Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Jock Sanders to Join the Bucs

Word from Geoff Coyle is that Jock Sanders is off to Tampa to join the Buccaneers. The former Mountaineer superback will most likely be battling for the return specialist job.

Sanders could be more limited in the NFL due to his size, especially at the position he plays. At just 5'6", Sanders isn't the prototypical receiver size, but the dude has talent. He could be a dynamic return man, and may find himself in the backfield. If given the chance in Tampa, Sanders could prove his value.

Tampa could use some help on kickoff returns, and A LOT of help on punt returns. The Bucs were 30th in punt return average (6.4 yards) in the league. It's also a team that will be looking for receivers. It will be interesting to see if Sanders gets that chance to prove he can play the slot in this league.

Anthony Leonard to the Patriots

It looks like Anthony Leonard will be taking his talents to the greatest team on the face of the Earth, the New England Patriots (no bias here). The former Mountaineer linebacker will be thrown into the fire of a very crowded unit in Foxboro.

Leonard had a solid final year in Morgantown, finishing with 70 total tackles, eight for loss. He has good size for the inside, but quickness eludes him. Leonard's best chance to shine is on kick coverage, with an outside shot of being a primary backup. However, this is the New England Patriots. This is the team that takes the "Never Will Be's" and turns them into respectable players. So, anything is possible.

Best of luck to Leonard, and being a Mountaineer Alum and and Pat's fan, I sincerely hope he makes this squad.

Buffalo Bills to Sign Sidney Glover

According to buffalosbillsdraft.com, Sidney Glover is heading to Buffalo. This is a good spot for the former Mountaineer safety. The Bills have some free agency issues at the safety position, and could always use help on special teams.

Glover was a productive safety during his time in Morgantown. He has good size and hands. He's not the fastest guy on the field, so he will have to make up for it with improved acceleration. Glover showed he could help against the run, and ended up with four sacks and eight tackles for loss in 2010. His technique needs work, but could easily step right in on kick coverage.

Don't expect Glover to be starting in 2011 for Buffalo, but he does have a very good chance to make this roster. Plus, the Bills have had some good success with former Mountaineers in the past.

Noel Devine to Sign with Atlanta, errrr Philly

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Noel Devine will sign with the Atlanta Falcons at 10AM today. The former Mountaineer rusher joins a busy backfield, including Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. However, it may look different in a few days with both Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling listed as free agents.

Devine was extremely productive during his time in Morgantown, and was a no doubt draft pick before injuries slowed him down. He tested well heading up to the draft, including a low of 4.36 in the 40. Ultimately, his questionable durability and small stature (5'8", 179lb) outweighed his ability, and wasn't drafted.

This is the ultimate "just give him a chance" situation. Devine will make it in this league, he just needs the chance...I'm just not so sure this is his best opportunity. It would be hard to believe that Atlanta is looking to keep Devine along with Rodgers. The players are similar in stature and style. And, you'd have to believe Rodgers already has a leg up in the competition considering he was a 5th round pick. It should be a fun battle, whatever the case may be.

Even if Devine's future isn't in the Dirty Dirty, it's a step in the door...a chance for him to prove he belongs. Expect the speedster to take full advantage of it.

UPDATE: According to HailWV.com and others, Devine has not signed with the Falcons just yet, and is listening to other offers. We will try to keep you posted.

UPDATE, UPDATE: Devine has inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Not sure it's much better of a situation than the one in Atlanta. That is a jumbled backfield, so Devine will have to work to make this team.