Jason Smith takes huge pay cut to stay with Rams

Posted by Mike Florio on April 21, 2012, 6:13 PM EDT

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The Lions, who had three top-two picks in the final four years of the big-windfall rookie contract system, eventually have to find a way to sign all three of them to long-term deals.

The Rams wish they had that problem.

With three top-two picks of their own from 2008 through 2010, the Rams have yet to have a true superstar emerge.  QuarterbackSam Bradford (the first pick and offensive rookie of the year in 2010) regressed in 2011, and defensive lineman Chris Long (No. 2 in 2008) has shown signs of life after a sluggish start to his career.  The worst by far of the trio has been tackle Jason Smith, the second overall selection in 2009.

The Tiger Report celebrates its 1st birthday

This week The Tiger Report turns 1 year old.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you that have become fans of TTR and have helped us grow over this last year.

This is also a great time to ask those of you that have been regulars here for your thoughts and opinions on the site, and what I can do to make it serve you better.

Thank you,
~Tiger

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TTR's 2nd Annual Mock Draft Contest!

Draft prospect Alfonzo Dennard arrested for punching cop in the face

Posted by Mike Florio on April 21, 2012, 11:11 AM EDT

There aren’t many hard-and-fast rules when it comes to the period before a player gets drafted by the NFL.

“Don’t punch a cop in the face” is at or near the top of the list.

Unfortunately, former Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard didn’t get the memo, allegedly.  According to theOmaha World-Herald, Dennard was arrested early Saturday on multiple charges, including suspicion of assaulting a Lincoln, Nebraska police officer.

Eagles desperate to unload Samual

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 21, 2012, 8:26 AM EDT

Reuters

The Eagles weren’t able to complete a trade of cornerback Asante Samuel to the Broncos, but they’re not done trying.

The Samuel-to-Denver trade apparently broke down not because the Eagles wanted more than the Broncos were offering, but because Samuel and the Broncos couldn’t come to terms. Samuel is due $10 million this season and $11.5 million next season, and no team will agree to acquire him in a trade unless he agrees to take less money. Samuel has expressed a willingness to do that, but he and the Broncos weren’t able to reach an agreement. Ultimately, Samuel can nix any trade: If the Eagles try to trade him to a place he doesn’t want to go, he’ll just tell that team he isn’t willing to take a pay cut.

Koa Misi pleads not guilty to three felony charges

Posted by Mike Florio on April 20, 2012, 8:12 PM EDT

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Last month, Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi was arrested on battery charges originating from an incident in California.

As it turns out, the alleged events occurred in April 2011, and Misi failed to appear for his original arraignment.

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, Misi pleaded not guilty on Friday to three felony charges:  battery with serious injury, residential burglary, and dissuading a witness.

Vontaze Burfict: Whoever picks me is going to have a great middle linebacker

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 20, 2012, 8:08 PM EDT

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With the NFL draft starting in six days,Vontaze Burfict knows he needs to change perceptions about him.

Burfict, the former Arizona State linebacker who struggled at the Combine, bombed his Pro Day, wasn’t invited to visit any teams and was described as “non-draftable,” has given an interview to Sports Illustrated in which he insists he has what it takes to be a tremendous NFL player.

“Whoever picks me in the draft,” Burfict said, “is going to have a great middle linebacker.”