football

A fourth-round pick in the 2009 draft, Ohrnberger has appeared in only five career games without a start. He missed all of 2011 with a head injury, likely a concussion. Orhnberger, 6'2/300, played his college ball at Penn State.

Kapinos will be 28 years old before the upcoming season, but he's only managed two "accrued" years and will be a restricted free agent next offseason. He'll play for $540,000 this year if he keeps his job. Appearing in eight games in 2011, Kapinos ranked 18th in the league in yards per punt (45.0), and 22nd in net. Ideally, the Steelers would upgrade in 2012.

The sides can talk, but Robinson can't sign on the dotted line until free agency begins. The salary benefit allowed Robinson to count $463,000 against last year's cap despite his $685,000 salary. The Titans have the same dilemma with free agent S Jordan Babineaux. This may increase the chances that Robinson signs elsewhere, especially if he likes what he sees on the market.

Lofton is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the four years and $36 million of Jets ILB David Harris. It's a steep price for a coverage-deficient player expected to be removed in nickle packages. The Bucs could show interest in stealing him away from a division rival, leaving 2011 third-rounder Akeem Dent to start in the middle of Mike Nolan's defense. Abraham is viewed as a one-dimensional injury risk at age 34.

Joe Flacco desperately needs a go-to receiver in critical situations because Anquan Boldin no longer separates from corners and Torrey Smith's route tree is limited. Wayne will come more cheaply than younger free agents, though it's worth wondering if he's going to continue to get open at will in his age-34 season.

Wharton is a prime candidate for a restructure or release, as the Panthers are a reported $9.6 million over the cap with exclusive rights and restricted free agents yet to sign. Tackle Byron Bell, who filled in for Jeff Otah last season, would be a candidate to move inside should the Panthers part ways with Wharton.

It "was not a good look," the scout said, which won't allay concerns about Burfict's work ethic. The scout did say he'd have an "open mind" when evaluating Burfict at the Combine. The scout conceded that he's "heard all about the guy's problems," both on and off the field at Arizona State. Burfict was originally projected as a first-round pick, but may slip to the end of day two.

Rang mentions Hill as one of five underclassman prospects who could "light up the Combine" and experience a "significant boost to their draft stock." In 2011, Hill averaged a freakish 29.3 yards per reception as the deep threat in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. Rang expects Hill to run in the high 4.4s at his listed 6-foot-5, 206, and impress in leaping drills.

The columnist concedes it's a "semi-educated guess," which is noteworthy just a few days after beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter reported the Falcons will be "reluctant" to use the tag on Grimes. It's a tough decision for GM Thomas Dimitroff, as Grimes saw a downtick in interceptions, missed four games with a knee injury, and turns 29 in July.

"They want to go with more than one featured back," said Reedy. "I think they want to work Bernard Scott in a little more." Free agent Cedric Benson won't be back, and Reedy mentioned draft prospects Lamar Miller and Trent Richardson, as well as free agent Michael Bush as backs to potentially pair with Scott. Scott, 28, averaged a career-low 3.39 yards per carry in 2011, but played better than the numbers indicate. He'll be an interesting mid- to late-round pick in 2012 fantasy drafts.

As opposed to a restructuring, McGee lowered each of his final two base salaries and received a $300,000 signing bonus. His 2012 salary is now $1.35 million, and McGee can make $1.75 million in salary in 2013. Per Scout.com's Aaron Wilson, McGee will earn just over $4 million if he makes the Bills' roster in both seasons. Now being paid like a nickel back, McGee's 2012 salary cap number was lowered from $6.3 million this year to $3.78 million.

The consistently unreliable South Florida Sun-Sentinel claimed last week that Long's rookie deal had added a sixth year and would extend through 2013. As we suspected, that is not the case. Long is entering a contract season, and the perennial Pro Bowler will surely command one of the richest left tackle deals in league history. Browns LT Joe Thomas signed an eight-year, $92 million contract with $44 million guaranteed last August.

Silatolu is not a well-recognized name because he played D-2 ball, but the two-time Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year has gained steam recently in the public eye. "This kid played left tackle. Most people think he's gonna kick inside," says Mayock. "But I put the tape on ... I couldn't believe how well this thick-bodied left tackle moved laterally. Trust me folks, he's nasty as can be. He might be a second-round pick."

"They're great guys," said Jones. "Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. That's what we've got to decide." James should have an easier time finding a taker than Brooking, who wants to play one more year in his age-37 season.

"[Pittsburgh is] where I would like to be, but we all know that it is a business," said Wallace. "... So if I have to go elsewhere, you know Pittsburgh will always be in my heart, but I have to do what I have to do." The Steelers are trying to sign Wallace to a long-term deal in order to avoid extending him a first-round tender. He is not expected to be franchise tagged.

Bennett held off rookie DE Da'Quan Bowers for a starting job all last year, racking up 39 tackles and four sacks in 14 appearances (ten starts). The Bucs will hope Bowers takes a leap in 2012, but Bennett has been a valuable lineman and they won't let him get away. He can play both left end and tackle.

Jackson was considered a late first- to early second-round prospect for most of the 2009 draft process. He wound up going No. 3 overall. Per Pauline, Cox is expected to run a sub-4.8 forty time at the Combine and is currently tipping the scales at 300 pounds. An explosive interior pass rusher, Cox was a first-team All-SEC pick as a junior, playing most of the season at age 20.

Ward isn't getting preferential treatment. It's customary in Georgia for DUI charges to be reduced to reckless driving when there's no breathalyzer evidence. Police allege that Ward failed multiple field sobriety tests, but the Steelers receiver refused the breathalyzer test.

The contract locks in Finley through his age-26 season, and he'll be able to test the free agent waters as a 27-year-old in 2014. The deal makes sense for each side, both financially and from the standpoint that Green Bay won't have to argue with Finley about which position he plays regarding the franchise tag. Finley, 25, finished the 2011 season with 55 catches for 767 yards and eight touchdowns. While the yardage and TD numbers were career highs, Finley has the potential to be a far better player than he showed last year. He'll be a recommended post-hype pick in 2012 fantasy drafts.

Starting NT Casey Hampton turns 35 just before the season opener, when he will be just eight months recovered from a second ACL surgery on his left knee. NFL Network's Michael Mayock loves the defensive tackle depth in this year's draft. Dontari Poe of Memphis, widely viewed as the top 3-4 run-plugging nose tackle, could be a possibility at No. 24 overall.

Dixon fell behind rookie Kendall Hunter in 2011 and spent the season as San Francisco's little-used third-string back. Maicco expects the Niners to draft another running back in the mid to late rounds, putting heat on Dixon. If Dixon loses out to another rookie, he could be traded or waived around final cuts.

The Falcons are severing ties as Abraham goes on age 34. With no realistic in-house replacement, Atlanta will look to the draft and free agency for a new right defensive end. Pass rush was a problem for the Falcons in 2011, even with Abraham on the roster and Ray Edwards signed to play left defensive end. Mike Smith's team tied for 22nd in sacks and ranked 20th against the pass.

Projected to be Philly's sixth-highest paid player, Justice is due $3.225 million with a $4.256 million cap figure. Now that he's lost his starting job, he has no chance of collecting that money. Tapp is due $2.575 million, a prohibitive figure for a player with just 5.5 sacks in two seasons with the Eagles.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports that the surgery was "minor," and it sounds arthroscopic in nature. Richardson does plan to work out at the Crimson Tide Pro Day, but he won't run the forty-yard dash or participate in drills or jumps in Indianapolis. Though the injury is said to be minor and the operation routine, it will concern NFL teams, especially those drafting in the top ten. Running backs and knee injuries don't mix well.

Blackmon told NFL Network in early February that he would perform all drills at the Combine, but he's apparently reconsidering. Schefter suggests that Blackmon might have too much to lose by running on a historically "slow track" in Indy, and will wait for the Cowboys' Pro Day. The forty time could be crucial for Blackmon's chances of being a top-six pick, but it would be a disappointment if he skipped out on the speed test in Indianapolis.

The ankle injury, with which Wright reportedly played his entire senior season, kept him out of January's Senior Bowl. Wright should be 100 percent in Indy. A top-three receiver prospect this year, Wright is expected to run in the sub-4.4s at roughly 5-foot-10, 190. He's a projected top-15 overall pick.

Ohrnberger was actually waived and will be subject to the waivers process. Wright, 30, ended the last two seasons on injured reserve with concussions and is contemplating retirement. His release saves the Patriots $2.355 million in base salary. A once-valuable interior pass rusher, Wright led New England in sacks in 2010 with 5.5. He only made it into one game in 2011.

"A good football player can impact a game in a lot more ways than just how many sacks he has," said executive VP Stephen Jones. "Pressure is important ... but you also pay for good football players. And I think Anthony fits in that mold." Jones' comments are the latest piece of evidence suggesting Spencer will be hit with the franchise tag.

The team tentatively expects LG Kris Dielman (concussions) back and hopes to re-sign free agent C Nick Hardwick. The Bolts figure to release LT Marcus McNeill, entering the bidding war for Jared Gaither instead. While the front office is "high on" FBs Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester, the Times confirms other reports that it's a "virtual certainty" Vincent Jackson will escape the franchise tag.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock is on the record as calling Griffin a "more natural thrower of the football" than Newton when he came out of Auburn. Schefter also "guarantees" Griffin will be a top-four pick, no matter how tall he measures at the Combine. Per Schefter, "chances are" Griffin will be the No. 2 overall pick, likely after a trade with the Browns, Redskins, or Dolphins.

Miller is a candidate for a huge Combine because of his straight-line speed. ESPN College Scouting Director Todd McShay likens Miller's explosiveness to that of Chris Johnson, and he's in the mix to be the second tailback drafted. A forty time in the mid-4.3s would excite NFL evaluators, to put it mildly.

Free agent Barry Richardson was one of the least effective right tackles in football last season. While Branden Albert finally emerged as a fine all-around left tackle in 2011, he's now entering a contract season. The Chiefs have no depth to speak of behind Albert.

He also has a $4 million roster bonus due on March 16. While the Raiders are in cap-clearance mode, they'd have to eat a large chunk of money to get out of Huff's deal. Huff played well when healthy last year, so it remains to be seen whether he's even on GM Reggie McKenzie's chopping block. Over the past three seasons, Huff has caused 11 turnovers with 4.5 sacks and 25 pass breakups.

The Niners intend to promote 2011 first-round pick Aldon Smith into the starting lineup, becoming an every-down player. Brooks, 28, has a good chance to test the market after posting career highs in tackles (50) and sacks (7) as a 16-game starter last season. A history of off-field issues may affect Brooks' market value, but he plays a very valuable NFL position.

Childress doesn't believe the Browns would hesitate if they decide RGIII is their man. Coach Pat Shurmur acknowledged that it's "premature" to suggest Colt McCoy would be kicked to the curb in a trade-up for RGIII, but added that the Combine will be a great opportunity to meet with the Heisman winner and gather information.

"I'm gonna say 6'2" or over," said RG3. "But ... I don't think it'll matter if I'm taller than 6'2" or not. The game film speaks for itself." Griffin also said he'll wait until he arrives in Indy to decide whether to throw at the Combine. Added RG3, "There's no one in the draft who has the skill set I have from arm strength and accuracy, to explosive big-play ability and elusiveness."

The sides have a big gap to close in order to get a long-term contract completed. Because the Bills are believed to be unwilling to franchise tag Johnson, there appears to be a good chance he'll hit the market if the sides make no progress. Johnson is reportedly seeking under $9 million per season.

The injury-prone former fourth-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract after posting nine receptions for 94 yards last season. If Barden stays ahead of 2011 third-rounder Jerrel Jernigan, Victor Cruz could play the slot in three-wide sets.

Kooistra underwent surgery last August to repair what was believed to be the C-2 vertebra at the top of his neck. He's still holding out hope of playing in 2012. The journeyman backup has started just one of 84 games since entering the league in 2003.

The Bucs figure to be one of free agency's most aggressive teams this year. Despite the presence of LeGarrette Blount, the Tribune has now connected the team to a pair of big backs in Bush and Mike Tolbert because they can play on third downs and convert in short-yardage situations.

The Cowboys are considering placing the franchise tag on Spencer, but may want to see if they can work something out that wouldn't be so cumbersome on the salary cap. "It's obviously usually a pretty decent [salary] number and it's not a cap-friendly deal," said Cowboys Executive VP Stephen Jones of the franchise tag. "But at the same time it allows you some protection."

McGee would have been cut without the redo. The 31-year-old cornerback tore his patella tendon in November and may not be ready for the start of training camp, let alone Week 1. While McGee held his own when healthy in 2011, the Bills can't count on him for a big 2012 impact after the brutal injury.

Bradley is a columnist with a "semi-educated guess" as opposed to working the Falcons beat. While he addresses Turner's non-existent trade value, Bradley skirts over the possibility of the Falcons flat-out releasing the 30-year-old back due $5 million while running on fumes. It's a lot of money to pay a player looking at a reduced role.

Of the Browns' own free agents, Jackson has been identified as the top priority. The front office would like to lock him into a long-term deal before the franchise tag deadline in early March, though that's easier said than done on a five-year asking price.

Banks says he heard a "theory recently" that the Redskins might trade down into the 20s or back into the 20s to snag Weeden at the tail end of the draft's first round. Weeden is considered pro-ready at the age of 28, and could give Rex Grossman or another veteran stopgap a serious run for the starting job in training camp. The Redskins have a defense ready to contend in 2012.

Pinkston was a three-year starter at tackle in college, and the Browns have a need at right tackle. They just don't believe Pinkston is capable of moving back there. A 16-game starter at left guard as a rookie, Pinkston graded out as one of the league's worst offensive linemen by Pro Football Focus.

There have been rumblings in Dallas that Ratliff might move to defensive end in 2012. "I still see Ratliff as our starting nose tackle," said Jones. "Will he see action out there? I mean you never totally rule it out, but right now we still see him as our nose." Ratliff's production was down in 2011, but Pro Football Focus still graded him as a top-seven defensive tackle.

The Eagles will field trade offers for Samuel, but it's hard to imagine a return of more than a mid-to-late round pick at $8.4 million in base salary. If Samuel stays in Philadelphia, it will likely be on a restructured contract.

"I really liked what I saw when (Hillis) was healthy," said Shurmur, highlighting the crux of the problem. The Browns aren't going to meet Hillis' long-term contract demands if they can't trust him to stay out of the trainers' room. The front office is reportedly split on keeping Hillis, leaving the franchise tag as a $7.7 million one-year compromise. It's a steep price to pay for a back with declining production and effectiveness over the past year and a half.

We like setting sights high, but Battle isn't going to find what he's looking for. "I'm a running back true and true," Battle insisted. "I want to play as much running back as I can, for an opportunity to get a bigger running back role." Battle, 28, is a poor man's Justin Fargas and is averaging 3.76 yards per career carry. He has 14 career receptions in 48 games.

Weaver is recovered from his torn ACL and PCL, but the muscle that allows a player to flex his left foot was "completely destroyed" and the nerve damage hasn't healed sufficiently. Weaver was told by Dr. James Andrews two years ago there was a "99 percent" chance he'd never play again. He recently failed an Eagles physical because his foot "didn't work" well enough to flex. Weaver's injury is similar to the one that ended the career of Dolphins Hall of Fame center Dwight Stephenson back in 1987.

Alabama's Mark Barron and Notre Dame's Harrison Smith are considered strong safeties. Iloka is an imposing free safety prospect at 6-foot-4, 222 with a sub-4.5 forty on record. Pauline expects Iloka to be an early second-round pick if he runs well and does 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, as expected. Iloka could be a tight end-buster kind of safety with the ability to defend athletic tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez.