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NFL Sets New Record for Franchise Tags
The NFL date for teams to utilize their franchise tags ended Feb. 24th. The Franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team has access each year to only one franchise tag (of either the exclusive or non-exclusive forms) and one transition tag. As a result, each team may only designate one player each year as that team's franchise player.
Photo – QB Peyton Manning - Colts
Usually reserved for a team’s top players at key positions, a franchise tag allows a team's manager the privilege of strategically retaining valuable free-agent players while seeking talent through the NFL Draft or other acquisitions without exceeding the League's salary cap. A team may also franchise tag a player with 2 or more years left on a contract.
The designated franchise player will have his one year salary guaranteed if he elects to play for the team that designated him with the franchise tag and if he does not negotiate a contract with another team.
If a club withdraws their offered contract the player immediately reverts to an unrestricted free agent.
Types of Franchise Tags
There are two types of franchise tag designations: the exclusive rights franchise tag, and non-exclusive rights franchise tag:
* An "exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. Exclusive franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams.
* A "non-exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position in the previous year, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A non-exclusive franchise player may negotiate with other NFL teams, but if he signs an offer sheet from another team, the original team has a right to match the terms of that offer, or if it does not match the offer and thus loses the player, is entitled to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
2011 Franchise-Tagged Players
14 Players Total set new NFL record for Tags
Exclusive Franchise Players
* Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning QB (Exclusive)
* Philadelphia Eagles - Michael Vick QB (Exclusive)
Non Exclusive Franchise Players
* Pittsburgh Steelers - Lamarr Woodley LB (Non-Exclusive)
* New England Patriots - Logan Mankins G (Non-Exclusive)
* New York Jets - David Harris LB (Non-Exclusive)
* San Diego Chargers - Vincent Jackson WR (Non-Exclusive)
* Baltimore Ravens - Haloti Ngata DT (Non-Exclusive)
* Kansas City Chiefs - Tamba Hali LB (Non-Exclusive)
* Minnesota Vikings - Chad Greenway LB (Non-Exclusive)
* Cleveland Browns - Phil Dawson K (Non-Exclusive)
* Carolina Panthers - Ryan Kalil C (Non-Exclusive)
* Jacksonville Jaguars - Marcedes Lewis TE (Non-Exclusive)
* Miami Dolphins - Paul Soliai DT (Non-Exclusive)
* Oakland Raiders - Kamerion Wimbley LB (Non-Exclusive)
2010 Franchise Tagged Players
* Pittsburgh Steelers - Jeff Reed K
* Green Bay Packers - Ryan Pickett DT
* Oakland Raiders - Richard Seymour DE (Exclusive)
* San Francisco 49ers - Aubrayo Franklin DT
* Seattle Seahawks - Olindo Mare K
2010 Non-exclusive Franchise Player Costs by Position
Position / Cost
Quarterback $16,405,000
Offensive Linemen (includes Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center) $10,731,000
Wide Receiver $9,521,000
Running Back (includes all Fullbacks and Halfbacks) $8,156,000
Tight end $5,908,000
Defensive End $12,398,000
Defensive Tackle $7,003,000
Linebacker $9,680,000
Cornerback $9,566,000
Safety $6,455,000
Kicker or Punter $2,814,000
Packers' Aaron Rodgers Wins Super Bowl MVP Award
With precision passing and great composure under fire, QB Aaron Rodgers completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards, three TDs and no interceptions Sunday to lead the Packers to a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers for Green Bay's first NFL title since Favre's in the January 1997 Super Bowl. It was the Packers 4th Super Bowl title including the first two ever in 1967 and 1968 for the prestigious NFL championship.
QB Aaron Rodgers - Packers
Aaron Rodgers became the fourth QB in Super Bowl history to throw for three TDs, 300 yards and no interceptions. He threw two TD passes to Greg Jennings and one to Jordy Nelson. Over the course of the game, the Packers dropped a half dozen passes for approximately 150 yards and some like the one to wideout James Jones that would have gone for a long TD and put the game away in the 3rd quarter.
Rodgers is just 27 years old and hopefully removed the Brett Favre ghost. Rodgers backed up the Green Bay legend during his first three seasons seeing virtually no playing time. In the past three seasons, he has quickly established himself as one of the game's best. His playoff record stands at 4-1 with the lone loss last season, a playoff game when he threw for over 400 yards. He led the #6 seed Packers to three NFC road victories before winning the championship Sunday. It is the first time in Super Bowl history a #6 seed team won the NFL title.
NFL Draft - QB Aaron Rodgers Scouting Report 2005 Yearbook
Draft Insiders’ - Yearbook '05 Scouting Report - Aaron Rodgers was our Top Overall #1 Prospect. He went late in the 1st round to Green Bay at the 24th overall pick.
1. * Aaron Rodgers #8 - 6'2" 220 lbs. - Cal - Sp. 4.7 - Rating 92
Hindu Theory - Joe Montana
Talented strong-armed junior passer finished his career with back-to-back excellent efforts as a junior and sophomore. Aaron is an excellent passer who combines arm strength, mechanics and delivery to make all the throws. He is a well-built athlete with both a live arm and quick feet to give an offense a versatile threat under center. He has developed quickly as an athlete, improving in every aspect of QB play over his two-year starting career under the tutelage of HC Jeff Tedford. He has filled out as an athlete and possesses a strong live arm with the mobility to be a threat on the perimeter and the agility to throw on the move. He has quick footwork that creates passing lanes and allows him to avoid the pass rush, though he has only adequate footspeed to scramble outside the pocket. He has a compact quick delivery with sound mechanics that allows him to throw the ball very accurately on a game to game basis. He is a good ball handler and carries carry out play action well with good fakes In his basic setup, he is quick to get back in the pocket with the footwork to plant and drill the ball down the field. He has excellent pocket presence with keen awareness of his unit and the quick decision making to identify defensive coverage and get the ball to the hot receiver. He has improved significantly as a passer each season, showing good arm strength to throw the out and deep ball and the uncanny accuracy in the intermediate and short game to cut defenses apart. He shows rare field vision that has allowed him to make the proper read throughout the game and seldom forcing the ball into heavy coverage. In the pocket, he looks off the safety better than any recent college passer in addition to identifying defensive coverage quicker to make the quick decision and throw. His accuracy is in a class by itself whether throwing the slant, out, or deep pass. He has learned to put air under his throws to allow his receivers to make plays. He has exceptional timing and accuracy to the point that he hits receivers in stride consistently and allows them to break a play after the reception. He shows courage in the pocket and waits until the last minute to fire the ball to the open receiver. He can make all the throws with the toughness to hang in the pocket and take the hit and get the ball off and not be intimidated by a strong hit. In big game situations, he impressed scouts with his arm both from an accuracy and velocity standpoint in addition to his smarts and mobility to manage a game with minimal mistakes and unnecessary risks. He needs work on the finer points of the position to maximize his fine throwing arm and athleticism. Though he is not a finished performer at this point, he developed quickly over his short career and responded well to pressure situations. He became the key component on a Cal club that was an annual doormat in the Pac 10 prior to his starting time. Over his two seasons, he was the only QB to beat USC that he accomplished during his sophomore season and almost achieved again last fall when he fell just short despite a great performance. He shows the ability to adjust quickly to new situations and make the correct decision. For a young passer, he shows fine poise and composure that allowed him to elevate the play of his unit and bring the Cal program back to bowl status after a long dry spell. During the course of a game, he gets into an excellent passing rhythm that increases his confidence immensely and that positive attitude gets conveyed to his teammates to play at a higher level. He has a good feel for backside pressure in the pocket with fine foot quickness to avoid a rush and the ability to pull the ball down and make positive yardage. He has the frame to fill out further and checked in at an even 6’2” at the NFL Combine, fine height for a starting passer.
The Numbers: As a junior, he earned first team All-Pac-10 at quarterback after propelling the Golden Bears to a 10-2 record. He led the Bears to a 17-5 record in 22 career starts during his two seasons. In the ’04 season, he completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 2,566 yards, 24 TD and only 8 interceptions. He ranked first in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency—even ahead of 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart of USC—despite playing much of the season with a wide receiving corps decimated by injuries. He was named Offensive MVP at the ‘03 Insight Bowl after engineering a 52-49 win over Virginia Tech with a school bowl record 394 yards passing. He threw for 246 yards and one TD in the Cal 45-31 loss to Texas Tech in the ‘04 Holiday Bowl. In only two seasons, he climbed into seventh place on Cal’s career passing yardage list with 5,469 yards, completing 63.7 percent (424-of-665) of his attempts for 43 TD and only 13 interceptions. His 1.95 career interception percentage is a new Pac-10 record, eclipsing the mark of 2.59 set by USC’s Paul McDonald. In the ’04 USC game, he completed his first 23 passes against the nation No. 1 ranked club to tie a NCAA single-game record. He connected on 29 of 34 attempts for 267 yards, one TD and no picks for the afternoon, but they lost to the Trojans, 23-17, despite having four downs at the USC 9-yard line to score a possible game-winning TD in the closing minutes.
The Skinny: Talented junior passer made fast progress over his short starting career and has as much upside as any QB in recent memory. Though he played in a QB friendly system, his production and big game performance is undeniable. He is remarkably similar to Joe Montana in many ways, especially his footwork, accuracy and his ability to take an entire unit’s performance up a level. At the combine, he ran a 4.71 time, had a 34.5” vertical leap and 9’2" broad jump, but did not throw. He has definite NFL starting ability and could become an elite QB within a short time in the right setting. He needs to learn to pick up more sophisticated defensive coverage and how to respond to it. As a collegian, he learned to take what defenses gave him, something few young passers grasped until much later in their career. He is a good athlete with the live arm and intangibles including poise and leadership to become a top flight NFL starter. As a rookie, he may not be ready to start and probably needs some time to learn a system in addition to working with a good supporting cast. He should be the 1st overall pick with the 49ers foolish not to take him there and begin a new era.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
NFL Draft – Final All-Star Games
Photo - RB Damien Berry - Miami
The two premier All-star games, the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine event have been completed over the past few weeks. The final All-star games will be played this weekend, February 5th. Though the Senior Bowl and East-West games were once again invaluable weeks for the overall scouting evaluation process for pro prospects for game action and practices, the two remaining games focus on middle and late round prospects and the important rookie free agency market players.
The two remaining All-star games for pro prospects for the NFL Draft 2011 are scheduled for this weekend. The newly named NFLPA Game features teams from Texas and the rest of the Nation and will be played in San Antonio, Texas. This game is the former Texas vs The Nation game that was established back in 2007 and has been one of the emerging All-star games in recent years.
The NFLPA game has always assembled an excellent group of middle tier prospects for the NFL Draft and this year has once again put together a fine roster. Players include, QBs Nathan Enderle of Idaho, Taylor Potts of Texas Tech, T.J. Yates of North Carolina and Ryan Coburn of Fresno St. Other highly regarded prospects include RB Damien Berry of Miami, DT Jerrel Powe of Old Miss, DE Wayne Daniels of TCU, DT Kendrick Ellis of Hampton U, OTs Trevis Turner of Abilene Christian, Derek Newton of Arkansas St, Jarriel King of South Carolina, Carl Johnson of Florida and Curt Porter of Jacksonville St, TEs Robert Housler of Florida Atlantic and Stephen Skelton of Fordham U and LB Mario Harvey of Marshall.
The February Newsletter will have all the All-star action, + Three Round Mock Draft, Top 150 Pro Prospects, NFL Draft Buzz, Underclassmen and Small College Pro Prospects reports - Order Today
The Dixie Gridiron Classic presents its inaugural contest with a roster of mainly small college prospects that will get a final chance to impress NFL scouts vs top competition. The Dixie Gridiron Classic opens in St. George, Utah and hopes to build as a Jan 1st, All-star game in future years. Unfortunately, the upcoming game lacks the talent of the other All-star games, though they do have several players getting a long look from scouts including former Auburn QB/WR Kodi Burns, WRs Carl Moore of Florida and Dominique Johnson of Cal-Poly and UTEP DE Robert Soleyjacks.
Upcoming All-star Game Roster Links – February 5, 2011
NFLPA Game Roster & Info
http://www.texasvsthenation.com/players/category/2011-roster
Saturday, February 5, 2011
San Antonio, Texas
Dixie All Star Game Roster & Info
http://www.dixiegridironclassic.com/
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Noon - Dixie Gridiron Classic - Desert Hills High School
Draft Insiders’ - All Rookie Team
Photo - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Defensive Rookie of Year
- DT Ndamukong Suh - Lions
Offensive Rookie of Year
- QB Sam Bradford - Rams
OFFENSE
QB Sam Bradford - Rams
RB LeGarrette Blount - Bucs
RB Jahvid Best - Lions
WR Mike Williams - Bucs
WR Dez Bryant - Cowboys
TE Rob Gronkowski - Patriots
OT Rodger Saffold - Rams
G Zane Beadles - Broncos
C Maurkice Pouncey - Steelers
G Mike Iupati - 49ers
OT Jared Veldheer - Raiders
DEFENSE
DE Carlos Dunlap - Bengals
DT Tyson Alualu - Jaguars
DT Ndamukong Suh - Lions
DE Jason Pierre-Paul - Giants
OLB Pat Angerer - Colts
MLB Rolando McClain - Raiders
OLB Daryl Washington - Cards
CB Devin McCourty - Patriots
CB Joe Haden - Browns
SS Eric Berry - Chiefs
FS Earl Thomas - Seahawks
SPECIALISTS
K Clint Stitser - Bengals
P Zoltan Mesko - Patriots
PR/KR Marc Mariani - Titans
Packers' Running Back Starks Wins Weekly Rookie Award
Photo - James Starks - Packers
QB Aaron Rodgers threw three TD passes and unheralded rookie running back James Starks ran for 123 yards as the Packers beat Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, 21-16 in an NFC Wild Card game. Starks was a rookie 6th-round draft pick who injured his hamstring prior to training camp and proceeded to miss the first 11 games of the season while on the PUP list. He pounded the Eagles for 123 rushing yards on 23 carries to give the Packers their first 100 yard rusher on the season and instrumental in their 21-16 Wild Card playoff win.
QB Aaron Rodgers called Starks’ playoff effort perhaps the most important factor in the Packers winning the game. His yardage shattered the previous Green Bay rookie record for rushing yards in a playoff game. Travis Williams had 88 yards back on Dec. 23, 1967, against the Los Angeles Rams in Milwaukee.
Starks got off to a great start against the Eagles when he burst through a big hole for a 27-yard gain on his first carry. He carried three more times for 9 yards on that early drive that ended with a 7-yard TD pass to TE Tom Crabtree.
“He established a hot hand early, and I rode it,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. “James was a difference-maker.”
Starks also added two receptions for 9 yards along with his 123 yards rushing. This came in his first playoff game and late season play following nearly two years off with a shoulder injury. Starks averaged 5.3 yards per carry and gained at least 4 yards on 12 of his 23 rushes. The production was pretty consistent, and it gave the Packers several manageable third downs as the offense converted 8-of-13 on the critical down.
Running Back Rankings in Draft Insiders’ - Yearbook March 2010
Starks was ranked #12 in March 2010. He was not ranked in the top 25 in any other scouting service. His March 2010 scouting report is below along with LaGarrette Blount and Anthony Dixon, two other unheralded first year backs who had an impact over the 2010 season.
Running Back Rankings
1. C.J. Spiller - Clemson
2. * Ryan Mathews - Fresno St
3. * Jonathan Dwyer - Georgia Tech
4. * Jahvid Best - California
5. * Toby Gerhart - Stanford
6. * Joe McKnight - Southern Cal
7. Ben Tate - Auburn
8. Dexter McCluster - Ole Miss
9. Montario Hardesty - Tennessee
10. Anthony Dixon - Mississippi St
11. LaGarrette Blount - Oregon
12. James Starks - Buffalo
12. James Starks #19 - 6’2” 220 lbs. - Buffalo - Sp. 4.50
Hindu Theory - Matt Forte
Tough strong senior tailback completed an injury riddled career playing only a few ’09 games before a shoulder injury that ended his season. James failed to duplicate his outstanding junior effort last season. As a junior, he made a significant contribution to the Bulls bowl season. He displayed definite pro potential after finishing with over 1300 yards rushing and 16 TDs despite missing three games due to injuries. He displays a powerful slashing style with the ability to run through tacklers and get the most of each attempt. Over his earlier career, he had several big games that improved his draft status entering his critical final season. He is a strong runner between the tackles with the power to move the pile and break tackles. He has a quick burst to the hole and uses his a big frame well that allows him to run through tacklers and consistently finish his runs with fine body lean. He is a tough runner with good vision, power and balance to be one of the hidden gems of this class if healthy. He has burst to the hole, allowing him to get through the line and use his strong frame to run through tacklers with enough speed to get the corner. His game is getting the tough yardage between the tackles. As a receiver, he has sure hands and has developed well as a route runner and displays good defense recognition skills. He is a natural runner with fine power and quickness, getting huge amounts of yardage after contact. He is a back with a low center of gravity who is very effective when he runs with good pad level and not allowing defenders a clean shot at him. He finishes each rushing attempt with excellent body lean. He has fine lower body strength, including thick thighs, allowing him to run through defenders consistently. He has some natural running skills making defenders miss initially, though he is mainly a one cut runner who runs in a north-south style. His running skills include – decision-making, vision, balance and power with good speed to break into the secondary. As a senior, he started every game before an early season shoulder injury. As a junior, he rushed for 1333 yards and 16 TDs despite missing 3 games with injuries. At the NFL Combine, he ran fine 4.50 and 4.57 times with 15 reps. He added 36” VL and 9’11” BJ with 6.89 three cone and 4.23 short shuttle times. He completed an excellent workout in the positional drills. His quickness and power is what will win an NFL roster spot, showing the AA to make the tough critical inside yardage and possibly start in time. He can be a solid change of pace runner with the ability to contribute in a few roles including a key goal line runner, in addition to projecting to FB in a West Coast offense. Over his career, he displayed the toughness to be a weekly power back with consistent production and ball security his strongest traits. He will probably fall to the late rounds off his injury history. Good late round steal, though he must answer the durability issues to realize his NFL starting potential.
Frank Coyle writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season and a regular Blog @ draftinsiders.com. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He is also a member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards
DT Nda Suh & TE Rob Gronkowski Win Weekly Rookie Awards
Photo - DT Nda Suh - Lions
This week’s winners of Draft Insiders’ offensive and defensive rookie player awards are both performers who were our highest rated prospects at their positions. The Lions DT Nda Suh was a first round selection and the 2nd overall pick and the Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski was an early 2nd round choice in the NFL 2010 Draft.
Suh has justified his high ranking with an outstanding rookie season that has been instrumental in the Lions significant progress over the 2010 season. He was a dominant inside force that commanded double teaming on this young defense. In the finale victory over the Vikings, he registered 4 tackles and 1 sack helping the Lions win their fourth straight game. Prior to the late season streak, the Lions had won only 5 games over their previous 52 games. Suh finished the season with 66 tackles with 10 sacks, 1 FF and 1 interception that earned him a Pro Bowl invitation.
TE Rob Gronkowski has become a favorite of veteran QB Tom Brady as the 2010 season progressed. In the Patriots bashing of the Dolphins 38-7, Gronkowski made 6 catches for 102 yards and 1 TD that started the New England romp. Gronkowski was our top rated tight end last April and a player I felt was a complete prospect and capable of becoming a Pro Bowl performer. He has been clearly the top rookie tight end and should become a key weapon for the Patriots and the savvy Brady who has had an MVP season.
Weekly Player Winners
Week 17
Offense - TE Rob Gronkowski - Patriots
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 16
Offense - QB Tim Tebow - Broncos
Defense - CB Joe Haden - Browns
Week 15
Offense - RB LaGarrette Blount - Bucs
Defense - CB Al Verner - Titans
Week 14
Offense - WR Arrelious Benn - Bucs
Defense - Safety T.J. Ward - Browns
Week 13
Offense - RB Chris Ivory - Saints
Defense - DE Jason Pierre-Paul - Giants
Week 12
Offense - QB Sam Bradford - Rams
Defense - DE Jason Pierre-Paul - Giants
Week 11
Offense - RB Chris Ivory - Saints
Defense - LB Pat Angerer - Colts
Week 10
Offense - WR Dez Bryant - Cowboys
Defense - Safety Earl Thomas - Seahawks
Week 9
Offense - WR Jacoby Ford - Raiders
Defense - S - Eric Berry - Chiefs
Week 8
Offense – RB LeGarrette Bount - Bucs
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 7
Offense - WR Dez Bryant - Cowboys
Defense - Safety Eric Berry - Chiefs
Week 6
Offense - RB Chris Ivory - Saints
Defense - LB Pat Angerer - Colts
Week 5
Offense - QB Max Hall - Cardinals
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 4
Offense - QB Sam Bradford - Rams
Defense - Safety Taylor Mays - 49ers
Week 3
Offense - QB Sam Bradford - Rams
Defense - Safety Earl Thomas - Seahawks
Week 2
Offense - RB Jahvid Best - Lions
Defense - DT Nda Suh - Lions
Week 1
Offense - RB Dexter McCluster - Chiefs
Defense - Safety Eric Berry - Chiefs
