Graham not at workouts
Earnest Graham, RB TB
News: Bucs RB Earnest Graham did not attend Tuesday's voluntary workout, reports the Tampa Tribune. Graham, who is also embroiled in contract negotiations, has yet to show for a voluntary workout this offseason. He told the Tribune last month that he missed the first round of workouts because of family commitments and planned on attending the second round of workouts. His absence on Tuesday, however, could be a sign that he is unhappy with the state of contract talks.
Analysis: Graham had a breakthrough year last season when he ran for 898 yards on 222 carries (4.0 avg.) with 10 touchdowns in 10 starts. He also showed off an impressive receiving skill set, catching 49 balls for 324 yards. Hopefully he will show up to training camp and build off last season's success. Keep an eye on what happens because Graham should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option in 2008.
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Garcia could be a holdout
Jeff Garcia, QB TB
News: According to the Tampa Tribune, Bucs QB Jeff Garcia might hold out for a new contract. Still unhappy with the progress - or lack thereof - of contract negotiations, Garcia suggested Tuesday that a holdout may be coming if the Bucs don't meet his demands for an extension. "There might come a time when I might have to stand up," Garcia said. "I hate to do that to jeopardize my teammates because they're out here, and I don't want to let them down in any sort of way. But at some point you just want to see the respect from up top." Garcia first made it clear he was unhappy with the status of contract negotiations last month. He is entering the final year of a two-year deal worth $7 million and is believed to be seeking an extension that will bring his total payout to the league average for starters, which is roughly $7 million.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens, but don't expect the Bucs to budge too much. As valuable as Garcia was last year, Tampa Bay's future is not with Garcia, who will be 38 this year. The Bucs have a handful of quarterbacks on the roster, including Brian Griese, who could start. Look for Garcia to show up for training camp and consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option in 2008.
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 Patriots look at Jones
Kevin Jones, RB DET
News: Last week, New England had a visit with former Lions RB Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March, according to NFL.com. Jones appears to be a couple of months away from recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season, but he is far enough along that the Patriots brought him in for a look. Some teams think Jones will be able to contribute in training camp, others wonder if he will miss the start of the season due to his knee injury. Jones is said to be further along from his knee injury than he was at this time last year from his foot injury. Still, with teams allowed to bring only 80 players to camp, and with each team struggling to find roster space, teams such as the Patriots could wait to sign a player such as Jones.
Analysis: Last year, Jones had 10 starts in 13 games, running 153 times for 581 yards (3.8 avg.) and eight touchdowns with 33 catches for 199 yards (6.0 avg.) with one fumble, but had eight games with 11 or fewer carries. He is not expected to make an impact early in 2008, but he might be worth spending a late-round pick on in all leagues, especially if he signs with a team where he has a chance to get carries.
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Redman ready to fight for job
Chris Redman, QB ATL
News: When the Falcons selected QB Matt Ryan with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft it signaled that Chris Redman's days as the starter are numbered. He had just made the long climb back up the NFL ladder from being out of the league to becoming a starter again. Now he's likely headed back to a reserve role. While the Falcons staff doesn't plan to just give Ryan the starting job, No. 3 picks don't sit for very long. Redman understands his plight. "I kind of like being the underdog," he said. "It's been like that my whole career." With the Falcons scrambling to replace Michael Vick last season, Redman eventually rose to the No. 1 position. He finished the season with a dazzling four-touchdown passing performance in a win over Seattle.
Analysis: Look for Redman to remain the starter, at least for the beginning of the season. Keep an eye on what happens during training camp, but consider Redman the best Fantasy option for 2008.
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Owens said contract not a distraction
Terrell Owens, WR DAL
News: Past contract disputes involving WR Terrell Owens have led to holdouts, public disputes and sidewalk sit-ups. Going into the final year of a three-year, $25 million deal, Owens hopes his days in Dallas aren't dwindling. But even if they are, he says the unrest created as he shot his way out of San Francisco and Philadelphia should not be expected this time around, reports the Dallas Morning News. "For sure, I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," said Owens. "There was a situation where the contract didn't work out in Philly. With this, I'm going to let it play out and not try to be a distraction." Owens said he's got plenty of time left in the game. "I think probably another three to five years, if I'm playing at a high level still," Owens said.
Analysis: It sounds like Owens will be a good soldier, which is great for Fantasy owners. Let him make his contract demands on the field, which would only increase his Fantasy value. Consider Owens a No. 1 option in all leagues and hope he's motivated in 2008 to get paid.
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Winslow's knee not an issue
Kellen Winslow, TE CLE
News: Browns coach Romeo Crennel told the Canton Repository on Monday that TE Kellen Winslow's knee should be fine. "I've been concerned about his health ever since 'some motorcycle accident.' I'm no more concerned than normal now. Kellen will play. You put Kellen out there on Sunday, he gives you everything he's got. He's a competitor and he wants to win." Winslow had minor knee surgery in February. The procedure was to clean out scar tissue from his right knee, the same knee that had microfracture surgery performed on it.
Analysis: Winslow should be fine for the start of training camp and is in line for another big year. Last year, Winslow led the Browns with 82 catches and had 1,106 yards and five touchdowns. He comes into 2008 as one of the top tight ends in the NFL and should be one of the first players taken at the position along with Antonio Gates and Jason Witten.
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Baker a no-show for workouts
Chris Baker, TE NYJ
News: As expected, disgruntled Jets TE Chris Baker didn't participate Monday in the team's first voluntary practice, reports the New York Daily News. Baker is boycotting the offseason program because he feels the Jets reneged on a promise to renegotiate his contract. Baker, coming off his best season, is entering the third year of a four-year, $6.6 million contract. He's upset because recently signed backup Bubba Franks is making the same amount on a one-year deal. Baker also will make less than rookie tight end Dustin Keller, a first-round pick. Keller hasn't signed yet but figures to receive a five-year deal for about $2.3 million per. Baker, who has asked to be traded, can't be fined by the Jets unless he misses the mandatory minicamp next month.
Analysis: This could get messy for Baker and the Jets. Unfortunately for Baker, the Jets don't have a pressing need for his services with Franks and more importantly Keller on the roster. Keep an eye on what develops, but Baker has minimal Fantasy value heading into 2008 even if he was at all the workouts this offseason. At best he's a No. 2 TE worthy of use when injuries or the bye weeks occur.
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Tatupu arrested for drunken driving
Lofa Tatupu, MLB SEA
News: Seattle Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu was arrested during the weekend for investigation of drunken driving. The three-time Pro Bowler was stopped early Saturday, Kirkland police said. An arrest report said Tatupu had breath tests of .155 and .158 - the legal limit is .08. The arresting officer wrote he saw a car driven by Tatupu speeding and changing lanes without signaling. The officer said he smelled alcohol, and Tatupu said he had not been drinking. Tatupu's car was impounded and he was taken to the police station for a breath test. The Seahawks signed Tatupu to a $42 million contract extension in March.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what develops to see if Tatupu will face some sort of legal or disciplinary action.
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Shockley still not playing
TQB Falcons, TQB ATL
News: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons QB D.J. Shockley did not participate in any of the team drills as he battles back from knee surgery that landed him on injured reserve after he tore his ACL last preseason. "He will get an opportunity to compete," coach Mike Smith said. "He brings a very different dynamic from the other quarterbacks that we have, in terms of he can run the ball and do some things with his feet. That's a interesting dynamic to have."
Analysis: Shockley will struggle to find playing time if he makes the team in 2008. Don't plan on drafting him in any leagues unless he is guaranteed playing time, but that's not likely to happen with Matt Ryan and Chris Redman on the roster.
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Ryan looking good
Matt Ryan, QB ATL
News: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, QB Matt Ryan was sharp running the Falcons' two-minute drill at the end of practice Monday. Playing with the majority of players on the No. 1 unit, Ryan completed 5-of-5 passes to drive the offense 65 yards for a touchdown. He completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Eric Weems, who was in for Roddy White (hamstring), with 30 seconds to play. Coach Mike Smith said Ryan has to learn the entire offense before he will get a chance to get on the field. "We are not going to rule out anything in terms of who is going to start," Smith said. "We are not going to put a ceiling on any of our players, whether it's the quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker. We are going to let them go out and compete. I will say this, the quarterback position is probably one of the more difficult positions to make the transition. But if anybody can do it, Matt is a guy that can." Ryan has been working as the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Chris Redman and backup Joey Harrington.
Analysis: Don't expect Ryan to start the season opener in 2008, with that job likely belonging to Redman. Ryan will be expected to work into the role slowly. For now, consider him a first-round Fantasy option in rookie drafts and a late-round selection in deep seasonal leagues.
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Fowler close to return
Ryan Fowler, MLB TEN
News: The Titans are counting on LB Ryan Fowler in 2008. Fowler, who had his torn-up right shoulder repaired, arrived at the Titans' current round of organized team activity practices prepared to return to action. "We expected him to be ready," coach Jeff Fisher said in the Tennessean. "I don't think he could participate in a padded practice right now. He is probably several weeks away from that. But everything else is going well for him." Fowler, said Friday if there had been a game, he would have played in it. "As far as getting my shoulder 100 percent, I'm not sure it will ever be 100 percent totally," said Fowler, who turns 26 in a week. "But it's as effective as I need it to be already."
Analysis: The Titans signed Fowler away from Dallas as a restricted free agent in the spring of 2007, though he very nearly went to Philadelphia instead. In training camp, he beat out second-year man Stephen Tulloch in a decision that matched up with Fisher's usual modus operandi. While Tulloch may have brought more potential for big plays he also was less of a guarantee to be in the right place all the time. Reliability is one of Fowler's strengths. Fowler had a reasonably productive first season in the eyes of his coaches. He averaged more than five tackles a game but had few big plays — no forced or recovered fumbles, no sacks, no interceptions. As with most players in their second season, the team expects his production will jump this fall. While the shoulder injury cost him the final two games of the regular season as well as the Titans' playoff game in San Diego — when Tulloch filled in — Fisher made it clear that Fowler would return to his post once healthy. He has minimal Fantasy value in 2008 and should not be drafted in IDP leagues.
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Quinn has 'leadership qualities'
TQB Browns, TQB CLE
News: Browns coach Romeo Crennel told the Canton Repository on Monday that QB Brady Quinn will eventually be a good player. For now, he's the backup behind Derek Anderson. "He is a little bit more cerebral," Crennel said of Quinn. "He's got some leadership qualities. Guys seem to follow him. I think we have a good combination there. They work very well together. Brady envisions himself being the starter at some point in the future. When that's gonna be, I'm not exactly sure. But I tell Brady once a week, 'You're one play away, son,' and he understands that. It's hard to keep quarterbacks on their feet for 16 games. If you've got two good ones, you're better off. We feel like we're in good position at the quarterback spot."
Analysis: Quinn will eventually play a role for the Browns and Fantasy owners, but for now he should only be owned in keeper leagues and dynasty formats. Unless for some shocking reason he's named the starter ahead of Anderson, don't plan on drafting him in seasonal leagues in 2008.
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Crennel fond of Anderson
Derek Anderson, QB CLE
News: Browns coach Romeo Crennel told the Canton Repository on Monday that he likes QB Derek Anderson. "He is probably more of a classic, dropback quarterback. He's tall, not as mobile. He's got the big, strong arm. He gets rid of the ball quickly. That's an advantage for him and for us as well."
Analysis: Anderson should be in line for a big season in 2008. Cleveland added Donte Stallworth to an already talented receiving corps of Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Joe Jurevicius. Look for Anderson to be a No. 1 QB this year and a solid mid-round selection in all leagues.
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Perry to return for workouts
Chris Perry, RB CIN
News: The Bengals will conduct their first of 12 voluntary organized team practice activity sessions Tuesday, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. The practice session is expected to feature the return of injured RB Chris Perry, who has not played since fracturing his ankle and further injuring his shin in November 2006 in a game at Cleveland.
Analysis: Perry will be competing for carries with Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson, Kenny Irons and DeDe Dorsey in 2008. He has a lot to prove during the offseason before he can be considered a decent Fantasy option again, so don't plan on drafting him in any leagues in 2008.
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Thurman could return to workout
Odell Thurman, LB CIN
News: The Bengals will conduct their first of 12 voluntary organized team practice activity sessions Tuesday, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. LB Odell Thurman, reinstated last month by the NFL, might participate. He was home in Georgia on Monday for his grandmother's funeral but was expected back. He had been suspended for two full seasons by the NFL for multiple violations of the league substance abuse policy.
Analysis: Thurman would be a much-needed boost to the Bengals defense. Keep an eye on what develops in his return, but consider him a decent sleeper in IDP leagues in 2008.
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Rice shows off skills
Ray Rice, RB BAL
News: Baltimore rookie RB Ray Rice scooted around the practice field in constant motion during a mandatory minicamp that concluded Sunday. Although the former Rutgers star is listed at 5-foot-8, 200 pounds on the roster, he's not diminutive in terms of his game or durability. Drafted in the second round last month, Rice is vying to become the primary backup to Willis McGahee, reports the Carroll County Times. "That kid can flat-out play," McGahee said. "Man, he’s quick." One year removed from a 2,012-yard season in his third consecutive 1,000-yard campaign, Rice became the 55th overall selection of the draft when Baltimore was unable to land cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Brandon Flowers. Even though Rice lacks ideal size, he plays with the requisite heart the coaching staff and scouts are seeking.
Analysis: McGahee led the Ravens with 1,207 rushing yards last season and was named to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement for San Diego Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson. With a McGahee-Rice tandem, the Ravens would love to recreate offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s success in San Diego with Tomlinson and Michael Turner. For Rice, who said he patterns his game after similarly-sized Jacksonville Jaguars runner Maurice Jones-Drew, he should be viewed as a low-end Fantasy option. Consider Rice a good handcuff to McGahee and a low-end pick in seasonal leagues. In dynasty formats, Rice is a solid mid-round selection.
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