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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 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

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),

Hindu Theory Players 2010
Hindu Theory - This DraftInsiders.com theory is a takeoff on our old friend, George Young, the former General Manager of the New York Giants. "If NFL General Managers and scouts had one common religion, it would be Hinduism because they all believe in reincarnation. They think every new player reminds them of some former NFL performer." This theory takes into account a players' projected NFL ability, size, body type, athleticism, skill set and upside potential as a pro.

Photo - DT Nda Suh - Nebraska

Current Player --- --- Reminds of
DT Ndamukong Suh - Albert Haynesworth
WR Dez Bryant - David Boston
TE Andrew Quarless - Visanthe Shiancoe
S Eric Berry - Ed Reed
RB C.J. Spiller - Tiki Barber
DE Jason Pierre-Paul - Jevon Kearse
WR Demaryius Thomas - Calvin Johnson
LB Brandon Graham - LaMarr Woodley
CB Jerome Murphy - Carlos Rogers
LB Sergio Kindle - Julian Peterson
TE Aaron Hernandez - Owen Daniels
S Earl Thomas - Bob Sanders
WR Carlton Mitchell - Miles Austin
CB Kyle Wilson - Leodis McKelvin
LB Navorro Bowman - Ernie Sims
S Taylor Mays - Adrian Wilson
RB Ryan Mathews - Marshawn Lynch
DT Linval Joseph - Shaun Cody
RB LeGarrette Blount - LenDale White
DT Arthur Jones - Tommie Harris
TE Jermaine Gresham - Daniel Graham
LB Eric Norwood - Elvis Dumervil
DL Tyson Alualu - Dwan Edwards
WR Taylor Price - Anthony Gonzalez
NT Dan Williams - Jamal Williams
LB Dekoda Watson - Rocky McIntosh
CB A.J. Jefferson - Mike McKenzie
DT Terrence Cody - Vince Wilfork
LB Jerry Hughes - Shaun Phillips
RB Jon Dwyer - Beanie Wells
CB Brandon Ghee - Nate Clements
DE Greg Hardy - Mathias Kiwanuka
CB Chris Cook - Brian Kelly
WR Arrelious Benn - Eddie Kennison
LB Thaddeus Gibson - Kamerion Wimbley
CB Joe Haden - Antoine Winfield
TE Ed Dickson - Randy McMichael
RB Dexter McCluster - Darren Sproles
DT Lamarr Houston - John McCargo
CB Perrish Cox - Kelvin Hayden
RB Ben Tate - Michael Turner
LB Donald Butler - Leroy Hill
TE Brody Eldridge - Brandon Manumaleuna
CB Kareem Jackson - Ty Law
CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah - Charles Tillman
DE Alex Carrington - Marcus Spears

Go to Next Page for More Hindu Theory Players

Scouting Report - OG Mike Iupati - Idaho - Hindu Theory - Jahri Evans - Saints

Photo - Guard Mike Iupati - Idaho

Mike Iupati is our highest rated guard prospect and a rare #1 pick at the position. He has improved our the critical postseason from the Senior Bowl through the NFL Combine. He may be selected as early as the 15th overall selection by the Giants with the Steelers, Bengals and Patriots all interested in him in the first round. He is our highest rated guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson was selected in the first round by the Seahawks in the NFL Draft 2001.

Mike Iupati #77 - 6’5” 330 lbs. - Idaho - Sp. 5.2 - Rating 90
Physical aggressive senior guard has been a three-year starter earning WAC first team honors over his late career. Mike is an imposing physical blocker who started at guard and graded out exceptionally high over his late college stay that should earn him a first round selection in April. He is an aggressive blocker who gets the most out of his athleticism, relying on sound technique, very good functional strength and the toughness the position demands. He is a powerfully built lineman that has good agility and footwork to carry all the assignments along the line. He plays with sound leverage, strong leg drive with a forceful hand punch to grade out high consistently. He has long arms that indicate he could also line up at tackle, though his initial playing time should be inside and probably as a starting rookie. He displays the toughness and aggressiveness to win vs NFL caliber defenders and uses his wrestling experience to gain quick leverage in matchups. He is a player who never lets down, going hard from snap to whistle the entire game. He has a very strong leg drive and is able create consistently good movement blocking inline. He can direct, wall off and sustain well inline and is also effective on short pulls. He has the look of a very likely rookie starting guard in the right setting. He is cut in the mold of a tough aggressive NFL guard like Jahri Evans with the nasty demeanor that scouts seek in a starting lineman and the footwork and functional strength to carry out all the assignments. He comes out of his stance quickly with good positioning and a fast hand punch that gains early control and jars an opponent. He is a physical blocker who locks on with strong hands and moves his feet to steer a defender with the ability to finish with power. He is effective when pulling and is able to adjust and get adequate fits when blocking on the 2nd level despite average footspeed. As a pass blocker, he can slide laterally, mirror and adjust to secondary rush moves, though he needs to get his hands on a defender early to gain a quick advantage. He anchors well vs the bull rush with the fine functional strength and agility to contain defenders consistently and sustains his blocks well. He works hard to finish and will bury defenders often, showing the nasty demeanor of that of top NFL linemen. At times, he can play high that negates his power and also gets out of position by being overly aggressive. He needs to play technically sound and within himself to be highly effective. As a drive blocker, he is a tough physical competitor that gets into his blocks quickly with nice movement, relying on his strong hands to control a defender and finish with a powerful leg drive to get movement. He is a competitive lineman who is usually a sound technician with the physical and mental ability to play in the NFL. He has terrific functional strength to handle the big NFL 320 lb.+ tackles. He gets consistent movement with the ability to flip his hips and seal with good lower body power to finish each block. After extensive experience at a few positions, he shows the ability to pick up stunts and blitzes, though he needs further work on his assignments. He is less effective in space where his marginal foot speed can break down. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’5” and 331 lbs. with 34.3/4” arm length. He ran a 5.31 time with 27 reps and did a 27.5” VL and a 7’8” BJ. At the Senior Bowl, he graded out well vs top competition, though raw in some techniques. Physical durable blue-collar lineman with fine AA, good technique and the intangibles to make it all work. Good first round pick with the skill set and intangibles to start as a rookie. Blue-chip prospect with the skills to be a long time starter with development at possibly both guard and tackle. Definite top 25 value and future Pro Bowl guard.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

NFL Free Agency Begins New Player Era

Photo – Miles Austin - Cowboys

NFL Veteran Free Agency and Trading Period - starts March 5th

NFL Free Agency opens at midnight today with no collective bargaining agreement that will have a huge impact of the player movement this offseason. As a result of no CBA agreement, every free agent will be considered a Restricted free agent that enables the current club capable of retaining a player with a qualified tendered offer. A tendered offer guarantees the current club compensation for every free agent. According to the amount tendered any player, the current club will receive compensation in the form of draft selections. Without an agreement, this will restrict player movement significantly through July 2010 with few clubs actively involved or limited in signing veteran players.

We will have a March Newsletter available Friday that focuses on the Free Agency Class of 2010

Franchised Players 2010 - received tags from current club
Player / Team / Position / 2010 salary
Aubrayo Franklin - 49ers - DT - $7.003 M
Olindo Mare - Seahawks - K - $2.814 M
Ryan Pickett - Packers - DT - $7.003 M
Jeff Reed - Steelers - K - $2.814 M
* Richard Seymour - Raiders - DE - $12.398 M
Vince Wilfork - Patriots - DT - $7.003 M

* Exclusive Free Agent - not free to sign with another club

Free Agency Labels
UFA (Unrestricted free agent)
Player in uncapped year with six or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired.

RFA (Restricted free agent)
Player in uncapped year with at least three accrued seasons whose contract has expired.

EFA (Exclusive restricted FA)
Player whose contract expires at a time when he has fewer than three accrued seasons.

Franchise
Free agent who has been designated as a franchise player.

Transition
Free agent who has been designated as a transition player.

Released
Vested veteran whose contract has been terminated and can sign with any club.

NFL Restricted Free Agents:
Accrued seasons
Player with Three Accrued Seasons
• Right of First Refusal: $1,101,000
• Right of First Refusal + pick in player's original draft round: $1,101,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 2nd round draft pick: $1,684,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 1st round draft pick: $2,396,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 1st and 3rd round draft picks: $3,043,000*
* This number figure or 110% of player's 2009 Salary whichever is higher

Player with Four Accrued Seasons
• Right of First Refusal: $1,176,000
• Right of First Refusal + pick in player's original draft round: $1,176,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 2nd round draft pick: $1,759,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 1st round draft pick: $2,521,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 1st and 3rd round draft picks: $3,168,000*
* This number figure or 110% of player's 2009 Salary whichever is higher

Player with Five Accrued Seasons
• Right of First Refusal: $1,226,000
• Right of First Refusal + pick in player's original draft round: $1,226,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 2nd round draft pick: $1,809,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 1st round draft pick: $2,621,000*
• Right of First Refusal + 1st and 3rd round draft picks: $3,268,000*

Tackles Light up NFL Combine Workout

Photo – OT Brian Bulaga of Iowa

The offensive tackle class took the spotlight on the first day of workouts on Saturday at the NFL Combine with several outstanding performances. The tackle class for the NFL Draft 2010 could provide as many as six #1 selections in April especially after many top performances in the workout drills in Indy. Tackles Russell Okung of Oklahoma St, Brian Bulaga of Iowa, Trent Williams of Oklahoma and Bruce Campbell of Maryland had huge workouts that guarantee each of them a first round grade. Okung has been our #1 tackle prospect all year and probably guaranteed himself a top ten selection with a fine performance. He ran a 5.17 time with 38 reps in the lifting at over 6’5” and 307 lbs.

Brian Bulaga of Iowa came in at 6'5” and 314 lbs. and ran a 5.25 time. He did 26 reps in the lifting and looked sharp in the agility drills. Trent Williams is one of the more versatile linemen in this class and may move into the top ten off his impressive effort. He ran a fast 4.88 time and was impressive in the agility drills. He also had a 34” vertical leap and did 23 reps in the lifting. He came in at 6’5” 315 lbs.

Bruce Campbell came in at over 6’6” and 314 lbs. and had the best performance of the first day with a 4.85 time, 32” vertical leap and 34 reps in the lifting. He is a cut tackle who entered the draft as a junior after only 17 college starts. He has super long arms of 36 ¼ arms and is the best athlete at this deep position. His overall performance moved him into the first round and maybe into the top 20 selections overall.

We will have exclusive NFL Combine Reports for Subscribers this week