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Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Information passes along this: Ten of the 11 quarterbacks drafted in 2007 have changed teams now that Kevin Kolb is heading to Arizona.

This doesn't reflect poorly on Kolb, who has sat behind quarterbacks with multiple Pro Bowls on their resumes, so much as it does on that quarterback class in general.

JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn were the only first-round quarterbacks that year. Kolb, chosen 36th overall and with the fourth pick of the second round, was the third quarterback drafted. John Beck and Drew Stanton joined Kolb as second-rounders that year. Stanton is the only one still with his original team, provided he re-signs, as expected.

A few other notes from Hawkins:

• None of the 11 quarterbacks from the 2007 class has a winning record as a starter.
• Trent Edwards is the only one with to hit double figures in victories as a starter (14-19 record).
• Stanton (2-2) and Troy Smith (4-4) are the only ones without losing records as a starter. Kolb is 3-4.
• Eight of the 11 have started at least one game. Isaiah Stanback, Jeff Rowe and Jordan Palmer have not.
• Among those with starts, Beck is the only one without a victory as a starter (0-4).
• Russell (7-18) and Quinn (3-9) have a combined 10-27 record as starters.

Check out the full list if you've got a strong stomach.

As the Cardinals pointed out in their news release Thursday, Kolb is the only quarterback in Eagles history to pass for at least 300 yards in each of his first two starts. He has been named offensive player of the week in the NFC and has an 81.2 career rating.

Mike Teel's release from the Seattle Seahawks wasn't big news because Teel was a third-team quarterback and a developmental player.

Players in general and quarterbacks in particular can be products of their environment, however, and Teel's career trajectory probably improved Friday when the Patriots claimed him off waivers. He could have gone to worse places.

Teel goes to a team that has developed quarterbacks over the years. It doesn't mean Teel will be the next Matt Cassel. He might be the next Jeff Rowe for all anyone knows (the Patriots just released Rowe, another ex-Seattle passer). But Teel has a better chance to develop in New England, in my view, than he might have had in a less successful environment.

The fit apparently wasn't right in Seattle after the Seahawks switched to an offense requiring more mobility from its quarterbacks.

Teel completed 11 of 19 passes for 148 yards, two touchdowns and a 117.9 rating against the Raiders in an exhibition game last season. He heads to New England after the Patriots released Rowe, who had a 44-yard touchdown pass and 149.3 rating for Seattle in that same exhibition game against Oakland.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Seahawks Player Released on Cutdown Pos. Current Team Capacity Brian Russell DB Jaguars Active Roster Marquis Floyd DB Browns Active Roster Kevin Hobbs DB Lions Active Roster Devin Moore RB Seahawks Practice Squad Jamar Adams DB Seahawks Practice Squad Mike Hass WR Seahawks Practice Squad Logan Payne WR Seahawks Practice Squad Baraka Atkins DL -- -- Brian De La Puente OL -- -- Brandon Coutu K -- -- Dave Philistin LB -- -- Jeff Rowe QB -- -- David Kirtman RB -- -- Courtney Greene DB -- -- Nate Ness DB -- -- Na'Shan Goddard OL -- -- Andre Ramsey OL -- -- William Robinson OL -- -- Joe Newton TE -- -- Jordan Kent WR -- -- Courtney Taylor WR -- -- Cory Withrow OL -- -- D.D. Lewis LB -- --

The tough decisions teams face in reducing their rosters to 53 players sometimes aren't so tough.

They were arguably tougher for the Seahawks than for other teams in the division.

Three of the players Seattle released on its initial cutdown to 53 players have joined active rosters elsewhere in the league. Aaron Francisco, cut by the Cardinals, and Phil Trautwein, cut by the Rams, are the only other initial NFC West castoffs to join active rosters for other teams.

Seattle's Brian Russell (Jaguars), Marquis Floyd (Browns) and Kevin Hobbs (Lions) currently reside on active rosters. The Seahawks re-signed to their practice squad running back Devin Moore, safety Jamar Adams, receiver Mike Hass and receiver Logan Payne.

The apparent drama at receiver left Jordan Kent and Courtney Taylor on the outside. Kent reached an injury settlement following his release. Taylor remains available. Neither player has eligibility for the practice squad.

Defensive lineman Baraka Atkins and kicker Brandon Coutu appeared close to earning roster spots. The Seahawks once thought Coutu might have trade value. That wasn't the case in the end.

Ex-Seahawks eligible for practice squad Pos. Jamar Adams DB Brandon Coutu K Brian De La Puente OL Marquis Floyd DB Na'Shan Goddard OL Courtney Greene DB Mike Hass WR Devin Moore RB Nate Ness DB Joe Newton TE Logan Payne WR Dave Philistin LB Andre Ramsey OL William Robinson OL Jeff Rowe QB

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

NFL teams can begin forming eight-man practice squads once released players clear waivers this afternoon.

The Seahawks faced tougher decisions on the reduction to 53 players because some of their young prospects, notably receivers Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent, had no remaining eligibility for the practice squad following an injury-plagued 2008 season.

Defensive end Baraka Atkins, cornerback Kevin Hobbs and fullback David Kirtman are also among the recently released Seattle players without eligibility for the practice squad. Receiver Mike Hass also caught some fans' attention.

The chart shows recently released Seattle players who remain eligible. Safety Jamar Adams, kicker Brandon Coutu, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Logan Payne and tight end Joe Newton could be among the candidates.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Biggest surprise: Starting free safety Brian Russell, signed in 2007 after the Seahawks grew tired of assignment errors in the secondary, seemed to fend off a challenge from versatile backup Jordan Babineaux. That made Russell's release a surprise even though coach Jim Mora had said Babineaux would compete for the job in camp. The team went with Ben Obomanu as its fifth and final receiver, releasing Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent. Rookie defensive linemen Nick Reed and Michael Bennett joined preseason surprise Derek Walker among 11 defensive linemen, prevailing at Baraka Atkins' expense -- a big surprise. Rookie seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah beat out Joe Newton as the third tight end. Veteran kicker Olindo Mare beat out second-year pro and 2008 draft choice Brandon Coutu in a close battle. The team cleared another spot by placing starting corner Marcus Trufant on the physically unable to perform list, helping corner Travis Fisher earn a spot among the initial roster. Keeping 11 defensive linemen meant keeping only six linebacker, costing versatile veteran D.D. Lewis a job.

No-brainers: The Seahawks also released safety Jamar Adams, guard Brian De La Puente, cornerback Marquis Floyd, tackle Na'Shan Goddard, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Mike Hass, cornerback Kevin Hobbs, fullback David Kirtman, running back Devin Moore, cornerback Nate Ness, tight end Joe Newton, receiver Logan Payne, linebacker Dave Philistin, tackle Andre Ramsey, tackle William Robinson, quarterback Jeff Rowe.

What's next: The Seahawks reduced to 52 players with these moves, but the team was expected to add veteran safety Lawyer Milloy for depth and experience.

Seahawks eligible for practice squad Pos. Perceived Status Jamar Adams DB Bubble Marquis Floyd DB Likely cut Courtney Greene DB Likely cut Michael Bennett DL Bubble Nick Reed DL Bubble Derek Walker DL Likely cut Kevin Brown DL Likely cut Red Bryant DL Keeper Aaron Curry LB Keeper Dave Philistin LB Likely cut Shane Simmons LB Likely cut Max Unger OL Keeper Mansfield Wrotto OL Keeper Na'Shan Goddard OL Likely cut Andre Ramsey OL Likely cut William Robinson OL Likely cut Kyle Williams OL Bubble Jeff Rowe QB Likely cut Mike Teel QB Keeper Dan Curran RB Likely cut Devin Moore RB Likely cut Brandon Coutu ST Bubble Cameron Morrah TE Bubble Joe Newton TE Bubble John Tereshinski TE Likely cut Michael Bumpus WR Bubble Deon Butler WR Keeper Mike Hass WR Bubble Logan Payne WR Bubble

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The race among Seahawks receivers for the last couple roster spots features high stakes.

Contenders Jordan Kent, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor are no longer eligible for the practice squad. One or two of them could be finished in Seattle, at least for now, if they fail to earn spots on the initial -- not even close to final -- 53-man roster.

Kent and Taylor each were active for at least nine games last season -- Obomanu was active for 12 in 2007 -- as the Seahawks worked through catastrophic injuries at the position. That made each receiver ineligible for future practice squads.

Deon Butler, Mike Hass, Logan Payne and Michael Bumpus are the current Seattle receivers with eligibility remaining. Butler is expected to emerge from camp as the fourth receiver behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson.

The chart shows all 29 current Seahawks players with eligibility, arranged by position.

NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.

As the NFL puts it:

After 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s).
A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.

The situation at tight end remains quite competitive, with Joe Newton and Cameron Morrah likely competing for one roster spot behind John Carlson and John Owens.

The Seahawks face tough decisions on the defensive line, with Nick Reed and Michael Bennett fighting for spots on the 53-man roster. Baraka Atkins is not eligible for the practice squad after playing 12 games as a rookie in 2007 and nine more last season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Seahawks have a few tough decisions to make before reducing their roster to 53 players in less than three weeks.

The final spot or two at receiver remain unsettled. I see at least 10 defensive linemen worth keeping, but perhaps no more than eight offensive linemen. The final spots at all three general positions on defense -- line, linebackers and secondary -- could spur debate.

• Earlier: Rams, Cardinals, 49ers
  

The Seahawks aren't even certain which kicker will earn a roster spot, opening possible trade scenarios for teams with needs at the position.

Seattle Seahawks Week 1 Roster Counts since 2003 QB RB WR TE OL DL LB DB ST Fewest 2 5 4 3 8 8 6 7 3 Most 3 6 7 4 9 10 8 8 4 Average 2.8 5.3 5.3 3.2 8.8 9.3 7.0 7.8 3.2 Currently on roster 4 8 10 5 14 13 9 13 4

The chart provides a framework for how many players the Seahawks might keep at each position heading into the regular-season opener against the Rams.

Here's a quick look at which Seahawks players I might keep on the cutdown to 53 players:

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams could have backup quarterback Gus Frerotte signed in time for the start of minicamp practice Thursday. That is the word from Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Frerotte's signing has been expected. He'll give the Rams an experienced backup for Marc Bulger, presumably at a reasonable price.

A quick look at quarterback depth charts in the NFC West, assuming Frerotte signs:

Arizona: Kurt Warner is the starter. The Cardinals will give Brian St. Pierre a chance to compete with Matt Leinart for the No. 2 job. Tyler Palko is the fourth quarterback.

San Francisco: Shaun Hill's name is penciled into the No. 1 role for the first minicamp, but the team has not named a starter for the regular season. Alex Smith will compete for the job. Damon Huard is the third quarterback.

St. Louis: Bulger is the starter. Frerotte becomes the backup. Brock Berlin is the third quarterback.

Seattle: Matt Hasselbeck is the starter. Seneca Wallace is the backup. Jeff Rowe is the third quarterback for now, but the Seahawks will probably draft at the position.

Quarterback NFC West Team Projected Role Kurt Warner Cardinals Starter Matt Leinart Cardinals Backup Brian St. Pierre Cardinals Backup Matt Hasselbeck Seahawks Starter Seneca Wallace Seahawks Backup Jeff Rowe Seahawks Backup Marc Bulger Rams Starter Brock Berlin Rams Backup -- -- Backup Shaun Hill 49ers Starter Alex Smith 49ers Backup Damon Huard 49ers Backup

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers' quarterback situation has come into focus since the team visited with Kurt Warner, signed Damon Huard and reworked Alex Smith's contract.

While the 49ers are the only NFC West team without a declared starter, the other division teams also face quarterback questions.

The Cardinals gave third quarterback Brian St. Pierre a raise to $1 million while telling him he can compete with Matt Leinart for the No. 2 job.

The Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck and the Rams' Marc Bulger are coming off horrible seasons.

Hasselbeck's injured back is feeling better. Doctors have cleared him. Can he last a full season? Bulger has seven more interceptions than touchdowns over the last two seasons. He has taken more sacks per game over the last three seasons than he did during his final three seasons under Mike Martz.

The Rams are carrying only two quarterbacks after releasing Trent Green. Like the Seahawks, they could stand to add a young prospect through the draft. The 49ers could draft one, too, although mjacob_21 made a strong argument against it when commenting here:

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Ten current NFC West players qualified to attend elite business schools this offseason as part of an initiative through the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

A few retired players are also participating. The workshops send players to Harvard Business School, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

I went through the list and singled out NFC West players by team:

49ers: Tony Wragge (Harvard), Takeo Spikes (Harvard), Allen Rossum (Northwestern), Donald Strickland (Northwestern), Barry Sims (Stanford). Also, former 49er Dave Barr enrolled in the Stanford program.

Rams: Oshiomogho Atogwe (Northwestern). Also, former Ram Tony Fisher enrolled in the Harvard program.

Cardinals: Calais Campbell (Harvard). Also, former Cardinals Michael Stone and Levar Woods enrolled in the Stanford program.

Seahawks: Jeff Rowe (Harvard), Will Herring (Wharton), Patrick Kerney (Wharton). Former Seahawk Rick Mirer enrolled in the Northwestern program.

The Northwestern program focuses on "developing and selling a brand and evaluating franchise opportunities [and providing] a foundation for recognizing sound marketing plans and preparing players to ask key questions when analyzing opportunities." The Rams' Atogwe might want to keep those things in mind as he heads toward free agency (unless the Rams name him their franchise player).

The Harvard program "emphasizes entrepreneurial opportunities and business management. Content includes financial analysis, marketing strategies, selected general business skills, and legal, contractual and tax considerations."

The Stanford program "seeks to broaden a player's understanding of how to evaluate business opportunities in general and in the sports industry specifically."

The Pennsylvania program "focuses on a broad range of business topics, including financial analysis, entrepreneurship, real estate development, stock market investing, negotiation skills, risk management, and community reinvestment."

The collective bargaining agreement calls for teams to reimburse players for up to $15,000 in annual education expenses. Not a bad benefit.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Boldin

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cardinals listed Anquan Boldin among their inactive players in Week 17, giving the Pro Bowl receiver another week to recover from a shoulder injury.

Boldin finishes the regular season with 89 receptions for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. The Cardinals expect him to play in their wild card playoff game.

Also inactive for the Cardinals: Safety Matt Ware, defensive end Travis LaBoy, offensive lineman Elliot Vallejo, offensive lineman Brandon Keith, defensive lineman Kenny Iwebema and defensive lineman Gabe Watson. Brian St. Pierre is the third quarterback.

Inactive for Seattle: Quarterback Jeff Rowe, kicker Brandon Coutu, safety Jamar Adams, linebacker Leroy Hill, linebacker D.D. Lewis, defensive lineman Red Bryant and defensive lineman Brandon Miller. Matt Hasselbeck is the third quarterback.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams plan to conduct a full coaching search after the season. Interim coach Jim Haslett will be one of the candidates. Expect Billy Devaney to lead the search. Expect Jay Zygmunt to step down. Expect John Shaw to serve as a consultant without direct involvement in the process.

Also from Thomas: A chat transcript featuring his take on ball-hawking Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. Thomas: "I'm not saying he's Ronnie Lott. I'd still like to see him be more consistent in coverage, and do better with open field tackling. But he's pretty good. Playmakers are hard to find. He's a very hard worker. And I think he remains an ascending player."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch feels like doing the "Electric Slide across the kitchen table" upon hearing that football people will lead the Rams' search for a new coach.

Roger Hensley of stltoday.com polls Post-Dispatch reporters for likely Rams coaching candidates. Thomas points to Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Bill Coats of Around the Horns points to statistics in saying Rams punter Donnie Jones should have made the Pro Bowl over the Giants' Jeff Feagles. I could make a case for either punter, but statistical comparisons can be tricky for punters kicking in vastly different conditions.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers legend Bryant Young endorses Mike Singletary as the team's coach beyond this season.

Also from Brown: Coaches and players around the league have quickly come to respect 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, named to his second Pro Bowl in two NFL seasons. Vikings coach Brad Childress once referred to Willis as a "rolling ball of butcher knives." Bengals receiver Chad Johnson called him "Bam Bam" for hitting everything in sight.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the Willis wasn't expecting Pro Bowl recognition this season.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals field their most Pro Bowl selections since the 1977 season.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Adrian Wilson will continue wearing No. 2 instead of his usual No. 24 in practice to remind himself he needs to keep working if he wants to be the best. Wilson is headed to the Pro Bowl for the second time in three seasons.

Mark Heller of the East Valley Tribune says Larry Fitzgerald is the first Cardinals player since Aeneas Williams to appear in back-to-back Pro Bowls.

Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says Walter Jones passed Cortez Kennedy for most Pro Bowl selections by a Seahawks player.

Also from Farnsworth: Signing Jeff Rowe gives the Seahawks four quarterbacks heading into the offseason.