Published Sep 11, 2003
Auburn in the NFL Beat
Tom Pair
Publisher
Note: Due to technical difficulties, last Friday's "Auburn in the NFL Beat" is being posted today (Thursday, September 11). However, there will be another NFL Beat as normally scheduled (tomorrow) that will cover the former Tigers' performances in last week's games. We apologize for the delay.
Advertisement
***************
Since many of the Auburn players in the NFL haven’t been profiled in this article over the last few weeks, I decided to list each player, where they are playing, how many years they have been in the league and a little information about them.
This week's article (which will appear tomorrow) will take on a more statistical flavor as the focus of the NFL beat writing shifts from player profiles to games and game performances.
***************
Willie Anderson RT Cincinnati Bengals (8) - One of the best right tackles in the game.
***************
Karsten Bailey WR Green Bay Packers (4) Karsten is the Packers #4 receiver.
***************
Robert Baker WR Minnesota Vikings (2) - Cut by Miami earlier; the Vikes released him on their final cut down. This could be the end of the line for this star-crossed player.
***************
Fred Beasley FB San Francisco 49ers (6) - Arguably the best all-round fullback in the league.
Click Here to read more about Beasley’s impending match up with Chicago’s Brian Urlacher.
***************
Leonardo Carson DT San Diego Chargers (4) - Carson is a career backup with some ongoing and continuous legal issues.
***************
Tim Carter WR New York Giants (2) - Tim is the #3 wideout in a productive Giants offense. With a big year, he could garner more than a little attention in next year’s free agent market.
***************
Stephen Davis RB Carolina Panthers (8) - This former Pro-Bowler is back in an offense that utilizes the power running game. Look for another all-expense paid trip to Hawaii if he stays healthy.
***************
Heath Evans FB Seattle Seahawks (3) - Narrowly made the 53-man roster for the Seahawks. Heath has seen limited time so far in his career due to being 2nd team behind one of the leagues better fullbacks, Mack Strong.
***************
Wayne Gandy OT New Orleans Saints (10) - Solid but unspectacular LT. Probably better suited for the right side. Closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
***************
Chris Gray OG Seattle Seahawks (11) - Chris started all 16 games last year but projects to split time this year with Steve Hutchinson and the infamous Pork Chop Womack.
***************
Roderick Hood CB Philadelphia Eagles (R) - Hood, an undrafted free agent, has had a fantastic training camp and has made the 53-man roster.
Click Here for more on Roderick making the Eagles roster.
***************
Jeno James OG Carolina Panthers (4) - After three years of bouncing from OT to OG, James was inserted at LG at the beginning of training camp and he won the starting job.
Offensive Line Coach Mike Maser says he has been pleasantly surprised by James, who has held off Brzezinski for a starting job. James has started only sparingly - 12 games out of 48 - since joining the Panthers as a sixth-round draft choice in 2000.
"Jeno's situation, and I'm not familiar with the total deal because I wasn't here, but he's a guy who got bounced around," Maser said. "He played guard, he played tackle, he played guard again. He was all over the place. I got here, and I decided that Jeno needed to settle down in one place, because he's a talented kid. He has a lot of ability, and he's got a lot of things going for him.
"So I said, 'OK, fine, we'll stick him in this one spot, and it's sink or swim for him because he's in the last year of his contract. See if you want to spend any money on the guy.' Potential only goes so far. Sometime you have to have productivity. Hopefully that will happen for Jeno this year." - The Winston-Salem Journal
***************
Robert Johnson TE Chicago Bears (R) - Claimed off waivers from the Falcons, Robert is currently on the reserve/non-football injury list with a wrist injury.
Click Here for the Chicago Times bio of Robert Johnson.
***************
Rudi Johnson RB Cincinnati Bengals (3) - Rudi emerged from a glut of talented contenders to nail down the #2 spot behind All-Pro Corey Dillon.
***************
Javor Mills DE Jacksonville Jaguars (2) - Javor is a backup on a much-maligned defensive front.
***************
Harold Morrow FB Baltimore Ravens (8) - Morrow is the 2nd team fullback but his primary role on the Ravens is a special teams ace.
***************
Mike Pucillo OG Buffalo Bills (1) - Mike has won the starting RG spot in Buffalo. In addition, he’s currently the teams 2nd best center.
***************
Victor Riley OT New Orleans Saints (6) - Currently 2nd team behind Spencer Folau. Riley hopes to gain more playing time this year after having a great off-season.
***************
Travaris Robinson S Atlanta Falcons (R) - Made the Falcons 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent.
***************
Frank Sanders WR Baltimore Ravens (9) - Frank is the #2 receiver in Baltimore opposite former Florida standout Travis Taylor.
Click Here to read more about Sanders’ recent injury issues.
***************
Kendall Simmons OG Pittsburgh Steelers (1) - Has the look of a future Pro-Bowler.
***************
Takeo Spikes OLB Buffalo Bills (6) - Sideline to sideline player with great leadership skills. One of the top linebackers in the league.
***************
Gary Walker DE Houston Texans (9) - Gary is the starter at LE for the Texans and is currently battling a shoulder sprain.
Click Here to read more about Gary Walker’s injury situation.
***************
Marcus Washington OLB Indianapolis Colts (4) - This is a big year for Marcus. He’s a starter on an undermanned Colts D who has shown flashes of brilliance. Needs to elevate his game and find consistency.
***************
Horace Willis CB Minnesota Vikings (R) - Cut by the Vikings and may catch on somewhere … but it’s a long shot.
***************
Willie Whitehead DE New Orleans Saints (5) - The first guy off the bench at both RE and LE. Willie is a valuable backup who can also play some DT.