No, this has nothing to do with religion. We are a non-denominational blog. This is in reference to former Griz CB Tuff Harris signing a 3-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Harris, who played for the Miami Dolphins in his 1st season last year, actually is in a much better situation in New Orleans because they did not draft a man by the name of Ted Ginn Jr., like the Dolphins, and thus are giving Tuff a chance at the punt return job as well as in the defensive secondary.
Harris must have impressed the Saints a lot in last week's workout because he was given a three-year deal based on limited playing in only one game last season (the Dolphins final game, against the Cincinnati Bengals).
This is very encouraging news for the Colstrip native. Keep an eye on him in preseason. He will definitely see the field in the return game, and we all know Tuff is very capable in that department.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Softball Sportsmanship
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
2008 NFL Draft Recap - Seattle Seahawks
Grade: B
Seattle failed to find a developmental offensive guard in the draft, but they did well to get help along the defensive line. They selected DE Lawrence Jackson (USC) in the first round and Texas A&M defensive tackle Red Bryant in the fourth. Jackson’s performance last season warranted a first round selection, and he should be able to provide a pass rush for the ‘Hawks. Bryant, on the other hand, won’t provide much of a rush, but he should be a good run stopper. With sack artists Patrick Kerney, LeRoy Hill, Julian Peterson, and now, Lawrence Jackson, Bryant doesn’t need to get to the quarterback.
TE John Carlson, Seattle’s second round pick, should be an upgrade over Jeb Putzier. He is a complete tight end and will provide QB Matt Hasselbeck with another target. Seattle got more offensive help in FB Owen Schmitt (West Virginia) and RB Justin Forsett (California). Schmitt is a hardnosed fullback, and his attitude alone will make him an NFL starter. Forsett can develop into a third down, change of pace type of back.
With their final pick, Seattle took the best kicker in the draft in Brandon Coutu from Georgia. Josh Brown left via free agency this offseason, and the Seahawks signed Olindo Mare as a short term fix, but Coutu could be there for the long run. He’s consistent from within 40 yards, has a powerful leg, and can develop into an effective field goal kicker in the NFL.
Seattle failed to find a developmental offensive guard in the draft, but they did well to get help along the defensive line. They selected DE Lawrence Jackson (USC) in the first round and Texas A&M defensive tackle Red Bryant in the fourth. Jackson’s performance last season warranted a first round selection, and he should be able to provide a pass rush for the ‘Hawks. Bryant, on the other hand, won’t provide much of a rush, but he should be a good run stopper. With sack artists Patrick Kerney, LeRoy Hill, Julian Peterson, and now, Lawrence Jackson, Bryant doesn’t need to get to the quarterback.
TE John Carlson, Seattle’s second round pick, should be an upgrade over Jeb Putzier. He is a complete tight end and will provide QB Matt Hasselbeck with another target. Seattle got more offensive help in FB Owen Schmitt (West Virginia) and RB Justin Forsett (California). Schmitt is a hardnosed fullback, and his attitude alone will make him an NFL starter. Forsett can develop into a third down, change of pace type of back.
With their final pick, Seattle took the best kicker in the draft in Brandon Coutu from Georgia. Josh Brown left via free agency this offseason, and the Seahawks signed Olindo Mare as a short term fix, but Coutu could be there for the long run. He’s consistent from within 40 yards, has a powerful leg, and can develop into an effective field goal kicker in the NFL.
2008 NFL Draft Recap - Minnesota Vikings
Grade: B
I think the Vikings were big winners coming out of the 2008 draft. They gave up a lot to get DE Jared Allen, but he is going to have a tremendous impact on this defense. Minnesota didn’t have a first round pick, so their first pick was S Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State) at pick #43. Johnson was arguably the best safety in the draft and was projected to go in the first round, so this is great value for the Vikes. They added more youth and depth to an already strong secondary, and, next season, Minnesota might just have the best defense in the NFL.
Minnesota only had four other picks, but they made what might be the pick of the draft in John David Booty (QB, USC) in the fifth round. Booty should’ve gone in the third round—there was even talk of him going in the second—so getting him in the fifth is a steal. Tarvaris Jackson hasn’t proven he can be an NFL starting quarterback, so Booty has a chance to come in here and take the job over the next two years.
Minnesota is an ideal situation for a young quarterback. They have a great defense, an excellent rushing attack, and a potentially surprising receiving corps with Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice (if he continues to develop). This is the perfect situation for Booty, and he has the chance to be a more successful NFL quarterback than fellow USC QB, and current Arizona Cardinals starter, Matt Leinart.
I think the Vikings were big winners coming out of the 2008 draft. They gave up a lot to get DE Jared Allen, but he is going to have a tremendous impact on this defense. Minnesota didn’t have a first round pick, so their first pick was S Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State) at pick #43. Johnson was arguably the best safety in the draft and was projected to go in the first round, so this is great value for the Vikes. They added more youth and depth to an already strong secondary, and, next season, Minnesota might just have the best defense in the NFL.
Minnesota only had four other picks, but they made what might be the pick of the draft in John David Booty (QB, USC) in the fifth round. Booty should’ve gone in the third round—there was even talk of him going in the second—so getting him in the fifth is a steal. Tarvaris Jackson hasn’t proven he can be an NFL starting quarterback, so Booty has a chance to come in here and take the job over the next two years.
Minnesota is an ideal situation for a young quarterback. They have a great defense, an excellent rushing attack, and a potentially surprising receiving corps with Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice (if he continues to develop). This is the perfect situation for Booty, and he has the chance to be a more successful NFL quarterback than fellow USC QB, and current Arizona Cardinals starter, Matt Leinart.
2008 NFL Draft Recap - Green Bay Packers
Grade: B-
With GM Ted Thompson drafting, it’s tough to doubt anything the Packers do. They traded out of the first round, so their first pick wasn’t until number 36 overall. They selected Jordy Nelson (WR, Kansas State) as the third wide receiver in the draft. I thought that was a bit high for him, but he fits what Green Bay looks for in wideouts. He’s a big, polished route-runner, so he can contribute right away.
The most interesting picks came in the 2nd and 7th rounds however. The Pack selected quarterbacks in each spot—Brian Brohm (Lousville) in the second, and Matt Flynn (LSU) in the seventh. Both add much needed depth to the Packers’ quarterback situation, and Brohm could push Aaron Rodgers for the starting job in the near future. Flynn has the intangibles to be an NFL leader, and, with some coaching, could end up being a great backup or an adequate starter.
Patrick Lee (CB, Auburn) and Jermichael Finley (TE, Texas) were excellent picks as well. Green Bay selected Lee with their 3rd pick in the second round, and he has a chance to become a solid number two corner for the team. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are getting up there in age, so Green Bay needed to find a corner they can groom for the future.
Finley is not a great blocker for a tight end, but he’s a good receiver. Green Bay let Bubba Franks go this offseason, so they needed to find someone to play behind David Martin. Martin will still be the starter, but Finley could see some time in certain situations and two tight end sets.
With GM Ted Thompson drafting, it’s tough to doubt anything the Packers do. They traded out of the first round, so their first pick wasn’t until number 36 overall. They selected Jordy Nelson (WR, Kansas State) as the third wide receiver in the draft. I thought that was a bit high for him, but he fits what Green Bay looks for in wideouts. He’s a big, polished route-runner, so he can contribute right away.
The most interesting picks came in the 2nd and 7th rounds however. The Pack selected quarterbacks in each spot—Brian Brohm (Lousville) in the second, and Matt Flynn (LSU) in the seventh. Both add much needed depth to the Packers’ quarterback situation, and Brohm could push Aaron Rodgers for the starting job in the near future. Flynn has the intangibles to be an NFL leader, and, with some coaching, could end up being a great backup or an adequate starter.
Patrick Lee (CB, Auburn) and Jermichael Finley (TE, Texas) were excellent picks as well. Green Bay selected Lee with their 3rd pick in the second round, and he has a chance to become a solid number two corner for the team. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are getting up there in age, so Green Bay needed to find a corner they can groom for the future.
Finley is not a great blocker for a tight end, but he’s a good receiver. Green Bay let Bubba Franks go this offseason, so they needed to find someone to play behind David Martin. Martin will still be the starter, but Finley could see some time in certain situations and two tight end sets.
2008 NFL Draft Recap - Denver Broncos
Grade: C+
Denver needed to get two things out of this draft—a left tackle and a defensive tackle. They got both, even though they didn’t draft a defensive tackle - they acquired former first round pick Dewayne Robertson in a trade with the New York Jets. Robertson has underachieved over his career, but he’s a big body who is an upgrade over last year’s defensive tackle rotation.
With their first pick (#12 overall), Denver selected Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. He was the guy we thought they were targeting all along due to his athleticism and mobility. He is perfect for Denver’s zone blocking scheme and should really help protect Jay Cutler’s blindside.
Denver’s most intriguing picks past round one are Eddie Royal (WR, Virginia Tech), Kory Lichtensteiger (C, Bowling Green), and Ryan Torain (RB, Arizona State). I thought they reached for Royal with Cal’s DeSean Jackson, Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, and Texas’ Limas Sweed all still available. Royal is somewhat raw in his route running, but should provide some explosiveness in the return game. If that’s what they were looking for, though, why not take this draft’s best game-breaker in Jackson?
Lichtensteiger was Denver’s first fourth round pick, and he should provide the offensive line with much needed depth. He doesn’t project as an NFL starter, but he should be able to play in spot duty.
When Denver picks a running back, we always look for him to succeed behind their usually incredible blocking. Torain is a north-south runner, so I’m not sure how well he fits their scheme, but he should be able to make one cut and go. He’s not going to outrun many defenders, but he should be able to break a few tackles and gain some yards after contact.
Denver needed to get two things out of this draft—a left tackle and a defensive tackle. They got both, even though they didn’t draft a defensive tackle - they acquired former first round pick Dewayne Robertson in a trade with the New York Jets. Robertson has underachieved over his career, but he’s a big body who is an upgrade over last year’s defensive tackle rotation.
With their first pick (#12 overall), Denver selected Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. He was the guy we thought they were targeting all along due to his athleticism and mobility. He is perfect for Denver’s zone blocking scheme and should really help protect Jay Cutler’s blindside.
Denver’s most intriguing picks past round one are Eddie Royal (WR, Virginia Tech), Kory Lichtensteiger (C, Bowling Green), and Ryan Torain (RB, Arizona State). I thought they reached for Royal with Cal’s DeSean Jackson, Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, and Texas’ Limas Sweed all still available. Royal is somewhat raw in his route running, but should provide some explosiveness in the return game. If that’s what they were looking for, though, why not take this draft’s best game-breaker in Jackson?
Lichtensteiger was Denver’s first fourth round pick, and he should provide the offensive line with much needed depth. He doesn’t project as an NFL starter, but he should be able to play in spot duty.
When Denver picks a running back, we always look for him to succeed behind their usually incredible blocking. Torain is a north-south runner, so I’m not sure how well he fits their scheme, but he should be able to make one cut and go. He’s not going to outrun many defenders, but he should be able to break a few tackles and gain some yards after contact.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Montana Draft Prospects
There are several UM and MSU players that have entered this year's NFL Draft, but only two that have a legitimate shot at hearing their names called in New York - Griz RB Lex Hilliard, and Griz DE Kroy Biermann.
Lex Hilliard: The outstanding Griz running back, Lex Hilliard, might have to learn a new position if and when his name gets called during the NFL draft. Most analysts have Hilliard projected as a fullback, much like Justin Green a few years ago. Hilliard is a 231 pound runner who ran the 40 in the 4.7 range, so he is a bit of a ‘tweener, which hurts his draft stock. He’s too big and a little slow to be an NFL running back, but may be a bit small to play fullback. He’s ideal for short yardage situations, though, because he tends to fall forward when tackled. Yards after contact are probably the most important statistic to runners in the NFL, since it’s a rarity to burst through the line untouched. He has a nose for the endzone (as evidenced by his UM record 49 career rushing touchdowns), but his lack of production in the passing game hurts his stock.
Projection: Hilliard might come off the board late on day two (sixth or seventh round), but it’s more likely that he goes undrafted and signs with a team next week.
Kroy Biermann: Of the Montana draft prospects, Griz defensive end Kroy Biermann has the best shot at being drafted on Sunday. Biermann is a bit undersized to play end in the NFL, which is why most scouts have him projected as a 3-4 rush linebacker. He tested as a defensive end at the combine, but if you compare his numbers to the linebacker class, he does quite well. He is strong (repping 225 pounds nine times) and quick, but he doesn’t have elite top end speed (he ran the 40 in 4.85 seconds). However, with more and more NFL teams implementing a 3-4 defense, a player like Biermann has a chance to get his name called late in the draft.
Projection: The most likely scenario is for Biermann to come off the board in the sixth or seventh round. I’ll go out on a limb and say he gets taken in round six as the only Montana player drafted in 2008.
2008 Montana NFL Draft Prospects
Lex Hilliard: The outstanding Griz running back, Lex Hilliard, might have to learn a new position if and when his name gets called during the NFL draft. Most analysts have Hilliard projected as a fullback, much like Justin Green a few years ago. Hilliard is a 231 pound runner who ran the 40 in the 4.7 range, so he is a bit of a ‘tweener, which hurts his draft stock. He’s too big and a little slow to be an NFL running back, but may be a bit small to play fullback. He’s ideal for short yardage situations, though, because he tends to fall forward when tackled. Yards after contact are probably the most important statistic to runners in the NFL, since it’s a rarity to burst through the line untouched. He has a nose for the endzone (as evidenced by his UM record 49 career rushing touchdowns), but his lack of production in the passing game hurts his stock.
Projection: Hilliard might come off the board late on day two (sixth or seventh round), but it’s more likely that he goes undrafted and signs with a team next week.
Kroy Biermann: Of the Montana draft prospects, Griz defensive end Kroy Biermann has the best shot at being drafted on Sunday. Biermann is a bit undersized to play end in the NFL, which is why most scouts have him projected as a 3-4 rush linebacker. He tested as a defensive end at the combine, but if you compare his numbers to the linebacker class, he does quite well. He is strong (repping 225 pounds nine times) and quick, but he doesn’t have elite top end speed (he ran the 40 in 4.85 seconds). However, with more and more NFL teams implementing a 3-4 defense, a player like Biermann has a chance to get his name called late in the draft.
Projection: The most likely scenario is for Biermann to come off the board in the sixth or seventh round. I’ll go out on a limb and say he gets taken in round six as the only Montana player drafted in 2008.
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