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The Cardinals are very interested in moving out of the No. 2 spot in the
first round of the draft because they aren't convinced that any of the
defensive tackles on the board is worthy of being taken that early.
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| Johnson |
New Buccaneers offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen on how he plans to
use wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson: "We do want to have some explosive plays. It's hard
in this league to go 80 yards by inches. You need some chunks, and that's
why we went out and got Keyshawn Johnson."
Even though he came on strong down the stretch and was a key factor in
getting the Ravens a Super Bowl title, we hear punt returner Jermaine Lewis might end
up being a cap casualty. In addition, veteran offensive right tackle Harry Swayne is even more
likely to be let go.
The most significant element of the Titans' turnover on their defensive
coaching staff will be how new coordinator Jim Schwartz and the new DB coach
(who had yet to be named at presstime) build a relationship with Blaine
Bishop. The veteran strong safety and longtime team leader had a special
relationship with both of Tennessee's departed coaches, coordinator Gregg
Williams and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray.
New Lions head coach Marty Mornhinweg has quarterback Charlie Batch on a program
that spans three offseasons, including this one. The program begins with a
4-6-week rehab of Batch's right leg, which he injured last offseason and
hasn't been 100 percent since then. During that time, Batch will learn
Mornhinweg's offense and study film. On-field drills and throwing will
follow.
Here is what Eagles director of football operations Tom Modrak told PFW
about April's upcoming draft: "D-line is good. I think receiver may be good,
and that's an interest of ours, so maybe I'm micromanaging that position a
little. At the top, there's some good running backs, and then it drops off.
I think those are the strongest areas."
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| Hearst |
Word out of the Bay Area is that 49ers running back Garrison Hearst, still on the
mend from a serious ankle injury, is progressing quite well these days.
Our sources in St. Louis are reserving judgment on the supposedly new and
improved defensive end Kevin Carter, who recently indicated he's anxious to make amends
for his subpar 2000 season. We hear the Rams might want to play Carter a lot
more inside this year, and it remains to be seen how Carter, an unrestricted
free agent, will react to that possibility.
We hear the Redskins wouldn't hesitate to go after Michael Bates should the
Panthers decide to let the special-teams ace test the market.
The Steelers could make a push for Ravens defensive lineman Lional Dalton via free agency
to add some depth along the front seven. Dalton is a restricted free agent
but would force no draft-pick compensation because he was an undrafted
rookie the Ravens signed in 1998.
There is a strong possibility the Chargers will bring in two or three new
quarterbacks to compete for the starting job next summer, regardless of
whether or not they draft Michael Vick with the first overall pick.
Bengals wide receiver Danny Farmer has no hard feelings about Bob Bratkowski's hiring
as the new offensive coordinator. Bratkowski served as the wide receivers coach for the
Steelers last fall when Farmer, then a rookie, was cut. The Steelers cited
his ankle problems and the depth they had at receiver for his release, but
Farmer was able to ascend to the starting lineup by the end of the season in
Cincinnati.
Rumors of Seahawks offensive guard Pete Kendall being in Mike Holmgren's doghouse for
part of the 2000 season were apparently overblown. The Seahawks would like
to re-sign Kendall, who is an unrestricted free agent, but he's likely to
test the market to some extent before deciding on anything.
The possibility of the Chiefs trying to sign Rams free-agent outside linebacker
Mike A. Jones
is a strong one. The acquisition of outside linebacker Lew Bush was considered a bust last
season, and new Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil was a fan of Jones' in St.
Louis. The Chiefs would like to groom Mike Maslowski behind Marvcus Patton
in the middle for a year or two, and adding Jones to the mix could allow
that to
happen.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit PFW's web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
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