NFC South: LeGarrette Blount
Let’s take a run through the evening headlines from around the NFC South.
— According to this unique formula, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the least home-field advantage in the NFL from 2009 through 2011. On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints ranked behind only the New England Patriots when playing at home during that same span. The Falcons were No. 5 in the Georgia Dome and the Panthers No. 20 at Bank of America Stadium.
— Former Atlanta quarterback Steve Bartkowski was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday. He’s not the only player in the Class of 2012 with NFC South ties. Linebacker Mark Simoneau, who started his NFL career with the Falcons and had a later stint with the Saints, also was elected.
— It’s been a turbulent offseason for the Saints, but Wednesday night should provide a respite. The third annual Heath Evans Softball Classic will be held at Zephyr Field, which is adjacent to the Saints’ practice facility. More than 30 members of the Saints are expected to take part in the charity event.
— Mike Triplett writes that the Saints seem convinced their offense is in good hands with coordinator Pete Carmichael running the show while coach Sean Payton is suspended for the 2012 season. There’s good reason for that. Carmichael took over the play-calling duties last season when Payton suffered knee and leg injuries in a sideline collision and the offense didn’t miss a beat.
— Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said he was pleased with his team’s effort, but not its execution, in Tuesday’s organized team activity. Take this as another sign that Schiano is a stickler for detail. I was out there for the practice and the Bucs didn’t look all that bad, considering they have a new coaching staff and are just getting started with their on-field work.
— Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount is saying all the right things after the Bucs used a first-round pick on running back Doug Martin. Blount said he views the starting job as his “until they take it away." Martin’s got the edge because he’s the kind of all-purpose back Schiano wanted. But Blount is talented and the competition could inspire him to become a more well-rounded running back.
— According to this unique formula, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the least home-field advantage in the NFL from 2009 through 2011. On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints ranked behind only the New England Patriots when playing at home during that same span. The Falcons were No. 5 in the Georgia Dome and the Panthers No. 20 at Bank of America Stadium.
— Former Atlanta quarterback Steve Bartkowski was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday. He’s not the only player in the Class of 2012 with NFC South ties. Linebacker Mark Simoneau, who started his NFL career with the Falcons and had a later stint with the Saints, also was elected.
— It’s been a turbulent offseason for the Saints, but Wednesday night should provide a respite. The third annual Heath Evans Softball Classic will be held at Zephyr Field, which is adjacent to the Saints’ practice facility. More than 30 members of the Saints are expected to take part in the charity event.
— Mike Triplett writes that the Saints seem convinced their offense is in good hands with coordinator Pete Carmichael running the show while coach Sean Payton is suspended for the 2012 season. There’s good reason for that. Carmichael took over the play-calling duties last season when Payton suffered knee and leg injuries in a sideline collision and the offense didn’t miss a beat.
— Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said he was pleased with his team’s effort, but not its execution, in Tuesday’s organized team activity. Take this as another sign that Schiano is a stickler for detail. I was out there for the practice and the Bucs didn’t look all that bad, considering they have a new coaching staff and are just getting started with their on-field work.
— Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount is saying all the right things after the Bucs used a first-round pick on running back Doug Martin. Blount said he views the starting job as his “until they take it away." Martin’s got the edge because he’s the kind of all-purpose back Schiano wanted. But Blount is talented and the competition could inspire him to become a more well-rounded running back.
John Clayton discusses the Buccaneers' running back battle between Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount.
Ranking the NFC South RB situations
May, 9, 2012
May 9
12:00
PM ET
By Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson | ESPN.com
1. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have the best one-two punch at running back in the entire league in Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Although they traded Mike Goodson to the Raiders this offseason, they also signed Mike Tolbert, who could play some fullback as well as running back. The Panthers’ backfield is stacked.
I am extremely high on Stewart and would love to see what he would be able to do if he didn’t have to split time, as evidenced by his whopping 5.4-yard average in 2011. Stewart has power, elusiveness, is very fluid, but also explosive. He can be one of the very best running backs in the NFL. He has come into his own as a receiving option. Stewart’s 47 receptions last season were more than he accumulated over his first three years in the league combined. One knock on Stewart is that he could stand to improve as a pass blocker, but he also just recently turned 25, so his best might be yet to come.
There is also a ton to love about what Williams brings to the table. In 2008, Williams had a monster season, rushing for more than 1,500 yards. He has yet to approach such production again, but like Stewart, Williams averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011. Williams has great vision, runs with excellent pad level and I very much believe he has a lot more in the tank even though he recently turned 29. Williams is a solid receiver but seems to have been passed over by Stewart for the bulk of those duties.
Despite his stature, Tolbert also can contribute quite a bit in the passing game. I don’t see him as a fullback, but rather a punishing ball-carrier with an incredibly low center of gravity and excellent power. Tolbert has gotten into the end zone 21 times over the past two seasons and clearly excels near the goal line.
Having quarterback Cam Newton a part of this rushing attack helps a great deal, but the Panthers also will be getting mauling right tackle Jeff Otah back and drafted a similar bruising masher in the run game to play guard in Amini Silatolu. The Panthers should have one of the league’s very best rushing attacks -- and a very dangerous offense overall -- in 2012.
2. New Orleans Saints: The Saints have more backs than they know what to do with, but they distribute the touches from this position extremely effectively. The Saints did not have a first-round pick in this past draft because they traded it to acquire Mark Ingram in the 2011 draft. He appeared in only 10 games during his rookie season due to injury issues. He flashed some of that first-round ability during those games, but overall, it was a rough season for Ingram. However, this former Heisman Trophy winner has true “bell cow” running back traits. Ingram has an excellent combination of leverage, power and vision with a fine burst through the hole. He can make yardage on his own and has the temperament to carry the load. Ingram’s knee now has to be a bit of a concern, though.
The Saints’ most dynamic player at the position -- maybe in the entire league -- is Darren Sproles. He is pure electricity as a runner or receiver. And the Saints use Sproles’ talents to perfection. Drew Brees and the Saints’ coaching staff do a fantastic job of using personnel, formation and motion to get Sproles in advantageous situations -- either as a receiver against an inferior coverage player or as a runner against minimal defenders in the box. And Sproles excels when used in such a manner. As you would expect with his diminutive stature, Sproles can struggle in protection. But despite his size, Sproles hasn’t missed a game in the past four years and has missed only two games in his six-year career.
As third running backs go, Pierre Thomas has no equal in the NFL. Thomas is a potent blend of what both Ingram and Sproles bring to the table. Thomas is somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. Thomas would start for several teams in the league right now. He finished the 2011 season with just under 1,000 combined yards.
Further showing off their embarrassment of riches as this position, the Saints also have Chris Ivory. Ivory isn’t flashy or dynamic, but he runs with great conviction and power. Getting Ivory the touches he deserves could prove difficult, unless Ingram’s knee remains a major problem.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers traded into the late first round to select Doug Martin. Considering Greg Schiano’s history at Rutgers favoring versatile two-way running backs like Ray Rice and Brian Leonard, I expect Martin to quickly grab ahold of the starting job in Tampa Bay over LeGarrette Blount.
Blount is a very powerful runner and is good overall with the ball in his hands, but he has fumbling issues and offers little as a receiver or in protection, which is just too much of an advantage to the opposing defense when he is on the field. But if given carries or if the Bucs are playing with a lead, which was rare last year, Blount can pound the opponent into submission. His career average of 4.6 yards per carry should not be easily dismissed, especially considering the circumstances he was under last year.
But Martin is the better all-around talent compared to Blount. A compact bowling ball with very good vision and a natural skill set for churning out yardage, Martin is also highly adept as a receiver out of the backfield. The Bucs also used a seventh-round pick on Michael Smith, which further shows their lack of trust in Blount.
Mossis Madu is also in the mix for Tampa Bay. As shown by their investments at guard, the Buccaneers are a run-first team. That is what Schiano wants and his offseason moves strongly indicate that is the approach Tampa Bay will be taking going forward, along with taking some shots deep downfield to Vincent Jackson. Martin should get the bulk of the running back touches, but there might be enough to keep both lead backs fed.
4. Atlanta Falcons: In a division loaded with high-quality running backs, Atlanta’s backfield is last on my list. Michael Turner is the lead back here. I see Turner as a declining player who needs a high volume of touches to be effective. Although Turner is a decent pass blocker, he offers very little as a receiver, which is a huge detriment in today’s NFL.
After Week 11 last season, Turner had only one game in which he rushed for more than 76 yards. Turner finished the season with 1,340 yards on the ground and six 100-yard days, but his performance was much too up and down on a week-to-week basis for a back of his nature. I am not implying Turner is over-the-hill. He isn’t. Turner still has value and can be very effective if used properly. But he just isn’t what he once was in terms of his elusiveness and burst. Amazingly though, Turner can still break off long runs. He also has missed only five games over the past five seasons, but I think the Falcons would be wise to get some insurance for their 30-year-old back.
Jacquizz Rodgers is ahead of the game with his blitz pickup for a young back, but now the Falcons need to enhance his role catching the football. That seems like the next logical step in this dynamic player’s development. As a runner, Rodgers certainly isn’t built to be a lead guy, but he shows some power for his size and is competitive in all phases of the position. He could break out in 2012.
Antone Smith and Dimitri Nance are also on Atlanta’s roster, but it seems logical that the Falcons will add another veteran running back with size to back up Turner.
At fullback, the Falcons have one of the best lead blockers in recent years in Ovie Mughelli, but the usage of a fifth-round pick on Bradie Ewing, another downhill hammer blocker, could be the beginning of the end for Mughelli in Atlanta. The Falcons also have Mike Cox, a pure battering-ram fullback, in the equation. But it is unlikely they keep three blocking fullbacks on the roster.
I am extremely high on Stewart and would love to see what he would be able to do if he didn’t have to split time, as evidenced by his whopping 5.4-yard average in 2011. Stewart has power, elusiveness, is very fluid, but also explosive. He can be one of the very best running backs in the NFL. He has come into his own as a receiving option. Stewart’s 47 receptions last season were more than he accumulated over his first three years in the league combined. One knock on Stewart is that he could stand to improve as a pass blocker, but he also just recently turned 25, so his best might be yet to come.
There is also a ton to love about what Williams brings to the table. In 2008, Williams had a monster season, rushing for more than 1,500 yards. He has yet to approach such production again, but like Stewart, Williams averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011. Williams has great vision, runs with excellent pad level and I very much believe he has a lot more in the tank even though he recently turned 29. Williams is a solid receiver but seems to have been passed over by Stewart for the bulk of those duties.
Despite his stature, Tolbert also can contribute quite a bit in the passing game. I don’t see him as a fullback, but rather a punishing ball-carrier with an incredibly low center of gravity and excellent power. Tolbert has gotten into the end zone 21 times over the past two seasons and clearly excels near the goal line.
Having quarterback Cam Newton a part of this rushing attack helps a great deal, but the Panthers also will be getting mauling right tackle Jeff Otah back and drafted a similar bruising masher in the run game to play guard in Amini Silatolu. The Panthers should have one of the league’s very best rushing attacks -- and a very dangerous offense overall -- in 2012.
2. New Orleans Saints: The Saints have more backs than they know what to do with, but they distribute the touches from this position extremely effectively. The Saints did not have a first-round pick in this past draft because they traded it to acquire Mark Ingram in the 2011 draft. He appeared in only 10 games during his rookie season due to injury issues. He flashed some of that first-round ability during those games, but overall, it was a rough season for Ingram. However, this former Heisman Trophy winner has true “bell cow” running back traits. Ingram has an excellent combination of leverage, power and vision with a fine burst through the hole. He can make yardage on his own and has the temperament to carry the load. Ingram’s knee now has to be a bit of a concern, though.
The Saints’ most dynamic player at the position -- maybe in the entire league -- is Darren Sproles. He is pure electricity as a runner or receiver. And the Saints use Sproles’ talents to perfection. Drew Brees and the Saints’ coaching staff do a fantastic job of using personnel, formation and motion to get Sproles in advantageous situations -- either as a receiver against an inferior coverage player or as a runner against minimal defenders in the box. And Sproles excels when used in such a manner. As you would expect with his diminutive stature, Sproles can struggle in protection. But despite his size, Sproles hasn’t missed a game in the past four years and has missed only two games in his six-year career.
As third running backs go, Pierre Thomas has no equal in the NFL. Thomas is a potent blend of what both Ingram and Sproles bring to the table. Thomas is somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. Thomas would start for several teams in the league right now. He finished the 2011 season with just under 1,000 combined yards.
Further showing off their embarrassment of riches as this position, the Saints also have Chris Ivory. Ivory isn’t flashy or dynamic, but he runs with great conviction and power. Getting Ivory the touches he deserves could prove difficult, unless Ingram’s knee remains a major problem.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers traded into the late first round to select Doug Martin. Considering Greg Schiano’s history at Rutgers favoring versatile two-way running backs like Ray Rice and Brian Leonard, I expect Martin to quickly grab ahold of the starting job in Tampa Bay over LeGarrette Blount.
Blount is a very powerful runner and is good overall with the ball in his hands, but he has fumbling issues and offers little as a receiver or in protection, which is just too much of an advantage to the opposing defense when he is on the field. But if given carries or if the Bucs are playing with a lead, which was rare last year, Blount can pound the opponent into submission. His career average of 4.6 yards per carry should not be easily dismissed, especially considering the circumstances he was under last year.
But Martin is the better all-around talent compared to Blount. A compact bowling ball with very good vision and a natural skill set for churning out yardage, Martin is also highly adept as a receiver out of the backfield. The Bucs also used a seventh-round pick on Michael Smith, which further shows their lack of trust in Blount.
Mossis Madu is also in the mix for Tampa Bay. As shown by their investments at guard, the Buccaneers are a run-first team. That is what Schiano wants and his offseason moves strongly indicate that is the approach Tampa Bay will be taking going forward, along with taking some shots deep downfield to Vincent Jackson. Martin should get the bulk of the running back touches, but there might be enough to keep both lead backs fed.
4. Atlanta Falcons: In a division loaded with high-quality running backs, Atlanta’s backfield is last on my list. Michael Turner is the lead back here. I see Turner as a declining player who needs a high volume of touches to be effective. Although Turner is a decent pass blocker, he offers very little as a receiver, which is a huge detriment in today’s NFL.
After Week 11 last season, Turner had only one game in which he rushed for more than 76 yards. Turner finished the season with 1,340 yards on the ground and six 100-yard days, but his performance was much too up and down on a week-to-week basis for a back of his nature. I am not implying Turner is over-the-hill. He isn’t. Turner still has value and can be very effective if used properly. But he just isn’t what he once was in terms of his elusiveness and burst. Amazingly though, Turner can still break off long runs. He also has missed only five games over the past five seasons, but I think the Falcons would be wise to get some insurance for their 30-year-old back.
Jacquizz Rodgers is ahead of the game with his blitz pickup for a young back, but now the Falcons need to enhance his role catching the football. That seems like the next logical step in this dynamic player’s development. As a runner, Rodgers certainly isn’t built to be a lead guy, but he shows some power for his size and is competitive in all phases of the position. He could break out in 2012.
Antone Smith and Dimitri Nance are also on Atlanta’s roster, but it seems logical that the Falcons will add another veteran running back with size to back up Turner.
At fullback, the Falcons have one of the best lead blockers in recent years in Ovie Mughelli, but the usage of a fifth-round pick on Bradie Ewing, another downhill hammer blocker, could be the beginning of the end for Mughelli in Atlanta. The Falcons also have Mike Cox, a pure battering-ram fullback, in the equation. But it is unlikely they keep three blocking fullbacks on the roster.
After ending last season on a 10-game losing streak, no team needed more out of the NFL draft than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On the surface, it looks like they got at least three starters in safety Mark Barron, running back Doug Martin and linebacker Lavonte David. Add them to key free-agent pickups Carl Nicks, Eric Wright and Vincent Jackson and Tampa Bay should have a very different look come September. Let’s take a look at what I suspect at the moment will be Tampa Bay’s starting lineup.
OFFENSE
On the surface, it looks like they got at least three starters in safety Mark Barron, running back Doug Martin and linebacker Lavonte David. Add them to key free-agent pickups Carl Nicks, Eric Wright and Vincent Jackson and Tampa Bay should have a very different look come September. Let’s take a look at what I suspect at the moment will be Tampa Bay’s starting lineup.
OFFENSE
- QB Josh Freeman
- RB Doug Martin (LeGarrette Blount will get some carries, but Martin’s an all-purpose back)
- FB Erik Lorig
- WR Vincent Jackson
- WR Mike Williams (he may have to beat out Arrelious Benn for the starting job)
- LT Donald Penn
- LG Carl Nicks
- RG Davin Joseph
- DT Gerald McCoy
- DT Brian Price (Amobi Okoye will factor heavily in rotation and could start if injury woes continue for McCoy and Price)
- DE Michael Bennett (might have to beat out second-year pro Da’Quan Bowers in training camp)
- OLB Lavonte David
- MLB Mason Foster
- OLB Quincy Black
- CB Ronde Barber (if he doesn’t switch to safety)
- CB Eric Wright (Aqib Talib could factor in, but his future is uncertain)
- FS Cody Grimm
- SS Mark Barron
- KR Preston Parker (rookie Michael Smith also could factor into return game)
Let’s take a look at some Monday afternoon headlines from around the NFC South.
- One of the NFL’s lead investigators in the Saints bounty program reportedly is resigning. But don’t get carried away with conspiracy theories. League officials said the investigator has had another job offer for some time, and part of the agreement with his new employer was that he would finish the bounty program investigation before leaving the NFL. He is scheduled to work through the end of May. Speaking of the bounty program, the NFL hasn't announced any player discipline so far Monday. If it hasn't come by this point, I'm pretty sure we'll have to wait at least another day.
- As expected, Atlanta running back Jacquizz Rodgers has given up his jersey number (22) to veteran cornerback Asante Samuel, who recently was acquired in a trade. Rodgers will now wear No. 32.
- Here’s the list of what numbers Atlanta’s draft picks are planning to wear.
- In this Insider post, Mel Kiper Jr. lists the players drafted in the first round who he thinks will have the biggest impact on their new teams. He lists Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin and Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly. No argument here. Martin might share playing time with LeGarrette Blount, but the rookie will be on the field more because he’s a more complete player. It remains to be seen if Kuechly or Jon Beason will occupy the middle, with the other sliding outside. But Kuechly’s going to be an instant starter. You don’t have a top-10 pick sitting on the bench.
- Speaking on Sirius NFL Radio, Seattle general manager John Schneider said Mark Barron, Kuechly and Bruce Irvin were the three-highest rated defensive players on Seattle’s board. So we know the Bucs weren’t the only team that had Barron rated above cornerback Morris Claiborne. Here’s the bottom line on that one: The Bucs played their hand very close to the vest and media (and therefore) fans weren’t expecting Barron. Instead, everyone focused on Claiborne. You probably don’t want to play poker with Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik.
- Former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who went undrafted, reportedly was scheduled for a tryout with Tampa Bay on Monday.
Reasons Bucs wanted Martin in first round
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
11:43
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- General manager Mark Dominik and coach Greg Schiano just spoke about Boise State running back Doug Martin, who they drafted with the 31st overall pick Thursday night.
Funny, but they described him pretty much the way they did when talking about Alabama safety Mark Barron, who they took at No. 7 overall. They described him as a leader, team captain and a guy who played for a very successful college program. In other words, he fits the profile of the new "Buccaneer Man."
That’s great. The Bucs needed to add things like character and leadership. They also needed to add something to a backfield that had LeGarrette Blount and not much else.
Schiano used the phrases “all-around back’’ and “the totality of what he can do’’ in describing Martin. That’s significant. Blount has some good qualities (power running), but struggled as a pass blocker and receiver the past two seasons. Schiano also used the term “three-down back’’ about Martin. In other words, Blount will still have a role, but Martin is going to spend more time on the field.
Schiano smiled as he was asked if Martin reminded him of Baltimore’s Ray Rice, who he coached at Rutgers.
“I do see some of it,’’ Schiano said. “To tell you the truth I do. I see a guy who runs hard and plays hard.’’
There was one other ulterior motive in giving up their second-round choice and a fourth-round pick in return for the right to take Martin at the end of the first round, while sliding down to later in the fourth round.
Dominik pointed to the new collective bargaining agreement. In that, first-round picks can sign five-year contracts. Players taken after the first round can’t sign deals longer than four years.
Sounds like the Bucs are planning on having Martin around for a long time.
Funny, but they described him pretty much the way they did when talking about Alabama safety Mark Barron, who they took at No. 7 overall. They described him as a leader, team captain and a guy who played for a very successful college program. In other words, he fits the profile of the new "Buccaneer Man."
[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/US PRESSWIRENew Bucs coach Greg Schiano is excited about "the totality of what" Doug Martin can do.
Kirby Lee/US PRESSWIRENew Bucs coach Greg Schiano is excited about "the totality of what" Doug Martin can do.Schiano used the phrases “all-around back’’ and “the totality of what he can do’’ in describing Martin. That’s significant. Blount has some good qualities (power running), but struggled as a pass blocker and receiver the past two seasons. Schiano also used the term “three-down back’’ about Martin. In other words, Blount will still have a role, but Martin is going to spend more time on the field.
Schiano smiled as he was asked if Martin reminded him of Baltimore’s Ray Rice, who he coached at Rutgers.
“I do see some of it,’’ Schiano said. “To tell you the truth I do. I see a guy who runs hard and plays hard.’’
There was one other ulterior motive in giving up their second-round choice and a fourth-round pick in return for the right to take Martin at the end of the first round, while sliding down to later in the fourth round.
Dominik pointed to the new collective bargaining agreement. In that, first-round picks can sign five-year contracts. Players taken after the first round can’t sign deals longer than four years.
Sounds like the Bucs are planning on having Martin around for a long time.
TAMPA, Fla. -- A wild night in Tampa Bay just became wilder. After trading down and shocking almost everyone by taking safety Mark Barron at No. 7, the Bucs traded back into the first round to take running back Doug Martin at No. 31.
Those weren’t smokescreens, because the Bucs gave up their second-round choice and the fourth-round pick they got from Jacksonville to move back into the first round and get Martin. It’s a big price, but it’s justified.
Martin is an all-around back who had two 1,000-yard seasons and also caught 28 passes in each of his past two college seasons. There still will be some carries for Blount, especially in short-yardage situations. But I think it’s pretty obvious the Bucs brought in Martin to be their feature back.
TAMPA, Fla. -- I just arrived at One Buccaneer Place, where I’ll be stationed for Thursday night’s draft.
I’m not sure about this, but it looked like LeGarrette Blount giving Trent Richardson a tour of the facility from a distance and a source just called from Charlotte and said Luke Kuechly and Jerry Richardson were having dinner together. Just kidding. Kuechly and (Trent) Richardson are in New York and we'll find out where they end up soon enough.
Anyway, we’ll start our Countdown Live chat at 7 p.m. ET.
Some other notes that will help you follow the draft. Check out Draft Tracker, which is our Insider pick-by-pick coverage. You can talk about your favorite team’s pick by going to the Team Talk page. And you can listen to ESPN Radio coverage by clicking here.
I’m not sure about this, but it looked like LeGarrette Blount giving Trent Richardson a tour of the facility from a distance and a source just called from Charlotte and said Luke Kuechly and Jerry Richardson were having dinner together. Just kidding. Kuechly and (Trent) Richardson are in New York and we'll find out where they end up soon enough.
Anyway, we’ll start our Countdown Live chat at 7 p.m. ET.
Some other notes that will help you follow the draft. Check out Draft Tracker, which is our Insider pick-by-pick coverage. You can talk about your favorite team’s pick by going to the Team Talk page. And you can listen to ESPN Radio coverage by clicking here.
Time for a morning look at the headlines from around the division.
- Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount previously was quoted as saying he didn’t want the Bucs to draft Trent Richardson. But Blount said Wednesday he would welcome the Alabama running back if the Buccaneers draft him.
- You might want to check out this video of Atlanta running back Michael Turner, who thought he was doing some modeling for a men’s fashion magazine. Instead, the photo shoot was all a joke, set up by Turner’s friend, Pittsburgh linebacker Lamar Woodley.
- Troy offensive lineman James Brown could be a target for the Saints in the middle rounds. The Saints have a good history when taking offensive linemen from smaller schools in the middle rounds. They got guard Jahri Evans and tackle Jermon Bushrod in the fourth round.
- Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who appears to be a candidate to go to Carolina with the No. 9 overall pick, could be the earliest Mississippi State player drafted since safety Walt Harris went No. 13 to Chicago in 1996.
- The Bucs are experimenting by using veteran cornerback Ronde Barber at safety in their minicamp that ends Thursday. Coach Greg Schiano said he’s been impressed with what he’s seen so far. Schiano said he’s not sure if Barber will stay at the position. Although Barber doesn’t have traditional safety size, Schiano said he thinks the veteran is big enough to make an impact as a safety.
- Former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been in touch with league officials to make sure he does everything possible to have a chance to be reinstated after this season. Williams, who left after last season to join the Rams, was suspended indefinitely for his role in the Saints’ bounty program.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a few minor house-keeping details.
As we previously reported, receiver Preston Parker has signed his tender as an exclusive-rights free agent. The team also announced running back LeGarrette Blount has signed the exclusive-rights tender, which means his salary will be $540,000 for 2012. The Bucs also announced they have released reserve quarterback Rudy Carpenter.
The Blount situation is worth noting. There was a time at the end of the 2010 season when Blount looked like a guy the Bucs might want to lock up with a long-term deal. He was coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season as an undrafted rookie and the Bucs looked like they had stumbled onto something great. But the only one stumbling last year was Blount. His numbers were down, except for fumbles (he had five and lost three). The previous coaching staff didn’t trust Blount enough to use him as a pass-blocker and that made the offense predictable.
New coach Greg Schiano already has made it clear that Blount needs to hold onto the ball if he’s going to get playing time. It’s pretty obvious the Bucs will add at least one running back in the draft or free agency and Blount is going to have to compete to keep his job as Tampa Bay’s main running back. There’s no doubt this is a huge year for Blount. If he can win the job and have a strong season, then the Bucs might be willing to give him a long-term deal, even though he would be a restricted free agent next year.
Carpenter’s release isn’t a huge surprise. Although Carpenter didn’t have much upside, the previous coaching staff liked him because he knew the offensive system. But the Bucs are putting in a new offense and they’ve brought in Dan Orlovsky to serve as the experienced backup to Josh Freeman. They’ll probably look for a developmental quarterback late in the draft or among undrafted free agents.
As we previously reported, receiver Preston Parker has signed his tender as an exclusive-rights free agent. The team also announced running back LeGarrette Blount has signed the exclusive-rights tender, which means his salary will be $540,000 for 2012. The Bucs also announced they have released reserve quarterback Rudy Carpenter.
The Blount situation is worth noting. There was a time at the end of the 2010 season when Blount looked like a guy the Bucs might want to lock up with a long-term deal. He was coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season as an undrafted rookie and the Bucs looked like they had stumbled onto something great. But the only one stumbling last year was Blount. His numbers were down, except for fumbles (he had five and lost three). The previous coaching staff didn’t trust Blount enough to use him as a pass-blocker and that made the offense predictable.
New coach Greg Schiano already has made it clear that Blount needs to hold onto the ball if he’s going to get playing time. It’s pretty obvious the Bucs will add at least one running back in the draft or free agency and Blount is going to have to compete to keep his job as Tampa Bay’s main running back. There’s no doubt this is a huge year for Blount. If he can win the job and have a strong season, then the Bucs might be willing to give him a long-term deal, even though he would be a restricted free agent next year.
Carpenter’s release isn’t a huge surprise. Although Carpenter didn’t have much upside, the previous coaching staff liked him because he knew the offensive system. But the Bucs are putting in a new offense and they’ve brought in Dan Orlovsky to serve as the experienced backup to Josh Freeman. They’ll probably look for a developmental quarterback late in the draft or among undrafted free agents.
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff hasn’t had a lot of salary-cap room to work with this offseason, but that hasn’t stopped him from using creative ways to maximize every penny.
While recently re-signing veteran center Todd McClure and veteran long-snapper Joe Zelenka, Dimitroff took advantage of the veteran minimum salary benefit. That’s a rule that basically was put in so that veterans aren’t priced out of the league. Zelenka’s a 12-year veteran and McClure has been in the NFL for 13 seasons. At that level of experience, the minimum salary is $925,000.
That’s the salary Zelenka and McClure will receive this season, but the benefit allows their base salary to count only $540,000 against the salary cap. McClure got a $65,000 signing bonus, so his cap figure is $605,000, even though the total cash value of his one-year contract is $990,000. Zelenka didn’t get a signing bonus so his cap figure is $540,000.
The Falcons currently have $1.66 million in cap space.
Dimitroff isn’t the only NFC South general manager taking advantage of the benefit. The Carolina Panthers' Marty Hurney used it when he recently re-signed defensive end Antwan Applewhite. As a four-year veteran, Applewhite’s minimum salary is $700,000. That’s what he’ll get, but only $540,000 of his base salary counts toward the cap. Applewhite also has a $65,000 workout bonus, which bring his cap figure up to $605,000.
In other contract and cap news, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker has signed his exclusive-free-agent tender. He’s scheduled to make $540,000 this year. Running back LeGarrette Blount also is an exclusive-rights free agent, but has yet to sign his tender.
Update: The Bucs announced later on Wednesday that Blount has signed his tender and confirmed the Parker signing.
While recently re-signing veteran center Todd McClure and veteran long-snapper Joe Zelenka, Dimitroff took advantage of the veteran minimum salary benefit. That’s a rule that basically was put in so that veterans aren’t priced out of the league. Zelenka’s a 12-year veteran and McClure has been in the NFL for 13 seasons. At that level of experience, the minimum salary is $925,000.
That’s the salary Zelenka and McClure will receive this season, but the benefit allows their base salary to count only $540,000 against the salary cap. McClure got a $65,000 signing bonus, so his cap figure is $605,000, even though the total cash value of his one-year contract is $990,000. Zelenka didn’t get a signing bonus so his cap figure is $540,000.
The Falcons currently have $1.66 million in cap space.
Dimitroff isn’t the only NFC South general manager taking advantage of the benefit. The Carolina Panthers' Marty Hurney used it when he recently re-signed defensive end Antwan Applewhite. As a four-year veteran, Applewhite’s minimum salary is $700,000. That’s what he’ll get, but only $540,000 of his base salary counts toward the cap. Applewhite also has a $65,000 workout bonus, which bring his cap figure up to $605,000.
In other contract and cap news, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker has signed his exclusive-free-agent tender. He’s scheduled to make $540,000 this year. Running back LeGarrette Blount also is an exclusive-rights free agent, but has yet to sign his tender.
Update: The Bucs announced later on Wednesday that Blount has signed his tender and confirmed the Parker signing.
The ESPN.com Blog Network put out its mock draft on Monday and I got to make the choices for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints don’t have first-round choices.
At No. 5, I took LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne for the Buccaneers. It was an easy call. The current wide-spread speculation is that the Bucs will be choosing between Claiborne and Alabama running back Trent Richardson. That wasn’t a choice I had to make because AFC North colleague Jamison Hensley took Richardson off the board and gave him to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4. Still, even if Richardson had been on the board, I probably would have gone with Claiborne to the Bucs. I’m not entirely certain how the Bucs feel about this, but the growing belief in the NFL is that you don’t take a running back in the first half of the first round. The logic behind that is that the NFL has become such a passing league that running backs don’t have the same value they once did. Yes, the Bucs need someone to go with LeGarrette Blount, but they can find that a bit later in the draft.
The conventional belief is that the Panthers are locked in on a defensive tackle or maybe even North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. But I went in a different direction. I took Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. Yeah, I know the Panthers have linebackers Jon Beason, Thomas Davis and James Anderson. But Davis is coming off his third ACL and Beason also is coming off a major injury. The Panthers have to come out of this draft with some players to improve their defense and I see Kuechly as the best defensive player available at No. 9.
At No. 5, I took LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne for the Buccaneers. It was an easy call. The current wide-spread speculation is that the Bucs will be choosing between Claiborne and Alabama running back Trent Richardson. That wasn’t a choice I had to make because AFC North colleague Jamison Hensley took Richardson off the board and gave him to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4. Still, even if Richardson had been on the board, I probably would have gone with Claiborne to the Bucs. I’m not entirely certain how the Bucs feel about this, but the growing belief in the NFL is that you don’t take a running back in the first half of the first round. The logic behind that is that the NFL has become such a passing league that running backs don’t have the same value they once did. Yes, the Bucs need someone to go with LeGarrette Blount, but they can find that a bit later in the draft.
The conventional belief is that the Panthers are locked in on a defensive tackle or maybe even North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. But I went in a different direction. I took Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. Yeah, I know the Panthers have linebackers Jon Beason, Thomas Davis and James Anderson. But Davis is coming off his third ACL and Beason also is coming off a major injury. The Panthers have to come out of this draft with some players to improve their defense and I see Kuechly as the best defensive player available at No. 9.
» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Atlanta Falcons
Key additions: LB Lofa Tatupu, G Vince Manuwai
Key losses: LB Curtis Lofton, WR/KR Eric Weems
Keeping their own: Much to the chagrin of their fans, the Falcons chose not to pursue defensive end Mario Williams or any other big-name free agent. Instead, they focused hard on keeping their own guys. That started before the season ended with tight end Tony Gonzalez re-signing and continued into free agency as the Falcons made it a point to lock up guys like receiver Harry Douglas, defensive end John Abraham and running back Jason Snelling. They also protected cornerback Brent Grimes with the franchise tag.
The only loss that really hurt was Lofton. The Falcons liked him, but new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan didn’t view him as a three-down player. The Falcons still made an effort to keep Lofton, but weren’t willing to pay big money. They brought in the veteran Tatupu, who could be a short-term answer. But there’s a hope within the organization that second-year pro Akeem Dent can step forward and win the job immediately because he’s the guy that’s going to end up there for the long term.
What’s next: Don’t completely rule out the addition of a minor or mid-level free agent or two, but the Falcons are focusing mainly on the draft. Even with Abraham back, they’re still looking to improve their pass rush and defensive ends could be in play. But the Falcons also could add a defensive tackle because Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry are coming off sub-par seasons. Some depth in the secondary and a kick returner also are possible targets.
Key additions: RB/FB Mike Tolbert, G Mike Pollak
Key losses: G Travelle Wharton
The splash came last year: The Panthers haven’t been very active in free agency. That’s largely because they made their big moves coming out of the lockout last year. They signed defensive end Charles Johnson, running back DeAngelo Williams, linebacker Jon Beason, defensive tackle Ron Edwards and linebacker Thomas Davis to huge deals, and that’s why they had very little salary-cap room to work with this year.
But the Panthers didn’t really reap the rewards of some of those signings because Beason, Davis and Edwards all suffered early injuries. That took a toll on the defense. But all three of those guys are back and healthy and that should improve the defense immediately. Carolina developed an explosive offense last season and a strong defense could turn the Panthers into playoff contenders.
What’s next: The Panthers have very little cap room and don’t figure to make many more moves in free agency. They’re focused in on the draft and there needs have been narrowed. They’re likely to address cornerback and defensive tackle early in the draft. But don’t be surprised if they take a linebacker somewhere in the first three or four rounds, and it’s even possible they could target one in the first or second. Davis is coming off his torn ACL and the Panthers don’t know if he’ll be anything close to what he was before the injuries.
New Orleans Saints
Key additions: LB Curtis Lofton, DT Brodrick Bunkley, G Ben Grubbs
Key losses: G Carl Nicks, CB Tracy Porter
Miracle workers: Faced with an extremely tight salary-cap situation and some bizarre off-field events, it’s somewhat amazing the Saints were able to keep as much as they did. They didn’t want to lose Nicks, who might be the best guard in the league and is in his prime. But that’s the price they had to pay to make sure they kept quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Marques Colston, as well as adding players like Lofton, Grubbs and Bunkley.
The Brees situation remains complicated. He's still carrying the franchise tag. The Saints need to get him signed to a long-term deal quickly. Even more than ever, the Saints need Brees’ leadership abilities. They need him signed and happy before their offseason program starts April 16.
What’s next: With the possibility of multiple defensive players facing possible suspensions as a result of the bounty program, the Saints still could be looking to make significant moves. It will be hard to draft players that will make an instant impact because the Saints are without picks in the first two rounds. That means they might have to pull some more help out of free agency, even with limited cap space. They could use another pass-rusher to complement Will Smith. Even after adding Lofton and Bunkley, the Saints still could use depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key additions: WR Vincent Jackson, G Carl Nicks, CB Eric Wright
Key losses: C Jeff Faine
Locking them up: Part of the reason the Bucs didn’t lose much of anything in free agency is because they’ve done a nice job of locking up some core players in recent years. They made it a point to make sure offensive linemen Donald Penn, Davin Joseph and Jeremy Zuttah never got close to leaving. Add Nicks to that group and the Bucs have a chance to have one of the league’s better offensive lines. As the season gets going, some other young players will be rewarded with contract extensions as they show they fit in coach Greg Schiano’s system.
What’s next: After making the initial splash, the Bucs said they’re done with free agency and are focused on the draft. That’s largely true, although the team is keeping a close eye on what remains on the market. This is a team that still is building and will still have needs after the draft. The Bucs have a big need at running back, where they have to find at least one player to complement LeGarrette Blount. The cornerback position could be an early target in the draft even after Ronde Barber decided to return for a 16th season. There also is some uncertainty about Aqib Talib's future. Even if he remains with the team, the Bucs need depth at the position. There also is uncertainty at linebacker and a need for depth at safety and tight end.
Atlanta Falcons
Key additions: LB Lofa Tatupu, G Vince Manuwai
Key losses: LB Curtis Lofton, WR/KR Eric Weems
Keeping their own: Much to the chagrin of their fans, the Falcons chose not to pursue defensive end Mario Williams or any other big-name free agent. Instead, they focused hard on keeping their own guys. That started before the season ended with tight end Tony Gonzalez re-signing and continued into free agency as the Falcons made it a point to lock up guys like receiver Harry Douglas, defensive end John Abraham and running back Jason Snelling. They also protected cornerback Brent Grimes with the franchise tag.
The only loss that really hurt was Lofton. The Falcons liked him, but new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan didn’t view him as a three-down player. The Falcons still made an effort to keep Lofton, but weren’t willing to pay big money. They brought in the veteran Tatupu, who could be a short-term answer. But there’s a hope within the organization that second-year pro Akeem Dent can step forward and win the job immediately because he’s the guy that’s going to end up there for the long term.
What’s next: Don’t completely rule out the addition of a minor or mid-level free agent or two, but the Falcons are focusing mainly on the draft. Even with Abraham back, they’re still looking to improve their pass rush and defensive ends could be in play. But the Falcons also could add a defensive tackle because Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry are coming off sub-par seasons. Some depth in the secondary and a kick returner also are possible targets.
Key additions: RB/FB Mike Tolbert, G Mike Pollak
Key losses: G Travelle Wharton
The splash came last year: The Panthers haven’t been very active in free agency. That’s largely because they made their big moves coming out of the lockout last year. They signed defensive end Charles Johnson, running back DeAngelo Williams, linebacker Jon Beason, defensive tackle Ron Edwards and linebacker Thomas Davis to huge deals, and that’s why they had very little salary-cap room to work with this year.
But the Panthers didn’t really reap the rewards of some of those signings because Beason, Davis and Edwards all suffered early injuries. That took a toll on the defense. But all three of those guys are back and healthy and that should improve the defense immediately. Carolina developed an explosive offense last season and a strong defense could turn the Panthers into playoff contenders.
What’s next: The Panthers have very little cap room and don’t figure to make many more moves in free agency. They’re focused in on the draft and there needs have been narrowed. They’re likely to address cornerback and defensive tackle early in the draft. But don’t be surprised if they take a linebacker somewhere in the first three or four rounds, and it’s even possible they could target one in the first or second. Davis is coming off his torn ACL and the Panthers don’t know if he’ll be anything close to what he was before the injuries.
New Orleans Saints
Key additions: LB Curtis Lofton, DT Brodrick Bunkley, G Ben Grubbs
Key losses: G Carl Nicks, CB Tracy Porter
Miracle workers: Faced with an extremely tight salary-cap situation and some bizarre off-field events, it’s somewhat amazing the Saints were able to keep as much as they did. They didn’t want to lose Nicks, who might be the best guard in the league and is in his prime. But that’s the price they had to pay to make sure they kept quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Marques Colston, as well as adding players like Lofton, Grubbs and Bunkley.
The Brees situation remains complicated. He's still carrying the franchise tag. The Saints need to get him signed to a long-term deal quickly. Even more than ever, the Saints need Brees’ leadership abilities. They need him signed and happy before their offseason program starts April 16.
What’s next: With the possibility of multiple defensive players facing possible suspensions as a result of the bounty program, the Saints still could be looking to make significant moves. It will be hard to draft players that will make an instant impact because the Saints are without picks in the first two rounds. That means they might have to pull some more help out of free agency, even with limited cap space. They could use another pass-rusher to complement Will Smith. Even after adding Lofton and Bunkley, the Saints still could use depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key additions: WR Vincent Jackson, G Carl Nicks, CB Eric Wright
Key losses: C Jeff Faine
Locking them up: Part of the reason the Bucs didn’t lose much of anything in free agency is because they’ve done a nice job of locking up some core players in recent years. They made it a point to make sure offensive linemen Donald Penn, Davin Joseph and Jeremy Zuttah never got close to leaving. Add Nicks to that group and the Bucs have a chance to have one of the league’s better offensive lines. As the season gets going, some other young players will be rewarded with contract extensions as they show they fit in coach Greg Schiano’s system.
What’s next: After making the initial splash, the Bucs said they’re done with free agency and are focused on the draft. That’s largely true, although the team is keeping a close eye on what remains on the market. This is a team that still is building and will still have needs after the draft. The Bucs have a big need at running back, where they have to find at least one player to complement LeGarrette Blount. The cornerback position could be an early target in the draft even after Ronde Barber decided to return for a 16th season. There also is some uncertainty about Aqib Talib's future. Even if he remains with the team, the Bucs need depth at the position. There also is uncertainty at linebacker and a need for depth at safety and tight end.
The Madden 13 Cover Vote is down to 16 players, including just two from the NFC South.
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton defeated Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount in the last round and New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees defeated Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.
You can go here to cast your vote. In this round, Newton faces San Diego tight end Antonio Gates and Brees takes on Baltimore running back Ray Rice.
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton defeated Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount in the last round and New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees defeated Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.
You can go here to cast your vote. In this round, Newton faces San Diego tight end Antonio Gates and Brees takes on Baltimore running back Ray Rice.
I just arrived back at NFC South Blog headquarters after a rather busy few days at the owners meetings in Palm Beach. I’ve got a tape recorder full of quotes from NFC South coaches and other officials that I’ll work into various posts in the coming days. And I’m sure there will be much more to come on the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal and how they’ll replace coach Sean Payton during his suspension.
But let’s take a little break from all that. Let’s take a quick look ahead to the NFL draft, which suddenly appears to be coming up soon. Let’s turn to Todd McShay’s latest mock draft in this Insider post
. This one goes two rounds deep, so we also can get the Falcons involved this time around.
The Buccaneers and Panthers are the only two teams with first-round picks, so we’ll start with them. McShay has the Bucs taking Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 5. That thought probably will gain even more momentum after coach Greg Schiano talked about LeGarrette Blount’s ball-security issues. It certainly is possible the Bucs go with Richardson, but I still think LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne remains a strong possibility with this pick.
At No. 9, McShay has the Panthers taking Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe. That certainly makes sense and lots of people think the Panthers are almost certain to use this pick on a defensive tackle. I’m not so sure about that's a given. I think the Panthers are looking at defensive tackles, but also considering some other options.
In the second round, McShay has North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown going to the Bucs at No. 36. This makes lots of sense because the Bucs have a bunch of question marks at linebacker. At No. 40, McShay has Carolina taking North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins. He’s had some off-field issues and I know the perception started last year that the Panthers no longer will take only squeaky-clean prospects. I don’t think that’s entirely accurate. I think the Panthers are willing to look at guys who have had problems, but will only take a chance on them if their homework shows there’s not a lot of risk.
At No. 55, McShay has the Falcons taking Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry. Atlanta recently re-signed John Abraham. But let’s face reality. The Falcons need someone besides Abraham to rush the passer.
But let’s take a little break from all that. Let’s take a quick look ahead to the NFL draft, which suddenly appears to be coming up soon. Let’s turn to Todd McShay’s latest mock draft in this Insider post
. This one goes two rounds deep, so we also can get the Falcons involved this time around.
The Buccaneers and Panthers are the only two teams with first-round picks, so we’ll start with them. McShay has the Bucs taking Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 5. That thought probably will gain even more momentum after coach Greg Schiano talked about LeGarrette Blount’s ball-security issues. It certainly is possible the Bucs go with Richardson, but I still think LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne remains a strong possibility with this pick.
At No. 9, McShay has the Panthers taking Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe. That certainly makes sense and lots of people think the Panthers are almost certain to use this pick on a defensive tackle. I’m not so sure about that's a given. I think the Panthers are looking at defensive tackles, but also considering some other options.
In the second round, McShay has North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown going to the Bucs at No. 36. This makes lots of sense because the Bucs have a bunch of question marks at linebacker. At No. 40, McShay has Carolina taking North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins. He’s had some off-field issues and I know the perception started last year that the Panthers no longer will take only squeaky-clean prospects. I don’t think that’s entirely accurate. I think the Panthers are willing to look at guys who have had problems, but will only take a chance on them if their homework shows there’s not a lot of risk.
At No. 55, McShay has the Falcons taking Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry. Atlanta recently re-signed John Abraham. But let’s face reality. The Falcons need someone besides Abraham to rush the passer.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
