story.”
The reason for a switch in agents had nothing to with bad blood with Henry’s former agent Marvin Frazier. He just wanted someone who could help him further along in his career.
Lee already has Henry taking a positive approach to the offseason. The receiver is currently working out in California with quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and will be until March 13. Keep in mind that Henry never worked out with any of his Bengal teammates during the course of the offseason until now.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Palmer is excited to be working with Henry this offseason. It was stated that Palmer and Houshmandzadeh has been a positive influence for Henry and both have high expectations for the receiver this season.
“I really want to see Chris succeed, I really do,” Houshmandzadeh said. “He’s a great person and I want to see him succeed more than anything.”
Henry is out to prove to the people of Cincinnati that he is not the person they perceive him to be. He has already informed his new agent that he wants to get involved in the community and show people who he really is.
Lee said it’s not about the mistakes of Henry’s past, but the effort he’s making to move in the right direction.
The agent’s final quote was “stay tuned, because something really great is going to happen with this kid.”
TweetBengals should pay Houshmandzadeh
I don’t quite understand why the Cincinnati Bengals are so hesitant to sign wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a lucrative contract.
Houshmandzadeh has proven to be one of the Bengals’ lone bright spots — on and off the field. You would think that an organization notorious for making bonehead decisions would see this as a no-brainer in keeping a positive productive player around.
Houshmandzadeh has been a role model for the franchise and I feel he has earned the right to receive a new deal based on performance alone. I find it funny that other NFL teams think more of Houshmandzadeh and his ability than the Bengals. If he hits the open market when free agency begins, trust me, he won’t be out there long.
Look at it this way: Had Houshmandzadeh been a first- or second-round pick, this matter wouldn’t be a discussion because a deal would get done. The Bengals essentially received first-round talent in the seventh round and the player should be rewarded as such. The player agrees.
“I guarantee you if I were a first, second or third-round draft pick I would have a deal already,” Houshmandzadeh said during a 20-minute conversation Tuesday night. “I would’ve had a deal just before the season or right when the season got under way, but it’s that stigma and it stays with you. Instead of them saying we made a mistake in where he got drafted, they’ll always say he overachieved. No, I’m not overachieving. You guys just don’t know what you’re doing when you evaluate.”
Houshmandzadeh makes a very good point in terms of the team’s evaluating practice. The team has a long list of draft day blunders.
Now, I’m not suggesting that the team overpay for the player, but I do believe that the two sides could come to some sort of happy medium. I say: Pay the player what he’s worth and begin addressing bigger issues. Without looking at the numbers I say the contract bidding starts at 4-years $30 million with a hefty signing bonus for the likes of Houshmandzadeh.
Bottom line is Houshmandzadeh should retire a Bengal.
If the organization thinks that the team’s offense would be better without Houshmandzadeh then they’re kidding themselves. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the Bengals finished the 2008 season dead last in offense with T.J. maintaining his consistency.
Although the receiver will be turning 32 this year, he’s showing no signs of slowing down and could still be a force on offense. Houshmandzadeh has caught more than 90 passes in each of the past three seasons, including 92 last season. He’s averaged 1,042 yards over the past three years and totaled 25 touchdowns.
There are some teams and players in the league who believe that 32-years-old is not old for a receiver. Just ask New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss who turns 32 February 13. Happy Birthday, Randy!
Bengals fans could be looking at another case where the team develops a player and lets him walk, only to prosper elsewhere. A perfect example is wide receiver Kevin Walter, who is now putting up some respectable numbers for the Houston Texans.
Lastly, if the Bengals are considering the franchise tag for Houshmandzadeh, why not just pay him?
Teams have until Feb. 19 to use the tag.
Hear more of my interview with T.J….
TweetScouting Purdue wideout Greg Orton
Greg Orton, WR, Purdue
Height: 6-3
Weight: 210lbs
40-time: N/A
Vertical: 34
Bench Press: 21
Combine Invite: Yes
Orton is a big, strong, physical receiver with natural athletic ability. He’s a big-play receiver with reliable hands, deceptive speed and outstanding body control. He has the ability to elevate and fight for the ball in heavy traffic — consistently makes the difficult catches. Orton is tough to jam at the line of scrimmage and is a precise route runner. He caught nearly every comeback route pass thrown his way during the week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game. According to some scouting reports, Orton looked a little tense earlier in the week at the East-West practice, but improved considerably as the week progressed.
Orton is a possession type receiver who does an outstanding job shielding off defenders when the ball is in flight. He also shows a great willingness to block and will make plays when the ball is not in his hands.
Orton has a great work-ethic, good study habits and is mentally tough. He’s very well-spoken and a high character guy. Orton is a true competitor and wants to be the go-to-guy when the game is on the line . He’s not flamboyant and handles himself in a very mature manner in the huddle as well as the locker room. He plays the game with passion. Members of Purdue’s coaching staff called him a real gamer.
Orton is a long strider and will need to improve on his explosion and acceleration off the line. He’s a very intriguing prospect and will need to continue to develop from a technical standpoint at the next level. Orton could surprise some teams once they get him into camp.
Teams with interest: Chicago, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Detroit, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Seahawks.
Watch video of the receiver at work…
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