Playmaker Mobile

Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo makes Team USA roster, Yao Ming visits Taiwan, Steve Nash makes Chris Bosh look soft and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

RAJON RONDO: The Celtic's PG survives Team USA cuts.

LOLO JONES: Hurdler Lolo Jones sees a different picture of herself in the London Olympics.

DONOVAN MCNABB: Dennis Waszak Jr. of NBC Sports writes that Donovan McNabb and LaDainian Tomlinson lead the off season changes for popular NFL stars.

RAY LEWIS: Matt Vensel of Virtual Vensanity writes that Ray Lewis is still feeling, showing the love to Baltimore Ravens' fans.

BRANDON JENNINGS: Here's a cool screenshot of Brandon Jennings from the new NBA Elite 11 that's scheduled to hit stores in October.

JONATHAN VILMA: Here's a media transcript from Jonathan Vilma after the Saint's first training camp practice. Vilma is ready and pumped for this upcoming season. 

YAO MING: Yao recently visited Taiwan to raise money/awareness and to take part in a series of charity events.

GREG ODEN: Basketball fans over at the IGN message boards discuss the topic of "Who's a bigger bust: Michelle Wie, Freddy Adu, Reggie Bush or Greg Oden?"

STEVE NASH: Ro Shiell of Bleacher Report writes about "How Steve Nash Made Chris Bosh Look Soft."

OSI UMENYIORA: Osi is preparing to head to the Giants' first training camp in Albany on Sunday. Umenyiora plans to participate in the first practice. Team doctors now believe Osi's hip injury may be treatable without surgery. 

HELIO CASTRONEVES: Kent Sterling writes that IndyCar should give Helio an award for his actions at Edmonton last Sunday.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 2010-2011 Scouting Report

Interview with Dave Razzano by Playmaker Mobile intern Aaron Resnick.

Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

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Q: What did you think of the Jaguars offseason?

A: They have a good offensive line. I think they got better in the front seven picking up Aaron Kampman and Tyson Alualu. They still don’t have an elite pass rusher. I probably would have gone with Brandon Graham from Michigan myself. I think their linebackers got better getting Kirk Morrison that obviously helps. So there is a lot they got better at and I think their young tight end Zach Miller is outstanding.

Q: How do you feel about the way Gene Smith is building the team through the draft by taking high character guys and the best available player?

A: I think it is smart as you really have to get mature guys. There jobs are on the line that team needs to get better. The problem that I have with them is how they haven’t improved the quarterback position. They go from Leftwich to Garrard to me these are average, lower level starters. That’s their problem. They have gotten better on defense, have a nice young offensive line, the running back some nice tight ends and receivers. The pass rush and the quarterback position those are key spots. Even the corners are young guys. They need to continue to get better but I think Gene is on the right track.

Q: About David Garrard, he had a fluke year where he threw only three interceptions and the team gave him a new deal. Where do you think he ranks among the current quarterbacks and do you think the team regrets the deal now?

A: I think they do. I think he’s better than Leftwich but they really didn’t have a lot of choices. He’s one of those guys that always did well in practice and he was much better than Leftwich in terms of the locker room. They gave him the big money and were a little hasty in doing that. Again, I think he is a lower level starter in our league and they are definitely need to improve on that if they want to get anywhere.

Q: The national consensus seemed to be that Tyson Alualu was a reach at the tenth pick overall. What did you think of the selection and how do you think he will fair?

 

A: Well I think he’s a good football player. They wanted to move down and get him but when they couldn’t they just took him. I think he is a solid player that will contribute. He is a little bit of an in between guy not an elite pass rusher and you want to take the pass rushers high. I think they might have pulled the trigger a little early on him but they were sort of in a bind. Nobody wanted to move up and they wanted to move back so they just took the kid. I think he will help them and be a solid player for them just not an elite type of pass rusher. In the long run, I think he will be a solid pick for them. He is very productive, relentless and I think they took the best player on their board. So a little early, but they obviously loved the guy.

Q: What do you think about the current receiving corps? Last year Mike Sims-Walker broke out but he wasn’t as productive towards the end of the year once defenses keyed in on him. How do you think they will fair with a bunch of younger players?

A: Well Jarett Dillard needs to step up, Mike Thomas to me is a good 3rd, 4th, 5th receiver an underneath guy, they do need help. I don’t like Williamson, Tiquan Underwood is average. So yeah they almost do need another veteran type receiver. I think Zach Miller if you can flex him out a little bit and develop a role as a slot guy in some situations. The receiver position is awful young and they don’t have a lot of depth there.

Q: Since the division realignment in 2002, other than the year the Titans got off to a hot start, the Colts have won the division every year. How would you build a team to win in this division?

 

A: Well you have to start on defense with the pass rushers and the corners. You have to stop Manning he will still be there for a while. That’s the key you have to put pressure on the opposition, you have to go with defense. You’re not going to outscore Indy very often so you have to load up on corners and pass rushers.
Secondary is a big issue and I know Reggie Nelson is a big topic due to the fact he is a Florida guy. He is a former first rounder entering his fourth year

 

Q: What do you think he will end up doing?

 

A: Well I think he is limited mentally and that’s one of the reasons. Derrick Harvey and Reggie Nelson, they really need to get out of the University of Florida and hit on some of these guys. I mean Nelson is a guy that has the physical tools, but the mental part has always been a problem for him. That is one of their weaknesses. To me Gerald Alexander is a backup and Nelson’s a backup. They tried getting Darren Sharper from the Saints and that didn’t work out. They are coming into the season and need a safety back there. I wouldn’t have a lot of confidence in Nelson.

Proper Shooting Form: Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose is about as comfortable in the spotlight as you probably are with your jump shot. You can't help him with the spotlight, but he can help you with your jump shot.

- Dewey Hammond

Playmaker Roundup: IRL is investigating Helio Castroneves' outburst against IRL official, Jonathan Vilma contest ends TODAY and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

HELIO CASTRONEVES: HC's outburst at Sunday's race in Edmonton is still under investigation by the IRL. According to Fanhouse, Castroneves put hands on and cursed out IRL security chief Charles Burns after receiving a blocking penalty, a call that eventually cost him the race. Helio has since apologized but remains firm on his stance regarding IRL's controversial call. We'll keep you updated about Helio's possible suspension. Click here for video of the incident.

RAY LEWIS: Terrell Owens, the newly signed Cincinnati Bengal, who many thought would team up with Ray Lewis and company in B-More, would not have "fit" with the Ravens' organization according to Mike Preston of the Ravens Insider. We'll see if Baltimore made the right move by not drafting TO this year. One thing is for certain, the AFC North just became more interesting.

YAO MING: ESPN reports that Yao might quit basketball if his foot doesn't heal 100 percent. 

OSI UMENYIORA: According to NJ.com, the Giants' LB will temporarily forego hip surgery. Medical experts say that Umenyiora's hip-pain will not subside without having season-ending surgery. Meanwhile, newly signed LB Keith Bulluck says he's about 90% recovered from a torn knee ligament injury sustained last year. We'll continue to keep you tuned into Osi's decision regarding any possible hip surgery.

DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 recently attended a book signing with over 300 Redskins fans at a local Border's bookstore in DC. This event marks one of McNabb's first public appearances in the Nation's Capitol. Donovan autographed a book titled, "NFL Dads Dedicated to Daughters."  

BRANDON JENNINGS: Throwback vid---a day in the life of Brandon Jennings.

STEVE NASH: Throwback vid---Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic try to replicate Steve Nash one-eyed shooting.

*ENTER to win a chance to meet New Orleans Saints Champ Jonathan Vilma! Hurry contest ends TODAY! Click here for more information.

2010-2011 BCS Predictions from NFL players including Brian Dawkins, Vincent Jackson, et al.

San Francisco 49ers RB and Playmaker Mobile correspondent Michael Robinson checked in with a half-dozen or so NFL players while at Fischer Sports training facility in Arizona. Here are half the guys with whom he spoke. The other half can be found by downloading the Playmaker Mobile app. 

My favorite moment was when free-agent and knee-injury-waiting-to-happen Javon Walker failed to know the conference of his alma mater, Florida State, which, um, does not play in the SEC. At least not yet. They're in the ACC, Javon. But you know, once you graduate, you don't have tutors to take tests for you, to handle tough questions like, "Hmmm, what conference is my school in?"

Below you'll see Javon, Brian Dawkins and Vincent Jackson, and of course Michael Robinson, who thinks his alma mater Penn State is going to take the title home. Probably because of that young and dapper head coach of theirs. 

- Dewey Hammond

Playmaker Roundup: An aging Yao Ming says he's not the future of Chinese basketball, Rajon Rondo has OK Team USA debut, Brandon Jennings loves EA Sports Elite 11, and more...

Louis Ceaser, Playmaker Intern

YAO MING: The Houston Rocket's center recently mentioned to the media that he's no longer the future of Chinese basketball. However, Yao, believes he'll play for the Chinese men's basketball team for the 2012 Olympics in London.

RAJON RONDO: Double R made sure to express at a recent Team USA practice the fact that the new Miami Heat are a work in progress, not Championship contenders. 

Meanwhile, Rondo looked pretty decent in his Team USA debut. Rondo dished out 6 assists and booked seven points in a losing effort from the blue squad. Coach K and others will be trimming the roster from 19 to 15 guys. So far, Royce Young of CBS Sports blog, thinks Rondo will not be cut. We'll keep you updated. 

GREG ODEN: Basketball fans at RealGM discuss the topic of, "What is Greg Oden's Value?"

DONOVAN MCNABB: Bruce Ciskie of NFL Fanhouse writes that Kevin Kolb was the more favored QB in the Philly locker room; way before McNabb was officially traded to Washington, DC.

OSI UMENYIORA: Osi talks with SNY.TV about the Giants' acquisition of linebacker Keith Bulluck. 

BRANDON JENNINGS: YB, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, recently played with EA sports new basketball video game titled "NBA Elite 11." Elite, releases in October of this year. 

RAY LEWIS: 49ers coach Mike Singletary talks about having had the chance to coach one of the greatest LB's of all-time, Ray Lewis. 

*ENTER to win a chance to meet New Orleans Saints Champ Jonathan Vilma! Hurry contest ends THIS WEDNESDAY! Click here for more information.

Indianapolis Colts: 2010-2011 Scouting Report

Interview with Dave Razzano by Dewey Hammond.

Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

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Q: It feels like the stable Indianapolis Colts put the same roster on the field every year but obviously that’s not the case. Rosters change. Where has Indy’s roster gotten better and worse?

A: I think they’ve gotten better at wideout, tight end, defensive end, linebacker, and obviously at quarterback they’ve always had Manning but now they don’t have much of a backup. At the running back position they’ve got Donald Brown to backup Addai, and I think eventually Donald Brown will be the guy. They’ve added some players at the offensive skill positions, and they added the kid out of TCU at defensive end to go along with Freeney and Mathis. Jerry Hughes is his name. They get the undersized backers, the quick active guys. They sort of have a type of player they go after. Kind of unheralded guys like Bracket, Clint Session, Ramon Humber. They get guys that are a bit off the radar but they all fit a profile. They’re kind of undersized but they’re all explosive. They put an emphasis on explosion and movement.

Q: When you say Donald Brown will eventually take over, do you mean in a year or two, halfway through the season, week one of the season? Where do you see his progression?

A: I think it should be this season fro the get-go. He’s a lot more talented than Addai. Addai is a nice serviceable player in the NFL but I think Donald Brown has a lot of the same attributes as Ray Rice. He ran the same way in college and was dominant at Connecticut the same way Rice was dominant at Rutgers. He put up huge numbers and has real solid intangibles: work ethic, maturity. The same kind of size, maybe even a little bigger than Rice. I think Donald Brown needs to be the featured guy and it wouldn’t shock me if it was this season.

Q: You said they got better at tight end but they’ve had Dallas Clark there for what seems like forever?

A: Clark continues to get better, plus they’ve got a guy named Tom Santi. Peyton Manning, he makes everybody look good. Austin Collie looked all-world with his numbers last season, and he’s a good player but not a great one. Same with Pierre Garcon. A guy like Tom Santi was a good receiver in college. I think they’ve got a quality backup in Santi. He can catch the ball, and Brody Eldridge, the rookie kid they got from Oklahoma, he’s a really good blocking TE. They’ve got some good young guys behind Dallas Clark all of a sudden.

Q: Where are Indy’s biggest weaknesses. I know you’ve mentioned they don’t have a strong backup QB with Jim Sorgi leaving town, but assuming Peyton stays healthy, where are the Colts weak?

A: You know, they don’t have a real strong offensive line and they don’t have a real strong defensive line interior. Plus the corners are young guys. They played well last year but, again, when you have Peyton Manning, that really changes everything. He covers up a lot of weaknesses when you have them. Plus the offensive line isn’t great but they play smart. They just don’t have any elite players on the offensive line. But the way Peyton Manning gets rid of the ball makes all the difference. He just doesn’t take sacks. I think at corner, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey played pretty well last year, and they’ve got a sixth-year guy Kelvin Hayden who is pretty good. They don’t have a lot of depth, though, and their defensive interior and offensive lines are pretty average.

Q: You used the word “explosive” to describe the mold of Indy’s players. How does this differ from, say, Al Davis and the Raiders and their mold of speed?

A: Well it’s all functional. The Raiders get a lot of tall angular guys who aren’t as quick-twitch moving. Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney are perfect examples. On the height-weight-speed chart they’re undersized, but they can explode because of their size. Like Gary Brackett. Undersized guys who can explode from point A to point B without that standing quickness. That’s pretty much what falls in line with a lot of these players the Colts have. Even a guy like Freddy Kelaho, who went to Jacksonville. They have guys like that, 5’11” linebackers who are quick. That first-step quickness. The Raiders tend to get bigger, taller, lengthier guys. They’re not as quick-twitch. They’re more striding type. They go for speed on paper. The Colts get the functional explosive guys as opposed to the 40-yard dash. But there teams like the Packers and the Raiders that would bump these guys down a notch or two because they don’t have the height, but the Colts put a premium on that, it seems like. 

Houston Texans: 2010-2011 Scouting Report

Interview with Dave Razzano by Dewey Hammond.

Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

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Q: How will the suspension of Brian Cushing impact the start of Houston’s season?

A: It will definitely hurt them. I think he was the best player on their defense. The Houston Texans, to me, get better in some spots but they take small steps. They need to take bigger steps. They’re your typical 9-7 team. I just don’t see them as a playoff team. With all the teams in the AFC getting better (e.g. Bengals, Jets) but when you look at Houston’s depth chart, they’re really lacking in some key areas, especially the defensive line, the linebacker depth, the safeties are OK, offensive guard. They have a good QB, they’re good in some areas, but when I look at the roster I just don’t see a playoff team. I wish I could say something different. People always look at them like a sexy sleeper pick but I see several teams better than them in the AFC.

Q: Depth is even more of an issue with Cushing on the sideline. Who specifically will have to pick up the slack?

A: You’re going to have to have Andre Johnson match up. They’re going to have to score points. They’ve got DeMeco Ryans in the middle. They have a good young corner in Kareem Jackson, a rookie. Also Glover Quin. So I like their corners but their outside backers, they’re very average, and their inside guys, they’re average. Then there is Mario Williams, who is a lot like Julius Peppers. They’re huge men and they flash, but when you study them play in and play out, they’re not as good as they could be. Their motor doesn’t always run. They’re a good middle of the pack team, but taking the next step, I don’t see it.

Q: What are your thoughts on Matt Schaub, who statistically had his best season last year?

A: I like Schaub a lot. He’s pretty much a pocket passer. He’s smart, has a good arm, very functional, knows the system, he’s accurate. He’s been dinged up a little bit. Last season was the first time he played 16 games. He’s very solid but they have to be careful and keep him healthy because they fall way off with Dan Orlovsky. They do not have a real capable backup quarterback there. Matt has to stay healthy. They have their quarterback of the future with Schaub if he stays healthy. He’s a bit like Matt Ryan too. Same size. Same arm. Smart. He’s very solid. They just have to continue putting skill players around him and get the running back situation solidified. They need a receiver too. They need to put a better cast around him. They’ve got Andre Johnson but they need more help at wideout. Tight end Owen Daniels will be really helpful this season, if he’s healthy and to my knowledge he is. They just need to keep Schaub healthy too because they fall way off if they’re injured.

Q: You’re the GM of the Texans for one day this offseason. What do you do differently?

A: You have to look at what’s out there and they need more wideout depth. Maybe grab a veteran receiver.

Q: What about Terrell Owens?

A: I wouldn’t touch T.O. because he brings hoards of media. He’s a distraction. He takes away from the team concept the same way Barry Bonds did in baseball. The media follows him around wherever he goes and that’s where he becomes a distraction, and then he gets mouthy when he doesn’t get the ball. With his age and personality, I wouldn’t touch him. Maybe get a guy like tackle Jammal Brown. I don’t think there was a huge market for him. They maybe should have hit free agency harder than they did. 

Tennessee Titans: 2010-2011 Scouting Report

Interview with Dave Razzano by Dewey Hammond.

Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).

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Q: What do you see with Vince Young and the Titans this season?

A: Vince Young took over at 0-6 and they ended up 8-8 so he was 8-2 as a starter, which is unbelievable. He’s a winner. He doesn’t put up the numbers but a lot of that is the talent around him. They have guys at receiver like Gage, Nate Washington, Kenny Britt is young. They don’t have elite offensive skill. They do have Chris Johnson obviously at running back and they have a nice offensive line, but they haven’t helped him in terms of getting the outside guys. I like Vince Young a lot and I think he’s working hard this offseason. He’s a playmaker and I think they can win with him. But they’ve also fallen off defensively and that hurts Vince Young. If they had the elite defense they had three or four years ago, boy, it’d be a whole different story.

Q: One guy you mentioned, Kenny Britt, immortalized for at least one season in that NFL ad where Troy Polamalu goes head and shoulders above him to grab that one-handed interception. A bit embarrassing for Britt, but he put up pretty good numbers last year, or at least had a few pretty good games when it came to the numbers. What do you see with Britt, and also wideout Lavelle Hawkins, who has been a disappointment since coming out of Cal.

A: Lavelle Hawkins, immature coming out of college. Kenny Britt, a bit immature coming out of Rutgers. A big-play guy who can go get the football but what they need to pick up is the maturity and work ethic. Damian Williams, the rookie out of USC, another guy I don’t like. They have some guys with questionable maturity and work ethic in that group. Justin Gage is a solid guy. Nate Washington should be. A guy I really love is Mark Mariani coming out of Montana. I think they took him in the sixth round. He had like 29 touchdowns, great punt return guy and a solid underneath slot receiver. He was a big-play guy up there for three years. These other young guys need to pick it up, but the problem is they often don’t change. That’s the problem with Lavelle Hawkins. I wasn’t crazy about him coming out of Cal. The maturity issues, always complaining. So Kenny Britt has the talent but he needs to harness that talent. I think he can do it. Supposedly he’s had a good offseason and it all comes down to your offseason work ethic. The starters, Gage and Washington, they can be solid, but many of the rest have suspect maturity levels.

Q: You mentioned Mariani out of Montana, they got another tight end out of Montana, they got a couple guys from Brown. What do you say to Titans fans who wonder why they’re team is drafting multiple guys from Brown and Montana?

A: Mariani was one of my favorite players. I don’t know that other kid from Brown but they had some great picks. Derrick Morgan, rookie out of Georgia Tech, was an outstanding pick. Rennie Curran is undersized but he fits the mold of the Colts. He’s explosive and active as can be. Alterraun Verner, he had like 56 pass breakups in college, four returned for TDs. He’s another guy who I think can help them this season. They did get some guys from smaller schools but they must have been highest on the board at the time. Some are better than others but you can find players anywhere. 

Future NFL GMs: Today's best front-office guys

Winning championships in the NFL is difficult, and having an excellent front office and GM is every bit as important as having a franchise QB, because let's face it: Without that GM you might not have your franchise QB. 

There are several promising future GM-types in NFL front offices today. They come from different backgrounds: some are former scouting gurus (see Bobby Beathard/Bill Polian). Others are PR types like former New York Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, and of course there are the lawyer/moneyball types like former Atlanta Falcolns GM Rich McKay and New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. These men can navigate the salary cap with ease but they must have an eye for hiring the right support staff in order to win. 

With the exception of a few, most men listed below have scouting backgrounds, and according to veteran NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent, Dave Razzano, who put together this list, that's the way to go if you want to win multiple championships. 

They all have a scouting background unless otherwise noted. 

- Dewey Hammond 
 

The A List (Top 5)

Ryan Grigson – Director of Player Personnel, Philadelphia Eagles: The former Purdue tackle and 6th round pick of the Bengals in 1995, Grigson is an astute evaluator who gets as much satisfaction scouting the Yankee conference as he does the rugged SEC. He is a firm believer in “eye” confidence and is not swayed by other opinions. His NFL, CFL and Arena league background give him a more varied resume than most. A tireless worker, Grigson has been very instrumental in the Eagle’s consistent Draft efforts and should be on every team’s short list of GM candidates. His rare passion will be key to his success.

Steve Keim: Director of Player Personnel, Arizona Cardinals: Boasting a similar resume of the Eagles Grigson, Keim was a 4 year starter and captain during his playing career at NC State. Keim’s draft room influence has played a key role in the Cardinals rise to the upper echelon of the NFL. His commanding presence and draft room acumen have resulted in 2nd round steals like Anquan Boldin and Karlos Dansby as well as 3rd round gems like Adrian Wilson and Darnell Dockett. With people skills to match, Keim’s eye for talent is outstanding and the single biggest reason for the Cardinals recent success.

Terry McDonough: Director of Player Personnel, Jacksonville Jaguars: Son of the late Boston Globe icon Will McDonough, Terry is fast becoming one of the most talked about personnel evaluators in the league. Never one to waver, McDonough has that rare confidence in his opinions and is usually right on. A legendary tape grinder, it is not unusual to find Terry watching tape at 1:30 am trying to find the next draft gem. With Terry’s influence, expect the Jaguars continued improvement in the future. When he gets his opportunity, expect his team to rise fast in the rankings.

Scott Studwell: Director of College Scouting, Minnesota Vikings: Not one to seek the limelight, I have long considered Studwell to be one of the league’s premier personnel guys.  The former Viking linebacker amassed 1,981 tackles in his career to set a team record in the process, including 230 in the 1981 season.  He scouts with the same determination as when he played, which you would never know based on his low key demeanor off the field.  Studwell has played a prominent role in the Vikings success and would no doubt succeed if handed the keys to a team.

Kirk Reynolds (PR Background): VP of Public Affairs, Pac-10 Conference: As consultant to Hall Of Famers Ronnie Lott and Steve Young, the former 49ers public relations honcho carries the same pedigree as former GM Ernie Accorsi and judges people as well as anyone I have ever met. There have been more than a few PR guys rise to the top, like the late commissioner Pete Rozelle, and they likely have one thing in common: unmatched passion for the game and a desire to do things the right way. Reynolds has a vast knowledge of sports in general and a keen ability to solve any problem that comes his way. Though a long shot, the media savvy Reynolds would no doubt assemble an all star cast with winning his only goal. An owner would be wise to take a flier on this guy.

The B List (aka The Rest)

John Dorsey: Director of College Scouting, Green Bay Packers: As GM Ted Thompson’s right hand man, the former Connecticut linebacker has played a significant role in the packer’s success over the past decade.  

Keith Kidd: Director of Pro Scouting, Denver Broncos: The son of Eastern Kentucky coaching legend Roy Kidd, Keith will play a vital role in Denver’s resurgence while becoming a viable candidate for any future GM opening.

Jason Licht: Director of Pro Personnel, New England Patriots: Both organized and thorough in his approach, the personable Licht has worked under some of the league’s prominent names like Jimmy Johnson, Andy Reid and Bill Belichick.    

Matt Russell: Director of College Scouting, Denver Broncos: Along with pro director Keith Kidd, the former Butkus award winner is the second Bronco on the list, which bodes well for Denver’s future success."

Tom Telesco: Director of Player Personnel, Indianapolis Colts: An unheralded name on the list, Telesco has earned his spurs under the legendary Bill Polian for the past decade, which is not a bad start for anyone’s football career.  

Duke Tobin: Director of Player Personnel, Cincinnati Bengals: Son of respected personnel chief Bill Tobin, Duke has quietly done an outstanding job bringing talent to the Bengals, who have few holes on their roster.  

Lionel Vital: Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Atlanta Falcons: Having worked under Bill Belichick in the past, the former 7th round draft choice out of Nicholls state is now a key front office figure for the Falcons  

John Idzik (Lawyer/Moneyball Background): Vice President of Football Administration, Seattle Seahawks: A great guy who I worked with in Arizona, John boasts a resume as impressive as anyone. Smart as a whip, Idzik graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth while playing WO on the football team  Then it was on to Tampa Bay, where he worked eleven seasons with the likes of future GM’s Rich McKay, Jerry Angelo and Tim Ruskell.  

Pat Moriarty (Lawyer/Moneyball Background): Vice President of Football Administration, Baltimore Ravens: One of the NFL’s original cap experts, Moriarty has been heavily involved with the Ravens front office for sixteen years now.  A former free agent running back for the Cleveland Browns after a playing career at Georgia Tech, Pat knows how the league works inside and out.