NFC East reports: Workouts are the focus
NFC team reports: Workouts are the focus
SN correspondents
Magazine Exclusive
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Linebacker Greg Ellis is unhappy with his contract. Ellis missed the last half of the 2006 season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon, Ellis is scheduled to earn $2.5 million this season, wants a new deal because he's now among the lowest-paid starters on defense, despite being one of the most valuable. Ellis also is upset because the Cowboys used a top pick on lionebacker Anthony Spencer, and Ellis knows they will be trying to make Spencer a starter.
New York Giants
Wideout Plaxico Burress joined in offseason workouts, giving him invaluable time working with quarterback Eli Manning. It's the first time since joining the team he has taken part. In both his previous season, he and Manning combined for good numbers, but often -- especially late in the season -- they did not appear to be on the same page. Many of Manning's passes to Burress were high, low or just a little too far in front or behind him. Coaches believe more time together would help them know each other's tendencies better. The hope is that the month or so they spend together now will translate into increased production, especially down the stretch. There is some hope that tight end Jeremy Shockey will join them.
Philadelphia Eagles
Battles at defensive end promise to be interesting. Trent Cole and Jevon Kearse looked like the starters in a recent minicamp with Darren Howard and Juqua Thomas the backups and rookie Victor Abiamiri in the mix. Cole, the team's best pass rusher, figures to win one spot, and if Kearse can show he's healthy, he'll get the other one. The question becomes whether Howard is too expensive to be a backup. Abiamiri, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame, drew praise from coordinator Jim Johnson and appears to be a prototypical left end, something the team needs. He and Cole are the future at the position.
Washington Redskins
Two players signed out of minicamp tryouts could be intriguing prospects. Byron Westbrook, the brother of Brian Westbrook, will get a look at cornerback and on special teams. Pete Schmitt, a tight end in college, will shift to fullback, where the team is seeking depth. Both were college Division III standouts. Westbrook caught coaches' attention with his speed, aggressive play and ability to take coaching. Schmitt has the size to be an effective blocker and the speed to lead a back through a hole. His conversion is reminiscent of that of Bryan Johnson, who came to the team after playing linebacker at Boise State and converted to fullback. The team is hoping Westbrook and Schmitt can be high-energy players who make legitimate runs at roster spots and perform well on special teams. Joe Gibbs loves long shots, and if either proves he can play, his college pedigree will not be a liability. If they aren't quite there yet, they could earn spots on the practice squad.
SN correspondents
Magazine Exclusive
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Linebacker Greg Ellis is unhappy with his contract. Ellis missed the last half of the 2006 season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon, Ellis is scheduled to earn $2.5 million this season, wants a new deal because he's now among the lowest-paid starters on defense, despite being one of the most valuable. Ellis also is upset because the Cowboys used a top pick on lionebacker Anthony Spencer, and Ellis knows they will be trying to make Spencer a starter.
New York Giants
Wideout Plaxico Burress joined in offseason workouts, giving him invaluable time working with quarterback Eli Manning. It's the first time since joining the team he has taken part. In both his previous season, he and Manning combined for good numbers, but often -- especially late in the season -- they did not appear to be on the same page. Many of Manning's passes to Burress were high, low or just a little too far in front or behind him. Coaches believe more time together would help them know each other's tendencies better. The hope is that the month or so they spend together now will translate into increased production, especially down the stretch. There is some hope that tight end Jeremy Shockey will join them.
Philadelphia Eagles
Battles at defensive end promise to be interesting. Trent Cole and Jevon Kearse looked like the starters in a recent minicamp with Darren Howard and Juqua Thomas the backups and rookie Victor Abiamiri in the mix. Cole, the team's best pass rusher, figures to win one spot, and if Kearse can show he's healthy, he'll get the other one. The question becomes whether Howard is too expensive to be a backup. Abiamiri, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame, drew praise from coordinator Jim Johnson and appears to be a prototypical left end, something the team needs. He and Cole are the future at the position.
Washington Redskins
Two players signed out of minicamp tryouts could be intriguing prospects. Byron Westbrook, the brother of Brian Westbrook, will get a look at cornerback and on special teams. Pete Schmitt, a tight end in college, will shift to fullback, where the team is seeking depth. Both were college Division III standouts. Westbrook caught coaches' attention with his speed, aggressive play and ability to take coaching. Schmitt has the size to be an effective blocker and the speed to lead a back through a hole. His conversion is reminiscent of that of Bryan Johnson, who came to the team after playing linebacker at Boise State and converted to fullback. The team is hoping Westbrook and Schmitt can be high-energy players who make legitimate runs at roster spots and perform well on special teams. Joe Gibbs loves long shots, and if either proves he can play, his college pedigree will not be a liability. If they aren't quite there yet, they could earn spots on the practice squad.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:32 PM
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