Titans tackle Michael Roos retires

Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Michael Roos has retired after playing a decade in the NFL.
Roos announced his retirement today.
Roos played 148 career games for the Titans.
Roos blocked for nine 1,000-yard rushers.
Titans owner Tommie Smith: On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Michael for his 10 years of outstanding play for our franchise. On a weekly basis, he was a player that you could count on to play his best, year after year. He was a true pro and I am thrilled that he was able to play his entire career as a Titan. I wish Michael and Katherine the very best in the next chapter of their lives.”
Ruston Webster – Titans general manager:
“I want to thank Michael Roos for his contribution to the Titans organization.  Michael has been a true ‘pro,’ and a model of consistency throughout his tenure here.  He had the unique ability to make playing a very difficult position look effortless.  Playing one of the toughest positions on the field, he was a player that Titans fans could count on week in and week out, and one of the most durable players in the history of the franchise.  I would like to congratulate him on an outstanding 10-year career, and I wish Michael and his wife, Katherine, the best in the future.”
Ken Whisenhunt – Titans head coach:
“I was only with Michael for one season, but I admired him as an opponent for many years. Working with him last year, I was impressed by his physical talent but also what he brought to the table as a ‘pro’. He showed up every day and helped others get better. He was a tremendous resource for our younger players. It was very evident why he had been a Pro Bowl player.  I appreciate how he handled a very difficult season. I want to thank him for his professionalism and wish him the best in retirement.”
Mike Munchak – Steelers offensive line coach
“Michael was such an intelligent football player. He always understood his opponent, our offensive scheme, their defensive scheme and all the angles involved. That knowledge and film work let him play with a great deal of confidence.  We knew after watching him for one day of practice that he was going to be a starter, he just had so much natural ability. To start at left tackle on the road at Pittsburgh as a rookie and then play the next week at right tackle showed how special he was at an early stage of his development. He built upon that season, getting better and better each season with the reps and at times made it look effortless. As coaches, we were never concerned about his matchup, because he could handle any opponent, whether it was a big guy or an athletic guy. I know success will be a part of whatever is next for Michael and I wish him the best.”
Kevin Mawae – Former Titans center:
“Congrats to Michael Roos on his retirement from the NFL. He was a great teammate and a friend in and out of the locker room. Michael was professional in every aspect, and served as an example of what a professional football player should be. I am proud to say that we played together. I wish the best of luck to him and Kat in the next season of their lives.”
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

NFL Draft Preview 2015: CB P.J. Williams

This is today’s edition of our new daily feature: a look at NFL prospects ahead of the 2015 Draft. Each week, we will analyze our top five prospects at each position, one per day. This second week, we will be looking at incoming cornerbacks. Today’s corner is P.J. Williams out of Florida State University.

College Career

P.J. Williams ventured to Tallahassee from Vanguard High School, as the ex-Seminole certainly made an impact in his three years in the ACC. After limited playing time his freshman season, Williams emerged as one of the more well-known defensive backs in the country as a sophomore. In 2013, Williams was named All-ACC Honorable Mention, as well as being awarded the BCS National Championship Defensive MVP in the Seminoles’ 34-31 win over Auburn. 

Williams continued to excel as a junior, as the 6’0, 200 lbs. cornerback was an All-ACC First Team selection and also received a spot in USA Today’s Second Team All-American list. The Ocala native finished his collegiate career with 123 total tackles, 18 PBU’s and four INT’s, including one career interception return for a touchdown. 

Pros

For starters, Williams has good size at 6’0 and is as experienced a corner as any in the draft (he played in 40 games over three years). In the tape that was studied, Williams was avoided by opposing quarterbacks at all costs, as his side of the field was rarely targeted. His lack of opportunity was probably due to his ability to be in the back pocket of his opposing receivers at nearly every turn. He does a nice job of boxing out receivers and squaring up towards the passer.

He always has an eye in the backfield, which allows him to make plays off of his receiver, and in space, he’s a solid tackler that closes with downhill pursuit. At the line of scrimmage, Williams is very versatile and isn’t afraid to get into the mix with the big boys. He’s also a slippery guy to block.

Against Louisville earlier this year, Williams really battled with soon-to-be first round pick WR DeVante Parker, which was nice to see. 

Cons

Williams isn’t the fastest corner there is, as his 4.57 40-time was a disappointment, and he wasn’t as fluid in the Combine drills as many had expected. On tape, Williams isn’t as physical at the line of scrimmage as necessary, sometimes whiffing on his jams or not clearly affecting opposing receivers. He is a good tackler, but he abandons his fundamentals at times. Williams occasionally goes high on ball carriers and needs to consistently use leverage.

Grade

Williams’ experience is a big plus because he really understands the position, but a lack of overwhelming explosion will probably put him somewhere in the second round, with the latter end of the first round still a possibility. 

Best Fit

Florida State thrust Williams into the spotlight early, and he handled it very well. His growth as a cornerback and as a leader were certainly demonstrated from year to year, which is why he’ll be a contributor to any team the moment he steps onto the practice field. If the Steelers like him enough to take him 22nd overall, that definitely fits a need, but it’s unclear how realistic that is at the moment. 

Williams would be perfect to the Jets at 38th overall, given the franchise’s need for a plug-in rookie corner, and even more so with new head coach Todd Bowles’ savvy in the secondary. After taking Calvin Pryor in the first round a year ago, Williams would be another nice piece to add to what is a ferocious young defense. Williams also serves as more depth at the position in case Dee Milliner’s quandary continues to be a problem. 

Eagles cutting guard Todd Herremans

The Philadelphia Eagles have cut offensive guard Todd Herremans, according to ESPN.
Herremans, 32, has played a decade for the Eagles as a starter.
Herremans was a fourth-round draft pick in 2005 from Saginaw Valley.
Herremans was due $4 million in 2015.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Bills in contract talks with Josh McCown

The Buffalo Bills are in negotiations with veteran quarterback Josh McCown, according to the Associated Press.
McCown, 35, has visited the Cleveland Browns and Bills and met with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets at the scouting combine.
McCown went 1-10 last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
McCown was cut by Tampa Bay earleir this month.
The Bills need quarterback help with EJ Manuel having been benched last year.
Then, Kyle Orton announced he’s retiring.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Jaguars to hire John Idzik as a consultant

 Former New York Jets general manager John Idzik will be hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a consultant.
Idzik failed with the Jets, but he does have salary-cap skills.
Idzik was previously with the Seattle Seahawks.
Idzik is known for his intellectual nature, but his football evaluation skills are questionable.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun
 
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Witness saw Aaron Hernandez smoking marijuana outside a bar

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was seen smoking marijuana outside a bar hours before the murder of Odin Lloyd, a witness testified in the Hernandez murder trial.
Hernandez is accused of killing Lloyd early on June 17, 2013.
Kelly Rose Belanger testified Thursday that Hernandez was with a group of people at the bar she managed on the night of June 16.
Belanger said she asked Hernandez to stop smoking and he complied.
Hernandez gave a $30 tip on a $243 bill.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Jaguars cut Will Blackmon

The Jacksonville Jaguars are cutting cornerback Will Blackmon, a source confirmed.
Blackmon was due a $920,000 base salary.
Blackmon, 30, started four of eight games played before he broke his finger and was placed on injured reserve.
Blackmon played in 15 games in 2013.
Blackmon has previous anterior cruciate ligament tears.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Source: Michael Oher visited Panthers

Former Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Michael Oher visited the Carolina Panthers before the NFL scouting combine, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.
A former first-round draft pick from Mississippi, Oher started every game over five seasons with the Ravens.
Oher, 28, signed a five-year, $20 million contract as a free agent last year with the Titans.
A native of Memphis, Tenn., Oher was released after the season with a waived-injured designation. According to a source, Oher is nearly completely healthy now.
Oher was paid $6 million by the Titans this past season. If he had remained on their roster, $3.35 million of Oher’s scheduled $4 million base salary for 2015 would have been guaranteed.
Oher started the first 11 games at right tackle for the Titans before being placed on injured reserve with a toe injury. Oher didn’t draw high grades with the Titans, but started all 80 games in five seasons with the Ravens.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

2015 Mock Draft 1.0

As many of you know, I’m not a big fan of mock drafts, especially this early in draft season. Why? It’s essentially fantasy football, and when you try and do a mock eight weeks before the draft you don’t come close to being right.
Accuracy with mock drafts will be much better after we get through the first wave of free agency. Clubs will sign players in need positions and also lose some key players. In other words, what a club needs today might not be the same as their needs come draft day. That said, here is my best guess at what the first round may look like.
1) Tampa BayJameis WinstonQBFlorida State – This will be interesting. Winston is clearly the best QB in this draft but he has his issues. Having worked with Lovie Smith for a number of years, I know how he feels about some of those issues. Still, the Bucs need a QB badly and Winston is the best one.
2) TennesseeLeonard Williams – DT – USC – The Titans could go in a number of different directions but if they simply go for the best player, it will be Williams.
3) Jacksonville – Dante Fowler – DE -Florida – The Jags need a pass rusher. Fowler being a UF player is the perfect choice.
4) Oakland – Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama – The Raiders need to give Derek Carr some weapons. Cooper is the best receiver in the draft and will be a perfect fit for Oakland.
5) Washington – Trae Waynes – DC – Michigan State – This could be a trade down spot, but if the Redskins stay why not the best corner in the draft? In today’s game you can’t have enough corners.
6) New York Jets – Marcus Mariota – Oregon – Things haven’t worked out so well with Geno. Knowing that the Jets have to get a QB. Coming from the Oregon offense, Marcus isn’t quite ready for prime time but he has a chance to be really good.
7) Chicago – Vic Beasley – OLB – Clemson – The Bears are going to a 3-4 and have a huge need for an athletic edge rusher. I like Beasley better than Ray…very explosive!
8) Atlanta – Shane Ray – OLB – Missouri – I debated between Ray and Gregory here. I chose Ray because I feel he is a better all-around player.
9) New York Giants – Andrus Peat – OT – Stanford The Giants need to get some good young players on the O-Line, I have Peat as the best tackle in the draft. He upgrades the line right away.
10) St. Louis – Kevin White – WR – West Virginia – after his performance at the Combine, some have White ahead of Cooper. Not me.
11) Minnesota – Brandon Scherff – OT – Iowa – Scherff’s ability to play guard or tackle gives the Vikings flexibility. It also takes care of an area of need.
12) Cleveland – Devante Parker – WR – Louisville The Browns ignored this glaring need a year ago. They won’t make that mistake again. Perfect fit for both team and player.
13) New Orleans – Randy Gregory – OLB – Nebraska – You can never have too many pass rushers and Gregory gives the Saints a very good one.
14) Miami – Jalen Collins – DC – LSU – The Dolphins have a need at the position and Collins is my number 2 corner. He is tall, long and fast with upside.
15) San Francisco – Breshad Perriman – WR – Central FloridaOn tape, Perriman looks like a younger version of Dez Bryant. He will step in and play right away and be a difference maker.
16) Houston – La’el Collins – OT – LSU Collins offers versatility. He can play either tackle or guard position. The Texans will use him in the spot where they need him the most. He’s a very strong run blocker and showed at the Senior Bowl he can block wide speed.
17) San Diego – Tevin Coleman – RB – Indiana – The Chargers spent most of last year with an UDFA as their RB. I like Coleman better than Gordon because he has a stronger all –
18) Kansas City – Devin Smith – WR – Ohio State – the Chiefs need a downfield weapon and Smith is that type of player.
19) Cleveland – Danny Shelton – DT – Washington – Shelton is a big wide body who can stuff the run and gives a surprising inside pass rush
20) Philadelphia – Arik Armstead – DE -Oregon – The Eagles could go in many different directions with this pick but either way it will be on defense. Kelly stays close to home with the pick of Armstead.
21) Cincinnati – Jordan Phillips – DL – Oklahoma – At this point of the round, Phillips is just too go to pass up. Can play any position on the defensive front.
22) Pittsburgh – Landon Collins – DS – Alabama – The Steelers need to get younger and more athletic at the safety position. Collins can come n and play right away. He is far and away the best safety in this draft.
23) Detroit – Eddie Goldman – DT – Florida State – I’m assuming that the Lions will lose some people in free agency. Goldman is an explosive inside player.
24) Arizona – Benardrick McKinney – LB – Mississippi State – ILB was an area of weakness for the Cardinals last year. McKinney is the best ILB in the draft. He is also very versatile
25) Carolina – TJ Clemmings – OT – Pittsburgh – This fills the biggest need the Panthers have going into the draft.
26) Baltimore – Kevin Johnson – DC – Wake Forest – Johnson fits the mold of the type of corners the Ravens like to use. He needs to improve on his 40 time form Indy to lock this spot up.
27) Dallas – Carl Davis – DT – Iowa – The Cowboys aren’t bringing back Henry Melton, Davis gives them a big and quick inside guy to replace him.
28) Denver – Ereck Flowers- OT – Miami – I’m looking at value here. Flowers is just too good to pass up.
29) Indianapolis – Cam Irving – OC/OT – Florida State – The Colts need to improve the offensive line. Irving has the ability to play any line position. He can be an instant starter at center, guard or tackle.
30) Green Bay – Maxx Williams – TE – Minnesota – With Aaron Rodgers throwing to him, Williams can become a star in Green Bay. Coming from Minnesota, he is used to playing in the cold.
31) Seattle – Phillip Dorsett – WR – Miami – The Seahawks don’t have a legitimate deep threat on their roster. That’s just what Dorsett is.
32) New England – Marcus Peters – DC – Washington – Belichick has had success dealing with players with issues. If anyone can get the most out of Peters, it’s Belichick.
Follow Greg on Twitter @greggabe

Reggie Bush cut by Lions

The Detroit Lions have cut Reggie Bush, who was hampered by an ankle injury in his final season with the NFC North franchise.
The Lions cut Bush today. He played in 11 games and rushed for 297 yards.
The Lions were 28th in rushing last season.
Bush was due $3.25 million.
Cutting him creates $1.7 million in salary-cap space.
Joique Bell rushed for a career-high 860 yards last season as Theo Riddick caught 34 passes.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun