-- Cowboys Free Agent Tracker
James Hanna
Height: 6-4
Weight: 260
Position: TE
2015 Performance: One of the most unrated players on the squad in terms of what he does as a point-of-attack blocker and special teamer. He was able to improve his strength and technique from the previous season and it showed up in his play. Worked very well with Jason Witten and the tackles when it came to creating space on the outside.
2016: Forecast: Hanna is such a quiet and easy going player that he might not appears as if he cares? But he has the physical ability and measurements to be a full-time tight end on this club. With the age of Jason Witten and the injury to Gavin Escobar – the tight end position is one that needs to be addressed. I feel like that they need to make an effort to bring him back.
Casey Walker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 340
Position: DT
2015 Performance: Walker was active for the Buffalo and Washington games to end the season. He was brought on to try and give Nick Hayden and Tyrone Crawford a break at one-technique. From what I’ve heard, he appeared to practice better than he played during these two games. There were too many times where he was just not a factor. I would have liked to see him get off blocks quicker, but it just didn’t happen. For a player his size, he needed to do a better job of playing with power. Was single-blocked entirely too much.
2016: Forecast: There are plenty of one-techniques in this draft to consider bringing him back at this point. Upgrade is needed.
-- Trent Williams: 'We Can Definitely Build Off 2015'
Posted Jan 13, 2016
Jake Kring-Schreifels
Associate Writer
@Redskins
After the Redskins achieved what many never predicted in 2015, left tackle Trent Williams believes the team has a strong foundation for success.
Among those that filtered into the Redskins locker room to box up their belongings and say their final goodbyes on Monday morning, left tackle Trent Williams appeared to be one of the most somber around the facility.
“I know we see the expectations from the outside world, but we still had far greater expectations for ourselves,” Williams said of the Redskins 9-7 finish that won them the NFC East division. “We didn’t accomplish that so it still kind of sucks.”
Lamenting the Redskins 35-18 playoff loss to the Packers on Sunday, Williams, the team’s offensive captain and only 2015 Pro Bowler, did his best to remain positive as he “let the sting wear off” in front of the media.
His brighter outlook comes with knowing the difference between 2012 and 2015 – years that the Redskins lost both first-round playoff games -- which Williams called “night and day.”
“As far as where we were as a team, we won, but it was in a different fashion,” Williams said. “I feel like we have a lot of stability now, and I feel like we can definitely build off of 2015.”
That stability has a lot to do with knowing the certainties of head coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, each of whom established a lot of faith for the fan base, front office and players, guiding the team back to the playoffs with a four-game win streak to close the regular season.
To do all of this with an immense amount of injuries – 15 were placed on injured/reserve this season – and an immense amount of re-tooling the roster in almost every position group, Williams believes the organization fostered the right kind of culture.
“I feel like this team turned into a family,” he said. “After facing all that adversity that we did and overcoming so much during the season, it definitely does hurt seeing guys walk out and knowing that we left a lot on the table.”
While the frustration and the realities of a season now over will linger with the offensive lineman, Williams will rely on general manager Scot McCloughan and the nexus of players returning in 2016 to breed more faith in another winning campaign.
“It’s only up from here,” Williams said. “Obviously we get another offseason to kind of continue to fill holes on this team and add depth to add competition. Hopefully we continue to step in the right direction.”
•Punter Tress Way recorded a 60-yard punt in the first quarter, the third-longest punt in franchise postseason history.
•Way finished the game with an average of 50.6 yards per punt on five punts, the third-longest single-game postseason average in team history.
-- Clearly, the team has a trio of talented backs in DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, but in the case of Murray, the two agreed that he will need to be utilized differently next year.
“If your new head coach is much more of a conventional NFL head coach where the quarterback is under center more, you do have a back in DeMarco Murray who is a downhill runner,” Cosell explained. “He’s a downhill track runner. That would become your run game. That would need to become your run game if you want to get the most out of DeMarco Murray.”
A conventional NFL offense would not only suit Murray better, according to Duffy and Cosell, because it would also provide a much better fit for quarterback Sam Bradford. As of now, a return to Philadelphia for Bradford remains in the air, but for the smoothest transition, Cosell believes the Eagles need him back in 2016.
“I think you have to sign Sam Bradford, and not because he’s a Top 3 quarterback in the league, but because he’s a professional quarterback and I think he can clearly run a conventional NFL offense with more play-action, more under center,” Cosell said. “You don’t want to start your coaching, your first year in Philadelphia, with the quarterback position in flux because one thing Bradford gives you is a quarterback. Your position is not in flux now. You’ve got a starting NFL quarterback.”
-- Johnson Or Peters: Who Will Be Left Tackle?
Posted Jan 10, 2016
By Julie Bacanskas
In 2015, the Eagles’ offensive line was far from perfect. The group featured two new starting guards and couldn’t boast stability at left tackle either as Jason Peters had an injury-plagued year.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia will need to address this area of the roster. Is it time to pick an offensive lineman in the draft? Should Peters move to guard? Does Lane Johnson get the nod to start at left tackle?
Following the team’s season finale, Peters was adamant about one thing. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and potential future Hall of Fame lineman believes he remains the team’s top - and only - option at left tackle.
“I’m the best we got,” Peters said definitively. “Who they going to put there? Who’s better than me in this locker room? Nobody. Who can they draft better than me? Nobody. Who can they pick up better than me? Nobody. You’re going to get beat here and there. That’s a part of it. Part of this offense, I’m one-on-one every play. Ninety plays, 80 plays, get beat one or two times, that’s just part of it.”
Despite Peters' thoughts on the matter, where he lines up during the 2016 season will be up to the Eagles’ new head coach. If the 33-year-old were to move to guard, it would clear the way for Johnson to become the starter at left tackle and solidify that side of the line.
If Johnson has a say, that plan may very well get his vote.
“If I got to play next to (Peters) if he did slide down to guard, that would be great,” Johnson said. “But, you’re talking about a guy who’s a Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler, so it’s hard for a guy to admit stuff. I think he’s done great this year. I think the guy has had to battle a deal of injuries and not used to being up to full speed and that stuff. I think this offseason he’ll get healthy and if he’s playing left (tackle) that’ll be great. If we play next to each other, that may be even better. We’ll see.”
Throughout the course of the year, Peters was inactive twice and in an additional three games played fewer than 20 percent of the offensive snaps. In those five matchups, the Eagles finished with a 1-4 record.
While the team as a whole had injuries and issues across the board, it’s clear that the impact of Peters’ absence was significant. If Peters is convinced to move inside, he will be an asset to Johnson’s development. It will provide an opportunity for Peters to pass on his left tackle knowledge to Johnson while playing directly next to him every play. Plus, who better for Johnson to continue learning tricks of the trade from than Peters?
“We’re good friends,” Johnson said. “Anything I can learn from him … A lot of stuff that he does, I develop my game. The jump sets, everything that he’s done, I just watch from him and try to learn from him.”
Clearly, the Eagles need to evaluate more than just the left tackle position when determining the direction of this offensive line. However, solidifying that position, as well as the roles of Johnson and Peters, will be on the to-do list for whomever takes over as head coach. And, that individual will certainly know Peters’ opinion on the matter.
“I want to be here,” he said. “I still got gas in the tank.”
-- Green-Beckham Compared Well to Other Rookie WRs
Posted Jan 13, 2016
Jim Wyatt
Senior Writer/Editor
TitansOnline.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dorial Green-Beckham was the eighth receiver taken in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Yet as a rookie, the Titans receiver finished the year with more catches, yards and touchdowns than six of the seven receivers selected in front of him, with the lone exception being Oakland’s Amari Cooper, the fourth overall pick of the draft.
“I feel like overall I had a good rookie year,’’ said Green-Beckham, who finished the year with 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns. “I feel like I’ve become one of the top rookies to perform, and it’s been a good experience. I have my rookie year under my belt, and now I know what to expect coming into Year Two.”
Cooper, who played at Alabama, led all rookies with 72 catches for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns.
The receivers taken behind him – and in front of Green-Beckham -- didn’t fare nearly as well.
Kevin White, selected 7th overall by the Bears, spent the year on Injured Reserve, as did Breshad Perriman, the 26th overall pick by the Ravens.
DeVante Parker, selected 14th overall by the Dolphins, had 26 catches for 494 yards in 2015, while Nelson Agholor, taken 20th overall by the Eagles, finished with 23 catches for 283 yards. Phillip Dorsett, another first round pick (29th overall) by the Colts, had 18 catches for 225 yards, and Devin Smith, taken 37th overall (2nd round) by the Jets, finished with nine catches for 115 yards.
Down the stretch, Green-Beckham became one of the go-to receivers for the Titans. In fact, he led all NFL receivers in percentage of catches that resulted in a first down (93.8%). Of Green-Beckham’s 32 catches, 30 resulted in a first down. Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans finished second on the list (85.1%).
Green-Beckham racked up 445 receiving yards from Week 9-Week 17, starting with his 77-yard performance against the Saints. It was Mike Mularkey’s first game as interim coach. Cooper had 505 receiving yards during that stretch.
“I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work, and a lot of focus, and I knew it was definitely going to be a grind,’’ Green-Beckham said. “I knew that from the get-go. But I knew I had to get connected with veteran guys, who could guide me and make my rookie year easier.
“Just getting thrown in there with all the different plays – remembering where to line up, where the defense is going to be, the depth. … All of it was an adjustment because in college you just go out there and do this and, “Boom!” You are just running routes and catching balls. So there’s a big mental part to the game I had to adjust to.”
Several receivers taken behind Green-Beckham in the draft also fared well.
Tyler Lockett, a third round pick by the Seahawks, had 51 catches for 664 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. Jamison Crowder, a fourth round pick by the Redskins, had 59 catches for 604 yards and two touchdowns. Stefon Diggs, a fifth round pick (146th overall) by the Vikings, racked up 720 yards on 52 catches.
Titans receiver Kendall Wright believes Green-Beckham can be as good as any of them.
“He has matured a lot, and the main thing for him is to stay out of trouble and keep his weight down,’’ Wright said of Green-Beckham. “If he does that, I really don’t see too many people being able to stop him.”
Green-Beckham said he wants to play faster – and make even more of an impact -- in 2016.
The clock started the day the season ended.
“I want to do better than I did this year,’’ he said. “I want to eliminate the mental mistakes I made as a rookie, and come in as a Year 2 player and be a guy the team can depend on."
“I feel like the team will count on me next year because I am not a rookie any more, I just got my rookie year under my belt. I want to be able to come out and play fast and prove I know what I am doing.”
-- [Ben] Roethlisberger described his status this week as hour-by-hour, but if he can’t go against the Broncos, backup Landry Jones will be ready to go.
“Landry is one of the smarter guys I’ve been around and a guy who puts in more preparation and work than most,” said Roethlisberger. “He’s really, really good like that. I think we’ve seen growth, because you see a guy who a lot people didn’t anticipate making the team, but he’s put the work in and he has confidence. We’ve all known what he’s capable of doing.”
Re: Confidence in Landry:
[Steelers OC Todd Haley:] I’ve seen him come in and do a good job. He’s helped us win games. Arizona, arguably one of the better teams in the league, he came in and played about a half. He made the plays necessary to win. He’s done nothing but get better. It probably wasn’t his best outing last week but it’s one to learn and grow from. I know he was in here first thing this week studying his butt off. He’s gotten ready to go, and he’s had a couple of good practices.
James Hanna
Height: 6-4
Weight: 260
Position: TE
2015 Performance: One of the most unrated players on the squad in terms of what he does as a point-of-attack blocker and special teamer. He was able to improve his strength and technique from the previous season and it showed up in his play. Worked very well with Jason Witten and the tackles when it came to creating space on the outside.
2016: Forecast: Hanna is such a quiet and easy going player that he might not appears as if he cares? But he has the physical ability and measurements to be a full-time tight end on this club. With the age of Jason Witten and the injury to Gavin Escobar – the tight end position is one that needs to be addressed. I feel like that they need to make an effort to bring him back.
Casey Walker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 340
Position: DT
2015 Performance: Walker was active for the Buffalo and Washington games to end the season. He was brought on to try and give Nick Hayden and Tyrone Crawford a break at one-technique. From what I’ve heard, he appeared to practice better than he played during these two games. There were too many times where he was just not a factor. I would have liked to see him get off blocks quicker, but it just didn’t happen. For a player his size, he needed to do a better job of playing with power. Was single-blocked entirely too much.
2016: Forecast: There are plenty of one-techniques in this draft to consider bringing him back at this point. Upgrade is needed.
-- Trent Williams: 'We Can Definitely Build Off 2015'
Posted Jan 13, 2016
Jake Kring-Schreifels
Associate Writer
@Redskins
After the Redskins achieved what many never predicted in 2015, left tackle Trent Williams believes the team has a strong foundation for success.
Among those that filtered into the Redskins locker room to box up their belongings and say their final goodbyes on Monday morning, left tackle Trent Williams appeared to be one of the most somber around the facility.
“I know we see the expectations from the outside world, but we still had far greater expectations for ourselves,” Williams said of the Redskins 9-7 finish that won them the NFC East division. “We didn’t accomplish that so it still kind of sucks.”
Lamenting the Redskins 35-18 playoff loss to the Packers on Sunday, Williams, the team’s offensive captain and only 2015 Pro Bowler, did his best to remain positive as he “let the sting wear off” in front of the media.
His brighter outlook comes with knowing the difference between 2012 and 2015 – years that the Redskins lost both first-round playoff games -- which Williams called “night and day.”
“As far as where we were as a team, we won, but it was in a different fashion,” Williams said. “I feel like we have a lot of stability now, and I feel like we can definitely build off of 2015.”
That stability has a lot to do with knowing the certainties of head coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins, each of whom established a lot of faith for the fan base, front office and players, guiding the team back to the playoffs with a four-game win streak to close the regular season.
To do all of this with an immense amount of injuries – 15 were placed on injured/reserve this season – and an immense amount of re-tooling the roster in almost every position group, Williams believes the organization fostered the right kind of culture.
“I feel like this team turned into a family,” he said. “After facing all that adversity that we did and overcoming so much during the season, it definitely does hurt seeing guys walk out and knowing that we left a lot on the table.”
While the frustration and the realities of a season now over will linger with the offensive lineman, Williams will rely on general manager Scot McCloughan and the nexus of players returning in 2016 to breed more faith in another winning campaign.
“It’s only up from here,” Williams said. “Obviously we get another offseason to kind of continue to fill holes on this team and add depth to add competition. Hopefully we continue to step in the right direction.”
•Punter Tress Way recorded a 60-yard punt in the first quarter, the third-longest punt in franchise postseason history.
•Way finished the game with an average of 50.6 yards per punt on five punts, the third-longest single-game postseason average in team history.
-- Clearly, the team has a trio of talented backs in DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, but in the case of Murray, the two agreed that he will need to be utilized differently next year.
“If your new head coach is much more of a conventional NFL head coach where the quarterback is under center more, you do have a back in DeMarco Murray who is a downhill runner,” Cosell explained. “He’s a downhill track runner. That would become your run game. That would need to become your run game if you want to get the most out of DeMarco Murray.”
A conventional NFL offense would not only suit Murray better, according to Duffy and Cosell, because it would also provide a much better fit for quarterback Sam Bradford. As of now, a return to Philadelphia for Bradford remains in the air, but for the smoothest transition, Cosell believes the Eagles need him back in 2016.
“I think you have to sign Sam Bradford, and not because he’s a Top 3 quarterback in the league, but because he’s a professional quarterback and I think he can clearly run a conventional NFL offense with more play-action, more under center,” Cosell said. “You don’t want to start your coaching, your first year in Philadelphia, with the quarterback position in flux because one thing Bradford gives you is a quarterback. Your position is not in flux now. You’ve got a starting NFL quarterback.”
-- Johnson Or Peters: Who Will Be Left Tackle?
Posted Jan 10, 2016
By Julie Bacanskas
In 2015, the Eagles’ offensive line was far from perfect. The group featured two new starting guards and couldn’t boast stability at left tackle either as Jason Peters had an injury-plagued year.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia will need to address this area of the roster. Is it time to pick an offensive lineman in the draft? Should Peters move to guard? Does Lane Johnson get the nod to start at left tackle?
Following the team’s season finale, Peters was adamant about one thing. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and potential future Hall of Fame lineman believes he remains the team’s top - and only - option at left tackle.
“I’m the best we got,” Peters said definitively. “Who they going to put there? Who’s better than me in this locker room? Nobody. Who can they draft better than me? Nobody. Who can they pick up better than me? Nobody. You’re going to get beat here and there. That’s a part of it. Part of this offense, I’m one-on-one every play. Ninety plays, 80 plays, get beat one or two times, that’s just part of it.”
Despite Peters' thoughts on the matter, where he lines up during the 2016 season will be up to the Eagles’ new head coach. If the 33-year-old were to move to guard, it would clear the way for Johnson to become the starter at left tackle and solidify that side of the line.
If Johnson has a say, that plan may very well get his vote.
“If I got to play next to (Peters) if he did slide down to guard, that would be great,” Johnson said. “But, you’re talking about a guy who’s a Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler, so it’s hard for a guy to admit stuff. I think he’s done great this year. I think the guy has had to battle a deal of injuries and not used to being up to full speed and that stuff. I think this offseason he’ll get healthy and if he’s playing left (tackle) that’ll be great. If we play next to each other, that may be even better. We’ll see.”
Throughout the course of the year, Peters was inactive twice and in an additional three games played fewer than 20 percent of the offensive snaps. In those five matchups, the Eagles finished with a 1-4 record.
While the team as a whole had injuries and issues across the board, it’s clear that the impact of Peters’ absence was significant. If Peters is convinced to move inside, he will be an asset to Johnson’s development. It will provide an opportunity for Peters to pass on his left tackle knowledge to Johnson while playing directly next to him every play. Plus, who better for Johnson to continue learning tricks of the trade from than Peters?
“We’re good friends,” Johnson said. “Anything I can learn from him … A lot of stuff that he does, I develop my game. The jump sets, everything that he’s done, I just watch from him and try to learn from him.”
Clearly, the Eagles need to evaluate more than just the left tackle position when determining the direction of this offensive line. However, solidifying that position, as well as the roles of Johnson and Peters, will be on the to-do list for whomever takes over as head coach. And, that individual will certainly know Peters’ opinion on the matter.
“I want to be here,” he said. “I still got gas in the tank.”
-- Green-Beckham Compared Well to Other Rookie WRs
Posted Jan 13, 2016
Jim Wyatt
Senior Writer/Editor
TitansOnline.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dorial Green-Beckham was the eighth receiver taken in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Yet as a rookie, the Titans receiver finished the year with more catches, yards and touchdowns than six of the seven receivers selected in front of him, with the lone exception being Oakland’s Amari Cooper, the fourth overall pick of the draft.
“I feel like overall I had a good rookie year,’’ said Green-Beckham, who finished the year with 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns. “I feel like I’ve become one of the top rookies to perform, and it’s been a good experience. I have my rookie year under my belt, and now I know what to expect coming into Year Two.”
Cooper, who played at Alabama, led all rookies with 72 catches for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns.
The receivers taken behind him – and in front of Green-Beckham -- didn’t fare nearly as well.
Kevin White, selected 7th overall by the Bears, spent the year on Injured Reserve, as did Breshad Perriman, the 26th overall pick by the Ravens.
DeVante Parker, selected 14th overall by the Dolphins, had 26 catches for 494 yards in 2015, while Nelson Agholor, taken 20th overall by the Eagles, finished with 23 catches for 283 yards. Phillip Dorsett, another first round pick (29th overall) by the Colts, had 18 catches for 225 yards, and Devin Smith, taken 37th overall (2nd round) by the Jets, finished with nine catches for 115 yards.
Down the stretch, Green-Beckham became one of the go-to receivers for the Titans. In fact, he led all NFL receivers in percentage of catches that resulted in a first down (93.8%). Of Green-Beckham’s 32 catches, 30 resulted in a first down. Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans finished second on the list (85.1%).
Green-Beckham racked up 445 receiving yards from Week 9-Week 17, starting with his 77-yard performance against the Saints. It was Mike Mularkey’s first game as interim coach. Cooper had 505 receiving yards during that stretch.
“I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work, and a lot of focus, and I knew it was definitely going to be a grind,’’ Green-Beckham said. “I knew that from the get-go. But I knew I had to get connected with veteran guys, who could guide me and make my rookie year easier.
“Just getting thrown in there with all the different plays – remembering where to line up, where the defense is going to be, the depth. … All of it was an adjustment because in college you just go out there and do this and, “Boom!” You are just running routes and catching balls. So there’s a big mental part to the game I had to adjust to.”
Several receivers taken behind Green-Beckham in the draft also fared well.
Tyler Lockett, a third round pick by the Seahawks, had 51 catches for 664 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. Jamison Crowder, a fourth round pick by the Redskins, had 59 catches for 604 yards and two touchdowns. Stefon Diggs, a fifth round pick (146th overall) by the Vikings, racked up 720 yards on 52 catches.
Titans receiver Kendall Wright believes Green-Beckham can be as good as any of them.
“He has matured a lot, and the main thing for him is to stay out of trouble and keep his weight down,’’ Wright said of Green-Beckham. “If he does that, I really don’t see too many people being able to stop him.”
Green-Beckham said he wants to play faster – and make even more of an impact -- in 2016.
The clock started the day the season ended.
“I want to do better than I did this year,’’ he said. “I want to eliminate the mental mistakes I made as a rookie, and come in as a Year 2 player and be a guy the team can depend on."
“I feel like the team will count on me next year because I am not a rookie any more, I just got my rookie year under my belt. I want to be able to come out and play fast and prove I know what I am doing.”
-- [Ben] Roethlisberger described his status this week as hour-by-hour, but if he can’t go against the Broncos, backup Landry Jones will be ready to go.
“Landry is one of the smarter guys I’ve been around and a guy who puts in more preparation and work than most,” said Roethlisberger. “He’s really, really good like that. I think we’ve seen growth, because you see a guy who a lot people didn’t anticipate making the team, but he’s put the work in and he has confidence. We’ve all known what he’s capable of doing.”
Re: Confidence in Landry:
[Steelers OC Todd Haley:] I’ve seen him come in and do a good job. He’s helped us win games. Arizona, arguably one of the better teams in the league, he came in and played about a half. He made the plays necessary to win. He’s done nothing but get better. It probably wasn’t his best outing last week but it’s one to learn and grow from. I know he was in here first thing this week studying his butt off. He’s gotten ready to go, and he’s had a couple of good practices.
