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2010 Bronko Nagurshi Trophy Watch List

The 2010 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List features the best and brightest of the upcoming season's defensive players. One of the more than 70 players on the list most likely will receive the Bronko Nagurski Trophy that is awarded annually to the nation's best defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Players may be added or deleted to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List during the season. Each week during the 2010 season, the FWAA will choose a Defensive Player of the Week. If that player is not on the Watch List, he automatically will be added. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 18. The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet will be on Dec. 6 in Charlotte, N.C.

2010 BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST
Sam Acho, Texas, DT / Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, S
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska, CB / Travis Lewis, Oklahoma, LB
Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT / Chris Marve, Vanderbilt, LB
Akeem Ayers, UCLA, LB / Cliff Matthews, South Carolina, DE
Allen Bailey, Miami, DE / DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, S
Mark Barron, Alabama, S / Marcus McGraw, Houston, LB
Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma, DE / Josh McNary, Army, DE
Nick Bellore, Central Michigan, LB / Carmen Messina, New Mexico, LB
Chris Borland, Wisconsin, LB / Von Miller, Texas A&M, LB
Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson, DE / Bruce Miller, UCF, DE
Curtis Brown, Texas, CB / Dontay Moch, Nevada, DE
Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State, LB / Mike Mohamed, California, LB
Tank Carder, TCU, LB / Rahim Moore, UCLA, S
Bruce Carter, North Carolina, LB / Stephen Paea, Oregon State, DT
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa, DE / Patrick Peterson, LSU, CB
Jared Crick, Nebraska, DT / Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss, DT
Marcell Dareus, Alabama, DE / Robert Quinn, North Carolina. DE
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, CB / Adrian Robinson, Temple, DE
Brian Duncan, Texas Tech, LB / Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh, DE
Chris Galippo, USC, LB / Kenny Rowe, Oregon, DE
Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina, CB / Robert Sands, West Virginia, S
Brandon Harris, Miami, CB / Tyler Sash, Iowa, S
Mario Harvey, Marshall, LB / J.K. Schaffer, Cincinnati, LB
Mark Herzlich, Boston College, LB / Kelvin Sheppard, LSU, LB
Cameron Heyward, Ohio State, DE / Aldon Smith, Missouri, DE
Dont'a Hightower, Alabama, LB / Craig Stevens, Auburn, LB
Ross Homan, Ohio State, LB / Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, LB
Justin Houston, Georgia, LB / Manti Te'o, Notre Dame, LB
Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson, DT / J.T. Thomas, West Virginia, LB
Janoris Jenkins, Florida, CB / Trevin Wade, Arizona, CB
Tejay Johnson, TCU, S / J.J. Watt, Wisconsin, DE
Greg Jones, Michigan State, LB / Aaron Williams, Texas, CB
Thomas Keiser, Stanford, LB / Korey Williams, Southern Miss, LB
Noah Keller, Ohio, LB / Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut, LB
Shiloh Keo, Idaho, S / Ryan Winterswyk, Boise State, DE
Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue, DE / Anthony Wright, Air Force, CB
Luke Kuechly, Boston College, LB / Alex Wujciak, Maryland, LB

Players may be added or deleted from the list before or during the season

Complete Insiders' Review is Available Now Online
NFL Draft, Free Agency and Mini Camp Reports

New Orleans Saints - Head Coach – Sean Payton – 5th Year
The Saints addressed their defense in the first round with a focus on improving their secondary. They will move CB Malcolm Jenkins last years’ first round selection to safety. They chose CB Patrick Robinson with their first pick with the final selection in the round. Robinson is a well-developed prospect who fills a major need in this secondary that has been the prime focus of recent draft classes. He is a fast agile cover man who can be an immediate starter here. He was a fine addition with well-developed skills. On the 2nd round, they drafted OT Charles Brown, an agile left tackle with good skills to develop quickly on the outside. He was excellent value at the 64th overall selection and carries a starting left tackle grade in time. On the 3rd round, they selected TE Jimmy Graham, a big agile former basketball player with intriguing receiving skills. He needs work on his route running and defensive recognition, but can be a big factor here in the passing game. As a blocker, he is a long-term project. On the 4th round, they added DT Al Woods, a strong wide body defender who gives them a good anchor in the middle. He carries a starting grade with development. With their 5th round pick, they chose center Matt Tennant, a tough pivot man with the ability to play all the interior positions. He was good value here and has a chance to be a major addition in time. On the 7th round, they selected QB Sean Canfield, an improving lefty who can win the #3 job with a good showing in camp. He has only marginal talent to challenge for starting time. Grade: C+
2010 Rookie Draft Class
1 32 Patrick Robinson - CB - Florida St
2 64 Charles Brown - OT - Southern Cal
3 95 Jimmy Graham - TE - Miami
4 123 Al Woods - DT - LSU
5 158 Matt Tennant - OC - Boston College
7 239 Sean Canfield - QB - Oregon St

Rookie Free Agency: The Saints added several rookies with decent chances to land a roster spot. They signed RB Chris Ducre, RB Chris Ivory, RB Carlos Brown, WR Chris Bell, OG Brandon Carter, OG Joe Tonga, DE Junior Galette, LB Jason Beauchamp, DT Ekom Udofia, DT Jay Ross, DE Brandon Sharpe, CB Marcel Young, CB Rafael Priest, SS Harry Coleman, FS Ryan Hamilton and LS Clint Gresham. WR Bell is a tough possession receiver with a definite make it grade. OG Carter is a physical lineman with the skill set to surprise and make this roster. DT Udofia is a tough run stuffer who can be a big surprise and earn time in their interior line rotation especially on running downs. LB Beauchamp is a developed defender who can win the nickel backer situational role here, in addition to becoming a special teams defender. CB Priest is a savvy cover man with the skill set to be a huge surprise and push for time in defensive packages. He can develop into a nickel corner in time. Grade: B
Mini-Camp: The Saints roster underwent few changes on offense this offseason after a record setting ’09 performance. Big play receiving weapon Robert Meachem is primed to continue to show his impact abilities especially in the deep game. New Orleans traded OT Jammal Brown who missed the entire ’09 season due to injuries. Young OT Jermon Bushord hopes to hold off rookie Charles Brown at left tackle. They continue to add several new additions to help improve their defense. They resigned veteran safety Darren Sharper and expect their secondary in improve with corners, top pick Patrick Robinson and former #1 Malcolm Jenkins joining young vet Tracy Porter. Robinson could win a starting role with a good preseason. They look to their talented but inconsistent front four to step up and apply more pressure that can be a difference for this unit’s effectiveness. Former top pick, DT Sedrick Ellis is primed for a breakout season and new veteran DE Alex Brown and rookie DT Al Wood should play key roles on this front four. Vet DE Bobby McCray was released after camp. The loss of veteran LB Scott Fujita is a key positional issue that must be resolved this preseason. They could pursue a trade this summer, if young backers Stanley Arnoux and Jonathan Casillas fail to step up at the strongside position.

NFL Mini Camp and OTA Dates
Team: Mini-camp:Veterans Dates - OTC Dates
Arizona: June 1-4, June 7-10
Atlanta: June 1, June 3-4, June 8-11, June 15-18
Baltimore: June 7-10, June 15-16
Buffalo: June 23-25 - OTA - June 1-3, June 8-10, June 15-17, June 21-22
Carolina: June 2-4, June 7-10, June 14-16
Chicago: OTA June 2-3, June 7-10, June 14-17, June 21-24
Cincinnati: June 15-17 - OTA - June 1-3, June 8, June 10, June 14
Cleveland:June 10-12 - OTA - June 1-3, June 7-8
Dallas:June 11-13 - OTA - June 1-3, June 8-10
Denver: June 11-13 - OTA - June 2-4, June 7-9
Detroit: June 23-25 - June 1, June 3, June 21-22
Green Bay: June 21-23 - OTA - June 1-3, June 8-10, June 15-17
Houston: June 14-16 - OTA - June 1-3, June 8-10
Indianapolis:June 4-6 - OTA - June 1-2, June 8, June 10-11
Jacksonville: June 7-8, June 10, June 14-15, June 17, June 21-22
Kansas City: June 11-13 - OTA - June 1-3, June 7-9, June 14-15
Miami: June 1, June 3, June 7, June 9-10, June 14, June 16
Minnesota: June 11-13 - OTA - June 1-4, June 7-8
New England: June 15-17 - OTA - June 1-4, June 7-8, June 10-11
New Orleans: June 4-6 - OTA - June 7-10, June 14-17
N.Y. Giants: June 15-17 - OTA - June 2, June 4, June 7-8, June 10-11
N.Y. Jets: June 14-16 - OTA - June 2-3, June 8, June 10
Oakland: June 8-10, June 15-17
Philadelphia: June 1-4, June 7-10
Pittsburgh: June 1-3, June 8-10
St. Louis: June 10-12 - OTA - June 1-3, June 7-8, June 14-17
San Diego: June 8-11, June 14-17
San Francisco: June 18-20 - OTA - June 7-8, June 10-11, June 14-16
Seattle:June 22-24 - OTA - June 8, June 10, June 15, June 17
Tampa Bay: June 21-23 - OTA - June 1-3, June 7-10, June 14-17
Tennessee: June 14-15, June 17, June 22, June 24-25
Washington: June 16-18 - OTA - June 1-3, June 7-8, June 10-11.

UCLA coach John Wooden Passes

Rarely, do I comment on topics other than football but the recent passing of legendary basketball coach John Wooden is an exception. Wooden died on June 4, 2010, at the age of 99 in Los Angeles, of natural causes surrounded by his friends and family. Wooden had an incredible career as both a player and coach at the collegiate level. He is the only person that has been inducted into the college Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. He was the greatest coach in American history at all levels and in all sports and did it with rare leadership and integrity, in addition to the brilliant understanding of the game. He was both an All-American player at Purdue and an exceptional head coach at UCLA, setting records at will probably last for decades.

Over 27 years at UCLA, he won 620 games, including a record 88 straight victories during one historic stretch in the early ‘70s. He won an unprecedented 10 national titles as the Bruins head coach including an incredible 7 straight NCAA championships. From the time of his first title following the 1963-64 season through the 10th UCLA in 1974-75, Wooden's Bruins were 330-19, including four perfect 30-0 seasons. His achievements earned him the title “The Wizard of Westwood” for not only his amazing accomplishments, but the manner in which he carried himself while directing the UCLA program. He coached many of the game's greatest players such as Lew Alcindor -- later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton. "It's kind of hard to talk about Coach Wooden simply, because he was a complex man. But he taught in a very simple way. He just used sports as a means to teach us how to apply ourselves to any situation," Abdul-Jabbar said in a statement released through UCLA. "He set quite an example. He was more like a parent than a coach. He really was a very selfless and giving human being, but he was a disciplinarian. We learned all about those aspects of life that most kids want to skip over. He wouldn't let us do that."

Wooden was a demanding disciplined coach who insisted that his players be in great condition so they could play his fast break up-tempo style not well-known on the West Coast at the time in his early coaching. But his legacy extended well beyond that. He was the master of the simple one- or two-sentence homily, instructive little messages best presented in his famous "Pyramid of Success," which remains must-read material, not only for fellow coaches but for anyone in a leadership position in American business. He taught the team game and had only three hard-and-fast rules -- no profanity, tardiness or criticizing fellow teammates. His statements and rules were a long list of life lessons that his former players still talk about today.

Both his “Pyramid of Success and “Seven Point Creed” speak volumes of what he believed and how to achieve your goals in all aspects of life and varied careers.

John Wooden's Seven Point Creed
John Robert Wooden (born October 14, 1910, in Martinsville, In) is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player (Class of 1961) and a coach (Class of 1973). He was the first person ever enshrined in both categories.

John Wooden's Seven Point Creed, given to him by his father Joshua upon his graduation from grammar school: Wooden remembered these all his life.
Seven Point Creed is practical advice for daily life.
* Be true to yourself.
* Make each day your masterpiece.
* Help others.
* Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
* Make friendship a fine art.
* Build a shelter against a rainy day.
* Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

NFL 2010 NFL Dates

June 1 - Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 22. Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned restricted free agents or to extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.
June 15 - Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous years salary.
July 22 - Deadline for franchise players to sign new contracts. Signing period ends at 4 p.m. (ET) for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.

Aug. 7 - Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Canton, Ohio
Aug. 8 - Hall of Fame Game (Cincinnati vs. Dallas)

Aug. 12-16 - First preseason weekend
Aug. 31 - Roster cut down to maximum of 75 players
Sept. 4 - Roster cut down to maximum of 53 players
Sept. 9-13 - NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend
Oct. 19 - NFL Trading deadline
Oct. 31 - International Series, London, England - San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos
Nov. 16 - Signing deadline for franchise players

2011 NFL Dates

Jan. 2 - Regular season ends
Jan. 8-9 - Wild Card Weekend
Jan. 15-16 - Divisional Playoffs
Jan. 23 - NFC & AFC Conference Championships
Jan. 30 - Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii
Feb. 6 - Super Bowl XLV, Dallas,Texas

Seattle Seahawks - Grade A
Photo - Seattle's Golden Tate - Notre Dame

The Seahawks had the best draft class in the league and the best in their history. They chose OT Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. He gives them a highly developed left tackle after the retirement of veteran Walter Jones. He carries a rookie starting grade and is an NFL ready lineman who has Pro Bowl talent. With their other 1st round selection, they chose safety Earl Thomas, a highly developed defender. Thomas can play in all the sets with highly developed coverage skills and sure tackling to win a starting job in camp. On the 2nd round, they selected wideout Golden Tate, a well-rounded and developed playmaker. He gives them a young playmaker for an offense that lacks big plays. He carries an early NFL starting grade and is a complete prospect with a huge upside in this offense. With two 4th round picks, they selected corner Walter Thurmond and DE E.J. Wilson. Thurmond is a fast smallish cover man who fell off an early ’09 season injury. He was great value here and should be able to get on the field at midseason. DE Wilson has a burst off the edge to fill a situational pass rushing role. He needs to get stronger to compete for starting time. On the 5th round, they chose safety Kam Chancellor, a big physical defender with good range and tackling skills. On the 6th round, they chose TE Anthony McCoy, a former player for HC Pete Carroll. McCoy has a huge upside but must settle into this offense and develop his fine skill set. He was an excellent late gamble. With two 7th round picks, they chose DE Dexter Davis and TE Jameson Konz. Davis is a quick edge pass rusher who can be an effective situational defender and probably early in his career. Konz is a hybrid athlete with H back skills and capable of lining up at wideout, tight end and fullback that gives this offense a flexible weapon. He gives them a flexible performer for their passing game and carries a definite make it grade.

Seattle
1 6 Russell Okung - OT - Oklahoma St
1 14 Earl Thomas - S - Texas
2 60 Golden Tate - WR - Notre Dame
4 111 Walter Thurmond - CB - Oregon
4 127 E.J. Wilson - DE - North Carolina
5 133 Kam Chancellor - S - Virginia Tech
6 185 Anthony McCoy - TE - Southern Cal
7 236 Dexter Davis - DE - Arizona St
7 245 Jameson Konz - TE - Kent St

Baltimore Ravens - Grade A
The Ravens had a strong draft class and were able to address their biggest needs on their defense and add a few offensive weapons. With their 1st round pick, they moved out of the first round for a #2 and #3 picks. They were shocked to find LB Sergio Kindle still available late in the middle of round two. He is a well developed backer and capable of starting early in his pro career. It was a great move to add draft choices and select a defender who fits their scheme very well. With their own #2 pick, they choose NFL Terrence Cody, a premier nose tackle for their front line. He is a super wide body who clogs the middle very well and gives them a big body for their line rotation. On the 3rd round, they selected TE Ed Dickson, a versatile quick performer who is fine addition for their offense. He is a fine receiver with good movement skills to fill a few holes in this offense. He needs some work as a blocker, but is adequate currently. On the 4th round, they chose another TE in Dennis Pita, a well-developed pass catcher who can play a key role in the passing game as a rookie. He has intriguing upside to play immediately. With two 5th round picks, they chose WR David Reed and DT Art Jones. Reed is a good athlete who runs well and has the instincts and toughness the Ravens seek in a prospect. He figures to help on special teams and has the athleticism to play in multiple sets. Jones is a quick mobile tackle who is coming off a late career knee injury. He is a quick tackle who can win early on the down and gives them a playmaker for their tackle rotation. He was excellent late value. With their 6th round pick, they drafted OT Ramon Harewood, a huge prospect with a nice combination of skills. He has fine skills but is a raw football player and will benefit from experience and a pro weight room regiment. He is a talented prospect with makeup to be a major surprise in time and an excellent late gamble.

Baltimore
2 43 Sergio Kindle - LB - Texas
2 57 Terrence Cody - DT - Alabama
3 70 Ed Dickson - TE - Oregon
4 114 Dennis Pitta - TE - Brigham Young
5 156 David Reed - WR - Utah
5 157 Art Jones - DT - Syracuse
6 194 Ramon Harewood - OT - Morehouse

NFL Mini Camp and OTA Dates
Team: Mini-camp: Rookies/ Veterans Dates - OTC Dates
Arizona: April 30-May 2 - OTA - May 18-20, May 25-27, June 1-4, June 7-10
Atlanta: May 7-9 - OTA - May 25-27, June 1, June 3-4, June 8-11, June 15-18
Baltimore: May 7-9 - OTA - May 17-20, May 24-27, June 7-10, June 15-16
Buffalo: May 7-9, June 23-25 - OTA - May 25-27, June 1-3, June 8-10, June 15-17, June 21-22
Carolina: April 30-May 2 - OTA - May 24-27, June 2-4, June 7-10, June 14-16
Chicago: April 30-May 2, May 21-23 - OTA June 2-3, June 7-10, June 14-17, June 21-24
Cincinnati: April 30-May 2, June 15-17 - OTA - May 11, May 13, May 18-20, May 25, May 27, June 1-3, June 8, June 10, June 14
Cleveland:April 30-May 2 June 10-12 - OTA - May 17-19, May 24-25, May 27, June 1-3, June 7-8
Dallas:April 30-May 2. June 11-13 - OTA - May 17-19, May 24-26, June 1-3, June 8-10
Denver: April 30-May 2, June 11-13 - OTA - May 17-19, May 24-27, June 2-4, June 7-9
Detroit: April 30-May 2, June 23-25 - OTA April 20, May 4, May 6, May 11, May 13, May 18, May 20, May 24-25, May 27, June 1, June 3, June 21-22
Green Bay: April 30-May 2, June 21-23 - OTA - May 17-20, June 1-3, June 8-10, June 15-17
Houston: June 14-16 - OTA - May 17-20, May 24-27, June 1-3, June 8-10
Indianapolis:April 30-May 2, June 4-6 - OTA - May 18, May 20, May 25, May 27, June 1-2, June 8, June 10-11
Jacksonville: May 1-3 - OTA - May 17-18, May 20, May 24-25, May 27, June 7-8, June 10, June 14-15, June 17, June 21-22
Kansas City: April 30-May 2, June 11-13 - OTA - May 17-19, May 24-25, May 27, June 1-3, June 7-9, June 14-15
Miami: April 30-May 2, May 28-30 - OTA - May 18-19, May 24, May 26, June 1, June 3, June 7, June 9-10, June 14, June 16
Minnesota: April 30-May 2, June 11-13 - OTA - May 18-21, May 24-27, June 1-4, June 7-8
New England: April 30-May 2, June 15-17 - OTA - May 24-27, June 1-4, June 7-8, June 10-11
New Orleans: May 7-9, June 4-6 - OTA - May 25-28, June 7-10, June 14-17
N.Y. Giants: April 30-May 2, June 15-17 - OTA - May 18, May 20-21, May 24-25, May 27, June 2, June 4, June 7-8, June 10-11
N.Y. Jets: April 30-May 2, June 14-16 - OTA - May 17-18, May 20, May 24-25, May 27, June 2-3, June 8, June 10
Oakland: April 30-May 2 - OTA - May 18-20, May 25-27 June 8-10, June 15-17
Philadelphia: April 30-May 2 - OTA - May 19-20, May 24-27, June 1-4, June 7-10
Pittsburgh: April 30-May 2 - OTA - April 19-20, May 18-20, May 25-27, June 1-3, June 8-10
St. Louis: April 30-May 2, June 10-12 - OTA - May 18, May 20, May 24-25, May 27, June 1-3, June 7-8, June 14-17
San Diego: May 7-8, May 26-28 - OTA - May 18-21, June 8-11, June 14-17
San Francisco: April 30-May 2, June 18-20 - OTA - April 30, May 17-20, June 7-8, June 10-11, June 14-16
Seattle:April 13-15, April 30-May 2, June 22-24 - OTA - May 11, May 13, May 18, May 20, May 25, May 27, June 8, June 10, June 15, June 17
Tampa Bay: April 30-May 2, June 21-23 - OTA - May 17-19, June 1-3, June 7-10, June 14-17
Tennessee: April 30-May 1 - OTA - April 27, April 29, May 11, May 13, May 18-19, May 25, May 27, June 14-15, June 17, June 22, June 24-25
Washington: April 16-18, May 7-9, June 16-18 - OTA - May 17-19, May 24-26, June 1-3, June 7-8, June 10-11 April 16-18 (voluntary),