More Mini-Camp Notes

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots special assistant/secondary coach Dom Capers will play a large role in the development of rookie cornerbacks Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite. Patriots fifth-round pick Matthew Slater is working at both safety and wide receiver.

Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News writes that the $78 million the Buffalo Bills receive for playing 8 games in Toronto over the next 5 years could go to a good cause. Namely, re-signing Lee Evans. The Bills defense should be better in 2008.

Duke head coach David Cutliffe comes to the defense of New York Jets rookie quarterback Erik Ainge. Jets tight end Chris Baker said the team promised to give him a new contract.

Miami Dolphins undrafted wide receiver Davone Bess' college coaches praise his work ethic. Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano wants Jake Long to learn by going up against veteran defensive ends Jason Taylor and Vonnie Holliday. Sparano hasn't been pleased with the conditioning of the rookies at this weekend's mini-camp.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward isn't bothered by the team using a high draft pick on a wide receiver. Steelers rookie Rashard Mendenhall injured his hamstring and missed practice yesterday.

The Cleveland Browns had their eye on rookie linebacker Beau Bell for over a year. Browns head coach Romeo Crennel offered up some first impressions of the rookies.

Cincinnati Bengals sixth-round safety Corey Lynch wants to make an impact on and off the field. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis expects third-round defensive tackle Pat Sims to make an immediate impact on Sundays.

Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun has an in-depth look at Baltimore Ravens first-round quarterback Joe Flacco.

Indianapolis Colts fourth-round tight end Jacob Tamme is happy to learn from Dallas Clark.

The Tennessee Titans drafted a pair of small-school defensive ends, but they're not projects.

San Diego Chargers general manager AJ Smith is convinced that Jacob Hester is going to be a fan favorite. Undrafted rookie linebacker Eric Bakhtiari has made a good impression on Smith.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips says Marion Barber is going to be their workhorse back. Cowboys rookie defensive end Marcus Dixon's faith got him through a 15-month prison term for statutory rape and child molestation when he was a high school senior.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning's game jersey from Super Bowl XLII will soon be "out of this world".

Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache will run a simplified version of Gregg Williams' defense in the hopes of having a hard-hitting, physical defense. The Redskins starting offensive line is healthy again.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown endorsed a three cornerback rotation. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb clarified some comments he made back in January.

Green Bay Packers second-round cornerback Patrick Lee is looking forward to learning from Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Undrafted tight end Mike Peterson wants to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Sports was Minnesota Vikings sixth-round wide receiver Jaymar Johnson's way to avoid getting into trouble. Vikings quarterback coach Kevin Rogers sees a big 2008 from Tarvaris Jackson.

Detroit Lions first-round tackle Gosder Cherilus often gets mistaken in Boston for David Ortiz. Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry says rookie linebacker Jordon Bizon has "insane" instincts.

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest last night. At the same time, rookie Matt Forte already knows the fastest way he can get on the field.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers sixth-round linebacker Geno Hayes is eager to learn from the player he's been compared to since college. The Buccaneers are unlikely to trade quarterback Chris Simms.

Carolina Panthers third-round safety Charles Godfrey didn't know who Mike Minter was when he took #30. Panthers undrafted tight end Chris Conklin is hoping to make the jump from Wingate to the NFL.

With DJ Hackett gone and Deion Branch recovering from a torn ACL, four young Seattle Seahawks wide receivers will be getting an opportunity for playing time this summer. Initially upset when the team signed Mike Wahle to play left guard, Rob Sims realized that's life in the NFL.

Anquan Boldin, Darnell Dockett, Eric Green and Antonio Smith want new contracts from the Arizona Cardinals. Getting away from football is how Cardinals running back Edgerrin James keeps his edge.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says it's been duck season in the San Francisco 49ers' mini-camp.