May 16, 2012; Manhattan, NY, USA; The Super Bowl rings of New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (not pictured) at the Super Bowl ring ceremony at Tiffanys in New York. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The New York Giants were victorious in Super Bowl XLVI and, like every Super Bowl champion before them, they were rewarded with an incredible ring to remember the accomplishment. Today, at Tiffany & Co. in New York City, the reigning Super Bowl champions were honored with a ceremony in which they received their championship rings.

Tonight, on the team’s official Facebook page, they released images of the Super Bowl XLVI ring along with pictures of the players celebrating their big accomplishment. For your viewing pleasure, here are the photos of your world champion Giants and their championship ring celebration:

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This list isn’t about which coaches are on the hot seat for their jobs (though you could argue that 4 of the 5 are), but rather about which 5 coaches in the NFL have to make a dramatic statement this season and why. Let’s start off with…

5. Norv Turner, SD

Every year, Norv Turner’s job is said to be in jeopardy. Yet every year, he and GM Smith remain for another mediocre season of disappointment. Most NFL observers have the same general opinion of Turner; Great coordinator, poor head coach. While there is no denying that Turner is a quality human being, he seems to lack the slight to moderate amount of crazy required by successful coaches. The most unfortunate thing about his tenure with the Chargers is that he has instituted a general sense of hopelessness among the fan base. Ask any Chargers fan if the team will ever win a Super Bowl with Turner, and you’ll get the same exact answer every single time. All it would take is one trip to the Super Bowl, or even a deep playoff run, for all to be forgiven.

4. Mike Shanahan, WAS

Mike Shanahan has long been regarded as an offensive mastermind for his construction of the John Elway led Broncos of the late-90′s. However, since Elway rode into the sunset on the heels of two consecutive Super Bowl victories, Shanny has yet to guide any other team the Big Game. He came close in 2005, but was upset by the Steelers after going 13-3; he has not managed a playoff appearance since. His record between 2006 – 2011 now sits at 35-45. For him to earn a trip to the Hall of Fame and retain his “offensive genius” label, he absolutely needs RG3 and Co. to get at least a wild-card berth in the post-season.

3. Jason Garrett, DAL

It was only a few short years ago that Jason Garrett was the absolute hottest commodity on the coaching market. During a season that saw seven new hires at the head coaching position (over 20% of league franchises), Garret was courted by many a team. However, Jerry Jones was having none of that, and promptly signed him to a contract that would pay him 3 million dollars to serve as an assistant head coach. He was thought to be the coach of the future, and when he took over with the interim label halfway through the 2010 season, he turned around the performance of the team, posting a 5-3 record as head coach during that time. Last year, however, with a stacked roster, the team managed to go only 8-8, failing to make the playoffs in the process. Jones isn’t known for his patience, and should a big name hit the market if the Cowboys fail to make the post-season again, don’t be surprised if Jones shows him the door.

2. Jim Schwartz, DET

Jim Schwartz is by no means in danger of losing his job. In three years as head coach of the Detroit Lions, he has managed to do what almost no one before him could: Turn the Lions into a dangerous team capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. To those that know him and know of him, it is no surprise. Many people still fail to realize the impact he had on the Tennessee Titans of the late-90′s and early 2000′s, as he was responsible for orchestrating one of the leagues more imposing defenses at the time. During his rookie campaign as head coach, the Lions went 2-14. Last year, they went 10-6 and lost to the Saints in the playoffs. However, he is not held in the same esteem as his higher regarded counterparts such as Belichik, or even Sean Payton, due largely to the fact that he has not yet been to the Super Bowl. A deep post-season run in the playoffs would be a call to the league, and as a Mensa member that is an unabashed Pantera fan, he perfectly encapsulates the type of personality necessary for success in today’s NFL.

1. Rex Ryan, NYJ

Within a span of only three years, Rex Ryan has managed to go from lovable trash-talker to overbearing loudmouth. Initially, it was refreshing to see a coach that didn’t limit himself to barely-audible messages of disdain a la Belichik, nor stock quotes like most other coaches in the league. He was exuberant, and even affable as he riled up his troops to do battle every week. But along the way, something happened. He lost control of his locker room, and players began to turn on each other, routinely throwing one another under the bus, as Rex often did with Mark “Sanchize” Sanchez. The team began to resemble that of a gang, except that they didn’t have each other’s back. Despite this, Rex continued his arrogant and cocky ways, and the Jets franchise plummeted, going from feared to merely accounted for. Rex has since backed off the talk a bit, especially in light of his embarrassing proclamation that the Jets would win the Super Bowl in 2011-2012, but another mediocre season might have ownership looking in another direction.

Follow me on Twitter @TitanSizedJason

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December 11, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

It’s the middle of May and there is still a lot to be learned about how NFL teams will be structured and use their rookies and free agents. However, it’s never too early to get an idea of what the fantasy landscape looks like in a draft situation and now that I’ve released my early rankings we can use them to take a look around. I myself will be in my first real draft of the season in a mere three weeks – albeit that it’s a special 84 day draft in a very unique league I’m in which I’m sure I’ll mention on countless occasions over the next few weeks.

This mock will be a short one – ten teams and six rounds conducted snake style with each team picking a QB, two RBs, two WRs and a RB/WR/TE – yeah I could have gone seven rounds and had a separate spot for TE but it is often the case that players wait until late to draft a TE and I wanted this reflected in the mock.

Round 1

1. LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
2. Arian Foster, RB, HOU
3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
5. Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
6. DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
7. Ray Rice, RB, BAL
8. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
9. Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
10. Darren McFadden, RB, OAK

Here you have it – my official Top 10. In it we notice something rather unusual – three wide receivers in the first round. There are two reasons for this – wide receiver is extremely deep this year throughout and running back gets ugly in a hurry. Fantasy darling Chris Johnson doesn’t even make the first round. Two other notes – Ray Rice has some serious competition from Bernard Pierce which reduces his stock this year and I’m a big believer in DeMarco Murray this season and while you may not see him drafted here to begin with his stock is definitely going to rise as time goes on.

Round 2

1. Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
2. Tom Brady, QB, NE
3. Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
4. Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
5. Drew Brees, QB, NO
6. Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
7. Matt Forte, RB, CHI
8. Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
9. Michael Vick, QB, PHI
10. Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG

Round 2 holds few surprises but once again reflects the earlier point about how shallow running back is. At this point, players begin scrambling to get the most reliable running backs as they are quickly disappearing. The appearance of rookie Trent Richardson this early is the surest indication of this. We also see an influx of quarterbacks in this round in part due to how strong the position is this year but also because running back is so shallow and this year taking a quarterback early may be a better idea than taking a running back who is a dodgy pick.

Round 3

1. Greg Jennings, WR, GB
2. Roddy White, WR, ATL
3. Michael Turner, ATL
4. Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
5. Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
6. Steve Smith, WR, CAR
7. Cam Newton, QB, CAR
8. Wes Welker, WR, NE
9. Frank Gore, RB, SF
10. Brandon Marshall, WR, CHI

Round 3 is where things start getting messy. The quality of running backs has seriously deteriorated by this point and we see the round dominated by pass catchers. The first tight end makes his appearance in Rob Gronkowski who is well deserving a top spot after his monstrous effect in 2011. We also have the injured Adrian Peterson listed in this round – reports indicate he may be available for week 1 but with such a short recovery time from his torn ACL drafting him this high is going to be risky.

Round 4

1. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
2. A.J. Green, WR, CIN
3. Eli Manning, QB, NYG
4. Miles Austin, WR, DAL
5. Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
6. Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
7. Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
8. Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
9. Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
10. Fred Jackson, RB, BUF

See what I mean about wide receiver being deep? running backs book-end this round but then it’s almost all wideout. At this point, it’s personal preference as so many of these receivers project similarly. This is just my order. Note the presence of our big throwers from 2011 – Matthew Stafford and Eli Manning who both threw about 5000 yards. Doubt they can do it again but it earns both enough respect to get into the 4th.

Round 5

1. Tony Romo, QB, DAL
2. Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
3. Ryan Matthews, RB, SD
4. Julio Jones, WR, ATL
5. Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
6. Steven Jackson, RB, STL
7. Darren Sproles, RB, NO
8. DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
9. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, RB, CIN
10. Peyton Manning, QB, DEN

A few notes here – I have Matthews ranked lower than many as he’s done nothing to prove to me he deserves to be drafted higher, Jimmy Graham is the clear #2 TE and I wouldn’t draft one any higher than the 7th or 8th round, then there’s Peyton Manning who I can guarantee will not be a 5th round value. With Peyton, he’ll either be a 3rd round value or he’ll be a bust. This is the earliest you should draft him considering how risky a play he will be.

Round 6

1.  Vincent Jackson, WR, TB
2. Marques Colston, WR, NO
3. C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
4. Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
5. DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
6. Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
7. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
8. Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
9. Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
10. Eric Decker, WR, DEN

The thing to note about this round is that at this point in the draft you are going to find value. It’s typically in round 5-8 that the one or two players who will jump into top fantasy contention will appear. The problem is that it’s so difficult figuring out which one it’ll be. One thing I will note is that this is a little high to be drafting Matt Ryan but here we have a good example of how there’s a top tier of quarterbacks and then a drop off and it’ll occur right around the bottom of round 5.

———————————-

Team Summaries

Team 1

QB – Tony Romo, DAL

RB – LeSean McCoy, PHI; Fred Jackson, BUF

WR – Hakeem Nicks, NYG; Greg Jennings, GB; Eric Decker, DEN

Notes – pretty solid all round, picking first isn’t quite as bad as previous years.

Team 2

QB – Michael Vick, PHI

RB – Arian Foster, HOU; Reggie Bush, MIA

WR – Roddy White, ATL; Dez Bryant, DAL

TE – Jimmy Graham, NO

Notes – Another very solid team, having an elite RB1 is a big advantage

Team 3

QB – Aaron Rodgers, GB

RB – Marshawn Lynch, SEA; Michael Turner, ATL; Ryan Matthews, SD

WR – Dwayne Bowe, KC; Percy Harvin, MIN

Notes – Picking a quarterback in the first round has hurt this team a little but taking three RBs makes up for this

Team 4

QB – Matt Ryan, ATL

RB – Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC; Matt Forte, CHI

WR – Victor Cruz, NYG; Julio Jones, ATL

TE – Rob Gronkowski, NE

Notes – Gronkowski is essentially the team’s WR1 and the team is well balanced although they’ll need to draft another QB high

Team 5

QB – Matthew Stafford, DET

RB – Trent Richardson, CLE; Adrian Peterson, MIN; Tim Hightower, WAS

WR – Calvin Johnson, DET; Jordy Nelson, GB

Notes – if that RB combo pays off this is a deadly team, the ultimate example of how risk/reward you have to get when you don’t draft a RB early

Team 6

QB – Drew Brees, NO

RB – DeMarco Murray, DAL; Steven Jackson, STL; DeAngelo Williams, CAR

WR – Steve Smith, CAR; Jeremy Maclin, PHI

Notes – here we see just how ugly RB can be this year. Still, this is one combo that can easily get lucky and pick winners

Team 7

QB – Cam Newton, CAR

RB – Ray Rice, BAL; Darren Sproles, NO

WR – Mike Wallace, PIT; Miles Austin, DAL; Demaryius Thomas, DEN

Notes – This is probably the most balanced team of this mock which is to be expected when a team drafts three WRs in the first six rounds

Team 8

QB – Eli Manning, NYG

RB – Jamaal Charles, KC; C.J. Spiller, BUF

WR – Larry Fitzgerald, ARI; Wes Welker, NE; DeSean Jackson, PHI

Notes – A dead WR combo here thanks to drafting them early and often, this strategy requires smart selection of RBs and a later QB pick

Team 9

QB – Tom Brady, NE

RB – Frank Gore, SF; Benjarvus Green-Ellis, CIN

WR – Andre Johnson, HOU; A.J. Green, CIN; Marques Colston, NO

Notes – This is what happens when you draft a QB early with lots of WRs, the RBs can leave a lot to be desired

Team 10

QB – Peyton Manning, DEN

RB – Darren McFadden, OAK; Chris Johnson, TEN; Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

WR – Brandon Marshall, CHI; Vincent Jackson, TB

Notes – The advantage of going RB/RB to start off is you end up with a very stable set of starters even if you’re missing out on elite players elsewhere

—————————————–

What do you think of the mock draft and how the teams turned out? Which is your favourite team? As always you can tweet your opinions to @chrissmithsz or leave a comment below.

Next week I’ll begin a four part series looking at each offensive position and giving some early analysis for you guys. For now however this is the Fantasy Guru signing off – see you next Tuesday.

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Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL former quarterback and Hall of Fame member Dan Fouts speaks during a press conference announcing the NFL hall of fame class of 2012 finalists at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Dan Fouts is no stranger to how tough the game of football is. A less than mobile quarterback, Fouts was the starter for the Chargers during the Air Coryell days. He took a bunch of hits during his career due to his lack of athleticism and as such is one of the vets you can expect to have a strong opinion in the debate surrounding big hits.

Prior to the celebration of the life of Junior Seau, Fouts chose to break his silence on the topic when speaking with CBSSports.com and suggested his remedy for the situation:

“The thing is is that as players we’re taught to fight through injuries … and to play … and blah, blah, blah … because I don’t need help – I can get off the field myself. And I think that mentality has got to change, and I think it is … even if it’s slowly”

“Instead of money, I think the punishment should be playing time because then you get into peer pressure and hurting the general cause of the team. And that’s what players don’t want to do. You fine these guys a couple of grand and that’s nothing these days. So take away what’s most dear to them, and that’s playing.”

The strategy of missing games has been discussed previously and we have seen repeat offenders such as posterboy James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers hit with suspension but Fouts appears to be suggesting that suspensions should replace fines entirely. Considering how we have seen the public donate money to a fined player to help him pay and the player and team themselves are barely affected by the fines this suggestion certainly has merit.

While fines are currently a part of the disciplinary program right now there’s little doubt that if they don’t have much affect and a more serious line must be taken toward those who break the rules. Players may know that football is a violent sport but they all know what the rules are as well. If we continue to see rule breaking surrounding safety then the players have to accept a greater responsibility for their actions given that the rules are in place and they must be followed. We will continue to debate these rules but one thing is certain – you can bet NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is going to continue to crack down on those who break the laws of the game.

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Nov 13, 2011; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL Draft is over and now hardcore fantasy players are starting to do their research to prepare for the 2012 fantasy football season. To some it sounds insane – talking seriously about projecting football performance in May is impossible. Probably true but here at NFL Spin Zone we recognise that there are very dedicated fantasy players out there and we’re here to help.

So here are the Fantasy Guru Mid May Rankings by position.

Quarterback Top 20

1. Aaron Rodgers, GB
2. Tom Brady, NE
3. Drew Brees, NO
4. Michael Vick, PHI
5. Cam Newton, CAR
6. Eli Manning, NYG
7. Matt Stafford, DET
8. Tony Romo, DAL
9. Peyton Manning, DEN
10. Matt Ryan, ATL
11. Matt Schaub, HOU
12. Philip Rivers, SD
13. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
14. Robert Griffin III, WAS
15. Andy Dalton, CIN
16. Jay Cutler, CHI
17. Alex Smith, SF
18. Joe Flacco, BAL
19. Sam Bradford, STL
20. Josh Freeman, TB

Running Back Top 50

1. LeSean McCoy, PHI
2. Arian Foster, HOU
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC
4. DeMarco Murray, DAL
5. Ray Rice, BAL
6. Darren McFadden, OAK
7. Chris Johnson, TEN
8. Jamaal Charles, KC
9. Trent Richardson, CLE
10. Matt Forte, CHI
11. Marshawn Lynch, SEA
12. Michael Turner, ATL
13. Adrian Peterson, MIN
14. Frank Gore, SF
15. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
16. Fred Jackson, BUF
17. Ryan Matthews, SD
18. Steven Jackson, STL
19. Darren Sproles, NO
20. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, NE
21. C.J. Spiller, BUF
22. DeAngelo Williams, CAR
23. Tim Hightower, WAS
24. Reggie Bush, MIA
25. Willis McGahee, DEN
26. Jonathan Stewart, CAR
27. Ben Tate, HOU
28. Doug Martin, TB
29. Roy Helu, WAS
30. Beanie Wells, ARI
31. Michael Bush, CHI
32. Shonn Greene, NYJ
33. LaMichael James, SF
34. Jahvid Best, DET
35. LaGarrette Blount, TB
36. Isaac Redman, PIT
37. Daniel Thomas, MIA
38. Peyton Hillis, KC
39. Joseph Addai, NE
40. Mark Ingram, NO
41. Felix Jones, DAL
42. Stevan Ridley, NE
43. Jonathan Dwyer, PIT
44. Toby Gerhart, MIN
45. James Starks, GB
46. Delone Carter, IND
47. Bernard Pierce, BAL
48. Ryan Williams, ARI
49. David WIlson, NYG
50. Pierre Thomas, NO

Wide Receiver Top 50

1. Calvin Johnson, DET
2. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
3. Andre Johnson, HOU
4. Mike Wallace, PIT
5. Hakeem Nicks, NYG
6. Greg Jennings, GB
7. Roddy White, ATL
8. Steve Smith, CAR
9. Wes Welker, NE
10. Brandon Marshall, CHI
11. A.J. Green, CIN
12. Miles Austin, DAL
13. Jeremy Maclin, PHI
14. Victor Cruz, NYG
15. Dwayne Bowe, KC
16. Dez Bryant, DAL
17. Julio Jones, ATL
18. Jordy Nelson, GB
19. DeSean Jackson, PHI
20. Vincent Jackson, TB
21. Marques Colston, NO
22. Demaryius Thomas, DEN
23. Percy Harvin, MIN
24. Eric Decker, DEN
25. Kenny Britt, TEN
26. Steve Johnson, BUF
27. Lance Moore, NO
28. Robert Meachem, SD
29. Anquan Boldin, BAL
30. Michael Floyd, ARI
31. Pierre Garcon, WAS
32. Sidney Rice, SEA
33. Brandon Lloyd, NE
34. Mario Manningham, SF
35. Reggie Wayne, IND
36. Torrey Smith, BAL
37. Santonio Holmes, NYJ
38. Mohammed Sanu, CIN
39. Denarius Moore, OAK
40. Malcom Floyd, SD
41. Michael Crabtree, SF
42. Justin Blackmon, JAC
43. Darrius Heywood-Bey, OAK
44. Randy Moss, SF
45. Laurent Robinson, JAC
46. James Jones, GB
47. Mike Williams, TB
48. Leonard Hankerson, WAS
49. Nate Washington, TEN
50. Danny Amendola, STL

Tight End Top 20

1. Rob Gronkowski, NE
2. Jimmy Graham, NO
3. Jermichael Finley, GB
4. Jason Witten, DAL
5. Antonio Gates, SD
6. Vernon Davis, SF
7. Fred Davis, WAS
8. Brandon Pettigrew, DET
9. Aaron Hernandez, NE
10. Jared Cook, TEN
11. Owen Daniels, HOU
12. Tony Gonzalez, ATL
13. Jacob Tamme, DEN
14. Dustin Keller, NYJ
15. Brent Celek, PHI
16. Greg Olsen, CAR
17. Coby Fleener, IND
18. Jermaine Gresham, CIN
19. Dallas Clark, FA
20. Kellen Winslow, TB

Defense/Special Teams Top 15

1. 49ers
2. Eagles
3. Jets
4. Bears
5. Texans
6. Ravens
7. Bengals
8. Cowboys
9. Packers
10. Giants
11. Steelers
12. Falcons
13. Patriots
14. Seahawks
15. Chiefs

There ya have it – now you have a base to go at make your sleeper lists and such. I’ll be back tomorrow morning with an early six round mock draft. For now, this is the Fantasy Guru signing off.

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Nov 19, 2011; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (6) during the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at High Point Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Ever since the terrible time Mohammed Sanu had on draft day when a Rutgers student called Sanu pretending to be from the Cincinnati Bengals and saying that the team were drafting him in first round, the wide receiver has obviously come into Bengals rookie camp – the team eventually drafted him in the third round – with a chip on his shoulder.

The Rutgers wideout does have one big fan in Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis who spoke out in support of the third round draft pick.

“(I) thought Sanu was everything we expected him to be. He’s going to come in here and play as a rookie and push to start and (for playing) time.”

Sanu was thought to be one of the better value picks of this year’s draft and this could indeed prove to be so as he has a very good chance to begin his career as the #2 wide receiver on the Bengals team. Watch this space.

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In a time where more and more players are beginning to speak out about their love for the game of football regardless of the toll it may take on their body, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has made his own statement. Multiple former players are suing the NFL due to concussion related issues, but Cutler, who has suffered multiple concussions of his own, doesn’t sound like he will be one of those players.

“It’s a tough subject, it’s a touchy subject, I think you have to be careful what you say and don’t say. Some guys are totally on one side of the and other guys are on the other side of the fence,” Cutler said,told the Chicago Sun-Times. “You know, I signed up to play football. I understand that. I understand you’re going to take hits, you’re going to get beat up.

“At the end of the day, it’s a tough sport. You’re going to take shots in the head, and you’re going to get concussions from time to time, but no one made me play football. Not one put a gun to my head and said, ‘You have to play football.’ It’s what I love to do. And I knew the risks and benefits going into it.”

As you, the readers of NFL Spin Zone know by know, I respect the players who play for the love of the game more than anything. Football is a violent sport and the men that have dedicated their entire lives to making it to the professional level know this more than anyone. Hats off to Cutler for speaking up and speaking the truth.

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Nov 27, 2011; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Vince Young (9) along the sidelines during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Vince Young has had a rough start to the beginning of his professional career, but that hasn’t held him back from getting another opportunity. Over the weekend, the Buffalo Bills announced that they signed Young and plan to have him compete for the backup quarterback gig in Buffalo.

If Bills head coach Chan Gailey’s words are any indication, this could be the best opportunity for Young since his rookie season.

“He’s done some great things,” Gailey said. “He’s got a great arm. When he worked out here, he threw it very well. Everybody knows his mobility. He brings you that, and he’s won football games in the NFL. That’s another positive.”

Gailey has shown in the past that he is very keen on adapting his offense so that it benefits mobile quarterbacks. Vince Young fits the bill better than any other free agent quarterback on the market. If there is a coach in the league who can take advantage of Young’s athleticism and set him up for a career resurgence, it is Gailey.

As far as Young’s future with the team, Gailey isn’t the only one excited. General manager Buddy Nix also seems thrilled to have Young on the Bills roster competing for a job.

“[Nix] thought that was a great guy for us to bring in because we’ve talked all along about wanting to continually try to bring in guys who can compete for job and he can compete for a job,” Gailey said. “I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Young still has loads of untapped talent, so a backup job in Buffalo could be exactly what he needs. With a strong running game, star receiver, a quarterback who has yet to fully establish himself and a head coach that loves mobile quarterbacks, this could be as good of an opportunity for Young as there is.

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May 11, 2012; Berea, OH, USA: Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) works out during rookie training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

One of the criticisms of Brandon Weeden going into the draft was that he wasn’t a very athletic quarterback and the system he was successful running at Oklahoma State didn’t lean itself towards the pro game. Early on in his time with the Cleveland Browns, this is proving true.

During an early practice Weeden had some issues with fumbling the ball. Hardly surprising when he hasn’t had much time under center but it is a crucial area he will have to work on in his development if he is to become the starting quarterback for Cleveland straight away as no doubt was intended by drafting him in the first round.

Speaking to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Weeden expressed his opinion of the change from the shotgun-based offense he’d run in college:

“It’s getting comfortable. But I’ll be honest, I like being under center more because you can see what’s going on and you get the ball immediately. If I had to pick one of the two, not that I don’t like being in the shotgun, but I like being under center.”

Even with this issue, Browns coaches were pleased with what they saw from the 28 year old rookie. His big arm that had made him an MLB drafted pitcher was on display for all to see as he sent rocket passes to new rookie teammates Trent Richardson and Travis Benjamin. It is the velocity of his throws that have propelled Weeden’s stock to the point of being a first round pick and should he iron out his formation issues this is a quarterback with a bright future in the NFL.

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May 11, 2012; Berea, OH, USA: Cleveland Browns fullback Brad Smelley (47) talks with running back Trent Richardson (33) during rookie training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

When a rookie enters the NFL, there is usually a steep learning curve. However, there are a few positions in the league where the transition comes a little easier for the rising young stars. One of those positions is running back, so it should come as no surprise that Cleveland Browns first-round pick Trent Richardson is off to an early start and impressing his coaches.

“I think everybody is amazed,” Browns running backs coach Gary Brown said in an interview with ESPN Cleveland.

But it wasn’t just his positional coach that had positive things to say. Richardson has also made a great impression on head coach Pat Shurmur.

“Wow! He’s a very powerful man. He’s powerfully built. Don’t let the 5-9 fool you. He’s almost 230 pounds. That’s a lot of muscle packed into that body,” said Shurmur. “I just think he’s got a very powerful build, much like we thought, and it shows up on the field.”

Richardson is going to be a workhorse for the Browns this season and will be a big part of any success the Cleveland offense sees. Whether it be Colt McCoy or Brandon Weeden under center, the quarterback will have it a lot easier thanks to Richardson carrying the load. If you had to pick a few rookies to be on the “Offensive Rookie of the Year” watchlist, you would have to put the former Alabama star at the top of your list.

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