SKINSnCANES
04-18-2004, 03:24 PM
TE Winslow may be pick of Redskins
By JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
With the exception of San Diego, which has the top pick, no team has been involved in more pre-draft speculation than Washington.
There have been reports the Redskins are willing to send the fifth overall pick and left tackle Chris Samuels to Oakland so they can select Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery on Saturday.
The Raiders have the second pick behind the Chargers. New Oakland coach Norv Turner was the Redskins' coach in 2000 when they drafted Samuels in the first round. But Redskins sources say to not expect Samuels to be headed to San Diego. More than likely, they'll stay in the fifth spot.
Two of those same sources say there's a division in the organization on Miami tight end Kellen Winslow and his Hurricanes teammate, free safety Sean Taylor.
Both are outstanding prospects. But if you're a Redskins fan keep this in mind: coach Joe Gibbs will make the call.
In 1979, two seasons before Gibbs went to Washington, he was San Diego's offensive coordinator. Gibbs watched coach Don Coryell trade up to get the 13th pick in the first round and use it on Missouri tight end Kellen Winslow, father of the Miami star.
In 1980, Winslow caught 89 passes and helped the Chargers reach the AFC Championship Game. After the Chargers lost to Oakland, Gibbs was hired by the Redskins.
Remember that Gibbs is an offensive-oriented coach who likes to incorporate an H-back in his offense. The younger Winslow, who's 6-3 7/8 and 251 pounds and runs in the 4.5s, is a great receiver who is more suited for H-back than a true tight end who spends a lot of time blocking.
Winslow is cocky, but Gibbs has never shied from players because of their personalities.
The Redskins could use Taylor, of course, but they're thin at tight end and H-back, so Winslow seems to be their man.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Payton's family pulls for Jarrett
-- Jackson State golf coach Eddie Payton, brother of late Bears running back Walter Payton, would love to see his nephew drafted by Chicago. Miami running back Jarrett Payton is expected to be a second-day pick.
"He'd love to play in Chicago, for obvious reasons," said Payton, who was in Houston last week leading Jackson State to its 17th consecutive SWAC golf championship. "He also wants to be closer to his mom (who resides in Chicago).
"We feel he'll be drafted from the late third to early fifth round. I think teams will be interested in Jarrett because of his ability, but his bloodline doesn't hurt, either. He's got tremendous upside. He's big and mobile, and he can block, catch and even throw. He'll do well with a team that has an established running back in his prime and can afford to let him develop."
Hard to believe
-- Research last week on defensive backs produced some interesting facts.
For example, in 37 years the Saints have drafted only one defensive back in the first round -- cornerback Alex Molden in 1996, who was selected ahead of running back Eddie George.
In its 28 years, Tampa Bay has drafted only one defensive back in the first round -- cornerback Rod Jones in 1986. Since they took cornerback Leonard Coleman in 1984, the Colts haven't used a No. 1 pick on a defensive back. The Vikings have done it once since 1984 -- cornerback Dewayne Washington in 1994.
The only defensive back the Jets took in the first round between 1985-2003? Cornerback Aaron Glenn in 1994.
From 1960-84, the Oilers never used a No. 1 pick on a defensive back. They drafted cornerback Richard Johnson in 1985. The only other time the franchise has used a first-round pick on a member of the secondary was when the Titans took cornerback Andre Woolfolk last year.
By comparison, the Raiders have used No. 1 picks on defensive backs in each of the last three drafts.
McNair's son has a hit
-- Texans owner Bob McNair has a busy schedule coming up. He'll be in town for the draft before heading to the Kentucky Derby. On May 4, McNair and his wife, Janice, will be in New York at the Tribeca Film Festival hosted by actor Robert De Niro.
McNair's oldest son, Cary, is the producer of the independent film, Killer Diller, that was such a hit at the Austin Film Festival. The film stars William Lee Scott as a guitar-playing car thief. When he gets out of prison, he reports to a halfway house run by Fred Willard, who recruits felons who can play instruments. Willard puts together the Killer Diller Blues Band.
Lucas Black (Sling Blade, Cold Mountain) is another member of the band.
Asked if he has plans to invest in the movie business, Bob McNair laughed and said: "Not hardly. My plate's full with football players and horses, but we're getting a kick out of Cary's involvement. We saw Killer Diller in Austin and Los Angeles, and it's been a big hit so far."
What's in a nickname?
-- At the combine, Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen had the strongest arm, but he's infamous for a serious weight problem.
He got down from the 320 range to 288 by the combine. He's 6-3 3/8. He's not slow or immobile, but scouts just can't fathom a quarterback weighing as much as he does. If he weighed 240 or 250, he'd be a No. 1 pick.
By the way, just imagine how much grief he'll take in the NFL with nicknames like the "Pillsbury Throwboy" and the "Hefty Lefty."
Strong men
-- Hawaii defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (6-3, 314), got a lot of attention at the combine for wearing a straw hat everywhere, including the bench press in which he lifted 225 pounds 42 times, one more than Oregon's Igor Olshansky (6-5, 315).
At Hawaii's pro day, Sopoaga lifted 40 times, even though it wasn't necessary to do it again because enough scouts had already been impressed. Olshansky got revenge at Oregon's pro day, lifting 43 times. But then a defensive tackle from Colorado State, Bryan Save (6-1, 313) did it 44 times.
By comparison, LSU's Chad Lavalais (6-2, 313) could bench only 17 times at the combine. A nose tackle has to be quick and strong, and Lavalais' stock is dropping.
Mea culpa
-- Cleveland coach Butch Davis finally took some blame last week for the Ron Wolf fiasco. Wolf was hired as a consultant by former president Carmen Policy, and Davis never liked that decision.
Once Policy resigned, Wolf soon followed after only 18 months on the job -- 18 months in which he admitted he had "absolutely no input" in any decision made by the team.
Wolf told the Browns they didn't have a problem at quarterback with Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb, so Davis signed Jeff Garcia. Later, Davis made some comments that offended Wolf.
Asked about Wolf saying the Browns didn't need another quarterback, Davis said, "He had an opinion, but I don't think his opinion had any bearing whatsoever on what transpired. He gave an opinion about our quarterbacks the same way he had an opinion about our left guards.
"Since we signed all these guys (free agents), he's been on vacation."
Reminded that getting $750,000 for 18 months worth of consulting was good work if you can get it, Davis said, "He's my hero."
After he resigned, Wolf was contacted by the Plain Dealer.
"I don't really care what that person thinks of me," Wolf told the newspaper. "I really don't regret it. No one put a gun to my head and made me sign on to come there. I did it of my own free will. It's just one of those things where, I think, if I ever decide to do it again, it would be a situation where I would go in knowing people rather than not knowing people."
Draft news
-- Last week, Texas Tech quarterback B.J. Symons had a workout at the Texas' facility for scouts. Even though he underwent major reconstructive surgery only 2 1/2 months ago, Symons threw extremely well at perhaps 70 percent of his normal ability. ... Texas A&M receiver Jamaar Taylor ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash for scouts five months after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his knee. ... Miami outside linebacker Jarrell Weaver, who isn't highly regarded, caused jaws to drop at the Hurricanes' pro day by running a 4.37. ...
A lot of teams are wary of USC receiver Mike Williams. At 6-4 5/8 and 237 pounds he runs in the 4.6s at best. Some scouts think he should add weight and become an H-back. ... The Jaguars are desperate at defensive end and might have targeted USC's Kenechi Udeze or Ohio State's Will Smith over a receiver, but that would make this year the third in a row with a defensive lineman in the first round. ... The Bengals are so desperate at cornerback they've tabbed recently acquired Delta O'Neal, who bombed out at Denver, to start opposite Tory James. Dennis Weathersby, a rookie last year who was the victim of a gunshot wound before the draft, was injured last week in an automobile accident.
Stock watch
Prospects whose stock is on the rise are Oregon State running back Steven Jackson, Wisconsin receiver Lee Evans, Oregon defensive tackle Igor Olshansky and Arkansas offensive tackle Shawn Andrews and his brother, Mississippi offensive tackle Stacy Andrews.
Jackson, the highest-rated back in the draft, weighed 241 at the combine. And he was in fantastic shape at the time.
By the time the Beavers had their pro day, he was smart enough to be 10 pounds lighter, which helped him run the 40 in 4.55 and 4.56. He says he wants to play at 235.
The draft begins Saturday in New York.
By JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
With the exception of San Diego, which has the top pick, no team has been involved in more pre-draft speculation than Washington.
There have been reports the Redskins are willing to send the fifth overall pick and left tackle Chris Samuels to Oakland so they can select Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery on Saturday.
The Raiders have the second pick behind the Chargers. New Oakland coach Norv Turner was the Redskins' coach in 2000 when they drafted Samuels in the first round. But Redskins sources say to not expect Samuels to be headed to San Diego. More than likely, they'll stay in the fifth spot.
Two of those same sources say there's a division in the organization on Miami tight end Kellen Winslow and his Hurricanes teammate, free safety Sean Taylor.
Both are outstanding prospects. But if you're a Redskins fan keep this in mind: coach Joe Gibbs will make the call.
In 1979, two seasons before Gibbs went to Washington, he was San Diego's offensive coordinator. Gibbs watched coach Don Coryell trade up to get the 13th pick in the first round and use it on Missouri tight end Kellen Winslow, father of the Miami star.
In 1980, Winslow caught 89 passes and helped the Chargers reach the AFC Championship Game. After the Chargers lost to Oakland, Gibbs was hired by the Redskins.
Remember that Gibbs is an offensive-oriented coach who likes to incorporate an H-back in his offense. The younger Winslow, who's 6-3 7/8 and 251 pounds and runs in the 4.5s, is a great receiver who is more suited for H-back than a true tight end who spends a lot of time blocking.
Winslow is cocky, but Gibbs has never shied from players because of their personalities.
The Redskins could use Taylor, of course, but they're thin at tight end and H-back, so Winslow seems to be their man.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Payton's family pulls for Jarrett
-- Jackson State golf coach Eddie Payton, brother of late Bears running back Walter Payton, would love to see his nephew drafted by Chicago. Miami running back Jarrett Payton is expected to be a second-day pick.
"He'd love to play in Chicago, for obvious reasons," said Payton, who was in Houston last week leading Jackson State to its 17th consecutive SWAC golf championship. "He also wants to be closer to his mom (who resides in Chicago).
"We feel he'll be drafted from the late third to early fifth round. I think teams will be interested in Jarrett because of his ability, but his bloodline doesn't hurt, either. He's got tremendous upside. He's big and mobile, and he can block, catch and even throw. He'll do well with a team that has an established running back in his prime and can afford to let him develop."
Hard to believe
-- Research last week on defensive backs produced some interesting facts.
For example, in 37 years the Saints have drafted only one defensive back in the first round -- cornerback Alex Molden in 1996, who was selected ahead of running back Eddie George.
In its 28 years, Tampa Bay has drafted only one defensive back in the first round -- cornerback Rod Jones in 1986. Since they took cornerback Leonard Coleman in 1984, the Colts haven't used a No. 1 pick on a defensive back. The Vikings have done it once since 1984 -- cornerback Dewayne Washington in 1994.
The only defensive back the Jets took in the first round between 1985-2003? Cornerback Aaron Glenn in 1994.
From 1960-84, the Oilers never used a No. 1 pick on a defensive back. They drafted cornerback Richard Johnson in 1985. The only other time the franchise has used a first-round pick on a member of the secondary was when the Titans took cornerback Andre Woolfolk last year.
By comparison, the Raiders have used No. 1 picks on defensive backs in each of the last three drafts.
McNair's son has a hit
-- Texans owner Bob McNair has a busy schedule coming up. He'll be in town for the draft before heading to the Kentucky Derby. On May 4, McNair and his wife, Janice, will be in New York at the Tribeca Film Festival hosted by actor Robert De Niro.
McNair's oldest son, Cary, is the producer of the independent film, Killer Diller, that was such a hit at the Austin Film Festival. The film stars William Lee Scott as a guitar-playing car thief. When he gets out of prison, he reports to a halfway house run by Fred Willard, who recruits felons who can play instruments. Willard puts together the Killer Diller Blues Band.
Lucas Black (Sling Blade, Cold Mountain) is another member of the band.
Asked if he has plans to invest in the movie business, Bob McNair laughed and said: "Not hardly. My plate's full with football players and horses, but we're getting a kick out of Cary's involvement. We saw Killer Diller in Austin and Los Angeles, and it's been a big hit so far."
What's in a nickname?
-- At the combine, Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen had the strongest arm, but he's infamous for a serious weight problem.
He got down from the 320 range to 288 by the combine. He's 6-3 3/8. He's not slow or immobile, but scouts just can't fathom a quarterback weighing as much as he does. If he weighed 240 or 250, he'd be a No. 1 pick.
By the way, just imagine how much grief he'll take in the NFL with nicknames like the "Pillsbury Throwboy" and the "Hefty Lefty."
Strong men
-- Hawaii defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (6-3, 314), got a lot of attention at the combine for wearing a straw hat everywhere, including the bench press in which he lifted 225 pounds 42 times, one more than Oregon's Igor Olshansky (6-5, 315).
At Hawaii's pro day, Sopoaga lifted 40 times, even though it wasn't necessary to do it again because enough scouts had already been impressed. Olshansky got revenge at Oregon's pro day, lifting 43 times. But then a defensive tackle from Colorado State, Bryan Save (6-1, 313) did it 44 times.
By comparison, LSU's Chad Lavalais (6-2, 313) could bench only 17 times at the combine. A nose tackle has to be quick and strong, and Lavalais' stock is dropping.
Mea culpa
-- Cleveland coach Butch Davis finally took some blame last week for the Ron Wolf fiasco. Wolf was hired as a consultant by former president Carmen Policy, and Davis never liked that decision.
Once Policy resigned, Wolf soon followed after only 18 months on the job -- 18 months in which he admitted he had "absolutely no input" in any decision made by the team.
Wolf told the Browns they didn't have a problem at quarterback with Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb, so Davis signed Jeff Garcia. Later, Davis made some comments that offended Wolf.
Asked about Wolf saying the Browns didn't need another quarterback, Davis said, "He had an opinion, but I don't think his opinion had any bearing whatsoever on what transpired. He gave an opinion about our quarterbacks the same way he had an opinion about our left guards.
"Since we signed all these guys (free agents), he's been on vacation."
Reminded that getting $750,000 for 18 months worth of consulting was good work if you can get it, Davis said, "He's my hero."
After he resigned, Wolf was contacted by the Plain Dealer.
"I don't really care what that person thinks of me," Wolf told the newspaper. "I really don't regret it. No one put a gun to my head and made me sign on to come there. I did it of my own free will. It's just one of those things where, I think, if I ever decide to do it again, it would be a situation where I would go in knowing people rather than not knowing people."
Draft news
-- Last week, Texas Tech quarterback B.J. Symons had a workout at the Texas' facility for scouts. Even though he underwent major reconstructive surgery only 2 1/2 months ago, Symons threw extremely well at perhaps 70 percent of his normal ability. ... Texas A&M receiver Jamaar Taylor ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash for scouts five months after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his knee. ... Miami outside linebacker Jarrell Weaver, who isn't highly regarded, caused jaws to drop at the Hurricanes' pro day by running a 4.37. ...
A lot of teams are wary of USC receiver Mike Williams. At 6-4 5/8 and 237 pounds he runs in the 4.6s at best. Some scouts think he should add weight and become an H-back. ... The Jaguars are desperate at defensive end and might have targeted USC's Kenechi Udeze or Ohio State's Will Smith over a receiver, but that would make this year the third in a row with a defensive lineman in the first round. ... The Bengals are so desperate at cornerback they've tabbed recently acquired Delta O'Neal, who bombed out at Denver, to start opposite Tory James. Dennis Weathersby, a rookie last year who was the victim of a gunshot wound before the draft, was injured last week in an automobile accident.
Stock watch
Prospects whose stock is on the rise are Oregon State running back Steven Jackson, Wisconsin receiver Lee Evans, Oregon defensive tackle Igor Olshansky and Arkansas offensive tackle Shawn Andrews and his brother, Mississippi offensive tackle Stacy Andrews.
Jackson, the highest-rated back in the draft, weighed 241 at the combine. And he was in fantastic shape at the time.
By the time the Beavers had their pro day, he was smart enough to be 10 pounds lighter, which helped him run the 40 in 4.55 and 4.56. He says he wants to play at 235.
The draft begins Saturday in New York.