It's understandable why Tre Mason is feeling confident these days. His draft stock took a meteoric rise during his final year at Auburn, thanks to late-season numbers that earned the running back a Heisman Trophy nomination and a third round NFL Draft selection by the St. Louis Rams. He believes he can keep his momentum going, telling SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber that he will be competing for the Rams' starting job this season.
Quotables: Tre Mason competing for starting job, Doug Baldwin celebrates extension in style
Can Tre Mason reinvigorate the Rams’ running attack? What is Doug Baldwin’s favorite bubbly beverage? What’s the latest on Sean Lee, Jermichael Finley and Vernon Davis? The answers, inside!
Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, Mason also touched on his excitement to be rejoining a pro style offense after several seasons in Gus Malzahn's spread, as well his some very important opinions on fast food. The most tangible piece of news is that Mason believes, along with his coaches, that he may be able to unseat Zac Stacy, who had a breakout rookie campaign of his own last season.
At the very least, the two could form a formidable duo behind a revamped offensive line. Though Stacy averaged just 3.9 yards per carry last season, he didn’t have much help from the big men in front of him. If he can improve his efficiency as a bruiser, Mason may be even more effective as a threat to go the distance thanks to his explosiveness. In tandem, the two have the potential to form a strong rushing attack for a team that could use one to help keep Sam Bradford’s jersey clean.
"Doug Baldwin poppin Martinelli's sparkling-cider like he won the champ-ion-ship game."
- SB Nation’s Danny Kelly (@FieldGulls)
Unfortunately, there's no photographic evidence of Doug Baldwin popping a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling cider upon signing a two-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks, but an unquestionably delightful mental image will suffice. The deal will pay Seattle's leading returning pass catcher $13 million over the next three years.
Baldwin has never had more than 788 yards receiving or five touchdowns in any season, so some may question why he was worthy of a generous contract. Seahawks blog Field Gulls says don’t think about it too hard:
But Hawks fans know not to stare too hard at receiving numbers for the Hawks offense, which is stingy with passes. Baldwin rarely drops passes and has proven reliable for the big play when the offense needs it. He is an outstanding route runner with that body control and skill in high-pointing the ball this FO values. 36 of his 50 catches last year went for first downs, and 14 for 20 yards or more.
Seahawks fans should also appreciate the big chip on Baldwin’s shoulder.
From May 13th: https://t.co/O4vrdPx7I2. From just now: https://t.co/jzkdYY2tYk. Doug Baldwin: chip intact.
— Danny Kelly (@FieldGulls) May 30, 2014 "Don't nobody work harder than Sean Lee."
Sean Lee is seeking a second opinion on the torn ACL he suffered in OTAs earlier this week, but to hear his teammates talk it doesn't sound like there is much confidence that the linebacker will return in time to play during the 2014 season. Bruce Carter and Jason Witten expressed how much they were hurting from the news, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas. Wide receiver Dez Bryant gave perhaps the most touching show of support.
"Man, it brought me down," receiver Dez Bryant said. "I was very emotional because of the fact that he's one of the guys that I highly respect in the NFL, especially on the Cowboys. Don't nobody work harder than Sean Lee. Just to see that happen to him, it's heartbreaking. I know the whole season, I'm going to have [Lee's number] 50 somewhere on me."
The Cowboys have yet to place Lee on injured reserve, so there may still be hope that he can rehab quickly enough to join the team late in the upcoming season. In the mean time, the franchise needs to find a replacement. Rookie Anthony Hitchens out of Iowa was the first player to receiving stating reps at middle linebacker after Lee went down.
"Dr. Maroon has given Jermichael Finley full medical clearance."
- Pro Football Talk, via Finley’s agent Blake Baratz
Jermichael Finley is apparently healthy, at least, according to his doctor. Dr. Joseph Maroon is the Pittsburgh Steelers' neurosurgeon and the tight end's personal doctor, so his clearance isn't the same as an entire team's worth of medical professionals clearing Finley for play. It is, however, an encouraging sign.
Finley has languished on the free agent market throughout the offseason. He was seemingly on the verge of signing with the Seahawks in March, but he failed his physical, and has since had trouble garnering interest from teams.
The Green Bay Packers have said they would be interested in taking Finley back, but have made moves this offseason -- taking Richard Rodgers in the third round of the NFL Draft and signing Colt Lyerla as an undrafted free agent -- that suggest that they're preparing to move on.
Finley is one of the most athletically-gifted players at his position when healthy. It remains to be seen how soon he will contribute again, however.
“As you know, the workouts are voluntary. That would be the reason.”
- Jim Harbaugh on Vernon Davis' absence from OTAs
Jim Harbaugh’s explanation of Vernon Davis’ absence from offseason workouts doesn’t quite reach Harbaugh-ism status, but it should be recognized for the marvelous piece of coach-speak it is. Davis is sitting out OTAs, and sacrificing a $200,000 workout bonus to do so, because he is reportedly unhappy with his current contract.
According to 49ers blog Niners Nation, the issue may not be his overall contract -- the five-year, $36.75 million contract he signed in 2010 still makes him one of the highest paid players at his position -- but rather guaranteed money. $11.112 million of Davis’ contract came guaranteed, and at 30 years old he may be thinking about the encroaching end of his career and his desire for financial security.
Davis will be 32 at the end of the terms of his current deal.
See More:
