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The Eagles, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins have all been in contact with the Packers about Javon Walker, but it is not known whether Green Bay is going to deal the disgruntled receiver before the draft. If neither the Eagles nor the Broncos get Walker, Chris Jackson and Santonio Holmes could go 14th and 15th in the draft - Denver drafts right behind the Eagles.
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Count Ty Law among those waiting to see if the Seahawks select a cornerback in this weekend's draft. Ruskell said that conversations with Law have gone quiet, and the team told him they wouldn't be in touch until after the draft. Law didn't sign with the New York Jets last year until August.
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The Argonauts are going to take a run at suspended NFL running back Ricky Williams. The Argos added Williams to their negotitation list yesterday, a day after he was suspended for the 2006 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy for a fourth time. All CFL teams have 35-player negotiation lists, which allows them to deal exclusively with players, even if they are under suspension.
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The rumor du jour had the Jets involved in a possible draft-day trade with the Ravens, who would be interested in moving out of the 13th spot if they can't land Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Most observers don't believe Ngata will get past the Browns at No. 12, and some even are projecting him as a top-10 pick. That's where things get murky. If Ngata is off the board when the Ravens pick and Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler is still available, the Jets would trade their 29th and 35th picks to Baltimore and select Cutler 13th, according to this scenario.
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GM Charlie Casserly added that the Texans don't plan to trade the pick, because other teams haven't shown any interest in trading up. Now, all signs are pointing to the team's drafting Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy winner from USC.
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Former Raven CB Deion Sanders, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio with Andrew Siciliano was asked about Ray Lewis being unhappy in Baltimore: "I think Ray's problem is within himself. I think he has some personal things going on. It has nothing to do with the team. I think when our defense finishes 5th, and you have all the offensive problems the Ravens did, wouldn't you want the GM to go out there and put every dime he can on the offense. I would have put all my money into the offense if I was the Ravens' management."
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The Lions have no leverage in trading Joey Harrington because of his statement he will play only for Miami, but Matt Millen said there is no urgency to make a deal before the draft ends. Miami reportedly is offering a sixth-round pick in 2007. It does not have a sixth-round pick this year. "If it happens, it happens," Millen said. "I'm more concerned about the draft right now and how it gets done. It (a Harrington trade) could play a part in it. If it does, great." Salary-cap issues have no impact, Millen said.
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Vernon Davis has a gut feeling, and it's one that either will excite Jets fans or horrify them as Saturday's NFL Draft approaches. "I think I'm going to the Jets," the Maryland tight end told The Post yesterday. "If I'd say anything, I'd say the Jets will draft me. I'm pretty sure, if nothing crazy happens, it'll be the Jets." Told that sports-radio callers already are ranting against the Jets taking another tight end in the first round, Davis said, "My answer to that is - and I'm not trying to knock anyone - but who do they have now?"
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Former University of Texas quarterback Vince Young had been aware of media reports that the Houston Texans had no intention of selecting him with Saturday's first pick in the NFL draft, but he was still surprised when general manager Charley Casserly admitted it publicly on Wednesday. "Yeah, I was still surprised when I heard about it," said Young, who came to New York this week to participate in events leading up to this weekend's draft. "I know what the media's been saying about them not taking me, but I wanted to play for my hometown team. "If they don't want me, well, I know it's a business. I'm kind of disappointed, but I have to get ready for the draft and be prepared to play for the team that wants me."
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The Miami Dolphins, according to a league source, have joined the discussion with the Packers about acquiring Javon Walker. The Broncos have considered acquiring Walker since last month, when coach Mike Shanahan made informal inquiries around the league, including to former Packers coach Mike Sherman, now on the coaching staff of the Houston Texans. Walker, who publicly has threatened to retire instead of again playing for the Packers, is under contract for the 2006 season. He is in Tallahassee, Fla., attending classes at Florida State University, where he also played for the Seminoles. Dolphins coach Nick Saban was in Tallahassee on Wednesday talking with Seminoles prospects in the draft, but it is not known if he met with Walker. Walker is scheduled to count $1,165,000 against the salary cap next season.
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The Steelers are contemplating a move up again, in part because they annually explore that option and because, this year, it just might make sense. They have 10 draft picks available heading into this weekend's draft, including a compensatory selection in both the fourth and fifth rounds. Compensatory picks can't be traded, but the Steelers' other seven draft choices can be dealt. The Steelers have already begun to gauge potential interest, although Kevin Colbert doesn't expect those conversations to heat up until Saturday.
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For the Vikings, the Jets' pick surely would cost too much, perhaps requiring all five of their picks in rounds 1-3. To jump 10 spots, to the seventh overall pick, owned by the Oakland Raiders, the Vikings likely would have to swap first-round picks and give up their highest second-round pick (48th overall) and a third-round pick as well. Could the Vikings be willing to pay such a price if their top-rated quarterback is available?
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As for Ricky Williams, he likely will have to return to the Dolphins again in 2007, if for no other reason than financial. But his more immediate future remains cloudy. Under the league's substance-abuse policy, Williams is not allowed to enter the team facility except to meet with a treating clinician. After the appointment is over, he must leave immediately. Furthermore, Williams is not allowed to play in any other professional football leagues, the Dolphins confirmed.
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The most likely scenario is that the Dolphins will sign a veteran free agent and let that player compete with Sammy Morris, Travis Minor and Kay Jay Harris for the primary backup job. The list of free agents isn't particularly outstanding, and is headed by former second-round pick Anthony Thomas. There's also Jonathan Wells, Antowain Smith, Tony Hollings, Mike Cloud and former University of Miami standout James Jackson. Lamar Gordon, whom former general manager Rick Spielman once traded a third-round pick to acquire, also is available. Gordon was cut in training camp last year by Miami and then spent time with Philadelphia. Saban was not particularly impressed with Gordon's effort in training camp.
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Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said conversations with coach Mike Holmgren's future beyond next season are ongoing, and have been positive. Holmgren has one year remaining on the eight-year contract he signed in 1999.
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According to both Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy, Brett Favre did not specify that this would be his last season with the Packers even though in at least one interview during the off-season he said if he came back it would only be for one more year. During the conversations the two men had with Favre, they did not speak much about the future beyond 2006. ... Favre has yet to speak publicly about his decision to return and probably won't hold a news conference until the team's minicamp May 5-7.
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With all 22 starters returning and running back Cedric Benson ready if Thomas Jones gets traded, the Bears' drafting philosophy could be boiled down to wanting to create training-camp competition and to improving team speed. That's why nobody would be surprised if general manager Jerry Angelo and his staff select a linebacker, tight end or defensive back with the 26th overall pick. Or attempt to parlay that pick into two picks in later rounds. "We're going to potentially get six starters in this year's draft," Angelo said.
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The agent for Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart, who is in the running to be the Titans’ choice on Saturday, said Wednesday he and his client are just as eager to see how the 2006 NFL Draft unfolds. “Unfortunately for Matt, we really don’t know a whole lot more than anyone else does at this point,” said Chuck Price, part of Leinart’s representation team along with Tom Condon. “We hear the rumors and the speculation, but we really won’t know for sure until draft day.” Price said Leinart arrived in New York City Tuesday night as an invitee of the NFL for several days of dinners, interviews and showcasing, along with many of the other top prospects, including Leinart’s USC teammate Reggie Bush, his chief competition as the top quarterback in Vince Young, as well as defensive end Mario Williams, tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and tight end Vernon Davis.
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Matt Millen might have been throwing out bait Wednesday, hoping some team drafting below the Lions with designs on a quarterback will bite and make a trade with the Lions to move up to the ninth spot. And maybe it was a smokescreen to disguise the real plans for the weekend's draft. Or maybe he was playing to the media. Millen, supervising his sixth draft as president of the Lions, and first-year coach Rod Marinelli mentioned almost every position except kicker and punter in a news conference at the team's headquarters. And, maybe, a quarterback. "Is there one?" Millen said. "Sure. Absolutely." There have been reports a handful of teams would consider moving up for a quarterback. That includes NFC North rival Minnesota, which drafts 17th. There also have been hints from inside the Lions' compound that Millen likes Jay Cutler.
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The Ravens have eliminated LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten, Florida State linebacker A.J. Nicholson and Georgia Tech cornerback Reuben Houston from their draft board because of repeat criminal offenses. Another player with a couple arrests is Winston Justice, the USC offensive tackle who might represent the biggest risk for the Ravens at the 13th overall pick. It would seem unlikely the Ravens would consider Justice, but they have not publicly ruled him out.
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If the Jets emerge with Mario Williams and Jay Cutler, it would be a successful debut for rookie GM Mike Tannenbaum. ... Tannenbaum admitted last week that "we're going to try to add some competition" for Chad Pennington and Patrick Ramsey, neither of whom is a lock to be on the team beyond 2006. If they can't get Cutler, the Jets could pluck a quarterback from the second tier, with Alabama's Brodie Croyle, Oregon's Kellen Clemens and Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst the leading candidates.
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New AFL Austin Wranglers owner Deion Sanders, appearing as a guest on FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD, on being a different type of owner: "Let me tell you something. During that second half, team's not winning, Jerry Jones goes to the sideline, Pat Bowlen goes to the sideline, Dan Snyder goes to the sideline -- they're not doing anything but making a cameo. I have the ability as an owner to go the sideline and really do something. To break one out. To break a pass, return a punt, return a kickoff. I have that ability as an owner and they don't."
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NFL draftee Vernon Davis, appearing as a guest on FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD, comparing himself to Chargers TE Antonio Gates: "I think I can be better than Antonio Gates. I watch him all the time and I see some things he's doing that I think I can do a little bit better, so I just compare and contrast."
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Bill Parcells, the Cowboys front office and Dallas' scouts have handled all the draft preparations, gearing up for the big weekend. It could turn out to be a great move. The men who know college talent have focused in on it, and the assistant coaches have focused in on next season, allowing Dallas to get ahead. The experiment's results will be best measured this season.
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Free-agent defensive tackle Kyoka Jackson signed a two-year contract with the Lions. Jackson has played 11 pro seasons with Tampa Bay (1995-2000) and St. Louis (2001-05).
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Offensive tackle Jeff Backus has not signed the one-year, $6.9 million tender he was given when the Lions designated him the franchise player. Backus is not taking part in any workouts at the team's practice facility. He is recovering from surgery on his left ankle and is doing rehabilitation at home, Millen said.
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Lions president Matt Millen has spoken with defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson but does not know if he intends to continue playing. Wilkinson has a year left on his contract.
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Who Knew? In 11 drafts as a head coach, Bill Belichick has taken just one running back in the first two rounds -- fullback Tommy Vardell of Stanford with the ninth pick in 1992, when Belichick was in Cleveland.
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Based on the increase in the salary cap and the year-to-year increases for rookie contracts, the Titans can expect to shell out in excess of $20 million in guaranteed money to the third pick in the draft if they stay in the spot.
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The Eagles, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins have all been in contact with the Packers about Javon Walker, but it is not known whether Green Bay is going to deal the disgruntled receiver before the draft. If neither the Eagles nor the Broncos get Walker, Chris Jackson and Santonio Holmes could go 14th and 15th in the draft - Denver drafts right behind the Eagles.
____________________________________________
Count Ty Law among those waiting to see if the Seahawks select a cornerback in this weekend's draft. Ruskell said that conversations with Law have gone quiet, and the team told him they wouldn't be in touch until after the draft. Law didn't sign with the New York Jets last year until August.
____________________________________________
The Argonauts are going to take a run at suspended NFL running back Ricky Williams. The Argos added Williams to their negotitation list yesterday, a day after he was suspended for the 2006 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy for a fourth time. All CFL teams have 35-player negotiation lists, which allows them to deal exclusively with players, even if they are under suspension.
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The rumor du jour had the Jets involved in a possible draft-day trade with the Ravens, who would be interested in moving out of the 13th spot if they can't land Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Most observers don't believe Ngata will get past the Browns at No. 12, and some even are projecting him as a top-10 pick. That's where things get murky. If Ngata is off the board when the Ravens pick and Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler is still available, the Jets would trade their 29th and 35th picks to Baltimore and select Cutler 13th, according to this scenario.
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GM Charlie Casserly added that the Texans don't plan to trade the pick, because other teams haven't shown any interest in trading up. Now, all signs are pointing to the team's drafting Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy winner from USC.
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Former Raven CB Deion Sanders, appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio with Andrew Siciliano was asked about Ray Lewis being unhappy in Baltimore: "I think Ray's problem is within himself. I think he has some personal things going on. It has nothing to do with the team. I think when our defense finishes 5th, and you have all the offensive problems the Ravens did, wouldn't you want the GM to go out there and put every dime he can on the offense. I would have put all my money into the offense if I was the Ravens' management."
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The Lions have no leverage in trading Joey Harrington because of his statement he will play only for Miami, but Matt Millen said there is no urgency to make a deal before the draft ends. Miami reportedly is offering a sixth-round pick in 2007. It does not have a sixth-round pick this year. "If it happens, it happens," Millen said. "I'm more concerned about the draft right now and how it gets done. It (a Harrington trade) could play a part in it. If it does, great." Salary-cap issues have no impact, Millen said.
____________________________________________
Vernon Davis has a gut feeling, and it's one that either will excite Jets fans or horrify them as Saturday's NFL Draft approaches. "I think I'm going to the Jets," the Maryland tight end told The Post yesterday. "If I'd say anything, I'd say the Jets will draft me. I'm pretty sure, if nothing crazy happens, it'll be the Jets." Told that sports-radio callers already are ranting against the Jets taking another tight end in the first round, Davis said, "My answer to that is - and I'm not trying to knock anyone - but who do they have now?"
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Former University of Texas quarterback Vince Young had been aware of media reports that the Houston Texans had no intention of selecting him with Saturday's first pick in the NFL draft, but he was still surprised when general manager Charley Casserly admitted it publicly on Wednesday. "Yeah, I was still surprised when I heard about it," said Young, who came to New York this week to participate in events leading up to this weekend's draft. "I know what the media's been saying about them not taking me, but I wanted to play for my hometown team. "If they don't want me, well, I know it's a business. I'm kind of disappointed, but I have to get ready for the draft and be prepared to play for the team that wants me."
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The Miami Dolphins, according to a league source, have joined the discussion with the Packers about acquiring Javon Walker. The Broncos have considered acquiring Walker since last month, when coach Mike Shanahan made informal inquiries around the league, including to former Packers coach Mike Sherman, now on the coaching staff of the Houston Texans. Walker, who publicly has threatened to retire instead of again playing for the Packers, is under contract for the 2006 season. He is in Tallahassee, Fla., attending classes at Florida State University, where he also played for the Seminoles. Dolphins coach Nick Saban was in Tallahassee on Wednesday talking with Seminoles prospects in the draft, but it is not known if he met with Walker. Walker is scheduled to count $1,165,000 against the salary cap next season.
____________________________________________
The Steelers are contemplating a move up again, in part because they annually explore that option and because, this year, it just might make sense. They have 10 draft picks available heading into this weekend's draft, including a compensatory selection in both the fourth and fifth rounds. Compensatory picks can't be traded, but the Steelers' other seven draft choices can be dealt. The Steelers have already begun to gauge potential interest, although Kevin Colbert doesn't expect those conversations to heat up until Saturday.
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For the Vikings, the Jets' pick surely would cost too much, perhaps requiring all five of their picks in rounds 1-3. To jump 10 spots, to the seventh overall pick, owned by the Oakland Raiders, the Vikings likely would have to swap first-round picks and give up their highest second-round pick (48th overall) and a third-round pick as well. Could the Vikings be willing to pay such a price if their top-rated quarterback is available?
____________________________________________
As for Ricky Williams, he likely will have to return to the Dolphins again in 2007, if for no other reason than financial. But his more immediate future remains cloudy. Under the league's substance-abuse policy, Williams is not allowed to enter the team facility except to meet with a treating clinician. After the appointment is over, he must leave immediately. Furthermore, Williams is not allowed to play in any other professional football leagues, the Dolphins confirmed.
____________________________________________
The most likely scenario is that the Dolphins will sign a veteran free agent and let that player compete with Sammy Morris, Travis Minor and Kay Jay Harris for the primary backup job. The list of free agents isn't particularly outstanding, and is headed by former second-round pick Anthony Thomas. There's also Jonathan Wells, Antowain Smith, Tony Hollings, Mike Cloud and former University of Miami standout James Jackson. Lamar Gordon, whom former general manager Rick Spielman once traded a third-round pick to acquire, also is available. Gordon was cut in training camp last year by Miami and then spent time with Philadelphia. Saban was not particularly impressed with Gordon's effort in training camp.
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Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said conversations with coach Mike Holmgren's future beyond next season are ongoing, and have been positive. Holmgren has one year remaining on the eight-year contract he signed in 1999.
____________________________________________
According to both Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy, Brett Favre did not specify that this would be his last season with the Packers even though in at least one interview during the off-season he said if he came back it would only be for one more year. During the conversations the two men had with Favre, they did not speak much about the future beyond 2006. ... Favre has yet to speak publicly about his decision to return and probably won't hold a news conference until the team's minicamp May 5-7.
____________________________________________
With all 22 starters returning and running back Cedric Benson ready if Thomas Jones gets traded, the Bears' drafting philosophy could be boiled down to wanting to create training-camp competition and to improving team speed. That's why nobody would be surprised if general manager Jerry Angelo and his staff select a linebacker, tight end or defensive back with the 26th overall pick. Or attempt to parlay that pick into two picks in later rounds. "We're going to potentially get six starters in this year's draft," Angelo said.
____________________________________________
The agent for Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart, who is in the running to be the Titans’ choice on Saturday, said Wednesday he and his client are just as eager to see how the 2006 NFL Draft unfolds. “Unfortunately for Matt, we really don’t know a whole lot more than anyone else does at this point,” said Chuck Price, part of Leinart’s representation team along with Tom Condon. “We hear the rumors and the speculation, but we really won’t know for sure until draft day.” Price said Leinart arrived in New York City Tuesday night as an invitee of the NFL for several days of dinners, interviews and showcasing, along with many of the other top prospects, including Leinart’s USC teammate Reggie Bush, his chief competition as the top quarterback in Vince Young, as well as defensive end Mario Williams, tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and tight end Vernon Davis.
____________________________________________
Matt Millen might have been throwing out bait Wednesday, hoping some team drafting below the Lions with designs on a quarterback will bite and make a trade with the Lions to move up to the ninth spot. And maybe it was a smokescreen to disguise the real plans for the weekend's draft. Or maybe he was playing to the media. Millen, supervising his sixth draft as president of the Lions, and first-year coach Rod Marinelli mentioned almost every position except kicker and punter in a news conference at the team's headquarters. And, maybe, a quarterback. "Is there one?" Millen said. "Sure. Absolutely." There have been reports a handful of teams would consider moving up for a quarterback. That includes NFC North rival Minnesota, which drafts 17th. There also have been hints from inside the Lions' compound that Millen likes Jay Cutler.
____________________________________________
The Ravens have eliminated LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten, Florida State linebacker A.J. Nicholson and Georgia Tech cornerback Reuben Houston from their draft board because of repeat criminal offenses. Another player with a couple arrests is Winston Justice, the USC offensive tackle who might represent the biggest risk for the Ravens at the 13th overall pick. It would seem unlikely the Ravens would consider Justice, but they have not publicly ruled him out.
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If the Jets emerge with Mario Williams and Jay Cutler, it would be a successful debut for rookie GM Mike Tannenbaum. ... Tannenbaum admitted last week that "we're going to try to add some competition" for Chad Pennington and Patrick Ramsey, neither of whom is a lock to be on the team beyond 2006. If they can't get Cutler, the Jets could pluck a quarterback from the second tier, with Alabama's Brodie Croyle, Oregon's Kellen Clemens and Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst the leading candidates.
____________________________________________
New AFL Austin Wranglers owner Deion Sanders, appearing as a guest on FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD, on being a different type of owner: "Let me tell you something. During that second half, team's not winning, Jerry Jones goes to the sideline, Pat Bowlen goes to the sideline, Dan Snyder goes to the sideline -- they're not doing anything but making a cameo. I have the ability as an owner to go the sideline and really do something. To break one out. To break a pass, return a punt, return a kickoff. I have that ability as an owner and they don't."
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NFL draftee Vernon Davis, appearing as a guest on FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD, comparing himself to Chargers TE Antonio Gates: "I think I can be better than Antonio Gates. I watch him all the time and I see some things he's doing that I think I can do a little bit better, so I just compare and contrast."
____________________________________________
Bill Parcells, the Cowboys front office and Dallas' scouts have handled all the draft preparations, gearing up for the big weekend. It could turn out to be a great move. The men who know college talent have focused in on it, and the assistant coaches have focused in on next season, allowing Dallas to get ahead. The experiment's results will be best measured this season.
____________________________________________
Free-agent defensive tackle Kyoka Jackson signed a two-year contract with the Lions. Jackson has played 11 pro seasons with Tampa Bay (1995-2000) and St. Louis (2001-05).
____________________________________________
Offensive tackle Jeff Backus has not signed the one-year, $6.9 million tender he was given when the Lions designated him the franchise player. Backus is not taking part in any workouts at the team's practice facility. He is recovering from surgery on his left ankle and is doing rehabilitation at home, Millen said.
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Lions president Matt Millen has spoken with defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson but does not know if he intends to continue playing. Wilkinson has a year left on his contract.
____________________________________________
Who Knew? In 11 drafts as a head coach, Bill Belichick has taken just one running back in the first two rounds -- fullback Tommy Vardell of Stanford with the ninth pick in 1992, when Belichick was in Cleveland.
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Based on the increase in the salary cap and the year-to-year increases for rookie contracts, the Titans can expect to shell out in excess of $20 million in guaranteed money to the third pick in the draft if they stay in the spot.
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