National Football League

Late rounders could push for playing time

Published Jul. 15, 2010 4:12 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

The Arizona Cardinals signed fifth-round pick QB John Skelton (6-5, 244, Fordham) to a four-year deal, the team announced. According to a source, Skelton’s four-year deal is worth just over $1.97 million.

Skelton was evaluated by most personnel sources as has having the strongest arm of any quarterback available for this year’s NFL Draft. While Skelton is a bit raw as a prospect, he has a ton of upside. He’ll spend this season as the team’s No. 3 signal caller, but could move up the depth chart in year two. To make room for Skelton on their 80-man roster, the team released S Herana-Daze Jones.

The Cleveland Browns have waived injured TE Greg Estandia, the team announced. However, a source said since Estandia is considered to be a vested veteran, he was actually placed on injured reserve, and wasn’t subject to the waiver process. As first noted by FOXSports.com on Tuesday, the team waived (failed physical) DE Keith Grennan.

As also first reported by FOXSports.com, the Browns signed fifth-round pick S Larry Asante to a four-year deal worth roughly $1.96 million. Included in the deal is a signing bonus worth close to $169,000.

Asante opened some eyes with his solid practice performances during the team’s OTA practices. Because of that, he should have a solid shot to challenge for a starting job in training camp.

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on four-year deals with sixth-round pick OT Sam Young (6-7, 316, Notre Dame) and seventh-round pick DE Sean Lissemore (6,3, 300, William & Mary), the team announced.

The team’s official website lists Young receiving a deal worth $1.9 million with a signing bonus worth $110,000. Some personnel sources believe Young projects to play right tackle because of his size and strength, but he lacks good enough feet to play on the left side.

Lissemore’s deal is worth close to $1.84 million. He’ll compete for the fifth defensive end spot in training camp.

The Houston Texans signed seventh-round pick WR Dorin Dickerson (6-2, 230, Pittsburgh), the team announced. According to a source, Dickerson signed a four-year deal worth close to $1.85 million. If Dickerson reaches the fourth-year escalator, the deal could be worth around $2.7 million.

Dickerson, who played mostly tight end in college, will try to latch on as the team’s fifth receiver. However, the athletic prospect will have an uphill battle because Houston is very deep at the position.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed fifth-round pick DE Austen Lane (6-5, 274, Murray St.), the team announced. According to a source, Lane signed a four-year deal worth just over $1.97 million.

Lane really moved up draft boards after strong showings during Senior Bowl week practices and during the NFL Combine. Some personnel evaluators believe he’ll eventually develop into a left defensive end because of his size. He found the perfect team to play for because Jacksonville is really light on depth at defensive end.

The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth just over $1.85 million with seventh-round pick CB Jeremy Ware (5-10, 185, Michigan St.), a league source said.

As a scouting source pointed out, the late-round pick is willing to be physical, something smaller cornerbacks aren’t normally willing to be. Because the Raiders play mostly a man scheme in their secondary and he’s willing to mix it up, Ware could seriously push for a roster spot as the team’s fifth cornerback in training camp.

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to contract terms with third-round pick LB Rennie Curran (5-11, 235, Georgia), the team announced. Curran signed a four-year deal, according to a source.

Curran is considered undersized for a linebacker, but scouts say he plays bigger than his listed size. Some personnel evaluators believe he’s best suited to play WLB, but he’s capable of playing SLB in Tennessee’s 4-3 defensive scheme.

The team also signed journeyman Sean Ryan, who’s known in scouting circles as a solid No. 2 blocking tight end.
 

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League