MSU Red Cedar Message Board

The San Francisco Chronicle believes undrafted 49ers rookie TE Garrett Celek has the talent to make a 53-man roster.

Garrett is the brother of Eagles TE Brent Celek. Reporter Kevin Lynch puts Celek's chances of cracking the 49ers' crowded tight end corps at 20-to-1, but believes a strong preseason could turn him into a possible waiver claim. Per Lynch, Celek "catches the ball so softly, you hardly ever hear the ball hit his hands," and also "seems to know his way around a pass route."

Titans | Javon Ringer wants starting opportunity Thu Jul 5, 12:04 PM

Tennessee Titans RB Javon Ringer is looking for an opportunity to become a starting running back in the NFL. With one more year on his rookie contract, Ringer is already thinking about the options he might have to become a starter somewhere else. 'Sooner or later, I hope to get a legitimate chance to prove myself,' Ringer said. 'This is my contract year, so I'm hoping and praying for the best.'

Our view: Ringer has flashed some ability as a rusher during his pro career, but last season he was a disappointment. Averaging only 3.1 YPC he managed a mere 59 carries during a year when starter Chris Johnson struggled. He's unlikely to get much opportunity this year unless Johnson gets hurt. If that happens we feel second-year RB Jamie Harper may be the Titans back to own instead of Ringer.

Packers | Jerel Worthy saw time with starters Thu Jul 5, 01:49 PM

Green Bay Packers DL Jerel Worthy said he saw a lot of time with the starting defense during offseason workouts. Worthy said the defensive coaches said they plan to have Worthy to play with the starting defense often this season.

Our view: No surprise here. Worthy has great functional strength and his best attribute is his ability to shed blockers. He's got violent, strong hands, understands leverage and can rush the passer from the middle of the D-Line.

What what WHAT? "Relentless motor"???? I thought he took plays off!

Texans | Keshawn Martin may be favorite for No. 3 WR job Sun Jul 15, 02:48 PM

Houston Texans WR Keshawn Martin may enter training camp as the favorite for the No. 3 wide receiver job. The team will use camp to determine Martin's role in the offense.

Our view: Martin is a talented rookie who is effective on underneath routes because of his run after the catch ability. We like Lestar Jean as the favorite to win the WR3 job in Houston. In fact, Jean has the ability to be a quality starter opposite Andre Johnson if he gets the opportunity. He's a big WR who consistently plucks passes out of the air.

Not looking good for B.J. in Miami:

If Ochocinco and Naanee stick, that leaves one or two spots for Roberto Wallace (most impressive of the unproven ones), Marlon Moore (good speed but some exasperating drops), Clyde Gates (still thinking too much), Julius Pruitt (three touchdowns in one June practice), and long shots Chris Hogan (the second-year kid from Monmouth who was decent in May/June work), B.J. Cunningham (too many drops), Rishard Matthews (will get a look on returns) and Jeff Fuller (practice squad potential).

Me neither. He had a problem his freshman year, but improved in that area substantially his sophomore year, and never really had a problem after that. Wonder if it's a function of the different playbook, and different QB's throwing to him.

Still -- hope he at least hits the practice squad somewhere.

That website sucks. Martin was drafted...

Don BanksVerified
‏@DonBanks

3 months later, still can't figure out why K. Cousins is on Skins roster. No Cousins questions yet at camp, all RG3.

He's a natural WILL that played MIKE because MSU didn't have anyone else that could handle the position. This isn't surprising.

Can we pin this thread to the first page. So people we post the related posts to this thread instead of creating their own.

Davis expected to have expanded role

With Mike Tice replacing Mike Martz as Bears offensive coordinator this season, it’s no secret that tight ends are expected to be more involved in the passing game.

“Tight ends are the No. 1 reads and the No. 2 reads on a lot of passing plays now and a lot of the quick-game stuff will be good for us,” said tight end Kellen Davis.

The likelihood that Davis would be more involved in the offense was a big reason he chose to re-sign with the Bears in March after attracting serious interest elsewhere in free agency.

“I enjoy getting the ball,” Davis said. “It’s always fun and it amps me up, but I like run blocking too, especially if we can open up a big hole. Anytime we can get big plays, I’m up for that, especially when they’re going to me.”

Used predominantly as a blocker and a red-zone threat as a receiver last season, Davis led the Bears with five touchdown receptions while catching only 18 passes for 206 yards.

The 6-7, 267-pounder has appeared in all 64 games with 20 starts in four seasons since arriving in 2008 as a fifth-round pick from Michigan State, catching 28 passes for 300 yards and nine touchdowns.

Coach Lovie Smith is a big Davis supporter, saying during the offseason that he boasts great size, is a great in-line blocker and is “skilled enough as an athlete to be able to move outside and do some things.”

Dammit. Well, there are always 31 other rosters and 32 practice squads to shoot for. Plus, BJ had hands issues as a freshman, and was able to make a remarkable improvement. If he can do it once, he can do it again.