ESPN NFL

Buffalo Bills

The Bills signed second-round pick Cordy Glenn, an offensive tackle from Georgia; the move leaves only one of the team's nine draft picks -- third-round receiver T.J. Graham -- unsigned, Chris Brown reported.

Miami Dolphins

Lydon Murtha told the Sun-Sentinel that he's not ready to cede the starting right tackle job to second-round draft pick Jonathan Martin, the former Stanford left tackle whom the team aims to switch to the right side to challenge Murtha.

On the day he picked up the 2011 MVP from the Miami Dolphins Foundation, quarterback Matt Moore sang the praises of the West Coast offense new coordinator Mike Sherman is installing. And of comments that he's not starter material, Moore said Friday, "When I hear it over and over 100 times it gets a little annoying. I just try to win ballgames and do my best. They'll talk about me when they need to talk about me."

In his second turn as a guest host on her nationally syndicated talk show, running back Reggie Bush "mesmerized" Kelly Ripa on Friday. After Bush presented Ripa with a customized jersey -- his number, her name on the back -- during Friday's "LIVE! with Kelly" taping, Ripa gushed, "I will worship this jersey. I will wear this to bed every night ... think about our time together."

New England Patriots

The Patriots were just doing their due diligence in bringing tight end Dallas Clark, late of the Indianapolis Colts, in for a workout, writes Mike Reiss for ESPNBoston.com. The team already has three tight ends, one of whom -- Daniel Fells -- it signed in March, when Clark was on the market.

Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson said the recent death of Junior Seau caused him to reflect on his own post-concussion struggles after his 2005 retirement. "If that can happen to him," Johnson told a conference on pediatric concussions, "I've got to be more diligent in how I live my life."

Boston.com columnist Tony Massarotti wonders whether the Patriots are trying to keep Wes Welker, or drive him away.

New York Jets

The Tebow Takeover -- Tim taking over the starting quarterback's job from Mark Sanchez, that is -- is happening, Jeff Darlington writes, with the ongoing Phase 2 a charm offensive that's winning over veteran Jets like Bart Scott and Darrell Revis.

The team made a pair of moves in its scouting department, ESPNNewYork.com reports, promoting Midwest scout Jeff Bauer to director of college scouting; he replaces Joey Clinkscales, who left for the Oakland Raiders. Kevin Kelly, meanwhile, was named an area scout.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo News' Mark Gaughan reports rookie offensive lineman Cordy Glenn is determined to prove he can succeed at left tackle.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore had three picks during rookie minicamp and earned praise from coach Chan Gailey, writes Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News.

Former Bills' undrafted free agent Domonic Cook is happy to have a second chance with the Bills, Skurski reports.

Miami Dolphins

The Sun Sentinel runs down 10 lingering questions for the Dolphins.

Former Dolphin Zach Thomas is trying to cope with Junior Seau's death.

New England Patriots

The move from the college ranks to the NFL has not been easy for 2011 draft pick Markell Carter. But this year during the rookie minicamp, Carter showed up bigger and better, the Boston Herald's Mark Daniels reports.

Rookie quarterback Mike Hartline knows the odds are stacked against him, writes Daniels.

Hyped as a high school prospect, defensive tackle Marcus Forston struggled in his college career and went undrafted. Now the rookie free agent is looking for a fresh start and a possible job as Vince Wilfork's backup, reports Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

Forston's not the only one getting a second chance, Greg. A Bedard of The Boston Globe reports. "They know their undrafted free agents will get a fair shot from Bill Belichick."

New York Jets

Coach Rex Ryan had little to say about the team's decision to turn down a repeat appearance on the HBO show "Hard Knocks."

GM Mike Tannenbaum won't discuss reports that the Jets had a trade worked out with the Steelers to move down in the draft if certain players were available.

Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh doesn't coddle starter Mark Sanchez, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

An estimated 20,000 attended Friday's "Celebration of Life" for Junior Seau, held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots was the last person to coach future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau. Belichick signed Seau at the tail end of his career and was Seau's coach for his final four seasons in the NFL.

Seau died Wednesday at the age of 43. Belichick released a statement on Seau Thursday:

"A day later, it is still hard to believe. Of all the players I have coached, nobody was more full of energy and vitality than Junior Seau. He respected and inspired every single person he came in contact with -- players, coaches and support staff. His defied the odds by playing two decades in the NFL at a level and with a youthful spirit rarely seen but appreciated by everyone. Junior will always be remembered as a intense Hall of Fame player from the old school. He was a charismatic icon. At the same time, as a human being he was as caring, warm and lovable as they come. That’s what I will miss most of all. It was a privilege to have coached Junior Seau. My condolences to his family."

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• Free-agent receiver Jabar Gaffney told Josina Anderson of ESPN that he is joining the New England Patriots.

Morning take: The Patriots continue to load up on receivers and the competition is going to be very stiff in New England. The move also keeps Gaffney away from division rivals Miami and Buffalo.

• The Buffalo News has reaction from the Bills on the death of future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau.

Morning take: Bills general manager Buddy Nix was in San Diego for two years, and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt coached Seau in Miami. This is a big loss all around for the NFL community.

• Did the Miami Dolphins thrive in the NFL draft? General manager Jeff Ireland told The Finsiders yes.

Morning take: We won't know for sure until after a few seasons, but Miami did get a lot of potential in the draft. The Dolphins just have to develop it.

• According to Travis Chan of Yahoo! Sports, the New York Jets should bring back veteran receiver Braylon Edwards.

Morning take: This was a stronger option before the draft. But the acquisition of second-round pick Stephen Hill closes that door a little more. Santonio Holmes, Hill and Jeremy Kerley in the slot is not a bad trio as long as Hill becomes a fast learner in the NFL.

The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots were two of the three teams future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau played for. Seau, 43, died on Wednesday.

Here are two issued statements from the Dolphins and Patriots:

Dolphins CEO Mike Dee: "We are stunned and saddened at the passing of Junior Seau. During his time with the Dolphins he made a unique contribution to the team and the South Florida community. Junior was a fierce competitor whose passion and work ethic lifted his teammates to greater heights. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and he passed that on to everyone who was around him. He loved the game so much, and no one played with more sheer joy. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, though, he was as well known for his charitable accomplishments to help those less fortunate than himself, especially kids. Whether it was in San Diego, South Florida, New England or everywhere else in between, Junior loved putting a smile on a child’s face during his 'Shop with a Jock' program or during one of his countless school visits. He made a difference to so many people in so many places. Junior was one-of-a-kind. The league will never see anyone like him again. He will be missed, and on behalf of the Miami Dolphins we want to extend our condolences to his family."

Patriots team statement: "We were shocked to hear of the initial reports regarding Junior Seau earlier today and are deeply saddened by the news of his death. We were fortunate to have had Junior join the Patriots in 2006 and are thankful for his many contributions to the team over the next four years. He had a legendary NFL career and his unrivaled passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite here in New England. This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends who will mourn this loss."

Junior Seau's 20-year career made a widespread impact. That included the AFC East, where the future Hall of Fame linebacker spent the final seven years of his stellar career with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.

Seau died on Wednesday, which is a huge loss for the Patriots, Dolphins, San Diego Chargers and the entire NFL community. In the AFC East, Seau will be remembered most for his tremendous work ethic, passion and ability to play a demanding position until he was 40.

Seau came to Miami as a 34-year-old linebacker. It was unknown at that time how much more he had left in the tank. But Seau was one of the studs on Miami's defense, played 15 games in 2003 and led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record. In fact, Miami had winning records in two of Seau's three seasons. The Dolphins have had just one winning season since Seau left Miami in 2006.

Seau came to New England the following season in '06 with even more questions. He was 37. But Seau quickly acclimated himself to the "Patriot way" and played 27 games his first two seasons in New England.

In 2007, Seau was a prominent member of New England's undefeated regular-season team. He recorded 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions for those Patriots, who came up just short in the Super Bowl and remain one of the greatest teams to not win a Super Bowl.

That undefeated regular season and Super Bowl run in '07 turned out to be one of Seau's last great moments as a player. He stuck around for two more seasons in New England but started just two games in that span.

Seau will be remembered as a Charger, first and foremost. But the Patriots and Dolphins will never forget his contributions.

INDIANAPOLIS -- As displayed in his video documentary "A Football Life," New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick enjoys fishing in his free time. It's fitting, because in football Belichick is not afraid to cut bait.

Many players have come and gone in New England. Some have worked out better than others. But the culture of winning remains the same.

There are only seven players remaining from the Patriots' last Super Bowl team in 2007. In four years, nearly the entire roster has been remade into a championship contender.

Big-name players like Randy Moss, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison all left New England for various reasons. Some were released, retired, or traded and wound up on television.

You also have recent malcontent situations this past season such as former Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather and former Pro Bowl defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth. Meriweather had off-the-field issues last season and surprisingly didn't make the 53-man roster. He landed with the Chicago Bears. Haynesworth was acquired in a big trade this summer and released about midway through the season.

Football is a cruel business. But it's particularly cruel in New England if you're underperforming and not buying into the program. You can multiply that by 10 if you're a malcontent.

"Most head coaches and GMs, they're never really willing to swallow their pride and admit that they made a mistake," former Patriots fullback and NFL Network analyst Heath Evans explained. "Bill just says 'Well, I thought we could fix [Haynesworth]. We couldn't. So bye-bye.' Most guys will sit there and hurt their team by allowing a cancer to infiltrate the system, the mindset, how you get something done. But Bill never hesitated.

"He saw enough. He gave [Haynesworth] enough chances and, boom, he's gone. That's an aspect of the structure and discipline. Bill doesn't care how it makes him look or what he's doing. He's going to do what's best for the team."

Haynesworth and Meriweather were cut because they no longer fit. Moss, Seymour and Vrabel were traded while the value was still high enough to get something for them. Belichick is always thinking about the next move.

Patriots starting receiver Deion Branch was fortunate.

The former Super Bowl MVP held out for more money during New England's training camp and the preseason in 2006, and was eventually traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a first-round pick. Branch got the money he wanted. Seattle signed him to a $39 million extension. But Branch never had the same success in Seattle and was traded back to New England for a fourth-round pick in 2010.

Branch was a good teammate, but the holdout with New England left a bad stench. The Patriots showed they were willing to forgive, and now Branch is one of the veteran leaders of this year's team.

"I was very honored," Branch said. "Not many have the opportunity to come back to the same team that drafted you. Guys don't get the opportunity to go through that phase. I was just very thankful."

New England receiver Chad Ochocinco is an interesting case. He's caused issues in the past with the Cincinnati Bengals. But he's quickly -- and wisely -- bought into the "Patriot way."

Ochocinco only has 15 receptions, but fellow Patriots have described him as the model teammate. He accepted his role in New England, no matter how small it is, for the greater goal of trying to win a championship. Moss also caused problems elsewhere and quickly changed his stripes when coming to New England. The talkative Ochocinco received advice from Moss this season on how to handle the transition.

"I learned to shut the [expletive] up," Ochocinco said this week.

Why doesn't this work everywhere? Why isn't every NFL team selfless and without internal issues?

"I think it doesn't work everywhere, because everyone has to buy in. I mean coaches, players, front office and owner," said former NFL executive Michael Lombardi, who once worked with Belichick. "With the Patriots, everybody buys in from the top all the way through. It's a way of life in New England. It's not just a daily job."

According to veteran guard Brian Waters, star quarterback Tom Brady plays a major role with team chemistry. Brady is an extension of Belichick in the locker room. No one is more competitive and works harder than the team's highest-paid player.

"Everybody's got egos, everybody's got their own way of doing things or what they think is the best way of doing things," Waters said. "But to have a coach set the tone and a player follow the tone as good as Tom, it's hard for any player on your team to even think about having a different thought process. If the best player on your football team is buying in 100 percent, then who are you to be any different? That’s something you have an appreciation for."

Evans, who played with the Patriots from 2005-08, went on to tell a great story involving future Hall of Famer Junior Seau. He was a 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker who joined the Patriots late in his career in 2006.

"Junior Seau, when he first got there, I don't think Junior had ever been yelled at a day in his life, or maybe even coached," Evans recalled. "Junior was over the center, trying to time the snap count, and he must have jumped offsides three times in our first practice. So Bill had it all teed up -- 'the lowlight film' is what he called it. Everyday we had a lowlight reel, and you do not want to be on that lowlight reel, because 52 other players are watching your bad mistake.

"So Junior is there jumping offsides and Bill just goes into his rant. Junior is like, 'Is he really doing this to me?' It was to the point where Junior stood up and said 'Buddy' ... He couldn't believe Bill was giving him the business like that."

No one player is bigger than the team in New England. The Patriots have done a great job of consistently sending that message and getting rid of players who don't understand. It's resulted in another Super Bowl appearance Sunday against the New York Giants.

The 2011-12 Patriots are particularly close-knit. Owner Robert Kraft says it's arguably his favorite group since owning the team, and they are one game away from capping a special season.

"One thing I've learned is that many games are lost and won in the locker room before the game starts," Kraft said this week. "Now, they have to go out and execute [against New York]."

I once heard Tom Donahoe, the former Buffalo Bills president and general manager, call quarterback Drew Bledsoe a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Then again, Donahoe used to say a lot of things.

I was reminded of this when taking a glance at players who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot for 2012.

Buffalo News reporter Mark Gaughan, who's on the Hall of Fame selection committee and last weekend was elected president of the Pro Football Writers Association, blogged the top newcomers to consider the next few years.

The lists are helpful in speculating when fan favorites such as Andre Reed and Curtis Martin will get their Canton calls. They both were finalists this year -- Reed for the fifth time, Martin for the first -- but weren't added to the 2011 induction class Saturday.

Perhaps that development was fitting for Martin because his coach with the New England Patriots and New York Jets will be on the ballot again. They could get in together in 2012.

Bill Parcells has been a finalist twice, but not since 2002 because rules for coaches changed. They now must wait five years from their last game to be eligible for induction, and Parcells returned to the sidelines with the Dallas Cowboys in 2003.

Is Parcells a Hall of Famer? I know Miami Dolphins fans aren't too thrilled with him these days, but he did add to an already remarkable legacy -- two championships, different teams to the Super Bowl, a few organizational turnarounds -- by guiding the Dolphins from 1-15 to the AFC East title as their football operations boss.

Also on the ballot next year will be Bledsoe, running backs Corey Dillon and Tiki Barber, fullback Mike Alstott, guard Will Shields and coaches Bill Cowher and Marty Schottenheimer.

Bledsoe had a fine career with the Patriots, Bills and Cowboys and ranks eighth all-time in passing yards. But he was a Pro Bowler only four times and never was first-team All-Pro. Bledsoe was helpful in getting the Patriots their first championship, so he does have a ring. But that was Tom Brady's team.

Dillon also was a four-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. He ranks 17th in rushing yards and never led the league in a major rushing category.

Schottenheimer played for the Bills and Patriots before winning 61 percent of his regular-season games as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers. His 200 victories rank sixth all-time, but his 5-23 playoff record will hurt.

That group of first-time candidates -- plus the newcomers for 2013 -- bodes well for Reed. There won't be any new receivers for him to box out. He already has jockeyed ahead of contemporaries Cris Carter and Tim Brown by making the cut from 15 to 10 in the selection process the past two years. Carter and Brown haven't.

Gaughan highlighted first-year players for next few classes.

2013: Quarterback Vinny Testaverde, offensive linemen Larry Allen and Jonathan Ogden, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, defensive end Michael Strahan.

2014: Running back Shaun Alexander, receiver Marvin Harrison, linebacker Derrick Brooks, safety Rodney Harrison and coaches Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden and Mike Holmgren -- if they don't return to sideline work.

2015: Quarterback Kurt Warner, receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, tackles Orlando Pace and Walter Jones and linebacker Junior Seau.

As part of the lead up to the AFC East clash between the New York Jets and New England Patriots on Monday night, Scoop Jackson sat down with Larry Izzo and Kevin Faulk to talk about what it means to be a Patriot.

Izzo starred on special teams for the Patriots and the Jets. Faulk is on New England's injured reserve. When the video concludes, click on the related videos to see other clips, including their predictions for Monday night.

Who was the greatest NFL player to wear a specific jersey number?

SI.com decided to find out and produced a list sure to create debate. The package, which includes plenty of vintage photos, was published Wednesday.

SI.com's Richard Deitsch explained the process:

A team of SI.com's finest numerologists crunched the data on jersey numbers to come up with the best performers in professional football at each number from 00 to 99. We based our decision on a combination of impact on the game, statistics and team success during the player's time wearing that number.

Here are the AFC East fellows who made the rundown from 00 to 99 ...

4. Brett Favre, Jets quarterback: Hey, he spent a season there.

12. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback: Deitsch called this the toughest call over Terry Bradshaw. There's also Joe Namath and Roger Staubach.

13. Dan Marino, Dolphins quarterback: This selection was listed among the eight simplest to make.

23. Troy Vincent, Patriots and Bills defensive back: Next runner-up was Mel Gray.

39. Larry Csonka, Dolphins running back: Selected ahead of Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny and Patriots fullback Sam Cunningham.

55. Junior Seau, Dolphins and Patriots linebacker: Willie McGinest and Joey Porter mentioned as "worthy of consideration."

57. Dwight Stephenson, Dolphins center: Thin crew when Bart Scott was in the all-time mix.

62. Jim Langer, Dolphins center: Name another No. 62. Quick!

67. Reggie McKenzie, Bills guard: Member of O.J. Simpson's famed Electric Company, but ahead of Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg?

73. John Hannah, Patriots guard: Other AFC East runners-up include Joe Klecko and Bob Baumhower.

New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson sat down with ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio to talk about changing uniforms for the first time after nine NFL seasons.

Since it has been the offseason for declaring championships, Tomlinson joined the mix.

Paolantonio asked if Tomlinson thought he would join Drew Brees and Rodney Harrison as players who left the San Diego Chargers and won a championship.

"I'll win a Super Bowl," Tomlinson replied.

With the Jets?

"Absolutely," Tomlinson added.

Tomlinson will stroll into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he'll turn 31 years old Tuesday and will enter training camp second on the Jets' depth chart to sophomore Shonn Greene.

Tomlinson claimed he's willing to serve in whatever role the Jets like, but he still has an edge.

"I think I'm tired of being doubted by so many people about what I can't do," Tomlinson said. "For a guy like me, my entire career has been driven by that. So I'm very determined to be successful here."

The Jets already have made an indelible mark on Tomlinson. He had the logo tattooed on the back of his calf.

"I looked at all the guys that had come before me and had to make that switch," Tomlinson said, "and it started right in that locker room with guys I played with: Junior Seau, Rodney Harrison, Drew Brees.

"I knew at some point that change would be coming, but I'm a guy that's able to get over it very quickly. I'm able to move on and focus on the next thing."

NFL.com's unveiling of the 75 greatest draft picks resumed Wednesday with picks No. 11 through 25. No AFC East teams made selections in this group, but a couple are in the division now.

The top 10 selections will be named during Thursday's draft telecast on the NFL Network.

Here are the players with AFC East ties on the list so far:

16. Randy Moss, Vikings receiver (1998, first round)

22. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers running back (2001, first round)

33. Joe Namath, Jets quarterback (1965, first round)

35. Bruce Smith, Bills defensive end (1985, first round)

42. O.J. Simpson, Bills running back (1969, first round)

45. Jim Kelly, Bills quarterback (1983, first round)

47. Junior Seau, Chargers linebacker (1990, first round)

55. Thurman Thomas, Bills running back (1988, second round)

61. Terrell Owens, 49ers receiver (1996, third round)

67. Larry Csonka, Dolphins running back (1968, first round)

NFL.com's unveiling of the 75 greatest draft picks resumed Tuesday with picks No. 26 through 50.

Picks No. 11 through 49 will be announced Wednesday, and the top 10 will be named during Thursday's draft telecast on the NFL Network.

Here are the players with AFC East ties on the list so far:

33. Joe Namath, Jets quarterback (1965, first round)

35. Bruce Smith, Bills defensive end (1985, first round)

42. O.J. Simpson, Bills running back (1969, first round)

45. Jim Kelly, Bills quarterback (1983, first round)

47. Junior Seau, Chargers linebacker (1990, first round)

55. Thurman Thomas, Bills running back (1988, second round)

61. Terrell Owens, 49ers receiver (1996, third round)

67. Larry Csonka, Dolphins running back (1968, first round)

In case you overlooked it, NFL editor Sheldon Spencer delivered an impressive series in which he assembled the best teams by draft round in NFL history.

The project was considerable, and the results make for a fun read.

A breakdown of AFC East representatives underscores how important a strong draft is to winning championships. All but a handful of those players belonged to a team that was great for a long time.

Five players who made the cut played for the Miami Dolphins' undefeated 1972 squad and won multiple Super Bowls.

Seven more played in at least on Super Bowl for the New England Patriots, with three joining as free agents.

Three played in four straight Super Bowls for the Buffalo Bills.

Before you take a look at the list, check out Spencer's explanation of how the draft all-stars were selected.

First round: Bills defensive end Bruce Smith, Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour, Chargers linebacker Junior Seau (Dolphins, Patriots).

Second round: Bills running back Thurman Thomas (Dolphins), Dolphins center Dwight Stephenson, Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Baumhower.

Third round: Dolphins running back Mercury Morris, 49ers receiver Terrell Owens (Bills), Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi.

Fourth round: Bills receiver Andre Reed, Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel.

Fifth round: Dolphins running back Jim Kiick, Patriots tight end Ben Coates, Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, Chargers safety Rodney Harrison (Patriots).

Sixth round: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Jets defensive tackle Joe Klecko, Dolphins defensive end Doug Betters, Ravens outside linebacker Adalius Thomas (Patriots).

Seventh round plus: Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez, Ravens linebacker Bart Scott (Jets).