Rookie Mini-Camps Are Underway This Weekend

The New England Patriots hope rookie cornerbacks Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite can step in and play right away. Patriots rookie quarterback Kevin O'Connell thinks Tom Brady is sponge-worthy.

Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron said the goal during this weekend's rookie mini-camp is to get the younger players ready to participate when the veteran OTA's begin in a few weeks.

Among those participating in the New York Jets rookie mini-camp are first-round pick Vernon Gholston, seven players already on the roster, 10 rookie free agents and 34 tryout invitees.

Jake Long might not be the only Miami Dolphins rookie to start this year. David Hyde writes that the Dolphins need Bill Parcells to stabilize the franchise and fulfill all four years of his contract.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker is looking forward to mentoring Rashard Mendenhall. Steelers tackle Marvel Smith is back on the field after having back surgery in December.

Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage signed a three-year contract extension on Friday. Tony Grossi looks at the Top 5 moves Savage has made.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was a spectator during the team's rookie mini-camp practice on Friday. Bengals rookie linebacker Keith Rivers worked at weak-side linebacker during yesterday's practice.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller is prepared to fight for a starting job. Tackle Adam Terry could be the possible replacement for Jonathan Ogden.

In what's being described as a cost-cutting move, the Indianapolis Colts waived offensive linemen Dylan Gandy and tight end Bryan Fletcher.

Because of his speed and versatility, Tennessee Titans first-round pick Chris Johnson will be lining up in the backfield, the slot, and split wide on Sundays this fall.

Quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson aren't the only starters on the San Diego Chargers who are on the mend this off-season. Chargers rookie Jacob Hester was working at running back and fullback yesterday.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler detailed his 2007 season. Mike Kils of the Denver Post writes that there may be an upside to Cutler's diagnosis.

Undrafted rookie Mike Cox may be the true fullback the Kansas City Chiefs have been missing.

Free agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell agreed to a contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins has Deion Sanders and Anthony Henry as mentors. For the third season in a row, Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter will have a new position.

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn began installing his version of the West Coast offense during the Redskins only mini-camp this off-season. Zorn and Campbell are starting from square one, writes Les Carpenter.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard not only showed up for mini-camp, he was early. Ashley Fox writes that the Eagles' cornerback situation could ruin their 2008 season before it begins.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is taking the weekend to get introduced to rookie quarterbacks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. Rookie Kenny DeBauche could push Jon Ryan for the Packers' punting job.

A little more than six months after docking Troy Williamson a game check for attending his grandmother's funeral, the Minnesota Vikings will pay defensive end Kenechi Udeze's 2008 salary, even though they have no obligation to do so. Vikings undrafted linebacker Erin Henderson had a hard time staying upset about not being drafted.

Drew Sharp writes that when it comes to Mike Martz, the Detroit Lions should just shut up. Lions rookie running back Kevin Smith knows he has a lot to prove.

If Chicago Bears rookie Chris Williams is the starting left tackle he's well aware of who he'll be facing on Sundays this fall. Rookies Matt Forte and Kellen Davis looked impressive during day one of the Bears' mini-camp.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Dexter Jackson hopes to be taken under Joey Galloway's wing.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart "can't wait to just get out there and run". Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammed is glad to be back in Carolina. Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme says his arm feels fine.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck joked that with all the new faces at this weekend's mini-camp, the players need name tags. The Seahawks would like to sign LeRoy Hill to a long-term extension, but talks are on hold as Hill has switched agents.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart discussed the party photos that emerged on the internet last month. Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin denies that he requested a trade.

Two fights broke out on the first day of San Francisco 49ers mini-camp on Friday. 49ers quarterback Alex Smith wasn't limited during the team's first practice.

The St. Louis Rams director of football operations Samir Suleiman could be in the running for a front office job with the Oakland Raiders.

Recently retired defensive lineman Warren Sapp has two regrets in his career.