Yardbarker: Derrick Harvey

Watch list: Jaguars Open Preseason Against Falcons

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:01:54 -0500

Saturday, the Jaguars open the preseason against the Falcons. I believe that this year, even more than in the past, performance during the games will determine who starts and who makes the roster. Here are some guys to watch on Saturday. Quentin Groves - The rookie defensive end has shown a good burst in practice and several of the offensive linemen and fellow defensive linemen have given him good reviews. I want to see how he does when he can go "live" against the Falcons. James Wyche - With Derrick Harvey out, Wyche is the guy who has taken advantage of the opportunity. Maybe he's just a developmental guy, but maybe he's more than that. He can vault himself into the conversation this preseason. You can argue that he has the most to gain of any player in camp right now. Brian Williams - His switch to safety will be a topic all preseason. I'm not convinced that he has totally bought into it. I think he still thinks of himself as a cornerback. Maybe that's a good thing, but I'm going to see what kind of a difference his coverage skills make and if he can hold up physically as a strong safety. Matt Jones - He's looked better in camp (at time), than at any other time in his career. Did his off-season legal trouble serve as a wakeup call? I'm not convinced yet. Jones is scheduled to be arraigned August 11, so dealing with distractions is going to be a hurdle for him as well. Mike Walker - Quite simply, he's the most talented receiver the Jaguars have on the field right now. How will his knee hold up? Can he be the guy the Jags have been looking for since Jimmy Smith's retirement? Stay tuned. Cleo Lemon and Todd Bouman - I think its possible that the Jaguars will only keep two quarterbacks. One will, of course, be David Garrard. Lemon has been sporadic in camp. Bouman would have to do something special to unseat Lemon, but it is possible. If the Jaguars decide to go with three quarterbacks, you have to wonder where the other cuts will be made. Khalif Barnes and Richard Collier - Right now, Barnes has the edge. Collier didn't get down to the 330-335 pound range. Endurance could be an issue. Barnes says that he's always internally motivated. Maybe so. But I think he's been spurred on by Collier being declared a contender for the starting spot at left tackle. Drew Miller - The rookie from Florida looks like a practice squad candidate, but his technique is good and with Brad Meester likely out until October, Miller could wedge his way onto the roster as a backup.

THE JERSEY DINER MORNING NEWS

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:56:38 -0500

1. FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE "I have a lot of familiarity with the other two players," Nolan said of quarterbacks Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. "J.T. O'Sullivan has done a very good job as the other guys have, but yeah, more than anything else, I want to see him in a game situation."

Mike Nolan talking about why he is going with JT. JT is the one that Mike Martz loves and wants to be the guy. Time and reps are critical for the 49er quarterbacks. Nolan has never seen Smith or Hill in a game situation play in the Martz system. So, it is clear to me, that JT is the guy Martz feels gives him the best chance to run his offense. What does that say for the guy that was the first pick overall in the draft?

2. FROM THE NY DAILY NEWS…"The 5-11, 228-pound Derrick Ward certainly appears to have earned a part in the offense. A former seventh-round pick of the Jets (2004), Ward had career highs last season in carries (125), yards (602), touchdowns (three) and yards per carry (4.8) - despite missing half of the regular season, including four early games when he was out with an injured ankle and groin. Plus, he started in four of the five games that Jacobs missed, and in those games Ward rushed for 418yards on 84 carries. That's 104.5 yards per game and five yards per carry numbers that will be hard for the coaching staff to ignore. For now, though, all Ward can do is try to get healthy. "You know what? I don't know if I should tell you this, but two or three weeks after I had surgery I was trying to walk, trying to psyche my mind out saying, 'Oh, I could play right now,'" Ward said. "Really, I couldn't. But I knew coming into the off season workouts I would be ready to go."

With his size and speed, if he gets the reps, Ward would be a 1000 yard rusher. His durability worries me, but he can flat out play. In Denver he would be a star.

3. FROM TAMPA BAY ON LINE As Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia passed by a group of reporters on his way to practice Wednesday, one asked him if he was walking the green mile."Yeah," Garcia responded. "Dead Man Walking." Not anymore.

It might be time to get the Garcia contract fixed now. I can promise you, Steve Baker the agent for Garcia is all over Bruce Allen today for his deal. All over him. And this flirting with Favre will not play well in the Bucs quarterback meeting room.

4. DERRICK HARVEY and the Jags.

Harvey is the remaining hold out left in the first round and don't expect any resolution to this deal coming anytime soon. I have talked too many in the know and they are far apart on my issues and there does not seem to be an urge from either side to close the gap. The biggest problem lies with the huge deal Vernon Gholston's received from the Jets, that was handled by CAA, the same firm that handles Harvey. This may take a while.

5. FROM THE MIAMI HERALD "This particular pass grazed the extended hands of Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., who made a nice cut toward the ball but couldn't stretch long enough to pull it in. Would it be ruled a drop? Maybe not. Could it have been caught? Depends who you're asking".

Ginn has a history of drops and he is very inconsistent with his ability to show great quickness and burst. He has long speed and will make plays down the field, but he does take a moment to get going. He is not very sure handed and he has very weak wrists. The ball never stops softly in his hands and he is always bending his wrist to make the catch. This is not a good trait for wide receivers to possess.

6. FROM THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE If Pennington is released as expected, he will be free to sign with any team and the Bears need to at least give him something to consider. He's a veteran known more for his accuracy than his arm strength, but the combination of his intangibles and experience would make it necessary for the Bears to consider him as a third quarterback.

Pennington would be similar to what the Bears currently have on their roster. Someone that you have to manage the game around and cannot make others around him better. I am sure Pennington will want starting money once he is released. Is Pennington better then what the Bears have? Mentally yes, physically no.

7. FROM THE BUFFALO NEWS Rookie wide receiver James Hardy returned to practice Wednesday, his first since last Thursday when he injured his left hamstring. He said he is sore but hopes to play Saturday when the Bills open the preseason against the Washington Redskins.

Hardy is a big wide out with very good speed and power. He builds speed and he can take a five yard slant and make a huge play. He has soft hands and can really be a very productive player for the Bills this year, if he is healthy.

8. FROM THE ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION Jerious Norwood is moving from receiver, to tailback, to being used in the same backfield with Turner. Norwood's willingness to play all roles makes him even more valuable, coaches said. "He's showing the speed and explosiveness that you know that he has," Coach Mike Smith said. "He's going to be an exciting guy. When you put him in there in a rotation with Michael Turner, you've got two guys that really can cause some problems."

I love Norwood's talent and his play making ability. He does not score enough for his talent level, but that was more a product of the offense he was working in. Norwood is tough and can really be an asset to the offense if he can blend with Turner. When your bad in the OL, like the Falcons, you need a back that can make people miss and make some plays on his own.

9. FROM THE WASHINGTON POST Reserve tackles Todd Wade and Stephon Heyer will each miss at least two weeks with injuries they suffered in the Washington Redskins' first preseason game Sunday, leaving the team with few veterans available at that position.

I know everyone is excited about the Skins. I have read all the Post Cards from everyone who has been through the Skins practices writing about how well Jason Campbell looks and how the Skins can make a Super Bowl run this year. But I don't see it and what I don't see is an offensive line that can handle the rigors of the NFL from a health standpoint. A line that is old in both starters and back ups. For me, it's always about the offensive line and I am not impressed with the Skins talent.

10.FROM THE CAROLINA GROWL Going to certain sides and everything, that's what we're working on right now," said Stewart, the 13th overall pick in this year's draft. "... The whole explosiveness, some of that stuff is kind of limited because of my toe."Stewart doesn't seem too worried.He just keeps reminding himself that he's only been practicing for 12 days. He had surgery in March and didn't participate in any of the team's mini camps, so it's still early. When asked if doctors have given him an idea of when he might be 100 percent, Stewart said, "I really don't know. I hope soon. I'm pretty sure it's going to be soon."He's optimistic about playing in Saturday night's preseason opener against Indianapolis, but isn't sure if he'll be cleared by the medical staff to participate. Coach John Fox said that decision hasn't been determined."I'm just kind of antsy about going out there and just playing again to my full potential," Stewart said. "It's been since November (when he first injured it) since I've been able to do that. I'm feeling kind of antsy, but patience is a virtue we all desire."

I would rest Stewart for as long as I needed to rest him this summer and limit his reps in the first game. He will need reps in game two and three and very few in game four and should be ready for the season.

Is Derrick Harvey Losing Value?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:04:02 -0500

As the Jaguars approach their pre-season opener, there is still no immediate signing of Derrick Harvey expected. When camp began, Jack Del Rio admitted that there is a point that an unsigned draft pick starts to lose value to the team. Has Derrick Harvey gotten to that point yet? Probably not, but you have to wonder where that line in the mind of the Jaguars coaches. Can Harvey come to camp and make an immediate impact? "A little bit of it is natural ability," admitted veteran defensive end Paul Spicer. "Guys can come in, and off God given talent can get to the quarterback." But it takes more than just talent to make plays consistently, Spicer warns. "There is no successful pass rusher who just came and said 'That's all me, I didn't have to do nothin.' No, you have to work on it." Spicer said. That being said, rookies have, in the past, made big impacts as pass rusher. Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeny and Simeon Rice are among those who have recorded double digit sacks as rookies. Second round pick Quentin Groves has looked good rushing the passer and has received positive reviews from offensive linemen like Maurice Williams and Khalif Barnes. Groves was also singled out by Del Rio after Friday night's scrimmage. Was that a message for Harvey? Maybe. But Groves' performance in pre-season games might just give the Jaguars more leverage…then again, it could go just the other way. Notes: Linebacker Clint Ingram said that he might be back on the practice field this evening after leaving practice Monday with an ankle injury. He also thinks that he might play on Saturday in the pre-season opener. When asked what he thought of the current state of rookie contracts, Spicer replied "I wish I was 25 again." Here's an interesting scenario to consider: Brad Meester will likely be out until October recovering from his biceps surgery. The Jaguars will have to keep Meester around in the meantime, eating up a roster spot. Might that spot cost Matt Jones? As far as the wide receiver are concerned, Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, Mike Walker, Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson seem to be in. Would the Jaguars keep more than five receivers on the roster? They may have to use one of the last roster spots on a player who would help on special teams, or maybe an extra offensive linemen to have around in case of another injury up front. That could make it tough for anyone outside of those top five receivers to make the squad.

Is Derrick Harvey Losing Value?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:04:02 -0500

Jaguars News And Notes

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:52:42 -0500

Several items of interest involving the Jacksonville Jaguars, courtesy of Michael C. Wright of the South Florida Times-Union: It appears that the switch from cornerback to safety may be a permanent move for Brian Williams - that is if the indication from the depth chart that the Jags released for Saturday's preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. The team has Williams listed as the starter at strong safety, opposite Reggie Nelson, who is at free safety. Head coach Jack Del Rio praised defensive end Quentin Groves for his play in Friday's scrimmage, stating that the team's offense could not do anything on the left side because of Groves' presence; Del Rio's complimentary words could be assumed to be a subtle push towards getting rookie holdout Derrick Harvey into camp. Tight end Isaac Smolko, signed by the Jags on Monday, will wear #47; he replaces Anthony Cotrone on the roster. Cotrone was placed on the waived/injured list after tearing his left ACL in Friday's scrimmage; if Cotrone clears waivers, he will be placed on the team's injured reserve list.

Report Says Rivers and Bengals Close to Getting a Deal Done

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:19:37 -0500

As camp drags on for the Bengals, it's being reported that the team finally appears close to coming to a deal with rookie LB Keith Rivers. The number 9 overall pick may have his deal done in time for him to be at camp on Tuesday morning according to reports. ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the [...]

THE AFTERNOON THOUGHTS...

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:10:53 -0500

...You have to worry when your 38-year-old quarterback gets injured. If the Bucs can keep Garcia healthy all year, I will be surprised. A smallish quarterback who relies on his lower body to drive the ball needs to be injury-free. Any lower body injury can affect their arm....

...If the Packers do make a deal with Favre and give him money to retire, I wonder how the Players Union will view all other players that retire? Right now, players that retire before the contract is over have to pay the club back the proration of the signing bonus. This idea will have huge implications if it goes forward....

...So much for wide receiver Mike Williams looking lean and fast at the Titans camp this year. That is why I hate those reports of players during OTA days. It only counts in pads.....

...Eugene Parker is a great agent, but he has two major hold-outs, one in St. Louis with Steven Jackson and the other (a strange one) in Buffalo where the team cannot get in touch with Jason Peters. Buffalo must be worried about the hold-out, they are moving around pieces in the line....

...When Bill Belichick praises a player, he must be good. And Jerod Mayo seems to have caught the eye of his head coach. His speed and athletic ability was the perfect match for the Patriots....

...Former Bengal Chris Henry is able to come back, but who can really count on him to be a player? Being back and being dependable are two different things....

...Former Bronco John Lynch might have a hard time finding a new job. He is a great player, but as we wrote about yesterday, teams need safeties that can cover. I wish John the best....

...If I needed a wide receiver I would sign Larry Brackins of the Philadelphia Soul and formerly of the Bucs. He has grown up and has the toughness to develop....

…Jacksonville DE Derrick Harvey needs to be in camp, but his absence is allowing Quinton Groves to get extra reps that can help make him better....

...I cannot tell Tiki Barber from Ronde Barber. I loved his report on the potential of Favre coming to Tampa.

Jags Accused of Lowballing Harvey

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:35:32 -0500

Any deal with Bengals' first-round pick LB Keith Rivers is apparently stalled until the guy just ahead of him, Jacksonville DE Derrick Harvey signs. In an interview with the Florida Times-Union, Harvey's agent, Ken Kremer, says the problem is that the Jaguars are lowballing his client. Kremer said the Jaguars waited for the market to be [...]

TGIF: Jags, Harvey ‘Getting Close’

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:47:28 -0500

Jacksonville's prodigal rookie DE, Derrick Harvey, told fellow rookie DE Quentin Groves that he and the Jaguars were getting close to a deal. That would nail down both the floor and ceiling for AWOL Bengals LB Keith Rivers and likely spur getting him into camp. The Bengals hold their annual intrasquad scrimmage tonight. Just a week into [...]

Thursday Reads: Rivers Still Absent

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:19:11 -0500

See? I told you: I step out for a minute and stuff starts to happen. With Sedrick Ellis marching in, the biggest thing standing between the Bengals and first-round pick Keith Rivers is DE Derrick Harvey. Unfortunately, it looks like the Jaguars are digging in their heels. Asked if Ellis' deal would help to expedite talks with [...]

Del Rio Blasts Rookie Pay

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:44:21 -0500

With Jaguars first round pick Derrick Harvey still not signed, head coach Jack Del Rio issued his most emphatic review of the current state of rookie contracts, and he didn't hold much back. The Jaguars traded up in the draft in April to select Harvey with the 8th pick of the draft. What has made the process most difficult is the huge contract signed by the 6th pick, defensive end Vernon Gholston, a 5-year, $50 million contract with $21 million guaranteed. "There have been some deals in front of us that are outrageous in my opinion and that makes it difficult to have him here," said Del Rio. "We have a belief on where we're going to go. His people have a belief on where they want to go and right now, we're not in agreement so he's out." "He's falling behind, no question. It's unfortunate that he's not here," Del Rio said. "At some point, you lose so much work that you don't become as valuable. We're not there yet, but it's time to get him in camp. Hopefully he wants to be here bad enough that we work something out." The most recent signee, Sedrick Ellis, the 7th pick of the draft, signed a five year deal with a reported $19.5 million of the contract guaranteed. And that's the rub: the guaranteed money. "What's happened at the very top of the first round is ridiculous," Del Rio said. "You're paying guys who have never done anything more than star football players in this league that have played for years and established themselves at this level…it can be a little frustrating." Harvey has missed five days of camp so far.

Del Rio Blasts Rookie Pay

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:44:21 -0500

Gone Fishin’

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:38:50 -0500

I'm out until Thursday. For updates on Bengals training camp, keep your eye on the official site, The Chickster, and Mark Curnutte. Those of you tracking the ongoing Keith Rivers holdout may want to keep an eye on Who Dat Dish and Black & Teal for updates on Sedrick Ellis and Derrick Harvey. I expect that [...]

Saints and Ellis Inching Closer to a Deal?

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:33:50 -0500

Word is the Saints and first-round draft pick Sedrick Ellis may be on the verge of getting a deal done. The Biloxi Sun Herald reported today that a deal could be struck within the next few days. "I think it's getting closer," coach Sean Payton said Saturday at camp. One holdup could be the number 8 pick, Derrick Harvey, and what the Jags end up giving him. At the 7 spot, Ellis does not want to undervalue what he is worth. Eugene Parker is Ellis' agent, and he may look to get the rookie locked up now that he had another big client - Bears KR Devin Hester, signed on Sunday with the Bears with a fresh four-year deal. Right now Ellis is the highest draft pick unsigned.

Making Even More of a Case to Jump on the Bandwagon

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:16:43 -0500

After hearing from folks around the country, I've come to realize that the Jaguars are poised to have more fans jumping on the bandwagon than at the start of any other season in franchise history. And while the bandwagon often carries with it a negative connotation (SEE fair-weather fans) for this team it can only be a good thing. With rumors swirling of the franchise's uncertain future in Jacksonville, fan and media attention is more important than ever. Training camp begins today so for all the undecided, here are three reasons you should seriously consider joining the Teal and Black Bus. After I've convinced you, next week I'll offer three reasons you may be in for a bumpy ride. WINNING: First of all, you should hop on board now cause this train just might go all the way to the Super Bowl. By definition, bandwagons follow a winner and this team is going to be just that. In 2007, the Jaguars displayed a winning mentality. The offense struggled at times while the defense was porous at others, yet they found a way to win on most weekends. Believe it or not, the inconsistent Jags won the games they were supposed to win, showing poise that they'd lacked from the turn of the century. In David Garrard, the team found their first legitimate star quarterback since the peak of Mark Brunell's career. Last January they nearly challenged the Pats for AFC supremacy, and might have pulled the upset if not for a couple dropped "touchdown" passes and an inability to get in Tom Brady's zip code. Heading into this season, it looks like they've only gotten better. EXCITEMENT: Bandwagoners are attracted by exciting teams, and while the bottom line is to win, it helps to do it in an exciting way. The receiving corps received a boost of speed with the acquisition of Jerry Porter from Oakland and Troy Williamson from Minnesota. While Porter will miss all of the pre-season to recover from hamstring surgery, if either he or fellow wideout Mike Walker (knee) can successfully rehabilitate and live up to expectations, the Jaguars will see an immediate improvement in the passing game. Speedsters Williamson and John Broussard also have the ability to stretch any defense. If the Jags' can produce a legitimate passing attack, that will only facilitate the running game; a very scary thought indeed. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew still have the ability to score on every touch and Garrard is certainly one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch working with his feet. On defense this team brought in the aggressive Gregg Williams to direct the unit and he should have enough weapons to suit his attacking style of play. Explosive rookie ends Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves were drafted with one job: get to the quarterback. That's quite a burden on their young shoulders, but they should be aided by second-year players Reggie Nelson and Justin Durant, who figure to factor often in WIlliams' schemes to get pressure on the passer. This team should be fun to watch on both sides of the ball. COLLEGE AFFILIATION: If you're part of the Gator Nation it's hard not to be a Jaguar fan right now. Stars Fred Taylor and Mike Peterson both spent their college years playing in the Swamp, as did Nelson and Harvey. A fifth Gator, DE Jeremy Mincey, will be hoping for a roster spot as he sits out training camp on the PUP list. On top of that, this team has a decidedly Floridian flavor with RB Greg Jones, WR Mike Walker, and CBs Trae Williams and Rashean Mathis representing FSU, UCF, USF, and Bethune-Cookman respectively. Add DBs Jamaal Fudge and Drayton Florence to the list that grew up in Florida and you truly have Florida's team. College fans out in LA might want to keep an eye on the little stat-machine, Jones-Drew, as well as his Bruin counterpart TE Marcedes Lewis, who figures to play an even more prominent role this season. And their cross-town rivals will be interested in following the two USC products picked up by the Jags in the later rounds of this year's draft. Trojans LB Thomas Williams and RB Chauncey Washington will be battling to impress head coach, and fellow USC-alum, Jack Del Rio to secure a place on the team.