azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Tight end owns all the right tools
Tim Tyers
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 8, 2006 12:00 AM
Cardinals third-round draft Leonard Pope pretty much got lost amid the hoopla surrounding top pick Matt Leinart and second pick Deuce Lutui and their Southern California connection on draft day, but he could end up making the biggest contribution this year.
In fact, there are some who think the 6-foot-8, 265-pound tight end that left Georgia after his junior season could be one of those famed "steals of the draft," as a blocker and receiver.
"We're really excited about him," tight ends coach Carl Hargrave said after Wednesday's organized team activity. "He's a student of the game and is picking things up well. He should be in the mix (for a starting job) by the time the season gets going.
"He can stretch the field. He has good speed and a good body. We'll see once we put the pads on about the blocking. He was known more as a receiver than a blocker in college, but blocking was one of the things I liked about him on film and evaluated him. He has that big body and can lock onto people, accelerate his feet and block."
Pope averaged 16.8 yards per reception at Georgia and 21 of his 33 receptions last season resulted in first downs - three for touchdowns.
Another who's impressed with Pope's athleticism is Leinart.
"He is definitely going to be a big part of this team," Leinart said. "He's a great target. You can pretty much throw it wherever you want, and he'll go get it."
Eric Edwards is considered the Cardinals' best blocking tight end, and Adam Bergen the better receiving tight end. Each started in nine games last year. The Cards plan to make more use of double tight end sets.
"They are throwing a lot at us right now, but I'm picking it up the best I can," Pope said. "I'm just going day by day. I think I'm making a good adjustment to the offense."
Good work
Kicker Neil Rackers said he would probably be working just as hard on his own at this time of year, but thinks the three-week official team activity is more effective.
"Definitely, this is better," Rackers said. "Having the team together and getting to know the new guys is all healthy, and just seeing the line and kicking behind it is all good."
Law interest
The Cardinals are one of several teams that have shown at least passing interest in free agent Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law, who at age 32 is coming off a career-best, 10-interception season and is reportedly asking for an $8 million-$10 million signing bonus and a long-term, very substantial contract.
"We've talked a little bit," coach Dennis Green said. "You're always looking to see if there are unique situations out there. Ty Law hasn't signed yet, and Rod Graves (vice president of football affairs) has talked with his agent. We don't know what is going to happen.
"They have shown some interest."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0608cardsnotes0608.html
Tim Tyers
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 8, 2006 12:00 AM
Cardinals third-round draft Leonard Pope pretty much got lost amid the hoopla surrounding top pick Matt Leinart and second pick Deuce Lutui and their Southern California connection on draft day, but he could end up making the biggest contribution this year.
In fact, there are some who think the 6-foot-8, 265-pound tight end that left Georgia after his junior season could be one of those famed "steals of the draft," as a blocker and receiver.
"We're really excited about him," tight ends coach Carl Hargrave said after Wednesday's organized team activity. "He's a student of the game and is picking things up well. He should be in the mix (for a starting job) by the time the season gets going.
"He can stretch the field. He has good speed and a good body. We'll see once we put the pads on about the blocking. He was known more as a receiver than a blocker in college, but blocking was one of the things I liked about him on film and evaluated him. He has that big body and can lock onto people, accelerate his feet and block."
Pope averaged 16.8 yards per reception at Georgia and 21 of his 33 receptions last season resulted in first downs - three for touchdowns.
Another who's impressed with Pope's athleticism is Leinart.
"He is definitely going to be a big part of this team," Leinart said. "He's a great target. You can pretty much throw it wherever you want, and he'll go get it."
Eric Edwards is considered the Cardinals' best blocking tight end, and Adam Bergen the better receiving tight end. Each started in nine games last year. The Cards plan to make more use of double tight end sets.
"They are throwing a lot at us right now, but I'm picking it up the best I can," Pope said. "I'm just going day by day. I think I'm making a good adjustment to the offense."
Good work
Kicker Neil Rackers said he would probably be working just as hard on his own at this time of year, but thinks the three-week official team activity is more effective.
"Definitely, this is better," Rackers said. "Having the team together and getting to know the new guys is all healthy, and just seeing the line and kicking behind it is all good."
Law interest
The Cardinals are one of several teams that have shown at least passing interest in free agent Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law, who at age 32 is coming off a career-best, 10-interception season and is reportedly asking for an $8 million-$10 million signing bonus and a long-term, very substantial contract.
"We've talked a little bit," coach Dennis Green said. "You're always looking to see if there are unique situations out there. Ty Law hasn't signed yet, and Rod Graves (vice president of football affairs) has talked with his agent. We don't know what is going to happen.
"They have shown some interest."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0608cardsnotes0608.html
Pope will have a huge career and good luck to him in Arizona
