Walter of WalterFootball has been WalterFootball'ing since 1999'. Older Content is being kept around here. Thanks for reading.
This is Charlie Campbell's Monday 2013 Senior Bowl Rumor Mill. Charlie is reporting live from Mobile, Ala., and he'll describe what he sees at practice and whom certain prospects talk to all week.
With all the general managers, coaches and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, there is a lot of chatter going around. Here are some of the highlights from the rumor mill on the first day.
The Detroit Lions had a disappointing year that started with a rough offseason that featured some player arrests. A lot of criticism for a lack of discipline on and off the field has been dished out at the Lions' players, coaching staff and front office. After speaking with sources, they reveal that the Lions locker room did a good job of staying united overall. Sources said that the players generally got along well and didn't turn on each other.
They said the only expectations were wide receiver Titus Young and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Sources said Young has to get his head on straight before he gets bounced out of the league. Suh is said to be a diva, jerk and a bad teammate who is disliked. The Lions will be under the gun to turn things around in 2013 with a lot of people's jobs on the line. There will probably less forgiving attitudes towards Suh and Young in the months to come.
The Seattle Seahawks' cornerbacks do not have a good reputation around the league. Some team personnel were complaining about how much they hold and hit wide receivers downfield, especially Richard Sherman. Scouts said the refs won't call it every play so they largely get away with it. The league office and officials could be hearing these complaints this offseason.
If there is an injury or two, Texas A&M running back Christine Michael will be asked to join the Senior Bowl. Michael had a great week in St. Petersburg for the East-West Shrine. WalterFootball.com has been told by sources that the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets love Michael. Some believe that he might sneak into the third round. His Combine performance, interviews and physical are going to be critical for Michael to maintain his positive momentum up draft boards.
It is popular among many to project the Tennessee Titans to take a pass-rushing defensive end with their first-round pick. After speaking with sources with the Titans, they say not so fast. They like the pass-rushing ability of Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan. They felt that Akeem Ayers will continue to bring more pass rush. Titans sources point out that Ayers had six sacks in the second half of the season after the team started blitzing him. Second-year linebacker Zach Brown also has some blitzing ability. The secondary and offensive line sound like the primary areas of focus for the Titans' offseason additions.