Horse Tracks - 6/22/10

Sophomore Spark - DenverBroncos.com
Chris Baker was the only undrafted college free agent on the Broncos to make the active roster from training camp in 2009. One step above a practice squad player, Baker saw action in one game versus Pittsburgh in week eight. He felt more like a college freshman than an NFL professional.

Learning With the Stars - DenverBroncos.com
In four years of hosting an annual football camp, Daniel Graham's goals haven't changed.

Broncos hope age comes before winning on D-line - The Denver Post
A million here, a million there — pretty soon you're talking about real money. And when the Broncos plowed into the offseason to repair the blemishes from last season's 8-8 finish, they spent some real money on the defensive line by signing three front-line veterans for an extreme makeover.

Kiszla: Broncos trying to sack Dumervil at negotiating table - The Denver Post
Could it be after all these years of acting the good neighbor, Bowlen and his franchise are now more interested in making money than winning a championship?

Elvis overshadowing Champ contract situation | All Things Broncos
Six years into Bailey’s seven-year contract, it’s already fair to argue the Champ is the best defensive player in Broncos’ history. Also in the discussion are Randy Gradishar, Louis Wright, Karl Mecklenburg, Rich Jackson and Steve Atwater/Dennis Smith/Billy Thompson. Pass rusher Elvis Dumervil needs a couple more Elvis-like years before he’s included in the best-ever-Denver-D-player topic.

Bengals should pass on new deal with Benson | National Football Post
According to reports, the agent for Bengals RB Cedric Benson approached the club about a new deal. Not surprising, as this is common practice in the league when a player comes off a season in which he shows production.

Lost in Translation | National Football Post
In the never-slow NFL offseason, the quotes keep coming and I'll keep interpreting what they mean. Welcome to this week's edition of Lost in Translation:

Special Master ruled in favor of players, NFL upset | National Football Post
NFL Special Master Stephen Burbank, the University of Pennsylvania law professor, ruled that the Miami Dolphins can't regain signing bonuses of $8,000 and $7,000 given to former undrafted free agent tight end Jared Bronson and offensive tackle SirVincent Rogers.

Arizona WR Ed Gant suspended four 4 games | National Football Post
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Ed Gant has been suspended for four games for a violation of the NFL’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances, according to the team’s Web site.

Seahawks hire ex-49ers GM Scot McCloughan | National Football Post
Scot McCloughan had landed in a position where his intimate knowledge of the San Francisco 49ers certainly will be an asset.

'NFL file folder' among documents seized from Galea | National Football Post
The NFL could be facing a potentially sticky situation involving human growth hormone.

Corey Dillon charged with two misdemeanors | National Football Post
Former Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots running back Corey Dillon has been charged with a pair of misdemeanors following his April arrest on suspicion of drunk driving, the Los Angeles Times is reporting.

Chargers release four players | National Football Post
The team made it official, announcing the previously reported cut of safety Kevin Ellison as well as defensive tackle Ian Scott, fullback Cory Jackson and wide receiver Jordyn Jackson.

Saints send Bobby McCray packing | National Football Post
Bobby McCray lined up as the starting left end for the New Orleans Saints opposite Will Smith when the New Orleans Saints opened up minicamp earlier this month.

Donald Penn's backup: 'I'm not' a starting left tackle | National Football Post
That is why there is little doubt that Donald Penn will be in place as the starting left tackle before the season starts. The Bucs don’t have any other choice and they don’t have another player on the roster with an NFL start at left tackle, according to Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune.

Is Notre Dame primed to land another four-star recruit? | National Football Post
Already with a verbal commitment from four-star Florida defensive end Clay Burton late last week, is Notre Dame ready to land another big fish in Florida’s sea of defensive high school talent?

On The Fringe: Following 5 players as they fight for their NFL lives
The tail end of the 80-man training camp roster is not a comfortable place. The ladder that must be climbed to make the final 53-man team is often greased like a carnival pig, with little to hold on to but hope. But for athletes with NFL dreams, even a little bit of hope is better than nothing.

Goodell to attend Packers' annual meeting, visit training camps
Commissioner Roger Goodell will interact with fans this summer during a Green Bay Packers shareholder meeting and while visiting training camps with John Madden.

Russell is persona non grata in Oakland "
You might conclude, by JaMarcus Russell‘s ill-fated stint with the Raiders, that the former first-overall selection did not have the heart of a champion.

Steve Smith of Carolina Panthers breaks arm playing flag football - ESPN
Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith will miss the start of training camp with a broken left forearm suffered while playing football.

Michael Dean Perry: 'Fridge' William Perry has hearing loss but improving - ESPN Chicago
The brother of former NFL star William Perry says the "Fridge" has some hearing loss but is improving from a condition in which the body's immune system attacks nerves.