AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
Terrell Owens is campaigning to get back into the NFL, and his current targets are his first team and the team in which his previous quarterback plays for.
OwensOwens went on “The Drive” on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, in an interview that will air Monday, and said he’d like to play for either the 49ers or the Raiders. Let’s get this straight: Owens would like to play for any team. But thus far, there have not been any takers. Owens was out of football in 2011, and he turns 39 in December.
Yes, he’s a hard sell.
Yet, he is pushing for a chance to reunite with quarterback Carson Palmer. They played in Cincinnati together in 2010, and Owens worked out with Palmer and some Oakland receivers this offseason.
“If I had to prefer a team, I’d probably want to end where I started, but other than that, that’s not possible, but at the same time, anything can happen. That being said, there’s really only one team left in the Bay Area who I haven’t played for, that really, at this point in time is a viable option, and that’s the Oakland Raiders,” Owens said, “Given the opportunity, if that’s on their radar for me to come in and help them win some ball games, and ultimately help them try to win a championship, then I’ll take that challenge on.
"I definitely feel I have a lot of football left in me. I think Carson knows that. The guys that saw me running around, those receivers, they saw me first hand, so it’s just a matter of someone giving me an opportunity to make that happen. If that’s the case with the Raiders, I’ll assess that when the time comes.”
The reality is, it doesn’t matter if Owens is interested in playing for the Raiders. There are a lot of people in the world who would like to play for the Raiders. What matters is what Oakland’s brass wants. Thus far, it appears Oakland is satisfied with its young core of receivers. As I have expressed often, I think it is the right call.
Let’s see what fifth-round pick Juron Criner can do. Taking away repetitions from him in favor of a rusty 38-year-old with a history of being a locker-room distraction doesn’t make any sense.
In other AFC West news:
Tight end Dallas Clark reportedly visited the Patriots this week. He recently visited the Chiefs.
In an Insider piece,
Mel Kiper says he thinks Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston will build upon his strong rookie season.
Denver signed fifth-round pick Malik Jackson. He is the team’s second draft pick to sign.
Yes, he’s a hard sell.
Yet, he is pushing for a chance to reunite with quarterback Carson Palmer. They played in Cincinnati together in 2010, and Owens worked out with Palmer and some Oakland receivers this offseason.
“If I had to prefer a team, I’d probably want to end where I started, but other than that, that’s not possible, but at the same time, anything can happen. That being said, there’s really only one team left in the Bay Area who I haven’t played for, that really, at this point in time is a viable option, and that’s the Oakland Raiders,” Owens said, “Given the opportunity, if that’s on their radar for me to come in and help them win some ball games, and ultimately help them try to win a championship, then I’ll take that challenge on.
"I definitely feel I have a lot of football left in me. I think Carson knows that. The guys that saw me running around, those receivers, they saw me first hand, so it’s just a matter of someone giving me an opportunity to make that happen. If that’s the case with the Raiders, I’ll assess that when the time comes.”
The reality is, it doesn’t matter if Owens is interested in playing for the Raiders. There are a lot of people in the world who would like to play for the Raiders. What matters is what Oakland’s brass wants. Thus far, it appears Oakland is satisfied with its young core of receivers. As I have expressed often, I think it is the right call.
Let’s see what fifth-round pick Juron Criner can do. Taking away repetitions from him in favor of a rusty 38-year-old with a history of being a locker-room distraction doesn’t make any sense.
In other AFC West news:
Tight end Dallas Clark reportedly visited the Patriots this week. He recently visited the Chiefs.
In an Insider piece,
Mel Kiper says he thinks Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston will build upon his strong rookie season.
Denver signed fifth-round pick Malik Jackson. He is the team’s second draft pick to sign.
As part of their front office and scouting restructuring, the Oakland Raiders have formally announced several new appointments.
Here are new positions, in alphabetical order, as relayed by the team: Teddy Atlas, scouting coordinator; Calvin Branch, college scout; Joey Clinkscales, director of player personnel; Zack Crockett, college scout; Tom Delaney, director of football administration; Shaun Herock, director of college scouting; Von Hutchins, pro scout; Brad Kaplan, college scout; Larry Marmie, pro scout; Mickey Marvin, college scout; David McCloughan, college scout; Raleigh McKenzie, college scout, Trey Scott, college scout; and Dane Vandernat, pro scout.
In other AFC West news:
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Chiefs will visit with former Miami safety Yeremiah Bell. The Chiefs are looking for depth at the spot. They recently visited with veteran safety O.J. Atogwe.
The Rams signed two AFC West players Tuesday when they inked Kansas City free-agent tackle Barry Richardson and former Denver linebacker Mario Haggan. Neither was in his former team’s plans.
Recently retired Denver safety Brian Dawkins will appear on ESPN’s "NFL Live" on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
UPDATE: As expected, the Raiders signed fullback Owen Schmitt.
He played for Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Seattle. He is a hard-nosed player, who has a chance to make the team. Restricted free-agent Marcel Reece is and still will be the starter. He has yet to report to the team. Perhaps this minor heat will persuade Reece to join the team.
Here are new positions, in alphabetical order, as relayed by the team: Teddy Atlas, scouting coordinator; Calvin Branch, college scout; Joey Clinkscales, director of player personnel; Zack Crockett, college scout; Tom Delaney, director of football administration; Shaun Herock, director of college scouting; Von Hutchins, pro scout; Brad Kaplan, college scout; Larry Marmie, pro scout; Mickey Marvin, college scout; David McCloughan, college scout; Raleigh McKenzie, college scout, Trey Scott, college scout; and Dane Vandernat, pro scout.
In other AFC West news:
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Chiefs will visit with former Miami safety Yeremiah Bell. The Chiefs are looking for depth at the spot. They recently visited with veteran safety O.J. Atogwe.
The Rams signed two AFC West players Tuesday when they inked Kansas City free-agent tackle Barry Richardson and former Denver linebacker Mario Haggan. Neither was in his former team’s plans.
Recently retired Denver safety Brian Dawkins will appear on ESPN’s "NFL Live" on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
UPDATE: As expected, the Raiders signed fullback Owen Schmitt.
He played for Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Seattle. He is a hard-nosed player, who has a chance to make the team. Restricted free-agent Marcel Reece is and still will be the starter. He has yet to report to the team. Perhaps this minor heat will persuade Reece to join the team.
Chargers have entire draft class signed
May, 14, 2012
May 14
5:30
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The San Diego Chargers will not have any rookie holdouts this year.
UT-San Diego reported that the Chargers have signed third-round pick, safety Brandon Taylor. He was the last remaining draft pick to sign with the team.
In previous years, it would been absurd to think a team (there are a few other teams around the league to accomplish the feat this year) would have its complete draft class signed by May 14. However, as part of the new collective bargaining agreement, the new rookie pay scale has made it much easier for draftees to sign. In the past, rookie holdouts were fairly normal.
The Chiefs have signed half their class.
UT-San Diego reported that the Chargers have signed third-round pick, safety Brandon Taylor. He was the last remaining draft pick to sign with the team.
In previous years, it would been absurd to think a team (there are a few other teams around the league to accomplish the feat this year) would have its complete draft class signed by May 14. However, as part of the new collective bargaining agreement, the new rookie pay scale has made it much easier for draftees to sign. In the past, rookie holdouts were fairly normal.
The Chiefs have signed half their class.
As expected, Joey Clinkscales is joining his childhood friend in Oakland.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Clinkscales, former Jets director of college scouting, is taking a prominent scouting job with the Raiders; there is a strong chance it will be on the pro-personnel side. The Raiders have reportedly already hired Green Bay’s Shaun Herock as their college scouting director.
ESPN New York reported prior to the draft that the Jets and Clinkscales were headed for a mutual parting of the ways, and that Clinkscales would likely end up in Oakland. Clinkscales played at the University of Tennessee and was childhood friends with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie.
McKenzie has been making wholesale changes since he took over in Oakland in January.
In other AFC West news:
Two Kansas City rookies will miss a day of minicamp so they can graduate from college. Class move, Romeo Crennel. Jeff Allen and Tim Biere will have a million more NFL practice days. No more graduation days.
Kansas City signed defensive end Ropati Pitoitua. Pitoitua, 27, played in 22 games with the New York Jets over the 2009 and 2011 seasons; he will be a bottom-of-the-roster type if he makes the team.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Clinkscales, former Jets director of college scouting, is taking a prominent scouting job with the Raiders; there is a strong chance it will be on the pro-personnel side. The Raiders have reportedly already hired Green Bay’s Shaun Herock as their college scouting director.
ESPN New York reported prior to the draft that the Jets and Clinkscales were headed for a mutual parting of the ways, and that Clinkscales would likely end up in Oakland. Clinkscales played at the University of Tennessee and was childhood friends with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie.
McKenzie has been making wholesale changes since he took over in Oakland in January.
In other AFC West news:
Two Kansas City rookies will miss a day of minicamp so they can graduate from college. Class move, Romeo Crennel. Jeff Allen and Tim Biere will have a million more NFL practice days. No more graduation days.
Kansas City signed defensive end Ropati Pitoitua. Pitoitua, 27, played in 22 games with the New York Jets over the 2009 and 2011 seasons; he will be a bottom-of-the-roster type if he makes the team.
Video: Blogger blitz -- Kansas City Patriots
May, 8, 2012
May 8
2:30
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
AFC West blogger Bill Williamson talks about the continuing influence of the New England Patriots on the Kansas City Chiefs.
One of the reasons why pass-rusher Melvin Ingram fell to the San Diego Chargers at the No. 18 pick in the recent NFL draft was his relatively short arms.
The South Carolina product was expected to be a top-10 pick yet one of the few red flags on Ingram is he doesn’t have the long arms that classic pass-rushers have. Ingram’s arm length is 31.5 inches, according to Steve Muench of Scouts Inc.
The Chargers aren’t worried about Ingram’s arms and were thrilled that Ingram fell to them. San Diego general manager A.J. Smith quipped to U-T San Diego about Ingram’s supposed issue:"I think Melvin will have the same problem Tyrannosaurus rex had millions of years ago."
Still, teams prefer pass-rushers with longer arms because it allows them to separate quickly from offensive linemen. Still short-arm pass-rushers can have success. Two of the better pass-rushers in the NFL, Kansas City’s Tamba Hali and Minnesota’s Jared Allen, have arms in the same length range as Ingram.
Muench is not worried about Ingram’s shorter arms being an issue.
“The thing I love about Ingram is he makes plays on film and against the highest level of collegiate competition,” Muench said. “I think he has the motor, active hands and motor to overcome an concerns about his length.”
The South Carolina product was expected to be a top-10 pick yet one of the few red flags on Ingram is he doesn’t have the long arms that classic pass-rushers have. Ingram’s arm length is 31.5 inches, according to Steve Muench of Scouts Inc.
The Chargers aren’t worried about Ingram’s arms and were thrilled that Ingram fell to them. San Diego general manager A.J. Smith quipped to U-T San Diego about Ingram’s supposed issue:"I think Melvin will have the same problem Tyrannosaurus rex had millions of years ago."
Still, teams prefer pass-rushers with longer arms because it allows them to separate quickly from offensive linemen. Still short-arm pass-rushers can have success. Two of the better pass-rushers in the NFL, Kansas City’s Tamba Hali and Minnesota’s Jared Allen, have arms in the same length range as Ingram.
Muench is not worried about Ingram’s shorter arms being an issue.
“The thing I love about Ingram is he makes plays on film and against the highest level of collegiate competition,” Muench said. “I think he has the motor, active hands and motor to overcome an concerns about his length.”
New Oakland head coach Dennis Allen told the Bay Area News Group that if the Raiders use a 3-4 defense that Tommy Kelly would be the nose tackle. Allen has yet to commit to a base defense and he has said Oakland will use multiple fronts.
There have been indications that the 4-3 defense will be the team’s base, but I do expect some 3-4 looks.
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. thinks Oakland should use multiple looks and he thinks Kelly could fill the nose tackle role in some instances.
“I think it would be foolish for Oakland not to be multiple and I am sure they know that is the plan,” Williamson said. “With defensive linemen like Lamarr Houston and, especially, Richard Seymour and Kelly, they have a lot of versatility where they line up up front. … Looking over the roster, the Raiders do lack a true plugger early down nose tackle. Kelly would fit that mold best.”
In other AFC West news:
Former Chiefs and Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer mourns the death of Junior Seau.
New Denver quarterback Peyton Manning hit the field with his new teammates and coaches for the first time.
Bill Barnwell thinks the Raiders and Chargers are among the teams still with a glaring hole.
Baltimore star pass-rusher Terrell Suggs could miss the entire season with a torn Achilles. The Ravens play the AFC West this season.
There have been indications that the 4-3 defense will be the team’s base, but I do expect some 3-4 looks.
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. thinks Oakland should use multiple looks and he thinks Kelly could fill the nose tackle role in some instances.
“I think it would be foolish for Oakland not to be multiple and I am sure they know that is the plan,” Williamson said. “With defensive linemen like Lamarr Houston and, especially, Richard Seymour and Kelly, they have a lot of versatility where they line up up front. … Looking over the roster, the Raiders do lack a true plugger early down nose tackle. Kelly would fit that mold best.”
In other AFC West news:
Former Chiefs and Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer mourns the death of Junior Seau.
New Denver quarterback Peyton Manning hit the field with his new teammates and coaches for the first time.
Bill Barnwell thinks the Raiders and Chargers are among the teams still with a glaring hole.
Baltimore star pass-rusher Terrell Suggs could miss the entire season with a torn Achilles. The Ravens play the AFC West this season.
The Broncos’ compensation in the Tim Tebow trade is a gift for Tebow’s replacement, Peyton Manning.
Denver took Baylor center Philip Blake with the No. 108 pick, in the fourth round. That was the primary pick the Jets gave up in the Tebow trade.
Interestingly, Blake will backup/compete with J.D. Walton, a former Baylor teammate. Denver took Walton two years ago and he has been the team’s starter. Manning has been working closely with Walton since Manning signed in Denver last month. Blake likely won’t compete with Walton right away.
The Broncos made an interesting pick early in the fourth round in the in the form of Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden. He missed all of last season with an ACL injury. He has excellent cover skills and, if healthy, he likely would have been a second-round pick last year.
Bolden is now healthy. It’s a worthwhile pick for Denver since they are looking for young cornerbacks who don’t have to start right away. This pick has a chance to be a steal.
The Chiefs love small, return types. They drafted Devon Wylie of Fresno State in the fourth round. Wylie is dynamic player. He is fast and NFL-ready, yet he is just 5-foot-9, 188 pounds. He can also kelp in the return game, where the Chiefs have several options. Wylie is similar to 2010 second-round pick Dexter McCluster.
He and McCluster can be on the field together with McCluster being in the backfield. With big receiver Dwayne Bowe and Jon Baldwin, the Chiefs continue to give themselves matchup options.
The Chargers began to start thinking about a post-Antonio Gates world by taking Louisiana-Lafayette tight end Ladarius Green in the fourth round. Like the Chargers’ first three picks, Green was expected to go earlier in the draft. He is an interesting prospect for down the road.
Denver took Baylor center Philip Blake with the No. 108 pick, in the fourth round. That was the primary pick the Jets gave up in the Tebow trade.
Interestingly, Blake will backup/compete with J.D. Walton, a former Baylor teammate. Denver took Walton two years ago and he has been the team’s starter. Manning has been working closely with Walton since Manning signed in Denver last month. Blake likely won’t compete with Walton right away.
The Broncos made an interesting pick early in the fourth round in the in the form of Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden. He missed all of last season with an ACL injury. He has excellent cover skills and, if healthy, he likely would have been a second-round pick last year.
Bolden is now healthy. It’s a worthwhile pick for Denver since they are looking for young cornerbacks who don’t have to start right away. This pick has a chance to be a steal.
The Chiefs love small, return types. They drafted Devon Wylie of Fresno State in the fourth round. Wylie is dynamic player. He is fast and NFL-ready, yet he is just 5-foot-9, 188 pounds. He can also kelp in the return game, where the Chiefs have several options. Wylie is similar to 2010 second-round pick Dexter McCluster.
He and McCluster can be on the field together with McCluster being in the backfield. With big receiver Dwayne Bowe and Jon Baldwin, the Chiefs continue to give themselves matchup options.
The Chargers began to start thinking about a post-Antonio Gates world by taking Louisiana-Lafayette tight end Ladarius Green in the fourth round. Like the Chargers’ first three picks, Green was expected to go earlier in the draft. He is an interesting prospect for down the road.
With word that the Cleveland Browns will try to trade quarterback Colt McCoy, I’ve been asked often if he will fit in the AFC West. Oakland is the only team in the division without a true backup at that position. If the Oakland Raiders want to bring in McCoy, fine, built I don’t think it is pressing and I’m not a big McCoy fan, so I don’t think it should be a priority. There is a report that says McCoy could be sent to Green Bay.
In other AFC West news:
ESPN’s Ed Werder reported the Cowboys could listen to offers for cornerback Mike Jenkins. I think he could be a good fit for Oakland and he is fairly inexpensive. It may be worth a call for the Raiders.
Please check out our draft tracker. It has analysis and video of each pick and offers nice insight into new Chief Dontari Poe and new Charger Melvin Ingram.
Is Mark Barron's price rising for Chargers?
April, 24, 2012
Apr 24
11:58
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Buffalo Bills, owners of the 10th pick in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft, are reportedly high on Alabama safety Mark Barron. There has been rampant talk that the Chargers would like to trade up to get Barron.
San Diego has the No. 18 pick. It previously appeared that the Chargers would have to get to the No. 12 range to get Barron; perhaps they will have to climb higher. If the Chargers want to jump ahead of Buffalo to grab Barron, they might have to part with that No. 18 pick, the No. 49 pick and a late-rounder.
We might soon see exactly how much the Chargers covet Barron.
In other AFC West news:
NFL Network reported that the Giants could potentially part with pass-rusher Osi Umenyiora for a third-round pick this week. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but if I think the Chargers should consider it.
Oakland’s first pick in the draft is No. 95. The last team to have its first pick past that selection is Cleveland in 2008. Its first pick was No. 104.
Kansas City tight end Tony Moeaki reiterated Tuesday that he expects to be back for training camp. He suffered a torn ACL last September.
San Diego has the No. 18 pick. It previously appeared that the Chargers would have to get to the No. 12 range to get Barron; perhaps they will have to climb higher. If the Chargers want to jump ahead of Buffalo to grab Barron, they might have to part with that No. 18 pick, the No. 49 pick and a late-rounder.
We might soon see exactly how much the Chargers covet Barron.
In other AFC West news:
NFL Network reported that the Giants could potentially part with pass-rusher Osi Umenyiora for a third-round pick this week. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but if I think the Chargers should consider it.
Oakland’s first pick in the draft is No. 95. The last team to have its first pick past that selection is Cleveland in 2008. Its first pick was No. 104.
Kansas City tight end Tony Moeaki reiterated Tuesday that he expects to be back for training camp. He suffered a torn ACL last September.
Will the Chargers be on the move up?
April, 23, 2012
Apr 23
10:55
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday that the Chargers are trying to trade up to take Alabama safety Mark Barron.
For what it’s worth, I heard the rumblings a couple of times, too. Barron looks likely to go in the 12-to-16 range in the first round, meaning that there isn’t much of a chance he will be around when the Chargers draft at No. 18. A trade up could cost a third-round pick and the No. 18 pick or a similar package.
If Barron is the apple of Chargers general manager A.J. Smith’s eye, a trade is likely necessary. We all know Smith is not scared to move up. He’s done it before and I can see him doing it again.
In other AFC West news:
NFL.com reported that the Broncos could still trade for Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel. The Broncos reportedly tried to get Samuels last week, but talks with Samuel about a new deal stalled; perhaps they will reignite. The price for Samuels is expected to be a late-round pick.
The NFL boosted the number of roster spots for the beginning of training camp from 80 to 90. That means each team will probably sign more undrafted free agents. The in-season 53-man roster remains.
Jacksonville cut safety Darcel McBath. He was cut by Denver last year being a second-round pick in 2009. Josh McDaniels’ first draft in Denver was a disaster.
Will the Chiefs draft a receiver with Dwayne Bowe's future unsettled?
The Chargers began their offseason program Monday.
The Raiders had a solid turnout at a voluntary minicamp. These are considered voluntary, but teams highly encourage players to attend, so attendance is usually pretty strong.
For what it’s worth, I heard the rumblings a couple of times, too. Barron looks likely to go in the 12-to-16 range in the first round, meaning that there isn’t much of a chance he will be around when the Chargers draft at No. 18. A trade up could cost a third-round pick and the No. 18 pick or a similar package.
If Barron is the apple of Chargers general manager A.J. Smith’s eye, a trade is likely necessary. We all know Smith is not scared to move up. He’s done it before and I can see him doing it again.
In other AFC West news:
NFL.com reported that the Broncos could still trade for Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel. The Broncos reportedly tried to get Samuels last week, but talks with Samuel about a new deal stalled; perhaps they will reignite. The price for Samuels is expected to be a late-round pick.
The NFL boosted the number of roster spots for the beginning of training camp from 80 to 90. That means each team will probably sign more undrafted free agents. The in-season 53-man roster remains.
Jacksonville cut safety Darcel McBath. He was cut by Denver last year being a second-round pick in 2009. Josh McDaniels’ first draft in Denver was a disaster.
Will the Chiefs draft a receiver with Dwayne Bowe's future unsettled?
The Chargers began their offseason program Monday.
The Raiders had a solid turnout at a voluntary minicamp. These are considered voluntary, but teams highly encourage players to attend, so attendance is usually pretty strong.
The Denver Broncos reportedly are one of the teams that have had trade talks with the Eagles about cornerback Asante Samuel.
SamuelThe Denver Post reports that Denver has inquired about Samuel, but a deal is not likely at this point. The Broncos were talking to the Eagles about sending a fifth- or-sixth round pick for Samuel and they also discussed swapping a player for him.
Samuel has a hefty contract and that appears to be a potential stumbling block for any team that would want to deal for him, more so than the price tag it would cost to get him. Samuel doesn’t strike me as the type of player who will play for peanuts. That’s not a knock. He’s still a good player and he wants to be compensated for it.
In other AFC West news:
NFL.com reports Raiders exclusive free-agent Marcel Reece is one of the players in the league who has not signed their tender and is not participating in the team’s offseason program. Same goes for Dwayne Bowe in Kansas City. He has not signed his franchise tag.
I would not get too hopped up over these developments. Sitting out the offseason program is normal protocol for players who have not signed their tenders. I’m sure Reece would like a new contract and perhaps one will be negotiated down the road. But if not, Reece (and Bowe) will play in 2012. What choice do they have?
In a formality, the Broncos are going to rely heavily on the no-huddle offense Peyton Manning prefers. This was a no-brainer. Denver is going to make Manning as comfortable as possible in the offense.
ESPN Stats & Information has a by the numbers look at the draft needs for each AFC West team. Here is a hint: Defense, defense, defense.
Here is a draft name to keep an eye on in Oakland: Arizona cornerback Trevin Wade. He has not visited the Raiders, but he could be a target in the middle rounds.
The Raiders signed receiver Duke Calhoun. He participated in the Raiders’ voluntary veteran mini-camp earlier this week on a tryout basis. He had one catch in nine games with the Giants in 2010. He has an uphill battle to make the roster.
In an Insider piece, Bill Polian thinks the Chiefs have had the best drafts in the AFC West in the past three years.
Samuel has a hefty contract and that appears to be a potential stumbling block for any team that would want to deal for him, more so than the price tag it would cost to get him. Samuel doesn’t strike me as the type of player who will play for peanuts. That’s not a knock. He’s still a good player and he wants to be compensated for it.
In other AFC West news:
NFL.com reports Raiders exclusive free-agent Marcel Reece is one of the players in the league who has not signed their tender and is not participating in the team’s offseason program. Same goes for Dwayne Bowe in Kansas City. He has not signed his franchise tag.
I would not get too hopped up over these developments. Sitting out the offseason program is normal protocol for players who have not signed their tenders. I’m sure Reece would like a new contract and perhaps one will be negotiated down the road. But if not, Reece (and Bowe) will play in 2012. What choice do they have?
In a formality, the Broncos are going to rely heavily on the no-huddle offense Peyton Manning prefers. This was a no-brainer. Denver is going to make Manning as comfortable as possible in the offense.
ESPN Stats & Information has a by the numbers look at the draft needs for each AFC West team. Here is a hint: Defense, defense, defense.
Here is a draft name to keep an eye on in Oakland: Arizona cornerback Trevin Wade. He has not visited the Raiders, but he could be a target in the middle rounds.
The Raiders signed receiver Duke Calhoun. He participated in the Raiders’ voluntary veteran mini-camp earlier this week on a tryout basis. He had one catch in nine games with the Giants in 2010. He has an uphill battle to make the roster.
In an Insider piece, Bill Polian thinks the Chiefs have had the best drafts in the AFC West in the past three years.
Brock Osweiler a perfect fit in Denver?
April, 18, 2012
Apr 18
5:05
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Peyton Manning recently signed a five-year deal with the Denver Broncos. Yet, at 36, Manning probably has three good years left before Denver must re-assess their future.
In an Insider piece
,Todd McShay writes there is a perfect developmental prospect available in this draft for the Broncos -- Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler.
The 6-foot-7 Osweiler has a big arm, but he is raw and he needs time to learn the game. He’d have time and top-notch mentoring from Manning. The Broncos are clearly in accordance with McShay on Osweiler. The team’s brass has studied him and I think he could be a target of the team in the third round if he is available.
Meanwhile, here are several of the Jon Gruden quarterback camp videos. Check out the videos of Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, Osweiler and Kirk Cousins. The Chiefs and Broncos have been linked to these players.
In other AFC West news:
NFL.com reports the Ravens will be working out quarterbacks Kyle Boller and Dennis Dixon. Boller was Oakland’s backup last season and he is not expected to be back with the Raiders in 2012. Dixon visited Denver a few weeks ago. The Broncos still have some interest in Dixon.
ESPN The Magazine offers a wonderful look at Manning’s process in free agency and the special mentorship he leaned on during the trying time. It’s a worth a check.
Oakland coach Dennis Allen talks about what he is looking for from young quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
In an Insider piece
,Todd McShay writes there is a perfect developmental prospect available in this draft for the Broncos -- Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler.
The 6-foot-7 Osweiler has a big arm, but he is raw and he needs time to learn the game. He’d have time and top-notch mentoring from Manning. The Broncos are clearly in accordance with McShay on Osweiler. The team’s brass has studied him and I think he could be a target of the team in the third round if he is available.
Meanwhile, here are several of the Jon Gruden quarterback camp videos. Check out the videos of Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, Osweiler and Kirk Cousins. The Chiefs and Broncos have been linked to these players.
In other AFC West news:
NFL.com reports the Ravens will be working out quarterbacks Kyle Boller and Dennis Dixon. Boller was Oakland’s backup last season and he is not expected to be back with the Raiders in 2012. Dixon visited Denver a few weeks ago. The Broncos still have some interest in Dixon.
ESPN The Magazine offers a wonderful look at Manning’s process in free agency and the special mentorship he leaned on during the trying time. It’s a worth a check.
Oakland coach Dennis Allen talks about what he is looking for from young quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Raiders keep key backup Matt Giordano
April, 16, 2012
Apr 16
11:05
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders are bringing back safety Matt Giordano.
He is a solid backup and started nine games last season with five interceptions. He is a decent playmaker who will have a place in the team’s plans.
Giordano also has a history with the two most important men in the organization. He was in Green Bay in 2009 with new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie and he was in New Orleans in 2010, where his position coach was new Oakland coach Dennis Allen. This is a nice depth move by the Raiders.
In other AFC West news:
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller was one of Tim Tebow’s biggest supporters last season and he remains in his former teammate’s corner. Miller predicted Tebow will become the Jets’ starting quarterback in 2012. Denver swapped Tebow to New York a day after signing Peyton Manning.
As expected, Dwayne Bowe was not at the Chiefs’ first day of the offseason program Monday. He is one of several unsigned franchised players staying away. It is pretty normal and is not a worrisome development.
He is a solid backup and started nine games last season with five interceptions. He is a decent playmaker who will have a place in the team’s plans.
Giordano also has a history with the two most important men in the organization. He was in Green Bay in 2009 with new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie and he was in New Orleans in 2010, where his position coach was new Oakland coach Dennis Allen. This is a nice depth move by the Raiders.
In other AFC West news:
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller was one of Tim Tebow’s biggest supporters last season and he remains in his former teammate’s corner. Miller predicted Tebow will become the Jets’ starting quarterback in 2012. Denver swapped Tebow to New York a day after signing Peyton Manning.
As expected, Dwayne Bowe was not at the Chiefs’ first day of the offseason program Monday. He is one of several unsigned franchised players staying away. It is pretty normal and is not a worrisome development.
While I was away last week, NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas offered an interesting take on draft pick retention.
Yasinskas reported Denver has kept just 48.6 percent of its picks since 2008, ranking them last in the league. Of the 37 draft picks Denver has selected in the past four drafts, 32 are still in the NFL. Yet, only 17 are in Denver.
In other AFC West news:
The Raiders announced their home preseason game against Detroit will be Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. and their preseason finale at Seattle will be Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. ET.
The Chiefs’ brass discusses the team’s draft plans in this video.
Yasinskas reported Denver has kept just 48.6 percent of its picks since 2008, ranking them last in the league. Of the 37 draft picks Denver has selected in the past four drafts, 32 are still in the NFL. Yet, only 17 are in Denver.
In other AFC West news:
The Raiders announced their home preseason game against Detroit will be Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. and their preseason finale at Seattle will be Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. ET.
The Chiefs’ brass discusses the team’s draft plans in this video.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
