SPORTSDAY

09/11/2008

Little big man: Eagles' Westbrook is slightly imposing

TOM FOX / DMN

Brian Westbrook rushed 18 times for 81 yards and caught nine passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia's 10-6 over Dallas last December.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid has broken from the pack that believed the West Coast offense should feature a big back, writes Rick Gosselin. Reid's West Coast attack features the smallest back in the offense's era. Brian Westbrook is 5-8, 203 pounds - and in Reid's opinion - the best West Coast offense back ever.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

09/09/2008

Dallas Cowboys' special teams will get stiffer test
The Cowboys didn't really need special teams ace Keith Davis against the Cleveland Browns, who were missing Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs. But they will need Davis when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Texas Stadium on Monday night.

09/08/2008

Injury to Brady puts spotlight on Patriots' Cassel

AP

Matt Cassel threw for 152 yards and a touchdown in New England's 17-10 win Sunday.

With NFL MVP Tom Brady suffering a torn ligament in his left knee in the first quarter of the opening game of the season, the Patriots are going to have to play at least 18 more games to prove they are the NFL's best team. That's a long way to go with young, inexperienced Matt Cassel at quarterback, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.

Healthy McNabb lifts Philadelphia past St. Louis

Getty Images

Donovan McNabb (left) threw scoring passes to Brian Westbrook, L.J. Smith and Hank Baskett.

Despite the absence of his two starting wideouts because of injuries, Donovan McNabb displayed Pro Bowl form Sunday in Philadelphia's season opener against St. Louis – a form he hasn't flashed since 2005, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. McNabb torched the Rams for 361 yards and three touchdowns passing in a 38-3 romp by the Eagles.

Brady's injury tips balance
The face of the NFL could change today when league MVP Tom Brady undergoes an MRI to determine the damage to his left knee.

Rookies' impressive debuts: Inexperienced able to flourish
Rookie head coaches are cause for warning flags. So are rookie quarterbacks.

Rick Gosselin's NFL rankings
Rick Gosselin's NFL rankings

09/06/2008

Dungy: Colts better than ever

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Tony Dungy's Colts have gone 73-23 in his six seasons as head coach.

The Colts were the best team in the NFL in 2006, winning their first Super Bowl since moving to Indianapolis in 1984, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. The Colts have won at least 12 games in an NFL-record five consecutive seasons. They've been to the playoffs an NFL-best six consecutive seasons. But according to head coach Tony Dungy, the 2008 squad "should be our most talented team we've had here."

Backup plan
When the Cincinnati Bengals roll into town, your pass defense had better bring its A game.

Around the NFL
Center Jeff Faine returns to New Orleans Sunday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NFL rankings

09/02/2008

With Brady at controls, Patriots remain the team to beat
The New England Patriots failed in their quest to become the greatest team in NFL history in 2007. But coronation as the greatest dynasty in league history is still within their grasp.

09/03/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFC East preview

Rick Gosselin ranks the cornerbacks
Michael Irvin caught 73 more passes than the other starting receiver on the Super Bowl champion Cowboys in 1995. Irvin was the go-to guy – and Troy Aikman went to him 111 times that season.

Rick Gosselin ranks the tight ends

Rick Gosselin looks at the story lines heading into the 2008 season
When NFL teams aren't good enough, they make changes. The bolder the move, the bigger the risk – and often, the greater the reward.

09/02/2008

Scouting the Dallas Cowboys' opponent: Cleveland
If Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams is allowed to hover near the line and tackle Jamal Lewis all day Sunday in the season opener, the Cleveland Browns are in trouble. If Williams is forced to shadow tight end Kellen Winslow most of the day, the Cowboys are in trouble, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.

09/01/2008

NFC East hones focus on special teams

JOHN F. RHODES / DMN

Felix Jones gives the Dallas Cowboys a young running threat and the NFC East another special teams star.

Three teams in the East selected elite college return specialists in the first two rounds of the NFL draft that day, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin. "Look at the returners in our division now," Redskins special teams coach Danny Smith said. "It's a whole new game in this division now on the kicks."

08/31/2008

Thomas has been key to Browns' offensive resurgence

AP

The Cleveland Browns' Joe Thomas (left) is a key reason the Browns have a chance against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Credit one and all for the turnaround by the Browns last season. They won 10 games and finished eighth in the NFL in offense. Just make sure you put the name of Joe Thomas at the very top of that list of credits, writes columnist Rick Gosselin.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/30/2008

Super Bowl title puts Giants QB Eli Manning in new light

AP

Eli Manning is entering his fifth year with the Giants.

The same qualities that allowed Eli Manning to survive the hard times in New York will allow him to thrive in the good times, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. In his first three full seasons as a starter, Manning was perceived as a disappointment. The success of winning the Super Bowl may have changed the public perception of Manning. But it hasn't changed Manning.

Doctor of D
Derrick Brooks knows defensive football. He has played 13 NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and 10 of them have been at a Pro Bowl level.

Around the NFL
The New York Giants moved Mathias Kiwanuka from end to outside linebacker in 2007 because they wanted to get their best 11 players on the field.

NFL rankings – Safeties

08/28/2008

Coordinator has given Jaguars' offense some teeth

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Quarterback David Garrard led an offense that scored 256 points in the final eight games of the season, a total bettered by only New England.

Dirk Koetter spent 22 years devising some of the NCAA's most prolific offenses. But moving your game from college to the NFL is a big step, and Koetter attempted it with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007. Fortunately for the Jaguars, Rick Gosselin writes, Koetter is a quick learner.

08/23/2008

Eagles feeling special again

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The Eagles signed away special-teams ace Rocky Boiman from Indianapolis during the off-season.

The Philadelphia Eagles were a disaster on fourth down in 2007, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. That's the kicking down – and Philadelphia fell apart on special teams. Eagles coach Andy Reid made sure of that this off-season, re-committing to the type of personnel that can upgrade the team's performance on the kicking downs.

Claiming rights
There are 1,696 players who open each season on NFL rosters. But that doesn't mean those who get cut each summer aren't good enough to play in the league.

Around the NFL
The happiest guy in the Philadelphia camp to see guard Shawn Andrews return from a summer bout with depression was running back Brian Westbrook.

NFL rankings – active second-round picks
The NFL's best second-round draft picks (active players only).

08/21/2008

Upshaw leaves dual legacy in NFL

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Gene Upshaw was criticized for negotiating owner-friendly collective bargaining agreements, Rick Gosselin writes.

Gene Upshaw, who died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 63, couldn't seem to lose as a football player with the Oakland Raiders. Later in life, as the highest ranking member of the NFL Players Association, he couldn't seem to win, Rick Gosselin writes.
Hall of Famer, NFLPA leader Upshaw dies
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/19/2008

'Buc Ball' philosophy: Don't buck the system

AP

Cornerback Ronde Barber and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin have been constants in Tampa Bay's success.

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their only Super Bowl in the 2002 season, they fielded the NFL's best defense, allowing the fewest points and yards. Nine starters and two position coaches have left that defense. But Tampa Bay, Rick Gosselin writes, continues to field the best defense in the NFC.
Inside the NFL

08/16/2008

Catch of the day: Redskins hauled in WRs in one round of draft

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Washington traded out of the first round and still got Michigan State receiver Devin Thomas (above) with the 34th overall pick.

Wide receivers Devin Thomas (Michigan State) and Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma) and Southern Cal tight end Fred Davis were stunned to slide into the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. And all were surprised, Rick Gosselin writes, to wind up on the same team - the Washington Redskins, who built their receiving corps of the future in one round of one draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Doughnut D
Think of the great defenses in NFL history and you immediately think of the great middle linebackers: Joe Schmidt of the 1950s Lions, Ray Nitschke of the 1960s Packers, Jack Lambert of the 1970s Steelers and Mike Singletary of the 1980s Bears. Hall of Famers, one and all, off championship teams.

Observation deck
Observation deck

Around the NFL
Around the NFL

NFL rankings: The all-time Miami Dolphins
NFL rankings: The all-time Miami Dolphins

08/12/2008

Ex-Cowboys coach Zimmer hopes to give Bengals a competitive defense

AP

Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer (right), now in the same job in Cincinnati, brings the Bengals to Texas Stadium on Oct. 5.

In 2001, Marvin Lewis spent a weekend in Baltimore watching game tapes and talking defense with Mike Zimmer, then defensive coordinator for a Dallas Cowboys team that, in 2000, couldn't stop the run. Now Zimmer is Cincinnati's defensive coordinator. Rick Gosselin writes that Zimmer hopes to repay Lewis by giving the Bengals' head coach a competitive defense.
Inside the NFL
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/09/2008

Former college star's chances with Colts rest on special teams

AP

Mike Hart finished his Michigan career as the school's all-time leading rusher.

Mike Hart was one of the most prolific running backs ever to play high school or college football. But his immediate future in the NFL rests with his ability to play the game without the ball in his hands, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Hart was a four-year starter in high school and college, but he will not be a walk-in starter with the defending AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts.

Legends of the fall
Legendary NFC quarterback Joe Montana finished his career in the AFC. Now it's Brett Favre's turn.

Around the NFL
Tampa Bay defensive end Gaines Adams had speed to burn as a rookie.

NFL rankings: Defensive tackles

08/07/2008

Favre could be in for bumpy ride behind Jets' line

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Brett Favre's protection in Green Bay usually provided him with time to make plays.

Brett Favre is now a New York Jet. And it might not be such a smooth flight, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin. That's because the offensive line stability Favre enjoyed in Green Bay will not be available in New York, which is not a good sign for a soon-to-be 39-year-old quarterback.
• Packers trade Favre
• Tim Cowlishaw's reaction
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/03/2008

Campbell will be main focus of new Redskins coach Zorn

AP

Jason Campbell (17) had 12 touchdown passes in 13 games last season.

The quicker Jason Campbell develops into a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Washington Redskins, the more the team will win and the greater job security new head coach Jim Zorn will have in an organization that historically has not shown much patience with head coaches, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.

Cardinals have gone through long dry stretch
Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt is the early front-runner for NFL coach of the year honors. Win an NFC West title – as his Cardinals hope to this season – and he'll be the runaway winner in the voting.

Around the NFL
Michael Clayton came out of LSU as a first-round draft pick in 2004 and gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a spectacular rookie season, catching 80 passes for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns.

NFL rankings

08/02/2008

Giants lay a lot on the line

Getty Images

The Giants gave guard Chris Snee (76) a six-year extension worth $43.5 million.

The New York Giants have the only offensive line in the NFC East without a Pro Bowler. They also have the only offensive line in the division wearing Super Bowl rings, writes Rick Gosselin. The Giants showed their appreciation by spending almost $80 million this off-season extending the contracts of three starters on the OL.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/26/2008

Redskins hail another aging pass rusher

AP

Jason Taylor joined the Redskins after 11 seasons with the Dolphins.

When it comes to great pass rushers, the 49ers taught Vinny Cerrato during his tenure as director of player personnel in the 1990s, don't look at the birth certificate, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Look at the tape. That's why Cerrato, now executive vice president of football operations for the Washington Redskins, had no reservations sending two draft picks, a second and a fifth, to Miami for Jason Taylor, who turns 34 in September.

07/30/2008

Eagles look to regain ball-hawking defense

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Philadelphia signed Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel to help a defense that forced an NFL-low 19 turnovers in 2007.

Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is trying to restore a mind-set the Eagles lost in 2007, writes Rick Gosselin. Get the football and score with it. The Eagles were the only NFL team that failed to score a defensive touchdown. That helps explain why Philadelphia missed the playoffs despite allowing an NFC-low 16 offensive touchdowns.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/23/2008

Lions' pick must earn stripes in military before wearing them in NFL

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Caleb Campbell (47), shown here in Lions rookie camp, must serve two years of his military commitment before he can play in the NFL.

Safety Caleb Campbell became the first Army player to be drafted by the NFL in 11 years when Detroit selected him in the seventh round last April. He may be the last for a long time, Rick Gosselin writes. The Army has ruled Campbell cannot play in 2008 after spending all spring telling the NFL he could.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/11/2008

Coming back? Favre should think again

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Brett Favre playing with any team other than the Green Bay Packers would be a mistake, writes Rick Gosselin.

Four months after his tearful goodbye to the Green Bay Packers and the NFL, quarterback Brett Favre has decided he wants to play in 2008. Sounds like a good idea. But signing with the Arizona Cardinals sounded like a good idea to Emmitt Smith at the time, too, writes Rick Gosselin.
Favre asks Packers to release him

07/01/2008

In Hall of Fame terms, latest aren't always greatest

AP

Packers quarterback Brett Favre and Giants defensive lineman Michael Strahan had strong final seasons in 2007.

With the retirement of several NFL greats this year, many people are talking about "first-ballot Hall of Famers" and "future Hall of Famers." But before we rush these new retirees to Canton, let's consider those who came before them, writes pro football columnist Rick Gosselin in this month's Inside the NFL.
Subscribe: Inside the NFL

05/31/2008

Super heroes? Teams with top QBs have best shot at title

Getty Images

Quarterback Tony Romo's productivity makes the Dallas Cowboys a Super Bowl contender in 2008.

The NFL always has been and always will be a game of quarterbacks, writes Rick Gosselin. With that in mind, Gosselin's off-season rankings give Tom Brady and the New England Patriots the nod as the league's best team, followed closely by the Indianapolis Colts and Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys.
Gosselin's off-season rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Rick Gosselin's NFL off-season rankings

Getty Images

Quarterback Tony Romo's productivity makes the Dallas Cowboys a Super Bowl contender in 2008.

Thanks to Tom Brady, the New England Patriots are the No. 1 team in Rick Gosselin's NFL off-season rankings. Speaking of prodcutive QBs, Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts are second, followed by the Tony Romo-led Dallas Cowboys.
QBs make the difference
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

05/03/2008

Patriots, Colts differ from rest at draft time

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UCLA's Matt Slater was taken in the fifth round by the Patriots, who were attracted by his special teams play.

Two teams befuddle me each year in the NFL draft – Indianapolis and New England, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Most teams identify ability on the draft board and select it when they go on the clock. But not the Colts and Patriots. They don't covet the best available player with their picks. They covet the best available fit.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/28/2008

NFL teams will be held accountable for draft-day gambles

AP

Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham dropped to the third round of the NFL draft after he admitted failing drug tests in college.

In the past, there has been little risk for NFL teams drafting players with character concerns. That's about to change, writes Rick Gosselin. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that violations of the personal conduct policy would not only cost the player but the team as well.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/27/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft analysis

Chiefs let talent fall to them in NFL draft

AP

New Kansas City defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey was the consensus All-American and Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year for LSU.

With 12 picks, the Kansas City Chiefs saturated their roster with youth and talent, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin. In a draft where reaching for need prevailed, patience rewarded a team that allowed good players slide to them.
• Draft grades
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

NFL teams hold the line in draft

Getty Images

Michigan's Jake Long became the first offensive tackle selected No. 1 overall in a draft since 1997.

Eight offensive tackles were selected in the first round of the NFL draft, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. There were five running backs, two quarterbacks, one tight end and no wide receivers in the round. So guess what the new money position is on offense?
• How Gosselin fared
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

How Rick Gosselin fared
In his mock draft, SportsDay's Rick Gosselin correctly predicted seven of 31 picks by team and nine by draft position.

04/25/2008

Off-season moves revealed weaknesses of draft
The off-season movements of teams reflected the weaknesses of this year's NFL draft.

04/24/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft Top 100

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LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey won't be the first pick in the NFL draft, but he is No. 1 in Rick Gosselin's Top 100.

Who are the best players on the 2008 NFL draft board? Pro football columnist Rick Gosselin breaks it down in his annual Top 100.
• Mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
• Rankings by position
• Position series
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More NFL draft

04/23/2008

Son of former major league star hopes to be hit in NFL draft
Dale Murphy made a baseball fan out of his son. Now Shawn Murphy is making a football fan out of his father.

04/22/2008

NFL draft preview: safeties

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Kenny Phillips started three seasons at Miami and earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference acclaim in 2007 as a junior.

In the final installment of his position-by-position NFL draft series, Rick Gosselin takes a look at the safeties. Three safeties project as first-round picks. The fourth probably won't go until the third round in 2008.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/21/2008

NFL draft preview: tight ends

ERICH SCHLEGEL / DMN

Texas A&M;'s Martellus Bennett is expected to go first among tight ends from the state.

There may not be a first-round tight end but there is solid depth at the position, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his position-by-position NFL draft series. Pass catchers abound, but there is only a small handful of blockers.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Purdue becoming 3-4 pipeline for NFL

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Anthony Spencer, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2007, comes from Purdue's pass-rushing system.

The 3-4 defensive scheme is having a resurgence in the NFL. The scheme relies on the linebackers to provide pressure on passing downs, which is why all the 3-4 teams have made the trek to Purdue during the NFL draft process, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More NFL draft

NFL draft preview: cornerbacks

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Arizona's Antoine Cason started all 46 games of his career and intercepted 15 passes.

There could be 14 to 16 cornerbacks selected in the first three rounds, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his position-by-position NFL draft series. DeJuan Tribble of Boston College was a three-year starter who intercepted 15 career passes – and he projects as a late-round pick.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/19/2008

NFL draft preview: wide receivers

Getty Images

Devin Thomas (5) set a Michigan State record for catches in a season with 79 in 2007.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the wide receivers. Wide receiver is the deepest, most-talented position on the draft board. How deep? Purdue's Dorian Bryant caught 292 passes, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and has 4.49 speed. He'll be available in the second day.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/18/2008

NFL draft preview: special teams
Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the special teams. Kickers, punters and deep snappers are historically scarce on draft day. This year is no exception. But the return board is deep, and there are plenty of quality kick covermen.

Rick Gosselin's NFL mock draft (4/18)

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The Cowboys would benefit from the return skills of Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Who's No. 1 in the NFL draft? Who will the Dallas Cowboys take with their two first-round picks? Rick Gosselin attempts to answer those questions and more in his latest mock draft.
• Player rankings
• Position series
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More NFL draft

First round of NFL draft is Miami's turf

File photo

Miami safety Kenny Phillips (1) is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Miami safety Kenny Phillips is expected to be selected late in the first round of the NFL draft. And that would extend an amazing streak for the Hurricanes, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin in the latest installment of his 11-part draft series.
• Mock draft
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More NFL draft

04/17/2008

NFL draft preview: quarterbacks

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Boston College's Matt Ryan is the top-ranked quarterback. The knock on Ryan is ball security - he threw 19 interceptions last season.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the quarterbacks. There could be four quarterbacks taken in the first 40 picks. But the talent falls off dramatically from there.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/16/2008

NFL draft preview: linebackers

Getty Images

USC's Keith Rivers (right) earned All-Pac-10 honors as a junior and senior and was named to All-America teams both seasons.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the linebackers. Though Southern California's Keith Rivers and three others project as possible first-round picks, there could be as few as eight LBs taken in the first three rounds of 2008.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

NFL draft can be big break for small-college stars

Mount Union College

Pierre Garcon is the all-time leading receiver at Division III powerhouse Mount Union.

The big stage of the NFL draft has made room for players from small schools. That's because there's a rule of thumb in the scouting community: If you can play, the NFL will find you, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Mock draft
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

04/15/2008

NFL draft preview: offensive linemen

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Rick Gosselin projects Michigan tackle Jake Long (right) to be the first - and the safest - pick overall.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the offensive linemen. There could be four blockers taken in the top 10, which hasn't happened since 2002. The board is deep at tackle but light at guard and center.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/14/2008

NFL draft preview: defensive linemen

AP

LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey won the Lombardi, Lott, Nagurski and Outland trophies in 2007.

There could be three defensive linemen taken in the top six picks – the first time that's happened since 2001. The end board is strong with pass rushers available into the second day. But the tackle board is paper thin, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his look at the position and its impact on the 2008 NFL draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Coaches can provide push for NFL draft prospects

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Butch Davis brought plenty of NFL coaching experience to the North Carolina program.

Some college football players need help getting on the NFL's radar. That's where coaching can make a difference, writes Rick Gosselin in the latest installment of his 11-part draft series.
• Mock draft
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

NFL draft preview: running backs

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Michael Hart (left) was the all-time leading rusher at Michigan.

There were only two running backs selected in the first round of the 2007 draft. There might have been even fewer in 2008 had the juniors not come out. Seven of the top eight runners on this draft board are juniors, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his look at the position and its impact on the 2008 NFL draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/12/2008

Great NFL draft debate: Go pro or stay?

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Curtis Lofton's solid junior season made his decision to declare for the NFL draft easier.

Teams have drafted juniors with the first overall selection in the last three drafts and in 11 of the 18 drafts since the NFL opened the door to underclassmen in 1990, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Juniors have gone 1-2 in the last two drafts. Juniors went 1-2-3 in 1994 and 1-2-3-4 in 1997. Fourteen juniors were selected in the first round in 2007 and a record 15 in 2004.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/11/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFL mock draft (4/11)

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Arkansas running back Felix Jones would add speed to the Dallas Cowboys' backfield.

Who's No. 1? Who's coming to the Dallas Cowboys? Rick Gosselin takes a shot at answering those questions and more in his first NFL mock draft.
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

Team captains draw attention at NFL draft

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Quarterback Kevin O'Connell was a four-year captain for San Diego State.

The NFL loves players who exude leadership qualities, so team captains are attractive commodities on draft day. The ultimate captain is San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who has plenty of experience in that department, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Player rankings
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/10/2008

Injuries can put hurt on NFL draft plans

AP

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon's draft status might have taken a hit when he injured his knee last November.

Injuries are part of football. They're also part of the NFL draft – and sometimes the outcome can be painful, writes pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.
• NFL draft: April 26-27
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Hargrave Military Academy has prepped plenty for NFL

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (90) is a Hargrave Military Academy alum.

Hargrave Military Academy, a prep school in Virginia, won't ever be mistaken for USC, Texas or Michigan. But Hargrave does have something in common with those big-name colleges: It has become connected to the NFL draft, writes Rick Gosselin.
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/06/2008

Teams taking shots on Longs can't miss

Getty Images

Tackle Jake Long (77) was a four-year starter at Michigan, where he allowed just two sacks in his career.

Whiffing at the top of the NFL draft can be an expensive proposition, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Two of the safest prospects to come along in a long time arrive in 2008 – and they share the same surname. Defensive end Chris Long of Virginia and offensive tackle Jake Long of Michigan carry can't-miss labels in the NFL because of their ability on the field and their character off it.

04/10/2008

NFL draft spotlight to finally shine on USC defense

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USC tackle Sedrick Ellis was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.

Since 2005, USC has had nine offensive players selected in the first two rounds of NFL drafts. But the 2008 draft will produce an about-face for the Trojans – their best prospects are on the defensive side of the ball, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Player rankings
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Walk-on path can lead to NFL

Getty Images

Jordy Nelson scored two touchdowns in Kansas State's upset victory over Texas last September.

Not all of the players whose names will be called in the 2008 NFL draft were ticketed for stardom. Take Kansas State wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who began his collegiate career as walk-on before becoming an All-American.
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/03/2008

Dallas Cowboys' Phillips still learning after 32 seasons

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Head coach Wade Phillips took the Dallas Cowboys to the playoffs in his first season in charge.

Like each of Wade Phillips' first 31 NFL seasons, the 32nd year – his first with the Dallas Cowboys – was a learning experience. Also an eye-opening experience. Phillips learned first-hand the aura of the Cowboys, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/01/2008

Dallas Cowboys, Titans view Pacman differently

COURTNEY PERRY / DMN

Cornerback Adam Jones led the NFL in punt returns in 2006.

In their trade talks involving Adam "Pacman" Jones, the Dallas Cowboys see a troubled player down to his last strike – but Tennessee sees a shutdown cornerback and elite return specialist. The result is a stalemate, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/31/2008

Forget McFadden: Dallas Cowboys' plan is about Romo

TOM FOX / DMN

Since the beginning of last season, the Dallas Cowboys secured deals with quarterback Tony Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett (left).

Rather than dreaming about drafting Arkansas running star Darren McFadden, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is focused on helping Tony Romo become a better quarterback, says NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/10/2008

Michigan State is Wide Receiver U

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Devin Thomas set a Michigan State record in 2007 with seven 100-yard receiving games.

Penn State is known as Linebacker U. USC used to be Tailback U. So, who's Wide Receiver U? That title goes to Michigan State, writes Rick Gosselin in the first installment of his 11-part NFL draft series.
• NFL draft, April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

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