Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 3/19/13

Denver Broncos Videos

Fox on Dumervil, More Potential Free Agency Moves
Head Coach John Fox on the latest regarding Elvis Dumervil's release and potentially signing other players before the draft.

NFL Live OT: Potential RB Rule Change - ESPN Video - ESPN
Trey Wingo, Jerry Rice and Tedy Bruschi discuss the NFL competition committee's recommendation to ban running backs from lowering their heads and using their helmets as a weapon.

Thoughts On Possible RB Rule Change - ESPN Video - ESPN
Darren Woodson shares his thoughts on the NFL competition committee's recommendation to ban running backs from lowering their helmets to hit defenders.

Frazier Says Ponder Is The Starter - ESPN Video - ESPN
Matt Williamson reacts to Vikings coach Leslie Frazier making it clear that QB Christian Ponder is the team's starter.

Maualuga Re-Signs With Bengals - ESPN Video - ESPN
ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley has the latest on Rey Maualuga's two-year, $6.5 million deal with the Bengals.

Rams Land Jake Long - ESPN Video - ESPN
Ed Werder discusses how the St. Louis Rams snagged former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long.

Draft Lab: Running Backs - ESPN Video - ESPN
Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay discuss the running backs in the NFL draft.

Denver Broncos Blogs

Broncos' Pat Bowlen high on off-season moves, but more work to be done - The Denver Post - Mike Klis
Pat Bowlen has a way of understating what most people would call a big deal. Maybe that's the trick to owning the Broncos for going on his 30th season.

Broncos are targeting a handful of players at NFL pro days, including a QB - The Denver Post - Jeff Legwold
The NFL pro day wheels keep spinning across football nation with Air Force having been among the schools to invite the NFL's personnel evaluators to campus Monday.

Broncos see defensive end shoot to No. 1 on list of needs at NFL draft - The Denver Post - Jeff Legwold
Q: Everyone was prattling along about Wes (Welker) and Elvis (Dumervil) while Jason Hunter quietly slipped out the door for Oakland without a word from the Post writers.

Broncos in talks with Elvis Dumervil, new agent - The Denver Post - Mike Klis
The Broncos have not given up on Elvis Dumervil.

Taking a walk with the great Jim Brown | First-and-Orange - Mike Klis
Following a press conference that announced a lucrative settlement between the NFL and retired players, Jim Brown, who dominated his era like no other running back in NFL history, was walking pretty much by his lonesome from one Biltmore Resort building to another.

Robert Kraft blames Wes Welker's departure on his agents
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, still stinging from public fallout over the loss of popular slot receiver Wes Welker and a report that the team didn't even make Welker an offer, Monday debunked the report and blamed Welker's departure on his agents, who "misrepresented" his market value.

Wes Welker’s camp says Patriots’ approach was “take it or leave it” | ProFootballTalk
The hard feelings between the Patriots and their former wide receiver Wes Welker continue.

Brandon Stokley wants to keep playing | ProFootballTalk
Before the Broncos signed wide receiver Wes Welker as a free agent, Brandon Stokley said he though it would be a great idea for Denver to pursue him.

Elvis Dumervil, Darrelle Revis will have a hard time getting paid - NFL.com
Are we all set with the #WTFax jokes for now? All good?

Elvis Dumervil, former Denver Broncos defensive end, loses appeal - ESPN
The new agent for defensive end Elvis Dumervil and the Denver Broncos lost a longshot appeal to the NFL to get a verbal argeement honored by the league.

Elvis Dumervil might get big contract after fax flap - NFL.com
Elvis Dumervil reportedly has drawn interest from the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, but USA Today reported on Sunday the free agent's priority was to find a resolution allowing him to stay with the Denver Broncos.

Division News

Updated AFC West draft order - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Now that the NFL had awarded 32 compensatory picks Monday, the draft order is set. It, of course, will change based on trades. But for now, let’s look at each AFC West team’s picks:

AFC West teams: NFL salary cap update - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Via the great John Clayton, I have some updated NFL salary cap numbers for each AFC West team. Remember, the salary cap is always fluid, so this is more of a guide of where each team stands as free agency moves to the second phase.

Healthy Kellen Winslow draws interest of Raiders - NFL.com
The Oakland Raiders looked into signing Kellen Winslow late last September after the tight end was released by the New England Patriots.

Raiders continue to work on defense - AFC West Blog - ESPN
The Oakland Raiders continued to rebuild their defense with the signing of Atlanta Falcons free agent defensive tackle Vance Walker.

Is Oakland becoming a 3-4 defense? - AFC West Blog - ESPN
The Oakland Raiders’ signing of Kevin Burnett may be a major hint that the team will, at the very least, use some 3-4 alignments this season.

Raiders reportedly interested in Kellen Winslow | ProFootballTalk
We all know that Kellen Winslow Jr. is a soldier, but could he also be a Raider?

Branden Albert signs his franchise tender | ProFootballTalk
Just hours after reports surfaced that the Chiefs were open to a trade for offensive tackle Branden Albert, Albert has decided to remove any uncertainty about his current contractual status.

Branden Albert trade to Miami could make sense - ESPN
Sports Illustrated's Peter King mentioned in his Monday column that the Kansas City Chiefs would listen to trade offers for Branden Albert.

NFL News

Roger Goodell confirms 'alternative calendar' talks - NFL.com
NFL free agency might not be a part of March Madness for long. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the league is working on a new league calendar which could push back the "Free Agency Frenzy" that took over this website last week.

Trent Richardson a poster boy for ban on runners lowering heads | ProFootballTalk
As the NFL considers a rule change this week that would penalize runners for lowering their helmets into tacklers, Browns running back Trent Richardson is being presented as the poster boy for the proposal.

NFL, retired players settle lawsuit over use of players’ images | ProFootballTalk
Flanked by Jim Brown and other retired players, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the league has settled a lawsuit relating to the use of retired players’ images.

More outdoor Super Bowls for NFL? - SportsNation - ESPN
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell isn't the only person hoping Super Bowl XLVIII at New York's Met Life Stadium,

Roger Goodell says combine sex question 'unacceptable' - ESPN
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell calls it "unacceptable" to ask a college player at the scouting combine any questions about his sexual orientation.

NFL Communications - Transcript: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Annual Meeting Press Conference "
We started the meeting officially this morning with an opening that we are going to share a recap with you by the end of today It was a very good opportunity to talk about where we are and where we are going as a league.

NFL Communications - Establishment of New Retired Player Directed Benefit Fund and Licensing Agency Leads to Settlement of Lawsuit Against NFL "
The National Football League and a group of well-known retired NFL players announced a settlement today of a class action lawsuit challenging the use of retired player images in NFL Films footage and seeking compensation for such uses.

Dolphins and Cowboys to play in Hall of Fame Game | ProFootballTalk
The Cowboys wanted to play in this year’s Hall of Fame game and their wish has been granted.

Concussions

Helmets Preventing Concussion Seen Quashed by NFL-Riddell - Bloomberg
With a device called ProCap, Bert Straus says he invented headgear that could reduce concussions in National Football League games. He never got the chance.

NEW YORK: Docs say keep trained eye on possible concussions - Other Sports - MiamiHerald.com
When athletes are suspected of having a concussion, they should be taken out of action immediately, new guidelines from a major medical group say.

AAN Issues New Guideline Today on Sports Concussions | Concussion Policy & the Law
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released an evidence-based guideline for evaluating and managing athletes with concussion.

Free Agency Signings

Bill Barnwell on the first week of NFL free agency - Grantland
The Elvis Dumervil fiasco highlights a wild end to the NFL's first few days of free agency. Plus, the rest of the weekend deals.

Report: Parys Haralson agrees to new one-year contract | ProFootballTalk
The 49ers and outside linebacker Parys Haralson have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday night.

Pittsburgh Steelers announce reunion with TE Matt Spaeth - ESPN
Matt Spaeth is coming back to Pittsburgh.

Titans replace Hasselbeck with Fitzpatrick | ProFootballTalk
The Titans were apparently eager to replace an old backup quarterback with a middle-aged one, but it’s hard to argue they’re better in the process

Cowboys re-sign Ernie Sims, don’t have much money left to spend | ProFootballTalk
The Cowboys had to do a lot of maneuvering to get themselves under the cap last week and they’ll likely have to do more of it after re-signing linebacker Ernie Sims.

Saints sign Ben Watson | ProFootballTalk
Free agent tight end Benjamin Watson is heading to New Orleans.

Antwan Barnes signs with New York Jets - ESPN New York
The rebuilding New York Jets continuing to shop for bargain free agents, signed former San Diego Chargers linebacker Antwan Barnes to a three-year contract Monday.

Tyler Polumbus tweets that he’s going back to Redskins | ProFootballTalk
The Redskins are collecting veteran right tackles, in hopes of finding one that works.

Bengals bring back another of their own, Rey Maualuga | ProFootballTalk
Following the Marvin Lewis edict to build from within, and not spend money on external players, the Bengals have kept another of their own.

Free Agency Rumors

Loomis, Payton met with Asomugha before heading to Phoenix | ProFootballTalk
Early on Monday, there were reports that cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha’s visit with the Saints didn’t include meetings with either General Manager Mickey Loomis or coach Sean Payton because they’d already left for the owners meetings in Phoenix.

Bucs trying to trade LeGarrette Blount | ProFootballTalk
The Buccaneers signed running back LeGarrette Blount to a one-year contract before the start of free agency, but that doesn’t mean he’ll play in Tampa this season.

Are Andre Smith, Sebastian Vollmer the next to sign? - NFL.com
Jake Long finally chose his team late Sunday night. The former No. 1 overall draft pick is the newest St. Louis Ram, even if he didn't get the contract he was hoping for in free agency.

Report: Michael Huff drawing interest from several teams | ProFootballTalk
The Ravens cut Bernard Pollard and they don’t know what Ed Reed will wind up doing, which leaves them in need of some help at safety.

Panthers bringing D.J. Moore in for a look | ProFootballTalk
"The Bears didn’t want him but the Panthers might" is on the verge of becoming a miniseries.

Osi Umeyiora reportedly on radar of Dolphins, Lions - NFL.com
In a depressed pass-rusher market, the news on free agent Osi Umenyiora has been non-existent since predicting 10 days ago that he would be the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Greg Hardy’s looking for a contract extension | ProFootballTalk
The Panthers are wearing financial handcuffs this offseason because of their habit of giving big extensions to their own players during Marty Hurney’s run as the team’s general manager and now they’ll have to decide whether to wade into those waters again under Dave Gettleman.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't rule out giving up first-round pick for Darrelle Revis - ESPN New York
The New York Jets are open to trading cornerback Darrelle Revis, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be willing to part with their first-round pick to make it happen.

2013 Draft/Pro Days

Complete 2013 NFL Draft order with compensatory picks awarded - SBNation.com
The NFL Draft may have seven rounds every year but, after compensatory picks are awarded, the selection process has enough picks to make eight.

Explaining the NFL Rookie Pool and its Impact on the Salary Cap - Over the Cap
I had a question about this in the comments of one of the cap posts and thought it would make a good topic.

March 19: Florida A&M, Florida State, Louisville, Richmond, San Diego State, Virginia

Florida A&M - Brandon Hepburn, LB

Florida State - Cornelius Carradine, DE; Everett Dawkins, DT; Dustin Hopkins, K; Brandon Jenkins, LB; EJ Manuel, QB; Anthony McCloud, DT; Nick Moody, LB; Lonnie Pryor, FB; Xavier Rhodes, CB; Rodney Smith, WR; Chris Thompson, RB; Menelik Watson, OT; Bjoern Werner, DE; Vince Williams, LB

Louisville - Mario Benavides, C; Adrian Bushell, CB

Richmond - None

San Diego State - Gavin Escobar, TE; Leon McFadden, CB

Virginia - Oday Aboushi, OT

First Pro Day Preview - Week of March 18 - 22 | National Football Post
Russ Lande looks at first batch of Pro Days this week.

Despite 1-11 season, Buffaloes boast NFL prospects - NFL.com
Representatives from 15 NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at Colorado on March 13, where eight players went through a workout held indoors on FieldTurf.

D.J. Hayden posts blazing 40 time at Houston pro day - NFL.com
University of Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden ran an impressive 40-yard dash at Houston's pro day Monday. The Houston Chronicle reported Hayden timed out at 4.33 seconds while NFL.com's Gil Brandt reported a 4.42. Either way, he was moving, and more than 25 teams were in attendance.

D.J. Hayden overcomes the odds en route to pro day - NFL.com
D.J. Hayden — who nearly died after he tore a major vein in his heart during a November practice — was the featured attraction at the University of Houston pro day on Monday.

Joshua Hill makes his case for shot at NFL - NFL.com
Representatives from seven NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at Idaho State on Monday, where five players went through a workout held indoors on AstroTurf.

Bohanon talented, but NFL prospects are unclear - NFL.com
Representatives from 10 NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at Wake Forest on Monday, where six players went through a workout held outdoors on FieldTurf.

Fast-rising prospect Vance McDonald doesn’t disappoint - NFL.com
A total of 40 representatives from 30 different NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at Rice on Monday, where seven players through a workout held outdoors on FieldTurf in 80-degree weather.

Minnesota’s MarQueis Gray works out at three positions - NFL.com
Representatives from 13 NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at Minnesota on March 4, where nine Golden Gophers and 11 other players from various smaller schools in the area went through a workout held indoors on FieldTurf.

Sheldon Richardson earns points with scouts for working out - NFL.com
Representatives from 10 NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at Missouri on March 7, where 12 players went through a workout held indoors on FieldTurf.

Menelik Watson: FSU’s other European player with first-round talent | ProFootballTalk
Fans who follow the NFL draft know about Florida State’s Bjoern Werner, the German-born defensive end who is viewed as one of the top defensive players in the draft.

Browns plan private workout with Geno Smith | ProFootballTalk
Add Cleveland to the list of temas interested in West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith.

Star Lotulelei cleared for full pro day workout | ProFootballTalk
Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was forced to be a spectator during the NFL combine last month. Now he’ll finally get his chance to workout in front of scouts.

NFL coaches concerned about Tyler Bray’s work ethic | ProFootballTalk
Tennessee’s Pro Day will take place on Wednesday, and no one doubts that quarterback Tyler Bray will show off an NFL-ready arm.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Jim Brown says he didn’t need to use his head to run | ProFootballTalk
Some running backs are worried about a rule that would prevent them from initiating contact with the crown of their helmets outside the tackle box.

Go Broncos!

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