Brant McKinnie has problems with weight again

Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie was not wanted to practice during the Baltimore Ravens' mandatory minicamp by team coaches. The only reasonable explanation would be his conditioning and weight. This would not be the first time McKinnie would have weight issues. The Minnesota Vikings released McKinnie last season because of weight issues. From there, the Ravens picked him up. Coaches did not comment much on McKinnie's no participation.

Harbaugh: “We’re going to probably continue to do that (not practice McKinnie) and continue to try and get him in good shape. I think practice-wise, he’s just as well doing the conditioning part of it.”

Tomlinson will retire as a Charger after 12 seasons

Future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson will retire on Monday as a San Diego Charger. Tomlinson played 9 seasons with the Chargers and his final two with the Jets. Tomlinson is one of the best running backs in NFL history. He ran for 8 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. Tomlinson racked up a total of 13,684 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns. Tomlinson will retire the 5th leading rusher in NFL History. Tomlinson's best season came in 2006 when he ran for over 1,800 yards and 28 touchdowns. His 28 touchdown season is an NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season. Although Tomlinson never Had the chance to win a Super Bowl, he definitely retires as one of the league's very best and a for sure Hall of Famer!

Antonio Bryant to tryout for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are holding a work out for for former Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant. Bryant has not played a down in the NFL in two seasons due to injury. The player was let go by the Bengals after getting an $8 million contract and not playing a single down.

If you remember the Seahawks are the team that gave receiver Mike Williams another shot in the NFL. Now they will give a chance to Antonio Bryant and see if he has the same type of story. If he plays like he did four years ago when he had 1,248 yards receiving, it could be a great addition for the Seahawks.

Dolphins to work out Chad Ochocinco

CBS and the Miami Herald have reported that the Dolphins are suppose to hold a work out for free agent wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. Ochocinco was released by the Patriots last week after a terrible season with only 15 receptions. The Patriots acquired Ochocinco after a falling out he had with the Bengals. The 34 year old receiver could improve this group of wide outs if the Dolphins were to sign him.

Bears have a new Fridge?

With an interview Bears' defensive tackle Henry Melton had with the Chicago Tribune, the 6'3, 296 pound Melton says there is an offensive package for him in the Bears offense. Melton has a history of running the ball. In high school and a short time in college at Texas. As a back-up at Texas for two years, Melton ran for 16 rushing touchdowns. “We’ll see how it goes. I’ve got to go the right way first. We’ll get a hold of that. Hopefully you might see me a little bit on offense ... you might see me out there a little bit.” said Melton. Source: Chicago Tribune

Brees and Saints close to deal? Or not?

Pro Football Talk reports that the gap between the Saints and Drew Brees getting a new multi-year contract is smaller than what other reporters have reported. The article states that it is a matter of what Brees and the Saints are distinguishing money wise. Throwing out high numbers so that when the money comes down before Brees would sign, it would make it look like the Saints are getting a good deal on the signing. While all along, Brees waits for the Saints to stop playing this legal game. No matter which way you look at it, Brees needs to be in OTA's and get back to leading the Saints offense.

Broncos Position Battles

      The starting center position is up for grabs between last year's starter JD Walton and rookie Phillip Blake. Walton has been somewhat inconsistent at the position as far as pass protection and they would really like to see improvement or someone to take over like Phillip Blake. Blake, a center from Baylor, impressed at the combine and was brought in to battle Walton for the starting center position. Blake is strong and shows good signs of dedication.

     Looking at the position battles for the Broncos defensively, it starts at linebacker. The team has drafted several linebackers these past couple years and now it's all about who goes where and how much playing time they will get. That will get figured out at OTA's, training camp, and in the preseason. D.J. Williams is suspended for the beginning of the 2012 season, so now you have to find who will fill his spot. Potential candidates are Nate Irving, Wesley Woodyard, and Joe Mays. Irving was drafted by the Broncos a couple of years ago and has shown signs of becoming a good linebacker. Woodyard who received a lot of playing time last season and did not disappoint racking up a total of 97 tackles. Woodyard might lead the way, but look for Irving and Mays to receive more playing time due to the Williams suspension.

     Cornerback is another battle to keep your eyes on when watching the Broncos. Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter will most likely be the starters when week one rolls around barring injury, but who fills in on the depth chart behind them is still an open battle. Drayton Florence, who was just signed after being released by the Bills, and then rookie Omar Bolden from Arizona State. Bolden who suffered a season-ending injury last season, will need to prove that he is 100 percent and try to beat out Florence for the higher spot on the depth chart. Also, don't sleep on corner Chris Harris. Harris was an undrafted rookie who received playing time and did a good job holding his own in the next level.

Suggs Talking Comeback

Ravens' pro bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs spoke with the media about his torn Achilles. Many think that an injury like that would remove the all-star linebacker from playing the entire 2012 season. Suggs has made it quite clear that his injury will not hold him back from playing in the 2012 season.

Suggs who is coming off his career best season of 14 sacks and was Defensive Player of the Year. It has been reported that the linebacker suffered the injury from leading team through a shuttle run. Here are some of his quotes from the press conference. Source: Baltimore Sun

When asked about when he will return:
"Late November, that will be the latest I return."

"I'm going to shock a lot of people when I'm coming out of that tunnel," said Suggs."

NFL to Hire Training Officials

According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL will be hiring training officials that may replace the current officials in the league now. The contract that the NFL had with the NFL Referees Association with this new CBA is over and talks have not been resolved. Therefore, in order that there is no stoppage in NFL games, the league will be training new officials starting this month.

“Our goal is to maintain the highest quality of officiating for our teams, players, and fans, including proper enforcement of the playing rules and efficient management of our games."

Bengals Position Battles

      Due to wide receivers Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson no longer being on the roster anymore, the big battle for the Bengals is who will be the number two receiver on the depth chart. It's a toss up between rookie receivers Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones and also second-year receiver Armon Binns along with Brandon Tate. Jones who has shined so far in practices and even back in rookie mini-camp. He has the chance to pass up Mohamed Sanu who was drafted before he was in the NFL Draft. Tate has also been a favorite. This battle is really heating up and should be good to see who wins the job.

     The big defensive line is how the Bengals finished seventh overall last season. They had great rotation and really helped them stop running attacks and get to the quarterback making 45 sacks defensively. However, this year the Bengals added to the defensive line. They signed free agents Jamaal Anderson and Derrick Harvey in addition to drafting Devon Still and Brandon Thompson. Now that Jonathan Fenene and Frostee Rucker are no longer on the roster, that throws a big curve ball in their production. Fenene and Rucker were two good role players that fit nicely in this defense. Now coaches need to figure out whose getting more play time when they still have guys like Domata Peko, Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, and Robert Geathers. This battle will heat up as time goes by and into the preseason.

     The corner back positional battle is a good one to watch out for. The battle between Nate Clements and rookie Dre Kirkpatrick. Both guys fighting over the number two spot on the depth chart behind Leon Hall. Clements filled in nicely last season, but Kirkpatrick brings in raw talent and versatility. Also if you look a little below that, who takes those spots on the depth chart? The team picked up Terrance Newman and resigned Adam Jones. Also drafted Shaun Prater from Iowa. This will be one of the better teams teams to watch in training camp and in the preseason.

The League Today 6/2/12

Jets rookie Jordan White breaks bone in foot - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/02/jets-rookie-receiver-jordan-white-breaks-his-foot/

 Dwane Bowe wants a contract - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/02/crennel-not-losing-sleep-over-dwayne-bowes-absence/

 Jonathan Vilma's lawyer regarding ledger - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/02/full-text-of-statement-from-jonathan-vilmas-lawyer-regarding-bounty-ledger/

Bears Offensive Line Battles

      The offensive position battles for the Bears start with the offensive line. This line has given Jay Cutler and the Bears some problems in the past couple of years. The Bears have to find which guys will give the best protection for Cutler. Last year's first round pick, tackle Gabe Carimi, started to come on last season until an injury stopped his production. Rumors say that Carimi will go to right tackle this season. However, the left tackle is a big question mark. Tackle Chris Williams, has struggled and has had injuries in the past, looks to be getting another chance to be a starter on this line. J'Marcus Webb who is a versatile seventh round selection from 2010 that is giving Chris Williams something to work hard for. Williams and Webb have been battling for a starting job. However, Webb also has the ability to play guard. Webb is a good plug and play type player, but pushing to be a starter in 2012.