2009 NFL Draft Rankings: QB
The 2008 College Football season is off and running and it’s time to look forward to the 2009 NFL draft. Be sure to check in every week for my updated position rankings. Updated NFL Mock drafts will be viewable in the next couple months. First up quarterbacks Free Preview QUARTERBACKS 1) Tim Tebow, Florida- Jr-(6-3 240lbs) Tebow can do it all. He can run but he isn‚Äôt afraid to pass. There are some who question his ability to be an effective passer in the NFL, but his work ethic and ability to adjust to defenses keeps him at the top of my rankings. 2) Matthew Stafford- Georgia, Jr-(6-3 237lbs)Stafford could easily pass up Tebow by the end of the season.
Penn State’s Maurice Evans to remain suspended
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Penn State starting defensive end Maurice Evans and starting defensive tackle Abe Koroma are not expected to play against Syracuse Saturday afternoon. Both players were suspended from Saturday’s game against Oregon State due to their alleged roles in an incident last week that resulted in a small amount of marijuana being seized from the player‚Äôs apartment. Evans is considered the top defensive end in the Big Ten and is widely regarded as a potential first round pick.
NHL: Shanahan staying in NYC?
I’m hearing the New York Rangers have a 1year – $1.8 million offer on the table to Brendan Shanahan. Indications are Shanahan is seeking over $2 million per season but he is expected to accept the Rangers offer. Expect an official announcement by the weekend. The New York Post speculates there has been some complications in the negotiations.
NFL: Browns secondary takes another hit
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Browns safety Sean Jones will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss up to four to six weeks. Jones is the Browns most dynamic player in an already shaky secondary. This past Sunday the Browns had to face Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys aerial attack, now they have the task of facing Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers passing attack with their top safety out of action.
Free Preview: The Latest NHL Buzz
As I reported a few days ago the LA Kings and forward Patrick O’Sullivan are on the verge of finalizing a long term contract. Negotiations have been difficult for the Kings front office. O‚ÄôSullivan was seeking $4 million per season on a short term deal and $5 million per season on a long term deal. O‚ÄôSullivan‚Äôs demands have come down a bit and the two sides have bridged the gap. The Kings are believed to have two offers on the table. Three year deal worth close to $11.4 million and a four year deal worth close to $16.5 million.
NHL: Eric Staal close to signing 7 year extension?
The News and Observer reports Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal is expected to sign a long term extension in the next ten days. The paper speculates Staal could receive a seven-year contract that would pay him between $7 million and $10 million a year. Count on the low number. Could Eric’s brother Jordan be next in line for an extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins? Check out the “Latest Penguins Buzz Segment” for the latest insight. Source: News and Observer
NFL: Titans to part ways with Vince Young?
Could the Tennessee Titans be moving on from Vince Young? According to the Nashville Tennessean that might be the case. The paper reports Vince Young on Monday told close associates of his that he didn’t want to play football any more. Vince Young will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks and the team may be ready to move forward with Kerry Collins. Source:Nashville Tennessean
NHL: Wild resume talks with Marian Gaborik
According to Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, the Minnesota Wild are expected to resume negotiations with right winger Marian Gaborik. Wild assistant General Manager Tom Lynn and agent Ron Salcer will meet in Los Angeles over the next few days in the hopes of re-signing their star forward. The Wild are expected to make an multi-year offer in the range of 8.5 million per season, according to the paper. Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned, Wild GM Doug Riseborough has turned down any inquiries about Gaborik but their scouting staff has begun targeting potential trade partners, if the two sides can’t come to an agreement. Source: Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
Quick Hits
The Penguins report to training camp in seven days. Inside Pittsburgh Sports gives you the latest rumblings
NFL:Shawne Merriman out for the season
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is out for the season with a torn knee ligament and will be placed on injured reserve. Rookie Kyle Tucker will replace Merriman in the starting lineup.