Evil Ash
Henchman Supreme
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?statsId=22
Team Report
Posted: 3 hours ago
The team strengthened its run defense this offseason, but there are major concerns at cornerback. There is only one proven starter currently on the roster -- David Macklin. Duane Starks was traded to New England and Renaldo Hill remains an unrestricted free agent. There are no youngsters ready to step in because the team hasn't drafted a cornerback since 2001. Coach Dennis Green doesn't seem concerned yet, and he points out that New England won the Super Bowl despite cornerback concerns. It won't be a surprise if the team takes two cornerbacks on the first day of the draft. . . .
Defensive tackle Wendell Bryant started working out at the team's facility weeks before offseason workouts officially started. If Bryant's renewed commitment results in improvement, the team's defensive line could be as deep as any in the NFL. Bryant could challenge for playing time at either tackle spot, but he most likely will back up Russell Davis on the nose. Bryant's career is at a crossroads. A first-round pick three years ago, he played in only three games last year, and he's started just a total of nine games. If he doesn't show dramatic improvement, he'll be in a different uniform next year. . . .
It won't get much attention, but the transformation of Fred Wakefield from defensive end to offensive tackle will be interesting to watch this summer. Wakefield spent last year on injured reserve, but he spent the season with the offensive line on the field and in meetings. Green has a history of success in making these kinds of moves.
SCOUTING REPORT: No one expects Eric Edwards to emerge as the next Antonio Gates, but he could develop into a serviceable tight end. He made the team last year as an undrafted rookie from Louisiana State and showed steady progress throughout the season. He played in every game, mostly on special teams, but by the end of the year he was involved in the offense as a backup. He's not particularly fast, but he has decent hands and his blocking skills should improve. It's questionable if he's good enough now to be a team's No. 1 tight end, but he certainly could fill the second or third spot.
COMEBACK STORY: Marcel Shipp's screams of pain echoed for a long time last summer in the domed facility at Northern Arizona University. The running back dislocated an ankle and fractured his fibula in a gruesome play during the team's training camp scrimmage. Shipp missed all of last year, but he's back this spring and hopes to be 100 percent for minicamps. He's been a diligent worker this offseason, and his car was often in the parking lot in the early-morning hours. For now, he's the team's starting running back. But as with every year, Shipp's hold on the job is tenuous. The team is expected to take a back early in the draft. Even as a backup, though, Shipp could play a big role. He's a tough runner with good agility. He doesn't have breakaway speed, which might be what keeps him out of the starting lineup.
Team Report
Posted: 3 hours ago
The team strengthened its run defense this offseason, but there are major concerns at cornerback. There is only one proven starter currently on the roster -- David Macklin. Duane Starks was traded to New England and Renaldo Hill remains an unrestricted free agent. There are no youngsters ready to step in because the team hasn't drafted a cornerback since 2001. Coach Dennis Green doesn't seem concerned yet, and he points out that New England won the Super Bowl despite cornerback concerns. It won't be a surprise if the team takes two cornerbacks on the first day of the draft. . . .
Defensive tackle Wendell Bryant started working out at the team's facility weeks before offseason workouts officially started. If Bryant's renewed commitment results in improvement, the team's defensive line could be as deep as any in the NFL. Bryant could challenge for playing time at either tackle spot, but he most likely will back up Russell Davis on the nose. Bryant's career is at a crossroads. A first-round pick three years ago, he played in only three games last year, and he's started just a total of nine games. If he doesn't show dramatic improvement, he'll be in a different uniform next year. . . .
It won't get much attention, but the transformation of Fred Wakefield from defensive end to offensive tackle will be interesting to watch this summer. Wakefield spent last year on injured reserve, but he spent the season with the offensive line on the field and in meetings. Green has a history of success in making these kinds of moves.
SCOUTING REPORT: No one expects Eric Edwards to emerge as the next Antonio Gates, but he could develop into a serviceable tight end. He made the team last year as an undrafted rookie from Louisiana State and showed steady progress throughout the season. He played in every game, mostly on special teams, but by the end of the year he was involved in the offense as a backup. He's not particularly fast, but he has decent hands and his blocking skills should improve. It's questionable if he's good enough now to be a team's No. 1 tight end, but he certainly could fill the second or third spot.
COMEBACK STORY: Marcel Shipp's screams of pain echoed for a long time last summer in the domed facility at Northern Arizona University. The running back dislocated an ankle and fractured his fibula in a gruesome play during the team's training camp scrimmage. Shipp missed all of last year, but he's back this spring and hopes to be 100 percent for minicamps. He's been a diligent worker this offseason, and his car was often in the parking lot in the early-morning hours. For now, he's the team's starting running back. But as with every year, Shipp's hold on the job is tenuous. The team is expected to take a back early in the draft. Even as a backup, though, Shipp could play a big role. He's a tough runner with good agility. He doesn't have breakaway speed, which might be what keeps him out of the starting lineup.
