http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/1160 Recent articles about Shawn Andrews en-us Eighth-grader Erik Forbes was "super nervous" and almost sick-to-his-stomach just before he walked into the San Diego Chargers training facility Friday. Todd Forbes gave his son a quick pep talk and reminded Erik of how much fun he was going to have once he was inside the doors. Dillon Joyce, on the same day, was walking into the Philadelphia Eagles office, 2,700 miles across the country. He, too, was in awe of what he was about to do. The 14-year-old Noblesville Middle School students were among 32 Central Indiana ambassadors who delivered Indianapolis' bid to host Super Bowl 2012 to NFL teams. The city is competing with Houston and Phoenix. The boys, who've been friends since kindergarten at Hazel Dell Elementary and who play football, baseball and basketball together, said they had the time of their lives. It was an experience they won't soon forget. "My trip to Philadelphia was incredible," Dillon Joyce wrote in an e-mail after his return from the Philadelphia Eagles office, where he met with the Eagles owner's assistant Bridget Michener. "I told her why they should vote for Indianapolis," said Joyce, whose father Brian Joyce chaperoned the trip. They toured the training facility, met players, and then Dillon received game-worn jerseys of guard Shawn Andrews and quarterback Donavan McNabb, and an autographed jersey from McNabb. They had lunch in the facility's cafeteria, were chauffeured by team owner Jeffrey Lurie's personal driver, and toured Lincoln Financial Stadium, where the Eagles play. It's easy to say that that was one of the greatest experiences of my life," Dillon said. Erik Forbes, whose father Todd Forbes chaperoned his trip to deliver the bid to the San Diego Chargers, met A.J. Spanos, the son of owner Alex Spanos, and toured the offices and practice facility. Erik told Spanos about Indianapolis' new stadium, to Spanos' reply: "I wish we were getting one." Erik handed Spanos the bid, stuttered a moment, his dad said, then told how honored he was to deliver the bid for the city of Indianapolis. The teen also met Hall of Famer wide receiver Charlie Joiner, pro-bowl defensive lineman Luis Castillo and all-pro offensive lineman Marcus McNeill. He saw Chargers cornerback Darren Sproles, and received a Chargers hat, photos, calendar and video. The students, who will be seniors in 2012, will continue as ambassadors until the Super Bowl that year if Indianapolis is awarded the bid. Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267261 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267261 PHILADELPHIA -- When the Eagles cut ties with Jevon Kearse in February, many assumed fellow defensive lineman Darren Howard was next on the chopping block. And when the Eagles signed defensive end Chris Clemons, it seemed to be just a matter of time before Howard got the pink slip. Then, the Eagles added two more defensive linemen in the draft -- including McNeese State defensive end Bryan White -- and it appeared coach Andy Reid had officially rendered Howard expendable. Yet, when the Eagles wrapped up their first minicamp Monday, Howard was still there, dressing in the same locker stall he's occupied since being signed in 2006. Only this wasn't the Howard of the past two seasons, the one signed to a six-year, $30.5 million deal and expected to wreak havoc opposite Kearse in the Eagles pass rush. This wasn't the frustrated Howard, who never came close to fulfilling that contract, lost his starting job and eventually faded into the shadows of the NovaCare Complex. This Howard had trimmed down by 10 pounds, expressed optimism about 2008 and had accepted his role on the team. Hey, he still has one right now. "My whole career, I've always been one of the guys, if not the guy, on the defensive line," Howard said after the minicamp, recalling double-digit sack seasons with New Orleans. "I talked to [defensive line coach] Pete Jenkins before the camp and I talked about my role, and I understand that and I accept that. ... For the last two years, I didn't really understand what my role was going to be because it wasn't always clear. Now that I know where it is, I know where I fit with this team and I know where I can contribute." Right now, Howard believes he's still an important piece of the team's nickel and goal-line packages at defensive tackle and a formidable backup to Pro Bowl right defensive end Trent Cole. Howard disappeared last season after he lost his starting job to Cole. The big-play ability he showed for six season in The Big Easy was all but gone. When he did make an impact, it came during goal-line situations here and there -- certainly not what the Eagles originally broke the bank for. Howard, who averaged 40 to 50 tackles and about eight sacks per season with New Orleans, had one sack last season and just eight total tackles. The decline left Howard unhappy about himself and his situation in Philadelphia. But after much contemplation during the offseason and some discussions with coaches that cleared up his place on the team, Howard said he came to accept the role he can serve this season. "It was different, something that you got to adjust to it," he said. "I think every player comes into that time of their career. As long as it's clear between players and coaches and staff -- which it wasn't always -- when it's clear, it's a lot easier to accept." Now that he's trimmed some fat, Howard plans to add more muscle between now and training camp, which starts early this summer -- July 21 at Lehigh University. He likes the weapons Reid added to the defensive line and is comfortable backing up Cole, even though the left defensive end job is open, with incumbent Juqua Parker, second-year pro Victor Abiamiri, Clemons and White, a third-round pick, in the battle. Howard, a career right end, tried to play the left side when Kearse missed most of 2006 due to a knee injury but never felt comfortable and doesn't consider himself a candidate for the starting job. He believes he can still start -- just not here. "Not with the situation the way it is now," he said. "You got a young guy in Trent Cole playing. He's making a thousand plays. This is my ninth year. I'm 31 years old. That's not going to keep me from trying to get better, but you got to look at the situation realistically." Mon, 12 May 2008 06:26:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265928 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265928 This in depth analysis of the offensive line includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season. Thu, 08 May 2008 12:06:58 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264806 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264806 During a Monday press conference, Eagles coach Andy Reid was asked about whether the situation involving cornerback Lito Sheppard is any closer to being resolved. Reid refused to address it. "I'm not going to get into all of that," he said. But the issue continues to hover over the team, like the scent from the byproducts of a beans-and-bananas brunch. Will Sheppard be traded? Or will he spend another year with the team that clearly wanted to trade him? If so, will he be happy with a base salary for 2008 that equates to less than ten percent of Asante Samuel's guaranteed pay? Our guess is that Sheppard eventually will be traded, and that the Eagles are acting like they'd be willing to keep him in the hopes of not getting fleeced by a team that thinks it's shopping at a Philly fire sale. Reid also addressed a few other topics of interest on Monday. On rookie receiver DeSean Jackson, Reid said this: "He came in here and we all heard he was fast and he can catch the football, but until you get here, you don't know that. He looked like he had good quickness, good speed and he caught the ball okay. Those were all things that we were looking for. Again, there's a lot of work ahead, this is just [in] shorts." Reid talked about the offseason shoulder surgery to linebacker Rocky Boiman: "[It was his] shoulder. It was a fairly major [operation]. I can get you the information on it. He's back now; it happened a while back. He'll be ready for contact once he gets to training camp. Until then, we'll limit him." Another Eagles player had a different procedure — something was lanced from the forehead of tackle Tra Thomas: "It could be a pimple," Reid said. "I don't know exactly what [it] is, right now. We'll find out when he gets back." Mon, 05 May 2008 15:44:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/263677 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/263677 Here's something I know will wake all of us up check out this video I found WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! GO BIRDS! Thu, 01 May 2008 07:59:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/262102 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/262102 Its a list of different sources grading the Birds on there Draft check it out..... Fox Sports Philadelphia For the second straight year, the Eagles traded out of the first round. This time they picked up Carolina's first-round pick in 2009, one that the Panthers used on Pitt OT Jeff Otah. Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws is strong inside, but he can be blocked when he doesn't stay low. Coach Andy Reid went for Cal playmaker DeSean Jackson with his second pick, and he should be an excellent punt returner. Jackson has game-breaking speed, but will have trouble getting off the line against NFL cornerbacks. Pitt guard Mike McGlynn brings a roughhouse attitude, while Wisconsin CB Jack Ikegwuonu tore his ACL in January and may not be ready for training camp. Grade: C- The Star Ledger Eagles -- B Loved the decision to trade out of Round 1 for the Panthers' No. 2 this year and a first-rounder in '09. Still landed speed merchant WR/PR DeSean Jackson in Round 2 when some saw them taking him in first to placate QB Donovan McNabb. Like him more than their first pick, DT Trevor Laws. S Quintin Demps (fourth) adds needed youth behind an aging Brian Dawkins. USA Today C+ • Philadelphia Eagles: Bailed out of first round rather than take a WR too high and then got the guy they liked, DeSean Jackson, in the second. Need that sort of playmaker. Picked up Carolina's No. 1 next year. Got o-line help in Mike McGlynn but reached a bit for him, added secondary help later and those were at least slight reaches too — though FS Quintin Demps shows some real ability. CB Jack Ikegwuono has knee problems and may be facing burglary charges. CBS Sports B Philadelphia Eagles Best pick: Second-round pick DeSean Jackson will become a big-play return man immediately. He could also be a factor in the passing game as a rookie. Questionable move: Trading out of the first round and not picking until No. 47 in the second round. But they did add Carolina's first-round pick in the 2009 draft to do so. Second-day gem: Safety Quintin Demps has great speed and coverage skills. Some teams had him ranked third at the safety spot, so he's a bargain in the fourth round. They added a lot of really good football players, including their top pick, defensive tackle Trevor Laws. AOL Sports Eagles: D+ For the second straight year, the Eagles traded out of the first round. That left them with two second-round picks: Notre Dame defensive tackle 'Trevor Laws, who seems like a bit of a reach, and Cal receiver DeSean Jackson, who will make an instant impact both on offense and on special teams. The one thing I like about the Eagles' strategy is that they stockpile picks, meaning they're almost guaranteed of finding someone good later in the draft. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:02:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/260450 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/260450 Here is the transcript of the conference call that the Eagles had with DeSean Jackson for Philadelphia-area reporters: On what it feels like to be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles: "It's a blessing, a dream come true. The Philadelphia Eagles were high on my list. I felt like I had a connection with the program, [head coach] Andy Reid and the rest of the coaches. It's a dream come true and I am ready to get in there as soon as possible and make great things happen for the team." On what the connection was between him and Reid: "I felt like we had a good eye-to-eye conversation. He let me know how he felt about me and he just said he needed an explosive wide receiver that could come in and return kicks and punts. I informed him that I thought I was that guy to come in there and do some great things." On whether he was aware that it normally takes wide receivers a few years to blossom in this system: "Mostly, I spoke with [Dave Culley] the wide receiver coach. He just spent time breaking down the offense when I went on my private trip there to visit the team. The offense looks like a great offense to be a part of. I am just very excited for the opportunity I am getting." On whether he was surprised that he lasted as long as he did on the first day of the draft: "I definitely was. I felt like I would go higher than I did, but God had a plan for me and I knew it would be a team that would pick me up and put me in a great position. Like I said, everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great fit for me." On how often people bring up his size and what he thinks about that: "I have been hearing about that all my life. It has been something to motivate me. Sitting back and waiting for my name to be called, I kind of figured that a lot of people were afraid of my size. Like I tell everybody else, my heart is bigger than my size and I play larger than I really am. It is just something that I will keep having to go through in my career, but I am ready to compete right away." On whether he will play with a chip on his shoulder because a few teams passed on him: "I definitely feel like that will motivate me. I just know I have to come to the Eagles ready to play, I will expect a lot of myself. I have sat back the past few weeks and saw [CB] Asante Samuel added to that secondary with [FS] Brian Dawkins. They have [RB] Brian Westbrook and [WB] Donovan McNabb. Those are some awesome names to be a part of. I am going to come in right away and try to compete and just get better as soon as possible." On how long he has been working with Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice: "I have been working with him for the past two months. He is a great mentor of mine. He has been teaching me a lot of things about running routes and being ready for the competition at the next level. He told me to study my playbook, keep my body healthy and so much more. Like I said, it has been an honor for me to be able to work with one of the best wide receivers in the game." On how they got together: "I am actually signed with DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment, so he is signed with them too. That is how I got to meet him." On why he was able to have success in college returning punts: "I am very confident. I can just sit back there and catch the football no matter where it is kicked. I can field punts and I am able to see the whole field. I can see my blockers and make great moves from there. Once I see a seam, I am going to hit it and take it the distance." On whether there is anything else that separates him from other returners: "I just feel like - even with the draft, I just felt like I was ready, just waiting for someone else to show confidence in me. The Philadelphia Eagles are a perfect fit for me and it's an honor and a blessing to be able to be their pick." On what he thinks will be the biggest adjustment from college to the NFL: "Coming in and working hard. I have to face every team. It's a long season, I hear from a lot of people in the NFL. I have to study playbooks and go to film sessions. I have to keep my body healthy. It is going to be a big transition for me, but I feel like I can come in and produce right away." On whether he thinks it will be harder to adjust to the return game or to playing the wide receiver: "I think both of them will be challenging. Coming in and being an impact wide receiver right away and coming in and returning kicks right way will both be challenging. That is something that I expect from myself. I expect nothing but the best things. I just feel like I am capable of making great things happen for the team. I am going to hope for the best and certainly come in prepared and ready to work." TREVOR LAWS Here is the transcript of the conference call that the Eagles had with Trevor Laws for Philadelphia-area reporters: On whether he had much contact with the Eagles coming into the draft: "Yes, I talked to a couple of guys. I had some great interviews with the guys. It's a surprise, though. It's a big surprise; I'm thrilled about it." On why he is surprised: "I would be surprised anywhere. Going through the draft process, not knowing what's going to happen, you can go anywhere. It's amazing that I'm going to be up there in Philly. It's awesome." On the situation at defensive tackle: "I looked at their roster a little bit, but I see there is a position for me to contribute. There is an opportunity for me to get in there and compete with some guys. I think it's a pretty good place for me." On whether he plays defensive end or defensive tackle: "I would definitely say I'm a tackle." On whether he has played any defensive end: "I played end in a 3-4 scheme, but in Philadelphia , who plays a 4-3, I'm definitely an inside guy." On who he talked to the most when he visited with the Eagles: "The whole staff. We sat down for a little bit and talked to a few people. They were some pretty positive meetings." On how close he is with DE Victor Abiamiri: "We're real close friends. We were roommates for over a year. I talk to him on a weekly basis almost. It's really exciting to go to the same team as him." On what his day was like: "It's nerve-wracking, but the moment your name is called, it's just amazing. It's the moment you've been waiting for, for so long. I'm just beaming right now." On what it was like when he got the phone call from the Eagles: "A lot of Eagles staff and [head] coach [Andy] Reid and a couple of different people. It was surreal. It feels great." On who the first person was that he talked to: "I think Coach Reid. As soon as the phone [rang], my whole family mobbed me, so it was kind of hard to hear, but it was a great situation." On whether he was worried that his stock would drop in the draft after Notre Dame struggled: "Yes, definitely. But, I think with my strong Senior Bowl and combine performances, teams kind of looked through the season and saw the player I really was." On where he is right now: "I'm in Minnesota right now at my parents' house." Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:35:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259952 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259952 You guys know I don't ever say something unless I truley believe it... I've never been for the WR rumors before the draft but read on.... Hmmm is Philadelphia the only city that realizes that our All-Pro CB Lito Sheppard is still an Eagle? I mean you can't find info anywhere about this. After long speculations for the last few months comming into the draft, the Eagles did not trade Lito Sheppard. YET.... What they did do however was trade out of the 19th pick for Carolina 1st round next year which will be a pretty good pick. Our Philadelphia Eagles now have some leverage Look at my scenarios.......... 1st Scenario- (THE ONE WE ALL HOPE FOR) We now have both Lito Sheppard and two first rounds to dangle in front of any team with a #1 WR R. Williams, A.Bolden, C. Johnson We keep one 1st round pick and trade Lito the a 1st for any of those guys and become the instant favorite out of the NFC EAST......... in addition WE WIN NOW 2nd Scenario- (Ehh not exactly what we want but it'll work) We keep Lito and our picks go into the season with whatever we have and have the best CB tadem in the NFL by far. The positive is we get to see what its like to have two #1 CBs on the same team the negative is they'll have to pick up for the slack the because the offense wont be as productive without a true force. The end result we have two 1st rounders for next yr and we still have a solid team that can compete for a superbowl 3rd Scenario-(This one is a bummer) We trade Lito for a future 2nd and a 4th make no strong additions and us Birds fans feel like we did last year after the draft. I know you didn't expect me to be the one to say we can get a #1 WR but can you blame me the draft does this to people and at the end of the day I JUST WANNA WINNA Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:24:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259948 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259948 Heres your first look at it 1 Sept. 7 St. Louis Rams 1 p.m. 2 Sept. 15 (Mon.) at Dallas Cowboys 8:30 p.m. 3 Sept. 21 Pittsburgh Steelers 4:15 p.m. 4 Sept. 28 at Chicago Bears 8:15 p.m. 5 Oct. 5 Washington Redskins 1 p.m. 6 Oct. 12 at San Francisco 49ers 4:15 p.m. 7 Oct. 19 Bye 8 Oct. 26 Atlanta Falcons 1 p.m. 9 Nov. 2 at Seattle Seahawks 4:15 p.m. 10 Nov. 9 New York Giants 8:15 p.m. 11 Nov. 16 at Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m. 12 Nov. 23 at Baltimore Ravens 1 p.m. 13 Nov. 27 (Thurs.) Arizona Cardinals 8:15 p.m. 14 Dec. 7 at New York Giants 1 p.m. 15 Dec. 15 (Mon.) Cleveland Browns 8:30 p.m. 16 Dec. 21 at Washington Redskins 1 p.m. 17 Dec. 28 Dallas Cowboys 1 p.m. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:42:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/238041 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/238041 No worries its just for a day or two haha SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- "Welcome back number five, the legendary Donovan McNabb, back to the Dome." Donovan McNabb looked as comfortable on stage as he did a decade ago when he was throwing touchdowns and making defenders look like fools as they tried to tackle him. "It was the most enjoyable time of my life. I came to Syracuse as a young boy and I left here as a man," McNabb said. The man, now 31-years-old, is an all-pro in the NFL and is a multi-million dollar athlete. But he says his proudest accomplishment is graduating from Syracuse. "I know I can walk in my office and see that degree sitting up there knowing, you know, I did something with my life. Football can be over with me right now, but I have a plan B," McNabb said McNabb returned to the Dome as the keynote speaker for the University's third annual Charity Sports Auction. The proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association and SU's Sports Management Club. Seeing how McNabb's message was on enjoying life and dreaming big, it's fitting he was on hand to take a picture with five-year-old Kyle Lograsso. The boy from Philadelphia is a cancer survivor and golf prodigy. He's been called the young Tiger Woods. Our reporter asked Lograsso how he would do in a game of golf against McNabb. "He says I can't beat him," Lograsso said. "But you can, right?" our reporter asked. "Yes," replied Lograsso. Something the quarterback won't admit. Getting back to his return to Syracuse, McNabb says he was emotional as he walked in the Dome because he says it's like home. A football signed by McNabb sold for $1,000 at the auction. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:59:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233485 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233485 Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson, arrested in February after being pulled over by police, was fined for careless driving but escaped a more serious charge. According to ESPN 950 Radio, in an April 3 hearing, Evesham Municipal County Court Judge Karen J. Caplan dismissed the charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and driving while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Patterson was fined $189 for careless driving. Patterson and his brother, Tyrone, were arrested Feb. 16, after Evesham Township police found them parked on the side of the road. Their car had minor damage stemming from an accident. According to the police report, the brothers were arrested, and Mike Patterson was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Mike Patterson, whom the Eagles drafted in 2005 from USC, had 67 tackles, including a career-high four sacks, in 2007. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:22:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233440 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233440 The Eagles haven't done anything so far this offseason to solve their problems with kick and punt returns, or to add an offensive weapon. But a visit yesterday from Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson could help address both situations, if the Birds end up taking Jackson in the April 26-27 NFL Draft. Jackson is projected to go somewhere between the middle of the first round and the middle of the second. His stock might have dropped a bit at the NFL Scouting Combine when he weighed in at just 169 pounds, over a 5-10 frame. But Jackson's extraordinary speed and his proven return ability should keep him from dropping beyond the first day of the draft, which this year includes just the first two rounds. The Eagles, who have 11 selections in the seven-round draft, choose 19th overall in the first round and 49th in the second. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:02:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233342 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233342 Jeff Garcia doesnt have a new contract and he's sounds off..... TAMPA — For the first time in five years, Jeff Garcia was thrilled he did not have a change of uniform or address in the offseason. The grass has never grown under the cleats of the vagabond quarterback. And it's starting to look as if the Bucs do not want Garcia to put down too many roots in Tampa Bay. Garcia said Tuesday that he's disappointed the team hasn't been willing to tear up his contract and reward him with a new deal that would enable him to finish his career with the Bucs. Garcia, 38, has one year remaining on his contract that will pay him a base salary of $2-million in 2008. He went 8-6 as a starter for the Bucs last season, leading them to an NFC South title and being named to the Pro Bowl. Nonrookie starting quarterbacks average between $7-million and $15-million a year in the NFL, making Garcia among the league's lowest-paid quarterbacks. After Tuesday's workout — the first of the offseason — Garcia was asked if he was disappointed by the lack of progress toward a new deal. "You could say that," Garcia said. "Talks haven't necessarily gone all that good. "So in a way, it's disappointing. At this point in my career, I'm no longer 24 or 25 saying, 'I'm going to prove to you I deserve this.' I feel like I've proved throughout my career. And I feel like at this time, it's time to just work with me, and you know what I bring to the team. You know what I've done for the team, and you know how much more I can do. And now I have a year under my system." The Bucs declined to comment. There's another reason why Garcia might be unhappy with his contract. Because of the Bucs' decision to rest him for the final two weeks of the regular season, he fell just short of participating in 70 percent of their offensive snaps, preventing him from earning a seven-figure bonus. Coach Jon Gruden did not allow Garcia to play the second half of the Bucs' 21-19 loss at San Francisco on Dec. 23. Garcia also was benched for the regular-season finale at home against the Panthers on Dec. 30. As a result, Garcia did not get at least $1-million in bonus money. Garcia is not required to attend the offseason workout program, which is voluntary. But he participated in Tuesday's as an act of good faith. Whether he attends the rest of this week's workouts or future offseason workout programs remains to be seen, but he indicated his options are limited. "I'm committed to a second year the way my contract is drawn up," Garcia said. "Yes, I would like to rip it up and create a new one that allows me to finish off my career here. But we're not necessarily on the same page as far as that's concerned." Garcia, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski were the only quarterbacks that attended practice Tuesday. Chris Simms is not participating in offseason workouts presumably because he wants to be traded. Brian Griese, acquired in a trade with the Bears in March, had a commitment to a charity event. Tuesday's practice with the Bucs marked the first time since 2003 with the 49ers that Garcia has begun an offseason with the team he played for in the previous season. After bouncing to the Browns, Lions and Eagles in consecutive seasons, he finally found a home under Gruden in Tampa Bay. In 2007, Garcia completed 209 of 307 passes for 2,440 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions for a passer rating of 94.6. Garcia said he has a chance to build upon the success he enjoyed in the team's offense a year ago. "My head was swimming," Garcia said. "When I heard the terminology (last year), I was still trying to figure it all out. And I'm not at that point. "So now I can take off from where I am now and build upon that. And going into the season, I just feel I'll be so much more confident and secure as to how to run this system as opposed to where I was last year. And last year, things didn't go all that bad." Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:58:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233336 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233336 Dallas Cowboys Positions of need RB, WR, CB Needs Analysis: The offseason departure of Julius Jones left a void in the Cowboys' backfield behind starter Marion Barber III. With veteran WR Terry Glenn nearing the end of the line, the Cowboys could use a third wideout to supplement starters Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton. CB Jacques Reeves has shown promise as a nickel corner, but the team still could use some depth at the position. Round 1, Pick 22 (22) (From Browns) Round 1, Pick 28 (28) Round 2, Pick 30 (61) Round 3, Pick 29 (92) Round 4, Pick 27 (126) Round 5, Pick 28 (163) Round 6, Pick 1 (167) (From Dolphins) Round 7, Pick 28 (235) Washington Redskins Positions of need WR, DL, LB, S Needs Analysis: Both Redskins' starting receivers are less than 6-feet tall, so finding a bigger target for young quarterback Jason Campbell should be a main priority. The team also has needs on defense at DE, LB and S. Finding a second pass-rusher to help Andre Carter is vital, and adding an outside linebacker to fill in for the injured Rocky McIntosh also is crucial. McIntosh suffered a devastating knee injury last season and might not be back for the start of the season. Sean Taylor's tragic death left a void the team has yet to fill at safety. Round 1, Pick 21 (21) Round 2, Pick 20 (51) Round 3, Pick 21 (84) Round 3, Pick 33 (96) (Compensatory selection) Round 5, Pick 19 (154) Round 6, Pick 20 (186) Round 7, Pick 21 (228) Round 7, Pick 35 (242) (Compensatory selection) Round 7, Pick 42 (249) (Compensatory selection) New York Giants Positions of need WR, OL, S, LB Needs Analysis: Linebacker is perhaps the greatest area of need for the Giants after they lost both of their starting outside linebackers to free agency, and the defection of S Gibril Wilson to the Raiders created a hole at the safety position, as well. With starting WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer in their 30s and having been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, the Giants need to start developing a future wideout. The starters on the offensive line are solid and established, but the team could use some depth here, as well. Round 1, Pick 31 (31) Round 2, Pick 32 (63) Round 3, Pick 32 (95) Round 4, Pick 31 (130) Round 5, Pick 30 (165) Round 6, Pick 28 (194) (From Packers) Round 6, Pick 32 (198) Round 6, Pick 33 (199) (Compensatory selection) Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:55:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230143 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230143 Positions of need WR, OL, DL, S Needs Analysis: Veteran S Brian Dawkins is 34 and coming off an injury-plagued season. Quintin Mikell is an adequate player but lacks star quality. Safety is an integral position in the Eagles' defense, and finding a young, dynamic playmaker is important. Another vital spot in the Eagles' pressure defense is at DE. Trent Cole is firmly established on one side, but the team needs to find a second pass-rusher off the edge. Offensively, the Eagles still are searching for a No. 1 wide receiver to help QB Donovan McNabb, and they could use a young OT to eventually replace aging veterans Jon Runyan and William Thomas. Round 1, Pick 19 (19) Round 2, Pick 18 (49) Round 3, Pick 17 (80) Round 4, Pick 16 (115) Round 4, Pick 32 (131) (Compensatory selection) Round 5, Pick 17 (152) Round 6, Pick 18 (184) Round 6, Pick 25 (191) (From Browns) Round 6, Pick 34 (200) (Compensatory selection) Round 6, Pick 37 (203) (Compensatory selection) Round 7, Pick 23 (230) (From Seahawks) Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:45:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230139 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230139