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Updates on the Jacksons, Dexter and DeSean, a possible position switch for Tyrell Johnson and what type of role Giants fans should expect Kenny Phillips to play in this edition of All Access.
LIONS RB UPDATE
Brian Calhoun reportedly "looks good" and is showing he fits the Lions' zone-blocking scheme at offseason practices. Tatum Bell showed up to Lions minicamps overweight.
Mancini's Take: Well, the Lions didn't draft the former Colorado Buffalo and Wisconsin Badger to sit back and sip Gatorade. They liked him because of the former track star's speed and open-field running. Two years later, however, Calhoun has nothing to show except two very significant knee injuries. I don't think Detroit is married to Bell and may give Calhoun a chance to become a change-of-pace back alongside rookie Kevin Smith.
Mandel's Take: Put him in coach, he's ready to play! Calhoun has terrific quickness and I've always thought he could be a productive player in the league. With Tubby Bell's lack of reliability, Calhoun may get his chance. Think about it--last year it was Bell, T.J. Duckett and Kevin Jones in that backfield. This promises to be a far different season with Kevin Smith and possibly Calhoun--if he's able to stay on the field--being the focus of the ground game. Is the culture changing in Detroit as well? I'm sure both fans of the Silver and Blue hope so.
TJ DUCKETT UPDATE
In recent seasons, the Seattle Seahawks backfield has struggled to convert short-yardage rushing opportunities. It's a role that many have already penciled new RB T.J. Duckett into. But HC Mike Holmgren may not see it that way. "There are some teams that take a big, strong pile-driving guy and I guess they call him a short-yardage back," Holmgren said. "I have never done that. In fact, when I have done that it hasn't worked very well." Duckett is ready for whatever role gets handed to him. "Whatever it is, it doesn't really matter," he said. "Whatever I'm called to do, I'm going to do it to the best of my ability."
Mancini's Take: It's a mystery what Duckett's doing on this team if he's not there to assume a short-yardage role. Duckett has never been a partucularly good run blocker or receiver, and is very slow and injury-prone to boot. The future at fullback is Leonard Weaver.
Mandel's Take: I guess the theory in the NFL now is--you can never have too many running backs. I like Duckett but he's not going to see as much of the ball as he thinks he is in Sea-town. I know there are injuries and that Maurice Morris is nothing special, but Holmgren didn't bring in Julius Jones for nothing. I can't see Duckett playing significant time at fullback.
MINI D-JAX A RETURN MAN ONLY
The Bucs are not counting on second-round rookie Dexter Jackson helping at wide receiver in 2008. Jackson will play special teams and work behind Joey Galloway at split end. Paris Warren and Chad Lucas are there as well. The Bucs will keep Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall at flanker. Antonio Bryant's position is unclear.
Mancini's Take: It's really too early to write off DJax's rookie season already and just label him a special teamer. Gruden is playing it safe by not putting too many expectations on his shoulders at this stage of the game. It's hard to imagine the rookie not eventually getting some time on offense with the dearth of talent at wide out...I mean, there are too many ifs at the position. Will Galloway survive an entire season without pulling a hammy? How patient will Gruden continue being with the lumbering Clayton and Stovall? Antonio Bryant? Please! He's as relaible as a five-day weather forecast. I will point out, however, that Ike Hilliard was impressive last season.
Mandel's Take: Jackson has an electric quality about him and if I was a Bucs fan, I'd want a player like that on the field as much as possible. Throw him in the slot, let him return punts and kicks...whatever you have to do. Stovall and Bryant are not high-ceiling guys, and other than the movie George Clooney made about him, Michael Clayton has been a major disappointment after teasing the Bucs with a fantastic rookie season in 2004. There's room for Jackson and I'm confident that Gruden will get him involved.
BENGALS INK TROUBLED WIDE OUT
The Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted rookie free-agent WR Maurice Purify (Nebraska) to a two-year deal Thursday, May 8. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Purify pleaded no contest in 2007 to charges of DUI, assault, disturbing the peace, and hindering arrest in the wake of two separate incidents. He currently faces a potential probation violation hearing after allegedly using alcohol, in violation of the terms of his probation.
Mancini's Take: Haha, some teams never, ever learn. I know Purify is an undrafted free agent that costs very little money, but these are the Bungles...err Bengals we're talking about. What happened to them being more selective about questionable-character players? I guess it was all lip service, as Jason Shirley and Purify are the latest problem children to don the orange and black.
Mandel's Take: It's ironic that almost a year ago to the day he signed with Cincy, Purify was arrested for two counts of assault and one count of resisting arrest. Sounds like Purify respects authority, huh? Good call Marvin Lewis--but no, seriously, keep talking smack about Chad Johnson while you bring in the type of players you've vowed to avoid. As long as they can catch, it doesn't matter.
EAGLES OFFENSE UPDATE
Dave Spadaro, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is not expected to turn the offense around. However, he will be expected to contribute on special teams and as a third-down slot receiver. The Eagles like newly acquired RB Lorenzo Booker because of his speed.
Mancini's Take: Jackson shouldn't be expected to turn the offense around. The first thing he needs to do is get in the weight room and bulk up. Most defensive backs in the NFL will outweigh him by 30 pounds. Booker is a player who can come in and provide instant offense in a pinch with his slashing style and big-play ability on screens.
Mandel's Take: Wouldn't it have been funny if someone reported that Jackson was expected to turn the offense around? No one thought Jackson was going to turn the offense around! As the good Rev said, Jackson has to add some bulk...lest he end up being the next Dante Hall. Booker is a decent player, but looking around at what Dallas and Washington have done to improve their offenses in the off-season, it's pretty clear that the Eagles are lagging behind them and your Super Bowl Champs in the NFC East.
ROY WILLIAMS UPDATE
During an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio today, Dallas Cowboys LB Greg Ellis said that SS Roy Williams doesn't feel like he fits in HC Wade Phillips' scheme and has been isolating himself from teammates. "He said, 'Greg, this defense does not fit me. I don't fit in well with this defense at all,'" Ellis said. "So when he told me that, I was like, 'Well, man, it's still new. Get used to it and it'll probably be fine for you.'" And obviously I think it came to be true. Just like he said, he doesn't fit what's going on here in Dallas right now." Ellis went on to say that he was bothered by the way Williams has isolated himself from teammates. He said Williams is still working out at Valley Ranch, but he's leaving the facility by 7:30 a.m., so he's not spending any time with his teammates.
Mancini's Take: It's hard to fit in when your coverage skills, or lacktherof, are a major hinderance to the team. I don't know why no one hasn't moved Williams to linebacker. He's oustanding versus the run. I'd take him on my team any day.
Mandel's Take: Williams has some pair on him to say that the defense doesn't fit him. Brother, it's you that doesn't fit the defense. You're playing a position where covering guys matters and you can't cover! The whole league knows it. Dallas needs to be a bit more creative--Williams has skills, it's up to him and the coaches to figure out how best to use them.
TYRELL JOHNSON TO GET A LOOK AT CORNER
The Vikings will try second-round pick Tyrell Johnson as a nickel cornerback during training camp.
Mancini's Take: Well, he does have 4.5 speed along with tremendous ball skills (six picks in 2007). The one underrated aspect of Johnson's game is his intelligence in reading quarterbacks. I think he might do well as a nickel corner.
Mandel's Take: Why not? He can't be any worse than the rabble the Vikes trotted out there last season. Johnson has speed and Minny traded up to get him...he's gonna get his chance to impress.
PHILLIPS EXPECTED TO MAKE IMPACT
There's a strong belief among those in the Giants New York Giants front office and coaching staff that first-round draft pick Kenny Phillips will challenge for playing time sooner rather than later. His first chance to make an impression comes today during the start of the two-day Giants rookie mini-camp at Giants Stadium.
Mancini's Take: When your competition is Sammy Knight and James Butler, you should be able to vie for a starting position, although I don't think that Phillips is an outstanding athlete. He's not a very good tackler and has questionable recovery speed. I look for second-year man Michael Johnson to step up in 2008 and get some more playing time.
Mandel's Take: I'm thinking Knight is gonna play strong safety while Phillips will play free safety. The Giants will plug Johnson and Butler in when they're needed. I'm a bit hesitant--even as a Giants fan--to talk Phillips up as I concur with much of the Rev's assessment. However, I have to give GM Jerry Reese the benefit of the doubt and assume he knows what he's doing with the addition of Phillips.
BIRONAS REMAINS A TITAN
Titans kicker Rob Bironas has signed a one-year deal with the team worth $1.47 million. The Titans made Bironas a one-year tender offer in February, but the team remains interested in signing him to a long-term contract.
Mancini's Take: What I like about Bironas is that he makes clutch kicks. He's well deserving of a new multi-year deal.
Mandel's Take: You can't get that excited over a kicker's contract, but this one is pretty good. Bironas was 35-39 last season, including 4-5 from 50+. That's comforting considering there are a lot of choke-job kickers out there. I'm talking to you, Rackers!
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